A little harsh

Not quite the way to spread Christmas cheer.

What editorial board sends out a "do-not Endorsement"?

The Concord Monitor broke with political tradition Sunday, telling readers in the state with the first presidential primary why they should not vote for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney instead of whom they should support.

In a scathing anti-endorsement that called Romney a "disquieting figure," the New Hampshire newspaper's editorial board said he looks and acts like a presidential contender but "surely must be stopped" because he lacks the core philosophical beliefs to be a trustworthy president.

"When New Hampshire partisans are asked to defend the state's first-in-the-nation primary, we talk about our ability to see the candidates up close, ask tough questions and see through the baloney. If a candidate is a phony, we assure ourselves and the rest of the world, we'll know it," the newspaper said. "Mitt Romney is such a candidate. New Hampshire Republicans and independents must vote no."

Who does that?

Pinheads

After Bill O'Reilly's Pinheads of the Year report last night, with judges going soft on child sex offenders, we find one here in Wisconsin.

Maximum penalty of sexually abusing your three daughters? "The charges carry a combined maximum penalty of more than 1,200 years of prison and extended supervision." Ooooh, a prison sentence. He might has well have pulled a Paris Hilton. Can we say, LETHAL punishment?

When are we going to change this law? Jail time, and more often than not- only probation - is unacceptable to our children.

Ron Paul can float away with his blimp

Calling Mike Huckabee a Fascist? Not exactly a trait of the "revolution" of LOVE.

Barack Hussein Who?

There have been rumors circulating about Barack Obama's religion:

His attendance here at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, with the news media in tow, was as much an observation of faith as it was a rejoinder to baseless e-mailed rumors that he is a Muslim and poses a threat to the security of the United States.

Obama did not address the rumors, but described how he joined Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago two decades ago while working as a community organizer...

Obama staffers and volunteers say they periodically encounter voters who say they cannot support Obama because they've heard he is Muslim, a claim that has been making its way through Internet sites and blogs since he announced his candidacy for president.

While it would be horribly un-PC to address the issue of religion after glowing over Romney's faith & politics speech a few days ago, these everyday folks have done so for me.

However, it isn't his religion which would make Obama a threat to the security of the United States anyway.

Nerves

Could this be due to...

this?

3 interceptions later... maybe Tony should have had more than a pop-tart for breakfast.

Surge!

BAGHDAD - Violence in Iraq is at its lowest levels since the first year of the American invasion, finally opening a window for reconciliation among rival sects, the second-ranking U.S. general said Sunday as Iraqi forces formally took control of security across half the country.

Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, the man responsible for the ground campaign in Iraq, said that the first six months of 2007 were probably the most violent period since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. The past six months, however, had seen some of the lowest levels of violence since the conflict began, Odierno said, attributing the change to an increase in both American troops and better-trained Iraqi forces.

"I feel we are back in '03 and early '04. Frankly I was here then, and the environment is about the same in terms of security in my opinion," he said. "What is different from then is that the Iraqi security forces are significantly more mature."

Shout it from the rooftops!

Romney Meets the Press

This morning on Meet the Press, Tim Russert spent the majority of an hour grilling Governor Romney on his "past" statements and his most recent explanations of what he stands for on each issue from stem cells to FeeFees.

What I found most interesting was Romney's cool and calm. He remained, under every instance, collected and able to step back and say "let's look at the facts here and why I said such and such," helping bring the clips Russert was often referring to into context and perspective.

It may seem I'm on the bus, but I'm not for any candidate just yet. I do see, however, how Romney could easily sit at any round table- cabinet members to world leaders- and lead a discussion, drawing on others for their input and carefully weighing all information provided. He can keep a level head and perspective. He does not fluster easily.

One of my favorite moments from this morning came in an answer to a question on illegal immigration and amnesty.

MR. RUSSERT: The children they had born here are U.S. citizens, so do the children stay here and the parents go home?

GOV. ROMNEY: Well, that's a choice, of course, the parents would, would make.

Bingo- personal responsibility. Mitt is a Federalist in terms of government control and plans, but also a level-headed parent and grandparent who I believe thinks the responsibility starts at home.

And as to the allegations that Romney is a flip flopper, we wonder if we can take him at his word today?

MR. RUSSERT: ...you look at those comments and quotes all--on every one of these issues, there has been an--a--an evolution, an intellectual journey on all these issues.

GOV. ROMNEY: Oh, Tim, if you're looking for someone who's never changed any positions on any policies, then I'm not your guy. I, I do learn from experience. If you want someone who doesn't learn from experience, who stubbornly takes a, a position on, on a particular act and says, "Well, I'm never changing my view based on what I've learned," that, that doesn't make sense to me.

I think we have to take him at his word. None of the candidates are perfect. The question is, who can we see leading the nation?

How does he do it?

Somehow despite his low approval ratings (though I remind the reader of Congress' even lower 22% approval-ouch), the President still has some sway from the Oval office.

"With Democrats beginning to give in to the White House on energy and spending bills, and with their hopes of expanding a popular children’s health program all but dashed, President Bush has scored three political victories this week on Capitol Hill."

How in heaven could this be?

"...Independent analysts, Democrats and even some Republicans say that by distancing himself from Congress instead of diving into the hard work of negotiations, Mr. Bush has deepened the already deep divide between himself and lawmakers, making compromise on other matters, like his long-sought domestic surveillance bill, more difficult."

I say keep your distance, Mr. President.

"On children’s health insurance, Mr. Bush has twice vetoed legislation sought by Democrats, arguing that their bill was a move toward socialized medicine. On energy, he forced Democrats to abandon a significant tax increase on the oil industry and a requirement that electric utilities use renewable resources."

I'd rather the President forego the "bossom buddy" bonding ritual and use his veto pen on a Congress that's trying to force universal health care or socialized medicine on the American people.

My how times have changed

Beware the enemy within.

MADISON, Wis. -- A group of protesters wants U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin to lead an effort to impeach President George W. Bush and keep the United States from attacking Iran.

About 20 people organized by MoveOn.org crowded into Baldwin's Madison office and demanded she become a leading voice for impeachment. They also presented her staff with a petition declaring that Americans don't want another war and Bush has no authority to attack Iran.

MoveOn's Madison coordinator Patty Zahler said the petition has 1,200 signatures. The organization said it planned to drop off identical petitions at congressional offices around the country.

Beware the powerful anti-american groups like moveon.org, advocating the removal of a president and protecting a terrorist state against the united states.
6 years ago...imagine what would have happened to an organization advocating those things on December 14, 2001.

A day of "so sorry"

"Huckabee Apologizes to Rival"

"CLINTON PERSONALLY APOLOGIZES TO OBAMA OVER DRUG FLAP"

One, I believe done in good faith. The other,a political ploy?

His highness, Tom Brady

This is not a real mosaic. They just superimposed some small individual photos over the big one of Brady's head. Dumb.



In New England they call him "The Prince." Dumber.

Science? or Torture?

We don't need cats that glow.

"Researchers in South Korea have cloned a cat and modified its genes so that it will glow red under ultraviolet light, the Korea Times reports.

The Gyeongsang National University researchers, led by Prof. Kong Il-keun, modified the genes of Turkish Angora cats so that a red protein would glow in their skin when exposed to ultraviolet light, the paper reports.

The scientists modified the skin cells of the mother cat by using a virus to make the protein fluoresce, according to the Times.

Four of the glowing kittens were born in January and February of this year, but only three survived.

Researchers found that cells throughout the dead kitty fluoresced red, the paper said."

Duh, the virus you used to make it glow killed it, sickos! If you want a Christmas kitty, just tie a ribbon around it's neck for heaven's sake.

Non-crime criminals

Wrong answer, Rudy.

But Giuliani’s “I don’t care” attitude toward illegals sometimes morphed into unabashed cheerleading, as if he were rolling out the red carpet for them.

“Some of the hardest-working and most productive people in this city are undocumented aliens,” the mayor said at a 1994 press conference. “If you come here and you work hard and you happen to be in an undocumented status, you’re one of the people who we want in this city. You’re somebody that we want to protect, and we want you to get out from under what is often a life of being like a fugitive, which is really unfair.”

The Examiner asked Giuliani why it was unfair to apply fugitive status to someone who broke the law to enter the United States.

“We were going to treat them as a fugitive if they committed a crime,” he replied. “And we weren’t going to treat them like a fugitive if they were being calm and responsible and decent.

“And finally, it didn’t much matter what I did with them,” he added. “The turning over of names to the immigration service was a mere formal act. It was absurd to think that they could possibly handle it. It continues to be absurd.

The problem comes with the "it doesn't matter anyway" attitude. We can never gain control of the problem if we keep saying it's OK to come and work hard- even if you come illegally. I understand the idea of taking baby steps to get somewhere in what seems like an impossible situation - and securing the Mexico-US border is a good start. But it doesn't mean we can be so complacent.

