Friday, September 21, 2007

MCCAIN TO CRITICIZE GIULIANI ON GUNS

The Associated Press is reporting that John McCain has lobbed a thinly veiled attack at fellow rival Rudy Giuliani, "describing the former mayor's 'devious' attempt with a lawsuit to bankrupt our great gun manufacturers." Gee, do you think John was really attacking Rudy?

POWERLINE - CONNECTING THE DOTS

Terrific article from Power Line about the Democrats efforts to undermine the Iraq war, and their allegiance to Move On. Org. Powerline suggests that this article be read in conjunction with another article posted by Peter Wehner in Contentions.

COLUMBIA'S SHAME

Hugh Hewitt has a series of excellent articles about the shame of Columbia University in inviting the terrorist President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to speak at their school . To read his articles, click here, and here, and here. They are well worth your efforts.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

WHERE'S THE HEIR TO REAGAN?

Tony Blankley has an interesting article in Real Clear Politics, asking the question "Where's the Heir to Reagan?" The question he asks that I don't have an answer for is "Is there not one Republican candidate today who is visibly impatient to, with conservative principles and values, 'begin the world over again'?

SENATE BLOCKS BILL ON IRAQ COMBAT TOURS

Well, the Senate did the right thing on this one. Congress should never be permitted to micromanage a war, which is what the Webb Amendment was all about.

U.S. COMMANDER: VIOLENCE DOWN IN BAGHDAD

The Number 2 U.S. Commnader in Iraq said on Thursday that a seven-month-old security operation has reduced violence by 50 percent in Baghdad. Hard to find this article in the Mainstream media, isn't it?

LAW FIRM SAYS PARTNER TO BE INDICTED

Melvyn Weiss, who helped start the law firm of Milberg Weiss, has said that he will be charged in connection with a seven-year federal investigation. Mr. Weiss has decided to discontinue his participation in firm management. I wonder if this is just the tip of the iceberg in the legal profession. Those of us who have been involved in the legal profession have long been aware of this kind of behavior going on. Most small and medium sized firms never handle class action suits because of the expense involved and because of this kind of behavior. It will be interesting to see how this comes out.

AUTISTIC TEEN TASERED IN CALIFORNIA

Now this story troubles me greatly. Having close friends who have autistic children, I know how difficult these youngsters can be to handle. But I can't help but believe that Police could have found a better way to deal with this young man.

JOHANNS RESIGNS AS AGRICULTURE SECRETARY

Well, It's official Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has resigned. The word is that he plans to run for the Nebraska Senate seat of retiring Republican Senator Chuck Hagel. Republicans are going to need all the help they can get to hold onto the seats they have and pick up one or two. Good move.

HARRY REID FAILED TODAY AS A PIRATE

Loved the photo of Harry Reid. But especially liked the comment that fortunately for the Republicans, Harry Reid is a feckless leader of the Senate, a poor head-counter, and an even worse strategist. He's not even a good pirate. Never thought I would defend Horrible Harry, but being Majority Leader, without having 60 votes is a lot tougher than being minority leader. Just ask Bill Frist.

CIVICS QUIZ

Redstate provided the link to this Civics Quiz that evidently tripped up so many of our college students. Thought maybe you would all like to try it and see how you do.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

ARMY WANTS 10,000 NEW ARMORED VEHICLES

Good for the Army. Just one comment - it's about time.

VICTOR DAVID HANSON ON THE UNHINGED HARRY REID

Hugh Hewitt has a post about military historian Victor Davis Hanson. Mr. Hanson thinks that Harry is unhinged. I could have told him that a long time ago. When will the Democrats smarten up?

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

VOTING RIGHTS BILL FOR DC FAILS

Captains Quarters has an excellent analysis of the failure of the Democrats to move the Voting Rights' Bill for DC forward. The Democrats always choose to ignore the Constitution when they can. This time they failed.

