More from the religion of peace...

A recent article on MSNBC.com discusses the latest edict from the religion of of peace.

"SHAVING BEARDS AND TRIMMING BEARDS IS UN-ISLAMIC AND IS FORBIDDEN. VIOLATORS WILL BE KILLED."

and so far they have followed through on their word. they have killed people, blown up 2 barber shops, and until stopped, will continue.

Go ahead...negotiate with extremists that would kill people over shave and a hair cut. Lets not forget whats next...women being stoned for reading...for teaching girls over the age of seven...for daring to look at a man not her husband. Beatings at the hands of her husband and family members without justification or cause. Instant death for homosexuals. No music, no art, no liberal expression.

It BLOWS MY MIND that people in this country in the name of politics refuse to see who the enemy is in the war on terror and refuse to stand and fight this. It is equally mind numbing to recognize that the loudest voices AGAINST the war on terror are the ones that will be the first to go if the extremists win.

Allahu akbar.

Global Insanity

Is anyone buying the whole man-made global warming argument?

There is an old saying that holds true today…if you want to know what is really going on…follow the money. OK…so…follow the money.

Who stands to gain financially? In defense of status quo, it is the oil companies that benefit so of course they will promote studies that will deny the human impact on global warming. The left on the other hand benefits in a myriad of ways. More taxes (don’t you know the left LOVES to raise taxes). Increased taxes on rich oil industrialists (ummm…don’t you mean increased taxes on consumers because REALLY that is who will end up paying? Oh and believe me…they WILL pay…just look at the tobacco lawsuits…). More money for scientific studies, more money for the UN, more money to the rest of the world being sent by Uncle Sam. Mo’ money, mo’ money, mo money’…

And GUILT. Oh BABY there is a HUGE market for guilt. If the left succeeds in making capitalists feel guilty about success, why they can EASILY tap that to increase social gains as well.

So…what do we learn? Well…following the money says BOTH sides are lying. Is that really a shock?

Who is the “Dr Evil” of the global warming craze? Why Al Gore of course. And what is Al’s position? No debate…we have scientific consensus. Anyone that disagrees is a heretic. The media has been TOO un-biased in reporting the global warming situation and mans responsibility. Heck Al…if you can’t get the liberal left media to buy off on your lunacy…doesn’t that stand as a pretty good indicator that there ISN’T consensus?

And lets talk hypocrisy. Lets talk Carbon Credits.

Just a refresher on the Kyoto Accord BTW…

Clinton/Gore did not elad the country to the Kyoto Accord. The global commission began in 1992 under George Bush.

Clinton/Gore never once submitted the Kyoto Accord to congress for ratification. Why?

Because Democrat Senator Robert Byrd introduced legislation before the Kyoto Accord was passed that insured the Kyoto Accord COULD NOT be passed. And that legislation DID pass…unanimously.

Now…

Following the Kyoto Accord the geniuses of the global warming movement dreamed up the CCE…Carbon Credit Exchange. Here is how it works. If you sign off on the Kyoto Accord you agree to limit your emissions. Unless of course it costs too much to limit them. If you cant or don’t want to limit them…don’t be ashamed or embarrassed. BUY credits from non-industrialized countries that don’t produce as much pollutants. OK…so you aren’t reducing your emissions…you still just managed to make your country in compliance and Carbon Neutral!

Hmmm…where have I heard that term before.

Oh yeah…back to Al Gore. Recently it was revealed that Al Gore uses more electricity in one month than any typical home uses in a year. And that INCLUDES times when he isn’t even home! Plus all the travel to and fro in his private jets (using more fuel and creating more emissions than a thousand SUVs)...

So…How does Al soothe his conscience? Same way…he buys himself into carbon neutrality. He invests in eco friendly power production. He buys credits. He pays for it. Does that mean he ISNT exposing the world to the same number of pollutants? No…but hey…he is a CELEBRITY and there is ALWAYS a double standard for celebrities.

What DO we know?

We know there IS a possible consensus that the earth MAY be going through a warming trend that MAY or MAY NOT be influenced by humans.
We know the planet goes through cycles of warming and cooling and has theoretically for hundreds of thousands of years and the industrialized cavemen likely didn’t have much of an impact on it them.
We know that Mars is currently going through a warming trend that mirrors ours suggesting that MAYBE those scientists that believe it is not about humans but is about the suns increased solar output.

Undoubtedly we ARE going through a string of weird weather. But there IS no consensus on why and passing into law a UN agreement that defines India and China as developing countries and thus requires the US to pay for theirs and all others emission controls, all the while cutting our economic production 40%...well…that just doesn’t seem to make much sense.

Peace Be Unto You...

Just a little nudge for all those liberals getting paid 5 and 6 figure speaking engagement fees and then proclaiming their "lack of freedoms"...

This is what our opponents in the war on terror have to offer...

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (Reuters) - An Alexandria court convicted an Egyptian blogger on Thursday for insulting both Islam and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and sentenced him to four years in jail over his writings on the Internet.Abdel Karim Suleiman, a 22-year-old former law student who has been in custody since November, was the first blogger to stand trial in Egypt for his Internet writings.

He was convicted in connection with eight articles he wrote since 2004. Rights groups and opposition bloggers have watched Suleiman's case closely, and said they feared a conviction could set a legal precedent limiting Internet freedom in Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country.

So go ahead...by all means...quit fighting terrorism. Lay down your arms.

Support your local appeasement representatives...Dust of your robes and head coverings...study up on your Koran...and get some flexoril for your knees...because you may just be forced to kneel in prayer 5 times a day.

Tell...me does the sounds of the call to mosque being broadcast over Dearborn Michigan leave anyone with at least a little bit of a chill in your stomach?

What am I saying...there is nothing to worry about...its the religion of peace and the 'terrorists' are just its emmisaries offering us a more enlightened path.

Truth spoken by a democrat...

Below is an article from 'hizonor'...the honorable (and democrat) former mayor of New York Ed Koch...

Before you read it you may ask yourself why a democrat, and a very public democrat at that, would make such a statement. Simple...he isn't running for anything. He isn't trying to win votes or gain power. He has the freedom and luxury to do this one thing...speak the truth.

George Bush Is a Hero

Edward I. Koch
Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006


President George W. Bush, vilified by many, supported by some, is a hero to me.

Why do I say that? It's not because I agree with the president's domestic agenda. It's not because I think he's done a perfect job in the White House.

George Bush is a hero to me because he has courage.

The president does what he believes to be in the best interest of the United States. He sticks with his beliefs, no matter how intense the criticism and invective that are directed against him every day.

The enormous defeat President Bush suffered with the loss of both Houses of Congress has not caused him to retreat from his position that the U.S. alone now stands between a radical Islamic takeover of many of the world's governments in the next 30 or more years. If that takeover occurs, we will suffer an enslavement that will threaten our personal freedoms and take much of the world back into the Dark Ages.

