Unfettered Musings

Four London Blasts Kill 40, Injure 350

2005-07-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

My condolences to those who have lost someone in the horrific attack in London today. You are all in my prayers.

Here is the response from the leaders present at the G8 Summit:

Statement by the G8, the Leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa and the Heads of the International Organisations represented here.

1. We condemn utterly these barbaric attacks. We send our profound condolences to the victims and their families. All of our countries have suffered from the impact of terrorism. Those responsible have no respect for human life. We are united in our resolve to confront and defeat this terrorism that is not an attack on one nation, but on all nations and on civilised people everywhere.

2. We will not allow violence to change our societies or our values. Nor will we allow it to stop the work of this Summit. We will continue our deliberations in the interests of a better world. Here at this Summit, the world's leaders are striving to combat world poverty and save and improve human life. The perpetrators of today's attacks are intent on destroying human life.

3. The terrorists will not succeed.

4. Today's bombings will not weaken in any way our resolve to uphold the most deeply held principles of our societies and to defeat those who would impose their fanaticism and extremism on all of us. We shall prevail. They shall not.

7 July 2005

Does it really mean what they say it means?

2005-07-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't qualify as a hate crime, nothing does. I, for one, am watching very closely.

Who'da thunk it

2005-07-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

There is intelligent life in liberal Massachusetts.

I'm back!

2005-07-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have no excuse for my absence, except that the charged political atmosphere before and right after the election caused me a large amount of stress, so I had to get away for a while and rest my mind. I absolutely believe Christians have a responsibility to be involved, but their involvement must be tempered with the knowledge that, no matter what happens, He is ultimately in control. I think I lost sight of that.

But I digress.....

I am still reeling from the decision that SCOTUS issued in regard to the 5th Amendment, and their apparent "broadening" (read: altering) of the terms "public use" and "just compensation". I was searching for reference material for this entry when I ran across this article, written before the decision was handed down. It is a bit of historical background re: land ownership in America. It's a good article, I recommend it highly.

I don't know about you, but this decision really stole the thunder from my July 4th revelry.

Free speech........

2004-12-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

Evidently this is considered a sacred form, worthy of protection, and this is a criminal act, deserving prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. I don't recognize my country anymore.
Next time you see Christians being arrested and prosecuted for witnessing to gays, and a gaggle of men's bare rear ends being waved in your face in "protest" of something or another, be sure to thank the ACLU.

More unreliable polls.

2004-11-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one who was hoping they would end with the election?

Yesterday Fox reported that an Associated Press poll found that a majority of Americans favor President Bush appointing Supreme Court Judges who will uphold Roe v. Wade. From the article:

The poll found that 59 percent say Bush should choose a nominee who would uphold the 1973 Roe v. Wade (search) decision that legalized abortion. About three in 10, 31 percent, said they want a nominee who would overturn the decision, according to the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos-Public Affairs.

Soon after, Steven Ertelt at Lifenews.com countered with this enlightening article, claiming that the Associated Press poll contained an error that most likely skewed the results. Quoting from THAT article:

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- An Associated Press poll that measured public opinion on the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision and potential nominees to the high court contains a key error that probably drastically changed the results.

The AP survey questioned whether or not Americans believed President Bush should appoint a Supreme Court judge who favors overturning the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

Conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs, the poll qualified the question by first telling respondents that the "1973 Supreme Court ruling called Roe v. Wade made abortion in the first three months of pregnancy legal."

But, that's not true.

"Roe v. Wade allows absolutely no limits on reasons for abortion until nearly six months into pregnancy," explains National Right to Life legislative director Douglas Johnson.

The article goes on to say:

The poll, which found that two-thirds of respondents don't want President Bush to appoint pro-life judges who will overturn Roe, flatly contradicts previous polling data.

A Wirthlin Worldwide poll commissioned just after the presidential elections, found 55 percent said they took a pro-life position and only 40 percent took one of three positions in favor of legal abortions.

Only 9 percent said abortion should always be legal at any time during pregnancy and just 25 percent agreed with the AP presentation of Roe, saying abortion should be legal for any reason within the first three months of pregnancy.

Doesn't look like AP is interested in trying to repair it's politically biased image here in post-election land. Ah well. I'm not really interested in giving them a second chance to try to regain my trust, either.
C'est la vie.

Annan wasn't aware of son's oil-for-food link

2004-11-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

Annan Unaware of Son's Oil-For-Food Link

1 hour, 2 minutes ago

By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer

UNITED NATIONS - Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was unaware his son received $30,000 a year for over five years from a Swiss-based company under investigation in connection with suspected corruption in the U.N. oil-for-food program in Iraq.

There is more to read at the link.

Two things right of the top of my head:

1. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...........*VERY exaggerated rolling of eyes* I believe him, don't you? *another very exaggerated rolling of eyes*

2. How does the author, Edith M. Lederer, know that Kofi was unaware? Because he said so? If it were Bush or another of the liberal msm's favorite punching bags, is there any doubt that the headline would read "Bush claims he wasn't aware", or "(Fill in name of punching bag here) alleges he had no knowledge" or "'Conservative poster child' (and therefore the mortal enemy of the U.N. and all we raving liberals hold dear) says he didn't know, but we know better, don't we? *wink wink*"?
Ok, the last one was a bit of an exaggeration. Sort of.

Update: Ok, ok. I know that journalists don't name their own pieces. So, I would have to change the question to: "How does Edith M. Lederer's editor know that Kofi was unaware?"
There, ya happy now? :D

It's dangerous out there!

2004-11-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the extended break. I've been having a little trouble getting inspired the last few days. A LOT is happening in the world, but nothing that I really feel like blogging......
I put a huge dent in my shopping this weekend. The crowds weren't too bad, and I didn't encounter any rude shoppers. Not everyone was so lucky. Be careful out there!

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

2004-11-25T15:07:00.000-08:00

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789.

(signed) G. Washington

Happy Thanksgiving. :)

How would they have handled it?

2004-11-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

Paul over at Wizbang offers a hilarious list of possible ways that presidents-past would have handled a similar situation to the one Bush dealt with so decisively, if not a little foolishly in Santiago, Chile a couple of days ago.

Here are a couple of my favs:

Bill Clinton would have looked very Presidential. He would have escorted his wife forward and pretended to not see any of the commotion behind him. Unless there was a hot babe in the crowd and he thought he could cop a feel...

Gerald Ford would have turned to see what was going on and tripped on the carpet.

:oP

How ironic.....

2004-11-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

McDonald's CEO Resigns for Health Reasons

And disconcerting....

Bell, 44, was diagnosed with cancer weeks after succeeding Jim Cantalupo in April after Cantalupo died of an apparent heart attack.

The blessed virgin Mary cheese sandwich.....

2004-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

....sold for $28,000.

Never did get an answer re: the Joseph soup.

Update: It was purchased by an online casino. No doubt for it's immeasurable religious value.

Dan Rather is "stepping down"

2004-11-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

No details yet, but Fox is reporting that everybody's favorite liar is being allowed to "step down" early next year.
Oh, but I forgot. C BS reserves the humiliation of being fired for employees who inconvenience people by reporting the truth.

Hillary, a centrist?

