The Huffington Post has reached the pinnacle of irrelevance as far as I'm concerned. This left wing hate machine now wants General Pace to remove the President as Commander in Chief. The people at Huffington obviously have lost their minds.
DNC Chair Howard Dean had warned the Florida Democratic party that if they changed their primary to January 29 they would likely forfeit all their delegation votes in selecting a presidential nominee. Elected officials in Florida are threatening legal action. It will be interesting to see how this is resolved.
TPMuckraker reports that Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Michael Joyce was indicted on Monday. Now, normally I don't pay much attention to anything TPMuckraker reports, because they don't always check their facts, but this story interested me. I remember Michael Joyce from my days of practicing law in Pennsylvania. According to the story, Joyce was indicted on Monday on nine counts of money laundering and mail fraud. Supposedly, back in 2001 he was involved in a minor fender bender. No police or paramedics called - vehicles traveling about 5 mph. A year later Judge Joyce filed claims against his insurance company and the other drivers and collected $440,000. Therein lies the problem.
For those of us who remember former Senator Robert G. Torricelli, his exit from politics in 2002 was good news. But it seems that Mr. Torricelli is still finding a way to rip people off. It seems Mr. Torricelli collected donations from thousands of people during his aborted 2002 campaign. When he abruptly quit the campaign because of allegations of ethical misconduct, he quickly became a lobbyist. What did he do with the money he collected from average people for his ill-fated campaign? Well, he gave $4,000 from his campaign fund to Puerto Rico's nonvoting member of Congress. He gave $10,000 to Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois and more that $40,000 to Nevada Democratic Party organizations and candidates linked to Harry Reid. Now mind you, none of this is illegal. But wouldn't you think he would just give the money back to the people that gave it to him?
Doctor Bill Frist is in Bangladesh working with Save the Children. He has a thoughtful blog on VOLPAC titled "Proving Aid Critics Wrong". Dr. Frist doesn't understand that it is people like he who are proving aid critics wrong, not the bureaucracy that administers American foreign aid. Dr. Frist represents a small group of Americans who are determined to use medicine as a currency for peace. I truly believe that he and others like him can change the world. Unfortunately our state department, where the foreign aid is administered by bureaucrats who have no understanding of what foreign aid is intended to do, continue to give America a black eye.
Lisa Nowak, the ex-astronaut, who allegedly drove nearly 900 miles wearing adult diapers to assault another woman who was dating her ex-boyfriend, has asked the Judge to remove her ankle bracelet because it is uncomfortable. Am I missing something here? By the way, this lady is still serving in the United States Navy. I would think her bizarre behavior would make her unfit to continue her career in the Navy, but what do I know?
I am a strong supporter of capital punishment for crimes such as this, so I thought the sentence of John Couey to death for the murder of Jessica Lunsford was certainly proper. If you listened to the Judge reciting the established facts in this case at Couey's sentencing hearing, you could not help but weep for the nine year old child who never had a chance to grow up. Jessica was a beautiful little girl, and her death was especially horrifying. My prayers and thoughts are with Jessica's father and family.
I happened to watch Special Report with Brit Hume last night and was really surprised with the behavior of Brit Hume and his panel of political experts. Keep in mind, this was a panel discussion, and their job is to generate interest in the show. But to me, the whole session amounted to a hit piece on Fred Thompson and a love fest for Fox News favorite candidate Rudy Giuliani. While I am a supporter of Fred Thompson, and want that clear up front, I see this as an issue of fairness. Frankly, I have been disturbed with Fox News for quite some time because of their obvious pandering to the more liberal groups in an effort to win viewers. It seems to me Fox News has lost their way and instead of being a beacon of light for conservatives, it has now become just another CNN wannabe. It's time for Fox News to decide whether it wants to continue to be the Conservative voice or just another cable station with a declining viewing audience.
The following transcript was provided to me by Joan Litton a/k/a Shelbysbest
Brit Hume: Let's look at the latest poll on the republican side of the political, presidential equation here. You see here our Fox Dynamic Poll out today -- Rudy Giuliani remains in the lead with roughly the same kind of lead he has had for some time.
Fred Thompson now since June has sort of surged into second place and remains there. We've been getting a further sample of Senator Thompson and his uh, and his uh, and his wares. How's this going?
Jeff Birnbaum: Well, I think that Thompson ran into a bit of a problem in his speech the other day before the Veterans of Foreign Wars up in Kansas City. He didn't seem to know his own applause lines. Even though he's a practiced actor, he didn't seem to have rehearsed very much for his speech. He isn't much of a player in a lot of the serious, substantive debates that are going on. I recently wrote a story about each of the candidate's views, for example, of the big credit crunch that's been shaking the markets around the world and Thompson wouldn't even play either because he didn't have a proposal or because he didn't want to speak out because he's not an official candidate. Uh, none the less,
Brit Hume: In other words, he had no articulated position?
