I know, how devastating these kind of cases can be to people who can no longer earn a living because of a disability, and have to wait years for a decision from an Administrative Law Judge. During my legal career, I handled many social security disability cases, and they were always some of the toughest cases of my practice.
Well, I have to salute the New England Patriots. They were clearly the better team today. In fact, I don't know if any team can beat them this year. Tom Brady is awesome.
I normally don't even bother to read the Daily Kos, because it is so far off the wall, but this story just shows how much the Republicans have frustrated the far left.
One thing about Mayor Giuliani, he isn't afraid to say what he thinks.
Salena Zito has an excellent analysis of four of the Republican frontrunners, including why they can win the nomination and why they can't. I'm disappointed that she left out Fred Thompson.
This is the best analysis I have ever read of what we need to do to win the war on terror and the war in Iraq. Every American should read this article.
Following are members of the House and Senate who have announced they will retire at the end of the 110th Congress or seek other offices:
Senate (6)
Wayne Allard , R-Colo.
Larry E. Craig , R-Idaho
Pete V. Domenici , R-N.M.
Chuck Hagel , R-Neb.
Trent Lott , R-Miss.*
John W. Warner , R-Va.
House (23)
Tom Allen , D-Maine, (1st District) running for Senate
Julia Carson , D-Ind. (7th District)
Barbara Cubin , R-Wyo. (At Large)
Terry Everett, R-Ala. (2nd District)
Mike Ferguson , R-N.J. (7th District)
J. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.* (14th District)
David L. Hobson , R-Ohio (7th District)
Duncan Hunter , R-Calif. (52nd District) running for president
Ray LaHood , R-Ill. (18th District)
Jim McCrery , R-La (4th District)
Michael R. McNulty , D-N.Y. (21st District)
Steve Pearce , R-N.M. (2nd District) running for Senate
Charles W. “Chip” Pickering Jr., R-Miss. (3rd District)
Deborah Pryce , R-Ohio (15th District)
Jim Ramstad , R-Minn. (3rd District)
Ralph Regula , R-Ohio (16th District)
Rick Renzi , R-Ariz. (1st District)
H. James Saxton , R-N.J. (3rd District)
Tom Tancredo, R-Colo. (6th District) running for president
Mark Udall , D-Colo. (2nd District) running for Senate
Tom Udall , D-N.M. (3rd District) running for Senate
Jerry Weller , R-Ill. (11th District)
Heather A. Wilson , R-N.M. (1st District) running for Senate
* Lott, whose term expires in 2013, is expected to resign from the Senate by the end of the year.
* Hastert resigned Nov. 26.
I wonder how long it will take for the pundits to list Harry Reid as the worst majority leader ever? I actually feel kind of sorry for Reid, simply because he is learning what I have been saying for three years. You have to have sixty votes in the Senate to get anything done. I don't think not being able to get sixty votes represents anything but political hardball. People constantly badmouthed Bill Frist, and in my opinion, he managed to get a lot done during his four years as majority leader, even though he had to deal with RINOS and backstabbers like McCain and Lott and Graham. Funny how things turn out, isn't it?
Well, it didn't take the President long to respond. Bravo Mr. President. Well done!!!
This is one of those stories that I can only shake my head at. The Democratic candidates have agreed that they will not campaign in Florida because Florida is holding it's primary on January 29 instead of bowing to the will of the DNC and holding it on February 5. So, no campaign appearances, but they sure are sneaking into Florida to hold fundraisers. I hope the Democrats in Florida have enough sense to ignore them.
I'm not sure that this is a good idea. I think Senator Thompson should not even be thinking, at this point in time, of making Iowa a make or break deal. February 5 will tell the story, and he should be fighting to stay in the race until then. What do you all think?
Governor Huckabee has released his proposal for immigration reform.
Does anyone even pay attention to these forecasters? I know that those of us who live in Florida pay very little attention to the forecasters, but a lot of attention when the storms actually form.
