Posts
In The Mailbox: 12.20.24
5 hours ago
Monday, January 31, 2011
Quote of the Day - Chuck Schumer Edition
Hmm. Remember that poll I put up last month? I wonder if Schumer was one of the people polled. Because if not, the numbers are probably even higher than what this poll shows.
Aah, New York, can you please tell me why you keep re-electing this man?
Obamacare Unconstitutional Part II
The lawsuit that was filed in Florida representing more than half of the states ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The decision was much longer than the one from Virginia, this is 78 pages. This specifically goes to the heart of the matter about the individual mandate. The judge stated:
If you need an argument that the left can understand, Ken Cuccinelli put it best. Imagine the uproar on the left in this country if every person was mandated to buy and keep guns in order to maintain control and protection of the state. This is no different, it is just about healthcare, an issue that too easily manipulated to get sympathy and pull at the heart strings. No one should die because they can't afford a doctor. No one is saying that they should. But, as Americans we have rights. Those rights must be protected. This law cannot stand, and today we took a big step in seeing that happen.
The White House released it stament calling the ruling:
You can read the decision here:
Vinson Ruling
“Everyone must participate in the food market… under this logic, Congress could [mandate] that every adult purchase and consume wheat bread daily.”This is something that conservatives have been saying since day one. If the government can do this they can do anything. The reality is it doesn't matter that this bill happens to be about healthcare, because if this is allowed to stand anything can be forced upon the American people through the commerce clause. It is a very dangerous and slippery slope into a totalitarian government. I am not one to buy into conspiracy theories or I rarely buy into overly vitriolic statements that Obama is trying to turn the US into the Soviet Union. But, this bill gives someone who does the perfect opportunity to do so. It is an over-reach and a violations of our individual rights. Does healthcare need reform? No doubt about it. Do we need to do more to help the working class poor to get proper coverage? Yes. This law is not the way to do it unless you are willing to give up your liberties. Sorry, Nanny and Uncle Obammy, I am not. Lets get to work and pass some laws that will actually solve the problems without giving away our freedoms.
If you need an argument that the left can understand, Ken Cuccinelli put it best. Imagine the uproar on the left in this country if every person was mandated to buy and keep guns in order to maintain control and protection of the state. This is no different, it is just about healthcare, an issue that too easily manipulated to get sympathy and pull at the heart strings. No one should die because they can't afford a doctor. No one is saying that they should. But, as Americans we have rights. Those rights must be protected. This law cannot stand, and today we took a big step in seeing that happen.
The White House released it stament calling the ruling:
Odd and over-reaching.Really, the fact that you passed a law that violates our consitutional rights isn't odd and over-reaching, but the courts calling you out on it is? That is how I define odd.
You can read the decision here:
Vinson Ruling
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Strange World of Google Search
I always find it interesting to see the google searches that people use to get to my blog. There are a great deal of sick people out there too.
Let me try and answer some questions that I get often.
Allen West's wife is black. (why someone cares about this is beyond me)
Yes, Rosie O'Donnell is a liberal (Seriously? what rock have these people been living under)
There is no porn on this site. (Most of these hits come from Muslim countries by the way)
I don't know if Sandra Bullock is a conservative nor do I care.
Yes Jesse Jackson Jr. had an affair with a white woman. Does that make him a race traitor? Not to me, but since liberals think that Justice Thomas is, I would assume that they think he is. Oh, wait since he is liberal, I guess he is just open minded about race. I don't know, ask a liberal.
Yes, It was Frederick Douglas who said he was a black, dyed in the wool republican. There is a comma between black and dyed. That comma makes the difference. I don't think he was being racist about himself.
The tea party view on Obamacare? It sucks. We don't like it. Really, that simple.
The conservative view of immigration is that if you have the legal right to come here, come on in, your more than welcome. If you don't, get the hell out and go back to where ever it is you come from. It has nothing to do with color, we don't want you here even if your green. (I guess especially if you are green)
Yes, conservatives want the borders protected. Don't you?
Yes, cops have the right to ask for ID when they arrest someone. If I have to show it, why shouldn't an illegal alien?
No conservatives don't like the term undocumented worker. If you not documented, you are not legally allowed to work. If something is not legal, it is then illegal. Calling someone in the country illegally an illegal alien is not racist.
How do you ask a conservative girl out for a date? Hmm, I would give the advice of being polite and don't expect sex on the first date.
What are conservative girls looking for in a man? How would I know? We don't all think alike. I can only tell you what I would look for, but I don't date anymore.
Let me try and answer some questions that I get often.
Allen West's wife is black. (why someone cares about this is beyond me)
Yes, Rosie O'Donnell is a liberal (Seriously? what rock have these people been living under)
There is no porn on this site. (Most of these hits come from Muslim countries by the way)
I don't know if Sandra Bullock is a conservative nor do I care.
Yes Jesse Jackson Jr. had an affair with a white woman. Does that make him a race traitor? Not to me, but since liberals think that Justice Thomas is, I would assume that they think he is. Oh, wait since he is liberal, I guess he is just open minded about race. I don't know, ask a liberal.
Yes, It was Frederick Douglas who said he was a black, dyed in the wool republican. There is a comma between black and dyed. That comma makes the difference. I don't think he was being racist about himself.
The tea party view on Obamacare? It sucks. We don't like it. Really, that simple.
The conservative view of immigration is that if you have the legal right to come here, come on in, your more than welcome. If you don't, get the hell out and go back to where ever it is you come from. It has nothing to do with color, we don't want you here even if your green. (I guess especially if you are green)
Yes, conservatives want the borders protected. Don't you?
Yes, cops have the right to ask for ID when they arrest someone. If I have to show it, why shouldn't an illegal alien?
No conservatives don't like the term undocumented worker. If you not documented, you are not legally allowed to work. If something is not legal, it is then illegal. Calling someone in the country illegally an illegal alien is not racist.
How do you ask a conservative girl out for a date? Hmm, I would give the advice of being polite and don't expect sex on the first date.
What are conservative girls looking for in a man? How would I know? We don't all think alike. I can only tell you what I would look for, but I don't date anymore.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
No Easy Answers
Riots have been flaring in Egypt for days now. The reports are that 100 have been killed. We all know that number could be much higher, but that is the official number coming from the Egyptian government. The initial reports were that the protesters were average citizens looking for more reforms from the oppressive government.
Mubarak has been in power for about 3 decades. There is no doubt that he rules with an iron fist. Not unlike most governments in that part of the world. Dissent isn't acceptable and is punishable by jail. It is well-known that jail in that part of the world usually leads to torture. Human rights are not a big concern, to put it mildly.
Poverty runs rampant. The unemployment rate makes ours look like child's play. Most in this country don't have a clear understanding of how many live in other parts of the world. Some of this started over the price of bread. People have little money to spend on food, and even a small increase can mean the difference when it comes to feeding yourself and your family.
So far the protesters have not been burning the American or Israeli flags, which is normal thing during these uprisings. This is a sign that the protesters are just freedom fighters looking for more freedoms, more jobs, and a better life for their families. The problem is that The Muslim Brotherhood is standing by and waiting. The Egyptian people may very well get a different government, but it more than likely will not be what some of the people are hoping for. The Muslim Brotherhood is a organization that believes in returning all Muslim countries to true Sharia law. They also are looking to get back lands that they view as being taken away from Muslims, such as Spain.
The Egyptians banned The Muslim Brotherhood many years ago, but it is still very active. They do run for seats in the government as independents and are relatively successful. The organization has branches all over the Middle East, such as Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and The Palestinian Terrorities among many others throughout the Muslim world. Officially, they are against the use of violence and went as far as to condemn the 9/11 attacks. Although, al Qaeda leaders have been strongly influenced by the brotherhood. The book Milestones is used by jihadists across the world as guide. It was a major influence of Usama bin Laden. bin Laden has turned his back on the movement due to its stance of non-violent resistance, at least publicly anyway. Although, his #2, Ayman al Zawarhi is a product of the more violent offshoot, Egyptian Islamic Jihad, to the brotherhood while growing up in Egypt.
We may very well be seeing the redux of Iran when the Ayatollah came into power. The initial riots and movement were primarily young people looking to get more freedoms under the oppressive and corrupt Shah. The Shah was considered an ally of the western world and more precisely of the U.S. government. Not a good thing in the eyes of Islamic radicals. The fall of Iran happened in three stages; the first being well-meaning citizens looking to improve their everyday lives. The second was the fall of the Shah and a weak and disorganized democratically based government formed, and then fell to the more radical Islamics that are in power to this day. The radicals climbed into bed with many different groups, as none of the groups on their own were powerful enough to rid the country of the Shah. Once the Shah left they were able to consolidate power by using any brutal means at their disposal.
To gain some context on how these groups gain power we must understand a very simple fact. The Muslim Brotherhood and other groups just like them become the social services to the poor. The governments tend to be so corrupt that the needs of the people are for the most part ignored. If you are looking to feed your young children you will likely support the people who are helping you achieve that. You generally don't look at the motives, you just take the helping hand that has been offered to you.
The vacuum then gets filled by the groups whose intent is only to be the next oppressor. From the photos that are being shown there are currently women joining in on the demonstrations. If they are looking for additional freedoms and a better life, it is highly unlikely they will find it if the Muslim Brotherhood does indeed take over. The chances are they will be denied an education, no chance of voting in elections, but then again those elections will more than likely be rigged anyway.
The U.S. has no easy choice here. If they back Mubarak they will be seen as standing by an oppressor. If they back the protesters they may very well be handing one of the largest Muslim countries over to a radical group that views us as the Big Satan and Israel as the Little Satan. Egypt currently has a peace accord with the Israelis which has worked for a very long time now. The chances of the that staying in place if radicals take over is about nil. The Coptic Christians, who are about 10% of the current population, will also be in even more danger then they are currently experiencing. This is a native population that has survived the Muslim take over the country back in the 7th century.
