What an End to the Year - Occupier Heckling Romney

I hadn't planned on posting again this year, but this was too good to resist.  Enjoy!!

2011 is Outta Here

We say goodbye to the year 2011 in just a short time, at least in my time zone.  We are all geared up for the presidential race that will take place in just over 11 months.  There will be plenty to blog about along the way.  I have looked up my stats for the past year and here are my top six posts for 2011.


Herman Cain on the issues (A collection of videos on his stances)  


Culture and Respect in Japan:


I have been very impressed by the fact that people in Japan have remained so calm. The pictures that we see are heartbreaking. The news reports are now talking about bodies are washing up on shore and there are not enough body bags and coffins for all the dead. They are living with the fear of nuclear meltdown which could have catastrophic effects on generations to come. The people have little food, in many cases they have no power, and to add insult to injury snow is in the forecast. 

What you are not seeing in Japan is looting. You are hearing stories of vendors who are lowering prices and in some cases giving emergency supplies to people in need. People are waiting in line in an orderly fashion even though gas lines can last for hours. In the Japanese culture, respect is considered to be of the highest importance. The belief system that when you shame yourself you bring shame onto the entire family. 


Read the rest


Photo of the day:

Yeah, Michelle All of That for the American Flag

Truly, I have tried to give the first couple the benefit of the doubt, when people say they “hate” America.  I don’t fall into the group of conservatives that have called them communists, or do I want to believe that they want to “destroy” America.  My personal belief has been that they firmly believe in more of quasi-socialist European style of government and would like to see that take hold in this country.  Something that I 100% disagree with and feel if that is how you want to live, move to Europe.  Heck, I will even put into the “here’s a plane ticket” fund and drive you to the airport.  You don’t like this style of government, get out.  No one is begging you to stay. 

But, yes Michelle, there are people in this country who pay great tribute to the flag in this country.  The reason, you may ask is that it is the promise of the ideal.  The promise of the American dream.  That if you work really hard you may be able to have your dreams come true in this country.  Even after she herself has watched her husband, a product of a broken marriage born to a white mother when bi-racial children and marriages were not widely accepted can grow up and lead this country proves that my vision of the American dream can come true for virtually anyone.  Even you, you ungrateful pig.  Anyone who reads my blog on a regular basis knows that I don’t take cheap shots and don’t like getting down in the dirt with the progressives in this country.  But this time you have pushed the wrong buttons

Read the rest

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. 

Read the Rest

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend - A Portrait of Hypocrisy:

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lt. Governor of Maryland and daughter of the late Robert Kennedy, is asking the question is Rick Perry as Christian as he says he is.  Since Perry puts his faith out there in the fashion he does it will be a question that comes up.  But I have to question the messenger here. 

Mrs. Townsend is pro-choice, oh sorry pro-conscience:

Read the rest

I wish you all a very Happy and Blessed New Year.  Stay safe tonight!!!

Corporate Responsibility, Personal Responsibility, Nike, and Michael Jordan

We have all heard the stories of the near riots that occurred when Nike released a new version of Air Jordan sneakers several days before Christmas.  There were arrests, damage to stores, toddlers left in cars, and pepper spray all brought out while the frenzy to be one of the lucky ones who got a pair.  Sneakers that are now on sale on Ebay for almost double the original cost.

Activists in the Houston area have asked the Michael Jordan and Nike take responsibility for the violence that occurred when they went on sale and the violence that has occurred to those who have a pair.

“It is the responsibility of Michael Jordan and Nike to stand up and be part of the solution. Right now it’s a public safety issue with children wearing those sneakers,”
“The people that can least afford these shoes are buying them, and what happens as a result of that? Well there’s more crime,”

So, it is Nike and Michael Jordan who are responsible for the violence?

I have had pretty strong opinions on Micheal Jordan during his entire career.  As a lifelong long-suffering Knicks fan, Michael Jordan and his Bulls team was nothing but a source of disappointment for me.  But above and beyond the fact that the Knicks could never get past the Bulls and go onto to win a title one of the things that always did annoy about Michael Jordan was his insistence of saying nothing no matter what was going on.  When asked about endorsing a political candidate running against the sitting republican senator of his home state his response was:

"Republicans buy sneakers, too."

