December 2007 Archives

Opinion on Thompson

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from Nick F

Thomas Sowell on Fred Thompson...

"Fred Thompson seems to have the best policy positions and the best political track record among the Republican candidates -- and the least effective presentation of himself."

"If Senator Thompson can beat the odds and become president, he would probably be better than most of those who have been in the White House in recent times -- though that is not extravagant praise."

Its not the most glowing "endorsement" of a candidate Ive seen, but Ill take it!!

An Opinion on Ethics

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Opinion by Mr. Manswell

The fundamental problem with individuals who defend their party's political misdeeds by blaming or comparing them to the opposition's equally questionable practices (Jefferson and Doolittle are BOTH crooks) is they sustain and exacerbate the issues.

Do not expect any changes until Americans start thinking like individuals instead of emotionally reacting along political affiliations. To defend Bush by pointing out Clinton's weaknesses does nothing positive. The intellectual immaturity of the majority of Americans is scary. What this country needs is a third party, a truly viable third party comprised of people willing to bring about radical changes to the "machine" that has slowly but surely eroded the principles upon which this country was originally founded. Take the time to read the Constitution, instead of reading People magazine and watching Entertainment Tonight.

Hyper-Sensitive Angry People

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by Jack Lee

anthraxia.jpgIt was a casual remark and it was taken wrongly by a hyper-sensitive angry type person - has it ever happened to you?

I think it happens with more regularity these days than ever before. I wonder if this is a result of the "me" generation? Case in point, a bunch of my family members decided to go out to lunch Saturday. Among them is a cousin, lets just call her Anthraxia so I don't embarrass her by using her real name. So I said to [Anthraxia], "Those are nice boots". She's wearing new Ugs, ("Ug" is not a comment it's a brand...I need to make that clear!) And she just stares daggers at me with a snarl on her face. (Yikes...what did I say wrong?)

As we are taking orders for the food Anthraxia announces she doesn't want to eat now. (But, we are all out to eat lunch? I think.) Knowing Anthraxia as I do, her refusal is usually a signal she is upset at someone. So, as a

Sunday's Words of Wisdom

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Cow pies are not pies

After Christmas Poem

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'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

The Case of the Deadly Binoculars

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by Jack Lee

RE: Binoculars, U.S. Mil Code 00002368111120, classification restricted military device, authority Department of Defense, Military Procurement Division of the United States Army.

This true story unfolds in 2002 when I was dealing in military arms, surplus junk some might think, stuff I bought off the internet. My supplier of military hardware this time was the U.S. Government. On this one otherwise unremarkable cold winter day, I had my sights set on procuring a deadly set of .....binoculars!

Ok, so other international arms dealers were no doubt aware this "special" no-so-secret item was about to become, shall we say...available? Yes, let's say "available". (The plot thickens...read on)


State Senate President Pro Tem Perata Carjacked

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State Sen. Perata unharmed in carjacking, by Henry K. Lee, San Francisco Chronicle

Oakland -- State Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata was carjacked at gunpoint from his state car in North Oakland Saturday. Perata, 62, of Oakland was unharmed in the incident, which happened at about 1:45 p.m. as he was stopped in his state-leased red 2006 Dodge Charger at a red light at 51st Street and Shattuck Avenue.

One site had this to say about the vehicle:

The 2006 Dodge Charger is a fun drive… Our biggest concern while testing Chargers…was how readily we settled into an 80-mph cruise.

My first thought? Why is this man driving a red Dodge Charger...on our dime...and in Oakland for heavens sake?!!!

Seems to me this car is the perfect target for a carjacker.

God Squad Goes After Satan

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The Pope has ordered his bishops to set up exorcism squads to tackle the rise of Satanism.

Vatican chiefs are concerned at what they see as an increased interest in the occult.

They have introduced courses for priests to combat what they call the most extreme form of "Godlessness."
Each bishop is to be told to have in his diocese a number of priests trained to fight demonic possession.

The initiative was revealed by 82-year-old Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican "exorcistinchief," to the online Catholic news service Petrus.

"Thanks be to God, we have a Pope who has decided to fight the Devil head-on," he said.

Want To Be the Life of The Party?

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Here are some tips for becoming the life of the party this New Years:

1. Make eye contact
2. Have a good opener
3. Avoid nervous habits
4. Prepare in advance
5. Keep your conversations short and sweet
6. Be funny
7. Listen more than you talk
8. Suggest a group activity

Here's a Tip to Keep Your Brain Young!

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The next time you grill chicken, roast a leg of lamb or sauté vegetables, sprinkle on some rosemary. This herb not only makes food taste good, but also appears to offer protection to the brain from stroke and neurodegeneration due to injurious chemical free radicals, according to a collaborative study from the Burnham Institute for Medical Research in La Jolla, Calif., and Iwate University in Japan. Basically, the rosemary fights off the free radicals, which are thought to contribute to the normal aging of the brain.

Don't Use Cruise Control In Rain or Snow - Dangerous

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by Jack Lee

This tidbit was passed along by one of our readers in the hopes of keeping someone out of an accident. This has been verified and found to be absolutely true. Do not use your cruise control on wet or icy roads, it can leads to loss of control. Cruise control causes your wheels to maintain a certain number of rotations per minute and this could cause wheel spin on wet or icy roads.

Field Poll Says Prop 93 A Winner

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SACRAMENTO - Support remains steady for a ballot measure to overhaul the state's term limits law, though opponents say Proposition 93 has a glass jaw ready to be shattered:

It gets its strongest support from Republicans, who may change their minds once they find out it would allow the Legislature's term-limited Democratic leadership to stay in their jobs.

The question is: Will they ever find out? A key finding in the Field Poll, released today, is that only 25 percent of the 866 likely voters have seen or heard anything about the issue.

According to the poll, Proposition 93 is ahead 50 percent to 32 percent, about six weeks away from the Feb. 5 election. Republicans remain the strongest supporters: 56 percent support it, compared with 29 percent who oppose it. Among Democrats, it has a 47 percent to 37 percent advantage.

New Comic Image for the UN

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web3.jpgby Tina Grazier

“U.N. joining forces with Spider-Man,” by Deborah Brewster, Financial Times [UK]

He has fought against foes ranging from the Green Goblin to Doctor Octopus, but Spider-Man now faces an even more formidable challenge: improving the battered image of the United Nations. In a move reminiscent of storylines developed during the World War II, the U.N. is joining forces with Marvel Comics, creators of Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk, to create a comic book showing the international body working with superheroes to solve bloody conflicts and rid the world of disease.

Has it never occurred to the international body to just go ahead and “solve bloody conflicts and rid the world of disease”?

They could start by acknowledging and lending support to the real life heroes from around the world who put their butts on the line everyday fighting in “bloody conflicts” and working to "rid the world of disease". These are real live flesh and blood heroes.

Obviously pretending easier! What’s important is image…what matters is that the next generation believes the UN is filled to the brim with good guys! Holy crumb cruncher, Batman, I wonder which UN "faction" will get to play side kick in these marvel-ous UN tales? One things for sure, the storyline is bound to provide dazzling comic adventure. Marvel Comics actually does do good work.

Real Spider Man is Web Catcher

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Spider_sign.jpgMost of us think of spiders as yucky creatures with sticky webs to be disposed of as soon as they appear. Spiderman Will Knight thinks of them as living objects of beauty and creation. ** By sheer accident one day over fifty years ago, Will was in his garage painting and spraying and by chance captured a spider webbing on his still tacky painting surface. He was overcome by the beauty and intricate work of the spider’s labor and has been studying and sharing spiders with the rest of the world ever since.

Take a break and read “Spider Man,” by Bonnie Rupprecht. The things that can capture the imagination...it's amazing!

Kitchen Table Woes

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180px-The_Three_Bears_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_17034.jpgby Tina Grazier

“Poll: Pocketbook Issues Rising,” by Jim Kuhnhenn, Associated Press

Oh, oh....looks like we're in for nasty weather!

WASHINGTON — Kitchen table worries pushed ahead of the war in Iraq over the past month, a shift toward pocketbook issues that has gained currency as the election year dawns. More than half the voters in an ongoing survey for The Associated Press and Yahoo News say the economy and health care are extremely important to them personally. They fear they will face unexpected medical expenses, their homes will lose value or mortgage and credit card payments will overwhelm them.

“They fear they will face unexpected medical expenses, their homes will lose value or mortgage and credit card payments will overwhelm them.”

Must be mostly liberals answering the phone under that bad moon. Let’s reveal some truth behind the issues:

1. Credit card payments are easy….pay your bills off as fast as possible and quit CHARGING your life into the dumper!

2. Homes lose value from time to time…pull back on the budget, even if you have to eat rice and beans for months to make payments… hunker down, the value will go back up.

3. Unexpected medical expenses? Buy insurance for the unexpected, avoid doctor visits by taking care of yourself and family…avoid life threatening activity, embrace life enhancing activity…get educated or trained and work hard to get a good job so you can afford the above. Most of all…get the government out of healthcare. The truly needy will be beter off if the rest of us act responsibly regarding healthcare.

All of these “problems” are individual problems, not government problems. They have been brought to “the kitchen table” by candidates, via news reports, rather than by Joe Sixpack or Martha Chargit. In fact, I doubt that the average person even thinks about these “issues” on a day by day basis.

We need a strong leader for our country, not some nanny to hold our hands and tell us how we will be allowed to conduct our private lives and business.

Dynasties In Goverment - You Should Care!

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by Jack Lee

Let's say President Bush decided that he was going to use his considerable influence to support a particular candidate for President in 08, long before the primary season even began and to the chagrin of his fellow Republican contenders. Would you approve? Of course not and Presidents wouldn't do it because there is a long standing tradition that says they don't as a matter of high ethics.

It's down here in the lower elections for state office where ethics takes a back seat to expediency and that my friends is not only unfair, but it is dangerous.