What President Obama does over the next days and months are going to have long lasting effects. The Suez Canal is an important waterway that our economy depends on. About one third of the world's oil supply goes through it every year. If we have a government that views us as the Big Satan controlling it, heaven only knows the damage that can be caused to our economy through higher prices and controlled shortages.
The problem with the Middle East is that sometimes the oppressor is the best option, even though the citizens of that country don't see it that way. There are no easy or simple solutions to the problems that exist in the Middle East.
Mubarak has been in power for about 3 decades. There is no doubt that he rules with an iron fist. Not unlike most governments in that part of the world. Dissent isn't acceptable and is punishable by jail. It is well-known that jail in that part of the world usually leads to torture. Human rights are not a big concern, to put it mildly.
Poverty runs rampant. The unemployment rate makes ours look like child's play. Most in this country don't have a clear understanding of how many live in other parts of the world. Some of this started over the price of bread. People have little money to spend on food, and even a small increase can mean the difference when it comes to feeding yourself and your family.
So far the protesters have not been burning the American or Israeli flags, which is normal thing during these uprisings. This is a sign that the protesters are just freedom fighters looking for more freedoms, more jobs, and a better life for their families. The problem is that The Muslim Brotherhood is standing by and waiting. The Egyptian people may very well get a different government, but it more than likely will not be what some of the people are hoping for. The Muslim Brotherhood is a organization that believes in returning all Muslim countries to true Sharia law. They also are looking to get back lands that they view as being taken away from Muslims, such as Spain.
The Egyptians banned The Muslim Brotherhood many years ago, but it is still very active. They do run for seats in the government as independents and are relatively successful. The organization has branches all over the Middle East, such as Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and The Palestinian Terrorities among many others throughout the Muslim world. Officially, they are against the use of violence and went as far as to condemn the 9/11 attacks. Although, al Qaeda leaders have been strongly influenced by the brotherhood. The book Milestones is used by jihadists across the world as guide. It was a major influence of Usama bin Laden. bin Laden has turned his back on the movement due to its stance of non-violent resistance, at least publicly anyway. Although, his #2, Ayman al Zawarhi is a product of the more violent offshoot, Egyptian Islamic Jihad, to the brotherhood while growing up in Egypt.
We may very well be seeing the redux of Iran when the Ayatollah came into power. The initial riots and movement were primarily young people looking to get more freedoms under the oppressive and corrupt Shah. The Shah was considered an ally of the western world and more precisely of the U.S. government. Not a good thing in the eyes of Islamic radicals. The fall of Iran happened in three stages; the first being well-meaning citizens looking to improve their everyday lives. The second was the fall of the Shah and a weak and disorganized democratically based government formed, and then fell to the more radical Islamics that are in power to this day. The radicals climbed into bed with many different groups, as none of the groups on their own were powerful enough to rid the country of the Shah. Once the Shah left they were able to consolidate power by using any brutal means at their disposal.
To gain some context on how these groups gain power we must understand a very simple fact. The Muslim Brotherhood and other groups just like them become the social services to the poor. The governments tend to be so corrupt that the needs of the people are for the most part ignored. If you are looking to feed your young children you will likely support the people who are helping you achieve that. You generally don't look at the motives, you just take the helping hand that has been offered to you.
The vacuum then gets filled by the groups whose intent is only to be the next oppressor. From the photos that are being shown there are currently women joining in on the demonstrations. If they are looking for additional freedoms and a better life, it is highly unlikely they will find it if the Muslim Brotherhood does indeed take over. The chances are they will be denied an education, no chance of voting in elections, but then again those elections will more than likely be rigged anyway.
The U.S. has no easy choice here. If they back Mubarak they will be seen as standing by an oppressor. If they back the protesters they may very well be handing one of the largest Muslim countries over to a radical group that views us as the Big Satan and Israel as the Little Satan. Egypt currently has a peace accord with the Israelis which has worked for a very long time now. The chances of the that staying in place if radicals take over is about nil. The Coptic Christians, who are about 10% of the current population, will also be in even more danger then they are currently experiencing. This is a native population that has survived the Muslim take over the country back in the 7th century.
What President Obama does over the next days and months are going to have long lasting effects. The Suez Canal is an important waterway that our economy depends on. About one third of the world's oil supply goes through it every year. If we have a government that views us as the Big Satan controlling it, heaven only knows the damage that can be caused to our economy through higher prices and controlled shortages.
The problem with the Middle East is that sometimes the oppressor is the best option, even though the citizens of that country don't see it that way. There are no easy or simple solutions to the problems that exist in the Middle East.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Why Gravitas Matters
There is much talk about the political “elite” vs. the everyday person. While it is certainly true that some, if not many, of our elected officials aren’t what they should be, but the question we must ask ourselves is do we really want the person next door as our President or the Speaker of the House?
We are starting to gear up for a presidential election, the entire house of representatives, and 23 members of the senate. These people will have a great deal of control over the lives of everyday Americans. They will make choices on appointments to our highest courts, possibly decide if we will declare war on another country, make choices about our debt, our spending, and how we are to deal with the rest of the world. These are major decisions that take a certain amount of “gravitas”.
I have been told for the majority of my life that I am intelligent. I got good grades in school. During college I worked almost full time and still handled a full class load. I didn’t have much of a life, but I managed to graduate with honors. I was determined to become only the second person in my family to get a college degree. I did this without any financial support from my family and had to pay back boatloads of money in student loans when I was finished. There are many things that I am very capable of. I have a background in direct mail fundraising. I have been on print inspections and have found minor mistakes that the printers told me that virtually no one else would have noticed. I can get several million pieces of mail into mailboxes around the country every month very easily. You may not realize it but it takes a great deal of coordination and skill to get this done accurately and on time. I am well read and I keep up on both national and local events. But, there is no way that I am capable of being President of the United States (a great relief to some, I am sure).
Take my next door neighbors for example. One of which owns a restaurant, a very successful restaurant at that. He works very hard and is a great neighbor, he has helped me out on a few occasions. Running a business like that takes a great many different skills to make it a success. But, he is pretty unaware of what goes on “inside the beltway” even though he lives 20 minutes away from the White House. He isn’t the type of person who pays a great deal of attention to government events. I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think he votes. I have another neighbor who I firmly believe beats his wife; either that or she is the most accident prone woman I have ever met. She constantly has fresh bruises and funny stories of how she fell or bumped into something. They have two kids who are strange to say the least. One of which is the class bully. Now, to people who don't see them every day they seem like a nice family; live in a nice home, have a good income, all the trappings of the average American life. Another one of my neighbors is just plain mean. They never speak to anyone else and are constantly calling the police to complain about one thing or another. I am sure by now they have personal relationships with some of the cops. The rest of us just ignore them, and I wonder if anyone would be willing to help them during an emergency. I know I would be tempted not to. My point is are these the type of people I want running our country?
Our country needs people who are dedicated to helping the country and fellow Americans. There are plenty of people who make wonderful legislators; they are smart and they are dedicated. But, the truth is that most people realize that they don’t want the job of President. The decisions that are made in the oval office can sometimes be of life or death. Do you move troops into harms way? How do you handle the loved ones of fallen soldier? You are on call 24/7 for four years straight. Every president ages in what seems like warp speed while in the White House. Your family lives in a fishbowl, every mistake that they make may end up on the front page of the newspapers. How you dress, what you read, what you eat, where you vacation all get analyzed down to the most minute of detail. This takes a person of special character.
The rigors of running for public office is sometimes overly harsh. Do we really need to know some of the things that get reported? Probably not. But, we do need to know if they can handle the job. Can they survive the pressure cooker that is the White House? If they can’t handle the campaign, they can’t handle the job. We get upset about politicians that speak to us in talking points instead of speaking from their gut or their heart. The problem comes when someone is always speaking from their gut they will sometimes make a mistake, that mistake then turns into a major headline and is all over the blogosphere for days on end. They can no longer talk about the issues, they are talking about the gaffe instead. The other question that arises from someone who always is speaking from the heart for me is that person going to govern with emotion over fact? We all know that the two can be mutually exclusive at moments. There are reasons why the first family is protected. The very last thing we would need as a country would be a president making policy choices when their loved one is being held captive. They would be acting as spouse/parent as opposed to acting as president. Of course that is an extreme example, but it is still something to think about. In many ways we need someone who is going to take everyday emotion out of certain decisions. We need to know that this person can think on a macro level instead of a micro level, and emotions tend to be on the micro level. The family next door probably leads a life like yours. Your first thought is first and foremost your family. While that makes you a good parent and spouse, does it lend itself well to the presidency?
We need to think long and hard about wanting the “everyday person”. Because what we need is someone who capable, competent, intelligent, savvy, and willing to not only make the hard choices, but to stand by them as well. The world is a dangerous place; look no further to the protests in Egypt. We may end up with another Iran in a matter of days or weeks, The Muslim Brotherhood could topple the government. We have major decisions to make in this country regarding our national debt and how to handle entitlements moving forward. We cannot allow the presidency to turn into a popularity contest. While that is true on a certain level already, but I personally don’t want the class president, I want the most competent person. I want the person who will stand and make the tough choices, stand by a set of beliefs, and do what is right for the future of this country. I don’t want my next door neighbors. Take a look at your neighbors and ask yourself if they are who you want. Once you do that, then ask yourself if you still believe that gravitas doesn’t matter?
We are starting to gear up for a presidential election, the entire house of representatives, and 23 members of the senate. These people will have a great deal of control over the lives of everyday Americans. They will make choices on appointments to our highest courts, possibly decide if we will declare war on another country, make choices about our debt, our spending, and how we are to deal with the rest of the world. These are major decisions that take a certain amount of “gravitas”.
