Two Nations

Ah the ways of the flesh... we lazily oversimplify the complex, but our greater tendency is to take the simplest truth and beat it to death with analysis.

Is intellect over-rated? I would argue that it has to be, because it is both inconsequential to our eternal standing and is most often wasted on all that will pass away. I believe there is intellectual equity in the spiritual realms in that our brains are simply the instruments we use to express the decisions of our hearts... suggesting that humility and pride are the best measuring sticks of the concious and unconcious soul.

So here I argue that there are two nations occupying our fifty states. One is composed of the followers of "The Way" and their sidlers. (sidler...a Seinfeld reference) The other is composed of the rejecters of Christ and their sidlers. The sidlers are clueless and lost in cultural distractions, but share general values, identities, and traditions with their respective nations. However the "principals" have made "the decision" in a battle that is older than human creation... started among fallen and faithful spiritual forces of an older world.

Can our experience be reduced to good versus evil? Well I think its always has been that simple... and that complex. It is a battle whose nature is as varied as the number of human hearts, but it is the single undercurrent to every aspect of human existence.

As we say in Greentown, you can't tell the players without a program. But if you're tuned-in to the program the cultural and political landscape becomes a fascinating and instructive window into what is really going on out there... and reveals our responsibilities as consumers and voters.

I believe the simplest mind that is tuned-in to God's program can look out upon our culture and determine what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy... and what is not. Its as simple as that.

Justice for Ms. Lin and Family

Almost 27 years ago when Stanley "Tookie" Williams visited the Brookhaven Motel in Los Angeles he left with approximately 100 stolen dollars. He also left part of the face of Yu-Chin Lin, a 43-year-old female Taiwanese immigrant, splattered across the room... which can happen when a shotgun is fired at close range. Also murdered were Ms. Lin's 76-year-old father and 63-year-old mother. Here is a picture of a man at the Tookie vigil at San Quenton on December 12th holding up a forensic picture of the portion of Ms. Lin's face that was left intact.
http://www.zombietime.com/tookie/

Witnesses testified that Tookie, when talking with friends, referred to these immigrants as "Budhha-Heads."

I know that this picture is disturbing but words fail to describe an ugliness such as this. I figure the MSM keeps pictures like this away from us for a reason... they want passions inflamed in support of their pet issues... not against them. Its probably the same reason that we no longer see images from 9/11... and no movie has been made with planes flying into towers, people jumping from burning towers, people burning to death, and towers collapsing... etc. Scenes like that might stir up support for the war on terror and benefit the president's popularity.

Anyway, I hope that Mr Williams at least privately felt remorse and made peace with God over these pointless murders.

Wisconsin Educators Seek To Indoctrinate

I found this piece by Ari Kaufman in Front Page Magazine:

The day before Thanksgiving, third-grade students at the Frank Allis Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin, were given a curious lesson in civic responsibility. They were told to write letters to their congressman and various media outlets calling for an end to the war in Iraq.

Parents were sent a letter justifying this political indoctrination as a social studies lesson. “The Frank Allis third grade will be writing letters to encourage an end to the war in Iraq,” the letter explained. “The letter writing will teach civic responsibility, a social studies standard, while providing an authentic opportunity to improve composition skills and handwriting.
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=20506

As might be expected, there were those in Wisconsin that took offense that a public school would attempt to indoctrinate 8 and 9-year-olds into the left-wing anti-war movement, and the assignment was eventually dropped.

But to me this story represents the arrogance in public education. A bachelor's degree and a master's in education are admirable accomplishments, but they do not not instill depth, wisdom, or even common sense in an individual... nor do they equip a teacher with some weighty insight into current events or superior judgement into the proper attitudes to hold concerning those issues. An educator should teach, not indoctrinate, and there are many that manage to stimulate thought and teach a subject without interjecting their own political biases.

The story goes on to say that Congressman Mark Green, R-WI, wrote to the school and suggested that the young students could hone their writing skills and be taught civic responsibility by writing to our soldiers and thanking them for their service... but so far this suggestion has not elicited a reply.

Fiesta Brady

Forgive me, but its been a slow news week...

I found this tidbit about my favorite college quarterback from my favorite college football team in the Sun Times:

Quarterback, No. 10, Notre Dame, 6-3, 232 pounds, junior

Essential demeanor: Bright and polite; an Abercrombie model with a deadly gun.
Born: Oct. 27, 1984 (the weekend rookie Michael Jordan began regular-season play for the Bulls).
Father: Ty, a home developer, never played football past high school.
Mother: Robin, a homemaker-plus, ran track vs. the boys at a small high school in northern Ohio.
High school: Dublin (Ohio) Coffman.
First award: In 1991, first grade, ''Most organized desk.''
First QB job: In 1993, age 9, the Wildcats, Dublin Football League (junior division).
Began serious weight training: In 1997, seventh grade.
Draws great inspiration from: The Bible.
Doesn't drink: Soda pop (even diet).
In high school: Skyrocketed after new coach introduced crisp pass-oriented offense in his junior year.
In college: Skyrocketed after new coach introduced crisp pass-oriented offense in his junior year.
College recruiting irony: A Methodist, he was recruited by Tyrone Willingham, a Methodist, to play at the grand Roman Catholic football emporium.
Ecumenical note: His father is a Roman Catholic.
Number of Notre Dame All-Americans from Ohio: 14, including Harry Stuhldreher (Massillon), Alan Page (Canton) and Bob Golic (Willowick). Most recent: Frank Stams (Akron), 1988.
Biggest strengths: Confidence; high level and rapid response of his football IQ; variety of balls he throws.
Biggest weakness: Sometimes talks too fast, especially to expanding media mass.
Beyond his ears, friends fear: A career-ending injury to his finely-hinged frame.
Is he ready for the NFL?: Were the Beatles ready for ''Ed Sullivan''?
Most compelling argument for playing next year at Notre Dame: Vague notion of placating echoes.
Most compelling argument for moving to the NFL: Irretrievable earning year, accelerated chance to continue closing in on QB legends.
Without him this season: Notre Dame struggles to be 4-7.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/campus/cst-spt-quinn28.html

This is The Left

Here are some pictures from San Francisco rallies. http://www.zombietime.com/ If the Democrat base doesn't scare you, then you're not paying attention.

This kind of misinformation and hatred was spawned when the Democrat Party abandoned truth for the sake of its political future. We are a poorer nation because of it.

First Things First

The Democrats are calling for an investigation into the NSA eavesdropping matter, no doubt worrying that the Bush administration might be using the presidency to collect information and spy upon poor unsuspecting citizens.

I would suggest here that a BIG problem our government has is that they jump into new investigations before they finish the old ones.

Remember the discovery at the Clinton White House of more than 900 secret FBI personnel files, including dossiers of prominent Republicans? Did we get the who, how, when, and why of all that? Was Clinton gathering info that would protect us from terrorists?

I don't remember the Democrats, the mainstream media, or the rest of the Left's stormtroopers being all that inspired towards getting to the bottom of that little outrageous misuse of power.

I'm not a smart man, Jenny, but eavesdropping on terrorists and people in the states that they like to talk to might be demonstrating a competence in insuring our security. And if we contrast this with the sleazy machinations of window-peeking into the private matters of political opponents... well the Bush administration does seem to have loftier goals in play.

If Every United States Congressman Looked Like This...
There Would Be World Peace.

I think we all remember Katherine Harris from the 2000 election when she was the Florida Secretary of State. She stood there in her tasteful business suit and declared George Bush the winner in Florida.

Call me crazy, but I think she looks even better in this picture.

American Insurgents Attempt to Murder Cinncinnati Mosque

Evidently a small explosive device detonated on the porch of the Islamic Association of Cincinnati which is attached to a mosque. Only the door was damaged. It happened a couple days ago two hours after evening prayers and no one was hurt.

First of all its a credit to our citizens and this nation of laws that such a pathetic act (or much worse) doesn't happen more often. Look at the facts:

We have a government that has shown itself incapable of securing our borders. Our immigration policy is an absolute joke. Political correctness instead of common sense is screening passengers at airports. One of our two major political parties is giving daily aid to our enemy. And no, the Muslim communities in the U.S. haven't exactly been leading the way in the war on terror.

When government fails, frustrated idiots do stupid things and take the law in their own hands.

