This is the best one yet.
02/13/2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year - Hopefully a Libertarian Year for Everyone
"I have been happy ... in believing that ... whatever follies we may be led into as to foreign nations, we shall never give up our Union, the last anchor of our hope, and that alone which is to prevent this heavenly country from becoming an arena of gladiators." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Elbridge Gerry, 1797
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
True Grit - The Remake Review
I took my 12 year old Grandson, and my two sons (37 and 32) with me and we all agreed this was a totally different movie than the original and that they each need to be judged on their own merits. The Coen Brothers wit and the skill of their "team" in costuming, photography and music was far superior to the original and overall, although not a "classic", this is a great movie in it's own right.
The Beginning: In the remake there is a long exposition that greatly reduces the introduction, and the "Tom Chaney" character. The focus is then on the young "Maddie", her arrival in Fort Smith and initial introduction. The hanging scene is extremely well done, with some humor, rather than the traditional "Amazing Grace" carnival atmosphere of the 1969 version.
The Middle: Jeff Bridges did exactly the right thing by making the Rooster character his own and not in any way trying to imitate John Wayne's interpretation. He did a magnificent job; worthy of it's own Oscar Nomination. On the other hand, I was a bit put off by Matt Damon, probably by my negative opinion of him generally and his disappearing and re-appearing with the funny hat was distracting at best.
Maddie's scenes with Rooster in Fort Smith are shortened, and for my taste there is a lack of the development of the initial relationship between the two of them. The movie moves too quickly to the scene at the river crossing, and again events are shortened with the combination of the river crossing and the paddling of Maddie by LeBeouf.
As a whole, I think there was a lack of any real warmth or connection between Rooster and Maddie in this movie versus the original. If it was there, I don't think Bridges communicated it well enough. Perhaps the Coen's don't do sentimental.
I didn't "get" the man they found hanging from a tree, his collection by an Indian, and then trade to an odd Trapper in a Bear Skin. Although the scene with the trapper was classic Coen humor, it was just odd for a trapper to be in Oklahoma - not their normal habitat.
The cabin scene and shootout with Ned Pepper's gang was better in the original, in my opinion, but both were effective. The initial indoor scene really missed the late Dennis Hopper, although the characters were well played. The whole scenario where they take the dead bodies to McAlester for identification and such was gone, making the part of the cabin scene where "Moon" asks for his brother to be notified a hanging thread.
Bridges' portrayal of the drunken Rooster and the conflict between he and LeBeouf was really well done, although the piece where they stage a shooting match was a little much. This Rooster was much darker and more ominous than the Wayne portrayal - and perhaps was better for it.
The Lucky Ned Pepper Gang: Maddie's encounter with Tom Chaney is the first that we see of this character. It's well done, but we would have preferred a little more Tom Chaney as in the original.
It's at this point that Barry Pepper stole the show, while channeling Robert Duval. Having Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin competing for short screen time was unfortunate, but Barry Pepper really stood out, both in looks, actions and words.
We should also mention that the Coen's staging of the gunfights, and guns in general was really excellent. The scene where Rooster is riding over the hill and he shoots; you see the smoke from his shot and then the sound, which is true to life.
The scene's at the outlaw camp between Maddie, Chaney and LeBeouf are well done. Particularly, again, the 400 yard shot from LeBeouf to kill Lucky Ned Pepper was perfectly done, with the gunshot, and then the delayed reaction from Pepper to the bullet to even the picture of the bullet hitting the ground beyond Pepper as if it passed through his body. All in all the whole Lucky Ned Pepper gang/Rooster/LeBeouf shootout was much better portrayed.
However, we weren't particularly pleased with how Maddie got thrown down into the "snake pit" after shooting and killing Chaney. We much preferred the original of Chaney throwing her down himself; it was somehow more evil. The CGI snakes in this new version weren't very realistic, as if the CGI guy hadn't done any research on what an Oklahoma rattlesnake should look like.
The Ending: In this version, LeBeouf didn't die, at least not where we could tell. Rooster and Maddie rode off leaving him alone; and rode right by Lucky Ned Pepper's horse, which would have been all to convenient to catch up and ride, along with "Little Blackie" - another question as to script and the reason to ride "Little Blackie" to death.
After Rooster reaches "the store" the story abruptly ends, and we move onto the narration by the older Maddie. My sons and I all agreed that we prefer the original ending, purely on sentimental reasons, and the interjection of Cole Younger and Frank James was superfluous to the story and the ending was diminished. Perhaps we just preferred a well wrapped up ending, with a final meeting between the two, Maddie and Rooster.
But even so, this is a great Western and perhaps the Coen's most accessible movie and story to date. We can only hope this may generate interest in other Western movies being made. They can draw a strong audience when they are well done, and when they don't have Glen Campbell in a starring role (sorry Glen - you were a great singer). When the costuming, horsemanship, guns, hats and scenery are all excellent, it makes for a great movie.
Coen nuances I missed the first time. We had a good theater audience, with some good laughs at the appropriate times. My sons and I suspect we were the only 3 in the audience who could identify Iris DeMent singing the closing song - overall the music selections were excellent and complemented the movie.
I'm a native Oklahoman, and what always bothered me about the original "True Grit" is that there is no scenery like that in Oklahoma - it was filmed mostly in Colorado. This film was more accurate as to the Oklahoma landscape, and incidentally portrayed as Winter, rather than Summer. It's a great film in it's own right and should be judged as such. I'm always a little critical of movies about this place and time because my Grandfather and Great Grandfather were in Oklahoma in the 1870's and 1880's-onward, and were hauled off to Judge Parker's Court by the Yankee Cavalry for being Boomers and fined severely for the times - $1800. Damn Yankees! LOL!
The Beginning: In the remake there is a long exposition that greatly reduces the introduction, and the "Tom Chaney" character. The focus is then on the young "Maddie", her arrival in Fort Smith and initial introduction. The hanging scene is extremely well done, with some humor, rather than the traditional "Amazing Grace" carnival atmosphere of the 1969 version.
