Out of all of the manually-recounted ballots cast in Minnesota, this is the only one that Al Franken is challenging...? As if there is some kind of debate about the voter's intent?
I'm wondering if he's thinking to himself "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, but doggone it, this guy didn't like me."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Deroy Murdock Talks About "Restoring Reaganism"
In his featured article at the National Review, columnist Deroy Murdock talks about how the GOP can get back to a more consistent, conservative base and how to eliminate those who have led the party to where it is today. Here's some excerpts and my own opinions regarding some of Murdock's better points...
The GOP has been laid low, thanks to politicians who swapped their principles for power and lost both. As the chief electoral vehicle for conservative and free-market ideas, the Republican party cannot regain America’s confidence —nor should it — until the guilty have been cast into the nearest volcano.
Amen to that. The party members should throw out the bums who put them into the minority.
Comrade George W. Bush has spearheaded the most aggressive federal expansion since Franklin Delano Roosevelt. As a delivery system for socialism, he has been the most effective Trojan Horse since that pine steed rolled into Troy.
When Bush arrived, Washington consumed 18.4 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Uncle Sam now devours 22.5 percent of the economy, reported Jon Ward in the October 19 Washington Times. “The country has gone from a $128 billion budget surplus when Mr. Bush took office to a deficit of at least $732 billion in fiscal 2009,” Ward writes. “No president since FDR — who offered a New Deal to pull the nation out of the Great Depression and then fought World War II — has presided over as rapid a growth in government when measured as a percentage of the total economy.”
Ouch, Mr. President. Looks like you forgot the conservatism part of "compassionate conservatism".
While much of Bush’s spending has funded defense and the War on Terror, most of it vanished into the furnaces of No Child Left Behind, the 2002 Farm Bill, the 2003 Medicare drug entitlement, the 2005 highway bill, the 2006 ethanol mandate, at least 69,341 earmarks, and much, much more. In 2001, Bush launched federal embryonic stem-cell research. By 2008, he added the word “nationalization” to the American vocabulary, and underscored it with nearly $1 trillion in bailouts and Third World—-style government ownership stakes in banks and financial houses.
Bush has kept America safe from terror attacks since September 11. The liberations of Afghanistan from bin Ladenism and Iraq from Ba’athism were vital victories for national security and human rights. Until this year’s mortgage meltdown, his tax cuts fueled robust growth. Good work.
Nevertheless, Bush is the GOP’s Jimmy Carter, a weak bumbler who embarrassed his constituents, betrayed his philosophical movement, sank his party, and eventually surrendered the White House to the opposition, this time led by the Senate’s Number One liberal, still in his first term. Bush should retire quietly to Texas, where he can drive his truck, chop wood, and avoid the limelight for the balance of his natural existence.
While harsh, there IS a lot of truth to this. Both the positives of the fight against terror and the high-flying growth spurred by his tax cuts. However, Bush waffled too often on too many issues, and lost his way. Granted, he's tried to balance a long-term, large-scale War on Terror and a peacetime economy at the same time...but that hasn't worked. Also, in an attempt to "save" the economy, we now have the foundations for a large-scale expansion of government.
Further down the column...
With few exceptions, Republican congressional leaders cheered this elephantiasis amid an atmosphere of corruption, incompetence, and unaccountability. Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, House GOP chief John Boehner, House Republican whip Roy Blunt, and other failed leaders should go warm the back benches. Senator Ted “Bridge to Nowhere” Stevens will become Ted “Jail to Nowhere” Stevens — and not soon enough.
Former Senate GOP leaders Bill Frist and Trent Lott, and top House Republicans Dennis Hastert and Tom DeLay have nothing to offer America. They should be left alone to fade quietly into obscurity.
With the exception of Mitch McConnell, who has done a good job of rallying the minority (for the most part), I can agree with those names named.
Instead, Americans should listen to Republicans who courageously advance pro-market principles today. Senators Jim DeMint and Tom Coburn would make outstanding GOP honchos. House Republicans should elevate Jeff Flake, Mike Pence, Jeb Hensarling, and John Shadegg to key positions. Governors Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Louisiana’s Bobby Jindal are attractive young reformers with lots to offer through at least 2012. Ditto former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael Steele, author of 2008’s best slogan: “Drill, baby, drill!”
Yes, yes, and more yes. Throw in the names of Reps. Thad McCotter (MI-11) and Eric Cantor (VA-7) and the GOP would take on a much fresher, energetic, principled leadership.
The GOP has been laid low, thanks to politicians who swapped their principles for power and lost both. As the chief electoral vehicle for conservative and free-market ideas, the Republican party cannot regain America’s confidence —nor should it — until the guilty have been cast into the nearest volcano.
Amen to that. The party members should throw out the bums who put them into the minority.
Comrade George W. Bush has spearheaded the most aggressive federal expansion since Franklin Delano Roosevelt. As a delivery system for socialism, he has been the most effective Trojan Horse since that pine steed rolled into Troy.
When Bush arrived, Washington consumed 18.4 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Uncle Sam now devours 22.5 percent of the economy, reported Jon Ward in the October 19 Washington Times. “The country has gone from a $128 billion budget surplus when Mr. Bush took office to a deficit of at least $732 billion in fiscal 2009,” Ward writes. “No president since FDR — who offered a New Deal to pull the nation out of the Great Depression and then fought World War II — has presided over as rapid a growth in government when measured as a percentage of the total economy.”
Ouch, Mr. President. Looks like you forgot the conservatism part of "compassionate conservatism".
While much of Bush’s spending has funded defense and the War on Terror, most of it vanished into the furnaces of No Child Left Behind, the 2002 Farm Bill, the 2003 Medicare drug entitlement, the 2005 highway bill, the 2006 ethanol mandate, at least 69,341 earmarks, and much, much more. In 2001, Bush launched federal embryonic stem-cell research. By 2008, he added the word “nationalization” to the American vocabulary, and underscored it with nearly $1 trillion in bailouts and Third World—-style government ownership stakes in banks and financial houses.
Bush has kept America safe from terror attacks since September 11. The liberations of Afghanistan from bin Ladenism and Iraq from Ba’athism were vital victories for national security and human rights. Until this year’s mortgage meltdown, his tax cuts fueled robust growth. Good work.
Nevertheless, Bush is the GOP’s Jimmy Carter, a weak bumbler who embarrassed his constituents, betrayed his philosophical movement, sank his party, and eventually surrendered the White House to the opposition, this time led by the Senate’s Number One liberal, still in his first term. Bush should retire quietly to Texas, where he can drive his truck, chop wood, and avoid the limelight for the balance of his natural existence.
While harsh, there IS a lot of truth to this. Both the positives of the fight against terror and the high-flying growth spurred by his tax cuts. However, Bush waffled too often on too many issues, and lost his way. Granted, he's tried to balance a long-term, large-scale War on Terror and a peacetime economy at the same time...but that hasn't worked. Also, in an attempt to "save" the economy, we now have the foundations for a large-scale expansion of government.
Further down the column...
With few exceptions, Republican congressional leaders cheered this elephantiasis amid an atmosphere of corruption, incompetence, and unaccountability. Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, House GOP chief John Boehner, House Republican whip Roy Blunt, and other failed leaders should go warm the back benches. Senator Ted “Bridge to Nowhere” Stevens will become Ted “Jail to Nowhere” Stevens — and not soon enough.
Former Senate GOP leaders Bill Frist and Trent Lott, and top House Republicans Dennis Hastert and Tom DeLay have nothing to offer America. They should be left alone to fade quietly into obscurity.
With the exception of Mitch McConnell, who has done a good job of rallying the minority (for the most part), I can agree with those names named.
Instead, Americans should listen to Republicans who courageously advance pro-market principles today. Senators Jim DeMint and Tom Coburn would make outstanding GOP honchos. House Republicans should elevate Jeff Flake, Mike Pence, Jeb Hensarling, and John Shadegg to key positions. Governors Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Louisiana’s Bobby Jindal are attractive young reformers with lots to offer through at least 2012. Ditto former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael Steele, author of 2008’s best slogan: “Drill, baby, drill!”
Yes, yes, and more yes. Throw in the names of Reps. Thad McCotter (MI-11) and Eric Cantor (VA-7) and the GOP would take on a much fresher, energetic, principled leadership.
In Honor of our Veterans and Soon-To-Be Vets...
...donate to Operation Gratitude.
No matter your political leaning, you should ALWAYS provide support for our troops.
No matter your political leaning, you should ALWAYS provide support for our troops.
McAuliffe Files...Dems Have a Problem
Former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe has filed his committee papers and looks to be throwing his hat into the ring as a potential Democratic Party nominee for the governor's race in 2009.
So now, you've got McAuliffe (potentially, and most likely), running against Del. Brian Moran and Sen. Creigh Deeds in the Dem primaries...meanwhile, current state Attorney General Bob McDonnell will being going unopposed for the GOP nomination.
This could create a real problem for the Democrats in this state, as now you've got a bit of a division. Moran would have had NoVa sewn up in the primary voting, but McAuliffe eats right into that base. Also, most of your Blue Dogs and rural Democrats will be going for Deeds.
The key is which one of these 3 will snatch up the vote in the Tidewater area? I believe that's going to be up to Deeds or McAuliffe, as well. Also, the Richmond/Petersburg area will be key, and I would imagine that area will lean towards McAuliffe or Deeds as well, as Moran will probably be seen as too liberal for these more conservative, albiet left-leaning, areas.
Deeds and Moran will lose votes as McAuliffe occupies the space between them on the "center-to-left" spectrum. Also, while I thought that Governor Tim Kaine might implicitly back Deeds, now you can't be so sure. Remember that McAuliffe funneled $5 million in DNC funds to Kaine when he ran in 2005, which is a record sum for a non-Presidential race. Basically, Kaine OWES McAuliffe a LOT...which will hurt Deeds in the process.
Hurting Deeds will hurt the Dem's chances with swing voters if he isn't nominated. Kaine and Mark Warner were seen as centrists, and Deeds fits that mold. However, neither Moran or McAuliffe can be classified as such. While Virginia is a purplish-blue state right now, it is still more of a Blue Dog than a Deep Blue state, and the Dems cannot afford to move too far to the left in a statewide campaign such as this.
So now, you've got McAuliffe (potentially, and most likely), running against Del. Brian Moran and Sen. Creigh Deeds in the Dem primaries...meanwhile, current state Attorney General Bob McDonnell will being going unopposed for the GOP nomination.
This could create a real problem for the Democrats in this state, as now you've got a bit of a division. Moran would have had NoVa sewn up in the primary voting, but McAuliffe eats right into that base. Also, most of your Blue Dogs and rural Democrats will be going for Deeds.
The key is which one of these 3 will snatch up the vote in the Tidewater area? I believe that's going to be up to Deeds or McAuliffe, as well. Also, the Richmond/Petersburg area will be key, and I would imagine that area will lean towards McAuliffe or Deeds as well, as Moran will probably be seen as too liberal for these more conservative, albiet left-leaning, areas.
Deeds and Moran will lose votes as McAuliffe occupies the space between them on the "center-to-left" spectrum. Also, while I thought that Governor Tim Kaine might implicitly back Deeds, now you can't be so sure. Remember that McAuliffe funneled $5 million in DNC funds to Kaine when he ran in 2005, which is a record sum for a non-Presidential race. Basically, Kaine OWES McAuliffe a LOT...which will hurt Deeds in the process.
Hurting Deeds will hurt the Dem's chances with swing voters if he isn't nominated. Kaine and Mark Warner were seen as centrists, and Deeds fits that mold. However, neither Moran or McAuliffe can be classified as such. While Virginia is a purplish-blue state right now, it is still more of a Blue Dog than a Deep Blue state, and the Dems cannot afford to move too far to the left in a statewide campaign such as this.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
No Humility in Victory, No Graciousness in Defeat
Just like we saw a total and complete lack of graciousness from the left in 2004 when John Kerry lost, I'm now starting to see a complete lack of humility in victory amongst Democratic supporters.
There's the continued attacks on McCain and Palin, the hate-filled speech towards Republicans as if we were early in primary season, the "seance" comments by Barack Obama towards Nancy Reagan (which actually better apply to Hillary Clinton, but is still a misnomer of a term).
Tonight, we have another good example...my wife (who has a McCain/Palin bumper sticker) was harrassed for several miles on I-81 by a couple of college-aged kids holding up handwritten signs that said things like "Ha Ha You Lost!!" and "McCain Sucks".
Pathetic. No humility or decorum in victory at all.
There's the continued attacks on McCain and Palin, the hate-filled speech towards Republicans as if we were early in primary season, the "seance" comments by Barack Obama towards Nancy Reagan (which actually better apply to Hillary Clinton, but is still a misnomer of a term).
Tonight, we have another good example...my wife (who has a McCain/Palin bumper sticker) was harrassed for several miles on I-81 by a couple of college-aged kids holding up handwritten signs that said things like "Ha Ha You Lost!!" and "McCain Sucks".
Pathetic. No humility or decorum in victory at all.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Novak: "No Mandate"
Bob Novak lays it out that Obama's victory, while solid, did not provide the lopsided congress and paradigm shift in American politics that some would like to think has happened.
Author Michael Crichton Dead at 66...
Sad news for millions, author Michael Crichton is dead at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer.
Crichton was a PhD, an author whose books have entertained millions and have often been translated into movie form, and a leading critic of the global warming movement.
In fact, his criticism (which, given his PhD, lends him some credibility) has frustrated Al Gore on many occasions, especially when he issued a series of challenges to Gore to debate the topic, but the former VP refused.
Crichton was the author of such books as Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, Sphere, Congo, The Great Train Robbery, The Terminal Man, Westworld, State of Fear, and Disclosure. He was also the brainchild behind the TV show ER, co-wrote the screenplay for the movie Twister, and also co-wrote the screenplays for a number of the movies that were made from his own books.
Crichton's works are best known for challenging the idea of "fail-safe" measures and the idea that so-called "perfect" and "infalliable" systems will inevitably fail at some point, no matter how hard you try to achieve perfection.
Crichton was a PhD, an author whose books have entertained millions and have often been translated into movie form, and a leading critic of the global warming movement.
In fact, his criticism (which, given his PhD, lends him some credibility) has frustrated Al Gore on many occasions, especially when he issued a series of challenges to Gore to debate the topic, but the former VP refused.
Crichton was the author of such books as Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, Sphere, Congo, The Great Train Robbery, The Terminal Man, Westworld, State of Fear, and Disclosure. He was also the brainchild behind the TV show ER, co-wrote the screenplay for the movie Twister, and also co-wrote the screenplays for a number of the movies that were made from his own books.
Crichton's works are best known for challenging the idea of "fail-safe" measures and the idea that so-called "perfect" and "infalliable" systems will inevitably fail at some point, no matter how hard you try to achieve perfection.
I Will Not Take The Same Road as the Opposition
While I will remain very critical of Obama's policies and decision when I do not agree with them (which I hope will not be as often as I fear it may be) I WILL be something that Democrats/liberals have not been.
I will remain loyal opposition. I will put my country first. I will not suffer a conservative version of the "Bush Derangement Syndrome" that has plagued the left for 8 years. You won this election, I concede that easily, because there is no point in doing otherwise.
If you think that this will dampen my spirits and leave my objective to promote my beliefs daunted...think again. However, I will not desert my nation because I believe they make a mistake in selecting a leader. I will work my tail off to promote a better America.
Now let's get to work on this country, shall we?
I will remain loyal opposition. I will put my country first. I will not suffer a conservative version of the "Bush Derangement Syndrome" that has plagued the left for 8 years. You won this election, I concede that easily, because there is no point in doing otherwise.
If you think that this will dampen my spirits and leave my objective to promote my beliefs daunted...think again. However, I will not desert my nation because I believe they make a mistake in selecting a leader. I will work my tail off to promote a better America.
Now let's get to work on this country, shall we?
Change? Not Right Off the Bat...
Apparently, Obama has now officially offered the position of White House Chief of Staff to Rahm "Republicans can go f*ck themselves" Emmanuel.
Why do I see this as a bad omen for any hopes of bipartisanship?
Why do I see this as a bad omen for any hopes of bipartisanship?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
David Kahane GETS IT...Period
K-Lo from The Corner posts some truth from David Kahane regarding this election and what needs to be done going forward from the death of this prosperous period in American history...