Is it wrong? Absolutely.

If this country was united and if the government was doing its job would that mosque in Cinncinnati have been attacked?

I don't think so.

A Big Week for Dems and Friends

Lets see, the Democrats successfully blocked drilling in Alaska's Anwar so there will be no loss of influence for dictators in South America and the Middle East... not to mention the positive effect on oil prices and any domestic optimism that might have followed... has be averted. Ahhh...

Hmm, combing the airwaves for suspicious words and phrases or patterns will no longer be an effective tool to fight terrorists and their plots, leaving the President less capable of defending us. Leaks, leaks, love those leaks! Good... good...

What else... what else... Oh! ...Democrats have exhibited the proper lack of resolve in fighting terrorism by opposing the Patriot Act... reinforcing the "Paper Tiger" image, and encouraging the Islamofascists to hang on for just three more years!!!

Only Wednesday... and so much accomplished!

Democrats Demand Civil Liberties for Terrorists

With their political base continuing to shrink, Democrats have reached out to another minority in an effort to shore up their numbers. By denying an up-or-down vote on the Patriot Act and threatening the President over NSA eavesdropping, the Democrats hope to garner the coveted terrorist vote in the 2006 elections. Though running the risk that most Americans may be more concerned with their security than the rights of the murderers trying to kill them, the Democrats have decided to charge ahead in their efforts to "take the side" of the oppressed and under-represented terrorists here and around the world.

Note: This reporter has no access to the Democrat Leadership and must determine their intentions through observation and conjecture.

The Defeat that Really Concerns the Democrats

The problem with being "character-challenged," a pathology that afflicts the Democrat Leadership, is that you lose your ability to see beyond your own selfish interests. The "big picture" is not service, and leaving a legacy of freedom and stability for generations to come... but rather a collage of polls, sound-bites, and talking points focused on nothing noble... just that which will return them to power... no matter the cost.

The Democrats frenzied concerns are not for our security, but rather the securing of the elections of 2006. They take no joy in Iraqi elections or a robust economy because good news for America is bad news for their ambitions. With negativity and defeatism their banner and battlecry... they die just a little with each of our victories... and choke on each morsel of positive news.

Mohammed Atta hated America so much that he invited his own destruction in order to strike out against us. The Democrat's efforts to destroy the Bush Administration may be temporarily cathartic to their pain, but weilding a sword of negativity and revenge becomes a burdensome endeavor... a poison whose ills afflict the perpetrator as much as the victim.

Reid, Pelosi, Dean, and the rest probably began their careers with unselfish ideals and hopes for our nation. But somewhere in the political struggle they lost sight of even the most basic and primary tenets of patriotism, loyalty, and service to country. Their methods are good neither for the country nor their Party, but there is nothing reasonable in their fanaticism.

Lovers?

John McCain and Harry Reid were caught sneaking out from behind a tree today. Standing far apart they tried to look innocent but observers feared the worst.

Actually this is a picture from some lame Time Magazine article about people of the year or some such nonsense... I didn't read the real caption figuring my own would surely be as credible as anything TIME magazine might have to say.

Treason?

Hanging works for me...

I found this lovely illustration on David Horowitz's "Front Page Magazine."

Always good reading.

Note to Democrats: Politics Don't Protect Us

Well here we go again.

Democrats gutted the intelligence agencies and set up road blocks discouraging inter-agency communications... and then they trumpeted the failure of the intelligence communities on 9/11... on "Bush's watch" as they are fond of saying.

Democrats voted to invade Iraq... but when the going got tough they said they were misled and called the President a liar.

And now, after grandstanding in the 9/11 commission over our nation's inability to uncover links between terrorists here at home and terrorists abroad... the Democrats are bemoaning the fact that the President is aquiring that information by eavesdropping on terrorists.

The Democrat Leadership was briefed more than a dozen times about these communication intercepts and the activities involved... and now they are shocked, SHOCKED to learn of this activity... and conveniently announce their outrage on a day when their is good news over the election in Iraq.

How selfish and wreckless does a politician have to be to put politics above the safety of millions of American citizens? How outrageous is it to leak sensitive information to the press, giving terrorists (who are trying to kill American men, women, and children) a "heads-up" over the methods we use to prevent their attacks?

Politicians who compromise our security possess the same patriotism that trashes our Commander-in-Chief and questions the morality of our troops in a time of war. These politicians are called Democrats.

Radical Islam and the Treatment of Women

Shahid Mehdi, an Islamic Scholar stated in a televised interview that women who refuse to wear headscarves are "asking for rape." Did he say this in Saudi Arabia? No, this statement was issued in Copenhagen. And if you consider the sharp rise in the reported rapes and beatings of Scandenavian women by "immigrants," you may assume Mehdi's followers believe this policy applies to western women. Charges of rape in Sweden have tripled in the past 20 years and there are 6 times as many reported rape cases involving children under 15. A study by Ann Christine Hjelm, a lawyer, found that 85 per cent of the convicted rapists were born on foreign soil or by foreign parents.

On David Horowitz's Front Page I found this story about two girls who were attacked on their way to a New Years Eve party in Sweden. Malin and Amanda were assaulted, raped, and beaten savagely by four Somali immigrants.

Sharon Lapkin reports a story from Australia about a Muslim man who:
...told the court he had committed four attacks on girls as young as 13 because they had no right to say “no.” They were not covering their face or wearing a headscarf, and therefore, the rapist proclaimed: “I’m not doing anything wrong.”

Many Islamofascists believe that it is just a matter of time until the West belongs to them. And as the multiculturalism of the West psychologically empowers their totalitarian ambitions, they grow bolder. Its not much of a stretch for one of these radicals to look at an unveiled Norwegian or Swedish girl and see nothing but an object, a piece of infidel property or loot to be pilfered.

Still, its evidently worse for females in Saudi Arabia as James Woolsey relates:
Religious police in Saudi Arabia forced some young girls fleeing a burning school back inside to their deaths because they were not properly veiled. This is a fanaticism that knows no bounds.

And Lapkin reports that in some parts of Pakistan "gang rape" is an "officially sanctified method" of controlling social values and punishing crime. When a young man committed an offense against a Pakistan farming village, the village council ordered that his sister be taken to a hut where she was raped repeatedly by four men.

So where is the outrage? You might expect it to come from liberal women's groups, but generally they save their outrage for "Things Republican." Any "crusade" they might start against the mistreatment of women by radical Islam might be construed as aligning themselves with the Bush administration... so thats not going to happen.

And while I'm sure moderate Muslims cringe upon hearing such horror stories, their voices are silent.

We hear of the beheading of hostages, but some how these attacks on women and girls, justified by religious beliefs is much more troubling. The barbarism described above is indicative of the kind of evil that threatens our world. And since it will not be defeated by understanding words or placating gestures, the liberals and multiculturalists of Europe are no match for it. This evil must be engaged consistently and preemptively because every foothold it acquires is a step towards our destruction. America needs to keep in power, and elect to power, representatives that understand just what we are up against... and remarkably many of our present leaders do not.

Poor Hollywood

Try to control your grief as you read this snippet from Breibart.com:

Even a much-hyped giant gorilla, a geisha and a schoolboy magician won't be able to create a happy ending at the US box office, as Hollywood ends its most disappointing year in nearly two decades. Plunging movie ticket sales, after a string of uninspiring remakes and movie sequels coupled with an explosion of the DVD and video game markets, are keeping audiences at home and have sent Hollywood into a deep existential crisis.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/12/13/051213173239.bo5ciosh.html

I've taken a stand in my humble life... I will not use the phrase, "well duh..." no matter how appropriate the occasion. These financial difficulties that Hollywood faces are self-inflicted and due to their stubborn, narcissistic, and arrogant belief that they know what is good for us. I believe Hollywood makes movies for Hollywood... caring more about mutual sycophancy than public praise or box office receipts. So be it, and their red ink. Did it feel good to say all this? Oh yes... yes it did.

They could fix this with more family-friendly movies... more Church-friendly movies... but they won't. They've taken a stand, too.

The Secret Economic Boom

Once in a while its good to get your economic news from a source that isn't particulary interested in 1) making President Bush look like a complete loser and 2) creating a hand wringing atmosphere from which the Democrats can launch their 2006 campaigns.

