Immigration is not a Democrat vs. Republican issue. Nor is it a left vs. right or conservative vs. liberal or progressive issue. Those who wan to make it so are fueling the fires. Arizona passed a controversial law on immigration last week. There are troubling aspects of the law, but in the ferocious debate we have lost sight of the real problem.
Arizona felt compelled to try to control illegal immigration because the federal government has failed to do so. For at least a decade members of both parties have ignored the festering wound in hopes that inaction will lead to a generation of votes. Bush wanted amnesty for the same reason Obama supports it -- the party that appears to champion Latino issues will garner the largest growing voting block in America. That very notion my friends, makes me sick to my stomach.
The issue is very clear. Do you believe the United States is a sovereign nation and as such, has an obligation to control the borders and immigration or do you believe the fruits of America should be open to all? It is impossible to make a distinction between the guy that mows your yard, the maid that cleans your hotel room and the drug kingpin terrorizing a neighborhood. They all came across the border illegally. Those of you who are in favor of amnesty, do you have the capability to look at that protester waving the Mexican flag and determine that protester A is a hard-working restaurant busboy and protester B is a cocaine mule? I sure can't.
My home town has a serious problem with illegal immigration. The little town of 16,000 has become nearly 30% Hispanic in the past 10 to 15 years. A significant amount of that population growth is illegal aliens, undocumented workers, whatever. The impact upon the community is profound. The societal and political infrastructure is strained to the breaking point. Taxes have risen dramatically as the city tries to add police and fire protection. Health and safety inspectors are strained as increasing complaints of 10, 15, or 20 people are reported living in single family dwellings. The schools have had to hire aides, instructors and translators to manage the non-English speaking students. Every sign, posting and weekly newsletter in the school is posted in both Spanish and English. The courts have been forced to hire translators and legal aids that speak Spanish. We can debate the good or evil of such requirements and necessities, but we cannot deny such actions have a cost to the taxpayers.
Residents in that town face higher automobile rates. The number of uninsured motorists is higher in that town than those of similar size in the state. The local record in the paper demonstrators that more tickets and accidents can be attributed to those with Hispanic surnames. The hospital is strained to the breaking point as the emergency room is filled with people seeking treatment for ailments that should be covered as routine doctor visits. The point being that the influx of immigrants legal and illegal has ramifications. This is not about skin color.
Today we see many immigrants coming to America to make a better life. But they come not to add to the rich melting pot that is America, but to suckle at the nation's lifeblood like a tick on a hound. They come for the opportunity and stay for the benefits. They want to bring Mexico to the US. There is little attempt to learn the language and the culture. Many of the Southern border towns have become to resemble Mexico, and those immigrants left Mexico for a reason.
I have no beef with those who came here legally. My own family did the same. I do have an issue with anyone whose first act upon crossing American soil is to commit a crime. Entering the country illegally is a crime. This is not a human rights issue, a brown skin issue, a language issue, a culture issue. The debate is whether we are going to be a nation of laws, or a nation of suggestions. I am not sure how an administration that is concerned about our health insurance, our salt intake, our oil usage, the setting on our thermostat, and what investment risks we take, can be so unconcerned about controlling illegal immigration.
It is a duty of the Government to control the borders, to protect the citizens of this country. When we do not enforce the laws on the books there are ramifications. We do not know if that guy struggling through the desert is a man looking to feed his family, a mule carrying drugs, a terrorist sneaking in to blow up our children, or a criminal escaped from Mexican jail. When the feds refuse to enforce and protect the border, we invite Arizona to do the job.
April 30, 2010
April 29, 2010
Today's words of wisdom
I am sure many of you have seen this, but I received this in an email from my brother (hola Otter!). This is "the glass is half full" kind of thinking we need:
What a unique way to look at things!
Written by an 82 year old , very wise lady. She gives us a whole new slant on the amazing job Obama is doing:
That is right - I will say it "(THANK GOD FOR THE PRESIDENT)."
1. He destroyed the Clinton Political Machine - Driving a stake thru the heart of Hillary's Presidential aspirations - something that no Republican was never able to do. Remember when a Hillary Presidency scared the daylights out of you!
2. He killed off the Kennedy Dynasty - No more Kennedy's trolling Washington looking for booze and women wanting rides home. American women and Freedom are safer tonight!
3. He is destroying the Democratic Party before our eyes!
Dennis Moore had never lost a race - quit
Evan Bayh had never lost a race - quit
Byron Dorgan had never lost a race - quit
Harry Reid - soon to be GONE
These are just a handful of the Democrats whose political careers Obama has destroyed! By the end of 2010 dozens more will be gone.
In December of 2008 the Democrats were on the rise. In the last two election cycles they had picked up 14 senate seats and 52 house seats. The press was touting the death of the Conservative Movement and the Republican Party. In just one year, Obama put a stop to all of this and will probably give the house, if not the senate back to the Republicans.