2004-11-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

It is obvious that Senator Clinton is positioning herself to be a candidate for president in 2008. As part of that positioning she is going to have to convince a lot of people that she is a moderate. But does her record in the senate say "moderate"? The Washington Times has this to say about it:

Hillary's Senate record

Our friends at the National Review spotted this post-election howler in an Associated Press dispatch: "For 2008, the presumptive leading presidential candidates are New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a Northeastern centrist . . ." Recalling Mrs. Clinton's pre-senatorial work for Marian Wright Edelman's radical Children's Defense Fund and Robert Treuhaft's "revolutionary" and Black Panther law firm, the National Review understandably responded to this evolving new line on Hillary by exclaiming, "Whoa, whoa, whoa!"

The Washington Times editorial page would like to add its two-cents' worth by reviewing Mrs. Clinton's first years in the Senate and comparing her voting record to the record of liberalism's unquestioned standard-bearer, Teddy Kennedy, who would be proud to say that he has never been mistaken for a "Northeastern centrist." What do you know? The unquestionably liberal voting records of these two Northeasterners are virtually indistinguishable.

The op-ed lists several examples of her "moderate" voting record. It is definitely worth reading.

Here's the thing. A lot of people are liable to buy her lies that she is a moderate when the spin doctors start in full force. How is that possible, you say? Have you ever listened to Sean Hannity's "Man on the Street"? Did you hear the gentleman a few days ago who said he voted for Kerry, and then was asked who Kerry's running mate was, to which he responded "Al Sharpton"? Too many voters are CLUELESS. I realize that some won't listen or care, but we need to take it upon ourselves to educate as many as we possibly can. Now is the time to start dispelling the myth that Hillary is a moderate. Now is the time. Being chosen as the Democratic candidate for president may be a coronation, but her bid for the presidency shouldn't be.

Why Democrats are tagged as the party without values

2004-11-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Someone directed my attention to this compelling piece by Dennis Prager writing for Town Hall. It is the most well thought out, concise piece I have seen on the subject thus far.

Why Democrats are tagged as the party without values

According to The New York Times, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, reflecting on her party's recent losses in the presidential, Senate and House elections, asked: "How did a party that is filled with people with values -- and I am a person with values -- get tagged as the party without values?"

As one who was raised a Democrat and became a Republican only 10 years ago, I would like to answer Gov. Napolitano's question as honestly as she posed it.

Gov. Napolitano, your party does indeed have very many people with values in it. But the Democratic Party is no more representative of the average Democrat's values than the National Council of Churches is of the average Protestant's values. Both are far to the left of their membership.

Here is the Democratic Party as most Americans, including this John F. Kennedy liberal -- a New York City born and raised, Jewish, Ivy League-educated intellectual who lives in Los Angeles -- see it.

To most Americans, Michael Moore is a Marxist who has utter contempt for most of his fellow Americans, who goes abroad and tells huge audiences how stupid and venal his country is, and in his dishonest propaganda film, portrays the American military as callous buffoons. Yet, this radical was given the most honored seat at the Democratic Party convention in Boston, next to former President Jimmy Carter.

To most Americans, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are race-baiting demagogues. Yet they are heroes to the Democratic Party. Most Americans do not see their country as the bigoted and racist nation regularly depicted by both black and white Democratic leaders.

To most Americans, a man who wears women's clothing to work is a pathetic person in need of psychotherapy. To the Democratic Party, he is a man whose cross-dressing is merely another expression of multiculturalism. The California legislature, which is entirely controlled by Democrats, passed a law prohibiting any employer from firing a man who shows up to work wearing women's clothing.

To most Americans, Eminem is a vulgar nihilist who poisons young Americans' minds. To John Kerry he was a man whose anti-Bush hate video was worthy of endorsement.

To most Americans, obscenity-filled evenings should be restricted to R-rated films or a Las Vegas comedy act, not a major party's fund raiser attended by its candidates for president of the United States. To Democrats, those who object to such evenings are regarded as judgmental, hypocritical and narrow minded.

To most Americans, Hollywood stars are regarded as terrific to watch in films but also as narcissistic ingrates when, between private jet trips to Cuba and Cannes, they express their contempt for traditional America. That the Democrats have a veritable monopoly on support from folks like Sean Penn and Robert "Castro-is-a-great-leader" Redford may give Democrats a heady feeling, but for tens of millions of Americans it merely reinforces their belief that the Democratic Party shares Hollywood's values. Even The New York Times, in a post-election analysis, wrote of "the possibility that activist entertainers' fervent endorsements might have cost Mr. Kerry the election."

To most Americans, the American military is not only heroic; it is regarded as more important to safeguarding freedom than any other human institution, including the ACLU, the United Nations or the university, to cite three major Democratic Party affiliates. To virtually the entire Left, which includes the Democratic Party, the military is, at best, a necessary evil. Otherwise, the overriding doctrine is "Make love, not war." That is why Harvard still refuses to allow ROTC training -- and it is unlikely that either of the Massachusetts senators even finds that wrong, let alone as reprehensible as most Americans do.

To most Americans, gays are fellow Americans who happen to be homosexual and who should be accorded the same respect any fellow American is accorded. But most Americans also believe that America should retain the millennia-old definition of marriage as man-woman. They regard liberal judges who take it upon themselves to redefine marriage with contempt. And these judges are identified with the Democrats.

Whatever their views on abortion and abortion rights, the vast majority of Americans view the abortion of a viable fetus/baby (partial-birth abortion) as immoral. The Democratic candidate and his fellow Democrats repeatedly voted against a ban on this practice.

Gov. Napolitano, I hope that this short list answers your question about how it is that your party has gotten tagged as "the party without values." Indeed, the real question, as this observer sees it, is how has this party retained so many people who have traditional American values?

Thanks so much for summing it up so eloquently, Mr. Prager.

Oh ick.

2004-11-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

I just listened to my beloved president give a speech at the opening of the Clinton Presidential Library. Have you ever seen the movie Ransom, with Renee Russo and Mel Gibson? Now I know how the kid felt when he saw his mom hug the guy who kidnapped him.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not upset with Bush. Sometimes presidents are required to do unsavory things. It just brings back unpleasant memories. It also strengthens my resolve to do all I can to make sure that we NEVER have another Clinton in the Whitehouse. *shudder*

Update: Hmmmm.....You know, I'm looking through the photos of the "event" and there is one person missing who was integral to his presidency.......

Maybe the invitation was lost in the mail.

We can't let them do it.

2004-11-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

By now the circumstances surrounding the "shot heard 'round the world" have been analyzed by friend and foe alike. I have been expecting, as have fellow bloggers, the MSM to compare this incident to Abu Ghraib. Bill over at INDC Journal reports that he heard the anticipated but dreaded claim on CNN Monday evening.

I join him in his declaration that we must not let them get away with it. In his words:

No. We are not going to let the MSM do this. We are not going to let them blow up an incident that took place in the heat of asymmetrical urban combat amid booby-trapped bodies and enemy atrocities into a full-scale worldwide spectacle of American self-flagellation. When Abu Ghraib took place, I was disgusted by the repellent actions of the soldiers that casually abused their prisoners; I wanted them punished for the damage that they did to US credibility as well as the shocking impropriety of their actions. But within two weeks, after dozens of front-page stories and top features crowded major dailies and cable news broadcasts, my sentiments shifted to anger at the US media for once again sensationalizing and taking an issue out of context, and incessantly editorializing condemnation of the Bush Administration and the much larger effort in Iraq.

