Piling On - Senator Craig Should Resign

I can't believe that Senator Larry Craig has not resigned yet. The flippin' hypocrite is a stain on his country, the Senate and his party.

Christian Coaltion of America - Irrelevant

Christian Coalition president-elect resigns - CNN.com

"I wanted to expand the issues from only moral ones -- such as opposing abortion and redefining marriage -- to include compassion issues such as poverty, justice, and creation care," Hunter said in a statement. "We need to care as much for the vulnerable outside the womb as inside the womb."

So the President-elect of the Christian Coalition of America (CCA) steps down because the CCA board doesn't want to expand their causes. They'd prefer to stay narrow and focus just on a few moral issues. The CCA just doesn't get it. Christians are starting to see a bigger world than just being anti-abortion and pro-marriage. Those are important issues but there are so many more issues to engage in.

Republican Senate 'Leadership'

House GOP scrambles for leader - Nation/Politics - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Today, Senate Republicans are expected to approve Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky to be the minority leader. Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi, a former Senate Republican leader, and Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, are locked in a tight but very quiet race for the No. 2 slot.

How boring! McConnell isn't too bad but Lott vs. Alexander? Lott needs to get out of Washington and I still can't forget the pandering that Alexander did to the 'common folk' when running for President in the 1996 primary. Remember those goofy red and black plaid shirts? Republicans need some different options that's for sure.

Hastert To Not Be In House Leadership

BREITBART.COM - AP: Hastert Won't Seek House Leader Post - This is a good thing. Hastert seems like a real nice guy but, as Speaker of the House, he's been a virtual unknown. The leadership, from a public perspective, was missing. New blood for the GOP, please!

We Lose

Well it looks like the Democrats will have a chance to run the Congress for awhile. I know that the Republicans didn't do their job well and are getting fired for their performance. Hopefully they will learn that it's not just about getting elected but that you've got to govern. The fact that immigration didn't get done and that some Republicans were getting too comfortable in their jobs really hurt. The whole Foley mess didn't help at all. That lesson is act quick and firm when wrongdoing occurs; try to hide it and it will get you later.

I don't want to see any Sore Loserman behavior from Republicans. It's time to go figure out how to re-connect with voters and prepare for 2008. Heck, within the next few DAYS we'll start hearing people declare for the presidency.

In terms of perspective, I like what TARP has to say about the election. Still, can you believe California voted Jerry Brown as Attorney General?

Dobson, etc. Trying To Scare Christians On Voting

The Christian Scare to Vote - 1TIM2 Check out Paul's reaction to a radion program James Dobson has last Thursday and Friday. I sure wish Dr. Dobson would stick what he does best because he needs to stay out of politics.

Uninspired Vote

I have never been less inspired about an election than the one coming up this Tuesday. I'm a center-right Christian who's truly become tired of the political process. In spite of that the alternative is the Democratic Party and that is just not acceptable. I'm not thrilled with the Republican Party but the primary role of our government is defense and the Democrats can't and won't do it.

So, I will go to the polls this coming Tuesday and vote Republican right down the ballot. You unhappy center to right folks who think sitting this one out will teach the Republicans a lesson are sadly mistaken. I suggest you go and vote also and stay away from the 3rd party 'ideal' candidate.

Lieberman Losing

CNN.com - Lamont increases lead over Lieberman - Aug 3, 2006

The Quinnipiac University poll gives Lamont a 54 percent to 41 percent lead among likely Democratic primary voters and is the latest indication that the three-term incumbent is in serious danger of losing the Democratic primary next Tuesday.

How far left has the Democratic Party become when a sitting Senator, a former VP candidate and a person who can rise above partisanship can lose in a primary. Simple amazing. Not that my party is really that smart these days but this is just stupid.

My Frustration With Politics

As most readers of this blog has noticed is that there are a lot less politics than before. I think I've figured it out with the help of some very wise friends. I meet with a group of guys almost every week. The only way I can describe the group is that they are "truth seekers".

