A Parma, Ohio man dressed as Santa was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of attempting kidnapping after repeatedly grabbing a 12 year old girl. He was in possession of candy canes and a unicycle upon arrest.
A blue and white swirl has been seen in the sky's of Norway. The phenomenon is believed to be a failed test launch of a new Russian missile. Russian officials still refuse to comment.
The Nelson amendment which called for restricted abortion coverage in the current controversial health-care bill failed by a 54-45 vote. Many believe it is impossible for the bill to receive the necessary support without the amendment.
General David Petraeus recently addressed the senate Foreign Relations Committee on progress in Afghanistan. He reported that in comparison with the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan is likely to be slower and more difficult, but the situation is not hopeless.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Sign
Everything seems to be about polls these days. I myself have my own poll that I use whenever I happen to be back in my hometown--Chi-Town. I call it the Bumper Poll. I make an un-scientific estimate of bumper stickers stuck to Priuses and other vehicles and determine what the atmosphere is like in my suburb and the surrounding area. Parking lots are excellent sources of data.
Last fall (2008), the sheer amount of "IMPEACH BUSH," "IF YOU'RE NOT OUTRAGED YOU'RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION," "OBAMA & BIDEN" and "O" stickers indicated a very strong disapproval of George W. Bush, and strong support behind Barack Obama's candidacy.
Either people have decided that the patriotic colors clash with the sleek paint jobs of their foreign made cars, or they have grown less enthusiastic about displaying pride in the one, the only Barack Obama. Upon visiting the Windy City over Thanksgiving Break, I counted around five to ten cars that proudly proclaimed approval of Obama. This was after driving through the city itself, and after watching hundreds of cars on the express way.
This method of polling is probably un-scientific to the degree that it's actually laughable, but it is still something of note. The poll featured on Politico appears to support my childish methods.
Try it sometime. Counting bumper stickers is a great way to combat boredom. And observation is a part of the scientific method.
Last fall (2008), the sheer amount of "IMPEACH BUSH," "IF YOU'RE NOT OUTRAGED YOU'RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION," "OBAMA & BIDEN" and "O" stickers indicated a very strong disapproval of George W. Bush, and strong support behind Barack Obama's candidacy.
Either people have decided that the patriotic colors clash with the sleek paint jobs of their foreign made cars, or they have grown less enthusiastic about displaying pride in the one, the only Barack Obama. Upon visiting the Windy City over Thanksgiving Break, I counted around five to ten cars that proudly proclaimed approval of Obama. This was after driving through the city itself, and after watching hundreds of cars on the express way.
This method of polling is probably un-scientific to the degree that it's actually laughable, but it is still something of note. The poll featured on Politico appears to support my childish methods.
Try it sometime. Counting bumper stickers is a great way to combat boredom. And observation is a part of the scientific method.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sarah Palin: Birther?
There is much to like in the possibility of a presidential bid by Sarah Palin (besides, who else does the Right have? Mike Huckabee?), but the case for Palin 2012 isn't a slam dunk, and making excuses for every wrong turn made by those on our side is the last thing we need to do.
Case in point: Conservatives4Palin, the most prominent pro-Palin blog on the Web. Palin recently told conservative radio host Rusty Humphries that,
In response, C4P's Daniel Terrapin & Joshua Livestro say it should be obvious that Palin herself doesn't take Birtherism seriously, but is merely defending the people's right to question their leaders, and suggests any different reaction is a deliberate attempt to distort her words. This afternoon, Palin herself said this is all she really meant.
I'll take her word for it that she doesn't personally believe Obama was born in Kenya, but she and her supporters need to be honest with themselves & with the rest of us, and admit her original words amounted to more than "the people have the right to question their leaders." She said the public was rightfully making it an issue, even though it's manifestly insane.
Conservatives have fought long and hard to remind their opponents that having the right to do something doesn't make it right. That goes for disgruntled voters, as well.
Case in point: Conservatives4Palin, the most prominent pro-Palin blog on the Web. Palin recently told conservative radio host Rusty Humphries that,
"I think the public rightfully is still making [President Obama's birth certificate] an issue. I don't have a problem with that. I don't know if I would have to bother to make it an issue, because I think that members of the electorate still want answers...I think it's a fair question, just like I think past association and past voting records -- all of that is fair game."
In response, C4P's Daniel Terrapin & Joshua Livestro say it should be obvious that Palin herself doesn't take Birtherism seriously, but is merely defending the people's right to question their leaders, and suggests any different reaction is a deliberate attempt to distort her words. This afternoon, Palin herself said this is all she really meant.
I'll take her word for it that she doesn't personally believe Obama was born in Kenya, but she and her supporters need to be honest with themselves & with the rest of us, and admit her original words amounted to more than "the people have the right to question their leaders." She said the public was rightfully making it an issue, even though it's manifestly insane.
Conservatives have fought long and hard to remind their opponents that having the right to do something doesn't make it right. That goes for disgruntled voters, as well.
Labels:
Barack Obama,
birth certificate,
Sarah Palin
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
No more words necessary...
There's only so much sickening news that one can take before getting discouraged. Perhaps we're all locked in an alternate reality, or part of "the Matrix."
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Right-Wing Obligations
Al Horne - The Second Amendment for all - washingtonpost.com
If health care becomes mandatory, can gun care become mandatory, too ?
If health care becomes mandatory, can gun care become mandatory, too ?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Terrifying Religious Views in the Military
A Beard Too Far by Elaine Donnelly on National Review Online
The United States military is unaffiliated with any specific religion. The United States, however, is a Christian country, or at least a country founded on Christian principles, and the Separation of Church and State does not require the separation of morals and politics (though some might think it does), or principles and public policies.
