Napolitano's Odd Definition of Working Fine - Pilots on Domestic Flights Not Notified of Bomber - UPDATE

Two days after the failed terrorist attack, Janet Napolitano made the round on the Sunday talk shows saying that the system worked just fine. I have listened to the statement and she did use the word “after”. She really didn’t articulate very well, but she did say it. She was then put into a position to clarify her statement and said that obviously the system didn’t work as a bomber was allowed to get on a plane. The problem is that apparently the system didn’t even work fine after the failed bombing was known to authorities.


The Allied Airline Pilots Association has a written a letter to U.S. House of Representatives to inform them that pilots of domestic flights that were in the air at the time immediately following the arrest of the bomber were not notified. The TSA only notified the pilots of incoming international flights. The pilots of domestic flights were not even aware of the thwarted bombing until after they landed. The international flights only accounted for about one third of all flights in the air at the time.


Luckily for us, he was the only bomber in the skies at the time. But as 9/11 showed us, al Qaeda likes to do coordinated attacks. The crews of the planes in the air should have known that there was potential danger. The crews of the planes could then make a determination if anything seemed suspicious on their flight.


Janet Napolitano is clearly in over her head. Her lack of qualifications for the enormous task she has been given is a danger to every American. I will give her credit where credit is due. At least she did use the word terrorism. That is something that I was pleasantly surprised by, but that in and of itself certainly isn’t enough to give comfort to all Americans who are depending on the government to provide safety. Providing safety to the citizens of this country is actually a provision in the constitution that the federal government is supposed to be performing.

I live just outside of Washington, DC; a city that has a big fat target on it. The members and sympathizers of al Qaeda would love nothing more than performing a major attack on the capital of our country. She doesn’t elicit a sense of comfort to the millions who live in areas that are major targets. This is a woman who is reportedly on the short list for seat on the Supreme Court. It truly makes me wonder if she got the job due to the fact that she was one of the first high profile democrats to come out in favor of the candidacy of then Senator Barack Obama.  Truly scary. 

** Fox News is reporting that democrats will be joining the republican chorus asking for her resignation.  **

Welcome 2010 - Happy New Year

I don't know about you, but I, for one, am glad that 2009 is over and done. 

I have been thinking over all the names that I have been called this year:

A domestic terrorist - This done by a DHS report. 

Right-winged Nut - I guess that this isn't really new.  I live in a very liberal area, so thinking that the government doesn't owe me anything makes me a nut from their point of view. 

Tea-bagger - I actually did know what this term meant.  I am just not sure how exactly it is a put down, but I will leave that to Anderson Cooper to explain. 

Racist - I don't think that I have ever been called a racist until President Obama started running for President.  Hmm, I guess that is something that came upon me suddenly. 

Redneck Teabagging Racist - I guess Ms. Garfalo had to go a step further than Anderson Cooper.  I don't really think that I am a redneck.  I am well educated, grew up in New England and prefer silk and cashmere over flannel. 

According to the crazy Congressman from Florida, I just want people to die since I am a republican.  Although, I am really a conservative not a republican. 

Harry Reid has said that I support slavery since I don't agree with him on healthcare reform.

Michele Obama has said that this is a women's issue.  So, as well as being a racist, a redneck, tea bagger, a supporter of slavery, a completely unfeeling person who wants people to die; I am also a bad woman.  How do I live with myself I wonder?

The French foreign minister has called me an ugly American because I think admitted child rapist Roman Polanski belongs in jail.  This is a badge that I will wear proudly. 

I am still waiting on the checks to arrive for showing up at tea parties and my local town hall meetings. 

Barbara Boxer thinks I am too well dressed.  Well, I do try.  I am glad she noticed. 

I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions because I won't follow through on them.  I am going to make an exception this year:

My resolution is that I am going to work as hard as I possibly can to clean out the swamp that has become our federal government. 

I hope that you all have a safe and enjoyable evening tonight.  Welcome to 2010, a year for the conservatives to show what they are made of. 

Is London the New Afghanistan? Underwear Bomber Groomed in London

According to the Times Online the Christmas day bomber was groomed by al-Qaeda in London. While attending the University College London he became very active in the student organization London Student Islamic Society. His involvement actually turned to activism as he became the president of the society. While acting as the President he organized a seminar called "Jihad vs. Terrorism", A lecture on the Islamic positions on Jihad. This seminar was done in January of 2007; it also included such topics as torture at Gitmo, and the US War on Terror. Two of the speakers at this conference were former detainees at Gitmo.


Four presidents of this organization have been recruited by al Qaeda. Two have been convicted of terror related charges in Britain, two, including Adbulmutallab, are presently in jail awaiting trial. The reality is we have as much to fear from Britain as we do from Yemen, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The nickname "Londonistan" is becoming more and more deserved. 

The British Police are beginning to find that the radicalization of Muslims at their colleges is commonplace. The question becomes, what are they going to do about it? This directly affects the United States. The EU and The United States have a very liberal visa policy with each other. Citizens from the EU are basically just let into the United States with little to no scrutiny. While Adbulmutallab was not a citizen of the United Kingdom, many of the people being recruited at the college campuses in and around London are. It will be very easy for them to get a ticket and come to the United States with a legal visa for 90 days up to one year. Some of these visas would allow them to get drivers licenses in the U.S. It is going to be much more difficult to realize who is friend or foe when they are coming with passports from The European Union.