The Middle: Jeff Bridges did exactly the right thing by making the Rooster character his own and not in any way trying to imitate John Wayne's interpretation. He did a magnificent job; worthy of it's own Oscar Nomination. On the other hand, I was a bit put off by Matt Damon, probably by my negative opinion of him generally and his disappearing and re-appearing with the funny hat was distracting at best.
Maddie's scenes with Rooster in Fort Smith are shortened, and for my taste there is a lack of the development of the initial relationship between the two of them. The movie moves too quickly to the scene at the river crossing, and again events are shortened with the combination of the river crossing and the paddling of Maddie by LeBeouf.
As a whole, I think there was a lack of any real warmth or connection between Rooster and Maddie in this movie versus the original. If it was there, I don't think Bridges communicated it well enough. Perhaps the Coen's don't do sentimental.
I didn't "get" the man they found hanging from a tree, his collection by an Indian, and then trade to an odd Trapper in a Bear Skin. Although the scene with the trapper was classic Coen humor, it was just odd for a trapper to be in Oklahoma - not their normal habitat.
The cabin scene and shootout with Ned Pepper's gang was better in the original, in my opinion, but both were effective. The initial indoor scene really missed the late Dennis Hopper, although the characters were well played. The whole scenario where they take the dead bodies to McAlester for identification and such was gone, making the part of the cabin scene where "Moon" asks for his brother to be notified a hanging thread.
Bridges' portrayal of the drunken Rooster and the conflict between he and LeBeouf was really well done, although the piece where they stage a shooting match was a little much. This Rooster was much darker and more ominous than the Wayne portrayal - and perhaps was better for it.
The Lucky Ned Pepper Gang: Maddie's encounter with Tom Chaney is the first that we see of this character. It's well done, but we would have preferred a little more Tom Chaney as in the original.
It's at this point that Barry Pepper stole the show, while channeling Robert Duval. Having Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin competing for short screen time was unfortunate, but Barry Pepper really stood out, both in looks, actions and words.
We should also mention that the Coen's staging of the gunfights, and guns in general was really excellent. The scene where Rooster is riding over the hill and he shoots; you see the smoke from his shot and then the sound, which is true to life.
The scene's at the outlaw camp between Maddie, Chaney and LeBeouf are well done. Particularly, again, the 400 yard shot from LeBeouf to kill Lucky Ned Pepper was perfectly done, with the gunshot, and then the delayed reaction from Pepper to the bullet to even the picture of the bullet hitting the ground beyond Pepper as if it passed through his body. All in all the whole Lucky Ned Pepper gang/Rooster/LeBeouf shootout was much better portrayed.
However, we weren't particularly pleased with how Maddie got thrown down into the "snake pit" after shooting and killing Chaney. We much preferred the original of Chaney throwing her down himself; it was somehow more evil. The CGI snakes in this new version weren't very realistic, as if the CGI guy hadn't done any research on what an Oklahoma rattlesnake should look like.
The Ending: In this version, LeBeouf didn't die, at least not where we could tell. Rooster and Maddie rode off leaving him alone; and rode right by Lucky Ned Pepper's horse, which would have been all to convenient to catch up and ride, along with "Little Blackie" - another question as to script and the reason to ride "Little Blackie" to death.
After Rooster reaches "the store" the story abruptly ends, and we move onto the narration by the older Maddie. My sons and I all agreed that we prefer the original ending, purely on sentimental reasons, and the interjection of Cole Younger and Frank James was superfluous to the story and the ending was diminished. Perhaps we just preferred a well wrapped up ending, with a final meeting between the two, Maddie and Rooster.
But even so, this is a great Western and perhaps the Coen's most accessible movie and story to date. We can only hope this may generate interest in other Western movies being made. They can draw a strong audience when they are well done, and when they don't have Glen Campbell in a starring role (sorry Glen - you were a great singer). When the costuming, horsemanship, guns, hats and scenery are all excellent, it makes for a great movie.
Coen nuances I missed the first time. We had a good theater audience, with some good laughs at the appropriate times. My sons and I suspect we were the only 3 in the audience who could identify Iris DeMent singing the closing song - overall the music selections were excellent and complemented the movie.
I'm a native Oklahoman, and what always bothered me about the original "True Grit" is that there is no scenery like that in Oklahoma - it was filmed mostly in Colorado. This film was more accurate as to the Oklahoma landscape, and incidentally portrayed as Winter, rather than Summer. It's a great film in it's own right and should be judged as such. I'm always a little critical of movies about this place and time because my Grandfather and Great Grandfather were in Oklahoma in the 1870's and 1880's-onward, and were hauled off to Judge Parker's Court by the Yankee Cavalry for being Boomers and fined severely for the times - $1800. Damn Yankees! LOL!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
True Grit - The Remake
I have to admit that I'm both a fan of the Coen Brothers brand of humor and movie-making and that the original "True Grit" was not my favorite John Wayne movie. Personally I believe that Wayne should have won an Oscar for his acting in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" and "The Searchers". In both movies he played characters that weren't "John Wayne".
So, I'm looking forward to the new "True Grit" even though there may be a lot of naysayers out there, as in the review below. Keep an open mind, and even if this is just a middling Western, go and see it - because if we don't support the Genre, they won't make any more. When was the last Western that was really successful? Open Range and Tombstone come to mind - but their success was marginal, and they really became cult status movies.
I'm for more Westerns because I love the Genre, and because that's where I'm from - Oklahoma where, in the 1950's the Real West was still alive.
Big Hollywood » Blog Archive » ‘True Grit’ Review: Talented Cast and Crew Bite Off More Than They Can Chew
So, I'm looking forward to the new "True Grit" even though there may be a lot of naysayers out there, as in the review below. Keep an open mind, and even if this is just a middling Western, go and see it - because if we don't support the Genre, they won't make any more. When was the last Western that was really successful? Open Range and Tombstone come to mind - but their success was marginal, and they really became cult status movies.
