POST SCRIPTS

Posted by Post Scripts at 11:48 PM | Comments (0)

MAYOR, 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS VIOLATED RULES

by Jack Lee

BREAKING NEWS: A review of the Chico City Council's Policy and Proceedures indicate the Mayor and three City Council members have acted in violation of the rules and possibly unethically as well.

According to a provision in the rules governing the council agenda, established around 1998, the council should have placed the Global Warming Initiative under "Reports and Communication" before it became an agenda item. Under the Reports and Communication section it would normally have been summarized and then council could decide if they wished to place it on the agenda and this would have required a majority vote. Since the four liberals on the council appear to have joined forces, this may have only been a formality, yet it would have been an important step that might have allowed for more preparation before the issue came before a regular council session.

The basis for this proceedural rule came about when some cities introduced highly controversial issues that a municipality may have had little or no authority over, such as "Impeaching the President" or banning "Capital Punishment" or some such hot button topic that came in the form of a resolution or non-binding initiative, just to make a political statement during an election time.

The policy in question here provided a sort of buffer to keep the city council from being abused by such issues, special interests or even by a few of their own members, for political gain during an election year. The fact this policy wasn't followed and was skipped over tends to ad credence to the speculation that this latest vote on "Global Warming" became an opportunity for political grandstanding. At least two members of the city council members stood to gain some advantage with their base of supporters by pushing this initiative through without the usual debate and research, which is often referred to as "due dilligence." This angered Council members Bertagna, Wahl and Herbert, who wanted more discussion, saying they didn't have enough information to make an informed vote and were concerned this initiative could potentially obligate the city to a number of costly ventures. The two council members who stood to gain by fast tracking this issue were Maureen Kirk and Mayor Scott Gruendl. Not surprisingly, they were aided by the other two liberals on the city council, Holcombe and Schwab, which caused a council divided once again between liberals and conservatives, although the council is supposed to be by definition a non-partisan elected body.

The timing and methodology by the four council members wreaks of manipulation and this brings discredit to the City and this Council. They used this election time opportunity to cozy up to a special interest group and voted in an initiative that has still not been fully explained and leaves some of the other council members wondering what costs may be in store for the city if this initiative is sustained and it's influence fully exploited.

Gruendl, Kirk, Holcombe and Schwab.... you have recklessly violated the rules and it appears you have done so for your own self serving agendas and not for the public good. The people of the City of Chico deserved better and now that this little charade has been exposed, I expect we'll get better.

Posted by Post Scripts at 01:00 PM | Comments (7)

"Aspire to inspire before you expire"

Posted by Post Scripts at 08:55 AM | Comments (0)

WORDS OF WISDOM (Chico City Council story)

This is a follow up post by Anthony Watts that is in the comments section on "Suckers or Sellouts". This was so good I didn't want you to miss it. So here you go:

by Anthony Watts

Well if you look at the looming budget deficit for the City of Chico, its not likely there will be much funding available to pull any of this Global Warming initiative off anyway.

The City has started spending more than it takes in with tax revenue. Take the City Park Plaza overrun for example. For the whole City budget, there is a 1.5 million deficit for the budget year 2006/2007, and if revenue projections hold, that deficit may balloon over the next ten years for a net loss of 40-50 million.

Regardless of whether you think this Global Warming initiative idea is a good one or not, the one immutable fact is that deficit spending in local government eventually creates a day of reckoning.

Living beyond your means to fund dreams, eventually causes nightmares, no matter what side of the political bed you wake up on.

We should elect people that get their financial house in order first. Lets hope that whomever gets elected on November 7th doesn't resort to creating new taxes as a way to correct past financial mistakes.

Posted by Post Scripts at 08:01 AM | Comments (2)

October 19, 2006

"Blessed are those who can give without
remembering and take without forgetting."

Posted by Post Scripts at 07:58 PM | Comments (0)

Kirk, Gruendl, Holcombe, Schwab - Suckers or Sellouts?

by Jack Lee

Last night our 4 liberal Chico City Council members rolled over and obligated us to a number of steps demanded in a resolution on Global Warming. This was brought to them by a small group of people that seemed caught up in the hysteria surrounding this subject . It was voted on without the usual due dilligence, much to the chagrin of the 3 sensible council members who simply wanted to know all the details before a vote was taken.

The Council has more than enough on it's plate
without going off on a tangent everytime
some special interest group barks at them!