Allowing an incumbent to sponsor their successor risks creating a dynasty where power is passed from one selected person to the next, not one elected person to the next. This has the effect of a grossly tilted playing field where the money and the power are all at one end. Further, incumbents ganging up to defeat challengers to an open seat defeats every reason for term limits. It can only undermine the democratic process and therefore it should be illegal. It is clearly unethical as all our past Presidents would attest, it also violates the spirit of both political parties stated policy of not endorsing a candidate where there is two or more same party candidates vying for an open seat before the primary election.

How many of you know where this is happening right now in the State of California? Hint: Take a look at your own Assembly District.

Today's Funny

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b.bmp

California Scores #1

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by Jack Lee

According to the most recent Department of Justice statistics California now leads the nation for the worst results from prison rehabilitation. Fully 51% of all inmates released from California prisons find themselves back in trouble and in prison within the first 24 months after their release. We are the absolute worst, but it didn't come easy. We deliberately ignored the repeated warnings about so many things going wrong and nobody made any course corrections.

I don't know about you, but I am REALLY READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS...ANYBODY HAVE A HEART WARMING STORY TO TELL?

Bhutto Assassinated! Stock Market Drops on Tensions

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Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. For the full story click here.

20,000 Inmates Released Early

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by Jack Lee

aknowledge-against-prison.gifGovernor Schwartzeneger is considering releasing about 20,000 non-violent inmates from California prisons to relieve the overcrowding. How do you feel about this?

I was a caller on the Armstrong and Getty radio show this morning and I suggested we begin first by deporting all illegal aliens, violent and nonviolent through a treaty with the home countries of origin. Currently we spend about $40,000 per year to house inmates whereas south of the border countries spend a mere fraction of this. By paying them $20,000 a year to house their criminals who sneaked into the US we would guarantee they will serve their full sentence in their home country. This reduces our cost by 50% and makes a huge profit for the prisons in their home countries, mostly Mexico. Not only that but it reduces the gang influence and a host of other social and security risk problems in our prisons.

This is not a fix, but it is a long overdue start in the right direction and we reduce our prison population by over 17,000!

Capital Surge

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“The Other Iraq Surge,” by Editorial Staff, New York Sun

It's no front-page news that Iraq is a dangerous place. But a capital magnet?The presses have stopped for less. According to the not-quite closed record book for 2007, Iraqi sovereign bonds, the Iraqi currency, and the Iraqi stock market have each logged astounding, not to mention politically provocative, gains.

PC Gets Heave Ho in Afghanistan

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“Britain in secret talks with the Taliban,” by Thomas Harding & Tom Coghlan, Telegraph (London, UK),

Agents from MI6 entered secret talks with Taliban leaders despite Gordon Brown's pledge that Britain would not negotiate with terrorists, The Daily Telegraph can disclose. Officers from the Secret Intelligence Service staged discussions, known as ''jirgas'', with senior insurgents on several occasions over the summer. *** ''The SIS officers were understood to have sought peace directly with the Taliban with them coming across as some sort of armed militia. The British would also provide 'mentoring' for the Taliban."'' *** The delicate balance in Afghanistan was underlined as it emerged that two diplomats had been ordered by the Kabul government to leave the country after allegations that they had met Taliban insurgents without the administration's knowledge. *** The pair, a top European Union official and a United Nations staff member, were declared "persona non grata" and said to be "threatening national security".


Give Students Facts on Warming

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51zuu46BA0L._AA240_SkyNotFalling.jpg"Author and Montana State University resource economist Holly Fretwell has done a magnificent job in presenting the facts on global warming for students in an easy-to-read and scientifically accurate manner," said Steve Milloy, executive director of DemandDebate.com. "'The Sky Isn't Falling' should be mandatory reading for every student," added Milloy. (PR Newswire)

"The Sky's Not Falling" is available at the DemandDebate.com store.

Hat tip JunkScience.com

The Whole Story: Rep. Doolittle Veteran's Bill

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by Jack Lee

Mr. Doolittle has been telling us how he co-sponsored a wonderful bill in support of veterans as echoed by Mr. Aaron Parks. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Jason Altmire [D-PA]. There were 277 so-called "co-sponsors" and Doolittle was just one of them. Great 1/277th work John!

Christmas Pleas for Courage, Compassion

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ROME (AP) - As the faithful marked Christmas Day, political and religious leaders called for peace and reconciliation amid flickers of hope in places long plagued by conflict.

In Iraq, Christians made their way past checkpoints on Tuesday to fill Baghdad churches in numbers unthinkable a year ago. And in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, where tradition says Jesus was born, Christians celebrated in an atmosphere of hope raised by the renewal of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

For them, and for all those in the ``tortured regions'' of the world, Pope Benedict XVI prayed that political leaders would find ``the wisdom and courage to seek and find humane, just and lasting solutions.''

Benedict, delivering his Christmas Day address from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, urged the crowd to rejoice over the celebration of Christ's birth, which he hoped would bring consolation to all people ``who live in the darkness of poverty, injustice and war.''

Top 10 Most Quoted Movie Lines

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Top 10 most quoted movie lines:
1. "I'll be back."
--"The Terminator"

2. "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
--"Gone With the Wind"

Congressman Doolittle Helps Soldiers

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by Aaron Park

Congressman Doolittle Co-Sponsored three bills in the last congress that fix critical flaws in the Veteran system.

1.) No longer denying enlistment bonuses to injured soldiers returning home before they served the two years to get the bonus.

2.) Paid for education for disabled veterans was extended...

3.) A bill preventing the arbitrary extension of someone's service committment once it is almost done. Jack - I am sure you remember Vietnam and how people would get extended just as they thought they were getting out...

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Day 2007

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Poinsettia.jpg As we gather with family and friends on this joyous day let us be mindful of the many blessings that we enjoy all year round. And let us take time to remember our troops and their families. The sacrifice they make is great and ensures our many freedoms, including our religious freedom. How fortunate and blessed we are!

All praise to Him whose birth we celebrate today. *** Merry Christmas to each and every one of you...from Jack and Tina at Post Scripts.

Words of Wisdom on Marriage and Family

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Pastor J.M. Perez

(A reply to a man who doesn't believe in marriage)

"Tom,

1aaa.jpgI think that it's horrible that we as a society are getting to the place to where we begin to plan for disasters. Marriage is ordained by God as an institution, that is why I believe there is such a moral decay in our societies the important roles that are to be played by both Mother and Father have been severed and now only work on weekend visitation basis. When I Married my wife I looked her in the eye and made a promise to her that though change would come i.e. sickness or health only death would separate us.

I would not dream of saying divorce isn't the right thing for some cases but to create an ethos that says I love you till you start to get on my nerves, or until your not attractive anymore is frankly very disturbing. So as for me and my house we will love each other till death do us part. As for my four daughters they will enjoy knowing that both grandparents have been married for 80 years collectively and most importantly that a persons Word or Promise made is a more weighty issue than the selfish lifestyle that our society of broken dysfunctional families is subliminally teaching.

Pastor J.M. Perez"

Unwed Mothers V Marriage (A Rebuttal)

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by Tom

I don't believe there is anything wrong with not getting married. My life partner and I have been together for 8 years and we have no intensions of getting married. We have a 12 year-old (hers, now ours, from a previous relationship) and we have explained to him on numerous occasions why we do not get married. We have told him that marriage is fine for some, not for others. We happen to believe that you do not need a piece of paper to prove you love each other. If for some reason the time comes that we need to seperate, we believe it will be far less traumatic than a divorce. There will be no fighting, no custody issues, no property division, no court battles, and (perhaps the best part) no judge telling us that we are no longer together.

We believe that far too many people stay together "for the kids" or because "it's too expensive to get divorced" and that causes more harm than seperating. Seperation does not mean no contact and the children are forgotten. It just means that the adults cannot live together anymore. There are several reasons for this. People do grow apart. People do develop different looks on life. Marriage often means that people who no longer share common life goals are forced to stay together. We've seen this cause far more problems because they fight constantly and often they have no intentions of "working it out." An unmarried couple we know (two children) seperated and they continue to parent their children better than most married couples we have witnessed. They continue to be present at special events, present a united front during times of discipline, and they still like each other enough to be able to enjoy holidays in each other's company. Often married couples who are forced to stay together (and inevitably get divorced anyway) end up hating each other so much that the thought of the other makes them physically ill.

The point is that society is changing. Keep in mind that change is not always a bad thing. Yes, there are a lot of societal changes that fit squarely into the "bad" category but I do not believe the trend away from marriage is a bad thing. Tina, your first commenter, believes that "...that's STUPID, as Jack's statistics reveal. There are no valid arguments against marriage only dumb alternative choices." I actually feel sorry for Tina. With such a closed mind, how is she going to deal with any changes in her life or society?

As for Jack's statistics, we need to think about those. Often, "statistics" are simply that: statistics. Statistics do not take into account individuals. Only a collective result that only scratches the surface. None of those statistics took into account how many of those children of marriageless relationships would not get married because of the high rate of divorce? Every single couple in my extended family is divorced. Unfortunately, due to the close nature of my extended family, I was privy to many of the details of the divorces. I made the decision in my 20's that marriage was not for me and there may be a better way to live life with another. So far, I have been right. But, that's me. Others choose to cling to customs and traditions from the past like a person who cannot swim clings to a life ring in the water. If that works for them, I am happy for them. Biologically, we are all different in many ways. Who ever said that what was good for one was good for all? The "me generation" as you choose to call it, may be the first to question the marriage establishment but they will not be the last.

The Spirit of Christmas in a Soldier's Heart

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cline12MerryXmas.jpg

On Sept. 6, 2003, halfway through his 13-month deployment, Southworth and his military police unit paid a visit to the orphanage. They played and chatted with the children; Southworth was talking with one little girl when Ala'a dragged his body to the soldier's side. *** Then, around Christmas, a sister told Southworth that Ala'a was getting too big. He would have to move to a government-run facility within a year. *** ''Best case scenario was that he would stare at a blank wall for the rest of his life,'' Southworth said. *** To this day, he recalls the moment when he resolved that that would not happen.