CHRIS MATTHEWS WRITES A TALKING POINT FOR OSAMA

Chris Matthews is one of my least favorite media people, just because of comments like this: "Should we put Exxon signs up over Arlington Cemetery and Mobil signs up there, like they have at baseball stadiums?"

IF WOMEN WERE IN CHARGE, THERE WOULDN'T BE ANY WARS!! PLEASE....

I thought Sally Field made an idiot of herself at the Emmys the other night. John Hawkins has it right in this post at Right Wing News.

THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM

I always enjoy reading a blog called Willisms.com. Yesterday there was an article marking the anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. As a student of American history, and certainly of the civil war, I found the article very interesting. Of particular interest to me was the point that at the Battle of Antietam there were 2108 Union soldiers killed in just one day. The Confederates lost 1546 men. That is 3654 Americans killed in one day of fighting. We have lost 3782 brave soldiers in Iraq in four and one half years of fighting. Makes you wonder, have we lost the heart and the right to live in this great country. As the author says "If this war truly is as unsustainable as some would have us believe we are in a lot bigger trouble than anything the middle east portends."

STUDENT ARRESTED, TASERED AT KERRY EVENT

I believe in free speech, but I thought this student got exactly what he asked for. It doesn't really matter whether he was right or wrong, whether Senator Kerry was willing to answer his questions or not, what matters is he was told to leave by the Police and refused to do so. When they attempted to remove him, he resisted. Where I come from that is resisting arrest, and the police are justified in subduing the person being arrested, to the degree necessary to get them under control.

REPUBLICANS CAN WIN ON HEALTH CARE

Karl Rove has an excellent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal about health care and why he believes the Republicans can win on the issue of health care. Rove recommends a series of reforms that he argues will make health care more affordable for all Americans without resorting to universal health care.

U.S. HOME FORECLOSURES SOAR

The Associated Press reports that the number of foreclosure filings reported in the United States last month more than doubled versus August of 2006 and jumped 36 percent from July. Sounds like tough times ahead.

ANALYSIS: POLITICIANS AND HEALTH CARE

Ron Fournier, Associated Press Writer has an excellent analysis of the health care plans of the various candidates.

EARMARKS DON'T DECREASE VERY MUCH UNDER DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP IN CONGRESS

When the Democrats took control of Congress one of their major promises was to cut the pork. How have they done? Well, to their credit, they have cut it some, from 6.6 billion to 5.1 billion, but in the scheme of things, they haven't done much. It is absolutely outrageous that the porkleaders, like Stevens, Inouye and Byrd are still at it.

TEN MINUTE MISCONDUCT

Ten Minute Misconduct is one of my favorite sites. Check out Pete's latest post about Chernobyl - Russia is now going to cover Chernobyl in steel. As Pete points out - it only took 21 years.

Monday, September 17, 2007

NEW YORK TIMES TO STOP CHARGING WEB FEES

It's about time!!

POWERLINE PRESENTS: A WORD FROM SENATOR DEMINT

Everyone should read this post from Senator Jim DeMint.

ACLU SAYS FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTS CRAIG'S BATHROOM BEHAVIOR

I know I promised no more Larry Craig stories. But when the ACLU gets involved in a case involving a Conservative Republican Senator, I have to read it. The ACLU filed what the call a friend-of-the-court brief in Craig's case. The argument by the ACLU is that even if Craig did the things the police say, they're not a crime. They also say that even if Craig solicited sex, it would only be a crime if police could prove he was seeking illegal bathroom sex and not a legal liaison somewhere else. The ACLU also says the disorderly conduct statute is too vague to be enforceable.

THE POOR MAN'S CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

A fascinating article by Hank Adler. Mr. Adler writes about a measure passed by the California State Senate for the second consecutive year. SB 37 would require California electoral delegates to cast their presidential votes for the national popular vote winner rather than for the presidential candidate who is victorious in California. The kicker is that the measure would become effective when and if states controlling 270 electoral votes, a number sufficient to elect the President, pass identical contractually binding legislation. In other words, let's all circumvent the Constitution of the United States, by entering into a side agreement.