4. He has completely exposed liberals and progressives for what they are. Every Generation seems to need to relearn the lesson on why they should never actually put liberals in charge. He is bringing home the lesson very well.
Liberals tax, borrow and spend - check
Liberals won't bring themselves to protect America - check
Liberals want to take over the economy - check
Liberals think they know what is best for everyone - check
Liberals aren't happy till they are running YOUR life - check
5. He has brought more Americans back to conservatism than anyone since Reagan. In one year he has rejuvenated the Conservative movement and brought out to the streets millions of Freedom Loving Americans. Name me one other time in your life that you saw your friends and neighbors this interested in taking back America !
6. His amazing leadership has sparked the greatest period of sales of firearms and ammunition this country has seen. Law abiding citizens have rallied and have provided a "stimulus" to the sporting goods field while other industries have failed, faded or moved off-shore.
7. In all honesty one year ago I was more afraid than I have been in my life. Not of the economy but of the direction our country was going. I thought Americans had forgotten what this country was all about. My neighbors, friends and strangers proved to me that my lack of confidence of the Greatness and Wisdom of the American people was flat wrong.
8. When the American People wake up no smooth talking teleprompter reader can fool them!
Barack Obama woke up these Great Americans! Again I want to say Thank You Barack Obama! This is exactly the kind of hope and change we desperately needed.
What a unique way to look at things!
Written by an 82 year old , very wise lady. She gives us a whole new slant on the amazing job Obama is doing:
That is right - I will say it "(THANK GOD FOR THE PRESIDENT)."
1. He destroyed the Clinton Political Machine - Driving a stake thru the heart of Hillary's Presidential aspirations - something that no Republican was never able to do. Remember when a Hillary Presidency scared the daylights out of you!
2. He killed off the Kennedy Dynasty - No more Kennedy's trolling Washington looking for booze and women wanting rides home. American women and Freedom are safer tonight!
3. He is destroying the Democratic Party before our eyes!
Dennis Moore had never lost a race - quit
Evan Bayh had never lost a race - quit
Byron Dorgan had never lost a race - quit
Harry Reid - soon to be GONE
These are just a handful of the Democrats whose political careers Obama has destroyed! By the end of 2010 dozens more will be gone.
In December of 2008 the Democrats were on the rise. In the last two election cycles they had picked up 14 senate seats and 52 house seats. The press was touting the death of the Conservative Movement and the Republican Party. In just one year, Obama put a stop to all of this and will probably give the house, if not the senate back to the Republicans.
4. He has completely exposed liberals and progressives for what they are. Every Generation seems to need to relearn the lesson on why they should never actually put liberals in charge. He is bringing home the lesson very well.
Liberals tax, borrow and spend - check
Liberals won't bring themselves to protect America - check
Liberals want to take over the economy - check
Liberals think they know what is best for everyone - check
Liberals aren't happy till they are running YOUR life - check
5. He has brought more Americans back to conservatism than anyone since Reagan. In one year he has rejuvenated the Conservative movement and brought out to the streets millions of Freedom Loving Americans. Name me one other time in your life that you saw your friends and neighbors this interested in taking back America !
6. His amazing leadership has sparked the greatest period of sales of firearms and ammunition this country has seen. Law abiding citizens have rallied and have provided a "stimulus" to the sporting goods field while other industries have failed, faded or moved off-shore.
7. In all honesty one year ago I was more afraid than I have been in my life. Not of the economy but of the direction our country was going. I thought Americans had forgotten what this country was all about. My neighbors, friends and strangers proved to me that my lack of confidence of the Greatness and Wisdom of the American people was flat wrong.
8. When the American People wake up no smooth talking teleprompter reader can fool them!
Barack Obama woke up these Great Americans! Again I want to say Thank You Barack Obama! This is exactly the kind of hope and change we desperately needed.
Quick hits
I know most of you do not click links, but here is one you must read, especially if you are outraged by Arizona's attempts to crack down on illegal migration. What would you think of these provisions to immigrate to our nation:
Those are the laws of Mexico, the very same Mexico where President Calderon calls the Arizona provisions "intolerant".
I am not always right. I am sure that is a shocker to most of you. Members of my family, if they could read this, would fall on the floor in shock. But I am firm in my beliefs. I will fight for what I believe is right. I have been mocked and abused for standing on my conservative principles. If, in the course of debate I learn my position is incorrect, I own up to it. It is called having the courage of your convictions.
– If outsiders do not enhance the country’s “economic or national interests” or are “not found to be physically or mentally healthy,” they are not welcome. Neither are those who show “contempt against national sovereignty or security.” They must not be economic burdens on society and must have clean criminal histories. Those seeking to obtain...citizenship must show a birth certificate, provide a bank statement proving economic independence, pass an exam and prove they can provide their own health care.source
Those are the laws of Mexico, the very same Mexico where President Calderon calls the Arizona provisions "intolerant".
