Newsflash folks !!! The New York Times endorsed John McCain. Does no one remember that? It would be ridiculous for them to endorse him one day, and then turn around and set out to destroy him the next.
They are lobbing softballs to the "conservative" punditry so that they spend more time defending him against the simple articles, refuting "attacks," and less time discussing his substantial policy differences with the mainstream of both his party and the mainstream of the country.
The constitutional question raised recently regarding his citizenship status was resolved in 1790. The hinted to inappropriate relationship story was mostly inuendo and had little to no checkable facts. The New York Times may at times show bias, but they are very effective at what they do. They have sources for stories and the new fangled internet thingy for fact checking.
McCain still does not have the delegates he needs to be the Republican nominee. There are 3 candidates in the race (some have even said that Romney left the door open by suspending and not quitting) and a slim chance for a brokered convention.
If nothing else make McCain answer the tough questions, grill him on economics, diplomacy, constitutional law. Have him prove that he can at least govern as a moderate. He told a reporter just yesterday he was liberal. He later apologized, meaning to call Obama a liberal.
Do not think for a second that he needs your help defending against attacks from his friends at the New York Times. He does not have to prove anything to the left, they love him.
He needs to prove to the libertarians, the social conservatives, the old right, the fiscal conservatives, etc. that he can be their nominee.
Friday, February 29, 2008
More than One in 100 Adults Are Behind Bars, Pew Study Finds
Release Type: Pew Press Release
Pew Contact: Jessica Riordan, 215.575.4886
Washington, DC - 02/28/2008 - For the first time in history more than one in every 100 adults in America are in jail or prison—a fact that significantly impacts state budgets without delivering a clear return on public safety. According to a new report released today by the Pew Center on the States’ Public Safety Performance Project, at the start of 2008, 2,319,258 adults were held in American prisons or jails, or one in every 99.1 men and women, according to the study. During 2007, the prison population rose by more than 25,000 inmates. In addition to detailing state and regional prison growth rates, Pew’s report, One in 100: Behind Bars in America 2008, identifies how corrections spending compares to other state investments, why it has increased, and what some states are doing to limit growth in both prison populations and costs while maintaining public safety.As prison populations expand, costs to states are on the rise. Last year alone, states spent more than $49 billion on corrections, up from $11 billion 20 years before. However, the national recidivism rate remains virtually unchanged, with about half of released inmates returning to jail or prison within three years. And while violent criminals and other serious offenders account for some of the growth, many inmates are low-level offenders or people who have violated the terms of their probation or parole. “For all the money spent on corrections today, there hasn’t been a clear and convincing return for public safety,” said Adam Gelb, director of the Public Safety Performance Project. “More and more states are beginning to rethink their reliance on prisons for lower-level offenders and finding strategies that are tough on crime without being so tough on taxpayers.”According to the report, 36 states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons saw their prison populations increase in 2007. Among the seven states with the largest number of prisoners—those with more than 50,000 inmates—three grew (Ohio, Florida and Georgia), while four (New York, Michigan, Texas and California) saw their populations dip. Texas surpassed California as the nation’s prison leader following a decline in both states’ inmate populations—Texas decreased by 326 inmates and California by 4,068. Ten states, meanwhile, experienced a jump in inmate population growth of 5 percent or greater, a list topped by Kentucky with a surge of 12 percent. A close examination of the most recent U.S. Department of Justice data (2006) found that while one in 30 men between the ages of 20 and 34 is behind bars, the figure is one in nine for black males in that age group. Men are still roughly 13 times more likely to be incarcerated, but the female population is expanding at a far brisker pace. For black women in their mid- to late-30s, the incarceration rate also has hit the one-in-100 mark. In addition, one in every 53 adults in their 20s is behind bars; the rate for those over 55 is one in 837.The report points out the necessity of locking up violent and repeat offenders, but notes that prison growth and higher incarceration rates do not reflect a parallel increase in crime, or a corresponding surge in the nation’s population at large. Instead, more people are behind bars principally because of a wave of policy choices that are sending more lawbreakers to prison and, through popular “three-strikes” measures and other sentencing laws, imposing longer prison stays on inmates.As a result, states’ corrections costs have risen substantially. Twenty years ago, the states collectively spent $10.6 billion of their general funds—their primary discretionary dollars—on corrections. Last year, they spent more than $44 billion in general funds, a 315 percent jump, and more than $49 billion in total funds from all sources. Coupled with tightening state budgets, the greater prison expenditures may force states to make tough choices about where to spend their money. For example, Pew found that over the same 20-year period, inflation-adjusted general fund spending on corrections rose 127 percent while higher education expenditures rose just 21 percent. “States are paying a high cost for corrections—one that may not be buying them as much in public safety as it should. And spending on prisons may be crowding out investments in other valuable programs that could enhance a state’s economic competitiveness,” said Susan K. Urahn, managing director of the Pew Center on the States. “There are other choices. Some state policy makers are experimenting with a range of community punishments that are as effective as incarceration in protecting public safety and allow states to put the brakes on prison growth.”According to Pew, some states are attempting to protect public safety and reap corrections savings primarily by holding lower-risk offenders accountable in less-costly settings and using intermediate sanctions for parolees and probationers who violate conditions of their release. These include a mix of community-based programs such as day reporting centers, treatment facilities, electronic monitoring systems and community service—tactics recently adopted in Kansas and Texas. Another common intervention, used in Kansas and Nevada, is making small reductions in prison terms for inmates who complete substance abuse treatment and other programs designed to cut their risk of recidivism.Pew was assisted in collecting state prison counts by the Association of State Correctional Administrators and the JFA Institute. The report also relies on data published by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Association of State Budget Officers, and the U.S. Census Bureau.To view the entire report, including state-by-state data and methodology, visit www.pewcenteronthestates.org.Launched in 2006 as a project of Pew’s Center on the States, the Public Safety Performance Project seeks to help states advance fiscally sound, data-driven policies and practices in sentencing and corrections that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable, and control corrections costs. The Pew Charitable Trusts applies the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Our Center on the States identifies and advances effective policy approaches to critical issues facing states. Online at www.pewcenteronthestates.org .