The Wall Street Journal is a source like that. I found these "facts" there:

• The stock market has risen by about $4 trillion in value, and an estimated 40% of that gain is directly attributable to increases in the after-tax return on equities, thanks to the tax cut. (If the tax cut expires, the market will instantly give back those gains.) Housing values have soared so rapidly that the fear is we now face a bubble. Household net wealth has climbed by $10 trillion.

• Business investment--which had sunk into the abyss during the recession, falling by 21% between 2000 and 2002--has roared back to life. Spending is up nearly 25% over the past 30 months.

• Dividend payments to shareholders have doubled in two years, according to data gathered by the American Shareholders Association. The cumulative impact of the tax cut and the higher dividend payments has put $100 billion into the pockets of America's burgeoning investor class.

• The macro-economic signs all point to a solid, sustainable expansion. Employment is up 4.4 million and real GDP growth has averaged 4%--or twice the OECD average--since 2003. Today's unemployment rate of 5% means there are now roughly one million more Americans working than were projected before the tax cut.

• Oh, and yes, there was a $120 billion reduction in the budget deficit in 2005. That's because tax receipts rose by more than in any previous year in U.S. history, even adjusting for inflation. Receipts were up by $55 billion above projections in 2004; $122 billion above projections in 2005; and are already running well ahead of projections so far in fiscal 2006 (which began in October).

• Finally, we wonder if any of the faux debt-hawks in Congress noticed that thanks to the sizzling economy, states and localities are now running hefty budget surpluses, reversing years of red ink and painful service cutbacks. Even New York City--which for years looked like the U.S. version of debt-plagued Argentina--is back in the black.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110007650

I confess to being a little shocked when I read this data. But I suppose that speaks to the efficiency of the mainstream media in their attempts to dress every positive story in a shroud.

Peter Heck Corrects Local Dem over "Establishment Clause" Issues

Local radio phenom Peter Heck visited the county's Democrat Blog site to correct the mistakes that a local Dem had posted there. Mr Heck writes:

First, your statement that “all 85 of the Federalist Papers only mention God twice” (and that not seriously)…and both of those are attributable to Madison is wrong. Among other indirect references, Federalist #2, written by John Jay states, “With equal pleasure I have as often taken notice that Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people—a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs. This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence.” This is not an impersonal, “heaven only knows” reference. This is a God who has actively given a people, common in their religious practice (one can clearly assume this is Christianity) a nation out of a grand design. Gore Vidal has misled you.

Secondly, your statement that “there is quite a bit of evidence that our Founding Fathers were not Christians” also fails the test of historical accuracy. Of the 55 men who signed the Constitution, virtually ALL were PROFESSING followers of Christianity (29 Episcopalians, 9 Presbyterians, 7 Congregationalists, 2 Lutherans, 2 Dutch Reformed, 2 Methodists, 2 Roman Catholics, 1 Quaker/Anglican, and 1 possible Deist—Ben Franklin, who as the least religious of all the Founders called for daily prayer and contributed to all denominations!). Further, the Founders made their personal faith very evident in their writings. Besides founding the new nation, these men founded other organizations of note: the American Tract Society, the American Bible Society, the Philadelphia Bible Society, and the Christian Constitutional Society. And even more remarkable are their words…upon request I would be happy to supply you with quotes of our Founders like: John Jay “Unto Him who is the author and giver of all good, I render sincere and humble thanks for His merciful and unmerited blessings, and especially for our redemption and salvation by his beloved Son.” Or Alexander Hamilton “I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy; pray for me.” Or John Adams “The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount contain my religion.” Or George Washington “My most glorious God, in Jesus Christ my merciful and loving Father…direct me to the true object, Jesus Christ the Way, the Truth, the Life.” And we could keep going, but I think the point is made. Your statement that the Founders were not Christians is built upon misrepresentations of the Founders…not what they themselves professed.

Third, your pronouncement that the Constitution is a “godless” document merely because the word “God” does not appear in it reveals an elementary logic. Interesting that the words “separation of church and state” appear nowhere in any of the founding documents and yet you believe that the PRINCIPLE of separation was inherent in the document. Seems like a bit of a double standard. I could write for hours on this topic of a "godless constitution" and show you studies which demonstrate the remarkable percentages of direct Biblical references of our Founders in forming Constitutional principle, point out the intricacies of some of the systems and how they are uniquely Biblical. If you so desire, I will; but again, I want to be respectful and save space.

I found it interesting you quoted Hamilton’s biographer as saying they just forgot about God in forming the document. That's interesting since Hamilton himself said of the Constitution that, “For my own part, I sincerely esteem it a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests.” And noted revolutionary war veteran, friend of the Founders, Noah Webster, whose writings and ideas contributed to the composition of Constitutional principle (specifically Article I, Section 8) said, “The brief exposition of the Constitution of the United States, will unfold to young persons the principles of republican government; and it is the sincere desire of the writer that our citizens should early understand that the genuine source of correct republican principles is the Bible, particularly the New Testament or the Christian religion...” In other words, Bob, though the document obviously does not mention God, that is an impotent reason to suggest it is not founded upon the moral principles of the Bible. To do so demonstrates a failure to grasp the purpose of the Constitution.

The Constitution is a framework for the governing system in the United States, not a charter of liberties. In many ways, the Constitution serves as the canvas upon which the early administrations and Congresses were to paint upon. In other words, the Constitution is not the embodiment of the common law, but the form in which that law is to be developed and administered. A blueprint for a house does not contain direct reference to the nails, screws, and bolts used to strengthen and support the form; yet, any architect or builder will readily acknowledge they are necessary for the security of the structure. In the same way, the “blueprint” for the country (read Constitution) may not contain direct reference to the religious truth used to preserve and perpetuate its existence. Yet, the architects and builders of the new republic were clear about the vital nature of such enduring truth. If you would like quotes to support that fact, again, merely ask.

Finally, the Declaration of Independence mentions the Creator God four times, not twice. “…to which the laws of nature and nature’s God entitle them” , “…endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…” , “…appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions” , and “…with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.”

Bob, you flippantly discount the most significant and crucial element of this Declaration. And I point this out, because doing so is dangerous to all of us. I know you are concerned about civil liberties and rights…but your disregard for the significance of what the Founders are doing in the Declaration threatens those very liberties you hold so dear. The Founding Fathers, unlike nations founded upon the principles of humanism (that the modern left touts), rooted our most basic, fundamental, and precious rights in a transcendent moral authority that exists above and beyond man. Yes, government is a political institution. But it is not the final authority and arbiter of rights and liberties. The Founders said there is something beyond man and his institutions…a transcendent moral authority (Creator God) who gives man his most basic rights. That is why their revolution was justified…because the King was taking away rights and freedoms that he had no right to take away. Why didn’t he? Because they are a gift not of man, but of God. In other words, the whole idea, the whole root of liberties and freedoms in America is based in the foundation of a just and holy God that exists beyond man, and that man individually, corporately, and in government is to be held accountable to. Bob, that’s why America is the greatest defender of human rights in the world, because we understand…and have for 200 years that those rights are the gift of the Creator to the people…and no man has the right to take them away. If that isn’t resting an entire civilization and culture in absolute moral truths of the Bible, I don’t know what is.

Obviously, this post only scratches the surface of these issues. Thank you for the opportunity to post here. Please understand that while the founders were not desirous of a government run religion, they did recognize the importance of founding a republic firmly rooted in lasting moral principles. As John Quincy Adams stated so perfectly, “The highest glory of the American revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” Not in the sense that everyone had to be Christians…but in the sense that the absolute truths of the Bible were to be the foundation of our civilizations. We would be wise to follow in their footsteps and not be so arrogant as to assume we know better than they.

Another blogger, one Tom Smith, added this information to the discussion that he found in the Library of Congress:

"It is no exaggeration to say that on Sundays in Washington during the administrations of Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809) and of James Madison (1809-1817) the state became the church. Within a year of his inauguration, Jefferson began attending church services in the House of Representatives. Madison followed Jefferson's example, although unlike Jefferson, who rode on horseback to church in the Capitol, Madison came in a coach and four.... Throughout his administration Jefferson permitted church services in executive branch buildings. The Gospel was also preached in the Supreme Court chambers. Jefferson's actions may seem surprising because his attitude toward the relation between religion and government is usually thought to have been embodied in his recommendation that there exist 'a wall of separation between church and state.' In that statement, Jefferson was apparently declaring his opposition, as Madison had done in introducing the Bill of Rights, to a 'national' religion. In attending church services on public property, Jefferson and Madison consciously and deliberately were offering symbolic support to religion as a prop for republican government."
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/religion.html

Then Mr Smith "nails it" in his own words:

Evidence such as this demonstrates that if our Founders had intended the strict separation that Bob advocates, they were by far the worst violators of the document and principles that they themselves drafted.

