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Wednesday, March 30, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed-By Michael M. Bates

Americans and the right to Social Security
- By Michael M. Bates


American philosopher Yogi Berra once sagely noted, "What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so." Or maybe it was Zsa Zsa Gabor who said that. Either way, it's unquestionably an insightful observation.

President Bush's popularity has been dropping faster than you can say, "restructuring Social Security." Still, I give the man credit. He tackled what's been called the third rail of American politics and not been electrocuted. Yet...............
Click HERE To Read On

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Warner Todd Huston

French Arms to China Must not Divide Europe and U.S.?
- By Warner Todd Huston


So said the French ambassador to the U.S., Jean-David Levitte, in a recent speech at Yale University. Well, then. I am glad that was settled, aren't you? Heck, why should the we in the U.S.A. get all uptight about Europe wishing to sell China, our greatest enemy (so proclaimed by them), all the arms the Europeans can dump on them? What IS all the fuss about, anyway?

It certainly is difficult to imagine what the French think will happen once the current European ban of selling high tech arms and arms systems components to the Chinese is lifted. One presumes that they imagine that nothing "bad" will happen. But one cannot shake the feeling that they secretly hope that such sales will be their best avenue to their much ballyhooed goal of "counter balancing American hegemony" that they have so dearly wished for these recent decades. Then again, maybe that hope isn't so secret after all..............
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest op Ed- By Chuck Busch

The Final Word for Terri Shiavo
- By Chuck Busch


The facts of the case are simple. The implications of the decision will be unending. There is no document expressing Terri Shiavo's choice to die or by what manner of death. All we have is the word of Michael Shiavo whose testimony is compromised by an obvious conflict of interest and whose status as a "husband" is dubious at best. Yet the judiciary of the infamous Florida courts system has seen fit to condemn a helpless innocent woman to a slow torturous death by dehydration and starvation even before her constitutional right of due process has been thoroughly played out.

We give better treatment to convicted murderers, terrorists, and dogs. There has been absolutely no sense of justice in this entire situation. Innocent until proven guilty used to be the norm, but Terri has not even been charged with a crime. It's unbelievable. It's a human rights nightmare. It's cruel beyond imagination. It nothing more than state-assisted murder. As Terri brother exclaimed, what is happening here is most "hideous." Is this America? ...........
Click HERE To Read On

Monday, March 28, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed-By R.A. Hawkins

Arm The Teachers! (Why Not Disarm The Bureaucrats?)
- By R.A. Hawkins


But for one instance that I'm aware of, all of the school shootings have had one thing in common. The kids have been on some type of mood altering drug. The one case where that hasn't been verified was the shooting in Mississippi. For some strange reason they didn't want to release the medical records. The refusal to release the records says enough in itself. Who needs the records at this point?

Medical bureaucrats and school counselors prescribed the mood altering drugs in most cases, so it seems to me that it is the bureaucrats and counselors who are the ones we should be focusing on, not the guns. All of the gun laws in the world wouldn't have prevented the last kid from getting his gun. He used a gun that belonged to his grandfather who is, or was, a policeman. Maybe it would help these bureaucrats understand what kind of fire they are playing with if they had to live with these kids after prescribing this medication.

The problem with most of these medications is that the effects on children aren't fully understood yet because the drugs aren't designed for kids. They are designed for adults who don't have a hormonal rollercoaster ride going on as they experience everything else in life...........
Click HERE To Read On

Saturday, March 26, 2005

 

Have a Wonderful Easter

Happy Easter to all our readers.

May God bless you and yours.
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Rudy Takala

The Tyranny of the Children
- By Rudy Takala


The legitimacy of certain performance-enhancing drugs has recently been a popular subject in the news, crusaders of government action as usual asserting the beneficial effects that regulation will have on "the children."

"Children" have a tendency to idolize baseball players, they say, and because some of the practices baseball players partake in have a bad effect on their health, those practices must be prohibited. The possibility of children idolizing harmful practices is the case most frequently made in favor of steroid regulation.

If that argument prevails, of course, future bans will inevitably come to prohibit sport figures from consuming similar products, such as tobacco. The values of socialism hold the length of life to be more valuable than the quality of life, and the adherents of socialism feel a compelling need to instill those values into children. Because many may not agree, the only means by which they can create a people homogenous in its condemnation of such things is by using government to induce them through force. There is indeed more at stake in this debate than the simple regulation of steroids; the future disposition of government towards all products and practices detrimental to one's health is at stake .........
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Rudy Takala

The Tyranny of the Children
- By Rudy Takala


The legitimacy of certain performance-enhancing drugs has recently been a popular subject in the news, crusaders of government action as usual asserting the beneficial effects that regulation will have on "the children."

"Children" have a tendency to idolize baseball players, they say, and because some of the practices baseball players partake in have a bad effect on their health, those practices must be prohibited. The possibility of children idolizing harmful practices is the case most frequently made in favor of steroid regulation.

If that argument prevails, of course, future bans will inevitably come to prohibit sport figures from consuming similar products, such as tobacco. The values of socialism hold the length of life to be more valuable than the quality of life, and the adherents of socialism feel a compelling need to instill those values into children. Because many may not agree, the only means by which they can create a people homogenous in its condemnation of such things is by using government to induce them through force. There is indeed more at stake in this debate than the simple regulation of steroids; the future disposition of government towards all products and practices detrimental to one's health is at stake .........
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Rudy Takala

The Tyranny of the Children
- By Rudy Takala


The legitimacy of certain performance-enhancing drugs has recently been a popular subject in the news, crusaders of government action as usual asserting the beneficial effects that regulation will have on "the children."