Pew Contact: Jessica Riordan, 215.575.4886
Washington, DC - 02/28/2008 - For the first time in history more than one in every 100 adults in America are in jail or prison—a fact that significantly impacts state budgets without delivering a clear return on public safety. According to a new report released today by the Pew Center on the States’ Public Safety Performance Project, at the start of 2008, 2,319,258 adults were held in American prisons or jails, or one in every 99.1 men and women, according to the study. During 2007, the prison population rose by more than 25,000 inmates. In addition to detailing state and regional prison growth rates, Pew’s report, One in 100: Behind Bars in America 2008, identifies how corrections spending compares to other state investments, why it has increased, and what some states are doing to limit growth in both prison populations and costs while maintaining public safety.As prison populations expand, costs to states are on the rise. Last year alone, states spent more than $49 billion on corrections, up from $11 billion 20 years before. However, the national recidivism rate remains virtually unchanged, with about half of released inmates returning to jail or prison within three years. And while violent criminals and other serious offenders account for some of the growth, many inmates are low-level offenders or people who have violated the terms of their probation or parole. “For all the money spent on corrections today, there hasn’t been a clear and convincing return for public safety,” said Adam Gelb, director of the Public Safety Performance Project. “More and more states are beginning to rethink their reliance on prisons for lower-level offenders and finding strategies that are tough on crime without being so tough on taxpayers.”According to the report, 36 states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons saw their prison populations increase in 2007. Among the seven states with the largest number of prisoners—those with more than 50,000 inmates—three grew (Ohio, Florida and Georgia), while four (New York, Michigan, Texas and California) saw their populations dip. Texas surpassed California as the nation’s prison leader following a decline in both states’ inmate populations—Texas decreased by 326 inmates and California by 4,068. Ten states, meanwhile, experienced a jump in inmate population growth of 5 percent or greater, a list topped by Kentucky with a surge of 12 percent. A close examination of the most recent U.S. Department of Justice data (2006) found that while one in 30 men between the ages of 20 and 34 is behind bars, the figure is one in nine for black males in that age group. Men are still roughly 13 times more likely to be incarcerated, but the female population is expanding at a far brisker pace. For black women in their mid- to late-30s, the incarceration rate also has hit the one-in-100 mark. In addition, one in every 53 adults in their 20s is behind bars; the rate for those over 55 is one in 837.The report points out the necessity of locking up violent and repeat offenders, but notes that prison growth and higher incarceration rates do not reflect a parallel increase in crime, or a corresponding surge in the nation’s population at large. Instead, more people are behind bars principally because of a wave of policy choices that are sending more lawbreakers to prison and, through popular “three-strikes” measures and other sentencing laws, imposing longer prison stays on inmates.As a result, states’ corrections costs have risen substantially. Twenty years ago, the states collectively spent $10.6 billion of their general funds—their primary discretionary dollars—on corrections. Last year, they spent more than $44 billion in general funds, a 315 percent jump, and more than $49 billion in total funds from all sources. Coupled with tightening state budgets, the greater prison expenditures may force states to make tough choices about where to spend their money. For example, Pew found that over the same 20-year period, inflation-adjusted general fund spending on corrections rose 127 percent while higher education expenditures rose just 21 percent. “States are paying a high cost for corrections—one that may not be buying them as much in public safety as it should. And spending on prisons may be crowding out investments in other valuable programs that could enhance a state’s economic competitiveness,” said Susan K. Urahn, managing director of the Pew Center on the States. “There are other choices. Some state policy makers are experimenting with a range of community punishments that are as effective as incarceration in protecting public safety and allow states to put the brakes on prison growth.”According to Pew, some states are attempting to protect public safety and reap corrections savings primarily by holding lower-risk offenders accountable in less-costly settings and using intermediate sanctions for parolees and probationers who violate conditions of their release. These include a mix of community-based programs such as day reporting centers, treatment facilities, electronic monitoring systems and community service—tactics recently adopted in Kansas and Texas. Another common intervention, used in Kansas and Nevada, is making small reductions in prison terms for inmates who complete substance abuse treatment and other programs designed to cut their risk of recidivism.Pew was assisted in collecting state prison counts by the Association of State Correctional Administrators and the JFA Institute. The report also relies on data published by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Association of State Budget Officers, and the U.S. Census Bureau.To view the entire report, including state-by-state data and methodology, visit www.pewcenteronthestates.org.Launched in 2006 as a project of Pew’s Center on the States, the Public Safety Performance Project seeks to help states advance fiscally sound, data-driven policies and practices in sentencing and corrections that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable, and control corrections costs. The Pew Charitable Trusts applies the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Our Center on the States identifies and advances effective policy approaches to critical issues facing states. Online at www.pewcenteronthestates.org .
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Bush Unaware of the Problems Regular Americans Face
Recently reported at cnnmoney.com, when taking the question about the $4 milestone, Bush told the reporter, "That's interesting. I hadn't heard that."
Brilliant. Completely unaware of the impact of the Wolfowitz/Bush doctrine's impact on our daily lives.
Brilliant. Completely unaware of the impact of the Wolfowitz/Bush doctrine's impact on our daily lives.
Michael Scheuer Says Ron Paul Understands Cause of Terrorism
Michael Scheuer Says Ron Paul Understands Cause of Terrorism
Former CIA bin Laden Unit head suggests both McCain and Obama clueless on terrorism while Paul understands the reasons behind terrorism.
by Gary Wood(Conservative Libertarian)
According to Mr. Scheuer the real driving force behind terrorism is interventionism. In his interview on Hannity and Colmes yesterday he said, "What they hate us for is the unusually virulent strain of obsessive compulsive disorder that's present in the American governing class, and that's called interventionism. That's what the cause of this war is." This differs from what candidates like Obama, Clinton, and McCain say is the reason. It is not our liberty and freedom that creates the motivation for hating the U.S. it's our foreign policy He continued, "That's what the cause of this war is. And neither Mr. McCain, nor Mr. Obama, nor Mrs. Clinton, nor any of the rest of them who are in the campaign-except Mr. Paul, Mr. Kucinich perhaps-had that idea."
Mr. Sheuer is the author of many books including Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror. As the head of the CIA's bin Laden unit he was among those pointing to our foreign policy as the key reason bin Laden is able to recruit willing terrorists. In his comments he stated, "Mr. McCain is very confident, but he's clueless. Mr. Obama is equally clueless. They continue to tell Americans, 'These people are Islamo-fascists, and they hate us because of our freedoms,' and 'they hate us for our liberties.'"
In a speech before the House of Representatives in July of 2005 Paul said, "Understanding why they sacrifice themselves is crucial to ending what appears to be senseless and irrational." He referred to Robert Pape's Dying to Win and Congressman Paul concluded in his speech, "It is time for us to consider a strategic reassessment of our policy of foreign interventionism, occupation, and nation-building. It is in our national interest to do so and in the interest of world peace."
The differences between the candidates on this have been evident in many debates, especially the early debates where both John McCain and then candidate Rudy Giuliani decried Dr. Paul's position while mislabeling it as isolationism. Ron Paul has continued to emphasize the importance of a foreign policy change to aid in defeating terrorism. Dann McCreary's article, Ron Paul Tough on Terrorism, in announcing new advisors to the campaign states, "...the Ron Paul 2008campaign clearly recognizes the need for comprehensive intelligence, strategicanalysis, and effective preparation for all threats and eventualities, and has taken clear steps to assure voters that such concerns will be a high priority of a Paul administration."