1) We got this the old-fashioned way: we earned it. The other side took the fight to us, and we never took the fight to the other side, except coyly and obliquely. That's not a mistake we should make the next time. "Honorable campaigns" are for losers. Next time, call 'em as they really are, not as you wish to see 'em.
2) Where was Bush? Once again, and right to the bitter end, he let his passion for "loyalty" supersede what was stragetically right for the party, not to mention what was best for the country. I think his reputation has nowhere to go but down; yes, he got one big thing right,
but he got everything else wrong. Enough of this family in our
country's politics!
3) Good riddance to Liddy Dole, the woman who gave us the national drinking age of 21 and a host of sozzled underage college students. She won't be missed.
4) Hillary comes out smelling like a rose, plus unbloodied. She and Bill are already scoping out 2012.
5) Time to clean house. McCain should have been president in 2000, not in 2008. No more "it's my turn" for the last loser. We need to be looking for our candidates in the ranks of returning war vets — think Eisenhower in '52 as the model — and let the Dem's shifty lawyers run the country for a couple of years. Then hit them across the board with people who know how to lead. Gen. Petraeus might be a good place to start. Lots of junior officers, too.
6) You know what? McCain never did sell himself as a leader. He sold himself as a maverick.
7) One upside: McCain/Feingold is now dead, as is public financing. Talk about being hoist with your own petard!
8) That Gang of 14 thing really worked out well, didn't it? Say good-bye to the courts. And we were so close...
9) Joe Lieberman was worse than useless. When he could have made a difference, he didn't cross the aisle to caucus with the Republicans.
Now, it doesn't matter. Thanks, Joe.
10) Age matters. McCain ran an "honorable campaign" because he never really understood in his heart that the other guy had no intention of doing so; he didn't "get" Obama's generation, or Axelrod's.. Obama would lie about public financing, "oppose" gay marriage but also oppose Prop. 8 and never see it as morally contradictory. The world that McCain understood and operated in is vanishing, and tonight is visible evidence.
11) Unlike the Democrats, let's show some class in defeat. That doesn't mean lie down and roll over: it means fighting for what we believe in, doubly so now. But their sneering childishness is not for us; and now that they've won, they won't be able to control it even in victory. This is an unlovely party filled with unlovely people, as America's about to find out once the Obama pixie dust wears off.
12) Understand, once and for all, that the old media is part of the Democratic Party now. Ignore it. Never send Michele Bachmann onto Hardball again. Never send Sarah to play nice with Katie. We need to develop and create our own work-arounds — Fox, talk radio, NRO, etc. — and use them. Don't play by their rules: make our own.
Truth, my friends, is occasionally a hard pill to swallow...but there isn't much to argue with above.
1) We got this the old-fashioned way: we earned it. The other side took the fight to us, and we never took the fight to the other side, except coyly and obliquely. That's not a mistake we should make the next time. "Honorable campaigns" are for losers. Next time, call 'em as they really are, not as you wish to see 'em.
2) Where was Bush? Once again, and right to the bitter end, he let his passion for "loyalty" supersede what was stragetically right for the party, not to mention what was best for the country. I think his reputation has nowhere to go but down; yes, he got one big thing right,
but he got everything else wrong. Enough of this family in our
country's politics!
3) Good riddance to Liddy Dole, the woman who gave us the national drinking age of 21 and a host of sozzled underage college students. She won't be missed.
4) Hillary comes out smelling like a rose, plus unbloodied. She and Bill are already scoping out 2012.
5) Time to clean house. McCain should have been president in 2000, not in 2008. No more "it's my turn" for the last loser. We need to be looking for our candidates in the ranks of returning war vets — think Eisenhower in '52 as the model — and let the Dem's shifty lawyers run the country for a couple of years. Then hit them across the board with people who know how to lead. Gen. Petraeus might be a good place to start. Lots of junior officers, too.
6) You know what? McCain never did sell himself as a leader. He sold himself as a maverick.
7) One upside: McCain/Feingold is now dead, as is public financing. Talk about being hoist with your own petard!
8) That Gang of 14 thing really worked out well, didn't it? Say good-bye to the courts. And we were so close...
9) Joe Lieberman was worse than useless. When he could have made a difference, he didn't cross the aisle to caucus with the Republicans.
Now, it doesn't matter. Thanks, Joe.
10) Age matters. McCain ran an "honorable campaign" because he never really understood in his heart that the other guy had no intention of doing so; he didn't "get" Obama's generation, or Axelrod's.. Obama would lie about public financing, "oppose" gay marriage but also oppose Prop. 8 and never see it as morally contradictory. The world that McCain understood and operated in is vanishing, and tonight is visible evidence.
11) Unlike the Democrats, let's show some class in defeat. That doesn't mean lie down and roll over: it means fighting for what we believe in, doubly so now. But their sneering childishness is not for us; and now that they've won, they won't be able to control it even in victory. This is an unlovely party filled with unlovely people, as America's about to find out once the Obama pixie dust wears off.
12) Understand, once and for all, that the old media is part of the Democratic Party now. Ignore it. Never send Michele Bachmann onto Hardball again. Never send Sarah to play nice with Katie. We need to develop and create our own work-arounds — Fox, talk radio, NRO, etc. — and use them. Don't play by their rules: make our own.
Truth, my friends, is occasionally a hard pill to swallow...but there isn't much to argue with above.
Far From a Mandate, Remember That...
Democrats, don't get too overjoyed. A 2% win with everything going in your favor does not mean a "mandate for change", it means you slipped through the cracks and won in spite of yourselves.
America, brace yourselves. Welcome to the land of mediocracy, forced attempts at one-party rule, and the end of your ability to freely pursue happiness...because your ability to pursue life, liberty, and happiness will be redistributed to those who lack the impetus to pursue it themselves.
Congratulations, you have now earned yourselves 4 years to screw things up beyond recognition.
Welcome to a land where the majority of black voters can vote for Obama because of his race, and it's OK...but if you're white and you supported McCain, you were a racist and a bigot. Welcome to a land where the economy will not grow at all. Welcome to the end of blue collar work. Welcome to 4 years of nothing productive. Welcome to the end of the ability to defend yourself. Welcome to the end of the optimistic, bipartisan spirit of the Reagan-Clinton era. Welcome to the statist supermajority.
However, while you Democrats get drunk on power, you will turn a blind eye. You will forget that the American public can only stay fooled for so long. Meanwhile, true conservatives, libertarians, and moderates will be working hard behind the scenes to bring America back to where it should be. Back to her principles. Back to our Constitutional basis. Back to the ideals of individual liberty.
Enjoy your victory tonight, because all you are doing is setting the groundwork for the return of true American, democratic (small d), capitalist, freedom-based ideals.
America, brace yourselves. Welcome to the land of mediocracy, forced attempts at one-party rule, and the end of your ability to freely pursue happiness...because your ability to pursue life, liberty, and happiness will be redistributed to those who lack the impetus to pursue it themselves.
Congratulations, you have now earned yourselves 4 years to screw things up beyond recognition.
Welcome to a land where the majority of black voters can vote for Obama because of his race, and it's OK...but if you're white and you supported McCain, you were a racist and a bigot. Welcome to a land where the economy will not grow at all. Welcome to the end of blue collar work. Welcome to 4 years of nothing productive. Welcome to the end of the ability to defend yourself. Welcome to the end of the optimistic, bipartisan spirit of the Reagan-Clinton era. Welcome to the statist supermajority.
However, while you Democrats get drunk on power, you will turn a blind eye. You will forget that the American public can only stay fooled for so long. Meanwhile, true conservatives, libertarians, and moderates will be working hard behind the scenes to bring America back to where it should be. Back to her principles. Back to our Constitutional basis. Back to the ideals of individual liberty.
Enjoy your victory tonight, because all you are doing is setting the groundwork for the return of true American, democratic (small d), capitalist, freedom-based ideals.
Mid-Election Night Thoughts...
- Gerry Connolly is VASTLY underperforming so far against Keith Fimian in VA-11. Honestly, with 56% of precincts in, he is only up 52%-45% in what should have been a 10-15 point victory for him.
- VA-02 is fluctuating, but staying in Glenn Nye's favor. Just like 2006, Thelma Drake is close to losing her seat.
- Bob Goodlatte, Eric Cantor, Randy Forbes, Rob Wittman, and Frank Wolf all going as thought...big GOP victories...those are districts 6, 7, 4, 1, and 10.
- 90% of precincts reporting, and Tom Perriello is up on incumbent Virgil Goode by less than 3,000 votes in VA-05. Most of this is because Goode is his own worst enemy at times.
- I think it's WAAAY too early to call Ohio for Obama.
- VA-02 is fluctuating, but staying in Glenn Nye's favor. Just like 2006, Thelma Drake is close to losing her seat.
- Bob Goodlatte, Eric Cantor, Randy Forbes, Rob Wittman, and Frank Wolf all going as thought...big GOP victories...those are districts 6, 7, 4, 1, and 10.
- 90% of precincts reporting, and Tom Perriello is up on incumbent Virgil Goode by less than 3,000 votes in VA-05. Most of this is because Goode is his own worst enemy at times.
- I think it's WAAAY too early to call Ohio for Obama.
Pre-Return Thoughts...
- If anyone thinks this will be some kind of a "historic blowout" for either candidate, you're HIGHLY delusional. Neither candidate will win by more than 2-3%. The electoral college will be close for McCain if he wins, like a "less than 20 electoral votes victory" kind of close. If Obama gets the nod in the toss-up states, he will have a victory in the electoral college that looks like Clinton's wins in 92 and 96...solid, but nothing spectacular.
- The throwing out of Republican election officials, and the intimidation of GOP voters by Black Panthers and other groups in Philadelphia is despicable...but the left won't say a word about it.
- The exit polls that showed a Kerry blowout in '04 will show an Obama blowout in '08. Ignore them, and watch the ACTUAL RETURNS.
- If the networks call the election for Obama before the polls close in the Mountain Time Zone, then the networks have reached a new low in how far in the tank for Obama they are.
- If Obama wins, consider the positive, prosperous eras of both Ronald Reagan AND Bill Clinton to be over and done with...and an economic and social malaise, brought on by socialist policies, will set in by 2012.
- I think the fact that the leftist bloggers call white people voting for McCain "racist", but 95% of black people voting for Obama (many of which cite his race as the deciding factor) is "OK" with them. I also abhor the fact that my being a hispanic who supports McCain makes me a "race traitor" of some kind, in the eyes of a few bloggers.
We'll see how things go as the returns roll in, most Eastern Time Zone polls close in 24 minutes...
- The throwing out of Republican election officials, and the intimidation of GOP voters by Black Panthers and other groups in Philadelphia is despicable...but the left won't say a word about it.
- The exit polls that showed a Kerry blowout in '04 will show an Obama blowout in '08. Ignore them, and watch the ACTUAL RETURNS.
- If the networks call the election for Obama before the polls close in the Mountain Time Zone, then the networks have reached a new low in how far in the tank for Obama they are.
- If Obama wins, consider the positive, prosperous eras of both Ronald Reagan AND Bill Clinton to be over and done with...and an economic and social malaise, brought on by socialist policies, will set in by 2012.
- I think the fact that the leftist bloggers call white people voting for McCain "racist", but 95% of black people voting for Obama (many of which cite his race as the deciding factor) is "OK" with them. I also abhor the fact that my being a hispanic who supports McCain makes me a "race traitor" of some kind, in the eyes of a few bloggers.
We'll see how things go as the returns roll in, most Eastern Time Zone polls close in 24 minutes...
Why NOW???
First, the Sunday before the election, we get Obama stating he will bankrupt the coal industry and raise electricity prices, and today we finally get Sarah Palin cleared of any ethics violations or wrongdoing in the "Troopergate" non-scandal.
Of course, this could not have been released (or made public by the MSM) say, oh, a week ago?
Ok, I get that the clearing of Palin's name was only made official today...but can anyone tell me (beyond their own bias) why the San Francisco Chronicle would keep those Obama tapes from being released?
Of course, this could not have been released (or made public by the MSM) say, oh, a week ago?
Ok, I get that the clearing of Palin's name was only made official today...but can anyone tell me (beyond their own bias) why the San Francisco Chronicle would keep those Obama tapes from being released?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Every Action has an Equal and Opposite Reaction
If Obama wins, this blog will swing even more libertarian in nature.
I only disagree with certain LP subsects on a few issues, but those subsects are the most vocal subsect of the party. Considering I'm a conservative-leaning libertarian (or a libertarian-leaning conservative, depending on the issue and your own perspective), I'm going to have to take a harder line against a quasi-socialist, ultra-liberal Obama administration...should he win.
I only disagree with certain LP subsects on a few issues, but those subsects are the most vocal subsect of the party. Considering I'm a conservative-leaning libertarian (or a libertarian-leaning conservative, depending on the issue and your own perspective), I'm going to have to take a harder line against a quasi-socialist, ultra-liberal Obama administration...should he win.
Palin to Obama: "Ship Happens"
Palin wearing the "Ship Happens" shirt at Shippensburg University, my almost alma-mater.
Mind you, she had already spoken to a crowd across the street in another, much larger building. This picture was taken in a building where the overflowing crowd was placed. They weren't supposed to get to see Sarah Palin, but Palin donned the "Ship Happens" shirt, walked across the street, and visited these people who came to see her...much to their surprise.
I used to love south-central PA...from Gettysburg to Lancaster, north to Harrisburg and back down through Chambersburg. These are some of my old stomping grounds, and they LOVE Sarah Palin. So do I.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Another Good Laugh
Roanoke Valley Republicans has an interesting twist on Obama's plan to redistribute wealth.
A Statement of Complete Honesty
From a comment in my most recent post, a quote from former NBA star Charles Barkley...
Poor people have been voting for Democrats for the last fifty years....and they are still poor.
Just think about it.
Poor people have been voting for Democrats for the last fifty years....and they are still poor.
Just think about it.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
PUMA-GOP Solidarity???
Apparently so, as I can see from this post at Hillbuzz...
Republicans, this is directed at you. Hillary’s Army remains strong, and committed to putting McCain/Palin in the White House. Do not listen to the media. Ignore the trolls. Corral your Eeyores and put them on the endangered species list. Because by our most conservative estimate, you’re going to get 4 million Hillocrats on your side next week, with roughly another 3 million Democrats who voted for Kerry staying home or throwing their votes to McKinney or Nader. That’s 7 million votes Obama has lost from lifelong Democrats — because we love this country more than Republicans have ever given us credit for.
This is the greatest nation on Earth and we Democrats never fail to wake each morning deeply thankful and grateful for the opportunities we have here. We know what socialism is, and know we want no part of this here. Obama’s mission is to weaken this country and put us under the thumb of the UN, like a European socialist state. That’s not what we want.
We will fight tooth and nail to stop him. We’ve sunk everything we have into this — because McCain/Palin are worth it. We believe they will serve this country well, and will work with our champ, the new lion of the Senate, Hillary Clinton, to make us energy independent, to secure good solid jobs for all Americans, and to strengthen and grow our economy in a world stressed and tried in these times.
We do not intend for this alliance to be of only this moment — we’ve worked alongside all of you for months now and see we all have more in common than we ever had apart. We will never agree on everything, but let’s all start with our love of country. Our pride in America. Our willingness to work hard together to give everyone opportunities — not hand outs. Europe calls Obama’s plans socialism. We call it welfare. Obama says this is change. We paraphrase the McCain campaign because, much to our initial surprise, Clinton Democrats find more in common with McCain/Palin than we do the socialists the current Democratic Party revealed itself to be.
So, all of us centrists stand strongly with you. Please work hard in every way you can this last week. Join us in Ohio if you can — or in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, or Virginia. Let’s make sure socialism is defeated once and for all.
We can do this together. If we work hard, we will win. And after our victory, we will work hard to find other commonalities going forward.
Of this, we promise you, our new friends.
Elephants and pumas together, now and going forward.
WOW
Obama, you may have a problem...
Republicans, this is directed at you. Hillary’s Army remains strong, and committed to putting McCain/Palin in the White House. Do not listen to the media. Ignore the trolls. Corral your Eeyores and put them on the endangered species list. Because by our most conservative estimate, you’re going to get 4 million Hillocrats on your side next week, with roughly another 3 million Democrats who voted for Kerry staying home or throwing their votes to McKinney or Nader. That’s 7 million votes Obama has lost from lifelong Democrats — because we love this country more than Republicans have ever given us credit for.
