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May 31, 2008
Walking the Old Campaign Trail
by Jack Lee
For some folks election time is an incredibly important event and for many more, well, it's practically just another day, almost a non-event. I know...I've been out walking my neighborhood precinct in support of my candidate of choice for about two weeks. It's what I like to do when I can. The bonus is I get to talk to diffent types of people other than my typical hyper-partisan friends. This keeps me grounded. I get a better feel for what’s going on, and let me tell you I got an earful this time.
Seems like for every one positive comment I hear 5 or 6 negatives. First people tend to really dislike the President, they almost have a problem with Congress, they are disgusted with Republicans at the national level, they fear California is broke and they're upset because we're overrun by illegals,....and the list goes on! Some of the comments from voters are probably the most cynical and discouraging I've ever heard!
And then we get down to the excuses why they don't want to be involved at all, despite these compelling issues! This all points toward a low voter turnout for the primary, especially on the republican side and that can't be good! Some say this was an unintended consequence of our early presidential primary. Maybe, but I think it's more than that, like voter apathy or burnout (see below for some of those factors). WE have about 15 million registered voters in California and I'll bet we don't get more than 6 million to turn out on Tuesday.
Here's the top four excuses for not being involved: #4. "I don't even know who's running!" Now that makes a person look silly! We're only three days away from election day, the candidates are running ads every 5 minutes of every day and our mail boxes are filled with campaign literature... and they still don't know who is running? #3. "I don't think anything will change, no matter who gets elected." Things DO change and not always for the best, so we have to stay involved. You know the old saying, "If you are not part of the process then you are part of the problem" It's true. #2 "They (politicians) say they're going to this or that, but they never do, so why bother?" Sure, broken campaign promises its a problem, but hardly anything new. Which brings up the next logical question, why do you people keep re-electing the promise breakers? I think I know why... see excuse #4. And now (drum roll please) the most often repeated excuse is, "I don't know who to believe there's so many negative campaign ads flying around." Sound familiar? But, you should know, it's your duty as a voter to know and it's not that hard. We've had a lot of voter forums, newspaper articles, speeches, Q and A meetings, tons of mailers, radio and tv ads...there is no good excuse why you don't have an informed opinion about our candidates and issues.
I'm going to sound like Bill Clinton now, but I share your pain! I know we have our problems; when it comes to politics few people could possibly be more cynical than me. Heck, I have so many gripes with the system I lose count, but I'm still here! I’m still involved, even though some of my pals on the opposing side probably wish I would croak! Well, some day they will get their wish... but not this day. And I hope not before the primary...I wanna cast my vote! Ok, I’m off my soap box for now, but in the immortal words of our Governor…”I’ll be back.”
Posted by Post Scripts at 03:51 PM | Comments (0)
May 30, 2008
ONE OFFICER CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
The Chico CHP has a new officer by the name of Todd Bergman. Traffic Officer Bergman transferred from the Willows unit where he had an absolutely outstanding record for traffic enforcement. T/O Bergman has brought his skills to Chico and has continued to set an example for safety enforcement. Based on a number of compliments from local citizens and some from his own peers, his efforts are paying off by improving local seat belt compliance and thereby reducing the risk of death or injury to our area citizens.
We're extremely proud of the job all our local law enforcement officers are doing, and we don't mean to embarrass Todd or set him up for some kidding by his fellow officers, but we want to offer our sincere thanks from Post Scripts for a job well done.
Now we want to point how tough that job is and how well our CHP Officers are doing it:
In 2006, 4,195 people died and 277,373 people were injured in California traffic collisions. California’s 2006 Mileage Death Rate (MDR) - fatalities per 100 million miles traveled (100 Million VMT) is 1.28, much lower than the national MDR of 1.41. Of the 5 largest states in terms of total traffic fatalities, (CA, FL, TX, GA, & NC), California has the lowest rate.
California’s 2007 seat belt usage rate is 94.6%, which is significantly better than the national average of 81%. This is up from 93.4% in 2006 and represents 365,750 more Californians buckling up. California’s seat belt use rate (94.6%) is the fourth best in the nation – behind Hawaii (97.6%), Washington (96.4%), and Oregon (95.4%).
In California, the percent of restrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities increased from 55.4% in 2005 to 56.4% in 2006, much better than the national average of 41.3%. Further, California was third best in the nation, with only the small states of Alaska and Oregon higher. ** In 2006, about half, 458, of the 917 known unrestrained fatalities would be alive today had they simply buckled up.
California’s 2007 child safety seat usage rate is 87.7% - dropping slightly from 87.8% in 2006.
Teen fatalities decreased 6.7% from 527 in 2005 to 492 in 2006 – the lowest level since 2001.
In 2006, the percent of restrained passenger vehicle occupant “teenaged” fatalities was 51.8% in 2006. Since restraints are about 50% effective in preventing a fatality, NHTSA estimates that 75 dead teens would be alive today had they simply buckled up. Only Oregon has a higher restraint use. Teen use in fatalities is less that the restraint use of all California fatalities at 56.4%.
It's our hope that the CHP Commander in Sacramento will send us a few motor officers. We sure need it. Chico is a growing community and the most effective way to protect citizens is good traffic enforcement. The dollar cost as well the injuries and deaths due to traffic accidents is far more than the sum of local criminal activity. People tend to forget that when reading about high profile crimes like robbery or homicide. Of course it's all important and that is why Post Scripts has been and will always be... a strong supporter of law enforcement!
Posted by Post Scripts at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)
If It Is GREEN, Avoid It!!
Submitted by Harold Ey....
>...If you barbecue, please read and then send this to a friend
At a recent meth training/workshop for law enforcement there was a lot of great new information presented. I wanted to let you all know about one thing of importance. Meth cooks are getting the propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc. and emptying them of the propane. 
Then, they are filling them with anhydrous ammonia (which they now have a recipe for, by the way). After they are finished with them, they return them to the store. They are then refilled with propane and sent back for you and me to buy. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane and hooked up to our grills, etc. According to the presenter, you should inspect the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas. If it is present, refuse to purchase that one.'
You should check out the following website for more details. They also have pictures you can show.
http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529
Posted by Post Scripts at 12:08 AM | Comments (0)
TEST
This is only a test to see if our comments section has been restored. TEST
Posted by Post Scripts at 12:03 AM | Comments (0)
May 29, 2008
Interesting Vegas Real Estate Ad
by Ross Franco, BlockShopper Staff
Dr. Ronald Rosen and his wife, Rebecca, sold a five-bedroom, 3.5 bath at 2241 Country Cottage Court in Las Vegas to Scott and Rebecca Moreno for $520,000 on April 21.
The Rosens paid $387,000 for the property in Jan. 1995. The 3,596 square foot house, which is in the Canyon Estates, was built the same year. Home sales in Las Vegas dropped almost 29 percent in 2007 versus sales in 2006. The median sales price also fell from $280,000 to $270,000.
Posted by Post Scripts at 11:49 PM
Speaker Pelosi “Makes Nice” With the Enemy
by Tina Grazier
The progressive approach in world affairs is to make friends, even with America’s sworn enemies. And how do we do that? We begin with a few words of praise:
“…some of the success of the surge is that the goodwill of the Iranians…they decided in Basra when the fighting would end, they negotiated that cessation of hostilities…the Iranians.” – Nancy Pelosi
How Madam speaker arrived at this bizarre conclusion is beyond me. It’s as if she thinks they were sitting at tea one day and suddenly thought to themselves, “gosh, this game we’ve been playing in Iraq is not very nice…let’s just stop.”
She obviously learned very little from her talks with President Maliki and General Petraeus during her recent visit to Iraq. Oh well, it's clear that she is moving on...
Drawing from her own vast diplomatic experience, she is making a bid to pave the way for an Obama presidency. She has begun this process by attempting to smooth out the rift with Iran and Ahmadinejad. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle (see quote above) she praises Iran for the success of the surge in securing the recent “cessation of hostilities” thus snubbing President Maliki, the Iraqi military, President Bush, and last but not least, the United States military.)
But wait. Isn’t the whole idea of peacemaking to ensure that all parties,everyone, feel included and welcome? Isn’t the goal to create a world in which all countries “just get along”? Don't we base this on the fact that all people are basically the same and…you know, connected? Don’t we all deserve to be treated with equal amounts of kindness and praise no matter what?
Hmmm…there are definite holes in this line of thinking, at least in practice.
Meanwhile from Stockholm some semblance of sanity remains:
World leaders, including UN chief Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, on Thursday hailed Baghdad's progress in combatting violence and stabilising Iraq. A declaration adopted by 100 delegations at a Stockholm conference said the participants "recognised the important efforts made by the (Iraqi) government to improve security and public order and combat terrorism and sectarian violence across Iraq." – Agence France-Presse
The bottom line is this: “Iranian goodwill” had little, if anything, to do with recent successes in Iraq. The Iranian position has been and continues to be strategic and political…period. Pelosi can toss all the daisies she wishes at the feet of Ahmadinejad. He will wave and smile...trample on her daisies…and continue to hate the United States of America.
If there is a chance for an end to military operations in the Middle East it will come only because the enemy finally concludes that their decision to use violent acts of aggression against others is not a good way to achieve goals. The time to “make nice” with the enemy is when the enemy chooses to abandon aggressive, angry, violent, underhanded ways of dealing with others…and not before.
Posted by Post Scripts at 04:16 PM
May 28, 2008
THE BIKER
Submitted by my old buddy, SGT Paul Newman, USMC, Iraq Vet., ,....
I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.
But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate
last Sunday.
I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the
sidewalk.
But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the
hurricane relief.
I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by.
But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your
cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to
the homeless.
I saw you, stare at my long hair.
But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of
Love.
I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves.
But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those
that had none.
I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos.
But, you didn't see me, cry as my children were born and have their
name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into
my lane.
I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe
behind me.
I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take
the next turn.
I saw you, race down the road in the rain
But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the
car to go on his date
I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.
I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But, you didn't see me, leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, go home to your family.
But, you didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family.
But, you didn't see me.