I have been told for the majority of my life that I am intelligent. I got good grades in school. During college I worked almost full time and still handled a full class load. I didn’t have much of a life, but I managed to graduate with honors. I was determined to become only the second person in my family to get a college degree. I did this without any financial support from my family and had to pay back boatloads of money in student loans when I was finished. There are many things that I am very capable of. I have a background in direct mail fundraising. I have been on print inspections and have found minor mistakes that the printers told me that virtually no one else would have noticed. I can get several million pieces of mail into mailboxes around the country every month very easily. You may not realize it but it takes a great deal of coordination and skill to get this done accurately and on time. I am well read and I keep up on both national and local events. But, there is no way that I am capable of being President of the United States (a great relief to some, I am sure).
Take my next door neighbors for example. One of which owns a restaurant, a very successful restaurant at that. He works very hard and is a great neighbor, he has helped me out on a few occasions. Running a business like that takes a great many different skills to make it a success. But, he is pretty unaware of what goes on “inside the beltway” even though he lives 20 minutes away from the White House. He isn’t the type of person who pays a great deal of attention to government events. I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think he votes. I have another neighbor who I firmly believe beats his wife; either that or she is the most accident prone woman I have ever met. She constantly has fresh bruises and funny stories of how she fell or bumped into something. They have two kids who are strange to say the least. One of which is the class bully. Now, to people who don't see them every day they seem like a nice family; live in a nice home, have a good income, all the trappings of the average American life. Another one of my neighbors is just plain mean. They never speak to anyone else and are constantly calling the police to complain about one thing or another. I am sure by now they have personal relationships with some of the cops. The rest of us just ignore them, and I wonder if anyone would be willing to help them during an emergency. I know I would be tempted not to. My point is are these the type of people I want running our country?
Our country needs people who are dedicated to helping the country and fellow Americans. There are plenty of people who make wonderful legislators; they are smart and they are dedicated. But, the truth is that most people realize that they don’t want the job of President. The decisions that are made in the oval office can sometimes be of life or death. Do you move troops into harms way? How do you handle the loved ones of fallen soldier? You are on call 24/7 for four years straight. Every president ages in what seems like warp speed while in the White House. Your family lives in a fishbowl, every mistake that they make may end up on the front page of the newspapers. How you dress, what you read, what you eat, where you vacation all get analyzed down to the most minute of detail. This takes a person of special character.
The rigors of running for public office is sometimes overly harsh. Do we really need to know some of the things that get reported? Probably not. But, we do need to know if they can handle the job. Can they survive the pressure cooker that is the White House? If they can’t handle the campaign, they can’t handle the job. We get upset about politicians that speak to us in talking points instead of speaking from their gut or their heart. The problem comes when someone is always speaking from their gut they will sometimes make a mistake, that mistake then turns into a major headline and is all over the blogosphere for days on end. They can no longer talk about the issues, they are talking about the gaffe instead. The other question that arises from someone who always is speaking from the heart for me is that person going to govern with emotion over fact? We all know that the two can be mutually exclusive at moments. There are reasons why the first family is protected. The very last thing we would need as a country would be a president making policy choices when their loved one is being held captive. They would be acting as spouse/parent as opposed to acting as president. Of course that is an extreme example, but it is still something to think about. In many ways we need someone who is going to take everyday emotion out of certain decisions. We need to know that this person can think on a macro level instead of a micro level, and emotions tend to be on the micro level. The family next door probably leads a life like yours. Your first thought is first and foremost your family. While that makes you a good parent and spouse, does it lend itself well to the presidency?
We need to think long and hard about wanting the “everyday person”. Because what we need is someone who capable, competent, intelligent, savvy, and willing to not only make the hard choices, but to stand by them as well. The world is a dangerous place; look no further to the protests in Egypt. We may end up with another Iran in a matter of days or weeks, The Muslim Brotherhood could topple the government. We have major decisions to make in this country regarding our national debt and how to handle entitlements moving forward. We cannot allow the presidency to turn into a popularity contest. While that is true on a certain level already, but I personally don’t want the class president, I want the most competent person. I want the person who will stand and make the tough choices, stand by a set of beliefs, and do what is right for the future of this country. I don’t want my next door neighbors. Take a look at your neighbors and ask yourself if they are who you want. Once you do that, then ask yourself if you still believe that gravitas doesn’t matter?
Jim Moran Continues to Make Northern Virginia Proud
“It [the Republican successes in the 2010 elections] happened for the same reason the Civil War happened in the United States. It happened because the Southern states, the slaveholding states, didn’t want to see a president who was opposed to slavery.
“In this case, I believe, a lot of people in the United States don’t want to be governed by an African-American, particularly one who is liberal, who wants to spend money and who wants to reach out to include everyone in our society….”
Jim
We are so proud here!! This man is such a disgrace, yet he just keeps on winning. I know die hard dems that can't stand the man, but they would cut off a body part before voting for a republican. He knows it so he does what ever he wants. Shameful. Sadly, this isn't the only group that he has insulted over his career, he is not a fan of the Jews either.
H/T: The Other McCain
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Mike Pence Running for Governor of Indiana
Mike Pence has decided against running for the GOP nomination for president next year. Instead he will be running to replace Mitch Daniels as Governor of Indiana. I am a huge fan of Mike Pence, so to me this is bad news, as I don't live in Indiana.
Pence is very well known in conservative circles and is highly regarded. I read an article earlier today that called him the consummate statesman. I have seen him speak on several occasions and he describes himself as "I am Christian, A Conservative, A Republican; in that order". Anyone that is in the pro life movement knows they have no better friend.
I ran into the congressman a few weeks ago and told him that we needed him to run for president. Shockingly, he didn't listen to me!! Pence would have been able to bridge the gap between the republican establishment and the grassroots activists, so him not running is a big blow.
I can understand his decision. He will have an relatively easy time winning the governorship and the presidency will be a much bigger hill to climb. The upside of this is of course he will have some executive experience in 5 or 9 years if he chooses to run then. Winning the presidency from congress has only been done once, so this makes much more sense.
The question now becomes who else can bridge the establishment and the activists? I don't know of one. Do you?
This will be probably be the only time in my life that I am going to say this; I wish I lived in Indiana. Nothing against Indiana, but I am not a heartland kinda girl, I prefer the big city urban areas.
Good Luck to you Congressman Pence, you will be missed in the congress.
Pence is very well known in conservative circles and is highly regarded. I read an article earlier today that called him the consummate statesman. I have seen him speak on several occasions and he describes himself as "I am Christian, A Conservative, A Republican; in that order". Anyone that is in the pro life movement knows they have no better friend.
I ran into the congressman a few weeks ago and told him that we needed him to run for president. Shockingly, he didn't listen to me!! Pence would have been able to bridge the gap between the republican establishment and the grassroots activists, so him not running is a big blow.
I can understand his decision. He will have an relatively easy time winning the governorship and the presidency will be a much bigger hill to climb. The upside of this is of course he will have some executive experience in 5 or 9 years if he chooses to run then. Winning the presidency from congress has only been done once, so this makes much more sense.
The question now becomes who else can bridge the establishment and the activists? I don't know of one. Do you?
This will be probably be the only time in my life that I am going to say this; I wish I lived in Indiana. Nothing against Indiana, but I am not a heartland kinda girl, I prefer the big city urban areas.
Good Luck to you Congressman Pence, you will be missed in the congress.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Ok, Now the Christmas Reading List Becomes Clear
Remember when it was announced that the president was reading a book about President Reagan over his Hawaiian vacation? Well, it became clear to me why he read it; the idea of American exceptionalism. This is a theme that conservatives revere and Americans for the most part just lap up. While it is true that we have a small slice of our population that do nothing but bad mouth our country, but generally speaking Americans believe in the ideal of America. President Reagan believed in his soul that America is the beacon of the world; the shining city. That is line that whenever a retrospective of Reagan quotes comes up you will undoubtedly hear.
President Obama is not one to talk about American exceptionalism too often. At least from the conservative point of view. It is probably one of the things that we detest most. We all remember the line from First Lady Michelle Obama about being really proud of her country for the first time. There are many that took real exception and the memory of that won't dim anytime soon. The president himself once talked about how other countries that they were exceptional too. While I am sure that there are plenty of people in the world that have no desire to live in the U.S. but we have people that will risk life and limb for the chance to come live here to reach their version of the "American Dream".
The problem is that we are in danger of losing the American Dream. The spending and the debt is out of control. We cannot stay on this path as it is unsustainable. The American people have woken up to that fact. Most of us have come to terms with the fact that the gravy train is over. We want to deal with the spending and the debt. We understand that cuts are necessary. The vast majority of the people in this country will make the hard choices and will make the necessary sacrifices to give our children a chance to reach their goals and their chance to pursue happiness. We cannot live in denial anymore. We borrow 40% of everything that we are spending.
One of the things that I find so frustrating about the democrats is that they could get the American people to go along with some of their of pet projects if they didn't push so hard. I would venture to say that they could get a deal on a jobs program for hardworking illegals if they really secured the borders. Many people in this country would pay higher taxes to get the debt down if the taxes actually went to pay down the debt instead of being spent on things we don't, such as grants that do research on foreign sex workers. Stop the stupid spending and you will find that the American people will go along in order make things better for our children and grandchildren.
I do hope that President Obama will spend more time talking about the exceptionalism of this country. While I don't think he has an inner Reagan to channel, but he can read a few more biographies. Maybe then he will actually make the hard choices and realize that we can solve these problems if they just stop pushing so hard to change this country into France. We like the shining city on the hill, we believe in the shining city on the hill. Come join us there President Obama, you may just find it isn't so bad.
President Obama is not one to talk about American exceptionalism too often. At least from the conservative point of view. It is probably one of the things that we detest most. We all remember the line from First Lady Michelle Obama about being really proud of her country for the first time. There are many that took real exception and the memory of that won't dim anytime soon. The president himself once talked about how other countries that they were exceptional too. While I am sure that there are plenty of people in the world that have no desire to live in the U.S. but we have people that will risk life and limb for the chance to come live here to reach their version of the "American Dream".
