GOP Gov's break Ranks on Stimulus: Oh, Hell No!

GOP governor's have broken ranks with their Congressional colleagues and are pushing for passage of the Pork-Chop bill 2009. Many of their states are experiencing severe budgetary challenges in areas such as Medicaid and public works. Areas which the Obastimulus is supposed to direct billions in support.

Sarah Palin, the GOP hopeful in 2012, is lobbying Mitch McConnell, and other members of the Senate GOP delegation, this weekend for Alaska's share of the stimulus. Also, joining the ranks are Charlie Crist of Florida and Vermont governor, Jim Douglas.

Fence sitters include, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Mark Sanford of South Carolina, and Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota. I personally DON'T CARE who is going to be the GOP hopeful in 2012. If any of these governor's take a lick of this Pork Chop they should be removed from office and kicked to the curb.

Several states, regardless of political affiliation, are already junkies addicted to federal dollars. It is a sad day in hell when they can't survive without federal assistance. This malaise, lack of ingenuity, and fortitude that has infected corporate America is now spreading to state governments.

Admittedly, in the past I have touted the GOP group of governors as the future and lauded on about their potential, this is under serious review.

Related Articles:

Republican Governors Urge Congress to Pass Stimulus Bill

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Palin at the Alfalfa Club

Sarah Palin will be a guest at the prestigious Washington DC based social organization the Alfalfa Club. In the last week of January, the 200 member organization holds a dinner at which some of the most influential DC politicians and members of the business community come together for a night of drinks and dinner. There is one major rule though, no press.

The black tie event is a ritual that has gone on since 1913 and has had such speakers as Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Bush I, Bush II, and now President Obama.

Palin's invitation can only be seen as one thing, the Washington elites are waking up to the fact that she has become a major force in politics and her future on the DC scene is undeniable. Coincidentally, Palin launched her political fundraising organization, SarahPac, so she would not have to use state funds to attend functions that are considered political.

One of the more interesting facts about the Alfalfa Club is they playfully nominate a mock candidate for the Presidency every year. Several of their candidates actually have even gone onto hold the office such as, Nixon, Reagan, and George W. Bush. Wonder, if Sarah will get it this year?

Related Articles:

McClatchy-D.C.'s most exclusive club: Obama, Palin and no reporters

The Huffer's Post-Palin Attending Alfalfa Club Dinner Because Of Obama

The Politico-Palin, Obama to share stage

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Tom Daschle:Tax Problems, Go Figure

Surprise, surprise, surprise, Tom Daschle owes back taxes. Another Democrat caught cheating on taxes and claiming it was due to ignorance. But, don't worry, now that it matters he has paid what was owed. Doesn't that make you feel better?

From Fox News,

FOX News confirmed that Daschle alerted the Senate Finance Committee, which will oversee his confirmation hearing, that the matter involves more than $100,000 in back taxes and interest for a car and driver that was provided to him for four years by Leo Hindery, "a wealthy Democratic donor and longtime friend of Daschle's."

Daschle "incorrectly assumed" the use of the car and driver was not subject to taxation. But the White House says he discovered the error during preparation for his confirmation and filed amended tax returns with the proper payment and interest.

Please, don't fret none, the White House is all over it. Their response has been printed out on the newly created form letter for Cabinet nominees with tax problems.

The White House issued a statement Friday night affirming that Daschle "is the right person to lead the fight for health care reform."

"Senator Daschle brought these issues to the Finance Committee's attention when he submitted his nomination forms and we are confident the committee is going to schedule a hearing for him very soon, and he will be confirmed," it says.

Yawn, this isn't news anymore, it's expected.

Related Articles:

The Politico-Obama team's finances hard to access

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Michael Steele: New RNC Chair

After watching Mike Steele, former Maryland Lt. Governor and Chairman of GOPAC, giving his commentary during the election on Fox News, I was impressed. To have a man with this level of talent, forward thinking, charisma, aggressiveness, and intellect leading the RNC is a blessing.

Steele's political outlooks are somewhat moderate, but leaning very Right. Here is his rating according to OntheIssue's.com


Video from Steele's acceptance speech, via MSNBC.



His aggressiveness is the the one thing that made Steele the more attractive candidate than his competition. The man openly speaks his mind, often to others chagrin, but does so in a very articulate and no nonsense sort of way. In other words, there is no misunderstanding when Steele speaks.

I am very proud to have Michael Steele as the RNC Chairman, I think he will prove to be a dangerous adversary for the Progressives and it seems some on the Left share that concern.

From Lanny Davis on the Politico's, Arena,

As I stated in a previous Politico Arena, Michael Steele was positively my last preference for RNC Chair -- since he was, and is, by far, the most effective, articulate center - right voice of the Republican Party, with a firm but friendly manner on TV and, thus, the best possible choice for the GOP to appeal to the broad middle of American society.

Things are starting to shape up for the GOP and it is safe to say the party will be in good hands.

Related Articles:

The Hill-Steele to chair RNC as party chooses new direction

The Politico-It's Steele!

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Senate "Conservatives" Claim Opposition to Stimulus

The Alice's in RINO Land might have learned a little something from their GOP counterparts in the House. Senate Conservatives are vowing to oppose the Obastimulized Pork-Chop of 2009.

From LiberalizetheUSAtoday,

Some Senate Republicans vow opposition to stimulus plan

USA Today — A group of conservative Senate Republicans vowed Thursday to vote against an $888 billion economic stimulus package when it comes up for a vote in the Senate.

"A trillion dollars is a terrible thing to waste," said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., standing with Republican colleagues who said they feel shut out of the process of crafting the stimulus despite Democratic promises of bipartisan cooperation.

President Obama lobbied Republican congressional leaders to support the measure, but the version of the stimulus bill approved Wednesday by the House did not receive any Republican votes. The Senate is expected to start debate on Monday and the bill is already facing resistance from some Republicans. read more..

Odds are that this will pass the Senate, you still have the Snowe/Voinovich/Spectre/Collins factors to deal with. McCain has stated he will vote against it, "in its present form." Graham will go the way of his dear old Dad, so how they factor into the equation is uncertain. Keep in mind, McCain is adept at maneuvering around his past statements and flip flopping. You know, a real Maverick, in his own mind.

Final lesson to the Senate GOP, most of the time your fingers operate independently of each other. However, once in awhile they can come together and form a fist. Losing is acceptable, but do it together. Break ranks and you might as well change your party affiliation to "D," you won't survive a GOP primary in 2010.

(H/T to RobV, over at The 46, for enlightening me to this article with his post, Senate Republicans Vow To Crush Stimulus.)

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Rasmussen Poll: Public Support for Stimulus Waning

The recent GOP show of force, might be the start of an echo chamber against the pork based, ineffective, and very expensive Obastimulus package. People seem to be waking up to the true contents of the stimulus package, not the false advertising and fear mongering that package it. Public support for the plan is waning.