Southworth always says Ala'a picked him, not the other way around. They were brought together, Southworth believes, by a ''web of miracles.''

Read this heartwarming story by Carrie Antlfinger, "The improbable love story of a U.S. soldier and an Iraqi orphan," and then share this little "miracle" with your loved ones as you celebrate this Christmas.

Candidate Gives Campaign Money to Needy Soldiers

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San Francisco Chronical, "Now we've seen everything: politicians playing Santa Claus - with their own personal campaign war chests?

It's too early to say it's the start of a trend, but at least two California political candidates have pledged portions of all the campaign funds they raise for the 2008 election to charitable causes they support - a move that is of the "man bites dog" variety in the world of politics.

Unwed Mothers V. The Traditional Family

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by Jack Lee

18_baby_stork.gif I got into a mild disagreement over parenting yesterday and it started when B- and her sister M- said they were going over to thier cousins (no relationship to me - I'm a foster Dad) and that her cousin was going to have a baby and how wonderful it was and how happy they were for her! My first question was how old is the mother-to-be? Answer 23. Ok, is she married? "No, but she has a boyfriend and he's a really nice guy and they've been together for ever." (Doink! Wrong answer.) My knee jerk reply was, "Marriage first - babies second." (Then I thought about it a second and mentally revised it to good job, marriage and then baby. And then I mentally revised it again to good education, good job, marriage and then baby)

I said, "So who is going to support this baby? A terse reply from B- followed, "He is, and he works!"

Then B- became visibly annoyed with my line of questions and her sister M- also chimed in to form one long lecture that went something like this, "...just because somebody isn't married doesn't mean they can't be happy and have a baby together. What's marriage anyway? People get married all the time and they have babies and then get divorced. Marriage is just a concept, a piece of paper and hardly anybody stays married and if they do they often wind up not even liking each other and they are miserable, so I don't see any reason to be married."

Ouch! I was thoroughly rebuffed for my old fashioned ideas of family!

I have to admit there’s some truth to what the girls were saying, but I also felt they were being short sighted and I wanted to discuss this a little further. Without having any ready facts at my disposal I fumbled along with, "Well, what about the child? That child born out of wedlock has to go to school some day and kids can be cruel because of the stigma attached to such births, thats our society."

Ron Paul DVD Sells Over 60,000 Copies in First 72 Hours

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by Sunnydale

One day after Ron Paul grass roots supporters made political history by raising over 6 million dollars in a single day, the RonPaulReveres.com website released a new Ron Paul Canvassing DVD, selling over 60,000 copies in the first 72 hours. The DVD, also available for free online, introduces prospective supporters to presidential candidate Ron Paul's philosophy and key positions.

Rudy Giuliani’s National Standing

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WASHINGTON - After a month’s worth of mostly negative media reports, his campaign’s decision to decrease his activity in the early nominating states and the rise of GOP rival Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani’s national standing has plummeted in the most recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, providing more evidence that the contest for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination is wide open.

The Gift

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bow02.jpg“The Nativity story of nearly twenty centuries ago is known by all faiths as a hymn to the brotherhood of man. For Christians, it is the fulfillment of age-old prophecies and the reaffirmation of God’s great love for all of us. Through a generous Heavenly Father’s gift of His Son, hope and compassion entered a world weary with fear and despair and changed it for all time. On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of all, we experience it in our hearts. For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. The feeling is seen in the wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows the hearts of cheerful givers and the souls of the caring. And it is reflected in the brilliant colors, joyful sounds, and beauty of the winter season. Let us resolve to honor this spirit of Christmas and strive to keep it throughout the year.” - Ronald Reagan

Hat tip: Patriot Post

Kristol - Petraeus Is Man of Year

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posted by Tina Grazier

Our military leaders, and those who serve under them, modestly go about their work, never seeking praise and seldom boasting of their accomplishments. Because of this, and because they deserve to be acknowledged, I am very pleased to refer you to an article at the Weekly Standard:

“Gen. David Petraeus, Man of the Year - Time magazine got it wrong,” by William Kristol

The counterinsurgency campaign that Petraeus and Odierno conceived and executed in 2007 was as comprehensive a counterinsurgency strategy as has ever been executed. The heart of the strategy was a brilliant series of coordinated military operations throughout the entire theater. Petraeus and Odierno used conventional U.S. forces, Iraqi military and police, and Iraqi and U.S. Special Operations forces to strike enemy strongholds throughout Iraq simultaneously, while also working to protect the local populations from enemy responses. Successive operations across the theater knocked the enemy--both al Qaeda and Sunni militias, and Shia extremists--off balance and then prevented them from recovering. U.S. and Iraqi forces, supported by local citizens, chased the enemy from area to area, never allowing them the breathing space to reestablish safe havens, much less new bases. It wasn't "whack-a-mole" or "squeezing the water balloon" as some feared (and initially claimed)--it was the relentless pursuit of an increasingly defeated enemy. ** That defeat has implications far beyond Iraq. In 2007, Iraq's Sunni Arabs fought with us against al Qaeda, and Iraq's Shia Arabs joined with us to fight Iranian-backed Shia militias. ** One additional point: Petraeus's counterinsurgency stands out not just for its conceptual ambition and the skill of its execution but for its humanity. There were those who argued that the U.S. military could not succeed in counterinsurgency because Americans were not tough and bloodthirsty enough. They said that brutality was essential in subduing insurgents and our humanity would be our downfall. ** They were wrong. The counterinsurgency campaign of 2007 was probably the most precise, discriminate, and humane military operation ever undertaken on such a scale. Our soldiers and Marines worked hard--and took risks and even casualties--to ensure, as much as possible, that they hurt only enemies. (emphasis mine)

Finding Inner Peace

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submitted by TinmanB

I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.

Explaining Congress

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In case you missed this earlier, this a real hoot, be sure to see how many days Congress works in this video:


http://www.funnieststuff.net/viewmovie.php?id=575

Doolittle Update

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For those of you following this story here is the latest twist...

WASHINGTON - Rep. John Doolittle disclosed Wednesday that his attorneys are fighting a subpoena issued to him for office records dating back 11 years, and that he believes the investigation of him will be on hiatus for one to two years while the constitutionality of the subpoena is fought out in the courts.

Term-limits turmoil

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Term limits are supposed to prevent legislators from amassing too much power. Does allowing lawmakers to spend more time in one house of the Legislature - which Proposition 93 would do - conform to the spirit of term limits? All week, Steve Westly and Steve Poizner debate term limits and Proposition 93.

For more information on this click here.

Ron Paul Letter To Chico Man

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Dear Mike,

What a day! I am humbled and inspired, grateful and thrilled for this vast outpouring of support.

On just one day, in honor of the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the new American revolutionaries brought in $6.04 million, another one-day record. The average donation was $102; we had 58,407 individual contributors, of whom an astounding 24,915 were first-time donors. And it was an entirely voluntary, self-organized, decentralized, independent effort on the internet. Must be the "spammers" I keep hearing about!

The establishment is baffled and worried, and well they should be. They keep asking me who runs our internet fundraising and controls our volunteers. To these top-down central planners, a spontaneous order like our movement is science-fiction. But you and I know it's real: as real as the American people's yearning for freedom, peace, and prosperity, as real as all the men and women who have sacrificed for our ideals, in the past and today.

Fred Thompson

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by Nick F.

Fred Thompson Comeback.

For those of you, who missed the highlights of an otherwise disappointing debate in Iowa, please go to www.fred08.com. For those of you who share my affinity for the media, you will truly appreciate Fred’s performance.

This is the kind of thing that I have been trying to articulate about Fred Thompson. He doesn’t kowtow to the media and they HATE him for it! That is why despite a solid conservative record, and a very appealing style, the media has chosen to ordain Mike Huckabee “The Conservative Candidate” to challenge Romney.

But if you do consider yourself a conservative, and truly want to select a candidate who holds the same beliefs we do, than do a side by side comparison on the issues between Romney, Huckabee and Thompson. If you go to the “issues” section of the Fred Thompson web site there is one provided.

Look, I will support the candidate who gets the Republican nomination, but I am not willing to start settling just yet!

Fred Thompson’s campaign doesn’t excite me because he has the best network, or highest paid consultants. His campaign INSPIRES ME because I have a candidate who doesn’t force me to compromise my corps beliefs by casting a vote for him!

Romney and Huckabee with all their strong points require me to ignore issues which are near and dear to me.

Does anyone honestly believe that Romney would be touting his pro life/gun credentials if he was running for another term in Massachusetts?

Does anyone believe that Huckabee would really be tuff on crime or immigration when his record shows the opposite in Arkansas?

There is one conservative in this race whose record matches his rhetoric, one candidate whose presence and ability to articulate our principles makes him ideal for making our case to the nation, and that candidate is Fred Thompson.

I for one will not permit the media, of all things, to disregard a candidate who provides the greatest promise of a return to sound conservative governance.

So listen closely the next time you here someone running down Fred Thompson. You will notice that there is no mention of his policies or voting record, just the irrelevant claim that his campaign lacks “buzz” or “pizazz” or whatever adjective the media has now deemed as critical to holding the highest office in the land.

I'm Back! (but, did anyone know I was gone?)

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by Jack Lee

I'm back and just in time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I'm glad to see "Merry Christmas" is back in vogue after a long dry spell of doing "Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings".

I think we Americans too often become overly concerned with trying not to offend anyone's beliefs or heritage that we sometimes compromise our own, so I welcome back "Merry Christmas".

I've only been away for just one week on active military duty, but it was a really great experience. My TDA (temp duty assignment) was in Sacramento at the National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters, a mere 99 miles away but in another sense of military v. civilian, it is a world apart. There was a strong feeling of comradery that created a very positive “mission focused” attitude that can only be understood by those who have served. I guess the word “pride” sums it all up and I’m sure this feeling extends across all our armed forces. You won't find more patriotic people anywhere else. It was refreshing to be working among them even for a week because all this election stuff was making me too cynical.