The United States is going to have to make some difficult choices. Do we continue to allow the citizens of The European Union to have free reign with visas into our country or not? It may get to the point, which not will have to be the answer.

Updated Poll Numbers - Nebraska's View of Ben Nelson

The news is not good for Ben Nelson.  Here are the updated numbers for the Senator:

34% very unfavorable view
42% say he is too supportive of President Obama's agenda
61% disapprove of President Obama's job performance
65% feel that tax payer funds should not be used for abortion
17% approve of deal he made in the healthcare bill for Medicaid funding
64% disapprove of the healthcare reform bill from the senate
62% believe the legislation will raise costs
56% believe the legislation will dimish quality of care

What should make Senator Nelson take the most pause is:

Gov. Dave Heineman 61%
Senator Nelson 30%.
The Governor has yet to announce that he is running for the seat. 

In the same poll, they were asked if Sen. Nelson blocked healthcare the numbers are as follows:

Gov. Dave Heineman 47%
Senator Nelson 37%
20% of people said they would support Nelson if he switches his vote to block healthcare. 

Luckily for him he doesn't face the voters until 2012.  I wonder if he is counting on people forgetting before then? 

Senate Special Election - Help Scott Brown Get Elected in MA

Scott Brown is running to replace Ted Kennedy in the Senate.  You can help in this endeavor.  You can make phone calls from anywhere in the country.  Scott Brown is currently serving in the State Senate, he is an attorney, and is 29 year member of the JAG Corp. 

There is a ning site that has been set up.  State Senator Scott Brown being elected would take away the democrat's fillibuster proof majority in the senate.  The special election is taking place on January 19, 2010. 

Read his Bio here

President Obama Finally Speaks On Terror Attack

Good morning, everybody. I wanted to take just a few minutes to update the American people on the attempted terrorist attack that occurred on Christmas Day and the steps we're taking to ensure the safety and security of the country. This wasn't an attempted terrorist attack.  It WAS a terrorist attack.  Just because it failed doesn't mean that it wasn't an attack.  He was able to get the bomb lit, by the grace of God it didn't work well. 


The investigation's ongoing. And I spoke again this morning with Attorney General Eric Holder, the secretary of homeland security, Janet Napolitano,(the woman who said the system worked?)  and my counterterrorism and homeland security adviser, John Brennan. I asked them to keep -- continue monitoring the situation to keep the American people and members of Congress informed.


Here's what we know so far: On Christmas Day, Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was en route from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Detroit. As the plane made its final approach to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a passenger allegedly tried to ignite an explosive device on his body, setting off a fire. (again, he did light the explosive, it just didn't work.)


Thanks to the quick and heroic actions of passengers and crew, the suspect was immediately subdued, the fire was put out, and the plane landed safely. The suspect is now in custody and has been charged with attempting to destroy an aircraft. (Why hasn't he been charged with attempted murder?)


A full investigation has been launched into this attempted act of terrorism, and we will not rest until we find all who were involved and hold them accountable.


Now, this was a serious reminder of the dangers that we face and the nature of those who threaten our homeland. Had the suspect succeeded in bringing down that plane, it could have killed nearly 300 passengers and crew, innocent civilians preparing to celebrate the holidays with their families and friends.


The American people should be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep you and your family safe and secure during this busy holiday season.


Since I was first notified of this incident, I've ordered the following actions to be taken to protect the American people and to secure air travel.


First, I directed that we take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the traveling public. We made sure that all flights still in the air were secure and could land safely. We immediately enhanced screening and security procedures for all flights, domestic and international. We added federal air marshals to flights entering and leaving the United States. And we're working closely in this country, federal, state and local law enforcement, with our international partners.


Second, I've ordered two important reviews, because it's absolutely critical that we learn from this incident and take the necessary measures to prevent future acts of terrorism. (I am very impressed here, he actually called it what it was; terrorism. This was not an almost man-made disaster.)


The first review involves our watch list system, which our government has had in place for many years to identify known and suspected terrorists so that we can prevent their entry into the United States. Apparently the suspect in the Christmas incident was in this system, but not on a watch list, such as the so-called no-fly list.(What exactly does this mean?  There is a no-fly list, he just was not added to it even after his father reported him. Oh, I get it, it is Bush Bashing) So I have ordered a thorough review, not only of how information related to the subject was handled, but of the overall watch list system and how it can be strengthened.


The second review will examine all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to air travel. We need to determine just how the suspect was able to bring dangerous explosives aboard an aircraft and what additional steps we can take to thwart future attacks.


Third, I've directed my national security team to keep up the pressure on those who would attack our country. We do not yet have all the answers about this latest attempt, but those who would slaughter innocent men, women and children must know that the United States will more -- do more than simply strengthen our defenses. We will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us, whether they are from Afghanistan or Pakistan, Yemen or Somalia, or anywhere where they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland.


Finally, the American people should remain vigilant, but also be confident. Those plotting against us seek not only to undermine our security, but also the open society and the values that we cherish as Americans. This incident, like several that have preceded it, demonstrates that an alert and courageous citizenry are far more resilient than an isolated extremist. (The proof seems to be pretty over-whelming that this man was not an isolated extremist.)


As a nation, we will do everything in our power to protect our country. As Americans, we will never give in to fear or division. We will be guided by our hopes, our unity, and our deeply held values. That's who we are as Americans; that's what our brave men and women in uniform are standing up for as they spend the holidays in harm's way. And we will continue to do everything that we can to keep America safe in the new year and beyond.