"Children" have a tendency to idolize baseball players, they say, and because some of the practices baseball players partake in have a bad effect on their health, those practices must be prohibited. The possibility of children idolizing harmful practices is the case most frequently made in favor of steroid regulation.

If that argument prevails, of course, future bans will inevitably come to prohibit sport figures from consuming similar products, such as tobacco. The values of socialism hold the length of life to be more valuable than the quality of life, and the adherents of socialism feel a compelling need to instill those values into children. Because many may not agree, the only means by which they can create a people homogenous in its condemnation of such things is by using government to induce them through force. There is indeed more at stake in this debate than the simple regulation of steroids; the future disposition of government towards all products and practices detrimental to one's health is at stake .........
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Warner Todd Huston

What to DO About These Judges?
- By Warner Todd Huston


This has been an age-old American question as it happens. Since we Americans have always prided ourselves by ruling our country under the rule of law we are generally loathe to attack our judiciary. Yet, still, we have, many times in the past, faced the question of just how to reign in out of control courts. During his presidency, Thomas Jefferson had battles with Chief Justice John Mrashall. Franklin Roosevelt had bouts with his Chief Justice, Charles E. Hughes. And various justices, judges and rulings have been controversial, disruptive and often just plain wrong – such as Justice Roger Taney's "Dred Scott" decision – throughout our history.

Today we are faced not with just a recalcitrant Supreme Court, but with an arrogance of the entire judiciary nation wide. We are constantly seeing decisions that range from the absurd to the downright dangerous and we have been seeing these troublesome decisions climb at a steady and alarming rate at least since the Bussing issue in the1970's..............
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Christian Hartsock

Million Dollar Terri
- By Christian Hartsock


Terri Schiavo has been suffering from fatal dehydration for the past week and liberal anti-life crusaders have been relishing in every moment of it. That is, of course, despite last-ditch efforts by President Bush and the Republican party-poopers in Congress to have Terri's feeding tubes restored.

Amid all the fuss, the left's latest rationalization for starving poor little Terri to death is this: There may have been political motives behind the Republicans' endeavor to save Terri's life!...........
Click HERE To Read On

Friday, March 25, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed- By R.A.Hawkins

A Stygian Dream (Chalk another one up to the culture of Death)
- By R.A. Hawkins


I haven't said anything regarding the Terri Schiavo case. Now I think it is time to speak up. I have heard many numbers bandied about as to the amount of money that was at stake. It was only one million dollars. But Michael was interested in taking care of Terri right up until the money was available. His first attempt to have her done in was in '97. At that time he made it known that he had another woman on the hook. That was when he said that Terri really wanted to just die and not be taken care of in a situation such as this. Prior to that he had even taken classes so he would be able to take care of her himself. Why would he have done that if it were against her wishes? Because it wasn't the truth?

The family at that time offered to take over her care. The money was in a trust fund for Terri though. The reward was for her not him. The money is very nearly gone now and the family still wants to take over her care...........
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Justin Darr

Activist Judges: Just Ignore Them and They Will Go Away
- By Justin Darr


After September 11th , my children came up to me afraid to go to school because they thought they might be attacked by terrorists and I had all the answers. I could explain how far away from anything important we live and how many times they were more likely to be struck by lightning than hurt by a terrorist, but they still want to play in the rain. I would then open the newspaper, or turn on the television and show them all the steps the government was taking to protect them, "See all those soldiers? Every one of them wants to protect you." My words soothed them, but seeing action being taken by our elected officials on the news had a tangible impact on them that something was being done about a problem in a way my words never could.

However, now I am out of answers. My daughter came up to me and asked why the courts were killing Terri Schiavo. I tried to explain the issues as best I could but the only response I got was, "Well, I sure hope they don't decide to kill me!" So do I............
Click HERE To Read On

Thursday, March 24, 2005

 

An Easter Special Op Ed- By Hans Zeiger

Crucifying the Creator
- By Hans Zeiger


An old American hymn asks, "What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss / To bear the dreadful curse for my soul?" It is a love so high and so vast, so "deep and wide" as I sang in Sunday School many years ago, that no other concept in all of eternity could possibly be of greater significance. No quantity of words could document the extent of Love.

John ends his Gospel by noting that "there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." I was recently asked if by that John meant something figurative. But I thought of the Cross and what He endured there, and I decided that my sins alone could fill books the world over. The burden that Christ bore is noteworthy: it is the human condition.........
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Frederick Meekins

Like Father, Like Son: Will The President Embrace His Heritage As A Wimp?
- By Frederick Meekins


It is assumed that a president in his second term has less to lose since he is not eligible for reelection and as such possesses a greater opportunity to assert himself in terms of policy than many consider prudent for a Commander-And-Chief in the first term. In a time of war, one would assume this would mean the President would come down harder upon the enemies of the nation vowing to wipe the United States from the face of the earth.

Regardless of one's opinion of President Bush, one has to admit at certain moments in the war on terror he has spoken with refreshing bluntness uncharacteristic of a politician holding public office. However, as the President prepared to commence upon his second term he backpedaled and seemed to say some things that could be construed as embracing the Kerryite doctrine of waging a "more sensitive war".

According to President Bush in his pre-inaugural Barbara Walters interview, he regretted having said in reference to the Iraqi insurgents "to bring it on" and that he wanted Osama Bin Ladin "Dead or alive". While his feelings regarding the Iraqi insurgents are understandable in light of the tragic deaths of American servicemen serving as a testament that these savages were not as easy to neutralize as originally assessed, why in the world should anyone feel bad about wanting Osama Bin Ladin brought in dead or alive?...........
Click HERE To Read On

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

 

Legislation Update

Congressmen Mike Pence (R-IN) and Albert Wynn (D-MD) introduced the 572 Fairness Act, which aims to deregulate political parties to the extent that 527s are deregulated.

Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced the Surface Transportation and Taxation Equity (STATE) Act (HR 1097), which allows any state that increases its state gas tax to have its federal gas tax contributions offset by the same amount.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced HR 1219 to eliminate the visa-lottery program, in which 50,000 foreign nationals are chosen by lottery to enter the U.S. each year as permanent residents.

(Thanks The Federalist Patriot)
 

Our Newest Op Ed - By Michael M. Bates

Terri Schiavo's twisted, tortuous journey
- By Michael M. Bates


Terri Schiavo's situation has people lined up in opposing factions. They're separated by contradictory medical opinions, disputed facts, divergent opinions on what constitutes death with dignity and a range of views on the legitimacy of government's interest in her continued existence.

Perhaps the only point of agreement is that Terri's plight is especially heartrending.

Terri's husband, who remains her legal guardian, claims that removing her feeding tube will be a painless and probably most natural way to die. But who knows that with certainty?

Ten years ago, a woman was paralyzed by a stroke and unable to communicate. She found herself being starved for eight days. The entire time she was fully aware of exactly what was happening to her...............
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By John T. Plecnik

Schwarzenegger, Ann Coulter and Michael Reagan are Right, College Republicans Need Michael Davidson
- By John T. Plecnik


For the few who haven't heard, the College Republicans are a national, student organization with over 200,000 members. Oft-labeled the antiestablishment fraternity or "The Best Party on Campus," College Republicans, called CRs for short, are the fiery, dedicated volunteers that make our Grand Old Party tick. Additionally, when hippies seized power in the ivory tower, CRs came to be the first line of defense against liberal bias on campus. Joining national figures like "campus defender" U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones, David Horowitz of FrontPageMag.com and former U.S. House Historian Christina Jeffrey, CRs have challenged liberal academia at every turn.

This year, from June 24 to 26, the College Republican National Committee (CRNC) will host its 56th biennial convention in Arlington, V.A. During the convention, our next slate of national officers will be elected for two year terms. The race for CRNC Chairman is hotly contested, with California State Chairman Michael Davidson and CRNC Treasurer Paul Gourley leading the pack. Today, I am honored to join fellow conservative commentators Ann Coulter and Michael Reagan, U.S. Reps. Bill Thomas, David Dreier and Jerry Lewis, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger by endorsing Michael Davidson for CRNC Chairman. .........
Click HERE To Read On

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed-By Warner Todd Huston

Andrew Sullivan, Throwing in the Towel?
- By Warner Todd Huston


Andrew Sullivan thinks that the Republicans are already doomed to defeat. He thinks that the Party and movement are fractured beyond mending, apparently. But what Sullivan wrote about is the same kind of backbiting and infighting that every party has and he mistakes that for irreparable fissures. "Beneath the surface, however, American conservatism is in increasing trouble", he ominously warns. But, when, exactly, was American conservatism wholly consolidated to the point of monolithic totality? Has Sullivan never heard the term "Big Tent"?

Granted, there is a big difference between conservatives and liberals that more often leads conservatives to the loser's circle. Conservatives will often torpedo themselves over principle. Since the left really has no principle but winning, they band together a tad easier and they are seemingly more able to subsume any principle for a win. So, Sullivan has a small point for worry over the future of the conservative movement.

But what Sullivan is not taking into account is the wide coalition of everyday Americans that are leaning more and more Republican who will be able to see past the far right ideologues (as they already have the far left). These folks will keep following their internet info sources, their talk radio and Fox news sources and stay the line if the politicos don't fall totally apart on them.............
Click HERE To Read On

Monday, March 21, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed- by Todd Wilber

Guns, the Left, and a Rant
- By Todd Wilber


What if the left is right that guns cause crime? If guns cause crime then law enforcement is at the root of all crime in America. By carrying firearms law enforcement is sending an improper message to the youth of America. They are daily forced to see those firearms carried by officers and are incited to commit crime, because we know guns are the true cause of the crimes being committed with them, not the poor individuals who are using the weapons.

It is plain we need to disarm law enforcement. If we disarm law enforcement we have taken a common sense step in making our culture safer by making law enforcement less threatening. There would be virtually no more crime. .........
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By R.A. Hawkins

With Friends Like These (Who Needs Enemies?)
- By R.A. Hawkins


The silence this week on the part of the mainstream media regarding the Sino-Soviet military maneuvers planned for this coming fall was deafening. Drudge had it though. But that is somewhat on par with their reporting on China just about all of the time. They don't like to talk about the Laogis, which are the work camps where they force people to work for next to nothing and then funnel the profits into their military.

Russia recently asked China to take part in some joint military maneuvers with them. Russia wanted to have the war games in an area that has become a focal point for the war on terror, but China is still upset that Taiwan doesn't like the taste of their boot heel. They keep trying their best to get the war games moved to an area that would be useful in a show of force for Taiwan to see. But Russia has a bit of a problem. The life support system for their biggest weapons system manufacturers happens to be China. Now they find themselves trying to move the games so they don't anger the Japanese and the United States...........
Click HERE To Read On

Sunday, March 20, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Warner Todd Huston

Simple Birth Defect - Enough To Abort Child
- By Warner Todd Huston


One of the philosophical points used by anti-abortion activists to explain their stance, one oft times claimed by critics to be purely hyperbolic and wildly outside the logic of debate, is the slippery slope argument of "Where will it all end up?" Those against abortion wonder aloud just where society and/or government will draw the line of when an abortion is legitimate and when it is not and how often that line will be redrawn past the next extreme, and then the next. Critics say that their worries are silly, unfounded or are examples of religious demagoguery.