According to Rasmussen Reports, this week, support for the recovery package, in its present form, has fallen, especially among Independent voters. Last week, support for the package was at 45% with opposition at 34%. The latest Rasmussen numbers indicate a very significant shift, as it stands now, 42% still support it and 39% oppose.

Another concern indicated was that the government would be overreaching. Forty-six percent of respondents were concerned that the Federal government would be doing too much while 42% were concerned they wouldn't be doing enough.

While little has changed among conservative or liberal opinions, the greatest shift in support has occurred within unaffiliated voters. Last week 37% in favor of the plan and 36% opposed, now, 50% oppose it, while only 27% favor it.

Overall voters resoundingly reject a stimulus package made up of only government spending without any tax cuts-70% opposing this idea to 15% supporting. Although, a plan concentrating strictly only tax cuts -like House Republicans proposed- has garnered support. Forty-three percent of voters support this approach while 39% are opposed, with 48% of unaffiliated supporting it and 33% do not.

On a final note, Rasmussen indicates that nearly half of this survey was done on Wednesday after the House vote. There is no indication that this had any effect on opinions concerning support for the recovery plan or not. However, I am of the mind that it is far to obvious to overlook GOP opposition to this bill having some effect.

The Senate had better be listening to these numbers or we might have some new GOP faces come 2010. Ones who go by the political description of Conservative, not spineless invertebrates.

Related Articles:

Most Say Tax Cuts Always Better Than Increased Spending

59% Fear Too Much Government Spending Is Coming

Poll: Stimulus Losing Support With Independents

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Rush Limbaugh: Obama-Limbaugh Stimulus Package

Personally I don't listen to talk radio all that much except brief forays into Glenn Beck territory and occasionally, Rush Limbaugh. Nevertheless, I had heard on his show he would be writing an op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal concerning the Obastimulus package. At first I thought it was a joke, well I stand corrected.

From the WSJ, words of wisdom from the underground leader of the Conservative movement, Rush Limbaugh.

My Bipartisan Stimulus

By Rush Limbaugh:

Wall Street Journal-There's a serious debate in this country as to how best to end the recession. The average recession will last five to 11 months; the average recovery will last six years. Recessions will end on their own if they're left alone. What can make the recession worse is the wrong kind of government intervention.

I believe the wrong kind is precisely what President Barack Obama has proposed. I don't believe his is a "stimulus plan" at all -- I don't think it stimulates anything but the Democratic Party. This "porkulus" bill is designed to repair the Democratic Party's power losses from the 1990s forward, and to cement the party's majority power for decades.

Keynesian economists believe government spending on "shovel-ready" infrastructure projects -- schools, roads, bridges -- is the best way to stimulate our staggering economy. Supply-side economists make an equally persuasive case that tax cuts are the surest and quickest way to create permanent jobs and cause an economy to rebound. That happened under JFK, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. We know that when tax rates are cut in a recession, it brings an economy back.

Recent polling indicates that the American people are in favor of both approaches.

Notwithstanding the media blitz in support of the Obama stimulus plan, most Americans, according to a new Rasmussen poll, are skeptical. Rasmussen finds that 59% fear that Congress and the president will increase government spending too much. Only 17% worry they will cut taxes too much. Since the American people are not certain that the Obama stimulus plan is the way to go, it seems to me there's an opportunity for genuine compromise. At the same time, we can garner evidence on how to deal with future recessions, so every occurrence will no longer become a matter of partisan debate.

Congress is currently haggling over how to spend $900 billion generated by American taxpayers in the private sector. (It's important to remember that it's the people's money, not Washington's.) In a Jan. 23 meeting between President Obama and Republican leaders, Rep. Eric Cantor (R., Va.) proposed a moderate tax cut plan. President Obama responded, "I won. I'm going to trump you on that."

Yes, elections have consequences. But where's the bipartisanship, Mr. Obama? This does not have to be a divisive issue. My proposal is a genuine compromise.

Fifty-three percent of American voters voted for Barack Obama; 46% voted for John McCain, and 1% voted for wackos. Give that 1% to President Obama. Let's say the vote was 54% to 46%. As a way to bring the country together and at the same time determine the most effective way to deal with recessions, under the Obama-Limbaugh Stimulus Plan of 2009: 54% of the $900 billion -- $486 billion -- will be spent on infrastructure and pork as defined by Mr. Obama and the Democrats; 46% -- $414 billion -- will be directed toward tax cuts, as determined by me. read more...

I thought this would be wrought full of sarcasm and infantile jabs at Obama, but surpisingly, El Rushbo, has offered the most bipartisan, comprehensive, sensible, and comparative stimulus package yet. The best part is, by this application you could finally determine which economic school of thought solves recessions better, Keynesian or Supply-Side. This is perfect since recessions are a fact of life and will continue to happen. While I am not his hugest fan, my hat's off to Limbaugh for his simple and common sense approach, I love it!

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House Conservatives Hold the Line Against Stimulus

Bad news, stimulus bill passed the House. Good news, 177 Republicans voted UNANIMOUSLY against it and had an additional 11 Democratic allies join their ranks. For better or worse, the Liberals, own it.

Cantor and Boehner should earn the gratitude of the tax payers for showing some profound leadership and backbone. They have, at the least, held the line on principles and kept their party on the straight an narrow in a no win situation.

Additional credit to the House GOP, as a whole, for coming together against a very contentious issue and voting like minded. They are going to lose a lot more, but, it is important they voted together. Now there will be immense pressure on GOP Senators to do the same. This might also assist in forcing the stimulus to be crafted more along the lines of tax cuts, less government expansion, and less pork spending, making it a more palatable and realistic solution. These are a lot of "ifs," though.

Related Stories: House OKs $819B stimulus bill in win for Obama

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Rober Reich: No White Male Construction Workers Wanted

This is a video from You Tube of Robert Reich and Charlie Rangel discussing how to best target the money from infrastructure spending towards minorities versus skilled professionals, and in Reich's own words, "White male construction workers."

Video form You Tube,



You are white or an educated professional, we don't want you, please dry up and blow away in the wind like dog excrement, utterly disgusting. Welcome to hope and change you can believe in, America.

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CATO Going on Offensive With the President

Seems the CATO Intstitute, a well respected Libertarian think tank, is going on the offensive, not that it will do much good. However, non-Keynesian economists are at least speaking out against the Obamstimulus package.

This was run by CATO in major newspapers across the country, most notable were the New York Times and the Washington Post. (Due to technical difficulties, spamming issues, that have been appropriately dealt with, I meant to run this yesterday, however, I never got to it.)