MCCAIN: OVERALL FAITH WHAT'S IMPORTANT

And this story is important because??? What possible difference does it make whether John McCain is Episcopalian or Baptist or Mormon or Catholic or Jewish!!! He is right when he says faith is what's important.

PITTSBURGH DIOCESE TO SETTLE ABUSE CASES

Every time I read a story like this, it reminds me why I stopped donating to my church. I am a Catholic, but I refuse to donate money so that my church can settle cases like this. Let them take the money from the Catholic Church's assets. After all, they have protected these Priests for a long time. They have no right to use money that parishioners have given to settle these kinds of cases.

JACK HANNA, FLAMINGO STUCK IN TURNSTILE

I love to watch Jack Hanna and this story really made me laugh. Thank goodness he had the flamingo in a crate!!!

STEELERS REPORT CARD

Here is the Steelers Report Card for Game 2 - their win against Buffalo.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

IRAQ VETERAN FROM NEW YORK URGES CLINTON, SCHUMER AND CONGRESS TO CHOOSE VICTORY

Jeff Nuding served in Iraq, and he makes some very valid points in this op-ed. He asks his United States Senators and Congress to do what they voted for in 2003 - win the war in Iraq - defeat the terrorists - and go on with the battle plan.

LINDSEY GRAHAM'S REALISM

Lindsey Graham has made a lot of enemies of grassroots Republicans with his position on immigration, but I think he has it right on Iraq, and his questions of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker were on the money and incisive and penetrating.

SPAT OVER HORSE MANURE WAFTS INTO COURT

I often thought that if I had heeded the advice of my friends, when I was practicing law, and ran for Judge, this would have been the kind of case I would get assigned to me.

GREENSPAN SAYS HOUSING SLUMP TO DEEPEN

Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan says the United States housing slump isn't over yet, and in fact, will probably record a double digit drop.

PRESIDENT BUSH NAMES ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINEE

A television bulletin just announced that President Bush has named his nominee for Attorney General. It's Judge Michael Mukasey, just as William Kristol predicted.

SENATOR CHAFEE CUTS TIES WITH REPUBLICAN PARTY

Former Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee says he has cut his ties with the Republican party. If you ask most grassroots Republicans, they will tell you that Lincoln Chafee cut his ties with the Republican party years ago.

STEELERS BEAT BUFFALO 26 TO 3

How about them Steelers!!!!

O J SIMPSON ARRESTED - FACES FELONY CHARGES

Well, O J's arrogance caught up to him. He has been arrested on armed robbery charges in connection with the break in at a Las Vegas hotel room.

STICKS AND STONES CAN BREAK MY BONES, BUT NAMES CAN NEVER HURT ME

This one sentence says it all "Civility in a civilized world, is it too much to ask?" The article by Jackie Gingrich Cushman really puts the despicable Move On.Org ad about General David Petraeus in it's proper perspective.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

MICHAEL MUKASEY TO BE ATTORNEY GENERAL....AND CONSERVATIVES SHOULD BE HAPPY

Judge Mukasey, a retired Federal judge is said to be the number one choice of President Bush to fill the position of Attorney General. According to William Kristol, writing in the Weekly Standard, the President may announce the nomination as early as Monday. I think, despite Mr. Kristol's argument that conservatives should be happy, that isn't going to happen, especially once they find out that Judge Mukasey's home state Senator, Chuck Schumer has praised him.

MCCAIN: BUSH WAS UNREALISTIC ABOUT WAR

I rarely agree with John McCain on anything, but I do admire his stance on the War in Iraq, and I think he is right about one of the major public relations problems regarding the war. The President, Vice President and Secretary of Defense early on in the war, led us all to believe that it would be much easier than it has been.

AT LEAST 160 ARRESTED AT IRAQ PROTEST

I found this article interesting not because of the people protesting against the war, but because of the people demonstrating in favor of the President and the troops. It's about time that the vast majority of Americans who support the President and our troops begin to speak out. It's time for us to all let the troops know how grateful we are for their sacrifices.