Posted by Post Scripts at 08:09 PM
Is America Ready for Progressive-isms?
by Tina Grazier
We’ve been asked if America is ready for a woman or an African American in the White House. I think the two questions are absurd, myself, but there is a concern that does deserve careful consideration by voters. What do you think about a fascist, communist, socialist…progressive in the White House (or Congress)? Progressives are becoming very bold about their plans for our nation. Are we ready for the "ism" changes they propose?
socialism - any of various theories or social and political movements advocating or aiming at collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and control of the distribution of goods…a system or condition of society or group living in which there is no private property. - Websters Dictionary
fascism - any program for setting up a centralized autocratic national regime with severely nationalistic policies, exercising regimentation of industry, commerce, and finance, rigid censorship, and forcible suppression of opposition. - Websters Dictionary
communism - a theory advocating elimination of private ownership of property or capital b : a system or condition real or imagined in which goods are owned commonly rather than privately and are available as needed to each one in a unified group sometimes limited, sometimes inclusive, and often composed of members living and working together : a similar system preventing amassing of privately owned goods and assuring equalitarian returns to those working = Websters Dictionary
Last week on the floor of the House of Representatives Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) openly admitted what many of us have suspected all along, that the progressive arm of the Democrat Party has designs on independent American industry. During hearings of oil industry representatives Waters said the following:
And guess what this liberal will be all about? This liberal will be about …“socializing”….uh….er….(long pause)…” would be about, basically, taking over and the government running all of your companies!”
Hillary Clinton has essentially (but much more diplomatically) stated similarly that she wants to ”take” oil profits and use that private money as she sees fit. Apparently the big change they keep talking about includes usurping the U.S. Constitution in favor of Marx, Lenin, Mao, Castro, Chavez, et al...
Private property…the right to ownership of our homes, businesses and other property…is one of the pillars that ensures our continued freedom. It is one of the basic foundational precepts of this great republic.
republic - a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law. - Websters Dictionary
Is America ready for the conglomerate of progressive isms that is alive and at work in forming policy in the Democrat Party?? I guess it depends on the degree to which YOU are willing to hand over your property to the likes of Maxine Waters and Hillary Clinton.
Is America ready for Progressive-isms? We’ll all find out come November. Vote wisely Pilgrims!
Posted by Post Scripts at 02:15 PM | Comments (0)
Republicans Reconcile at CRA Meeting in Chico
Last night the California Republican Assembly (CRA) for Butte County held a public meeting at the Chico City Council Chambers. As was expected, the gathering became a little raucous with brief exchanges between members stemming from a controversial vote by the County Central Committee Board to censure a republican candidate during the heat of a primary run.
The censure was viewed by some as a hatchet job, but others defended it as appropriate. However, by the end of the meeting members seemed to emerged more united and allied than they when they went in. Even apologies were exchanged and bitter rivals shook hands as a gesture of good will. This reconciliation promised to lead the CRA forward to more productive things.
A motion was made by Cliff Wagner-Oroville, to research and adopt new bylaws that will remove the specter of a conflict of interest when considering actions such as censures, endorsements or oppositions to republican candidates or issues, especially in a pre-primary season where emotions tend to run hot. The new bylaws will provide for a precise method how such things will be handled in the future. The motion was enthusiastically approved by all members. This marks a new beginning to protect the integrity of CRA and allow it's members to stay focused on promoting all republican issues and candidates while avoiding internal conflict. "This will give us clear rules for supporting or opposing candidates in the future and we need that!" said Jack Lee, CRA member.
The CRA Chair, Pete Weber - Chico, kept the meeting moving along in an orderly fashion and allowed all members and persons present a fair opportunity to speak about their concerns and air all grievances. ( Ah, if only the Chico City Council meetings could be run as smoothly and courteously! )
This new bylaw change will next be proposed at the upcoming Republican Central Committee meeting for Butte County. If it is approved, this will go a long way to restoring peace among the local Republican groups.
Currently the bylaws for the BCRP either don't address this issue clearly or they are not totally consistent with the State Party bylaws. The proposed changes should correct this.
Posted by Post Scripts at 12:54 PM
May 27, 2008
GREAT DAY!
Two old ladies were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress. One leaned over and said, “Life is so damned boring. We never have any fun anymore. For $5.00, I’d take my clothes off and streak through that stupid flower show!” ”You’re on!” …said the old lady, holding up a $5.00 bill.
As fast as she could, the first little old lady fumbled her way out of her clothes, completely naked, streaked through the front door of the flower show. Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause. The naked lady burst out through the door surrounded by a cheering crowd. ”What happened?” asked her waiting friend. ”I won 1st prize as Best Dried Arrangement.”
Posted by Post Scripts at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)
Political War - Even Jack's Mentioned
The Union from Placer County reads....
(Dan Logue shown on left) "A longstanding political feud, conflicts of interest and some "good old boys" issues within the Yuba and Butte GOP central committees have fueled the no-holds-barred campaign for the 3rd District Assembly nomination, according to candidate Sue Horne.
Horne's opponent, Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue, denies the charges. Some of his supporters contend the Nevada County supervisor will wilt under pressure in Sacramento.
The mudslinging campaign for Assemblyman Rick Keene's seat illustrates what has become all too common in politics nowadays - focusing on political infighting and mailers instead of the issues, at least in some voters' minds.
Horne said Keene (R-Chico) and state Sen. Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) have endorsed Logue because of her former affiliation with deceased Assemblyman Bernie Richter (R-Chico).
"It goes back to the war between Rick Keene, Sam Aanestad and Bernie Richter when I worked for him," Horne said.
Aanestad lost to Richter in a close Assembly election in 1992 and beat Richter's son-in-law, David Reade, in 1998.
"I wasn't part of the war," Horne said. "I'm my own person, but they want to continue that war and that's how this has played out."
Aanestad and Keene denied Horne's accusations, saying they endorsed Logue because they think Horne cannot handle the pressure in Sacramento.
"When people get to Sacramento and have pressure put on them, they can change and their votes can change. I believe the person who will change least is Dan Logue," Aanestad said. The senator said he was not aware that Horne worked for Richter.
Three years ago, when Horne started thinking about running for Keene's spot because he was facing term limits, Horne said she went to him for backing.
Keene wouldn't endorse her because she was a friend of Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa, (R-Redding ), who Keene could run against for Aanestad's Senate spot in 2010, Horne said.
"That's not exactly the case," said Keene, who is vacating the post because of term limits. "I told her I couldn't endorse her, because she hadn't been consistent on the Board of Supervisors."
The assemblyman said Horne's handling of the replacement of Nevada County Clerk-Recorder Lorraine Jewett-Burdick four years ago is what bothered him most.
After considering Republican Fran Freedle, the board wound up appointing Kathleen Smith. In an embarrassing episode, Smith later was forced to resign because she was "moonlighting" as a clerk in Rio Vista.
Horne said she can handle the pressure in Sacramento. She cites her efforts to defeat the National Heritage 2020 land-use debate six years ago, a hot issue.
Instead, Horne said she faces political obstacles with the Republican Central Committees in Butte and Yuba counties.
"I think there's a good-old- boy issue and everything that's contained in that," she said.
To Horne and her supporters, this has been illustrated by two uncommon censure actions against her in both counties.
Republic central committees can't endorse in primaries. But central committee members who support Logue also have voted for the committee censures against Horne.
The committee's action has the same practical effect of endorsing her opponent, Horne said. Logue is using the censures in political mailers, accusing her of an "underhanded and dishonest" campaign.
The censures stem from a mailer that Horne sent out about a Yuba County couple accusing Logue of helping to "steal" their land by eminent domain for a levee. Logue had been a member of a valley levee board.
Soon after the mailer came out outlining Tom and Jeanette Rice's blasting of Logue's action, both county GOP parties issued censure notices of Horne.
Rice said neither county party spoke with him and that he learned of the censures in newspapers.
"I was rather surprised they didn't call me or try to contact me in any way," Rice said last week from his south Yuba County home. Rice told The Union that he approved the mailers Horne sent out about Logue and thoroughly checked them for accuracy.
Yuba County Republican Party Vice Chairman Paul Myers said no bylaws existed to issue the censure of Horne, but some members at a recent GOP meeting felt compelled to do it.
"The mailer said 'Dan Logue stole our land.' How did they steal the land?" Myers asked. "It sounded to us like they had negotiated.
"The minutes of the (levee board) meeting show a compromise, and they were offered 2 1/2 times market value," Myers said. "We said this just isn't right."
"Sue printed the Rice's own words, which Dan Logue does not refute," said Tim Clark, a Horne campaign spokesman.
He said the Republican Party Central Committee in Yuba County is "four or five members all owned by Dan Logue."
There are no provisions within the Republican Party to censure a fellow member, Clark said.
The GOP members who censured Horne in Butte County "is a small band of Dan Logue supporters," Clark said.
Butte County Republican Party Chairman Steve Thompson denied the accusations, adding that seven of the county party's 12 sitting board members voted for the censure "after we reviewed the facts."
Ax to grind
The Rices have a political ax to grind with Logue and that's why they endorsed Horne's mailer, Thompson said. If the Rice's had come out with the information independently, the party faithful would have done nothing, he added.
"When Sue Horne issued the mailer, it was out of bounds," Thompson said.
The Butte County GOP's bylaws do not cover censure, but "nothing stops it either," Thompson said.
Thompson also works for Assemblyman Keene, a relationship that creates a conflict of interest, according to Horne's supporters.
"The insinuation I did this for Rick Keene is wrong," Thompson said. "He doesn't tell me how to make my decisions in the committee."
Former Butte GOP Chairman Jack Lee disagrees. Lee said Thompson and Keene brought Logue into the race, which "gives rise to the question of bias and prejudice leading to a highly selective action," he wrote on a political blog site called "Red County."
In a letter to Thomspon, Lee said he should be careful about how he handles his power as county GOP chairman.
"The damage that could be done to one's reputation under such circumstances can last a very long time and have far-reaching consequences," the letter said.
Logue also has been criticized for own his campaign mailers.