I urge you to read the rest of the entry. He makes some terrific points regarding the difference between this occurence and the horrendous goings on at Abu Ghraib.

Matthew over at Froggy Ruminations asserts that the marine's actions were justified, and calls the incident a "security issue".

I, for one, am glad the marine is alive and the insurgent is dead. Call me crazy, but I am all for erring on the side of caution in these cases. My conclusion after analyzing the tape? Good shot.

Here is a resource that no one in the MSM should be without....

2004-11-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

An excellent tool for all aspiring journalists! What a time saver!

Swift Boat Vets.....Heroes Still

2004-11-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

I have not posted an entry about the Swift Boat Vets because, quite frankly, I didn't feel equal to the task. I am awed and humbled by their service and their sacrifice, both when they served honorably in Vietnam and when they became heroes once again in the 2004 presidential election. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay, and we owe them an apology that should have never been necessary.
From the bottom of my heart: Thank you for standing up once again to fight for your country. Thank you for helping to ensure that a new generation of fighting men and women will not endure spiteful vitriol and humilitation from a country that owes them everything. Thank you for being willing to have your character assassinated once again in the public forum for a worthy cause. Thank you for helping to restore the dignity to those vets who have never had the opportunity to tell their side of the story to the world. Thank you for helping to restore the honor that was ripped from them when a lying political opportunist named John Kerry told the world that they were rapists and murderers. And.....thank you and ALL vets for fighting valiantly and honorably on behalf of our country in Vietnam.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I sincerely hope that the bold activism on the part of the SBV's to dispell the myths about the war in Vietnam will be a turning point for all of the men who have suffered in silence for so long, ashamed instead of proud. You and the rest of the men who served with you may not get the parades and the glory that should have been yours, but you WILL have the satisfaction of knowing that a new generation knows the truth and that we are grateful to you. Our children and their children will hear a different story than the one spun by a liar over 30 years ago. They will be told the truth.

You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that your actions touched more lives than you will ever fully realize. You have induced a dialogue that is long overdue between Vietnam vets and their families and friends. Many vets are able to tell their children about their service for the first time, and are able to speak about it with pride. One such dear vet has given me permission to reprint his thanks here. It is with honor and humble gratitude that I do so:

To: The Swift Boat Veterens For Truth
From: The Advocate
Date: 15 Nov. 04
Subject: WELL DONE!

As one of those millions that John Kerry slandered so many years ago, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what I was never able to do. Refute the lies, and false allegations of John Forbes Kerry.

And for exposing him for the lying hypocritical son-of-a-bitch that he is, for the entire world to see.
For telling my children, and my grand-children that I am not a monster, and I never was. I only wish that my Mom and Dad could have lived to see what you have done. My oldest sister is talking to me again, after a year and a half of silence from her, because she believed in Kerry. But you opened her eyes and showed her the truth.
My daughter, Sarah, went up into the attic, and found the box that I had placed my medals and other reminders of my service in, 29 years ago, and have not seen since. I hid them in shame, because John Kerry, and his kind told lies about me.
She took my old uniform and had it cleaned and pressed, polished the brass to a fare-thee-well, to such high shine, my D.I. would have been in tears with pride, so bright were they.
I came home from work, and she was there, along with my other daughter, Megan. They brought out the uniform, and said, "Daddy, would put this on?"
When I asked her why, she said, "because we want to have out picture taken with our dad, who is a real American hero".
I told that I was no hero, just a guy trying to da my job, and come home alive. They both said, "You're a hero to us, you always have been, and you always will be."
That was too much. For the first time in 30 years, I cried my eyes out. For my lost brother, and my friends, for all who gave their lives in Vietnam, for those who suffered the tortures of the dammned for decades, and for whom the war never ended.
When I had no tears left, we talked, and for the first time, I could speak about what I experienced without pain. It was something that I needed more than I knew.
Anyway, I now have a great photo of Sarah, myself (in uniform), and Megan, also in uniform. Needless to say, it is a photo that I will always, always treasure.

To this, I owe to the words, deeds, and sacrifices made by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

For myself, my children, my grandchildren, and millions of others who were silent for too many years, and whom you have finally freed, my deepest thanks to you.
God Bless You All.

We may have served in different branches, and areas, and times, but I feel proud, and priviliged to count the SBVTs among MY "Band of Brothers".
Gentlemen, I salute you.

P.S., Sarah informed me last night that she is enlisting in the Air Force next Monday. Because of the honor, integrity, and sense of duty that you have shown her. Thanks, fellas! I am so damn proud!

If you'd like to read more notes of thanks or offer your own, you can do so here.

Update: The Last Mission: The Swift Boat Veterans gather to assess their impact on the campaign.

The day finally arrives.....

2004-11-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Light to non-existent blogging until this evening. Hubby and I are taking our kiddos to see the long awaited and much anticipated film, The Incredibles. I have heard nothing but good things about it (no surprise, the folks at Pixar are a talented bunch), so I do believe I am as excited as the kids are.

TTFN!

Update: I have been keeping up with the events of Ebay Auction: Holy Mary cheese sandwich. I added what will probably be, barring any other shameless opportunists bidding ridiculous amounts, the last update on the saga. Have a look. :oP

Update 2: A lot has happened since my last update on the heavenly grilled sandwich, so I couldn't resist another update.

The NY Times and Kofi Annan.......one can always count on them for a hearty laugh....

2004-11-13T16:39:00.000-08:00

....or a disgusted groan.

Is George Bush's pertinacious leadership responsible for the accomplishments in Iraq? Is the bravery of the U.S. military and the troops of our REAL allies accreditable? What about all of the Iraqis who have fought and died for their homeland? Do they get some of the credit? Not in Kofi Annan's little world. Who is responsible for the great strides made in Iraq toward freedom and self-governing?
Why Kofi Annan, of course.

Radio Blogger is reporting a piece from the NY Times in which Kofi Annan is trying desperately, once again, to prove that he and the U.N. serve a purpose.

Here is the enlightening excerpt:

"Without being boastful," he (Annan) said, "I think that except for these activities of ours, we would not have moved as far as we have, whether it was the establishment of an interim Iraqi government or the preparation for the elections. I think our role has been essential, and not one that is played by an organization that is irrelevant."

Head on over to Radio Blogger to read more of the article. Be prepared to be thoroughly disgusted.

One more prayer request....

2004-11-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

Our military is kicking butt and taking names in Fallujah. Please pray for their safety and continued success.
Pray, also, for the families of the 24 American troops who lost their lives during the operation. We owe them our eternal thanks. God rest their brave souls.