The J8 section (where I was assigned) had the privilege of collecting donations for the many Children's Homes in the Sacramento area and the Guardsmen from other units will be distributing them on Christmas Eve. Individuals and area stores donated these gifts and they are all beautifully wrapped and ready to go! I'm sure there will be quite a few misty eyes during delivery. This is something that is pretty much a nationwide tradition among the armed forces, did you know that?

On my last day our commander walked through the facility just before noon, making it a point to greet all personnel. I was pretty surprised to meet the General to say the least! We shook hands, said hello and then he was off to the next cubicle. I wonder how many CEO's will be doing that? I don't know either, but it sure would be nice if they did.

In closing I just want to say there are men and women serving in uniform around the world that are making huge sacrifices for us that I can scarcely imagine, remember them (always) and what it means for you to be a good American.

We need more unity and less rivalry if we are going to make it another 100 years!

Voter Fraud Indictment

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8 charged in StL voter fraud by Todd C. Frankel

Eight people have been charged with faking voter registration forms in St. Louis city and county in 2006, federal authorities announced today. ** The federal indictments were unsealed this morning. Some of the accused have not been arrested yet, so their names are being withheld. ** The eight people were employed as voter registration recruiters by ACORN, the not-for-profit Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. ACORN ran a voter registration drive for the general election in November 2006.

Many of you might recall another investigation of voter fraud involving ACORN in the Seattle area.


Lacking Genuine Qualities

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The “Lady” Plays the Part – by Tina Grazier

Clinton Campaigns With Family, GOP Voter - by PHILIP ELLIOTT - AP

(Hillary) Clinton…said "only through bipartisan work can a sense of fear and fatalism coming from the White House" be erased. ** "A lot of the problems that we face in America are not Democratic or Republican problems. They are American problems and I want us to start acting like Americans again," she said. "I want us to roll up our sleeves and solve our problems."

The warm folksy smartest woman in the world cannot maintain a consistent message. She (warmly) suggests a bipartisan effort…(viscously) bashes the current leader of the opposition party…and then (warmly) implies we “Americans” can all pull together…does she think we don’t notice?

Unless we could magically bridge the ever-widening ideology gap, the notion of a bipartisan love-fest is just silly. There is strife in the electorate because the country is deeply divided and has been for many years. I for one want NOTHING to do with the socialist policies of Hillary Clinton…and I firmly believe that socialist policies in American government cannot be supported Constitutionally. Our arrival at this current BIG government state is a result of leftist democrat ideas given life with the assistance of republican compromise. I think it’s time for democrats to “work together” and compromise.

Frankly this disingenuous claptrap bothers me greatly. It is not the stuff of good leadership. It might, however, qualify for Jerry Springer, the Enquirer, or “reality” TV.


About That Clinton Cash Cow

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The Clintons have raised a lot of cash. In fact the media reported early in the primary on the enormous amount of money being raised for Hillary’s run for the presidency. Now there are questions about how some of the cash has found it’s way into her campaign. Investors Business Daily comments on some interesting information reported in the New York Times regarding Clinton Foundation donations:

Some of the $500 million in secrets behind the Clinton Foundation and its ties to Hillary's presidential campaign are now revealed. The charity seems to be a clearing house for buying political favors. *** The New York Times, which has discovered the identity of 97 donors who together gave or pledged $69 million early on, reports some of the million-dollar donors sought changes in policies and two of them were under Justice Department probes. *** Clinton Foundation donations skyrocketed last year to $135 million *** The $31-million-dollar man turned out to be Canadian mining mogul and founder of Lionsgate Entertainment (distributor of Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11") Frank Giustra, who plans to give another $100 million, plus half his future earnings. *** Anheuser-Busch gave $1 million after the Clinton administration's Federal Trade Commission agreed not to regulate beer, wine and liquor ads.

And there is more…quite a bit more. Read the entire IBD article, “Tammany Hil” to see if you agree with the following IBD conclusion:

New York City's infamous Tammany Hall Democratic Party machine took bribes for favors while engaging in "foundation"-like activities such as financing hospitals and museums to cover up the corruption. Hillary Clinton has a lot of convincing to do to prove this isn't a similar racket.

This piques my curiosity...will MSM journalists, talking heads and celebrity guest hosts bother to notice? Do yourself a favor...notice whether or not they care.

Californians Vote With Their Feet

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“More flee state than move in,” by Sharon Bernstein - Los Angeles Times

California's population continued to grow modestly in the last fiscal year despite a significant exodus of residents to other states, according to a state report released Wednesday. *** California's population did grow in fiscal 2007 -- but the growth rested on births and the arrival of more than 200,000 immigrants from other countries. The shift dovetails with the state's weakening economy and is most likely related, said Howard Roth, chief economist for the Department of Finance.

ONLY 5 DAYS TO GO

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MAKE EM COUNT SHOPPERS!!!

$70 Billion for Military Operations in Iraq & Afghanistan

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Posted by Tina Grazier

WASHINGTON — Congress approved $70 billion Wednesday for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, a bitter finish for majority Democrats who tried to force a change in President Bush's war policy. ** The House's 272-142 vote also sent the president a $555 billion catchall spending bill that combines the war money with money for 14 Cabinet departments. ** Bush and his Senate GOP allies forced the Iraq money upon anti-war Democrats as the price for permitting the year-end budget deal to pass and be signed.

Jim McGovern, Democrat-Mass, complained that it was “…a blank check…one cave-in too many…an endorsement of George Bush’s endless war”

…WHAAAAAAA!

More likely it's many days late...and dollars short...but we’ll take it.

Important Secret Revealed!

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“The secret to winning at rock, paper, scissors,” by Gary Cleland, Telegraph (London, UK)

Scientists believe they have worked out the secret to winning at paper, scissors, stone. While most people are aware that stone blunts scissors, scissors cut paper and paper covers stone, there is a psychological element to the game which many players may have missed. According to New Scientist magazine, the way to win is to start with scissors. Research shows that stone, also called rock, is the most popular of the three possible moves in the game.

Iraq-Moving Forward

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“Baghdad stock exchange set to share in digital age,” by Deborah Haynes, The Times (London)

Baghdad - Clutching a mobile phone to one ear, a stockbroker writes the price of a banking share in pen on one of many white boards that line the trading floor of the Iraq stock exchange. Behind him scores of suited traders, separated from him by a waist-high partition, squint at the boards trying to decide whether to buy or sell. ** By early next year this outdated trading scene will disappear as the exchange prepares to go electronic, creating a New York-style market.

Wait…I thought it was Bush’s War!

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Clinton: Iraq has abused its last chance - CNN

December 16, 1998 Web posted at: 8:51 p.m. EST (0151 GMT) WASHINGTON (CNN) -- From the Oval Office, President Clinton told the nation Wednesday evening why he ordered new military strikes against Iraq. The president said Iraq's refusal to cooperate with U.N. weapons inspectors presented a threat to the entire world. "Saddam (Hussein) must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas or biological weapons," Clinton said.


But…Isn’t It Bush’s War?

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“UN extends US-led force in Iraq” - AP, by John Heilprin

United Nations - The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Tuesday to extend the U.S.-led multinational force in Iraq for one year, a move that Iraq's prime minister said would be his nation's ''final request'' for help. Authorization for the 160,000-strong multinational force was extended until the end of 2008 because ''the threat in Iraq continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,'' according to the resolution.

Hmmmm...Reid & Pelosi might be a little tense tomorrow. Do you suppose they know now who or what it is that "constitutes a threat to INTERNATIONAL peace"?

Health Care Reform – CA Assembly Dems Say Yes

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by Tina Grazier

Democrats in the California Assembly, working closely with the Governator, have passed legislation to reform the states health care system. The projected price tag is only $14.4 billion dollars...so, who picks up the tab? Hospitals, employers...and smokers, of course! The bill must also pass in the senate and be approved by voters next November before becoming law, but now would be a good time to start lobbying against it. The bills basics:

Of the 5.1 million people who are considered permanently uninsured in California, 3.7 million would be covered under the plan, according to Nunez's office. That includes children from low-income families, employees at small businesses that cannot afford to provide health insurance and Californians with pre-existing medical conditions who have trouble finding coverage. ** The bill would require all employers to spend a minimum amount on employees' health care or contribute to a state-run insurance pool. ** Nunez said employers would be assessed on a sliding scale, ranging from 1 percent to 6.5 percent of payroll depending on the size of the company. The cigarette tax would be between $1.50 to $2 a pack. ** Insurance companies, meanwhile, would have to provide policies to everyone and could no longer refuse coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Insurers also would be required to spend 85 cents of every dollar on health care services. ** Under the plan, all children, including immigrants, would be eligible for subsidized coverage as long as their families did not earn more than 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $62,000 a year for a family of four.

HO HO HO

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santa55.jpg

Just before Christmas, there was an honest politician, a kind lawyer and Santa Claus travelling in a lift of a very posh hotel.... Just before the doors opened they all noticed a £5 note lying on the floor.

Which one picked it up??

Scarey Scenario – Bill in Black

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“Justice Clinton? - President Taft went on to the Supreme Court. Maybe Mrs. Clinton will park her husband there.” BY DOUGLAS W. KMIEC, posted on the Opinion Journal, WSJ online:

Hillary Clinton's commanding lead in the polls has diminished, and with Oprah Winfrey stumping for Barack Obama, she's called increasingly on the "star power" of husband Bill. But the ubiquitous presence of the former president on the campaign prompts a question: What will Hillary do with Bill if she is elected? ** it is widely anticipated that there will be one or more vacancies on the Supreme Court during the next presidential term.

Read the article...and please, vote wisely in '08.