Posted by Post Scripts at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)
More From "THE UNION" Newspaper
27 May 08: The Union Editorial: "You need a scorecard these days to figure out the politics within the two primary political parties. After all, endorsements generally come down to favors and political relationships that have very little to do with the issues, or which candidate would best represent constituents.
(Sue Horne shown left) Such is the case in the race for the state's 3rd District Assembly seat, currently held by Rick Keene. Nevada County Supervisor Sue Horne and Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue - both Republicans - have been in the midst of a spirited, often nasty battle that should be settled on June 3. When the dust does settle, we hope Horne will be headed to Sacramento, where we believe she will serve Nevada County in the same outstanding manner she has served us as a member of the Nevada County Board of Supervisors the past several years.
The proof, we believe, is in the pudding. Horne will leave behind a county government that is in relatively great shape. In spite of the current housing crunch that has wreaked havoc on many municipalities, Nevada County is fiscally sound, thanks to some great management by staff and decision-making by the fiscally conservative five-member board that Horne sits on.
While the state wrestles with a $20 billion or so budget deficit, Nevada County has tucked away an estimated $3.4 million in reserves, accumulated over the past three budget years. That's the kind of fiscal performance the state badly needs and who better to deliver that than someone with a track record like Horne's?
Her election to the Board of Supervisors as a write-in candidate in 2000 marked a dramatic turning point for Nevada County. Over the next seven years she would help lead a conservative taxpayers' reform movement that would ultimately address waste, streamline bureaucracy, add funds to public safety and balance the budget.
Logue and his supporters claim that Horne isn't conservative enough for their tastes, but offer very little credible evidence to support that claim. We doubt you'll find many whose values and morals are more conservative and we find it more than a little disturbing that anyone could suggest she's "not conservative enough."
In fact, we believe one of her best qualities is her ability to offer some semblance of moderation to the issues. We have no desire to have our representative march in lock-step with any political party and we are encouraged by the notion that Horne may be an independent thinker, whose moral compass has guided her quite well during her life and during her years as a county supervisor. She is also a patriot, whose boundless energy helped give us our own Blue Star Moms chapter, recognizing the many mothers whose sons are serving our country today. Her own son served in Iraq. She also helped found the Nevada County Pregnancy Center.
Assemblyman Keene, who today is supporting Logue, not long ago named Horne "Woman Of The Year," not once, but twice. Interesting that today he is supporting Logue. That ought to give some insight on the inner-workings of the political party system, where back-scratching and political relationships apparently count more than substance.
In the end, our recommendation is simply a result of performance and trust. We believe Nevada County is in relatively great shape today and we trust that Sue Horne will perform in the same admirable fashion as the 3rd District's representative in the California Assembly.
Posted by Post Scripts at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
May 26, 2008
Another Memorial Day
by Jack Lee
Another Memorial Day has come and gone and we were reminded once again of the high price paid to have this country with all its freedoms. Funny thing about freedom, it's like air, you really don't appreciate it until you don't have it anymore. In America I think too many of us take our freedoms for granted. Like free speech, freedom of religion, freedom to associate with whom we choose, freedom of the press or even freedom to vote. The latter one gets less frequently used with every passing election, I'm not sure if that is an abuse or a neglect of freedom, but whatever it is it's not helping us be a better representative democracy.
Ironically few inalienable rights get abused more than our every day freedoms we take for granted; some people are always pushing the limits, for instance... the freedom of radicals to protest and make arces out of themselves while calling for the downfall of things we hold dear. Seems like we wind up spending more time defending the abusers of freedom than we ever do supporting the defenders of freedom. We like to say as long as the abusers are around then we know we're still free. Maybe so, but that doesn't mean I have to like them.
The older and wiser among us aren't usually given to abusing freedom, have you noticed? That's the job of fools and youth. I guess the older folks have lived long enough to have learned from their mistakes and seen enough of life to know when not to abuse their freedoms; you hardly ever see old people hurling rocks at a police line or carrying a signs that say "Impeach Bush" or "No Blood for Oil"! (If pump prices keep going up I think that last one will be changed to, "Take Their #@% Oil")
I have a healthy respect for our freedoms and I always have. I was raised after WWII in the baby boomer generation. We grew up under the guidance of people who just won the greatest war in human history and we lived in the richest nation in history with the highest achievements in education, science and domestic production. It was a good time back then, like the movie "Happy Days", fast cars, cheap gas and rock and roll. We didn't even hear about marijuana until I was a senior in high school. Then a war started in a Southeast Asian in a little country called Vietnam. We never heard of that either, but we were about learn and learn we did, about a lot of things; the age of innocence was over.
Many of my friends came back from this war scared forever, others just never came back. During a small part of this time I served on a couple of Navy ships, one was actually headed for Vietnam and we got as far as open water just outside San Francisco and the darn thing blew a main water line, so we turned around with our cargo of nervous young soldiers and headed back to port. They took a plane over and we stayed with the ship. I couldn't wait to get off that rust bucket and so I took a transfer to a "Special Projects" ship that patrolled the DEW line in the Pacific, we didn't do anything except make a hole in the water. I should have stayed on the troop ship.
But, back to freedom or more appropriately the abuse thereof, that was the 60's and if you're not old enough to have lived it, let me tell you it was just as wild as what you've heard. We had too much of everything and appreciated almost nothing. It was a time of excesses, Timothy Leary told us, "Tune in, turn on and drop out" and many did and never came back. We had a lot of causalities in the 60s' and not just from war.
Most of the people my age were in college, dodging the draft or in the military, LSD was everywhere, free love was in too and AIDS, well, AIDS wasn't to show up for almost another 15-20 years! This was a time of experimentation and the age of revolution, we had the "Black Panthers", Huey Newton, H. Rap Brown, Stokely Carmichael, Abby Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, etc. They were in the headlines any given week and these guys were certified bomb throwers and worse! We also had "The Weather Underground", "Students for a Democratic Society" (SDS), oh and that particular group was anything but democratic! They were basically anarchists, socialist or communists looking for a fight with "the man". Our freedoms gave them cover so they could do more damage than they should have in a less tolerant, less free country.
So, it's safe to say I saw my fair of abuses when it came to our every day freedoms in the 60's, from riots at Berkeley all the way to Watts. How I survived those times is a story in itself, but I did and by the early 70's I somehow found my way back into uniform...this time as a cop. I stayed in law enforcement until I retired with injuries nearly 16 years later. That took me out of military reserves too. A lot of time passed as I healed up mentally and physically, and then we had another war, this time in Iraq. And then a return to finish what we didn't do in the first round and you know that story. Thanks to a protracted engagement and some serious manpower shortages even an old guy like was needed. I had the right experience and the right skills. I got a medical waiver and went back in for one last time... I'm out in 2011....sound almost like a prison release date doesn't it? But, I don't think of it like that at all, this is privilege for me and I'm enjoying it more now than ever before.
Maybe this explains why I have such a healthy respect for our freedoms, I don't know? Whatever it is, somehow I do feel very strongly about our freedoms, and about those who would usurp or take them away. Especially I worry about dirty politics. This is a frontal assault on our freedoms and threatens them more than any bomb toss'er of the 60's. When it comes to writing about politics now, I'm driven by my passion and bound by my honor, to report things as I see them and thereby make the most of my freedom while I still can...while we still have them.
I'm glad I have a friend like Tina to capture feelings and mark moments like Memorial Day. Tina and I share a lot of the same life experiences and history and that's really helpful too! Now without going into, uh... her age, I'll just say she can barely remember the 60's, yet she can still relate. lol I hope you'll also read her article "As the Sun Sets on This Memorial Day 2008" I thought it was great! The funny part is we both thought of doing the same story at the same time. Well, what else would expect from like minds! lol
Posted by Post Scripts at 11:41 PM | Comments (0)
As the Sun Sets on This Memorial Day 2008…
The patriot’s blood is the seed of Freedom’s tree. ~ Thomas Campbell
by Tina Grazier
“Post Scripts” recently received a comment from Joe Repya, “Memorial Day - I’m Tired,” in which Joe lamented the state of his nation upon his return from Iraq:
I left Baghdad and a war that has every indication that we are winning, to return to a demoralized country much like the one I returned to in 1971 after my tour in Vietnam Maybe it's because I'll turn 60 years old in just four months, but I'm tired…
I spent this Memorial Day pondering Joe’s words. I wondered what would have made Joe’s return from Iraq a more pleasing or positive experience…what would have made him feel good about the country he obviously loves so much. And finally I wondered, what could be done to truly honor those who have given so much in service to our country.
The parades and memorial celebrations we have each year are one way to show our appreciation and respect...they serve to remind us of the sacrifice that’s been made. Flying the American flag is a patriotic gesture that honors those who have “died to make us free”. Being a volunteer and donating to veterans causes, visiting the wounded in military hospitals, and offering condolences and a helping hand to military families are others ways to participate and show appreciation.
We can speak up when we are offended by disrespect that's shown to returning military personnel, at our local recruiting stations, and toward our President, the Commander-in Chief. All of these things are ways to show honor to our fallen warriors. But at the end of the day, the best way to offer our deepest respect to these brave men and women is to make certain that the ideals and values of our nation are cherished, preserved and passed along to future generations. Unless we do this one important thing the rest will be for naught.
Please visit “AmericanHeritageFoundation.org” for educational information and inspiration and never forget…learning begins at home:
America is in such significant social, cultural, philosophical, governmental, and educational decline that, if continued unabated, it will result in the death of the country. ** Unlike countries governed by the sword under dictatorship or state controlled systems, America was formed and built on the ideas and ideals of Freedom, Unity, Progress, and Responsibility--themes that originate in our Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution, and other primary documents and in philosophical ideas and ideals commonly grounded in the study of Western Civilization and Judeo-Christian values. ** A nation built on these ideas and theories cannot possibly survive if those same philosophical and historical principles are not studied, taught, learned, practiced, and reinforced in our schools and institutions attended by the next generation of young people.
Thank you Joe, once again, for your service and for reminding us that a nation worth dying for is also worth preserving.
"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." – Abraham Lincoln
Posted by Post Scripts at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2008
Comments Section Bombed By Emails
Someone with the IP address of 63.147.64.5 is causing our spam filter to block comments. Please make sure your computer isn't infected with a virus and is sending out a rash of emails. This URL comes back to Qwest and we are going to find out who is doing this!