I wanted to take this opportunity to make another plug for Soldier's Angels. The logo to the right is clickable and will take you to their site. It is an awesome cause and I urge you to participate.
We still haven't gotten our soldier's name, but I did get an email from the organization saying that we will have it in the next few days. They are a small organization with just a few volunteers and have been hit with a LOT of requests for adoption, so they are running behind matching up families with soldiers. That is GREAT news. :D

VP Cheney Admitted to George Washington University Hospital for Testing

2004-11-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

VP Cheney has been admitted into the hospital today complaining of shortness of breath. They are currently running tests on him to rule out the possibility that he suffered a heart attack. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Update: Vice President Cheney has left the hospital after test results showed no abnormalities. Thank God. :)

Is it any wonder that some people think we Christians are kool-aid drinkers....

2004-11-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

....with things like this going on in the world?
Devout Catholics, step right up and get your grilled cheese Mary sandwich! For a mere $15,099 it can be yours!

Just......wow.......

Hat Tip: End Tymes

Update: It is now up to $22,085. One could make a whole lot of grilled cheese sandwiches of the non-Marian variety to feed the hungry with that much money......

Update 2: The current high kool-aid drin....er...bidder is black02wrx. This ebayer has a perfect feedback score, so one can only assume he/she is serious about paying $22,000 for a cheese sandwich.

Update 3: Ah oh!! It looks like our high bidder chickened out, or perhaps he was turned down for financing? His bids have been removed and the going price is back down to $15,099. The new high bidder, zed_yakuza, has 0 feedback, so we'll have to bide our time to see if he actually intends to pay 15k the holy cheese sandwich. Stay tuned!

UPDATE 4!!: They are dropping like flies! Our new high bidder, zed_yazuka, has withdrawn his bid, and the price is now down to a more reasonable 2K. (2k for a stupid cheese sandwich, you say? Well, compared to 22k it is a tad more reasonable, no?) We'll keep a close eye on the brand new high bidder, say10808, to see if he/she caves under the pressure and retracts his/her bid. Alas, this ebayer has no feedback on which to base his reliability, so we are forced to wait and see if he intends to honor his $2000 pledge for the revered sandwich. This is more exciting than a football game! Stay tuned! :oP

Update 5: Well.......our high bidder, say10808, has caved. The high bid is now $51 and comes from the ebayer ahorn78. Admittedly, the sandwich is intriguing, so I can see a novelty value of $50 for the holy hoagie. (I know, I did reach quite a bit for that silly sobriquet. :oP) Evidently the current owner disagrees, since $51 doesn't satisfy the reserve on the item. I sure hope the seller hadn't made any big plans for his dwindling fortune.
I did note that the retractors all listed their reason for retraction as "Entered wrong bid amount". How does one accidentally type in $21,985? The bids for $25,000 and $14,999 MAYBE. "I had a grand mal seizure just my finger hit the 9, and when I came out of it I had somehow clicked on 'enter bid amount'". Something tells me these former high bidders are opportunists who were using this very high publicity auction to advertise their own interests. As an ebay junkie, I will be remembering their names and will avoid doing business with them in the future. I would suggest that all ebayers do likewise.

Update 6: I just couldn't resist another update. A lot has happened since my last one. Ebay yanked the auction, and then reconsidered and relisted it. You can read the news story here. The seller has at least wised up and made it a private auction, meaning that neither the name of the buyer nor that of any of the bidders will be disclosed. That takes a whole lot of the fun out of it, but I'll keep an eye on it to see just how much someone is willing to pay for the sandwich even if we'll never know who the kool-aid drinker is. Incidentally, the starting price on the item is now $3000. What a joke. Luckily, the seller can't make herself anonymous, so we can still subject her to public humiliation for selling such an absurd item for an absurd amount of money.

Update 7: The new auction has already kicked off to an exciting start. There have been 4 bids, and already one retraction. Another dolt bid a ridiculously high amount, $14,999, and then retracted stating "entered wrong amount". We've already been through this, so I won't point out how ludicrous that assertion is. The current bid is $5,100. (Well, at least shipping is a modest $10 :oP.)

Update 8: I think I may have found our new bid retractor. Our old buddy, say10808, now has 2 retractions on his/her record. This ebayer bid and retracted on the first auction before it was pulled. Do ya suppose? ;)

9: Up to $7600 now with over 6 days left. Wonder how many will retract in the end.....I'm going to email and find out if she has any Joseph chicken noodle soup to go with it. Mmmmmmmmmmm............

10: No answer on the Joseph soup yet.....but the bidding is up to over $17,000. Things happening too fast to post updates, so just keep watching here.

Scott Peterson, Murder, and Abortion

2004-11-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a jury of 12 of his peers found Scott Peterson guilty of 1st degree murder of his wife, Laci, and 2nd degree murder of his son, Conner. This makes him eligible for the death penalty under California law. Michelle Malkin reports today on another California law, and a federal law that made the 2nd degree murder charge of his unborn son, Conner, possible:

California is one of 31 states that protect unborn victims from violence, according to Americans United For Life, a pro-life law firm. In addition, the Federal Unborn Victims of Violence Act, also known as Laci and Conner's Law, was signed into law by President Bush earlier this year. Planned Parenthood and other pro-choice groups opposed the legislation.

So, federal law and state law in 31 states declares that killing a fetus in the womb is murder. Can anyone fill me in on why it is still legal and "constitutional" when it is the mother and her doctor doing the murdering?

Update: When I was looking for a news reference for the verdict I noticed that some of the MSM's headlines were missing an important detail. Promoting the illusion, ya think? I suppose one of them did throw us pro-lifers a bone and at least mentioned that she was pregnant when he murdered her.

A cowboy with high ideals.

2004-11-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Watching President Bush speak this morning with UK PM Tony Blair about the possibility of a Palestinian state, I was struck anew with why so many label him a cowboy. It is obvious he has never picked up a copy of The Articulate Executive, he often pauses too long in the middle of sentences, he speaks with a syrupy southern drawl and.......he speaks in terms of high ideals. To many the latter smacks of the naiveté of a bygone era. It is associated with a time in which a handshake was as good as a signature on a hundred-page contract, and was just as binding. It is reminiscent of a period when the pioneering spirit was alive and well and pushing its way into areas of the world never explored by man. It is an attitude that is considered outdated and unrealistic in post modern world in which terrorism is a fact of life, murderous regimes are too numerous to fathom, and middle eastern families accept payment in return for sending their explosives-laden sons and daughters into bus stations to kill innocent people. Modern society prides itself on its ability to think and speak in terms of realism, and on it's face it appears that democracy doesn't stand a chance in the middle east, and least of all in Palestine. Observing the chaos that was Yasser Arafat's funeral this morning only serves to confirm that assertion.

Is it true that the Middle East isn't capable of a sustained democratic government? Is it unreasonable to assert that the terrorists are the exception, and not the rule, and that most people in the region are tired of the oppression and the bloodshed and would jump at the chance to take the reins of their future and live in peace? Time will tell, but we've been given an exciting sneak peek when Afghanistan had its first democratic election, and the first person to cast a vote was a 19 year old woman who had undoubtedly been barred from even appearing in public without a male escort under a thug regime and Sharia Law before Afghanistan was liberated.

When did this country become so jaded that we stopped believing in higher causes and lofty ideals? It is ironic and sad that the nation that leads in technological and medical pioneering and makes continual breakthroughs in those arenas is so pessimistic in regards to social advances. It is narrow minded to think that the Arabic ethnos isn't capable of democracy, and this, in essence, is the unspoken implication.