One of the group had just gotten back from Europe and had some conversations over there about what Euros think of America and Bush. Of course most Euros can't stand Bush and it brought up the "why do Europeans hate Bush so much" question. I've never been to Europe but the rest of the group has. I asked a lot of questions and realized how much I really still like George W. Bush. I admire his honesty, faith and his stance of the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Here's the biggest problem, his message hasn't gotten out. That's my frustration! We've done so much good in Iraq yet it gets drowned out by bad news. It seems that no matter what good the Bush Administration does they let it just sit there while the anti-Bush crowd (including the MSM) goes on the attack and focus's only on things that aren't going so well. Heck, many aspects of the economy are strong yet if you read any of the MSM the economy is totally a wreck.

My turn off is that it just seems that from the outside the Bush Administration is a total screw up. Well, I just don't see it that way and it's sad that this administration can't communicate the messages very well. The Clinton Administration had very few policy successes that they proposed yet had a 7/24 campaign machine for 8 years (it's still going) that took credit for a ton of things that came from a Republican Congress that Clinton had no choice to sign. The Bush Administration needs to get cracking on the message (Tony Snow is a good start) and needs to get aggressive. They need a spin machine that equals the old Clinton spin machine. That's the way politics works and that's what Bush needs to do.

I truly used to believe that just doing good work would pay off but my "truth seeker" friends convinced me differently. The reality is that it does matter because our society and others don't have time for the truth. One of our group was hearing from a Euro about how Bush == Hitler. He asked the speaker why and there really wasn't much thought behind why this person believed Bush == Hitler. People just want to have a simple answer without much thought. The Bush Administration, Republican Party and other allies need to drive home a message that is simple, clear and persuasive (and truthful, because truth is important).

It seems that the anti-Bush side's talkin points are that Bush hates poor people, hates minorities, doesn't care about the environment, is on a Christian crusade and that Iraq is all about oil. Bush and the rest need to counter those points and drive home the truth. One of the our group mentioned how Bush is very blunt. The bluntness is something I admire but my friend pointed out that it really doesn't work well outside of his supporters. In a world where truth is no longer admired we need to find a better way to communicate that truth. Just being blunt isn't going to work anymore.

I figure, now that I have a better grasp of my problem with politics I can now deal with it better. I believe that politics does matter but my side needs to figure out how to communicate and persuade. There is a time for bluntness, such as right after 9/11 but there also needs to be a time for persuasion. I hope the next Republican presidential candidate gets that message and I hope our current president, George W. Bush, will understand it soon. I truly believe he's a good man and has done many good things, it's just too bad most of the world doesn't know this.

Quick Note: Many of the conclusions that I've come to are not all my own. They definitely came from other people in my "Truth Seeker" group. I've just concluded that they now apply to me.

UPDATE: I was just reminded by one of our group members about how Ronald Reagan performed in the 80's. He was hated but stuck to his guns and the walls of communism in Europe came tumbling down. Like Reagan, Bush needs to stick to his guns on GWOT but Bush needs to communicate the optimism of Reagan also.

Dems Ready to Cheat?

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Politics -- Busby on defense, says she misspoke

"You don't need papers for voting."

Francine Busby must be losing in the polls to Brian Bilbray as now it must be cheating time. The dirty little secret of American politics is that not all poll workers ask for proof of ID. This is completely wrong. Now Busby is sending the unethical signals.

Francis Pedraza - Have we abandoned Limited Government?

From a friend of mine, Francis Pedraza:

I once thought that the battle over the size of government would wage between entrenched party lines. I was wrong.

I once expected that when Republicans prevailed, so would smaller government; just as I once feared a democratic victory would surely mark the rise of big government. I was wrong, at least partially. I still believe my characterization of the democrats holds true. But I was wrong about the Republicans.

Welcome to a party that has abandoned fiscal responsibility. January 20th marked six years of a Republican White House, and twelve years of a Republican majority in Congress. Yet, today, a day most of us conservatives would have looked forward to, the nation foots the costs of enormous government spending. With over 1,180 agencies now consuming over twenty percent of the economy through a shocking 2.3 trillion dollar ($2,300,000,000,000) congressional budget, I see now that Republican governance is anything but limited. In fact the Cato institute calculated that, “even after excluding spending on defense and homeland security, Bush is still the biggest-spending president in 30 years.” This places him higher than either Johnson (war on poverty) or Carter. In his first term alone, our Republican Congress increased spending by 33 percent. Cato concludes: “if Republicans don’t cut spending, it won’t be because they can’t. It will be because they don’t want to.”