Our major ally in this war against the forces of darkness, Great Britain, is still being led by an outstanding prime minister, Tony Blair. However, Blair will soon be set out to pasture, which means Great Britain will leave our side and join France, Germany, Spain, and other countries that foolishly believe they can tame the wolf at the door and convert it into a domestic pet that will live in peace with them.

These dreamers naively believe that if we feed the wolves what they demand, they will go away. But that won't happen.

Appeasement never works. The wolves always come back for more and more, and when we have nothing left to give, they come for us.

Radical Islamists are very much aware that we have shown fear. For example, we have allowed the people of Darfur — dark skinned Africans — to be terrorized, killed, raped, and taken as slaves by the supporters of the Sudanese government, radical Islamists.

The countries surrounding Iraq — Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan — made up of Sunni Arabs, know that for them, the wolves who are the radical Shia are already at their door. The New York Times reported on Dec. 13, 2006, "Saudi Arabia has told the Bush administration that it might provide financial backing to Iraqi Sunnis in any war against Iraq's Shiites if the United States pulls its troops out of Iraq, according to American and Arab diplomats . . .

"The Saudis have argued strenuously against an American pullout from Iraq, citing fears that Iraq's minority Sunni Arab population would be massacred . . . The Bush administration is also working on a way to form a coalition of Sunni Arab nations and a moderate Shiite government in Iraq, along with the United States and Europe, to stand against ‘Iran, Syria and the terrorists."

This Saudi response will take place notwithstanding that until now, according to the Times, "The Saudis have been wary of supporting Sunnis in Iraq because their insurgency there has been led by extremists of al-Qaida, who are opposed to the kingdom's monarchy. But if Iraq's sectarian war worsened, the Saudis would line up with Sunni tribal leaders."

The Times article went on to state the opinion of an Arab expert, Nawaf Obaid, who was recently fired by the Saudi foreign minister after Obaid wrote an op ed in The Washington Post asserting that the Saudis were prepared in the event of an American pullout to engage in a "massive intervention to stop Iranian-backed Shiite militias from butchering Iraqi Sunnis."

Obaid went on "suggest[ing] that Saudi Arabia could cut world oil prices in half…a move that would be devastating to Iran."

The Times reported, "Arab diplomats . . . said that Mr. Obaid's column reflected the view of the Saudi government." When writing about affairs of state in distant places, unless you are on the scene talking to knowledgeable participants, the most reliable sources to support conjecture with "facts" are the superb reporters of the great international newspapers like The New York Times.

Surely this turn of events in Saudi Arabia undoubtedly replicated in other Sunni-dominated countries — Sunnis are 80 percent of the world's Muslim population. This will give support to my proposal, advanced nearly a year ago, that we tell our allies, regional and NATO, that we are getting out of Iraq unless they come in.

That may well work, and they will come in, in large part and share the casualties of combat and the financial costs of war.

Doing what I suggest is far better than simply pulling out, which is the direction in which we are headed, notwithstanding the president's opposition. I think at the moment simply getting out and not making an attempt to bring our allies in is supported by a majority of Americans and would be supported by a majority of Democrats in the Congress.

For me, staying is clearly preferable, provided we are not alone and are joined by our regional and NATO allies, aggressively taking on the difficult but necessary task of destroying radical Islam and its terrorist agenda if we don't want to see radical Islam destroy the Western world and moderate Arab states over the next generation, or as long as it takes for them to succeed.

Two other requirements are needed to bring the war in Iraq to a successful conclusion: First, require the Iraqi government to allow greater autonomy for the three regions — Kurd, Sunni, and Shia. The second requirement is that the national Iraqi government enact legislation that will divide all oil and natural gas revenues in a way similar to that of our own state of Alaska.

The Alaskan state government takes from those revenues all it will need to finance government and provide services and the balance is divided among the population of Alaska, in a profit sharing program. That would settle the major Sunni problem which has been being cut out of oil revenues because the country's oil is located only in Kurdish and Shiite areas.

If the Iraqi government refuses our demands, our reply should be "Goodbye. You're on your own." This proposal was suggested to me by Mike Sheppard in Chapel Hill, N.C.

It won't be easy to implement this proposal. But President Bush has courage.

Now is the time to use it.

Radio Discriminates Against Deaf People...

Boy...I swear...sometimes I just think my head is going to pop.

The latest mind blower is that a federal judge has declared that our currency is discriminatory...to blind people. Ouch!!! Sorry...it hurt even typing that.

Just last week I saw a lawsuit filed saying that the internet was discriminating against the blind as well. I suppose TV is discriminatory too.

I know there should be a punchline here but there isnt...

Umm...

Never mind...its just too painful.

Vigilance and Involvement

It hasnt taken long and already we are seeing signs of things to come. We havent even seated a new democrat controlled congress and already the market is on its tiptoes and people are being very cautious about what is to come. An economy that has been doing nothing but growing is now creeping along cautiously, waiting for the shoe to drop. As a result, recent reports have consumer confidence at nil and the value of the dollar dropping.

I'm not suggesting that the dems WILL destroy the economy and certainly not as a goal. I am suggesting the democrat policies will have a detrimental affect. The tax cuts currently in place and other mechanisms that are aiding the economic growth are legislated thru 2010 so for all their bluster it is unlikely that anything will change between now and then.

But...

We cant rule out radical action by the extreme left in congress. They WANT to act...you know they do. They want to repeal every progressive economic policy, to order impeachment, to order trials and investigations. If this starts...kiss the economy goodbye.

There is a way this could all be kept in check. The people need to be vigilant and visible. They need to be contacting congressmen, calling in to talk shows, writing editorials, commenting on blogs, they need to be active and involved. Congress needs to be reminded who really has the power and what is really important.

Or not. We can just sit back and let things happen. We KNOW the radical left as well as we know the radical right. We know who they are and what they want. SO...we sit back and do nothing...its really not thier fault. It's ours.

Post Election

Phew...its over.

The elections are settled. I am happy to report that every candidate and issue that I had the opportunity to vote for won. The national election could have had a better outcome from my perspective, but since I have no control over other states (or other peoples voices) then it makes no sense to be upset about things.

I have some positive things about the elections.

1-I am glad my liberal friends wont spend the next two years in pained, hate-filled agony. We can call off the suicide watch.
2-I am happy that republican candidates didnt make asses of themselves and public spectacles of the election process simply because they didnt get their way.
3-I am glad the democrats have the stage. We know get to see their plans for solutions. Orrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....not.
4-I am VERY proud and happy to live in a country that doesnt threaten terrorist activity because their side doesnt get what they want.

I am also hopeful. I am hopeful we can put aside the politics and rhetoric and actually see some progress. I am hopeful that we wake up to the threat of extremist terrorism threats.

Its a good day. We still live free, captialism is still the only successful form of economic structure, democracy and free agency is still the greatest blessing on the planet. The sun came out today and i have high hopes that it will tomorrow as well.

