Apparently so, as five different Democratic Party recruits to challenge in various Congressional districts have dropped out.
Are they riding out a GOP tide and hoping for a better climate in 2012? Some of these declarations not to run don't really have much in the way of a reason behind them, so I imagine they are folding for now and waiting for an opportunity that they think will open up to them down the road.
The biggest question is: will that better opportunity rear it's head in 2012? Not if things continue on it's current pace...
Saturday, January 2, 2010
So Much for "New and Improved"
The new airport body scanners in the UK would not have detected the bomb that was carried by the Christmas Day terrorist. At the same time, the new "pat-downs" being used in American airports would not have been effective, either.
We need to stop playing "catch-up" and start getting ahead of the game with these terrorists. I'm obviously not an expert in this area, but if methods supposedly don't work, why are we continuing to implement them?
We need to stop playing "catch-up" and start getting ahead of the game with these terrorists. I'm obviously not an expert in this area, but if methods supposedly don't work, why are we continuing to implement them?
McDonnell Seeks to Remove Gubernatorial Term Limits
The Gov.-elect would like to see an end to the law that keeps Virginia Governors from serving consecutive terms. This really is not a new viewpoint amongst previous Governors, but I believe McDonnell is just simply voicing his viewpoint, and not creating a point of contention between himself and the General Assembly (which traditionally has not supported such a change).
I do believe that his proposal to change the years that the biennial budgets from odd to even years (to avoid saddling an incoming governor with a previous governor's budget) is a very smart proposal and one that I believe will be McDonnell's key focus (along with job growth and transportation improvements) in his first year as Governor.
(h/t Delmarva Dealings)
I do believe that his proposal to change the years that the biennial budgets from odd to even years (to avoid saddling an incoming governor with a previous governor's budget) is a very smart proposal and one that I believe will be McDonnell's key focus (along with job growth and transportation improvements) in his first year as Governor.
(h/t Delmarva Dealings)
Friday, January 1, 2010
Reason's Best and Worst of the 2000's
There were some good and bad, but the video clip in the article sums it up well.
Worst. Political Decade. Ever.
Managing Editor Jesse Walker's "Best" and Worst" of the 2000's probably hits the nail on the head harder than anything else.
"Worst: The Permanent Crisis. The best thing about the '90s was that they fell between the Cold War and the War on Terror, with no grand themes to empower and enable the political class—or, at least, no themes grander than school uniforms and Marilyn Manson records. The result was the most individualist decade since the last inter-crisis period, the 1920s. Then the Aughts gave us a new existential military threat and a new economic crisis, allowing Washington to enter a permanent stampede mode.
Best: Mash-ups. There was a time when you had rely on hip friends with collections of samizdat cassettes if you wanted to hear a weird, funny remix of, say, Ronald Reagan talking about a can of meat. Now you can't go a day without YouTube overflowing with new homebrewed cut-ups of anything notable a politician, newscaster, or other celebrity did on camera in the last 24 hours. As the government keeps accruing power, we can at least enjoy the consolation prize of holding new tools for mocking the bastards as they screw us."
Damn right!
Worst. Political Decade. Ever.
Managing Editor Jesse Walker's "Best" and Worst" of the 2000's probably hits the nail on the head harder than anything else.
"Worst: The Permanent Crisis. The best thing about the '90s was that they fell between the Cold War and the War on Terror, with no grand themes to empower and enable the political class—or, at least, no themes grander than school uniforms and Marilyn Manson records. The result was the most individualist decade since the last inter-crisis period, the 1920s. Then the Aughts gave us a new existential military threat and a new economic crisis, allowing Washington to enter a permanent stampede mode.
Best: Mash-ups. There was a time when you had rely on hip friends with collections of samizdat cassettes if you wanted to hear a weird, funny remix of, say, Ronald Reagan talking about a can of meat. Now you can't go a day without YouTube overflowing with new homebrewed cut-ups of anything notable a politician, newscaster, or other celebrity did on camera in the last 24 hours. As the government keeps accruing power, we can at least enjoy the consolation prize of holding new tools for mocking the bastards as they screw us."