From the CATO Institute,

President Obama says that "economists from across the political spectrum agree" on the need for massive government spending to stimulate the economy. In fact, many economists disagree. Hundreds of them, including Nobel laureates and other prominent scholars, have signed a statement that the Cato Institute has placed in major newspapers across the United States.

As appeared in newspapers across the country,






















For more information on economic sanity, here is a link to their Fiscal Reality Center.

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Obama's Compromise, the Big Bluff.

President Obama is open to compromise as the hour of his reckoning draws near. Now he is claiming that he is willing to accept GOP changes to the stimulus package, invoked Reagan, and asked everyone to sing kumbyah.

I don't think that anyone got the idea that when President Obama started talking about bipartisanship that he meant, not only the captain, but the crew goes down with the ship, too. If Repubs. bite on this they are as stupid as the Left paints them.

Yahoo News – On the eve of a key vote, President Barack Obama privately promised Republicans he stands ready to accept changes in the $825 billion economic stimulus legislation, invoked Ronald Reagan to rebut conservative critics and urged lawmakers to "put politics aside" in the interest of creating jobs. read more...

Have a nice run guys, I am joining a political party that I know doesn't have a chance. Maybe Nader's Greenies. At least they don't purposefully shoot themselves in the foot when they know better. They are just stupid all the time.

Update: Not 5 minutes after I posted this, a new article appears on the Yahoo, guess I ain't going Green. Damn it, I wanted to play with sea kittens before I fried them up.

Yahoo News — The House of Representatives is expected to approve on Wednesday an $825 billion plan aimed at reviving an economy that's rapidly falling into what may be the worst recession since World War II, but President Barack Obama is likely to fall short of getting the strong bipartisan consensus he wants. read more...

If you already read this portion of the article and realize the rest is gone you would be correct. Seems, there is a spamming issue going on with a particular trackback via another post I had just put up before this one. So, I had to remove it.

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Conservatives on Elba Island

In 1814, after abdicating his throne, Napoleon I spent some 300 odd days on the Island of Elba. Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, about 20 km off the coast of Italy. It was Napoleon's time there and what he did after that can provide some great lessons for the conservative movement to learn from.

While on Elba, Napoleon, gained a certain affinity for the local population. Because of this, and to pass the time, he enacted social and economic reforms to improve the quality of life for the people who lived there. He mined iron, created hospitals, increased the availability of drinking water, and issued decrees for implementation of better agricultural practices.

Napoleon's optimism is what kept him going during his 9 month and 12 day stay on Elba. His lust for power and conquest soon returned though. In 1815 he escaped Elba and returned to Europe to reassert himself as Emperor of France. This led to the bloody to the Hundred Days campaign, where he was defeated and exiled to the island of St. Helena, in the Atlantic.

Republicans, like Napoleon, ruled the government in terms of conquest. Arbitrarily doing, spending, and acting as they pleased while in power. Voters, due to this behavior, saw fit to put them on their own Elba.

The GOP must learn to use what influence they have, regardless of how limited, to effect positive change for the people, a lesson that was lost to Napoleon. Attempting to fight against the tyranny of the an expansive government and return to a more purest conservative movement, fundamentally rooted in its classical liberal and Burkean philosophies.

Unlike Napoleon though, if and when, they have the opportunity to return to mantle of power it cannot be done with the zeal of conquerors. It must be done with great care and affinity for the American people. Fighting to return power to the citizens, limiting government, and undoing the damage that is taking place to the core of American culture.

Hopefully we can learn from these historical references. Take away the lessons, as well as the mistakes, people in history have made, and then apply them to our own political situations. If not, the GOP is doomed to exile and extinction on its own St. Helena, the place where Napoleon lived the rest of his days, withered and broken.

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Geithener Approved and Sworn In.

Tim Geithner was approved by the Senate, in 60-34 vote, as the new Treasury Secretary despite ample evidence of tax "lapses." Geithner is now the sole person responsible for spending that is related to the Highway Robbery Bill ver 2.0. (I.E. Obama stimulus package)

Dontcha' just love having a guy who says not paying 4 years of taxes was an "oversight?" Most people are just worried about him leading the IRS, I am worried about him leading the whole damn Treasury Department. Hopefully he won't have another oversight like forgetting where the $1 trillion we are about to drop is.

For the full story:

Business Week-Senate confirms Geithner as treasury secretary

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Kristol Kanned

Prominent Neo-Conservative writer, William Kristol, has been sacked by the NY Times due to "sloppiness in writing and uneven facts." His latest piece, Will Obama Save Liberalism? will be his last for the Old Gray Lady.

Scott Harper, a far-left leaning, anti-war attorney, and contributing editor at Harper's magazine stated on the Daily Beast,

The Daily Beast-The New York Times’ decision not to renew Bill Kristol’s opinion column was because of the conservative writer’s sloppiness and uneven quality, according to a reliable source with first-hand knowledge of the decision.

Haper's "reliable source," goes on to comfort all concerned, that it has nothing to do with political ideology.

The source makes clear that the decision not to renew Kristol’s contract is not related to his neoconservative ideology—Kristol’s proximity to key Washington players ranging from Bush and Cheney to John McCain (whom he supported in 2000) was considered a distinct plus.

This is probably half-true for one reason; Kristol, had a direct pipeline of information from the White House when it was occupied by Bush. Now that Obama is President, what good is Kristol to the NY Times? They were probably tolerating his politics because of his status, as a journalist, within the former Administration.

Either way, if the Times is claiming that Kristol was released due to his sloppiness of writing and uneven quality, can someone please explain to me why Maureen Dowd is still employed there? Her latest pernicious drivel, Which Governor Is Wackier?

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Joe "Captain Obvious" Biden

In a stunning display of his intellectual capacity, Vice-President Joe Biden, has offered America, and the world, his take on the situations, the Obama administration has "inherited."

While appearing on Face the Nation, Biden stated,

"It is worse, quite frankly, than everyone thought it was, and it's getting worse every day."

"There's been no good news, and there's no good news on the immediate horizon," he said. "The only good news is the president acted swiftly; he's put together an economic stimulus package that we believe, and outsiders believe, will create 3 million to 4 million new jobs and set a new framework for the economy to develop on, a new foundation. And so we're off and running, but it's going to get worse before it gets better."

Interpretation, we have this idea that looks great on paper, it's gonna cost you and 5 generations of your families a lot of money, and we aren't sure it's gonna work. So, hang on it's gonna be a bumpy and expensive ride, even though it doesn't have to be.

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Senate Designate Kristen Gillibrand, Blue Dog

Rep. Kristen Gillibrand's (D-NY) appointment to HRC's Senate seat was political "shock and awe" to liberal Democrats and Republicans, as well. Gillibrand, is a fiscal hawk, pro-guns, anti gay marriage, as well as adhering to many other Right leaning stances. Her appointment should make some on the Right raise an eyebrow in interest.