I want people to have the same American dream my great grandparents, grandparents, and own mother and father enjoyed- which I too now pursue. But we all have to wait in line at some point in life. Even if they're not committing crimes here, they already committed the greatest one. Sending the message that we want the work of illegals is the wrong one to send to our own citizens and other countries.

A National Review

Discarding the "take it with a grain of salt" principle, this article and endorsement from National Review today could seal the deal for Romney.

"Unlike some other candidates in the race, Romney is a full-spectrum conservative: a supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life and the preservation of marriage, and a foreign policy based on the national interest. While he has not talked much about the importance of resisting ethnic balkanization — none of the major candidates has — he supports enforcing the immigration laws and opposes amnesty. Those are important steps in the right direction.

"Romney is an intelligent, articulate, and accomplished former businessman and governor. At a time when voters yearn for competence and have soured on Washington because too often the Bush administration has not demonstrated it, Romney offers proven executive skill. He has demonstrated it in everything he has done in his professional life, and his tightly organized, disciplined campaign is no exception. He himself has shown impressive focus and energy.

"His conservative accomplishments as governor showed that he can work with, and resist, a Demo­crat­ic legislature. He knows that not every feature of the health-care plan he enacted in Massachusetts should be replicated nationally, but he can also speak with more authority than any of the other Republican candidates about this pressing issue.

"Some conservatives question his sincerity. It is true that he has reversed some of his positions. But we should be careful not to overstate how much he has changed. In 1994, when he tried to unseat Ted Kennedy, he ran against higher taxes and government-run health care, and for school choice, a balanced budget amendment, welfare reform, and “tougher measures to stop illegal immigration.” He was no Rockefeller Republican even then.

"He may not have thought deeply about the political dimensions of social issues until, as governor, he was confronted with the cutting edge of social liberalism.

"He still has some convincing to do with other conservatives. Romney has been plagued by the sense that his is a passionless, paint-by-the-numbers conservatism. If he is to win the nomination, he will have to show more of the kind of emotion and resolve he demonstrated in his College Station “Faith in America” speech.

"For some people, Romney’s Mormonism is still a barrier. But we are not electing a pastor.

"More than the other primary candidates, Romney has President Bush’s virtues and avoids his flaws. His moral positions, and his instincts on taxes and foreign policy, are the same. But he is less inclined to federal activism, less tolerant of overspending, better able to defend conservative positions in debate, and more likely to demand performance from his subordinates. A winning combination, by our lights. In this most fluid and unpredictable Republican field, we vote for Mitt Romney."

Although I've probably posted most of it - don't take my word for it. Read it.

Snow and awe

I thought the midwest was supposed to know how to handle snow.

"Travel expected to worsen; city declares snow emergency"

"More Ice and Snow Hit Area: Ice and snow nearly crippled this morning's commute"

"Twice the plows, but officials still urge caution on slippery roads"

"Heavy Snowfall Slows Travel In Southern Wisconsin: Cold Temperatures Coming Tuesday Night"

Did anyone else know it was snowing this much? Ah, just another topic for a sensationalized news story.

In the meantime, I'll be shoveling out my driveway.

Excuse me

while I lose my lunch.

"I thought she was the most gifted person of our generation," said Clinton, who said he told her, "You know, you really should dump me and go back home to Chicago or go to New York and take one of those offers you've got and run for office."

Blech.

This guy's a winner

RICHMOND, Va. -- In the months since Michael Vick pleaded guilty for his role in a federal dogfighting case, Vick should have been trying to impress federal officials with his honesty and contrition. It would have reduced his time in prison considerably.

Instead, Vick flunked a drug test, lied about his drug use and failed a lie-detector test on his role in the executions of fighting dogs that failed to perform.

In his sentencing hearing Monday in Richmond, Va., Vick paid the price.

U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson sentenced Vick to 23 months in a federal penitentiary. With time off for good behavior, Vick would be eligible for release in May 2009.

His court drawing is even less flattering.

To the two players wearing "Free Mike Vick" under their uniforms- do you really think this guy is worth it?

Listen to Judge Hudson:

Even Michael Vick's personal apology did not impress Hudson. As Vick tried to make a statement, Hudson admonished him, saying he should "be apologizing to the millions of kids who idolize you."

Court adjourned.

Disgusted by Penn State students

The students who are responsible for such a sick idea disgust me.

It's not just a costume, pal. Maybe if you had been shot, you'd get it.

The man cries

and he still defines MAN.

(click on the link to the right- Make a Wish Award)

A Huck of an explanation

For those of you listening to the cries "Huckabee is not a fiscal conservative!," Dick Morris has his own take:

Published on TheHill.com on November 28, 2007.

As Mike Huckabee rises in the polls, an inevitable process of vetting him for conservative credentials is under way in which people who know nothing of Arkansas or of the circumstances of his governorship weigh in knowingly about his record. As his political consultant in the early ’90s and one who has been following Arkansas politics for 30 years, let me clue you in: Mike Huckabee is a fiscal conservative.

A recent column by Bob Novak excoriated Huckabee for a “47 percent increase in state tax burden.” But during Huckabee’s years in office, total state tax burden — all 50 states combined — rose by twice as much: 98 percent, increasing from $743 billion in 1993 to $1.47 trillion in 2005.

In Arkansas, the income tax when he took office was 1 percent for the poorest taxpayers and 7 percent for the richest, exactly where it stood when he left the statehouse 11 years later. But, in the interim, he doubled the standard deduction and the child care credit, repealed capital gains taxes for home sales, lowered the capital gains rate, expanded the homestead exemption and set up tax-free savings accounts for medical care and college tuition.

Most impressively, when he had to pass an income tax surcharge amid the drop in revenues after Sept. 11, 2001, he repealed it three years later when he didn’t need it any longer.

He raised the sales tax one cent in 11 years and did that only after the courts ordered him to do so. (He also got voter approval for a one-eighth-of-one-cent hike for parks and recreation.)

He wants to repeal the income tax, abolish the IRS and institute a “fair tax” based on consumption, and opposes any tax increase for Social Security.

And he can win in Iowa.

When voters who have decided not to back Rudy Giuliani because of his social positions consider the contest between Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, they will have no difficulty choosing between a real social conservative and an ersatz one....

Read the rest

Godless coin

Oh how lovely it is to have found two new dollar coins as I cleaned out my purse today. Remembering I received these at an automatic stamp machine outside the post office, I have every nerve to march back up to the United States Postal office and DEMAND some God-loving coins!




Look closely, there is NO "In God We Trust" on the face of these coins. Even Sacagewea got In God We Trust. I refuse to believe this is a good idea. And of all places NOT to place the trusting in God -the Presidential- the Founding Fathers' $1 Coins.

We are truly a nation in need of Prayer.

Food for thought

It's interesting to see the Black Voices critique of Black Female Celebrities "we love to hate."

If white voices had pulled together this list, boy would they be railed on.

I wonder what would happen if Black Voices had put white women on this list?

"An American, not only a Mormon..."

I find the speech today by Governor Romney at the George H. W. Bush's Presidential library rhetorically pleasing in several different ways.

"A person should not be elected because of his faith, nor should he be rejected because of his faith.

"Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin."

I'm salivating here.

"When I place my hand on the Bible and take the oath of office, that oath becomes my highest promise to God."

"A president must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States."

Calling upon Americans to do better- respect at a deeper level- could be the most powerful way to turn the discussion in his favor, I think. My former religious rhetoric professor is probably having a field day with this speech!

"....but I think they (those who think his religion will sink his candidacy) underestimate the American people. Americans do not respect believers of convenience."

"These are not bases for criticism, but a test of our tolerence." (I wish he had paused here!) "Religious tolerance would be a shallow test of our principles indeed, if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree."

Beautiful.

"We are a nation under God, and in God we do indeed trust."

Say it again!

"I will not separate us from the God who gave us liberty."

Romney stands out on a teetering limb, stating blatantly where he believes God does belong, and where it does not. His speech today may become an outline for office-holders everywhere struggling with the idea of balancing faith and politics.

Watch it here.

Dems think they're so funny

This really pisses me off.

"State Republicans don't have a clear-cut candidate for governor. For a variety of reasons, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen is on the outs with conservatives. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker is busy running for re-election.

Beyond that, the GOP cupboard is full of nothing but has-beens and third-tier legislators.

All this talk about a possible McCoshen candidacy has Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle's supporters feeling downright giddy.

"Remember what we did to Mark Green? He had to go to Tanzania (after the election)," joked one Doyle insider, referring to the ex-congressman's appointment as the U.S. ambassador there.

As for McCoshen, the Doyle insider said, "We'll bury him."

Actually, "insiders," you can take no credit for the Incumbent's re-election. You do however have the anti-war, anti-President Bush, anti-Republican Congress mentality in 2006 to thank, no- to grovel at.