I'm for more Westerns because I love the Genre, and because that's where I'm from - Oklahoma where, in the 1950's the Real West was still alive.
Big Hollywood » Blog Archive » ‘True Grit’ Review: Talented Cast and Crew Bite Off More Than They Can Chew
Politicians Hold Americans Hostage to Tax Breaks
I believe this quote says it all. These same politicians who are demonizing others for "giving tax breaks to the wealthy" are the same ones who have riddled the US Tax Codes with special deductions for the same "rich" people and special interests. If any of them had true moral courage, they would scrap the Income Tax Code and move to the "Fair Tax" or "Flat Tax" so that every American pays their fair share. Then they would balance the Federal Budget, cut waste and fraud, manage the committed retirement and health benefits that we can't afford and - only then - raise taxes on anyone!
"As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust: So there are other qualities in human nature, which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form. Were the pictures which have been drawn by the political jealousy of some among us, faithful likenesses of the human character, the inference would be that there is not sufficient virtue among men for self-government; and that nothing less than the chains of despotism can restrain them from destroying and devouring one another." --James Madison, Federalist No. 55, 1788
"As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust: So there are other qualities in human nature, which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form. Were the pictures which have been drawn by the political jealousy of some among us, faithful likenesses of the human character, the inference would be that there is not sufficient virtue among men for self-government; and that nothing less than the chains of despotism can restrain them from destroying and devouring one another." --James Madison, Federalist No. 55, 1788
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
1961 and the U. S. Marine Corps
In the Spring of 1961, just before I left High School, a friend and I went down to Oklahoma City to join the National Guard - the famous Thunderbird Division from WWII. Unfortunately, there were no slots left and we stopped by the USMC Recruiter's office. We ended up enlisting in the USMC for 4 years! I left for Boot Camp in San Diego on what was the first airplane flight of my life, on a deferred enlistment. Sometime in the early morning hours of August 7, 1961 I found myself on the "Yellow Footprints" at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.
It was a trans-formative 12 weeks in USMC Boot Camp, during which I endured, rather than excelled, but came out both a fitter and wiser young man. One of my worst experiences was that when we went up to Camp Matthews for Rifle Qualification, the Drill Instructor insisted that I learn to shoot Right-handed, when I was a natural Left-hander. I wasn't entirely successful at sighting, from a right-handed position, with my dominant left eye, and consequently only qualified as Marksman.
Right after Boot Camp, we were then sent to Camp Pendleton to the Infantry Training Regiment, where we learned tactics, map and compass reading, how to fire all types of weapons, including flame-throwers. We also learned how to withstand Tear Gas. We spent many days and nights "in the field" in Camp Pendleton learning to be Marine Riflemen, before being assigned to our regular duties. Halfway through ITR, I came down with a case of Pneumonia, which meant several weeks in the US Navy Hospital at Pendleton. This delayed my ITR training, and I consequently had to return with another class and finish out my training - which unfortunately included going through the Tear Gas experience once again!
As a newly graduated U.S. Marine I returned to my Oklahoma home for a visit in February 1962.
It was a trans-formative 12 weeks in USMC Boot Camp, during which I endured, rather than excelled, but came out both a fitter and wiser young man. One of my worst experiences was that when we went up to Camp Matthews for Rifle Qualification, the Drill Instructor insisted that I learn to shoot Right-handed, when I was a natural Left-hander. I wasn't entirely successful at sighting, from a right-handed position, with my dominant left eye, and consequently only qualified as Marksman.
Right after Boot Camp, we were then sent to Camp Pendleton to the Infantry Training Regiment, where we learned tactics, map and compass reading, how to fire all types of weapons, including flame-throwers. We also learned how to withstand Tear Gas. We spent many days and nights "in the field" in Camp Pendleton learning to be Marine Riflemen, before being assigned to our regular duties. Halfway through ITR, I came down with a case of Pneumonia, which meant several weeks in the US Navy Hospital at Pendleton. This delayed my ITR training, and I consequently had to return with another class and finish out my training - which unfortunately included going through the Tear Gas experience once again!
As a newly graduated U.S. Marine I returned to my Oklahoma home for a visit in February 1962.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Eric Cantor || Republican Whip
Eric Cantor || Republican Whip
So the Republicans are letting the people "vote" on Cost Cutting Measures that are to be introduced by Congress. That is, of course, if they win control of the house.
So the Republicans are letting the people "vote" on Cost Cutting Measures that are to be introduced by Congress. That is, of course, if they win control of the house.
Health Care Cost Cutting Is Already Taking a Toll
Hey folks, I’m on Medicare, and the “cutting” has already started. My Dr. is with a nationally recognized non-profit hospital/clinic. They can’t “break even” seeing Medicare patients, so they are cutting the number of visits per year, i.e. I have Diabetes and I’ve gone from 4 to 3 to 2 times a year for a checkup and blood work.
HHS has already “taken” 5% of their gross from Medicare to fund other parts of the program and the Organization is toying with the idea of not accepting Medicare at all; they already don’t accept Medicaid. In succeeding years HHS will decrease their reimbursement every year, and this is not “fraud” or “waste”, but a reputable, non-profit teaching Clinic/Hospital. HHS is basically putting them out of business for Medicare Patients.
My Dr. has already planned his retirement and tells me he knows many, many others who are following suit. They don’t want to work for nothing. They can’t go into Private Practice because the Malpractice Premiums are 50% of their Annual Gross and they can’t pay their other expenses.
My former employer who paid me less for 30+ years in return for “lifetime medical” has already jacked up prices and lowered coverage for what little they still cover, Drugs and such.
We are screwed. Both political parties are to blame, but you can’t “socialize” medicine without hurting everyone regardless of the “rosy pictures” painted by bureaucrats and political crooks.
