MUSINGS OF A WHISKEY REBEL

2012 Won't Be About Money And Organization

2009-07-28T19:18:00.000-04:00

Chris Maiorana has an excellent blog called "2012 Won't Be About Money and Organization". It should be required reading for anyone interested in our country and the political process. http://tinyurl.com/nk8l94

Much teeth-gnashing in certain segments of the blogosphere this morning over the "importance" of organization and money in the 2012 GOP primary. It's clear that these bloggers believe that these are the most important things when it comes to running for President.

And during the 1980s and 1990s that might have been true, but 2012 will prove otherwise. The 2012 race will be about ideas and the rise of individuals and their personal networks. Money and organization are always important to spreading ideas and reaching voters but if they were the most important thing, Mitt Romney would have won the GOP nomination in a walk.

The DC media which handicaps every aspect of the run and does much to shape it, doesn't see this yet. They are still framing the race through an older lens. So Mitt Romney looks tough to beat today. But if you look back, starting I would submit in 2004 with Howard Dean, we have seen glimpses of what the future holds in terms of politics and frankly for the Mitt Romney's of the world.

Howard Dean's contribution was online fundraising to an extent but I believe his greatest contribution and the one that shaped much of what Obama did online, was his reliance on a devolved campaign infrastructure built on the strengths and weaknesses of outside groups locally organized. The campaign gave the football to its supporters and they ran downfield with it calling many of their own plays. In Iowa this strategy finally backfired on Dean.

Barack Obama's team, took Dean to the next level. They brought the groups within the campaign structure so they could harness the energy these groups created and carefully direct their actions. They provided tools to their supporters justlike Dean but each tool had a purpose in their overall strategy. The effort was grassroots in its breadth but conventionally top-down in its direction. A perfect blend and I suspect something that is hard to replicate.

So what will 2012's evolution be? The one that is the difference maker for the next winning presidential campaign? And is it something that can be bought and paid for?

In my opinion, the campaign that most effectively harnesses individuals and leverages their personal networks not as financial bundlers but as spokespersons for their ideas will win.

With social media being ubiquitous now and even moreso in 2012, it's these influentials and their networks that will carry the day. Very localized groups will still be there in the mix and very important, but you will see these online influentials rise in importance to campaigns, existing wholly outside of a traditional campaign structure, their strength derived from their use of social media platofrms like Twitter and Facebook.

And really that is a back to the future moment for politics. These new influentials are the old precinct workers of early 20th century neighborhood politics. This time around though, with the help of technology, their precincts are national and interconnected; with viral communication tools at the push of a button.

Mark my words, @socialmediamaven's network of friends that he shares his political views with multiple times a day for FREE between now and Jan 1 2011, is more important in terms of actual votes come Iowa Caucus Day than a $500,000 bundler for Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, etc who helps fund a micro-targeted GOTV plan for the Des Moines area...

So while I enjoy a good money and organization story every now and then, I worry and think about more how to reach these new influentials where they eat and sleep...on the strength of my clients ideas not their warchests...

Posted by Chris at 3:37 PM

reposted with permission of Chris Maiorana

Saving Children's Lives

2009-06-16T09:20:00.002-04:00

Senator/Dr. Bill Frist has a commentary in the Washington Times. The following is an excerpt.

The United States is engaged in a historic debate over government's role in reforming health care. But on the continent of Africa, there is little debate that U.S. investment has reaped major rewards. Yet there, too, reforms are necessary.

By fighting measles, then AIDS and, more recently, malaria, the United States has partnered with African nations to help save millions of lives since the turn of this century. It's a remarkable achievement, and the American people have led; the American taxpayer should be proud.

However, during this same period, with little public notice or attention, more than 40 million newborn African babies and young children have died, mostly from causes such as pneumonia and diarrhea that are easy and relatively inexpensive to treat and prevent - causes that kill few children in the United States.

Tuesday, Save the Children joins national leaders across Africa, UNICEF and many other humanitarian groups in marking the Day of the African Child with a new commitment to boost child survival. On Capitol Hill Tuesday afternoon, representatives from the African Union, Mali and Malawi will discuss steps they are taking - and international support they need - to help children survive and thrive.

In recent years, African leaders have formally recognized that pursuing the greatest gains for children - and thus for the continent's future - must go hand in hand with strengthening health systems that can deliver lifesaving interventions. African countries have a long way to go, but some already are demonstrating the huge difference this strategy can make...

I was pleased to hear last month that President Obama plans to maintain the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programs to fight HIV/AIDS while also initiating a broader global health strategy that will increase efforts to promote maternal and child health. Now the United States must clearly articulate the strategy's details and commit to supplying the funding to meet its goals...

The health care solutions for maternal and child health are well-known, proven and cost-effective. They work, and they are cheap. Making them accessible across African communities would save millions of children's lives and transform their nations' potential for future development. What health care reformer - or taxpayer - would debate the merits of that investment.

Read Senator/Doctor Frist's full commentary in the Washington Times.

A Letter to Bret Baier and "The Hill"

2009-06-02T13:31:00.005-04:00

Note From Paradise: This is a letter from Marilyn of Colorado to Bret Baier and "The Hill" News Magazine. Republicans everywhere should read Marilyn's letter and keep it for a resource in how to respond to the biased liberal media. It is time for we Republicans to fight back. Well done Marilyn!!

Hello Mr. Baier,

As usual i enjoyed your report yesterday.

But I was wondering about a remark from the Hill reporter. She said there
was no leadership for the Republican Party. Has she looked? I remember a
time when reporters went out and found stories. Perhaps its the rising cost
of everything that keeps her sitting at her desk. Dunno that!

With your permission here is my report to her - smile!

It is the "off year" and from the GOP national chair to state chairs to the
county chairs all are busy doing typical "off year" tasks like plotting and
planning and training central committee members and checking our voters
lists twice and having fund raising events. Precinct primaries loom!
hummmm! Just so the she and the world will know we think we have super
leadership and are excited about our candidates stepping up at all levels
for the 2010 elections.

It is great that our retired official republican players and in-seat governors
continue to find time to travel and speak on our behalf during the off year
election cycle but she is certainly welcome anytime to come check us out.

Thank you for all your information. Keep up the good work please

Marilyn, Colorado

We Can Save A Child For Just $44

2009-05-28T16:04:00.001-04:00

By William H. Frist
For the Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Since swine flu grabbed the world's attention a month ago, 750,000 young children have died.

So you might wonder why nobody is talking about a pandemic of pneumonia or diarrhea -- the two biggest killers of these children.

One reason is that the word "pandemic" means worldwide epidemic.

In other words, there are more cases of a disease than normal, and they're occurring everywhere, even in the United States. Sadly, 25,000 children dying each day is "normal."

It's also widely unnoticed, because most of the young lives are lost in poor countries far away.

But most of these deaths are easily preventable. Why should we treat this as business as usual?

Through remarkably low-cost proven solutions and committed leadership, the United States can usher in an era where millions of mothers don't have to bury their babies within the first five years of life.

And we can accomplish the task with a smaller price tag than the well-spent money we've put toward the global fight against AIDS in the last several years.

What's grown to more than a $5 billion annual investment in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has brought life-saving treatment for and prevention of HIV to millions.

It's also brought us goodwill and a safer and more secure planet.

For just a fraction of that money, Congress can follow President Obama's cue and prevent many more needless deaths of mothers and their children, and the incalculable suffering these bring.

I congratulate the president not only for pledging to continue his predecessor's initiatives to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, but for envisioning a new comprehensive global health strategy focused on the key interventions that will safeguard the health of mothers, newborns and children.

Now the dollars to do something about it must follow. U.S.-funded programs strengthen and expand the delivery of a package of basic child health interventions that cost about $44 per year per child.

These interventions, delivered by local health workers in clinics and in communities, include immunizations, breast-feeding and newborn care counseling, and treatment for childhood killers like pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria.

What a legacy for our 44th President to establish -- $44 to provide preventative and curative care to children in impoverished lands.

These affordable interventions work. If we double the $495 million the United States currently spends in this area, we could reach more than 22 million children with care and save more than a million lives each year.

Our leadership could encourage other G8 nations to make significant contributions of their own.

But our government must first commit the resources to make all of this happen.