With Peter Heck and Tom Smith on the job the Founder's intentions may be safe from those who wish to re-write history to suit their preferences.

The Lion, the Dems, and the Church

I've spent some time visiting my county's Democrat Blog Site (no, I don't feel all that welcome there) over an issue involving The Peter Heck Show , and the issue has rapidly turned into a discussion on the Church and its attitude towards the Democrat Party. There was a comment posted suggesting that some Democrats had stopped attending Church because they no longer felt welcome.

Most ministers and Church officials that I'm familiar with stick with preaching and teaching what they believe are truths from the Bible... and comment on cultural concerns when these truths relate to them. But I've never seen any arm twisting from the pulpit when it comes to party affiliation. It wouldn't be polite and it would jeopardize their tax-exempt status. It may happen among members, and in Sunday school classes but I haven't seen it.

From what I've witnessed you have to be an African-American church to legally endorse candidates.

I think the source of discomfort for loyal church-going Democrats is when their national leaders embrace issues that conflict with traditional moral statutes from the Bible, and the Church speaks out against those issues. Because of Party loyalty these Christians may try to restructure their core beliefs to accommodate non-Biblical views... or question the importance of the issues... or somehow justify their vote through other issues voiced by their party.

Now I will admit that there is a new line thats been drawn in the sand out there, but it wasn't drawn by the Church. The Democrat Party has gone through some very dynamic changes in the past 4o years and its a little unreasonable to expect Christians to go against their "Play Book" and follow along.

It bothers me a little that a family might stop attending a church because of politics, but maybe its just as well. In this country there is a church for every belief and every philosophy. There are all sorts and degrees of liberal churches out there... and I contend that liberal religious beliefs and liberal politics pretty much go hand-in-hand. Liberal churches as a rule are not dynamic... in fact they're generally dying, but they are available.

But in every church, both liberal and fundamental, there are people who are moving towards God... people that are moving away from God... and people who merely fill a pew. (just in case there is really something "up there") But we should relax. When the Lion of Judah returns... He'll sort us all out.

With our Backs to Sodom

I've often thought that if the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were alive today they would vacation in Los Angeles. This is the same Los Angeles whose entertainment industry tutors our teenagers, instructs our children, and babysits our toddlers.

When I was in Jr High, I accompanied my parents to a revival meeting where the preacher spoke about his home. He said that while he and his wife did not judge others, he struggled not to question the seriousness of the faith of those who had televisions in their homes. I'm sure, at the time, I desperately hoped my parents were not taking his message to heart. As a kid in the 60's our TV was my only window to what I thought was the real world, and my only balm for boredom. It was a monumental waste of time even then, but I can't remember it being disturbing.

When insomnia strikes me today I lie in bed and surf late-night cable programming where I see soft-porn videos being advertised and comedians broaching subjects that I'd be embarrassed to discuss in polite company. I see the Church belittled and adultery celebrated. I could go on, but maybe you've seen television.

Being "holier than thou" is the stuff that hypocrits are made of, but being holy is still our calling and should be our goal. Television and movies at their best are distractions from our most basic reality... that being the one relationship we have that is eternal. At their worst these entertainments are pollutants and pathogens that we willfully place between us and our Holy Creator.

Its physically impossible to turn your back to something that surrounds you. And I'll admit to being much more lost in this culture than I should be. But being cognizant of the danger is the first step towards survivng the influences of this decadent, faithless culture... and guarding our hearts by wisely choosing our entertainments is paramount in defusing its influences.

Paul wrote, "What fellowship can light have with darkness?* ...Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable... think on these things."**

Christianity in this rich country can easily become more a "lifestyle" than a commitment. But in the early morning before the television is turned on... when our minds are yet serious and lucid... as we read the Bible and kneel to pray... there is a moment to reach past our temporary little world... and ask for wings to ride above the evil and its noise.

*2 Cor 6, **Phil 4

Ann Coulter Welcomed at UCONN

In a typical display of liberal "tolerance," students at the University of Connecticut shouted-down Ann Coulter on campus Wednesday night forcing her to cut short her speech.

These champions of free speech used the sophisticated "boombox with loud music" argument to counter Coulter's conservative ideas.
Shown here is a UCONN student holding a poster which features the devastatingly clever and compelling "Hitler Moustache" argument in opposing Coulter's political stance.

Quoting the Dems

I found this story on Matt Drudge's site. He explains it this way:

The DRUDGE REPORT has learned from a top GOP operative that the Republican National Committee will provide state parties with a web video prior to release tomorrow afternoon that shows a white flag waving over images of Democrat leaders making anti-war remarks. The ad is in response to the controversial comments Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean and 2004 Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry made earlier in the week.

A Democratic strategist who had the web ad described to her said, “This is way over the top but we have no one to blame but Dean, Kerry and others who continue to pander to the anti-war activists within our party.”

The web video advances the Republican contention that the Democrats only have a “retreat and defeat” message on the war in Iraq. The video highlights the effect Democrats can have on the morale of U.S. soldiers.

One Republican strategist familiar with the ad said, “The Democrats, especially Howard Dean have a way of trying to turn the tables and say ‘that’s not what I meant’ – its just those ‘evil Republicans’ This video will make them crazy – it reinforces what they really believe with what they actually said – and that is devastating for the Democratic Party.”
http://www.drudgereport.com/flash2.htm

How much does it cost to advertise during the Super Bowl? Thats a fund to which I would contribute.

The White House Christmas Card

With certain impeachment pending, I ran to my bookshelves and retrieved the President's card with the two dogs and one cat sitting in the snow on the White House lawn. I feverishly searched for a "Christmas" message and found none.

But inside under the Presidential Seal were these words:

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
In him my heart trusts;
So I am helped and my heart exults,
And with my song I give him thanks.
Psalm 28:7 (RSV)

With derisive glee the MSM have been jumping about rejoicing that certain conservative Christian leaders have voiced disapproval over the official White House Christmas Card, in that it fails to include the word "Christmas." These same journalists would have complained if "Christmas" had been included, which I'm sure they would have preferred, but this was the only negative spin available so they instinctively and naturally pounced.

I would have preferred a Christmas message. But having the President of the world's only superpower send out the message that the God of Abraham is his strength and his shield is kind of special in itself. It may not be Christmassy... but I'll take it.

Peter Heck on the Hostages

OK, OK... I know I already posted one of Mr Heck's pieces on my site today, but this is so insightful and good and well-written and timely... did I say insightful? ... that I had to include it here. Heck writes:

The plight of the Christian Peacemakers Team taken captive in Iraq has captivated much of the mainstream media. It would be nice if this occurred for altruistic reasons. Unfortunately, after watching a Nightline special on the story last night, the mainstream media seems interested to use it for one objective: partisan politics.

Though admittedly an inference on my part, the implication seemed to be quite apparent throughout the special: these are innocent people who have been taken captive by misunderstood freedom fighters who are merely trying to wrest control of their country away from the occupying American forces. In other words, it’s President Bush’s fault.

I don’t react to these people’s captivity and (God-forbid) impending doom with a sense of joy, happiness, or “you should have known better” contentment, any more than I do when cowardly nations who have attempted to appease these radical Islamists are attacked by the same. Indeed, we all should be praying for the captives’ release.

But as I watched this daughter last night speak directly to her father’s captors, saying something to the effect of, “Please release him and understand he is working for the same goals in Iraq you are,” I was overcome with sorrow for her and those like her. Americans who still do not understand that this is a war with people who cannot be pacified, cannot be appeased, cannot be placated, are hopelessly lost. These are murderous fascists intent on brutalizing and destroying anyone who stands in the way of their evil agenda. There can be no compromise or understanding with such evil.