SNAIL MAIL

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Christmas card arrives late — by almost 100 years - Associated Press, by Staff Writer

Oberlin, Kan. — A postcard featuring a color drawing of Santa Claus and a young girl was mailed in 1914, but its journey was slower than Christmas. It just arrived in northwest Kansas. The Christmas card was dated Dec. 23, 1914, and mailed to Ethel Martin of Oberlin, apparently from her cousins in Alma, Neb.

Read the story HERE.

Bali Bologna

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"My own country, the United States, is principally responsible for obstructing progress here." - Al Gore

Record of emissions in the seven years between the signing of Kyoto in 1997 and 2004:

Emissions worldwide increased 18.0 percent.

Emissions from countries that signed the treaty increased 21.1 percent.

Emissions from nonsigners increased 10.0 percent.

Emissions from the United States increased 6.6 percent.

I think we've earned the right to "obstruct the progress" of this global tax and wealth transfer scheme.

Bravo to The American Thinker and hat tip Mark Steyn.

Standing on Principle

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"Republicans have stood on principle to protect current and future generations of Americans, whether it polled well or not, and the success our troops are having in Iraq today is proof positive that our stance was the right one." - House Republican leader John Boehner

Is he unconscious, stupid, in denial …what?

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by Tina Grazier

Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, told Hawai'i Democrats last night that if a Democrat wins the White House next year the first tasks would be to heal the partisan divide and restore the country's moral authority around the world. Dean said President Bush has dismissed people who disagree with him politically both at home and abroad, governing by division and fear. "He was president of half the country," he said. "We can't do that as Democrats." - Honolulu Advertiser, by Derrick DePledge

I hate to break it to you Mr. Dean but…YOU ALREADY DID!

In fact your party, and the media that supports it, has been dividing the country for a long...long...long,long...long time. You have dismissed and created fear about republicans, Christians, businesses, the “unpoor” and countless other designated "groups". Wake up and smell the reality of your parties positions...they are divisive, hateful and rely on spreading fear to buy votes and manipulate toward an agenda...it's really sick!

Latest Poll on Term Limits and More. . .

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The PPIC's latest statewide survey says nearly half of likely voters (47%) support Proposition 93.

Of the three components of this term-limits initiative, the proposal to reduce total time in office has the strongest support. Two in three say existing term limits are a good thing in California, while seven in 10 think they are in need of major (29%) or minor changes (40%).

50% voter approval is the magical number that says a proposition is a slam dunk certainty; Prop 93 has 47% and is gaining ground instead of losing ground as many conservatives in the north state had hoped.

The infusion of several new PAC's behind Prop 93 is likely only to counter balance the Steve Poizner group support against it. As we enter the home stretch, Prop 93 appears to be solidly winning. Only an all out conservative push could reverse the trend and there just doesn't seem to be much enthusiasm to do that. In fact, it is many Republicans in the Southern part of this state that are compounding the problem by supporting Prop 93.

Now a look at the bigger picture. . .

If Prop 93 passes:

Incumbents Rick Keene-R, Doug LaMalfa-R, Sam Aanested, Tom McClintock-R and many other Republicans will be allowed to serve up to a maximum of 6 more years in the Assembly or one more term in the Senate. The election bids of current Republican candidates like Sue Horne, Dan Logue and Jack Lee will be over, because they are not prepared to run against the popular partisan incumbent, Rick Keene-R in the 3rd Assembly District.

The GOP would then have 6 more years to bolster their failing voter support. The can use this time to prepare a counter strike against the eroding support from within their own ranks.

Butte County now has only 47,226 registered Republicans, down from about 52,000 in 1999. The statewide statistics of voters registered with the Republican Party recently declined from 35.3% to 33.8%. So, the GOP better have a plan and they better act fast to stop this reversal of political fortunes.

The traditional GOP platform isn't making it and it is going to need major reforms if it the California Republican Party is going to be a viable voter alternative. Even 3rd parties are gain numbers and this is probably the most telling sign that Republicans have failed at leadership, ideas and reform. More by default than by demand Democrats have filled the void left by the GOP defections.

If Prop 93 fails:

Under the current term limit rules 42 incumbents will be forced out of office and these seats will all be up for re-election. Some of these seats are now held by Republicans in Democratic districts which means if the Republican incumbents were forced out of office by term limits the Democrats would stand a very good chance of filling those seats and adding to their majority numbers in both the Senate and the Assembly. This could lead to the Democrats gaining a 2/3rds majority in either the Assembly or the Senate or possibly both which would be a political disaster of the highest magnitude for the GOP. It would be an unprecidented defeat and a rebuke by the voters of the Republican platform and it's leadership.

The GOP would no have no clout in determining the state budget if Dems get a 2/3rds majority and the failure of Prop 93 threatens to do just that!

Whether Prop 93 passes or fails, it appears the consequences for the GOP overall will not be good, unless the failure of 93 brings the Republicans a new leader from the ranks of the new candidates. The GOP is in desperate need of a leader that can capture the hearts of voters and offer what the voters have been demanding for years, integrity, ideas and reform!

Gordon Brown Signs EU Treaty

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“Here's what Gordon Brown is surrendering by signing EU treaty”

When we saw Mr Brown emerging from his surreptitious signing of this treaty, we should have been under no illusions as to the significance of what he has set his hand to. ** This was the day when our country finally abandoned any pretence to exist in its own right in the world or to run its own affairs. ** More than ever, we are to become just a small, subordinate part of this highly questionable new entity which is already in the process of changing our lives - as through its insistence on virtually unlimited immigration - in ways which even ten years ago would have seemed unthinkable. ** The fact that we have been denied the right to pronounce on whether we want it or not makes this arguably the most shameful betrayal in our island history.


Al Sharpton Caught on Tape!

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“FBI videotape shows Sharpton cutting a deal” Philadelpiha Inquirer, by John Shiffman

With a hidden FBI camera rolling inside a New York hotel suite in 2003, an unsuspecting Rev. Al Sharpton, Democratic candidate for president, spoke candidly. Sharpton offered to help Philadelphia fund-raiser Ronald A. White win a multimillion-dollar business deal, if White helped him raise $50,000 for politics.

I wonder what will happen now?

Senate Passes Military Appropriations Bill

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Posted by Tina Grazier

Just in time for Christmas the left-wing kook influence goes down in flames:

“Congress authorizes war funds and sends bill to Bush,” by Susan Cornwell"

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Democratic-led Congress authorized more Iraq war spending on Friday, sending President George W. Bush a defense bill requiring no change in strategy after failing again to impose a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawals. ** The defense policy bill, approved 90-3 by the U.S. Senate, also expanded the size of the U.S. Army and set conditions on the Bush administration's plan to build a missile defense system in Europe.

Ex-Cons Plead Guilty-Seditious Conspiracy

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“Ex-Convicts Plead Guilty in Plotting Attacks on Military Sites” AP staff story on FOX

Los Angeles - Two men accused of plotting behind prison walls to launch attacks on military sites, synagogues and other targets in 2005 pleaded guilty Friday to conspiring to wage war against the United States. Kevin James, 31, and Levar Haley Washington, 28, both pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy charges. Authorities say James, Washington and two others were part of a California prison gang cell of radical Muslims planning attacks in the Los Angeles area. Prosecutors say James even had a press release prepared to send out after an attack.

The Huckster’s Foreign Policy Pitch

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by Tina Grazier

Mike Huckabee Criticizes Bush Administration for 'Bunker Mentality' on Iraq - Associated Press, by Staff, on FOX

Concord, N.H. — Mike Huckabee, who has joked about his lack of foreign policy experience, is criticizing efforts, denouncing a go-it-alone "arrogant bunker mentality" and questioning decisions on Iraq. Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor now running for the Republican presidential nomination, lays out a policy plan that is long on optimism but short on details in the January-February issue of the journal Foreign Affairs, which is published by the Council on Foreign Relations.

''American foreign policy needs to change its tone and attitude, open up, and reach out…''

Huckabee’s premise is nonsense. American foreign policy has been quite appropriate.

TRAVEL ALERT

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dhs_logo.gif December 14, 2007 — The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage.

See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines.

While there continues to be no credible information at this time warning of an imminent threat to the homeland, the department's strategic threat perspective is that we are in a period of increased risk. The National Intelligence Estimate cited heightened activity overseas and we're mindful of the recent arrests in Europe. There has also been an upward trend in propaganda tapes and messages coming from al Qaeda and affiliated networks over the past year.

ERNY SPEERS ELECTED to BCRP

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by Jack Lee

Last night Mr. Erny Speers from Chico (Owner of Communications Impact) was elected to fill a vacancy in the 3rd District of the Butte Country Republican Central Committee. I've known Erny for many years and he is a good conservative with a lot of drive and ideas. He now joins the ranks of those holding the line against socialism and supporting our local GOP candidates. It's a big job in a blue state and we wish him well.

Keep an eye on Erny, he shows a lot of promise as a rising star in the Republican ranks. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if we don't see Erny as a City Councilman some day.

Torture - It Must End

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by Nancy Pelanci

We must stop pouring water over the heads of terrorists! Does anyone have any idea what it feels like to be doused with cold water? This is cruel and unusual punishment at it's absolute worst, and it is even worse than placing women's panties on their heads. We're becoming barbarians!

My little toy poodle hates water on her head. We struggle just to give her a shampoo in luke warm water, well actuall my dog handler and my dog shampoo lady struggles, but that's not the point. Animals don't like this water torture anymore than people, please, we must stop the horror!

Oh sure, some so-called military experts in the Pentagon and CIA say this saves lives and protects our young men and women in harm's way, but at what cost? Splashing water on someone is plain mean and we can't do that no matter how many of soldiers must die as a result. I say, this is what they get paid for and if they didn't want to die then why did they join the service? Let the waterboarding end and let's give them warm hugs instead, Tisi poo loves hugs and if it's good enough for Tisi poo it's good enough for me! Now let's all go toast champagne in my office as we give thanks to Democrats for all your blessings this year!