Life is good!

Things to Consider this Election Year

Reprinted from an article by Pat Brennan...NOT my writing. Citing source.

Top 10 reasons to NOT vote for democrats in November 2006...

"Reason #1. The economy is kicking butt. It is robust, vibrant, strong and growing. In the 36 months since the Bush tax cuts ended the recession that began under President Clinton, the economy has experienced astonishing growth. Over the first half of this year, our economy grew at a strong 4.1 percent annual rate, faster than any other major industrialized nation. This strong economic activity has generated historic revenue growth that has shrunk the deficit. A continued commitment to spending restraint has also contributed to deficit reduction.

Reason #2. Unemployment is almost nil for a major economy, and is verging on full employment. Recently, jobless claims fellto the lowest level in 10 weeks. Employment increased in 48 states over the past 12 months ending in August. Our economy has now added jobs for 37 straight months.

Reason #3. The Dow is hitting record highs. In the past few days, the Dow climbed above 12,000 for the first time in the history of the stock market, thus increasing the value of countless pension and 401(k) that funds many Americans rely on for their retirement years.

Reason #4. Wages have risen dramatically. According to the Washington Post, demand for labor helped drive workers' average hourly wages, not including those of most managers, up to $16.84 last month -- a 4 percent increase from September 2005, the fastest wage growth in more than five years. Nominal wage growth has been 4.1 percent so far this year. This is better or comparable to its 1990s peaks. Over the first half of 2006, employee compensation per hour grew at a 6.3 percent annual rate adjusted for inflation. Real after-tax income has risen a whopping 15 percent since January 2001. Real after-tax income per person has risen by 9 percent since January 2001.

Reason #5. Gas prices have plunged. According to the Associated Press, the price of gasoline has fallen to its lowest level in more than 10 months. The federal Energy Information Administration said Monday that U.S. motorists paid $2.21 a gallon on average for regular grade last week, a decrease of 1.8 cents from the previous week. Pump prices are now 40 cents lower than a year ago and have plummeted by more than 80 cents a gallon since the start of August. The previous 2006 low for gasoline was set in the first week of January, when pump prices averaged $2.238. In the week ending Dec. 5, 2005, prices averaged $2.19. Today, gasoline can be found for less than $2 a gallon in many parts of the country.

Reason #6. Since 9/11, no terrorist attacks have occurred on U.S. soil. Since 9/11 the U.S. has not been attacked by terrorists thanks to such programs as the administration's monitoring of communications between al-Qaida operatives overseas and their agents in the U.S. and the monitoring of the international movement of terrorist funds -- both measure bitterly opposed by Democrats.

Reason #7. Productivity is surging and has grown by a strong 2.5 percent over the past four quarters, well ahead of the average productivity growth in the last 30 years. Strong productivity growth helps lead to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product, higher real wages, and stronger corporate profits.

Reason #8. The Prescription Drug Program is working. Despite dire predictions that most seniors would refrain from signing up to the new Medicare prescription benefits program, fully 75 percent of all those on Medicare have enrolled, and the overwhelming majority say they are happy with the program.

Reason #9. Bush has kept his promise of naming conservative judges. He has named two conservative justices to the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. In addition, he has named conservative justices who are devoted to the Constitution as it is written and not as activist liberal judges think it means. The strong likelihood that one or more justices will retire from the Supreme Court makes it mandatory for the Republicans to hold the Senate and have a chance to name new conservative justices.

Reason #10. The deficit has been cut in half three years ahead of the president's 2009 goal, with the 2006 fiscal year budget deficit down to $248 billion. The tax cuts have stimulated the economy and are working."

Id add a few more...

minority business opportunites are booming...highest ever.

Minority incomes are higher today than ever before.

More minorities have improved their financial status under the Bush admin than any time in history.

More minority students have applied for and recieved education opportunities today than any time in history.

More compassionate service and aid has been distributed by the Bush administration than any time ever in history.

More minority men and women have been appointed to the highest positions of federal office under the Bush administration than any other presidency.

In light of my recent post...where exactly is the anger coming from again?

Tide of Anger

With the election coming up in just two weeks you are sure to hear a lot about the anger against Washington, and the backlash against the republicans. It is being touted on every news broadcast (except Fox) and in virtually every print and internet media outlet.

Ever wonder where the backlash is coming from?

Me...I think it is a wag the dog scenario.

Seriously...just what is it that everyone is supposed to be angry about?

Is it the Iraq war? OK. I disagree with how dire things are. I also disagree on our mission direction. I disagree with the role of the military currently in Iraq. Still it is 1 issue.

In Utah the democrats are using a sign for their campaign. Its short...its simple. "Had Enough? Vote Democrat"

Fair question.

Had enough economic growth? Vote democrat.
Had enough stock market growth? Vote democrat.
Had enough inflation controls? Vote democrat.
Had enough lower taxes? Vote democrat.
Had enough retirement income increases? Vote democrat.
Had enough increases in school funding? Vote democrat.
Had enough improvement in minority employment and business growth? Vote democrat.
Had enough increase in funding of the fight against AIDS in Africa? Vote democrat.
Had enough of a real effort combating terrorists? Vote democrat.
Had enough of a president that doesnt have sexual relations with every woman in Washington DC EXCEPT his wife? Vote democrat.
had enough of a leader that doesnt take his political direction based on polling? Vote democrat.

Just who is it exactly that is ginning up the anger against republicans? I vote 'democrats.'

Verbal Fox Paws

I am re-posting comments from a different blog in regards to the recent statements by President Bush. I believe he THOUGHT he was helping. I think both of these recent remarks were just plain stupid.

from "The Agora"

Anonymous said...
"WE WILL STAY THE COURSE. We will help this young Iraqi Democracy succeed," Bush said in Salt Lake City in August."We will win in Iraq so long as we STAY THE COURSE Bush said in Milwakee in July."I saw people wondering whether the United States would have the nerve to STAY THE COURSE and help them succeed," Bush said after returning from Baghdad in June.Now Bush is "Cutting and Running from STAY THE COURSE"."Listen, we've NEVER been STAY THE COURSE." He told George Stephanopoulos, last week.How soon before Lies.is.us Dan and MM will proclaim AGAINST STAY THE COURSE TOO?-- Now that they fully BELIEVE that George didn't say it, and that's NOT what George MEANT.Let's ALL watch Lies.is.us, et al help "spin" the Bush flip flopping faster and faster.
9:20 AM

MindMechanic said...
Anon...Once again, you ASSume too much.

I think Bush made two HUGE blunders in the last two weeks. I think he is trying to help other republicans and thinks that the way to do so is by pronouncing his flexibility. Both times it fell like a safe on his head.

1- He made the 'VietNam' comparison after being fed a question by Stephanopolous. Stupid. IF there is a comparison to VietNam it is in the disaster it became because of the media and because of the restrictions on the military placed by politicians because of politics.