Before I leave, let me also briefly address the events that have taken place over the last few days in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States joins with the international community in strongly condemning the violent and unjust suppression of innocent Iranian citizens, which has apparently resulted in detentions, injuries, and even death.


For months, the Iranian people have sought nothing more than to exercise their universal rights. Each time they have done so, they have been met with the iron fist of brutality, even on solemn occasions and holy days. And each time that has happened, the world has watched with deep admiration for the courage and the conviction of the Iranian people who are part of Iran's great and enduring civilization.


What's taking place within Iran is not about the United States or any other country. It's about the Iranian people and their aspirations for justice and a better life for themselves. And the decision of Iran's leaders to govern through fear and tyranny will not succeed in making those aspirations go away.


As I said in Oslo, it's telling when governments fear the aspirations of their own people more than the power of any other nation.


Along with all free nations, the United States stands with those who seek their universal rights. We call upon the Iranian government to abide by the international obligations that it has to respect the rights of its own people. (When was the last time that Iran has lived up to it's international obligations?  Do you think that since you made a more timely statement this time around they will listen?)


We call for the immediate release of all who have been unjustly detained within Iran. We will continue to bear witness to the extraordinary events that are taking place there. And I'm confident that history will be on the side of those who seek justice.


Thank you very much, everybody. And Happy New Year. (I guess that means we won't be hearing from you again for a few days).

I am not going to say anything about him still being in Hawaii.  I personally found it astounding that President Bush was attacked for remaining in the classroom after finding out about the 2nd plane on 9/11.  I have a friend who made a really big deal of the President not coming back to Washington immediately that day.  The President can do anything that needs to be done from wherever he may happen to be.  That said, he should have made a statement long before today.  It is scary to think that the simple act of getting on a plane can get you killed.  We need to have a calm voice that will make people have a bit of comfort so they can continue on with their daily lives.  This statement was long over-due. 

President Obama and the Lame Stream Media Excuses for Him -

The lame stream media is continuing with its excuse making for the President. Time Magazine has an online article regarding the fact that the Obama’s did not attend church services over the Christmas holiday. While it really isn’t our business if they go to church or not, there are several things that I find fascinating about the article. The first being the excuse that the author uses, “concerns about crowds and displacing regular worshippers has prevented them from finding a new religious home during their first year here”. Really?



President Clinton was very popular during points of his presidency. Until Obama’s election, he was one of the most beloved Presidents of the black community, which as you may know, the District is a majority black city. He and Hillary attended church on a regular basis.


If this was truly the reason, the first family would never leave the white house. The District of Columbia is demographically a very pro-Obama city. Only about 10% of the registered voters are republicans. He has attended his daughter’s soccer games, and has taken them out for ice cream. Since I live in the area my local news comes out of the district, I see pictures in the paper and the local news stories about him and the first lady joining Sasha and Malia on their activities. The first lady took at least one of the girls to the Hannah Montana concert, the whole family went to see Michelle’s brother while he was coaching a college basketball game at the Verizon Center. My gosh, even I have seen the man three times since he has taken office. That cannot possibly be the reason. I certainly am not out there looking for him. My most recent sighting was at Home Depot when I was trying to run errands. I needed an extension cord and molly bolts, not a run in with him.


Another thing that I found very interesting in the article was a comment that was made by Sasha during a visit to the local Children’s hospital. Sasha was asked by one the kids they were bringing cookies to if Christmas would be different now that they are the first family: "I don't think anything will be very different,” Ah, out of the mouth of babes. Not attending church at Christmas is not considered unusual to her.  I think that this is crux of the issue.


A person of deep faith, as President Obama has purported himself to be, would never want his children to not attend services for period that has extended this long. It has been well over a year, probably getting close to two years, since the Obama’s have cut ties with The Trinity United Church in Chicago. While it is entirely possible to teach your children the tenets of your faith without attending services, the factor that is missing is the fellowship that comes with attending a house of worship on a regular basis. This is especially true during times of a major holiday. For Christians, this would be both Christmas and Easter. There is nothing like attending church at Christmas. The flowers are beautiful. Everyone is so happy in church during the services over Christmas. It is not only a magical time for the kids; it is a sacred time for the faithful. The plays and pageants are very touching, especially the ones that are done by the younger kids. They are so proud to be involved. I remember while I was growing up, come hell or high water, I went to church on Sunday mornings. Missing Sunday school classes was not acceptable. But somehow for the Obama’s it is acceptable for their children to miss services and Sunday schools classes for this long. I find the two points of him being a person of deep faith and keeping his children out of church for this long to be diametrically opposed to one another.  The question then becomes why did he lie about it?  Could it be that the Trinity Church in Chicago is the place to be for black politicans?  The real ties that bind. 


For a different take on this story visit Another Black Conservative. He always has an interesting point of view on things.