Damn right!
The Latest Sign That Tim Tebow is Insanely Popular
The top two items in Google Hot Trends are "Tebow Cam" followed by the passage from Ephesians that Tebow had on his eye-black tonight (for those of you who don't know, Tebow is a DEVOUT Christian and has a different bible passage printed on his eye-black for each game).
Tebow ended his college career as a winner, as Florida surprisingly stomped Cincinatti 51-24 tonight in the Sugar Bowl.
By the way, so you don't have to look up the passage, Ephesians 2:8-10 is as follows...
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselfs; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Given that this was Tebow's swan song as a college player, I'd say that was a pretty fitting passage that wraps up his career at the University of Florida. I wish Tim the best in whatever he chooses to do, whether it be in pro football (which he should get a good chance, IMO), or in other ventures.
Tebow ended his college career as a winner, as Florida surprisingly stomped Cincinatti 51-24 tonight in the Sugar Bowl.
By the way, so you don't have to look up the passage, Ephesians 2:8-10 is as follows...
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselfs; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Given that this was Tebow's swan song as a college player, I'd say that was a pretty fitting passage that wraps up his career at the University of Florida. I wish Tim the best in whatever he chooses to do, whether it be in pro football (which he should get a good chance, IMO), or in other ventures.
Happy New Year!
I would've put this up earlier, but there was no internet where I was for New Years (down at the father-in-laws in Buckingham County). However, yours truly enjoyed some boneless wings and other finger foods, as well as some sweet tea...and by midnight I was enjoying some brass monkey (a favorite of mine, a mix of rum, vodka, and orange juice).
Now I'm back home, fatigued but ready for the new year! Hope 2010 is great for all of you!
Now I'm back home, fatigued but ready for the new year! Hope 2010 is great for all of you!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
BREAKING: Rush Limbaugh Taken to Hospital (Updated)
Happened earlier today in Hawaii after a golf outing. Apparently, Rush was complaining of chest pains. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time.
Updates as they come in.
UPDATES
- Rush is apparently resting comfortably after being admitted to the hospital. Reports state that his chest pains may have been a side effect of medication he has been taking for back problems.
- Apparently, some on the left have been respectful, but others cannot hide their vitrol and hate for Rush.
Updates as they come in.
UPDATES
- Rush is apparently resting comfortably after being admitted to the hospital. Reports state that his chest pains may have been a side effect of medication he has been taking for back problems.
- Apparently, some on the left have been respectful, but others cannot hide their vitrol and hate for Rush.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Health Care Legislation Killing the Dem Majority, One-by-One
Sen. Ben "Sell Out" Nelson of Nebraska is feeling the heat from his constituents.
He currently has a 55 percent disapproval rating (with the health care legislation at 64% disapproval) in his own state. Also, in a potential 2012 matchup against current Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, he would lose 61-30. Ouch. Nelson is going to air a commerical during tonight's Holiday Bowl game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Kansas Jayhawks. Good luck convincing voters you didn't sell out in 30 seconds, Senator.
With Jim Webb and Mark Warner also seeing their approval ratings plummet within the past year, it seems that that this health care "reform" debacle is not reaping any kind of dividends for the Democrats.
Maybe it's time they actually listen to the public.
He currently has a 55 percent disapproval rating (with the health care legislation at 64% disapproval) in his own state. Also, in a potential 2012 matchup against current Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, he would lose 61-30. Ouch. Nelson is going to air a commerical during tonight's Holiday Bowl game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Kansas Jayhawks. Good luck convincing voters you didn't sell out in 30 seconds, Senator.
With Jim Webb and Mark Warner also seeing their approval ratings plummet within the past year, it seems that that this health care "reform" debacle is not reaping any kind of dividends for the Democrats.
Maybe it's time they actually listen to the public.
As Long as Aerosmith Doesn't Play Another Diane Warren Song...