Jordan made millions and possibly billions from endorsements.  His life has always seemed to be about the conquest and the next thing.  Some call that arrogant, I have always preferred to look at as the "eye of the tiger" if you will.  He always maintained an edge that made him better and more competitive.  His juices for the next title, the next trophy, the next accomplishment kept him at the top of his game for the majority of his basketball career.  He made very few errors until the very end of career  and once he went to the management side of things.  He has every right to go out and make money.  I believe in capitalism so have at it.  But I, for one, have always been disappointed that they he didn't take some stands on important issues.  Such as child labor in China, the breakdown of the black family (while since it has come out that he had more than one affair while he was married, that could be part of the reason) as he had an image of a family man, who grew up in a close family, and many other issues.  But he always kept his mouth shut and picked up his next check.  The same was true of Tiger Woods.

I am not a believer in parents sitting back while their children idolize some sports or music star.  We should be showing our children the real heroes in our society, first responders who put their lives on the line to protect their communities, our volunteer military who willing go off to war to protect our rights, the people who work at shelters and food banks to help the neediest amongst us for little pay, and countless others who get up everyday and just try to do the right thing.  Parents should be living a life that their children will be proud to follow as they grow and mature.

But we have become a culture of entitlement.  One of the activists said himself that the people who can afford them the least are the ones buying them.  A Black Panther is saying that Nike is responsible for the thefts that are occurring to the people who lucky enough to get a pair of these sneakers.  Another said this:

“These shoes have always had a place of value in Black life,”

Maybe instead of going after Nike to lower the price to keep up with the demand (I will let go of that obvious ignorance of how economics work) they should be having the discussion with parents of the kids who were rioting.  They should be talking to the kids themselves about coveting a pair of sneakers instead of looking at what the Christmas season is really about.  Maybe we should be telling these kids that expecting your parents to spend almost $200 on a pair of sneakers when they don't have a great deal of money isn't such a great idea.  Take this moment to teach them about personal responsibility instead of what we want and when we want it.  Let this be a teachable moment about how if we really want something we need to go out and work for it.  No, instead they are saying that Nike should lower the price.  How low should the price be?  Should Nike also give some away at no charge for the neediest of people because after all these shoes are part of "black life".  What about the non blacks who want these shoes too and can't afford them?

While I would love to see Michael Jordan take a real stand for once, the truth is, this isn't his responsibility.  This is the responsibility of the care givers of these children and young adults who caused all the mayhem last week.  It is up to the individual to act in a responsible manner, not some athlete who hasn't been on the scene in more than decade.

Quote of the Day - Lawrence Summers Edition

“Another cause of long-term unemployment is unionization. High union wages that exceed the competitive market rate are likely to cause job losses in the unionized sector of the economy.”

Lawrence Summers, former Economic Advisor to President Obama

Really, I never would have guessed.

Bachmann Names her VP Choices

Not that any of this will come to pass as she has no shot at the nomination, but Congresswoman Bachmann gave her list of possibilities for the VP slot:

"We've got a lot of wonderful candidates who would fit that bill, easily comes to mind I think would be Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina. Marco Rubio of Florida certainly would be in that category. There's a lot of great people out there. And Donald Trump is someone that I think a lot of people would be intrigued with, too."

Donald Trump?  I don't find that so intriguing.  


She also stated that Rick Santorum would be a very good Attorney General or VP.  


Interesting.  

RIP Cheetah - Tarzan Chimp Dies

I used to love watching these movies when I was little.

This is the Reason Why

I have heard some not so nice comments from people about my blogging about the homeless woman I have met.  There are a few who even told me that she did it to herself.  I had one person who knew none of the facts  tell me she had other choices.  Maybe she did, I can't say for certain.  But that doesn't change her reality.  People need to open their eyes to what is going on in this country.  There are hard working people who have not lived below the poverty line who are now living in situations that they never believed would happen to them.    
If the economy doesn't improve more and more people are going to end up in similar circumstances.

Some Thoughts on the Virginia Primary Ballot

As a resident of Virginia I will say that I am not at all pleased to have two choices and only two choices.  That said, there are very clear rules in place and every candidate had the same access to those rules.  Three candidates never even bothered to put in signatures for review.  I suppose they just never got enough to make it worthwhile.  One of those candidates, Rick Santorum, lives in Virginia.  