You fall far below the level of Mark Green. You are the pus that infects the mucus that cruds up the fungus that feeds on the pond scum of Wisconsin's waste water.

Stuffed with fluff

A teacher will be deported from the Sudan for naming a teddy bear Muhammad. She named an animal, though inanimate and for a child's classroom, after the prophet which landed her in jail and amidst rioters chanting "Execute her!"

Many in the West were mystified by the anger over a teddy bear.

During her trial, a weeping Gibbons said she had intended no harm. Her students, overwhelmingly Muslim, chose the name for the bear, and Muhammad is one of the most common names for men in the Arab world. Muslim scholars generally agree that intent is a key factor in determining if someone has violated Islamic rules against insulting the prophet.

With all the press this has received, is anyone realizing it's about a silly little teddy bear? A woman could have been lashed forty times over Paddington Bear, or Teddy Ruxpin, for crying out loud.

Think about the name, Jesus. While known as the Son of God to Christians, and also recognized as a historical figure by the Jewish people, Jesus' name was like that of John in his day. Very popular, a regular name to most, I assume it would fall amidst the Johns, James, Toms, and Mikes of today. Why do those groups not rise up in anger and riot when we hear the name Jesus applied to other things? A child's toy, a generic movie character? Could it be, we are not a people of hate?

The Muslim people seem to find a reason to hate the British or Americans -Westerners- no matter what their offense.

You take an event like this teacher incident, enlarge it and make a bomb out of it," he told AP. The aim is to show "Muslims in Sudan don't want these people (Westerners) to interfere, we want African troops."

Who's interfering? You've got a selfless teacher teaching young children English amidst other things and acknowledging their own desire to make and name a classroom mascot.

A peaceful religion, this Islam, these Muslims? That is a bunch of teddy bear shit. For whatever reason, the tolerance of peace certainly is missing in Islam.

Reality TV wants to hand out green cards

When we though reality TV was losing steam, "Who wants to marry a US Citizen?" appears.

It's this generation's 'Dating Game,' but with a twist -- it aims to show love knows no borders," Martinez told Reuters.

Sure, love knows no borders when people fake it to obtain a green card.

Show creator Adrian Martinez said that Morusa Media has not yet found a network to produce or air the show, but he is currently in talks with one cable TV network and already has signed up contestants for six episodes.

I sure hope no network will produce this trash. 6 people already want to participate in this? I'm assuming those are the non-English speakers, who didn't understand how STUPID the idea is.

"We're just out to play matchmaker," said the show's host, Angelo Gonzales. "There are thousands of U.S. citizens seeking a spouse, and just as many immigrants seeking the same. So we want to make it a win-win situation for all involved."

Wow. What about a reality show that doesn't mock the immigration problem we already have in this country?

Another Gibbs special

As if faking injuries under 2 minutes (as in the Packer-Redskins game) wasn't enough, Gibbs botches a completely win-able game today, and blames himself for failing to win one for Sean Taylor.

I can't help but feel for the grieving Skins tonight. Boys, you did your job.

A little GOP/You Tube debate commentary

I tuned in a little late this evening, and still have a lot of research to do on each candidate...but thought I'd offer a lay-gal's perspective.

Most humorous response: "Jesus was smart enough never to run for public office." -Mike Huckabee. Haha.

Q; Bible- do you believe every word? I don't know if I can believe Giuliani when he says "I believe it's the greatest book ever written." Too quick, too cliche. Maybe he should have taken Huckabee up on his offer to help him out with the answer.

But I ate up the Minister's answer on this one. I wish his defense of his more liberal fiscal governing choices was as rhetorically beautiful as his answers to social conservative questions.


Giuliani's mouth bothers me -he twitches when he talks. I can already see the Mr. Ed-like political cartoons. (Oh I'm so mean, and shouldn't attack on physical appearance, I know. Start your own blog.)


Q:Repairing the image of America in the eyes of Muslims? Turn it back on the Dems...that's a fine strategy I suppose. McCain, Giuliani: fight the terrorists, offend the extremists, support the strategy to succeed. Why is Duncan Hunter speaking?

What I'd like to hear is "Muslims, it's your image that needs repairing in the eyes of Americans. Don't support the terrorists by acting so offended when we defend America." But obviously, more eloquently.

Q: Torture? McCain is so bad-ass. P.O.W. speaks, and we ALL listen. (Minus the Jack-Bauer 24 reference. Who doesn't want to see Jack Bauer torture the bad guys and come out on top?)

Q: Who'll commit to Iraq? Fred Thompson...he's really tall...zzzzzzzzzzzz.... oh sorry, I fell asleep. HEY! It's Ron Paul! He reminds me of Mr. Magoo....disses the surge-rambles-"The Shia, people in the north, uh, uh, give them their country back." Yikes, people of the Ron Paul revolution, please take off your bumper stickers before I take my ice scraper to them.

Q: Gays in the military? Just stop with this question people. Now, does Romney have an original thought? It seems he reminds us who he's advised by often, or where he'll get his consultation from. What do you really think, Mitt? REALLY, just STOP with this question. The fire of passion is in McCain's eyes. He really does respect all who serve. I'd like to see that in the empty responses of our other panelists.

Chuck Norris is there!! When Chuck Norris jumps in the water, he doesn't get wet. The water gets Chuck Norris. Oh, I'm listening, sorry.

Q: National Debt? Let's get Fred an eye lift, but then let's listen to his ideas. I think he's on to something.

Q: Mars? Huckabee on space was good. Not just the Hillary remark, but the reminder that we all benefit from space exploration with the technology we use every day. I never thought of it like that. Forget Mars, let's fix our home planet first. We have to draw the line of spending somewhere, and at this point in time I think any possible life on Mars can wait to meet us.

Q: Infrastructure? Anyone else see the Thompson-Giuliani side convo while Ron Paul was speaking?

Well, I'm glad that's over. I'm sure glad it was relevant to most Americans this evening.

You're thinking it's just a silly Charlie Brown cartoon

...and then Linus tells the Gospel on network TV... "For unto you is born this day...a savior, which is Christ the Lord.... That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

on ABC.

A 6th offense?

Now that Ricky Williams is out of the NFL for the season with a torn chest muscle, perhaps he can take up his old hobby.

Liberals doing us all a favor

There are women who think having children is anti-environment, or not "eco-friendly."

Had Toni Vernelli gone ahead with her pregnancy ten years ago, she would know at first hand what it is like to cradle her own baby, to have a pair of innocent eyes gazing up at her with unconditional love, to feel a little hand slipping into hers - and a voice calling her Mummy.

But the very thought makes her shudder with horror.

Because when Toni terminated her pregnancy, she did so in the firm belief she was helping to save the planet.

Incredibly, so determined was she that the terrible "mistake" of pregnancy should never happen again, that she begged the doctor who performed the abortion to sterilise her at the same time.

He refused, but Toni - who works for an environmental charity - "relentlessly hunted down a doctor who would perform the irreversible surgery.

Finally, eight years ago, Toni got her way.

At the age of 27 this young woman at the height of her reproductive years was sterilised to "protect the planet".

Oh dear God, a baby! Oh wait, as a liberal I probably don't want to admit I would complain or gasp-pray- to God, so take that back. But yikes, a baby, I shudder in horror!

Who is this woman? It's a relief she didn't procreate, to save us all from her bad-attitude offspring.

"Having children is selfish. It's all about maintaining your genetic line at the expense of the planet," says Toni, 35.

"Every person who is born uses more food, more water, more land, more fossil fuels, more trees and produces more rubbish, more pollution, more greenhouse gases, and adds to the problem of over-population."

You keep on recycling, using those low-energy light bulbs and eating only organic, locally produced food, while the rest of us raise smart, educated, wonderful loving children who will change the world in their own way.

I'm with the Jewish guy

It's a Christmas tree, people. Christmas. Tree.

"Schoenfield said that for some, the name holiday tree may also be offensive.

"As a Jew, I have a problem calling it a holiday tree," Schoenfield said. "It's not my holiday."

I think he goes a little too far with the offensive thing. It's more a statement of fact. As a Christian celebrating Christmas, I wouldn't want a menorah to be called a Holiday Menorah. Good point- It's not my Holiday.

But someone could shut up Ms. Gaylor.

"Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, said Schneider should withdraw the resolution and added that he needed a civics lesson.

"When you call it a Christmas tree, that's a celebration of Christmas, which is a Christian holiday," Gaylor said. "So what does the state of Wisconsin need with a Christmas tree?

"It is a proposal that shows ill will, and it isn't necessary," Gaylor said. "What does it say to the rest of us who aren't Christian if you call it a Christmas tree? Why is he forcing it to be a state-owned Christmas tree?

"It is just a tree, but when you put Christian in front of it, it becomes a symbol of the majority," Gaylor said."

Welcome to the Christian Majority.

The most shocking statment of all

"NBC News White House correspondent David Gregory, accused of being a partisan, made a false statement about the "Scooter" Libby case"

The actual story it came from doesn't even matter. Forget Scooter Libby - we've got a partisan news reporter out there!!