HHS has already “taken” 5% of their gross from Medicare to fund other parts of the program and the Organization is toying with the idea of not accepting Medicare at all; they already don’t accept Medicaid. In succeeding years HHS will decrease their reimbursement every year, and this is not “fraud” or “waste”, but a reputable, non-profit teaching Clinic/Hospital. HHS is basically putting them out of business for Medicare Patients.
My Dr. has already planned his retirement and tells me he knows many, many others who are following suit. They don’t want to work for nothing. They can’t go into Private Practice because the Malpractice Premiums are 50% of their Annual Gross and they can’t pay their other expenses.
My former employer who paid me less for 30+ years in return for “lifetime medical” has already jacked up prices and lowered coverage for what little they still cover, Drugs and such.
We are screwed. Both political parties are to blame, but you can’t “socialize” medicine without hurting everyone regardless of the “rosy pictures” painted by bureaucrats and political crooks.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Your Vote is the same as Fighing in the War to Save our Constitution!
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things.
The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
~John Stuart Mill
The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
~John Stuart Mill
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Democratic 'D' Now Stands for Demagoguery
The Democratic 'D' Now Stands for Demagoguery - Rasmussen Reports™
As stated in this article, the Demo(n)crats are lying, using fear and using demagoguery in order to try and rescue some of their endangered political robots. The sad fact is that gullible Americans may actually believe this.
Remember, November 2 is "Take out the Trash Day"; NO INCUMBENTS! Hold your nose and vote for the Fiscal Conservative with a record that can be verified - not someone who has just "gotten religion" on spending and waste! If not then vote for the closest thing, with the knowledge that, almost in unison, the Democrats will vote with Pelosi and Reid after they are elected. Their "Party" is more important than the American People. The Republicans have the same issues, although the TEA Party is slowly taking them over and within the next 2 election cycles, the Republicans may almost all be replaced by true patriots, fiscal conservatives and constitutionalists! We don't need a Third Party - we can take over the Republicans and make it the TEA Party!
As stated in this article, the Demo(n)crats are lying, using fear and using demagoguery in order to try and rescue some of their endangered political robots. The sad fact is that gullible Americans may actually believe this.
Remember, November 2 is "Take out the Trash Day"; NO INCUMBENTS! Hold your nose and vote for the Fiscal Conservative with a record that can be verified - not someone who has just "gotten religion" on spending and waste! If not then vote for the closest thing, with the knowledge that, almost in unison, the Democrats will vote with Pelosi and Reid after they are elected. Their "Party" is more important than the American People. The Republicans have the same issues, although the TEA Party is slowly taking them over and within the next 2 election cycles, the Republicans may almost all be replaced by true patriots, fiscal conservatives and constitutionalists! We don't need a Third Party - we can take over the Republicans and make it the TEA Party!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Joe Biden - Democrats Can't Run on Their Accomplishments
The American Spectator : The Limits of Liberal Demagoguery
According to the dumber than a fence post Vice President, voters are just too stupid to understand the very complex accomplishments of the Democrats. We have to trust the Political Elite to implement the Liberal Agenda that will have the Government take care of us Cradle to Grave!
You'll never read this in the LSM (Lame Stream Media), but places like The American Spectator document it for us anyway.
I do kind of miss Bill Clinton. 8 Years of Benign Neglect while Bill dallied with interns and then dealt with the lawsuits and lies, while the Republican Congress (for a while under Newt) actually took financial actions to balance the budget and wean a generation of Americans off Welfare!
Bill Clinton was a "Bubba" then and remains an icon of lax individual Morality, and overall a despicable individual.
According to the dumber than a fence post Vice President, voters are just too stupid to understand the very complex accomplishments of the Democrats. We have to trust the Political Elite to implement the Liberal Agenda that will have the Government take care of us Cradle to Grave!
You'll never read this in the LSM (Lame Stream Media), but places like The American Spectator document it for us anyway.
I do kind of miss Bill Clinton. 8 Years of Benign Neglect while Bill dallied with interns and then dealt with the lawsuits and lies, while the Republican Congress (for a while under Newt) actually took financial actions to balance the budget and wean a generation of Americans off Welfare!
Bill Clinton was a "Bubba" then and remains an icon of lax individual Morality, and overall a despicable individual.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Islam on Capitol Hill: Jesus, the Muslim Prophet
Islam on Capitol Hill: Jesus, the Muslim Prophet - Atlas Shrugs
If you think that the US is not under siege by certain elements of the Islamic Faith, with the objective of making Islam the State Faith, and Sharia the State Law, you are fooling yourselves. This is not to say that all Muslims agree with this objective, but a substantial portion do, including the Middle Eastern Muslim Dictatorships.
This goes hand-in-hand with their desire to build their "Trophy Mosque" near Ground Zero in NYC. It's just one more tiny step towards their goal.
Note the similarity to the "Obama Logo". Although I don't think Obama is a Muslim (I don't think he practices any religion except for political purposes), he is most certainly a Muslim Sympathizer from his boyhood growing up in a Muslim Indonesia and being indoctrinated into the religion early.
He is indeed the first Anti-American President simply because he didn't grow up in the US with our values and societal knowledge. It's why he continually under estimates the American People and his message is often bewildering to mainstream Americans.
If you think that the US is not under siege by certain elements of the Islamic Faith, with the objective of making Islam the State Faith, and Sharia the State Law, you are fooling yourselves. This is not to say that all Muslims agree with this objective, but a substantial portion do, including the Middle Eastern Muslim Dictatorships.
This goes hand-in-hand with their desire to build their "Trophy Mosque" near Ground Zero in NYC. It's just one more tiny step towards their goal.
Note the similarity to the "Obama Logo". Although I don't think Obama is a Muslim (I don't think he practices any religion except for political purposes), he is most certainly a Muslim Sympathizer from his boyhood growing up in a Muslim Indonesia and being indoctrinated into the religion early.
He is indeed the first Anti-American President simply because he didn't grow up in the US with our values and societal knowledge. It's why he continually under estimates the American People and his message is often bewildering to mainstream Americans.
Republicans in Close Senate Races?