Now, our Lt. Governor Bill Bolling is one of the Chairs for the Virginia for Romney campaign.  That has led to some charges that he was rooting for this and possibly there was corruption involved.  Anyone involved in the republican party in Virginia could have gone to help verify the signatures.  I myself was sent an email with an invitation to attend and volunteer to help verify all the signatures.  There is no proof whatsoever that Bolling had anything to do with the outcome.  It is very unseemly to make these charges without any evidence to support them.  Bolling has already announced his bid for the Governorship in 13, I don't think he would take the chance of ruining his chances to help Mitt Romney get elected.  He has had his eyes on the governor's chair for quite some time.  The ballots were verified by mainly volunteers.  The likelihood that all of them were corrupted to push the outcome in any one direction is very hard to believe.  

Gingrich has made the following statement:

The Gingrich campaign responded that "only a failed system" would disqualify Gingrich and other candidates. It said Gingrich would pursue an aggressive write-in campaign in Virginia.

The law is very clear in Virginia, there is no option for a write in campaign.  While I am sure that people can still write in a name, it will not be counted.  This law has been in place since 1999.  This will be the fourth presidential election since these laws have been implemented.  In this time no other major candidate has failed to get on the ballot.  Here is a list of people who qualified for the Virginia ballots in the past:

2008 – Barack Obama, Dennis Kucinich, Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, John Edwards; Ron Paul, John McCain, Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney.
2004 – Al Sharpton, John Kerry, Wesley Clark, Howard Dean, Joe Lieberman, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Dick Gephardt, Lyndon Larouche.
2000 – Alan Keyes, Gary Bauer, George W. Bush, John McCain, Steve Forbes.

So Newt wants me to believe that the system is broken even when the likes of Lyndon Larouche or Al Sharpton can get the necessary signatures?  That doesn't pass the smell test to me.   Does it to you?  

This comes down to one thing and one thing only.  They lack the organization necessary to run a national campaign.  Running for president is very difficult.  As it should be since it is a very difficult job.  Even Jill over at Pundit and Pundette; a huge Perry supporter, asked if he was just winging it.  Perry turned in sheets that were not notarized.  A very simple and free thing to do.  It is also is clear indication that no one on Perry's staff bothered to look at the sheets when they were turned in by the volunteers.  I will give Perry credit here as he is not making himself into a victim as Newt appears to be doing.  So far he seems to accept the inevitable.  He will not be on the ballot for one of the biggest prizes of Super Tuesday. 

Look, getting people to sign these petitions is not easy.  I am not saying that it is, but they were only required to get less than barely over one tenth of one percent of qualified voters.  But the fact that it is difficult is the reason that an organized campaign is vital.  You must have the staff to organize the volunteers.  Another thing to remember is Virginia has off-year elections.  We had an election last month.  Every campaign has access to the information on where the voting locations were and what the past numbers of voters showing up to those locations are.   This is low hanging fruit, everyone showing up is a registered voter.  I volunteered on election day.  I only saw people out for Romney, Newt, and Obama.  I asked the other volunteers at the results party that I went to and none of them saw any for any of the other candidates that I listed.  I personally signed for Cain, Newt, and Rick Santorum.  I wouldn't sign for Romney and was never asked to sign for any other candidate.  I am also on the email list for virtually every candidate and was only asked to collect signatures for Romney and Cain.  

Newt would like to change the rules because he is unhappy with the results.  That is a leftist tactic.  I find it abhorrent that Newt is now looking for a way around the rules.  While I do feel cheated that I only have two choices on my ballot.  The people who cheated me were the candidates themselves.  

Now, I am going to get back to celebrating Christmas.  

Romney Will Be the GOP Nominee

The news for the anyone but Romney camp of the republican party is not good.  Only two candidates were able to qualify for the primary ballot in Virginia, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul.  All others either failed to get enough signatures or didn't follow the proper procedures to get on the ballot.  Gov. Perry turned in signature sheets that were not notarized.  Which means that his campaign didn't even bother to do a simple check to see if the volunteers who collected the signatures followed a simple procedure.  Rick Santorum and Newt both live in Virginia, so it is even more embarrassing that they didn't qualify.

Ron Paul's newsletters history is going to disqualify him in the eyes of too many in the general public.  It doesn't matter if he himself is racist or not (Which I don't believe that he is), but at the very least he is willing to close his eyes to the racist actions of the people around him and that is not acceptable in someone who wants to be the leader of the free world.  This is how it is going to look to the average voter and they will not elect a man that they to believe to be a racist or has ties to racists.