Jeff Birnbaum: Nothing to say and has been shooting at people like Rudy Giulian1 over his anti, uh his gun control position which Thompson complained was too much anti-gun. I think that's in general a problem of the whole republican race, where they've been attacking each other in a way that may pull whoever ultimately wins down, when it gets to the general election.
Charles Krauthammer: You know this could be a first. The Thompson campaign is going negative before it even begins. (Laughing from panel.) I don't know if it's ever happened, but it's historic. Look, he's a good guy; he's a nice guy but he was in the senate for a while, and I don't think he's left many traces. He's an actor who is popular, accomplished in other ways, and uh, has had a boomlet. I think the boomlet was.... is ....
Brit Hume: Peaked?
Charles Krauthammer: May have been spent. Umh, but what's really interesting here is -- I think the Giuliani effect. This is a guy who defies gravity. Everybody expected six months ago, that yes, he was high in the numbers, because people associated him with 9/11, but when republicans discover how socially liberal he is, his numbers will plummet, and they haven't. People, I think are aware of his positions on abortion, etc., and I think the answer is, that republicans are growing up, and they understand that a president is not going to revolutionize... He's not going to have a revolution on social affairs. Uh, Reagan did not on abortion. It's not going to happen and what's important is the war on terror. Democrats are not reliable. Giuliani's a guy who in a democratic year, which is going to be '08 can win. After all, he's a guy who won re-election twice in Sodom and Gomorrah.
Fred Barnes: Yeah, and now you've touched on the important issue I think. Here's what helps him uh with social conservatives and so on, who obviously don't agree with him on abortion, others don't agree with him on guns, because he's a gun controller, and that is... he gets credit for cleaning up New York tangibly. Now, people visit New York; they know Times Square is different -- they know crime is way down. They know New York is very different; it's not just 9/11. It's, it's uh, it's image, which I think is a largely accurate one of the mayor who changed Sodom and Gomorrah and turned it into a city that it's safe to visit. Uh, that's important.
I have just reviewed the plea agreement entered into by Michael Vick, courtesy of Fox News. Here is what Paragraph one says Michael has agreed to as part of the plea agreement:
1. Offense and Maximum Penalties
The defendant agrees to plead guilty to Count 1 of the indictment charging the defendant with Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. The maximum penalties for the violation of this offense are: a maximum term of 5 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, full restitution, a special assessment, and 3 years of supervised release. The defendant understands that this supervised release term is in addition to any prison term the defendant may receive, and that a violation of a term of supervised release could result in the defendant being returned to prison for the full term of supervised release.
Wonder what the Judge will think of this sweetheart deal?
"The Further West" is urging its readers to vote for Bill Hobbs. I've already cast my vote for him. Please make sure you do too.
Check out the new site THE COMMISSIONERS DESK. For all of you hockey fans, it's got a lot of information. Chris, from "The Further West" and Pete from "Ten Minute Misconduct" have started the new site with their friend Duane.
I don't know what any of you think of Senator Tom Coburn, but when I read his exchange with Senator Ted Stevens after the 2006 elections, I knew I liked him. He has fought for what he believes in on the floor of the Senate day after day and I really respect him for that.
Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo said today that the housing market is still in trouble and shows no sign of improving.
The World Health Organization said today that "infectious diseases are emerging more quickly around the globe, spreading faster and becoming increasingly difficult to treat." They remind us that monitoring is vital. Isn't this what Senator Frist has been saying for years? I remember him calling for a Manhattan Project way back in August of 2005. Maybe people should start listening to him.
When I first read this article, I got a big laugh out of it. Atlanta City councilman C.T. Martin wants to ban baggy pants that show boxer shorts or thongs. He says baggy pants are an epidemic and he doesn't want young people thinking that its ok. Then I started thinking, well, if we ban baggy pants, can we then ban flip flops, because I really don't like the looks of them? What about heavy set people wearing tank tops? or shorts? It seems to me that Councilman Martin wants the City of Atlanta to take on the responsibility of the parents. What do you think?
I have been following baseball for over 50 years, and I have never heard of a team scoring 30 runs in one game. It turns out this is the ninth time a major league team has scored 30 runs. It's the first time it has happened since 1897. On June 28, 1897 The Chicago Colts set the major league mark in a 36-7 rout of Louisville in a National League game.
I laughed out loud when I looked at the article posted on Hugh Hewitt's site. The doctored picture is perfect. The article is titled "The Thee Senate Stooges Rebut The Presdent's Iraq Speech Wednesday". Take a look.