INSIDE THE NEW DELHI BEGGARS' JAIL

I know we did away with debtors prisons hundreds of years ago, but I had no idea the world still put people in jail for being poor. Unbelievable!!!

ARCTIC SEA ROUTE OPENS

Reuters is reporting that the Arctic's Northwest Passage has opened up fully because of melting sea ice, clearing a long sought but historically impassable route between Europe and Asis. I guess it's good that the Northwest Passage is now open, but it can't be good that ice is melting.

FDA GETS TOUGH ON CHINA SEAFOOD - DOESN'T HOLD OTHERS TO SAME STANDARD

According to this story by the Chicago Tribune, the FDA is finally getting tough on China and seafood imports. But the problem is they aren't holding other countries to the same standards. What's going on here?

AL QAEDA: BOUNTY ON SWEDISH CARTOONIST

This is how terrorists solve disagreements - just kill the offending party. Al Qaeda has offered $100,000 for the assassination of cartoonist Lars Vilks because they don't like his cartoon. What part of this kind of garbage can't the mainstream media understand.

GOODELL IS KEEPING THE NFL INBOUNDS

National Football League owners seem to be very satisfied with the job that Roger Goodell is doing as NFL Commissioner, particularly as it relates to his handling of a trio of NFL scandals, PacMan Jones, Michael Vick and Bill Belichick. While I would have preferred a harsher penalty for Belichick I am in agreement with his handling of the other two incidents. Of course, I'm sure Dan Rooney and the other owners aren't too concerned what the fans think, as long as we keep coming to the stadiums, watching them on television, and buying all the gear.

POLITICS STARTS AT THE WATER'S EDGE

As much as I hate to give the New York Times credit for anything, this op-ed really makes a lot of sense. It was written by Kiron K. Skinner, Serhiy Kudelia, Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Condoleezza Rice. The point of the op-ed is that rarely are world leaders selected on the basis of their foreign policy knowledge or experience. Instead most of them are elected based on their domestic policies.

A RECORD BROKEN, VERY QUIETLY

When I first read this post in Powerline, I thought so what. Then I reread it. It's a short post, so take a look. I think it is pretty significant.

Friday, September 14, 2007

TEN MINUTE MISCONDUCT ON NEWT GINGRICH AND BUSH

Check out the post on Ten Minute Misconduct - Pete has the scoop on what Newt is saying Republican Presidential hopefuls have to do if they hope to win in 2008.

NFL FINES BELICHICK; PATRIOTS LOSE PICK

I don't know how other football fans feel about it, but I think New England got off with a slap on the wrist. Belichick was fined $500,000 and the team was fined $250,000. The Patriots lose a first round draft pick if they make the playoffs, and second and third round picks if they don't. I think they should have been ordered to forfeit a game. Cheating, which is what Belichick and the Patriots have been doing for years, casts a pall over the whole league. Is this how they won some of their Super Bowls? How can we be sure that it isn't. Coaches around the league are saying that everyone in football knew the Patriots were cheating. This time they got caught. Money means nothing to Belichick and the Patriots. Winning means everything - so the league should hit them where it will hurt the most - in the win column.

WOMEN IN PITTSBURGH LEAD THE LEAGUE IN LOVING STEELERS

They didn't need a survey to tell them that. All they had to do was ask me.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

SENATE REPUBLICANS WARY OF OLSON CHOICE

Senate Republicans are already telling the White House that they don't have the stomach for a fight with Democrats over Ted Olson. Gee, I don't know what has happened to our Senators, but shame on them if they aren't willing to fight this battle. Ted Olson is very well qualified to be Attorney General. The Republican Senators should be ready and willing to wage this battle.

HOW ABOUT THOSE PATRIOTS!!!