While I don't think that any of the candidates will be dropping out simply because of not being on the Virginia ballot, the truth is this, they have lost the money that will be needed to take Romney head on.  The inability to collect 10,000 signatures (in their home state no less for two candidates) is an indication that they are not ready for prime time.  Big money donors are a necessary evil to be competitive in our political system, whether this is right or not is not really relevant at this point, because that is just a fact for the time being.  While I and countless others would like to see this change, it won't change in time for the next election.

As much as this pains me to say this, Mitt Romney will be the nominee.  People have a choice to make, rally around him or stay home.

Make your choice.  I have made mine.  I will not pull the lever for Mitt Romney.  If Gary Johnson is on my ballot as the libertarian candidate, I will vote for him or I will leave it blank and move on to my congressional elections.

This will be the first time in my adult life that I will not be involved in some capacity for the election of our next president.  What will I do with all the extra time on my hands?

My Birthday Wish

Today is my birthday and I have to let go of the fantasy that I am not middle-aged.  It is an adjustment for me.  I have been pretty militant about keeping my birthday completely separate from Christmas for obvious reasons.  Be honest, how many times in your life have you gotten a "Happy Birthday to the Christmas Baby" card?  I have gotten many.  The gifts are not the issue, but it is the fact that allows people to put little effort into the day. I have to admit my mom was very good about it when I was little.  She had my birthday celebration earlier in the month and I had everything that anyone else had on their birthdays that happened not to fall on or near a major holiday.  That all changed about when I was 14 or so.  There was a time that my birthday cake was actually Christmas Day dessert.  Yeah, I had to wait two days to get cake.  I hated it.

But, you grow up and realize it is not that big of deal and you don't care as much anymore.  That has been true with the noted exception of a really horrible situation that occurred during a year that myself and four or five of my friends turned thirty.  But I got over that too.  Sort of.

Every year at my church we "adopt" ten needy families.  We make sure that they have everything that need to celebrate the holiday season.  Thanksgiving is at my church and it included a full meal and they always go home with leftovers to last a few more days.

Christmas is a little different that most people would like to spend it with their loved ones, so somehow December 23 got designated as the day that we spend giving the families all the fixings for their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.  A full meal, a tree with all the trimmings, warm clothes and boots for the upcoming winter weather, and of course we make sure every child has some sort of toy.  It may not seem like all that much, but it really does take a great deal of coordination to pull this off.  We try to arrange it so the kids are not at home when we come, not always possible, but that is our hope, to give them a real surprise.

The first few years or so I got involved in this project there was a little part of me that resented that was how I spent my birthday.  I then realized how selfish that was and I got over it.  I have come to really look forward to this day and always feel good knowing that these families are going to have a better Christmas than they would without our efforts.

This year, I wanted our church to help out Homeless and Conservative and brought it up several times at the meetings that I attended.  But, the project is geared to families with children and since she has no children they decided it was not a good use of the limited funds we have to make this possible every year.

I have done what I can to help her, and I am happy to report that she is getting closer to getting back on her feet.  She really should have only a short time left of being without a home.

So my birthday wish is that you take a few moments to help someone in need.  Money is tight all around, and you may not be able to give in a financial way, but if you happen to have a few extra can goods in your pantry, drop them off at a local food bank or shelter.  It is too late for Toys for Tots, but maybe you know a neighbor that has difficulty giving something to their children this year due to tight or non-existent funds, drop something off on their doorstep for Christmas morning.  (Or as in my case the traditional Scandinavian Christmas Eve celebration).

If even that is not possible take a moment to go over to visit Homeless and Conservative's blog and give her a Christmas greeting.  She will be spending Christmas Eve with me and mine having a traditional Scandinavian Christmas Eve, lutefisk and all.  But she could still use some holiday cheer to make her weekend a little brighter.  She has stayed mostly positive during this experience, but I know she is missing her Aunt who she is unable to go and visit due to both money and work related issues.

I hope everyone one of my regular readers has a memorable, safe, and very Blessed Christmas..  

Mumia Abu-Jamal Will Not Face Death Penalty

The prosecutors in the case against convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal announced that they will no longer be seeking the death penalty for the for 1981 death of police officer Daniel Faulkner.