Gillibrand, or Tracy Flick, as she is known by her not so illustrious Congressional colleagues, is the daughter of Doug Rutnik, a well-known GOP lobbyist and has worked as an intern for Alphonse D'Amato, the former senior New York Republican senator and influential Washington lobbyist.

Minus her right leaning stances these are some obviously strong connects with the GOP. However, it still cannot be forgotten, that at the end of the da,y she still has a "D" behind her name.

Despite this, many high ranking liberals are miffed about her appointment to the Senate.

From the New York Post,

"It's the wrong message that she's sending out by having Alfonse D'Amato there," said Assemblyman Peter Rivera (D-Bronx), who called Gillibrand "anti-immigrant."

"The message is that she's still to the right and is going to continue to stay to the right."

This has even sparked disdain from the the Grand-Poohbette herself, Nancy Pelosi.

Sources told The Post that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called Paterson Thursday night to express displeasure with his choice, multiple sources said. Her spokesman strongly denied the claim and insisted they talked about politics.

From MyWayNews,

McCarthy, a Long Island Democrat who ran for Congress after her husband was shot to death and her son wounded in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre, said someone with such a record should not be the next senator from New York.

"The majority of New Yorkers believe in trying to reduce gun violence," she said.

With Caroline Kennedy's strange disappearance from the scene and Gillibrand's unexpected appointment, the Republicans better be on the watch. Paint me a political conspiracy theorist, but for some strange reason I am smelling White House involvement and pre-positioning. True intentions, unknown.

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The New Look

Well, what can I say. I am bipolar about blog templates. If my count is correct, this the 3rd change in under 8 months to this blog's layout. This one seems to be more user friendly and easier to navigate, plus, IMHO, easier on the eyes.

If you are new to blogging or an old hack that's been around for awhile there are a few sites out there dedicated to the betterment of coding and the general look of the Blogoshpere, more succinctly, Blogger. Here are links to two which I have come across in the past few months.

BloggerBuster - This is a site run by Amanda Fazani and she provides easy to read tutorials, hacks, SEO, and information pertaining to HTML. She is very informative, her content is very reliable, and most of all, easy to understand. The last template I used was designed by her and modified by me. BloggerBuster is highly recommended reading, especially for a novice who wants to expand their knowledge of web design.

OurBloggerTemplates- This is the site which I grabbed this template up from. They tend to concentrate more on development of templates for Blogger, than hacks. However, the group of templates they offer are all very well put together and creative. Much like BloggerBuster, it is an easy read and not difficult to understand. This site is a must if you want to get away from the limited templates offered by Blogger.

In addition to being great sites, both having enumerable quality, they are free! I believe both offer a tip jar and since these folks have a lot of great material and put time into their efforts, drop them a buck or two. They are obviously working hard.

Also, I must apologize to folks who have commented here, the JS-Kit/Haloscan comment form I was using has not been uploaded yet, so commentary is gone, but not forgotten. Please, let me get some feedback from you on which, you as the reader, prefer to use. The standard Blogger comment template or JS-Kit/Haloscan.

On a final note, while playing with the template, I nuked my links page. (Yeah, I am an idiot.) But, it actually worked out better in the end. I have reorganized it and added quite a lot of new sites. It is still under construction, so to speak, and if you are a blogger visiting here, Left, Right, Centrist, Science, Technology, Philosophy, etc. email me a link to your site, via the contact form in the menu at the top of the page. Or, leave it in the comment box and I will be happy to take a look at it. I can't guarantee all sites will make it up there, this will be based on content and just how crazy or sane you really are.

The original link is at the top of the page under Links Page on the menu bar, if you would like to take a look. If you are to lazy to scroll up, like me, here is the direct link,

Politics and Critical Thinking Links Page

Don't worry, it's free. I don't believe there should be a price on good information. Hope you enjoyed!

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Jim DeMint, change you can believe in.

All to often, perilous times bring out the most opportunistic and vile creatures, who play on our needs and use this against us in order to gain power. However, it also brings out those of staunch character and ideals, that actually think about the well-being of those they serve, before themselves. Jim DeMint, might actually be the latter.

In an article written for the The State publication's editorial column, Senator DeMint lays out a plan for well placed tax cuts, a surrogate plan to the Obastimulus package.

No matter what President Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress put in their still-unfinished economic stimulus bill, there is a strong chance this recession will persist. The president knows this, and he also knows that his honeymoon with the American people will not endure too many months of bankruptcies, foreclosures and rising unemployment. Thus, his request for Republican help in crafting at least part of the stimulus bill is not only magnanimous and statesmanlike, but also extremely clever. Should the bill fail to revive the economy, its bipartisan character would inoculate the new president from sole responsibility for what Republicans could otherwise brand “The Obama Recession.”

But if the stimulus package Obama signs into law is anything like the draft recently reported in the media, long-term economic pain will indeed be on his hands. Last week, word leaked that Team Obama’s package would total $775 billion, including $300 billion in tax relief. That $300 billion is the bait Obama hopes will lure congressional Republicans to vote in favor of the stimulus package, and thus share responsibility for its potential failure. A close look at the details of the proposed tax cuts, however, exposes the president’s strategy as short-sighted, artificial and insubstantial: junk food for our starving economy. We don’t need another check-in-the-mail debacle, business credits that expire after a single year or special-interest corporate welfare.

Republicans who embrace these ineffectual tax cuts will deserve the inevitable consequences they suffer at the polls. Conservatives need to snap out of their November blues: We lost an election, after all, not our minds. It’s not too much to ask that the largest economic stimulus bill in history actually stimulate the economy. read more...

Seems that the Carolina Conservative's Club, along with some insurgent allies in Louisiana (Vitter) and Oklahoma (Coburn), might be the only thing standing in the way of the Far Left Juggernaut, fueled by lawyer lingo. Credit to Demint, and the few others, who are actually standing up in the sea of RINO mods. inhabiting the Senate.

Please, feel free to leave some commentary at the bottom of the page. We appreciate your thoughts.

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Gitmo Closure Executive Order, more than meets the eye.

Fulfilling his campaign promises, Obama in his first series of executive orders has effectively shut down Guantanamo Detention Facility, ensured “lawful” interrogation of detainees, and brought into question the status of the detainees currently housed at Gitmo. However, upon analysis of the legal language within these very orders, you get quite a different picture.

For the longest time I have personally tried to understand the psyche of Obama, the moniker of socialist, black liberation theology aficionado, or even to some degree, hyper-liberal, never fit. His description in my own mind, always started with self-serving, opportunistic, ________, the last word to fit that description I could never find, until today. It is, “lawyer.” His chosen profession is what has allowed the former heir apparent, and now boy king, to navigate through the cesspool that is Chi-Town politics and ascend to the position of POTUS, un-mired, unquestioned, and most of all, unknown.