It's whether we sustain the leadership that has made America not just a place on a map, but a light to the worldThis speech seemed almost Reaganesque. Of course it didn't take long to go off the rails. He then decided to go into the "investments" that we need to make. I don't think anyone can deny that investments is just code for more spending. He himself talked about how education starts at home and much depends on the parents paying attention to the homework and being involved. The government cannot do that for a child. One needs to look no further than Washington DC to see that. The District spends close to $30,000 per student and has some of the worst performing public schools in the country. While their has been some improvement over the past few years, not nearly enough for the kids who are stuck in that system. His solution was yet again to throw more money at the problem, and to make it worse he wants it done with a federal program. The system will not change until they are improved at the local level. A part of that will have to be school choice. The democrats constantly talk about fairness, there is nothing fair about forcing a child to stay in an under-performing school that is in some cases more expensive than giving that family a voucher for a better private or charter school. The democrats have been yapping about fixing the public school systems for forty years, and so far all we have seen is our test scores and graduation rates decrease. Isn't a sign of insanity to do the same thing and expect a different result?
Remember - for all the hits we've taken these last few years, for all the naysayers predicting our decline, America still has the largest, most prosperous economy in the world. No workers are more productive than ours. No country has more successful companies, or grants more patents to inventors and entrepreneurs. We are home to the world's best colleges and universities, where more students come to study than any other place on Earth. What's more, we are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea - the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny. That is why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked everything to come here. It's why our students don't just memorize equations, but answer questions like "What do you think of that idea? What would you change about the world? What do you want to be when you grow up?" The future is ours to win.
The problem is that we are in danger of losing the American Dream. The spending and the debt is out of control. We cannot stay on this path as it is unsustainable. The American people have woken up to that fact. Most of us have come to terms with the fact that the gravy train is over. We want to deal with the spending and the debt. We understand that cuts are necessary. The vast majority of the people in this country will make the hard choices and will make the necessary sacrifices to give our children a chance to reach their goals and their chance to pursue happiness. We cannot live in denial anymore. We borrow 40% of everything that we are spending.
One of the things that I find so frustrating about the democrats is that they could get the American people to go along with some of their of pet projects if they didn't push so hard. I would venture to say that they could get a deal on a jobs program for hardworking illegals if they really secured the borders. Many people in this country would pay higher taxes to get the debt down if the taxes actually went to pay down the debt instead of being spent on things we don't, such as grants that do research on foreign sex workers. Stop the stupid spending and you will find that the American people will go along in order make things better for our children and grandchildren.
I do hope that President Obama will spend more time talking about the exceptionalism of this country. While I don't think he has an inner Reagan to channel, but he can read a few more biographies. Maybe then he will actually make the hard choices and realize that we can solve these problems if they just stop pushing so hard to change this country into France. We like the shining city on the hill, we believe in the shining city on the hill. Come join us there President Obama, you may just find it isn't so bad.
Santorum V. Sharpton on Abortion in the Black Community
First, Al Sharpton never addresses the question of abortion. Second, he completely dismissed the meaning of what Rick Santorum was saying.
Rick Santorum was saying that it wasn't until the 14th amendment that U.S. recognized blacks as fully human. Once that amendment passed they were then considered "persons" under the constitution. The court case that legalized abortion in this country said that a fetus was not a person, not that it wasn't human. Science says that a baby is human life upon conception; that is not in dispute, nor was it the basis of Roe V. Wade.
Some of the arguments to keep abortion legal in this country use the 14th amendment as the constitutionality of it; pregnancy is the same thing as slavery, therefore forcing a woman to go through with a pregnancy she is being held captive by the fetus. So, it isn't that the baby is not considered human life; it is that it isn't considered a person under the law. There is a distinction that Sharpton completely overlooks.
I also love how he completely glosses over Margaret Sanger's role in Planned Parenthood and what her intentions for the black community really was. This from the same man who called Glenn Beck a race baiter and hater because he held a rally to restore honor and faith in our country on the anniversary of MLK's I Have a Dream Speech. He doesn't even seem to understand the hypocrisy.
Al Sharpton is a man who is a Reverend and a civil rights activist and the question he was being asked is why as a black man was he ok for a fetus to be treated as not a person the same way slaves were at the time of the founding of this country, one that he would not or could not answer. He also has sat back and allowed people to call Senator Santorum a racist when it is Santorum who is trying to stop the destruction of the black family that abortion has tried to do. Rev. Al, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Go and take a gander at the comments written under this video on you tube; Santorum is the racist and Sharpton is the man who is trying to help the black community. How did their thinking get so backwards?
Some of My Favorite Tweets of the SOTU Speech
One of these is mine. Can you guess which one?
I hope this Bachmann response doesn't become tradition. I don't want to have to watch Bernie Sanders respond next time there's a GOP prez
Not that I didn't enjoy hearing about Ryan's kids.
So tonights summary: Obama missed the mark, Ryan missed the good old days, and Bachmann missed the camera.
"principled compromise" = his principles, GOP compromise. #NoSale
"That's why we created rules that let your bank charge you more for having a debit card." #sotu
CNN to apologize for airing Obama's "break the back" of the recession metaphor. #SOTU
RT @breeannehowe: Breaking: Couples to dance down the isle to "I Gotta Feeling" at #SOTU tonight!
Well At Least He Didn't Insult The Supreme Court
Hmm...maybe the Tea Party Express could get more funding if it were high-speed, too.
@RepPaulRyan liked your speech, but your voting record on such things such as medicare b and tarp leave me wondering about your priorities
WHoever did Michele Backmann's makeup should be fired and banned from doing TV work in the future. #sotu
lol "71% of americans weren't alive during Sputnik and might mistake it for jewish soul food" the cbs analysts
I hope this Bachmann response doesn't become tradition. I don't want to have to watch Bernie Sanders respond next time there's a GOP prez
Not that I didn't enjoy hearing about Ryan's kids.
So tonights summary: Obama missed the mark, Ryan missed the good old days, and Bachmann missed the camera.
"principled compromise" = his principles, GOP compromise. #NoSale
"That's why we created rules that let your bank charge you more for having a debit card." #sotu
CNN to apologize for airing Obama's "break the back" of the recession metaphor. #SOTU
RT @breeannehowe: Breaking: Couples to dance down the isle to "I Gotta Feeling" at #SOTU tonight!
Well At Least He Didn't Insult The Supreme Court
Hmm...maybe the Tea Party Express could get more funding if it were high-speed, too.
@RepPaulRyan liked your speech, but your voting record on such things such as medicare b and tarp leave me wondering about your priorities
WHoever did Michele Backmann's makeup should be fired and banned from doing TV work in the future. #sotu
lol "71% of americans weren't alive during Sputnik and might mistake it for jewish soul food" the cbs analysts
Bachmann's Tea Party Response to SOTU
I am a wonk kind of person, so I just love her charts. Now, I don't know who set up the camera, but her prompter was off center.
The rumor is that even though publicly the GOP leadership is supportive of this speech, privately they are quited peeved at her for doing this. She is a loose cannon as far as the party establishment is concerned, that is why she didn't get support for a leadership position. But, that is exactly why the Tea Party loves her so much.
The rumor is that even though publicly the GOP leadership is supportive of this speech, privately they are quited peeved at her for doing this. She is a loose cannon as far as the party establishment is concerned, that is why she didn't get support for a leadership position. But, that is exactly why the Tea Party loves her so much.
Focus Group on State of the Union Address
Fox News did a focus group in Atlanta immediately following the SOTU speech. The group was split between McCain voters and Obama voters. They were not liking it too much.
While I don't normally believe what he says, I usually give him credit for giving a good speech. Tonight, he fell way short.
While I don't normally believe what he says, I usually give him credit for giving a good speech. Tonight, he fell way short.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Photo of The Day - The Carsiscle
This poor man was watching his beloved Jets lose to the Steelers the other night, and the pot hole he parked near started spewing water. The temperatures were so frigid that it froze his car solid.
He tried using a hammer and screwdriver, but that wasn't working very well; notice the broken back window. He had to call in sick to work while he working to remove the ice. Luckily, the city workers that were working on the water leak had a blow torch with them and helped him get his car thawed out. I think he has gotten enough attention so that his boss believes his story.
He tried using a hammer and screwdriver, but that wasn't working very well; notice the broken back window. He had to call in sick to work while he working to remove the ice. Luckily, the city workers that were working on the water leak had a blow torch with them and helped him get his car thawed out. I think he has gotten enough attention so that his boss believes his story.
SOTU Bingo
I wouldn't recommend doing a shot every time you hear civility or bi-partisan. At least I couldn't handle all those drinks.
The 2012 Race Begins, At Least in Virginia
There may be those that are not familiar with this story, but for me this is local. Five years ago the senator from Virginia was running for re-election and during a stump speech he used the word Maccaca about a supporter of his opponent, who happened to have a video camera with him. The video made national news and sunk his campaign. Jim Webb became the junior senator of Virginia and George Allen's promising career seemed to be over.
Senator Allen was also the governor before becoming our senator. He was much beloved in the state of Virginia and was on the short list for a run for the presidency in 08. Of course that didn't happen, as he was still considered dead in the water. Today, George Allen announced his candidacy for the senate. He will be going up against the same opponent, the now senior Senator Jim Webb. Webb, was once a Reagan republican, who ran as a moderate. He has supported much of the Obama agenda. He disagrees with Obamacare, but voted for anyway. There are rumors that he may not even run for re-election,
But, even with all this intrigue this isn't the most interesting part of the story. Senator Allen once had an employee named Jamie Radtke. Jamie is the founder of the Richmond Tea Party and is one the main organizers of the states Tea Party organization. Virginia's Tea Party's are very well organized on a state level. While they are all individual groups, there are mechanisms in place to organize on a state level for different pieces of legislation and to lobby our Governor. We also had the first state Tea Party Convention. Jamie was instrumental in getting this organized and it came off without a noticeable hitch, so needless to say she is well respected within the tea party community in the state.
Jamie worked for Allen during his time as Governor as well as when he was in the senate. She is also running for the republican nomination for the senate seat. It is going to be an interesting nomination process.