In case you haven't had a chance to read the President's speech to the VFW in Kansas City, take a minute and read it. I think that River West is right when she says that it was an excellent speech. Thanks to River for the link.
The Michigan State Legislature has just voted to move their Presidential primary up to January 15. I understand the reason that the states are doing this. They are all determined to play a role in the selection of Presidential candidates, but at some point we have to just say ok enough is enough. It seems to me that with so many states moving their primaries to a date earlier than New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina, and trying to beat the super primary date of February 5, the whole primary process is spinning out of control.
The Washington Times has reported that the Imams have dropped their lawsuit against the passengers who reported them to Airline authorities. Now maybe the passengers will sue the Imams for abuse of the legal process.
Ed Morrissey of Captain's Quarters has an excellent post on the Democrats miscalculation about Iraq. Once again the Democrats have gotten it wrong. Now they are backpedaling away from previous claims that the military surge hadn't worked. So what is left for them to fight about? You have seen their response today - from Hillary Clinton and Carl Levin - Maliki must go because the political process doesn't suit the Democrats. Well, I for one am willing to let the decision of whether Maliki goes or stays up to the Iraqi people who elected him.
A rookie Philadelphia policeman was shot while on duty forty years ago. On November 27, 1966, Walter T. Barclay was shot by William J. Barnes, during an attempted burglary. Barclay was left a paraplegic. Barnes was sentenced to a 10 to 20 year term in the shooting. This week Walter T. Barclay died of his injuries. Now the Bucks County Coroner has ruled his death a homicide. The District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case to determine whether murder charges should be filed against Barnes. There is no statute of limitations on murder, and given all the pain and suffering that Officer Barclay went through for forty years, I favor the filing of murder charges. Officer Barclay deserves justice.
TigerHawk has a story from Yahoo about the reading habits of the American people. This story was hard for me to believe. As an avid reader, I sometimes read a book a week. Usually I read fiction, but frequently I read biographies, and other non-fiction books. That has been a way of life for me since I was a youngster. I can't imagine that one in four Americans didn't read one book last year.
Freedoms Watch.org has launched a campaign to support our troops and their efforts. Check it out
Just read this article in Captains Quarter. It seems the Seattle Post Intelligencer has refused an FBI request to publish photos of men wanted for questioning regarding suspicious behavior on Seattle area ferries. The Post Intelligencer refused. What really made me pay attention to this story is that as I was reading it, I saw a news alert on Fox News that the bomb squad had been called because a suspicious package had been found on one of the Seattle ferries. Equally outrageous to me is the fact that the PI is running a haiku contest for its readers. No wonder the newspaper business is in trouble.
As a lifelong Pittsburgh Steeler fan, I have been looking forward to reading the book by my hero Jerome Bettis - "The Bus". However, after reading this preview, I'm not so sure that I want to read it. According to Bettis things were not always on the up and up in Steeler land. I'm shocked.
With the announcement by Virginia law enforcement authorities that they are looking at charges against Michael Vick relating to the dog fighting scandal, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell still considering what the NFL should do, it may be that Michael Vick's problems are just beginning.
The New York Times has an article about nasty politics in New York. It will be interesting to see who is really telling the truth here. Either way, it is politics at its worst.
Somehow, someway we have to get the message to public officials, no matter what level they serve, that the American people demand integrity from all of them. There is a story in the SACBEE talking about an ex-school official facing arrest. The headline says "Conflict of interest by former Natomas administrator alleged." What did he do?
Well, it seems this guy owned a consulting firm. In January 2004, when he took a job with the Natomas School District to head up new school construction, he and the Natomas School superintendent said that he had divested completely from the consulting firm. Well, the district attorney's office said not exactly. He did sell the company to his partner, but agreed to take payments over time, and during this period steered no-bid contracts worth $433,900 to the company he founded. Thanks to River West for the article.
I've always enjoyed reading Cal Thomas' articles. His latest one, published in the Washington Times and titled "A new old message for GOP" gives excellent advice to the Republican party. Mr. Thomas points out that Republican politicians can't just talk about tax cuts. If the party hopes to be competitive in 2008 they need to focus on out-of-control spending. He compares the political situation in the United States with what the British Labor Party has been able to do in Great Britain, in terms of their plans to grow their government and warns that Republicans had better start talking to Americans about the dangers in following the lead of the British Labor Party and the Democrats.
Michelle Malkin takes on those rude Washington politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, with an article titled "Beltway-itis - When Politicians Attack."