Posted by Post Scripts at 01:19 PM | Comments (0)
Exposed - Election Dirty Tricks
by Jack Lee
Here is the story I have been promising you. It's an expose' about devious local politics and it's a shocker:
On or about May 15th two Central Committee Chairs, one from Yuba County and one from Butte County (both Logue supporters) used their group to vote for censure against Sue Horne. As you may know already, Sue Horne is Logue’s main oppostion and another republican candidate in this pre-primary race. The Committees did this censure in virtually the 11th hour of this race and that left almost no time for Sue to respond. This was an extremely unusual move (to censure a republican candidate) in a pre-primary race. Now we're advised it's against the California Republican Party rules, at least according to Shawn Steel the recent Chairman of the State Party and now a National Representative. Will they shut down a central committee for breaking the rules? Probably not, even if they could. See, central committees do pretty much whatever they want, sometimes in violation of the State rules. So if a State officers says they have right to do it because and its against the rules and the local committee said we are going to do it and we had every right because you can't stop us, it's possible that truth may exist on both sides and I am looking deeper into this legal point.
Then these two groups, acting in conjunction with the Logue camp, used their own self [created] censure issue and marketed it to the voters and the media as breaking news! Logue's campaign mailers and radio ads are all filled with this garbage as if it came from the broad based support of the Republican Party in each county.
To me, looking through my eyes as a retired police detective, the censure looks pretty phony because it is so vague. All we have is an allegation that Sue Horned threw some mud at Dan Logue and so she was censured for good cause. Well, she’s been under attack from day one by Logue and his cronies, but that of course was never mentioned; no censure there! ( Uh, a double standard? You betcha!)
In each county the Central Committee Chairs never called for a fair hearing where evidence could be tested. They never even asked for an explanation from Sue. She was just tried and convicted by a Kangaroo Court. Get this, in one email message Steven Thompson (Chair for Butte County) gives us a hint about his stealth tactic when he said Central Committees might not be able to endorse a candidate, but they could sure censure... (a censure has the same end effect...its like a reverse endorsement). So if the mission was actually to endorse Logue, a censure against Sue works about as well.
Do the central committees need a standard method to evaluate evidence and call for a censure? I think they do, but then again, forcing them to use it is another thing.
This is a new level of dirty politics and it is motivated by the political ambitions of many minor and a few major political people who have joined forces to form a big political machine. Past experience says this is how a particular candidate wins. The long range goal is to build a dynasty of selected persons to occupy various elected offices, from County Chair seats, Assembly Seats, Senate Seats and eventually Congressional Seat/s. Almost everybody gets something out of it and it's a very powerful force to stop.
There was an obvious conflict of interest by these two Central Committee Chairmen, but the media missed it, but maybe this insider's expose' might help clue them in? We can only hope.
So, by politicians infiltrating the grass roots, i.e. local county Central Committees and CRA groups, controlling by proxy (operatives working exclusively for them), they have a great opportunity to promote their personal hidden agenda and fend off any competing ideas and candidates. This is a brilliant and successful tactic that has been used many times by many politicians, but it doesn't make it right.
In Yuba County there are only a few members in the Central Committee. It appears now by their actions, they restarted an "in name only" committee at the behest of the Logue Campaign to do his bidding; well, let’s see how long they last once the election is over. I think that will say all we need to know about them.
Placing operatives in positions of trust is smart in a sense, there is a lot of money and power infused into the club, but, it comes at a price too. It’s a high price clubs and committees lose their autonomy and become pupets in an election. They become little more than a [false front] for candidate’s personal Political Action Committee. PACs historically do the bidding of one candidate or cause or aligned candidates and causes and this is exactly what is taking place now. Consider, four of the last five Chairmen for the Butte County Central Committee were [political operatives] either for campaigns or incumbents. This is becoming a habit because it is a proven tactic that works.
The most dangerous part now is losing control of our free, fair and open elections via manipulation by a few people representing a bigger machine. Common sense and integrity says we must be extremely careful not to allow political operatives to control important groups that are supposed to be free to promote our partisan candidates and causes in general, not just certain ones that fit some special needs.
Here’s another odd coincidence, the Logue Campaign just received roughly $183,000 in special interest money to help promote this last minute advertising blitz. Sure are a lot of coincidences piling up, two central committee censures, the 11th hour attacks, the infusion of the big special money, etc..
I'm behind Sue because I think she is going to make a big difference to help us cleaning up this stuff.
Any questions or comments, or if you want to help me stop the dirty tricks write me at ..
SAVEOURELECTIONS@GMAIL.COM
(I think our comments section here on the blog is on the fritz again. My apologies. It's been goofy all week..somebody has been spamming us to death, over 200 spams a minute and it's messed up our comments section where spammers usually attack us)
Posted by Post Scripts at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)
Memorial Day - I'm Tired
by Joe Repya...
Two weeks ago, as I was starting my sixth month of duty in Iraq , I was forced to return to the USA for surgery for an injury I sustained prior to my deployment. With luck, I'll return to Iraq to finish my tour.
I left Baghdad and a war that has every indication that we are winning, to return to a demoralized country much like the one I returned to in 1971 after my tour in Vietnam Maybe it's because I'll turn 60 years old in just four months, but I'm tired.
I'm tired of spineless politicians, both Democrat and Republican who lack the courage, fortitude, and character to see these difficult tasks through.
I'm tired of the hypocrisy of politicians who want to rewrite history when the going gets tough.
I'm tired of the disingenuous clamor from those that claim they 'Support the Troops' by wanting them to 'Cut and Run' before victory is achieved.
I'm tired of a mainstream media that can only focus on car bombs and casualty reports because they are too afraid to leave the safety of their hotels to report on the courage and success our brave men and women are having on the battlefield.
I'm tired that so many Americans think you can rebuild a dictatorship into a democracy over night.
I'm tired that so many ignore the bravery of the Iraqi people to go to the voting booth and freely elect a Constitution and soon a permanent Parliament.
I'm tired of the so called 'Elite Left' that prolongs this war by giving aid and comfort to our enemy, just as they did during the Vietnam War.
I'm tire d of antiwar protesters showing up at the funerals of our fallen soldiers. A family whose loved ones gave their life in a just and noble cause, only to be cruelly tormented on the funeral day by cowardly protesters is beyond shameful.
I'm tired that my generation, the Baby Boom -- Vietnam generation, has such a weak backbone that they can't stomach seeing the difficult tasks through to victory.
I'm tired that some are more concerned about the treatment of captives than they are the slaughter and beheading of our citizens and allies.
I'm tired that when we find mass graves it is seldom reported by the press, but mistreat a prisoner and it is front page news.
Mostly, I'm tired that the people of this great nation didn't learn from history that there is no substitute for Victory.
Sincerely,
Joe Repya,
Lieutenant Colonel , U. S. Army
101st Airborne Division
Posted by Post Scripts at 10:21 AM | Comments (1)
May 24, 2008
Jack Lee - Modern Day Crockett
by Tina Grazier
“...it was expected of me that I was to bow to the name of Andrew Jackson...even at the expense of my conscience and judgement. such a thing was new to me, and a total stranger to my principles.”
by Tina Grazier
Over the course of many months Jack Lee has expressed great disdain for the “political machine” and for the fundraising demands of running for office. He has expressed frustration in a process that makes the average citizen’s chance for being elected remote, if not impossible. He has lamented the loss of fresh voices this system engenders.
Jack Lee, a dedicated man of honor, a man who values freedom and loves his country, has been accused of not being serious about his candidacy. I disagree. Jack was very serious about wishing to serve the people, service being a part of his very nature, and he would indeed make a good representative of the people.
Jack Lee’s plight is hardly new to our republic. Political power and all of the machinations that exist at all levels of politics can work to undermine good people…as the following historical example demonstrates:
General (Andrew) Jackson was then almost idolized by his party. All through the South and West his name was a tower of strength. Crockett had originally been elected as a Jackson-man. ** He…was now one of the most inveterate opponents of Jackson. The majority in Crockett's district were in favor of Jackson. The time came for a new election of a representative. Crockett made every effort, in his old style, to secure the vote…But it was all in vain. ** Greatly to his surprise, and still more to his chagrin, he lost his election. He was beaten by two hundred and thirty votes. The whole powerful influence of the Government was exerted against Crockett and in favor of his competitor. It is said that large bribes were paid for votes. Crockett wrote, in a strain which reveals the bitterness of his disappointment: "I am gratified that I have spoken the truth to the people of my district, regardless of the consequences. I would not be compelled to bow down to the idol for a seat in Congress during life. I have never known what it was to sacrifice my own judgment to gratify any party; and I have no doubt of the time being close at hand when I shall be rewarded for letting my tongue speak what my heart thinks. I have suffered myself to be politically sacrificed to save my country from ruin and disgrace; and if I am never again elected, I will have the gratification to know that I have done my duty. ** Two weeks after this he writes, "I confess the thorn still rankles, not so much on my own account as the nation's. As my country no longer requires my services, I have made up my mind to go to Texas.
Just before leaving for Texas, he attended a political meeting of his constituents. The following extract from his autobiography will give the reader a very vivid idea of his feelings at the time, and of the very peculiar character which circumstances had developed in him: "A few days ago I went to a meeting of my constituents. My appetite for politics was at one time just about as sharp set as a saw-mill, but late events have given me something of a surfeit, more than I could well digest; still, habit, they say, is second natur, and so I went, and gave them a piece of my mind touching 'the Government' and the succession, by way of a codicil to what I have often said before. ** "I told them, moreover, of my services, pretty straight up and down, for a man may be allowed to speak on such subjects when others are about to forget them; and I also told them of the manner in which I had been knocked down and dragged out, and that I did not consider it a fair fight anyhow they could fix it. I put the ingredients in the cup pretty strong I tell you, and I concluded my speech by telling them that I was done with politics for the present, and that they might all go to hell, and I would go to Texas.