Democracy is the only viable avenue to worldwide stability. Is it an unrealistic goal? Perhaps, but we should fight with everything in us to make it a reality. Our lives, and the lives of our children and the future of our nation depend on it's realization. When freedom prevails terrorism will be a thing of the past. It is central to the war, and not an unattainable distraction propagated by an outmoded cowboy president as many would like to believe. Until we, as a society, embrace this reality and commit to the president's vision of the spreading of freedom we will never rid ourselves of terrorism.

President Bush understands that a free and democratic Palestine is the only way to ensure safety for Israel, and that is the driving force behind his push for a Palestinian state. Christians will criticize him for splitting up Israel, but the fact is, it is already split. It will be until Jesus returns and sets it right. Palestinians aren't going away. As Christians we should get on our knees and pray for a Palestinian leader who will do what Yasser Arafat never would: agree to live side by side with Israel in a peaceful, democratic, Palestinian state. We should pray, also, that the people of Palestine will accept the terms and learn to co-exist with Israel and will rein in the terrorists in their midst. If we truly love Israel's people and not just the idea of Israel we have to support this course of action. The outcome is in God's hands, of course, but our president is exploring the only alternative that he, as a temporal leader in a temporal world, sees as a real possibility for eventual peace. It may fail, in fact, it is likely to, but we can't damn him for trying. It is a high ideal. It is a lofty goal. It is also the only way to win peace for the people of Israel and for the world.

In "honor" of Arafat's passing.....

2004-11-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

....a list of his victims. May God rest their souls.

Hat Tip: LGF

Update: The Big Trunk over at Power Line writes a most poignant and far more truthful obituary than you'll find anywhere on the msm.

President's 2004 Veterans Day Proclamation

2004-11-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

Americans live in freedom because of our veterans' courage, dedication to duty, and love of country. On Veterans Day, we honor these brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces and defended our Nation.

Across America, there are more than 25 million veterans. Their ranks include generations of citizens who have risked their lives while serving in military conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and the war on terror. They have fought for the security of our country and the peace of the world. They have defended our founding ideals, protected the innocent, and liberated the oppressed from tyranny and terror. They have known the hardships and the fears and the tragic losses of war. Our veterans know that in the harshest hours of conflict they serve just and honorable purposes.

Through the years, our veterans have returned home from their duties to become active and responsible citizens in their communities, further contributing to the growth and development of our Nation. Their commitment to service inspires all Americans.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2004, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 7 through November 13, 2004, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I urge all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to encourage and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

My family adopted a soldier.

2004-11-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

Well, we don't have his name yet, but we applied yesterday to adopt a dear deployed or wounded soldier from Soldier's Angels. I urge you to do the same. They ask that you send your soldier a card or letter a week and at least 2 care packages a month. Such a small gesture to show the soldiers how much we love them and appreciate their sacrifice, and that we are behind them 100%. Please at least go to the link and look around. You can also give a one time gift of $35 to buy an already assembled "first response" package for a wounded soldier. According to the site a wounded soldier doesn't get his personal belongings for up to several weeks, and in that time only has what he came in with. It is a great opportunity to supply a soldier with basic necessities like boxers, socks, toiletries, etc.. I can't imagine a more worthy cause than this. Please consider adopting a soldier, or giving a one time gift. Our men and women need our support.

Dear bitter liberals on the verge of a breakdown.....

2004-11-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

We're not sorry and you CAN move out.

:D

Is the NY Times calling for an assassination of our President?

2004-11-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

You be the judge.

Hat Tip: Power Line

Support our troops.

2004-11-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Buy cookies.

I nominate this quote for "Best Quote of the Election Year"

2004-11-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

Speaking of a particularly damning entry in Kerry's diary:
"Edwards was flabbergasted. 'Let me get this straight,' the senator said. 'He met with terrorists? Oh, that’s good.'"

Get the details here.

Yowsa!

2004-11-08T07:38:00.001-08:00

Indulge me for a moment.....One of my favorite movie series' is the Star Wars epic. George Lucas and Co. have just released the first teaser trailer for Episode III to the general public and it looks AMAZING! I was so disappointed in I and II and have been pinning my hopes that III would recapture the feel of the original trilogy, and it appears as if that may be the case. If you haven't seen it, have a look.
I can't WAIT.

Prayer for our troops

2004-11-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

10,000 troops are positioned around Fallujah for the impending invasion to take out the insurgent stronghold. Please keep these brave men and women in your prayers. Pray that they will have a swift, decisive victory and remain safe, and pray for their families.
We love you guys and gals. Be safe.

Texas defines marriage via textbooks

2004-11-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today the Texas Board of Education voted to have it's textbooks reflect state law which states that marriage is between a man and a woman.

This just days after 11 states overwhelmingly voted to protect the sanctity of marriage. It has been a terrific week for traditional values. I know I am not the only person thanking God for so many sweeping victories against those who would redefine the very foundations our society to suit their agendas and sexual preferences.

I have no doubt that the battle is not over, but for today I am going to enjoy these victories.

Bush has won Iowa

2004-11-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

It was announced today that the little state of Iowa, the last holdout in the "too close to call" column, has indeed cast it's lot with the President. It is a small and inconsequential victory at this point, unless one looks at the fact that no Republican has carried the state since Reagan. Then it's signifigance becomes clear. Not only does it make the overall electoral college number larger for the President (286-252) , but it makes the argument from leftist circles that Bush doesn't have a mandate all the more difficult to support.
Welcome back, Iowa. We're glad to have you.

The sweet taste of victory.

2004-11-04T19:25:00.001-08:00

I apologize, again, for my light blogging the last couple of days. I have been basking in the glow of one heck of a victory for Dubya, for the Republican party overall, and for values. I wrote a couple of days ago imploring America not to let me down. America, my faith is renewed.

I was utterly amazed when the revelation surfaced that the deciding factor for the vast majority was values, and not the economy or the war on terror. To me this speaks volumes. Middle America is tired of being marginalized and silenced by a spiteful, vitriolic, liberal media and has made it known to one and all. In my opinion that was the greatest victory to come out of this tumultuous election. I am elated.

I was going to cite several articles in which their authors assert that 58 million Americans have been duped, and how sadly ignorant we are as a group, but I changed my mind. If they want to remain closed minded, traditional values hating, christian bashers instead of realizing that maybe, I'm going out on a limb here, that MIGHT be what cost them this election? More power to them. I say keep up the good work. But they can do it on their own sites. I am not going to take up valuable space recounting it here.

I am disappointed that Californians passed Prop. 71. In my estimation, the people of that state deserve whatever financial hardship that results from giving their government another excuse to raise their taxes and to give their money unabashedly to unethical research. You've made your bed, California. I hope it doesn't get repossessed.

Kerry's concession speech pleasantly surprised me. I contemplated writing an entry speculating what a Kerry concession would look like, but I am glad I decided against it. My unflattering version would have looked petty and spiteful when compared to the real thing. He was most gracious. I got the impression that this was the first time he allowed us to get close enough to see the human Kerry. I honestly felt compassion and sorrow for him. I can't imagine the crushing disappointment. Between that and the news today about Elizabeth Edwards' cancer diagnosis, I have been praying a lot for the families of the two former candidates. My heart goes out to them and their families.

