STOP BEFORE YOU GRIPE

Michelle Malkin has a commentary about an American soldier and the tragedies that he and his family have endured. Every American should read this story.

IRAN: NO SMOKING GUN BUT STRONG EVIDENCE

A very thoughtful article about Iran. I think all Americans will agree that we need to move very slowly with this country.

MARK STEYN: GOP LOOKS LIKE THE PARTY OF DIVERSE IDEAS

Mark Steyn writes about the dilemma so many Republicans find themselves in. We like something about each of the major Republican candidates, but, unfortunately, there is also something about each one that we strongly dislike.

CRUISE SHIP EVACUATED OFF ANTARCTICA

I don't know about you, but even before the ship hit the piece of ice, this didn't seem like much of a vacation to me.

WILDFIRE ENGULFS 20 HOMES ABOVE MALIBU

Seems like a rerun of a bad movie.

NEW BOSS TURNS THE TABLES ON AL QAEDA

This is a great story by the Chicago Tribune. Reading it, you get a sense of why the momentum in the war in Iraq has shifted in favor of the United States.

A CHINESE SLAP IN THE FACE

The Chinese government denied the USS Kittyhawk permission to dock in Hong Kong. No big deal, except that many family members of the crew of the Kittyhawk flew to Hong Kong from Japan, planning to spend a holiday with their loved ones. Even though China later granted permission, it was too late, since the ship had already put out to sea. Just another slap in the face by the Chinese government.

E PLURIBUS UNUM, COMPRENDE?

I just read this editorial in Investors Daily. It makes a lot of sense. If someone from a foreign country doesn't want to become American, why would they come to this country? It really is the difference between the immigrants from Europe, Asia, and Eastern Europe, and those entering our country within the last 30 years.

SECOND AMENDMENT SHOWDOWN

The Wall Street Journal thinks that this case before the United States Supreme Court will define once and for all the rights of individuals to own firearms under the Second Amendment. I think, like so many cases decided by the Supreme Court, it will only muddy the waters.

THE IMMIGRATION WILDERNESS

The New York Times has a thoughtful editorial about Immigration, but I think they misstate the anger of the American people. Yes, we are angry about the border not being secure, but we are equally angry about all of the illegal immigrants already in the country, straining resources that should rightfully be used for American citizens.

THE DOLLAR'S IN DECLINE. GREAT NEWS!!

Don't let the title fool you. The author, Gerard Baker, thinks the American economy is in pretty decent shape.

MANKIND 'SHORTENING THE UNIVERSE'S LIFE'

An interesting theory. What do all you amateur scientists and astronomers think?

ON IRAQ, A STATE OF DENIAL

Charles Krauthammer is one of my favorite Conservatives. Once again he tells it like it is.

NAVY BEGINS RELIEF MISSION IN BANGLADESH

Why isn't the rest of the world helping?

THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CALENDAR

The Republican Primary calender is as follows:

Jan. 3 - IA (caucus)
Jan. 5 - WY (convention)
Jan. 8 - NH
Jan. 15- MI
Jan. 19- SC, NV (caucus)
Jan. 29- FL
Feb. 2 - ME (caucus)
Feb. 5 - Super Tuesday

BLESSED BE OUR CHALLENGES

I read this column in the Boston Herald by Michael Graham and thought about my own family and the poverty that my parents knew, and how well we all live now.

FRED THOMPSON: BORDER SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION REFORM PLAN

Roy Beck, President of NumbersUSA has this to say about Senator Thompson's Border Security and Immigration Plan: "Reading Thompson's full proposed immigration policy this afternoon, I am blown away by its depth, its breadth and at how it would so fundamentally change Americans' future for the better." I thought maybe you all would like to read it also.

AND THE FAIR LAND

Every once in a while I read an article that says far better than I ever could what is in my heart. This is one of those articles.

US REPORTS 'PHENOMENAL’ DROP IN IRAQ VIOLENCE

Wonder how Harry Reid and the Democrats will deal with victory?

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM | HOW REPUBLICANS CAN SHOW THAT THEY CARE

Rick Santorum has a great op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer that all Republicans should read and think about.

THEY HATE ME - THEY REALLY HATE ME!!!

Yesterday Paul Krugman fired back. Here is his response.

KRUGMAN VS. KRUGMAN

This is Ruth Marcus' salvo fired at Paul Krugman.

PLAYED FOR A SUCKER

Paul Krugman of the New York Times has started a war of words with the Washington Post editorial writer, Ruth Marcus. This is what started the battle. Read the other two posts to get a sense of the fight. After this article by Krugman, Ruth Marcus responded with "Krugman vs. Krugman." Yesterday Paul Krugman fired back with "They Hate Me - They Really Hate Me." I found it fascinating to see supposedly liberal columnists fighting it out so publicly.

IRAN LEADER VOWS NO CONCESSIONS ON NUKES

So what else is new? This guy has been stonewalling everyone for years.

BATTLE OVER STEM CELL RESEARCH MAY CONTINUE DESPITE NEW ADVANCE

I strongly believe that research should continue. This is the beginning of the process, not the end. Just imagine what we can accomplish if we couple embryonic stem cell research with this latest discovery.

BREAKING: NEW HAMPSHIRE TO GO JAN 8

As expected, New Hampshire will hold it's Presidential primary January 8.

THE PROBLEM FOR OUR COUNTRY

As I read this article by David Horowitz the thing that troubled me the most is the attitude of so many of my liberal friends. I hope they wake up and realize that terrorists are real and want to kill us before it is too late for America to defeat the terrorists.

DOUR THOMPSON SAYS I'M "JUST FRED"

I didn't like this headline, but left it alone, because once again it shows the bias of the MSM. I have news for all of them. Being just Fred is plenty good enough for millions of his supporters.