Abu-Jamal has become a folk hero to the left who is against the death penalty.  Here is a list of honors he has received since being convicted:  From Wikipedia

Abu-Jamal has been made an honorary citizen of about 25 cities around the world, including Paris, Montreal, Palermo andCopenhagen.^[104][105] In 2001, he received the sixth biennial Erich Mühsam Prize, which recognizes outstanding activism on behalf of a liberatory vision of human society in keeping with that of its anarchist namesake;^[106] in particular, most of its awardees have been activists in the cause of social justice for persecuted minorities.^[107] In October 2002, he was awarded honorary membership of the Berlin-basedAssociation of Those Persecuted by the Nazi Regime – Federation of Antifascists and Antifascist Groups (VVN-BdA).^[108]On April 29, 2006, a newly-paved road in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis was named Rue Mumia Abu-Jamal in his honor.^[109] In protest of the street-naming, US Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) introduced resolutions in both Houses of Congress condemning the decision.^[110][111] The House of Representatives voted 368–31 in favor of the resolution.^[112] In December 2006, the 25th anniversary of the murder, the executive committee of the Republican Party for the 59th Ward of the City of Philadelphia—covering approximately Germantown, Philadelphia—filed two criminal complaints in the French legal system against the city of Paris and the city of Saint-Denis, accusing the municipalities of "glorifying" Abu-Jamal and alleging the offense "apology or denial of crime" in respect of their actions.^[104][113]

Any fair reading of the transcripts of the trial of this man would leave one to conclude that he is indeed a murderer.  He certainly never deserved all of these honors.  But, at least now the family of officer Faulkner can put this behind them and no longer have to keep going through the torment of will he or won't he face execution.     His widow was with the prosecutor as the announcement was made.

I hope this puts all this nonsense of the left turning this cop killer into some sort of folk hero and now he will just live out his days in obscurity.

Happy Chanukah

A friend of mine, who happens to be Jewish, told me that this is best video she has seen explaining history, and the religious and cultural struggle to survive.  


For those you celebrate Chanukah, enjoy the special time with your loved ones.  





H/T to Debbie Munoz

You Can't Fix Stupid

I am sure many of you have seen or heard about the father of the year who tied up his one-year-old child with duct tape.

The genius then decided to photograph it and post it on Facebook under the caption:

The photo went viral shortly after being posted.  I saw it a few nights ago and asked the person who posted it to tell me it was photoshopped.  No such luck.  This child abuser will be dealt with by the police and luckily for that poor little girl, child protective services has gotten involved and God willing she will never have to be subjected to this again. 

But what I found just as disturbing as a father doing this to his helpless child is this quote from a friend of his:

 "[He was] being playful with his child, people play with their children differently."

Mr. Curry is now in the cross hairs of law enforcement and child protective services.  But his friend, JeVanna Cubbins, is out running loose in the world.  You can't fix this kind of stupid.   Let's just all hope this woman can't be bothered to vote.  

My New Hero - Six-Year-Old Spends Prize Winnings on Sick Children

Meet Aiden Moe.  He is a six-year-old little boy who lives in Bryant, South Dakota.  He won a cash prize of $1,000 recently and decided to use that money to buy pillow pets for sick children in Brookings Hospital.    Apparently little Aiden was a patient in that hospital at one time and while there he was given a pillow pet.  He decided that all the sick kids needed to have one too.

This just warms my heart.  Most kids that age would want a new bike or video game system, but this little kid wanted to give back and help others.  At six he understands the true spirit of Christmas more than many adults do.  His proud mom said:

‘It makes me feel like I raised him well.’

I would say that she is 100% right and she did raise him well.

Quote of the Day - Meghan McCain Edition Part 4

"As much as you don't like talking about Calllista Gingrich, I think the fact that she was a third wife and a mistress and is coming off somewhat icy and [her] reputation of being somewhat controversial within their campaign is doing damage. Maybe just to politicos, but I think it's something that people, and especially values voters, will bring into the race."

Meghan McCain on Calista Gingrich being Newt's third wife.  


Oh, the irony.  Has she forgotten that her mother was seeing her father while he was married for about a year?  


I am sorry, but she is such a twit.   

Quote of the Day - Eric Holder Edition Part 3

“This is a way to get at the president because of the way I can be identified with him, both due to the nature of our relationship and, you know, the fact that we’re both African-American.”

Eric Holder on the uproar caused by Fast and Furious.


Gee, it couldn't have anything to do with the fact that a man died could it?  No, of course not.  it is Raaaaacism.  What else could it be.  


Please tell me when the race card will be maxed out.  

Things That Make You Say Hmm...........