At some point the voters must apply critical thinking to what this debate is really about. Those who have invested their efforts at truly understanding the thinking behind terrorism all are reaching the same conclusion. It is not our lifestyle of freedom; it is our government's on-going failed foreign policy. It is important that everyone casting a vote this year take the time to study this for themselves.
Even after the election it will be equally important for citizens to embrace a higher level of understanding while staying in constant contact with their elected representatives. After careful, in-depth study one begins to clearly see non-intervention is a very strong front that will lead to victory against terrorism. Representatives need to know those they work for, we the people and we are going to demand real changes in our foreign policy that will lead to real victory.
2008 by Gary Wood- Permission to copy with attribution granted.
Former CIA bin Laden Unit head suggests both McCain and Obama clueless on terrorism while Paul understands the reasons behind terrorism.
by Gary Wood(Conservative Libertarian)
According to Mr. Scheuer the real driving force behind terrorism is interventionism. In his interview on Hannity and Colmes yesterday he said, "What they hate us for is the unusually virulent strain of obsessive compulsive disorder that's present in the American governing class, and that's called interventionism. That's what the cause of this war is." This differs from what candidates like Obama, Clinton, and McCain say is the reason. It is not our liberty and freedom that creates the motivation for hating the U.S. it's our foreign policy He continued, "That's what the cause of this war is. And neither Mr. McCain, nor Mr. Obama, nor Mrs. Clinton, nor any of the rest of them who are in the campaign-except Mr. Paul, Mr. Kucinich perhaps-had that idea."
Mr. Sheuer is the author of many books including Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror. As the head of the CIA's bin Laden unit he was among those pointing to our foreign policy as the key reason bin Laden is able to recruit willing terrorists. In his comments he stated, "Mr. McCain is very confident, but he's clueless. Mr. Obama is equally clueless. They continue to tell Americans, 'These people are Islamo-fascists, and they hate us because of our freedoms,' and 'they hate us for our liberties.'"
In a speech before the House of Representatives in July of 2005 Paul said, "Understanding why they sacrifice themselves is crucial to ending what appears to be senseless and irrational." He referred to Robert Pape's Dying to Win and Congressman Paul concluded in his speech, "It is time for us to consider a strategic reassessment of our policy of foreign interventionism, occupation, and nation-building. It is in our national interest to do so and in the interest of world peace."
The differences between the candidates on this have been evident in many debates, especially the early debates where both John McCain and then candidate Rudy Giuliani decried Dr. Paul's position while mislabeling it as isolationism. Ron Paul has continued to emphasize the importance of a foreign policy change to aid in defeating terrorism. Dann McCreary's article, Ron Paul Tough on Terrorism, in announcing new advisors to the campaign states, "...the Ron Paul 2008campaign clearly recognizes the need for comprehensive intelligence, strategicanalysis, and effective preparation for all threats and eventualities, and has taken clear steps to assure voters that such concerns will be a high priority of a Paul administration."
At some point the voters must apply critical thinking to what this debate is really about. Those who have invested their efforts at truly understanding the thinking behind terrorism all are reaching the same conclusion. It is not our lifestyle of freedom; it is our government's on-going failed foreign policy. It is important that everyone casting a vote this year take the time to study this for themselves.
Even after the election it will be equally important for citizens to embrace a higher level of understanding while staying in constant contact with their elected representatives. After careful, in-depth study one begins to clearly see non-intervention is a very strong front that will lead to victory against terrorism. Representatives need to know those they work for, we the people and we are going to demand real changes in our foreign policy that will lead to real victory.
2008 by Gary Wood- Permission to copy with attribution granted.
Candidates to Watch For
I will keep my eyes open and continue to seek out Thomas Jefferson, Robert Taft, Barry Goldwater Conservatives running in your area. Check back to this post often as I will continue to update it.
Jeff Flake for Congress Arizona District 6
Tom McClintock for Congress California District 4 (has a proven conservative record)
Theodore Terbolizard for Congress California District 4 (I like him but McClintock has a proven record, will leave it up to the good people in District 4 to decide).
David Simpson for Congress Louisiana District 1
Murray Sabrin for US Senate New Jersey
Jim Forsythe for Congress New Hampshire District 1
Brent Sanders for Congress Louisiana District 5
Dr. Ron Paul for Congress Texas District 14 (he won)
Greg Lewis for Congress Florida District 8
Jeff Flake for Congress Arizona District 6
Tom McClintock for Congress California District 4 (has a proven conservative record)
Theodore Terbolizard for Congress California District 4 (I like him but McClintock has a proven record, will leave it up to the good people in District 4 to decide).
David Simpson for Congress Louisiana District 1
Murray Sabrin for US Senate New Jersey
Jim Forsythe for Congress New Hampshire District 1
Brent Sanders for Congress Louisiana District 5
Dr. Ron Paul for Congress Texas District 14 (he won)
Greg Lewis for Congress Florida District 8
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
William F. Buckley
William Buckley has died. A great intellectual who has made a lasting impression on society. A champion of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, he often described himself as a libertarian and created the National Review to bring libertarians and Republicans together. While many at NRO probably will sanitize this from history he was opposed to the Iraq war and said that Bush 43 is not conservative. It is a sad day for libertarian Republicans. Please read his biography on wikipedia.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
top 10 guys
70's night.
Michaels Johns You Can Go Your Own Way. Very boring aside from when he was butchering the high notes.
Jason Castro. His intro interview may very well have sealed his fate for all of the older crowd but his performance was really nice. Not fantastic but the guitar makes him stand out. He chooses easy songs and does them decently.
Luke Menard. Very theatrical. Fun, but not very poppy. May struggle later on if he is not able identify with the 13 year old girls who dial a million times.
Robbie Carico. If you have to keep telling us you are something, you probably ar not it. Hot Blooded. Still faking the rock.
Danny Noriega. Baby, I Love You. A couple pitch problems but a decent performance. The opening was a bit creepy with him touching his chest while he said he loved me. He is spunky though. Everyone is going to like him. As long as he doesn't blow it big time, he will keep coming back. Not the best performance but I don't think he is Sanjaya as long as he can pull out a great performance next week.
David Hernandez. Papa was a Rolling Stone. Great intro. Started to get a little monotonous but the ending was incredible.
Jason Yeager. Without Love. Did fine. His voice so does not fit his look, his smile, or his dancing. Poor song choice.
Chickizie. I Believe. A good 70's performance. Still came across as a 70's song. But much better than last week.