This whole thing started with Greg Nickel, the controversial mayor from Seattle. Here are a few things you should know about Greg so you'll understand why three councilmembers might have been hesitant on approving anything he was pushing: Nickel is facing ethics violations charges for illegally using city funds and a City Hall production crew to record a video promoting a multi-billion dollar tunnel project that the city doesn’t even need. Nickel cost his citizens million in cost overruns for his pet projects and it's still growing. But, it gets worse, much worse and his spending is ruining the city. Now he's off on this global warming kick, but not before proclaiming his city a "sanctuary for illegals". This has put Seattle at odds with Homeland Security and Immigration, not to mention contributing to a sharp rise in violent crime in the city. Gun crime rose 25 percent last year in Seattle, and it's up another 12 percent this year, thanks in no small measure to Mayor Nickel's policies. This is your poster boy for the movement our Chico City Council signed onto last night. Isn't that just great?

The Council should have never rushed into this, Mayor Gruendl was totally wrong and Councilmen Dan Herbert, Steve Bertagna and Larry Wahl were right when they asked for more information before taking a vote. This was a big committment and there was much to consider, but these four wouldn't take the time for a decent evaluation.

"This has nothing to do with supporting or not supporting it. I had no information to go on tonight," Herbert said. He also noted he felt the 34 people who spoke Tuesday night were done a "disservice" because he wasn't prepared to ask questions and follow along with their testimony. Said the ER article in today's paper.

Gruendl said Wednesday, "I really think it puts the city of Chico on the map as a front leader in embracing the environment." It puts us on the map alright, but not necessarily in a good way. It just tells people how emotion driven the liberals on the city council have become and how quick they are to pander to the far left.

Councilmen Dan Herbert and Steve Bertagna stressed that they incorporate environment-friendly and energy-saving strategies into their personal and professional lives. Herbert also noted that Chico was already pursuing sustainable practices that put to shame the cities listed by supporters as examples of what the resolution achieved.

Gruendl, Andy Holcombe, Ann Schwab and Maureen Kirk didn't let the council do their normal research and leaped into this one way too quick, because they were pandering to the liberal left. I suspect Kirk and Gruendl were hoping to buy some votes with this charade. We deserve better and I hope you remember this come Nov. 8th.

NOTE: Several years ago the City Council decided not to address issues that did not pertain directly to city business, especially in the final month before an election. This was to remove any hint of impropriety because such issues were an open invitation to political grandstanding, especially by persons running for re-election or another elected office. These four, Kirk, Gruendl, Holcombe and Schwab ignored thier own rules for ethics and did it anyway.

Posted by Post Scripts at 01:36 PM | Comments (17)

October Surprise

by Jack Lee

In yet another poll, sponsored by NBC and the Wall Street Journal, the approval rate by voters for Congress has dropped to 16%. This is the lowest number since this poll began 17 years ago and greatly eclipses the low Democrat poll numbers that swept Republicans into power in 1994. Some conservative news pundents have been hinting of a possible "October Surprise" that could bring about a reversal of fortunes for the beseiged GOP. Some in the know are saying, a surprise that is anything short of the capture of Osama bin Laden, probably won't help much.

Recently Rush Limbaugh said on his radio show, the "Drive By Media" has been predicting a complete GOP rout and they are furious that President Bush discounts their predictions and has offered a prediction of his own, that it's not that bad and the GOP will hold on to both houses. This is driving the media wild with rage, says Rush and he went on to advise us, either Bush and his advisers are totally out of touch and delusional or you have to believe the media is so biased they are just not reporting the facts. That they are distorting the real story because of their own bias in an covert effort to help Democrats win the election. Here's a poll link or read this next story on the same poll....

"WASHINGTON -- With just 19 days until the midterm elections, a new poll shows both President Bush and his party in worse shape among voters than Democrats were in the October before they lost control of Capitol Hill a dozen years ago.

Support for the Republican-led Congress has eroded to its lowest point since the party's watershed 1994 victory that brought it House and Senate majorities.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll illustrates the political toll Republicans are paying for rising discontent over the Iraq war, as well as a spate of scandals including the disclosure that Republican House leaders knew of inappropriate emails to House pages from Florida Rep. Mark Foley, who resigned late last month. Voters' approval of Congress has fallen to 16% from 20% since early September, while their disapproval has risen to 75% from 65%.