I am not always right. I am sure that is a shocker to most of you. Members of my family, if they could read this, would fall on the floor in shock. But I am firm in my beliefs. I will fight for what I believe is right. I have been mocked and abused for standing on my conservative principles. If, in the course of debate I learn my position is incorrect, I own up to it. It is called having the courage of your convictions.
April 28, 2010
Huh?
So Arizona passes a law that says local Law Enforcement Officers will enforce Federal Laws ALREADY ON THE BOOKS. Is there anybody on the left that understands the definition of Illegal?
When any crime happens, police often ask everybody in the immediate area for identification. If a speeding car is pulled over and it appears the occupants of said auto are intoxicated, then all are asked for identification. Arrests are made accordingly if some of the riders are under age. isn't that profiling? What is the difference?
I can only hope more states join Arizona. maybe then the Feds will understand we want controlled immigration -- not criminals.
edit. Here is the text of the law. Note the law only acts in enforcing existing Federal Law.
When any crime happens, police often ask everybody in the immediate area for identification. If a speeding car is pulled over and it appears the occupants of said auto are intoxicated, then all are asked for identification. Arrests are made accordingly if some of the riders are under age. isn't that profiling? What is the difference?
I can only hope more states join Arizona. maybe then the Feds will understand we want controlled immigration -- not criminals.
edit. Here is the text of the law. Note the law only acts in enforcing existing Federal Law.
Section 1. Intent
The legislature finds that there is a compelling interest in the cooperative enforcement of federal immigration laws throughout all of Arizona.
April 27, 2010
Dream Weaver
I had to scoot down to the Pocket City, Dale Evans favorite berg, on Sunday evening to be there for a Monday morning meeting.
I woke in the early morning hours in a cold sweat. I rarely dream, but I just had a doozy. I dreamed I died in my sleep, in a hotel. Was it heart attack or stroke? I have no idea. I was looking down on my body lying in the bed, bowls empty, eyes staring at nothing in the far distance. I saw the maid come into the room and scream. She crossed herself and spoke Spanish to my corpse.
I know some things. I do not want to be buried with shoes or socks on. The Cubs will break my heart. Beef and noodles must be served with mashed potatoes. I do not want to die alone in a fucking Hampton Inn.
I woke in the early morning hours in a cold sweat. I rarely dream, but I just had a doozy. I dreamed I died in my sleep, in a hotel. Was it heart attack or stroke? I have no idea. I was looking down on my body lying in the bed, bowls empty, eyes staring at nothing in the far distance. I saw the maid come into the room and scream. She crossed herself and spoke Spanish to my corpse.
I know some things. I do not want to be buried with shoes or socks on. The Cubs will break my heart. Beef and noodles must be served with mashed potatoes. I do not want to die alone in a fucking Hampton Inn.
April 25, 2010
Who Cares?
Yesterday dawned with a light drizzle. I made some coffee and read your blogs. I ate some Raisin Bran well soaked in milk and soggy -- just the way I like it, the consistency of oatmeal.
Since the day was gloomy I decided to watch The Godftaher (do I really need an IMDB link?). As you can imagine, that took up the balance of the morning.
By this time the sun had made an appearance. I checked the grass, it was not too wet, so I decided to mow quickly. The weather quack indicated we would see rain the next several days and if I waited until mid-week, it was going to be ankle high.
I mowed and showered and promptly fell asleep in the chair. The wife woke me up and asked if I wanted to go to the movies. We have not been to the flicks in months. So that is how we came to go see the new Jennifer Lopez flick. It is a chick flick, but still pretty good. Afterward we grabbed a pizza and went home. Ho hum another Saturday Night.
The wife played cards on the computer and I watched the end of the Cubs game. I channel surfed for a little and went to bed around 11:45.
There you have it, a post so boring that it makes drywall seem interesting and exactly why Twitter is not for old people. Twitter should adopt the Logan's Run philosophy. When you turn thirty your account should be terminated.
Since the day was gloomy I decided to watch The Godftaher (do I really need an IMDB link?). As you can imagine, that took up the balance of the morning.
By this time the sun had made an appearance. I checked the grass, it was not too wet, so I decided to mow quickly. The weather quack indicated we would see rain the next several days and if I waited until mid-week, it was going to be ankle high.
I mowed and showered and promptly fell asleep in the chair. The wife woke me up and asked if I wanted to go to the movies. We have not been to the flicks in months. So that is how we came to go see the new Jennifer Lopez flick. It is a chick flick, but still pretty good. Afterward we grabbed a pizza and went home. Ho hum another Saturday Night.
The wife played cards on the computer and I watched the end of the Cubs game. I channel surfed for a little and went to bed around 11:45.
There you have it, a post so boring that it makes drywall seem interesting and exactly why Twitter is not for old people. Twitter should adopt the Logan's Run philosophy. When you turn thirty your account should be terminated.