Well, New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick apologized. The only thing is, he never said what he was apologizing for. This story is far from over. It would be a shame if the Patriot's super bowl wins were to be tainted by a cheating scandal. They are a good enough team that they didn't have to do that.

KILO PROTOTYPE MYSTERIOUSLY LOSES WEIGHT

The 118-year-old cylinder that is the international prototype for the metric mass is losing weight - not much - but there it is. Wonder if it really matters?

EARLY HUMANS WERE SLOWPOKES

I learn so much from information I gather for my blog. I never imagined that early humans were a lot slower than humans are now. And I certainly never knew that the earliest humans did not have an Achilles tendon, which according to the experts, would have prevented them from having a spring in their step. Gee, I wonder what my excuse is?

GORILLAS NOW CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

I knew that the gorillas in Africa were endangered, but I never realized that Ebola is the number one killer of them. It would be so tragic if we were to lose this magnificent beast.

TOY MANUFACTURERS PLEDGE TO IMPROVE TOY SAFETY

Mattel Inc. CEO Robert Eckert said the company could have done a better job overseeing subcontractors in China. WOW!! Do you think so? Mr Eckert also said he is deeply disturbed and disappointed by recent events. I wonder how he thinks the parents who have trusted Mattel to provide safe toys for their small children feel?

PETRAEUS UNITES GOP

The Washington Times reports that Senate Republicans are closing ranks, and say Democrats will continue to fall far shy of the votes needed to force a pullout from Iraq. Let's hope the Republicans in the Senate continue to have the backbone to back the President.

ROBOT MAKER BUILDS ARTIFICIAL BOY

David Hanson, an engineer in Richardson, Texas has been working for five years on an artificial boy. A robot that Hanson hopes will be an interactive learning companion. The face of "Zeno" the robot boy is made of a skin-like patented material. This little guy sees a person and recognizes their face. It learns their name and can build a relationship with a person. According to Hanson these artificial boys should be available to consumers within the next three years for $200 to $300. I can't wait.

THIS REALLY BREAKS MY HEART

The Washington Post is reporting that Airlines are no longer letting Senators travel like, well, Senators. It seems that because of the Senate's uncertain schedule the airlines have in the past permitted Senators to book multiple flights. No more. At least three airlines - Continental, Delta and Northwest will not permit multiple flight bookings. Gee, you mean the Senators are going to get treated like we do? Now, having said that, I guess maybe they should be treated a little special. But at least make them pay for the airlines holding multiple seats for them.

PATRICK RUFFINI ON ERIC CANTOR

Patrick Ruffini has been talking about Representative Eric Cantor, as a possible Republican candidate for retiring Virginia Senator John Warner's seat. Now it seems that former Governor Mark Warner's people are concerned about Eric Cantor, also. They have added him to their poll of potential opponents.

MARK WARNER TO RUN FOR SENATE

Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner will announce today that he is running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring GOP Senator John Warner. It appears that Mark Warner will face Representative Thomas M. Davis III or former Governor James S. Gilmore, both Republicans.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

BILL FRIST NOMINATED BY PRESIDENT BUSH TO BOARD OF MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP

President Bush today nominated Former Senate Majority Leader Dr. Bill Frist to be a board member of the Millennium Challenge Corp. A good choice by the President.

HARRY REID IS AT IT AGAIN

My understanding of the way the Senate should work on approving nominations made by the President is pretty basic. Unless they believe the candidate is unqualified, the Senate has an obligation to approve the President's choice. They have no right to deny a qualified person an appointment just because they view them to be political. I have never heard of any President appointing someone who was not in some way political. Now Harry Reid is vowing to block former Solicitor General Theodore Olson from becoming attorney general. Reid is quoted as saying "He's a partisan, and the last thing we need as an attorney general is a partisan." Sorry, Harry, that's not your call to make.

BILL FRIST REMEMBERS 9-11

Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist remembers September 11 and reminds us all of the battles ahead.