I don’t know what Jack has in mind for the future…but, like Davy Crockett, he will not go quietly into defeat…he will go on in service to others: his family, his neighbors and friends, his state, and his country. He will stand up for what’s right and for the ideals of freedom, integrity, honesty and honor.
Posted by Post Scripts at 06:03 PM | Comments (0)
Fed Up In Seattle
Posted by Tina
“Woman gets mad, then even over theft,” by Christine Clarridge - Seattle Times staff reporter
When Pauline Goldmeier pulled up to her Seward Park home last week and saw a group of teens making off with her $500 mountain bike, something snapped. ** She'd been the victim of a carjacking, a kidnapping and uncounted incidents of vandalism, but that day she'd had enough. "They had no idea whose bike they were stealing," said the 41-year-old legal secretary and mother of two. "I've had a lot of things happen to me, and I'm tired of it." ** Thirteen years ago, Goldmeier said, she was kidnapped and carjacked on Genesee Street in South Seattle as she picked up her toddler from day care. The man told her he had a gun, forced her into her car and to an ATM to withdraw cash. ** So last week, when she saw her bike being ridden away from her house, she turned her car around and took off after the teens…staying on the tail of the kid with the bike.
"He was laughing at me," she said, "but I floored it and literally cut him off a few feet from his face. He stopped laughing then and jumped off the bike." ** When Goldmeier and her husband returned home with her bike, they were able to show police a video surveillance tape taken by the home security cameras they installed last year — after a series of car prowls — that led to the arrest of three of the five suspects. ** "As soon as police showed them the video where you can see them plotting and see their faces, they started singing like canaries," Goldmeier said. ** "We do not encourage people to chase after burglary suspects," said Seattle police spokeswoman Renee Witt. "However, people do what they feel they have to do when they are being victimized. We can't tell citizens not to chase after a suspect; we just ask them to be safe and use good judgment.
Posted by Post Scripts at 04:35 PM | Comments (0)
Texas Tells Fed EPA to Buzz Off
Posted by Tina
Talk about your basic states rights revival…Texas adds it’s voice to a growing number of states taking Nancy Reagan’s advice and applying “just say no” to BIG Federal Government:
The state of Texas is now in official opposition to the federal ethanol mandate. Governor Rick Perry has petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency for a one-year reprieve, and the reason is simple and increasingly familiar: Washington's ethanol obsession is hurting the state. ** Because of the mandate to add this biofuel to gasoline, ranchers are being forced into bidding wars with ethanol plants for the grains they feed their cattle. ** Last week the EPA opened a 30-day public comment period on the Texas waiver request, the first step in what could lead to granting his request. ** The most interesting thing revealed by this effort is that EPA holds the power to stand down from the ethanol fiasco. Congress gave EPA the authority to grant such waivers in the event the ethanol mandate had unforeseen consequences. Governor Perry argues that the mess in Texas qualifies.
One small step…I'm hoping for tap dancing giants myself.
Posted by Post Scripts at 03:06 PM | Comments (0)
Talk About Chickens Coming Home to Roost!
Posted by Tina
Both John McCain and Barack Obama say they want to rein in the power of the so-called ''527s,'' the independent political committees that skirt the campaign finance laws with unlimited financing and unregulated campaign attacks. But two of McCain's own campaign chairmen are serving on the board of an independent organization behind a new attack ad against Obama, ''an apparent violation of the Arizona Republican's new conflict of interest policy,'' – Baltimore Sun
McCain may yet come to regret this terrible blunder.
The Heritage Foundation offers some insight into the problem:
The First Amendment denies government the power to determine that spending to promote one's political views is wasteful, excessive, or unwise. In the free society ordained by our Constitution it is not the government, but the people-individually as citizens and candidates and collectively as associations and political committees-who must retain control over the quantity and range of debate on public issues in a political campaign.8 ** Thus, the effort by the "reformers" to take this power from the people is both wrong and doomed to fail because it is unconstitutional. Chief among the wrongheaded and unconstitutional sets of proposals is the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1999, sponsored in the Senate (S. 26) by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Russell Feingold (D-WI) and in the House (H.R. 417) by Representatives Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Martin Meehan (D-MA). Although announced with the promise of reducing the "corrupting influence of big money,"9 these bills would do nothing of the sort. Instead, they shake a fist at the First Amendment and, if passed, would be destined for a court-ordered funeral. ** To adopt true reform, Congress would need first to recognize that today's perceived abuses simply are the predictable result of past "reforms" in which the suppression of political speech was the principal focus of the "reformers." In contrast, adopting measurers that would enhance political speech and improve transparency and public accountability would deal more effectively with the problems, and they unquestionably would be upheld by the courts. Such measures include raising or eliminating contribution limits that have been eroded by inflation and removing barriers that prevent political parties from exercising a moderating influence in political campaigns.
This 527 business will be utilized by both campaigns...no doubt about it. In the mean time find me wishing and hoping and thinkin' and praying, planning and dreaming and ...still waiting for the funeral.
Posted by Post Scripts at 02:52 PM | Comments (0)
Comment Section Disrupted
We're still having trouble receiving comments. This one IP address keeps coming up as spamming and it is not spam, but it blocks your comments. It's frustrating the heck out of me trying to remove it. Will contact system admin monday. Sorry about the problems, but they are really beyond the control of Tina or myself.
Posted by Post Scripts at 02:38 PM | Comments (0)
President Bush Has Repeatedly Warned the American People
An election year offers the promise of change but it is not a time to bury our heads in the sand
by Tina Grazier
According to polls most Americans don’t approve of President Bush. It’s difficult to say what motivates the disapproval but I think it’s pretty safe to say that the war has a lot to do with it. His execution of the war, the so called “cowboy approach” to the terrorist threat has been continuously challenged and undermined even though the President has repeatedly warned us that al-Qaeda is serious. Instead of treating the president with the respect he (and the office of president) deserves the American press, left leaning politicians, and others continue to place politics above survival, dismissing his warnings and questioning his serious approach to this determined enemy.
The President is in a difficult position. He doesn’t wish to alarm the people unnecessarily but at the same time he knows he needs to advise us of the dangers that remain; dangers that have been growing in intensity and scope since the early hostage taking of the seventies. The President knows people need information in order to make wise decisions and be fully prepared. Unfortunately too many in the press offer little to encourage a serious approach and sadly too many of the people refuse to face reality seeking information on their own.
Front Page Magazine has published an article, “America in Ashes,” by Christopher S. Carson. Carson. Mr. Carson was associated with the American Enterprise Institute and holds a masters degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University. His piece provides information regarding the latest ominous message from al-Qaeda and supporting data and history that dates back to pre-911 threats. I hope you will take the time to read the full article even though it may be difficult to do so.
A sampling follows, under the fold, for those with the wisdom and fortitude to care. Be brave dear friends...our lives and those of family and friends might depend on it:
The latest audio message from al-Qaeda, reportedly from Osama bin Laden himself, is only the most recent confirmation that the jihadist threat to the West remains real and deadly serious. But the fact that it could take the form of nuclear terrorism should be most worrying to citizens and policy makers alike. ** Where a nuclear attack once may have been beyond the capacities of stateless terrorists, that is no longer the case. One need only consider Khalid Sheik Mohammed (KSM), mastermind of 9/11 and chief operating officer of al-Qaeda, who revealed under intensive interrogation -- including the much-maligned tactic of waterboarding -- that a nuclear attack against the United States was a top priority for al-Qaeda. ** According to the New York Daily News and its sources, the captive KSM told his interrogators that Osama bin Laden was planning a “nuclear hell storm” in America. Normally such a lurid claim would be disbelieved by our “inside-the-box” intelligence officers, but KSM’s recovered laptop had corroborating details.
Ladies and gentlemen if we refuse to be diligent, if we continue to pretend that talking with this enemy will change their minds and bring peace, if we choose instead to take a lackadaisical approach to terrorist threats, we will see a nuclear bomb explode on American soil in one or more cities. Our president and his staff have shouldered this burden for seven years. The next president will take on this burden, prepared or not. If we the American people fail to also shoulder this burden how will we live with ourselves should the terrorists succeed in their plans…how will we live with this terrible news?
As we make plans this holiday weekend we should take time to remember the reason for this solemn day of remembrance. As we take time to honor those who have fought and died to protect human life, preserving freedom and justice in the world, let us also be mindful of immediate dangers, and let us have the courage and fortitude to face them squarely giving our full support to the men and women offering their own lives in service today. This includes our President as Commander-in-Chief and our future president, whomever that might be.
Posted by Post Scripts at 12:48 PM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2008
Indy’s No Commie – Woo Hoo!
Posted by Tina
He has battled against Nazi villains, a Beduin swordsman and a pit of poisonous snakes. Now Indiana Jones can add the Communist Party of St Petersburg to his list of adversaries. Party leaders accused the actors Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett yesterday of promoting crude, anti-Soviet propaganda in their new film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. They have urged Russian moviegoers to boycott the film and told Ford, 65, not to visit the country. - The Times, London
Posted by Post Scripts at 10:02 PM | Comments (0)
House Dems Tuck “Control of News” Provision in Defense Bill
By Tina Grazier
Negative talk about the war finds anti-war Democrats grinning from ear to ear. When it comes to positive news they will go to any lengths to shut those people up…even when they know what they’re talking about.
An Investors Business Daily editorial reveals a pretty stinky addition to defense legislation that the House recently passed:
“Safe From Truth” – IBD Editorial
Democrats have decided this election year that American voters can't handle the fact that victory in Iraq is at hand. ** In its passage last week of the defense policy bill, the House issued a prohibition against the Pentagon's "concerted effort to propagandize" the American public regarding the Iraq War. ** It came in the form of an amendment authored by Rep. Paul Hodes, D-N.H., which also would authorize an investigation of the Defense Department's "propaganda" efforts by the Government Accountability Office. ** According to Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., the Hodes provision could end up classifying even the U.S. Marines' slogan, "The Few, the Proud, the Marines," as a "concerted effort to propagandize" in violation of the law.
We've heard from various military spokespersons over the past 5 years and they have not always spoken favorably about the war. In fact many spoke against Bush policies in Iraq. So what’s the big problem here? Could it be that General Petreaus, for instance, was so credible…so good at just saying how things were going, no embellishment, no polish or shine…that they fear the American people will believe we are winning? I guess we can’t have that...not in an election year.