David Brooks has an interesting piece in the New York Times. It is one that I totally disagree with. Brooks says that Mitt Romney, in not addressing the issue of non-believers in his speech of yesterday, has inadvertently continued the war in America between the religious and the non-religious. Nothing could be further from the truth. Why in the world would a person who faithfully practices his faith and has a strong belief in God want to address someone who does not? I felt that Governor Romney's speech was ill-conceived because it did not address the issues that trouble so many non-Mormons, the mysteries of the Mormon religion as it is practiced. I do not believe that the majority of the American people are bigoted. I do believe that they will not vote for a candidate that they are not comfortable with. That is where Mitt Romney is at.
Maybe it is time to think of getting rid of the entire page system.
Lamar Alexander is a good choice for a leadership position. Now we have a good Republican leadership team in place with Mitch McConnell, Jon Kyl, Lamar Alexander and Kay Bailey Hutchison. Let's figure out a way to win back some of those Republican seats in the Senate.
As I read the analysis of Governor Romney's speech about religion, and the other problems that he faces, i found myself in agreement with the major points of the analysis. There is no one speech that can eliminate his religion problem. The other major problem that he faces is the fact that he has changed positions on some important issues. I always view that as a plus in a candidate, except when it is apparent that their change is a direct attempt to pander to voters. But more importantly, although I listened carefully to Governor Romney's speech this morning and thought it was powerful, I don't think he eased the fears about his religion. Unlike John Kennedy, who when he made his speech, was one or about 50 million Roman Catholics in the United States, Governor Romney's Mormon religion represents a very small number of Americans. The Mormon faith remains shrouded in mystery. I do not think religion should be any part of our consideration of the qualifications of a Presidential candidate, but unfortunately, it is. Governor Romney must explain his religion to those voters who are afraid of it. I don't mean that he has to justify his religion. No American should ever do that. But he should explain some of the unique features of the Mormon religion. I grew up with a cousin who converted to Mormonism as an adult. He and I discussed his religion at length, and soon discovered that his Mormon religion and my Roman Catholic religion had one strong bond in common - both believed in God and Jesus Christ. But the Mormon religion was fascinating to me, and I never tired of hearing my cousin explain it's unique rituals and beliefs. I liked the idea that one day a week was family time. No matter what they had to do, they found time for their family that one night every week. I wish Governor Romney had explained some of the more mystical rituals of the Mormon church. I think most Americans would then be as comfortable with his faith as I am.
I'm not sure that I view Romney's speech as shifting course. I think it was just a necessity that arose because of the media's insistence that his religion is an issue. I listened to his speech and I don't think it will satisfy his critics, but then, I don't think anything will.
I still find it difficult to believe that this kind of speech is necessary in today's America. Shame on all of us who would base a vote on this man's religion. I do not support Mitt Romney, but the last thing on my mind is his religion. If he wins the Republican nomination, I will support him, as I would Giuliani, or McCain. My choice for the nomination is Huckabee or Thompson, but in the end I will support any of the Republican nominees.
Well, since we need civilian contractors in Iraq to help protect Americans, I'm glad that the Pentagon has come up with a way to control them.
Tim Tebow, the sophomore quarterback from Florida has a real chance to be the first sophomore to win the Heisman.
As usual, Ed Morrissey of Captain's Quarters has an excellent article, this time about the importance of independent voters to the Republican party, and how the Republican party can win them back - fiscal discipline is the secret.
Tom Bevan lists the top five errors (so far) of the 2008 campaign. I think he is a little premature in listing Mitt Romney's speech on religion, which hasn't been delivered yet.
Ed Morrissey has a good article about the infamous Jack Cafferty of CNN's Situation Room. Cafferty has now attacked Mitt Romney's religion. Read his article and vote on the question of what should be done about Cafferty.
Come on Governor Romney, you just made Giuliani's case for him!!!
Kay Bailey Hutchison is a good lady. If I had a vote, I would have voted for Senator Alexander, but I hate to hear Republicans talking negatively about a good solid Republican Seanator.