David Cook. Alright Now. Played a rockin' guitar. A good rock performance. He worked the crowd well. Vocals were not awesome but they were good. Much more relevant
David Archuleta. Imagine All the People. Really well done. He is going to be in the top 3. An awesome voice, and can really perform. The judges and the producers love him.
Michaels Johns You Can Go Your Own Way. Very boring aside from when he was butchering the high notes.
Jason Castro. His intro interview may very well have sealed his fate for all of the older crowd but his performance was really nice. Not fantastic but the guitar makes him stand out. He chooses easy songs and does them decently.
Luke Menard. Very theatrical. Fun, but not very poppy. May struggle later on if he is not able identify with the 13 year old girls who dial a million times.
Robbie Carico. If you have to keep telling us you are something, you probably ar not it. Hot Blooded. Still faking the rock.
Danny Noriega. Baby, I Love You. A couple pitch problems but a decent performance. The opening was a bit creepy with him touching his chest while he said he loved me. He is spunky though. Everyone is going to like him. As long as he doesn't blow it big time, he will keep coming back. Not the best performance but I don't think he is Sanjaya as long as he can pull out a great performance next week.
David Hernandez. Papa was a Rolling Stone. Great intro. Started to get a little monotonous but the ending was incredible.
Jason Yeager. Without Love. Did fine. His voice so does not fit his look, his smile, or his dancing. Poor song choice.
Chickizie. I Believe. A good 70's performance. Still came across as a 70's song. But much better than last week.
David Cook. Alright Now. Played a rockin' guitar. A good rock performance. He worked the crowd well. Vocals were not awesome but they were good. Much more relevant
David Archuleta. Imagine All the People. Really well done. He is going to be in the top 3. An awesome voice, and can really perform. The judges and the producers love him.
Today in Terror
Evidently it is widely assumed that the next major terrorist threat is our lights being shut off in the early afternoon while we were at work. Be on the lookout for this absolutely evil potential attack. http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2008/02/25/daily22.html
In other news, according to many reports we are one step closer to having our lights turned off due to Democrats not giving the President carte blanche authority to spy on US citizens without a warrant. Due bear in mind that with a warrant they can go to town and for known terrorist FISA already covers this. The Protect America Act is what expired, the one republicans were opposed to during the Clinton years.
In other news, according to many reports we are one step closer to having our lights turned off due to Democrats not giving the President carte blanche authority to spy on US citizens without a warrant. Due bear in mind that with a warrant they can go to town and for known terrorist FISA already covers this. The Protect America Act is what expired, the one republicans were opposed to during the Clinton years.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Conservative Group Think
I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever, in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else, where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent. If I could not go to heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all.
Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 1789.
The recent Times article has rallied conservatives around the liberal icon John McCain in an amazing example of group think. Two centuries ago Thomas Jefferson knew of our potential for this and wrote to a friend about it. Do not suspend reason. Politics is not us versus them. It should be based on your principles not parties.
Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 1789.
The recent Times article has rallied conservatives around the liberal icon John McCain in an amazing example of group think. Two centuries ago Thomas Jefferson knew of our potential for this and wrote to a friend about it. Do not suspend reason. Politics is not us versus them. It should be based on your principles not parties.
2000 Republican Platform Quote
"The duties of our day are different. But the values of our nation do not change. Let us reject the blinders of isolationism, just as we refuse the crown of empire. Let us not dominate others with our power or betray them with our indifference. And let us have an American foreign policy that reflects American character. The modesty of true strength. The humility of real greatness. This is the strong heart of America. And this will be the spirit of my administration." - Governor George W. Bush (emphasis mine)
Friday, February 22, 2008
Yet Another Example of Blowback
Clinton supported Kosovo's independence from Serbia during his reign and now our embassy is being attacked by the enemies that we gained in that conflict.
By intervening in other nations civil affairs we undermine our national security by creating enemies out of all whom disagree and by sponsoring terrorism in the host nation. Arguments for individual movements fail to recognize that it is never in OUR interests to pick a side.
Neutrality has been the policy of US for most of our existence. Everytime we have changed that policy we have suffered unintended consequences down the line. This is what foreign policy experts and the CIA refer to as blowback.
By intervening in other nations civil affairs we undermine our national security by creating enemies out of all whom disagree and by sponsoring terrorism in the host nation. Arguments for individual movements fail to recognize that it is never in OUR interests to pick a side.
Neutrality has been the policy of US for most of our existence. Everytime we have changed that policy we have suffered unintended consequences down the line. This is what foreign policy experts and the CIA refer to as blowback.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
top 12 ladies
Everybody has the flu. 60's theme again. Ryan spent a lot of time talking about the girls shoes. Posted from my mobile, sorry about sentence structure
Kristy Lee Cook rescue me. sounded ok. not a powerful enough voice for this song. not a lot of energy. pretty uninspiring. she is pretty and has a good story. this may be enough to get her through but i don''t know if its going to get her into the top 10.
Joanne Bogella. say a little prayer for you. a lot of pitch problems. some nervousness in her voice. a dull performance. showed off the power she can bring.
Elaina Whitaker. i love you more today than yesterday. great vocals. cool arrangement. she is good looking and young. top 10 contender.
Amanda Overmyer. baby please don't go. great performance. Most likely too hard sounding to appeal to a wider audience. but she did it well.
Amy Davis. where the boys are. hit a wrong notes. she is pretty, so that may save her, but it was not a great performance at all.
brooke white. so happy together. good arrangement. decent vocals. dull performance. the good girl image will probably keep her through while she gets more comfortable on stage.
Alexandrea Lushington. what goes up must come down. great performance. hit the right notes. i don't like the tone of her voice, but i think it is just me (and maybe Simon).
Kady Malloy. groovy kind of love. hard to pull off a ballad early on because they don't give a chance to show personality. just an ok performance.
Asia'h Epperson. take another piece of my heart. great arrangement. great vocals. could be a top 10 contender.
Ramielle you don't have to say you love me. fantastic arrangement, performance and vocals. plus she is cute and has a hip, different look.
Syesha Mercado. tobacco row. fun song. lots of power in her voice. not sure how she could stay so still singing that song. i was dancing around just watching.
Carly. a good vocal effort. i have to say i was just so so on it. do not think it was bad just didn't grab me.
Kristy Lee Cook rescue me. sounded ok. not a powerful enough voice for this song. not a lot of energy. pretty uninspiring. she is pretty and has a good story. this may be enough to get her through but i don''t know if its going to get her into the top 10.
Joanne Bogella. say a little prayer for you. a lot of pitch problems. some nervousness in her voice. a dull performance. showed off the power she can bring.
Elaina Whitaker. i love you more today than yesterday. great vocals. cool arrangement. she is good looking and young. top 10 contender.