Fox News Polls: GOP Sees Senate Chances Improve - FoxNews.com
This may be true that in Nevada, Washington and Connecticut, the Senate races are very close - almost razor thin. But what this really means is that in a close race the Democrat will win, because they mostly control the people who count the vote and the judges who decide which votes count.
This is exactly why we haveStuart Smalley Al Franken as a non-entity Senator from Minnesota. George Soros, his Moveon.org and funding of the Democrat Party have captured the ability in many states to control who counts the vote. If that State has a Democrat Attorney General, etc., then in close races the Democrats will win by excluding votes, like military absentee ballots, to insure their candidate is seated!
This may be true that in Nevada, Washington and Connecticut, the Senate races are very close - almost razor thin. But what this really means is that in a close race the Democrat will win, because they mostly control the people who count the vote and the judges who decide which votes count.
This is exactly why we have
Really? - Keith Combs' Blahg - Site Home - TechNet Blogs
Really? - Keith Combs' Blahg - Site Home - TechNet Blogs
This is a pretty funny video that should give us all pause - those of us who are engrossed in our smart phones and not paying attention to the real world. In my younger days, I would spend 2 weeks up in the Sierra Mountains, fishing and camping, totally cut off from the world, and I didn't miss it a bit.
I'm not really sure that all this technology is good for us!
This is a pretty funny video that should give us all pause - those of us who are engrossed in our smart phones and not paying attention to the real world. In my younger days, I would spend 2 weeks up in the Sierra Mountains, fishing and camping, totally cut off from the world, and I didn't miss it a bit.
I'm not really sure that all this technology is good for us!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Another Obama Failure - Incompetent as National Security Advisor
The declinists win - NYPOST.com
This article says it all. Obama is leading the Nation to disaster with his appointments to high office who are basically incompetent. Who would appoint a Lawyer who participated in the decisions that led to the Fannie Mae housing crisis and disaster, and whose "mentor" is Vice-Buffoon-President Joe Biden to National Security Advisor?
What are they thinking in Washington, D.C.?
This article says it all. Obama is leading the Nation to disaster with his appointments to high office who are basically incompetent. Who would appoint a Lawyer who participated in the decisions that led to the Fannie Mae housing crisis and disaster, and whose "mentor" is Vice-Buffoon-President Joe Biden to National Security Advisor?
What are they thinking in Washington, D.C.?
US Congress Florida District 20 - Fire Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Conduct Unbecoming a Congresswoman: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz's Questionable Decorum on National Television Not Worthy of an Elected Official
November 2 is "National Take Out the Trash Day" - Fire Debbie Wasserman Schultz! Vote Karen Harrington!
November 2 is "National Take Out the Trash Day" - Fire Debbie Wasserman Schultz! Vote Karen Harrington!
Democrats begin legal action to intimidate and slience businsses!
Review & Outlook: Shutting Up Business - WSJ.com
If you are using Progressive Insurance, then you are funding the Democrat Party. George Soros has invested millions of dollars funding Liberal groups like Moveon.org and such and the MSM hasn't said a word. But when Conservatives and Republicans do this it is "suddenly" being investigated by Congress, with baseless lies being thrown about by thePresident White House Liar. Since when is it OK to spread false claims of unlawful activity, and then expect the other side to "prove" those claims are wrong? If that were the prevailing standard, then why doesn't MaObama just release his College Transcripts and Original Birth Certificate and just shut everyone up?
Things are going to get a lot nastier in the next 22 days, as theDemocrats Socialists ramp up the target and destroy philosophy of Alinsky in order to try and salvage something out of this election cycle.
If you are using Progressive Insurance, then you are funding the Democrat Party. George Soros has invested millions of dollars funding Liberal groups like Moveon.org and such and the MSM hasn't said a word. But when Conservatives and Republicans do this it is "suddenly" being investigated by Congress, with baseless lies being thrown about by the
Things are going to get a lot nastier in the next 22 days, as the
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Unless Congress Takes Action The 2011 Tax Changes Spell Disaster
This Kiplinger Article summarizes all the incredibly stupid things that the US Congress is about to let happen if they don't get the People's Business done and make the "Bush Tax Cuts" permanent! This is a recipe for entering a "Great Depression" period, during which our currency will end up practically worthless. So, unless you own solid assets, i.e. land, precious metals or diamonds, then you will be in major trouble in the coming hard times.
November 2 is Coming - Vote! Vote for Conservatives who will bring the Federal Government under control; if one isn't available, then hold your nose and vote for the Republican. Don't return any incumbent Democrats to office!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Take out the Trash Day
Great cartoon at this link, and YES, Nov 2 is "take out the trash day". Remember to Vote and No Incumbents!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
2011's Uncharted Political Waters
2011's Uncharted Political Waters
This article points out the precarious conditions that exist today which may end up with one or both of the current political parties, Democrat and Republican, going out of existence - with a new party winning a series of elections for half a century. The similarities to 1855 are very stark. Of course, we don't have a War Between the States, yet, to solidify voters opinions on a single party, as it did for the Republicans in 1861-1865 and beyond.
We live in interesting times, and should be ready for significant change. I probably won't see much of that change, but my children and grandchildren need to be prepared.
Oh, and a pet peeve. It's ALWAYS the Democrat Party. Calling them them the Democratic party imparts to them a set of values that don't exist within their organization today!
This article points out the precarious conditions that exist today which may end up with one or both of the current political parties, Democrat and Republican, going out of existence - with a new party winning a series of elections for half a century. The similarities to 1855 are very stark. Of course, we don't have a War Between the States, yet, to solidify voters opinions on a single party, as it did for the Republicans in 1861-1865 and beyond.
We live in interesting times, and should be ready for significant change. I probably won't see much of that change, but my children and grandchildren need to be prepared.
Oh, and a pet peeve. It's ALWAYS the Democrat Party. Calling them them the Democratic party imparts to them a set of values that don't exist within their organization today!