Anti-abortion advocates firmly believe that should abortion become a thing of little consequence, the heart of society will harden to humanity itself. They insist that if hard hearts reduce all fetuses to a status of non-existence it cannot help but foster an increased disregard for humanity. They also worry that abortion will be expanded as a palliative to help people escape from under responsibility for their own sexual mores, or lack there of.

Most ominously, anti-abortion believers feel that government is just one step away, a step that can be made at any time, from being given the power to decide when people will live and when they will die. They agonize over the criteria for making such decisions. Just when will it be OK to kill a baby, anyway, they wonder? Birth defect? Brain damage? Parental inconvenience? Hair or skin color? How can we legitimately draw up such criteria that will not be open to the whim of passing societal norms?............
Click HERE To Read On

Saturday, March 19, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed- by Rudy Takala

The Anxiety of Communists
- By Rudy Takala


In a recent incident in the most tolerant state of the Union, a controversy arose at the Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) of California. It was triggered by an anonymous posting of red stars and a reference to communist indoctrination on ten faculty office doors. The reference to communist indoctrination was a copy of a state Education Code section prohibiting the teaching of communism with the "intent to indoctrinate" students.

Molly McPherson, president of the SRJC Republicans, later admitted to the postings. She said she wanted to incite a discussion about certain instructors' political ideologies. "The opinion of the far left is presented as fact, with no alternative," said McPherson.

Unfortunately, liberals fear debate. It gives them anxiety. "It makes me a little anxious," said philosophy instructor Michael Aparicio .........
Click HERE To Read On
 

Legislation Alert

In the House, Rep. John Hostettler has reintroduced the Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act (HR 1243), which would provide for state reciprocity for concealed-carry permits pursuant to the laws of the carrier's home state. Further, the bill would not require a citizen to obtain a permit so as to mesh with states like Alaska and Vermont. The legislation would allow citizens who can legally carry in their home state -- even without a permit -- to carry all across the country. Of course, we at The Patriot see the Second Amendment as the only "permit" necessary!
(Thanks FederalistPatriot.US)
 

Our Latest Op Ed- By Frederick Meekins

Hold Judge In Schiavo Case In Contempt Of Congress


Judge George Greer in the Terri Schiavo has defied the Congressional subpoena granting the protections of the legislative branch of government to this incapacitated woman unable to speak for herself.

Maybe those appearing before this renegade magistrate should thumb their noses at his rulings in much the same manner as he has decided to thumb his nose at this decision.

Where are all the liberals that insist Judge Moore must obey the rulings of higher governing bodies whether he agrees with them or not? Guess they had to get rid of "Thou shalt not kill" so they could get by with what they are doing now.

One of the sad truths of this life is that most of us leave it under less than wonderful circumstances. One can only hope that those seeking to speed up the departure of Terri Schiavo from this world will be so gripped with guilt in the time of their own physical delcine that they are constantly looking over their shoulders in fear of who might be lurking in the shadows to inflict the same social evils upon them they now seek to unleash upon the rest of us.

Copyright 2005 By Frederick Meekins

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed-By Warner Todd Huston

Make English Our Official National Language ... Again
- By Warner Todd Huston


I know, I know. You've heard it all before. It seems every couple of years a congressman will raise this issue and, after he has let his constituents back home see that he is an "All American" guy, he lets it die a quite, ignominious death.

Well, we have the issue on the table once again. Representative Steve King (R, Iowa 5th Dist.) introduced the "English Language Unity Act of 2005" in the first week of March. Yes, another bill seeking to make English the official language of the country is being proposed by a politician seeking re-election. Sure, King says all the right things in his press release (which can be seen at his website: Steve King, Iowa 5th Dist.), but I hope this is not a vehicle for Mr. King to establish his "All American" bona fides so that he might get re-elected, only to forget about it later. Call me cynical............
Click HERE To Read On
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Michael M. Bates

Irish Americans have a rich political tradition
- By Michael M. Bates


Faith and begorrah, it's that time again. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Quick. What are Irish Americans most noted for? No, not that. Or that either.

The correct answer, at least from this mostly Irish guy, is politics.

When the Irish came in huge numbers to America in the mid-nineteenth century, they were sometimes discriminated against. There were anti-Irish riots that included the burning of churches, convents and houses..............
Click HERE To Read On
 

Illegal Alien wins $4 million against his "employer"!

And THIS is what our friendly leftist multiculturalists have wrought.

A Bronx day laborer who was injured when he sustained severe injuries by falling from a scaffold on the job in 2001 took his employer to court. This fellow won his case and a Bronx Superior Court awarded $4 million to the worker.

Good, right?

Wrong.

The worker is an illegal immigrant, living in the Bronx with his wife and three kids. He was working illegally in New York for 15 years.

"The lesson today for all the undocumented immigrants of New York is they have the same rights to access the courts in New York City as any American citizen," said Brian O'Dwyer, who was the lawyer in the case.

Yep. The "lesson" is that our friendly "worker" can violate the law and be rewarded to the tune of $4 million bucks!

Ain't multiculturalism grand ... well a grand is apparently a low number, but you get the idea?

New York Sun Article, Click here

Sunday, March 13, 2005

 

A Hotel That Won't Allow Republicans?

No Bush voters may visit...