The debate in America, as one LA Times reporter put it, is “no longer [between] Republicans arguing with Democrats about whether government should be big or small. Instead they are at odds over what kind of big government the U.S. should have.”

Why is this? Why has the Republican Party simply abandoned its most important belief, its heart and essence and historical foundation? I guess Republicans simply don’t want to make the case for fiscal conservatism. They consider it “cruel” advocating both tax cuts and spending cuts; but tax cuts and spending increases, on the other hand, are quite fashionable. Promise the people bread and circuses, welfare and prescription drugs, but at no cost. That is the suit politicians have been wearing – it is unspeakably dishonest and damaging. In the end, spending money must come from taxes. Either we tax, or cut spending, or face tremendous economic and social ills.

What will those consequences be? The direct effect of these incompatible policies will be: inflation, unemployment, a collapse of incomes, an impairment of wealth, and a destruction of capital. Without exaggeration, I believe it will result in the literal collapse of the economy. When Congress spends money that does not exist, it destroys the value of the currency. All capital and wealth are based on a set of assumptions regarding the monetary value of the dollar. If the dollar becomes next to meaningless, then the income and savings of every American family will instantly dissolve to inflation.

The Republican Contract with America once promised “the end of government that is too big, too intrusive, and too easy with the public's money.” Well, every year that Republican Congress spends money on the credit of the nation, money we do not have, money it seems we never intend to repay.

Soon, the baby boomers will retire. According to the Congressional Budget Office, if spending were limited to today’s rate, the size and increase of entitlements (social security, Medicare, Medicaid) would balloon to 78% of federal spending by the year 2040. The credit card of annual deficits (500 billion) and national debt (8.2 trillion) cannot continue. Future generations, to whom we pass on our debt, cannot sustain the burden. It is unjust to ask it of them. It is irresponsible not to control our spending now.

Today, the sentiment among many Americans is that government is the solution. Today the federal government regulates, taxes, and manages more sectors of our country than ever before, and increasingly more people depend on its doing so. Perhaps it would do the world good to remember the words of Barry Goldwater,

Thankfully, Americans do not need big government. It goes to the core of our way of freedom, this American concept: that government is limited, and the people self-governed. We, the people, do not need a government program to provide for our every need. We, the people, will raise up the businesses, the charities, the universities, the inventors our society needs. We, the sovereign people, will do it ourselves. We do not need a thousand actively damaging subsidies, grant programs, tax loopholes, pork projects, and regulations. They are unconstitutional, unnecessary, and harmful.

The fate of the United States is a choice. Either let the country die the death of a thousand cuts, a thousand ways of spending beyond our means: or we can recover our fiscal health, our heritage, and our promise to the world as the last great hope of mankind on earth.

Party of Reagan, do not abandon limited government.

Francis Pedraza is a 16-year-old from San Diego, Calif., who this year is finishing up a rigorous classical education. During last year's election, Pedraza was active in politics, with his speeches, interviews and public-service announcements airing on the radio around the U.S. He is currently working on his book, "A California Yankee in the Kangaroo Court."

Fred Barnes - What He'd Do If He Were In Charge

OpinionJournal - Featured Article

The president's most spectacular move would be to anoint a presidential successor. This would require Vice President Cheney to resign. His replacement? Condoleezza Rice, whom Mr. Bush regards highly. Her replacement? Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, whose Bush-like views on Iraq and the war on terror have made him a pariah in the Democratic caucus.

If this blurb doesn't make you want to read more then I don't know what will.

Time for a Shake-Up?

GOP Irritation At Bush Was Long Brewing

Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), who won his seat in 2002 after a late push by Bush, told the Associated Press this week that the president should shake up the staff more broadly, accusing the White House of having a political "tin ear." The Coleman call was seen by some top White House aides a wake-up call because he has been such a loyal Bush backer.