Broward County Politicians Fail Again - Budget Not Passed
The blog link in the title will give you a blow-by-blow description of why you need to vote out the Broward County Commissioners on Nov 2. They have consistently failed to provide leadership and planning, thus leaving the County in a disastrous financial condition with little or no options other than raising taxes.
Remember when home prices were increasing by fantastic amounts? Your County Commissioners made no effort to keep Taxes and Expenses stable - they took the money and spent it without regard to the future. They negotiated criminally negligent contracts with Public Employees Unions to fund benefits and retirement programs that are fantastically better than the average private sector worker gets, and then expect us to pay for it.
It's time to start decreasing public workers, imposing salaries, benefits and retirement plans that are comparable to the "average" private sector plan, and instituting work rules that make Public Employees more efficient and better organized to provide the same services with fewer people.
You cannot "balance" the County Budget by closing Libraries, Parks and cutting out essential services, which is what the Commissioners always threaten, in order to justify increasing taxes!
My District is not even represented in Broward County, since the last commissioner was indicted for crimes, and no replacement was named. So we have 8 Commissioners, 4 of which want the status quo, and 4 who want to increase taxes.
On November 2, vote them all out, and if anyone is running unopposed, don't vote for anyone, since we don't have a "none of the above" option, as is available in Nevada! Wish we had it here.
Remember when home prices were increasing by fantastic amounts? Your County Commissioners made no effort to keep Taxes and Expenses stable - they took the money and spent it without regard to the future. They negotiated criminally negligent contracts with Public Employees Unions to fund benefits and retirement programs that are fantastically better than the average private sector worker gets, and then expect us to pay for it.
It's time to start decreasing public workers, imposing salaries, benefits and retirement plans that are comparable to the "average" private sector plan, and instituting work rules that make Public Employees more efficient and better organized to provide the same services with fewer people.
You cannot "balance" the County Budget by closing Libraries, Parks and cutting out essential services, which is what the Commissioners always threaten, in order to justify increasing taxes!
My District is not even represented in Broward County, since the last commissioner was indicted for crimes, and no replacement was named. So we have 8 Commissioners, 4 of which want the status quo, and 4 who want to increase taxes.
On November 2, vote them all out, and if anyone is running unopposed, don't vote for anyone, since we don't have a "none of the above" option, as is available in Nevada! Wish we had it here.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Elite Colleges Don't Offer ROTC. They Shouldn't get Government Funding!
Every color but camo - NYPOST.com
Most colleges fail to offer ROTC. They promote "diversity", but fail to promote the United States and the concept of serving our nation. This is mostly because the current College Professors and Staff are leftover '60's Radicals who were too self-absorbed and cowardly to support their Country in a time of crisis - Vietnam.
These Radical Professors now promote Socialism, Radical Environmental Causes, and mostly teach that the "Founders" were just old white men who owned slaves. Consequently we have a crop of college graduates who are politically and socially skewed to a certain ideology, that is Anti-American. These are also the elite Universities that are turning out dishonest CEO's and Incompetent Lawyer/Politicians.
We need to stop public funding for Colleges and Universities who promote these ideals, and who don't allow Military Recruiters or ROTC on Campus. It's time to take a stand for American Values! In fact, you probably shouldn't be spending your on money on such Educational Institutions!
Most colleges fail to offer ROTC. They promote "diversity", but fail to promote the United States and the concept of serving our nation. This is mostly because the current College Professors and Staff are leftover '60's Radicals who were too self-absorbed and cowardly to support their Country in a time of crisis - Vietnam.
These Radical Professors now promote Socialism, Radical Environmental Causes, and mostly teach that the "Founders" were just old white men who owned slaves. Consequently we have a crop of college graduates who are politically and socially skewed to a certain ideology, that is Anti-American. These are also the elite Universities that are turning out dishonest CEO's and Incompetent Lawyer/Politicians.
We need to stop public funding for Colleges and Universities who promote these ideals, and who don't allow Military Recruiters or ROTC on Campus. It's time to take a stand for American Values! In fact, you probably shouldn't be spending your on money on such Educational Institutions!
Entitlements and Politicians - TEA Party Candidates Tell the Truth!
Tea Party Candidates Honest About Entitlements
Here's an interesting article about how the "Tea Party" Candidates are really being honest about "entitlement" programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. Unlike the Political Ruling Class, currently inhabiting Washington, D.C., these people running for office want to have the conversation about how poorly run, mismanaged and otherwise disastrous shape these entitlement programs are in today.
If you are young and paying Social Security (FICA) and Medicare (OASDI) in your paychecks (you all are), your chances of actually getting any benefits is pretty slim. These funds don't actually go into an account to fund these specific programs, they go into the General Fund, and the Political Ruling Class (PRC's) spend the money on their favorite programs.
Once upon a time, these funds were earmarked specifically for Social Security and Medicare and could actually be invested to earn more money to pay benefits. But a prior Democrat-controlled Congress decided they would issue "Treasury Notes" to Social Security and Medicare, so that they would have enough money to fund their pet projects without raising taxes. Of course, they eventually had to raise taxes anyway!
Of course, in the not so distant past (think Bill Clinton), the Democrats passed a large tax hike; one provision of their tax hike was that people now had to pay income taxes on their Social Security Benefits. Think about it. You paid Income Taxes on this money and it was deducted from your salary for the Federal Government. And NOW they want to tax you again when you actually get the benefits from your already taxed dollars.
So, if you are thinking about voting for an incumbent PRC, remember these things, and vote for someone else. If you don't throw the PRC's out of D.C. the Federal Government will never change!
Here's an interesting article about how the "Tea Party" Candidates are really being honest about "entitlement" programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. Unlike the Political Ruling Class, currently inhabiting Washington, D.C., these people running for office want to have the conversation about how poorly run, mismanaged and otherwise disastrous shape these entitlement programs are in today.