PATRIOTS SUSPECTED OF CHEATING

WOW!! Just what the NFL needs - another black eye. The Patriots had an employee on the sideline during Sunday's game at the Meadowlands, and the NFL took a tape and video camera from him. The suspicion is that he was shooting video of Jets coaches' signals on the sideline.

EBOLA OUTBREAK CONFIRMED IN CONGO

The United Nations has verified that the Ebola virus has resurfaced in central Congo. Five samples taken from sick people in the Congo have tested positive for Ebola. Ebola is one of the deadliest pathogens, killing 50 to 8o percent of the people it infects.

SIX YEARS WITHOUT ATTACK HAVE CONFUSED HOW WE MUST FIGHT

Thoughtful op-ed written by Tom Davis, Columnist for the Times-Dispatch. Mr. Davis correctly points out that there are no quick or easy answers in Iraq or in the broader war against terrorism. He also correctly argues that "defeat in this war can only be self-inflicted through loss of patience and focus."

ELI MANNING MAY NOT PLAY AGAINST PACKERS

Coach Tom Coughlin said that the New York Giants will evaluate whether Eli Manning can play in their upcoming game against the Packers later this week.

CHINA BANS LEAD PAINT ON US TOY EXPORTS

It's about time. China finally signed an agreement Tuesday prohibiting the use of lead paint on toys exported to the United States.

CAPTAINS QUARTER AND SENATOR INHOFE

Senator James Inhofe has a post on Captain's Quarter. He talks about the war in Iraq and the signs of progress we have seen because of General Petraeus's troop surge strategy.

MOVE ON.ORG: MOMENTUM OR MENACE?

Chris Cillizza has a thoughtful post about MoveOn.Org's ad, which called General Petraeus General Betray Us, and accused him of cooking the books for the White House. As Cillizza correctly points out the running of the ad was not a good day for the Democratic Party. It really did give the Republican party a chance to play offense.

DOCTOR OPTIMISTIC ABOUT BILLS' EVERETT

Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett is now moving his arms and legs, and his doctor described his condition as improved. That is good news for all football fans.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

SEPTEMBER 11 - I REMEMBER

September 11 is a day that none of us will ever forget. When I think back to 9-11 I remember exactly what I was doing and how I heard the news. I hadn't turned the television on when my phone rang. My sister, who lives in Ohio, was calling. Turn on the television, she said. A plane just flew into the World Trade Center. As I turned on Fox News, I could hear them say it was apparently a large plane that had struck the Trade Center. I immediately began calling family members. Is everyone ok? Have we heard from my youngest brother (who travels frequently to New York). I knew he was scheduled to go to New York for a day that week, but couldn't remember if it was Tuesday or Wednesday.

Then the second plane hit, and we all knew for certain that our world had changed forever. As I watched in horror, I heard about the plane hitting the Pentagon. Then came the word that a plane had crashed near Somerset. I had grown up in the Western Pennsylvania area, and until moving to Florida in 1999, had lived just about 40 miles from Somerset. The rage that I felt that morning soon gave way to incredible sorrow, for the lives lost,then I began to feel great pride and thanks for the heroic firemen, policemen and every day people at ground zero, for the heroes at the Pentagon, for the incredibly brave passengers of Flight 93.

My love of my country and our people had never been stronger, as we stood shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors and sang God Bless America. We were so united in the days after 9-11. I was sure that nothing would divide us again. We would surely recognize that we were in the fight of our lives, and when America was united, no foe could defeat us. I still believe that.

AN ODE TO AMERICA

Editorial from a Romanian newspaper

Why are Americans so united? They don't resemble one another even if you paint them! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations. Some of them are nearly extinct, others are incompatible with one another, and in matters of religious beliefs, not even God can count how many they are. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, the secret services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed on the streets nearby to gape about. The Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised the flag on the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colours of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a minister or the president was passing. On every occasion they started singing their traditional song: "God Bless America!".