Even as we grapple with a financial crisis and economic downturn, polling shows that the American people favor foreign aid that saves children's lives.

I've witnessed how powerful our contributions can be.

Every year I go to Africa, where I've seen expanded access to health care save lives and spread peace and goodwill.

In Sudan, men from different sides of the conflict showed up at a school where I performed surgery.

In Nairobi, I met a mother who named her young daughter America because U.S.-funded HIV treatments gave the girl a future.

Just think what wiping out millions of child deaths could mean to parents and societies around the world.

Let's lend the name of America to a new legacy that redefines normal for child mortality worldwide.
Former GOP Senate Majority Leader William H. Frist, a physician, is the chairman of Save the Children's Survive to 5 campaign.

Fact Checking The "Stimulus" Spending Bill By John Boehner

2009-05-27T16:08:00.001-04:00

May 27, 2009 | House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) | Permalink

Today, the Administration is releasing yet another report on its trillion-dollar “stimulus” spending bill – one that Democrats claim will produce only half the jobs at twice the cost of the House GOP’s better stimulus solution. It’s been a full 100 days since the bill became law, and the Administration is pulling out all the stops to put a positive spin on the legislation, which has been increasingly panned by media and state and local officials as wasteful and inefficient – basically, anything but the “timely, targeted, and temporary” bill Washington Democrats promised earlier this year. As the Administration marks the 100th day of the “stimulus” spending bill, let’s take a closer look at some of the claims Democrats made about the legislation earlier this year – and how those claims stack 100 days later:

Claim: The President claimed that the stimulus “…will save or create 3 million to 4 million jobs over the next two years.” (Remarks by the President in Elkhart, Indiana, WhiteHouse.gov)

Fact Check: “State officials have complained about the difficulty of obtaining grants for construction projects, while economists question administration claims that the effort already has saved or created 150,000 jobs.” (Adriel Bettelheim, “Tinkerbell Effect, Part 3: Obama’s Job Creation Efforts,” CQ Politics, May 27, 2009) The Associated Press reported that: “The early trend seen in the AP analysis runs counter to expectations raised by Obama, that road and infrastructure money from the historic $787 billion stimulus plan would create jobs in areas most devastated by layoffs.” (Matt Apuzzo and Brett Blackledge, “Stimulus Watch: Jobs, But Not Where Needed Most,” Associated Press, May 11, 2009)

Claim: The President claimed that it would contain, “[n]ot a single pet project. Not a single earmark.” (Remarks by the President at his first press conference, WhiteHouse.gov)

Fact Check: The “stimulus” “contains dozens of narrowly defined programs that send money to specific areas or cater to special interests.” In fact, the “stimulus” contains “$50 million for habitat restoration and other water needs in the San Francisco Bay Area” and “$62 million for military projects in Guam.” (Michael Grabell and Christopher Weaver, “In stimulus bills, earmarks by any other name,” ProPublica, Feb. 5, 2009)

Claim: The President claimed that the stimulus “…contains an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability, so that every American will be able to go online and see where and how we’re spending every dime.” (Remarks by the President at his first press conference, WhiteHouse.gov)

Fact Check: “Although President Obama has vowed that citizens will be able to track ‘every dime’ of the $787 billion stimulus bill, a government website dedicated to the spending won’t have details on contracts and grants until October and may not be complete until next spring — halfway through the program, administration officials said.” (Matt Kelley, “Details thin on stimulus contracts,” USA Today, May 6, 2009)

Claim: The President pledged that “nearly 400,000 men and women will go to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges.” (Remarks by the President, WhiteHouse.gov)

Fact Check: So far “a full 99.7 percent” of money allocated to the Transportation Department remains unspent, according to The Washington Post. Perhaps an aide to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) said it best: “To some extent, I think the administration oversold the transportation aspect of this…It was sold as the heart and soul of the package, and it really just isn’t.” (Matt Apuzzo and Brett Blackledge, “Stimulus Watch: Jobs, But Not Where Needed Most,” Associated Press, May 11, 2009)

Claim: Then-Senator Obama promised that was he would, “not sign any non-emergency bill without giving the American public an opportunity to review and comment on the White House website for five days.” (Organizing For America, “Obama’s Stance on Ethics”)

Fact Check: Congress passed the stimulus bill on Friday, February 13; the President signed it in Denver on Tuesday, February 17 – less than the five day review period promised by the President. This troubling trend has continued throughout the year. Just last week, for example, the President waited only one day before signing the Defense Department weapons acquisition bill after Congress passed it and waited two after Congress passed the “Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act” before his signature made that bill law (Stephen Dinan, “Obama ducks promise to delay bill signings,” Washington Times, May 26, 2009); in fact, as of March, “Of the nine bills Mr. Obama has signed so far in his term, he has signed six of them less than five days after Congress sent them to him,” including the trillion-dollar “stimulus” bill. (Stephen Dinan, “Obama to sign lands bill before 5 days of comment,” Washington Times, March 30, 2009)

REPUBLICAN LEADER PRESS OFFICE
REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH)
H-204, THE CAPITOL
(202) 225-4000 | GOPLEADER.GOV

Eric Cantor Reports on the First 100 Days of the Stimulus

2009-05-27T14:01:00.000-04:00

"One hundred days after the President signed the ‘stimulus’ bill, we unfortunately continue to read about waste, delays, and job losses. These are not the results America hoped for."

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) today issued the following statement after the Administration issued a “recovery report” on the $787 billion stimulus bill, one hundred days after the President signed it into law:

“One hundred days after the President signed the ‘stimulus’ bill, we unfortunately continue to read about waste, delays, and job losses. During the debate, well before the President signed the $787 billion spending bill, House Republicans made clear our belief that any stimulus action must be laser focused on jobs. In the hundred days since that misdirected bill was enacted, well over a million Americans have lost their jobs. These are not the results America hoped for.

“Even though the President himself promised to be tough on waste and just last week said that America is now ‘out of money,’ special interest projects inexplicitly are deemed worthy of taxpayer dollars. That is unacceptable, and it’s time for the majority in Congress to get serious about how tax dollars are being spent. Our priority must be on job protection, creation, and preservation.

“I hope that over the next one hundred days, Speaker Pelosi, Senator Reid, and the Democrat majorities in the House and Senate open their eyes to not just the misdirected, but reckless and unprecedented spending that has gone on under their watch."

Ed Freeman - Medal of Honor Winner

2009-05-25T07:52:00.003-04:00

You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.
Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.
He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.
Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses.
And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times..... And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Winner
Ed Freeman!

Kuwait Votes For First Female MPS

2009-05-17T12:02:00.001-04:00

The BBC has an interesting article about Kuwait electing its first female MPs following the country's third general election in three years. Among the winners are Aseel al-Awadhi and Rola Dashti.

First Fight For Global Health By Dr. Bill Frist

2009-05-15T19:59:00.001-04:00

To address global poverty, first fight for global health
The Charlotte Observer
By William H. Frist

Here's the fundamental truth: Developing countries will not grow out of poverty if their citizens are sick. As a physician, I've listened to people in the clinic beds of some of the world's poorest communities. They cannot think about lifting themselves out of poverty and contributing to the economic growth of their countries as they face daunting health risks.

U.S. support for global health – especially through the innovative use of development assistance – will continue to deliver life-saving returns. Recognizing that the interconnected world demands an integrated approach to global health, President Obama unveiled a bold initiative last week to invest $63 billion over six years in a comprehensive global health strategy. This smart use of resources improves the health of the world's poorest and strengthens the global economic climate for us all.

Healthy workforce is neededEconomists would argue that one of the surest ways out of poverty is for people to increase their incomes to take care of themselves and their families. For incomes to rise, developing economies must work to generate growth opportunities through trade and commerce, reliable infrastructure, and sound policies that create and sustain jobs for the poor.

When the poor are stricken by disease and weak health, they are unable to take advantage of these opportunities. Rather than climbing out of poverty, they fall deeper into it. It's clear that economic development and human development are intertwined. Growth needs a healthy workforce. The productivity and development of communities – and their ability to participate in the global economy – rely on the physical well-being of citizens to innovate, build, harvest, and work. Sustaining such productivity requires children to learn in school, not fall behind because they are too sick to concentrate. By building healthier, hopeful, and productive communities, we build safer and more secure societies that can alleviate global poverty and contribute to global prosperity. When communities are productive and thriving they don't become breeding grounds for dangerous extremism.