2-He attempts to show his flexibility by refuting the "stay the course" comment. Stupid. His remark should have been clear (and I think you will see this as being familiar) "Stay the course" means victory is the only option. It DOES NOT mean nor has it ever meant that we are locked into a losing strategy. If plan A isnt working we adapt to plan B, plan C and we keep going until we find the strategy that WORKS.QUITTING is not an option.

This IS NOT ABOUT IRAQ. This war that is ongoing is a war against Muslim extremists and their intention is CLEAR. I for the life of me CANNOT understand how people can be so stupid when it comes to our troops in Iraq.

Is ANYONE stupid enough to believe that we are NOT facing an impending world war against extremist Muslims? Ask the French. Study your history. Listen to the muslim leaders today.Wake up!

No...you wont hear spin from me and never have, Anon. I'm not like you. You blindly defend liberal leaders. I DO NOT blindly defend anyone. I never have.
10:07 AM

Election Year Polls

Have I mentioned how funny I think polls are? The old saw holds true...polls dont lie, pollsters do.

With the election looming we have already seen many fabricated polls designed to award the election to the left and I have no doubt we will see many more polls, news articles and media stories with the same intent.

Take this recent article by an AP writer for example...

"59 percent of voters believe Democrats would do a better job handling the economy, while 39 percent prefer Republicans."

OK...now...contrast that with this next statement-

"Over the past year, Americans have become less likely to see the economy as the most pressing problem in the United States. Just 9 percent viewed economic matters as the top problem, the AP-Ipsos poll says. That's down considerably from a year ago when 24 percent said the economy was the biggest problem as the country was still reeling from the blows of the Gulf Coast hurricanes."

In just a year only 9% see the economy as the 'top' problem. Thats PROBABLY an indicator that things are going good...right?

"the (economic) expansion, which began in late 2001, is still firmly rooted and isn't in danger of fizzling out."

The expansion of the economy has been steady and growing since 2001...thats less than a year after Bush took over the White House. We have had more sustained growth during this period than at any other time in history. We have recovered from the dotcom boom/bust of the Clinton years. We have sustained 9-11, economic support to Indonesia following the tsunami, billions in aid to Africa, the devastation of Katrina, and an illegal immigration problem that has the US economy supporting 12-20 million jobs with income going to support the economy of Mexico.

And they believe the dems would do it better?

Unemployment sits at 4.6%...a figure every respectable economist calls 0 rate unemployment. Lower than any time during the Clinton administration.

The economy in the first three months of this year grew at a 5.6 percent pace, the strongest spurt in 2 1/2 years.

Consumer prices, meanwhile, rose by just 0.2 percent in August — half the rate of July, suggesting that inflation is calming down.

The federal budget deficit dropped to $247.7 billion for the 2006 fiscal year which ended Sept. 30. It marked the smallest amount of red ink in four years. (in spite of all the extra curricular financial requirments)

"The Dow is up, but people's retirements are less secure than ever. This economy is making the super rich richer, and leaving middle-class American families further behind," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California. Hogwash. There are more wealthy middle income wage earners than ever before, opportunity for economic gain is higher today than ever, individual retirement accounts continue to grow stronger each quarter. Those are the facts. Pelosi's words are mere rhetoric.

Dont worry though...we'll continue to hear the sky is falling right up til election night. And sadly...lots of people are going to buy it.

Can you say...higher taxes, increased inflation, and increased unemployment?

History Repeats Itself Yet Again.

This weekend’s events are the reason I started writing in this blog. North Korea conducted (or at least SAYS they conducted) a nuclear weapons test. Whether or not they were actually successful is still (at this point) is both unknown and immaterial. North Korea is doing EXACTLY what they did in the 90s. They are pulling strings and expecting the puppets to dance.

Throughout the 1990’s Kim Jung Il made numerous threats regarding development of nuclear weapons and world leaders responded EXACTLY like he expected they would. They bribed him. They paid him off in oil and money. They offered technology. And when the money and oil ran out and he wanted MORE he did the EXACT same thing and again the world’s leaders responded EXACTLY as he knew they would. They danced like good puppets.

But (not suprisingly) we found out later that in fact Kim had NOT used the money to feed the poor (which is seen by the literally hundreds of thousands that have died of starvation in North Korea). He did NOT stop weapons research and exploration. He did NOT live by his end of the agreement. He lied.

Around the year 2000 Japan, South Korea, and China all engaged in what was euphamistically described as Sunshine Politics with North Korea. They offered economic support and diplomacy, hoping that Kim would keep his word and be willing to negotiate with them. In reality, all they did is show weakness…weakness which Kim exploited. And now this. Now Kim has allegedly tested a nuclear weapon. South Korea announced an immediate cessation to their dimplomatic relationship with Kim and suspended all of their support. They announced that their policy of Sunshine Diplomacy was a failure. Shocking.

See…here’s what these people continue to REFUSE to see. Diplomacy ONLY works when you have an equal partner in the diplomatic relationship. Witness Saddams Iraq, Iran, Hitlers Germany, and North Korea.

The sunshine diplomacy theory holds that if you just LOVE someone enough they will stop being evil, murderous, despotic, thugs and will become in turn loving and benevolent leaders. Good theory…but it fails in its practical application.

People point to peace as the only solution. They say war never solved anything. Right…except earning freedom, freeing a nation of slavery, ending the execution of millions and stopping the spread of Naziism, war never really accomplished anything.

Many people cite Ghandi as their model for peace. OK…but really? Consider this quote from a letter to Churchill by Ghandi. “I want you to lay down the arms you have as being useless for saving you or humanity. You will invite Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini to take what they want of the countries you call your possessions. Let them take possession of your beautiful island with your many beautiful buildings. You will give all these, but neither your souls nor your minds. If these gentlemen choose to occupy your homes, you will vacate them. If they do not give you free passage out, you will allow yourself, man, woman and child to be slaughtered, but you will refuse to owe allegiance to them.”

And this would have had what effect exactly on Hitler? Zero. He would have taken the blood of every Englishman as easily as he did the 6 million jews and not thought a thing of it. He wouldn’t have suffered an attack of conscious. And we would all be brushing up on our German.

Back to the present.

George Bush did not tremble and quake when Kim Jung il rattled his nuclear sabre. He didn’t offer to buy his silence. He learned early that Kim was not a man of honor and therefore NOT an equal negotiating partner.

Today we have the usual suspects from the democrat party blaming the nuclear test on (surprise) George Bush. Hillary clinton cited her husbands policies and said that if we had continued Bill Clintons policies we would have a partner in peace in Kim Jung il.

These democrats are either being deliberately dishonest or are really just that stupid. Either way…THESE are the people that want to run the country… people that practice a policy of appeasement.