Wow, what a week. I am ever-so-glad it is a done deal. I am also glad it will be 4 years before we have to do it again!

Congrats on a most remarkable election, Mr. President!

Prayer for Senator Edwards' wife, Elizabeth

2004-11-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Please add Elizabeth Edwards to your prayer list. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer today.
My personal prayers and best wishes go out to the Edwards family.

BUSH WINS!!!!

2004-11-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

I sincerely apologize for my lack of blogging. I have been watching election returns all night long and was too apprehensive to post an entry.
I'm sure most of the world knows by now that Senator Kerry just called President Bush to concede and will be doing so publically at 1pm EST.
Bush is supposed to give his victory speech at 3pm EST.

What a great day. America stood up for herself and for her morality.

This was a great election for Republicans in general. I will be back in a bit to comment on a few things.
God bless America!!

Update: Now Fox is reporting that it will be 2pm EST before Kerry makes his concession speech. I'm thinking they probably want to get some Kerry supporters rallied so that he doesn't have to speak to empty chairs. That would just be too sad.
The President is still supposed to give his victory speech at 3pm EST.

It's here!

2004-11-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Watch this site all evening for up-to-the-minute returns, and get out and vote! Even if you live in a traditional Democratic stronghold and don't see the point! Even if you live in a traditional Republican stronghold and know that Bush will win with or without your vote! Nothing can be taken for granted, so get out there and exercise your franchise!
If you don't know where your polling place is, here is a terrific nonpartisan site to help you find it.

Now you have NO excuses. :D

A little levity....

2004-11-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

...from the terrific folks at Free Republic.

:D

Election Eve

2004-11-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

We're finally here. Gotta tell you, it has been one heck of a ride. I'm one who's mood pendulates with every new poll. My nerves can't take much more. It's not that I am worried that all is lost, by a long shot. I am just old and jaded enough to remember when W's dad was ousted just a few months after a rousing success of a war and a record high approval rating. I also remember well that America put a draft dodger in office in his place and then had the audacity to re-elect said draft dodger 4 years later.
I am still dumbfounded when his name is spoken with reverence and awe. Why such a large number of people get all gushy and dreamy-eyed over a draft dodging, adultery committing, used car salesmen will forever remain beyond my grasp. (I know, he was never a used car salesman. He just reminds me of one.)

I guess I'm a bit too cynical for my 30 years, but I just can't get too comfy with the idea that Americans will do what is best for the nation's well being, at least where electing a president is concerned.

My cynicism is only confirmed when I am privy to a tale recounting the fact that someone voted for Kerry because Bush wants Howard Stern off the radio. (Yes, this is a true story. Someone actually did vote early for Kerry for this reason. And here in the Lone Star State to boot. Get a rope.) I am faced with the question: Will the election be decided by clueless folks like these? How many of these people actually exist? The prospect is actually much too frightening to dwell on for long. I am deathly afraid of the answer.

But here, the night before the election, I am optimistic. I know the rest of my entry doesn't seem so, but I truly am. Cautiously. I believe that America still has a backbone somewhere. I believe that most voters realize what message a President Kerry would send to our troops, to our allies, to our enemies. I believe that 9/11 DID change us, and for the better. I believe that we are not so divided as the left would like for us to believe. I believe that MOST voters base their votes on more compelling issues than Howard Stern, and I believe that most voters are well informed about the issues dearest to them. I believe that most people choose on which side of an issue they fall based on personal convictions, and not an ill-informed celebrity endorsement. I believe that most people aren't swayed by a biased media, and instead seek truth wherever it can be found. I believe that most people know truth when they see it, and conversely, can recognize when they are being played.

I am optimistic.

Come on America. Don't let me down.

UBL threatens states that vote for Bush?

2004-11-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Kerry Spot has a startling entry this morning about a mistranslation in the UBL tape which answers the question about what he meant when he said that our security wasn't in Bush or Kerry's hands, but ours.

Ignore exit polls!!

2004-11-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Lorie Byrd over at PoliPundit makes a very good point. No matter what the exit polls are saying, GO VOTE!
Read her entry to find out why.

Kerry's Discharge Status

2004-11-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

Since the illustrious presidential candidate won't sign the form 180 to have his military records made public, one is left to speculate what he is hiding. Thomas Lipscomb reports this morning in The New York Sun that an ex-JAG believes he has built a pretty good case that Kerry's discharge was less than honorable.

Very interesting read.

Hat Tip: Captain's Quarters

Do you know where your polling place is?

2004-10-31T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a nonpartisan site to help you find it.

Hat tip: Betsy's Page

We're almost done, folks!

2004-10-31T08:42:00.000-08:00

Light to non-existent blogging today. I'm taking my kids to get the rest of their costumes, then its off to the in-laws to pick up their Halloween goodies, and then an evening of trick or treating.

I just wanted to take a minute to encourage all my fellow "Bushies" to get out the vote in these final two days. Volunteer for Bush's 72 hour program, walk your neighborhood, volunteer to drive elderly voters to the polls, strap an amplifier to the top of your car and drive through your city campaigning for Bush......well, the last one was a joke......sorta. :oP
And most importantly, pray like your life depends on it.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Democratic talking points, indeed.

2004-10-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am going to reference another blog for the third time today. What can I say? It's bloggers like these who made me want to blog myself. :D

This from WizBang:

Who am I?

I believe...

• George Bush stole the 2000 election.

• The Patriot Act oppresses freedom and is an act of tyranny.

• George Bush heads a corrupt administration.

• Bush caused more people to die, because he read to school children for 5 minutes on 9/11.

• Bush is misleading the American people.

• The war in Iraq was about oil.

Who am I?

1) A typical Democrat

2) John Kerry

3) Osama bin Laden

4) All of the above

5) None of the above.

Indeed. He provides the link to Drudge's transcript of UBL's tape as a "hint", but the glaring reality is that the answer is "all of the above".
Why is UBL indirectly (or directly?) campaigning for Kerry? Is it because he understands that a win for Kerry would be a win for himself, as my last entry illustrates?

Interesting analysis of the bin Laden statement

2004-10-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

Wretchard over at Belmont Club has a most interesting take on UBL's latest statement:

"It is important to notice what he has stopped saying in this speech. He has stopped talking about the restoration of the Global Caliphate. There is no more mention of the return of Andalusia. There is no more anticipation that Islam will sweep the world. He is no longer boasting that Americans run at the slightest wounds; that they are more cowardly than the Russians. He is not talking about future operations to swathe the world in fire but dwelling on past glories. He is basically saying if you leave us alone we will leave you alone. Though it is couched in his customary orbicular phraseology he is basically asking for time out.

The American answer to Osama's proposal will be given on Election Day. One response is to agree that the United States of America will henceforth act like Sweden, which is on track to become majority Islamic sometime after the middle of this century. The electorate best knows which candidate will serve this end; which candidate most promises to be European-like in attitude and they can choose that path with both eyes open. The electorate can strike that bargain and Osama may keep his word. The other course is to reject Osama's terms utterly; to recognize the pleading in his outwardly belligerent manner and reply that his fugitive existence; the loss of his sanctuaries; the annihilation of his men are but the merest foretaste of what is yet to come: to say that to enemies such as he, the initials 'US' will always mean Unconditional Surrender.