We need to rethink America's global health diplomacy within this context. It is more than doctor-patient relationships or medicines to relieve immediate symptoms. To date, Congress authorized billions to combat global HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria to demonstrate America's commitment to this issue. These are important steps, but we must not overlook other factors that directly affect global health. Roads, for example, are essential not only to transport crops to market to generate livelihoods for farmers but also to provide them access to health clinics. Reliable water and sanitation systems are vital community services, but also reduce deadly water-borne diseases.

Development assistance through the federal government's Millennium Challenge Corporation takes a holistic approach to global health, laying the groundwork for poverty reduction and economic development. MCC awards assistance to countries already committed to practicing sound policies that invest in human development. The policy factors MCC uses to determine with whom to partner include a country's immunization rates, total public expenditure on health and commitment to combating corruption, which siphons resources away from healthcare.

Helping across the worldThese policies support results-oriented health programs, like building clinics, delivering immunizations, fighting HIV/AIDS, and expanding prevention initiatives. For instance, in Indonesia more than three million children under the age of one received measles and DPT3 vaccines. More than 3,463 participants attended awareness and prevention sessions in Cape Verde on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. MCC partners are building roads to connect communities and health clinics. Mozambique is constructing water and sanitation systems. And, coordination between PEPFAR and MCC is strengthening health systems in Lesotho. By deepening support for effective development assistance, like MCC grants, Congress stands in solidarity with the world's poor and invests in their health and productivity.

Eradicating global poverty starts with the health of the world's poor. It starts with empowering them physically to contribute to the vitality of their countries. This benefits them as much as the rest of us, who want healthy partners with which to trade and do business. This makes as much good sense for the world's poor as for our collective international economic growth.

The Killer No One Suspects

2009-05-11T15:44:00.003-04:00

Nicholas Kristof writes about "The Killer No One Suspects in the New York Times. I was surprised when I read an article by Dr. Bill Frist several weeks ago that the number one killer of infants is not malaria, or even AIDS. Instead it is pneumonia. A disease that can easily be treated. Mr. Kristof reports "Pneumonia gets very little attention from donors or the public health community, yet it kills more than two million children a year, according to Unicef and the World Health Organization."

Wake Me When It's Over

2009-05-03T14:33:00.005-04:00

The Conservative Outpost has a review of President Obama's first 100 days. Among the highlights:

1. Cuts in Missile Defense
2. Cuts in National Defense and New Military Hardware
3. Lax Enforcement of Immigration Laws
4. Pushing the Pending Health-Care Nightmare
5. Bailoutapalooza
6. Stimulapaloooza
7. Debtapalooza
8. More Earmarks
9. Ending Welfare Reform
10. Land Use Policies
11. Making Union Corruption Easier
12. The Apology Tour
13. Calling Conservatives "Extremists"
14. Dropping the "War on Terror"
15. Closing Guantanamo
16. Publicizing our Interrogation Procedures
17. Flirting with the Idea of Prosecuting Bush Officials
18. Air Force One Photo-Op

Neither A Souter or A Specter Be: Don't Despair Republicans

2009-05-02T11:34:00.001-04:00

William Kristol has an interesting article in the Weekly Standard. Take a few moments to read it.

Joe Biden and the Swine Flu

2009-05-02T11:29:00.001-04:00

It's not often that I find anything worth reading in the New York Times, but this article about Joe Biden is really funny.

LCM Strategies Shows The Way

2009-04-25T18:15:00.004-04:00

The Tolbert Report has a story about my favorite web team LCM Strategies. Partners Chris Maiorana and Linus Catignani do a terrific job handling many political web sites. Of course, since I work for Chris and Linus, I may be a little prejudiced, but I think they are the best bosses in the world. Lots of patience with me, a novice to all this stuff, and a lot of humor. They make the work all worthwhile and fun for me to do. Read the complete Tolbert Report article here . Check out LCM Strategies here.

George W. Bush - Enjoying Life

2009-04-11T10:19:00.003-04:00

The Washington Post has a nice story about my favorite President George W. Bush. He and Mrs. Bush are enjoying a quiet life in their new home. They have certainly earned the right to enjoy life. Thank you Mr. President. We miss you.

Huck PAC is Looking For A Few Good People

2009-04-06T20:09:00.001-04:00

Governor Huckabee and Huck PAC have formed a national grassroots organization called "Team Huck." The purpose of Team Huck is to find and support solid Republican conservative candidates around the country. We are looking for candidates that support conservative principles - the sanctity of life, the 2nd Amendment, the FairTax, Marriage between one man and one woman, smaller government, fiscal responsibility. Mike Huckabee has a vision of creating a national grassroots organization, one that will have coordinators in all fifty states, and leaders in every county.

Team Huck is the culmination of that vision. If you are worried about the direction of government today, it is time to stand up and be counted. Get involved. Don't just stand on the sidelines. We no longer have the luxury of being the silent majority. The very fiber of the country we all love is threatened. It seems that the attacks are coming from all sides, fast and furious. Three states now recognize same sex marriages. Despite promises to decrease taxes for the middle class, it is now apparent that the Obama Administration will be increasing many taxes - taxes that will affect the middle class and the poor more than they will affect the wealthy. The Second Amendment is under attack once again, as the radical left moves to take away every American's right to own guns. Government is moving radically to take control of our lives, from cradle to grave.

Spending is out of control. The deficit is now measured in trillions, not billions, and no one in the Obama Administration seems to notice. Join Team Huck, make a difference. Together we can change the future of our country. Doing nothing and standing on the sidelines is no longer an option. If you are willing to help , leave a comment here, and we will contact you, or join the Volunteers.

Salena Zito Writes About the Death of Card Check

2009-04-05T10:42:00.002-04:00

Salena Zito, one of the better journalists, writes about the status of the "Card Check" Bill. Ms. Zito points out that when Senator Arlen Specter said "No" even to voting for cloture on the card check bill, and took Senator Diane Feinstein with him, he effectively killed the Card Check Bill, in its existing form. Now Lanny Davis and some progressive CEO's have come up with what they view as a compromise to the Card Check legislation. Their proposal, which would maintain the secret ballot, seems destined for failure, since Richard Trumka, the powerful head of the United Mine Workers has already said "No Way."

Harry Reid - Headed for Defeat?

2009-04-05T10:31:00.002-04:00

There is an interesting story about Harry Reid in the Las Vegas Review Journal. The question the paper asks is one that proved the undoing of Tom Daschle in 2004. Are the people of Nevada stupid if they don't vote for the powerful Harry Reid? The answer is NO!! Harry Reid has accomplished very little for the residents of Nevada. His power and influence seems to be limited to Washington D.C. and Capitol Hill. We can only hope that the people who count in Nevada - the voters - recognize the danger of sending Horrible Harry back to Washington, where he will embarrass the state even more.

Senator Frist Speaks About Clean Water For The World

2009-03-28T19:20:00.002-04:00

Senator Bill Frist, the former Senate Majority Leader, has devoted the years since his retirement from politics, as a public servant helping the most desperate people of the world, leading the fight against poverty in third world countries, performing surgery in African countries, serving on the Millenium Corporation Board, working as co chair of Save The Children's Survive to Five initiative. Now he is co-chairing an effort to provide clean drinking water and sanitation for the poorest people in the world. Take some time to watch the video, provided by CSIS. It is well worth the effort.

Military Families United

2009-03-18T14:44:00.001-04:00

Military Families United has issued a statement relating to the outrageous proposal by the Obama Administration to make our military heroes pay for their health care. Take the time to read what they say, and send an email to the President.

Wounded Vets Under Friendly Fire

2009-03-18T10:05:00.001-04:00

Outrageous is the only word that applies here. The White House and President Obama pretend to be outraged about the AIG bonuses while they plan to charge wounded soldiers for the costs of treatment.

A furious Commander David K. Rehbein of the American Legion left a meeting with President Obama Monday "angered" that Obama plans to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries.

"It became apparent during our discussion today that the president intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," Commander Rehbein said. "He says he is looking to generate $540 million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it."