The fact that these Islamo-fascists have captured and are undoubtedly preparing to execute a group of people who were in Iraq to castigate and criticize the American military efforts prove this reality. It’s the same lesson that Spain and France have and are learning the hard way. This truth should be met with universal indignation against such evil butchers, and a collective resolve to wage and win the war on terror. But that happens only when American left and their allies in the mainstream media recognize the truth that is before their eyes: radical Islam is our enemy, not George Bush. 2005-12-07
http://peterheck.com/betasite/mainphp.php

Dean and Jerry...er Kerry

Two of my favorite bloggers have great posts about the Democrat's madcap poster-boys for defeat. Skye Puppy discusses their latest outrageous performances and says this about Dean's "target" suggestion:

Unfortunately, Howard Dean and others of his ilk don't understand the basic facts about the terrorists. We can't get the target off the backs of American troops, no matter where they are. And we can't get the target off the backs of all of the rest of the Americans and all the rest of the world's "infidels." We need to leave our troops where they are and let them kill Zarqawi and his thugs right there in Iraq.
http://skyepuppy.blogspot.com/2005/12/kerry-and-dean-on-iraq.html

The entire post is great reading, per usual from Skye Puppy, and she ends with a poll that encourages us to believe that a modicum of sanity remains in this country despite the efforts of the Dems and the MSM.

Peter Heck has always displayed a remarkable talent for verbally kicking Howard Dean's butt... and this is one of his better efforts:

In searching around the internet briefly this morning, I came across a story from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. It seems that two larger pieces of the Titanic’s hull have been found by researchers and apparently suggest that the Titanic sank much faster than previously thought. Whereas original estimates said that the stern of the ship slipped into the icy black waters in about 20 minutes, the new discovery seems to indicate that this process would have happened much faster.

But what struck me as I read this story was that the link right above it made reference to Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean and his recent…and might I say unbelievable (even for Howard Dean’s standards)…proclamation that the U.S. would not win the Iraq war. Surely, as this man continues to embarrass the party with continually fanatical observations, the more moderate stream of Democrats are regretting the day they ever allowed him to ascend to the chairmanship of their party.

In speaking to a Democrat friend recently, I brought up the Chairman, to which my friend rolled his eyes, shook his head, and said, “Well…he could raise money…we thought that would be a good thing.” Money is important in politics, it’s true. But the sources from which Dean derives his funds (far left, radical groups) have now become the backbone and power structure of the Democratic Party. The result has been a fractured and inconsistent stance from Democrats on nearly every issue…in other words, Dean is effectively splitting and rupturing the Party before our very eyes.

I guess the only question that remains is: after the Dean iceberg, will the Party sink as fast as the Titanic? With Hillary screeching at hecklers and trying to figure out who to pander to, John Kerry making bizarre statements about U.S. soldiers “terrorizing kids and children” all to placate the now-established radical base, and Joe Lieberman’s once mainstream voice being considered “foolish” in the Democratic Party, all signs are certainly pointing to a rapid descent.2005-12-06
http://peterheck.com/betasite/mainphp.php

The Founding Fathers and Today's Court

I found this great article from Peter Heck that is a must-read: http://peterheck.com/betasite/faithfounders.html Read the whole thing and tell me how in the world the court justifies removing religious symbols based upon the writings of the "Founders."

Mr Heck's entire site is both humorous and informative. I recommend it.
http://peterheck.com/betasite/mainphp.php

The Anti-War Legacy

There is a line in the movie "Patton" that I think applies today. The general is standing before troops who will soon be sent into battle and he says, "Thirty years from now, when you're sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee and he asks you, "What did you do in the great World War II," you won't have to say, "Well... I shoveled sh__ in Louisiana."

On September 11, 2001 the adults in our government finally recognized that we were at war with radical elements of the religion of Islam. There were indications of this fact in the '90s, but it took the attacks and deaths of 9/11 to stir the U.S. Government into action.

Since then our military has removed the Taliban government in Afghanistan, destroyed Alqada's base of operations, and given that country back to its people. It has removed a mass murderer from power in Iraq and is in the process of protecting the seeds of democracy there.

Because of America's resolve in the face of this threat, Islamic governments no longer see us as a "paper tiger" and are not so anxious to harbor groups intent upon terrorism. And although recent fretful overtures from leading Democrats have diluted their fears, none of these nations wish to risk being the next target of the U.S. military. And with every bomb from Zarqawi and every vote by the Iraqi and Afghan people, Middle East attitudes are slowly being transformed.

These amazing accomplishments of George Bush and the American Military have transpired in a domestic atmosphere of personal attacks and media-manufactured negativity. President Bush has been lampooned on network television, viciously attacked by Democrats, and undercut by feckless cowards in his own party. The military has heard elected representatives say that they have gone to war for a lie and that they can't win.

But some day this war on terror will be over. The Middle East will look different with a democratic Iraq... and maybe a democratic Iran. The history will be written about how George Bush saved this country by standing firm and taking the fight to the terrorists and the countries that harbored them.

And when we are asked what role the Democrats, mainstream media, and other members of the anti-war movement played in the struggle, we will recount the attacks on the Commander-in-Chief in a time of war for political gain... the questioning of our morality that saddened the families of soldiers while their loved ones fought so far from home... the way they encouraged our enemies by dividing our country, weakening the resolve of so many... or maybe we will just smile and say, "They shoveled sh__ in Washington."

Bachelors Die Young

I don't take credit in life for very many things, inasmuch as I've done little of note, and many of the things I have done I'd like to forget. But I do take credit for the following brilliant saying:

"Bachelors die young, and old maids live forever."

So you see, my life has not been wasted.

Is the saying perfect? ...No. "Forever" is an exageration that doesn't fit and "old maid" is insulting to many mature unmarried women whom I have known and admired. But other than that... its brilliant!

The saying falls into the same category as certain other immutable truths like, "Jesus saves", "it takes one to know one", and "they call a doctor's business a practice for good reason." But its "bachelors die young" that particularly interests me.

I will turn 52 in January and I am amazed at times that I have remained single lo these many years. That wasn't my plan. I'm not gay. (not a "nancy-boy," as we say in Greentown) No, I have met and dated many females (of my species) who have stirred my heart and yet... here I am... facing an imminent and lonely death with no gold band on my ring finger. How did this happen?

I've been told I'm too picky. Nonsense! Plain Janes in my past abound. Abound, I tell you! But it brings up an interesting point. Women complain that men are only interested in a pretty face and a nice body. But this phenomenon is no more common or relevant than the occurences of women who choose or reject men based on the amount of their income... especially the second time around. So for every man who is a pig looking for "Barbie," there is a woman who is strictly mercenary.

And I? ...I look into a woman's soul. At least for awhile.

Does it hurt that women find me unattractive? Does it pain me that I am the kind of man that women prefer not to marry? Well... certainly not as much as it used to.

As I rapidly approach the last great precipice I note that my values have changed. When I was young I valued fast women, fast cars, and fast food. My values now are Jesus, mutual funds, and roughage. (Actually, I'm so regular that it sometimes frightens me, but here I try to relate to the bowels of lesser men) Its not that I'm no longer looking for a soft bosom on which to lay my head, (that certainly inspires an image, doesn't it?) but my search for said bosom in no way resembles the almost mythically heroic juggernaut that possesses men in their youth. And, more to my point here, God in his infinite wisdom and mercy has provided a way that single, childless men may avoid rusting away in a nursing home with no visitors. And here it is:

Through bad diet, lack of familial responsibilty or purpose, or the simple lack of stimulation to the immune system that intimacy affords... bachelors die young.

Am I wringing my hands over my sad fate? Not me! I pace, instead. I also have arguments alone in my house (while pacing) with people who have ticked me off. (I do both parts) And, my friend, these are arguments I almost always win. But this is not germane to the discussion.

In the immortal words of that great American writer, Kurt Vonnegut, in his beloved "Cat's Cradle", in his inimitable style, (try saying inimitable before your first cup of coffee...) Vonnegut writes:

"We do doodily do,
What we must, muddily must,
Muddily do, muddily do,
Till we bust, bodily bust."

Bachelors bust early. Bachelors die young.