A Pre 9/11 Mentality is Unacceptable - Terror is Still in the Skies

Yesterday we were given a reminder of why we cannot live in a pre 9/11 world. The dangers of terrorism exist in the world and we have to remain vigilant. A 23 year old Nigerian man got on plane to travel to the United States with the intent of blowing up the plane on American soil. His travels started in Lagos, Nigeria onto Amsterdam, then to Detroit. While it is not clear what materials he used in his attempt to blow up the plane, the reality remains that we are still in danger.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab apparently has ties in the United Kingdom and Yemen. The UK has very serious issues when it comes to Islamic extremism. London has been nicknamed Londonistan. This nickname has been deserved. The U.K. has more lax immigration than the U.S. does. Many immigrants come to the U.K. to take advantage of their version of our welfare system. There are several Imams that preach fiery anti-western speeches in the many mosques around London while collecting a monthly check from the very country that they are hell bent on destroying. If asked about the hypocrisy of this, they will just say that they qualify for it. London also has many dissidents from Middle Eastern countries that traveled to western nations due to arrests warrants in their home countries such as Saudi Arabia. They put in claims of fear of torture and death threats and will be allowed to stay. There is a radio program that is broadcasted out of London done by a man who is a proud and vocal follower of Usama bin Laden. He cheered the destruction of the twin towers on 9/11.


Sadly, there is a movement within portions of the British government that is using the same form of appeasement that they did during the 1930’s with Hitler. Incorporating Sharia law into British common law is one of the ways that this being done. While it may seem harmless on the surface to incorporate Sharia into child custody and divorce cases for the growing Muslim population within the country, it is not. When you immigrate to another country you need to become part of the culture of the country that you are now living in. I am not saying that you let go of your culture, but you need to become part of the country that you are living in. I am a product of this. While I was raised to be an American, I was also taught the Scandinavian traditions and culture. I carry those with me to this day. If you want to live under Sharia law, then stay in a country that follows it. There are plenty of them around the world.


Yemen is another country that has very real problems. It is an extremely poor country that has a very unstable government. It is not a country that westerners should travel to, as you may be kidnapped and held for ransom. It is a common occurrence. Yemen has beautiful antiquities that are draw for people that want to see these things for themselves. Yemen is the ancestral home of the bin Laden family, and one of his wives is a native. While the Yemenise government has made attempts at curbing international terrorism, it has not gone very well. The judicial system has not been great at jailing these people, and when they do there are breakouts from the prisons where sometimes up to 100 people will be freed at a time. Since these occur on pretty regular basis, it would make sense that some of the jail officials are in on it, or at the very least being paid off. It would not be hard for Yemen to become the next Afghanistan that harbors bin Laden, training camps, and the like.


At this point it is unclear how strong his ties to terrorism are. We have not been told if he attended any training camps or if he is a lone wolf that looked for people to help him with the explosives. Those questions may never be answered to the American public for security reasons. What is clear is that we cannot forget what happened on 9/11, al Qaeda has not. The desire to bring about economic collapse of the western world is still a main goal of bin Laden and his followers

Holy Night

Tonight the majority of Americans are gathering with our loved ones. Our houses are adorned with trees, holly, and tinsel. The little ones are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa. Our holiday baking fill the house with the familiar smells of childhood Christmas memories. We are performing the rituals of our childhood that make the holiday uniquely our own. The presents are wrapped and under the tree. We sent out the cards to the people in our lives, we remember to appreciate what we have and share our good fortunes with the people out there who are not as lucky as we are.



We need to take these few days to hug our families and friends. Take in the blessings that we are given through the birth of our Savoir.



We also need to prepare to take our country back. 2010 is an election year. We need to knock on doors, inform our neighbors of the bribery that has become commonplace in our government, type up talking points to discuss. Print out some door hangers to leave information for your neighbors that are not at home. Set up e-mail chains to keep everyone notified of big news. Arrange to donate some time on primary days to get people out to the polls. Many of the people that need to be defeated will need to lose at the primary level or they will be re-elected.


Enjoy your families and friends this weekend. Next week, we start the business of getting our country back to the vision of our founders; limited and accountable government.

Have a Blessed Christmas. 

Merry Christmas Eve

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum

A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum

To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,

When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum

I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum

I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum

That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,

On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum

The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum

I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum

I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum

Me and my drum.

My Early Christmas Present - Pay it Forward

I had such a day.  I had to run an errand a few towns over, maybe a twenty minute drive each way.  Virginia is not that great about clearing snow during a storm.  I get onto the beltway and get stuck in traffic due to the plowers trying to clear the snow in the emergency lanes.  What should have been a twenty minute drive turned into close to an hour.  I take care of what I need to take care of, then get back onto the beltway to go to Costco.  They had finished the northbound lanes and started on the southbound lanes.  So I get stuck in the traffic all over again.  It took even longer this time around.  As I get close to Costco, I realize that I am very low on gas.  I decide to go to Costco first.  Once I leave Costco they closed off the gas station to plow the snow.  So, I drive down the street to find another gas station.  This is right next to a mall, so the traffic is awful.  I then get right next to the gas station, but can't make it and run out of gas.  I manage to pull over to a side road and get out of the traffic.  I walk through the snow to gas station.  They don't have a gas can and legally can't sell me gas.  So, I walk back to my car and call AAA, they tell me it is going to take three hours for them to get to me.  I manage to flag down some guy.  He tells me that he doesn't have a gas tank with him, but he works for the state DOT and will be right back.  About 10 minutes later he comes back with a gas can and gives me two gallons of gas.  He wanted to make sure their was nothing else wrong with my car and follows me to the gas station.  He then puts $20 worth of gas in my car.  I tried to pay him, but he told me to consider it an early Christmas gift, and I could pay him back by helping someone in need in the future.  I was having such a bad day.  By this point it had taken my five hours to do something that should have only taken an hour.  I was almost in tears.  This really made my day.  With everything that has been going on in the world of politics lately, I was really beginning to lose faith in people.  He made my day and confirmed my believe in the overall goodness in people. 