If you are young and paying Social Security (FICA) and Medicare (OASDI) in your paychecks (you all are), your chances of actually getting any benefits is pretty slim. These funds don't actually go into an account to fund these specific programs, they go into the General Fund, and the Political Ruling Class (PRC's) spend the money on their favorite programs.
Once upon a time, these funds were earmarked specifically for Social Security and Medicare and could actually be invested to earn more money to pay benefits. But a prior Democrat-controlled Congress decided they would issue "Treasury Notes" to Social Security and Medicare, so that they would have enough money to fund their pet projects without raising taxes. Of course, they eventually had to raise taxes anyway!
Of course, in the not so distant past (think Bill Clinton), the Democrats passed a large tax hike; one provision of their tax hike was that people now had to pay income taxes on their Social Security Benefits. Think about it. You paid Income Taxes on this money and it was deducted from your salary for the Federal Government. And NOW they want to tax you again when you actually get the benefits from your already taxed dollars.
So, if you are thinking about voting for an incumbent PRC, remember these things, and vote for someone else. If you don't throw the PRC's out of D.C. the Federal Government will never change!
Monday, October 4, 2010
US Congress Florida District 20 - Fire Debbie Wasserman Schulz
Congresswoman Wasserman Schulz has been Nancy Pelosi's spokesperson for the better part of 4 years. She has led much of the fight for the already failed Health Care reform because she's ostensibly from a "safe district". That is probably right, and the voters of Florida District 20 need to wake up. Ms. Wasserman Schulz has been busy carrying water for Nancy Pelosi and the Professional Left of the Democrat Party, and enhancing her own Political Career in the Democrat Party Leadership.
What has she done for her Constituents? Nothing! She's afraid to host real town hall meetings because she can't handle the heat! Much of her constituency are Seniors and with the raid of $500Billion from Medicare and the failure to address the severe financial condition of Social Security, she has failed those people.
We have a good candidate in FL 20 in Karen Harrington. Support her now!
To see Ms. Wasserman Schulz destroyed by a voice of reason, watch the video in the title link! When confronted by reason, she's unable to respond coherently!
What has she done for her Constituents? Nothing! She's afraid to host real town hall meetings because she can't handle the heat! Much of her constituency are Seniors and with the raid of $500Billion from Medicare and the failure to address the severe financial condition of Social Security, she has failed those people.
We have a good candidate in FL 20 in Karen Harrington. Support her now!
To see Ms. Wasserman Schulz destroyed by a voice of reason, watch the video in the title link! When confronted by reason, she's unable to respond coherently!
Obama Adminstration Subverts the Constitution Again!
The "new" Consumer Protection Agency is an abomination to the principles of the US Constitution and to the Rule of Law. Obama has circumvented the constitution by refusing to submit his nominee to run this new bureaucracy to the Senate for Confirmation. Instead he has "appointed" her to form the new organization.
Then his "appointee" addresses the bankers and credit card companies and insists that she will not specify laws and regulations, but will "regulate" as the situation requires, which is in direct conflict with our Rule of Law, but which fits in nicely with the Progressive Movement's mantra.
Every day our freedoms are being subverted by the Obama Administration in the name of Progressive principle, and his rise to an Imperial Presidency continues. It may take generations to stop this.
Read the article at the title link for more information.
Then his "appointee" addresses the bankers and credit card companies and insists that she will not specify laws and regulations, but will "regulate" as the situation requires, which is in direct conflict with our Rule of Law, but which fits in nicely with the Progressive Movement's mantra.
Every day our freedoms are being subverted by the Obama Administration in the name of Progressive principle, and his rise to an Imperial Presidency continues. It may take generations to stop this.
Read the article at the title link for more information.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Rham Emanuel Leaves the White House
When Rahm Emanuel is the "centrist" voice in the White House, and is leaving, you know you are in trouble. This Administration is on the rocks and likely to sink into the morass after the November elections.
Combine that with a politicized Justice Department, led by the Racist and Incompetent Eric Holder, and you have an American Disaster waiting to happen.
Progressive Values are being roundly rejected by the majority of Americans.
Combine that with a politicized Justice Department, led by the Racist and Incompetent Eric Holder, and you have an American Disaster waiting to happen.
Progressive Values are being roundly rejected by the majority of Americans.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Congress Again Avoids Its Responsibilities
So, Congress has "adjourned" to go home and campaign, without voting on the extension of the "Bush Tax Cuts". What are they thinking? These fools are proving that they know nothing about Capitalism, American Businesses and what it takes to run a company.
How can companies plan for the new year without knowing the tax rates for their employees. Are the Obamao-ites thinking that with the Lame Duck Session they can pass their versions of extending the Tax Cuts, i.e. giving an increase to the "wealthy", i.e. those with over $250K of income.
How can companies plan for the new year without knowing the tax rates for their employees. Are the Obamao-ites thinking that with the Lame Duck Session they can pass their versions of extending the Tax Cuts, i.e. giving an increase to the "wealthy", i.e. those with over $250K of income.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Health Care and the Kansas-Nebraska Act 1854, Redux
So no matter what you think of the Health Care Bill, there are much larger things at play here. This comparison to the "Slavery Question" in 1854, which in turn led directly to the War Between the States is valid and makes an unsettling outcome perhaps necessary again. Is 2011 going to be like 1861?
This thoughtful analysis by Tony Blankley, along with the possible collapse of our financial system should give anyone pause for thought.
Clean House in 2010, and Clean the Senate as Well!
Kansas-Nebraska Act 1854, Redux
Posted using ShareThis
This thoughtful analysis by Tony Blankley, along with the possible collapse of our financial system should give anyone pause for thought.
Clean House in 2010, and Clean the Senate as Well!
Kansas-Nebraska Act 1854, Redux
Posted using ShareThis
Thursday, February 18, 2010
John Stuart Mill on Utilitarianism
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth a war, is much worse. ... A man who has nothing which he is willing to fight for, nothing which he cares more about than he does about his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
Captures most of the "Progressives" right now, although this was written 100 years ago. Universal Service is the answer to recapturing the spirit of our Nation. If every Politician had to serve before entering public life, and all other citizens had to contribute 2 years to their country, we would see a much different society.