IN THE POLLS

• Graphic: Bush's approval ratings across multiple polls

• See the full poll results. (Adobe Acrobat required)

• Battlegrounds: Who's ahead in the most hotly contested Senate and gubernatorial races? Dig into the latest Zogby poll data.

That 16% rating statistically matches Congress's lowest point in the 17 years the Journal and NBC have polled, set in April 1992 when Democrats were in control and suffering from a scandal involving lawmakers' overdrafts from the House bank. The latest results set other records for the Journal/NBC surveys, all ominous for Republicans -- "a harbinger," in the words of Journal/NBC pollster Peter Hart, "of what's ahead for the incumbent party. It's as simple as that."

Posted by Post Scripts at 08:36 AM | Comments (0)

October 18, 2006

Stingray Stabs Another Man Near Heart

MIAMI - A leaping stingray stabbed an 81-year-old Florida boater in the chest, authorities said on Wednesday, leaving its poisonous stinger lodged close to his heart in an incident recalling the one that killed Australian TV naturalist Steve Irwin last month.

Fire Department officials in Lighthouse Point, about 30 miles (48 km) north of Miami, said James Bertakis was in a small recreational boat with two grandchildren on Tuesday when the spotted eagle ray leaped aboard and struck him.

“It’s just a real freak thing,� Lt. Mike Sullivan told Reuters, saying the incident occurred on Florida’s Intercoastal Waterway, where stingrays are rarely seen leaping in the air.

Posted by Post Scripts at 09:25 PM | Comments (0)

BORDER FENCE UPDATE

by Jack Lee

The Washington Post article below is not as bad for the GOP as it may have been intended to be. The border fence is being built (thats good) and they are trying to do it smarter using the virtual fence concept, (thats good too). I never really supported that it be a completely solid structure anyway, as a solid fence can be easily breeched while giving some of us a false sense that it's more secure than it really is. Some of it has to be high tech using detection devices instead of fencing. The downside is, Congress wants some of the immigration issues worked out first, which could lead to considerably delay. So keep all that in mind when you read the latest on the border fence construction:

"No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border last week than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built, at least not as advertised, according to Republican lawmakers and immigration experts. GOP leaders have singled out the fence as one of the primary accomplishments of the recently completed session. Many lawmakers plan to highlight their $1.2 billion down payment on its construction as they campaign in the weeks before the midterm elections.

But, shortly before recessing late Friday, the House and Senate gave the Bush administration leeway to distribute the money to a combination of projects -- not just the physical barrier along the southern border. The funds may also be spent on roads, technology and "tactical infrastructure" to support the Department of Homeland Security's preferred option of a "virtual fence."

What's more, in a late-night concession to win over wavering Republicans, GOP congressional leaders pledged in writing that Native American tribes, members of Congress, governors and local leaders would get a say in "the exact placement" of any structure, and that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff would have the flexibility to use alternatives "when fencing is ineffective or impractical."

The loopholes leave the Bush administration with authority to decide where, when and how long a fence will be built, except for small stretches east of San Diego and in western Arizona. Homeland Security officials have proposed a fence half as long, lawmakers said.

"It's one thing to authorize. It's another thing to actually appropriate the money and do it," said HYPERLINK "http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/c001056/"Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.). The fine-print distinction between what Congress says it will do and what it actually pays for is a time-honored result of the checks and balances between lawmakers who oversee agencies and those who hold their purse strings.

Political calculations In this case, it also reflects political calculations by GOP strategists that voters do not mind the details, and that key players -- including the administration, local leaders and the Mexican government -- oppose a fence-only approach, analysts said.

President Bush signed the $34.8 billion homeland security budget bill Wednesday in Scottsdale, Ariz., without referring to the 700-mile barrier. Instead, he highlighted the $1.2 billion that Congress provided for an unspecified blend of fencing, vehicle barriers, lighting and technology such as ground-based radar, cameras and sensors.

"That's what the people of this country want," the president said. "They want to know that we're modernizing the border so we can better secure the border."

Bush and Chertoff have said repeatedly that enforcement alone will not work and that they want limited dollars spent elsewhere, such as on a temporary-worker program to ease pressure on the border. At an estimated $3 million to $10 million per mile, the double-layered barrier will cost considerably more than $1.2 billion.