I hope you all pay it forward, it can make such a difference.

To the man who helped me today .........................THANKS, AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU TOO!!

The Not So Virgin Mary and Joseph

I honestly don't know what to say.  I rarely get left speechless, but this did it.  This was a billboard that was put up by a church in New Zealand.  How can a church not understand that this would be offensive to people?  Amazing. 

Remember the Reason for the Season - Merry Christmas

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable. And after  hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season this time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the elevator car. She pushed her way into the elevator car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the elevator car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be. Merry Christmas to all.

ANNONYMOUS

How To Kill The Bill - Hold Your Nose and Work With the Pro Public Option Libs

The corruption of using the public treasury as a check book to buy the votes of Senator Nelson and Senator Sanders — in the face not only overwhelming public opposition, but also in the face of a public that now wants Congress to do nothing on health care — means that extraordinary measures are needed to kill ObamaCare.



This plan, if executed properly, will kill the bill and it will give opponents two more bites at the apple, after it passes the Senate.

There are some atmospheric conditions that will help this plan work. For example, both sides of the net roots should cease fire on posts against each other. There must be a truce until the bill is dead. The target is the bill, not each other.


So, for those on the left who have decided to kill this bill, they are welcome to join in this the kill-the-bill fun.

Rationale: There are many reasons in agreement between the right and the left and the American public about why this bill must be killed:


1. It will increase health care costs;


2. The individual mandate is massive government intrusion on individual freedom, and is a gift to the private insurers, and disproportionately impacts lower-income families;


3. The fantasies of CBO’s assumptions notwithstanding, this bill will accelerate our march to financial insolvency; and,


4. Passage of the bill merely reinforces the practice of buying votes with debt issued by the U.S. Treasury;


5. Among many other reasons, in the words of Howard Dean, the bill does more harm than good.


The Plan: First, conservatives will object to the appointment of the conferees. This is not a motion, so it is non-debatable. An objection cannot be overcome unless the Senator making the objection caves. Let’s hope Senator McConnell agrees with this approach — but regardless, the objection shall be made.


This forces two votes in the U.S. House, one vote to amend the Senate bill on the House floor, since the Senate bill likely cannot pass the House unamended, and will force another vote on final passage of the amended House bill.


So, first, conservatives force two votes in the House, by preventing the appointment of the conferees, and therefore, preventing a House-Senate Conference.


Second, the left will focus on three separate issues to kill the bill in the House. The object of these issues is not to support these policies per say, but to add items to the House bill that will be so objectionable that when the bill goes back over to the Senate, that the Dems lose one or more of their 60 votes.


The Public Option: The progressive’s net roots should hold accountable the Democratic House members who said they would not vote for the bill if there was no public option. Progressives need to produce enough votes to force the public option back into the bill. Forcing the public option back into the bill is in the progressive’s interest since it will show they have the political power to do it, and will set a precedent for a new health care reform baseline in the House for Democrats. It is in conservative’s interest for this to happen because if it does, Senator Lieberman’s vote reverts to a NO.


The Nelson Buy-Off: Both the left and the right net roots will focus on pulling the Nebraska and Vermont free pass on increased Medicaid spending, on the basis that it is a corrupt back room deal that may be unconstitutional on the basis that it violates the equal protection clause (the 14th amendment to the Constitution.)


Unions: Unions must pull the Senate tax on Cadillac health plans, and replace it with the House tax on individuals. (I know, I can’t believe I just wrote that either!) This will force Senators, when the bill goes back to the Senate, to oppose the bill which could force the Dems lower than 60 votes.

Hold the No Votes: Conservatives need to hold and add one or two more no votes to the 39 House votes against the bill, among those Democrats who have concerns about their own re-election or who have announced their retirement — since the leverage from the Speaker has substantially decreased. If every No vote on the original House bill holds, there only needs to be two additional no votes.


Pro-Life and Pro-Abortion Forces: In short, have at it. Given the Stupak amendment majority in the House, the pro-lifers must stick Stupak back on the bill, so that when it is sent back to the Senate, the pro-abortion majority can pull Stupak back off. When the bill goes back to the Senate, the pro-abortion forces can remove Stupak, just as they did a couple of weeks ago. Once Stupak is pulled again from the Senate it must go back to the House to be amended, or die there.


I am willing to coordinate these actions with the left in real-time, and work with the Progressives who want to kill the bill — to share intelligence and whip counts. This way the left and the right working together will accomplish not only what we want, but what the American people want.


h/t to redstate

Tiger and Personal Responsibility

I had not planned on talking about this topic, but it doesn’t seem to be going away. Tiger’s bevies of mistresses keep coming forward. They have been on all the network morning shows. The majority of these women don’t seem to be remorseful in anyway. One decided to come forward because the press was reporting that she had taken money from Tiger. She wanted to clear that piece of misinformation up. Ok, she wanted to make sure that everyone knew she didn’t take money, but did not care that she had sex with a man she knew to be married? Is it ok because you didn’t take money? But of course the media is not asking these questions. People make mistakes, we have all done it. Let the person without sin be the first to cast a stone. But to put yourself out in the public to say that you are bedding down with a married man is a different thing.