President Bush Explains Reality

President Bush spoke Wednesday at the Naval Academy and said:
Their [the terrorist's] objective is to drive the United States and coalition forces out of Iraq, and use the vacuum that would be created by an American retreat to gain control of that country. They would then use Iraq as a base from which to launch attacks against America, and overthrow moderate governments in the Middle East, and try to establish a totalitarian Islamic empire that reaches from Indonesia to Spain. That's their stated objective. That's what their leadership has said.

This is an enemy without conscience -- and they cannot be appeased. If we were not fighting and destroying this enemy in Iraq, they would not be idle. They would be plotting and killing Americans across the world and within our own borders. By fighting these terrorists in Iraq, Americans in uniform are defeating a direct threat to the American people. Against this adversary, there is only one effective response: We will never back down. We will never give in. And we will never accept anything less than complete victory.

Contrast these words of reality with never-ending attacks of negativity from Democrats and the media. It is obvious that the Left refuses to recognize that there is a world-wide war going on in which we are the target... regardless of what we think, say, or do. It may be pretty to think that all we need do is walk away... but we would be followed and attacked.

And the Democrat leadership? Its of the utmost importance that these weak-willed, disloyal, Eurowussie-wannabees never be allowed to lead this country.

Merry C____________

Skye Puppy has a great post about the Happy Holidays vs Merry Christmas thing, including some intersting comments from a Rabbi Lapin. Good reading.

The Pupster wraps it up with this suggestion:

We talked about this, including the various stores that have instructed their employees to say "Happy Holidays," in our Bible Study class on Sunday. Our teacher had a good suggestion.

When you go into a store to do your Christmas shopping, ask to speak to the manager (a checkout clerk can't be counted on to relay the message). Ask the manager if the store's employees are wishing people "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays."

If it's the holiday greeting, then let the manager know how disappointed you are. "Oh, that's too bad. I don't want to buy holiday gifts. I'm doing my Christmas shopping." Then leave the store.

Our teacher expects to do most of his Christmas shopping this year at little boutique shops that wish him "Merry Christmas," rather than at the big stores who are afraid of December's "C word." I may be doing the same.
http://www.skyepuppy.blogspot.com/

Max Boot on "White Flag Democrats"

Boot is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He states:

Just a few years ago, it seemed as if the Democrats had finally kicked the post-Vietnam, peace-at-any-price syndrome. Before the invasion of Iraq, leading Democrats sounded hawkish in demanding action to deal with what Kerry called the "particularly grievous threat" posed by Saddam Hussein. But it seems that they only wanted to do something if the cost would be minuscule. Now that the war has turned out to be a lot harder than anticipated, the Democrats want to run up the white flag.

The Baathists and their jihadist allies were planning a ruthless terrorist campaign even before U.S. troops entered Iraq. Their calculation was that if they killed enough American soldiers, the American public would demand a pullout.So far the terrorists' plan seems to be working. Even most Republican senators are demanding a withdrawal strategy. But it is the Democrats who are stampeding toward the exits. Apparently the death of about 2,100 soldiers over the course of almost three years is more than they can bear. Good thing these were not the same Democrats who were running the country in 1944, or else they would have pulled out of France after the loss of 5,000 Allied servicemen on D-day.

The Democratic mindset — cakewalk or cut and run — has already had parlous consequences. It is the reason why President Clinton did not take meaningful action against Al Qaeda in the 1990s. He figured that a serious military response — an invasion of Afghanistan or even a covert campaign to aid the Northern Alliance — would run steep risks, like body bags coming home. So he limited himself to flinging a few cruise missiles at empty buildings, leading our enemies to think that we were, in Osama bin Laden's words, a "paper tiger" that could be attacked with impunity.

A precipitous withdrawal from Iraq today, aside from sparking a Balkans-style civil war in which hundreds of thousands might die, would confirm this baleful impression and encourage Islamo-fascists to step up their predations.
"Things may develop faster than we imagine," Al Qaeda's deputy commander, Ayman Zawahiri, apparently wrote to Abu Musab Zarqawi, the top terrorist in Iraq. "The aftermath of the collapse of American power in Vietnam — and how they ran and left their agents — is noteworthy." Even more noteworthy is that so many Democrats seem so sanguine about letting history repeat itself.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-boot30nov30,0,520033.column?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

If George Bush was as competent in communicating the benefits of aggressive strength as the Democrats are in communicating flacid and insipid weakness... the Republicans and the war effort would be miles ahead.

Senator Harry Reid Leaks

I found this story by John Fund through Betsy's Page. Its maddening... both that it happened, and that Harry Reid is still employed.
Fund writes:

Last Wednesday, the Minority Leader appeared on KRNV-TV's "Nevada Newsmakers" program and dropped a stunning revelation. He had been informed just that day that Osama bin Laden was killed in the giant Pakistan earthquake last month. "I heard that Osama bin Laden died in the earthquake, and if that's the case, I certainly wouldn't wish anyone harm, but if that's the case, that's good for the world."

Intelligence analysts tell me that the only proper action by a top U.S. Senate leader who has been given such information is radio silence. If the report is true, such information is best released at a moment of the U.S. government's choosing. For one thing, as long as the information is tightly held, it can be used to sift out electronic intercepts that might lead to other Al Qaeda leaders. On the other hand, if Mr. Reid's public speculation proves groundless, it only embarrasses the U.S. and contributes to enemy morale. Here's hoping Al Qaeda figures aren't soon appearing on Al Jazeera television chortling about the clueless Mr. Reid.

Earlier this month, Mr. Reid was eager to keep discussions of intelligence matters under wraps. For little apparent reason, he invoked a seldom-used rule that forced the Senate to go into secret session to debate complaints about pre-war intelligence concerning Saddam's weapons programs. ...
http://www.gop.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=5953&s=blog

Since we know that Harry Reid is not a stupid man, we can conclude that the safety of our intelligence community and the best interests of our country fall somewhere behind self-aggrandizement in his list of priorities.

Now he does have competition from Senators Leahy, Rockefeller, Durbin, and Wyden for the title of "biggest treasonous leaker" in the Senate, but his performance is noteworthy.

Also noteworthy is his sentiment that he wouldn't wish harm to the mass murderer Bin Laden. The Dems chose this man to lead them?

Senator Lieberman: Patriot

The Senator from Connecticut is torching his future in the Democrat Party for the sake of the nation and its war on terror. The entire article is a must-read.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110007611

UPDATE: I went looking for Left-Wing-Kook reactions to Lieberman's piece in the blogosphere. As you might guess, its very ugly. I guess mavericks are only worshiped when they are Republicans. I don't agree with Senator Lieberman on many issues, but I believe he is a rare Democrat... an honorable man that deserves our respect.

War and the Media

Watching or reading the news is an exercise fraught with negativity which leaves the participant tired, weary, and wondering why President Bush doesn't just accept reality and hand the reigns of government over to the more lucid guidance of Cindy Sheehan or Michael Moore. Liberal spin is an ubiquitous and over-powering force that encompasses most every avenue of our news and entertainment culture. Ahh, but some truth here and there elbows its way to the surface of this informational quagmire and spreads the clouds of negativity and misinformation.

A poll quoted in the Washington Post suggests that some sanity in this misled and misinformed country survives:

Seventy percent of people surveyed said that criticism of the war by Democratic senators hurts troop morale -- with 44 percent saying morale is hurt "a lot," according to a poll taken by RT Strategies. Even self-identified Democrats agree: 55 percent believe criticism hurts morale, while 21 percent say it helps morale.
Their poll also indicates many Americans are skeptical of Democratic complaints about the war. Just three of 10 adults accept that Democrats are leveling criticism because they believe this will help U.S. efforts in Iraq. A majority believes the motive is really to "gain a partisan political advantage."
A plurality, 49 percent, believe that troops should come home only when the Iraqi government can provide for its own security, while 16 percent support immediate withdrawal, regardless of the circumstances.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/26/AR2005112600745.html

I am amazed that the citizens of this country can be blanketed... no, smothered with the words of the anti-bush media and still muster 49% support for any issue related to his leadership. John Leo wonders if the mainstream media knows the stakes:

Can it be that many national reporters are so afflicted by Bush hatred that they can’t let go long enough to report stories straight? Could be. Consider the entire backward-looking thrust of so much reportage, focusing sharply on what happened in 2002 and 2003, less on the stake we have in prevailing in Iraq. If we lose in Iraq, it will be the first great victory for global jihad, with tremendous consequences for the U.S. Can the media get over their obsession with Bush and focus on that?
http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/johnleo/2005/11/28/176879.html

The answer to Leo's question is ofcourse... No. If our efforts in Iraq and the war on terror are successful it will be in spite of the dark synergy of the media, the Democrats, the terrorists, and other members of the opposing team.