Russia is sending a probe or a missile of some kind to knock the asteroid Apophis off-track due to their concerns that the asteroid may hit Earth. Interestingly, the odds of this happening any time soon keep getting less and less likely.
Now, the question is, will Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck be involved? Or will they go the Morgan Freeman/Robert Duvall route?
Now, the question is, will Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck be involved? Or will they go the Morgan Freeman/Robert Duvall route?
Obama Catching Hell Over Terror Plot Response
Looks like "Barry from D.C." has some criticism to answer to...
- The Telegraph gives Obama an "F" for protecting Americans. Hitting him for trying so hard to be "unBush" that his cool demeanor is alarming in it's downplaying of the situation (as well as his downplaying of other terrorist attacks or plots). They also note that Obama did not allow this to disrupt his golf games, tennis matches, or snorkeling adventures in Hawaii.
- Dick Cheney accuses Obama of "trying to pretend we're not at war with terrorists", and cites such examples of the ban of the phrase "War on Terror" and the closing of Gitmo. Cheney believes it is because it does not fit the global views of Obama, and that it would interfere with Obama's goal of the social transformation and restructuring of American society. Ouch!
- Let's not forget that Obama has already tried to pin the blame on this incident on George W. Bush. He's also trying to blame the CIA (nothing new for Dems), but the Agency has rebuked claims of not sharing the information that they had.
- Also, Obama called this a "catastrophic failure", only days after both NHS Secretary Janet "Big Sister" Napolitano and White House Press Secretary Robert "Softballs Only" Gibbs both stated that "the system worked". This signals inconsistency within the Obama adminstration itself.
Tough times ahead for "Barry in D.C."
- The Telegraph gives Obama an "F" for protecting Americans. Hitting him for trying so hard to be "unBush" that his cool demeanor is alarming in it's downplaying of the situation (as well as his downplaying of other terrorist attacks or plots). They also note that Obama did not allow this to disrupt his golf games, tennis matches, or snorkeling adventures in Hawaii.
- Dick Cheney accuses Obama of "trying to pretend we're not at war with terrorists", and cites such examples of the ban of the phrase "War on Terror" and the closing of Gitmo. Cheney believes it is because it does not fit the global views of Obama, and that it would interfere with Obama's goal of the social transformation and restructuring of American society. Ouch!
- Let's not forget that Obama has already tried to pin the blame on this incident on George W. Bush. He's also trying to blame the CIA (nothing new for Dems), but the Agency has rebuked claims of not sharing the information that they had.
- Also, Obama called this a "catastrophic failure", only days after both NHS Secretary Janet "Big Sister" Napolitano and White House Press Secretary Robert "Softballs Only" Gibbs both stated that "the system worked". This signals inconsistency within the Obama adminstration itself.
Tough times ahead for "Barry in D.C."
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Podium Goes Unmoderated
I'm removing comment moderation. It seems that some of my "one-time" posters have told me that they thought that (due to the moderation) their comment never posted. I'll just remove that confusion and let them all post.
Chap(!) Petersen's "Decade of Zeroes"
Chap(!) and his bow tie have an interesting retrospective on the memorable and incredible things that have occurred during the past decade in Virginia Politics and general events. Give it a look. Chap, despite sitting on the blue side of the aisle, is a first-class gentleman and plays it pretty straight here, with some interesting choices for his categories.
Israel About To Go It Alone?
Apparently, Israel has pulled all of their diplomats from foreign nations, and making them attend a conference with Israeli leaders. Apparently, Israel's top nuclear officials will be in attendance, as well. The conference is currently going on, but nobody knows the true meaning of this.
One can only guess what they could be discussing that required all of their foreign diplomats and top nuclear officials. I imagine they may be discussing this or this with these guys. I believe that things are about to get a little dicey in the Middle East.
(h/t Smash Mouth Politics)
One can only guess what they could be discussing that required all of their foreign diplomats and top nuclear officials. I imagine they may be discussing this or this with these guys. I believe that things are about to get a little dicey in the Middle East.
(h/t Smash Mouth Politics)
Al-Qaeda Offensive On The Way?