This is the greatest nation on Earth and we Democrats never fail to wake each morning deeply thankful and grateful for the opportunities we have here. We know what socialism is, and know we want no part of this here. Obama’s mission is to weaken this country and put us under the thumb of the UN, like a European socialist state. That’s not what we want.
We will fight tooth and nail to stop him. We’ve sunk everything we have into this — because McCain/Palin are worth it. We believe they will serve this country well, and will work with our champ, the new lion of the Senate, Hillary Clinton, to make us energy independent, to secure good solid jobs for all Americans, and to strengthen and grow our economy in a world stressed and tried in these times.
We do not intend for this alliance to be of only this moment — we’ve worked alongside all of you for months now and see we all have more in common than we ever had apart. We will never agree on everything, but let’s all start with our love of country. Our pride in America. Our willingness to work hard together to give everyone opportunities — not hand outs. Europe calls Obama’s plans socialism. We call it welfare. Obama says this is change. We paraphrase the McCain campaign because, much to our initial surprise, Clinton Democrats find more in common with McCain/Palin than we do the socialists the current Democratic Party revealed itself to be.
So, all of us centrists stand strongly with you. Please work hard in every way you can this last week. Join us in Ohio if you can — or in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, or Virginia. Let’s make sure socialism is defeated once and for all.
We can do this together. If we work hard, we will win. And after our victory, we will work hard to find other commonalities going forward.
Of this, we promise you, our new friends.
Elephants and pumas together, now and going forward.
WOW
Obama, you may have a problem...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Three Strikes, and My Support of Mark Warner is Out
Mark Warner, the only Democrat I was endorsing for this election, has struck out with me.
I liked Warner. He's a pragmatic problem-solver for the most part, and I believe that successful businesspeople solve economic problems better than most politicians of a different career background. I also liked that he rubbed the DNC the wrong way by making a fairly bipartisan speech at a very blue lovefest in Denver because he wouldn't follow the party line and doctrine in slamming McCain and holding Obama up as a God amongst peasants.
However, he had some flaws with me that rubbed me the wrong way, and now he's hit that third strike that loses his endorsement from me.
Strike One: His lack of support for 2nd Amendment rights has always bothered me.
Strike Two: He supports the fairness doctrine, which would force many radio stations to drop any kind of a "talk" format because they would be forced to give liberal talk shows airtime, even though liberal talk shows garner next-to-nothing in the ratings.
And now...
Strike Three: He supports the "card-check" proposal, which would FORCE unionization amongst workers in all industries. My father was a unionized worker, but that was by choice. Everyone should have the choice to join a union, not be forced to do it. EVEN GEORGE-FREAKIN'-MCGOVERN IS AGAINST THIS, BUT WARNER IS FOR IT!!!
I think not. Mark Warner, you're OUT! These are 3 things I cannot truck with at one time.
Due to this, the Podium is rescinding it's endorsement of Mark Warner, and will now support Former Governor Jim Gilmore for the United States Senate, Virginia Delegation.
I liked Warner. He's a pragmatic problem-solver for the most part, and I believe that successful businesspeople solve economic problems better than most politicians of a different career background. I also liked that he rubbed the DNC the wrong way by making a fairly bipartisan speech at a very blue lovefest in Denver because he wouldn't follow the party line and doctrine in slamming McCain and holding Obama up as a God amongst peasants.
However, he had some flaws with me that rubbed me the wrong way, and now he's hit that third strike that loses his endorsement from me.
Strike One: His lack of support for 2nd Amendment rights has always bothered me.
Strike Two: He supports the fairness doctrine, which would force many radio stations to drop any kind of a "talk" format because they would be forced to give liberal talk shows airtime, even though liberal talk shows garner next-to-nothing in the ratings.
And now...
Strike Three: He supports the "card-check" proposal, which would FORCE unionization amongst workers in all industries. My father was a unionized worker, but that was by choice. Everyone should have the choice to join a union, not be forced to do it. EVEN GEORGE-FREAKIN'-MCGOVERN IS AGAINST THIS, BUT WARNER IS FOR IT!!!
I think not. Mark Warner, you're OUT! These are 3 things I cannot truck with at one time.
Due to this, the Podium is rescinding it's endorsement of Mark Warner, and will now support Former Governor Jim Gilmore for the United States Senate, Virginia Delegation.
A Breakdown of Obama's Lies on Taxes
Done by a small business owner at the ARFCOM forums.
A brief synopsis...
Obama Tax Lie #1 - By letting the Bush tax cuts expire, this is a de facto tax increase for 100% of Americans, because 100% of Americans received a tax cut under George W. Bush.
Obama Tax Lie #2 - Obama plans to lift the inflation-adjusted cap on the Social Security tax in a manner that will impact anyone making up to $249,999.99 a year.
Obama Tax Lie #3 - Obama wants to increase the capital gains tax from 15% to 20%. He claims it is to get those "Wall Street fat cats", which is about 1% of the population...however, 50% of the population invests in the stock market. So for 50% of the population, this is a tax increase.
Obama Tax Lie #4 - Obama wants to increase taxes on big corporations. However, as this gentleman points out, corporations do not "pay taxes"...they simply collect the money from the customers and give it to the government. When Obama raises their taxes, the corporations will simply increase the price of what you're buying from them, which will cost you money.
The poster also has a tax table comparing your current tax liability as opposed to what it will be in 2010 with Obama letting the Bush tax cuts expire.
A brief synopsis...
Obama Tax Lie #1 - By letting the Bush tax cuts expire, this is a de facto tax increase for 100% of Americans, because 100% of Americans received a tax cut under George W. Bush.
Obama Tax Lie #2 - Obama plans to lift the inflation-adjusted cap on the Social Security tax in a manner that will impact anyone making up to $249,999.99 a year.
Obama Tax Lie #3 - Obama wants to increase the capital gains tax from 15% to 20%. He claims it is to get those "Wall Street fat cats", which is about 1% of the population...however, 50% of the population invests in the stock market. So for 50% of the population, this is a tax increase.
Obama Tax Lie #4 - Obama wants to increase taxes on big corporations. However, as this gentleman points out, corporations do not "pay taxes"...they simply collect the money from the customers and give it to the government. When Obama raises their taxes, the corporations will simply increase the price of what you're buying from them, which will cost you money.
The poster also has a tax table comparing your current tax liability as opposed to what it will be in 2010 with Obama letting the Bush tax cuts expire.
Compassion Is Not Socialism...
...but the forcible redistribution of someone else's wealth that they have earned, and the punishment of self-made success, IS socialism.
Period, end of story, it's part of the definition of socialism. C'mon lefties, let's call things for what they are.
Period, end of story, it's part of the definition of socialism. C'mon lefties, let's call things for what they are.
GOP/McCain Volunteers Attacked by Obama Supporters in Galax
This is the lack of civil discourse and forcible attempts to shut down opposition that comes from the Obama side of this election.
We've seen it over and over again, and I while I once laughed off those who said that this was an omen of things to come in this country, I begin to second guess my confidence that democracy, free speech, and opposition to Obama will not be suppressed...as it's already starting to show.
We've seen it over and over again, and I while I once laughed off those who said that this was an omen of things to come in this country, I begin to second guess my confidence that democracy, free speech, and opposition to Obama will not be suppressed...as it's already starting to show.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Arrogance of Obama
Here's two new statements for you...
- Obama states that it's a tragedy that the Supreme Court does not pursue redistribution of wealth.
- Obama says the Constitution "reflected a fundamental flaw that continues to this day".
...ladies and gentlemen, I give you the arrogance of a socialist: Barack Obama in his own words.
- Obama states that it's a tragedy that the Supreme Court does not pursue redistribution of wealth.
- Obama says the Constitution "reflected a fundamental flaw that continues to this day".
...ladies and gentlemen, I give you the arrogance of a socialist: Barack Obama in his own words.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Obama Will Be In Podium Territory Oct. 28th...
Meanwhile I will be at work earning a salary, saving as much money as possible in case the The Royal Socialist does get elected and raises my taxes.
I could get out of work and go join the protesters, but the man is simply not worthy of my time.
UPDATE
Cobalt6 is preparing to explode with near-orgasmic ecstacy, which means I may go just to see their collective heads pop off their shoulders with joy and rapture.
I could get out of work and go join the protesters, but the man is simply not worthy of my time.
UPDATE
Cobalt6 is preparing to explode with near-orgasmic ecstacy, which means I may go just to see their collective heads pop off their shoulders with joy and rapture.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Krauthammer Makes The Case for McCain
One of America's greatest political columnists ever tells us why he's endorsing John McCain for President.
OK, This I Can't Condone...
I posted yesterday about attacks on McCain supporters, and I included a story about a McCain volunteer who was mugged, then assaulted for having a McCain sticker on her car.
Turns out she made it up.
This does not invalidate the other examples of Obama supporters, but it does put McCain supporters in a bad light...and it is stories like this that feeds the media's slant that McCain supporters are all crazy, rabid bigots.
Stupid people like this are not helping the cause, and this woman is stupid...plain and simple.
And apologies to Doug Mataconis from Below The Beltway, who sniffed this one out last night on another blog (I can't remember where) and I fired back at him because I believed the initial story (which hey, with the other examples I provided, it becomes much less of a stretch to believe it).
Turns out she made it up.
This does not invalidate the other examples of Obama supporters, but it does put McCain supporters in a bad light...and it is stories like this that feeds the media's slant that McCain supporters are all crazy, rabid bigots.
Stupid people like this are not helping the cause, and this woman is stupid...plain and simple.
And apologies to Doug Mataconis from Below The Beltway, who sniffed this one out last night on another blog (I can't remember where) and I fired back at him because I believed the initial story (which hey, with the other examples I provided, it becomes much less of a stretch to believe it).
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Is Murtha Toast?
Latest Dane and Associates poll has him down 13 points in his district to his Republican opponent (and Podium-endorsed candidate), Lt. Colonel Bill Russell. This isn't even CLOSE to the margin of error, as Russell is up 48-35 over the entrenched Democratic Party incumbent and resident loudmouth whackjob.
I know, it's not common of me to say such names about those who sit an opposition of me...but in John Murtha's case, I can't help myself, because he's earned it.
I know, it's not common of me to say such names about those who sit an opposition of me...but in John Murtha's case, I can't help myself, because he's earned it.
It's Amazing
Obama supporters do such things as...
- A 12-year-old girl is called a racist because she's white and was wearing a McCain/Palin shirt.
- A 12-year-old girl is called a racist because she's white and was wearing a McCain/Palin shirt.
- A McCain supporter is physically attacked in New York City.
- Sandra "My Career Was in the Toilet for 15 Years" Bernhardt suggests Sarah Palin should be gang-banged by blacks in Harlem.
- The manager of the Seminole County GOP Headquarters has his home shot up after putting up McCain signs in his yard.
- Two men are arrested for setting fire to McCain signs.
- A McCain supporter is mugged, then beaten and has a "B" carved into her face when the assailant discovers a McCain bumper sticker on her car.
...and yet, Republicans are the ones labeled as a angry, hatemongering mob.
- The manager of the Seminole County GOP Headquarters has his home shot up after putting up McCain signs in his yard.
- Two men are arrested for setting fire to McCain signs.
- A McCain supporter is mugged, then beaten and has a "B" carved into her face when the assailant discovers a McCain bumper sticker on her car.
...and yet, Republicans are the ones labeled as a angry, hatemongering mob.
UPDATE
In a distrubing turn of events, the woman who was mugged and had the "B" carved into her face made it all up.
Dead Heat
This is from the most accurate poll of the 2004 election...
Definition of Dead Heat...
Obama's Momentum is "Dead"
McCain's Momentum has "Heat"
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
1+1+1+1+...When Does It Finally Get Added Together?
You know, all politicians have skeletons in their closet. It's natural, because they are human. However, how many skeletons can be piled up in that closet before the lock breaks and the door bursts wide open?
For instance, let's look at some of Senator Obama's past and present associations...
- Bill Ayers: Obama claims to have known nothing about Ayers's ideology, and attempts to put Ayers ideology as something of the past. However, Ayers still holds this ideology, as he has expressed in many interviews. Ayers claims to be a semi-Anarchist and a semi-Marxist. That would be fine, if it wasn't for the fact that Ayers found Obama to be such a fit candidate as to hold fundraisers for him and kick off his first political campaign from his own house. Why would Ayers do that if he didn't think Obama lined up with at least some of his core beliefs?
By the way...Bill Ayers was a community organizer, too.
- Tony Rezko: Not as big of an issue, but the guy is shady as hell, and we know he gave Obama a sweetheart land deal and donated to his campaign. Was Obama cashing in for favors done?
- Rev. Jeremiah Wright: Honestly, we are supposed to believe that a man that Obama claimed was his spiritual advisor, was his pastor for 20 years, and even served a role on Obama's campaign had anti-American views...and Obama never knew of them? C'mon, now...let's get serious. I would've bought the idea that Obama knew of the ideas, but did not subscribe to them...but to say he never heard Wright preach about them or even espouse them in private conversations? You're kidding me.
- Franklin Raines: Former CEO of Fannie Mae, top donor to Obama, and someone who has had Obama's ear when it comes to economic and housing matters. While there is no official connection, or anything deep, he has given Obama money and advice. This from a man who made a fortune as the head of Fannie Mae, and immediately resigned when Fannie Mae was being investigated for accounting irregularities.
- Jim Johnson: Another former CEO of Fannie Mae as well as Countrywide Financial who made millions on the backs of subprime mortgages, and bailed out of the business right before things went bad. This man, whose ethics are questionable for obvious reasons, was the one who was originally picked to lead the vetting process for Obama's VP pick (until the revelation that he received loans directly from his successor at Countrywide, Angelo Mozillo) and has been a top donor and fundraiser for Obama.
- ACORN: Obama says he never worked for ACORN...however, he's helped them shake down Citigroup in court as a lawyer for them. He claimed never to train any of their classes, but people within ACORN proudly admit that he did, until he told them to basically shut up. They've endorsed the man as a candidate. Their workers have committed verifiable voter fraud that competely favors the Democrats in this election (and gee, which party is Obama a member of?).
- The New Party: A group that attempted to practice electoral fusion and endorse socialist-type liberals for public office, and had a basic ideology that rivaled the Green Party in terms of very leftist economic and social theory. Heavily backed by ACORN, and information is now coming out that Obama was not just a candidate endorsed by The New Party, but that he was actively a member...courting voters to go for far-left and socialist candidates.
Now, I could go with one or two points as chinks in the armor...but after a while, the bones of these skeltons begin to pile up heavily. Throw in the fact that Obama, his campaign, nor the state of Hawaii cannot produce an original birth certificate, and other issues...and it begins to add up that this is a man who I cannot trust in the White House, let alone disagree with.
For instance, let's look at some of Senator Obama's past and present associations...
- Bill Ayers: Obama claims to have known nothing about Ayers's ideology, and attempts to put Ayers ideology as something of the past. However, Ayers still holds this ideology, as he has expressed in many interviews. Ayers claims to be a semi-Anarchist and a semi-Marxist. That would be fine, if it wasn't for the fact that Ayers found Obama to be such a fit candidate as to hold fundraisers for him and kick off his first political campaign from his own house. Why would Ayers do that if he didn't think Obama lined up with at least some of his core beliefs?
By the way...Bill Ayers was a community organizer, too.
- Tony Rezko: Not as big of an issue, but the guy is shady as hell, and we know he gave Obama a sweetheart land deal and donated to his campaign. Was Obama cashing in for favors done?
- Rev. Jeremiah Wright: Honestly, we are supposed to believe that a man that Obama claimed was his spiritual advisor, was his pastor for 20 years, and even served a role on Obama's campaign had anti-American views...and Obama never knew of them? C'mon, now...let's get serious. I would've bought the idea that Obama knew of the ideas, but did not subscribe to them...but to say he never heard Wright preach about them or even espouse them in private conversations? You're kidding me.
- Franklin Raines: Former CEO of Fannie Mae, top donor to Obama, and someone who has had Obama's ear when it comes to economic and housing matters. While there is no official connection, or anything deep, he has given Obama money and advice. This from a man who made a fortune as the head of Fannie Mae, and immediately resigned when Fannie Mae was being investigated for accounting irregularities.