Osama has stated his terms. He awaits America's answer."

Here's praying we make the right decision.

And another.....

2004-10-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Need a good laugh?

2004-10-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Or perhaps just a small chuckle? :D

UBL rears his ugly head.......in time to make some democratic talking points?

2004-10-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

Is UBL campaigning for Kerry? Some of his comments give one pause.

He also appears to be a Michael Moore fan.

UBL's latest release was more than strange. As one commentator on Fox said, it sounded like he was trying to be media savvy. This wasn't the UBL we've seen in past messages. It was eerie to me, but not the same brand of eerie that I usually feel after one of these monsters resurfaces to make another crazy demand and/or declaration.
As if hearing from the murderer isn't bad enough, AP reports that government officials are warning that this latest tape my be a signal to attack.
From the article:

"A government official, who has been briefed on current threat intelligence, said that all the attack scenarios considered by government analysts include such a message.

"The one piece they were waiting for is some kind of bin Laden videotape. And now they've got it," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'This has everybody on edge.'"

I urge everyone to pray.

Drudge has a partial transcript of the video.

Hat tip:
Power Line
LGF

Somebody finally said it.

2004-10-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but the last few days I have been wishing that I had Kerry's personal cellphone number so I could call him and scream "STOP IT!!! Just STOP IT!!!" Same goes for most of the MSM. (Yes, I am aware that this is the second time in the short little life of my blog that I have expressed the need to scream. This election is enough to make anyone a tad nutty!)
Of all of the caches of exploves that our men have found and disposed of in Iraq, I am dumbfounded that Kerry has pinned all his hopes on a cache that may or may not have even been there, and that may or may not have been over 300 tons worth (or it could have been considerably less,), and that it is undoubtedly not the big deal, either way, that Kerry is trying desperately to paint it to be.
Today, Hugh Hewitt is reporting that the Washington Post has a front page article that states, in part:
"There is something truly absurd about focusing on 377 tons of rather ordinary explosives, regardless of what actually happened at al Qaqaa," Anthony H. Cordesman, a senior analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in an assessment yesterday. "The munitions at al Qaqaa were at most around 0.06 percent of the total."

Finally!

On the same subject, Captain's Quarters has a terrific entry today regarding the video released by ABC that allegedly confirms that there were explosives at Al Qaqaa nine days after the fall of Saddam.

Hat Tip:
Hugh Hewitt
Captain's Quarters

Yay Mel!!

2004-10-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

I ranted a bit a couple of days ago about silly, shallow celebrities supporting things about which they haven't the moral complexity (nor the mental, I fear, at least in some cases) to make an informed assessment. I should have known then that Mel would gallop in on his white horse and renew my faith. As it turns out, Mr. Gibson has the same "ethical problem" as I do with using tax dollars to fund industrialized murd....er....stem cell research.
Mel, the list of reasons why I love you is getting pretty long, but there's always room for one more. :D

Just in case.....

2004-10-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

In case any of us Bush supporters forget why we are supporting this man.

Kerry's criticism of our military....

2004-10-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hugh Hewitt (whose blog is first on my morning list of must-read blogs) reports that his latest column for The Daily Standard, titled The Commander-in-Chief is up. I encourage you to read it. He makes some very good points about Kerry's criticism of our military, thinly diguised as Bush criticism.

From the article:

"JOHN KERRY now closes his presidential campaign exactly as he opened his political life: Attacking the United States military.

Thirty-three years ago, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he indicted the soldiers of Vietnam as war criminals, the heirs of Genghis Khan.

This week he embraced an already discredited account of missing munitions to attack the reputation of the 3rd Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne. Make no mistake, that is exactly what Kerry is doing when he asserts that deadly weapons went unsecured and unreported as these two divisions rushed to liberate Baghdad. And not just these divisions, but every officer and soldier who had a hand in drawing up the war plan. If the negligence that Kerry charges the military with was real, additional troops would not have made a difference. The initial search would still have been conducted by the 3rd I.D. and the site pronounced clear. The 101st would still have spent 24 hours in the munitions complex before moving on. Kerry cannot avoid owning the latest of many slanders he has launched at the military as a means of wounding the president."

More at the link.....

Congrats BoSox!!

2004-10-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

I am not a baseball fan, but one can't help but be excited for the RedSox for winning the world series in 4 games, especially since their die hard fans have been waiting a LONG time for a set of players to come along with the skillz to break "The Curse".

Congrats BoSox!

Bloggers get blamed for everything.....

2004-10-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

The whole civilized world has heard of the "story that couldn't" that rocked the New York Times Monday. Now we're getting updates and conflicting information at breakneck speed it seems.
Almost immediately, NBC came forward and said that it had a correspondent, Lai Ling Jew, embedded with the Army's 101st Airborne, Second Brigade, who reported that no explosives were found at the site when it was searched.
That did not stop John Kerry from seizing upon the opportunity to slam Bush for what he called "stunning incompetence", and to immediately release an ad saying the same.
Since then the stories have been flying like stray bullets. It has been alleged that the IAEA leaked this story to try to cover up it's own inadequacies, and that Russia may have helped the Iraqis move the explosives before the war began and that there weren't as many explosives as was alleged. Today MSNBC is reporting that a militant group claims to have the explosives and that Russia denies any involvement.

In the mess of conflicting stories and accounts, one thing that is clear to even the most casual observer is that the original report by the New York Times was incomplete and misleading at BEST. Their reason for rushing this story without adequate investigation? "Bloggers made us do it."

Update: Is it any wonder that Tom Brokaw hates us so much? Being held accountable for the information that one reports is such a pain in the rear. I can just hear all the old talking heads behind closed doors, pining for the good old days when they could say whatever they pleased with little or no recourse and no one to keep them accountable.
Thank God for bloggers. Keep up the good work!

Update 2: If anyone knows where I can find Kerry's ad blaming Bush for the missing explosive please post the link in comments section. I can't seem to locate it.

Update 3: I found the ad on Kerry's site. Now I'm going to go bathe and try to wash off the disgust.

Hat Tips:
Kerry Haters
Michelle Malkin
Jay Reding
WizBang
Kerry Spot

More evidence of violent intolerance from the left......

2004-10-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

A Florida man has been charged with attempting to run over controversial Republican congresswoman Katherine Harris with his Cadillac. According to the below Sarasota Police Department report, Barry Seltzer, 46, told cops that he was simply exercising his "political expression" when he drove his car at Harris and several supporters, who were campaigning last night at a Sarasota intersection.

More at the link....

Free speech? Only for those who believe that might makes right.....

2004-10-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine posted these pictures on a message board that we are both members of, and with her permission I am putting them here along with her comments regarding them:

"I got the following email and pictures at work today, from the Bush Cheney '04 North Carolina Executive Director.

Sent: Monday, October 25, 2004 4:57 PM
Subject: Campaign Threats

As you might be aware, Bush Cheney '04 offices have been attacked across the U.S. in recent weeks. Here in NC, the mother of a Bush Cheney staffer had several signs ripped down and during the most recent attack, the attackers tried to set her car on fire. The police officer who investigated actually went so far as to suggest to her that she should not put up any additional Bush signs.