HYPERLINK "http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/g000445/"Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), who chairs the Senate subcommittee that funds the Department of Homeland Security, said that before the legislation was approved, the department had planned to build 320 miles of fencing, secure 500 miles of hard-to-traverse areas by blocking roads and monitor electronically the rest of the 2,000-mile-long southern frontier.

"I think there'll be fencing where the department feels that it makes sense," Gregg said, estimating that "at least 300 to 400 miles" will be built.

Congress withheld $950 million of the $1.2 billion, pending a breakdown by Chertoff of how he plans to spend the money. It is due in early December, after the midterm elections.

'Virtual fence'
Asked whether Homeland Security would build 700 miles of fence, department spokesman Russ Knocke would not say. Instead, he noted that department leaders announced last month that they will spend $67 million to test a remote-sensing "virtual fence" concept on a 28-mile, high-traffic stretch of border south of Tucson over eight months, and then adjust their plans.

"We plan to build a little and test a little. . . . Stay tuned," Knocke said. "We're optimistic that Congress is going to provide the department with flexibility."

The split between GOP leaders hungry for a sound-bite-friendly accomplishment targeting immigration and others who support a more comprehensive approach also means that the fence bill will be watered down when lawmakers return for a lame-duck session in November, according to congressional aides and lobbyists.

The office of HYPERLINK "http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/h001016/"Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) yesterday released a letter from House Speaker J. HYPERLINK "http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/h000323/"Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and Senate Majority Leader HYPERLINK "http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/f000439/"Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) promising to ensure that Chertoff has discretion over whether to build a fence or choose other options. Homeland Security officials must also consult with U.S., state and local representatives on where structures are placed.

The letter was inserted in the Congressional Record on Friday night because Congress ran out of time to reach a final deal, aides said.

"State and local officials in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas should not be excluded from decisions about how to best protect our borders with their varying topography, population and geography," Hutchison said in a statement added to the record.

Congress also hedged on when a fence would be completed. The law mandating it said Homeland Security officials should gain "operational control" of the border in 18 months. But the law funding it envisions five years. Chertoff has set a goal of two to three years, but only after completion of an immigration overhaul.

Staff writer Peter Baker contributed to this report.
© 2006 The Washington Post Company

Posted by Post Scripts at 08:32 PM | Comments (4)

Carrots, Eggs or Coffee, which one are you?

Submitted by TinManB:

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. So, her mother took her to the kitchen, she filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she...

placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners.

She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter she asked "Tell me, what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked "What does it mean, mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?" Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

Ah, to achieve the status of coffee!

Posted by Post Scripts at 08:17 PM | Comments (1)

Three Things to Ponder-for the Common Good

by Tina Grazier

1. James Toranto reports a "new" liberal democrat slogan: "common good"

"It's a core value that we think organizes the entire political agenda for progressives... With the rise of materialism, greed and corruption in American society, people want a return to a better sense of community--sort of a shared sacrifice, a return to the ethic of service and duty." John Halpin, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress.

Rise of materialism? Only during republican terms of course! And with these guys it's always about greed...but so many of them have lots and lots of money...so maybe it's really about their GUILT. Why should we let them decide how we should live and what to do with our money? Guilt is a lousy reason to make law...and a lousier reason to think they really care about the common good. And a rise in corruption? They wrote the book ...decades ago...this high road stuff doesn't quite fit in the progressive bag of tricks.

2. National Review's "The Week" reveals a new high in higher education:

"Washington State University now has a Chief Diversity Officer with a full time staff of 55 and a $3 million annual budget"

...so that's where the education dollars go, right down a diversity hole pretending to be for the common good!

3. Phyllis Schlafly points out that sometimes things take patience, commitment, time and...talk about a strong will:

"With hindsight, we can now see that the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 started the unraveling of Soviet communism that finally came to pass in 1991."

Good thing they didn't loose heart, go hide in the corner...or cut and run!!! Imagine democracy in the Middle East, as long as you're in to "imagining" for the common good!

Posted by Post Scripts at 08:02 AM | Comments (2)

October 17, 2006

U.S. Confirms N.K. Nuclear Test

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration confirmed on Monday for the first time that North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test last week. The office of National Intelligence Director John Negroponte said radioactive

materials found in air samples confirmed the test.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed concern that North Korea might be planning a second test. "We're watching it," she told reporters. "I hope they would not take such a provocative act."