Here is another fine example of the more "tolerant" left. From the website of the Ocean Haven hotel:

___________

Ocean Haven, Nature Friendly Lodging on the Beautiful Oregon Cost

NATURE FRIENDLY
Nature-friendly cleaning & maintenance. Committed to limiting human impact on nature.

No Hummers, No RVs, No Bush Voters (due to his environmental destructive policies e.g.; nonparticipation in Kyoto Treaty, The Clear Skies Act, continuation of naval sonar in marine mammal habitats...)
__________

Yep, the first hotel that has decided to disallow visitors based upon their political persuasion. That's the more "tolerant" left we are used to, eh? But, what could be LESS American than such hatred and exclusion?

Imagine if a Republican leaning hotel owner were to claim that they don't want democrats? Oh, how the left would howl. How about if a hotel would say no Jews or Catholics allowed? What if someone were say no Asians or Blacks? Would the left find that perfectly acceptable? In FACT didn't we fight a Civil War and have decades of strife after that to bring the protection of equality and the Constitution to all American citizens? Do leftists now want to eschew those hard fought ideals?

These people are so typical of the left, however. Their own "religion" gets in their way so often. Their new religion of outright hatred for Bush and Republicans is so all consuming, so deeply and illogically ingrained that they have truly lost their perspective.

But, I love to see them so over the top, so out of their minds. It drives more people into the arms of the American political right every day. So, thanks guys, for the help.
 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Justin Darr

Hempsteria
- By Justin Darr


Last week, my wife and I were invited to eat dinner at the home of some of our more liberal friends. Or, I should more properly say, my wife was invited and I came along because I come with the set. Do not take this the wrong way. I have nothing personally against this couple. They are intelligent, friendly people, and other than the fact that they are a pair of short sighted, pseudo-intellectual, tie dye wearing liberal freaks who hold a burning resentment against me because I am usually right, I can tolerate them for short periods every few weeks.

This week was their turn to host dinner. So, as with most things in life, there is good and bad in all situations. For example, by going to their house I do not have to deal with their critiquing my home's recycling program, but by going to theirs I am forced to endure whatever collection of sticks, small stones, and berries constitutes a vegetarian meal. This week was no exception as we were treated to yet another half raw meat, cheese, salt and taste free dinner. As I finished eating and my mind was turning to thoughts of what kinds of real food I would eat once I got home, my hosts asked if I would like some chocolate non-dairy, frozen, naturally sweetened confection. This is close enough to be ice cream for me, so I accepted............
Click HERE To Read On
 

Quick Takes

Bills Introduced in the House this week:

The Disabled Persons' Legal Protection Act, sponsored by Dave Weldon (R-FL), would extend due process protection to disabled individuals who are the subject of a court order to affect their death by removal of nutrition, hydration or medical treatment.

Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) introduced the Freedom Flat Tax Act (HR 1040) to phase-in a flat tax over a three-year period and allow businesses and individuals to voluntarily opt into the system.

Sam Johnson (R-TX) introduced HR 1073, HR 1074, and HR 1075 to bring more accountability and transparency to the financial and administrative operations of the country's labor unions.

John Hostettler (R-IN) introduced the Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act, which would allow law-abiding gun owners who can legally carry guns in their home state the right to carry across the country.

(Thanks the Federalist Email Reports- FederralistPatriot.US)
 

Our Newest Op Ed-By R.A.Hawkins

You Stupid Fuels (Clouseau Explains The Iraq/Al Qaeda Ties)
- By R.A. Hawkins


Note: I would appreciate it if the liberals would read the first sentence out loud.

One of the many arguments put forth by the leftists regarding the ties between the holy order of Al Qaeda and the infidel Iraq and terrorist training and the various other ties is that Al Qaeda would have had nothing to do with Saddam or his infidel secularist running yellow dog regime because they drink alcohol and like women. But there is an old saying in the Mid East: "You and me against my brother. You, me and my brother against the outsider." A simpler explanation of this charming little quote would be that 'all of our differences can be settled after we get the outsider'. Or maybe a better way would be to say 'I'll slit your throat in the night after we slit theirs'.

As the left is so happy to point out, we are the outsider in this case. They like to point that out a great deal, don't they? After we begin drilling for oil in Alaska they will probably begin to talk about the possibility that the caribou are going to attack us to protect their own barren moonlike homeland from the pork-eating carbon-based bipeds that are unaware of the ethics and virtues of vegetarianism. I'm so sorry. I realize that had a certain Romper Room quality to it, but I am trying to reach the liberals. "And I see Teddy and Jimmy and Billy... My, my Billy and Jimmy have very different views on cigars. Go to commercial. Oh My. I sure hope that didn't make it onto the show. The contamination of the children's minds. Oh Gosh."...........
Click HERE To Read On

Saturday, March 12, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Hans Zeiger

Boy Scouts Emergency
- By Hans Zeiger


The American Civil Liberties Union is a monster. Threatened by the slightest letter on ACLU letterhead, a victim yields and forgets Winston Churchill's exhortation to "never give in." One after another for decades, American institutions have been giving in to the ACLU's legal pursuit of political correctness. And the one institution that has been a symbol of strength and honor in the face of the ACLU, the Boy Scouts of America, may now be giving in.

Last month, the ACLU sent a letter to the Boy Scouts national headquarters threatening to sue any public school that sponsors a Boy Scout troop. A troop that is chartered to a public school is able to use its facilities and form important connections to the students of the school and the citizens of the community. According to a recent BSA annual report, the Boy Scouts' third largest type of sponsor is public schools, numbering over 10,000 Cub Scout, Tiger Cub, and Boy Scout units for some 363,000 Boy Scouts.