April 24, 2010
Obama is mad
Let me understand, The Obama and his Democrat minions are pissed at Arizona. You see, The Grand Canyon State has had the gall to pass a law that says the State will enforce the Federal laws already on the books regarding individuals who enter the Nation illegally.
The people of Arizona think that if you commit a crime you should pay the price. You Arizonians sure have crazy ideas, according to The Obama. In this case, if you are in Arizona (and thus the USA) illegally, the State will detain you and do their best to have you deported. Like many Americans, the people of Arizona believe that your first act upon American soil should not be a crime. In spite of everything you have heard from the amnestyites, law breakers are not model citizens.
But Hoosierboy, this might lead to profiling. Police profile every day, and you are happy they do. Say a guy wearing a red shirt and jeans robs a bank. Would it be reasonable to stop individuals wearing a red shirt and jeans near the just-robbed bank? If we know the robber was a young male wearing a red shirt and jeans would we expect the authorities to question elderly gents in Dockers and blue shirts? Should women be stopped to make sure young men are not profiled? If the robber is white should black youths in red shirts be questioned, just to be fair?
Look, if you are pulled over and you have no drivers licence, no proof of insurance, do not speak English and your car is stolen, it is not unreasonable to question if you have a legal right to be in the State of Arizona.
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, I see no problem checking for feathers and web feet.
The people of Arizona think that if you commit a crime you should pay the price. You Arizonians sure have crazy ideas, according to The Obama. In this case, if you are in Arizona (and thus the USA) illegally, the State will detain you and do their best to have you deported. Like many Americans, the people of Arizona believe that your first act upon American soil should not be a crime. In spite of everything you have heard from the amnestyites, law breakers are not model citizens.
But Hoosierboy, this might lead to profiling. Police profile every day, and you are happy they do. Say a guy wearing a red shirt and jeans robs a bank. Would it be reasonable to stop individuals wearing a red shirt and jeans near the just-robbed bank? If we know the robber was a young male wearing a red shirt and jeans would we expect the authorities to question elderly gents in Dockers and blue shirts? Should women be stopped to make sure young men are not profiled? If the robber is white should black youths in red shirts be questioned, just to be fair?
Look, if you are pulled over and you have no drivers licence, no proof of insurance, do not speak English and your car is stolen, it is not unreasonable to question if you have a legal right to be in the State of Arizona.
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, I see no problem checking for feathers and web feet.
April 23, 2010
Now I understand
There is no doubt a sports season is more exciting when there is better competition. I think we would all like to see several teams competing for a playoff spot as the seson winds down. That scenario is far better than seeing the Yankees up 13 games by July. The idea of competitive games at the end of the season is behind the scheduling of divisional rivals in the final weeks of the season in the NFL and the basis for the whole "Chase" in NASCAR.
I finally understand the Cubs role this season. There job is to play the celler-dwellers and give them enough victories to make the divisional races more challenging. There is no other explaination for giving up early season series to the Astros (one victory all season before facing the Northsidrs) and the hapless Mets.
The Cubs starting pitching has been mostly pretty good (welcome to the bullpen Z). It is the late releiver that have crippled the team. That and a complete lack of offense. How do you leave 20+ runners stranded in a nine-inning game?
Upon further thought, I think the Cubs are a larger metaphor for my life. Their role is far more personal than I thought. I no longer intone the mantra "Maybe next year". Next year is always the future. There is no curse. Bartman had nothing to do with the collapse. It is just not to be. We all have our roles in life: Charlie Brown, the fat kid who gets sucked up the chocolate tube in Willie Wonka and the Cubs. That is just how things are.
The Three Fates knitting under the tree in Valhalla decided a long time ago the Cubs would exist to break my heart. The Cubs are the daily disapointment in my life, their chronic failure exisits to get me used to it. Just as we get used to certain levels of pain, so the big disapointments that seem to curse our family hurt a little less.
I finally understand the Cubs role this season. There job is to play the celler-dwellers and give them enough victories to make the divisional races more challenging. There is no other explaination for giving up early season series to the Astros (one victory all season before facing the Northsidrs) and the hapless Mets.
The Cubs starting pitching has been mostly pretty good (welcome to the bullpen Z). It is the late releiver that have crippled the team. That and a complete lack of offense. How do you leave 20+ runners stranded in a nine-inning game?
Upon further thought, I think the Cubs are a larger metaphor for my life. Their role is far more personal than I thought. I no longer intone the mantra "Maybe next year". Next year is always the future. There is no curse. Bartman had nothing to do with the collapse. It is just not to be. We all have our roles in life: Charlie Brown, the fat kid who gets sucked up the chocolate tube in Willie Wonka and the Cubs. That is just how things are.
The Three Fates knitting under the tree in Valhalla decided a long time ago the Cubs would exist to break my heart. The Cubs are the daily disapointment in my life, their chronic failure exisits to get me used to it. Just as we get used to certain levels of pain, so the big disapointments that seem to curse our family hurt a little less.