In a statement, Negroponte's office said the blast was small by standards of nuclear tests; less than 1 kiloton. Each kiloton is equal to the force produced by 1,000 tons of TNT. The bomb the United States dropped on Hiroshima was 15 kilotons.

The confirmation came as Rice prepared to visit Japan, South Korea and China this week to try to shore up efforts by Asian allies to punish North Korea.

A United Nations Security Council resolution passed Saturday calls for nations to prevent North Korea from buying or selling specified weapons and technology. The measure also bans some luxury goods from North Korea and freezes funds outside the country that are associated with weapons programs.

Posted by Post Scripts at 12:47 PM | Comments (0)

North Korea's Tactical Ability

This came from the comments section by poster Nick F., I believe his comments give a uniquely qualfied perspective to this subject. So, here you go:

"It has been interesting to see all the reporting, speculation, predictions etc. etc. surrounding the new developments concerning North Korean capabilities and intentions. My first inclination is to just redirect everyone back to Jacks post if you want a comprehensive analysis, but since I can't seem to keep from giving my opinion, I've decided to write about what I have observed and experienced.

I noticed the other day, that as the news was reporting about the latest developments concerning NK's nuclear weapons development; they mentioned that NK started their nuclear weapons program in 2002. The only way a professional journalism outlet could air something that absurd, was if it was calculated. They certainly didn't get that figure from any reputable government agency, which has been well aware of North Korean nuclear weapons program dating back to the beginning of the second term of the Clinton Administration. Of course reporting facts about North Koreas development of WMD would be more harmful to Clintons legacy rather than GW's administration, and why would the media let the facts get in the way of a good story.

So North Korea has Nuclear weapons...maybe. This is certainly a security concern for the United States, but it is a much larger concern for South Korea and Japan. So for those of you who are wondering why we haven't dedicated more time and attention to North Korea, there is part of your answer.

North Korea is run by a demagogue to be sure. I am not convinced however, that the man is insane. North Korea only produces about 65-70% of the food stuffs it requires to feed its population. Extorting money from the west and more closely from westernized Asian markets like their rich neighbors to the south and east has become their economic strategy of choice. In addition to the benefits that North Korea enjoys from blackmailing their neighbors, China enjoys the prestige they receive by constantly intervening on behalf of their miserable little lap dog. Isn't it funny how every time North Korea decides to cause trouble for the region, the two chief beneficiaries are always South Korea in the from of economic concessions, and China in the way of political concessions.

The potential for North Korea to hand off nuclear weapons to terrorists is far more limited and suspect than say Iran. So I for one believe their testing to be centered around their desire to acquire concessions. And why shouldn't they expect them? Clinton was more than happy to give into their demands in the 90's. And after being shown up by a tin pot dictator he was hailed by this countries media as some sort of diplomatic wiz. Forget the fact that North Korea reneged on the deal before the ink was wet on the contract. In true Neville Chamberlain fashion we appeased a militant dictator, then low and behold he didn't live up to his end of the bargain. We remember Chamberlain as a sub standard politician. I wonder how this misstep by the Clinton administration will eventually be remembered by historians.

Jack made good comparisons of North Korea and South Korean equipment. Now admittedly, I havent ever worked with the North Korean Army, but I have had an opportunity to train with elements of the South Korean military. In addition to this I have had a chance to see much of the South Korean portion of the peninsula. I have also done a bit of research of each military, their capabilities, and potential strategic goals of a North Korean invasion.

Based on these considerations it is my opinion that the North simply doesn't stand a chance against the South with, or without US assistance in a prolonged military action. Even with the benefit of nuclear weapons and the potential devastation they could wrought on the south Korean population, North Korea simply does not, in and of itself posses the economy, or the allies to fight the type of war that would be necessary to defeat the south Korean military and subdue her population.

The Korean peninsula illustrates probably better than any other world example the superiority of free enterprise and democratic government with the rule of law over a centrally planned, despotism. Because of the economic differences South Korea posses the ability to replace losses far faster and efficiently than the North could. I wouldn't want to be any where near the opening barrage of a North Korean Invasion, but I do not believe they would even be able to take Seoul. North Korean Supply lines would come under constant attack and they simply would not be able to adequately provide for the massive army they would undoubtedly send over the border.