In recent years, controversy has surrounded public school sponsorship of Scout troops in major cities, and several hundred school districts have made decisions to prohibit Scout charters. It has been claimed repeatedly - by the ACLU, by school board members, by individual litigants, and by activist judges - that a Boy Scout partnership with a school is a direct violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution. This is claimed precisely because the Boy Scouts believe in the standards of character that underlie the Constitution.........
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Our Newet Op Ed- By Vince Johnson

Open letter to ABC, CBS, NBC, FoxNews, CNN
- By Vince Johnson


You keep telling us how terrorists are killing people all around the world. Day after day we hear how terrorist suicide bombers have killed soldiers and innocent civilians. You tell us how Saddam's terrorists used poison gas to kill thousands and thousands of innocent human beings. You tell us how Saddam siphoned off billions of dollars intended for food and humanitarian services for his own people.

You tell us of mass graves where Saddam's terrorists slaughtered several thousand people who resisted him. You tell us how terrorists used civilians as shields when they fired upon our marines. You tell us how soldiers are killed by snipers positioned in Mosques protected by international law. On each anniversary of 9-11 you remind us about the sickening "thuds" that were heard as still living victims rained down from the World Trade Center just before it collapsed.

You tell us how the terrorists behead civilians out of extreme hatred for America. You tell us how terrorists wave white flags of surrender then shoot our marines when they make the mistake of moving into view. You tell us how the terrorists convert their dead comrades into booby traps designed to kill anyone who would touch them. You tell us how terrorists feign death or being wounded for the purpose catching our Marines off guard long enough to shoot them...........
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Friday, March 11, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed- By John T. Plecnik

The Conscience of a Campus Conservative
- By John T. Plecnik


My last column, "Forget Free Speech, Liberals Don't Tolerate Campus Conservatives," drew the ire and attention of thousands. Published online by GOPUSA and the Washington Times, it sparked still more debate on the issue of liberal bias on campus. Conservative professors from North Carolina, Wisconsin and across the country e-mailed their support. One celebrity endorsement came from former U.S. House Historian Christina Jeffrey, who currently presides over the South Carolina Association of Scholars. In her words, this past column was my "best ever."

Still more students, parents and alumni stepped up, sending e-mails and notes, while weighing in on countless blogs and message boards. An Assistant U.S. Attorney, who read and enjoyed my column, even made a point of telling me that his office had jobs for law students like me. Thank you, Sir. And thank you, all. Together, we are big enough to beat liberal bias .........
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Our Newest Op Ed- By Warner Todd Huston

IL Property Taxes Frozen/Internet Taxes Raised?
- By Warner Todd Huston


I am sure that seeing the words "taxes" and "raised" in the same title raises the hackles of every good, tax loathing citizen. But, Illinois State Senator, Chris Lauzen (R., 25th Dist.), not known as a taxaholic himself, has proposed just that. But don't let those hackles quiver just yet for what he is proposing makes quite a bit of sense.

Lauzen contends that constantly raising property taxes is an unfair procedure and wonders why "we tolerate such a system?" His central point, a good one, is that property taxes are raised nearly every year yet homeowners are not getting any benefit at all from the fact the their houses are worth more unless they sell the place. "I know of no other place in the Tax Code, other than property taxes, where unrealized capital gains are taxed", Lauzen has said in a press release.

Senator Lauzen makes an excellent point. Why do we have to pay ever rising taxes on a paper assessment of what our home is worth when we are not in any way benefiting from that supposed value? Naturally, paying when the home is sold is sensible, but why are we forever asked to fork over more money to the state every year when the supposed value of our home is a meaningless factor in our yearly income? It doesn't raise our income and it doesn't detract from our income. Constant raises in our property taxes is patently unfair, it's just that simple...........
Click HERE To Read On

Thursday, March 10, 2005

 

Meet Our New Contributor- Frederick Meekins

Simpsons On Gay Marriage Not An Outrage
- By Frederick Meekins


Simpsons Episode On Gay Marriage Not As A Flaming An Outrage As It Could Have Been

Regardless of one's opinion of "The Simpsons", one has to admit the show has no problem tackling controversial material most would rather sweep under the rug. And even though it would have been better had producers left the issue of gay marriage alone, the show was able to inject a degree of its classic subversive wit into what could have been an approach characterized by nothing but a doctrinaire political correctness.

When most heard sodomite matrimony was coming to the quintessential American town of Springfield, most assumed the abomination would be heralded with typical Hollywood applause and accolades. And though I would be uncomfortable with letting younger children view the episode, it was not without humorous aspects exposing the hypocrisy inherent to this social outrage.

For gay nuptials were not ultimately sanctioned in this fictional municipality out of a warped interpretation of love or equity but rather in an attempt to bring back lost tourist dollars after Bart and Milhaus create a bad impression of the town in the mind of a roving travel correspondent. Homer gets into the money making racket by getting ordained and opening a wedding chapel in his garage.

"The Simpsons" is often characterized by a degree of philosophical reflection beneath all of its silliness uncommon to television sitcoms. This episode also sparked additional thought by touching on the point that, if same sex marriage is allowed, on what grounds do we continue to forbid other reprehensible couplings? This point was comically made when brother and sister hillbillies wanted to get married and Homer fantasized about marrying himself ("Homersexual" marriage, eh) with a house full of little Homers.

The most penetrating point of the show centered around the ambivalence exhibited by Marge Simpson. Throughout the early part of the episode, Marge is an enthusiastic supporter of this social perversion.