April 22, 2010
Best thing heard today
I heard a guy on the radio refer to the Cap and Trade Bill as "The China/India Full Employment Act".
I wish I had said that.
Can someone explain to me why Obama is going after investment banks when it was mortgage banks, specifically Fannie and Freddie that were the instigators in the financial meltdown?
I wish I had said that.
Can someone explain to me why Obama is going after investment banks when it was mortgage banks, specifically Fannie and Freddie that were the instigators in the financial meltdown?
April 21, 2010
Reason 4,178 why you wish you were me.
Since I had to go out to visit the bank, I decided to go ahead and visit the grocery as well.
I grabbed a package of bratwurst and a can of sauerkraut for lunch. I grilled a couple of the Brats and ate like a king. I offer up a satisfied belch as proof.
I know some of you are now consumed with jealousy. Hahaha.
I have no pictures, I could not wait to dig in.
I will repeat this lunch on Friday.
I grabbed a package of bratwurst and a can of sauerkraut for lunch. I grilled a couple of the Brats and ate like a king. I offer up a satisfied belch as proof.
I know some of you are now consumed with jealousy. Hahaha.
I have no pictures, I could not wait to dig in.
I will repeat this lunch on Friday.
Suck eggs big bank
A few months ago we set up a special checking account to save money and pay for wedding expenses (my daughter is getting married in July). The Customer Service Rep at the branch said we qualified for a "premier account". Whatever. The debit card is black instead of blue.
I look at the very small balance this morning and I see we were charged a $20.00 Service Fee. WTF? Not too upset, these things happen, I call the local branch to get it fixed.
The lady asks me a series of questions to determine that indeed I am looking at my own account information and I am me. She says I am charged because I did not have 5 debit transactions in April. I pointed out I had six in the past ten days. Oh.
She thinks I was charged maybe because I did not have $XX minimum balance. I reminded her that there were no minimum balance requirements if I have $XXX in loans. I more than surpass that threshold (sadly). She said the loans were not linked and I would have to come in to the branch.
"For what?" I asked. She said I would have to bring in a photo ID so they could link the accounts. Now I am really confused. She admitted she can see both checking accounts and that it shows on the screen my wife and I have two auto loans. So what is the problem? "They are not linked". I explain she should fix that.
She told me she is not a banker. HUH? I asked just who is a banker, then? She said if I come in she can fix the problem. So I guess if one calls the bank, there are no bankers, but if one takes off work to come in, then there are bankers?
So I guess I take my lunch hour, or use up valuable blogging time, to drive to town so some "banker" can hit a few keys to make sure I am not charged in the future. Then we will get really unpleasant until the $20 Service Fee goes away because some nitwit did not push the right keys when I signed up for this account six months ago.
I look at the very small balance this morning and I see we were charged a $20.00 Service Fee. WTF? Not too upset, these things happen, I call the local branch to get it fixed.
The lady asks me a series of questions to determine that indeed I am looking at my own account information and I am me. She says I am charged because I did not have 5 debit transactions in April. I pointed out I had six in the past ten days. Oh.
She thinks I was charged maybe because I did not have $XX minimum balance. I reminded her that there were no minimum balance requirements if I have $XXX in loans. I more than surpass that threshold (sadly). She said the loans were not linked and I would have to come in to the branch.
"For what?" I asked. She said I would have to bring in a photo ID so they could link the accounts. Now I am really confused. She admitted she can see both checking accounts and that it shows on the screen my wife and I have two auto loans. So what is the problem? "They are not linked". I explain she should fix that.
She told me she is not a banker. HUH? I asked just who is a banker, then? She said if I come in she can fix the problem. So I guess if one calls the bank, there are no bankers, but if one takes off work to come in, then there are bankers?
So I guess I take my lunch hour, or use up valuable blogging time, to drive to town so some "banker" can hit a few keys to make sure I am not charged in the future. Then we will get really unpleasant until the $20 Service Fee goes away because some nitwit did not push the right keys when I signed up for this account six months ago.
April 20, 2010
Mark my words
The Democrats are facing significant loses in the mid-term elections. It is conceivable they may even lose control of the house. Harry Reid's re-election bid looks doomed at this point.
Following the elections, the progressives will see their time in power is at an end. Between November and the end of the year they will ram through every bit of legislation they can, including Cap and Tax and Immigration Reform that includes general amnesty.
The House has already passed Cap and Tax. The Dems will still only be one vote short of stopping a filibuster in the Senate until the newly elected members are seated in January 2011. There are still a number of RINOs and moonbats to vote for legislation that will do nothing to stop the non-existent AGW.
As for amnesty for illegals, well there are still several RINOs in both chambers who will get behind that nonsense.
I tell you Ladies and Gentlemen, we are screwed. The Democrats and RINOs will no longer have the threat of re-election or having to go home and face angry voters to govern their passions.
A lame duck can still do a lot of damage.