Ask yourself…if the world had LEADERS throughout the 90’s would we be in this predicament? If the world didn’t pay billions in bribes to Kim Jung il would sent the message that we were actually SERIOUS in dealing with North Korea? If the world leaders had acted on ANY of the…oh…say…17 UN resolutions that Iraq violated would that have sent the message that they were serious in dealing with Iraq? Instead, most of the European governments eagerly jumped in bed offering bribes and receiving kickbacks via the oil for food program.

1 world leader has stood firm against the spread of terrorism in the world. 1 Stood firm against Saddam. I today stands firm against Irans nuclear expansion. And 1 stands firm against North Korea.

And of course…he is the one the liberals point to as the cause of all the worlds problems.

My Solution to Illegal Immigration

In light of the fact that we have so many problems with illegal immigration, isnt there a real, positive, common sense solution to be had here?

This wont totally solve the problem we have with illegal immigration but it will solve the VAST majority of problems.

Ok…now I know this is a radical approach, but how about if we really define the problem. The ‘problem’ is not the influx of undocumented illegal immigrants in America. Heck, the economy seems to be absorbing 15-20 million illegals AND maintain unemployment at under 5% which by most economist standards really equals zero unemployment. So what IS the problem?

Problems
1-We reduce illegal immigrants to second class citizen status. This is just one step above slavery. Tell me…if a REPUBLICAN had made comments like those heard the recent rallies wouldn’t that republican be branded a racist?
“We need illegal immigrants. No AMERICAN would do jobs like that and accept such dismal wages”
1a-This creates an animosity and ager that is palpable. It creates an environemnt that discourages immersion into the culture, even for legal immigrants

2-Mexico lacks good paying jobs

3-Mexicos best and brightest, their future doctors, teachers, scientists, etc too often end up in the US working at the mall or gardening

4-Border patrols are costly

5-Many die making the journey (yet they still find it worth it)

6-Many pay large sums of money to coyotes only to be exploited, left for dead, or sold into slavery to pay off debts

How about a real solution. If we assume that border protection will cost BILLIONS AND BILLIONS of dollars, how about this…

1-The US and a collection of investors (major industrial partners like auto manufacturers, computer manufacturers, etc) meet with the Mexican government. They put a transparent budget in place that is a 10 year program that builds schools, universities, hospitals, industrial plants, power plants, everything you can possibly need in a thriving economy.
2-We operate with the understanding that for 10 years there will not be a single penny in profit
3-We hire people to build and manufacture products. We pay them American wages. We hire teachers and school administrators and pay them on a level pay scale to American scale. Students are tested on aptitude and placed in advance programs. Parents are given financial incentives, tax incentives, employment incentives, to help ensure their kids stay in school.
4-We help Mexican business secure no to low interest loans and start building houses
5-The Mexican government signs contracts to ensure inflation caping economic models are in place, taxes are kept at a level comparable to the US economy, etc

I know this sounds just wacky and it would need a lot of fleshing out…but think about it. In 10 years there could be an economy to our south that rivals the US economy. We have a viable trading partner. Mexican citizens would have no incentive to leave Mexico.

And heres the thing…its NOT like we arent going to spend money every year for the next 10 years combating illegal immigration. The difference is that in 10 years we will actually have something to show for it.

Defining My Stand on Abortion

I had a discussion with an individual recently who challenged me after seeing my comments that I dont believe in banning abortion. I thought it might help to clarify.

Abortion is an emotional, kneejerk reaction type topic but with he exception of presidential election cycles and Supreme Court nominations, it isnt something that is ever REALLY taken seriously. It is a political football. It's used by lobbyists and politicians to secure ground, but at the end of the day...nothing much ever happens. It is used as a motivator to raise campaign funds, and then after the election is over, it is tucked away until it is needed next.

In order to find the answers to solving the abortion question I suggest we define the problem. From my perspective, abortion is not the 'problem,' rather it is the symptom of the problem. The problem is much more vast. The problem as I see it involves irresponsible decision making, wreckless exploitation of the tools of creation, marketing campaigns that sell sex and sexuality to children, media inspiration that encourages irresponsible sexual behavior with no focus on consequence. It involves a government that has willingly implanted itself as caretaker and providers. It not only allows for personal irresponsibility, it encourages it. Culturally, we have seen the destruction of the family, the emergence of sperm donors instead of fathers, and a system which allows for fathers to escape responsibility for their acts.

What is the real goal of banning abortion? Is it simply the passing of legislation to 'win'? Or is it to end senseless loss of life and to reduce pain and suffering? If it is a contest, no one wins. If our real goal is to save as much life as possible, then there are better solutions.

Ban abortion...what happens? Does anyone honestly believe that those that have means wont continue to recieve abortions? Of course they will. They will have private doctors perform the operations or will travel to foreign countries where it is legal. What of those that cant financially afford that solution? Does anyone doubt that back alley abortions will resume, that women will suffer and even die? And what of the children that are born simply because the abortion isnt legal? What will their lives be like?

If the true reason for battling abortion is love and charity, then I suggest there are better plans. The best plan I have seen has actualy been promoted by a most crazy and radical bunch...Democrats for Life. http://www.democratsforlife.org/ They have a proposal that calls for the reduction of abortions by 95% by the year 2010. Their plan calls for legislative changes but it also calls for community and individual involvment. Of course it will never work...it makes too much sense.

I wonder...if all the billions of dollars that have been spent on campaigning and lobbying and protesting had been placed in a bank account with transparent accounting and that money was used to offer positive and powerful alternatives to abortion, how many lives would actually have been not just saved, but enriched? If the people protesting at the abortion clinics offered love and support to the women that were already going through a personal hell instead of calling them names like murderers, sluts and whores, how many of those women might have accepted a possible positive alternative? How many lives might have been saved by couples 'adopting' troubled pregnant young women and offering them support including emotional support, financial assistance, babysitting, etc...how many young mothers might accept the possibilities of adoption? How many would choose life?

Notice...I am not talking at all about government intervention. And its not like billions arent being spent both attacking and protecting legalized abortion. Private citizens acting in responsible and loving ways. What a concept.

Of course there are other components that have to be addressed. The knee-jerk christian response to brith control has got to stop. OK...so unwed sexual relationships is NOT the preferred lifestyle choice. So you may think schools handing out condoms on demand is sending a negative message. Fine...but dont you see that not ALL families are raising their children to believe the same as you? In fact not all children are being raised by families at all. It should be obvious that people will have sex with or without contraception. So set aside your moral judgements of others in the name of PREVENTING THE REQUIREMENT for the abortion decision.

Education is another component. I hear people say all the time that they dont want the schools teaching their children about sex and contraception. OK...I accept that. I did the same thing. But heres the thing...if people ARE teaching their children about ALL aspects of sex, abstinence, contraception, etc then hearfing the same message in schools wont be traumatic. For those not recieving the message in their homes, where else will they get it.

The 95% 2010 initiative teaches all manner of contraception . It teaches that abstinence is desirable and in fact the preferred and only 100% sure way to avoid secual disease and pregnancy. It does teach that in lieu of abstinence, use birth control methods. Again...what is our goal...to enforce our morality or to save lives?