Rehbein added that this "reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate 'to care for him who shall have borne the battle,' given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies."

John Adam's Inaugural Speech

2009-03-09T21:55:00.001-04:00

WHEN it was first perceived, in early times, that no middle course for America remained between unlimited submission to a foreign legislature and a total independence of its claims, men of reflection were less apprehensive of danger from the formidable power of fleets and armies they must determine to resist than from those contests and dissensions which would certainly arise concerning the forms of government to be instituted over the whole and over the parts of this extensive country. Relying, however, on the purity of their intentions, the justice of their cause, and the integrity and intelligence of the people, under an overruling Providence which had so signally protected this country from the first, the representatives of this nation, then consisting of little more than half its present number, not only broke to pieces the chains which were forging and the rod of iron that was lifted up, but frankly cut asunder the ties which had bound them, and launched into an ocean of uncertainty. 1
The zeal and ardor of the people during the Revolutionary war, supplying the place of government, commanded a degree of order sufficient at least for the temporary preservation of society. The Confederation which was early felt to be necessary was prepared from the models of the Batavian and Helvetic confederacies, the only examples which remain with any detail and precision in history, and certainly the only ones which the people at large had ever considered. But reflecting on the striking difference in so many particulars between this country and those where a courier may go from the seat of government to the frontier in a single day, it was then certainly foreseen by some who assisted in Congress at the formation of it that it could not be durable. 2
Negligence of its regulations, inattention to its recommendations, if not disobedience to its authority, not only in individuals but in States, soon appeared with their melancholy consequences—universal languor, jealousies and rivalries of States, decline of navigation and commerce, discouragement of necessary manufactures, universal fall in the value of lands and their produce, contempt of public and private faith, loss of consideration and credit with foreign nations, and at length in discontents, animosities, combinations, partial conventions, and insurrection, threatening some great national calamity. 3
In this dangerous crisis the people of America were not abandoned by their usual good sense, presence of mind, resolution, or integrity. Measures were pursued to concert a plan to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty. The public disquisitions, discussions, and deliberations issued in the present happy Constitution of Government. 4
Employed in the service of my country abroad during the whole course of these transactions, I first saw the Constitution of the United States in a foreign country. Irritated by no literary altercation, animated by no public debate, heated by no party animosity, I read it with great satisfaction, as the result of good heads prompted by good hearts, as an experiment better adapted to the genius, character, situation, and relations of this nation and country than any which had ever been proposed or suggested. In its general principles and great outlines it was conformable to such a system of government as I had ever most esteemed, and in some States, my own native State in particular, had contributed to establish. Claiming a right of suffrage, in common with my fellow-citizens, in the adoption or rejection of a constitution which was to rule me and my posterity, as well as them and theirs, I did not hesitate to express my approbation of it on all occasions, in public and in private. It was not then, nor has been since, any objection to it in my mind that the Executive and Senate were not more permanent. Nor have I ever entertained a thought of promoting any alteration in it but such as the people themselves, in the course of their experience, should see and feel to be necessary or expedient, and by their representatives in Congress and the State legislatures, according to the Constitution itself, adopt and ordain. 5
Returning to the bosom of my country after a painful separation from it for ten years, I had the honor to be elected to a station under the new order of things, and I have repeatedly laid myself under the most serious obligations to support the Constitution. The operation of it has equaled the most sanguine expectations of its friends, and from an habitual attention to it, satisfaction in its administration, and delight in its effects upon the peace, order, prosperity, and happiness of the nation I have acquired an habitual attachment to it and veneration for it. 6
What other form of government, indeed, can so well deserve our esteem and love? 7
There may be little solidity in an ancient idea that congregations of men into cities and nations are the most pleasing objects in the sight of superior intelligences, but this is very certain, that to a benevolent human mind there can be no spectacle presented by any nation more pleasing, more noble, majestic, or august, than an assembly like that which has so often been seen in this and the other Chamber of Congress, of a Government in which the Executive authority, as well as that of all the branches of the Legislature, are exercised by citizens selected at regular periods by their neighbors to make and execute laws for the general good. Can anything essential, anything more than mere ornament and decoration, be added to this by robes and diamonds? Can authority be more amiable and respectable when it descends from accidents or institutions established in remote antiquity than when it springs fresh from the hearts and judgments of an honest and enlightened people? For it is the people only that are represented. It is their power and majesty that is reflected, and only for their good, in every legitimate government, under whatever form it may appear. The existence of such a government as ours for any length of time is a full proof of a general dissemination of knowledge and virtue throughout the whole body of the people. And what object or consideration more pleasing than this can be presented to the human mind? If national pride is ever justifiable or excusable it is when it springs, not from power or riches, grandeur or glory, but from conviction of national innocence, information, and benevolence. 8
In the midst of these pleasing ideas we should be unfaithful to ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections. If an election is to be determined by a majority of a single vote, and that can be procured by a party through artifice or corruption, the Government may be the choice of a party for its own ends, not of the nation for the national good. If that solitary suffrage can be obtained by foreign nations by flattery or menaces, by fraud or violence, by terror, intrigue, or venality, the Government may not be the choice of the American people, but of foreign nations. It may be foreign nations who govern us, and not we, the people, who govern ourselves; and candid men will acknowledge that in such cases choice would have little advantage to boast of over lot or chance. 9
Such is the amiable and interesting system of government (and such are some of the abuses to which it may be exposed) which the people of America have exhibited to the admiration and anxiety of the wise and virtuous of all nations for eight years under the administration of a citizen who, by a long course of great actions, regulated by prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, conducting a people inspired with the same virtues and animated with the same ardent patriotism and love of liberty to independence and peace, to increasing wealth and unexampled prosperity, has merited the gratitude of his fellow-citizens, commanded the highest praises of foreign nations, and secured immortal glory with posterity. 10
In that retirement which is his voluntary choice may he long live to enjoy the delicious recollection of his services, the gratitude of mankind, the happy fruits of them to himself and the world, which are daily increasing, and that splendid prospect of the future fortunes of this country which is opening from year to year. His name may be still a rampart, and the knowledge that he lives a bulwark, against all open or secret enemies of his country's peace. This example has been recommended to the imitation of his successors by both Houses of Congress and by the voice of the legislatures and the people throughout the nation. 11
On this subject it might become me better to be silent or to speak with diffidence; but as something may be expected, the occasion, I hope, will be admitted as an apology if I venture to say that if a preference, upon principle, of a free republican government, formed upon long and serious reflection, after a diligent and impartial inquiry after truth; if an attachment to the Constitution of the United States, and a conscientious determination to support it until it shall be altered by the judgments and wishes of the people, expressed in the mode prescribed in it; if a respectful attention to the constitutions of the individual States and a constant caution and delicacy toward the State governments; if an equal and impartial regard to the rights, interest, honor, and happiness of all the States in the Union, without preference or regard to a northern or southern, an eastern or western, position, their various political opinions on unessential points or their personal attachments; if a love of virtuous men of all parties and denominations; if a love of science and letters and a wish to patronize every rational effort to encourage schools, colleges, universities, academies, and every institution for propagating knowledge, virtue, and religion among all classes of the people, not only for their benign influence on the happiness of life in all its stages and classes, and of society in all its forms, but as the only means of preserving our Constitution from its natural enemies, the spirit of sophistry, the spirit of party, the spirit of intrigue, the profligacy of corruption, and the pestilence of foreign influence, which is the angel of destruction to elective governments; if a love of equal laws, of justice, and humanity in the interior administration; if an inclination to improve agriculture, commerce, and manufacturers for necessity, convenience, and defense; if a spirit of equity and humanity toward the aboriginal nations of America, and a disposition to meliorate their condition by inclining them to be more friendly to us, and our citizens to be more friendly to them; if an inflexible determination to maintain peace and inviolable faith with all nations, and that system of neutrality and impartiality among the belligerent powers of Europe which has been adopted by this Government and so solemnly sanctioned by both Houses of Congress and applauded by the legislatures of the States and the public opinion, until it shall be otherwise ordained by Congress; if a personal esteem for the French nation, formed in a residence of seven years chiefly among them, and a sincere desire to preserve the friendship which has been so much for the honor and interest of both nations; if, while the conscious honor and integrity of the people of America and the internal sentiment of their own power and energies must be preserved, an earnest endeavor to investigate every just cause and remove every colorable pretense of complaint; if an intention to pursue by amicable negotiation a reparation for the injuries that have been committed on the commerce of our fellow-citizens by whatever nation, and if success can not be obtained, to lay the facts before the Legislature, that they may consider what further measures the honor and interest of the Government and its constituents demand; if a resolution to do justice as far as may depend upon me, at all times and to all nations, and maintain peace, friendship, and benevolence with all the world; if an unshaken confidence in the honor, spirit, and resources of the American people, on which I have so often hazarded my all and never been deceived; if elevated ideas of the high destinies of this country and of my own duties toward it, founded on a knowledge of the moral principles and intellectual improvements of the people deeply engraven on my mind in early life, and not obscured but exalted by experience and age; and, with humble reverence, I feel it to be my duty to add, if a veneration for the religion of a people who profess and call themselves Christians, and a fixed resolution to consider a decent respect for Christianity among the best recommendations for the public service, can enable me in any degree to comply with your wishes, it shall be my strenuous endeavor that this sagacious injunction of the two Houses shall not be without effect. 12
With this great example before me, with the sense and spirit, the faith and honor, the duty and interest, of the same American people pledged to support the Constitution of the United States, I entertain no doubt of its continuance in all its energy, and my mind is prepared without hesitation to lay myself under the most solemn obligations to support it to the utmost of my power. 13
And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence. 14