Amanda Overmyer. baby please don't go. great performance. Most likely too hard sounding to appeal to a wider audience. but she did it well.
Amy Davis. where the boys are. hit a wrong notes. she is pretty, so that may save her, but it was not a great performance at all.
brooke white. so happy together. good arrangement. decent vocals. dull performance. the good girl image will probably keep her through while she gets more comfortable on stage.
Alexandrea Lushington. what goes up must come down. great performance. hit the right notes. i don't like the tone of her voice, but i think it is just me (and maybe Simon).
Kady Malloy. groovy kind of love. hard to pull off a ballad early on because they don't give a chance to show personality. just an ok performance.
Asia'h Epperson. take another piece of my heart. great arrangement. great vocals. could be a top 10 contender.
Ramielle you don't have to say you love me. fantastic arrangement, performance and vocals. plus she is cute and has a hip, different look.
Syesha Mercado. tobacco row. fun song. lots of power in her voice. not sure how she could stay so still singing that song. i was dancing around just watching.
Carly. a good vocal effort. i have to say i was just so so on it. do not think it was bad just didn't grab me.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Managing the Economy
I hate myself for admitting that I read anything on Townhall.com but this article was amazing. If you are curious which candidate has the best grasp on the executive role in the economy, have a look at this article from John Stossel.
http://rss.townhall.com/trackback/www/ad25489c-dcf8-433b-8406-b9a1d0c7d302/
http://rss.townhall.com/trackback/www/ad25489c-dcf8-433b-8406-b9a1d0c7d302/
On Trade with Cuba
With Fidel officially stepping down it seems the perfect time to evaluate our policies towards the our small, economically depressed island neighbor. Opinion polls show the vast majority of Americans seem to favor at the very least lessening some of the restrictions if not a full acceptance of their right to exist.
Embargos and sanctions against governments we disagree with inevitably lead to poverty and suffering for their people. Rather than hurting the leadership this actually breeds contempt and hatred for the US and a love for the corrupt leader since he then appears to them to be right about the US.
By embracing the nation and showing maturity in spite of differences, thru commerce, tourism and diplomacy, we appear to be the better nation. This will end the leadership's ability to make us the scapegoat. If economic prosperity does not follow it is the leaderships fault and we cannot be seen as the problem. Policies that make sense tend to written off as simplistic and not understanding the politics of the situation. But really, is the golden rule really dependant on whether one embraces all of the same political ideaological rhetoric as us?
The truly simplistic response is to think that if we continue to punish and force Cuba's government to embrace our vision for their nation (which we have been attempting since 1959) that one day they will suddenly fall in love with "freedom and democracy" (which appears to mean they will send troops into all the Muslim countries we demand).
Coercion for half a century has not worked. Let us not continue failed policy. Beyond the benefit to foreign relations (and the huge step forward in foreign policy) the economic benefits would be mutual. Our retailers gain authentic Cuban cigars, our airlines get a new popular travel destination, our hotel companies can open luxury resorts. They gain our normal trade benefits as well as the jobs our tourism would bring.
Obviously this is a pipe dream as the Bush administration has already stated that just because the reason for the sanctions has been removed it makes no sense to remove the sanctions. But we all can dream. Until then I will have to watch old movies and imagine my Cuban vacation.
Embargos and sanctions against governments we disagree with inevitably lead to poverty and suffering for their people. Rather than hurting the leadership this actually breeds contempt and hatred for the US and a love for the corrupt leader since he then appears to them to be right about the US.
By embracing the nation and showing maturity in spite of differences, thru commerce, tourism and diplomacy, we appear to be the better nation. This will end the leadership's ability to make us the scapegoat. If economic prosperity does not follow it is the leaderships fault and we cannot be seen as the problem. Policies that make sense tend to written off as simplistic and not understanding the politics of the situation. But really, is the golden rule really dependant on whether one embraces all of the same political ideaological rhetoric as us?
The truly simplistic response is to think that if we continue to punish and force Cuba's government to embrace our vision for their nation (which we have been attempting since 1959) that one day they will suddenly fall in love with "freedom and democracy" (which appears to mean they will send troops into all the Muslim countries we demand).
Coercion for half a century has not worked. Let us not continue failed policy. Beyond the benefit to foreign relations (and the huge step forward in foreign policy) the economic benefits would be mutual. Our retailers gain authentic Cuban cigars, our airlines get a new popular travel destination, our hotel companies can open luxury resorts. They gain our normal trade benefits as well as the jobs our tourism would bring.
Obviously this is a pipe dream as the Bush administration has already stated that just because the reason for the sanctions has been removed it makes no sense to remove the sanctions. But we all can dream. Until then I will have to watch old movies and imagine my Cuban vacation.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
american idol top 12 guys
60's theme tonight. Though first week theme since everyone is young and this is a contemporary competition, which Simon let us know numerous times. No major standouts last night. Top 10 potentials are noted.
David Hernandez. In the Midnight Hour. Good til the end. He hit some sour notes at the end. Not a great performance. He was fine though.
Chikezie. The begining was a little rough was he he hit his upper register he nailed it. I really thought 60's day was gonna be his best day so that set my expectations really high. He looked great though.
David Cook. Happy Together. He made an indie rock tune out of it. It sounded fun. He has a cool rock edge. Top 10
Jason Yeager. Moon River. He hit a couple wrong notes. A fine performance but nothing special.
Robbie Carrico. One is the Loneliest Number. A little bit of rock and roll and some great harmonies with the background singers. He looks like KFed. When Simon questioned his rocker persona I was like "Whoa that's it. He is faking it." It makes sense, he is a good singer but boy bands are out of style, a little rock and roll splashed in and he is a top 10 for sure. Top 10
David Archuleta. You Better Shop. Around his high register he is fantastic. He sounded dull and off key with the lower notes in the begining. It sounds like we know who the producers like though, since he got a free pass on being judged. Top 10
Danny Noriega. Jail House Rock. I must admit his "swagger" and "attitude" mixed with one of my all time favorite performers was just too much. I am smitten. He had a blast and it made for a great performance. Probably did the song a tad to fast so the words were a little jumbled. Top 10
Luke Menard. I Won't Let you Leave. He hit a lot of wrong notes. Very dull performance as well.
Colton Barry. Suspicious Minds. The half time bridge was awesome, but the rest was fairly dull and unispired. He is a young guy with a nice look so he can get away with ok.
Garrett Haley. Breakin Up is Hard to Do. He looks scary. Kind of like Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings. He delivered a dull performance. One cool break, but otherwise a sleeper. He seemed nervous.
Jason Castro. Daydream. He played guitar. It was an easy song but he played it well. He also coordinated well with the band which will lend itself well in later weeks as he takes risks and differentiates himself from other contestants.