- Jim Johnson: Another former CEO of Fannie Mae as well as Countrywide Financial who made millions on the backs of subprime mortgages, and bailed out of the business right before things went bad. This man, whose ethics are questionable for obvious reasons, was the one who was originally picked to lead the vetting process for Obama's VP pick (until the revelation that he received loans directly from his successor at Countrywide, Angelo Mozillo) and has been a top donor and fundraiser for Obama.
- ACORN: Obama says he never worked for ACORN...however, he's helped them shake down Citigroup in court as a lawyer for them. He claimed never to train any of their classes, but people within ACORN proudly admit that he did, until he told them to basically shut up. They've endorsed the man as a candidate. Their workers have committed verifiable voter fraud that competely favors the Democrats in this election (and gee, which party is Obama a member of?).
- The New Party: A group that attempted to practice electoral fusion and endorse socialist-type liberals for public office, and had a basic ideology that rivaled the Green Party in terms of very leftist economic and social theory. Heavily backed by ACORN, and information is now coming out that Obama was not just a candidate endorsed by The New Party, but that he was actively a member...courting voters to go for far-left and socialist candidates.
Now, I could go with one or two points as chinks in the armor...but after a while, the bones of these skeltons begin to pile up heavily. Throw in the fact that Obama, his campaign, nor the state of Hawaii cannot produce an original birth certificate, and other issues...and it begins to add up that this is a man who I cannot trust in the White House, let alone disagree with.
Meet The 6th Congressional District Candidates
Podium Headquarters is located in the 6th Congressional District, where (for the first time since 1998), Incumbent Bob Goodlatte faces a major party challenge in Democratic candidate Sam Rasoul, a self-proclaimed "Blue Dog" and small-business owner. Also running a fairly visible campaign is independent Janice Lee Allen. Without further ado, let's get to the candidates...
Bob Goodlatte
Goodlatte has never received less than 60% of the vote in any election since he won this seat back in 1992, and has only been faced with a serious campaign challenge 3 times during his 8 previous elections...each time, he received 60%, 67%, and 67%. However, he is also faced with the fact that the 6th Congressional District has received a small increase of Democratic voters in the Roanoke and Harrisonburg areas. Goodlatte's campaign has been free of negativity and has focused on a positive approach.
Goodlatte is generally a fiscal conservative who supports tax cuts for all income brackets. He also believes in a simplified tax code that would eventually eliminate income tax and most of the IRS and has encouraged debate on alternative tax programs, such as the FairTax or a flat tax. He is pro-business, with an emphasis on small businesses, and is pro-agricultural growth as well. Goodlatte also supports the War on Terror, and does not believe in a set timetable for withdrawing the troops in Iraq. He did not support the federal bailout bill.
He is a strong social conservative, with solidly anti-abortion and anti-gay marriage stances. He supports offshore and ANWR oil drilling, and supports a goal of 25% renewable energy by the year 2025 as part of the initiative to end American dependence on foreign oil. Goodlatte supports strong border enforcement to stem the flow of illegal immigration and the drug trade across the Mexican/American border, and also supports more efficient port security as well.
Sam Rasoul
Rasoul is a small business owner from Roanoke. He has run an energetic campaign in a district that is heavily Republican overall. He should get a bigger base of support than previous candidates from the increased number of Democrats and liberal-leaning independents in the area, as well as the coattails of Mark Warner, whom Rasoul has made every attempt to connect himself with. Rasoul has also managed to run a fairly positive campaign, much like his Republican counterpart.
Rasoul does fashion himself as a "blue dog", promoting fiscal responsibility. He believes in a flattened tax system that places no tax burden on individuals making less than $50,000 a year, and any individual making over $150,000 pays no more than 35%. Rasoul also has a pro-business stance, being a businessman himself, and supports earmark reform and eliminating pork-barrel spending. He also supports a phased withdrawal of Iraq beginning immediately, with a timetable for final withdrawal.
He supports alternative energy sources, but does not approve of any new exploration or drilling outside of the current federally-leased lands to oil and gas companies. Rasoul supports nationalized healthcare. Rasoul supports universal pre-K, but also believes in increased vocational training to provide alternatives to those who are not necessarily college material.
Janice Lee Allen
Allen is a conservative independent who has the distinction of being the only candidate who was born and raised completely within this district, as she is a native of Harrisonburg. Allen is a well-educated person who holds 4 Masters Degrees and a PhD. A former Urban Planner for Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Rockingham County, Allen is running on a conservative pacifist/reformer platform with a populist bent to it.
She is against the Iraq War and supports a phased withdrawal of our troops on a specific timetable. She is a staunch advocate against No Child Left Behind, and believes in a revamping of public schools. Allen supports nationalized health care. She also supports a simplification of the tax code to allow possibilities such as the FairTax to eventually become the national tax system.
Allen believes in increased federal investment into medical research and infrastructure improvement. She believes in increased anti-Global Warming investments and environmental protectionism. Allen also holds to the belief that America should remain a pacifist nation, and never consider war as an option to resolve foreign conflicts. She believes that reduced federal spending on the military will provide a smaller federal budget to go along with increased job and business growth spurred by tax cuts, which she believes will create economic growth.
Synopsis and Podium Opinion
First, I'm not much of a fan of Allen, to be honest. While she wants to cut the budget, I think she's cutting too much in one place to spend it somewhere else. This limits the effectiveness of her ability to reign in spending, as medical and scientific research are areas where pork can be stuffed left and right. Also, I'm not a big fan of war, but I think she takes too much of a pacifist approach, but that is my opinion.
I actually like Rasoul's tax plan, although the fact that everyone must file individually no matter their marital status does eliminate many tax breaks for everyone. Sam has some good policy initiatives, such as the increased vocational training for non-college bound students, but any enthusiasm I have for him is dampened heavily by his support for nationalized health care and narrow focus on how to achieve American energy independence.
I also differ with Congressman Goodlatte on some issues, mainly ones of a social nature, as I believe that abortion is solely a states rights issue, and there should NOT be a constitutional amendment defining marriage.
However, I am a man of pragmatic prioritizing, and Goodlatte's support for both increased drilling AND a goal for increased renewable energy, combined with his support for finishing the Iraq War with a victory (which we should achieve in the same amount of time as a timetable withdrawal at the current rate), this is why the Podium endorses Rep. Bob Goodlatte for Congress.
Bob Goodlatte
Goodlatte has never received less than 60% of the vote in any election since he won this seat back in 1992, and has only been faced with a serious campaign challenge 3 times during his 8 previous elections...each time, he received 60%, 67%, and 67%. However, he is also faced with the fact that the 6th Congressional District has received a small increase of Democratic voters in the Roanoke and Harrisonburg areas. Goodlatte's campaign has been free of negativity and has focused on a positive approach.
Goodlatte is generally a fiscal conservative who supports tax cuts for all income brackets. He also believes in a simplified tax code that would eventually eliminate income tax and most of the IRS and has encouraged debate on alternative tax programs, such as the FairTax or a flat tax. He is pro-business, with an emphasis on small businesses, and is pro-agricultural growth as well. Goodlatte also supports the War on Terror, and does not believe in a set timetable for withdrawing the troops in Iraq. He did not support the federal bailout bill.
He is a strong social conservative, with solidly anti-abortion and anti-gay marriage stances. He supports offshore and ANWR oil drilling, and supports a goal of 25% renewable energy by the year 2025 as part of the initiative to end American dependence on foreign oil. Goodlatte supports strong border enforcement to stem the flow of illegal immigration and the drug trade across the Mexican/American border, and also supports more efficient port security as well.
Sam Rasoul
Rasoul is a small business owner from Roanoke. He has run an energetic campaign in a district that is heavily Republican overall. He should get a bigger base of support than previous candidates from the increased number of Democrats and liberal-leaning independents in the area, as well as the coattails of Mark Warner, whom Rasoul has made every attempt to connect himself with. Rasoul has also managed to run a fairly positive campaign, much like his Republican counterpart.
Rasoul does fashion himself as a "blue dog", promoting fiscal responsibility. He believes in a flattened tax system that places no tax burden on individuals making less than $50,000 a year, and any individual making over $150,000 pays no more than 35%. Rasoul also has a pro-business stance, being a businessman himself, and supports earmark reform and eliminating pork-barrel spending. He also supports a phased withdrawal of Iraq beginning immediately, with a timetable for final withdrawal.
He supports alternative energy sources, but does not approve of any new exploration or drilling outside of the current federally-leased lands to oil and gas companies. Rasoul supports nationalized healthcare. Rasoul supports universal pre-K, but also believes in increased vocational training to provide alternatives to those who are not necessarily college material.
Janice Lee Allen
Allen is a conservative independent who has the distinction of being the only candidate who was born and raised completely within this district, as she is a native of Harrisonburg. Allen is a well-educated person who holds 4 Masters Degrees and a PhD. A former Urban Planner for Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Rockingham County, Allen is running on a conservative pacifist/reformer platform with a populist bent to it.
She is against the Iraq War and supports a phased withdrawal of our troops on a specific timetable. She is a staunch advocate against No Child Left Behind, and believes in a revamping of public schools. Allen supports nationalized health care. She also supports a simplification of the tax code to allow possibilities such as the FairTax to eventually become the national tax system.
Allen believes in increased federal investment into medical research and infrastructure improvement. She believes in increased anti-Global Warming investments and environmental protectionism. Allen also holds to the belief that America should remain a pacifist nation, and never consider war as an option to resolve foreign conflicts. She believes that reduced federal spending on the military will provide a smaller federal budget to go along with increased job and business growth spurred by tax cuts, which she believes will create economic growth.
Synopsis and Podium Opinion
First, I'm not much of a fan of Allen, to be honest. While she wants to cut the budget, I think she's cutting too much in one place to spend it somewhere else. This limits the effectiveness of her ability to reign in spending, as medical and scientific research are areas where pork can be stuffed left and right. Also, I'm not a big fan of war, but I think she takes too much of a pacifist approach, but that is my opinion.
I actually like Rasoul's tax plan, although the fact that everyone must file individually no matter their marital status does eliminate many tax breaks for everyone. Sam has some good policy initiatives, such as the increased vocational training for non-college bound students, but any enthusiasm I have for him is dampened heavily by his support for nationalized health care and narrow focus on how to achieve American energy independence.
I also differ with Congressman Goodlatte on some issues, mainly ones of a social nature, as I believe that abortion is solely a states rights issue, and there should NOT be a constitutional amendment defining marriage.
However, I am a man of pragmatic prioritizing, and Goodlatte's support for both increased drilling AND a goal for increased renewable energy, combined with his support for finishing the Iraq War with a victory (which we should achieve in the same amount of time as a timetable withdrawal at the current rate), this is why the Podium endorses Rep. Bob Goodlatte for Congress.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Democrat Rips Media, Dems for Blaming GOP for Housing Crisis
Orson Scott Card lays the truth out there about how the Democrats should be receiving the lion's share of the blame for the current economic crisis, and how the media is pretty much ignoring that fact.
Mind you, Orson Scott Card is a Democrat.
Mind you, Orson Scott Card is a Democrat.
San Francisco Consideres Prostitution Legalization
Article at Breitbart.tv.
I've actually believed that prostitution should be legalized in the Rhode Island sense (legal behind closed doors, still bars "street walking"). The idea does appeal to my libertarian sensibilities on social issues, and if a woman feels it prudent to sell her body for sex, so be it.
I'm sure many social conservatives and proponents of the moral majority will attack this as part of the decline of Western Civilization...but then again, prostitution came long before Jesus, and it didn't cause the decline of Middle Eastern Civilization, did it?
However, I do not believe that this means the Government should provide special health benefits to these workers, either...of course, that's because I don't believe in Government-provided health care.
I've actually believed that prostitution should be legalized in the Rhode Island sense (legal behind closed doors, still bars "street walking"). The idea does appeal to my libertarian sensibilities on social issues, and if a woman feels it prudent to sell her body for sex, so be it.
I'm sure many social conservatives and proponents of the moral majority will attack this as part of the decline of Western Civilization...but then again, prostitution came long before Jesus, and it didn't cause the decline of Middle Eastern Civilization, did it?
However, I do not believe that this means the Government should provide special health benefits to these workers, either...of course, that's because I don't believe in Government-provided health care.
Virginia Virtucon: Obama's Internal Pennsylvania Polling Numbers Scare Libs
Virginia Virtucon has this info up that shows Obama's internal polling has him up only 2% in Pennsylvania. DailyKos is raving mad, with the person posting this saying that they need to "crush their spirits" (referring to Republicans).
Allow me to state that as someone who opposes most of what the Kos crowd stands for...I will never let them crush my spirits. They will only succeed in pissing me off, which only motivates me more to push for what I believe in.
As for the internal polling by Obama only putting him up 2%? It makes sense. See, having once lived in Pennsylvania (and it being one of my "homes away from home"), I know a little bit about the Pennsylvania political mentality. What many people don't realize is that this is a state that generally elects conservative Democrats and liberal Republicans...they pretty much buck the trends. Mark Warner would be insanely popular up there...Dennis Kucinich would not. Occasionally you get someone who doesn't fit the mold, but generally speaking, you don't get extremes on either side.
Not to mention, Obama, Biden, and other Democrats have pretty much done everything possible to alienate a very large swath of Keystone State voters...
- Obama's "bitter people who cling to guns and Bibles" statement was referring to PA voters.
- Joe Biden's "there will be no coal plants in Pennsylvania" statement...when Pennsylvania has a large coal mining population that belong to unions (who may sit this out, just like the West Virginia mining unions have pretty much sat out elections since 2000, when Gore alienated them).
- Rep. Murtha's statements about Western PA being "racist"...then saying they're not racist, just "rednecks".
- "Spread the wealth around" is not a phrase that resonates well with PA citizens as a whole, unless they're in Philadelphia.
Honestly, I'm surprised that so many people are surprised that Pennsylvania is this close, now that I think about it.
Allow me to state that as someone who opposes most of what the Kos crowd stands for...I will never let them crush my spirits. They will only succeed in pissing me off, which only motivates me more to push for what I believe in.
As for the internal polling by Obama only putting him up 2%? It makes sense. See, having once lived in Pennsylvania (and it being one of my "homes away from home"), I know a little bit about the Pennsylvania political mentality. What many people don't realize is that this is a state that generally elects conservative Democrats and liberal Republicans...they pretty much buck the trends. Mark Warner would be insanely popular up there...Dennis Kucinich would not. Occasionally you get someone who doesn't fit the mold, but generally speaking, you don't get extremes on either side.
Not to mention, Obama, Biden, and other Democrats have pretty much done everything possible to alienate a very large swath of Keystone State voters...
- Obama's "bitter people who cling to guns and Bibles" statement was referring to PA voters.
- Joe Biden's "there will be no coal plants in Pennsylvania" statement...when Pennsylvania has a large coal mining population that belong to unions (who may sit this out, just like the West Virginia mining unions have pretty much sat out elections since 2000, when Gore alienated them).
- Rep. Murtha's statements about Western PA being "racist"...then saying they're not racist, just "rednecks".
- "Spread the wealth around" is not a phrase that resonates well with PA citizens as a whole, unless they're in Philadelphia.
Honestly, I'm surprised that so many people are surprised that Pennsylvania is this close, now that I think about it.
Pot, Meet Kettle
John Kerry, who is 64 years old, made a crack about how John McCain would answer the infamous "boxers or briefs" question.
"Then they asked McCain and McCain said, ‘Depends,'" Kerry said to lots of laughter from the crowd.
Rumors that the "crowd" was actually the crew from Cobalt6 have not been confirmed.
May I suggest, Senator Kerry, that you stick to your daily Frankenstein impression if you want to be funny. Or maybe, you should spend some time thanking your good fortune that the only reason you're in office is because Paul Tsongas, a man of great respect and dignity, was stricken with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which allowed you to run for your current Senate seat.
"Then they asked McCain and McCain said, ‘Depends,'" Kerry said to lots of laughter from the crowd.
Rumors that the "crowd" was actually the crew from Cobalt6 have not been confirmed.