Even the idea of North Korea actually utilizing nuclear weapons to achieve this goal is somewhat in question. While their is little doubt that North Korea would use nuclear weapons as a last ditch effort to protect the collapse of the regime, it is far less certain that they would use such a weapon to devastate the economic center they wish to possess.

I'd be interested in hearing other points.

Maybe Libby can flip out again, that was amusing. Once again she shows a careful combination of ignorance tempered by an extreme arrogance, which suggests that the research she has conducted is comprised of flipping through the political section of Rolling Stone Magazine."

Posted by Post Scripts at 12:22 PM | Comments (15)

AS THEN-EVEN NOW

by Tina Grazier

“Let us recollect, that peace or war, will not always be left to our options. . .To judge from the history of mankind, we shall be compelled to conclude, that the fiery and destructive passions of war, reign in the human breast, with much more powerful sway, than the mild and beneficial sentiments of peace; and, that to model our political systems upon speculations of lasting tranquility, is to calculate on the weaker springs of the human character.� Alexander Hamilton

“Americans and other Westerners who want their families to enjoy the blessings of life in a free society should understand that the life we've led since 1945 in the Western world is very rare in human history. Our children are unlikely to enjoy anything so placid, and may well spend their adult years in an ugly and savage world unless we decide that who and what we are is worth defending.� Mark Steyn from his new book, America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It

We did not ask for this war. The battle against terrorists is not one “left to our options�. And, indeed failure to engage in and win this war will leave our children “an ugly and savage world�. I don’t know how it is for you but it was never my plan to spend my “senior� years worrying about “wars and rumors of wars�. There’s no sense, however, in trying to hide from the reality before us. Some can do little more than offer our best hopes and wishes to our troops, our government and all those around the world who have joined with us in our desire to defend the desire to live in peace, neighbor to neighbor. Let us please at least be willing to support the effort, we can do that much.

“…global struggle against terrorism…will last a generation and more. But this I believe passionately: We will not win until we shake ourselves free of the wretched capitulation to the propaganda of the enemy-that somehow we are the ones responsible…If we retreat now, hand Iraq over to al Qaeda and the Taliban, we won’t be safer; we will be committing a craven act of surrender that will put our future security in the deepest peril� PM Tony Blair

Time does not alter or change the propensities of men and we cannot always choose our circumstances. But we can choose who will take the lead for us in this fight. The coming elections are important. Since the beginning of this war the democrats have been wishy-washy on the one hand and wobbly on the other. The choice is clear. As it was in Hamilton’s time, so it is now. We must “calculate on the weaker springs of human nature�. We must accept the reality of the terrorists intent and fortify as best we can by choosing the stronger candidates.

Posted by Post Scripts at 08:17 AM | Comments (0)

October 16, 2006

Posted by Post Scripts at 01:50 PM | Comments (0)

Democracy in Libya-Imagine That

by Tina Grazier

On May 15th of this year the State Department announced that the US would restore full diplomatic relations with Libya following full cooperation by Muamar Quadaffi in disclosing and dismantling his WMD programs. The incredible possibility of a democratic Libya and the example it would set for the region and in the world has gone relatively unnoticed by the press. There has been more good news out of Libya in past weeks but this too has not merited a mention. Perhaps the news is too encouraging to imagine, or as Dr. Wheeler said, "So far, there has not been a single word of this in the Western press. Probably because the democra-tization of a radical Islamic state would be seen as a triumph for George Bush."

On August 29th Mohammed Buisier arrived by plane in Benghazi Libya. He was greeted with great fanfare and escorted to his hotel where he formally called for the peaceful removal of Libya's totalitarian form of government to be replaced with democracy. Mr. Buisier, a former political prisoner and exiled dissident, has been advocating for
democracy in Libya for years. His presence was requested by Qadaffi himself. He came to speak at a conference, Transformation from Revolution to State, hosted by Qadaffi's son, Saif al-Islam. Al-Islam has studied at the London School of Economics and at the University of Vienna where he discovered and embraced the teachings of Ludvick von
Mises and Friedrich Hayek. Saif al-Islam has been quoted as calling for freedom in Libya, freedom of speech, press, religion and assembly.

This is amazing news. Free countries prosper and, at least so far, do not make war on one another. Now, if people in the US and around the world would develop a little backbone and get on board with the "out of the box" idea that freedom works for everyone maybe we'd begin to see a domino effect in the region. If you're one of those who pasted that "imagine" bumper sticker on your car do us all a favor...try to imagine this...democracy in the Middle East!