However, overthrowing the established moral order loses a bit of its appeal when she learns one of her own sisters is a lesbian. Reminds one of the adage that a liberal is a conservative that has not been mugged yet, her revulsion at the prospects of her sister falling into this lifestyle serving as a testament to the disgust many experience to the practice despite their best efforts at being good little radicals and harping the party line.

Though most would be reluctant to admit it, the world depicted on "The Simpsons" is probably one of the most realistic reflections of the American moral climate on television today. If the episode meant to proclaim the joys and beauty of gay marriage to the nation is wracked by as much reluctance to the practice as was able to wiggle its way into the plot, it means --- though tottering on the edge of the abyss --- there is still a sliver of hope provided Americans of principle don't cower before these boisterous libertines.

Copyright 2005 by Frederick Meekins

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed-By Michael M. Bates

Hillary needs more, you know, reinvention
- By Michael M. Bates


It seems like only yesterday that many Americans were introduced to Hillary Rodham Clinton. That was before we learned she's the world's smartest woman.

It was 1992. Another of those malicious bimbo eruptions was plaguing her husband's presidential campaign. Damage control was required, so the Clintons showed up on 60 Minutes to exchange adoring glances and chat about how much they love, honor and respect one another. At least during elections years.

Mz Clinton said: "You know, I'm not sitting here as some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette... And, you know, if that's not enough for people, then heck, don't vote for him."

Here was a highly educated woman with degrees from prestigious universities, the chair of the Arkansas Education Standards Committee, a high-powered attorney. Yet she used the grating -at least to me - "you know" as a conversation filler twice in only three sentences.............
Click HERE To Read On

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

 

Bush's Warning To The State Dept.-By Warner Todd Huston

Bush gave a transformational speech Tuesday at the National Defense University at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC. I am sure we will see the Europeans and their like minded US compatriots in the Democratic Party and the Main Stream Media claim what he said there was just blather and nothing new if they comment on it at all. But this speech was quite a thing, really.

Along with affirming that the USA has entered into a new century with a new foreign policy direction that Bush is not going to waver from, he also aimed a shot across the bow of the US State Department. I hope they were listening.

He started off the segment of his speech aimed at the Dept. of State with this excellent line:

"This status quo of despotism and anger cannot be ignored or appeased, kept in a box or bought off."

He is telling the Brent Scowcrofts and Colin Powells of the world that the stabilizing, Real politick ideas they learned from Henry Kissinger and others who postulated similar old style machinations of pre 1950s Europe are not going to be acceptable to Americans any more. I say hallelujah. That one line describes the principles free actions of the US State Dept. for the last 60 years. It is about time we stopped giving our enemies the ammunition to tear the USA down that the State Dept. has provided for so long with their many missteps, bad decisions and advice.

"The advance of hope in the Middle East requires new thinking in the region." Continued Bush with his admonition. Darn right. This is one of the reasons that Colin Powell leaving the State Dept. is 4 years late.

Bush then said, "By now it should be clear that authoritarian rule is not the wave of the future, it is the last gasp of a discredited past." Are you listening, gentlemen? Condi Rice should be given the free hand to whip her charge into shape to fall in line with Bush's more principled foreign policy line of thinking.

And if the State boys didn't get it by that point in the speech, Bush clarified it with, "The advance of hope in the Middle East also requires new thinking in the capitals of great democracies, including Washington, D.C."

Were you listening, State Dept.? Bush may as well have said, "Can you hear me now?" New thinking, boys. That means throw out the dogeared play-book written by the moribund denizens of the Truman and Eisenhower State Departments and get with the new program.

Still not clear, Foggy Bottom? Well then, carefully listen to this from the President's address: "By now it should be clear that decades of excusing and accommodating tyranny in the pursuit of stability have only led to injustice and instability and tragedy."

And Bush nailed it with these last three segments:

"It should be clear that the advance of democracy leads to peace because governments that respect the rights of their people also respect the rights of their neighbors.

It should be clear that the best antidote to radicalism and terror is the tolerance and hope kindled in free societies.

And our duty is now clear: For the sake of our long-term security, all free nations must stand with the forces of democracy and justice that have begun to transform the Middle East."

Appeasement and accepting the rule of dictators in other countries to sponsor hoped for "stability" is the game of last century. No longer will America avert its eyes as despots murder, imprison and abuse their own peoples so that our nation's business interests can continue without molestation. We will do as we always SHOULD have done. Support democracy and freedom throughout the world. After all, that is the only avenue to REAL stability anyway.

Let us hope that Bush uses one of the largest brooms ever wielded in Washington to sweep Foggy Bottom clear of the dregs of old European foreign policy lovers and the failed policies, both morally and in outcome, of the last 60 years.

Monday, March 07, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed-by Rudy Takala

UN Pains Kofi - And Everyone Else
- By Rudy Takala


As a precursor to the attacks of 9/11, Fidel Castro toured Iran in May of 2001. While visiting, he told an audience in Tehran that "Together, we [Cuba and Iran] will bring America to its knees." In a late show of appreciation, Cuba was recently elected to the U.N. Human Rights Commission.

Two years ago, Castro threw 75 democratic activists in jail, with sentences of up to 28 years, for crimes that included publishing articles abroad and loaning out banned books. The pain inflicted on them has been substantial. However, it may not be as great as the pain of U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. As he wrote in a recent editorial, "In the past year I have read many attacks on the United Nations. That pains me, because I have served the U.N. all my life." Perhaps we should instead be congratulating him for his marvelous ability to create collaboration between the dictatorships of the world. He's united them behind common goals to attain shared ideals, even if those don't happen to include anything more than America's destruction .........
Click HERE To Read On

Sunday, March 06, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed- By Justin Darr

Why Europe is Soft on Terror
- By Justin Darr


The current negotiations between France, Germany, England and Iran regarding Iran's nuclear power, and probably nuclear weapons program can be summarized into one sentence: Nothing short of war is going to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. If Europe wants to pay the Iranians to lie to them about it, then the Iranians will be more than happy to oblige.