May I suggest, Senator Kerry, that you stick to your daily Frankenstein impression if you want to be funny. Or maybe, you should spend some time thanking your good fortune that the only reason you're in office is because Paul Tsongas, a man of great respect and dignity, was stricken with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which allowed you to run for your current Senate seat.
Wealth Redistribution: Proof Americans Don't Want It
From a Gallup Poll in June...
That's a truly non-partisan agreement, in my opinion. That's why WHAT Obama said to Joe the Plumber is much more important than WHO Joe the Plumber is.
(h/t The Campaign Spot)
When given a choice about how government should address the numerous
economic difficulties facing today's consumer, Americans overwhelmingly — by 84%
to 13% — prefer that the government focus on improving overall economic
conditions and the jobs situation in the United States as opposed to taking
steps to distribute wealth more evenly among Americans.
Americans' lack of support for redistributing wealth to fix the economy
spans political parties: Republicans (by 90% to 9%) prefer that the government
focus on improving the economy, as do independents (by 85% to 13%) and Democrats (by 77% to 19%).
That's a truly non-partisan agreement, in my opinion. That's why WHAT Obama said to Joe the Plumber is much more important than WHO Joe the Plumber is.
(h/t The Campaign Spot)
Dems Losing Favor With "Hannah Montana" Demographic?
In Nickelodeon's "Kid's Pick The President" poll, Obama edges out McCain 51%-49%. Over 2.2 million votes were cast. Not a bad showing considering the fact that you'd think Obama would pull very heavily from the youth, given that he IS the much younger candidate.
While some (*ahem* every liberal blog in the world) would trumpet this as a sign of a youth movement towards Democrats, it's not...in 2004, John Kerry was picked by kids over George W. Bush by a margin of 57%-43%. We all know how THAT turned out. ;)
While some (*ahem* every liberal blog in the world) would trumpet this as a sign of a youth movement towards Democrats, it's not...in 2004, John Kerry was picked by kids over George W. Bush by a margin of 57%-43%. We all know how THAT turned out. ;)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
And for McCain's Potential Cabinet...
While McCain will also rely on a number of well-established figures...he hasn't run on a campaign of youth and a "new guard" like Obama has. However, there aren't many definite names out there right now. But, here's some of the rumored names...
- Secretary of State: Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut or Fmr. Dep Sec. of State and World Bank President Robert Zoellick,
- Secretary of Defense: Robert Gates (current Secretary of Defense), Fmr. Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman, or possibly former Dep. Secretary of Defense Richard Armitage (God, I hope not)
- Secretary of the Treasury: Robert Zoellick, Current Mayor Of New York City Michael Bloomberg, Fmr. Gov. of Massachussetts Mitt Romney, or CEO's John T. Chambers (Cisco Systems), Steve Ballmer (Microsoft), or Meg Whitman (eBay)
Just thought I'd throw that out there, for comparisons sake.
But it does seem that McCain is looking to mix stalwart politicians with some out-of-the-box cabinet candidates.
- Secretary of State: Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut or Fmr. Dep Sec. of State and World Bank President Robert Zoellick,
- Secretary of Defense: Robert Gates (current Secretary of Defense), Fmr. Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman, or possibly former Dep. Secretary of Defense Richard Armitage (God, I hope not)
- Secretary of the Treasury: Robert Zoellick, Current Mayor Of New York City Michael Bloomberg, Fmr. Gov. of Massachussetts Mitt Romney, or CEO's John T. Chambers (Cisco Systems), Steve Ballmer (Microsoft), or Meg Whitman (eBay)
Just thought I'd throw that out there, for comparisons sake.
But it does seem that McCain is looking to mix stalwart politicians with some out-of-the-box cabinet candidates.
Obama's Rumored Cabinet..."Change" My @$$
Let's look at some of the rumored front-runners for Obama's cabinet, and see how much "change" will be coming to Washington D.C. with him if he wins...
- Vice-President: Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware (First elected to Congress in 1972)
- Secretary of State: Sen. John Kerry of Massachussetts (First elected to Congress in 1984)
- White House Chief of Staff: Fmr. Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota (First elected to Congress in 1978)
- Secretary of Defense: Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island (First elected to Congress in 1990)
- Attorney General: Fmr. Deputy A.G. Eric Holder (First employed by Justice Dept. in 1976)
Wow, now that's "change".
(h/t The Campaign Spot)
- Vice-President: Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware (First elected to Congress in 1972)
- Secretary of State: Sen. John Kerry of Massachussetts (First elected to Congress in 1984)
- White House Chief of Staff: Fmr. Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota (First elected to Congress in 1978)
- Secretary of Defense: Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island (First elected to Congress in 1990)
- Attorney General: Fmr. Deputy A.G. Eric Holder (First employed by Justice Dept. in 1976)
Wow, now that's "change".
(h/t The Campaign Spot)
Serious Trouble Brewing for Obama's Presidential Hopes? UPDATED
The African Press International (yes, you've read that right) has some taped phone conversations between themselves and Michelle Obama. They have finally cleared the legal hurdles to release these tapes(knowing full well the Obama camp will take it this to court), and it will apparently be released soon.
What's on this tape? The inclination from API is some kind of admission that Obama might not be a natural-born citizen of the United States, making him ineligible to run for President. However, because the tape has not been released, and there is a lot of back and forth on the site, I'm not 100% sure.
Now, as much as people may cry "racism" at this kind of possible information, let's remember two things...
1) This is being released by African Press International, not National Review or Red State. There's no "vast right-wing conspiracy" here.
2) According to Article Two, Section One, Clause Five of the Constitution of the United States, the President of the United States MUST be a natural-born citizen.
Then again, it could all be much ado about nothing, we'll find out soon enough...
UPDATE
More info about this to be released at 4 pm Norwegian time...you do the math.
What's on this tape? The inclination from API is some kind of admission that Obama might not be a natural-born citizen of the United States, making him ineligible to run for President. However, because the tape has not been released, and there is a lot of back and forth on the site, I'm not 100% sure.
Now, as much as people may cry "racism" at this kind of possible information, let's remember two things...
1) This is being released by African Press International, not National Review or Red State. There's no "vast right-wing conspiracy" here.
2) According to Article Two, Section One, Clause Five of the Constitution of the United States, the President of the United States MUST be a natural-born citizen.
Then again, it could all be much ado about nothing, we'll find out soon enough...
UPDATE
More info about this to be released at 4 pm Norwegian time...you do the math.
Dems Overplaying the Colin Powell Endorsement...
A lot of Democrats are trumpeting Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama, signaling the defection of someone who was once favored highly by the GOP.
However, one thing we forget, the GOP fell out of love with Colin Powell when it was discovered that his political beliefs, outside of national defense, really lines up with the Democratic Party platform much more than the Republican platform, anyway. That is the biggest reason why support for him as a Presidential candidate waned very quickly each time he has been mentioned as a potential candidate...Republicans don't like his policies on most issues that don't deal with the military and and national defense.
This will not really attract any GOP voters or conservative independents to Obama, as Powell's scope of influence has shank considerably, especially with Republicans. Most of us already knew that Powell was more of a Democrat anyway, so what's the big deal?
However, one thing we forget, the GOP fell out of love with Colin Powell when it was discovered that his political beliefs, outside of national defense, really lines up with the Democratic Party platform much more than the Republican platform, anyway. That is the biggest reason why support for him as a Presidential candidate waned very quickly each time he has been mentioned as a potential candidate...Republicans don't like his policies on most issues that don't deal with the military and and national defense.
This will not really attract any GOP voters or conservative independents to Obama, as Powell's scope of influence has shank considerably, especially with Republicans. Most of us already knew that Powell was more of a Democrat anyway, so what's the big deal?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Young, Black/Hispanic, and Voting for McCain
Claudio Simpkins of Hip Hop Republican, which is one of the better blogs out there, lays down his endorsement.
UPDATE
Props to Yankee Philip, who saw this before I did.
UPDATE
Props to Yankee Philip, who saw this before I did.
ShenCo CPP Narrowing Down the Forward Focus
The Community Planning Project of Shenandoah County is halfway through it's series of public forums to get an idea of what ShenCo citizens want as they create a vision for the future of the county.
The apparent factor the group is looking at is the definition of "rural" vs. "non-rural" and which direction the county should take, at least for the next decade or so. According to the Shenandoah Valley-Herald article cited above, it seems most people want to keep a rural focus for the next 5-20 years, depending on who you spoke with.
Shenandoah County is a very rural area that is experiencing a burst of residential and commercial growth along the I-81 corridor, as new subdivisions are either in the proposed or newly-built stage from Strasburg, through Toms Brook and even Maurertown, down through Woodstock and Edinburg. The southern end of the county, anchored by the towns of Mount Jackson and New Market, are experiencing the least amount of real growth, mainly due to their close proximity to Woodstock, Harrisonburg, and Luray...they don't have the need for the growth.
However, there are no towns of real distinction outside of the I-81 corridor through the county. Some may consider Basye, but that is only significant because of Bryce Resort. The rest of the county is very, very rural and is populated by a lot of farmland. Hence, the focus should be on preserving the rural farmland while keeping the growth along the I-81 corridor moving forward, in my opinion. There is still plenty of undeveloped land along the corridor as not to threaten to overtake the farmland that makes up the bulk of Shenandoah County's value, in an industrial sense, to the state.
I don't think the concerns about property rights or higher taxes are necessary right now, as they are not an issue that Shenandoah County residents have to worry about for the time being.
The apparent factor the group is looking at is the definition of "rural" vs. "non-rural" and which direction the county should take, at least for the next decade or so. According to the Shenandoah Valley-Herald article cited above, it seems most people want to keep a rural focus for the next 5-20 years, depending on who you spoke with.
Shenandoah County is a very rural area that is experiencing a burst of residential and commercial growth along the I-81 corridor, as new subdivisions are either in the proposed or newly-built stage from Strasburg, through Toms Brook and even Maurertown, down through Woodstock and Edinburg. The southern end of the county, anchored by the towns of Mount Jackson and New Market, are experiencing the least amount of real growth, mainly due to their close proximity to Woodstock, Harrisonburg, and Luray...they don't have the need for the growth.
However, there are no towns of real distinction outside of the I-81 corridor through the county. Some may consider Basye, but that is only significant because of Bryce Resort. The rest of the county is very, very rural and is populated by a lot of farmland. Hence, the focus should be on preserving the rural farmland while keeping the growth along the I-81 corridor moving forward, in my opinion. There is still plenty of undeveloped land along the corridor as not to threaten to overtake the farmland that makes up the bulk of Shenandoah County's value, in an industrial sense, to the state.
I don't think the concerns about property rights or higher taxes are necessary right now, as they are not an issue that Shenandoah County residents have to worry about for the time being.
Stupid Idea...No Matter How You Slice It
You know, if Barack Obama wins this election, it will be in spite of himself and his campaign.
All partisanship aside, it's pretty easy to see that Obama and/or his campaign leaders have committed some gaffes, mishandled questions and attacks, and have bungled other affairs.
There's already questions about his patriotism, they haven't exactly handled the Ayers/Rezko/Wright associations well, he's now being touted a socialist, he made the "57 states" comment, Biden can't keep his mouth shut, the whole overly-Hollywood presentation at his acceptance speech, and he was blasted earlier for not placing his hand over his heart during the National Anthem.
The latest gaffe...at a rally in New Hampshire, the Obama campaign scrapped the idea of having the National Anthem sung before the event. The reason? According to the article...
Morons...don't these people, who are supposed to know how to create an image that the American people find appealing, know that you just don't do that! It sends a bad message, especially when the press picks these things up. It feeds upon the image that Obama is anti-American.
While I have dozens of reservations about Obama as a President, I've never questioned whether or not he loves his country. However, I do think that Obama and his campaign have shown a serious lack of judgment here, and those who do have reservations regarding Obama's patriotism have just been fed more doubts.
Now, this does feed my perception that Obama lacks good judgment, though...
All partisanship aside, it's pretty easy to see that Obama and/or his campaign leaders have committed some gaffes, mishandled questions and attacks, and have bungled other affairs.
There's already questions about his patriotism, they haven't exactly handled the Ayers/Rezko/Wright associations well, he's now being touted a socialist, he made the "57 states" comment, Biden can't keep his mouth shut, the whole overly-Hollywood presentation at his acceptance speech, and he was blasted earlier for not placing his hand over his heart during the National Anthem.
The latest gaffe...at a rally in New Hampshire, the Obama campaign scrapped the idea of having the National Anthem sung before the event. The reason? According to the article...
Not present, or at least not singing the National Anthem at the rally was Londonderry senior Zach Bencal.
Bencal, who sings the anthem for a number of school events and is actively involved in local community theatre, had been contacted by the Obama campaign to sing the anthem. He agreed to do so, then was told later in the evening the anthem had been scratched from the program. Bencal said he was told by the campaign the decision was a simple programming change to make room for another speaker."I guess it just wasn't meant to be," Bencal said.
Morons...don't these people, who are supposed to know how to create an image that the American people find appealing, know that you just don't do that! It sends a bad message, especially when the press picks these things up. It feeds upon the image that Obama is anti-American.
While I have dozens of reservations about Obama as a President, I've never questioned whether or not he loves his country. However, I do think that Obama and his campaign have shown a serious lack of judgment here, and those who do have reservations regarding Obama's patriotism have just been fed more doubts.
Now, this does feed my perception that Obama lacks good judgment, though...
Speaking Real Words
McCain just outright called Obama's economic policies "socialist".
Well, so much for implications...now least the message is getting out there straight with no mixer or chaser.
Well, so much for implications...now least the message is getting out there straight with no mixer or chaser.
Buffett Promotes Pro-Capitalist Thinking...
Some simple tenets and proof to back them up.
"Buy American stocks"
"Be fearful when others are greedy, be greedy when others are fearful".
While Buffett backs Democrats, he is a definite capitalist and if he takes over the Federal Reserve, we may not have to worry too much on that end...should he continue promoting this kind of sensible advice.
"Buy American stocks"
"Be fearful when others are greedy, be greedy when others are fearful".
While Buffett backs Democrats, he is a definite capitalist and if he takes over the Federal Reserve, we may not have to worry too much on that end...should he continue promoting this kind of sensible advice.
Friday, October 17, 2008
"John Stossel's Politically Incorrect Guide to Politics" on 20/20
John Stossel just gets it.
I love this...we get an hour of primetime dedicated to libertarian principles and the idea of spontaneous order. If you want a great opposition to the whole interventionalist nature of the current government in Washington, you should be watching this. No punches pulled, and everything is explained in an easy way for the masses to digest.
The metaphors fit, the experts providing proof, it's an good explaination of how things aren't right the way they are, and what they SHOULD be instead.
Turn it on now...or find it on YouTube.
UPDATE
It's about time that we hear about the real reasons for the subprime mortgage crisis, the housing bubble pop, and the real impetus for our current economic troubles...in primetime.
I love this...we get an hour of primetime dedicated to libertarian principles and the idea of spontaneous order. If you want a great opposition to the whole interventionalist nature of the current government in Washington, you should be watching this. No punches pulled, and everything is explained in an easy way for the masses to digest.
The metaphors fit, the experts providing proof, it's an good explaination of how things aren't right the way they are, and what they SHOULD be instead.
Turn it on now...or find it on YouTube.
UPDATE
It's about time that we hear about the real reasons for the subprime mortgage crisis, the housing bubble pop, and the real impetus for our current economic troubles...in primetime.
Another "Joe The Plumber" Doesn't Like Obama...
Literally.
Projected Dem spin...the makers of Drano and Liquid Plumbr have lobbyists that keep McCain in their back pocket.
Projected Dem spin...the makers of Drano and Liquid Plumbr have lobbyists that keep McCain in their back pocket.
Looking at the 2nd Congressional District...
I'm reading the voter information guide between current Rep. Thelma Drake and her challenge, Glenn Nye (h/t Vivian J. Paige). One question sticks out in my mind...
What's the freaking difference? Both Drake and Nye have the same views, so on almost every issue, I have the same agreements and disagreements.
So, I have to go to the one place where they diverge...Abortion. Nye's answer was pretty nondescript, but but I gather that he supports Roe v. Wade. Drake, on the other hand, believes that this is a state's rights issue, not a federal issue, which I personally agree with.
So, based on that and the fact that I can't justify putting another Dem in the House (I would if I thought he would be an improvement over Drake), I'm going to endorse Rep. Thelma Drake for reelection in the 2nd Congressional District of Virginia.