His very first Executive order was his greatest victory, for himself, and those on the far Left fringe whom he used to attain his current position. However, upon further exploration of the legal speak in his orders you might find a different story, altogether.

From Whitehouse.gov,

EXECUTIVE ORDER -- REVIEW AND DISPOSITION OF INDIVIDUALS DETAINED AT THE GUANTÁNAMO BAY NAVAL BASE AND CLOSURE OF DETENTION FACILITIES

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to effect the appropriate disposition of individuals currently detained by the Department of Defense at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base (Guantánamo) and promptly to close detention facilities at Guantánamo, consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice.

But the fairy tale changes when you get to Section 2 Findings, Subparagrah (c.) and continues from there.

The individuals currently detained at Guantánamo have the constitutional “privilege” of the writ of habeas corpus.

Why is this important? The word privilege is what determines the meaning of this whole sentence. If it was replaced by the word “right” it would succinctly guarantee the detainees trial by jury, no ifs, ands, or buts, about it.

Using the example of driving, it is not a right, it is a privilege allowed to you based on the fact that you have fulfilled certain qualifications to be eligible to participate. Nevertheless, it can be revoked at anytime if you do not comply with certain rules that govern the conduct of driving. This gives the administration great maneuvering power and latitude when it comes to defining the status of the detainees, whether they are characterized as enemy combatants or federal criminals.

Section. 4. Immediate Review of All Guantánamo Detentions, Subparagraph (c.) Operation of Review. The duties of the Review participants shall include the following:

Section 5 states,

(5) Consideration of Issues Relating to Transfer to the United States. The Review shall identify and consider legal, logistical, and security issues relating to the potential transfer of individuals currently detained at Guantánamo to facilities within the United States, and the Review participants shall work with the Congress on any legislation that may be appropriate.

Sec. 5. Diplomatic Efforts. The Secretary of State shall expeditiously pursue and direct such negotiations and diplomatic efforts with foreign governments as are necessary and appropriate to implement this order.

In other words, the ones whose status cannot be determined become someone else’s problem. If this can even be negotiated, however, there is a flaw in this logic. Please note, this example has nothing to do with the Obama administration and is showing of what the action of releasing these “people” to other countries could incur.

Report: Ex-Gitmo detainee joins al-Qaida in Yemen

Next is the Section 7 as it applies to Military Commissions,

Sec. 7. Military Commissions. The Secretary of Defense shall immediately take steps sufficient to ensure that during the pendency of the Review described in section 4 of this order, no charges are sworn, or referred to a military commission under the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and the Rules for Military Commissions, and that all proceedings of such military commissions to which charges have been referred but in which no judgment has been rendered, and all proceedings pending in the United States Court of Military Commission Review, are “halted.”

Halt, meaning the “temporary” or “permanent” stoppage of an operation. Again, legal ambiguity, leaving room for maneuvering, while playing a dangerous game with national security and the well being of the people of the United States. However, not the clear cut victory the Left was hoping for. On the flipside, not the status quo of President Bush’s policies that the Right was garnering, either. What are we left with? Legal speak trying to mask confusion.

America, because you wanted change you could believe in so bad, we have a lawyer in the White House, not a leader. Good luck, we are going to need it.

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On the Hill, Roundup of the Congressional herd.

The herd is in full stampede with the inauguration of President Obama. Hearings are taking place on Geithner's nomination, Liberals want cram down provision added to economic stimulus package, and House defeats second release of TARP funds.

Time could be issue for Geithner



It is still perplexing that a man who was Chairman of the New York Federal Reserve, could overlook something that any self-employed small business owner already knows. You have to file your own taxes. If it was not gross incompetence then it was misconduct, which opens up a whole new arena about ethics. Like many things with the Obama administration, Geithner is not what he is being sold as.

Geithner's nomination was unfortunately approved by the Senate Finance Committee, 18-5, with Republicans casting the the five "no" votes. Although, his appointment could face staunch opposition on the Senate floor, Harry Reid has said he will call for cloture if needed.
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Liberals want 'cram down' provision in stimulus

The Hill-Liberal Democratic lawmakers railed Thursday against the tactical decision of President Obama and House leaders to leave a bankruptcy “cram-down” provision out of the economic stimulus package.

The provision would let bankruptcy judges to shrink, or “cram down,” mortgages for homeowners who owe more than their home is worth.

Obama and Democratic congressional leaders say they strongly support it, but the financial industry and Senate Republicans oppose it. So the White House and Democratic leaders worry that making the provision part of the stimulus would complicate their efforts to build GOP support in the Senate, where Republicans have enough strength to support a filibuster.

But at a hearing on the provision Thursday, Democrats said that too many people are losing their homes to worry about Republican votes or financial industry objections. read more...

This is a contentious issue for me, right now people are losing their homes at an alarming rate. In order to stay in their homes,the only choice the average American might have is a Chapter 13 debt re-consolidation. Under the cram down provision this would give bankruptcy judges the legal authority to modify the mortgage debt much like they do for credit cards.

The main problem I see is a swelling in the ranks of borrowers applying of bankruptcy. That directly effects the mortgage and finance industry, in the long run, and does nothing to curtail the effects of the credit crunch. Like most plans being presented, it only exacerbates it, furthering problems consumers will face.

Mortgage companies need their money and Americans need their homes. If the people aren't paying their bill and no one is buying homes, the mortgage companies will go under, it's inevitable. The best solution is for them to work together to come up with some creative financing that is amicable for both parties. A little charity now inspires a helluva lot of loyalty in the future.
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House votes against releasing TARP funds

The Hill-Members of the House treated Thursday’s vote on the release of the second half of the economic bailout as if it were political kryptonite.

In a 270-155 vote, the House passed a resolution disapproving the release of the second $350 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds. Only four Republicans voted for the measure.

The vote was largely symbolic because the Senate last week rejected a resolution disapproving the release of the funds. Since both chambers would have to pass a resolution of disapproval, the Obama administration will have access to the funds.

Given the unpopularity of the TARP program, the safest vote was probably to support the disapproval resolution. Almost none of those who voted against it face a difficult race in 2010. read more...

At first the title blew me away, then I remembered as is mentioned in the article. It takes both the Senate and the House to deny Obama access to the funds. They still get what they want and the TARP doesn't get stopped. Can you say, "Spend, baby, spend?"


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The Dead Center, Revisited

Listening to conservative pundit upon conservative pundit espousing a script that seems to have been revisited like a bad rerun, I could not help but feel a certain familiarity with the message. Then it occurred to me, liberal Professor, Robert Reich's article in the New York Times from January of 2004.