Senator Allen is very well respected in conservative circles (there are detractors of course, but he is mainly well liked) and has the huge advantage of being able to get a big megaphone. He made his "official" announcement on Hannity, this after being interviewed by Virginia resident Mark Levin.
Senator Allen was also the governor before becoming our senator. He was much beloved in the state of Virginia and was on the short list for a run for the presidency in 08. Of course that didn't happen, as he was still considered dead in the water. Today, George Allen announced his candidacy for the senate. He will be going up against the same opponent, the now senior Senator Jim Webb. Webb, was once a Reagan republican, who ran as a moderate. He has supported much of the Obama agenda. He disagrees with Obamacare, but voted for anyway. There are rumors that he may not even run for re-election,
But, even with all this intrigue this isn't the most interesting part of the story. Senator Allen once had an employee named Jamie Radtke. Jamie is the founder of the Richmond Tea Party and is one the main organizers of the states Tea Party organization. Virginia's Tea Party's are very well organized on a state level. While they are all individual groups, there are mechanisms in place to organize on a state level for different pieces of legislation and to lobby our Governor. We also had the first state Tea Party Convention. Jamie was instrumental in getting this organized and it came off without a noticeable hitch, so needless to say she is well respected within the tea party community in the state.
Jamie worked for Allen during his time as Governor as well as when he was in the senate. She is also running for the republican nomination for the senate seat. It is going to be an interesting nomination process.
Senator Allen is very well respected in conservative circles (there are detractors of course, but he is mainly well liked) and has the huge advantage of being able to get a big megaphone. He made his "official" announcement on Hannity, this after being interviewed by Virginia resident Mark Levin.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Date Night at the Capitol
Our legislators have decided to go through with the nonsense of "sitting together" at the State of Union address tomorrow evening. While I have no problem with who sits where, but why go through this farce? It is strictly symbolic and won't change a darn thing when it comes time to vote. While I am sympathetic to the lawmakers right now, as I am sure the shooting of Congresswoman Giffords has been difficult on them. It hit very close to them and they are wondering if it will happen to them.
Here are the seating arrangements for Prom Night:
Tom Coburn and Chuck Schumer
Kristen Gillibrand and John Thune
Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson (hey they are from the same state, isn't this kinda like taking your cousin?)
Kay Bailey Hutchinson was asked "out" by Kent Conrad on Sunday Morning TV.
Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns
Amy Koubacher and Jeff Sessions
Two more states have kissing cousins: Illinois and Pennsylvania
Rumor has it that Joe Lieberman will be with Susan Collins. (Will anyone even realize that they are from different parties?)
Scott Brown and Tom Carper
Scott Udall, the initiator of this idea will be taking none other than John McCain. After all, McCain is going to have to find a new democrat buddy soon as Lieberman is retiring. So, this may just be the match made in heaven (or hell, depending on your point of view).
Polls show that 75% think inter party seating is a good idea. Actually, I would like to see them get good legislation passed and forgo the semantics. But, that’s just me.
Here are the seating arrangements for Prom Night:
Tom Coburn and Chuck Schumer
Kristen Gillibrand and John Thune
Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson (hey they are from the same state, isn't this kinda like taking your cousin?)
Kay Bailey Hutchinson was asked "out" by Kent Conrad on Sunday Morning TV.
Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns
Amy Koubacher and Jeff Sessions
Two more states have kissing cousins: Illinois and Pennsylvania
Rumor has it that Joe Lieberman will be with Susan Collins. (Will anyone even realize that they are from different parties?)
Scott Brown and Tom Carper
Scott Udall, the initiator of this idea will be taking none other than John McCain. After all, McCain is going to have to find a new democrat buddy soon as Lieberman is retiring. So, this may just be the match made in heaven (or hell, depending on your point of view).
Polls show that 75% think inter party seating is a good idea. Actually, I would like to see them get good legislation passed and forgo the semantics. But, that’s just me.
Liberal Policy Irony of the Day
When Nanny Pelosi took over as Speaker of the House she wanted to "green" the buildings to make our government more energy efficient as well as to show it saved money. Today it was announced that the composting program that has been in effect since 2006 will be stopped.
A spokesman from Pelosi office stated:
As long as it remains less energy efficient and more expensive there won't be any competition. See, that is how the free market works. There is no market to do something that is expensive and inefficient, unless of course the US Government is involved.
"After a thorough review of the House’s composting operations, I have concluded that it is neither cost effective nor energy efficient to continue the program. While I am suspending this program because it is costly and increases energy consumption, I would like to assure the House community that this Committee will continue to evaluate all components of House operations and will work with the appropriate agencies to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices when feasible.”
A spokesman from Pelosi office stated:
"Obviously, it is disappointing to see this important component of the program suspended,” said Drew Hammill, a spokesman for Pelosi. “The commercial food composting industry has not fully developed yet, and we would hope that when a closer commercial composting site opens and more competition brings down costs, the program would be reinstituted.”
As long as it remains less energy efficient and more expensive there won't be any competition. See, that is how the free market works. There is no market to do something that is expensive and inefficient, unless of course the US Government is involved.
Portman, Skins, Sex and the City, and Abortion - The Ties that Do Bind
The new movie No Strings Attached was #1 at the box office this weekend. It is a romantic comedy starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher about causal sex. The basic premise of the movie is to tell the story of what happens between friends who decide to have a sexual relationship that doesn't include romance. Now, I have not seen the movie, but I have read the reviews of it. Some are good, others not so much. I was going to do a post on the new MTV show Skins and decided that I should watch it to fully understand what everyone was talking about. Believe me, don't waste your time watching that show, it is horrid. The storyline is stupid and childish and it is chock full of bad acting. I can't imagine it will stay on the air as the advertisers are running away from the show very quickly.
I have read a great deal of the reporting on the butcher that calls himself an abortion doctor in Pennsylvania. There is no other way to describe that man other than evil, pure evil. While reading all the awful stories from the grand jury testimony one must ask themselves where does this type of thought process come from. While it would a leap too wide to say that Skins and No Strings Attached are to blame for it, but it is part of the problem. Especially when it comes to Skins, as this is directed to a much younger crowd. While MTV puts a disclaimer on the show about the adult content, the cast is in high school. There is only a certain age group that is interested in the lifestyles of the young and depraved. It is really the high school version of Sex and the City without the wit and charisma.
We have constant images of casual sex and the meaning of what feminism is supposed to mean. While this isn't a big deal for the more mature of the audience, but is it really harmless to the young? We are telling young adults that sex has no real meaning other than to scratch an itch. We are also saying that they are not real consequences to the choices that we make in life. These shows don't talk about the real consequences of how unwanted pregnancies lead to the debauchery that is being seen in that abortion house of horrors. How there are doctors that are quite literally making millions of dollars off the casual sex that has "no consequences". Can we keep telling ourselves that their aren't real consequences to this types of actions?
In New York City is said that almost about 40% of all pregnancies now end in abortion. Do we really still have to hear the lies that abortion is not used as a form of birth control? New York City has drug stores and family planning clinics galore, the reasoning behind this many abortions cannot be simply due to lack of access to birth control or by instances of violence as the left is always trying to say that it is. There is a lack of responsibility of these people, both the man and the woman.
Take Sex and the City for example, it spent 6 seasons glamorizing a life filled with sex without emotion in the character of Samantha. The series did decide to take the high road at the end and put everyone in a loving and lasting relationship; even Samantha who found love with a younger man who accepted her for who she is. The movie then decided to end that relationship and she decided that sleeping around without commitment was much a better option for a woman who just turned 50. These are the messages that we are telling to impressionable young women. The story of Samantha was an either or situation. She couldn't have a career and love, she had to make a choice. I refuse to accept that as the only option for women. Plenty of woman find real fulfillment from a lasting marriage to man who loves you just as deeply as you love him. There is nothing inherently wrong with this.
While it is true that as a parent it is your job to teach your child values, but the constant images and peer pressure that comes from their friends are sometimes too difficult to overcome and this barrage of bad influences that don't tell the entire story certainly don't make the job any easier on parents of teenagers. Where are the movies that tell them that having a child out-of-wedlock before you finish school will more than likely lead you to a life on public assistance? Where are the movies that show that once you have a child you can't go hand out with your friends on a Friday night because your too exhausted? When do they get told that the person you fall in love with at 18 is not likely to the person you are still in love with at 35?
In No Strings Attached, like most other movies, it has a happy ending. The couple pays no real price for the free sex and end up living happily ever after. When the reality is that almost never happens. I actually do know someone who did marry her friend with benefits after insisting that it was just sex. They now have three children. But, that is not the norm. In the vast majority of the cases what ends up happening is that someone gets hurt. The "free sex" turns into an emotional tie that doesn't bind them together, but since it is one-sided the other person ends up with nothing more than heartbreak and the realization that they were used. I would venture to say that in most instances it is the woman who ends up with the short end of that stick.
It is time that we start telling the truth to young women. Free sex is almost never really free. If you are not ready to become a parent, the only sure form of birth control is not having sex. Abortion is a big business that includes people who are making millions of dollars of the sorrow from the lies we are telling young women. There is a price a to pay for all the images that are being brought to our kids on the movie and television screens. We need to tell our kids that we are no longer going to accept the lie that the people on the left keep spreading when they say they want abortion to safe and rare. If you really want to see what a monster really looks like, go over to Pundit and Pundette; as she has plenty of disturbing reading to show what the reality is. A story that needs to be told, so thanks to Jill for having the courage to tell it.
Cross Posted at PotLuck
I have read a great deal of the reporting on the butcher that calls himself an abortion doctor in Pennsylvania. There is no other way to describe that man other than evil, pure evil. While reading all the awful stories from the grand jury testimony one must ask themselves where does this type of thought process come from. While it would a leap too wide to say that Skins and No Strings Attached are to blame for it, but it is part of the problem. Especially when it comes to Skins, as this is directed to a much younger crowd. While MTV puts a disclaimer on the show about the adult content, the cast is in high school. There is only a certain age group that is interested in the lifestyles of the young and depraved. It is really the high school version of Sex and the City without the wit and charisma.