What is wrong with these people? You'd think they didn't have anything to offer the American people themselves the way they run around trying to shut other people up. Hmmmm....
Posted by Post Scripts at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)
Waste in Government – Oh the Shock!
Posted by Tina
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon cannot account for nearly 15 billion dollars in payments for goods and services in Iraq, according to an internal audit which members of Congress blasted Friday as a ''shocking'' accountability failure. ** The disclosures sparked outrage among legislators and concern that US taxpayers are deeply vulnerable to massive waste and fraud in the Pentagon's contracting system. - Agence France-Presse
When Andrew Cuomo left office 47 billion dollars could not be accounted for at HUD.
How much unaccounted for cash do you suppose an audit of all government offices and programs would turn up? More than enough to fill your gas tanks for the rest of your life at any price I’d wager.
Posted by Post Scripts at 09:48 PM | Comments (0)
GOOFY SOFTWARE!
by Jack Lee
I've recently had trouble entering a comment on the blog and it turns out that our spam filter was blocking my own IP address. If you have had any difficulty in posting to this blog please be advised I will get a special email advising me you tired to post something and I will unblock your IP address. I will not be able to recover your post, you will have to resubmit it. I appologize for this clunky software, but we have no choice in what we use here. If it continues we will have to get administrative help.
Note from Tina: Jack I'm having the same trouble. It's happened off and on over the last couple of days...I thought maybe my sharp tongue had got me in trouble...LOL.
Posted by Post Scripts at 02:13 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2008
NEW Element Discovery
Submitted by Harrold Ey...
Research has led to the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neuron, 25 assistant neurons, 88 deputy neurons, and 198 assistant deputy
neurons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second to take from four days to four years to complete.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2-6 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neurons and deputy neurons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neurons, forming
isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass. When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as
Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
Posted by Post Scripts at 09:50 PM | Comments (0)
Karl Rove Advises Obama on Foreign Policy
Posted by Tina
Karl Rove has been doing political analysis for Fox News and a number of democrat pundits have expressed surprise at his fair-handed commentary. It doesn’t surprise me he’s a decent guy and very smart. Mr. Rove is also writing columns for the Wall Street Journal. The piece below offers some very good advice to Barack Obama whose performance on foreign policy matters of late have shown him to be a light weight in this area:
“Obama's Troubling Instincts,” by Karl Rove
On Sunday at a stop in Oregon, Sen. Obama was dismissive of the threats posed by Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba and Syria. That's the same Iran whose Quds Force is arming and training insurgents and illegal militias in Iraq to kill American soldiers; that is supporting Hezbollah and Hamas in violent attacks on Lebanon and Israel; and that is racing to develop a nuclear weapon while threatening the "annihilation" of Israel. ** By Monday in Montana, Mr. Obama recognized his error. He abruptly changed course, admitting that Iran represents a threat to the region and U.S. interests. ** Voters need to ask if Sunday's comments, not Monday's correction, aren't the best evidence of his true thinking. ** I recommend that he read Henry Kissinger's book, "The White House Years." Mr. Obama would learn it took 134 private meetings between U.S. and Chinese diplomats before a breakthrough at a Jan. 20, 1970 meeting in Warsaw. It took 18 months of behind-the-scenes discussions before Mr. Kissinger secretly visited Beijing. And it took seven more months of hard work before Nixon went to China. The result was a new relationship, announced in a communiqué worked out over months of careful diplomacy. ** The Chinese didn't change because of a presidential visit. In another book, "Diplomacy," Mr. Kissinger writes that "China was induced to rejoin the community of nations less by the prospect of dialogue with the United States than by fear of being attacked by its ostensible ally, the Soviet Union." Change came because the U.S. convinced Beijing it was in its interest to change. Then the president visited.
When it comes to foreign policy decisions I’m not sure in these dangerous times that we can afford a learn as you go president. Now he's saying his words have been distorted but making excuses by blaming others isn't very presidential either.
I keep wondering why this talented, educated man didn’t wait to run for president until he matured a little and had more experience. Time is on his side…he could have spent the next four to eight years learning and building a more solid foundation for this important job. Perhaps the history making aspect of being the first was something he was afraid he’d lose? Too late for now...he'd be wise to listen to Karl.
Posted by Post Scripts at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)
Has Pelosi Run Afoul of McCain Feingold?
Posted by Tina
“Speaker Pelosi in Ethical Hot Water?” - Brit Hume, Political Grapevine, FOX News
Campaign finance experts say Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may have violated federal law by appearing in a television commercial advocating a response to global warming. Cybercast News reports the ad ran nationwide between mid-April and May 6. ** The spot was planned and paid for by Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection. It may be a violation of the McCain-Feingold law that Pelosi enthusiastically supported. The law forbids candidates from appearing in ads run by an independent group — and mentioning the candidate's name — within 90 days of an election. Pelosi is on the ballot in the June 3 California primary — less than a month after the last ad ran. ** Pelosi's office denied coordinating the ad with Gore's group — another possible violation. The conservative group Judicial Watch will file a complaint to the Federal Election Commission.
No shocker here...rules mean nothing to the elitist democrat leadership.
Posted by Post Scripts at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2008
Lurching Leftward – House Resolution 1325
Posted by Tina
Here’s a quick question for all of you. Do you think the UN should be able to appoint 23 people (recent appointees include China, Cuba and Iraq) with the power to determine:
the welfare and well being of American women and families?
Posted by Post Scripts at 08:55 PM | Comments (0)
Meet John Yoo – Author of “The Torture Memo”
Posted by Tina
I don’t usually read Esquire magazine…(too busy looking at the pictures)…...............JUUUST KID-DING!
I think some of you might enjoy reading this interview with the man who took part in deciding where the lines should be drawn on the issue of interrogation and captured terrorists. Find it in Esquire by following the link below:
“John Yoo: In His Own Words,” by John H. Richardson - Esquire
John Yoo is a professor of constitutional law at the University of California-Berkeley. He is also the main author of what has come to be known as "The Torture Memo," the long-sealed internal White House document that defined precisely which aggressive techniques could be legally employed by CIA interrogators against suspected terrorists. ** Earlier this year, Yoo sat down with Esquire author John H. Richardson for a series of lengthy interviews about the memo and about how Yoo -- a scholar by trade, a libertarian by temperament -- came to be the man behind it.
There is an oppositional tone or approach to what I’m writing. Certainly in the war powers I’m writing against what most professors think. I won’t say it’s pleasurable to be like that. But I do find interesting intellectual questions are overlooked if there’s a sort of widely held consensus that causes you not to think about things carefully. But I would probably be very bored writing papers that said, Yes, Congress has the power to declare war and they should decide. Just to ratify the conventional wisdom is not interesting to me. I do in my academic work try to think of things that are unusual, that someone hasn’t said before. But it’s not pleasurable by any means. To be a conservative in academia you have to be ready to take a certain amount of crap. Not a certain amount. A lot of crap. ** I don’t have any problems with Congress funding cutoffs, passing the MCA, not confirming generals, holding oversight hearings, all the things they do. But I think it wasn’t intended at the beginning, if you lose then just go to the court and sue the government to say the Iraq War is unconstitutional, or sue the telecom companies. I think that -- obviously, whenever you do judicial review, it blocks what the majority wants -- but I don’t think, based on my reading, that the court system was intended to mediate disputes between the two branches about war. ** The stuff I worked on was the legal stuff. So I never went to a meeting or even remember discussing with anyone about the merits. I thought the president could use force in Iraq. It was definitely constitutional once Congress passed a law authorizing the president to use force in Iraq. ** Yeah, I did think it was a war. Some of the things I thought about were the level of violence. The source. Three thousand people killed by a foreign enemy that had a purpose that was to affect our foreign policy. It wasn’t like crime in the sense that crime is sporadic. It’s not really carried out with the purpose to change a policy. It’s usually carried out for financial gain. It’s persistent and permanent. This was organized use of violence by someone else to change our policies. So that’s the way I thought it through. ** Zawahiri and bin Laden are the political leadership. The operational leader is the guy we captured. And he is the guy who wrote their manual on resistance to interrogation. So any normal thing we try he would recognize and counter. So you have a choice, if you want to use interrogation methods that are coercive that you don’t think are going to cause any long-term permanent harm. Are you willing to forego those? I have a hard time believing an American president would say, No, absolutely not.
Posted by Post Scripts at 08:35 PM | Comments (0)
THE VERDICT
Submitted by TinmanB....
A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense's closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all," the lawyer said as he looked at his watch. "Within one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom." He looked toward the courtroom door.
The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly.
A minute passed. Nothing happened. Finally the lawyer said, "Actually, I made up the previous statement. But you all looked on with anticipation.
I therefore put to you that you have a reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict of not guilty."
The jury, clearly confused, retired to deliberate.
A few minutes later, the jury returned and pronounced a verdict of guilty.
"But how?" inquired the lawyer. "You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door."
The jury foreman replied: "Oh, we looked, but your client didn't."
Posted by Post Scripts at 02:49 PM | Comments (0)
Lee v. Prager - Viewing the GOP
by Jack Lee
An opposing view on Dennis Prager's commentary shown below....
I guess I'm one of those 81% of unhappy Americans that doesn't like the direction this country is going that Prager talks about, but I am still voting FOR Republicans!!! Not because they are doing a wonderful job, nor even a mediocre job, but because anything else would be far worse at this time.
Prager insinuates that Americans have become more or less bored with the Republicans so they want to hand it over to Democrats for awhile. Well, now that isn't fair, it minimizes what is really going on!
Ok, if 81% of the American voters say we're ‘headed in the wrong direction’ then I must believe it's because we've had a GOP Congress and owned the Presidency and we still couldn't get anything done. We were asleep at the switch when one crisis or one debacle after another happened...all on our watch.
Shall I go down the growing list of complaints about the Party and the Administration?
+The Mexican border is still wide open, it's only slightly better, but still open. And the border patrol is still short handed to even begin to control the flow of illegals sneaking in to the US.