From back in the day, when conservatives ruled the roost,

The Dead Center

By ROBERT B. REICH
Published: January 29, 2004

New York Times-The dismal fifth-place showing by Senator Joseph Lieberman in the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday serves as both reminder and motivator to the other Democratic presidential candidates on what it will take to win in November. For so long now, everyone has assumed that recapturing the presidency depends on who triumphs in the battle between liberals and moderates within the party. Such thinking, though, is inherently flawed. The real fight is between those who want only to win back the White House and those who also want to build a new political movement -- one that rivals the conservative movement that has given Republicans their dominant position in American politics.

Senator Lieberman's defeat on Tuesday could be a good indicator of which side is ahead. To their detriment, Mr. Lieberman and the perennially dour Democratic Leadership Council have been deeply wary of any hint of a progressive movement, preferring instead an uninspired centrist message that echoes Republican themes.

On the other extreme is Howard Dean, who could be called the quintessential ''movement'' Democrat. His campaign is both grass-roots and reformist, and is based on the proposition that ordinary people must be empowered to ''take back America.'' Similar threads can also be seen in the campaigns of Senators John Edwards and John Kerry. (Full disclosure: I've been helping Senator Kerry.) It was no accident after last week's caucuses in Iowa that a beaming Senator Edwards told supporters they had ''started a movement to change America.''

I hope that Mr. Edwards and the others will stay on message -- and movement. After all, Democrats have seen what the Republican Party has been able to accomplish over the years. The conservative movement has developed dedicated sources of money and legions of ground troops who not only get out the vote, but also spend the time between elections persuading others to join their ranks. It has devised frames of reference that are used repeatedly in policy debates (among them: it's your money, tax and spend, political correctness, class warfare).

It has a system for recruiting and electing officials nationwide who share the same world view and who will vote accordingly. And it has a coherent ideology uniting evangelical Christians, blue-collar whites in the South and West, and big business -- an ideology in which foreign enemies, domestic poverty and crime, and homosexuality all must be met with strict punishment and religious orthodoxy.

In contrast, the Democratic Party has had no analogous movement to animate it. Instead, every four years party loyalists throw themselves behind a presidential candidate who they believe will deliver them from the rising conservative tide. After the election, they go back to whatever they were doing before. Other Democrats have involved themselves in single-issue politics -- the environment, campaign finance, the war in Iraq and so on -- but these battles have failed to build a political movement. Issues rise and fall, depending on which interests are threatened and when. They can even divide Democrats, as each advocacy group scrambles after the same set of liberal donors and competes for the limited attention of the news media.

As a result, Democrats have been undisciplined, intimidated or just plain silent. They have few dedicated sources of money, and almost no ground troops. The religious left is disconnected from the political struggle. One hears few liberal Democratic phrases that are repeated with any regularity. In addition, there is no consistent Democratic world view or ideology. Most Congressional Democrats raise their own money, do their own polls and vote every which way. Democrats have little or no clear identity except by reference to what conservatives say about them.

Self-styled Democratic centrists, like those who inhabit the Democratic Leadership Council, attribute the party's difficulties to a failure to respond to an electorate grown more conservative, upscale and suburban. This is nonsense. The biggest losses for Democrats since 1980 have not been among suburban voters but among America's giant middle and working classes -- especially white workers without four-year college degrees, once part of the old Democratic base. Not incidentally, these are the same people who have lost the most economic ground over the last quarter-century. read more...

Replace the Democrat with Republican and Liberal with Conservative and it is representative of today. History does have a way repeating itself and our memories are often short, so short in fact, that 4 years ago seems like 40. Sometimes all of this is comical. :)

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Hillary Confirmed as Secretary of State

The Senate has overwhelmingly approved Senator Hillary Clinton to the position of Secretary of State. Opposition was meek and the final vote was 94-2 with Senator Vitter (C-La.) and Senator Demint (C-SC) standing in opposition.

From the AP, via Yahoo,

The Associated Press – The Senate confirmed Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state Wednesday as President Barack Obama moved to make his imprint on U.S. foreign policy, mobilizing a fresh team of veteran advisers and reaching out to world leaders.

The Senate voted 94-2, with Republican Sens. David Vitter of Louisiana and Jim DeMint of South Carolina opposing.

Republicans and Democrats alike said her swift confirmation was necessary so that Obama could begin tackling the major foreign policy issues at hand, including two wars, increased violence in the Middle East and the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. read more...

This is fantastic, minus the conflict of interests Bill provides. Far Lefties are going to be dying when Clinton starts her diatribes with foreign leaders. She doesn't exactly possess what one would call diplomatic abilities. Just think back to yesterday and her assailment of Conryn because of his opposition to her appointment. What is she going to do when a foreign despot opposes her will?

I see a lot of embarrassment for the administration in the near future. They are going to have to create a whole new wing of government dedicated to cleaning up HRC's messes. I give her about 2-3 years before she "quits." Besides, that would giver her enough time to start her run against Obama in 12' if the political atmosphere is inviting enough.


Update: Liberal reaction to her confirmation, from my favorite band of loons, Firedog Lake.

Firedog Lake-I would have preferred her for a domestic slot like health, but it's still amusing to see Clinton confirmed with only 2 votes against (Vitter and DeMint), if only to keep janitors employed cleaning up after wingnut head explosions for the duration of her stay at Foggy Bottom. (Hey it's nasty work, but it's work).

Clinton's got a lot of name recognition and is generally (but not universally) liked overseas. Her husband is, likewise, still very popular. Added to the goodwill Obama starts with, I hope she'll be able to do some good in repairing America's damaged reputation, and the source of that damaged reputation, America's foreign policy.

Here is a little pragmatic observation; saying HRC will return us to an era of American diplomatic preeminence and fix our damaged reputation is like saying that George Custer was on a benevolent mission of charity to Little Big Horn and was woefully misunderstood. I love Firedog Lake, they keep me entertained, lol.

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GOP, The Way

While stumbling around in the wilderness, often mumbling incoherently to itself, the GOP has possibly been shown the way to reunify itself, and maybe pick up a few unintended allies along the way. Enter the inspiration, Far Left crazed-spending into oblivion.

In an article on the heavily conservative American Thinker, author Larry Anderson takes a poignant look at the lies and exploitation the GOP has perpetrated on conservatives.

As Mr Anderson points out, most of the rhetoric attached to the Republican "big tent" speeches promise of returns to free markets, tax cuts, government reform, and fiscal responsibility are just that, rhetoric. Exactly the message to get a group of conservatives fired up and ready to retake Washington. Ironically, most of the funding and time for the GOP is provided by these very same conservative activists, who in the end get rampant spending, socialist lite policies, and government expansion for their trouble. Not exactly delivering on what was promised.