And lets not forget the fathers. Once upon a time men were held accountable if they got a girl pregnant. That practice should be restored. THIS is the arena for court involvement. Garnish wages, force mandatory service, whatever it takes to make sure the men are as accountable as the women.

Until society has done all it can do, abortion can not be banned. It SHOULD not be banned. Abortion should not be seen as the goal. The goal is offering love hope and possibility. Even to those that still ultimately choose abortion. God will judge them. It is our place to love them. For THAT, God will judge US.

Confession time

Its time I confessed. I am an admitted conservative and am also a republican but not too long ago, I strayed. I'm not talking Jimmy Swaggert crocodile tears "I have sinned with a hooker but it was the devils fault" straying. Prior to the 2000 election I entered into a 4 year long illicit relationship with the Libertarians.

See...heres my problem. I dont much trust either the dems or republicans. Honestly, aside from what they spew in rhetoric there isnt much difference between the parties (though there is a significant difference in some of the individuals) and I was looking for that legimate third voice to basically force definitive action from either of the two main parties. My options...

The Greens-Ummmm...no.

The Reform party-Lots of potential, then they go and shoot themselves in the foot. Pat Robertson??? Seriously??? Ross Perot must have been swelling with pride...

Dozens of 'fringe' third parties-ummmm YIKES!

The Libertarians-ever take the worlds smallest political test? http://www.self-gov.org/quiz.html Basically the results of this test will likely prove you to be a libertarian unless you are an extreme leftist or extreme rightist. It wasnt the test that led me to the Libertarians...its just what they use at all their recruiting booths. I know, because I passed out hundreds of them myself. (two best places...college campuses and gun shows...)

I really AM a Libertarian. I believe in the constitution as it was meant, not as it is interpreted to satisfy the quest for a dominant and all powerful federal government. I believe in a strong central government, just one that is bound by the mandates of the constitution. I am a believer in the dominant authority of the states. So...the long and short of it...I AM a Libertarian.

However...

I am NOT a blind follower, so when I DISGAREE about the party platform regarding drugs I am told (get this) "you CANT be a Libertarian and not believe in legalizing drugs." Really? "Really...please feel free to take your leave." Its party politics all over again except for one small little detail. The Libertarians have virtually ZERO by way of elected representation. Now...when I pointed that out and that MAYBE just MAYBE its the extremist position of the party (oh yeah...and nominating people with adopted names like Smokey McPot) that will always keep the party a gathering of bitter malcontents with no political clout. That pretty much sealed my fate locally.

Its not that I even really too much disagreed. The difference...they say pass laws that make drugs legal, I say have the federal government eliminate ALL drugs laws EXCEPT the laws regarding illegal importation at the borders. Let the states deal with it. I could care less if Alaska allows for casual marijuana use or if California allows for medicinal herbal tokage. My vote and voice should be limited to MY state. But apparently that might allow for the states to pass laws that the libertarians still might not like...so..."off with his head."

Oh yeah...and there is this too...being a "reactionary political reformer" in this state is like peeing your pants in a dark suit. Initially it gives you a warm feeling and no one really notices. Then, after a while, the warmth fades and you are just left feeling wet, cold, and nasty. Its easy to cast a vote for the libertarians as a conservative because there is still virtually no way a liberal wins.

So...I am stuck. I am a conservative minded individual with progressive ideas on things like education reform, welfare reform, health care, etc. I dont believe in banning abortions, I do believe in a strong military.

I am stuck with the lesser of two evils. Unfortunately, until the democrats get it that SAYING you have a 'plan' is entirely different than actually HAVING a plan...there isnt much 'choice' at all.

Look...just ignore all those inconvenient facts...

hang on...this is a long one...and may come across as a bit of a rant.

Parental advisory...this posting contains adult topics and may be unsuitable for children. Of course...I'll be talking about Bill Clinton.

I dont know if its disugust or wondered amazement. There is the word chutzpah...but I think this goes beyond even that. It is almost as if many of the current politicians have just simply ignored the fact that we have documents, records, transcripts, video,...all manner of historical documentation that PROVES their words to be lies. Yet they look right in the camera and just say it...and dont bat an eyelash.

Bill Clintons words mean nothing...except to those that worship him as the God of the Liberal movement. Bill Clinton has been caught in countless lies. OBVIOUS lies. Yet, as the God of Liberals, whatever he says, wherever he goes, they just gaze at him with their adoring glassed over stares and nod in agreement.

Cheats on his wife countless times? No...he respects and appreciates and stands for the rights of ALL women. And besides...remember that wonderfully spontaneous moment on the beach just Bill and Hilly (and a photographer, cameraman, and choreographer) dancing together? Sigh. It spawned the Al Gore Pinocchio (wooden) kiss during the dem convention just a few years later.

Rape of Juanita Broderick? She probably wanted it, and besides, she's just another tramp and no one really believes her anyway.

Groping Kathleen Wiley pinning her in a doorway and squeezing her breasts on the DAY OF HER HUSBANDS FUNERAL? Just a misunderstanding...he was comforting her. Aimed for her shoulders...missed...honest mistake...standing in front and not behind. Just a logistics problem really.

52 year old man, president of the United States, abuses a 20 year old staff member, expecting and recieving sexual acts while (apparently according to both of them) never reciprocating, THEN carries out a public campaign to paint HER as the villain and to destroy HER personally? Well...hogwash...its only sex, he just wanted to give her something to remember him by, and besides, it s all part of a right wing conspiracy smear campaign.

The very case that started all the sex scandal...Paula Jones. Ms Jones is painted as a tramp. Hystery remberers little about Paula Jones. Seriously...ask yourself...after all the scandal...what was the case all about?

This.

Bill Clinton had a state trooper ask a campaign staffer to meet with him in his room. She knocks, he beckons, she opens the door. She finds Bill sitting on the couch with his pants around his ankles a towel drapped over his gentials. He is fondling himself. He stands and offers her the opportunity of a lifetime. His words. Kiss it. She politely refuses his magnaminous offer and leaves. She feels she has been harassed and she files a lawsuit.

Was she harassed? Democrats and womens orgs like the NAtional Organization for Women DEMANDED the ouster of Senator Bob Packwood for getting drunk and squeezing the tushies of his secretaries. And that was bad. Seriously. I mean...not Ted Kennedy bad, but still...that was bad. And he left. The republican senators really didnt give him all that many options. So he left. Ted is still there...but Senator Packwood is a senotor no more. And NOW won.

Where was NOW when Clinton exposed himself to Paula Jones? Well...you cant REALLY expect them to turn on their champion and protector of abortion rights can you? So of course...it had to be Paula Jones at fault.

THAT is what started this affair...not some vast right wing conspiracy. Not lying about sex. Slick exposed Willie and got sued for it. Now...how many people do the same thing and end up in jail and on sex offender registries?