It's about time Congress does something about this problem. The middle class is being squeezed by these kind of deceptive practices.
President Bush seems determined to fight the battle over Iraq war funding with Congress. Good for him.
Another good column by Jack Kelly. John Murtha is one of those old style politicians, like Ted Kennedy, who really needs to leave Congress.
As a retired attorney, I understand better than the average lay person that Prosecutors can only enforce the laws that are in existence, but in this case, we need to enact appropriate legislation to prevent this from happening again.
Good for President Bush. I think he has made sure that he will not be considered irrelevant. I have been doing quite a lot of research about past majority leaders, and, after having listened to all the pundits saying how ineffective Senator Frist was, I have been pleasantly surprised to find that he ranks in the top three of majority leaders in terms of legislation passed and signed by the President. Harry Reid, although, he only has a year under his belt, has accomplished little, and is on course to be the most inept leader we have seen. It just goes to prove two theories of mine: 1. you need 60 Senators to accomplish anything. 2. it is easier to be the minority party in the Senate.
I find it sad that 47 years after John F. Kennedy's speech on his faith, another politician feels compelled to speak about his own religion. I had hoped that we as a nation had gotten beyond this issue.
My favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers upped their record to 9 and 3 with a 24 to 10 win over Cincinnati.
I don't know if there is any truth to this story, but Senator Craig has to realize that it is time for him to leave politics.
The Newt speaks his mind about Bill Clinton.
After West Virginia lost to my favorite team, Pitt, and Missouri got knocked off, I kind of expected Ohio State to jump back up there.
An interesting op-ed. We already know that today's liberals are not like those of our parent's generation. The thing that concerns me the most with this new brand, is that they have not only lost touch with prior generations, but they have also lost touch with the guiding principles of this country.
I would like to see Kay Bailey Hutchison win this position, but the guys seem to have completely forgotten her.
Ed Morrissey has a really interesting article about the CNN debate debacle of Wednesday evening. As he said, corruption is a strong word, but CNN's behavior gives rise to the question.
As we recognize World Aids Day, we must also recognize that there is a lot of work to be done to bring this terrible disease under control. Let our country resolve to lead the way.
The news from Iraq continues to get better. Hopefully, this trend will continue and the Iraqis will begin to control their own destiny.
Wouldn't it be nice if race had nothing to do with who a person backs in an election?
This is an interesting article. I recommend it to all of the Thompson supporters. I don't agree with the premise of the article, which is the old garbage that Fred is lazy, but I think Thompson supporters could help the Senator a lot by getting out there and talking about his ideas. He has a lot of good ones, and they are getting no attention. That's too bad.
I confess, I have found it difficult to take Ron Paul seriously at times, because he is such a poor debater, but I think it is time for everyone to begin to take this guy seriously and to listen to his message. I am not a libertarian, and I strongly disagree with his position on Iraq, but there are a lot of people out there listening to him. We all should, maybe we can learn something.
I wish the GOP candidates would think about the party a little more. They are setting the Republican party up for a massive defeat in 2008.
This story in the Politico shows again the rapid shift of priorities in national politics.
The Politico is reporting that police have been called to a hostage situation at a Hillary Clinton field office in New Hampshire. Hopefully, this situation will be resolved safely.
Ed Morrissey of Captain's Quarters has a good article about the shift in the war in Iraq, and the problems it presents for the Democrats.
Michelle Malkin has an article in the New York Post about the mess that passed for a debate on Wednesday night.
Every time something like this occurs, it reminds me of the problems we face in the world.
This story just keeps getting more and more interesting. Ed Morrissey of Captain's Quarters has the story.
Redstate goes after CNN. Good for them.
Check out the grades for the Republican Candidates from the debate of last night.
Why do I have the feeling that Bin Laden knows Al Qaeda is losing everywhere?
I find it strange that CNN didn't do a better job of checking out the people asking questions.
I didn't get the sense that any of the candidates, except perhaps Rudy, got personal. I thought it was a serious discussion, mishandled by CNN.