There are many reasons we have a President Obama today; DNC mastering of tech, tapping into a younger voting base, 50 state strategy, Latino voters, ACORN, Iraq, etc., take your pick. While all of these were obvious factors, the one that is barely talked about is the mandate against President Bush and those who recklessly supported his bad spending habits. Unfortunately, we are still getting more of the same old same old.

Right now we stand on the brink of an $800 billion plus "stimulus package" to get the economy off life support. What American wouldn't be ecstatic about getting a nice little hunk of change from their Uncle Sam. The problem is these checks will be passed out, hopefully, to make you start spending, not paying bills or saving for the leaner times. Furthermore, this solution fails to address the long term ramifications of the economic downturn and inevitable fiscal constriction.

This brings up the obvious question, "How are we going to pay for all of this?" Are we going keep printing money to the point of making it valueless. Are we going to keep borrowing from the Chinese till Beijing owns every home in America? No, they will have to raise taxes, and raise them they will. If this doesn't prove to be enough, then what? The government will then have to find alternative ways to generate more capital to pay the bill. The only answer is a profitable return on a government investment, better known as the nationalization of domestic companies. This is not saying Obama is a socialist, it is an observation that he is not leaving himself or future administrations much choice.

This path leaves the constituency of America with few options. Overt taxation will be levied to God knows what level, leaving many with little or no earning, spending, savings, or investment potential. An expanded government, possibly doubled in its size, and only adding to its already horrible mismanagement. And nationalized businesses and companies which have to answer to the very same broken bureaucracy that got us into this mess in the first place. How can we expect our technocrats to manage and provide sound services within a larger government, when they can't take care of the one they have now?

With all this in mind, triangulation on a message that can bind together the factious movements in the GOP, as well as garner some allies (i.e. Blue Dogs), should be top priority to the RNC. That message is fiscal responsibility and reform of the present process of government spending. If the weak-minded GOP Congressional leaders could get this through their thick skulls and start practicing it, they could become a positive force to be reckoned with. However, they won't due to fear of the President's approval rating.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal the Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, shows his true colors when it comes to being the leader of the opposition.

"I think it's important not to be in a hurry," Mr. McConnell, of Kentucky, said in an interview in his office in the U.S. Capitol last week. "The new president has high approval ratings. Polls indicate that both Republicans and Democrats want him to be successful. We want to be a respectful, loyal opposition."

Let's not forget our conservative leaning experts either.

From D. R. Tucker of Human Events,

Frum’s “Diary” blog at National Review Online has been a must-read for the past few years and, unfortunately, a target of much unfair criticism. Frum has been smeared by the talk-radio world for allegedly being a RINO or a faux-conservative, largely because he a) didn’t buy the right’s effort to position Sarah Palin as the new Queen of Conservatism and b) believed that merely recycling old lines from the Reagan ‘80s would not lead to a new era of Republican dominance.

He of course goes on in his post to show the backlash against Sarah Palin as obvious proof that the 80's style Reagan message is dead. Tucker, in all of his myopia, is overlooking two important points: message is one thing, actually practicing it is another and we tried running a moderate Republican in John McCain, it didn't work.

Tucker's point about the death Reagan conservatism is very important, though. But not for the reasons he intended. How can you put forth the message of fiscal responsibility when you haven't been practicing it? The American people don't trust the GOP anymore because of their wanton disregard for America's prosperity. It's time to rebuild that trust by standing up for them through opposition of stupidity,like the stimulus package, communicating to the people directly, offering viable fiscal solutions, and why they work. As far as McCain, I think the answer to that is painfully obvious.

Finally, all is not lost, from Senator David Vitter's (R-La.) attempted opposition to the release of the second half of the TARP funds, to Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin's, Roadmap for America’s Future, to gentlemen like Senator Demint who offers some sound advice,

"We have to have a remnant of the Republican Party who are recognizable as freedom fighters," Mr. DeMint said. "What I'm looking to do as a conservative leader in the Senate is to identify those Republicans, and even some Democrats, and put together a consensus of people who can help stop this slide toward socialism."

Freedom in America is inexorably connected to the economy and its prosperity. It is what our country was founded on and the more the government controls the less you have. You don't even have to use critical thinking to figure that out.


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I pledge...not to be some faux Hollywood activist or a hypocrite.

Well the old Limousine Liberal sect strikes again. With their renewed vigor and vitality brought on by the sweeping winds of hope and change, the Hollywood hypocrites take the pledge.

From Briebart.com (H/T Powerline),

MySpace Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge


After polarizing and dividing the country for almost eight years, now, the eruidtes of hope want to have a feel good fest? Where were you the past decade on the issue of human trafficking, or trying to fight AIDS in Africa, or combating global poverty? Now all of sudden you are inspired? The Nero's in Hollywood did nothing for any issues of substance. They chose to fiddle while Rome burned and now they want a fire hose. I pledge to fight them every step of the way and make sure they know how shallow they really are.

Don't be like these sheep-minded goons, you don't need the "Great Leader" to inspire you to help your fellow man. Give your time, not money, to a worth while cause. Just do it because it's what's in your heart.

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Kennedy and the Klansmen

Not long after BHO's swearing in, Senator Ted Kennedy was reportedly stricken with a seizure and collapsed. Less reported, however, was that 91 year old, ex-Klansman, Senator Robert Byrd fell ill also.

From USAToday's Obama blog, the Oval,

Senator Edward Kennedy, who continues to battle brain cancer, suffered a seizure today at the Capitol luncheon where President Obama and Vice President Biden were being honored. Another Senate veteran, Robert Byrd, was also helped from the room by medical personnel. read more...

According to a commenter on the Libertarian blog Hit & Run, in 1964, Byrd was quoted as saying, "I'll drop dead the day a black man can be president." If this is true can you say "comical irony?"

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Inauguration Day Round Up

In the interests of history and brotherhood, we figured we would embrace this monumental day of hope and change by giving a recount of the days events. This is a glimpse of things to come.

It seems even Chief Justice John Roberts got caught up in the hypnotic gaze of the "One." While administering the Oaf of Office to the Messiah, the Chief Justice finally feels the Chris Matthews tingle.

From MSNBC,

ROBERTS: I, Barack Hussein Obama...

OBAMA: I, Barack... (Wonders if he should let the world he is a closet Muslim.)

ROBERTS: ... do solemnly swear...

OBAMA: I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear... (Figures screw it, it's too late. Finally admits Muslim heritage.)

ROBERTS: ... that I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully... (Tingle sets in.)

OBAMA: ... that I will execute... (True intentions are known.)

ROBERTS: ... faithfully the office of president of the United States...

OBAMA: ... the office of president of the United States faithfully...

ROBERTS: ... and will to the best of my ability...

OBAMA: ... and will to the best of my ability... (Doesn't have much.)