George Washington's First Inaugural Speech

2009-03-09T21:50:00.000-04:00

George Washington Speech - First Inaugural Address

Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:

Among the vicissitudes incident to life no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th day of the present month. On the one hand, I was summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years--a retreat which was rendered every day more necessary as well as more dear to me by the addition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste committed on it by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her citizens a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence one who (inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpracticed in the duties of civil administration) ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies. In this conflict of emotions all I dare aver is that it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance by which it might be affected. All I dare hope is that if, in executing this task, I have been too much swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof of the confidence of my fellow-citizens, and have thence too little consulted my incapacity as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me, my error will be palliated by the motives which mislead me, and its consequences be judged by my country with some share of the partiality in which they originated.

Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow- citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence.

By the article establishing the executive department it is made the duty of the President "to recommend to your consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." The circumstances under which I now meet you will acquit me from entering into that subject further than to refer to the great constitutional charter under which you are assembled, and which, in defining your powers, designates the objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute, in place of a recommendation of particular measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt them. In these honorable qualifications I behold the surest pledges that as on one side no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests, so, on another, that the foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world. I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will remain with your judgment to decide how far an exercise of the occasional power delegated by the fifth article of the Constitution is rendered expedient at the present juncture by the nature of objections which have been urged against the system, or by the degree of inquietude which has given birth to them. Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on this subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from official opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your discernment and pursuit of the public good; for I assure myself that whilst you carefully avoid every alteration which might endanger the benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen and a regard for the public harmony will sufficiently influence your deliberations on the question how far the former can be impregnably fortified or the latter be safely and advantageously promoted.

To the foregoing observations I have one to add, which will be most properly addressed to the House of Representatives. It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible. When I was first honored with a call into the service of my country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its liberties, the light in which I contemplated my duty required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From this resolution I have in no instance departed; and being still under the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inapplicable to myself any share in the personal emoluments which may be indispensably included in a permanent provision for the executive department, and must accordingly pray that the pecuniary estimates for the station in which I am placed may during my continuance in it be limited to such actual expenditures as the public good may be thought to require.

Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.

George Washington

Pittsburgh or is it Sixburgh?

2009-02-11T07:31:00.002-05:00

The Devil Awaits

2009-02-10T20:40:00.002-05:00

Investor's Business Daily can always be counted on to give you their opinion without any frills - just the way they see it. The Devil Awaits is their editorial about what they heard from Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. IBD said "Like many others, and fervently hoping for the best, we eagerly awaited the new administration's bank plan. And also like others--including investors--we were largely disappointed with what we heard."

Who Should Obama Pick For HHS

2009-02-03T22:15:00.002-05:00

Tom Daschle has withdrawn his name as the nominee for Secretary of Health & Human Services. Now President Obama must nominate someone else. The first question that the President must answer is: Does he want the most qualified person to accomplish his goal of reforming the health care system in the United States? Or does he want to keep the far left happy? If he wants the most qualified person, he would pick Dr./Senator Frist. He is by far the most qualified person. A doctor, a legislator, an expert on health care. Why he won't get picked: He is a conservative Republican. The liberals hate him. His reforms won't match the socialized medicine Obama favors. If he wants to please the far left he will pick former Governor Howard Dean. Dr. Dean is also a medical doctor, and has administrative experience. Why he won't pick him: Rahm Emanuel hates him. He is unpredictable. He has shown no real interest in health care. So it looks like we will be stuck with a second rate choice, with no hope of meaningful health care reform.

The opinion expressed above is solely that of Paradise.

What is Wrong With The Republican Party

2009-01-24T19:40:00.004-05:00

The views expressed herein are solely those of Paradise

Ever since the election, this has been a routine question in my circle of friends and political acquaintances. At first, my instincts were to simply say nothing. But then I started thinking about the question. What is wrong with the Republican Party? The Party hasn't changed. So the really simple answer is nothing is wrong with the party. The real question should be what is wrong with the politicians who call themselves Republicans?

As I read about the Republican strategy for dealing with President Obama, I can only shake my head. They don't want to oppose his legislation because he is popular??? How about opposing them because they are wrong?? Have all Republicans lost their minds? Or is it just the ones on Capitol Hill?

Today the Republicans in the House showed some courage by voting as one to oppose the stimulus. Now we will see what the Senate does. I have been disappointed lately with some of the real leaders in the Party. People like former Senator Bill Frist and former Governor Jeb Bush who have decided not to run for statewide office in their home states. I can't help but think of the damage both of these men have done to their state parties. The question that comes to mind is "If not you, then who." In Tennessee, if Frist had run, he was virtually assured a victory. By not running, for whatever reasons, he has made his party vulnerable to a strong Democratic challenger. The same is true in Florida, with Jeb Bush. These men are supposed to be leaders of the Republican Party. Sorry guys, you let your Party and your supporters down.

Bush's Passions Laid Foundations

2009-01-17T21:16:00.003-05:00

President George Bush has passions. You never saw it in his speeches. But I did, up close. And out of those passions — the ones I saw as majority leader working with him — will come his greatest legacy.

First is education. I helped run the platform committee for the Republican convention in 2000. The soon to be Republican nominee asked me to make K-12 education the No. 1 priority of the Republican Party. Impossible, I told him. Republicans had wanted to eliminate the Department of Education; there's no way they will make it a federal priority. "Do it," he said; we did. And as president he opened our country's eyes to the moral and economic imperative that the greatness of America cannot be maintained when we educate our children more poorly than 20 other nations. He delivered a program that focused the country on raising expectations for our children and narrowing the achievement gap by transparency and accountability.

Drug plan has worked

Second is slowing the growth of health-care cost increases and improving access to the most powerful tools of prevention and treatment. The president's prescription drug plan has meant that for the first time ever through Medicare, seniors have affordable access to life-saving drugs. Before Bush, drugs were not a part of Medicare — you were on your own. Today, they are. And the cost? Estimated savings for each of the last two years compared to what was predicted has been 20 to 30 percent! His plan, based on competition and the markets, is driving not just seniors but all people to use lower-cost generic drugs.

Third is revolutionizing foreign aid. Not only did President Bush double total foreign aid worldwide (No president has done that since Harry Truman), but he also created a new mechanism through which aid can flow. The Millennium Challenge Corp. uses 17 results-based criteria that reflect a potential recipient country's commitment to fighting corruption, governing justly, investing in its own people and economic freedom to determine where to invest American taxpayer money. A Tennessean can know that her taxpayer dollars will go only where it can truly lift people out of poverty through sustainable economic development rather than being thrown down a rat hole by some earmarking politician or bureaucrat.