However, I will say this...I kinda like Glenn Nye. He's a sensible candidate.
What's the freaking difference? Both Drake and Nye have the same views, so on almost every issue, I have the same agreements and disagreements.
So, I have to go to the one place where they diverge...Abortion. Nye's answer was pretty nondescript, but but I gather that he supports Roe v. Wade. Drake, on the other hand, believes that this is a state's rights issue, not a federal issue, which I personally agree with.
So, based on that and the fact that I can't justify putting another Dem in the House (I would if I thought he would be an improvement over Drake), I'm going to endorse Rep. Thelma Drake for reelection in the 2nd Congressional District of Virginia.
However, I will say this...I kinda like Glenn Nye. He's a sensible candidate.
What's Going On?
I expressed earlier surprise at a Gallup Poll of likely voters that has Obama up only 49-47 over McCain. Now, we've got an AP/Yahoo Poll that has Obama edging McCain 44-42.
The polling sample in the AP/Yahoo Poll? 873 Democrats, 650 Republicans. In other words, out of 1523 people polled, 57.3% were self-proclaimed Democrats, as opposed to 42.7% Republicans.
I think some Blue Dogs and Conservative Democrats did NOT like something Obama said or did. It's just a matter of figuring out exactly what that is...Joe The Plumber could not have had THAT much of an effect on things so quicky...could he?
Or is it a matter of the list of reasons to distrust Obama just getting too long for some people. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Tony Rezko, lack of a definitive stand on numerous issues in his voting record (read: votes "Present" a lot), lack of experience, ACORN and their voter fraud issues, Joe the Plumber.....I don't know what it is, but it's certainly giving Obama a slight sense of urgency. Check this quote...
"Don't underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," he said, only half in jest. "Don't underestimate our ability to screw it up."
Worried much?
Either way, encouraging news for those of us who don't want Obama to win, and America in general (whether they know it or not).
UPDATE
That Gallup Tracking poll has now sat at 49-47 for two days in a row. Notice Obama is holding steady, but McCain is the one gaining...a sign that McCain is winning over undecided voters.
The polling sample in the AP/Yahoo Poll? 873 Democrats, 650 Republicans. In other words, out of 1523 people polled, 57.3% were self-proclaimed Democrats, as opposed to 42.7% Republicans.
I think some Blue Dogs and Conservative Democrats did NOT like something Obama said or did. It's just a matter of figuring out exactly what that is...Joe The Plumber could not have had THAT much of an effect on things so quicky...could he?
Or is it a matter of the list of reasons to distrust Obama just getting too long for some people. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Tony Rezko, lack of a definitive stand on numerous issues in his voting record (read: votes "Present" a lot), lack of experience, ACORN and their voter fraud issues, Joe the Plumber.....I don't know what it is, but it's certainly giving Obama a slight sense of urgency. Check this quote...
"Don't underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," he said, only half in jest. "Don't underestimate our ability to screw it up."
Worried much?
Either way, encouraging news for those of us who don't want Obama to win, and America in general (whether they know it or not).
UPDATE
That Gallup Tracking poll has now sat at 49-47 for two days in a row. Notice Obama is holding steady, but McCain is the one gaining...a sign that McCain is winning over undecided voters.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Whoa Now!!!
Is this an aberration or a trend, I'm not sure...but this is a very noticeable change from where we thought this election would go.
Obama is only up 49-47 over McCain in the latest Gallup poll...? Hmm...the traditional likely voter poll has always been Gallup's most reliable one.
Obama is only up 49-47 over McCain in the latest Gallup poll...? Hmm...the traditional likely voter poll has always been Gallup's most reliable one.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As someone who can step out of the partisan box when analyzing a candidate's performance, I'll give Barack Obama a little credit.
Obama is a man of incredible self-control, which has helped him in defending the criticism of his judgment (in fact, his self-control should be emulated by some of his supporting bloggers, but that's neither here nor there). That self-control definitely wins more votes than it loses, especially with the current political circus where proponents on all sides of the ideological divide are angry and bitter and spew likes and baseless ad hominem attacks.
Now, I personally believe that this self-control is partially due to an aloof, arrogant nature where Obama does believe he is better than everyone else in the room, and therefore doesn't need to partake in such practices. I also believe that a lot of his apparent lack of emotional response is increasingly due fatigue from the long campaign, which seems to mute any attempts to show real emotion.
However, no matter the root of this self-control, the bottom line is that it has worked for him.
His inability to show panic when attacked confused many in the McCain campaign. Even when his own advisors showed serious panic, Obama himself never lost his cool. This has allowed him to weather the storms of criticism without appearing disturbed, and allows him to further contrast himself against McCain in terms of age and appearance.
Realistically, though, it's all image. His calm demeanor gives him the image of someone who is not playing politics...although, let's be honest, he's running a campaign that isn't any different from most political campaigns. It's the image that helps him.
Interestingly, that image is what makes him appear post-partisan, despite most of his stances and policies being socialist in nature (c'mon, you can't argue that they aren't, "redistribution of wealth" is a socialist concept which we now know he has admitted to being a goal of his).
That image of unflappability will play well with the voters and on the evening news, but exactly how unflappable Obama will truly be if he is elected President...well, that we won't know unless he is elected and he is faced with true adversity.
So, credit due to Obama...I may think 99% of your solutions to our problems are wrong, but I'll give you credit for your apparent self-control.
Obama is a man of incredible self-control, which has helped him in defending the criticism of his judgment (in fact, his self-control should be emulated by some of his supporting bloggers, but that's neither here nor there). That self-control definitely wins more votes than it loses, especially with the current political circus where proponents on all sides of the ideological divide are angry and bitter and spew likes and baseless ad hominem attacks.
Now, I personally believe that this self-control is partially due to an aloof, arrogant nature where Obama does believe he is better than everyone else in the room, and therefore doesn't need to partake in such practices. I also believe that a lot of his apparent lack of emotional response is increasingly due fatigue from the long campaign, which seems to mute any attempts to show real emotion.
However, no matter the root of this self-control, the bottom line is that it has worked for him.
His inability to show panic when attacked confused many in the McCain campaign. Even when his own advisors showed serious panic, Obama himself never lost his cool. This has allowed him to weather the storms of criticism without appearing disturbed, and allows him to further contrast himself against McCain in terms of age and appearance.
Realistically, though, it's all image. His calm demeanor gives him the image of someone who is not playing politics...although, let's be honest, he's running a campaign that isn't any different from most political campaigns. It's the image that helps him.
Interestingly, that image is what makes him appear post-partisan, despite most of his stances and policies being socialist in nature (c'mon, you can't argue that they aren't, "redistribution of wealth" is a socialist concept which we now know he has admitted to being a goal of his).
That image of unflappability will play well with the voters and on the evening news, but exactly how unflappable Obama will truly be if he is elected President...well, that we won't know unless he is elected and he is faced with true adversity.
So, credit due to Obama...I may think 99% of your solutions to our problems are wrong, but I'll give you credit for your apparent self-control.
I Was Asked an Interesting Question Yesterday...
A good friend of mine at work, who is an as-yet undecided voter who doesn't like Obama or McCain, and would like to see the option of "undecided" on the ballot, asked me one heck of a question yesterday, and it came out of nowhere and caught me off-guard.
He asked "you could go back in time and change one American political event or decision, what would it be?"
He brought up things like Robert Kennedy's assassination, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and a few other events that you generally learn about in History class as examples. I also mulled over a few choices that I considered, such as...
- Telling Nixon's cronies not to break into the Watergate Hotel.
- Not allowing a handful of Mississippi delegates to abandon Reagan for Ford at the 1976 GOP Convention.
- Made the Presidential term limit part of the original 10 Amendments of the Bill of Rights.
However, we changed the subject, and after 10 minutes, I hit him with my real answer.
- I would have stopped America from jumping off the Gold Standard.
This answer blew him away, as I don't think he expected me to go that route, and he had to agree that this was a significant point. As he said, "we would definitely have a strong dollar and a solid, stable economy."
What do you think? What singular event would you change...if you could?
He asked "you could go back in time and change one American political event or decision, what would it be?"
He brought up things like Robert Kennedy's assassination, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and a few other events that you generally learn about in History class as examples. I also mulled over a few choices that I considered, such as...
- Telling Nixon's cronies not to break into the Watergate Hotel.
- Not allowing a handful of Mississippi delegates to abandon Reagan for Ford at the 1976 GOP Convention.
- Made the Presidential term limit part of the original 10 Amendments of the Bill of Rights.
However, we changed the subject, and after 10 minutes, I hit him with my real answer.
- I would have stopped America from jumping off the Gold Standard.
This answer blew him away, as I don't think he expected me to go that route, and he had to agree that this was a significant point. As he said, "we would definitely have a strong dollar and a solid, stable economy."
What do you think? What singular event would you change...if you could?
WaPo Even Sees This One for What it is...
Heavily Dem Prince Georges County, Maryland mad and outraged at a local hotel/conference center for having pro-McCain signs. They're flooding this place's phone lines demanding the signs be taken down.
However, in the article, the Washington Post points out that other areas aren't having problems for pro-Obama signs in various businesses. Besides, there is nothing to be outraged about...especially since this same business hosted an OBAMA fundraiser TWO WEEKS AGO!
Granted, I no longer shop at FYE to get CDs and DVDs since they started putting up cardboard cutouts of Obama smiling with an iPod in all of their stores (and yet, no cutouts of McCain) because I don't want to provide my business to a company that so openly promotes a candidate that I flatly refuse to endorse.
However, I haven't placed one call to their stores or corporate offices in protest...and these people should do the same. If they don't like it, take their business elsewhere.
However, in the article, the Washington Post points out that other areas aren't having problems for pro-Obama signs in various businesses. Besides, there is nothing to be outraged about...especially since this same business hosted an OBAMA fundraiser TWO WEEKS AGO!
Granted, I no longer shop at FYE to get CDs and DVDs since they started putting up cardboard cutouts of Obama smiling with an iPod in all of their stores (and yet, no cutouts of McCain) because I don't want to provide my business to a company that so openly promotes a candidate that I flatly refuse to endorse.
However, I haven't placed one call to their stores or corporate offices in protest...and these people should do the same. If they don't like it, take their business elsewhere.
Tired of hearing McCain and Obama???
The 3rd Party debates will be held at Columbia University, and televised on C-SPAN.
So far, the forum will include...
- Ralph Nader (Independent)
- Cynthia McKinney (Green Party)
- Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party)
Apparently Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party nominee, has not decided on whether or not he will show up, as he has stated in the past he wants to debate Nader only (interesting). I think Barr SHOULD show up. Right now, the Libertarians are the leading candidate (as a party) to become the much sought-after Third Party. For him not to show up and at least try to out-debate the other Third Party nominees makes little sense, as it would be a setback for the Libertarians.
John McCain and Barack Obama were invited, but have apparently turned down the invitation. The debate will be hosted by Amy Goodman, host of "Democracy Now!" This will be much to the delight of ol' Finnegan over at hburgnews.com, he's a fan of that show. :)
The debate will be Sunday, October 19th, from 8 to 10 pm.
No word on if the Columbia University security will receive it's own security detail to protect them should Cynthia McKinney decide to show up without her ID.
So far, the forum will include...
- Ralph Nader (Independent)
- Cynthia McKinney (Green Party)
- Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party)
Apparently Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party nominee, has not decided on whether or not he will show up, as he has stated in the past he wants to debate Nader only (interesting). I think Barr SHOULD show up. Right now, the Libertarians are the leading candidate (as a party) to become the much sought-after Third Party. For him not to show up and at least try to out-debate the other Third Party nominees makes little sense, as it would be a setback for the Libertarians.
John McCain and Barack Obama were invited, but have apparently turned down the invitation. The debate will be hosted by Amy Goodman, host of "Democracy Now!" This will be much to the delight of ol' Finnegan over at hburgnews.com, he's a fan of that show. :)
The debate will be Sunday, October 19th, from 8 to 10 pm.
No word on if the Columbia University security will receive it's own security detail to protect them should Cynthia McKinney decide to show up without her ID.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Murtha: "No question Western PA is racist"...
What an idiot. First he was wrong about the Haditha Marines. Then, he was despondent because Pelosi didn't like him as much as Steny Hoyer. Now, we've got this.
Way to motivate your state for your candidate, Jack.
Way to motivate your state for your candidate, Jack.
Why Are People Acting Like We've Never Been in a Recession Before???
The stock market experts, the TV talking heads, the bloggers...they all like to run around like headless chickens in panic over how we cannot stand a recession, and that the world is somehow going to end within the next few months.
The last thing we need is panic. We will get through this.
Since the end of the Great Depression, we've had 6 major recessions, a little history for you...
The recession of 1953-54
- Caused by a post-Korean War inflationary period, where the Federal Reserve put more restrictive fiscal policies to curb inflation growth. However, consumer demand dropped due to the expectation of a recession, so the recession occurred anyway...just on the side of consumer demand. This lasted from 2nd quarter of '53 to the 1st quarter of '54.
The recession of 1957-58
- You'd think that the 1950's would be remember for recessions, and not the boom period we all believe. This goes to show you that there are hiccups and bumps on the road to prosperity. This was caused by the loosening of monetary policy in late '57. Along with this came a decline in the investment of fixed capital both in Europe and in the United States. In America, auto sales declined sharply, and unemployment rose. What stemmed the recession from further harming the economy was the lack of change in personal income amongst employed Americans, which gave monetary stability to those who had jobs.
Most notably, this was a worldwide recession...and it led to Democratic Party gains in Congress in the 1958 elections.
The recession of 1973-74
- Caused by the OPEC oil price increase and huge US Government spending (a combination of the Great Society programs, as well as the Vietnam War...Nixon inherited a looming mess from LBJ), leading to stagflation, and probably a good mirror of what we should expect to see as the current economic problems play themselves out.
When the U.S. was faced with an oil embargo placed up on it by OPEC in 1973, due to it's support of Israel in the Yom Kippur War, the government placed price controls...which led to gas rationing.
During this same time, the Bretton Woods System fell apart (due to the dollar being very strong against other currencies because of the increase in Gold prices), and the unilateral devaluation of the dollar (the Smithsonian Agreement) caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average to drop 45% from early 1973 to late 1974. Also, inflation increased from 3.4% in 1972 to over 25% by 1975. The United States did not see the Stock Market return to a comparable level (in real terms, adjusted for economic growth) until 1993.
The London Stock Exchange dropped 73% during this same timeframe. Interestingly, the London Stock crash is also attributed to a housing crisis...which was followed by a boom period of over 150% from late 1974 to early 1975, a sign of things to eventually come?
The recession of 1980-82
- Caused by the 1979 Energy Crisis that came with the overthrow of the Shah of Iran by Muslim fundamentalists led by Ayatollah Khomeini. Exacerbated by rampant stagflation of the American economy under Jimmy Carter. The recession was more severe than it should have been because it was unexpected. Also, the impact was intensified by the Fed Chairman Paul Volcker keeping interest rates very high to force inflation out of the economy, which did eventually work and lead to series of boom periods economically in the United States.
The recession of 1990-91
- Caused by a decrease in industrial production, the short-lived oil price spike of 1990 due to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and made worse when the Bush 41 reneged on his "No New Taxes" pledge.
The recession of 2001-03
- Caused by a recession that began in the European Union, felt in parts at the end of Clinton's term and the beginning of Bush 43's, and exacerbated by 9/11, the Enron/WorldCom accounting scandals, and the dot-com bubble burst. However, from late September, 2001 to early 2003, the market crashed twice, with a recovery period in mid 2002 that helped average out the crashes a bit.
Right now, we're not in a recession, but we're heading for one. It has been seen in the past that higher taxation (on anyone, not just individuals) and looser monetary policies (like what the Democrats have advocated) tend to worsen these conditions.
Just some food for thought.
The last thing we need is panic. We will get through this.
Since the end of the Great Depression, we've had 6 major recessions, a little history for you...
The recession of 1953-54
- Caused by a post-Korean War inflationary period, where the Federal Reserve put more restrictive fiscal policies to curb inflation growth. However, consumer demand dropped due to the expectation of a recession, so the recession occurred anyway...just on the side of consumer demand. This lasted from 2nd quarter of '53 to the 1st quarter of '54.