Non- target states

Nevada has seen no GOP candidate love.

And not much from the Democrats either. Oh boo hoo. Diner owner Tracy Oien, a Republican, is upset at

"the fact that no GOP presidential candidate has shown up to campaign in this conservative enclave an hour north of Las Vegas -- but three Democratic contenders have.

All of this has Oien concerned that the Jan. 19 caucuses could turn out to be a bust, and that the state could go to the Democrats in the 2008 general election.

"It's really galling me," Oien said during a lull between the breakfast and lunch crowds. "As angry as people are with the president, you'd think the Republicans would be pushing [their candidates]. But it seems like they're laying back in the weeds."

Sweetie, they're laying back in other states where they can build a lead, or think they can build a lead. It's all about resources and what states mean the most.

We here in Wisconsin haven't seen a lot of action either. Are they underestimating our importance? Maybe. It may be the same for Nevada. I however, don't want 'em. Our primary is at the end of February next year, and it's almost upon us. If there's no clear front-runner by that point, we may be surprised at how quick the tide changes and floods us with candidates gallore.

Careful what you wish for.

Movie Stars shy away from publicity....

(SAY WHAT?!) but only when donating to Republican candidates.

"Republican presidential candidates have been drawing support — and cash — from Hollywood celebrities, but few of the stars in super-liberal Tinseltown want to be publicly linked with the Grand Old Party."

At first I find it disheartening that these actors and actresses believe their reputation will suffer just because of a mere political donation. The left certainly is proud to dump millions into the Democrats' banks.

"They learn very quickly, if they know what's good for them, to donate to the Democratic Party," said Andrew Breitbart, co-author of "Hollywood, Interrupted." "If they were to donate to the Republican Party, they would be exposed to career-ending ridicule, period."

If they know what's good for them? Actually, sir, I believe if celebrities knew what was really "good for them" in something called REAL life and not Hollywood-coated life, they would donate to Republicans.

A laughable line: "Ms. Hatcher, who had lunch in February in Beverly Hills with former President George H.W. Bush, has repeatedly turned down invitations to be on HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher." MSNBC reported that "a source" said "she's not in-sync" with the aggressively liberal host, prompting some to wonder if she is secretly conservative." Oh dear God, what if she is secretly conservative?!

Upon second thought, I'd rather our "GOP" celebrity friends in Orange Valley, or wherever they roam in sunny LA, keep their mouths shut and their politics out of our way. I'd prefer a few hushed conservative donors to loud-mouth Sarandons, Redfords, Gores and Moores, wouldn't you?

Save the Tomb!

The Tomb of the Unknown may be entirely re-faced. Or it could just be repared.

The thought of any disruption of this Soldier known only to God disturbs me greatly.

I can only cringe at the liberal Congressional discussion that may ensue about new monument features. Another opportunity to strip the monuments of their acknowledgment of God, and the nation of it's historical attributes...

Gentle reminder

"I delegate to good people. I always tell Condi Rice, ‘I want to remind you, Madam Secretary, who has the Ph.D. and who was the C student. And I want to remind you who the adviser is and who the president is.’”

-President Bush

More like "Lose one for the Gipper"

How do you lose 80,000 artifacts?

Better yet, how do you lose 80,000 artifacts from a Presidential Library????

In the words of Ronald Reagan himself, "Trust, but verify."

What goes around...

I can't help but comment on the stupidity of OJ Simpson with a gun in a hotel room with stolen memorabilia.

In Simpson's mind, according to a close friend, the Las Vegas charges are rooted in the former football star being acquitted in the 1994 slayings of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

"He believes he's being tried for that now," said Tom Scotto, 45, a North Miami Beach, Fla., auto body shop owner.

"He's taking this serious. It is serious," said Scotto, who traveled from Florida with Simpson and sat in a courtroom gallery with about 50 spectators. Among them was Simpson's older sister, Mattie Shirley Simpson, Baker, 64, of Elk Grove, Calif.

Simpson has maintained that he wanted to retrieve items he knew had been stolen from him, including the suit he wore the day he was acquitted of murder in Los Angeles.

Simpson and co-defendants Clarence "C.J." Stewart and Charles Ehrlich face 12 charges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy and coercion.

A kidnapping conviction could result in a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole. An armed robbery conviction could mean mandatory prison time.

Karma's a real bitch.

Mike who?

Rasmussen Reports:

In the race for the Republican Presidential Nomination, Rudy Giuliani remains on top. Among likely Republican Primary voters nationwide, Giuliani is preferred by 24% and has opened an eight point lead over a group of candidates virtually tied for second. Fred Thompson is the first choice for 16%, Mike Huckabee attracts 14%, John McCain is at 13% and Mitt Romney is the only other candidate in double digits at 11%.

At 14%, Huckabee is only 2% behind #2 candidate Thompson, and 10% behind Giuliani.

Analysis- which I have shamelessly stolen almost verbatim from a friend: "Considering he's accomplished this with no money and little organization, and that a solid 22% is still undecided, don't count him out yet! People think he came out of nowhere, which isn't entirely true.

Until a random "values voters" debate in Florida (which Giuliani, Thompson, McCain, and Romney didn't bother to show up for) Huckabee's now supporters were split between him, Tancredo, and Brownback. With the values voters now uniting behind him -which is an enormous bloc -and a little down the stretch name-rec (perhaps accompanied by a catchy "I Heart (or is it I "<3"?) Huckabee" slogan reminiscent of "I like Ike") this could turn out to be a decent race for the GOP nod.

Level-headed approach. Consistently conservative track record. Former Minister. Honest values. Here's hoping he's on the ticket.

This one's for you, Mike:

Belly (work)out- then belly up!

"Yesterday we were warned of the health dangers associated with alcohol - not to mention bacon, ham and sausages.

Today there is more cheering news from a different set of scientists.

They have come up with the perfect excuse for heading to the pub after a game of football or rugby.

Their research has shown that a glass of beer is far better at rehydrating the body after exercise than water."

Think this will help get my boyfriend to the gym with me?

Ah, the self-described liberal gets a wake-up call

My morning feel-good shot came during the Good Morning America show today, as the show explored various websites where one can find candidate viewpoint-explanations and even take quizes to see which candidate you are most like for the upcoming '08 Presidential race. (Click on the video "Political Identity Crisis")

Their own Match-O-Matic test runs on two self-described "liberal" young women matched them to all GOP candidates. HA!

Here's to being able to tell a liberal they're not as crazy as they thought!

Now, on second thought, do we give props to the ladies for answering those questions honestly, risking a non-match? Or do we question their intelligence and political awareness for not knowing what their own candidates ("Hillary supporter!") actually stand for?

I fear this only represents a larger public in a political identity crisis- perhaps not really sticking to their own beliefs, but swayed by today's media and a need to be politically correct in their voting habits. But then again you can take a test or answer a survey any way you want and then vote inside the private booth the complete opposite way- be it politically INcorrect, racist, sexist, you name it.

It's too much to digest, honestly. I'll just enjoy that two liberal voters got a wake up call today!

Screaming inside

Reading Time Magazine on the bicycle at the gym today, I saw a glimmer of hope in the article "The Lions Roar"- an interview with Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, and Robert Redford regarding their new movie, Lions for Lambs. Having boycot every Tom Cruise movie since the Hollywood-altering Nicole-Tom breakup, Tom surprised me with this:

"We tried to look at all these different views, from the left or right or in between, and see how they can be challenged, in every way."

After all, in the movie he does play a Republican Senator.

But it would soon go sour until I could all but throw the magazine across the room, which would disastrously call unwanted attention to myself on a Saturday morning at the Y. So I screamed inside.

STREEP Because we're afraid to speak. Even though we have the freest society, supposedly, I think many of us are afraid to speak up. And we vilify the people that do speak up. You're told you're not supporting the troops.

REDFORD If you're against us, you're not patriotic.

STREEP So to me this film is about the difficulty of standing up and saying what you think. Standing up is very, very difficult.

Why is it always the liberal side of the argument that gets the sympathy? When people say they are against the war, Conservatives accuse them of being against the troops and that makes them feel bad inside. Because they really do support the troops. Oh boo hoo!

That's not the argument the right is making. It's when as a society we forget the reason why we are at war- we forget about the pillars of freedom that have supported a democratic society and their rights to express varying opinions- when we turn the other cheek to the 9/11 bombings and the innocent lives that were taken because Islamist extremists want to murder us all - it is when a group of citizens decides that what we are fighting for isn't worth it- that's when the troops aren't supported, when you're not being patriotic.