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the terrorist who attempted to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 253, stated that there are "more just like him in Yemen who will strike soon."
Now, Al-Qaeda has made claims like this in the past that either did not come to fruition, or their efforts simply failed. However, we've had two attempts within the past week of a similar nature (blowing up airplanes), and renewed efforts by Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
With this sudden resurgence in activity (some of it successful to a degree in Afghanistan and Pakistan), it makes you wonder if Barry In D.C.'s approach has led them to believe they will be more successful in "destroying the infidels" than they did under President Bush, as many feared would happen.
If this uptick in terrorist activity continues, I would imagine that the question of "are we safer under Obama" will become a more prominent one.
Now, Al-Qaeda has made claims like this in the past that either did not come to fruition, or their efforts simply failed. However, we've had two attempts within the past week of a similar nature (blowing up airplanes), and renewed efforts by Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
With this sudden resurgence in activity (some of it successful to a degree in Afghanistan and Pakistan), it makes you wonder if Barry In D.C.'s approach has led them to believe they will be more successful in "destroying the infidels" than they did under President Bush, as many feared would happen.
If this uptick in terrorist activity continues, I would imagine that the question of "are we safer under Obama" will become a more prominent one.
Hilarious!
Dave Barry's "2009 In Review", a must read that satirizes how ridiculous this year has truly been at points.
(h/t The Mud Pit)
(h/t The Mud Pit)
McDonnell Pushes for Offshore Drilling as Part of Energy Approach
Governor-elect Bob McDonnell appeals to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to make Virginia the first state to move forward with new offshore drilling as part of an "all of the above" approach to energy solutions (as McDonnell calls it, "traditional and renewable").
McDonnell's letter is posted at The Shad Plank.
McDonnell's letter is posted at The Shad Plank.
REAL Health Care Reform, Without Government Regulation
Outlined by The Humble Libertarian, true health care reform that lowers costs without any taxpayer dollars being wasted. Here is the crux of his argument...
The Solution in One Easy Step:
And there is such a way! The U.S. Congress merely needs to pass a bill prohibiting the states from requiring residents to purchase health insurance from within their state and according to state regulations/mandates.
The beautiful thing is it doesn't take a whole lot of words to say this, certainly not thousands of pages! It's a simple, elegant, and profoundly effective solution.
A Constitutional Health Care Reform
It's also Constitutional. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution says Congress has the power to: "To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. [emphasis mine]"
This Commerce Clause has been misused for decades as the justification for sweeping Federal powers that clearly do not fall under the scope of the clause.
In Wickard v. Filburn for instance, the Supreme Court ruled that even wheat grown on one's own land for one's own consumption can be regulated under the category of interstate commerce because it affects interstate commerce(!).
Yet in the instance of health insurance, we have a perfect example of exactly what the Founding Fathers wanted the Federal Government to be able to prevent states from doing- interfering with trade across their borders.
The Result:
If Congress were to pass this one piece of simple legislation on just a few short pages, it would create revolutionary changes in the provision of health insurance and grant millions access through more affordable prices.
If an insurance company in Connecticut charges too much or has a reputation for bullying its customers when they need coverage, then its customers can leave and buy insurance from a more affordable, less corrupt insurance company based in Nebraska.
He provides an example of how the current system fails people because of government regulation as well. THL does an excellent job of putting this into simple terms and showing that true health care reform can be achieved easily.
The Solution in One Easy Step:
And there is such a way! The U.S. Congress merely needs to pass a bill prohibiting the states from requiring residents to purchase health insurance from within their state and according to state regulations/mandates.
The beautiful thing is it doesn't take a whole lot of words to say this, certainly not thousands of pages! It's a simple, elegant, and profoundly effective solution.
A Constitutional Health Care Reform
It's also Constitutional. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution says Congress has the power to: "To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. [emphasis mine]"
This Commerce Clause has been misused for decades as the justification for sweeping Federal powers that clearly do not fall under the scope of the clause.