The recession of 1957-58
- You'd think that the 1950's would be remember for recessions, and not the boom period we all believe. This goes to show you that there are hiccups and bumps on the road to prosperity. This was caused by the loosening of monetary policy in late '57. Along with this came a decline in the investment of fixed capital both in Europe and in the United States. In America, auto sales declined sharply, and unemployment rose. What stemmed the recession from further harming the economy was the lack of change in personal income amongst employed Americans, which gave monetary stability to those who had jobs.
Most notably, this was a worldwide recession...and it led to Democratic Party gains in Congress in the 1958 elections.
The recession of 1973-74
- Caused by the OPEC oil price increase and huge US Government spending (a combination of the Great Society programs, as well as the Vietnam War...Nixon inherited a looming mess from LBJ), leading to stagflation, and probably a good mirror of what we should expect to see as the current economic problems play themselves out.
When the U.S. was faced with an oil embargo placed up on it by OPEC in 1973, due to it's support of Israel in the Yom Kippur War, the government placed price controls...which led to gas rationing.
During this same time, the Bretton Woods System fell apart (due to the dollar being very strong against other currencies because of the increase in Gold prices), and the unilateral devaluation of the dollar (the Smithsonian Agreement) caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average to drop 45% from early 1973 to late 1974. Also, inflation increased from 3.4% in 1972 to over 25% by 1975. The United States did not see the Stock Market return to a comparable level (in real terms, adjusted for economic growth) until 1993.
The London Stock Exchange dropped 73% during this same timeframe. Interestingly, the London Stock crash is also attributed to a housing crisis...which was followed by a boom period of over 150% from late 1974 to early 1975, a sign of things to eventually come?
The recession of 1980-82
- Caused by the 1979 Energy Crisis that came with the overthrow of the Shah of Iran by Muslim fundamentalists led by Ayatollah Khomeini. Exacerbated by rampant stagflation of the American economy under Jimmy Carter. The recession was more severe than it should have been because it was unexpected. Also, the impact was intensified by the Fed Chairman Paul Volcker keeping interest rates very high to force inflation out of the economy, which did eventually work and lead to series of boom periods economically in the United States.
The recession of 1990-91
- Caused by a decrease in industrial production, the short-lived oil price spike of 1990 due to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and made worse when the Bush 41 reneged on his "No New Taxes" pledge.
The recession of 2001-03
- Caused by a recession that began in the European Union, felt in parts at the end of Clinton's term and the beginning of Bush 43's, and exacerbated by 9/11, the Enron/WorldCom accounting scandals, and the dot-com bubble burst. However, from late September, 2001 to early 2003, the market crashed twice, with a recovery period in mid 2002 that helped average out the crashes a bit.
Right now, we're not in a recession, but we're heading for one. It has been seen in the past that higher taxation (on anyone, not just individuals) and looser monetary policies (like what the Democrats have advocated) tend to worsen these conditions.
Just some food for thought.
The Impracticality of the Robin Hood Tax Theory
Robin Hood was a classic tale, and has made for two good movies (neither one of which featured Kevin Costner, but one did feature an animated fox and the other was a Mel Brooks classic).
It was actually a great rail against big Government, if you think about it. Prince John was taxing the people to death, and Robin Hood and his band of merry men faught valiantly to get the money out of the Prince's coffers and back in the hands of the people, where it belonged.
Realistically speaking, Robin Hood was a libertarian...you keep what you earn, and Government should keep it's hands off your money.
However, the Democrats have a tendency to attempt to do this in a somewhat reverse fashion...where Government plays the role of Robin Hood, and anyone who is even moderately successful is automatically placed (for the sake of winning votes and playing class warfare) in the unenviable role Prince John.
Why is it that taxing the hell out of a person's success is supposed to be a good thing? Robin Hood did not give someone else's tax money to a poorer citizen in the interest of fairness...he attempted to give back to the people what had been taken from them...nothing more, nothing less.
Honestly, I never have been able to understand this...even in my more liberal days (when I was 10 or 11 years old), I just never understood why taxing those who make more just to "redistribute" the wealth was a good thing. I always thought, even when I was young, that such policies generally discourage people from being as successful as they can be. Why strive to make more only to have Government take it away?
So...if Obama wins and the Dems get their supposed "Supermajority", I'll be sure to be a good American citizen (in their eyes) and never strive to make more than an average wage and work an average job...just so I don't arouse suspicion. :) :) :)
OK, all jokes aside, I know that many of my leftist friends will tell me that things are "much more complicated than that" and we need to uplift the downtrodden and spread the wealth around, because nobody should have a bigger piece of pie.
Hey, I get it, I understand the concept. In a philosophical sense, it sounds nice on the surface. However, to reduce voluntary (and more efficient) charity with forced Government intervention? Why? We're already the most charitable nation on Earth.
What's interesting is that many Democrats and American Liberals like to believe that their way of thinking is much of "intellectual" in nature, and most modern-day intellectuals believe that Big Government and centralized planning are the answer.
However, I simply economically identify with Classical Liberals (who would be labeled conservatives or libertarians in today's American society) such as John Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, or Alexis de Tocqueville? I mean, their writings only played a integral part in shaping our nation. They're also only names that you read about in any history class as being influential to American economic and social thought.
Anyone care to argue that those people aren't "intellectuals"?
It was actually a great rail against big Government, if you think about it. Prince John was taxing the people to death, and Robin Hood and his band of merry men faught valiantly to get the money out of the Prince's coffers and back in the hands of the people, where it belonged.
Realistically speaking, Robin Hood was a libertarian...you keep what you earn, and Government should keep it's hands off your money.
However, the Democrats have a tendency to attempt to do this in a somewhat reverse fashion...where Government plays the role of Robin Hood, and anyone who is even moderately successful is automatically placed (for the sake of winning votes and playing class warfare) in the unenviable role Prince John.
Why is it that taxing the hell out of a person's success is supposed to be a good thing? Robin Hood did not give someone else's tax money to a poorer citizen in the interest of fairness...he attempted to give back to the people what had been taken from them...nothing more, nothing less.
Honestly, I never have been able to understand this...even in my more liberal days (when I was 10 or 11 years old), I just never understood why taxing those who make more just to "redistribute" the wealth was a good thing. I always thought, even when I was young, that such policies generally discourage people from being as successful as they can be. Why strive to make more only to have Government take it away?
So...if Obama wins and the Dems get their supposed "Supermajority", I'll be sure to be a good American citizen (in their eyes) and never strive to make more than an average wage and work an average job...just so I don't arouse suspicion. :) :) :)
OK, all jokes aside, I know that many of my leftist friends will tell me that things are "much more complicated than that" and we need to uplift the downtrodden and spread the wealth around, because nobody should have a bigger piece of pie.
Hey, I get it, I understand the concept. In a philosophical sense, it sounds nice on the surface. However, to reduce voluntary (and more efficient) charity with forced Government intervention? Why? We're already the most charitable nation on Earth.
What's interesting is that many Democrats and American Liberals like to believe that their way of thinking is much of "intellectual" in nature, and most modern-day intellectuals believe that Big Government and centralized planning are the answer.
However, I simply economically identify with Classical Liberals (who would be labeled conservatives or libertarians in today's American society) such as John Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, or Alexis de Tocqueville? I mean, their writings only played a integral part in shaping our nation. They're also only names that you read about in any history class as being influential to American economic and social thought.
Anyone care to argue that those people aren't "intellectuals"?
An Honest, Non-Confrontational Question for Obama Supporters
And I'm not saying this in jest or to start a fight, I just want anyone supporting Obama to give me their response to this...and not some anti-McCain rant, either...just an honest response to the question at hand...
Your candidate for President has children singing for him a la Stalin or Chairman Mao, and is put forward by people as their Personal Jesus or as the Messiah himself, and he doesn't do anything to downplay this cult of personality that has begun to surround him. In fact, he seems to revel in it.
Does any of this bother you at all? Does it rub you the wrong way? Or...is this exactly what you're looking for?
Honestly, I just want to know if these are aspects of Obama that Democrats truly believe in and like...or if you're accepting these things as part of the package, and are simply thinking "well, he's not a Republican, that's all that matters to me."
Just wondering. Please reply below.
Your candidate for President has children singing for him a la Stalin or Chairman Mao, and is put forward by people as their Personal Jesus or as the Messiah himself, and he doesn't do anything to downplay this cult of personality that has begun to surround him. In fact, he seems to revel in it.
Does any of this bother you at all? Does it rub you the wrong way? Or...is this exactly what you're looking for?
Honestly, I just want to know if these are aspects of Obama that Democrats truly believe in and like...or if you're accepting these things as part of the package, and are simply thinking "well, he's not a Republican, that's all that matters to me."
Just wondering. Please reply below.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Just to Forewarn You...
I'm on the fence right now.
I'm not sure if I want to stay with the Republican Party or become a member of the Big L's...the Libertarian Party, and just support those candidates who appeal to me (who will most likely, admittedly, be Republicans for the time being).
I just feel like the idea of an indefinitely large, socialist federal government has become the Democratic Party's pure mantra...and that the leadership of the Republican Party has capitulated in it's attempts to fight this.
Sure, there are plenty of very solid small-government, lower-taxes types (Rep. Thad McCotter of Michigan is a very good example), but I've always believed as Reagan believed that libertarian principles are at the heart of conservative principles.
Someone want to provide me with a little perspective? I'm going to be going over the party stances between the two in detail over the next few days, and mulling over who stands for what I stand for.
I'm not sure if I want to stay with the Republican Party or become a member of the Big L's...the Libertarian Party, and just support those candidates who appeal to me (who will most likely, admittedly, be Republicans for the time being).
I just feel like the idea of an indefinitely large, socialist federal government has become the Democratic Party's pure mantra...and that the leadership of the Republican Party has capitulated in it's attempts to fight this.
Sure, there are plenty of very solid small-government, lower-taxes types (Rep. Thad McCotter of Michigan is a very good example), but I've always believed as Reagan believed that libertarian principles are at the heart of conservative principles.
Someone want to provide me with a little perspective? I'm going to be going over the party stances between the two in detail over the next few days, and mulling over who stands for what I stand for.
Damn, Obama WILL Raise My Taxes!!!
So much for those tax cuts for 95% of middle- and working-class families, says Jason Kenney.
Honestly, people bought into that "95 percent" line of his??? Basically, if you're a family earning between $25,000 and $85,000 a year, your marginal tax rate will go UP under Obama.
UPDATE
I just realized that I predicted something similar to this from either Obama or Hillary Clinton in an earlier post...
"Democrats state they will fix this (and everything else) by raising taxes on the "rich"...even though "rich" to them (according to the circulating Dem tax plan post-Bush Administration) is now any single person making over $33,000/year, or any married couple making a combined $45,000/year."
Democrats...so predictable!
Honestly, people bought into that "95 percent" line of his??? Basically, if you're a family earning between $25,000 and $85,000 a year, your marginal tax rate will go UP under Obama.
UPDATE
I just realized that I predicted something similar to this from either Obama or Hillary Clinton in an earlier post...
"Democrats state they will fix this (and everything else) by raising taxes on the "rich"...even though "rich" to them (according to the circulating Dem tax plan post-Bush Administration) is now any single person making over $33,000/year, or any married couple making a combined $45,000/year."
Democrats...so predictable!
"The Campaign Spot" Points Out Irregularity in VA Polling Samples
While I know the Obamacrats are cheering the downfall of the economy as a set up for their opponent's victory, I guess I have to be the one to play "party pooper" and point out some rather significant statistics, courtesy of "The Campaign Spot" at National Review.
- In 2006, the party ID figures based on exit polls was 39 percent Republican, 36 percent Democrat, 26 percent Independent. This was the election, of course, where Jim Webb barely scraped by George Allen in a battle of who could run the more inefficient campaign.
- In 2004, where Bush beat Kerry, the exit polling showed that party ID was 39 percent Republican, 35 percent Democrat, 26 percent Independent.
Now, take a look at these 3 recent polls and their party ID sampling figures...
- PublicPolicyPolling - is 40 percent Democrat, 35 percent Republican, 25 percent Independent. Their poll has Obama up 51-43.
- SurveyUSA - is Democrats 39 percent, Republicans 30 percent, Independents 25 percent. They have Obama up 53-43.
- Suffolk - is Democrats 45 percent, Republicans 31 percent, Independents 24 percent. They have Obama up 51-39.
Honestly now, I don't think reasonably-minded Democrats can believe that the party ID in Virginia has swung THAT much in 2 years. So if Virginia goes for McCain in the national election, I don't want to hear Democrats claiming fraud...because those polling samples provide a fraudulent depiction of Virginia's real voter party identification.
P.S. - I'm baaaack :)
- In 2006, the party ID figures based on exit polls was 39 percent Republican, 36 percent Democrat, 26 percent Independent. This was the election, of course, where Jim Webb barely scraped by George Allen in a battle of who could run the more inefficient campaign.
- In 2004, where Bush beat Kerry, the exit polling showed that party ID was 39 percent Republican, 35 percent Democrat, 26 percent Independent.
Now, take a look at these 3 recent polls and their party ID sampling figures...
- PublicPolicyPolling - is 40 percent Democrat, 35 percent Republican, 25 percent Independent. Their poll has Obama up 51-43.
- SurveyUSA - is Democrats 39 percent, Republicans 30 percent, Independents 25 percent. They have Obama up 53-43.
- Suffolk - is Democrats 45 percent, Republicans 31 percent, Independents 24 percent. They have Obama up 51-39.
Honestly now, I don't think reasonably-minded Democrats can believe that the party ID in Virginia has swung THAT much in 2 years. So if Virginia goes for McCain in the national election, I don't want to hear Democrats claiming fraud...because those polling samples provide a fraudulent depiction of Virginia's real voter party identification.
P.S. - I'm baaaack :)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Elementary School Principal in McLean Bans "Tag"
Good lord, this is what liberalism does to people.
Tag is the latest activity either banned or quietly dismissed in Fairfax County Schools. No more dodgeball, touch football, and now tag.
Why tag? Because a couple of kids were "tagging aggressively". Then you know what you do...YOU PUNISH THE OFFENDERS, NOT ALL OF THE KIDS. Next thing you know, all kids will spend their recess periods staring at the monkey bars for 15 minutes, then it'll be time to go inside and continue their indoctrination by taxpayer-funded public schools.
I love the comments that were left by readers in the Washington Post article online...a lot of angry readers. Glad to see common sense reigns supreme somewhere in the midst of all of this.
When it comes to calling people both senseless and spineless, I just want to go up to this principal and say "tag, you're it!"
Tag is the latest activity either banned or quietly dismissed in Fairfax County Schools. No more dodgeball, touch football, and now tag.
Why tag? Because a couple of kids were "tagging aggressively". Then you know what you do...YOU PUNISH THE OFFENDERS, NOT ALL OF THE KIDS. Next thing you know, all kids will spend their recess periods staring at the monkey bars for 15 minutes, then it'll be time to go inside and continue their indoctrination by taxpayer-funded public schools.
I love the comments that were left by readers in the Washington Post article online...a lot of angry readers. Glad to see common sense reigns supreme somewhere in the midst of all of this.
When it comes to calling people both senseless and spineless, I just want to go up to this principal and say "tag, you're it!"
The Vicious Cycle of Environmentalist Policy
I swear to God, the enviro-activist left has really got us playing "Spin The Wheel, Make the Deal". I'll bullet point this to make it really simple.
- Environmentalist lobby pushes for increased production and research into Ethanol.
- Demand for corn goes up, pushes prices skyward.
- Farmers see the gold mine in corn crops, many switch to corn from wheat. This causes the United States to import wheat to meet it's own needs for the first time since the late 18th Century. Thus, the price of anything wheat-based (everything from bread to beer) goes up.
- Increase in corn price increases price of Ethanol itself, along with feed for cows.
- Ethanol-infused gasoline goes up in price due to increase in Ethanol price...price of beef goes up because farmers must pay more to feed their cows.
- Increased gasoline prices force increased shipping costs, which increase the price of ALL shipped goods.
- Shortage of American wheat production causes us to lose favor with all of the 3rd World Nations we would normally export wheat to.
- Democrats state that we are not a good member of the world community because we're not helping to feed the 3rd World...even though the shortage of American food exports is their fault.