Now, today, we have received the following pictures (attached) from one of our supporters. The envelope that the knife had impaled contained a note threatening the Bush supporters who had put up the sign (I can scan and send that also if you are interested in seeing it). Please let me know if you have any questions. Threatening tactics against Bush supporters are, regrettably, becoming the norm across the nation. Obviously, we condemn this activity in the strongest possible terms and want it stopped immediately."

(Me: I edited out the name of the sender as was his request.)

This is the letter that was pinned to the sign with a knife:

So.....are these people truly advocates of free speech and tolerance for the views and opinions of others? If this loser is any indication of the prevailing attitude, the answer is a resounding NO.

Update: My friend tells me that she is expecting news later on of a possible break in this case. She says that there may have been an arrest made. I will update as I get news.

Update 2: My friend just pointed me to the story in the news. An arrest has been made! Don't you just love happy endings? :D

Possible explosive revelations about Kerry's antiwar activities

2004-10-26T19:33:00.001-07:00

I have a list of blogs that I read daily, and several of them are buzzing about a possible explosive Kerry story.
Evidently the Swift Boat Vets have uncovered some pretty damning evidence that Kerry's anti-war activities were directly guided by Vietnam communists.
I am reserving judgement for now, but this could be big. If it can be proven that he was knowingly involved with Hanoi somehow it could be bad for his presidential aspirations.
Stay tuned!

(Hat Tip: In the Bullpen)

Also Interesting......

2004-10-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

WorldNetDaily: Discovered papers: Hanoi directed Kerry

Interesting.......

2004-10-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

The Corner on National Review Online

BOMB-GATE [Cliff May]
Sent to me by a source in the government: “The Iraqi explosives story is a fraud. These weapons were not there when US troops went to this site in 2003. The IAEA and its head, the anti-American Mohammed El Baradei, leaked a false letter on this issue to the media to embarrass the Bush administration. The US is trying to deny El Baradei a second term and we have been on his case for missing the Libyan nuclear weapons program and for weakness on the Iranian nuclear weapons program.”

(For the record, I don’t reveal my sources so if that means I end up sharing a cell at Sing-sing with Judy Miller, so be it.)
Posted at 10:00 AM

(Hat Tip: LGF)

Brad Pitt the Activist

2004-10-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

You know, if I hear another celebrity railing on things he is obviously clueless about, I do believe I will scream.

This morning ET reported that the so-called A list star was backing California's Proposition 71, an initiative that would allow tax payer money to be used to fund stem cell research in the form of grants and loans in the state of California. Opponents of the initiative say that it amounts to nothing more than corporate welfare. I agree. When grants are offered for a certain kind of research the grant becomes the goal, the research becomes secondary. Not to mention the number of consciencious objectors who see legitimate ethical problems with embryionic stem cell research. Unfortunately for them, they are in the vast minority in California.

Of course presidential candidate Kerry, grinning that Gomer Pylesque grin, is only too delighted to have another celebrity on board. After all, in Kerry's reality Hollywood is the voice of mainstream America. One of Kerry's favorite campaign talking points is the fallacy that G. W. Bush has banned stem cell research. In fact he has not, he just promotes the restriction of creating embryos for the purpose of detroying them. He also believes that federal funding should not be used for said research, because he recognizes that there are a large number of us who feel that it is ethically wrong to destroy human life for the purpose of research. Still, Kerry promotes the idea that Bush is anti-stem cell research by saying absurd things like Bush would have been against the invention of the vehicle and electricity. Kerry considers legalized murder just another form of ingenuity. This same presidential candidate asserts that "The success of a free society depends on how it treats it's most vulnerable citizens." Uh.....you mean like the unborn?

Some would argue that there are other sources of stem cells that don't neccessitate the destroying of an embryo. That is true, but the initiative provides no means by which to oversee how the funds are spent, so whoever receives funding is accountable to no one for the kind of stem cell research they are doing, embryonic or otherwise.

Another important point is whether or not California can afford to take this on. Aren't we always hearing about how bad off California is? Opponents have this to say:

"It's wrong to launch a costly new state bureaucracy when vital programs for health, education, and police and fire services are being cut. We cannot afford to pile another $3 billion in bonded debt on top of a state budget teetering on the edge of financial ruin.

General Fund bond debt will grow from $33 Billion on May 1, 2004, to a Legislative Accounting Office projection of $50.75 Billion in debt by June 30, 2005-a staggering 54% increase in just 14 months!"

C'mon Ahnold. You promised to dig the state OUT of the hole it was in when you ran for govenor. Do you really support this? We know how Brad feels. He is a high dollar celebrity who has an accountant to find every loophole in the tax laws to minimize what he pays. He has more money than sense. He doesn't care how this affects his state's economy. He doesn't have to get his hands dirty. He can afford to pretend to be a voice for this new brand of "morality" because he doesn't have to look into the eyes of a man who just lost his job because his company can't afford to stay in California. He doesn't have to deal with the ethics of destroying a human embryo in the name of medical research, a line of research that has proven to be only marginally useful at best. He doesn't have to give an account when the state goes belly up from the massive amounts of taxing and spending that are occuring there.

Nope, he'll just flash that winning smile and move on to the next cause. I'd stick with the grisslies if I were you, Brad.

And California, stick up for the unborn and for your tax dollars and vote NO to Proposition 71.

(For more information on the pros and cons of this initiative, go here.)

DRUDGE REPORT 2004�

2004-10-25T22:42:00.000-07:00

DRUDGE REPORT 2004�
I've been following this story with some interest, as are all political junkies, I'm sure. Was this the famed October Surprise we have been expecting from the Kerry camp? If not, maybe his campaign organizers just want us to THINK it is so that we will relax and won't be expecting the real one when it comes. This bomb turned out to be a firecracker, but do they have something else in store?
Is this election making anyone else paranoid? :D

I am not a comedian.

2004-10-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

Odd title I know. But I'm not. Really. I'm actually a homeschooling mom of three. I'm also a history major (though I haven't gotten my degree yet) and a political science minor. I know, exciting, eh? (I'm not Canadian, either.) But back to the title. There is something about presidential candidate John Forbes Kerry that causes me to tap my inner comedian. Is it the fact that he provides endless material? I just don't know. That said, I am premiering my new blog with a picture of his highness, and a few captions right off the top of my head.

1. "At what age did you realize that you were the incarnation of the first JFK?"

2. "How many hairdressers does it take to make you fabulous every morning?"

3. "How many times a have you flip flopped, really?"

4. "If you were going to venture a guess, how many people in the crowd do you think buy what you're saying?"

5. "How many hundreds of lawyers will it take to make you president?"

6. "Just how many versions of your "plan" are there?"

7. "How many members of the security council have exposed you as a liar, to date?"

8. "How many rich women do you plan on marrying after you're done with Teraysa?"

9. "How many nights did you have to sleep on the couch after the last debate?"

And my PERSONAL favorite:
10. "How many more days until you are defeated by W?"

I know I know......I told you I wasn't a comedian. :)