Silent as a rock, I watched the charity concert broadcast on Saturday once, twice, three times, on different tv channels. There were Clint Eastwood, Willie Nelson, Robert de Niro, Julia Roberts, Cassius Clay, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Silvester Stalone, James Wood, and many others whom no film or producers could ever bring together. The American's solidarity spirit turned them into a choir. Actually, choir is not the word. What you could hear was the heavy artillery of the American soul. What neither George W. Bush, nor Bill Clinton, nor Colin Powell could say without facing the risk of stumbling over words and sounds, was being heard in a great and unmistakable way in this charity concert. I don't know how it happened that all this obsessive singing of America didn't sound croaky, nationalist, or ostentatious! It made you green with envy because you weren't able to sing for your country without running the risk of being considered chauvinist, ridiculous, or suspected of who-knows-what mean interests. I watched the live broadcast and the rerun of its rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who fought with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that would have killed other hundreds of thousands of people. How on earth were they able to bow before a fellow human? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit which nothing can buy.

What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases which risk of sounding like commonplaces. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion.

Only freedom can work such miracles!

A GUIDE TO PETRAEUS POINTS

The National Review has an excellent summary of key Petraeus points from his testimony of September 10, 2007.

MOVE ON'S MCCARTHY MOMENT

There is an op-ed in the Boston Globe that every American should read. It is written by Peter D. Feaver. In it he points out that this is a defining moment for the antiwar faction. As Mr. Feaver says "They can continue on the path on to which they have veered, repeating some of the worst mistakes in American history."

Monday, September 10, 2007

CBS NEWS REPORTS THAT MORE AMERICANS THINK THE SURGE IS HELPING

CBS News is reporting that more Americans think the surge is now helping.

GENERAL PETRAEUS' OPENING STATEMENT

Heading Right has General David Petraeus' complete opening statement posted. Even if you heard it when he testified, it is well worth reading.

POWERLINE GOES AFTER MOVE ON .ORG

Powerline tells it like it is. I agree completely with John's comment "Now that it's OK to question people's patriotism, can we start with MoveOn?"

STEELERS REPORT CARD

After every Steeler game, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette issues a report card for the team. It's always fun to read.

AND THEY'RE REALLY OFF

Fred Barnes, writing for the Weekly Standard has a great article about the GOP race for the White House. The subtitle is "Fred's in, John's fighting, Rudy's ahead, and Mitt's got ready cash. That sums it up pretty well.

COL. JOE REPYA: THE ASSAULT ON GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS

Be sure to read the post on Captain's Quarter about the assault on General David Petraeus. It is excellent.

WHICH PARTY WILL SPLIT OVER IRAQ?

It will be interesting to see how the Iraq debate in Congress plays out. The Democrats left for vacation at the end of July convinced that when Congress re-convened in September, they would have a lot of Republicans join them in demanding a troop pull out. When it became apparent that wasn't going to happen, the Democratic leadership is now trying to convince Republicans to go along with a watered down version of their plans. It will be very entertaining to watch as Congress debates Iraq, and the Democrats split over the issue.

MOVE ON. ORG SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES

Heading Right. com has a post about the latest shenanigans of Move On. Org. This leftist organization has called General Petraeus a traitor. To me, this is unpatriotic, and in fact, almost an act of treason, since they are giving aid and comfort to our enemies. They should be ashamed of themselves. All of the Democrats should denounce this type of behavior. Let's see if they have the courage to do so.

BLOGS FOR FRED THOMPSON ASSESSES THE THOMPSON BOUNCE IN POLLS

This is a terrific blog, called "Blogs For Fred Thompson." Their analysis of Fred Thompson's bounce in the polls is extremely well done, and should be read by all of Senator Thompson's supporters.

LATEST RASMUSSEN POLL

The latest Rasmussen poll has just been published. It shows Fred Thompson at 26% and Giuliani at 22% with Romney at 13%.