Fourth is reversing the scourge of today's global disease, which has reached biblical proportions. When I came to Vanderbilt as a doctor in 1984, HIV had just been discovered in this country. We watched it kill a million people, then 5, then 10 and then 23 million people.

Our nation talked a good game, but it took George Bush to stand up and boldly commit more resources to fight HIV than had ever been committed by any country in the world against a single disease. And his leadership put it high on the agenda of every nation in the world.

When I would visit world leaders, they knew that HIV better be at the top of their speaking points because it was important to President Bush and the American people. The result: Millions of lives have been saved, tens of millions will receive treatment — all can be traced to President George W. Bush's proclamation on Jan. 29, 2003. That is the greatness of America in action.

So as we bring this chapter to a close and enthusiastically rally around our new president, let's build on the enduring foundations of educaton, health and life-saving compassion that President George W. Bush has laid.

President Bush Has Saved 10 Million Lives In Africa

2009-01-16T16:24:00.003-05:00

By Bill Frist
Special to CNN

Editor's note: Bill Frist, a physician, is former Republican majority leader of the U.S. Senate and a professor of medicine and business at Vanderbilt University.
Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says George Bush's AIDS policy has saved millions in Africa.

Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says George Bush's AIDS policy has saved millions in Africa.

(CNN) -- A legacy of President George W. Bush will be that he saved 10 million lives around the world.

His critics ignore it, but name another president about whom one can say that with such certainty. It is what historians will say a decade from now looking back. Not bad for a president who leaves office with the lowest approval rating in recent memory.

The bottom line is: George Bush is a healer.

First, a surprise proclamation came on January 29, 2003.

I was in the first row in the House chamber when three quarters through his State of the Union address, the president boldly said: "I ask the Congress to commit $15 billion over the next five years ... to turn the tide against AIDS in the most afflicted nations of Africa and the Caribbean" and "lead the world in sparing innocent people from a plague of nature."

And lead the world we did. No president in history had made such a commitment against a single disease. Those words and the action that followed meant that instead of another 30 million people dying from HIV infections, maybe just another 20 million will.

Later that night in an interview for CNN in my Capitol office, I predicted that five years later, this commitment to fight HIV would be the single most significant thing the president said that night. It was.

But even I -- who as physician in Africa had witnessed how this virus was hollowing out societies -- did not predict the huge global impact this Bush commitment would have on generations to come.
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In my annual medical mission trips to Africa during the Bush administration, I saw the cost of treatment for HIV with life-saving antiretrovirals (ARVs) drop from $4,000 a year to $125. The number of Africans on ARVs jumped from 50,000 to 2.1 million.

And the multiplier effect of Bush making this a presidential global priority was reflected thereafter in every meeting I had as Senate majority leader with the world leaders, including those from Russia, China and India. If you were dealing with the United States, you'd better have made HIV a national priority, because we had.

And it was more than HIV. Six months ago, Tom Daschle, Mike Huckabee, John Podesta, Cindy McCain and I (yes, we five of different persuasions do work together!) went to Rwanda on a fact-finding trip.

Our visits with villagers all over the country opened our eyes to how Bush's five-year, $1.2 billion effort to combat malaria has provided 4 million insecticide-treated bed nets and 7 million life-saving drug therapies to vulnerable people. Yes, George Bush the healer.

Future historians will also note what today's pundits ignore: total US government development aid to Africa quadrupled from $1.3 billion in 2001 to more than $5 billion in 2008. What's more, the Bush administration doubled foreign aid worldwide over the past eight years. You have to go back to the Truman years to match that.

And the president revolutionized the way we give aid with the creation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, now active in 35 countries. This $6.7 billion public-private partnership for the first time ties aid to accountability based on a country's governing well, fighting corruption and commitment to economic freedoms. iReport.com: Share your thoughts on Bush's legacy

Secondly, Bush healed abroad, but he also healed right here at home.

Before Bush acted, the nation's 43 million seniors did not have affordable access to prescription drugs (the most powerful tool a doctor has to prevent and treat disease) through the Medicare program. Today, because of George Bush, they do.

Initially, conservatives howled because the prescription drug initiative "cost too much." Liberals hated it because it involved the markets and competition. But today, 23 million seniors live healthier lives, Medicare drug spending has been 20 percent to 30 percent less than predicted for each of the past two years and seniors overwhelmingly give the program enthusiastic reviews.

And, in addition, the program is highly redistributive -- giving advantages the poorest, introducing preventive care to Medicare, encouraging electronic prescribing and introducing chronic disease management. Who says Republicans can't lead on heath reform?

Thirdly, a lot of people forget that the health of a nation's people is more dependent on behavior and education than on health services -- the doctors, hospitals and insurance companies. Infant mortality is three times higher for a woman who did not graduate from high school when compared with one who has a college degree.

And the president focused laser-like on improving K-12 education by demanding transparency and accountability, and raising expectations.

The U.S. ranks a miserable 21st in the world in science and 25th in math among 15 year-olds. President Bush made the education of our children a moral issue.

To maintain our now slipping global competitiveness, we have no choice but to radically transform the K-12 education system over the next decade. And historians will say it all began with the groundbreaking No Child Left Behind legislation of President Bush.

I've had the privilege of knowing George W. Bush personally and as president. I have seen his passions. Naturally, he will be judged in the short term for his role in waging the war on terror, keeping America safe since 9/11 and acting on his belief in promoting liberty aboard.

Over time, however, it is the foundations he laid for healing. for the most part ignored by mainstream media, that I am confident will be his enduring legacy.

What Exactly Did Chip Saltsman Do?

2008-12-28T10:28:00.007-05:00

Let me see if I can figure this out. Chip Saltsman, who is running for the position of RNC Chair, sent a CD around to RNC members that contained a piece of satire written and sung by a friend of Saltsman. The title of the song was "Barack the Magic Negro." It was a parody of an article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times on March 19, 2007. The LA Times article was written by David Ehrenstein.

Let's take a look at Mr. Ehrenstein's article. He started out by saying "As every carbon-based life form on this planet surely knows, Barack Obama, the junior Democratic senator from Illinois, is running for president. Since making his announcement, there has been no end of commentary about him in all quarters--musing over his charisma and the prospect he offers of being the first African American to be elected to the White House. But it's clear that Obama also is running for an equally important unelected office, in the province of the popular imagination--the 'Magic Negro.'"

Mr. Ehrenstein goes onto explain that "the Magic Negro" has no past, he simply appears one day to help the white protagonist.

Now, it is clear after reading the article that Mr. Ehrenstein is just another left wing writer so in love with the idea that blacks can't get a fair shake in the United States that they will go to any length to make their point. It is ok for Mr. Ehrenstein to insult whites as he does in his article by saying that we are all looking for a "noble, healing negro" and "thats where Obama comes in" but its not ok to poke fun at the idea that there is anything magic about Barack Obama.

Oh no, do that and you are every vile name that the liberals can throw at you. What really amuses me is that they think if they write as disgruntled Republicans, the American people will pay more attention. Well, I don't know about you, but that stopped working for me years ago. It really doesn't take long to figure out that the nastiest comments come from the real racists and destroyers of America - the left wingers who truly believe that our country doesn't deserve the success that it has had - the same group that insists on sticking a knife into the back of America at every opportunity.

I make every effort to try to understand the logic and thought process of liberal Democrats, but something has me really stumped. Why was it ok for a nut case from a foreign country to assault the current President of the United States? In fact, a group on Facebook started collecting shoes to send to the President. That was supposed to be funny??

But a conservative satirist does a parody (in song) of a liberal newspaper (the LA Times) article about "Barack the Magic Negro" and another conservative sends it around to some people, and all of a sudden all Republicans are racists, and this good decent man running for Chairman of the RNC is a racist and worse!!! I don't get it. It's ok for the NAACP to call itself "colored", its ok for the United Negro College Fund to use the word "Negro", but if we dare to laugh at the presumptuous people who think Obama is the messiah, we are racist. I guess, thank God (and yes, I do believe in God) that I will never understand these bitter, hateful liberal Democrats.

Chip Saltsman Responds

2008-12-27T19:44:00.000-05:00

December 27, 2008 06:05 PM
The Media's Double Standards
Chip Saltsman

Liberal Democrats and their allies in the media didn't utter a word about David Ehrenstein's irresponsible column in the Los Angeles Times last March. But now, of course, they're shocked and appalled by its parody on the Rush Limbaugh Show.