My favorite...he looks in the camera and with almost a twinkle in his eye that says look at me i'm SOOOO much smarter than you...and then speaks the words "It all depends on what the meaning of 'is' is".

Wow. Wow. (pause for the effect...interpret that as shocked amazement and almost reverence.) Wow.

So many other whoppers. I led the movement to reform welfare. Well...no...you had welfare rammed down your throat. You fought it every step of the way vowing to "fix it" later.

I passed a balanced budget amendment. No...once again...republican congress rammed it down your throat. You fought it every step of the way.

Great economy. Well...no. dot com economy that went bust as fast as it went boom.

Treated world leaders with respect. Ummm...if respect means leaving them waiting in the rose garden while you attended to more ummm pressing concerns with your intern...

Whitewater. Law firm billing scandals. Boxes of subpoenad documents vanish, then mysteriously resurface in places that where checked countless times. Craig Lingstone, a former bouncer, hired by someone but no one knows who, given an office in the white house, never undergoes a security clearance check, and then ends up with 800 classified FBI files on his desk. Smearing government employees and firing them so Hilly can replace them all with her staff in the travel office. The hits go on and on and on...

More recent liberal examples of chutzpah...

Sandy Berger gets caught with his pants down...literally stuffing top secret classified documents into his shorts and socks...then expects us to give some sort of credence to his words. And of course...as the Gods minion, he is believed.

Just last year when the Abramoff scandal broke (scandal...like its a shocking revelation that lobbyists bribe congressmen...) a list was published that showed campaign and other contributions from Abramoff to every congressman. On that list was democrats and republicans alike. It was printed not from anyones memory but from the congress's own records of disclosures. Yet...Howard Dean stood on the Sunday morning news programs and stated LOUDLy...NO democrat ever took so much as a DIME from Jack Abramoff.

Maybe it was classic Clintonspeak.

No...not a dime. $870,000.00, but not a single dime.

Chutzpah...whats a good word for a really really really really LOT of chutzpah?

meanwhile...

During Clintons most honest and honorable and obviously NOT preplanned (oh...ooops...sorry...my wife tells me I shouldnt use sarcasm because it doesnt translate well)
Clinton states he WANTED to get Bin Laden but his intel agencies wouldnt let him. He WANTED to order his death but others in his chain stopped him. He WOULD HAVE done more but others prevented him.

Of course the FACTS and historical record proves that he is once again lying (how can you tell when Bill is lying? you dont HAVE to tell...you can pretty much just assume that any and everything he says is a lie)
BUT...IF what he says is true and he REALLY saw Bin LAden as THE threat in the middle east and he REALLY WANTED to take him out, and he REALLY DID have the opportunites to take him out...then as a LEADER wouldnt he have done so?

Now...for the record...

There are a lot of things about George Bush I DO NOT LIKE. However, he has restored character to the office of president. He has restored the oval office to more than just a presidential rompous room and a pretty cool place to meet chicks. He doesnt make decisions based on political expediency. He doesnt allow polls or popularity to sway his convictions. He has remained above the fray when it comes to personality conflicts (almost to a fault).

Unlike Bill and Hilly, George and Laura dont schedule press conferences (or softball appearances on network talk shows) so that they can look in the camera and condemn their accusers, especially when it is proven that their accusers are telling the truth. They hold themselves with an air of dignity and decorum that the Clintons could never even understand, let alone pull off. I DO wish that President Bush was more of a real fiscal conservative. I DO wish that he did a better job of explaining the direction (and success and failings) of his policies. I DO wish he stuck with a speaking style he is comfortable with.

Bill Clinton was a "rock star"...George Bush, like him or not, is a leader.

Sorry for the rant...thanks for listening.

What Makes Kings?

George Washington was offered the throne of America following the military victory that won the US its freedom and independence (a stark lesson for those that say war never solves anything). He refused, stating that of course this is the very thing we had battled against, and the country instead opted for a democracy. You know...of...by...for the people. We elected representation and then put in place this awesome concept of checks and balances. The Legislative Branch makes the rules and laws. The Executive Branch signs the laws into power. The Judicial Branch determines if those laws are just within the boundaries established by the constution. A wonderful system.

Somewhere along the way, things have gone horribly wrong.

Congress has abrogated their duties and resposnibilities to the president, in effect, assigning him ( or someday her) the role of king...or at least king for 4 years.

How often do you hear the phrase "the presidents plan..."? Social Security, education, foreign policy, the war on terror...everyone turns to the president for the solution. When did this happen? Why? And for how long will we let this stand?

I think every two years we have the opportunity to send a message to congress. I think that message should be "do your damn job! Just what are we paying you for again???"

Lessons Learned

"Ha ha! You fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!" Vissini

And the third rule is never trust France to be anything...ANYTHING...other than what history has proven them to be.

It was just 2 short years ago that France made this bold declaration-"Irans nuclear program will not be allowed to stand"Today, French President Chiraq is not only completely against military manuevers against Iran, but now he is opposed to sanctions againts Iran. With friends like these...who needs enema's?

France couldnt wave the white flag fast enough in World War 2. In Indochina they expected the UN to protect what they loudly declared as their 'right' to holdings there, then subsequently sent over 55 thousand troops to their death 2-5 thousand at a time. Just recently France sold its integrity to Saddam in the oil for food program and now, France has decided that islamic extremist leaders that are clamoring today for the death of the pope and attacks on Italy and the US for the popes comments, the same islamic extremist leaders that have called for the extermination of Israel, that we should negotiate and trust them and not call even for sanctions.

I wonder if last weeks announcement by Al Qaida that it was joining Algerian terrorist groups against France had any bearing on their sudden change of course.No wonder Bush's poll numbers are improving.

Oh...BYTEHWAY...France is Kerry's big 'ally' in the war on terror. Nice one.

You just cant make this stuff up...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2363459,00.html

"An Iraqi militant group led by al-Qaeda has threatened to massacre Christians in response to remarks about Islam by Pope Benedict XVI that have caused offence across the Muslim world.The Pope quoted a 14th Century Byzantine emperor who criticised the teachings of Mohammad for endorsing the use of violence, in a speech to an academic audience at a German university last Tuesday."

OK...now...just to make sure we have this right. Much violence, murder and mayhem in the world. Pope appeals for peace and cooperation of the worlds religions and quotes a 14th century passage. In response, the 'peaceful' religion declares a fatwah and calls for jihad to "massacre Christians" in an attempt to show the world that they are in fact a religion of peace.

Look...Ive been there. Ive spent several years in the middle east and KNOW that the radical lefts dont represent ALL of Islam. I also know that the REST of Islam refuses to speak out against the radical left of Islam because they know all that will bring is death to them and their families.

Yeesh. We need a solution.