Michel Johns. Light my Fire. He was shouting a bit. But it was a fun song. The judges loved him. I thought it was a great performane but not the strongest vocals.
David Hernandez. In the Midnight Hour. Good til the end. He hit some sour notes at the end. Not a great performance. He was fine though.
Chikezie. The begining was a little rough was he he hit his upper register he nailed it. I really thought 60's day was gonna be his best day so that set my expectations really high. He looked great though.
David Cook. Happy Together. He made an indie rock tune out of it. It sounded fun. He has a cool rock edge. Top 10
Jason Yeager. Moon River. He hit a couple wrong notes. A fine performance but nothing special.
Robbie Carrico. One is the Loneliest Number. A little bit of rock and roll and some great harmonies with the background singers. He looks like KFed. When Simon questioned his rocker persona I was like "Whoa that's it. He is faking it." It makes sense, he is a good singer but boy bands are out of style, a little rock and roll splashed in and he is a top 10 for sure. Top 10
David Archuleta. You Better Shop. Around his high register he is fantastic. He sounded dull and off key with the lower notes in the begining. It sounds like we know who the producers like though, since he got a free pass on being judged. Top 10
Danny Noriega. Jail House Rock. I must admit his "swagger" and "attitude" mixed with one of my all time favorite performers was just too much. I am smitten. He had a blast and it made for a great performance. Probably did the song a tad to fast so the words were a little jumbled. Top 10
Luke Menard. I Won't Let you Leave. He hit a lot of wrong notes. Very dull performance as well.
Colton Barry. Suspicious Minds. The half time bridge was awesome, but the rest was fairly dull and unispired. He is a young guy with a nice look so he can get away with ok.
Garrett Haley. Breakin Up is Hard to Do. He looks scary. Kind of like Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings. He delivered a dull performance. One cool break, but otherwise a sleeper. He seemed nervous.
Jason Castro. Daydream. He played guitar. It was an easy song but he played it well. He also coordinated well with the band which will lend itself well in later weeks as he takes risks and differentiates himself from other contestants.
Michel Johns. Light my Fire. He was shouting a bit. But it was a fun song. The judges loved him. I thought it was a great performane but not the strongest vocals.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Should Huckabee and Paul Drop Out?
The idea has been put forward on various political blogs, tv shows, radio shows and even in a recent Facebook/ABC opinion poll that Huckabee and Paul should drop out now since Romney did. The arguments vary but most are some variation of the unelectability at this point or that them losing to McCain somehow hurts him in the general.
Ideas matter and both of them have important ideas that can and should be addressed at convention. Politics has become more about winning and less about democracy. Everyone's ideas should all be represented at convention so the platform is balanced and not just one man's vision.
With the definition of conservatism apparently up for grabs, I for one would prefer to at the very least see more than just McCain's "conservatism" represented when they draft MY party platform.
Ideas matter and both of them have important ideas that can and should be addressed at convention. Politics has become more about winning and less about democracy. Everyone's ideas should all be represented at convention so the platform is balanced and not just one man's vision.
With the definition of conservatism apparently up for grabs, I for one would prefer to at the very least see more than just McCain's "conservatism" represented when they draft MY party platform.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
FISA
All this Republican consent to the expanded unwarranted wiretapping the President is seeking is amazing. When Clinton asked for this Republicans stood up to him and said no. They stood up for our liberty and personal freedoms and our privacy. That is the party that I want to belong to.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
the top 24
I thought the Jumper intro/commercial was actually kind of cool. Obviously, a little lame, but I think that added to the appeal for me. Ryan at the end getting blown off was really funny.
A lot of no's to start off. They claimed that people out in the lobby were getting more nervous but that shouldn't be so, as the more no's prior to you the higher chance you have of a yes. Oh well, no one is claiming all the AI contestants are mathmeticians.
I haven't seen enough on everyone to form an opinion but here are some initial thoughts.
The Top 24...
Carly. Looks cool with tattoos and whatnot. Her accent is cool and will win her over a lot of fans. She also has season 5 experience when she had trouble with her work visa.
David C. Guitar player with a good look. Could go far if he can make sure to choose the right songs to focus on his better qualities.
Amanda Overmeyer. Rocker without a shot at the top. A fun addition to the story but not a pop star.
Kristy.
Brooke.
Danny. Like Sanjaya but he can sing really well. He is going to be a major contender.
Luke.
Alex.
Ramiele.
Michael. He took a gamble on queen and it paid off. He also has the rugged tough guy thing going. The girls will like the dangerous one and the guys (both of us) will be more comfortable voting for him than a boy band lookalike.
Syesha. Lost her voice and still pulled it off. Has talent and determination, plus a great look.
Robbie. Rocker guys always make the top 10 but most lack pop sensibility. Doesn't mean they are not fantastic but just not right for AI.
Katie.
Chikezie. Hilarious but if he won would probably be a Taylor/Ruben type.
Alaina.
Jason.
Asia'h.
David. He was told it was contested. Simon let him know a tough road ahead. Interesting to see if he makes it far.
Garrett.
Colton. I really liked both Colton (any guy who busts disney is my idol) and Kyle (I am a politics buff and have a soft spot for nerds) so this is bittersweet.
Joanne.
David Archaletta. Young and with a great voice. The 300 texts a minute crowd are going to love him. Expect him in the top 10.
A lot of no's to start off. They claimed that people out in the lobby were getting more nervous but that shouldn't be so, as the more no's prior to you the higher chance you have of a yes. Oh well, no one is claiming all the AI contestants are mathmeticians.
I haven't seen enough on everyone to form an opinion but here are some initial thoughts.
The Top 24...
Carly. Looks cool with tattoos and whatnot. Her accent is cool and will win her over a lot of fans. She also has season 5 experience when she had trouble with her work visa.
David C. Guitar player with a good look. Could go far if he can make sure to choose the right songs to focus on his better qualities.
Amanda Overmeyer. Rocker without a shot at the top. A fun addition to the story but not a pop star.
Kristy.
Brooke.
Danny. Like Sanjaya but he can sing really well. He is going to be a major contender.
Luke.
Alex.
Ramiele.
Michael. He took a gamble on queen and it paid off. He also has the rugged tough guy thing going. The girls will like the dangerous one and the guys (both of us) will be more comfortable voting for him than a boy band lookalike.
Syesha. Lost her voice and still pulled it off. Has talent and determination, plus a great look.
Robbie. Rocker guys always make the top 10 but most lack pop sensibility. Doesn't mean they are not fantastic but just not right for AI.
Katie.
Chikezie. Hilarious but if he won would probably be a Taylor/Ruben type.
Alaina.
Jason.