Why don't we scream out from the right? We can't speak out either, because doing so means you're supporting an unpopular President, an unpopular war, you're against universal health care and therefore against helping people that can't help themselves, you want to take away programs that provide for the needy, and evidently support the takeover of the middle east, or any other nation that threatens the upset of peace. I am sick of the American media giving time to the "poor liberal who feels he can't speak out for fear of being called unpatriotic." All we have heard are challenges to patriotism- Barrack Obama without his hand on his heart, Harry Reid saying we've lost the war, Democrats calling Bush names I wish not to repeat, and all those from the left. What about the fear of being called a war monger, a nazi, a racist?

So pardon me, Meryl and Robert, if you feel you can't speak out. Perhaps those of you in the movie business should reassess what it is you wish to accomplish with your million dollar box-office hits that reach millions of viewers world-wide if you feel you can't speak out. Liberal hollywood has got your back if you want to be "unpatriotic."

I however, want to continue to support the troops, the war, and our freedom.

And one more thing before I go- We've got to pull these stars' heads out of their asses. I'm interested to see Ms. Streep's role in Lions as she did play a more conservative member of the CIA in Rendition, she has me interested...
But THIS kills me:

CRUISE Wars never solved anything--that's my personal belief--but I don't think that that's necessarily what the film is about. It does pose questions. It's not pointing the finger. Because so much was happening after 9/11, it was hard to get to the truth.

You know what was happening after 9/11 Tommy? We were hunting down the murderers, bringing them to justice.

STREEP But I think older people had this dull, thudding pressure. They were feeling, Hmm, maybe this is not what we think. And yet we went forward, in the face of all sorts of warnings that are now proven to be the truth. Americans have been anesthetized by good fortune. I recognize myself in every single one of the compromised people in this piece. This movie is saying, Here we all are.

I'm not sure I heard her right, "older people had this dull, thudding pressure...maybe this isn't what we think"???? If she's referring to the United States Congress that voted to go to war to find Osama bin Laden, or most importantly, track down So-Damn Insane, I will spare you the roll-call of Senators. However, I think we all know who voted for the war. Even if it was before they voted against it...

I know one thing, you won't catch me at the movies this time. Sorry Mom, I know you love Robert Redford, but you'll have to catch this one solo.

This man is no Patriot

And some want him to be President?

CHICAGO: If elected president, Senator Barack Obama would meet with Iran's leaders and offer economic inducements and a possible promise not to seek "regime change" if Iran stopped meddling in Iraq and cooperated on terrorism and nuclear issues.

In an hour-long interview on Wednesday, Obama made clear that forging a new relationship with Iran would be a major element of a broad effort to stabilize Iraq. And he vowed to engage in "aggressive personal diplomacy" with Iran and other regional powers as he withdrew American combat forces in Iraq...

But Obama said that "changes in behavior" by Iran should be met with gestures by the United States, beginning with possible membership in the World Trade Organization.

"We are willing to talk about certain assurances in the context of them showing some good faith," he said. "I think it is important for us to send a signal that we are not hell bent on regime change, just for the sake of regime change, but expect changes in behavior. And there are both carrots and there are sticks available to them for those changes in behavior."

Changes in behavior, eh? For example, not reciting your country's Pledge of Allegiance or showing respect to a nation which you'd like to lead?


Despicable.

How rude!

I find the editorial in today's Appleton Post Crescent rude and ungrateful.

Brett Favre deserves every bit of tribute. While I agree that perhaps Monday Night Football with Tony K's love fest was overkill for us Packer Fans/Wisconsinites who see it all the time- those Packer fans far away could only lap up the enthusiasm for our beloved Brett.

When he's gone, you'll be sorry.

It's a UFO sighting in your clean bill of mental health

Kucinich questions Bush's mental stability.

"I seriously believe we have to start asking questions about his mental health," Kucinich, a quirky, long-shot candidate in the race for his party's presidential nomination in the November, 2008 election. "There's something wrong. He does not seem to understand his words have real impact."

One day later...

Kucinich confirms UFO sighting and "commuication."

"I did...You have to keep in mind, Jimmy Carter saw a UFO."

Huh. Isn't it Ironic?

Honoring a soldier

This story from Madison should remind us that saying "we support the troops" is as empty as "end the war now."

22-year old Joshua Brennan was killed Friday after being shot in the chest. His farther, Michael says,

"I learned that Josh was killed after their unit was ambushed. He initially was shot and the Taliban were trying to take him away. A brave medic stood up and threw hand grenades at the Taliban to keep them from taking Josh and the medic was killed in the process. Josh later died of his wounds.

"As I said in my interview Josh has always felt like he and the guys over there have been forgotten. I want to give him a hero's welcome home that he so deserves and make sure that he is never forgotten."

Watch the video. We can never forget our troops, or the sacrifices they are making. In our moments of forgetting, they are fighting, ambushed, fired upon, dying... they can not feel forgotten.

An echo to my previous Patriots statement

The Patriots crushed Washington like small bugs scoring 7 touchdowns on Sunday. Who does that?!

Randall Godfrey expressed extreme displeasure to Patriots coach Bill Belichick after the game.

"I said something to (Belichick) after the game," Godfrey said to NBCSports.com. "I told him, 'You need to show some respect for the game.' You just don't do that. I don't care how bad it is. You're up 35 points and you're still throwing deep? That's no respect....

Most teams, you get up like that you sit on the ball and try to run the time out. They're up 30-some points and they're throwing deep. That was blatant disrespect....This isn't like college going for power rankings. This is the pros you show some respect, show some class."

Godfrey,(though I'm not so sure about the Joe Gibbs reference) I concur.

Hello Kitty

Girly-girl Childhood, meet Adult Dreams.

(Insert your own caption here.)

Let them keep it

The NCAA and UND settled today the dispute over the university's nickname, "Fighting Sioux." They have three years to get tribal approval or retire it.

Fighting Sioux, referring to the Indian Tribe, has been a divisve issue at UND.
Critics say it is a racist stereotype, while supporters maintain it is inoffensive and a source of pride.

It was initially chosen (changed from "the Flickertails") to rival NDSU's Bison mascot- something strong, warlike, and bearing. While the tribe itself may prefer Lakota, I see nothing wrong with the Indian mascots at universities today. Shall we attack the Washington Redskins? The Cleveland Indians?

I will admit that I have not heard the actual Indains' position on this matter (my own fault, I concur). But still, I see a bunch of white kids fighting the mascot fight. Can they honestly claim they take offense? Does it help them sleep at night?

If you don't like the mascot, go to school somewhere else. Keep fighting, UND Sioux!

I will now take responses...

I'm feeling very opinionated today

This = DUMB.

Just throw that stuff away and get over it.

Someone finds a way....

I was wondering how long it would take before someone or some group blamed President Bush for the California fires or found a way to blaspheme him for their environmental/anti-global warming agenda.

Shriver disses the news

Maria Shriver has cited the Anna Nicole Smith media storm as one of the reasons she won't return to tv news. It actually sounds like something a more conservative anchor would say. Is Kindergarten Cop getting to her?

Shriver, speaking Tuesday at a women's conference, noted the media circus surrounding Smith's accidental drug overdose death in February.

Shriver told the audience at a Long Beach conference that Smith's death provided her with a moment of career clarity: "It was then that I knew that the TV news business had changed and so had I. I called NBC News and told them I'm not coming back."

I like it. (And while I'm loving on a member of the Kennedy clan, for young women- I also like her books.)

It's too bad that when Mika Brzezinski of MSNBC wouldn't talk about Paris Hilton in jail, she was dissed for actually wanting to cover relevant NEWS.

Condi could have made their blood real

Do they really think they are accomplishing something, screaming like patients from the state hospital?

Yikes

Yo dawg, pull 'em up

Hilarious. We're used to seeing Froot of the Loom billboards advocating for tighty-whities, but this? Bill boards with a message of anti-underwear- it's the new thing.

Even more interesting is the force behind this campaign: www.hiphopgovernment.org

Hit their website and you'll see a poll for "who would be the better Democratic candidate," a call to non-registered voters and people of the 'Hip-Hop' generation to become vocal as voters, and a slogan: One Team, One Dream, One Vote!!!!!!!!!!

My question: What exactly is the dream, and who's on the team?

To the lone lunchtime protester

Dear Sir~

I couldn't help but notice you on my way to lunch, standing outside the hospital with a sign, protesting abortion. While I applaud that you stand up for what you believe in and will subdue my thoughts on abortion protests, I was a bit irritated and therefore do have one suggestion:

Get a new sign.

"Abortion hurts women," may be true- but it's not for you to parade around with. I believe a much more appropriate sign for a man of your 50-60 year old age bracket might be something like "Abortion hurts men too" or "Save life, it's valuable."

Just a thought.

Patriots at 7-0, actually boring

The Patriots are sucking all fun out of the sport of football. They face no level of competition, and Tom Brady plays as if he were up against a PeeWee defensive line.

Now if the Packers were 7-0, of course my mindset would be absolutely different. We're talking an underdog, young team that no one thought would be this good in week 7, but they are (even at 5-1)!