To Americans, the actions of the Europeans seem to defy logic. How can they entertain the notion Iran is not trying to build a bomb in light of its history, stated ambitions, refusal to allow full, unfettered, inspections, and the little fact that they are trying to bury their program in bomb hardened shelters under civilian areas? It is childishly obvious that the only reason the Iranians are even participating in talks is to buy the time necessary for them to complete their nuclear weapons program. However, Europe still seems to be doggedly determined to be led around by the nose by the Iranians, even to the point of jeopardizing their own safety............
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Our Newest Op Ed-by Christian Hartsock

Life, Liberals and the Pursuit of Judicial Tyranny
- By Christian Hartsock


Michael Schiavo seems awfully eager to have his wife starved to death. Fifteen years following her "accidental" collapse which left her with severe brain damage and mysterious bone fractures not yet accounted for by her husband even to this day, Terri Schiavo's death sentence has been set for March 18 by Florida Circuit Judge George Greer.

While he wasn't meeting, impregnating and getting engaged to other women, Mr. Schiavo has spent the past decade-and-a-half endeavoring to deprive Terri of the nutrition and hydration supply that is keeping her alive. Admittedly, throughout his lovely legacy of feverishly pushing to have his wife disposed of like yesterday's garbage, Mr. Schiavo has come up with at least one slam-dunk rationalization: her inferior ability to swallow properly...........
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Our Newest Op Ed- By R.A. Hawkins

All Dogs Have Fleas (When the Transparent Demand Transparency)
- By R.A. Hawkins


China has decided that the United States has a monopoly on the Internet and that it is imperative that the United Nations does something about it. I have some bad news for them. It was the guy under their man in the White House that invented it and not them. The amusing part was that Gore looked like he was trying to be serious when he made that claim. It's ours and just because they owned the last administration doesn't give them any control over the Internet. They should have mentioned that to Gore when he was inventing it. But it's too late now isn't it? The Chinese will have to find another way to control the transparency of their government.

Speaking of controlling the transparency of government, I don't find it surprising that McCain and Feingold's amendment seems to be very much in line with China's thinking. It seems that there are some in government who want to control bloggers and email lists. You can be sure that the media is right behind them on this. What with all of the competition for information they are losing the battle for readers. People have discovered that these days those who are charged with the responsibility for disseminating information are the bedfellows of the Ward Churchill's of the world. They have found new places to go and it isn't the left-wing media...........
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Our Newest Op Ed- By Vince Johnson

TITLE
- By Vince Johnson


These thoughts were made about the time our original 13 states adopted the Constitution. There is some dispute about who authored the above. Some believe these were the observations of a Scottish History Professor named Alexander Tytler. Various scholars suggest that Benjamin Disraeli, and/or others made these comments.

In my view, the source doesn't matter. What matters is that it makes me uncomfortable when I read it. The "sequence" is very logical, and closely matches my understanding of the history of the United States: Follow along and see if you agree...........
Click HERE To Read On

Thursday, March 03, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed-By Warner Todd Huston

Social Security Reform Dead Already?
- By Warner Todd Huston


The President's detractors on Social Security reform are claiming that the issue is already dead. But how could that possibly be a reasoned determination of the issue? There hasn't really even been any debate about the issue as of yet. All we have been treated to thus far is out of school polemics.

President Bush was reelected In November, last. His newest term began on January, last. That was five months and three months ago respectively. The new legislative session has barely begun. When have we yet had the time to discuss in the halls of Congress this incredibly culturally touchy and complicated issue? When, exactly, has Congress discussed the issue that Bush made one of the central goals in his State of the Union speech of only 32 days ago, an idea for which he has only just begun to campaign for amongst the US people?

Can we legitimately claim that this issue is failed after so little time between Bush's formal announcement of his intent to pursue the program and now, barely a single month later? It certainly seems preposterous to make such an illogical assumption...........
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Wednesday, March 02, 2005

 

Our Newest Op Ed-By Michael M. Bates

Writer Thompson didn't die "like a champion"
- By Michael M. Bates


Writer Hunter S. Thompson was on the phone with his wife last month when he decided to terminate more than the call. He ate the .45 caliber pistol he'd been fondling.

I was no fan of Thompson's literary contributions. The truth is I never read any of them. And not just because this highly acclaimed author's best work, such as it is, came over three decades ............
Click HERE To Read On

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

 

Tell No-Child-Left-Behind that Utah doesn't NEED it!

Utah is debating whether or not they will forego $116 million in Federal funds for their schools. Utah politicos are claiming that the Federal government has too many stringent requirements attached to the program and that they want more control over their own schools.

The Utah House of Reps has unanimously passed a bill that would use state money only for education authored by a Mother of 12, Rep. Margaret Dayton. In this manner the state could control the standards for its children. "This is not a partisan issue; this is a states' rights issue,"
Dayton said.

The Utah Senate anticipates quick passage, which the Republican governor is expected to sign.

Let us hope that Utah passes this legislation and does ignore the Federal government's "help" with education. The Constitution does not say anywhere in it that the Federal government should be allowed to spend Federal money on education in the states. Rep. Dayton is wholly correct, it IS a state issue.

Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota, and Virginia and soon several other states, are all considering opting out of the No-child-left-behind act.






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