In Wickard v. Filburn for instance, the Supreme Court ruled that even wheat grown on one's own land for one's own consumption can be regulated under the category of interstate commerce because it affects interstate commerce(!).
Yet in the instance of health insurance, we have a perfect example of exactly what the Founding Fathers wanted the Federal Government to be able to prevent states from doing- interfering with trade across their borders.
The Result:
If Congress were to pass this one piece of simple legislation on just a few short pages, it would create revolutionary changes in the provision of health insurance and grant millions access through more affordable prices.
If an insurance company in Connecticut charges too much or has a reputation for bullying its customers when they need coverage, then its customers can leave and buy insurance from a more affordable, less corrupt insurance company based in Nebraska.
He provides an example of how the current system fails people because of government regulation as well. THL does an excellent job of putting this into simple terms and showing that true health care reform can be achieved easily.
Monday, December 28, 2009
So, uh...You Believed it Worked Before You Believed it Failed?
NHS Chief Janet Napolitano pulls a "John Kerry" and states today that the Airline Security System "failed"...just one day after saying that it "worked" in regards to the terror attempt in Detroit.
So I guess that means that she was for the security system as it is before she was against it.
UPDATE: Another Black Republican has video and commentary.
So I guess that means that she was for the security system as it is before she was against it.
UPDATE: Another Black Republican has video and commentary.
Searching for a Candidate to Endorse in the VA-5 GOP Primary
It's a crowded field to earn the right to challenge Tom Periello in November, 2010. After reviewing the viewpoints of all 7 candidates, I'm still stuck.
I have narrowed the field of 7 down to 3...Ron Ferrin, Jim McKelvey, and Michael McPadden. All 3 seem to be committed to a constitutional approach. Ferrin and McPadden have pro-life stances, though McPadden's stance is to make abortion law something that the public votes on (much like in Europe). McKelvey hasn't mentioned any "social" issues, and both Ferrin and McPadden don't go beyond the abortion argument on social issues.
I believe that all 3 of these candidates would be very good at standing by limited government principles as well as stand for pro-liberty ideals (compared to the other candidates).
Now, if someone can make a convincing case for one of these three (or one of the other 4), I would greatly appreciate it. I'm a bit stuck right now.
I have narrowed the field of 7 down to 3...Ron Ferrin, Jim McKelvey, and Michael McPadden. All 3 seem to be committed to a constitutional approach. Ferrin and McPadden have pro-life stances, though McPadden's stance is to make abortion law something that the public votes on (much like in Europe). McKelvey hasn't mentioned any "social" issues, and both Ferrin and McPadden don't go beyond the abortion argument on social issues.
I believe that all 3 of these candidates would be very good at standing by limited government principles as well as stand for pro-liberty ideals (compared to the other candidates).
Now, if someone can make a convincing case for one of these three (or one of the other 4), I would greatly appreciate it. I'm a bit stuck right now.
Baucus Drunk on Senate Floor?
Apparently, the Senator who once tried to appoint his mistress to high places may have been drunk on the Senate floor while debating health care, and ended up shouting down Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi. Baucus shouting down Republicans is nothing new, but the slurring going on here is very noticeable.
I must admit, he's pretty coherent despite his slurring. This leads me to believe that either he was not drunk, or he must be a serial or dependent alcoholic (i.e., needs alcohol to function) to be that clear while speaking for that long.
Embattled ex-Congressman Mark Foley made the statement "This is the senator that hired his staffer and then took her on trips...and divorced his wife....and they had me run out of town." (h/t Politico Click)
While Foley did deserve to be run out of town, so does Baucus at this point, plain and simple.
I must admit, he's pretty coherent despite his slurring. This leads me to believe that either he was not drunk, or he must be a serial or dependent alcoholic (i.e., needs alcohol to function) to be that clear while speaking for that long.
Embattled ex-Congressman Mark Foley made the statement "This is the senator that hired his staffer and then took her on trips...and divorced his wife....and they had me run out of town." (h/t Politico Click)
While Foley did deserve to be run out of town, so does Baucus at this point, plain and simple.
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