But as for stone-face Bill Belichick and suit-wearing Tom Brady, they've already won the division and are probably Super Bowl bound, but do we really want New England to have another Lombardi trophy?

Yawn.

Birth control is not the answer

There is only one response to this article: Children that young should not be having sex. Period.

Pupils at a city middle school will be able to get birth control pills and patches at their student health center after the local school board approved the proposal Wednesday evening.

The plan, offered by city health officials, makes King Middle School the first middle school in Maine to make a full range of contraception available to students in grades 6 through 8, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.

It is disappointing that our society has become so focused on "treatment," and the easy fix- rather than a deeper consideration of the root of a problem and prevention.

Those who favored the plan said it isn't about encouraging premature sex, but protecting kids who don't have strong support from their parents.

"Unfortunately, not every child is getting the kind of parental involvement that is going to help keep them safe," said Richard Verrier.

"If my daughter were not able to talk with me about something, if she couldn't reach me for whatever reason, to keep her safe and healthy, I would want to make sure she had access to those resources from trusted adults," Verrier said.

Handing out birth control like it's candy does and will encourage premature sex. When there's no fear of consequences, it sure is a lot easier to find trouble.

These "trusted adults" are forgetting the risks! Premature sex can lead to increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, infection, pregnancy, and greater risk of getting cervical cancer. They are opening the door- in middle school?!

If a child doesn't have parental involvement in their life, OK-ing their sexually deviant behavior at age 11 won't take the place of the disciplinary role they need! Perhaps this decision by the Portland School Committee was made in an effort to cut admin costs and save on hiring School Counselors. I sure don't see a need for them now.

A cold check on Gore's warm truth

After pigs flew last week and the Nobel Peace Prize lost all credibility...

some real food for thought:

ONE of the world's foremost meteorologists has called the theory that helped Al Gore share the Nobel Peace Prize "ridiculous" and the product of "people who don't understand how the atmosphere works."

Dr William Gray, a pioneer in the science of seasonal hurricane forecasts, told a packed lecture hall at the University of North Carolina that humans were not responsible for the warming of the earth.

His comments came on the same day that the Nobel committee honoured Mr Gore for his work in support of the link between humans and global warming.

"We're brainwashing our children," said Dr Gray, 78, a long-time professor at Colorado State University. "They're going to the Gore movie [An Inconvenient Truth] and being fed all this. It's ridiculous."

When I thought everyone was starting to buy into this crap, it's refreshing to see someone scolding Mr. Gore.

During his speech to a crowd of about 300 that included meteorology students and a host of professional meteorologists, Dr Gray also said those who had linked global warming to the increased number of hurricanes in recent years were in error.

He cited statistics showing there were 101 hurricanes from 1900 to 1949, in a period of cooler global temperatures, compared to 83 from 1957 to 2006 when the earth warmed.

"The human impact on the atmosphere is simply too small to have a major effect on global temperatures," Dr Gray said.

Looks like Hell hasn't frozen over and is warming up just a tad.

Quote of the day

"As a friend of mine said, 'When you get to be our age, having all these men obsessed by you is not all that bad." - Hillary Clinton

Ewwwww.

Atheists act like picky children at dinner

This weekend, atheists and agnostics are having a convention of sorts in Madison, the 'City of acceptance'.

Members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the nation's largest group of atheists and agnostics, will gather for a weekend of nonprayer breakfasts and raffles for God-free currency at the group's 30th annual convention.

As they gather for their moments of loudness, take white-out to dollar bills, and preach about poisonous religion (yes, pun intended), I can't help but wonder: Why are Atheists so "anti"? Do they honestly think believers (not just Christians, but any person with a religious belief) are out to get them?

"It's kind of a celebration, a celebration of free thought," said Annie Laurie Gaylor, the foundation's co-president. "It's also a chance to recharge your batteries for separation of church/state activism."

Perhaps this is too philosophical, but why can we not have free thought and still believe in a higher power? As to the separation of church and state- please see my earlier posts on Newt.

There's another telling quote in this article:

Instead of a prayer or a moment of silence, Saturday's nonprayer breakfast will include the foundation's traditional "Moment of Bedlam." That's when those sitting down to eat can make as much noise as they want by pounding their silverware, reading their favorite poem or simply yelling.

"It's our chance to fight back," Barker said. "How many events have you gone to and you've been told to bow your head in prayer?"

Fight back? Who are you fighting? Have people ever come around and physically forced your head down to the ground? Usually during an invocation, the leader says something like "Let us," "shall we," or "please bow your heads with me." These are not commands, you are not shackled to a post that yanks your neck uncomfortably downward.

I don't even pray with my eyes closed sometimes. Talk about fighting the system!

It seems awfully trivial in practice. I hope they feel stupid during their bedlam. It is one thing to gather and celebrate believing in nothing. It is quite another MOCK believers while doing so. Let's elevate the discourse, shall we?

Let's play: Blame Bush

Even lipstick with lead is the President's fault...

ATLANTA (Oct. 11) - Lipsticks tested by a U.S. consumer rights group found that more than half contained lead and some popular brands including Cover Girl, L'Oreal and Christian Dior had more lead than others, the group said on Thursday.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said tests on 33 brand-name red lipsticks by the Bodycote Testing Group in Santa Fe Spring, California, found that 61 percent had detectable lead levels of 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).

Favorite Comment: c1coop 10:20:25 AM Oct 12 2007 : Report This! It's obviously Bush's fault!

Poor W can't get a break. First he's responsible for weather catastophes like Katrina, and now Cover Girl!

Before it's too late...

I'd like to comment on the budget debacle and how Governor Doyle and our Democratic Senate is now a laughing stock. While other bloggers may tackle it more in-depth, my analysis is pretty basic, but one I feel needs a voice.

As many of you know, Governor Doyle called a special session to hammer out a budget earlier this week. Speaker Huebsch says they are still about a billion dollars apart. (Thought: YIKES!) When the Dems decide to drop something, they raise another. It's all about increasing spending and taxes to them. Giving away more freebies on your dime!

Let's hammer the hypocrisy! This, from Doyle's 2003 State of the State Address:

"Going forward, my mind will be open to every solution -- except one. We should not -- we must not -- and I will not -- raise taxes."

"Wisconsin's problem is not that we tax too little. It is that we spend too much."

After finally agreeing to remove death-trap-idea Healthy Wisconsin, (Thank God), Wisconsin taxpayers face an $18 billion dollar tax increase (HA!) including:
1. A looming $600 million property tax hike
2. Gross receipts tax
3. Cigarette Tax
4. Hospital Tax
...and the list goes on.

The lack of shame in this man's large bald head an is absolutely bewildering.

Can we get a replay of his soundbite from '03?

"we must not -- and I will not -- raise taxes."

The record must have skipped. I swear he said "I will not raise taxes." Hmm...that's one for the 'George H W Bush read my lips' book!


It's a brazen willingness to say one thing and do another- Pinnochio style! The taxpayers are all supposed to just sit on his nose shaking their heads while he bats his eyes and shrugs his shoulders.



"But, but, but I'm for the taxpayers..." he says.

No wonder people have lost faith in their government.

Who asked for this guy's opinion?

Why do former Presidents feel the need to comment?

Is it because, Mr. Carter, you were not selected by President Bush to help with Katrina or Tsunami aid as his father and former President Clinton were? Is it that you were not asked for your opinion on the Iraq war and how we will treat prisoners that makes you feel the need to offer it up?

The Nobel Peace Prize image sure appears tarnished when statements like these arise. I would think after one has experienced decades of criticism for actions in the same seat, one would decline to throw stones and offer support where one could. It is immature and simply irresponsible to use a position of perceived clout -such as the Former President of the United States- to insult members of the current administration as a scorned bully with an adolescent vocabulary. If you want to call someone a disaster, you better have the bullet points to back it up.

Finally, it is even more apparent here that while Mr. Carter elects to childishly slander, others will take the high road:

In an interview that aired Wednesday on BBC, Carter ripped Vice President Dick Cheney as "a militant who avoided any service of his own in the military."

Carter went on to say Cheney has been "a disaster for our country. I think he's been overly persuasive on President George Bush."

Cheney spokeswoman Megan Mitchell declined to speak to Carter 's allegations.

"We're not going to engage in this kind of rhetoric," she said.

You're missing the point, city folks

Alexandria, VA is rolling out the welcome mat. They better learn to say "Welcome" in a few more languages than English. A message to the Alexandria City Council: YOU ARE NOT HELPING!

Evidently, the City of Alexandria, Virginia wants to shell out taxpayer dollars to illegals. I understand that our first settlers came to Virginia and the founding fathers made their homes there and promoted an escape from unfriendly regimes in favor of religious freedom, the pursuit of happiness, etc., but I highly doubt this is what they meant.

The city of Alexandria, Va., is expected to pass a resolution tonight renewing its commitment to extend public services to illegal aliens.