REPUBLICAN UPPER TIER NONSENSE

Mark Kilmer at Redstate has a good post about the "Upper tier" nonsense emanating from certain Republican circles. As he rightfully points out, depending on what statistic you are talking about, the Upper tier keeps shifting. It is pretty clear that Mitt Romney's camp is pushing the upper tier nonsense, because it works to his benefit most of the time. Romney talks about fundraising, but forgets to mention how much of his own money he has contributed, and forgets to mention that Fred Thompson just announced on September 6, 2007. Now, Romney is trying to frame the upper tier candidates again, by saying Huckabee has to raise %20 million this quarter to move into the top tier, ditto for Thompson. Well, I have news for Governor Romney. He doesn't get to define the upper tier. The American people will do that.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

PATRICK RUFFINI: THE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THOMPSON WORKED

Patrick Ruffini opines that the online exclusive announcement by the Thompson team worked. Take a look at his site, and the chart proving just that.

FLORIDA DEMOCRATS ARE ANGRY AT THE DNC

The New York Times reports that "the anger coursing lately through Democratic circles in Florida feels unlike any since the presidential recount of 2000. This time, though, the object of wrath is the Democratic National Committee..." It will be interesting to see how this turns out. I know of several Democrats who have angrily changed their registration to Republican party because of this.

AL GORE TO ENDORSE DEMOCRAT - DOES ANYONE CARE?

Al Gore has said that he intends to endorse a Democrat candidate for President before the primaries end. Want to bet that it won't be Hillary Clinton. The more important question is does anyone care who Al Gore endorses?

IRAQ'S FOREIGN MINISTER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT TERRORISTS

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari urged Iraq's neighbors to prevent "terrorists and killers" from crossing into his country. He warned the neighboring countries that the violence could easily spill over into their own country.

HOW ABOUT THEM STEELERS!!!

The Steelers are leading Cleveland 34 to 7 in the 4th quarter. They just recovered another Cleveland fumble. Big Ben has four touchdown passes.

FRED THOMPSON SURE HAS THIS RIGHT!!!

The other night, when Fred Thompson announced that he would be a candidate for President, he said something that really resonated with me "America has laid down more of its blood and treasure in the cause of freedom than all other countries combined." He sure has that right.

CHERTOFF WARNS MEDDLING 'SANCTUARY CITIES'

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says his agency will not tolerate interference by so-called sanctuary cities when it comes to hiring illegal aliens. Just build the wall Mr. Chertoff.

HARRY REID STANDS SMALL ON IRAQ

I think the headline really says it all. Reid expected Republicans to join the Democrats in opposing the War in Iraq - especially, according to Reid, once the Republicans had a chance to go back to their home states in August, and get a pounding from their constituents. Well, that hasn't happened. Actually, the Republicans took control of the coverage regarding the war during the month of August. Poor Harry Reid, now he isn't dealing from a position of strength.

KARL ROVE ON GEORGE W. BUSH

I ran across this article by Karl Rove on the Presidency of George W. Bush. No matter what you think of Karl Rove, he is one of the political geniuses of our time. It was interesting to read his perspective on how he thinks Bush will be remembered. Rove says "President Bush will be viewed as a far-sighted leader who confronted the key test of the 21st century." Rove went on to say "He will be judged as a man of moral clarity who put America on wartime footing in the dangerous struggle against radical Islamic terrorism." If you are a student of the American Presidents, you will find Rove's perspective a reading necessity.

POLITICO; NEWT ACCUSED OF MISLEADING DONORS

I posted this headline so that you all can see, once again, how the media, and Politico in particular, in this instance, continues to mislead the American people. Reading the headline, and nothing else, which Americans do frequently, one would think that Newt Gingrich is engaged in some sort of plot to deliberately mislead donors. Nothing could be further from the truth, if you read the content of the article. Ryan Call a lawyer for the Hasan Family Foundation, said "I don't think it was anything malicious or intentional or an attempt to deceive. I just think it was a little bit of inadvertent oversight." What is the Hasan Family Foundation, you ask? Well, it is the donor that Newt's group is accused of misleading.