I firmly believe that we must welcome all Americans into our party and that the road to Republican resurgence begins with unity, not division. But I know that our party leaders should stand up against the media's double standards and refuse to pander to their desire for scandal.

Chip Saltsman For RNC Chair

2008-12-08T21:12:00.004-05:00

We enthusiastically endorse Chip Saltsman for RNC Chair. His youth and vitality and technological expertise make him an ideal person to lead our party into the 21st Century. Visit Chip's website to learn more about him. Leave him a comment on his site. Take a moment to read the endorsement of Senator Bill Frist and that of Governor Mike Huckabee.

Three Easy Ways to Help Chip

2008-12-08T21:09:00.001-05:00

Are you interested in helping Chip Saltsman in the race for RNC Chair?

Here are three very easy ways you can help today:

1. Read what's on the blog here and leave us a comment. Chip wants to build a community of activists and that starts with listening to each of you. Tell us what's on your mind about the GOP.

2. Send emails to your friends and family promoting www.chipsaltsman.com. Contact your state Party Chairs and RNC Committee members and tell them why you are supporting Chip.

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Chip Saltsman Announces Candidacy for RNC Chair

2008-12-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

Chip Saltsman made it official today. He is running for RNC Chair. Here is the video of Chip's announcement.

Senator Frist and Lt. Gov Ramsey Endorse Chip Saltsman for RNC Chair

2008-12-08T20:57:00.005-05:00

Today Chip Saltsman announced that he is running for the position of Chairman of the Republican National Committee. At a news conference Chip received the endorsements of former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey.

The Republican Party - Moving Forward

2008-12-01T15:26:00.004-05:00

I don't believe that the Republican Party needs to be rebuilt. Instead it needs to be refocused. There are a lot of bloggers with a lot of good ideas, but I think that if we just listen to some of the brightest people in the Republican Party, we will see the way forward pretty clearly. I believe that Republican principles remain the same. We have lost people who were never really with us - independents and Reagan Democrats, for example, Hispanics and blacks, libertarians and evangelicals. Independents generally vote based on the pocketbook issues. They will come back to the Republican Party in droves when President Obama pushes through all of his social welfare programs, and taxes go up to pay for some of them. The deficit will increase, or we will all pay more. Inflation will follow, as it almost always does during a Democratic administration.

Reagan Democrats will return to the Republican Party when a President Obama supports social programs that they disagree with such as gun control, abortion rights, gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research. Hispanics may be lost to the Republican Party for years to come, because a President Obama will push for full amnesty for illegal immigrants and the Republican Party has made it clear that its grassroots workers will never support amnesty. Libertarians will eventually realize that when their choice is between an Obama administration and the Republican Party, they really have no choice - they will come back to the Republican Party.

The most difficult group to analyze is the Evangelicals. They are also the most rigid of all the groups. If a candidate disagrees with them on one issue, Evangelicals will not vote for that candidate. In fact, they will not vote at all. I'm just not sure that as a Republican, pure and simple, I think that is a battle we should even fight. We just can't afford a rigid idealogy. We need the support of every diverse group. We can't be an exclusionary party any longer.

Plaxico Burress Preparing to Surrender to Authorities

2008-11-30T14:57:00.002-05:00

Plaxico Burress has been a mystery to me ever since his Steeler days. He is one of the most talented receivers I have ever seen and yet trouble seems to follow him wherever he goes. I remember how Pittsburghers breathed a sigh of relief when their troubled wide receiver finally left town. I think the Giants fans will soon feel the same way.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T18:18:00.002-05:00

Dallas Historical Society finds possible copy of Lincoln's Bixby Letter

2008-11-20T16:22:00.005-05:00

Dear Madam,

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five (5) sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

A. Lincoln

From Woolly Mammoth Hair, the Beast’s Genetic Map is Born

2008-11-20T15:58:00.002-05:00

Woolly mammoths lumbered for more than 100,000 years across northern North America and Eurasia. By 2,000 BC, the behemoths had vanished, falling to human hunters and changing climate.

Now comes news that scientists have sequenced nearly the entire woolly mammoth genome, using genetic material in hair taken from long-frozen mammoth carcasses unearthed in Siberia. The effort marks the first genome-scale sequencing of an extinct animal's DNA, which carries the basic instructions that determine an organism's type, development, and function.

Bill Frist: Health Sector Must Be Made Into Health System

2008-11-20T07:59:00.003-05:00

Senator Bill Frist has an article in Rollcall titled "Health Sector Must Be Made Into Health System." Senator Frist writes that comprehensive health care reform is likely to be shoved to the back burner as other issues, seemingly more pressing, rise to capture the attention of political leaders. He urgest all of us not to let that happen. Senator Frist goes onto say that affordable coverage for every American must be the goal, but it can't be achieved and maintained if we don't bend the cost/spending curve. Read the complete article here.

Mike Huckabee at the RNC

2008-09-14T14:42:00.000-04:00

Bill Frist Speech at the RNC

2008-09-14T14:27:00.001-04:00

Bill Frist gave a terrific speech at the RNC.

Michael Moore Makes me Glad I'm a Republican

2008-08-31T16:00:00.000-04:00

If Michael Moore isn't a lunatic I don't know who is. Watch what he says about Hurricane Gustav.

Huck PAC heads to the Convention

2008-08-31T11:53:00.002-04:00

Sara Huckabee and Drake Jarman arrive at the Republican National Convention.

Bill Frist Talks About Africa

2008-08-31T11:47:00.001-04:00

Bill Frist, former Majority Leader, former Senator, Doctor, medical missionary talks about what America is doing in Africa.

Colin Powell

2008-08-13T20:23:00.003-04:00

William Kristol was on Fox News this afternoon reporting that Colin Powell will speak at the Democratic convention and will endorse Barak Obama. I was not really surprised to hear this. I know a lot of people will say that it has to do with race. I don't think that is it at all. I think it has to do with Colin Powell feeling that he was betrayed by the Bush Administration when he presented the case on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction at the United Nations. I truly believe that Colin Powell never got over what he considers a betrayal.

PUBLIC DEFENDER BUILDS INJECTION CASE

2008-01-01T13:25:00.001-05:00

What a brilliant argument by Public Defender David Barron. How exciting it must be for this young man to have a case heard by the United States Supreme Court. It will be interesting to see the outcome.

PUTTING A PLAGUE IN PERSPECTIVE

2008-01-01T09:26:00.000-05:00

This is an interesting article, but Mr. Halperin has no credibility. The only person whose opinion I would rely on when it comes to global health is that of Dr. Bill Frist. He has been fighting this battle for 32 years, and has the knowledge, expertise, and experience to cause me to give his ideas great weight.

US DIPLOMAT KILLED IN SUDAN SHOOTING

2008-01-01T09:21:00.000-05:00

Nice way to start the New Year. I wonder if it had anything to do with the President signing the Sudan sanctions bill?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2007-12-31T22:10:00.000-05:00

Musings of a Whiskey Rebel wishes all of you a prosperous and healthy New Year. May all your dreams come true this year.

HOW REPUBLICANS CAN WIN IN 2008

2007-12-31T20:41:00.001-05:00

Richard Whalen has some good ideas that Republicans need to consider as they move toward 2008.

MICHELLE MALKIN'S YEAR-IN-REVIEW: NOTABLE QUOTABLES, PART I.

2007-12-31T20:34:00.001-05:00

Don't miss reading Michelle Malkin's round up of notable quotes from 2007.

DECEMBER 2007 LEAST DEADLY MONTH IN IRAQ WAR

2007-12-31T20:24:00.001-05:00

Suitably Flip has the story about the success of General Petraeus and our brave troops.

GENERAL PETRAEUS: MAN WITH A MESSAGE OF HOPE

2007-12-31T19:43:00.001-05:00

The Daily Telegraph got it right.

REPORT CARD/GAME 16 - STEELERS VS. RAVENS

2007-12-31T19:34:00.000-05:00

The Steelers play Jacksonville Saturday night. It will be a short playoff season for my beloved Steelers.