If the media and the politicians had bothered to listen to Senator Thompson, they would know that this is exactly the kind of campaign he said he would run.
I think Fred Barnes should have just sat back and enjoyed the spectacle. Huckabee had the right approach.
It is no surprise to me that the press ranks dead last in this survey.
Wonder if this had something to do with Senator Lott resigning?
I don't think this is what McCain-Feingold intended, but it just goes to show the power of the Clintons.
36 Days until the Iowa Caucuses
41 Days until the New Hampshire Primary
52 Days until the South Carolina Primary
62 Days until the Florida Primary
Well, at least former President Clinton thinks all the Republican candidates are interesting.
If you watched Monday night's Steelers - Miami football game on ESPN, you saw the terrible condition of the field. I don't buy Art Rooney II's excuse for the condition of the field. Didn't he watch the weather forecasts up there? And what's up with letting high school and college teams use the field before an important pro game? I graduated from law school with Art, and he is a terrific person, but he dropped the ball on this one.
My good friend John LeBoutillier has another terrific article in Newsmax. He is one of the best columnists I have ever read, and I recommend his articles to all of you. I don't always agree with John, but I know that when I read one of his articles he will speak plainly without any of the extra verbage that so many writers like to engage in.
This guy is too funny. He wants to observe because he doesn't think we will want to vote for President Bush again. I guess someone forgot to tell him that the President isn't running again.
I guess even the good Doctor has to make a living sooner or later.
Stuart Rothenberg of Roll Call makes the argument that Ron Paul is still irrelevant in Republican politics, that his fundraising pales in comparison to the front runners, and that he should not be taken seriously because he has no chance to win the Republican nomination. I still believe that he has no chance to win the nomination, but I believe that he must, and should. be taken seriously.
David Brooks has an excellent op-ed in the New York Times, in which he writes about the fundamental soundness of America's economy, and America's standing in the financial world.
The Steeler organization should be screaming bloody murder over the condition of the field - oh yeah, the Steelers won 3 - 0.
Denny Hastert has resigned from the House of Representatives effective tonight. God Speed Mr. Speaker.
An excellent analysis by David Rogers of the battle ahead for leadership positions in the Republican Senate caucus.
The Politico is reporting that Senator Jon Kyl will run for the whip position. Come on folks, don't we have some better people in our party. I sure don't want a pro-amnesty Senator in the number two position.
Mort Kondracke of Roll Call talks about what the Democrats intend to do in 2009 if they win the White House and gain control of both houses of Congress.
Jack Kelly has a column in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, highlighting Joe Lieberman's remarks about the behavior of Democrats regarding the war in Iraq. Mr. Kelly correctly points out that the American people will remember the actions of the Democrats.
The Politico is reporting that Trent Lott will resign, possibly announcing it as early as today. I have never cared for Lott, but we can't afford to keep losing Republican Senators. Nevertheless, I will certainly not miss Trent. He is the kind of Republican that only hurts our party.
Powerline has a post about Michael Gerson's book, called Heroic Conservatism. Powerline makes much the same points that George Will made in his article called "The Failings of Heroic Conservatism". Unfortunately, my dislike of the arrogance of Will's writing style and his speaking style caused me to ignore the excellent points that Powerline and Wills made. Read their articles. They really do explain a lot of the shortcomings of the Bush administration over the last several months.
Fred Barnes has this crazy idea that we can actually shrink the federal government.
As time goes on, I dislike George Will more and more. Not so much for his philosophy, because I agree with most of what he says, but because of his arrogance. He gives the conservative movement a bad name with his superior, patronizing attitude toward all who disagree with him. The conservative movement would be better served without the arrogance of pundits like him and William Kristol.
I thought this was one problem that we would not have to deal with again in my lifetime.
This story really caught my eye, because I have a friend who has been fighting a battle against his former employer over this very issue for years.
Just received this link from Tommy Oliver. A good article in National Review by Larry Kudlow.
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