I'd really like to see President Bush bring in some new blood. These last five years have been very hard on every body involved. The events of 9/11 and everything following it must have been draining. It time to get some fresh and untainted blood into the administration.

The Port Deal

I've not posted anything on the Dubai port deal yet as I'm trying to hear all sides. After lots of consideration I just think that I, politically, it's just a real stupid move by the Bush Administration. The security aspects are a bit less of a concern but I believe that any screener MUST be a US citizen with some type of security clearance. It makes me laugh to see the Democrats make a big issue of this as they are so against racial profiling, yet this is a huge step in the racial profile mud. Bush needs to find away out of this but Congress will not let it be easy. They all need to make statements for the 2006 election.

Why We Need Term Limits

I like Tom DeLay but I'm also glad he's not going to be Majority Leader anymore. Term limits are the only answer. Too many good people on both sides of the aisle get sucked into some belief that they are so important in their position that they must stay in office. I believe that the Representative should serve no more than 4 2 year terms, a Senator 2 6 year terms and a President 1 6 year term (yes, that's what I said 1 6 year term).

Who Is Duke Cunningham

I found this article that gives you an idea about who Duke Cunningham is.

Cunningham Pleads Guilty

Tip to Drudge.

BREITBART.COM - Calif. Congressman Admits Taking Bribes

Cunningham, 63, entered pleas in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud, and tax evasion for underreporting his income in 2004.

The confession of Duke Cunningham is very sad. This is an ace in Vietnam, Mr. Top Gun and a man who I know loves Christ. This just shows that any person can fall. I just hope that this confession will help him get his life back together. I met him a few years ago and he was a pretty nice guy.

Election 2005

The quick and dirty analysis of the 2005 election is that the governor races in NJ and VA aren't losses for Republicans. NJ can't be considered a surprise at all that the Democrats held that seat. VA is a bit different in that Republicans need to recapture VA someday. I guess now was not the time but this was not a net loss nor an unexpected one.

California, on the other hand, is just plain screwed up. The problem in California is that it has this horrible leftist representation that won't fix a darn thing. Arnold lost big, along with a lot of common sense. California is a political disaster and we have hard leftists and crazy unions to thank for that. Whatever happened to Reagan Country.

At least San Diego elected Jerry Sanders instead of Donna Frye.

You Never Know Who You Will Meet In Church

Today we attended the coastal church and had the privilege of sitting next to Howard Kaloogian, former California Assembyman and current candidate to replace Randy Cunningham in the US House of Representatives. We spoke a bit after church and he seems like a real good guy. Tonight I've been looking up more about Kaloogian and he's definitely a conservative, but what I think his best issue is is the controlling of spending at the federal level. We need some true blue fiscal conservatives that will find ways to make the government work better with less. Something else that Howard is doing is serving as co-chair of Move America Forward which is worth checking out yourself.

Democratic Leaders Like Dean

Democratic leaders back Dean, don't want 'wimp'

"I hope Governor Dean will remember that he didn't get elected to be a wimp," said DNC member Gilda Cobb-Hunter, a South Carolina state representative. "We have been waiting a long time for someone to stand up for Democrats."

Dean took fire from Republicans and some Democrats earlier this week for a series of recent comments, including calling Republicans "pretty much a white, Christian party" and saying they "never made an honest living in their lives."

Of course they don't want a wimp but Dean is acting like a wanker. For all those people who speak about unity, they've got a crash and burn leader who will say or do anything to win. Doug TenNapel even has some sound advice for Democrats. They should follow his advice.

Ben Stein on Tom DeLay

The American Spectator - The Truth About DeLay
- Since I'm pretty tired of politics I've not been following the Tom DeLay story but Ben Stein has. Please take a look.

La Shawn Barber on Redefining Civil Rights

La Shawn Barber's Corner » Redefining the Civil Rights Battle

I hate to see any politician trying to court votes as it insults the audience. If Republicans want more of any "group's" votes they need to do a better job of presenting the message of freedom, lower taxes, family values and peace through strength. Just don't suck up to any audience or make promises you can't keep.