Following the elections, the progressives will see their time in power is at an end. Between November and the end of the year they will ram through every bit of legislation they can, including Cap and Tax and Immigration Reform that includes general amnesty.
The House has already passed Cap and Tax. The Dems will still only be one vote short of stopping a filibuster in the Senate until the newly elected members are seated in January 2011. There are still a number of RINOs and moonbats to vote for legislation that will do nothing to stop the non-existent AGW.
As for amnesty for illegals, well there are still several RINOs in both chambers who will get behind that nonsense.
I tell you Ladies and Gentlemen, we are screwed. The Democrats and RINOs will no longer have the threat of re-election or having to go home and face angry voters to govern their passions.
A lame duck can still do a lot of damage.
April 19, 2010
Monday's random thoughts
For the TEA Party to be successful they have to be about more than taxes. If they are pushing for a more Conservative agenda, smaller government, lower taxes, reduced spending, then they have a shot at shaping the political dynamic. They should have held their rallies on April 18 or 19, the anniversary of the opening shots of the American Revolution.
If you study American History, especially the decade or so leading up to the outbreak of hostilities, you understand what drove the Founders and why certain things are included in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. Anyone who claims the Founders did not purposely desire and design a Federal Government with limited powers is ignorant of history and demonstrates a clear inability to understand the simple English of the Constitution. This is why those on the left are quick to claim the Constitution is just a document written two hundred years ago by a bunch of white guys and holds no relevance today. Of course that fallacy breaks down when you understand the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the land. I have challenged those who claim it is a dead outdated document to show me where it falls short. None has yet risen to the challenge.
In other news, the volcano in Iceland is playing havoc with air travel all over Europe. The volcano has spewed enough CO2 and ash into the atmosphere to equal a decade of car, SUV, factory, coal plant and cow fart emissions. Yet I doubt we will see the ice caps melt, the oceans rise to swallow Manhattan or the farmlands of the Great Plains dry and blow away. Here we have a living example of not only the fallacy of the Global warming/Climate Change theories but the true power of Mother Nature and our inconsequential actions. How many pig tail light bulbs are we going to have to use to counteract this volcano?
We will see some awesome sunsets this summer as the ash reaches the upper atmosphere and reflects the sun. remember the great sunsets after the Philippino Bitch Pinatubo exploded in 1991?
If you study American History, especially the decade or so leading up to the outbreak of hostilities, you understand what drove the Founders and why certain things are included in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. Anyone who claims the Founders did not purposely desire and design a Federal Government with limited powers is ignorant of history and demonstrates a clear inability to understand the simple English of the Constitution. This is why those on the left are quick to claim the Constitution is just a document written two hundred years ago by a bunch of white guys and holds no relevance today. Of course that fallacy breaks down when you understand the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the land. I have challenged those who claim it is a dead outdated document to show me where it falls short. None has yet risen to the challenge.
In other news, the volcano in Iceland is playing havoc with air travel all over Europe. The volcano has spewed enough CO2 and ash into the atmosphere to equal a decade of car, SUV, factory, coal plant and cow fart emissions. Yet I doubt we will see the ice caps melt, the oceans rise to swallow Manhattan or the farmlands of the Great Plains dry and blow away. Here we have a living example of not only the fallacy of the Global warming/Climate Change theories but the true power of Mother Nature and our inconsequential actions. How many pig tail light bulbs are we going to have to use to counteract this volcano?
We will see some awesome sunsets this summer as the ash reaches the upper atmosphere and reflects the sun. remember the great sunsets after the Philippino Bitch Pinatubo exploded in 1991?
Concord Hymn
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
April 18, 2010
One spring night
It was a typical spring evening in New England. The night was cool, but the man sweated underneath his clothing. The sounds and smells of the town were around him. He shifted his weight nervously as he waited.
He looked across the harbor at the dim lights of the city. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He glimpsed a tall steeple of a church in the distance. The white steeple looked a ghostly gray in the night. The church moved him to mutter a silent prayer. He was lost in his thoughts for a time.
:There". A voice said beside him. The distant steeple glowed with a lantern hung in the belfry. A second light followed. The man leaped aboard his horse.
"Spread the alarm, 'tis by sea". he said and spurred his mount into the countryside to warn the militia of the surrounding towns. He set off on the Lexington Road to warn Adams and Hancock. The British army was on the move. They must not be arrested, the arms of the colonists not confiscated. The man had not a thought of his own risk, the hard earned wealth he could lose in an instant. Fighting tyranny was worth any price.
He stopped at selected houses and taverns along the road. His whispered message "The Regulars are out", sent other horsemen into the countryside, warning the appropriate 'Minutemen' in Middlesex County. There was no shouting. The message spread across the fields and through the villages with silent efficiency.
Within a few hours the man had arrived in Lexington. He met with Sam Adams and John Hancock. His companion from Cambridge joined them a little after midnight and along with a third patriot set off towards the nearby town of Concord to warn the militia there the British were on the move to collect the arms cache hidden in Concord.