There are Lay away Santa's popping up all over the country to help people pay for toys that are on lay away.  Yet we continue to live in society where Christmas is a dirty word.   Many retailers won't even use it.  But, they sure like profiting off of it don't they?  

Tim Tebow is brutally ridiculed for his Christian beliefs.  I guess the better role model would be James Loney who was recently pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving after causing a multiple car accident.  He was passed out in his car and when he woke up he fled the scene, but only after hitting yet another car.  When police tried to give him a breathalyzer he bit off the mouthpiece and spit it at the cop.  But no worries, he can keep his million dollar contract.  The Dodgers announced it won't affect his contract.  

The U.S. national debt has been increasing by an average of more than 4 billion dollars per day since the beginning of the Obama administration.

If the federal government began right at this moment to repay the U.S. national debt at a rate of one dollar per second, it would take over 440,000 years to pay off the national debt.

If Bill Gates gave every single penny of his fortune to the U.S. government, it would only cover the U.S. budget deficit for about 15 days.  So, can we stop with the stupidity that taxing the rich would take care of our problems.  

The U.S. Senate in all of its brilliance feels that we can pay for a payroll tax break by taking the money from new home buyers.  Yet, democrats will continue to tell you that they have not raised taxes on the middle class.  Why exactly do we think that putting money into Fannie and Freddie is a good idea?  Didn't this last housing bubble do enough damage?  

America is Not Buying What President Obama is Pushing

Gallup released a new poll that is not good for President Obama's campaign strategy.  







But what is really fascinating is this:





Even with the economy being much worse than it was in 1998 more than half feel that there being a difference between rich and poor is acceptable.  Another words, they like capitalism. 


President Obama should take heed.  Even in a horrible economy Americans don't want a quasi-socialist economy that President Obama has spent the past three years trying to create.  


God Bless America. 

Cross Posted at Potluck Bloggers and Pundit Press




Please bookmark!

The Strange World of Google Search Part II

Eva Longoria is most definitely not a conservative.

I have never seen the 19th century Christmas card with the words spelled out in sexual positions.  If one such card exists, I will not be posting it.

Is Ronald Martin playing the race card?  I think the better question is when does he not play it?.  That example would be harder to find.

Yes, I believe that Allen West's wife is black.  Why do you care?

Is Sandra Bullock a conservative?  Don't know, but she won an Oscar for a portrayal of one.

What do conservative girls want?  I would think that depends on the girl.

How much does Viagra cost?  I don't know.  I would assume that depends on your insurance coverage.  I do know that a school system in WI refused to give up the benefit so some staff was laid off.  After all, it would have been sexist to not allow it.

Is President Obama rich?  I guess that would depend on how you define rich, but I would say by most people's standards yes, he is rich.  He is the 1%.

Why Romney would be a great president?  You won't be able to find that answer here.  Sorry.

Someone actually hates the Secret Layaway Santa.  You, my friend, are sick.

U.S. Troops Leave Iraq

All troops have left Iraq.  It is over.  


We rid the world of one of the most brutal dictators on earth.  We have given the Iraqis the chance to steer their own futures.  It is now up to them to rise or fall.  I hope they rise to the occasion.  


To all that served, a grateful nation welcomes you home.  Thank you for your service.  

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Romney Finally Graces the Sunday Morning Talk Circuit

After more than two years Romney has finally decided to grace Fox News Sunday.  

Etta James Terminally Ill

Etta James' longtime manager has said that Etta James is terminally ill and in the last stages of her illness.

She is truly a national treasure.  Take it away Etta:

Freedom Tower Taking Shape

It has taken for what seems like forever, but the new Freedom Tower is now etched on the New York City Skyline.  The Steel has reached to the 87th floor.  

For some amazing shots from the tower go here.  


It is good to see this project coming along.  America may have been kicked on 9/11, but we will survive and this tower is a testament to that.  

Quote of the Day - Joe Paterno Edition

"I didn't want to interfere with their weekend."

Joe Paterno on why he waited to report that Jerry Sandusky was seen raping a child in a shower at Penn State  


Well, if that isn't a good excuse, I don't know what is.  

A Sad Day - Christopher Hitchens Dead at 62

My own opinion is enough for me, and I claim the right to have it defended against any consensus, any majority, anywhere, any place, any time. And anyone who disagrees with this can pick a number, get in line and kiss my ass.