I Just Don't Watch O'Reilly Much Anymore

Ever since Bill O'Reilly "settled" his little issue I just don't enjoy watching him anymore. Wasn't it ironic how he had that kids book come out just a bit before. I almost bought the book for my kids. The nerve of some people. If you are innocent of something like sexual harrassment you don't settle (I hope Bill Cosby is listening).

UPDATE: For more info on O'Reilly settling, chech this one out.

Colson - Another Political Burnout

BreakPoint | PEAD

The first was that I was listening to endless, banal chatter. I began to realize that people were making up issues just to have something to talk about. On dull news days, commentary turned into performance art, manufacturing controversy to continue talk-show conversation before boisterous audiences.
The second revelation is that, whether it was left or right, the whole thing was driven by ideology. In our relativistic age when we can’t come to an agreement on the common good, we line up behind manmade utopian ideologies. One scheme is on the left; one is on the right. Both are fatally flawed.

Make sure to read the rest but, like Colson, I'm tired of hearing the same chatter back and forth. It is more about power than changing lives.

KMC on SOTU

Crosswalk.com - Kevin McCullough's Weblog

I didn't watch the State of the Union so I need to refer you to KMC. Work gets in the way, again. I did see the touching moment (who hasn't by now).

Rush Warns Bush On Spending and Immigration

OpinionJournal - John Fund on the Trail

On Friday Rush Limbaugh, a staunch Bush supporter, took two separate opportunities to warn the president that he faced conservative opposition on some key issues that could hurt his chances of passing the rest of his second-term agenda. First was federal spending, which "is surging out of control," according to the Heritage Foundation's new "Mandate for Leadership." The other was immigration, which, Mr. Limbaugh told his listeners, "could break up the Republican-conservative coalition" à la Ross Perot. "We cannot maintain our sovereignty without securing and protecting our borders in an era where terrorists around the world seek entry to this country," he said.

Rush is right! Both of these issues need to be handled correctly and not in a manner where the left can demonize the issue. I think Bush is trying to not look like Newt or Pete Wilson on these issues. Immigration and spending are huge issues and Bush needs to find a way to deal with them.

In terms of immigration there needs to be a way to handle the following details; easy access to our country by terrorists, not rewarding law-breakers and making sure people who want to work can legally be allowed to come in and work.

Re-vote in WA - Bad Idea

MSNBC - Republican seeks revote in Wash. governor race

All though I hate to see the Republican candidate lose by the slimmest of margins, a re-vote is a bad precident. Republicans need to remember, "If it's not close, they can't cheat" (or "find" extra votes).

Politics Anyone?

I must admit that I'm almost ignoring all the political news. The shows I usually watch or listen to are just not interesting right now. It seems like ever since this blog came online (June 2003) we've been in a constant election cycle. I'm sure I'll regain the passion in a bit but I'm more interested in blogging about faith, baseball and music. I'm also currently involved in trying to fix our kid's school as the principal has decided that she can just radically change the way things are done. Ugh!

Why Mfume Is Out At NAACP

Tip to Drudge.

HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: NAACP Head Mfume Didn't Retire, He Was Booted Out by Armstrong Williams

Bond and Mfume essentially partnered with the Democratic Party to revitalize the organization. Not surprisingly, the rhetoric coming out of the NAACP became increasingly partisan. During a speech before 2,000 attendees at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, NAACP Chairman Julian Bond proclaimed that President George W. Bush has "selected [political] nominees from the Taliban wing of American politics, appeased the wretched appetites of the extreme right wing and chosen cabinet officials whose devotion to confederacy is nearly canine in its uncritical affection." During a 2003 appearance at the National Press Club, Bond referred to the Republican Party as "a crazed swarm of right wing locusts" that have sought to "subvert, ignore, defy and destroy the laws that require an America which is bias-free," Later that night Bond dubbed the Republicans, "the white people's party."

The final tear came after the election. Mfume suggested sending a letter to President Bush, mapping out ways that they could work together to help the community. Bond rejected the idea. Mfume sent the letter anyway. To Bond, this was an unforgivable. A few weeks later, Bond had Mfume voted out. The message was clear: There is no room within the NAACP for intellectual diversity. Just loyal servitude to the Democratic Party.