We have constant images of casual sex and the meaning of what feminism is supposed to mean. While this isn't a big deal for the more mature of the audience, but is it really harmless to the young? We are telling young adults that sex has no real meaning other than to scratch an itch. We are also saying that they are not real consequences to the choices that we make in life. These shows don't talk about the real consequences of how unwanted pregnancies lead to the debauchery that is being seen in that abortion house of horrors. How there are doctors that are quite literally making millions of dollars off the casual sex that has "no consequences". Can we keep telling ourselves that their aren't real consequences to this types of actions?
In New York City is said that almost about 40% of all pregnancies now end in abortion. Do we really still have to hear the lies that abortion is not used as a form of birth control? New York City has drug stores and family planning clinics galore, the reasoning behind this many abortions cannot be simply due to lack of access to birth control or by instances of violence as the left is always trying to say that it is. There is a lack of responsibility of these people, both the man and the woman.
Take Sex and the City for example, it spent 6 seasons glamorizing a life filled with sex without emotion in the character of Samantha. The series did decide to take the high road at the end and put everyone in a loving and lasting relationship; even Samantha who found love with a younger man who accepted her for who she is. The movie then decided to end that relationship and she decided that sleeping around without commitment was much a better option for a woman who just turned 50. These are the messages that we are telling to impressionable young women. The story of Samantha was an either or situation. She couldn't have a career and love, she had to make a choice. I refuse to accept that as the only option for women. Plenty of woman find real fulfillment from a lasting marriage to man who loves you just as deeply as you love him. There is nothing inherently wrong with this.
While it is true that as a parent it is your job to teach your child values, but the constant images and peer pressure that comes from their friends are sometimes too difficult to overcome and this barrage of bad influences that don't tell the entire story certainly don't make the job any easier on parents of teenagers. Where are the movies that tell them that having a child out-of-wedlock before you finish school will more than likely lead you to a life on public assistance? Where are the movies that show that once you have a child you can't go hand out with your friends on a Friday night because your too exhausted? When do they get told that the person you fall in love with at 18 is not likely to the person you are still in love with at 35?
In No Strings Attached, like most other movies, it has a happy ending. The couple pays no real price for the free sex and end up living happily ever after. When the reality is that almost never happens. I actually do know someone who did marry her friend with benefits after insisting that it was just sex. They now have three children. But, that is not the norm. In the vast majority of the cases what ends up happening is that someone gets hurt. The "free sex" turns into an emotional tie that doesn't bind them together, but since it is one-sided the other person ends up with nothing more than heartbreak and the realization that they were used. I would venture to say that in most instances it is the woman who ends up with the short end of that stick.
It is time that we start telling the truth to young women. Free sex is almost never really free. If you are not ready to become a parent, the only sure form of birth control is not having sex. Abortion is a big business that includes people who are making millions of dollars of the sorrow from the lies we are telling young women. There is a price a to pay for all the images that are being brought to our kids on the movie and television screens. We need to tell our kids that we are no longer going to accept the lie that the people on the left keep spreading when they say they want abortion to safe and rare. If you really want to see what a monster really looks like, go over to Pundit and Pundette; as she has plenty of disturbing reading to show what the reality is. A story that needs to be told, so thanks to Jill for having the courage to tell it.
Cross Posted at PotLuck
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Some Presidential Nuggets - Senator John Thune
The watch is on for which candidates will be throwing their hats into the ring for the GOP presidential nomination. A name that gets kicked around a bit, but isn't among the top tier is John Thune. Thune pulled of a major upset when he beat Senate Majority leader Daschle in 2004.
Thune has a record of a fiscal conservative, but has come under the ire from parts of the Tea Party when he originally stated he wouldn't back the earmark ban. By the time the vote came around, he did indeed back the ban. To me this was a major sign that he was seriously considering a run. While there are legitimate arguments of why a ban on earmarks are a bad idea, most of the Tea Party activists are not interested in supporting someone who makes them.
Senator Thune has been putting out feelers in New Hampshire about fundraising prospects and has made two appearances in Iowa in the past week. The first primary and caucus states, which with a good showing can propel a lesser known candidate to a good showing in the primaries. This is what happened to Mike Huckabee, although he didn't end up getting the nomination but no one thought he would come in second when he started. One difference being that Thune already has $7 million in the bank, far more than Huckabee would have started out with. That money could by some ad time that will get his name out there and help with the all important get out the vote effort.
Thune will make an interesting candidate, he has solid conservative cred on many issues and will help keep the debate to the right. Which in the Tea Party climate that is what is going to be necessary in order to come out on top in the primary contest. My biggest issue with Thune is that he is a career politician, who hasn't really had jobs outside of the government, he served under Reagan at the Small Business Administration, was the executive director for the Republican Party in North Dakota, and served as the State Director of the Railroad among a few other positions before running for Congress.
Thune has a record of a fiscal conservative, but has come under the ire from parts of the Tea Party when he originally stated he wouldn't back the earmark ban. By the time the vote came around, he did indeed back the ban. To me this was a major sign that he was seriously considering a run. While there are legitimate arguments of why a ban on earmarks are a bad idea, most of the Tea Party activists are not interested in supporting someone who makes them.
Senator Thune has been putting out feelers in New Hampshire about fundraising prospects and has made two appearances in Iowa in the past week. The first primary and caucus states, which with a good showing can propel a lesser known candidate to a good showing in the primaries. This is what happened to Mike Huckabee, although he didn't end up getting the nomination but no one thought he would come in second when he started. One difference being that Thune already has $7 million in the bank, far more than Huckabee would have started out with. That money could by some ad time that will get his name out there and help with the all important get out the vote effort.
Thune will make an interesting candidate, he has solid conservative cred on many issues and will help keep the debate to the right. Which in the Tea Party climate that is what is going to be necessary in order to come out on top in the primary contest. My biggest issue with Thune is that he is a career politician, who hasn't really had jobs outside of the government, he served under Reagan at the Small Business Administration, was the executive director for the Republican Party in North Dakota, and served as the State Director of the Railroad among a few other positions before running for Congress.
You Cut
You Cut is back and since Republicans are in the majority now, these will actually have a chance of passing.
End the Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Program
Saves $10 million over ten years at current spending levels
President Obama has proposed terminating the Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural program which provides grants to nonprofit educational organizations to establish facilities that house, display, and interpret artifacts relating to the history of the Underground Railroad. According to the Administration, "Federal funds provided in prior fiscal years have enabled a number of program grantees to make progress in securing private support by using public-private partnerships and creating endowment funds to support ongoing operations. The types of museum exhibits that are supported by this program are also eligible for funding under several broader grant competitions through the Institute of Museum and Library Services."
End Exchanges with Historic Whaling and Trading Partners Program
Savings of $87.5 million over ten years
The Exchanges with Historic Whaling and Trading Partners program provides non-competitive grants to support culturally-based educational activities “to assist Alaska Natives, native Hawaiians, and children and families living in Massachusetts linked by history and tradition to Alaska and Hawaii, and members of any federally recognized Indian tribe in Mississippi.” The President has proposed terminating this program in part because it is non-competitive in nature, there is no reliable performance data by which to measure the outcomes of the program, and it has “narrow goals [that] are more appropriately served with State, local, and private funding.”
End the Presidential Election Fund
Savings of $520 million over ten years.
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund provides federal tax dollars in the form of matching funds to candidates in Presidential primaries provided the candidates qualify and agree to abide by certain spending and contribution limits. It provides grants to qualifying Presidential candidates in general elections, if they agree not to accept other contributions. The program also provides grants to sponsor national party conventions. In short, it provides taxpayer subsidies to political candidates and parties. Since 2000, some major candidates have chosen to forgo public financing. While some have argued that providing even more taxpayer funding for this program might entice more candidates to participate, eliminating the program all together would save taxpayers $520 million over ten years and would require candidates and political parties to rely on private donations rather than tax dollars. The amount of funding for the public financing system is determined by checkoffs on income tax returns, and taxpayer participation via the checkoffs has declined from 28.7% in 1980 to 7.3% in 2009.
You can vote here
End the Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Program
Saves $10 million over ten years at current spending levels
President Obama has proposed terminating the Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural program which provides grants to nonprofit educational organizations to establish facilities that house, display, and interpret artifacts relating to the history of the Underground Railroad. According to the Administration, "Federal funds provided in prior fiscal years have enabled a number of program grantees to make progress in securing private support by using public-private partnerships and creating endowment funds to support ongoing operations. The types of museum exhibits that are supported by this program are also eligible for funding under several broader grant competitions through the Institute of Museum and Library Services."
End Exchanges with Historic Whaling and Trading Partners Program
Savings of $87.5 million over ten years
The Exchanges with Historic Whaling and Trading Partners program provides non-competitive grants to support culturally-based educational activities “to assist Alaska Natives, native Hawaiians, and children and families living in Massachusetts linked by history and tradition to Alaska and Hawaii, and members of any federally recognized Indian tribe in Mississippi.” The President has proposed terminating this program in part because it is non-competitive in nature, there is no reliable performance data by which to measure the outcomes of the program, and it has “narrow goals [that] are more appropriately served with State, local, and private funding.”
End the Presidential Election Fund
Savings of $520 million over ten years.
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund provides federal tax dollars in the form of matching funds to candidates in Presidential primaries provided the candidates qualify and agree to abide by certain spending and contribution limits. It provides grants to qualifying Presidential candidates in general elections, if they agree not to accept other contributions. The program also provides grants to sponsor national party conventions. In short, it provides taxpayer subsidies to political candidates and parties. Since 2000, some major candidates have chosen to forgo public financing. While some have argued that providing even more taxpayer funding for this program might entice more candidates to participate, eliminating the program all together would save taxpayers $520 million over ten years and would require candidates and political parties to rely on private donations rather than tax dollars. The amount of funding for the public financing system is determined by checkoffs on income tax returns, and taxpayer participation via the checkoffs has declined from 28.7% in 1980 to 7.3% in 2009.