I disagreed with Mr. Hitchens on virtually everything.  We had very little common ground.  But, I loved his writing and sharp wit.  


Rest in Peace, you will be missed.   

Some Christmas Favorites

Enjoy

Hale, Hale, to Nikki Haley

One of the messages Gov. Nikki Haley campaigned on was that while government can't do everything, they can still get things done.  She also realizes that governments shouldn't just be paying attention to larger cities and income generators, the people living in the rural areas need help too.  Well, she is putting her money where her mouth is.  She has given all the left over funds from her inauguration ($200,000) and the $550,000 advance from her upcoming book.  All profits from the book will also be given to this new foundation The Original Six.  


The foundation will be a combination of government services, faith based groups and non profits that will go out into the community to see what the real needs of the people are and address those specific needs.  Instead of the one size fits fixes that get forced upon people by government officials who really have no idea what goes on in these smaller, poorer communities.


It is high time in this country that we admit that these government programs that cost tax payers a fortune are not addressing the real needs of the people who they say they want to help.  We need to get the communities themselves involved.  Just ask the people in New Orleans that lived through the aftermath of Katrina who gave them the most help.  It was faith based groups and NGO's who did the heavy lifting.


It is very refreshing to see a politician to keep her promise and really make a difference in the lives of the people she is being paid to represent.  Gov. Haley has a promising future in the republican party.

Christine O'Donnell Endorses Mitt Romney

Does this come as a surprise to you?  It doesn't to me.  From day one when this woman came onto the national scene I have not liked her nor did I trust her.  I took a great deal of flak for saying so.  Maybe I wasn't so far off.  The true blue Tea Party darling (whom they never bothered to vet before they jumped on her bandwagon) picks the least conservative of the crew we have left.

“It was not an easy decision because I too think any of our candidates would make a great president and a great candidate going against Barack Obama,” O’Donnell said. “But I think there are certain tie breakers and I know that in making my decision I might be hurting some people but I think infrastructure and executive experience are important, and for that reason I’m endorsing Mitt Romney.”

Would Huntsman make a good president too?  She has previously stated this:

“I hope the fact that I stood up to the liberal establishment within my own party gives me the bona fides among conservatives to say this,” she said. “I find the tone and nastiness of some of the things circulating around the Internet about Romney extremely offensive.

What things are those Christine?  The fact that he burdened the people of his own state with the highest insurance premiums in the country? Or maybe that hospitals there are going broke due to the mandates and the lack of funding.  Could it be that people in MA now have an average time of 23 days to get a doctor's appointment.  Do you find it offensive that people are reporting that RomneyCare funds abortions and illegals?  I know I do.

Christine has offered to go out and stump for Gov. Romney.  Oh my, what a treat.  I wonder if she will advise Romney to leave more than $1 million in the campaign coffers like she did.  Of course he doesn't then file for the next elected office so he can use that money like she has done.

Christine, why don't we call this what it is?  A blatant attempt to get a seat at the table of a Romney administration, because you will never get elected to any office in Delaware on your own with your constant cries of being victimized and your somewhat casual relationship with the truth.

H/T to The Other McCain. 

They Told Me if I Voted for John McCain Children Would Be Living on the Streets. Turns Out, They Were Right

Homelessness for children is rising in a dramatic fashion in this country.  Since Obama has taken office the rate of homeless children has increased by 33%.  

At the First Light shelter in Birmingham, Ala., the fastest-growing group is women with children, executive director Ruth Crosby says. She says the emergency shelter, which houses about 125 women and children, is full every night. An overflow room with mats on the floor fills up every night, too.

Sadly, not all of these people bringing these children to the homeless shelters are not single parents or people who have lived in poverty for long periods in their lives.  

Shelly Jordan, a case manager for the homeless in Hattiesburg, Miss., says it has become common for two-parent households or families headed by professionals to turn to the city's lone homeless shelter.

 "People had savings or unemployment and that's run out," she says. "This is their last resort."

Although, the government is not reporting this number.  The federal government is reporting only a 28% increase.  The reasons for this is that they don't count everyone.  Sort of like the unemployment number.  

The economy in this country is driving countless people to the streets and our government is having an argument over a payroll tax break that will have little to no effect on improving the job market in this country.  Without an improving job market, these families will have to stay in these shelters, or tent, or cars, or where ever they happen to be spending the night.  

Disgraceful.  