"We are reaffirming and recommitting our services and outreach to international citizens," Mayor William D. Euille, a Democrat, said yesterday.

The seven-member City Council will vote on a two-page resolution that outlines Alexandria's intent to comply with state and federal immigration laws but not question the immigration status of people seeking public services.

The catch is they won't really be complying with the immigration laws, they'll be avoiding the discussion of what to do about illegal immigrants abusing the system. They'll be handing out freebies to those that have lied, cheated, and stolen their way into this country.

"Mr. Euille said that the resolution should pass unanimously but that Alexandria has no figures on the cost of providing services to illegal aliens.

"We haven't calculated that, and we probably won't calculate that," he said. "We have money designated for human services, but it's not broken down by race."

It truly never fails that someone likens the discussion of illegal immigration to racial politics. If you're an illegal from Asia, Europe, Mexico -wherever- we need to send a consistent message. City Councils that are afraid to "Say No" to illegal immigrants are only fostering an attitude that breaking the law is acceptible.

Oh yeah - lucky for all you Northern Virginia illegals, the resolution passed...

A follow up to my first post on First Lady Laura Bush

Her thought-provoking piece today in the WSJ Opinion Journal.

She's so bad ass

I can not see any of the current panelists' wives taking the stage and calling for Democracy the way Mrs. Bush has.

"Gen. Than Shwe and his deputies are a friendless regime," Bush said. "They should step aside to make way for a unified Burma [Myanmar] governed by legitimate leaders.

"The rest of the armed forces should not fear this transition -- there is room for a professional military in a democratic Burma," Bush said, in keeping with the U.S. policy of still using Myanmar's former name.

In Wednesday's commentary, Bush called on Myanmar's military leaders to release Suu Kyi and other opposition leaders so they can meet with and plan for a transition to democracy.

"Meanwhile, the world watches -- and waits," Bush warns.

"We know that Gen. Than Shwe and his deputies have the advantage of violent force. But Ms. Suu Kyi and other opposition leaders have moral legitimacy, the support of the Burmese people and the support of the world.

"The regime's position grows weaker by the day. The generals' choice is clear: The time for a free Burma is now."

Despite all the nasty comments on this article, there are some pleasing ones. (If you answer the poll, I think you'll be surprised about what some Americans really think.)

He's back!

"Sandy Berger, who stole highly classified terrorism documents from the National Archives, destroyed them and lied to investigators, is now an adviser to presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. Berger, who was fired from John Kerry’s presidential campaign when the scandal broke in 2004, has assumed a similar role in Clinton’s campaign, even though his security clearance has been suspended until September 2008. This is raising eyebrows even among Clinton’s admirers.

“It shows poor judgment and a lack of regard for Berger’s serious misdeeds,” said law professor Jonathan Adler of Case Western Reserve University, who nonetheless called Clinton “by far the most impressive candidate in the Democratic field.”

"Adler told The Examiner that it is “simply incomprehensible to me that a serious contender for the presidency would rely upon him as a key foreign policy advisor.”

"He added: “If Senator Clinton becomes the Democratic nominee, at some point she will begin to receive national security briefings that will include sensitive information. At such a point, continuing to keep Berger on board as a key advisor, where he might have access to sensitive material, would be beyond incomprehensible.”

At that point...but why not NOW?! Clinton should be under extreme scrutiny from the public; Democrats and Republicans alike who should be denouncing scandal and angry that one of their own is rewarding such bad behavior.

"Berger has admitted stealing documents from the National Archives in advance of the 9/11 Commission hearings in 2003. The documents, written by White House counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke, were a “tough review” of the Clinton administration’s shortcomings in dealing with terrorism, Clarke’s lawyer told the Washington Post.

"On several occasions, Berger stuffed highly classified documents into his pants and socks before spiriting them out of the Archives building in Washington, according to investigators. On one occasion, upon reaching the street, he hid documents under a construction trailer after checking the windows of the Archives and Justice Department buildings to make sure he was not being watched."

Are you kidding? This is like watching a movie! It's like a child stealing cookies and then hiding his dirty fingers behind his back when his mother questions his chocolate-covered face!

Berger also lied to the public, telling reporters he made an “honest mistake” by “inadvertently” taking the documents, which he blamed on his own “sloppiness.” Bill Clinton vouched for the explanation for Berger, who served as his national security adviser.

At his sentencing in September 2005, Berger was fined $50,000, placed on probation for two years and stripped of his security clearance for three years.

Well, he sure seems like a guy I'd want on my campaign!

Did we not learn anything from Clinton's administration, or from Congressional office holders rocked by financial and personal scandals in the past few years? Where are the political wolves crying out in opposition?

RELEASE THE HOUNDS!

An open letter to Coach McCarthy

Dear Coach McCarthy~

I am highly disappointed in our team's performance this week against Chicago. As most Packer fans surely are, I am questioning some key mistakes from Sunday night's game.

Would you please explain to me:
1. Why are we challenging plays we know we're going to lose and forfeiting time-outs?
2. Are 11 penalties acceptable to you?
3. Grrrr....fumbles....grrrr

That is all for now. Frankly I'm too upset to say anything more at this time.

Sincerely,
LMS

Nickelodeon plays parent

Way to go, Nick TV. It appears that in an effort to promote healthy attitudes among children, a television network has taken the initiative and actually turned kids away from tv programming.

It's interesting to see Nickelodeon encouraging kids to turn it off. It's something parents should do more of- and not just for their kids. If you don't like what you're seeing on TV, or it's having adverse affects on your health...

Turn It Off. Even if the kids aren't playing outside, maybe they'll read, play an instrument, play a game with the family. The possibilities are endless!!

The plight of a Barbie Doll, I mean "trophy wife"...

Jeri Thompson had to know this was coming:

"It's hard not to be defensive," she told People magazine in her first solo interview. "To think back on how hard you've worked, and all anybody thinks about is that you're a trophy wife."

In a story for Monday's issue, Thompson said: "I almost think they had to fabricate that trophy-wife stuff because there's nothing interesting to say."

.... she tells People: "I was never an older-man-dater kind of girl before."

Uh huh. If you don't want to be the trophy wife, start by knocking down the level of highlights in your hair or something.

In all honesty, that's the label and you've got to combat it with something more than a reputation for being a catty bitch to your husband's campaign staff. Or take your own advice and say something interesting.

I find it hard to cock my head and say "oh poor thing, so rich and beautiful, she has it so rough, poor little trophy wife."

Oh woe is she.

Who doesn't love the Onion?

2 funny:
Cheney in Love
How Black is D. McNabb?

Now, if only I could my political commentary into sarcasm....

Rosie, tuck it back in

Is anyone actually going to read this disaster of a "book"?

Rosie's Memoir Lets It All Hang Out:

Reading Celebrity Detox is like having a patient on the couch without the necessary medical degree to sort through what's insightful and what's just nutty.

This is a train wreck of a book — part self-help psychobabble, part searing memoir — by a grown woman who lost her mother as a child. (Oh Boo hoo-we all have issues.)

Score one for Rosie: She's the rare star willing to reveal her own insecurities and hubris. She writes openly about her ambivalence toward fame and money. She says she felt like an outsider on The View ("I was hugely threatening"), which she left after an on-air spat with Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

Like her or not, O'Donnell in Detox provides a big blast of fresh air in an industry that enshrines shallowness.

I'm sorry but Rosie epitomizes shallow. This is no score for anyone but her and the publishers' bank accounts. Her children will suffer the consequences of her actions, believe you me. The woman is a nut job and it's disappointing that consumers will actually read this garbage when there is so much quality literature out there worth experiencing.

Hey, wait a minute, I'm loud and obnoxious- can I get a book deal?

WOO HOO

U.S. Military Casualties in Iraq Fall to Lowest Since July '06

It's about time they reported some good news for a change.

Children as political pawns

When you see a few dozen children holding signs and marching holding their teachers' hands outside the White House, you expect them to be on a fun-filled educational field trip to the great city of Washington, D.C.

You would not expect the Service Employees International Union to be using them as political pawns, filling their vocabulary with chants they don't understand but robotically repeat, and dumping petitions on the drive of the White House in symbolic statement for SCHIP, a program they likely have no idea about. I can only assume they expected a juice box and some cookies after their excursion.

This is by no means a cutesy story- and the images on Fox News tonight were sad. Kudos to Senator Kennedy for pointing out these children were not in school, when they should have been learning their ABCs and 123s- not "protesting" something they don't yet understood.

It is disgusting to see such young impressional minds under the wrong impression.

I don't get her pep-talk speak

Nice picture, Fraley, but I have to elaborate.

Katie Couric sounds like a whiney cheerleader to me -but for the losing team. She seems to think that US expressions of patriotism are just too jubilant:

Speaking at the National Press Club Tuesday evening, CBS "Evening News" anchor Katie Couric pulled back the curtain on her personal views of both the war in Iraq and former “Evening News” anchor Dan Rather.