As the man and his companions, William Dawes and Dr. Samuel Prescott, reached the hamlet of Lincoln, they were stopped by a British pickett. Dawes and the Doctor escaped into the dark, but the man had no choice but to submit. As dawn broke the man was being escorted toward the marching army -- back towards Lexington.
Nearing the town the officers and the man, silversmith Paul Revere, heard shouts. Soon shots rang out. The militia had mustered. The colonists had no intention of starting a war. Their only intent had been to bluff the Authorities. As the shots rang out the three British officers made Revere dismount. Taking his horse they rode toward the distant fighting.
Revere walked through the cemetery to the house he was at just a few hours earlier. As citizens and the British Army scuffled on Lexington Green, Revere helped John Hancock and his family escape. As the party fled over the hills, Revere saw the militia he had helped muster fall back toward Concord and history.
He looked across the harbor at the dim lights of the city. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He glimpsed a tall steeple of a church in the distance. The white steeple looked a ghostly gray in the night. The church moved him to mutter a silent prayer. He was lost in his thoughts for a time.
:There". A voice said beside him. The distant steeple glowed with a lantern hung in the belfry. A second light followed. The man leaped aboard his horse.
"Spread the alarm, 'tis by sea". he said and spurred his mount into the countryside to warn the militia of the surrounding towns. He set off on the Lexington Road to warn Adams and Hancock. The British army was on the move. They must not be arrested, the arms of the colonists not confiscated. The man had not a thought of his own risk, the hard earned wealth he could lose in an instant. Fighting tyranny was worth any price.
He stopped at selected houses and taverns along the road. His whispered message "The Regulars are out", sent other horsemen into the countryside, warning the appropriate 'Minutemen' in Middlesex County. There was no shouting. The message spread across the fields and through the villages with silent efficiency.
Within a few hours the man had arrived in Lexington. He met with Sam Adams and John Hancock. His companion from Cambridge joined them a little after midnight and along with a third patriot set off towards the nearby town of Concord to warn the militia there the British were on the move to collect the arms cache hidden in Concord.
As the man and his companions, William Dawes and Dr. Samuel Prescott, reached the hamlet of Lincoln, they were stopped by a British pickett. Dawes and the Doctor escaped into the dark, but the man had no choice but to submit. As dawn broke the man was being escorted toward the marching army -- back towards Lexington.
Nearing the town the officers and the man, silversmith Paul Revere, heard shouts. Soon shots rang out. The militia had mustered. The colonists had no intention of starting a war. Their only intent had been to bluff the Authorities. As the shots rang out the three British officers made Revere dismount. Taking his horse they rode toward the distant fighting.
Revere walked through the cemetery to the house he was at just a few hours earlier. As citizens and the British Army scuffled on Lexington Green, Revere helped John Hancock and his family escape. As the party fled over the hills, Revere saw the militia he had helped muster fall back toward Concord and history.
April 17, 2010
Weekend Funny
After a long night of making love
the guy notices a photo of another man
on the woman's nightstand by the bed.
He begins to worry.
'Is this your husband?'
he nervously asks.
'No, silly,'
she replies, snuggling up to him.
'Your boyfriend, then?'he continues.
'No, not at all,'
she says, nibbling away at his ear.
'Is it your dad or your brother?'
he inquires, hoping to be reassured.
'No, no, no! You are so hot when you're jealous!'
she answers.
'Well, who in the hell is he, then?'
he demands.
She whispers in his ear
'That's me before the surgery
the guy notices a photo of another man
on the woman's nightstand by the bed.
He begins to worry.
'Is this your husband?'
he nervously asks.
'No, silly,'
she replies, snuggling up to him.
'Your boyfriend, then?'he continues.
'No, not at all,'
she says, nibbling away at his ear.
'Is it your dad or your brother?'
he inquires, hoping to be reassured.
'No, no, no! You are so hot when you're jealous!'
she answers.
'Well, who in the hell is he, then?'
he demands.
She whispers in his ear
'That's me before the surgery
April 16, 2010
Plane Crash
Air Force One crashed in the middle of rural America . Panic stricken, the local sheriff mobilized and descended on the farm in force. When they got there, the disaster was clear. The aircraft was totally destroyed with only a burned hull left smoldering in a tree line that bordered a farm. The sheriff and his men entered the smoking mess but could find no remains of anyone, including the President.
They spotted a lone farmer plowing a field not too far away as if nothing at all happened. They hurried over to the man's tractor.
"Hank," the sheriff yelled, panting and out of breath. "Did you see this terrible accident happen?"
"Yep. Sure did." the farmer mumbled unconcernedly, cutting off t he tractor's engine.
"Do you realize that is the airplane of the President of the United States ?"
"Yep."
"Were there any survivors?"
"Nope. They's all kilt straight out," the farmer answered. "I done buried them all myself. Took me most of the morning..."