The AP has given him the athlete of the decade award. I suppose one can make an argument that his professional life and his personal life are two different things. One of the issues that I have with much of the press coverage is the “disappointment” and “outrage” that everyone seems to be having.

What he has done to his wife and his children is awful and more than likely unforgivable as far as his wife is concerned. That is really between the two of them and no one else’s business. Affairs can be worked through, but serial cheating is another animal altogether. But is this the business of the rest of us? One of the stories that you keep hearing about is how he hoodwinked the public. But did he?


I am huge sports fan. So I do pay attention to the sporting world. Has Tiger ever come out and say that he is a role model? That is an issue that comes up in the world of professional sports. Many top athletes are very troubled human beings. They happen to be good at a particular sport that has thrown them into the public eye and in many cases gives them a great deal of money at a young age. Having a nephew who competed at the college level I do know for a fact that student athletes are treated differently than the rest of the student body. While they are not paid, they get many perks that other students just don’t get. This allows them to have the attitude that they are above the rules, because in some ways, they are. They are treated as a commodity.


Charles Barkley, former NBA player, has said on many occasions that he is no role model. His belief is that it is the job of parents to provide role models for their children. I agree with him. While there is no harm in your children looking up to a star athlete, to dream of becoming the next Kobe or Tiger. It is up to us to guide them and teach them how to become good human beings. It is not the job of some sports star that they more than likely never meet.


Tiger has a foundation that gives a great deal of money to charity. He has taken his time to promote some of these various charities. But with this comes the facts that he has taken sponsorships from companies that have issues, such as Chevron, that has a history of abuses in Nigeria. He has never questioned what his sponsors do; he has just asked when the check was going to be cut. He, like every human being, has both positives and negatives about him and his history. Michael Jordan has done the exact same thing. When asked about human rights abuses in China, he will only say that the Chinese buy sneakers too.

Athletes have a history of taking the check and keeping their mouths shut. If we as a society keep looking to strangers to guide us and our children we will continue to be let down. It is up to us to give a role model for our own families. Not the Tigers, Kobes, or Jordans of the world. So maybe it is time that we let Mr. and Mrs. Woods work out their problems in private where they belong, and we get to business of raising our kids to treat their spouse much better than Tiger treated his.

Senator Webb Why Aren't You Doing A Better Job Playing Hard To Get?

Dear Senator Webb:




I am writing to you today to ask why Virginia is not going to be exempt from all future Medicaid payments? Louisiana is receiving $300,000,000, Nevada is going to be exempt from Medicaid payments for a period of years and Nebraska is exempt for all time. What happened to us?

Since it seems like bribery is an acceptable way of doing business in the United States Senate, I am wondering how we ended up with such a bad senator that we get nothing but the tab? You don’t seem to be doing such a good job playing hard to get.

While I am against this so called reform bill, but since it looks like it is going to pass, why are you not doing your job and representing me? Why should I pay extra taxes while three states are exempt? This bill will do nothing to lower the costs, it is going to increase state taxes and lead to higher premiums for average Americans, and you should be doing your job and represent my interests. That is what my hard-earned tax dollars that pays your salary is for isn’t it?

I really would like an explanation of why I and the all the other people who happen to live in the other 47 states are getting screwed? I would like to make an appointment so you and I can sit face to face and discuss this. Especially since you never bothered to have any town hall meetings over the summer as your office said you would, I think that I merit a meeting.

I look forward to meeting with you.



Best Regards,



Just A Conservative Girl

Another Promise Broken - Tax Hikes For Families Making Less Than 250,000

With the release of Sen. Harry Reid’s Manager’s Amendment, the Senate healthcare bill now contains seven tax hikes on families making less than $250,000 per year.



Each of the seven tax hikes are in violation of President Obama’s “firm pledge” not to raise “any form” of taxes on these families. Obama’s promise remains for all to see at the Change.gov website: “no family making less than $250,000 will see their taxes increase.” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs has confirmed that there are “no caveats” to Obama’s promise.


Listed below are the seven Obama-pledge-breaking tax hikes (Page numbers reference original Reid-Obama bill unless noted):


Individual Mandate Tax (Page 324/Sec. 1501/$15 bil/Jan 2014): Starting in 2014, anyone not buying “qualifying” health insurance must pay an income surtax according to the higher of the following (page 71 of manager’s amendment updates Reid bill):


Single 2 Persons 3+ Persons


2014 $495/0.5% AGI $990/0.5% AGI $1485/0.5%/AGI


2015 $495/1.0% AGI $990/1.0% AGI $1485/1.0%/AGI


2016 $495/2.0% AGI $990/2.0% AGI $1485/2.0%/AGI




Exemptions for religious objectors, undocumented immigrants, prisoners, those earning less than the poverty line, members of Indian tribes, and hardship cases (determined by HHS).


Employer Mandate Tax (Page 348/Sec. 1513/$28 bil): If an employer does not offer health coverage, and at least one employee qualifies for a health tax credit, the employer must pay an additional non-deductible tax of $750 for all full-time employees. Applies to all employers with 50 or more employees.


If the employer requires a waiting period to enroll in coverage of 30-60 days, there is a $400 tax per employee ($600 if the period is 60 days or longer).


Small business owners pay their taxes on their owners’ personal tax returns. Since this provision does not exempt business owners making less than $250,000 per year, this employer mandate tax will violate President Obama’s promise in some cases.