Asia'h.
David. He was told it was contested. Simon let him know a tough road ahead. Interesting to see if he makes it far.
Garrett.
Colton. I really liked both Colton (any guy who busts disney is my idol) and Kyle (I am a politics buff and have a soft spot for nerds) so this is bittersweet.
Joanne.
David Archaletta. Young and with a great voice. The 300 texts a minute crowd are going to love him. Expect him in the top 10.
US Military Executions
The last U.S. military execution was in 1961, when President Kennedy signed off on the hanging of Army Pfc. John A. Bennett for the rape and attempted murder of an 11-year-old Austrian girl.
Today, we defend soldiers for such actions near bases around the world. We are preparing to execute dozens of suspected terrorists who have never been tried in a court and were denied the Grand Writ of Habeus Corpus. Torture and execution of prisoners sounds a lot like what we claim to go to war to stop, not a virtue, but those of us who think that these things are reprehensible are now unpatriotic.
This is the country that I love, the one who declared, "We hold these truths to be self evident that ALL (emphasis mine) men are created equal..." Patriotism is a love for our country's ideals and values. These are dark and scary times indeed.
Today, we defend soldiers for such actions near bases around the world. We are preparing to execute dozens of suspected terrorists who have never been tried in a court and were denied the Grand Writ of Habeus Corpus. Torture and execution of prisoners sounds a lot like what we claim to go to war to stop, not a virtue, but those of us who think that these things are reprehensible are now unpatriotic.
This is the country that I love, the one who declared, "We hold these truths to be self evident that ALL (emphasis mine) men are created equal..." Patriotism is a love for our country's ideals and values. These are dark and scary times indeed.
Why John McCain Supports 100 Year War in Iraq
A great article detailing McCain's foriegn policy positions over the years. An important read. Especially if your states primaries are not up yet, or if you are a unbound delegate.
http://www.amconmag.com/2008/2008_02_11/cover.html
http://www.amconmag.com/2008/2008_02_11/cover.html
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
American Idol Feb. 12
Seems like Simon is running things for the first segment. Blasted thru the first day yes's really fast. Bryan Adams was a hit. Maybe he will be a special guest later in the season. The second round was boring. It was all about the drama of the front line back line game. We didn't get to see many of the performances. Lots of dramatic losers. Kind of a bummer to spend so much time learning about someone only to have them not make it. Footage should have stayed on the cutting room floor. Seems like we know more about the losers than the winners now. I guess we will have plenty of time to get to know the top 24 moving forward. It just seemed like such a waste to hear someones life story only to have them bomb their audition. Would have rather heard the great auditions.
A few notes on some auditions.
Brooke "beautiful" keyboard. Sounded great. Put her own spin on it.
David "love the one your with" Great arrangement. Going to be a contender since he has the ability to make songs his own without destroying them.
Amanda "light my fire" 60's throwback. Could be fun, but if every song sounds like that it's going to get old fast.
Josiah keyboard. Great smile. Fun song that went thru a few different sounds.
David "everything i do" Pretty good. No real wow til the last line which was awesome. Played the guitar, which added to his appeal. It will be interesting to see if instruments make it into later rounds. Without them he may struggle.
Robbie "everything i do" Did fine, nothing incredibly special.
Colton "everything i do" Did fine, nothing incredibly special.
David "we're in heaven" Did very well. A great voice. Could be a serious contender.
Kyle "you raise me up" I love this kid. I will vote for him for AI and for Governor.
Syesha "chain of fools" Amazing.
Michael "bohemian rhapsody" I couldn't believe he chose this song, but he pulled it off very well. If he continues to choose songs that are unique and interesting and actually doing it well, he will be in the top 10.
A few notes on some auditions.
Brooke "beautiful" keyboard. Sounded great. Put her own spin on it.
David "love the one your with" Great arrangement. Going to be a contender since he has the ability to make songs his own without destroying them.
Amanda "light my fire" 60's throwback. Could be fun, but if every song sounds like that it's going to get old fast.
Josiah keyboard. Great smile. Fun song that went thru a few different sounds.
David "everything i do" Pretty good. No real wow til the last line which was awesome. Played the guitar, which added to his appeal. It will be interesting to see if instruments make it into later rounds. Without them he may struggle.
Robbie "everything i do" Did fine, nothing incredibly special.
Colton "everything i do" Did fine, nothing incredibly special.
David "we're in heaven" Did very well. A great voice. Could be a serious contender.
Kyle "you raise me up" I love this kid. I will vote for him for AI and for Governor.
Syesha "chain of fools" Amazing.
Michael "bohemian rhapsody" I couldn't believe he chose this song, but he pulled it off very well. If he continues to choose songs that are unique and interesting and actually doing it well, he will be in the top 10.
Monday, February 11, 2008
McCain on Economics
An interesting and humorous look at McCain's response in a recent debate to a specific question on Economic Policy.
Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Empire--Chalmers Johnson
Chalmers Johnson believes what he says very strongly. In Nemesis he does not hold back, does not give anyone the benefit of the doubt and for the most part beleves his subjects to have sinister motives. Some people who I admire and respect get caught up in the mix, which I know may turn a lot of people off to what could be one of the more important books you can read during this chapter of our nations history.
Nemesis is a fast pace read moving from well referenced example to well referenced example as it chronicles America's rapid increase in militarization and wars started since WWII. He details the errosion of constitutional checks and balances and civil liberties with conviction and passion.
Anguish and devastation are the only natural reactions to seeing some of what our gov't does behind closed doors. The gap between what our nation professes and actually practices is getting wider and wider with every passing administration. You may or may not agree with every analysis in this book but it will open your eyes.
Nemesis is a fast pace read moving from well referenced example to well referenced example as it chronicles America's rapid increase in militarization and wars started since WWII. He details the errosion of constitutional checks and balances and civil liberties with conviction and passion.
Anguish and devastation are the only natural reactions to seeing some of what our gov't does behind closed doors. The gap between what our nation professes and actually practices is getting wider and wider with every passing administration. You may or may not agree with every analysis in this book but it will open your eyes.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
From Doug Wead's Blog
I wrote a similar article after Iowa but Doug Wead is far more credible and articulate than I.
The Mouse that roared: Why Ron Paul won the election
Well now, Republicans say, we have a nominee. That may very well be but there was only one clear winner in the confusing GOP nominating contest and it was not John McCain. The winner was Ron Paul. And the effects of his win will be felt for years to come.
Ron Paul made a classic political mistake. He told the truth. In debate after debate he pointed at his party, his president, his fellow contenders for the GOP nomination, shouting aloud like the little boy in the proverbial story, “they have no clothes” and lo and behold, we looked and they didn’t. They were all naked.