+We're still waging war in Iraq, we're still struggling amid the corruption and incompetence on a scale unknown in our history and blowing more money than we ever dreamed of spending on another country.
+We've got spiking energy costs driving up costs at an alarming rate!
+We're blocking nuclear reactors to deliver cheap, clean electricity.
+Our family food bill has jumped up over 30% in the last year alone!
+There's been no drilling for more oil, despite our vast untapped oil reserves.
+The corn lobby sold the GOP a suckers deal for ethanol.
+A GOP Congress is doling out billions to overseas contractors that should go to Americans. Even a military airplane contract went overseas. What’s next, China making our tanks and rifles?
+There's been no reform to a massively convoluted IRS system, no flat tax, no fair tax, nothing...no reform despite years of desperate calls from American taxpayers to fix this rotten system!
+Our dollar is falling against the Euro.
+China holds more of our greenbacks than the sum of our top 10 banks.
+On the GOP watch we saw a lack of oversight in lending that led to the housing implosion and loan scandals.
+Illegal aliens overrun American and are costing California alone 10 billion a year! By the way, we've got more illegals than any other state.
To add to our state woes we face dire cuts due to a 20 billion dollar budget deficit that keeps growing every #@$% day! We're bordering on or actually in a recession (I say we're in it) and along comes Dennis Prager and dismisses all this says we just want a change for the sake of change? Give us a break!
Prager said, "Forty years of left-wing control of the news media, of Hollywood, of the public schools, of the universities and of nearly every big city government have nearly ruined those institutions. Forty years of a litigation explosion has had terrible social and economic effects... Multiculturalism is destroying the concept of an American culture and people."
Fine, he's right of course, and on that we can agree, but how long can we simply blame the democrats when we had the power to make major changes and instead did nothing?
Look at our failing masive social security system, it's going belly up soon the GAO confirms it, but Congress is so overwhelmed by the scope of the problem they do nothing?
Good conservative people like Prager are needed, don't get me wrong and they serve a great purpose of cheerleading and pointing out the flaws of liberal democrats, but they are also become more like misguided apologists for the GOP. We need activists holding the GOP accountable more than appologists!
Maybe when we hit rock bottom and we're kicked out of power we can rebuild the party to what it should be, but probably not. More likely will just be kicked out of power and never get it back.
Posted by Post Scripts at 12:25 PM | Comments (3)
ELECTION NEWS
POST SCRIPTS EXCLUSIVE REPORT
We're currently investigating an alleged censure by the Butte County Republican Central Committee. The details of the censure are still unclear and we're trying to reach the author for comment. However we can assure you of one thing, whether it proves true or not, either way it will ad a new dimension to low politics.
If anyone has any information on an email circulating entitled, "Butte County Republican Party Official Action" please contact us immediately. Your identity will be protected.
Updated as of 5 pm. I have spoken with several parties to this action of censure and I am compiling the story. However it does not look like it will be ready until tomorrow. My colleagues in the hard copy have elected not to run with it, although several other papers have, at least to some extent.
I want to give this story a fair hearing and allow both sides their input, as time permits. Be advised that anyting i say that is remotely critical of anyone, especially a candidate, will have a full opportunity to respond with thier side of the story. And there is ALWAYS two sides to every story isn't there? .
Posted by Post Scripts at 10:56 AM | Comments (0)
May 20, 2008
Consensus Denied!
Posted by Tina
A paper on Globalogna has been presented to the world:
“31,000 scientists reject global warming” – World Net Dailey
More than 31,000 scientists across the United States, including more than 9,000 Ph.D.s in fields including atmospheric science, climatology, Earth science, environment and dozens of other specialties, have signed a petition rejecting "global warming," the assumption that the human production of greenhouse gases is damaging Earth's climate.
Bless the beasts, the children, and these very smart, sensible scientists!!!
Posted by Post Scripts at 10:35 PM | Comments (1)
What Direction Is That?
A quote from Dennis Prager
Posted by Tina
“Today’s most widely accepted political belief is that because an unprecedentedly high percentage of Americans—81 percent—believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, the Republicans are headed for a major defeat this coming November. If this is the case, it can only be because the American voter translates ‘headed in the wrong direction’ as ‘because the Republicans have had their way, so it’s time to let the Democrats have theirs.’ That should not be the case. I count myself as one of the 81 percent who believes America is headed in the wrong direction, and that is precisely why I am voting Republican. Moreover, I suspect I am not alone among the 81 percent in ascribing the wrong track to the leftist, not the conservative, influence on American life. ... Perhaps most of the 81 percent think that ‘wrong direction’ means, among many other things, the following: Forty years of left-wing control of the news media, of Hollywood, of the public schools, of the universities and of nearly every big city government have nearly ruined those institutions. Forty years of a litigation explosion has had terrible social and economic effects... Multiculturalism is destroying the concept of an American culture and people. Obama and the Democrats even opposed declaring English as America’s national language. So 81 percent of Americans are right. We are on the wrong track. But the future of America entirely depends on what track it is most Americans think is wrong.”
What do you think is the "wrong direction"...and WHY?
Posted by Post Scripts at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)
Democrat Meddling When “Mr. President” is a Republican
It adds up to much more than mere “tolerance” for their friends the communists, tyrants, drug smugglers, and terrorists.
by Tina Grazier
Nancy Pelosi’s recent “surprise” (and uninvited) visit to Iraq represents her second foray into the world of diplomacy…and it’s NOT in her job description. It represents yet another example of the meddling tactics that some congressional democrats use to undermine sensitive diplomatic negotiations, operations, and policy of republican presidents. The danger this poses to Americans and American credibility around the world is not something to be taken lightly. The utter pomposity and ego it takes to assume the responsibilities of other elected officials, as well as effectively sidestepping the will of congress, is astounding and we should not let individual leaders get away with this egregious behavior. Congress and the president represent the voice of the American people; the decisions they make should not be usurped by individual congressmen who decide to take matters into their own hands.
My first example is from the 1980’s as described by Dave Eberhart writing for NewsMax.com:
“Kerry Went to Extreme Lengths to Back Communist Ortega and Undermine U.S.”
President Ronald Reagan and a bipartisan majority in Congress were financing the Contras in Nicaragua in their fight against the Sandinista junta, which had been sponsoring communist guerrilla and terrorist groups from neighboring countries lighting a powder keg that threatened the entire region. ** The scene was set for Kerry to bluster into the equation like a bull in a China shop. Teaming with Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, the pair - without portfolio - traveled to Managua to chat with Sandinista junta leader Daniel Ortega. ** The result: a meaningless document that State Department experts considered little more than an offer to the Contras to surrender. The Sandinistas made no commitment to national reconciliation, and that was the heart of the matter. ** Nonetheless, Kerry raced back to Washington with the document he touted as a peace proposal. Indeed, Ortega promises a cease-fire, as long as the United States cut off all assistance, including humanitarian aid, to the anti-communist forces and their families.
Was this an effort to pad the JFK (John F. Kerry) portfolio…another scheme designed to pave the way for a successful presidential run…like the home movies that he made of his short Vietnam service? Who knows…the truth is he was acting on his own outside of official government policy. He was playing at being a diplomat or indeed the president.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Barry Goldwater, R-Ariz., accused Kerry and Harkin of transgressing against the Constitution by holding unauthorized negotiations with a foreign leader. ** A peeved Secretary of State George Shultz announced, Those who assure us that these dire consequences are not in prospect [in Central America] are some of those who assured us of the same in Indochina before 1975. The litany of apology for communists, and condemnation for America and our friends, is beginning again. ** White House spokesman Larry Speakes rained more buckets on Kerry's parade: The very hour the House was rejecting the aid package [to the Nicaraguan resistance], President Ortega was going to Moscow to seek funds for his Marxist regime. Ortega had, indeed, announced a trip to the U.S.S.R. to petition for $200 million more in Soviet support.
Senators Ted Kennedy and Robert Byrd rushed to Kerry’s defense and the plot was formed to play the game of misdirection. Like a skilled illusionist Kerry began plotting to scandalize republicans playing his tricks through the democrat vehicle of choice...investigations:
The former prosecutor got busy in 1986, launching a full-scale investigation to discredit the Nicaraguan resistance and the Reagan administration. The aim: stitch together - by whatever means - an international criminal conspiracy. ** Kerry signed a letter used in a direct-mail appeal for an outside group to raise money. That outside group was Commission on United States-Central American Relations, which was reportedly a front of International Center for Development Policy and included as members open supporters of the Sandinistas, the communist Cuban dictatorship of Fidel Castro and the communist FMLN guerrillas of El Salvador, according to commission literature. ** It was a racket that was probably illegal at the time, and certainly would be illegal now, a former Senate staffer with firsthand knowledge of the investigation revealed to Insight.
Thanks to a fawning media, deeply in league with democrats, the American people know little, if anything, about Kerry’s misadventures but are well aware of the incident known as the Iran Contra “scandal”. Indeed we were beaten over the heads by the talking heads.
Another example of democrat meddling also springs from the Reagan era and comes into the light only because of research for a new book that uncovered a KGB letter:
“KGB Letter Outlines Sen. Kennedy's Overtures to Soviets, Prof Says,” by Kevin Mooney - CNSNews.com Staff Writer
The antipathy that congressional Democrats have today toward President George W. Bush is reminiscent of their distrust of President Ronald Reagan during the Cold War, a political science professor says. ** "We see some of the same sentiments today, in that some Democrats see the Republican president as being a threat and the true obstacle to peace, instead of seeing our enemies as the true danger," said Paul Kengor, a political science professor at Grove City College and the author of new book, "The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism." ** In his book, which came out this week, Kengor focuses on a KGB letter written at the height of the Cold War that shows that Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) offered to assist Soviet leaders in formulating a public relations strategy to counter President Reagan's foreign policy and to complicate his re-election efforts. ** The letter, dated May 14, 1983, was sent from the head of the KGB to Yuri Andropov, who was then General Secretary of the Soviet Union's Communist Party. In his letter, KGB head Viktor Chebrikov offered Andropov his interpretation of Kennedy's offer. Former U.S. Sen. John Tunney (D-Calif.) had traveled to Moscow on behalf of Kennedy to seek out a partnership with Andropov and other Soviet officials, Kengor claims in his book. At one point after President Reagan left office, Tunney acknowledged that he had played the role of intermediary, not only for Kennedy but for other U.S. senators, Kengor said. Moreover, Tunney told the London Times that he had made 15 separate trips to Moscow. ** Specifically, Kennedy proposed that Andropov make a direct appeal to the American people in a series of television interviews that would be organized in August and September of 1983, according to the letter. ** In Kennedy's view, the main reason for the antagonism between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1980s was Reagan's unwillingness to yield on plans to deploy middle-range nuclear missiles in Western Europe, the KGB chief wrote in his letter.