Reliving 9-11

In another blog we have been discussing the war on terror and whether 0r not it is important to be reminded of the villany of our enemy in the war on terror. One individual mentioned he had already seen the 9-11 video and has heard the screams of Nick Berg and didnt need to be reminded of them to know how horrible it was.

I guess I dont really disagree. One time seeing a death occur up close and in person should do it for anyone to know how ugly it is.

However, I DO think we as a country need to be reminded of our enemy in the war on terror. We talk about the "war in Iraq" as if it is a war WITH Iraq. That war ended in 2003. We are today at war with terrorists who happen to be pouring in from all around the middle east to engage in terrorist activity.

I often use the subtraction model when I am doing research on theory. In situation X, take away element y from the equation and see what remains. Now take away element z and see what remains. Its usually pretty easy to identify your culprit.

In the most recent middle east conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, take away Israel and what remains? You still have groups of people dedicated to murdering others to further their own cause. Now, take away the muslim terror groups that are perpetrating acts of violence and what do you have? Peace.

Same theory applies in Iraq. Take away the US soldiers and what are you left with? Violent murderous thugs trying to prevent a people from forming a democracy. Now, take away the terrorists (sorry...they just cant be called insurgents) and what do you have? You have an Iraq that has a real shot at peace and democracy.

The common denominator? Its the same one in Blai, Spain, the Phillipines, Pakistan, England, and now most recently France. Extremist Islamic terrorists.

A friend of mine made a comment this week that I thought was telling. This individual is a good man who has known more than his share of pain and hurt. He knows what it feels like to have to bury a child. He said on monday that he was just sickened by this national day of 9-11...what on earth is it going to do for us? Then, on Tuesday he came in to work and said he had forgotten just how evil these terrorists are and how they will stop at nothing to accomplish their goals. How anyone can be their victim. He still doesnt like the war on terror and in fact had begun to think that it was time just to stop because it felt to him like we werent accomplishing anything. After taking the time and watching these different accounts, he changed his mind. More than ever he understands why this isnt a fight we can POSSIBLY stop fighting because it is a fight we cant afford NOT to win.

Thats why I think it is absolutely necessary to remind ourselves occasionally JUST how evil these people are. I dont WANT to have fight them in downtown anywhere USA. I'd just as soon take them on where they are.

Make no mistake. We have extremist terrorists right here in the US today. Our government has stopped terror plots in Florida, California, Minnesota and many other places. They have detected terrorist cells in Miami, Buffalo, and Oregon. But they ARE still here. Maybe we are a victim of our own success in this war on terror. Maybe preventing so many attacks has led to complacency. I hope not.

Pols Polls Polling

Isnt polling and reporting of polling an interesting 'science?'

This article out of Rochester New York states
"President George Bush is receiving his highest job performance numbers in a few months, with about four in 10 (38%) adults having a positive view (up from 34% in August) and 61 percent holding a negative
view."

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-15-2006/0004433769&EDATE=

OK...but further down we see the ACTUAL numbers...
Excellent 12%
Good 27%
ONLY FAIR 22%
Poor 38%
Undecided 1%

How did "only fair" become a negative view? As I see those numbers 39 say good or excellent, 22 say fair, and 38 say poor. I guess this gives truth to the saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

BTW...Harry Reid the head dem in the senate got
excellent 1%
Good 22%
Fair 37%
Poor %15
Not Sure 25%

According to this story, Harry only has a 23% approval rating. geez...smile, President Bush.

Whats the Christian verison of Jihad?

Meanwhile...

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23366969-details/Anger+over+Church+advert+which+puts+Jesus'+face+on+beer+glass/article.do

Some of this stuff you just cant make up.

I wonder if the extremists from the Christian world will go on a rampage and commit murder and mahem at the denigration of their savior...

An advertisement featuring the face of Jesus as a 'miraculous' apparition on a beer glass has caused anger among critics who say it undermines anti-binge drinking campaigns.More amazing spiritual stories here...• Pope to inspect 'image of Christ on veil'• Holy toast: Sandwich sells for £15,000• Heavenly chocolate is the Virgin Mary• Our Lady of the underpass• The alligator's skin that spells God• Face of Jesus seen in baby scanThe image of Jesus in the froth left on the sides of an almost empty pint glass next to the words 'Where will you find him?' will spearhead the Churches' Advertising Network (CAN) festive campaign to encourage church-going this Christmas.The poster makes reference to the worldwide trend for finding holy images in everyday objects from the face of Jesus in a frying pan, to Christ on a fish finger, the Virgin Mary on a toasted cheese sandwich and even Mother Teresa in a cinnamon bun.The creators of the new poster said it was aimed at provoking "thought and debate" among young people about where and how people find God. It would be accompanied by a series of radio advertisements in which young people talk about their spiritual beliefs.But the Rev Tom Allen, a 'mission priest' who works with young people criticised the message the image was giving out: "On the day when a Government commissioned report suggests that rather focus on drugs education, schools and youth work bodies should be educating young people about drink, CAN launch this particularly obtuse poster," he said on his website.However, CAN chairman Francis Goodwin said he hoped the poster and radio advertisements would spark a debate about God.The campaign will use the youth forum website myspace.com to encourage discussion. He said: "The message is subtle but simple - where is God in all the boozing at Christmas?"For many, Christmas is just drinking and partying and God is excluded, yet many young people are interested in finding deeper meaning and exploring faith."We hope the link to myspace will offer another venue for them to discuss their feelings and debate the issues."The image of Jesus on a beer glass is the latest in a series of controversial images created for CAN, a group of Christians of all denominations working in the media and advertising.Previous campaigns include a poster depicting Jesus as the revolutionary leader Che Guevara and one suggesting Mary was having a "bad hair day" when she discovered she was pregnant.

Cmon...some times you just HAVE to laugh...

Ironical

In the realm of irony...The pope gives a speech at a conference on bringing the religions of the world together in peace. He invites all religions to denounce violence committed in the name of God. He cites reference to past actions of all religions. In the course of the discussion he quotes (and STATES his source) a 14th century text that describes the muslim actions as being driven by violence. The historical conditions during the 14th century where that at the time the muslims were setting about to conquer all of Europe.

Now...today...muslims are ANGRY that their prophet is related to or connected with the concept of conversion at the hand of the sword. In response the worlds muslim leaders threaten...violence.

ummmmmmm....wait a second...

OK...isnt it a fact that only 2 weeks ago two journalists were given the choice...convert or die?Isnt it a fact that just a few short months ago over 100 people were killed because of a few cartoons?Did we not just read yesterday that Al Qaida...a muslim terrorist group...joined with an Algerian terrorist group and jointly declared jihad on France?Dont we hear daily the exortion of muslims to murder in the name of Allah?

NO...it is NOT ALL MUSLIMS and of course the Pope RECOGNIZED that in his appeal to muslims. YES there are good and honest muslims that practice an honorable and peaceful faith. But some of the muslim extremist fundamentalists apparently didnt get the memo....And unfortunately there are a LOT of them.