Pelosis’s Champagne Taste

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by Tina Grazier

Money is distributed evenly between the Republicans and Democrats for those functions, (party congressional operations) and the party leaders decide how to allocate them. ** Under that calculation, Republicans spent 18 percent less than they did last year while Democrats’ spending rose 4 percent over last year. Democrats, however, say that is not a legitimate comparison.

***

The two political parties can argue all day about whether to take more or less of our money, for more or fewer government programs, and you and I would be hard pressed to find agreement amongst the electorate about which side is right. One would hope, though, that everyone could agree that extravagant spending by our esteemed leaders is a BIG problem. Case in point:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has spent $16,000 on flowers since taking office, one reason why she spent 63 percent more in her high-profile inaugural year than her low-key predecessor did last year.
Pelosi (D-Calif.) spent a little more than $3 million in the first nine months of 2007, records show, compared to the $1.8 million Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) spent during the same period in 2006.

Muslim hero breaks up train beating

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BY MELISSA GRACE - DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Wednesday, December 12th 2007, 2:13 AM

Maria Parsheva and boyfriend Walter Adler were assaulted on Q train after they wished their attackers Happy Chanukah.

Hassan Askari (r.) came to their rescue. He got black eye for his troubles. The Good Samaritan who tried to stop the Christmas-versus-Chanukah subway beating has two black eyes and a sore nose - but no regrets.

"I did what I thought was right," said Hassan Askari, 20. "I did the best that I could to help."

Woman With Face Transplant Doing Well

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Two years after French doctors stunned the world with the first partial face transplant, other doctors remain cautious about pursuing the surgery. The French patient, Isabelle Dinoire, has a new face that resembles and moves like the one she was born with. Her doctors celebrate how far she's come in an article this week in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"She's perfect," said Dr. Jean-Michel Dubernard, the lead surgeon on the operation, in an interview.

Her recovery has been remarkable but difficult. Dinoire's post-transplant life has been full of complications, including kidney failure and two episodes in which her body's immune system tried to reject the new skin.

Look What They Found Deep in the Ocean

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Thousands of feet below the ocean surface off Honolulu, Hawaii, researchers have found what they believe is new deep water coral and sponge beds.

See up-close, never-before-seen photos of a lemon-yellow bamboo coral tree and a giant sponge found off Hawaii thousands of feet below the ocean's surface.

The Associated Press reports that the team from the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory used a submersible to find a lemon-yellow bamboo coral tree and a giant sponge in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Samples of the corals and sponges were collected from 3,000 feet to 6,000 feet below the surface so scientists could conduct taxonomic identification and DNA analysis.

For the pictures go to this site.

My thanks to all...

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by Jack Lee

My thanks to the many nice folks I met in Orland last night at the GOP Christmans Party. I had a great time and I

GRAVE HUMOR

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by TinmanB

Three friends from the local congregation were asked "When you're in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say? " Artie said: "I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man." Eugene commented: "I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people's lives." Don said: "I'd like them to say, "Look, he's moving!"

We are Republicans and We are Friends

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by Jack Lee

During our elections a lot of punches get thrown and in those pre-primary days some punches are thrown at our own. This is a practice as old as democracy and it's not likely to change. But, it only happens for a brief moment in time and after that we resume the job of being allies in a common cause. Grievances shouldn't last beyond the primary season, regardless of whom you support or why! Remember we are all on the same side and we should stay friends and allies. This is so important to remember during presidential elections.

On a much smaller and personal note, I've raised an issue with two of my friends, Doug LaMalfa and Rick Keene because they are both sponsoring their chosen candidates. In part I don't like this because it puts me at a strong disadvantage without their support and in part because I have an ethical or philosophical reservation on incumbents sponsoring a candidate for some future personal advantage. If it was to protect a seat for future republicans that would be a different story, but we know this asssembly race is really a proxy battle that could determine who gets to be our next state senator in 2 years.

I still hold these two good legislators as my friends in the fight against socialism and this growing Nanny State. We like each other and we could work well together. In particular I have a strong respect for Doug LaMalfa as a patriot, a friend and an assemblyman of high standards. And Rick Keene is one of the most articulate and knowledgeable speakers I ever heard in the north state. His lawyer background is a real help to us and both he and Doug are great conservative assets! .

No matter what may come down in this primary season, never lose site of the fact we are all friends fighting for the same basic things, although in own way. If we don't hang together, then we'll likely hang seperately!

Nuclear Power, Is It the Answer?

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by Jack Lee

Nuclear power plants have been around a long time in the world and with very few exceptions those plants have been operating without incident. Over the next 20 years the US expects to build 32 new nuclear plants of the next generation model, with improved safety and simplicity, making them a reasonable, cost effective risk and with extremely low carbon emissions. . . seems like there is something there for everyone.

But, is there a devil in the details? if you are over the age of 30 then you know nothing we do is without the law of unforseen consequences. U.S. A. Today published this, "Nearly two years ago, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave the operator of the Indian Point nuclear plant a year to add backup power supplies to the plant's emergency warning sirens. Entergy paid a $130,000 government fine in April — but still hasn't done the work at the plant 24 miles north of New York City.

News and Review

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by Jack Lee

Guess who was in the guest editorial for the News and Review this week? Nope, I won't tell, you will have to look.

What’s a “w00t”?

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Mass. -- Expect cheers among hardcore online game enthusiasts when they learn Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year. Or, more accurately, expect them to ''w00t.'' ''W00t,'' a hybrid of letters and numbers used by gamers as an exclamation of happiness or triumph, topped all other terms in the Springfield-based dictionary publisher's online poll for the word that best sums up 2007. Merriam-Webster's president, John Morse, said "w00t" was an ideal choice because it blends whimsy and new technology.

Clinton’s & Buffett’s “Firehose” Thing

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by Tina Grazier

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett and Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday warned of the dangers of a growing gap between rich and poor and a tax system that disproportionately helps people he calls ''these super-rich'' -- and he's one of them. ''A firehose has been showered on me, and nothing has trickled beneath,'' Buffett said in a joint appearance with the Democratic presidential front-runner. - AP Staff

Here’s my “Fire Alarm” thing…

(a) No One is stopping these two from paying more to the government in taxes…
(b) No one is stopping them from using their riches to uplift the poor and less fortunate…
(c) The “super rich” who are receiving “breaks” from our tax system use most of the money to fuel the economy and create jobs (and Clinton & Buffett know it)…
(d) “The super rich” pay nearly half of the taxes now…
(e) Lower tax rates bring higher revenue to government due to the expansion that tax breaks make possible (resulting in jobs for the less fortunate)
(f) These two are weasels in search of personal power and don’t care who they hurt in the process.
(g) I call them weasels because they know these things and do not care…hence they do not care about the “poor”.

Please...vote wisely in '08.

A Simple Thought Worth Sharing...

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By Jack Lee

On politics and good government

Maybe it's as simple as this...we just keep a spotlight on the truth while trusting that voters will notice. Ya think?

Mis-leading Story...

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A New York Times article reads…"Poll finds GOP field isn’t touching voters.”

Merry Christmas Free Marketeers

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Posted by Tina Grazier

Rarely, these days, do I have an opportunity to bring you some really good news...so it's with great pleasure that I'm tapping away tonight to tell you about the first annual Stockholm Network award ceremony…and the outstanding work of the growing world of free market think tanks. Consider this an early gift, placed under the tree with love and plenty of holiday cheer! (clink!) Oh...and you can read the entire story “Giving Tanks,” by John Fund in the WSJ Opinion Journal…but don’t tell John, er...Santa that we peeked:

Jokes

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From TinmanB

I was feeling a bit depressed the other day, so I called the Help Hotline. I was put through to a 'call center' in Pakistan. I explained that I was feeling suicidal. They seemed very excited at this news and wanted to know if I could drive a truck or fly an airplane?

Poll Update

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Since this poll is still running from Oct., maybe you would like to cast a ballot for your favorite assembly candidate? Here is the link


Dan Logue...435 63%

Jack Lee..... 185 26% ( for my little budget campaign I think this is pretty good!)

Sue Horne......70 10%


Current Total 690

TAX DAY! DEC. 10TH ( Don't Forget )

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by Jack Lee

Did you know you can pay your taxes online or find out how much you owe at the Butte County Tax Collectors online site? Here is the link.

PS: If you wish to pay your taxes on line with a credit card the county is going to charge you a $20 convenience fee, better to send a letter with a first class stamp! $20 for using a credit card, only government could come up with that and I get mad for being charged .45 cents at the pump for using my versatel card!

Money in Politics - The Beast Must Die!

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by Tina Grazier

Money in politics…most people believe it’s a big problem. Many are convinced that something must be done to limit the influence of money in the system. Some contend that money corrupts the system and that big money buys more influence unfairly. Special interest groups have more money, and therefore more power, it’s said, than average citizens, and big business, an unfair advantage. Legislators pass reform bills in an effort to appease and make the

Deceitful “Gotcha” Politics

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by Tina Grazier

DECEIT 1 : the act or practice of deceiving (as by falsification, concealment, or cheating) : DECEPTION (*politics, being the art of deceit, suits only little minds— Encore*) 2 a : an attempt to deceive : a declaration, artifice, or practice designed to mislead another : wily device : TRICK, FRAUD b : any trick, collusion, contrivance, false representation, or underhand practice used to defraud another — see FRAUD
3 : a disposition to deceive : DECEITFULNESS… synonyms DECEIT, DUPLICITY, DISSIMULATION, CUNNING, GUILE can mean, in common, the quality, act, or practice of imposing on credulity by dishonesty, fraud, or trickery.

The definition of deceit is quite clear; the practice of it, despicable. It’s particularly disturbing in the context of congressional responsibilities and duties associated with protecting the American People. Keep this in mind as you read the following about what certain lawmakers knew in 2002 about the use of “waterboarding”:


Prop 93 - If It Fails - An Unexpected Twist

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by Jack Lee

What happens if Prop 93 fails, should we all be celebrating?