When do religious viewpoints begin to impede or obstruct military action? Perhaps looking at the recent incident at Fort Hood could give some insight into the question. When does "extreme" go too far? Perhaps when discipline is broken? When the lives of our soldiers are at stake, in danger of other fellow soldiers? When some soldiers think, act, believe, and speak in direct opposition to the principles and guidelines set out by the Founders for this country?
Perhaps a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for religion in the military could help eliminate controversial issues over headgear and hairdos (which happen to blatantly contradict the entire meaning of "uniform"); but when the outward appearances disappear, do the inward thoughts and emotions comply, as well? Is uniformity of faith required for uniformity of purpose? To what degree? If so, is it achievable?
The United States military is unaffiliated with any specific religion. The United States, however, is a Christian country, or at least a country founded on Christian principles, and the Separation of Church and State does not require the separation of morals and politics (though some might think it does), or principles and public policies.
When do religious viewpoints begin to impede or obstruct military action? Perhaps looking at the recent incident at Fort Hood could give some insight into the question. When does "extreme" go too far? Perhaps when discipline is broken? When the lives of our soldiers are at stake, in danger of other fellow soldiers? When some soldiers think, act, believe, and speak in direct opposition to the principles and guidelines set out by the Founders for this country?
Perhaps a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for religion in the military could help eliminate controversial issues over headgear and hairdos (which happen to blatantly contradict the entire meaning of "uniform"); but when the outward appearances disappear, do the inward thoughts and emotions comply, as well? Is uniformity of faith required for uniformity of purpose? To what degree? If so, is it achievable?
Monday, November 9, 2009
Some Democrats to fight abortion amendment in health bill - washingtonpost.com
Some Democrats to fight abortion amendment in health bill - washingtonpost.com
According to this Washington Post article, the Democrats are uneasy about passing the health care bill because of a clause which would limit government funding for abortions.
According to this Washington Post article, the Democrats are uneasy about passing the health care bill because of a clause which would limit government funding for abortions.
Nuts!
Nuts by Mark Steyn (from NRO)
I can't wait to take that journalism class with him next semester :)
Also, great video of Mark Steyn talking on multiculturalism:
I can't wait to take that journalism class with him next semester :)
Also, great video of Mark Steyn talking on multiculturalism:
Labels:
Mark Steyn,
military,
multiculturalism,
National Review
Memorials, In Memoriam?
Yes, this really is up for debate in America:
Connecticut Family Fights For 9-11 Memorial. Opposition Suggests They Build It In The Ground Over The Sewers.
It really is a travesty when a few people can't see the value in honoring their fellow Americans who lost their life in such a tragic way. I also am at a loss for not wanting a monument. In ages past, this was how we honored these people--so that we remember.
In D.C. this summer, I remember walking past this huge bronze plaque-type memorial in Union Station to men who lost their lives in a train accident. What would have happened if that wasn't there? I never would have known about it. It's a very touching dedication to bravery and sacrifice, so if you're ever in the D.C. area, it's right off the main room, if you're walking in from the metro.
Today is the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall falling. That too is a symbol, even though it was torn down. The sentiment remains--the wall stood for oppression, these monuments stand for the best of human character. We need to build up humanity by glorifying its positive attributes, not bending in submission to its weak ones.
Connecticut Family Fights For 9-11 Memorial. Opposition Suggests They Build It In The Ground Over The Sewers.
It really is a travesty when a few people can't see the value in honoring their fellow Americans who lost their life in such a tragic way. I also am at a loss for not wanting a monument. In ages past, this was how we honored these people--so that we remember.
In D.C. this summer, I remember walking past this huge bronze plaque-type memorial in Union Station to men who lost their lives in a train accident. What would have happened if that wasn't there? I never would have known about it. It's a very touching dedication to bravery and sacrifice, so if you're ever in the D.C. area, it's right off the main room, if you're walking in from the metro.
Today is the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall falling. That too is a symbol, even though it was torn down. The sentiment remains--the wall stood for oppression, these monuments stand for the best of human character. We need to build up humanity by glorifying its positive attributes, not bending in submission to its weak ones.
Labels:
9/11,
America,
Berlin Wall,
memorials
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Denial!
Of course yesterday's elections had nothing to do with Obama. It had everything to do with "local issues" and not the President's policies, or lack thereof. And Obama simply likes campaigning too much not to involve himself in gubernatorial campaigns.
This is very interesting. The White House dismisses what should be a very important lesson to those currently serving the government. Within nine to ten months, the shine has worn off of Obama. His charm has drained the voters. His name, which is synonymous with the Democratic Party, did not win Deeds or Corzine governors' seats.
The Democrat candidate did win in New York, as Nancy Pelosi kindly points out. However, what is important is that the Conservative candidate posed a threat to both the Democrat and Republican in the running. The fact that he ran should prove to be a warning to those moderate Republicans--that they can no longer stray from the herd of their conservative base, and will not be tempted or charmed into the hope and change that revolutionized this recession.
This is very interesting. The White House dismisses what should be a very important lesson to those currently serving the government. Within nine to ten months, the shine has worn off of Obama. His charm has drained the voters. His name, which is synonymous with the Democratic Party, did not win Deeds or Corzine governors' seats.
The Democrat candidate did win in New York, as Nancy Pelosi kindly points out. However, what is important is that the Conservative candidate posed a threat to both the Democrat and Republican in the running. The fact that he ran should prove to be a warning to those moderate Republicans--that they can no longer stray from the herd of their conservative base, and will not be tempted or charmed into the hope and change that revolutionized this recession.
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