Reference: DEMOCRACY IN LIBYA?

Written by Dr. Jack Wheeler To The Point Newsletter

Posted by Post Scripts at 01:18 PM | Comments (3)

Refuting 650,000 Deaths-Good Work on the Blogs

by Tina Grazier

This is an excellent post found at the blog "Flares Into Darkness":

Flawed methodology, flawed results. Worst of the Lancet.

"I feel quite confident that anyone questioning the number of violent deaths reported in the recent Lancet article Mortality after the 2003 invasion of Iraq: a cross-sectional cluster sample survey will be said by some (those for whom a bigger number is better, perhaps?) to be merely partisan. Pointing out to these people that Les Roberts, who "instigated the study and assisted with the analysis and interpretation of the data and the writing of the manuscript" is blatantly partisan himself, publicly says that he is against the war, and campaigned as a Democrat for a seat in the House of Representatives before pulling out in May of this year, is unlikely to get past that."

Read the article here

...or, if that ones too long and complicated just think logically as DontFeedTheTrolls, a poster on Newsbusters did:

"The numbers in that study are 100% FALSE. Do the math. 3 (oh, what the heck, lets be generous) 4 years equals (4x365=1460). 650,000 divided by 1460 equals 445. That would be a rough figure of 445 deaths per day, average. That would mean some days with the death toll above 500! When have you ever seen a death toll (the press loves those) anywhere near that number per day? You haven't and you won't. This is just another lie foisted upon those who don't dig a little deeper."

Posted by Post Scripts at 01:16 PM | Comments (2)

October 15, 2006

WORLD RECORD!

Amazing video, must see to believe! lol

Posted by Post Scripts at 04:45 PM | Comments (1)

October 14, 2006

NO TRUER WORDS....

Excerpted from a post by Tina....

"What I believe is that we can't expect them (politicians) to rise above it all as long as the public generally is tolerant and accepting of bad behavior. People who are asking that we raise standards of behavior in our society are mistakenly accused of being purely moralistic. On a personal level this is probably true but on a societal level the demands have more to do with creating a structure that supports people in making positive decisions for their lives. It has to do with creating a support structure that makes it possible for even the most humble citizen to reach a level of success that is higher than he ever dreamed. It's about creating a support structure that makes it possible for the very gifted among us to make major contributions in science and art and yes, even in public service. It's about creating an environment that rewards good behavior and achievment and punishes bad such that the choice to do bad is repugnant to the individual.

We the people have failed to uphold high standards. We the people have given in to prurient interests and excused or even celebrated decadence. We have "played" selfishly while our children were left to raise themselves. We have failed to take an interest in their formal education and tolerated the decline in basic education in favor of feel

good education. We have abandoned almost completely the notion of respecting elders and persons of authority. Manners have gone out the window.

If we can't find good people to represent us then we need look no further than our own mirrors for the reason. Some have contributed in big ways others in only small ways and...we are all responsible.

Which is why I keep saying it isn't the people in politics I support. I support the principles and goals of my party. When our representatives let us down we should deal with them swiftly and move on. Principles and goals require a long term commitment...some would say never ending!

The elections coming up are very important. The "art" of politics will get dirtier as we get closer to voting day. We must train ourselves to focus on issues and support those people who best represent us with regard to those issues. Terrorism/borders, taxes/economy, and Supreme Court appointments are three huge issues, The two parties have very different ideas about all three and the direction they promise to take us will affect our lives more than ever before. We must choose wisely now, it will matter for decades to come.

We will always have an opportunity to expose and remove those who break the law or comport themselves badly. We will not easily change the direction of the court as three more judges need replacing in the next few years. Raised taxes will kill the economy within six to ten years...yes it takes time to turn an economy in either direction. The war effort, which could take decades, requires a commited approach. "

Posted by Post Scripts at 09:04 AM | Comments (12)

October 13, 2006

A Culture of Corruption

by Jack Lee

While democrats point out Bush's low voter approval numbers, down to a mere 34%, congress rates even lower at a pathetic 30%. What's worse is, nearly 75% of those polled felt members of Congress see themselves above the law. This looks like it's a pox upon BOTH their houses and that isn't good for America.