If Prop 93 fails to pass it would come as a mixed blessing because we are going to lose Senator Tom McClintock, one the GOP's most gifted and powerful political figures and possibly clout over the budget. Beside's McClintock, other GOP seats are at risk and if the Dems pick them up it could bring us right to the edge where the Dems have a 2/3rds majority vote in both the Assembly and the Senate and there goes the budget. Even if they succeed in in only one house the results for the GOP are not good.

Proposition 93 would change the limits, now six years in the Assembly and eight in the Senate, to 12 years that could be served in one house.

I know 93's term limits was created to serve the careers of Dems Nunez and Parata, but we would be in danger of losing control of the state budget if Prop 93 fails. I need it to fail to continue my campaign, but if it costs the GOP control over the budget, that's not the way I want to win because the price is too high!

10 Ways to Avoid Christmas Debt

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The holidays are upon us, bringing all those images and sensations we cherish-the glow of the menorah, the fragrance of home-cooked meals and sugar cookies, and the sounds of the season in holiday songs, laughter, and shrieks of joy from kids discovering Santa’s generosity. But for many of us there are a few not-so-joyous holiday

What's Your Weirdest Christmas Ever?

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by Jack Lee

We're on our way back from dinner in Gridley and we're just talking about past Christmases, then somehow we got on the subject of our most unusual or weird Christmas. This brought back two memories. One was of a big flood when I was about 8 years old and we were surrounded by water until we were evacuated. We spent Christmas with my God parents who lived about 20 miles away on high ground. That was a terrible time, lot of crying, lot of misery, death and devastation. On a better note, the next strange Christmas was when I had just turned 18 and I was assigned to my first navy ship. This was an old refitted, WWII era troop ship. It now ferried soldiers from the Naval Supply Center in Oakland to Vietnam.

As I recall, I arrived in Oakland midday and grabbed a cab over to naval base. The ship was tied up at the dock and most of the crew were on leave. What few people remained were not doing much. They were mostly in a foul mood because they had to stay with the ship while 90% of the crew gone, probably somewhere with friends, family or maybe in a bar with a new girlfriend.

One of the sailors I met showed me around and took me over to my folkshole (cabin) that I would soon be sharing with 4 others. I arrived on the ship in the afternoon and by the time I unpacked my duffel bag and fixed up my bunk it was almost 1800 hrs (6 pm).

Need a laugh?

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Submitted by H.E.

A man walked into a very high-tech restaurant in a fancy hotel.
As he waited to be seated, he noticed that the Maitre D' was a robot.
The robot clicked to attention and said, "Sir, there is a one hour
wait. And I am programmed to converse with you until a table is ready,
if you please."

Intrigued, the man said, "OK."

The robot clicked a couple more times and then asked, Sir, what is
your IQ?"

The man answered, "Oh, about 164."

The robot then proceeded to discuss the theory of relativity,
interstellar space travel, the latest medical breakthroughs, etc.

The man was most impressed. The next day he returned, but thought he
would try a different tack.

The robot again asked, "What is your IQ, sir?"

This time the man answered, "Oh, about 100".

So the robot started discussing NASCAR racing, the latest basketball

DEC 7TH - Pearl Harbor

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g474789t.jpgA day of infamy.

The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. A single carefully-planned and well-executed stroke removed the United States Navy's battleship force as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. America, unprepared and now considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant.

Eighteen months earlier, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had transferred the United States Fleet to Pearl Harbor as a presumed deterrent to Japanese agression. The Japanese military, deeply engaged in the seemingly endless war it had started against China in mid-1937, badly needed oil and other raw materials. Commercial access to these was gradually curtailed as the conquests continued. In July 1941 the Western powers effectively halted trade with Japan. From then on, as the desperate Japanese schemed to seize the oil and mineral-rich East Indies and Southeast Asia, a Pacific war was virtually inevitable.


Dirty Little Secrets in Elections

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by Jack Lee

ca.gifSince announcing my candidacy for election on July 4th, I have amassed a good deal of “insider” information about elections. This is not what they teach you in election school. No, what I have learned might best be called the "dirty little secrets" of how elections are really run and more importantly...won.

I. Background. California is a wide-open state compared to most others. We've not had any serious election law reforms passed since the days of Jesse Unruh and if you have never heard of him, well, you help make my point. It's been decades since we've taken a hard look at this system or should I say at least any serious look by our legislature.

On the people side of things, they have drafted proposition after proposition, hoping to restrain and curtail corrupt practices. We've voted and passed those initiatives by great margins only to see it fail on a technical challenge in court.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

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by Tina Grazier
h72273ktPearlHarbor.jpgU.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

As we recall the events of December 7, 1941 and honor those who died on that fateful day let us also remember all of those who were suddenly plunged into war by the events of that day. We offer our gratitude and thanks.

This year I'd like to dedicate this small remembrance to those souls lost on the "Bonefish" ...and to the only crew member who survived. RIP JDS 2007

Find Pearl Harbor History & Photos Here

NIE Report-Intelligence or Politics?

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Posted by Tina Grazier

It was terribly troubling when, after 911, we realized that somehow our top-notch intelligence experts had failed to "connect the dots." Not getting it right had meant that thousands of our fellow citizens suffered and died in fiery attacks. Intelligence gathering is a difficult job involving inexact elements: rumors, pieces of conversations, contradictory information, and propaganda…the inevitable needle in a haystack. So the sudden announcement yesterday that Iran had halted it's nuclear program in 2003 found me wondering if they had indeed gotten it right this time and if we could trust the findings.

A few really smart people were apparently wondering the same things. Clifford May in his article for the Scripps Howard News Service, “Confidence game,” opened with this:

Ask yourself a simple question: Why is Iran still violating international law by enriching uranium? Do you think Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and associates worry that more electricity may be needed to keep air conditioners humming in Tehran? Or do you think perhaps they want highly enriched uranium to make nuclear weapons? ** If your answer is "Gee, I dunno," you may be qualified for a job in the American intelligence community -- along with all the CIA analysts who in the past came to erroneous conclusions about the nuclear-weapons programs of Iraq, Libya, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Syria.

Money & Politics - A Quote

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"Now that Congress has violated the First Amendment by restricting free speech with “campaign finance reform” laws, in the name of getting the influence of money out of politics, have you noticed any less influence of money in politics?" - The inimitable Thomas Sowell

Media Bias - An Observation

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"The next time somebody in the media denies that there is media bias, ask how they explain the fact that there are at least a hundred stories about the shrinking arctic ice cap for every one about the expanding antarctic ice cap, which has now grown to record size." - Thomas Sowell

Find more of these Sowell-ful gems at NRO in his piece, What Would Lincoln & Douglas Do?

2008 Healthcare Positions-Compare All Candidates

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The Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Policy Alternatives, Inc. have collaborated to create a website to assist voters in comparing candidates based on their healthcare positions.

Visit the Health 08 site where you can compare up to four candidates at a time and also view proposals made by Republicans and Democrates by clicking on links to PDF files.

Comparisons are based on:

“…information appearing on the candidates' websites as supplemented by information from candidate speeches, the campaign debates and news reports. The sources of information are identified for each candidate's summary (with links to the Internet). The comparison highlights information on the candidates' positions related to access to health care coverage, cost containment, improving the quality of care and financing. Information will be updated regularly as the campaign unfolds."


Hillary Doesn't Want "One Night Stand"

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Hillary told Iowa supporters today, “I want a long term relationship...I don’t want to just have a one night stand with all of you.”

Wow!! Where to begin? Just for fun try the blogger "Anchoress" who has posted one-liners from the blog world such as:

Please tell me the crowd let out an audible. “eewwwww.” - Magical Pat

Another, Jimmie Bise, asked if she was breaking out the "Barry White"...and The Sundries Shack added, She "can't get enough of your love, Babe"

We here at Post Scripts are guffawing to beat the band and rightly so but, hey...she doesn't do anything like this that isn't calculated.

Could this have been motivated by the same kind of thinking that caused Al Gore to deep throat the missus?

If I remember correctly speculaters thought he was reaching for a Bill Clinton moment that would propel him to "Rock Star Status"...which reminds me, "Anchoress concludes by saying:

"Madam’ President doesn’t work if the president sounds like a real […]"

EEEEWWWWW!!!


(For those who saw it as "Hillary Wants...," please pardon my flub on the title!)

American's - How Hateful Are We?

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Hyping Hate Crime Vs. Muslims
Investors Business Daily, by Editorial Staff

New FBI data on hate crimes reveal Muslim groups are crying wolf about exploding anti-Muslim abuses. They're actually shrinking, belying claims of mass Islamophobia. Not only are anti-Islamic hate crimes way down, but they're a fraction of overall religious hate crimes. The overwhelming majority of such crimes target Jews, something CAIR and other Muslim groups don't seem all that concerned about. ** In 2006, a whopping 66% of religiously motivated attacks were on Jews, while just 11% targeted Muslims, even though the Jewish and Muslim populations are similar in size. Catholics and Protestants, who together account for 9% of victims, are subject to almost as much abuse as Muslims in this country. ** Last year's anti-Islamic hate crimes totaled 156. While just one hate crime is one too many, that's a 68% drop from 2001. ** The FBI report gives lie to CAIR's alarmist narrative of "Islamophobic" lynch mobs marching on mosques across America. In reality, Americans have been remarkably, and admirably, tolerant and respectful of Muslims and their institutions since 9/11.

“Democrat Courage” attacks Hillary Clinton

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Brawl or Gentleman’s Fight - by Tina Grazier

The progressive democrat organization “Democrat Courage” has announced it’s first negative TV ad against Hillary Clinton:

WASHINGTON - Liberal activists plan to begin airing a television ad against Hillary Rodham Clinton in Iowa this week, the first non-Republican negative ad aimed at a Democratic presidential candidate. The group, Democratic Courage, has accused Clinton of making policy decisions on the basis of polls, not convictions. It planned to introduce the ad Tuesday. (Snip) `We are concerned that she wouldn't be the best candidate in the general election or the best president because she is so easily bullied by the Republican attack machine,'' Hurowitz said. – AP

This raises the question…what if Hillary Clinton is not the democrat candidate? The American Thinker offers sage advice to the republicans summed up in one poignant Lee Cary sentence:

“Running against the Clintons is a street fight with tattooed gang-bangers. In comparison, a campaign against Obama would be a swashbuckling sword fight.”