You can vote here
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Romney Wins New Hampshire Presidential Straw Poll
The State GOP Conference held a straw poll today for president. The very odd thing about this poll is that they also elected the party chair who was the Tea Party Candidate. A very mixed message indeed. No one in my Tea Party group would back Romney. Romneycare is going to be a huge hurdle for him to get over. But, this is going to be good news for Herman Cain who came in second behind by only 1% of the vote. The next closest was Ron Paul with 11% of the vote.
With the New Hampshire primary being a year away, this doesn't mean all that much. But, the fact that Herman Cain got such a large percentage of the vote does bode well that he will be able to raise some money to get his primary bid off the ground.
Mitt Romney 35%
Ron Paul 11%
Tim Pawlenty 8%
Sarah Palin 7%
Michele Bachmann 5%
Jim DeMint 5%
Herman Cain 34% (I don't know if this number is right, another listing has this at 4% not 34%)
Chris Christie 3%
Rick Santorum 3%
Mitch Daniels 3%
Newt Gingrich 3%
Mike Huckabee 3%
Mike Pence 3%
Rudy Giuliani 2%
Judd Gregg 2%
Gary Johnson 2%
Other 2%
Donald Trump 1%
Haley Barbour 1%
Jon Huntsman 0%
John Thune 0%
With the New Hampshire primary being a year away, this doesn't mean all that much. But, the fact that Herman Cain got such a large percentage of the vote does bode well that he will be able to raise some money to get his primary bid off the ground.
Mitt Romney 35%
Ron Paul 11%
Tim Pawlenty 8%
Sarah Palin 7%
Michele Bachmann 5%
Jim DeMint 5%
Herman Cain 34% (I don't know if this number is right, another listing has this at 4% not 34%)
Chris Christie 3%
Rick Santorum 3%
Mitch Daniels 3%
Newt Gingrich 3%
Mike Huckabee 3%
Mike Pence 3%
Rudy Giuliani 2%
Judd Gregg 2%
Gary Johnson 2%
Other 2%
Donald Trump 1%
Haley Barbour 1%
Jon Huntsman 0%
John Thune 0%
Careful What You Text - Kim Clijsters Calls Out Todd Woodbridge
I am huge tennis fan and the first major tourney of the year is underway in Australia. This tickled my funny bone.
Enjoy -
Enjoy -
Olbermann and MSNBC Say Farewell
Keith Olbermann aired his final show on MSNBC tonight. Apparently a deal of some sort was made earlier this week. Olbermann will paid out for his contract for the next two years and will be unable to appear on television until that contract comes to an end.
If you want a good laugh, go read the comments on HuffPo. Apparently the world is coming to an end.
Some have decided that boycotting Comcast is the way to go. Others are unsure if Olbie's replacement, Lawrence O'Donnell is sufficiently liberal enough. After all he said he wasn't a liberal, he's a socialist.
Rumor is that he was indeed fired because he didn't play well with others. Shocker!!! I mean really, who would think that a man that arrogant would be difficult to get along with. I never saw that coming.
Apparently, the meme that Comcast likes republicans isn't going to work to well:
$22,200 Republican
$119,050 Democrat
Political Contributions. So, it isn't that Comcast likes the GOP, they just aren't that into poor ol' Olbie.
If you want a good laugh, go read the comments on HuffPo. Apparently the world is coming to an end.
Some have decided that boycotting Comcast is the way to go. Others are unsure if Olbie's replacement, Lawrence O'Donnell is sufficiently liberal enough. After all he said he wasn't a liberal, he's a socialist.
Rumor is that he was indeed fired because he didn't play well with others. Shocker!!! I mean really, who would think that a man that arrogant would be difficult to get along with. I never saw that coming.
Apparently, the meme that Comcast likes republicans isn't going to work to well:
$22,200 Republican
$119,050 Democrat
Political Contributions. So, it isn't that Comcast likes the GOP, they just aren't that into poor ol' Olbie.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Keep DC Walmart Free Private Home Protest
Walmart is trying to open a store in The District. It has run into a great deal of opposition, mainly by pro union groups. Walmart seems to run into these problems in major urban areas due to them not being unionized. The particular group protesting this store is called Walmart Free DC. Who is funding this organization has been difficult to figure out, but the previous organization that was fighting Walmart's from opening in DC was funded by SEIU. There is no way to know for sure if they just changed names to hide the SEIU funding, but it isn't a stretch to think so, as SEIU has been very active in keeping Walmart out of New York City and Los Angeles as well.
While I am not protector of Walmart as I have real issues with their business practices. I will admit that they have gotten better about providing health insurance to its workers and the wages have gone up. I solve my issues by simply not shopping there. Well, that is not enough for the people who decided to go to the private home of one of the developers tonight.
Walmart is trying to open a store near Georgia Ave in Washington, DC. Georgia Avenue is not a very good neighborhood for the most part. It is an area that has a great deal of people that live near or below the poverty line. In these areas the unemployment rate of 18-25 year olds is very high, somewhere around 25%. This also is not area that has a great deal of "mom and pop" small businesses. It is in dire need of being upgraded to improve the lives of the people who live there.
One of the main things that these types of protesters use for stopping stores like Walmart coming to town is the fact that in many instances they will drive small businesses out of the immediate area. I actually agree with this as this happened to the town I grew up in. A Home Depot opened up just over the city line and the family owned hardware store went out of business in less than a year. But since this area doesn't have this issue and also has high unemployment wouldn't Walmart be a good idea for this type of neighborhood?
I will give this group of protestors some credit that they did stay on public property. It didn't look like Mr. Knapp was at home, as this was well advertised in advance. There was only one light on in the hallway next to the front door; the rest of the house remained dark. The same couldn't be said of the neighbors. This, by the way, is a very nice section of the District, it is the row houses near the zoo. I witnessed one older woman coming out in her nightgown to complain to the police who were stationed near the house. The police told her that they were within their legal rights to protest as they were on public property. She was not happy to hear this and started yelling at the group to go home. I am sure that their chants of Hey Hey Ho Ho Walmart has Got to Go, and Mr. Knapp if Walmart comes We'll be back (isn't that a threat? I thought that wasn't allowed in this time of civility) were quite annoying. The protesters were pretty loud, as I could hear them about a block away when I was walking to the house from my parking space.
The vast majority of the protesters were young and white. My question is do they understand what it is like to live in a neighborhood like Georgia Avenue? I will admit it; I won't go to this neighborhood, it is a bad area. The people that live there in many cases don't have cars and have to rely on public transportation to get to and from stores. I would venture to say that a good percentage of that neighborhood live on public assistance in some form or another. Wouldn't a less expensive place for them to shop be a good thing? This store will create about 150-200 jobs. While that certainly won't solve all the problems in that neighborhood, but I am sure that those 200 people will be grateful to have that job, and a cheaper place to shop that is within walking distance.
I ran into Mary Katherine Hamm while I was down there and I told her that if my tea party showed up at a private home every newspaper and TV station would be down there covering it. The only media I saw was the local Fox station, the local ABC station and one reporter from the Washington Times. There could have been more that I didn't notice, but it wasn't overly crowded so I doubt it.
Sorry about the shaky video, I was cold.
While I am not protector of Walmart as I have real issues with their business practices. I will admit that they have gotten better about providing health insurance to its workers and the wages have gone up. I solve my issues by simply not shopping there. Well, that is not enough for the people who decided to go to the private home of one of the developers tonight.
Walmart is trying to open a store near Georgia Ave in Washington, DC. Georgia Avenue is not a very good neighborhood for the most part. It is an area that has a great deal of people that live near or below the poverty line. In these areas the unemployment rate of 18-25 year olds is very high, somewhere around 25%. This also is not area that has a great deal of "mom and pop" small businesses. It is in dire need of being upgraded to improve the lives of the people who live there.
One of the main things that these types of protesters use for stopping stores like Walmart coming to town is the fact that in many instances they will drive small businesses out of the immediate area. I actually agree with this as this happened to the town I grew up in. A Home Depot opened up just over the city line and the family owned hardware store went out of business in less than a year. But since this area doesn't have this issue and also has high unemployment wouldn't Walmart be a good idea for this type of neighborhood?
I will give this group of protestors some credit that they did stay on public property. It didn't look like Mr. Knapp was at home, as this was well advertised in advance. There was only one light on in the hallway next to the front door; the rest of the house remained dark. The same couldn't be said of the neighbors. This, by the way, is a very nice section of the District, it is the row houses near the zoo. I witnessed one older woman coming out in her nightgown to complain to the police who were stationed near the house. The police told her that they were within their legal rights to protest as they were on public property. She was not happy to hear this and started yelling at the group to go home. I am sure that their chants of Hey Hey Ho Ho Walmart has Got to Go, and Mr. Knapp if Walmart comes We'll be back (isn't that a threat? I thought that wasn't allowed in this time of civility) were quite annoying. The protesters were pretty loud, as I could hear them about a block away when I was walking to the house from my parking space.
The vast majority of the protesters were young and white. My question is do they understand what it is like to live in a neighborhood like Georgia Avenue? I will admit it; I won't go to this neighborhood, it is a bad area. The people that live there in many cases don't have cars and have to rely on public transportation to get to and from stores. I would venture to say that a good percentage of that neighborhood live on public assistance in some form or another. Wouldn't a less expensive place for them to shop be a good thing? This store will create about 150-200 jobs. While that certainly won't solve all the problems in that neighborhood, but I am sure that those 200 people will be grateful to have that job, and a cheaper place to shop that is within walking distance.
I ran into Mary Katherine Hamm while I was down there and I told her that if my tea party showed up at a private home every newspaper and TV station would be down there covering it. The only media I saw was the local Fox station, the local ABC station and one reporter from the Washington Times. There could have been more that I didn't notice, but it wasn't overly crowded so I doubt it.