WOW! Mfume was really trying to make the NAACP relevant again. Too bad Bond wants to keep it going right down the toilet. This is not a non-partisan organization at all. It's also in need of leadership like Mfume and not Bond. Looks like the wrong guy left.

Ed Rendell Getting Religion on CNN

Just caught Governor Rendell trying to throw God's name around with Paula Zahn in trying to explain how the Democratic party is more Christian. It was a really bad but blatant attempt at going for the red state voters. These next few years will not be fun to watch as the Democrats talk the God talk.

What Good Is McCain-Feingold?

Has anyone noticed ANY changes as a result of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reforms? I think Bush signed that one just to make this issue go away and in many ways, it has. Campaign finance reform is truly a joke. In a country where freedom of speech is one of our very basic rights, silencing people, whether Swift Boat Vets or the move oners, they have a right to speak. Now with this whole Rather-biased mess, it's clear that trying to silence one mode of speech but not silencing bias like Rather (on the PUBLIC airwaves) is totally wrong.

Let people give their money to whoever they want. Anyone who can buy airtime should have access. All I ask is that each donor be disclosed.

Sour Grapes - Paul O'Neill

FT.com Home US

I always question the honor of people who don't leave for some reason of outrage then write a book. If it is so bad you leave (or don't take a job) if things are as bad as later reported by given person. It reminds me of some of the folks who "endured" Clinton (I put quotes endured because none of them were fired) then wrote a book. Kind of like the host of ABC's This Week.

Straightforwardness in Bush Administration

Hat tip to American RealPolitik.

Check out the David Brooks article on the candor of the Bush administration when dealing in foreign policy.

10 Questions With Dennis Miller - Time Magazine

TIME.com: 10 Questions For Dennis Miller -- Dec. 22, 2003

Smart Man - New Canadian PM

CNN.com - Canada's new PM to court U.S. - Dec. 12, 2003

It's good the Chretien is gone, he was really didn't do much for our friendship. Looks like he's got some major issues to deal with:

The Liberals' biggest domestic challenge is to rebuild major programs that have been cramped by reduced spending, including the military, the universal health care system and education.

Also, check out Mark Steyn greatest hit.

Why Is There Space Being Wasted On This Topic?

A Baghdad Thanksgiving's Lingering Aftertaste (washingtonpost.com)

Look Bush-haters. Nothing is perfect and security is of the highest concern. People are always disappionted when they are exluded for any reason. Let's give this a rest.

More On Halliburton

Now some more thoughts on this deal. First of all it's Henry Waxman and John Dingell doing the investigation. Enough said about that. Here's what's going to happen, these charges are largely reported by the press (just look at MSNBC.com). Then, it will turn out that it's true that Halliburton is charging more because of the high risks but it will end up on page A-15 of the Washington Post. Of course, the public will have only heard the first part.

This is just my hunch but it could also be true that Halliburton has done something wrong.

This Can't Be True

This story that Halliburton is being investigated by the Pentagon just can't be true. We all know that we went to war with Iraq to make Halliburton richer. Come on folks, this administration only does things to help its' corporate buddies. They would never let an investigation like this happen.

Phew! That's what it feels like to be one of Howie's kids.

Nice Entry on Senator Simon

Check out the weblog entry at Christianity Today about the late Senator, Paul Simon.

Message to Joe Lieberman

"Howard Dean and now Al Gore want to take our country back, I want to take it forward." - Joe Lieberman, 12/9/03

Joe! The Democratic Party has left you. Time for you to leave it and become an independent or even join the Republicans. Recapture your more moderate social views that you left behind in 2000 and become relevant again.

Bush To Sign Medicare Bill

I guess history will really be the judge of this new Medicare bill. I just don't feel very good about it; good intentions, lots of money, but are there any real changes to make Medicare work better in the future?

CIA "Undercover" Agent - Wilson's Wife

I just can't take anything seriously related to CIA Agent Valerie Plame, posing discreetly in Vanity Fair.

UPDATE: Power Line Blog has a picture. What a joke!

Watch This Man's Career

It will be interesting to follow the career of Patrick Johnson.