The lady who asked Rudy Giuliani the question about why the American voter should support him when his own children don't is speaking out. If you remember, Rudy responded by saying "Kind of leave my family alone and I'll leave your family alone."
Personally, I think these kind of questions are out of bounds. Giuliani's relationship with his kids has nothing to do with the kind of President he will make. I'm glad he told the public to butt out.
California, after a 52 day delay, passed a $103 Billion Dollar budget. That's just one state. No wonder the Federal government has so much trouble with the budget process. Thanks to River West for the article.
This is the headline on CNN'S homepage. This comment was made during a press conference between Bush, the leader of Canada and the leader of Mexico. Do you think that was all that they said that was important. The MSM has their mind made up what the story is going to be every time. It doesn't matter what else is said. It will always be a negative story about Iraq.
Just read another interesting story about the News Media not reporting quite the truth. Willisms, which is a really good blog, with stories not usually picked up by other bloggers, reports on an AP story blaming a shortage of ammo on the Iraq war. It turns out that the shortage has been caused by an increase demand by Police Departments for ammo, and an increased demand for copper by China.
The Gallup Poll reports that Congressional approval is at an all time low. Only 18% of the American people approve of the job that Congress is doing.
When the Mainstream media puts garbage like this out as an opinion, you can only laugh, and wonder what planet they live on.
Ace of Spades has a really good blog about the Mainstream Media, and their distortion of the truth. Everyone should read this article.
Congressman Bob Filner, a Democrat from California is going to be charged with assault and battery as the result of an incident at Dulles Airport. Allegedly, the Congressman pushed a United Airlines employee. The Congressman's staff said the charges are untrue.
Do you think this five star hotel in Cancun might have some explaining to do? It seems they mistook 1992 Nobel peace prize winner Rigoberta Menchu for a bag lady, and ordered her to leave their hotel. It was only when other people, who recognized her, interceded on her behalf, that the hotel relented.
My good friend John LeBoutillier can always be counted on to write thought provoking and frequently, controversial columns. His latest is no exception. Whether you agree with John or not, you must admit that he makes you think. His article in Newsmax puts the blame for the current state of American politics directly on the Clintons and Bush. I'm not so sure that he is wrong on this one. I have the utmost respect for John's opinions, and have found that in the two years that I have been reading his columns, more often than not what he says turns out to be on the money.
Michael Vick's attorney announced today that Vick will plead guilty to the federal charges filed against him. A sad day for professional sports, but more importantly the complete waste of a talented individual.
Those of us who are NASCAR fans will miss the class act of Ricky Rudd, who announced his retirement from NASCAR racing at the end of the racing season.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a problem with the outrage expressed by the immigration activists who question the right of federal officials to deport this illegal immigrant, who lived in a Catholic church for a year to avoid deportation. I also have a problem with the Catholic church on this one.
Ten Minute Misconduct has a thoughtful post on a news article about scientists being only 3 to 10 years away from being able to create artificial life. I agree with Pete that I don't trust all scientists enough to rely on them to always do the right and ethical thing.
Does anyone else have a problem with this story? It seems to me that if a candidate is serious about wanting to serve their country, that is just what they should convey. The books, and all the money that goes with them can surely wait until after their public service careers are over.
If you or a family member or loved one has diabetes, you will readily understand the seriousness of the situation.
It will be interesting to see which Democratic candidate ultimately wins the nomination.
Not a bad exchange. Missile Launchers for shoes. Just strange that it happened in Orlando, Florida and not in Iraq.
Sometimes it seems the older a person gets the more cynical they become. Thus it is easy to say, when someone you consider a friend does something hurtful, well, they weren't really a friend. But that doesn't really deal with the underlying problem. Why did it happen, what could you have done to prevent it? Is it a meanness of spirit that sometimes seems to be uniquely American, or is it a part of the human psyche? I find myself asking these types of questions on a daily basis as I read comments left for public consumption. Why can't we be civil in our behavior toward each other? Why can't we be tolerant of people who are different from us? Why can't we accept other people's religions? Why can't we accept other peoples political beliefs without thinking that the other person is evil or crazy?
This is a really thought provoking article. One that I believe all of us should discuss - "To Be or Not To Be American." What do you think?
As a Floridian who suffered through four hurricanes in 2004, I can only pray for the people of Jamaica. May they stay safe from the fury of a Category 4 storm.
Arlen Specter has been traveling around Pennsylvania during the month of August. He says the voters are angry and hostile. Do you think so Arlen? Are you listening?
Senator Patrick Leahy has a role in the upcoming Batman movie. You have to be kidding me. I would think the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who won't let judicial nominees be voted on, who is trying to get Attorney General Alberto Gonzales removed, among other things would have more important things to do than this kind of silliness.
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