The Real News from Iraqi Bloggers

I was reading a blog page that originates inside Iraq which had posted pictures of American and Iraqi soldiers together at an Iraqi Security Forces Graduation Ceremony. Many of the comments posted observed that these were the types of news and pictures that the mainstream media doesn't publish.

But one comment came from an anonymous radical Muslim:

Should have taken the pictures at closer range : sometimes, it´s hard to see the features of the faces of these traitors. Every single one deserves to die.
Free Iraq !
http://justsooni.blogspot.com/2005/11/side-by-side.html

I assume that to this "anonymous" a free Iraq means an Iraq free of American troops... free of self-determination... free of freedom in general. This person no doubt gets his news from CNN and his encouragement to stay the course from the Democrat leadership in this country. Like the Democrats he is no doubt heavily invested in our failure.

Some of these Iraqi Blog Sites have between 100 and 300 comments after their posts, mostly from Americans. My favorite one gets 64 % of its hits from the U.S. This is no doubt indicative of the hunger for the unbiased news that we are not getting from the mainstream media.

The blog site that posted the pictures is operated by a 35 year-old male from Baghdad. Under the "about me" section he simply writes, "free man!" If the Democrats, the MSM, and other Libs fail to have their way... he will remain free.

Vote for your Republican Presidential Candidate Today!

Hugh Hewitt is taking a Thanksgiving Weekend poll to determine who conservatives want as their presidential candidate in 2008. Go to his site and vote, please. Its fast. Its fun. Its easy.
http://www.hughhewitt.com/

Steyn on Zarqawi

Mark Steyn makes a couple points about the bombing in Jordan and what it tells us about the war on terror and Iraq.

I don't know what Islamist Suicide-Bombing For Dummies defines as a "soft target" but a Jordanian-Palestinian wedding in the public area of an hotel in a Muslim country with no infidel troops must come pretty close to the softest target of all time. Even more revealing, look at who Zarqawi dispatched to blow up his brother Muslims: why would he send Ali Hussein Ali al-Shamari, one of his most trusted lieutenants, to die in an operation requiring practically no skill?

Well, by definition it's hard to get suicide bombers with experience. But Mr Shamari's presence suggests at the very least that the "insurgency" is having a hard time meeting its recruitment targets.

True, he (Zarqawi) did manage to kill a couple of dozen Muslims. But what's the strategic value of that? And that worked out well, didn't it? Hundreds of thousands of Zarqawi's fellow Jordanians fill the streets to demand his death.

Did they show that on the BBC? Or are demonstrations only news when they're anti-Bush and anti-Blair? And look at it this way: if the "occupation" is so unpopular in Iraq, where are the mass demonstrations against that? I'm not talking 200,000, or even 100 or 50,000. But, if there were just 1,500 folks shouting "Great Satan, go home!" in Baghdad or Mosul, it would be large enough for the media to do that little trick where they film the demo close up so it looks like the place is packed. Yet no such demonstrations take place.
http://www.skyepuppy.blogspot.com/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2005/11/22/do2202.xml

You Gotta Love This Woman


Rush Limbaugh played a recording of "our Jean" speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives. Jean Schmidt, the freshman congresswoman from Ohio, is the lady who defeated Paul Hackett in the recent special election in Ohio.

Schmidt said:
A few minutes ago, I received a call from Colonel Danny Bopp, Ohio representative from the 88th district in the House of Representatives. He asked me to send Congress a message: "Stay the course." He also asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message that "cowards cut and run; Marines never do." Danny and the rest of America and the world want the assurance from this body that we will see this through.

At this point the Democrats roundly booed Congresswoman Schmidt. (and, in effect Colonel Bopp, too) This woman has guts.

McCain Begins to Look and Sound Presidential

"If we really want to do well in 2006, we need to have fiscal discipline like Republicans campaigned on. We have lost our way as a party. Our base is deflated and taxpayers don't see any difference between us and the Democrats."

John McCain is no public speaker, but these are the words of a conservative running for the presidency. At least he sounds conservative. Maybe its time we Republicans started to deal with the possibility that the Senator from Arizona may end up being our "lesser of two evils" candidate in 2008.

McCain and fellow-Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina were in Graham's home state campaigning for Republican state Attorney General Henry McMaster, when during an Associated Press interview he also said:
"The message in Iraq is we are making progress... we have to make progress and we regret the loss of every single young American. But the benefits of success are enormous."

Graham added:
"Democrats who have this cut-and-run strategy... the public doesn't want to follow that. They want to follow Republicans who understand the war is not going as well as it should but who understand that our security is better off with a successful outcome in Iraq."

Referring to Graham, McCain said:
"Some people have said this might be a very attractive vice presidential candidate."

I don't think so... what could Graham deliver to McCain's candidacy? South Carolina? If McCain didn't already have this conservative southern state he wouldn't be winning anything anyway.

Senator McCain, of the "gang of fourteen" fame, may desire to be president, but there will first have to be a great deal of fence mending with the conservative base of the Republican party before his run is feasible.

Maybe the fence mending has begun.

Murtha's Memory

Pennsylvania Democrat Congressman John Murtha announced this week that it was in the United States' best interest to withdraw its troops from Iraq in the next six months. I do not question Murtha's sincerity or his concern for the troops. But I do call into question both his common sense and his memory.

First of all Murtha, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War knows that U.S. troops are going to be stationed in Iraq for as long as George Bush and his advisors deem their presence necessary. And, if he has been paying attention, he knows that no poll will help George Bush decide. So what should Murtha know that his words will accomplish?

His memory of the Vietnam War should help him understand that anti-war rhetoric, especially on the part of decision-makers in the government, encourages our enemies in Iraq to hang-on just as it did in Vietnam. His common sense should tell him that our enemies will see this as a sign of weakness and our allies will see this as a lack of resolve. His words hurt the efforts towards democratization in Iraq... and most importantly they place our troops in even greater danger. His common sense should tell him this.

On Friday the Republicans in the House brought "immediate withdrawal" up for a vote and it was overwhelmingly rejected 403-3. Like most Democrats, Murtha voted against the measure, saying it was not the thoughtful approach he said he had suggested... bringing the troops safely home in six months. Democrats derided the vote as a political stunt.

I admire the Republicans for trying, through this vote, to send a message to the fledgling Iraqi government... and to our enemies, but it is really just a band-aid placed on the wound that Murtha and other Democrats have inflicted on this nation and its war on terror. The Democrats are at war, but they choose not to fight terrorism... instead they make war on George W Bush and his ability to lead. The Democrat's war hurts our country and our troops... but somewhere I stopped accusing the Democrat Leadership of patriotism.

Hugh Hewitt posts this letter:
Congressman Murtha,
PO Box 780
Johnstown, PA 15907-0780

As a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam Era and the father of two sons, one a 6 year Army Veteran and the other a 13 year active duty soldier preparing for his 3rd tour in Iraq, I want you to know that I, and they, feel you have abandoned them today. We have great respect for your honorable service but your past service makes it even worse a betrayal of those who fight today!

My oldest son said it best after 9/11 when I told him “well the American people are behind you now”. His response was “yeah Dad….for how long?” It didn’t take the Democratic Party very long to abandon them. It took you a little longer but the betrayal is complete. We are winning this war everywhere except at home. You have forgotten what it felt like to be a soldier spit on by your fellow citizens. You join the ranks of those who want to drive military recruiters out of the schools. You sir, should be ashamed.
http://hughhewitt.com/archives/2005/11/13-week/index.php#a000557

The Democrat's War

I think we've all wondered how the Democrat's war is effecting the men and women fighting our nation's war in Iraq. These are the Vice President's Remarks at the Frontiers of Freedom Institute 2005 Ronald Reagan Gala:

The saddest part is that our people in uniform have been subjected to these cynical and pernicious falsehoods day in and day out. American soldiers and Marines are out there every day in dangerous conditions and desert temperatures - conducting raids, training Iraqi forces, countering attacks, seizing weapons, and capturing killers - and back home a few opportunists are suggesting they were sent into battle for a lie.