Thanks mainly to Congressman Foley, "Fewer Republicans, though, now say they are enthusiastic about voting in

November, and fewer expect their party to win the most seats this year. Overall, 59 percent of voters, including 41 percent of Republicans, expect the Democrats to pick up seats in the House in November." Said CBS. Obviously the two most recent Congressional scandals have really hurt the GOP. However, in the overall number of corruption scandals, the Democratic Party is the clear winner. They have no right to preach to the GOP about morals, that privilage must now fall to the voters and if they are smart, they will start voting the bums out of office, right and left!

It pains me to even bring this stuff up, but it's for the good of the country that we all see the big picture when it comes to corruption, not just what the democrats push for political gains. Remember Congressman William Jefferson and the money in the freezer? How about Gary Studds (Congressional Page incident), Barney Frank (prostitution incident) or how about New Jersey Gov. James. E. McGreevey...he hired a $100,000 a year male employee just for sex. These are all democrats and there are tons more. Want to refresh your memory about all the democratic scandals in the past few decades so you have some sense of balance while considering the recent GOP scandals? Check out this site.

It's been suggested that the smartest thing we could do is just vote em all out and start over. I can't find a lot of fault with that either...in fact it becomes more appealing the closer we get to election time.

Posted by Post Scripts at 01:19 PM | Comments (4)

Nuclear Test - Update

Latest air sampling does not show radiation. That was the news from recent U.S. flights near North Korea, however scientists are not ready to declare North Korea's blast was faked. In 2-3 more days we will know much more.

Posted by Post Scripts at 10:01 AM | Comments (3)

American's Don't Like Liberal Talk Radio?

by Jack Lee

The left-wing's answer to popular right leaning talk shows, Air America Radio, just filed for Chapter 11, thus proving what we knew all along: Bashing our country, sucking up to our enemies and preaching doom and gloom, somehow doesn't resonate well with most Americans. Now, who wouldda guess that one???

Most people who have tuned in to talk radio in the past 30 years are better informed and more involved in the democratic process than those who don't, that's a given. So, when Air America arrived on the scene two years ago to penetrate this huge market, they had to lure away fans from the top 10 talk shows. Their message didn't cut it. True to form they are still in denial, they say their trouble doesn't come from their message. It's right-wing radio station managers, it's a conspiracy by fatcat corporations, it's GOP operatives, it's anything else, .....but it can't be OUR LEFTIST MESSAGE!

Air America claimed they would be welcomed by a public desperate to escape all the rightwing radio shows that have been enjoying huge ratings. They told their original sponsors that Air America was on a fast track and growing exponentially, they were going to sweep over the country to chagrin of people like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannady. Instead, bill collectors are threatening to knock them off the air. They've been in turmoil almost since the beginning and they went through several CEO's to no avail and fought off a host of financial problems until Friday, when it all came crashing down.

What happened to all those listeners? Where are all those sponsors?

It was just one month ago that spokesman Al Franken, denied Air America was close to filing bankruptcy. Then in a recent AP story, "On Friday, Air America spokeswoman Jaime Horn told The Associated Press that the filing became necessary only recently after negotiations with a creditor from the company's early days broke down." Air America will remain on the air while they beg for the type of relief that kept those non-competitive communist companies going in the old USSR.

Posted by Post Scripts at 08:57 AM | Comments (5)

October 12, 2006

We may not win...

This comment was worth page 1. Jack

This is from Tina, who replied to this question: ""How do we win when the left encourages the terrorists by running down our government and calling our President the worlds biggest terrorist?"

We may not win...we may not survive...that's a given when people are being raised to believe that killing other people honors them and their families and provides a stairway to heaven where 40 virgins await the testosterone overload that is a young man's brainl! That's a given when Americans are cavalier in their attitudes and forget that in America an election happens and the winner becomes the LEADER...we have asked him to take

the responsibility and make the decisions, particularly in times of war. There are times for discussion and debate and contest...this isn't one of them...but they don't care.

But to answer your question you are doing exactly what one person can do when we find ourselves in these circumstances. Continue to inform yourself and expose and defeat the enemies of freedom and decency...wherever they may be.

I keep wondering how differently this war would have gone if liberals around the world had either gagged themselves or taken a firm and absolute stand against terrorists and supporters of terrorism. The war effort turned not because we got bogged down but because the people went wobbly...the people are the power to be feared in an effort because of their will. The troops are empowered to do the hard work because of the support (power) behind them. Liberals just don't get that that's how