"President Obama is dead?" the sheriff shouted.
"Well," the farmer grumbled, restarting his tractor. "He kept a-saying he wasn't...
But you know how bad that sumbitch lies."
They spotted a lone farmer plowing a field not too far away as if nothing at all happened. They hurried over to the man's tractor.
"Hank," the sheriff yelled, panting and out of breath. "Did you see this terrible accident happen?"
"Yep. Sure did." the farmer mumbled unconcernedly, cutting off t he tractor's engine.
"Do you realize that is the airplane of the President of the United States ?"
"Yep."
"Were there any survivors?"
"Nope. They's all kilt straight out," the farmer answered. "I done buried them all myself. Took me most of the morning..."
"President Obama is dead?" the sheriff shouted.
"Well," the farmer grumbled, restarting his tractor. "He kept a-saying he wasn't...
But you know how bad that sumbitch lies."
April 15, 2010
Sarah
Sarah Palin's book is exactly the kind of fare you expect from a politician. I have no doubt it is true, but the narrative paints her in the best possible light. It is a long written campaign ad, no more or less. In that instance it is no different than tomes written by politicians for hundreds of years. It is light reading, but so were the writings of Obama, Clinton and TR.
Sarah Palin is not the dumb broad portrayed by the media. No one has the success in her profession she has being a vacant mouth-breathing moron. Those who portray her as such, or perpetuate the myth, are disingenuous at best. You can disagree with her beliefs, but her stance on the issues is shared by a great many Americans. Some polls would suggest her conservative values are those of most Americans. So she did not go to an Ivy League school. Most of us did not either. That does not mean her education is lacking. I went to a small private school. I received an excellent education. I have the Latin inscribed sheepskin to prove it. I may not be able to read my diploma, but that in no way means my education was lacking. In fact my college is consistently ranked in the top colleges in the country. A list of the alumni would impress you, but it was not Harvard or Yale. So what?
I find it laughable that Obama is trying to portray her as lacking. Her knowledge of Nuclear weapons is as complete as the President's. In fact there is no doubt her experience was significantly greater in all areas compared to Obama. On this there is no argument. Look at some of the remarks and actions of some of our elected representatives, The former Governor of Alaska looks a clone of Einstein in comparison. I am pretty sure she at no point EVER believed Guam might capsize, for instance. (Check my archives)
It is a sad state that most Americans are unable to separate the fictional character played on TV with the real Sarah Palin. Sadly, the bias found in today's media is not much different than the "yellow journalism" decried 100 years ago. Future generations will look at today's media in the same historical light.
That said, Palin is unelectable. Her failure to finish her term as Governor is a major obstacle. No matter how she spins the decision (and maybe it was best for the people of Alaska), she quit.
Palin is the most polarizing figure in American politics today. You either love her or hate her. The mass of undecideds will be swayed by the reams of negative press and TV spoofs any run for elective office will create.
Palin is feared by those who call themselves progressive. They fear her values, they fear her popularity. They fear her conservative beliefs. Sarah Palin came within one bailout of getting McCain elected. The left will not make that near-mistake again.
Sarah Palin is not the dumb broad portrayed by the media. No one has the success in her profession she has being a vacant mouth-breathing moron. Those who portray her as such, or perpetuate the myth, are disingenuous at best. You can disagree with her beliefs, but her stance on the issues is shared by a great many Americans. Some polls would suggest her conservative values are those of most Americans. So she did not go to an Ivy League school. Most of us did not either. That does not mean her education is lacking. I went to a small private school. I received an excellent education. I have the Latin inscribed sheepskin to prove it. I may not be able to read my diploma, but that in no way means my education was lacking. In fact my college is consistently ranked in the top colleges in the country. A list of the alumni would impress you, but it was not Harvard or Yale. So what?
I find it laughable that Obama is trying to portray her as lacking. Her knowledge of Nuclear weapons is as complete as the President's. In fact there is no doubt her experience was significantly greater in all areas compared to Obama. On this there is no argument. Look at some of the remarks and actions of some of our elected representatives, The former Governor of Alaska looks a clone of Einstein in comparison. I am pretty sure she at no point EVER believed Guam might capsize, for instance. (Check my archives)
It is a sad state that most Americans are unable to separate the fictional character played on TV with the real Sarah Palin. Sadly, the bias found in today's media is not much different than the "yellow journalism" decried 100 years ago. Future generations will look at today's media in the same historical light.
That said, Palin is unelectable. Her failure to finish her term as Governor is a major obstacle. No matter how she spins the decision (and maybe it was best for the people of Alaska), she quit.
Palin is the most polarizing figure in American politics today. You either love her or hate her. The mass of undecideds will be swayed by the reams of negative press and TV spoofs any run for elective office will create.
Palin is feared by those who call themselves progressive. They fear her values, they fear her popularity. They fear her conservative beliefs. Sarah Palin came within one bailout of getting McCain elected. The left will not make that near-mistake again.
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