Now, let's say this continues, and either Clinton or Obama is elected President. Here's what happens next...
- Media reports about starving children in Africa, state that it is the fault of "greedy rich people".
- Liberal Americans feel guilty, want the Government to "do something".
- Democrats state they will fix this (and everything else) by raising taxes on the "rich"...even though "rich" to them (according to the circulating Dem tax plan post-Bush Administration) is now any single person making over $33,000/year, or any married couple making a combined $45,000/year.
- More Americans in need of financial assistance for various reasons due to increased prices in goods and increased taxes....so the Democrats spend more money to relieve these troubled Americans. To cover costs, they raise taxes even more.
- Increased costs of production, shipping, and taxation force many companies to take jobs elsewhere, forcing millions of Americans into unemployment...thus repeating the previous bullet point.
- Rinse and repeat.
Scary, isn't it?
- Environmentalist lobby pushes for increased production and research into Ethanol.
- Demand for corn goes up, pushes prices skyward.
- Farmers see the gold mine in corn crops, many switch to corn from wheat. This causes the United States to import wheat to meet it's own needs for the first time since the late 18th Century. Thus, the price of anything wheat-based (everything from bread to beer) goes up.
- Increase in corn price increases price of Ethanol itself, along with feed for cows.
- Ethanol-infused gasoline goes up in price due to increase in Ethanol price...price of beef goes up because farmers must pay more to feed their cows.
- Increased gasoline prices force increased shipping costs, which increase the price of ALL shipped goods.
- Shortage of American wheat production causes us to lose favor with all of the 3rd World Nations we would normally export wheat to.
- Democrats state that we are not a good member of the world community because we're not helping to feed the 3rd World...even though the shortage of American food exports is their fault.
Now, let's say this continues, and either Clinton or Obama is elected President. Here's what happens next...
- Media reports about starving children in Africa, state that it is the fault of "greedy rich people".
- Liberal Americans feel guilty, want the Government to "do something".
- Democrats state they will fix this (and everything else) by raising taxes on the "rich"...even though "rich" to them (according to the circulating Dem tax plan post-Bush Administration) is now any single person making over $33,000/year, or any married couple making a combined $45,000/year.
- More Americans in need of financial assistance for various reasons due to increased prices in goods and increased taxes....so the Democrats spend more money to relieve these troubled Americans. To cover costs, they raise taxes even more.
- Increased costs of production, shipping, and taxation force many companies to take jobs elsewhere, forcing millions of Americans into unemployment...thus repeating the previous bullet point.
- Rinse and repeat.
Scary, isn't it?
Monday, April 14, 2008
Wandering My Way Back Into the Blogosphere...
I am finally relocated, reset, and ready to go again. I've done some occasional blogging over at Daily Whackjob, but I find myself getting more headaches from the lack of anything constructive outside of arguing with zen (which is at least entertaining and smacks of intelligent conversation).
In the coming days, the Podium will finally make it's return...and we'll get down to business.
I have to blog again...can you blame me? I mean, in times like these, I have to cling to my blog, because I'm just a typical small-town resident who is bitter.
In the coming days, the Podium will finally make it's return...and we'll get down to business.
I have to blog again...can you blame me? I mean, in times like these, I have to cling to my blog, because I'm just a typical small-town resident who is bitter.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I've All But Crossed Huckabee off my List...
This Washington Times article really highlights the Huckster's tenure as Governor of Arkansas, and why he is NOT the right man to be the GOP nominee, let alone leader of the free world.
Diverting the funds of a conservative PAC to a Democrat who was opposed by a Republican in a state legislature race, demanding people be "with Huck or against him", calling other Republicans "shi'ites" (which, in return, Arkansas Republicans called him a "Christian Socialist"), and attempt to find any reason to destroy any Republican who didn't fall in line with him.
He seems like a nice enough guy, but...
Diverting the funds of a conservative PAC to a Democrat who was opposed by a Republican in a state legislature race, demanding people be "with Huck or against him", calling other Republicans "shi'ites" (which, in return, Arkansas Republicans called him a "Christian Socialist"), and attempt to find any reason to destroy any Republican who didn't fall in line with him.
He seems like a nice enough guy, but...
Tax Rebate Plan Reaches Tentative Agreement
Looks like a decent way to stimulate the economy without too much governmental "heavy-handedness".
Should the plan go through as it is rumored to stand...
- Tax rebate of $300 to individuals ($600 for married couples), and an additional $300 per child with a cap of $1,200 per family.
- Workers who made more than $3,000 in 2007 are eligible for the rebate.
- Income cap for eligibility is $75,000 for individuals, $150,000 for married couples.
The Democrats were flexible on not extending unemployment benefits for those reaching the 26 week limit and not increasing food stamps, while Republicans were flexible on the minimum income level of eligibility to the point of almost any person earning a paycheck will receive a tax rebate (the original income minimum was much higher in the original Bush proposal). Should the proposal be passed and signed by President Bush, tax rebate checks should arrive in most American mailboxes sometime in June.
Basically, everyone from the working class up to the upper-middle class will benefit from this.
Also part of the Economic Stimulus proposal...
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be able to buy homes over the current limit of $417,000.
- Tax cuts for businesses, small and large.
For the first time in a while, we're seeing government working together to provide a sensible solution to a major problem...which is "how to stimulate an uncertain economy." I'm glad to see that the Dems went the sensible route, hopefully this sensibility becomes a trend.
Should the plan go through as it is rumored to stand...
- Tax rebate of $300 to individuals ($600 for married couples), and an additional $300 per child with a cap of $1,200 per family.
- Workers who made more than $3,000 in 2007 are eligible for the rebate.
- Income cap for eligibility is $75,000 for individuals, $150,000 for married couples.
The Democrats were flexible on not extending unemployment benefits for those reaching the 26 week limit and not increasing food stamps, while Republicans were flexible on the minimum income level of eligibility to the point of almost any person earning a paycheck will receive a tax rebate (the original income minimum was much higher in the original Bush proposal). Should the proposal be passed and signed by President Bush, tax rebate checks should arrive in most American mailboxes sometime in June.
Basically, everyone from the working class up to the upper-middle class will benefit from this.
Also part of the Economic Stimulus proposal...
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be able to buy homes over the current limit of $417,000.
- Tax cuts for businesses, small and large.
For the first time in a while, we're seeing government working together to provide a sensible solution to a major problem...which is "how to stimulate an uncertain economy." I'm glad to see that the Dems went the sensible route, hopefully this sensibility becomes a trend.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Fred Thompson Drops Out of GOP Race, Who Should I Endorse Now?
So my man, Fred Thompson, is out of the race officially. Between the not-so-hot finishes in Iowa and South Carolina, tending to his sick mother last week, and a mixed GOP base...I can see why things just didn't go for him this time.
Since Thompson hasn't endorsed anybody, I now have to find a new candidate to support.
Do I go with John McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, or Ron Paul? Well, let me weight them out...
Mike Huckabee...while I like the idea of the FairTax, I don't think it is something that could be implemented without serious short-term economical damage. Other than that, Huckabee doesn't have much going for him with me. His record on issues isn't very sparkling when it comes to fiscal prudence, and he's heavy on the SoCon platform, which is very divisive in today's political sphere. Factor in Huckabee's lack of real ideas on the foreign policy front, and there isn't much for me to agree with as far as I've seen. Until he shows me something different, I cannot (in good faith) support Huckabee. Not with these other candidates in the field.
Ron Paul...while I like limited government and free markets, Paul strikes me as just a tad too isolationist for my tastes, especially since we're a big part of the global economy. Paul wants to pull out of Iraq immediately, even though many Dems even agree that things are now going in our favor and we can create a better situation in that region if we continue on the current course. I like libertarian ideals, but I'm a federalist at heart, and Paul and I just don't quite click enough to work.
John McCain...I respect McCain's independent streak, and I agree with him on fiscal issues (not just tax cuts, but spending cuts are necessary). He claims to have "heard the people" in regards to immigration, but that remains to be seen. McCain has the experience, the bipartisan appeal, and the intelligence to be a good leader. However, with that comes a certain amount of unpredictability about his performance. Then again, I thought McCain would've been a good leader in 2000 over George W. Bush. 50/50 shot with McCain, here.
Rudy Giuliani...The man I originally leaned towards for President until Fred Thompson came around and inspired me to endorse him. Rudy is smart on most of the issues, but has been basically repeating the same routine for about 8 months now. However, should he win Florida, the race changes dramatically. I like Rudy, and I think he'd make a pretty good leader. However, he's been dormant for so long that I don't know what to think.
Mitt Romney...Mitt appeals to me on fiscal issues, but has changed his position on various issues to move himself further to the right from where he was as a candidate for the U.S. Senate and as Governor of Massachusetts. With the economy being the top priority for the majority of voters right now, I would believe that Romney could be one of the best candidates to bring revival to the American economy, as he (along with his father) is a model of capitalist success. Another possible pick, but I'm just not sure at this point.
Do any of you have any ideas? Here's your chance to sell your candidate to me.
Since Thompson hasn't endorsed anybody, I now have to find a new candidate to support.
Do I go with John McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, or Ron Paul? Well, let me weight them out...
Mike Huckabee...while I like the idea of the FairTax, I don't think it is something that could be implemented without serious short-term economical damage. Other than that, Huckabee doesn't have much going for him with me. His record on issues isn't very sparkling when it comes to fiscal prudence, and he's heavy on the SoCon platform, which is very divisive in today's political sphere. Factor in Huckabee's lack of real ideas on the foreign policy front, and there isn't much for me to agree with as far as I've seen. Until he shows me something different, I cannot (in good faith) support Huckabee. Not with these other candidates in the field.
Ron Paul...while I like limited government and free markets, Paul strikes me as just a tad too isolationist for my tastes, especially since we're a big part of the global economy. Paul wants to pull out of Iraq immediately, even though many Dems even agree that things are now going in our favor and we can create a better situation in that region if we continue on the current course. I like libertarian ideals, but I'm a federalist at heart, and Paul and I just don't quite click enough to work.
John McCain...I respect McCain's independent streak, and I agree with him on fiscal issues (not just tax cuts, but spending cuts are necessary). He claims to have "heard the people" in regards to immigration, but that remains to be seen. McCain has the experience, the bipartisan appeal, and the intelligence to be a good leader. However, with that comes a certain amount of unpredictability about his performance. Then again, I thought McCain would've been a good leader in 2000 over George W. Bush. 50/50 shot with McCain, here.
Rudy Giuliani...The man I originally leaned towards for President until Fred Thompson came around and inspired me to endorse him. Rudy is smart on most of the issues, but has been basically repeating the same routine for about 8 months now. However, should he win Florida, the race changes dramatically. I like Rudy, and I think he'd make a pretty good leader. However, he's been dormant for so long that I don't know what to think.
Mitt Romney...Mitt appeals to me on fiscal issues, but has changed his position on various issues to move himself further to the right from where he was as a candidate for the U.S. Senate and as Governor of Massachusetts. With the economy being the top priority for the majority of voters right now, I would believe that Romney could be one of the best candidates to bring revival to the American economy, as he (along with his father) is a model of capitalist success. Another possible pick, but I'm just not sure at this point.
Do any of you have any ideas? Here's your chance to sell your candidate to me.
Oh, No...He's Gone Quiet Again!
Once again, I've been pretty silent as of late. I'll tell you why...
- I'm moving at the beginning of March. No, I'm not going to Florida as I had alluded to many months ago. I'll be moving to New Market, VA. Simply relocating from one end of Shenandoah County to another. However, getting everything situation requires time and effort.
- My writing time is no longer solely dedicated to politics. I was recently hired to start writing a monthly opinion column that deals with a guilty pleasure of mine...pro wrestling. When the column is up and running (next month), I'll link my columns there for you wrestling fans.
- Busy times...when it comes to real life (i.e. away from the blogosphere) I work in the banking industry, so times are busy right now for many reasons.
I'm hoping that, as life stops getting in the way, I'll return to bringing you more of what comes to my mind, but for the time being, posting will be fairly sparse compared to months past.
- I'm moving at the beginning of March. No, I'm not going to Florida as I had alluded to many months ago. I'll be moving to New Market, VA. Simply relocating from one end of Shenandoah County to another. However, getting everything situation requires time and effort.
- My writing time is no longer solely dedicated to politics. I was recently hired to start writing a monthly opinion column that deals with a guilty pleasure of mine...pro wrestling. When the column is up and running (next month), I'll link my columns there for you wrestling fans.
- Busy times...when it comes to real life (i.e. away from the blogosphere) I work in the banking industry, so times are busy right now for many reasons.
I'm hoping that, as life stops getting in the way, I'll return to bringing you more of what comes to my mind, but for the time being, posting will be fairly sparse compared to months past.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Enjoying the Civility
You know, Virginia Republicans (bloggers in particular) seem to have really learned something from last year's GA Primary season. The vitriol, anger, and bitter fight for control of the heart and soul of the party seems to have subsided.
Now, there seems to be a genuinely different tone about this year's Senate primary between Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) and former Governor Jim Gilmore. A good example of the change in tone comes from an area that is home to one of the most bitter grassroots battles in recent memory, the SWAC-lands (Staunton/Waynesboro/Augusta County), the epicenter of last year's nasty 24th Senate District primary between Sen. Emmett Hanger and businessman Scott Sayre.
For instance, see SWAC Girl's post on Marshall-backer (and former RPV spokesman) Shaun Kenney visiting the SWAC-area GOP's Breakfast. She posts a picture of herself, Kenney, Augusta GOP Chairman Kurt Michael, and Chris Green (who you all know as Spank That Donkey). She notes in the photo's caption that 2 of them are Marshall backers (Michael and Kenney), the other 2 are Gilmore backers (herself and Green). She also states that, no matter the winner, they will back the GOP candidate.
In the comments section of the post, an anonymous poster points out the Hanger/Sayre primary...to which SWAC Girl swiftly replies "Hanger vs Sayre is over. We have moved on."
Another example of the change in primary climate is the spirited debate between the Bloggers 4 Bob Marshall and Bloggers 4 Jim Gilmore. While they debate the pros and cons of their respective candidates, the general direction is still debating their candidate versus the presumptive Democratic Party nominee, former Governor Mark Warner. This unity will help Republicans as they move beyond the primaries and into election season.
Basically, two very encouraging trends can be taken from the current GOP primary season in Virginia.
- A lack of "piss and vinegar" running through the veins of opposing sides.
- An engaged, lively, intelligent debate about the pros and cons of each candidate.
Kudos to Virginia's conservative blogosphere and the grassroots in general in really doing a superb job in promoting their respective candidates in the best manner possible.
Now, there seems to be a genuinely different tone about this year's Senate primary between Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) and former Governor Jim Gilmore. A good example of the change in tone comes from an area that is home to one of the most bitter grassroots battles in recent memory, the SWAC-lands (Staunton/Waynesboro/Augusta County), the epicenter of last year's nasty 24th Senate District primary between Sen. Emmett Hanger and businessman Scott Sayre.
For instance, see SWAC Girl's post on Marshall-backer (and former RPV spokesman) Shaun Kenney visiting the SWAC-area GOP's Breakfast. She posts a picture of herself, Kenney, Augusta GOP Chairman Kurt Michael, and Chris Green (who you all know as Spank That Donkey). She notes in the photo's caption that 2 of them are Marshall backers (Michael and Kenney), the other 2 are Gilmore backers (herself and Green). She also states that, no matter the winner, they will back the GOP candidate.
In the comments section of the post, an anonymous poster points out the Hanger/Sayre primary...to which SWAC Girl swiftly replies "Hanger vs Sayre is over. We have moved on."
Another example of the change in primary climate is the spirited debate between the Bloggers 4 Bob Marshall and Bloggers 4 Jim Gilmore. While they debate the pros and cons of their respective candidates, the general direction is still debating their candidate versus the presumptive Democratic Party nominee, former Governor Mark Warner. This unity will help Republicans as they move beyond the primaries and into election season.
Basically, two very encouraging trends can be taken from the current GOP primary season in Virginia.
- A lack of "piss and vinegar" running through the veins of opposing sides.
- An engaged, lively, intelligent debate about the pros and cons of each candidate.
Kudos to Virginia's conservative blogosphere and the grassroots in general in really doing a superb job in promoting their respective candidates in the best manner possible.
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