“Everyone in this room would agree that people in this country were misled in terms of the rationale of this war,” said Couric, adding that it is “pretty much accepted” that the war in Iraq was a mistake."

Oh, it's pretty much accepted, is it?

Just wait, she goes on:

"The former “Today” show anchor traced her discomfort with the administration’s march to war back to the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.

“The whole culture of wearing flags on our lapel and saying ‘we’ when referring to the United States and, even the ‘shock and awe’ of the initial stages, it was just too jubilant and just a little uncomfortable. And I remember feeling, when I was anchoring the ‘Today’ show, this inevitable march towards war and kind of feeling like, ‘Will anybody put the brakes on this?’ And is this really being properly challenged by the right people? And I think, at the time, anyone who questioned the administration was considered unpatriotic and it was a very difficult position to be in.”

Oh forgive us, Katie, for the waving stripes have hypnotized our nation into believe we are united as a "we." We're so sorry to have made you feel unconfortable.

"Couric referenced comments made by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday’s “The Charlie Rose Show,” and said she actually agreed with Ahmadinejad on one point. “Oftentimes Westerners don’t really understand fully the values of this particular culture,” said Couric. “And I think the jury is still out as to whether democracy can really thrive in Iraq.”"

Someone forgot to hand Katie her pompoms and "IRAN ROCKS" t-shirt.

Healthy Wisconsin has a Sick Senate

Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson told the conference committee Friday morning Dems are dropping Healthy Wisconsin "in the interest of moving the budget process forward."

Uh huh. What's the catch?

In its place, Dems offered a DHFS package that includes the cigarette tax increase, the hospital assessment and the BadgerCare expansion Gov. Jim Doyle had proposed.

Still sick.

Sunday Morning

Today on Sunday Morning, Newt Gingrich addressed Ms. Clinton's health care plan.

I value his idea that at this stage, we should be examining the candidates' plans for America- taking the time to analyze, point out the good parts, and question the bad.

We could use an independent group picking apart the various proposals from both sides of the aisle before we make ill-advised decisions on what is best for America.

Say what?

Giuliani answers his cell phone at the NRA meeting he addressed. Say what?

Where is this proper etiquette? Where is it even cute or likeable? I am quite disenchanted by this political ploy. If it wasn't planned, that means a number of things.
1. It's happened before- don't you think he should have learned from the first time and put the cell phone away?
2. The candidate is addressing a crowd-giving a formal speech. He shoud not have a cell phone on him. DUH, I say to his advisors.
3. It is rude to answer a cell phone during any kind of meeting or speech. Who do you value more? Are you a crackberry? It appears you are. Utter lack of manners.

If this was planned- it means a number of other things.
1. The advisors seem to believe Giuliani will appear cute and a family man- taking a call from his wife, considering her more important than anything he is doing at the time. While believed to be "cutesy" and "adorable," it actually is quite the opposite.
2. The advisors seem to think ANSWERING the cell phone is OK while the candidate is speaking. As does Giuliani himself. WHO SAID ANSWERING THE CELL PHONE DURING A SPEECH IS OK?

He should have silenced it, ignored it, or better yet- left it in the car.

Giuliani is simply unimpressive to me lately. He needs some new advisors. I don't think he impressed the NRA group much either.

Giuliani too Posh for me

Rudy Giuliani has recently rubbed me the wrong way -

1. His latest comment: "I'm probably one of the four or five best known Americans in the world." Talk about snooty. Fit for the British.

"Giuliani told reporters he has made 91 trips to 35 countries in five years and many governments seek him out for advice on security. He was given an honorary knighthood in 2002 by Queen Elizabeth II for his leadership after the Sept. 11 terror attacks."

Well, aren't we just the cat's meow.

and 2. He runs 2 hours late to an event because of passport paperwork issues...

and he still gets praised for turning the toilet that was NYC into a... non toilet?

Seems a little too prissy for me lately.

Back to the race card

Once again, it is the black leaders that play the race card.

I have no sympathy. You are not persecuted because you are an African American quarterback. You face the same Monday-morning criticism that the whities do. It's all in your head. You are doing just fine.

More propoganda for the left!

In a disturbing commentary by Ryan Yeomans of Central Connecticut State University- yes Ivy League indeed- I see the left stoop to a new low. Unsure of whether this will get him a coveted seat on the Clinton or Obama campaign, Yeomans drops below the left-wing, Anti-Americans in Congress even and attempts to push President Bush over Bin Laden on the level of "scariness" each poses to our freedom.

"Bush or bin Laden: Who is More Evil?" he asks, and continues, trying to equate cell-phone bill scrutiny with the Trade Towers crumbling like legos. Mr. Yeomans, you are severely off here.

Before I disect your mess of rhetoric, I am appalled that you encourage others to read the transcript of Osama bin Laden's video hate-message to America. This is the fundamental difference between the right and left. The left simply wants America to lose, to placate ourselves in the fact that other people hate us only because of who is in the White House right now. Need I remind you, they have hated us long before Bush was in the White House and will hate us no matter who follows him- Democrat or Republican. The reason they support the democrats in Congress for their words is because they are pro-terrorist in so many ways. A Clinton or an Obama in the Oval Office will only make it less threatening to come onto our soil and attack us once again. I will NOT apologize that my President desires to protect American lives and the wellbeing of our nation. I will NOT apologize that our troops are on the front lines, killing terrorists who despise us.

"The Bush administration was quick to respond to bin Laden’s first video appearance in three years by stating that he is useless, “aside from his ability to hide in caves and spread anti-American propaganda.” White House aide Frances Fragos Townsend went on to say that “This is a man on the run, from a cave, who’s virtually impotent other than these tapes.”

This statement causes me to seriously question the integrity of the White House’s reports. How can it be that a man with more wealth and power than most Americans and the ability to evade our searches for six years is really just hanging out in a cave all day? It seems to me that what bin Laden wants us to believe is exactly what the Bush administration thinks to be true."

Listen pal, you know a lot less than you think you do, and a lot less than our intelligence agencies and the leaders of our government. Drop it.

For some reason your idiocy continues.

"By claiming bin Laden to be “impotent,” they are using this video to mislead Americans into a false sense of security, even though the imminent danger of terrorism exists now more than ever because of Bush’s actions."

Yes, because of President Bush, we are more in danger. HARDLY. Because of President Bush we have not seen another attack on US soil. The response of the President only makes the terrorists angry because a)they can not win without being hunted, b) they live on the run in caves, hiding, cowardly, and c)they know that US resolve is greater than any minor scheme they can pull from their turbans.

Here, you have gone too far:

"As of late, if you were to bring up the president in a discussion you would find that many Americans disapprove of the decisions he has made. At the same time, Osama bin Laden presents many good arguments against the president and many of his reasons for disapproving of Bush are similar to those of anti-Bush Americans. Would it be wrong to assume that there is some kind of connection between feelings of the American people and those of Osama bin Laden? As I would love to make this connection, I ultimately cannot because of the actions of our president. If I were to say I agree with bin Laden, that would mean that I agree with a terrorist; under the Patriot Act, I could be labeled a potential terrorist and my phone could be tapped, and every move I make could be watched and analyzed.

In finding myself in this predicament, I questioned myself as to who the lesser evil actually is. I ask, “Who has done more damage to the lives of the American people?” Personally, I worry more about the next bad decision Bush is going to make than I worry about a potential Osama bin Laden organized terrorist attack."

It does sure seem you agree with the terrorists. Perhaps we should buy you a ticket instead to the next training camp with the likes Daniel Maldonado and John Walker Lindh -other Americans-turned-Terrorists.

Advocating that we abstain from pursuing terrorists on our homeland because it might threaten their rights (oh boo hoo their phone gets tapped!) and believing that Bush's decisions are worse than terrorist attacks at home is utterly irresponsible. You should be very afraid of the next Osama bin Laden organized attack. More importantly, you should be very afraid of what the government could do to you for defending a terrorist over our own President and Commander in Chief.

Those of you who take the opportunity of FREEDOM to bitch and moan about how the Patriot Act infringes on your rights, step back and be grateful you are allowed to criticize the government. Others around the world know nothing of that right. You are also allowed a voice and a vote for your elected leaders. Quit running your mouths and use your vote.

Does the left seems to believe that rhetoric like "the war is lost" and "I'm more afraid of Bush than Osama," will help us with the Global War on Terror? Do they want to win? No, Democrats would rather score political points while harming our national security. I am in awe of the amount of free speech and RIGHTS we DO have, amidst a war on terror in which the homefront should be nothing but bound together positively- instead we have Cindy Sheehans of the world, wasting time during which they could be bettering society and the Harry Reids who want nothing more than to see the demise of a single man who only wants what is best for our nation.

I will pray for you, Mr. Yeomans- that you may open your eyes and see the damage you and your little question of who is more evil are doing to American morale.