Tax Hikes on Healthcare Spending Accounts


Medicine Cabinet Tax (Page 1997/Sec. 9003/$5 bil): No longer allowable to use health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement (HRA) pre-tax dollars to purchase non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines (except insulin)


HSA Withdrawal Tax Hike (Page 1998/Sec. 9004/$1.3 bil): Increases additional tax on non-medical early withdrawals from an HSA from 10 to 20 percent, disadvantaging them relative to IRAs and other tax-advantaged accounts, which remain at 10 percent.


FSA Cap (Page 1999/Sec. 9005/$14.6 bil): Imposes cap on FSAs of $2500 (now unlimited). Indexed to inflation after 2011 (added on page 363 of manager’s amendment).


Tax Hikes on Medical Spending for Those Making Less Than $250,000


Raise “Haircut” for Medical Itemized Deduction from 7.5% to 10% of AGI (Page 2034/Sec. 9013/$15.2 bil): Waived for 65+ taxpayers in 2013-2016 only

Tax on Indoor Tanning Services (Page 373 of Manager’s amendment/$2.7 billion/July 1, 2010): New 10% excise tax on indoor tanning salons

Merry Christmas From Harry

Let's Have Some Fun with Sen. Ben Nelson

His twitter address is:

@SenBenNelson

Facebook fan page:

Senator Ben Nelson

Have at it patriots!!

Hey Mary, You Went Cheap - Nebraska Will Never Pay for Medicaid

Ben Nelson got the sweetest of sweetheart deals. The State of Nebraska will never pay for Medicaid. The 49 other states will pick up the tab. Is there a person out there that is not outraged?



The democrats have obviously made a decision that they don't care how many seats they lose next year as long as this passes. Pelosi will only lose her seat if someone more far left runs against her, so I guess she is in the clear.  So what the heck, she will retain her seat and she will get rid of the moderate side of her party.  All that will be left is the far left people from the far left districts around the country.  This may not bode well for Barbara Boxer, after all, what did she get for California? 


The arrogance that this portrays is stunning, simply stunning. Every poll across the country has shown that the American people do not want this bill to be passed.

I think pitchforks are necessary. The democratic leaders of this country have really reached an all time low. Bribery, blatant falsehoods, and total lack of concern for the people that are paying their salaries seem to be the order of the day. 1/6 of our economy is on the line and no one has read the bill. They have no idea if it is actually going to work.


This is a sad day for America, a very sad day indeed.

What does Ben Nelson Want More? - Nebraska Poll Numbers

This is going to be interesting indeed.  Ben Nelson will lose his seat in the senate if votes for healthcare. 


“If Senator Ben Nelson votes in favor of this plan, would that make you more likely or less likely to support Senator Nelson when he runs for re-election?”


More likely: 26%


Less Likely: 61%

The Public Schools and Christmas

Over the summer I went to a fundraiser that was hosted by Jim DeMint for his Pac Senate Conservatives Fund. I had the honor to meet a teacher from the Boston Area. A conservative teacher from Boston, who knew they existed. She was just starting up her blog at that point. She doesn't blog every day, but when she does, it is worth the read.

She is on the front lines of the public school system and the liberal bias that exists. Here is her take on the young boy who ordered to have psychological testing for drawing a picture of Jesus on the cross. This child who has never been in trouble was assigned to draw a picture of Christmas. What exactly did this teacher think that Christmas was? Isn't Christmas the celebration of the birth of Christ? That is what I have always understood it to be. While I understand that it has evolved into a cultural thing as well, the ultimate reason for the season is the birth of Christ.

The young boy in question had recently been taken to some shrine before being given this assignment. His parents have every right to teach their child what the meaning of Christmas is according to their belief system. That is a fundamental right to every citizen in this country. How dare a public school system tell a young boy that drawing a picture of Jesus on a cross is a sign that he may potentially be a danger to himself or to others? Luckily for this little boy, his parents are standing up and saying no. Conservative Teacher also includes two stories of things that have happened in her own middle school. These two stories only go to show that the people in this country who feel that Christianity is under attack have a very real reason to feel this way.

Jim Webb - A Former Republican, Undecided on Healthcare - Activism Caps Needed

Danville



308 Craghead Street


Suite 102A


Danville, VA 24541


Phone: 434-792-0976


Fax: 434-972-0978






Hampton Roads


222 Central Park Ave.


Suite 120


Virginia Beach, VA 23462


Phone: 757-518-1674


Fax: 757-518-1679






Northern Virginia


7309 Arlington Boulevard


Suite 316


Falls Church, VA 22042


Loehmann's Plaza


Phone:703-573-7090


Fax:703-573-7098






Norton


756 Park Avenue, N.W.


Norton, VA 24273


Mail to: 756 Park Avenue, N.W.


P.O. Box 1300


Norton, VA 24273


Phone: 276-679-4925


Fax: 276-679-4929






Richmond


507 East Franklin Street


Richmond, VA 23219


Phone: 804-771-2221


Fax: 804-771-8313






Roanoke


3140 Chaparral Drive


Building C, Suite 101


Roanoke, VA 24018


Phone: 540-772-4236


Fax: 540-772-6870






Washington, D.C.