Gee, I wonder if this would be getting more headlines if George Bush were still in office. 

You can read the report here.  If you want to read a blog by someone who has been homeless for months and how she is dealing with it, go here.  

And The Christmas Season Begins

THE FESTIVAL OF SANTA LUCIA

The festival of Santa Lucia begins before dawn, on the thirteenth of December, which under the old Julian calendar (used in Sweden before 1753) was Christmas Day and the longest night of the year. Throughout Sweden, the eldest daughter in each household comes to her sleeping parents, dressed in a long white gown tied with a red sash, and wearing a crown of lingonberry leaves in which are set seven lighted candies. In her hands she carries a tray of steaming hot coffee and "Lussekattor" (Lucia Runs). The procession includes her sisters and brothers also dressed in white, holding lighted candles, and singing of the light and joy of Christmas.

The sisters of the Lucia Bride wear a wreath of tinsel in their hair and a piece tied around their waist, while the boys have tall pointed caps sprinkled with stars. Awakened by the lights and the singing, the parents arise and eat the breakfast served, thus ushering in the Christmas season. 

Scandinavian tradition holds that in Värmland, Sweden, a white-clad maiden, wearing a crown of burning candies, brought food to the starving villagers on the shores of Lake Vänern. No one knows how long ago the tradition began, but it was so far back that the festival of Santa Lucia was marked by a notch on the primitive "primstav" (calendar stick), the precursor of the calendar. It later became customary in western Sweden to finish the threshing by Lucia Day so as to begin the cooking and baking for the long Christmas festivities. From its beginnings in Värmland, the customs in honor of Santa Lucia have spread throughout Sweden, and more recently to the rest of Scandinavia. Today, the festival is celebrated in schools, hospitals, businesses, and towns; each of which has its own Lucia Bride and festivities to mark the beginning of Christmas. Santa Lucia Day is also an international holiday, celebrated not only in Scandinavia, but also in Italy and France in the rites of the church. 

However, the origins of this tradition are not in Scandinavia, but in Syracuse on the island of Sicily around 304 A.D. According to the Sicilian legend, Lucia's mother, a wealthy lady, had been miraculously cured of an illness at the sepulcher of Saint Agatha in Catania. Lucia, a Christian, persuaded her mother in thankfulness to distribute her wealth to the poor. So, by candlelight, the mother and daughter went about the city secretly ministering to the poor of Syracuse.

Unfortunately, this was during the last great persecution of Christians in the reign of the Emperor Diocletian. The pagan young man, to whom Lucia was engaged, took a dim view of this distributing of her dowry, and denounced her to the prefect, Pascasius, who ordered that she be seized and tortured. Miraculously, when neither boiling oil nor burning pitch had the power to hurt her, she was blinded and slain with a sword. Her martyrdom is recorded in ancient sources and in an inscription found in Syracuse. 

How or when this legend and tradition came to Värmland, Sweden, no one knows. With the coming of Christianity to Sweden shortly after 1000 A.D., missionaries and priests may have told the story to inspire new converts. Another possibility is that sailors from Sweden may have been captivated by the popular candlelight festival of Santa Lucia in Italy and brought the tradition back with them. A newer theory, requiring more research is that St. Birgitta (1303-1373), during her stay in Rome (1349-1373) in her effort to get papal approval of the Bridgittine Order for women, probably wrote home to Sweden telling of the Lucia legend which was widely known in Italy. As Lucia Day comes at the darkest time of year, the candies of the ministering Santa Lucia portend and witness to the True Light-the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. On the morning of the thirteenth of December, the strains of "Santa Lucia" are heard everywhere in Sweden as the white-robed maiden comes out of the night with her burning crown of candies dispelling the darkness. In honor of her martyrdom, It has long been the custom to donate money on Lucia Day to institutions working for the blind. 

Since 1956, the Scandinavian Club of Portland has preserved the beauty of this ancient tradition with a festival celebrating the coming of Santa Lucia preceding the Christmas holidays. In 1960, the club collaborated with Lloyd Center, providing a spectacular setting on their ice pavilion for the coronation of the Lucia Bride each year. In the tradition of the charitable life of Lucia, the court members visit churches, hospitals, local businesses, and homes for the elderly telling the story of Santa Lucia and bringing the holiday spirit into the hearts of all they meet. These girls are goodwill representatives of all Scandinavian communities in Oregon and southwest Washington, and of the countries of their forebears- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden