Saturday, June 23, 2007
A New Blog in Virginia
Check out Middle of Nowhere, a blog run by two former Republicans who feel disenchanted by the GOP...but don't like the Democratic Party, either. I think this blog could become very widely read in a short period of time.
Friday, June 22, 2007
A Conversation With a Soldier
My best friend and "brother from another mother", PO/3 Curt Cabot of the United States Navy, just came back from his tour of duty in Bahrain. His crew, simply put, ran cargo missions and troop deployment flights from Bahrain to Iraq.
After 15 minutes of talk about our families, his coming home on leave, and a bit of reminiscing...we got to talking about his deployment. Given the fact that I follow politics, and I can't help myself, I asked him the question of "do you honestly feel that this surge is starting to work?"
His response said it all: "It's already working. We're landing planes in places we could never land before. We've got more and more civilian support from the people in Iraq. Every week, my job got easier, I can tell you that much."
He had not heard Harry Reid's "we've lost" comments. When I told him what Reid said, Cabot replied, "Either he doesn't know what's going on over there, or he doesn't care. Either way, screw him. If he thinks we lost the war, maybe he can do better. I'd have no problem strapping him up in combat boots and a gun and sending him over there."
By the way, Cabot is probably one of the least politically-slanted people I know. As more of my friends and acquaintences come home from their tours, I'll try to get more comments from them. I feel that they can give us a good idea of whats really going on in Iraq.
After 15 minutes of talk about our families, his coming home on leave, and a bit of reminiscing...we got to talking about his deployment. Given the fact that I follow politics, and I can't help myself, I asked him the question of "do you honestly feel that this surge is starting to work?"
His response said it all: "It's already working. We're landing planes in places we could never land before. We've got more and more civilian support from the people in Iraq. Every week, my job got easier, I can tell you that much."
He had not heard Harry Reid's "we've lost" comments. When I told him what Reid said, Cabot replied, "Either he doesn't know what's going on over there, or he doesn't care. Either way, screw him. If he thinks we lost the war, maybe he can do better. I'd have no problem strapping him up in combat boots and a gun and sending him over there."
By the way, Cabot is probably one of the least politically-slanted people I know. As more of my friends and acquaintences come home from their tours, I'll try to get more comments from them. I feel that they can give us a good idea of whats really going on in Iraq.
No Mo' Gitmo?
Apparently, the Bush administration wants to close the Guantanamo Bay prison "as soon as possible." The question is...why? Guantanamo has been a perfect spot for a military prison to hold those captured in war. It's not located in the United States, and should there be a jailbreak, there is only one direction detainees can go.
Many claim that we are "abusing" the detainees in Gitmo. The complaints from the detainees are horrid, disgusting tales of abuse and torture........I mean, my God, we denied them scented deodorant!!!
Ok, all jokes at the left aside, until they can come up with a viable, permanent solution to "where do we put all of these prisoners?"...I say let Gitmo stay.
Many claim that we are "abusing" the detainees in Gitmo. The complaints from the detainees are horrid, disgusting tales of abuse and torture........I mean, my God, we denied them scented deodorant!!!
Ok, all jokes at the left aside, until they can come up with a viable, permanent solution to "where do we put all of these prisoners?"...I say let Gitmo stay.
Endorsement Time!
It appears that in Shenandoah County, District 2 Supervisor Jim Patrick will be facing a challenge from Steven A. Baker in November. Currently, the biggest issue facing Shenandoah County residents has to be the proposed regional jail. Patrick has laid out the reasons for a new jail well, and I do agree that a new jail (whether local or regional) is something residents of our county should
I know both men (although, I don't think Jim realizes that I know him, lol), and even though I'm not in District 2...it's my county.
In conclusion, the Podium endorses Jim Patrick for the District 2 seat on the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors.
I know both men (although, I don't think Jim realizes that I know him, lol), and even though I'm not in District 2...it's my county.
In conclusion, the Podium endorses Jim Patrick for the District 2 seat on the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors.
Transportation Without Taxation...For a Fee
I've been discussing the new fees for serious traffic violations with a few people I know. Not surprisingly, it isn't a popular move amongst most people I talk to. Most people believe, though I haven't heard it acknowledged by politicians, that this is the General Assembly's attempt to fund transportation upgrades throughout the state without a tax increase. I still say that reducing the state budget would also help to fund this project, but let me tell you what's involved with these new fees.
These "civil remedial fees" will be on top of any court costs, insurance increases, license renewal, and other penalties that have to be paid. So, after paying the courts, the DMV, and your auto insurance agency...you now owe the state. For instance, a conviction for reckless driving will net you a $1,050.00 fee.
That is a bit steep, in my opinion. However, the "payment plan" that they have instituted is at least a fair step towards assisting those convicted of these traffic violations. That reckless driving fee, instead of a lump-sum payment, can now be paid in three (3) $350.00 payments.
While I do think that harsher penalties for serious traffic violations is a fine idea and a great deterrent (hit 'em where it hurts...the wallet), I do believe that some of the first-time violation fees are a bit steep and excessive. Maybe $500-600 for a first-time offense for reckless driving, for instance. Once you get to repeat offenses, then the fines should go up to the levels they have outlined in the bill that was passed.
It's already law...and I do believe the goal of the law to be a good one. So be careful, all ye with lead foots, because starting July 1st...your spare cash may become property of the state.
These "civil remedial fees" will be on top of any court costs, insurance increases, license renewal, and other penalties that have to be paid. So, after paying the courts, the DMV, and your auto insurance agency...you now owe the state. For instance, a conviction for reckless driving will net you a $1,050.00 fee.
That is a bit steep, in my opinion. However, the "payment plan" that they have instituted is at least a fair step towards assisting those convicted of these traffic violations. That reckless driving fee, instead of a lump-sum payment, can now be paid in three (3) $350.00 payments.
While I do think that harsher penalties for serious traffic violations is a fine idea and a great deterrent (hit 'em where it hurts...the wallet), I do believe that some of the first-time violation fees are a bit steep and excessive. Maybe $500-600 for a first-time offense for reckless driving, for instance. Once you get to repeat offenses, then the fines should go up to the levels they have outlined in the bill that was passed.
It's already law...and I do believe the goal of the law to be a good one. So be careful, all ye with lead foots, because starting July 1st...your spare cash may become property of the state.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Waldo/Kilo Dust-Up
Now that things are starting to simmer down a bit between Waldo and Kilo, I'm going to provide some thoughts on this whole issue.
Let me start with Waldo. Now, Waldo is someone who kinda plays on both sides of the ethical fence, in my opinion. Sometimes he can be a nice guy who likes good debate and banter. Other times, he can get a little self-righteous and indignant over nothing and do something that infuriates many. Due to his status as one of the "elder statesmen" of Virginia political blogging, people on both sides of the great ideological divide come to his defense (although, there is a majority of Democrats in that bunch).
Carl Kilo is someone else who plays both sides of the ethical fence. While he was one of the reviled Bloggers4Sayre, I also found him to be more of a "voice of reason" compared to a few of the other really vocal members of that group. However, sometimes the origin of some incidents point to Kilo, even if it is circumstantial. For instance, a couple of anonymous comments that were anti-Fred Thompson and contained some invalid statements and a sprinkle of foul language. Almost immediately after these comments were posted, a vote was cast for Duncan Hunter on the presidential poll. Kilo is a pro-Hunter blogger.
Whether or not Kilo actually made the posts, I don't know (I didn't get the IP addresses due to this being blogspot and all). However, it is an interesting coincidence.
Kilo claims that he is not the only person on his IP address, and that he lives in some form of a commune...so his internet access is shared by multiple users. While it does sound like a convenient excuse, and nothing more...I'm not going to say that Kilo is making this up. He wouldn't be the first person I know to have these kinds of living conditions.
If Waldo is lying, shame on him for trying to deceive people into being "anti-Kilo". If Kilo is lying, shame on him for trying to avoid responsibility for his comments. If neither one of them is lying, shame all us (including me) for getting involved. :)
Just thought I'd pass my two cents on this...
Let me start with Waldo. Now, Waldo is someone who kinda plays on both sides of the ethical fence, in my opinion. Sometimes he can be a nice guy who likes good debate and banter. Other times, he can get a little self-righteous and indignant over nothing and do something that infuriates many. Due to his status as one of the "elder statesmen" of Virginia political blogging, people on both sides of the great ideological divide come to his defense (although, there is a majority of Democrats in that bunch).
Carl Kilo is someone else who plays both sides of the ethical fence. While he was one of the reviled Bloggers4Sayre, I also found him to be more of a "voice of reason" compared to a few of the other really vocal members of that group. However, sometimes the origin of some incidents point to Kilo, even if it is circumstantial. For instance, a couple of anonymous comments that were anti-Fred Thompson and contained some invalid statements and a sprinkle of foul language. Almost immediately after these comments were posted, a vote was cast for Duncan Hunter on the presidential poll. Kilo is a pro-Hunter blogger.
Whether or not Kilo actually made the posts, I don't know (I didn't get the IP addresses due to this being blogspot and all). However, it is an interesting coincidence.
Kilo claims that he is not the only person on his IP address, and that he lives in some form of a commune...so his internet access is shared by multiple users. While it does sound like a convenient excuse, and nothing more...I'm not going to say that Kilo is making this up. He wouldn't be the first person I know to have these kinds of living conditions.
If Waldo is lying, shame on him for trying to deceive people into being "anti-Kilo". If Kilo is lying, shame on him for trying to avoid responsibility for his comments. If neither one of them is lying, shame all us (including me) for getting involved. :)
Just thought I'd pass my two cents on this...
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Some Celebs Disagree With Immigration Bill
Apparently, a trio of celebrities have spoken out against the amnesty bill being brought back to life in the Senate. This is no ordinary group of C-listers, either. We're talking Arnold Schwarzenegger, legend of the silver screen Al Pacino, and the delectable Jessica Alba.
Alba, in a recent interview, expressed how she doesn't feel it would be right to be labeled a "Latin" actress, even though some people do, because she doesn't speak spanish. She states that she is "American", because she speaks english and had an American upbringing...she knows her heritage and is proud of that, but considers herself an American first. I can completely relate to that, and I agree with that sentiment.
Read about it over at Michelle Malkin.
Alba, in a recent interview, expressed how she doesn't feel it would be right to be labeled a "Latin" actress, even though some people do, because she doesn't speak spanish. She states that she is "American", because she speaks english and had an American upbringing...she knows her heritage and is proud of that, but considers herself an American first. I can completely relate to that, and I agree with that sentiment.
Read about it over at Michelle Malkin.
Rising to the Top
Fred Thompson 28%, Guiliani 27%. For the first time all year, someone other than Rudy Guiliani is in the top slot of GOP contenders for the 2008 presidential nomination, according to Rasmussen Reports.
McCain and Romney are both down a point each from last week, tied for third with 10%. However, McCain's unfavorable rating has been steadily increasing, mostly due to the immigration bill that the solid majority of America pretty much hates at this point. Romney's 10% has been a steady one, as he has wavered between 9-12% for quite a while now.
The Hunt for Red State November continues...
McCain and Romney are both down a point each from last week, tied for third with 10%. However, McCain's unfavorable rating has been steadily increasing, mostly due to the immigration bill that the solid majority of America pretty much hates at this point. Romney's 10% has been a steady one, as he has wavered between 9-12% for quite a while now.
The Hunt for Red State November continues...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