248 Russell Senate Office Building


Washington, DC 20510


Phone: 202-224-4024


Fax: 202-228-6363






Toll Free Number


1-866-507-1570

One of The Last Hopes for HealthCare Reform? - Ben Nelson Activism Caps Needed

Omaha


7602 Pacific St.

Suite 205

Omaha, NE 68114

Tel: (402) 391-3411

Fax: (402) 391-4725





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lincoln



440 North 8th Street

Suite 120

Lincoln, NE 68508

Tel: (402) 441-4600

Fax: (402) 476-8753





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Washington, D.C.

720 Hart Senate Office Building

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

Tel: 1-202-224-6551

Fax: 1-202-228-0012





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Scottsbluff

Tel: (308) 631-7614





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Kearney

Tel: (308) 293-5818





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



South Sioux City

Tel: (402) 209-3595

Time Photos of the Year - What didn't make it

I don't get to watch the Glen Beck show on a regular basis. Today, was a rare exception that I watched the show during the 5 pm showing.


Among many other things that show discusses tonight, one of the topics was The Person of the Year selection of Ben Bernanke. He probably wouldn't have been the person I would have voted for, but I can see why he was picked. He has had a great deal of influence on the lives of everyday people. He is part of the reason the economy is in the state that it is in. His influence has affected people all over the world.


But, Beck took it a little further and talked about the photos that Time has chosen as the photos of 2009. Out of 48, not one included the tea party movement. We no longer exist. We have moved beyond being dismissed as crazy and called other derogatory names to being non-existent.  People for the first time in thier lives stood up and said no to the largesse and coruption of the federal government.  We stood out in the rain and the cold to have our voices heard.  We have shown up at the congressional buildings with little notice, we have taken time off from work.  We have spent our own money to help spread the word.  Complete strangers have gotten together for a common cause.  This movement made a significant change in the outcome of the election in the NY-23.  While it didn't go the way the movement would have liked, but it served notice that the potential of our making changes in the make up of the congress next year is there. 


I decided to go and take a look at the photos that were chosen instead for myself. Here is my personal favorite:

This is unofficial holiday of pot as celebrated at The University of Colorado Boulder

Not only did the tea party movement not make a mention, neither did Sarah Palin. Palin has the bestselling book of the year; it wasn't released until the middle of November. I could very well be mistaken, but I would think that is some sort of record.  People all across the country waited for hours to spend about 60 seconds with her while she signed her book for them.  She is blogged about constantly; she is loved and hated all at once.  That doesn't merit a picture? 

The media bias in this country is truly stunning.

Conservative Girl Adventures - Senate Rally Day Part 2

I am having some technical issues with my camera.  Somehow, my cable has gone MIA and I can't download them.  So once I find this, I will post. 

In the meantime, you can go here for some videos and pictures of the day. 

Conservative Girl Adventures - Senate Rally Day

I have had quite a day today.  I had to run errands this morning and was minding my own business, and needed to go to Home Depot.  Who is on his way there?  The President.  I have lived outside of DC for 13 years.  I have never seen President Clinton, and only saw President Bush at the ball his first night in office.  I have seen Obama three times.  Doesn't he work? 

Then I go to the rally at the senate today.  I am minding my own business again.  I stepped away to sneak a smoke (yes very bad for me) something that I don't do much of anymore.  Who do I run into?  Michele Bachman.  That is a high that I am going to carry around for days.  What a thrill.  I just LOVE her. 

I then went to Senator Webb's office.  Now, this is the fifth time I have gone there.  This time they actually handed out a op-ed piece he did for a paper in the central part of the state.   The Op-ed said he has not made up his mind.  Politico posted an article saying that he may be able to be turned, but I don't believe that. 

The receptionists were basically taking names and handing out this op-ed piece.  Somehow, and I am not sure how, I got invited to meet with his policy analyst, a fellow 9/12'er and PT.  It was an interesting conversation. 

I had some personal plans tonight, so I just got home.  I need to get some sleep.  I will post more on this in the am along with the photos that I took. 

Have a good night all.

A Tale of Two Houses - An Inconvenient Truth

House #1



A 20 room mansion (not including 8 bathrooms) heated by natural gas. Add on a pool (and a pool house) and a separate guest house, all heated by gas. In one month this residence consumes more energy than the average American household does in a year. The average bill for electricity and natural gas runs over $2400 per month. In natural gas alone, this property consumes more than 20 times the national average for an American home. This house is not situated in a Northern or Midwestern 'snow belt' area. It's in the South.


House #2



Designed by an architecture professor at a leading national university. This house incorporates every 'green' feature current home construction can provide. The house is 4,000 square feet (4 bedrooms) and is nestled on a high prairie in the American southwest. A central closet in the house holds geothermal heat-pumps drawing ground water through pipes sunk 300 feet into the ground. The water (usually 67 degrees F) heats the house in the winter and cools it in the summer. The system uses no fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas and it consumes one-quarter electricity required for a conventional heating/cooling system. Rainwater from the roof is collected and funneled into a 25,000 gallon underground cistern. waste water from showers, sinks and toilets goes into underground purifying tanks and then into the cistern. The collected water then irrigates the land surrounding the house. Surrounding flowers and shrubs native to the area enable the property to blend into the surrounding rural landscape.






~~~~~


HOUSE #1 is outside of Nashville , Tennessee ; it is the abode of the 'environmentalist' Al Gore.






HOUSE #2 is on a ranch near Crawford , Texas; it is the residence of the former President of the United States , George W. Bush.






An 'inconvenient truth.'