Sorry about the shaky video, I was cold.
You Deserve Money Why?
This young woman wants to sue the mall for releasing this video. Why I agree that the mall security people shouldn't have released this, but it certainly doesn't rise to the level of a lawsuit. You can't see who she is, so how exactly was she damaged? No one would have known who she was had she not gone public. Also, do you really have an expectation of privacy when walking through a mall? Everyone is out to make a buck on something that they themselves are responsible for. We wonder why our legal system is so backlogged.
She should have been paying attention to where she was going. It is no one else's fault but her own. Buck up girl, and BTW it is funny.
Palin's Battle Hymn
I am sure that these two people are very well meaning, but my question is how is this different than the Obama song?
This is a cult of personality that is not healthy for our country. As Americans we should be questioning our leaders, not worshipping them. There isn't one single person that is going to save this country. It is going to be a collective effort.
This is a cult of personality that is not healthy for our country. As Americans we should be questioning our leaders, not worshipping them. There isn't one single person that is going to save this country. It is going to be a collective effort.
Oh, Thank Heavens - The Pandas Can Stay
Well, we gave a state dinner to the dictator of a country that doesn't allow free speech, jails dissenters, approves of forced abortions, jails the Nobel peace prize winner, and too many other abuses to mention, but we can keep the Pandas at the National Zoo. That makes it all worthwhile.
 |
| Mei Xiang and Tian Tian |
The Chinese and American people work together and create new opportunities together every single day. Mr. President, today we’ve shown that our governments can work together as well, for our mutual benefit. And that includes this bit of news -— under a new agreement, our National Zoo will continue to dazzle children and visitors with the beloved giant pandas.
The Irony of the State Dinner
He was served lobster, dry aged rib eye (what they couldn't spring for filet mignon?) with buttermilk crisp onions, a pear salad and apple pie.
At least Michelle wore the appropriate color. Does anyone else see the irony in the Nobel peace prize thing? The winner of the 09 peace prize is hosting a dinner for the jailer of the 10 winner?
I applaud the Republican leadership that turned down the invitations to this mockery.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
"Tiger Daughter" Responds to Critics
There has been much made of Amy Chua's essay and book on Chinese mothers. Her view of discipline is very easily described as extreme. Her daughters had no say in after school activities and only perfection was allowed. I am a believer in setting high goals for your children. I personally agree with one of the premises of the book that we have gotten to soft with our children. MTV's second most popular show is 16 and Pregnant. We also are on a road of dumbing down our school system and our society. It is all about feeling good and not hurting kids feelings. After all, we might damage their self esteem. We have law suits being filed because parents can't possibly say no on there own about taking their child to McDonald's for a Happy Meal. Apparently, a six year old is all powerful in the dinner decisions in some homes.
But, not allowing your child to have sleep overs and spending the vast majority of their free time practicing an instrument that you have chosen for them or doing homework isn't going to work with every child. The world requires that you form relationships. While I think all parents complain about teenagers trying too hard to fit in, but those are growing experiences as well. Unless you find a job that requires little to no interaction with other people that is a important part of the maturing process, because at some point building relationships and working together is something that you will need to do in life.
I would like to think there is something in between being too soft and being Tiger Mother.
But, not allowing your child to have sleep overs and spending the vast majority of their free time practicing an instrument that you have chosen for them or doing homework isn't going to work with every child. The world requires that you form relationships. While I think all parents complain about teenagers trying too hard to fit in, but those are growing experiences as well. Unless you find a job that requires little to no interaction with other people that is a important part of the maturing process, because at some point building relationships and working together is something that you will need to do in life.
I would like to think there is something in between being too soft and being Tiger Mother.
Everybody’s talking about the birthday cards we once made for you, which you rejected because they weren’t good enough. Funny how some people are convinced that Lulu and I are scarred for life. Maybe if I had poured my heart into it, I would have been upset. But let’s face it: The card was feeble, and I was busted. It took me 30 seconds; I didn’t even sharpen the pencil. That’s why, when you rejected it, I didn’t feel you were rejecting me. If I actually tried my best at something, you’d never throw it back in my face.
I remember walking on stage for a piano competition. I was so nervous, and you whispered, “Soso, you worked as hard as you could. It doesn’t matter how you do.”
Everybody seems to think art is spontaneous. But Tiger Mom, you taught me that even creativity takes effort. I guess I was a little different from other kids in grade school, but who says that’s a bad thing? Maybe I was just lucky to have nice friends. They used to put notes in my backpack that said “Good luck at the competition tomorrow! You’ll be great!” They came to my piano recitals — mostly for the dumplings you made afterward — and I started crying when I heard them yelling “bravo!” at Carnegie Hall.
When I got to high school, you realized it was time to let me grow up a little. All the girls started wearing makeup in ninth grade. I walked to CVS to buy some and taught myself how to use it. It wasn’t a big deal. You were surprised when I came down to dinner wearing eyeliner, but you didn’t mind. You let me have that rite of passage.
Another criticism I keep hearing is that you’re somehow promoting tunnel vision, but you and Daddy taught me to pursue knowledge for its own sake. In junior year, I signed myself up for a military-history elective (yes, you let me take lots of classes besides math and physics). One of our assignments was to interview someone who had experienced war. I knew I could get a good grade interviewing my grandparents, whose childhood stories about World War II I’d heard a thousand times. I mentioned it to you, and you said, “Sophia, this is an opportunity to learn something new. You’re taking the easy way out.” You were right, Tiger Mom. In the end, I interviewed a terrifying Israeli paratrooper whose story changed my outlook on life. I owe that experience to you.
There’s one more thing: I think the desire to live a meaningful life is universal. To some people, it’s working toward a goal. To others, it’s enjoying every minute of every day. So what does it really mean to live life to the fullest? Maybe striving to win a Nobel Prize and going skydiving are just two sides of the same coin. To me, it’s not about achievement or self-gratification. It’s about knowing that you’ve pushed yourself, body and mind, to the limits of your own potential. You feel it when you’re sprinting, and when the piano piece you’ve practiced for hours finally comes to life beneath your fingertips. You feel it when you encounter a life-changing idea, and when you do something on your own that you never thought you could. If I died tomorrow, I would die feeling I’ve lived my whole life at 110 percent.
And for that, Tiger Mom, thank you
The Retirement Train Has Started
Joe Lieberman will be announcing his retirement from the senate later today. Upon his retirement he will have served 24 years. He also made a bid for the presidency and was on the ticket for vice president with Al Gore in 2000.
Lieberman has raised the ire of the left on many occasions, especially when he backed his good friend John McCain for president over Obama and his support for the war on terror. While I have little that I agree with Lieberman on, he is an honest man who stands by his convictions.
I don't think this makes much of difference for the dems when it comes to trying to keep hold of the senate next year, as CT is a reliably blue state.
Lieberman has raised the ire of the left on many occasions, especially when he backed his good friend John McCain for president over Obama and his support for the war on terror. While I have little that I agree with Lieberman on, he is an honest man who stands by his convictions.
I don't think this makes much of difference for the dems when it comes to trying to keep hold of the senate next year, as CT is a reliably blue state.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Chris Matthews' Says Happy MLK Day, Well Sort Of
I go to Republican convention; I go to Democrat [convention] and as a white guy one of the things I notice about the difference – one thing I notice about black people at different conventions [is] you go to the Democrat convention [and] black folk are hanging together, having a good time. They’re smiling and enjoying themselves. They feel very much at home. You go to Republican [convention] – you get the feeling you are all told individually ‘now don’t bunch up; don’t get together, don’t crowd or you’ll scare these people’. Is that true in the Republican Party? Is that still true in your party?What a jerk. While there is no way to deny that the black community tends to vote for the democrats, that doesn't mean that republicans are afraid of them.
Did you fear that if you got together with some other African Americans that white guys might get scared of you?
Why would Chris be offended by the fact that the people of color are just treated like anyone else at the republican conventions? Isn't that the message that Dr. King was trying to get across? I don't care what color someone is, I care what kind of person they are. Obviously you still need to learn that lesson Mr. Matthews. Tell me again why I am the racist when from your statement it is the dems that "bunch them" together? Can't they hang where they want to?
Just Some Good Ol' Fashioned Family Fun - La Crosse Mascot Lap Dances
You know, I am not a prude. I really am not. But this goes way beyond the line of good taste. There were children in attendance. Lap dances for mascots is not something that I or anyone should be forced to explain to kids. The sound effects were especially classy. The team has apologized and says that it won't happen again. I would hope not.
What Was She Thinking?
Helena Bonham Carter at last night's Golden Globes Awards. I hope that she didn't pay a stylist to help her pick out that outfit, because if so, she deserves a refund.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Does The New York Times Still Want to Say Reading the Constitution was a Waste of Time? Elected Officials fail Quiz on Constitution
Well, the really sad state of this poll says that it really wasn't. It doesn't breakdown what offices these people hold, while that matters, it is still very scary that how badly they did.
You can take the quiz yourself and see how you do. I got 100% correct.
H/T Jill
But those elected officials who took the test scored an average 5 percentage points lower than the national average (49 percent vs. 54 percent), with ordinary citizens outscoring these elected officials on each constitutional question. Examples:Does the left want to rethink the jokes that they are making about Bachmann arranging lectures on the Constitution? Seems to me they are sorely needed.
•Only 49 percent of elected officials could name all three branches of government, compared with 50 percent of the general public.
•Only 46 percent knew that Congress, not the president, has the power to declare war -- 54 percent of the general public knows that.
•Just 15 percent answered correctly that the phrase "wall of separation" appears in Thomas Jefferson's letters -- not in the U.S. Constitution -- compared with 19 percent of the general public.
•And only 57 percent of those who've held elective office know what the Electoral College does, while 66 percent of the public got that answer right. (Of elected officials, 20 percent thought the Electoral College was a school for "training those aspiring for higher political office.")
You can take the quiz yourself and see how you do. I got 100% correct.
H/T Jill
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