ROBERTS: ... preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

OBAMA: ... preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. (More like change, shift, and shape so it suits my needs.)

ROBERTS: So help you God? (Has to remind him he isn't swearing to Allah.)

OBAMA: So help me God. (Suckers!!!!)

ROBERTS: Congratulations, Mr. President. (Feints like a 15 yr girl at a Jonas brothers concert.)

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Bush Mocked As He Arrives on Inauguration Dais

The Hill Blog-The crowd packed on the west side of the Capitol grounds serenaded President Bush in mocking fashion when he took to the inaugural stage alongside Vice President Dick Cheney.

"Nah nah nah nah, hey hey, good-bye," a section of the crowd chanted.

The crowd packed immediately below the podium received Bush in stony silence when he took his seat on the stage surrounding the podium where Barack Obama was scheduled to take the oath office to become the 44th president of the United States. read more...

Great to see that Liberals are still a class act, they haven't disappointed yet. You can't accuse them of not being inconsistent.
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Carter 'Snubs' Clinton?

ABC-ABC News' David Wright reports: Today may be a day when the nation briefly sets aside partisan enmity for the peaceful transition of power, but personal enmity? That’s another matter.

One small example: as the ex-Presidents gathered in the crypt of the Capitol preparing to head out to the platform, a chilly day got a bit chillier as the Carters and the Clintons were forced to occupy the same cramped space.

Former Democratic President Jimmy Carter appeared to greet former Republican President George H.W. Bush and his wife warmly, kissing Barbara Bush on the cheek. But as Carter passed fellow Democrats Bill and Hillary Clinton, the two men did not appear to acknowledge each others presence at all. read more...

When Jimmy Carter starts picking on you, you know you have lost all your political capital. This is like the former starting QB getting kicked around by the high school science nerd.

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Clinton and Cornyn wrangle in Rotunda

The Politico-Hillary Clinton and John Cornyn, who's delaying her floor confirmation vote, have been having a fairly heated (that is to say, intense but cordial) discussion just out of earshot under the Washington statue in the rotunda. Lots of hand gestures, back and forth and her squeezing his forearm. read more...

It was later reported that Hillary had to be held back by Bill, while shouting, "You remember Vince Foster, don't you?!?!? Yeah, look what happened to him! I better be confirmed by tomorrow!"
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It's ashame that silliness like, most of this is, was gong on behind the scenes on such a truly historic day. Seems like you can "hope" all you want for "change," but, the more things change the more they stay the same.

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Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean sentences commuted by Bush.

Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, on the very last full day of the Bush Presidency, have had their sentences commuted. Ramos and Compean had shot a Mexican drug runner, back in 2005, and were serving 11 and 12 year sentences respectively. These sentences will now end on March 20th this year.

From Fox News,

Bush Commutes Sentences for Two Former Border Patrol Agents

Fox News-On his last full day in office, President Bush commuted the controversial sentences of two former Border Patrol agents convicted of shooting a Mexican drug runner in 2005.

The imprisonment of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean had sparked outcry from critics who said the two men were just doing their jobs and were punished too harshly. They had been sentenced to 11- and 12-year sentences, respectively.

Their prison sentences will now expire on March 20 of this year. read more...

The New York Post,

BUSH PARDONS TWO BORDER GUARDS

New York Post - President George W. Bush has commuted the prison sentences of two former Border Patrol guards whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited debate about illegal immigration. read more...

From the WaPo,

Bush Commutes Sentences of Former U.S. Border Agents

Washinton Post -- In his final acts of clemency, President George W. Bush on Monday commuted the prison sentences of two former U.S. Border Patrol agents whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited fierce debate about illegal immigration.

Bush's decision to commute the sentences of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who tried to cover up the shooting, was welcomed by both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. They had long argued that the agents were merely doing their jobs, defending the American border against criminals. They also maintained that the more than 10-year prison sentences the pair was given were too harsh. read more...

While Ramos and Compean did perform egregiously illegal acts, as far as evidence tampering, many critics of the sentencing were rightly crusading for its reduction. The trial seemed to be used to make an example of these two men and the time they would have served was ridiculous.

I am glad to see they received commutation rather than full pardon, they did, after all, break the law. However they have served their debt to society for their crimes, now let them get on with their lives. President Bush deserves credit for recognizing this and it is an appropriate way for him to leave office.


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Perspective on the Bush Presidency, from the Right and the Left

There are many takes on why President Bush was either a bad President or one of the best ever. Here is an offering of two of the fairest assessments I have found on the Left and the Right.

From Dissenting Justice, an open minded Progressive weblog that is actually a very good read. The author, Professor Darren Hutchinson, usually gives a poignant and well thought analysis on politics and current events. You don't have to agree him, but at the least, his writings are not full of vitriol and hubris, as can be seen in his opening statement.

Get a Grip People: Bush Is not the Worst President in U.S. History

I have always found surveys that ask people to rank presidents a little silly. People who complete these surveys often fail to look beyond their own reality and consider figures from the past. Also, even when people look to the past, they usually employ contemporary standards to judge historical conduct. But many political positions that are suicidal today, were perfectly acceptable in the past (and vice versa). Not taking this into account can cloud our assessment of historical actors. Finally, in order to determine a president's place in history, we might have to wait until long after the person leaves office before we can accurately ascertain the longterm impact of the individual's term in office. read more...

WithBias, is a little spitfire of an online Conservative activist. BiasedGirl, the author, tends to use great sourcing to back up her posts and opinions. Links are abundant to viable sources, and her conclusions, sometimes with a populist draw, follow a reasoned line of logic that she ferociously backs up with hard evidence. At the bare minimum, all she can be accused of is being passionate about her movement. Definitely a good read if you want some great debate.

Presently, she has an ongoing series about the Bush II years versus the Clinton years.

Shocker! Bush Not the Worst US President

With Tuesday's looming immaculate inauguration, we will see the conclusion of the Presidency of George W. Bush. A man maligned by the media from the beginning of his first term when they demanded recounts until he won then called it a "stolen election". To the final days of his second term, when Everyone is trying to define the Presidency of W as one of, if not 'the worst in history'. read more..

Facts Reveal: Bush Actually A Good President!

In yesterday's post I revealed why George W Bush has been a superior President to the Liberal hero Bill Clinton, on matters of Civil Rights, Protecting us from Terrorists, and the Military, regardless of what you might have heard. Today I'm taking a look at what Karl Rove would call the "kitchen table" issues. read more...

While I may not personally agree with the totality of either of their conclusions, they're at least making an attempt to think about their positions. In turn, hopefully their readership will draw the proper judgments about the out-going President and the historical ramifications of his governance. Judgments that are based on reality and not mired down with ignorant memes and talking points.

Both blogs are highly recommended.

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