He showed that the conservative movement has lost its way, its moral authority and its logic. He showed us that we have become a red team versus blue team. That since we have decided that this is a political war and all normal rules are suspended, conservatives can do liberal things to win it. Conservatives can run up big deficits if it helps their side win. They can dole out needless pork if it elects another “conservative” to congress. They can go to war if it makes their president look like a leader and wins him another term.
But in the process, Ron Paul showed us, that we have lost our way. We are no longer conservatives. We are fighting for power not for principles. We have become corrupted by the process and the only way back is to retrace our steps and find all the things we discarded along he way.
Barry Goldwater lighted a similar fire with his Conscience of a Conservative. Its truth and arguments were so obvious and so honest that one laughed aloud while reading it. But Goldwater, himself, was doomed to political defeat. And Ron Paul had no chance to win this election either. One could see that when he first opened his mouth.
And yet, the words and arguments of Ron Paul are still resonating. They still hang over this election. They are haunting and troubling. They are producing blogs and papers and books and like Goldwater’s revolution they will one day very likely produce their own Ronald Reagan. And when those heady days happen a small but hearty band of pioneers, who first had the nerve to join him and start shouting from the street, “They aren’t wearing any clothes,” will be able to say that they could see what the country missed. They were there when history was made.
John McCain and his poorly chosen words, of staying in Iraq a hundred years, have almost guaranteed that he will be the answer to the trivia question, who was the Republican candidate who lost to the ticket that claimed the first woman and black for the presidency? Another question may very well be, “What other candidate ran that year and launched the movement that has dominated national politics for the last generation?”
And the answer will be Ron Paul.
Tags: Doug Wead, GOP Nomination, John McCain, Republican Candidates, Ron Paul, Super Tuesday
This entry was posted on February 6, 2008 at 1:21 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
The Mouse that roared: Why Ron Paul won the election
Well now, Republicans say, we have a nominee. That may very well be but there was only one clear winner in the confusing GOP nominating contest and it was not John McCain. The winner was Ron Paul. And the effects of his win will be felt for years to come.
Ron Paul made a classic political mistake. He told the truth. In debate after debate he pointed at his party, his president, his fellow contenders for the GOP nomination, shouting aloud like the little boy in the proverbial story, “they have no clothes” and lo and behold, we looked and they didn’t. They were all naked.
He showed that the conservative movement has lost its way, its moral authority and its logic. He showed us that we have become a red team versus blue team. That since we have decided that this is a political war and all normal rules are suspended, conservatives can do liberal things to win it. Conservatives can run up big deficits if it helps their side win. They can dole out needless pork if it elects another “conservative” to congress. They can go to war if it makes their president look like a leader and wins him another term.
But in the process, Ron Paul showed us, that we have lost our way. We are no longer conservatives. We are fighting for power not for principles. We have become corrupted by the process and the only way back is to retrace our steps and find all the things we discarded along he way.
Barry Goldwater lighted a similar fire with his Conscience of a Conservative. Its truth and arguments were so obvious and so honest that one laughed aloud while reading it. But Goldwater, himself, was doomed to political defeat. And Ron Paul had no chance to win this election either. One could see that when he first opened his mouth.
And yet, the words and arguments of Ron Paul are still resonating. They still hang over this election. They are haunting and troubling. They are producing blogs and papers and books and like Goldwater’s revolution they will one day very likely produce their own Ronald Reagan. And when those heady days happen a small but hearty band of pioneers, who first had the nerve to join him and start shouting from the street, “They aren’t wearing any clothes,” will be able to say that they could see what the country missed. They were there when history was made.
John McCain and his poorly chosen words, of staying in Iraq a hundred years, have almost guaranteed that he will be the answer to the trivia question, who was the Republican candidate who lost to the ticket that claimed the first woman and black for the presidency? Another question may very well be, “What other candidate ran that year and launched the movement that has dominated national politics for the last generation?”
And the answer will be Ron Paul.
Tags: Doug Wead, GOP Nomination, John McCain, Republican Candidates, Ron Paul, Super Tuesday
This entry was posted on February 6, 2008 at 1:21 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Monday, February 4, 2008
John McCain on Immediate Withdrawl
My how the years have changed McCain. The Straight Talk express just got derailed. Future Warmonger in Chief McCain only supports 100 year popular wars evidently. Seemed eager for immediate withdrawl in the attached clips. To actually sacrifice American Soldiers when he doesn't really have the "never surrender" objection is repulsive. Purely political reasons to keep our troops in harm's way ?!?!?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8TFKXHiefs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=palbo-ilalU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8TFKXHiefs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=palbo-ilalU
Friday, February 1, 2008
On Radical Centricism
I tend to disagree with folks on both ends of the idealogical spectrum.
The joy and at times pain of the system that our founders set up is one where principled individuals of various idealogical backgrounds are voted in to represent people who feel they best represent the future as the voters see it. Then they fight for those principles, they compromise, they argue, they debate, they try to effect as much change as they can, even change their goals as they are suppose to represent the people's views and move the country in the direction they think is best. This is statesmenship.
When Barry Goldwater won the Republican nomination largely thanks to Reagan stumping for him, he said "Let remind you that extremism in defense of liberty is no vice."
To sacrifice your principles and move to the center to be elected is awful. It is the clash of ideas and the "gridlock" in politics that is at the heart of democracy. It is despotism and dictatorship even if YOUR ideas are the ones at the top if there isn't fighting and arguments. Obviously compromises have to be met in the government, but to compromise your principles at the outset, that is radical centrism and it is destructive to our democracy.
The early years of our democracy had such radically different ideas that they would duel over them. Today, we applaud and look for candidates who claim "electability" (which apparently means unprincipled or similar to the opposing party) trumphs principle.
The joy and at times pain of the system that our founders set up is one where principled individuals of various idealogical backgrounds are voted in to represent people who feel they best represent the future as the voters see it. Then they fight for those principles, they compromise, they argue, they debate, they try to effect as much change as they can, even change their goals as they are suppose to represent the people's views and move the country in the direction they think is best. This is statesmenship.
When Barry Goldwater won the Republican nomination largely thanks to Reagan stumping for him, he said "Let remind you that extremism in defense of liberty is no vice."
To sacrifice your principles and move to the center to be elected is awful. It is the clash of ideas and the "gridlock" in politics that is at the heart of democracy. It is despotism and dictatorship even if YOUR ideas are the ones at the top if there isn't fighting and arguments. Obviously compromises have to be met in the government, but to compromise your principles at the outset, that is radical centrism and it is destructive to our democracy.
The early years of our democracy had such radically different ideas that they would duel over them. Today, we applaud and look for candidates who claim "electability" (which apparently means unprincipled or similar to the opposing party) trumphs principle.
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