Be prepared…read If Obama Beats Clinton to the Nomination.

Lying Democrat Snoops

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by Tina Grazier

An AP story today puts the uncelebrated finishing touch on a court case that should discredit the left…but won’t even get noticed. Dems made a very big deal about the government listening in on private conversations to fight against terrorist attacks on American soil…yet never made a peep about the conversation between republicans that was recorded and given to reporters for political advantage. A snippet from the AP story:

Court Backs Ruling Against Congressman
Associated Press, by Matthew Daly


WASHINGTON -- The long legal fight between two members of Congress over an illegally taped telephone call ended Monday when the Supreme Court refused to review the case. The court left in place a federal appeals court ruling that Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., acted improperly in giving reporters access to a recording of a 1996 telephone call of Republican leaders discussing the House ethics case against former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.

Why You Read Post Scripts!

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Some of the articles featured now...

• Money and Politics
• Carrier Kitty Hawk
• Why We Need Fred
• Obama On Health Care
• The Mother of All Medical Mix Ups
• Chavez Loses
• Roughing It On the Old Campaign Trail
• In the News: Fred Thompson
• Ending Hunger The Entrepreneurial Way
• BIG OIL PROFITS
• Mother Nature Talks Back
• Tort Lawyers Indicted
• Woman Flogged After Rape
• Muslim Students Angry
• Kill The Teacher
• Idea to Re-Animate the Clinton Campaign

Money and Politics

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by Jack Lee

Among the locals that picked up some big money from special interests was Assemblyman Rick Keene, he took more than $26,000 from Indian casinos and other gambling interests, but as a high profile fundamentalist Christian gambling seems at odds with tradiitonal Christian beliefs. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing illegal here and anybody can give to whoever they want. It just seems well...odd? It's like Ned Flanders on the Simpson's playing poker with Homer and his pals, know what I mean?

Money in politics matters. It's a growing problem.

Too often I've seen legislation for special interests curiously following in the wake of large campaign contributions made by the same people who would benefit from it. When campaign money and legislation get linked, need I say it...that's bad? Some have gone so far as to call this legal bribery. But, on the plus side at least it is out in the open for everyone to see. . . if they care to see.

Does it really matter; do you even care who gives money to your candidate? I guess if you blindly trust them then it probably does'nt matter and I am speaking about all politicians in general now.

U.S. Rep. Wally Herger gave $7,000 to embattled Congressman John Doolittle, and that is more understandable. They share adjoing districts, they are old friends and they are both Mormon conservatives. Kudo's to Wally standing up for his man, even though Doolittle is being shunned by most other conservatives over his ties to a federal lobbying investigation. If Doolittle goes down then some of Wally's reputation goes with it, so you have to admire his stand for his friend.

Elections may be a long way off, but candidates are almost fanatically driven to raise huge sums of cash lest they be outspent when it's their time to run again. (What they are telling us is money determines outcome) When it comes to fund raising, it's like a gold rush. There is so much money out there and their candidate needs are so great...they just have raise all they can get!

"Wally Herger, R-Chico, may not have much in common ideologically with the Democratic U.S. Senator from San Francisco, Dianne Feinstein...but the two list donations from the finance, real estate and insurance sectors as their top contributors this election funding cycle." Cont- "Of the $166,483 Herger reported that he's raised so far this year, $47,500 came from those industries, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks federal campaign finance data." Redding Search Light (Actually Open Secrets reports Wally has raised $168,735 this year and has $596,710 cash on hand just in case somebody would be silly enough to run against him.)

Politics does make for strange bedfellows and money is more-often-than-not the common connection...

Carrier Kitty Hawk to be given to India?

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Recent efforts by officers who seek to forge a comprehensive military relationship with India to offer the USS Kitty Hawk carrier to the Indian Navy -- as the USS Trenton was a few years ago -- seem to have foundered on opposition from pro-Pakistan and NATO-centric elements in the U.S. military. They see the move as potentially alienating the Pakistan military. For more on this story, click here.

by Nick Freitas

fred.jpgIs it just me or does every election seem more and more like a used car deal going down? Candidates must demonstrate their passion for the presidency by falling over themselves appealing to every voter, in every way imaginable. Such an expectation leads politicians of all leanings to incredible and often disingenuous displays.

Whether its Romney making up a hunting hobby to appeal to the NRA, Giuliani trying to convince pro lifer’s that he is on their side, or Hillary Clinton addressing one of the largest evangelical churches in the country. All of these acts are proudly declared by the media, as passionate attempts to reach out to traditional opponents; and a demonstration of a candidates desire to appeal to a wide base.

I call it a crock!

Obama On Health Care

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by Jack Lee

obama.jpgObama is now the Iowa front runner. I think it's time to take a close look at some of his major planks. Here is his statement on health care, what do you think, good or bad, too expensive or too unworkable? We need to take a hard look at what we are dealing with here folks, even if we don't plan on voting for them, we need to know what they are winning votes on so we can respond intelligently.

Let me tell you what [my health care plan] would do. Number one, we should have a national pool that people can buy into if they don't have health insurance.

My plan will cover every American and cut the cost of a typical family's premium by up to $2,500 a year. It's a plan that lets the uninsured buy insurance that's similar to the kind members of Congress give themselves. And if you can't afford that, you'll get a subsidy to pay for it.

My emphasis is on driving down the costs, taking on the insurance companies, making sure that they are limited in the ability to extract profits and deny coverage..."

It goes further than any other proposed plan in cutting the cost of health care by investing in technology and preventive care so that children are getting regular check ups instead of having to go to the emergency room for treatable illnesses like asthma, and by breaking the stranglehold of the drug companies and the insurance industries--we are tired of them dictating our health care markets--and helping businesses and families shoulder the cost of the most expensive conditions so that an illness doesn't lead to bankruptcy. And I promise you this: I will sign a universal health care plan that covers every American by the end of my first term as president.

Source: Take Back America 2007 Conference Jun 19, 2007

For more information click here

The Mother of All Medical Mix Ups

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colon_071129_ms.jpg
by Jack Lee'

A medical malpractice suit was recently filed by a Delarware man when the mother of all mix-ups left him urinating feces and discharging urine from his rectum.

"According to a lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of Delaware Nov. 1, Joseph E. Swain of Dover, Del., had an operation at Kent General Hospital Feb. 22, 2006, intended to reverse a colostomy -- a procedure that shunts fecal matter away from the rectum and into a bag attached to the patient's body.

A colostomy is often used as a temporary measure to allow patients to recover after certain colon surgeries or injuries. Reattaching the colon to the rectum should have returned Swain's bowel function back to normal."


Chavez Loses

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Early report from the AP

CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez suffered a stinging defeat Monday in a vote on constitutional changes that would have let him run for re-election indefinitely and solidify his bid to transform this major U.S. oil provider into a socialist state. ** Voters defeated the sweeping measures by a vote of 51 percent to 49 percent, said Tibisay Lucena, chief of the National Electoral Council, with voter turnout just 56 percent. She said that with 88 percent of the votes counted, the trend was irreversible. ** The changes would have created new forms of communal property, let Chavez handpick local leaders under a redrawn political map, permit civil liberties to be suspended under extended states of emergency and allow Chavez to seek re-election indefinitely. Now, Chavez will be barred from running again in 2012. ** Other changes would have shortened the workday from eight hours to six, created a social security fund for millions of informal laborers and promoted communal councils where residents decide how to spend government funds. The reforms also would have granted Chavez control over the Central Bank and extended presidential terms from six to seven years.

Roughing It On the Old Campaign Trail

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Rudy Guiliani spent $2,010 to sleep at the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia; $4,034 at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA; and, $5,370 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. I guess if we can get mad at John Edwards for having a $400 haircut when can at least acknowledge a little flamboyance on our side. Fair is fair.

In the News: Fred Thompson

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Fred Thompson was supposed to blaze into the Republican presidential fray, overtaking the pack with his booming voice, commanding Reaganesque stage presence, and solid conservative credentials. But that hasn’t happened. Rick Moran examines why and asks whether there is still hope for “Fred Heads.” Read more...

"There was an irrational exuberance for Internet campaigning,” one former staffer said. “When this exaggerated faith in the Net collided with reality, the impact was pretty severe. Once the real campaign began, an organization that placed no premium on having a real campaign was ill prepared to deal with it.”


Ending Hunger The Entrepreneurial Way

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by Tina Grazier

LILONGWE, Malawi — Malawi hovered for years at the brink of famine. After a disastrous corn harvest in 2005, almost five million of its 13 million people needed emergency food aid. *** But this year, a nation that has perennially extended a begging bowl to the world is instead feeding its hungry neighbors. It is selling more corn to the World Food Program of the United Nations than any other country in southern Africa and is exporting hundreds of thousands of tons of corn to Zimbabwe. *** Farmers explain Malawi’s extraordinary turnaround — one with broad implications for hunger-fighting methods across Africa — with one word: fertilizer.

The story, Ending Famine, Simply by Ignoring the Experts by CELIA W. DUGGER goes on to say that "The World Bank and some rich nations Malawi depends on for aid" have "pressed" the country to adhere to "free market policies" and "cut back or iliminate fertilizer subsidies."

The notion that "subsidies" are a free market idea should be overlooked, afterall, the reporter is writing in the New York Times. The exciting story, the part that is actual NEWS, is that a determined leader decided to take a risk, eschew government programs and bureaucratic deal making, and take the initiative in his own country! His may not be a free market country yet but, if not, this is certainly an entrepreneurial step in the right direction.

All I can say is BRAVO!

At tip: Bookworm