PARCELLS FIRES DOLPHINS GM RANDY MUELLER

2007-12-31T19:30:00.001-05:00

If ever there was a sports team that needed to be reorganized, Miami is it. I know that this is just the beginning. Look for Parcells to make a coaching change pretty quickly.

HILLARY, THE GERALDO OF NATIONAL POLITICS (UPDATE: HILLARY FIBBING?)

2007-12-31T18:11:00.001-05:00

Captain Ed has a terrific article about Hillary. His comparison of her to Geraldo is on the money.

BUSH SIGNS INTO LAW SUDAN DIVESTMENT MEASURE

2007-12-31T18:06:00.001-05:00

This is a good move by President Bush. Something like this will hurt the government of Sudan more than anything else we could do.

RAVENS FIRE HEAD COACH AFTER 5-11 SEASON

2007-12-31T17:59:00.001-05:00

Brian Billick was fired as head coach of Baltimore. Football is a tough game.

WOMAN WHO TRIED TO KILL FORD FREED

2007-12-31T17:55:00.001-05:00

I sure think it is wrong to let this lady go free. She tried to kill the President of the United States.

WICKER TO THE SENATE

2007-12-31T14:01:00.001-05:00

Well, they couldn't possibly appoint someone as bad as Trent Lott was, could they?

HUNDREDS STUNG BY JELLYFISH IN BRAZIL

2007-12-30T11:18:00.001-05:00

Here in Florida, we periodically have problems with jellyfish, but I have never heard of this many people being stung.

WORLD'S OLDEST ORANGUTAN DIES AT AGE 55

2007-12-30T11:15:00.001-05:00

They say the life span of Orangutans is 40 to 50 years, so I guess this old guy lived to a ripe old age.

BHUTTO'S SON, HUSBAND TO SUCCEED HER

2007-12-30T11:11:00.001-05:00

I don't know how the rest of you feel, but having a 19 year old, naive, inexperienced child succeed Benazir Bhutto makes no sense. Nor does having her husband, who has been widely accused of corruption, as chairman of the party, make any sense to me.

SOMALIA GANG DEMANDS RANSOM FOR AID WORKERS

2007-12-29T18:06:00.001-05:00

I sometimes wonder if this part of the world will ever have peace.

BIN LADEN ISSUES WARNING ON IRAQ, ISRAEL

2007-12-29T18:03:00.001-05:00

This is always a reminder that we are in fact, at war.

BUSH ACKNOWLEDGES CONCERNS ABOUT ECONOMY

2007-12-29T10:52:00.001-05:00

This is not good news.

MILITANTS, BHUTTO AIDES ALLEGE COVER-UP

2007-12-29T10:01:00.001-05:00

So many things that don't make sense.

HUCKABEE'S UNUSUAL CLOSING SPPECH

2007-12-29T09:44:00.001-05:00

A good article about Governor Huckabee.

A LETTER FROM GENERAL PETRAEUS TO THE TROOPS

2007-12-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Here is a letter from General Petraeus - my Man of the Year - to the troops.

AL-QUEDA BLAMED FOR BHUTTO ASSASSINATION

2007-12-28T15:41:00.001-05:00

I have a feeling it will be a long time before we know the truth.

BUSH PLANS TO VETO DEFENSE POLICY BILL

2007-12-28T15:37:00.001-05:00

President Bush plans to veto the defense policy bill, claiming that there is a provision in it that would permit Americans to go after Iraqi assets held in American Banks, if they successfully sue for the atrocities of Saddam Hussein. Iraq has threatened to withdraw all funds from American banks.

STEM CELLS AND THE PRESIDENT—AN INSIDE ACCOUNT

2007-12-27T09:30:00.001-05:00

I like Jay Lefkowitz, however I do not agree with his analysis, nor do I agree with his conclusion.

BENAZIR BHUTTO ASSASSINATED

2007-12-27T09:20:00.001-05:00

More details about the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. What a terrible tragedy for all peace loving people.

BENAZIR BHUTTO KILLED

2007-12-27T08:31:00.001-05:00

Fox News has just announced that Benazir Bhutto has been killed.

THE SPEAKER'S GRAND ILLUSION

2007-12-27T06:56:00.001-05:00

I have always believed that Nancy Pelosi was in another world.

THE ROMNEY BACKLASH: CONSERVATIVES ARE COMING HOME

2007-12-26T18:20:00.001-05:00

Convincing Conservatives that he is a real conservative has been Mitt Romney's problem all along.

OCTOBER HOME PRICES POST RECORD DECLINE

2007-12-26T09:46:00.000-05:00

I'm afraid this may be just the tip of the iceberg.

TIGER KILLS MAN AT SAN FRANCISCO ZOO

2007-12-26T09:44:00.001-05:00

Makes you wonder how the tiger got loose, doesn't it?

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

2007-12-25T19:14:00.001-05:00

This op-ed in the Wall Street Journal offers a fascinating narrative of the history of the celebration of Christmas.

FAITHFUL MARK CHRISTMAS DAY ACROSS GLOBE

2007-12-25T19:11:00.001-05:00

It is always rewarding to see so many people remembering the real meaning of today.

DEMOCRATS TRY TO REIN IN FEES ON CONSULTING

2007-12-25T14:35:00.001-05:00

I was glad to read this story. Certainly candidates need to stop the free ride for these consultants.

PLAN WOULD LET SENIORS WORK TO PAY TAXES

2007-12-25T14:31:00.001-05:00

Someone needs to tell the IRS, since they greatly restrict what people on social security can make.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

2007-12-24T21:15:00.001-05:00

A beautiful story by one of my favorite journalists, Salena Zito.

THE PLIGHT OF BETHLEHEM

2007-12-24T21:12:00.001-05:00

Sad but true.

POPE CELEBRATES MIDNIGHT MASS

2007-12-24T21:09:00.001-05:00

The Pope celebrates mass at the Vatican.

BETHLEHEM CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS

2007-12-24T21:04:00.001-05:00

Christmas in the only place to really celebrate it.

DEMOCRATS' BIG IDEAS YIELDED SMALL RESULTS

2007-12-23T19:18:00.001-05:00

The truth is the Democrats have fallen flat on their faces.

ROMNEY ATTACKS MCCAIN TAX VOTES

2007-12-23T19:14:00.001-05:00

This is the kind of substantive issue discussion that we need to see more of. John McCain voted no on all Bush tax cuts. I'd like to hear him discuss why.

SEVERAL NEWSPAPERS ANNOUNCE ENDORSEMENTS

2007-12-23T19:11:00.001-05:00

Interesting endorsements and non-endorsements.

CONGRESS' MEAGER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2007-12-23T11:21:00.000-05:00

George Will nails the do-nothing Congress of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.

ROMNEY SHOULD NOT BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT

2007-12-22T20:56:00.001-05:00

This is a devastating editorial by the Concord Monitor stating their reasons that Mitt Romney should not be elected President. They are pretty compelling reasons.

WHERE BOYS WERE KINGS, A SHIFT TOWARD GIRLS

2007-12-22T19:49:00.001-05:00

A fascinating story about the change in cultures where it was once almost mandatory to have boys.

ROMNEY TAKES ON MCCAIN OVER TAXES

2007-12-22T16:00:00.001-05:00

John McCain remains too unpredictable to get the Republican nomination

HUCKABEE; STRONGER MILITARY, FAMILIES

2007-12-22T15:57:00.000-05:00

Mike Huckabee continues to move up in the polls.

THE CONGRESSIONAL CEMETARY: 200TH ANNIVERSARY

2007-12-22T09:51:00.001-05:00

This is a fascinating article. Check it out.

GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS, MAN OF THE YEAR

2007-12-22T09:08:00.001-05:00

William Kristol writes that Time Magazine got it wrong. They sure did.

DEM LEADERS PRESSURED TO ALTER WAR STRATEGY

2007-12-21T18:32:00.001-05:00

I would love to see this happen. The Democrats base would abandon them in droves if they did this.

OMNIBUS EARMARKS OUT: PRESIDENT BUSH SHOULD CANCEL CONGRESS'S PORK SPENDING

2007-12-21T18:18:00.001-05:00

The Heritage Foundation has a good explanation of why and how the President can cancel many of the pork in the omnibus bill.