More Bad News For Democrats - Jobless Claims Down

Despite the great hope and prayers of many in the Democratic party, jobless claims are coming down. I will qualify my statement "many in the Democratic party" by saying, I don't believe most Democrats hope for the worst but the ones on TV sure do. For those of us who put country over political party this is encouraging:

Economists believe the worst of the layoffs is over. Claims hit a high this year of 459,000 in the middle of April and have slowly drifted downward.

but some words of caution:

Even as the economy grows, it will still take time for the labor market to fully turn around, economists say. And, an influx of job seekers motivated by an improved economic climate could cause the unemployment rate to rise in the months ahead if job creation isn't strong enough, economists say.

Derbyshire on Mass. Ruling

John Derbyshire has a great entry on NRO Corner about the horrendous ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme court. He reflects my thoughts and feelings quite well on this ruling. Where are the lines drawn?

Barbour Wins In Mississippi

No one else will, but I'm projecting Haley Barbour the winner in the Mississippi Governors' Contest. As of now, with 82% of the precincts reporting, Barbour is up 53% to 45%. That's 2 incumbent governors that Republicans have defeated in the last month and we also won an open seat tonight. A pretty darn good night for Republicans. Let's see how the Democrats spin this one.

Update: Now everyone is starting to declare Barbour the winner. BTW, I think Barbour is really Spanky McFarland from The Little Rascals.

Dennis Miller on ACLU

Check out the latest Dennis Miller rant on the ACLU.

12 Reasons for Skepticism on Wilson

Kevin McCullough has posted a great piece on why he's skeptical about this Wilson guy. Check it out.

Novak Speaks

Robert Novak responds. Of course, for the first time in a long time, the Democrats "care" about this type of information. Keep on pursuing, you will end up looking real silly. I do wish Novak, would just give the names of the people who screwed up.

More On The CIA Leak

It seems that the Bush Administration is doing the right thing. Just open everything up and let the public see how stupid this whole thing is.... of course, if someone did something wrong, fire them right away. Unlike the previous administration, I want to see people held accountable.

UPDATE: Just saw the rerun of Fox News and Bill Kristol brought up a great point; he expects to see someone resigning in the next couple of days. Sounds like a plan to me.

I also think that this may just be some sloppy work. As people get too comfortable they can become sloppy. National security is one of those places where it is just not acceptable.

Novak and the Leaking of CIA Analyst Name

It looks like the Democrats are really going to push this whole Wilson/Novak leak issue. The first question that does need to be answered is, was this woman a "protected" asset? According to Cliff May in this National Review article it was common knowledge. Mark Levin in National Review also asks if Wilson was so worried about his wife's position in the CIA then why was he making himself such a public figure? This whole thing stinks of politics. The best thing that this administration could do was open the whole thing up. Schumer is already making all sorts of hints about higher ups. Whoever did leak this information to Novak does have loose lips and should be relieved of their duties, ASAP.

UPDATE: According to these quotes found in Newsmax, Mrs. Wilson is not some operative or undercover agent but an analyst. This is truly much ado about NOTHING.

Why Isn't He From California?

Herman Cain for US Senate

What A Conservative Is Not

There seems to be a common belief amongst evangelicals that somebody is conservative because they are against abortion or against gay marriage. This is not true. A conservative is one who believes in lower taxes, less regulation, a smaller government role, less handouts from the government and a few other issues. The social issues also help mark a conservative but are NOT the sole reasons someone is a conservative. We evangelicals really need to open up our minds to more issues than just what the Christian Coalition passes out before elections.

What is your view on the governments role? What about taxes? How does that effect your family? What about defense? What is a valid reason for war? These are all questions that we should look at along with the social views.

Please, Go Away

When are the spinmeisters like Bob Mulholland just going to go away. It seems they have nothing positive to offer. I know the Democrats say Lee Atwater started it all but that was 15 years ago. It seems with Carville, Begala, Fabiani (working for the SD Chargers) and most of the rest, they just offer nothing but a big diaperful of stuff. On the Republican side let's get rid of Mary Matlin and others like her that are just politicals that their only belief is they don't like the other side.