History, of course, proves Kennedy was wrong about Reagan and wrong about the Soviets.
All of this brings us back to the recent trip Pelosi took to Iraq. Investors Business Daily describes it as a purely political act:
“Pelosi's Politics-Driven Diplomacy,” by Investor Business Daily
What, exactly, does House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's latest junket to Iraq have to do with her official duties? Her inability to keep her amateur fingers out of the foreign policy pie suggests a political power grab. ** Pelosi went to Iraq uninvited Saturday, and her reception was less than warm. Iraq's democratically elected Nouri al-Maliki government wanted nothing to do with her until she admitted the truth about Iraq's progress as a nation and quit braying that U.S. troops must be immediately pulled out, a proposal so naive that even radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr opposes it. Her aim was simple: to undercut Bush, which seemed like a good idea at the time, with the U.S. mired in a war few thought was winnable. Never mind the cost to taxpayers, or the strain on diplomatic missions, which had to cater to her — she wanted to damage Bush.
Her trip to Iraq is particularly troubling given the fact that she had another invitation that would have related to her job as Speaker of the House:
Meanwhile, Pelosi spurned the opportunity to make a legitimate trip she was invited to make — to Colombia, on behalf of the U.S.-Colombia free-trade treaty. President Alvaro Uribe invited her to see how his country has improved over the past five years. ** Colombia is a country that literally cheers visiting U.S. free-trade delegations, as IBD witnessed last January in Medellin. Why not go? To get back at Bush and reward her anti-trade cronies in Big Labor.
Anticipating big wins for democrats in November she just couldn’t pass up the chance to undermine our current republican president. She didn’t mind shunning Uribe either, or putting off the important legislation about free trade with Columbia.
This kind of political grandstanding is absolutely unacceptable and illustrates one of the many reasons that Americans disapprove of this democrat controlled congress. (all emphasis above is mine)
Please vote wisely in November.
Posted by Post Scripts at 09:22 PM | Comments (1)
I Want to Pay More At the Pump!
by Jack "I got too much money" Lee
The rising cost of gasoline is hitting some people really hard, even in Saudi Arabia. The latest pump price there has climbed to about 92 cents a gallon! In Venezuela the pump price is a bit more realistic; it's about 20 cents a gallon. But, keep in mind overall this is terrible news for the fragile economies of these poor 3rd world nations and we should try to do something to help. Maybe we could subsidize their pump prices to take some of the sting out of it?
Thanks to the American Congress we are effectively doing just that! Yes my friends Congress deserves a lot of credit for shifting our wealth and using the gas pumps to do it. First, they have been very successful at keeping American oil safely out of the hands of polluters like you and me and in the ground where it belongs. I feel pretty good about that don't you? Like stop me before I pollute again! lol Seriously, we American consumers understand that it's far more important to focus on the real problem facing all of us today, global warming!
Global warming, that's exactly why we must teach our children to avoid carbon fuels and educate the world that burning dino fuel is evil. Just like the people who drive big SUV's. SUV's, that's another problem and another reason why we gladly pay our "fair share" at the pump so we can punish those who are fuelish over-consumers driving gas guzzling SUV's. Unfortunately, pump prices are only about $4 a gallon today, which seems way too low considering the vast wealth of us every day Americans, especially when compared to the poverty stricken people in lesser countries like Kuwait where gasoline is a whopping 40 cents a gallon.
Do you have any idea what forty cents means to the average Kuwaiti? They need help people!
Again, let me say in contrast to these poor little countries we Americans have too much surplus money and we should be eager to pay far more at the pumps if that will help shift the wealth and bring ying and yang into balance. I'm not exactly sure what that means, be I hear it a lot at the head shop so it must be right. Anyway, thanks to our Congress, a good deal of our filthy surplus money is being diverted to needy Arab nations where it will be put to
good use funding Madras’s and other special religious training camps. You know the ones, they have recently sprung up in the mountains of Tora Bora along the Pakistan and Afghanistan border and elsewhere, even in the Philippeans Islands of Mindanao. That’s a good thing too; the world needs more religious scholars.
I'm delighted we can be helping our poor brothers and sisters around the world and that is why I hope our pump prices will double soon. I feel guilty ripping off the Arabs by buying their cheap oil and with any luck Congress is going to make sure that this dream of higher pump prices will come true! Now...if only this new plan to tax big oil corporations in the US for excess profits goes through, that should really help raise pump prices!
Yes my dear rich Americans, this is Congress's finest hour and I say, keep up the good work! Keep up the good work Mr. President, keep it the good work Ms Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, we all love you for what you are doing to us, I mean for us. Our economy loves you too, look at it thrive with higher and higher pump prices and that is a beautiful thing... love, er higher pump prices, you know what I mean.
I'm sure I speak for all of us rich people when I say the American people support all of your difficult but diligent efforts to raise our pump prices and keep them going higher and higher so we can shift our excess wealth to those who need it more. Keep it coming, help us - help them.
Now let’s all do our part pay, pay pay. Lets keep our vast supplies of crude in the ground where it belongs, it’s the only way we can insure pump prices will keep climbing and lastly don't forget, be a vegan, buy organic and peace out! Vote Obama!
Posted by Post Scripts at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)
Matrimonial Advice from a Considerate Husband
It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.
My name is Richard. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Emma.
Since I retired several years ago, it has become necessary for Emma to get a full-time job along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed.
Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from the golf club about the same time she gets home from work.
Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she st arts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club so eating out is not reasonable. I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I hit that door.
She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.
Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think. For example she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I al so remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one of my strong points.
When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Emma. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older.
However, guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.
Sincerely,Richard
Posted by Post Scripts at 04:04 PM | Comments (1)
UPDATE: Dan Logue and The Farm Seizure
Submitted by Tim Clark...
Logue claims to have met with Rice family at 6 specific meetings...BUT, official meeting records prove otherwise.
(Marysville) - Dan Logue says he met with the Rice family 6 specific times when he pushed through an eminent domain seizure of their farm. Logue used this so-called "fact" to respond to the Rice's telling their story about the seizure.
The problem for Dan Logue is that, according to official minutes of these public meetings, he was absent 5 of the 6 meetings, and his attendance cannot be confirmed for the 6th, where he is recorded neither speaking to the Rice's nor commenting on any other issue. Dan Logue has refused to comment about the discrepancy between his claims and the actual public record.
In the spirit of fairness if Mr. Logue wishes to respond he will have the same space as we've given this article
"Dan Logue turned his back on the Rice's plea to keep their family farm," said Horne Spokesman Tim Clark. "He refused to attend the meetings, refused to consider their case, and refused to negotiate until the Rice's had to spend tens of thousands of dollars to bring him to the negotiating table. This is one of the starkest and worst examples of eminent domain abuse in the entire state, and the official public record convicts Dan Logue as the mastermind and chief perpetrator in this case."
"Even individual members of the state reclamation board apologized to the Rice family for how they were treated," continued Clark. "Dan Logue has nowhere to hide on this issue. It's time to end eminent domain abuse, and retiring Dan Logue from public office would be a good start."
Logue claims to have heard Rice testimony at 6 meeting dates (12/21/07, 11/16/07, 10/19/07, 9/21/07, 9/11/07, and 8/17/07), but official meeting records show Logue DID NOT attend 5 of the 6 meetings (12/21/07, 11/16/07, 10/19/07, 9/21/07, and 8/17/07) and his attendance when Rice presented cannot be confirmed for the 6th meeting. At that meeting, Supervisor Dan Logue is not recorded as having asked any questions, having been asked any questions, nor did he make any statements on any issue.
Contact Tim Clark for more information at Tim Clark (916) 473-8866
Posted by Post Scripts at 02:49 PM | Comments (0)
Sad Celebrity Death - I knew Him Well
Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community.
The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.
Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers.
He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.
Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.
The funeral was held at 350 for about 20 minutes. (glad he wasn't cremated) Maybe he will rise from the grave?
Posted by Post Scripts at 02:36 PM | Comments (1)
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ICE CREAM STORE - SHUBERTS
ABC news - Tucked away in Northern California, Shubert's Ice Cream and Candy has been a Chico institution since it's founding in 1938, with four generations of the Shubert family still running the shop today. Shubert's still hand-makes all of its ice cream and candy, using local ingredients delivered weekly from family-owned farms surrounding Chico. The shop's signature flavor is Chico Mint, a unique twist on your traditional mint chocolate chip ice cream — featuring chocolate ice cream with mint candies, both made by hand on location. They are now in the top four for America's best scoop of ice cream. Click here to cast your vote for Shubert's of Chico!
Posted by Post Scripts at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)
ELECTIONS - Do You Have Any Helpful Suggestions?
How can we improve on our elections and encourage more good candidates to run for office?
Here are a few of my ideas for state office:
1. Filing fee should be .075% of the annual salary.
2. Filing fee must accompany at least 200 qualifying signatures.
3. All ads must include the names of the top 3 money contributors.
4. Radio and TV ads can only use the candidate, no spokespeople.
5. Campaign literature should not use government logos, seals or emblems.
6. Chairman of county political parties may not be employed by a candidate or elected official. Conflict of interest.
7. The taxpayer paid staff of an incumbent politician may not work on the campaign staff of a candidate. Conflict of interest.
8. Candidates that pass a high school civics test get 15 extra words on the voter pamphlet.
9. Candidates that pass a lie-detector regarding their campaign planks get another 20 words.