PLAY OF THE DAY: ROMNEY'S EXPLANATION

You have to love Mitt Romney's explanation, but I loved what Judd Gregg said even more.

IRAQ: WHAT WENT RIGHT

This is an excellent article by the New York Post that really brings home to all of us the extraordinary courage of our military. We can never thank these young people enough.

MUSHARRAF MAY QUIT ARMY BY SATURDAY

This is a good move, I just hope he isn't too late.

STEM-CELL FINDINGS MAY AFFECT '08 VOTE

I support embryonic stem cell research. I have never been able to reconcile the thinking of President Bush or other conservatives who view embryonic stem cell research as the taking of a life, when everyone admits that the embryos will be discarded by the parents if they are not used for research. To me it has always made more sense to use these soon to be discarded embryos for the common good rather than just to throw them away. Having said that, I am very hopeful that the new stem cell findings will end the controversy over embryonic stem cell research. However, I think it is way too early to make the giant leap that the supporters of embryonic stem cell research have been proven wrong. Wouldn't it be better to simply say the new findings are promising, but we have a long way to go. I believe that we should continue with embryonic stem cell research.

JACK MURTHA'S TWO AMERICAS

I have known Jack Murtha for years. He hasn't changed one bit. He thinks he is much more important than he really is. Hugh Hewitt has an excellent piece about Murtha and his ridiculous statements. Make sure you read this.

BRIDGES BURNED IN U.S. POLITICAL KING MAKER HITS AFRICA

This story about Dick Morris, if true, is fascinating. I have no respect for Morris, but, frankly, I had never heard any of this stuff. I now have to wonder what in the world is he doing on Fox News every night?

'SWEET CAROLINE' WAS CAROLINE KENNEDY

Neil Diamond was always one of my favorite singers. I don't know why, but I always assumed that the song was about Caroline Kennedy.

REPORT DALAI LAMA MAY APPOINT SUCCESSOR

Normally the Tibetan Monks wait until after the death of the Dalai Lama to begin the search for his successor. But the current Dalai Lama is thinking of appointing his successor while he is still alive so that China will not be able to choose his successor. I think that is a smart move.

NEW RULES MAY HELP GOP TO STALL SPENDING OMNIBUS

It will be very interesting to see which way McConnell tries to steer the Republican caucus.

DOWNPLAY MY FAITH? “THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN"

Byron York has a very good article in National Review Online about Mitt Romney and his Mormon faith. I have felt from the beginning that at some point Governor Romney is going to have to give a speech about his religious beliefs. I have known Mormons all of my life. In fact, one of my cousins converted to the Mormon faith. I do not consider the religion to be a mystery, and I certainly don't believe that it should disqualify a person from seeking the office of President. I am not a Romney supporter, but I feel strongly that we should not elect our next President based on his religion.

CHAVEZ, AHMADINEJAD TO WORK AGAINST US

This certainly doesn't come as a surprise, but it could mean major trouble for the United States.

SENS:: GIVE PENTAGON PORK MONEY TO TROOPS

Senators Coburn, DeMint and McCain sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Gates suggesting that he take the pork money in the Defense bill and send it to the troops. What a terrific idea. I hope he does exactly that.

GEORGIA BOYS AGES 8 AND 9 CHARGED WITH RAPE

If this story is true, our society is even sicker than I thought it to be.

DOLLAR CONTINUES NEAR RECORD LOWS

This is disturbing news, but I have confidence in the American economy, and expect the dollar to bounce back.

GOVERNMENT STUDY: AMERICANS READING LESS

I wonder if it is just because Americans are so busy, or if it is because more and more Americans don't know how to read?

BUSH HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISER RESIGNS

I always had doubts about Fran Townsend as Homeland Security Adviser to the White House, so I can't say that I'm sorry to see her leave.

STEELER REPORT CARD - GAME 10

The Steeler's report card for game 10 is about what you would expect after such a terrible performance.

TOM KEAN ENDORSING MCCAIN IN NEW PUSH

This is a big endorsement for John McCain. Tom Kean is a real heavyweight in terms of national security issues.

THE ECONOMICS EQUATION

The first sentence of Salena Zito's article says it all: "It's the economy again, stupid."

TONY BLAIR: THE WAR? I BELIEVED IN IT, I BELIEVED IN IT THEN, I BELIEVE IN IT NOW

An excellent analysis of Tony Blair's position on the war in Iraq, and why he believed in it then, and believes in it now.

STEELERS LOSE!!!

My beloved Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the lowly New York Jets 19 to 16!!!

IT'S TRUE: IRAQ IS A QUAGMIRE

As a native Western Pennsylvanian, I have read Jack Kelly for years. Finally, a reporter is telling the truth about what is happening in Iraq.

HUCKABEE SAYS ABORTION NOT FOR STATES

Governor Mike Huckabee makes a compelling argument for taking the issue of abortion away from the states. I especially like his analogy to the civil war.

US SAYS IRAQ ATTACKS DOWN 55 PERCENT

Good news in Iraq. I wonder how difficult it will be to find this story in the US media?

DEBATES IN NEED OF RESCUE

David Broder sure has it right. I know that I would love to see a serious discussion of the issues, rather than 30 second sound bites.

BARACK OBAMA, NEOCON

Interesting story about Barack Obama in Powerline. Actually, it is a story about all of the Democratic candidates, and how they have applied George Bush's policy to other middle eastern countries, but aren't willing to apply that policy to Iraq.

TOPPLING GOP LEADER A LONG SHOT FOR DEMS

I have a feeling that Mitch McConnell can take care of himself. He may be a tempting target for the Democrats, but he is a skilled politician, who knows how to play the game.