The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone - but we're not going to sit by and let them rewrite history. We're going to continue throwing their own words back at them. And far more important, we're going to continue sending a consistent message to the men and women who are fighting the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other fronts. We can never say enough how much we appreciate them, and how proud they make us. They and their families can be certain: That this cause is right ... and the performance of our military has been brave and honorable ... and this nation will stand behind our fighting forces with pride and without wavering until the day of victory.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/11/20051116-10.html

We hear the destructive, defeatist words from CNN... to the Daily Show on Comedy Central... to the nation's newspapers... and, incredibly, from the mouths of the people we elect to lead us. And the same question keeps popping into my head; Do these people know that we are at war? Do these people know that our soldiers are in harms way when they spew talking points that encourage our enemies?

Its a crushing realization that our country has fallen so far from the courage and resolve of the World War II generation. What protracted war could this nation ever win when the majority of our own words are written and spoken by those working against victory... working against us. When did treasonous words become free speech? When did the "loyal opposition" become loyal to our failure?

Thomas Sowell Is My Hero

The next time a Senate hearing addresses the latest call for a rise in the minimum wage and the liberal Senators like Teddy Kennedy begin preaching at us... I wish (...and if I were King this would happen) the conservative Senators would call in Thomas Sowell to give us all a little class in economics.

Note: This guy is on the short list of people I want to meet before I die.

T Sowell writes:
Let us go back a few generations in the United States. We need not speculate about racial discrimination because it was openly spelled out in laws in the Southern states, where most blacks lived, and was not unknown in the North.

Yet in the late 1940s, the unemployment rate among young black men was not only far lower than it is today but was not very different from unemployment rates among young whites the same ages. Every census from 1890 through 1930 showed labor force participation rates for blacks to be as high as, or higher than, labor force participation rates among whites.

Why are things so different today in the United States -- and so different among Muslim young men in France? That is where economics comes in.

People who are less in demand -- whether because of inexperience, lower skills, or race -- are just as employable at lower pay rates as people who are in high demand are at higher pay rates. That is why blacks were just as able to find jobs as whites were, prior to the decade of the 1930s and why a serious gap in unemployment between black teenagers and white teenagers opened up only after 1950.

The net economic effect of minimum wage laws is to make less skilled, less experienced, or otherwise less desired workers more expensive -- thereby pricing many of them out of jobs. Large disparities in unemployment rates between the young and the mature, the skilled and the unskilled, and between different racial groups have been common consequences of minimum wage laws.

Where minimum wage rates are higher and accompanied by other worker benefits mandated by government to be paid by employers, as in France, unemployment rates are higher and differences in unemployment rates between the young and the mature, or between different racial or ethnic groups, are greater.

France's unemployment rate is roughly double that of the United States and people who are unemployed stay unemployed much longer in France. Unemployment rates among young Frenchmen are about 20 percent and among young Muslim men about 40 percent.

Newdow's Money

Here's another reason to elect conservative presidents who will place strict constructionists on the Supreme Court:

Michael Newdow said Sunday that he planned to file a federal lawsuit this week asking for the removal of the national motto, "In God We Trust," from U.S. coins and dollar bills. He claims it's an unconstitutional endorsement of religion and "excludes people who don't believe in God."

Newdow, a Sacramento doctor and lawyer who is an avowed atheist, used a similar argument when he challenged the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools because it contains the words "under God." He took his fight to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 2004 said he lacked standing to bring the case because he didn't have custody of his daughter.
http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/13854476p-14694282c.html

... kind of makes you sick, doesn't it.

As Europe Lies Dying

The French government has demonstrated in the past few days that it is nothing but a weak and impotent collection of liberal buffoons. They simply haven't a clue how to handle the riots because, being Leftists... they've been doing everything right all along, and... this shouldn't have happened! Predictably, to the left of these liberals, the Greens, Communists, and human rights groups think the problem is not the gangs of arsonists but "the system"...law and order, and the police. Its also comical the way the left-wing press in the U.S. continues to call the rioters "youths," which is evidently the politically correct term for violent disaffected Muslim immigrants. Mark Steyn isn't bridled by such inanities and calls it the way he sees it... and his view isn't a fun read.

"More than three years ago, I wrote about the "tournante" or "take your turn" — the gang rape that's become an adolescent rite of passage in the Muslim quarters of French cities — and similar phenomena throughout the West: "Multiculturalism means that the worst attributes of Muslim culture — the subjugation of women — combine with the worst attributes of Western culture — license and self-gratification. Tattooed, pierced Pakistani skinhead gangs swaggering down the streets of northern England areas are as much a product of multiculturalism as the turban-wearing Sikh Mountie in the vice-regal escort." Islamofascism itself is what it says: a fusion of Islamic identity with old-school European totalitarianism. But, whether in turbans or gangsta threads, just as Communism was in its day, so Islam is today's ideology of choice for the world's disaffected.

Some of us believe this is an early skirmish in the Eurabian civil war. If the insurgents emerge emboldened, what next? In five years' time, there will be even more of them, and even less resolve on the part of the French state. That, in turn, is likely to accelerate the demographic decline. Europe could face a continent-wide version of the "white flight" phenomenon seen in crime-ridden American cities during the 1970s, as Danes and Dutch scram to America, Australia or anywhere else that will have them.

As to where Britain falls in this grim scenario, I noticed a few months ago that readers had started closing their gloomier missives to me with the words, "Fortunately I won't live to see it" — a sign-off now so routine in my mailbag I assumed it was the British version of "Have a nice day". But that's a false consolation. As France this past fortnight reminds us, the changes in Europe are happening far faster than most people thought. That's the problem: unless you're planning on croaking imminently, you will live to see it."
http://jewishworldreview.com/1105/steyn110905.php3

Steyn feels the "biculturalism" of Europe makes disaster there a certainty. One way he suggests France might be fixed would be to go truly "multicultural" but he then laments:

But a talented ambitious Chinese or Indian or Chilean has zero reason to emigrate to France, unless he is consumed by a perverse fantasy of living in a segregated society that artificially constrains his economic opportunities yet imposes confiscatory taxation on him in order to support an ancient regime of indolent geriatrics.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2005/11/15/do1502.xml

To an American conservative the question immediately arises, Why don't the Europeans rise up and address this problem? And fix it? The answer ofcourse is that these Europeans are a later version of the lazy, inattentive Americans who have let our culture slouch towards the liberal mediocrity that has made us what we are today... but a shadow of the World War II generation.

Steyn once said to Hugh Hewitt that the advantage of living in North America is that these bad things will happen in Europe first. Its a wonder that more conservatives in the media and government aren't pointing to Europe and screaming about the obvious and sad results of electing inept, multicultural-loving Leftists to government. As Europe continues to lose its identity its time to pay attention to events across the ocean and hold tight to ours.

A Man of Character

If there was such a place as "The Museum of the Over-Rated", in the lobby there would be a statue of President John F Kennedy. Yes, the same JFK who twiddled his fingers as the Berlin Wall went up... the same JFK who sat on his hands as the freedom fighters at the Bay of Pigs got slaughtered. That JFK.

If there was a "Museum of the Unfairly-Treated and Under-Appreciated" there would be a whole room dedicated to Justice Clarence Thomas.

We should never forget this fine man's humble beginnings and the greatness to which he rose. We should never forget the wisdom, judicial honesty, and common sense that he has brought to the Court.

There is nothing that special in these quotes that I found on the Fox News site... I just wanted the honor of posting his picture on my blog page. These are comments he made about the current "circus" that the Judicial Hearing process has become.

"I think we all should be honest with one another that the only issue, the central issue in all of this, is abortion. It's not the other things that people throw out," he said. "The whole judiciary now is being held, in a sense, hostage to that one issue."

We cannot say that all the examination of nominees has improved the court," said Thomas. Thomas said he has never met a judge who attempted to impose a personal agenda through decisions, so attempting to uncover such people through extensive hearings is pointless.

"The whole process of trying to ferret out the personal agenda through the confirmation process isn't an endeavor that I think is worth the price we are paying," said Thomas. "I think the only thing it does is rats out the agenda of the people asking the questions."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,175365,00.html