Oh, and this should be applied to any "deal" with Illegal Aliens. If they want to become citizens, part of the path should require service.
Captures most of the "Progressives" right now, although this was written 100 years ago. Universal Service is the answer to recapturing the spirit of our Nation. If every Politician had to serve before entering public life, and all other citizens had to contribute 2 years to their country, we would see a much different society.
Oh, and this should be applied to any "deal" with Illegal Aliens. If they want to become citizens, part of the path should require service.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Government out of Control
After almost 17 years working in Sacramento California for a large enterprise, I understood just how corrupt the California Government really was. For example the CALPERS (California Public Employees Retirement System) organization is massive; they had the financial clout to help force the "retirement" of John Akers as then CEO of IBM and have him replaced with Lou Gerstner.
But more than that, Public Employees Unions have consistently asked for more than the public is willing or able to pay for their efforts. This is not to demonize the public sector worker, but when their pay and benefits outstrips those of the private sector, those who are actually producing, creating jobs, generating wealth, then our Government is officially out of control.
Unions are OK for private, profit-making Corporations because they allow for the employee to bargain for their share of the profits, and benefits. However, Public Employee Unions should be illegal. If you want to work for the Government, then you need to realize that you are limited by what the public is willing to pay in taxes and fees.
Unfortunately, our elected leaders have neither the backbone, nor the intellect to challenge these public employees organizations. Therefore, a revolution is required.
Don't believe my opinion? Go here: http://reason.com/archives/2010/01/12/class-war/print
But more than that, Public Employees Unions have consistently asked for more than the public is willing or able to pay for their efforts. This is not to demonize the public sector worker, but when their pay and benefits outstrips those of the private sector, those who are actually producing, creating jobs, generating wealth, then our Government is officially out of control.
Unions are OK for private, profit-making Corporations because they allow for the employee to bargain for their share of the profits, and benefits. However, Public Employee Unions should be illegal. If you want to work for the Government, then you need to realize that you are limited by what the public is willing to pay in taxes and fees.
Unfortunately, our elected leaders have neither the backbone, nor the intellect to challenge these public employees organizations. Therefore, a revolution is required.
Don't believe my opinion? Go here: http://reason.com/archives/2010/01/12/class-war/print
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Obama's Farce at State of the Union
Not my words - kudos to Patriot Post:
In the wake of Barack Hussein Obama's first State of the Union address, much of the critical analysis from Republicans posited that he should do "this" instead of "that."
Unfortunately, when there is no more constitutional authority for a president to do this rather than that, Republicans fail to distinguish themselves from Democrats since both parties are then advocating unlawful extra-constitutional policies.
Obama's SOTU teleprompters fed him a steady stream of poll-tested rhetoric, none of which comports with the authority granted the Executive Branch, unless, of course, one subscribes to the adulterated "living constitution" as amended by judicial diktat.
Predictably, Obama offered only Socialist solutions to all ills, and not a single suggestion that individual responsibility or the private sector economy should shoulder that burden, at least not without government "incentives," a.k.a. centralized social and economic planning.
In 6,200 words (second longest SOTU after Bill Clinton -- two narcissists who just can't hear enough of themselves), Obama referred to himself repeatedly, and alleged that he was the anointed spokesman for "we," the American people, more than 100 times.
On the other hand, he mentioned the Constitution only twice.
First, in his opening remarks Obama said, "Our Constitution declares that from time to time the president shall give to Congress information about the state of our union."
Correct.
Second, he asserted, "We find unity in our incredible diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution, the notion that we're all created equal..."
As the Internet meme goes these days: FAIL! Uh, uh, uh, -- that "notion" was enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, third paragraph, first sentence. One would think that this alleged professor of "Constitutional Law" at the University of Chicago Law School would have noticed such a simple, yet substantial, error.
Our Constitution is devoted to clearly delineating the limited role of the central government from the unlimited rights of the states and the people.
To that end, James Madison, author of our Constitution, wrote, "The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite."
Accordingly, Obama mentions freedom only once, and made absolutely no reference to liberty.
Nowhere in our Constitution is there any authority or provision for these key proposals from Obama's SOTU:
1. The power to further centralize regulation of our economy.
2. The power to completely regulate our national health care system. (Note: both the Democrat and Republican proposals lack constitutional authority). Obama even repeated his claim that the American people are just not smart enough to get on board: "I take my share of the blame for not explaining it more clearly to the American people."
3. The power to further regulate and tax the production of CO2.
Obama reiterated his claims that the current recession was caused by "Wall Street," and then went on to insist that the only hope for ending the recession was government "investment," a euphemism for taxing money out of the private sector, taking bureaucratic handling fees out, then giving it to political constituencies.
To correctly interpret Obama's SOTU, you need only filter everything he says through his foremost pledge that the his administration's charge is the "fundamental transformation of the United States of America."
That is a line Obama lifted from the primary architect of his Socialist platform, Robert Creamer, who had earlier proclaimed, "If Barack Obama is elected president, then we have the opportunity to fundamentally transform American politics and the economy."
It's likely that you've never heard of Bob Creamer, because Barack Obama is very adept at concealing his association with his Marxist patrons.
In his younger days, Obama was not concerned about such associations: "I chose my friends carefully," he wrote. "The more politically active black students; the foreign students; the Chicanos; the Marxist professors and structural feminists and punk-rock performance poets."
But when he announced his aspirations to become a U.S. senator in 2004, Obama began to cover his tracks. He stopped associating publicly with Leftist colleagues and mentors such as Jeremiah Wright, Michael Pfleger, William Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, Khalid al-Mansour, Rashid Khalidi, Bob Creamer and others.
Creamer is a member of Obama's Chicago mob, a fellow "community organizer" and disciple of Saul Alinsky. Like all of Obama's Chicago benefactors, Creamer believes that he is above the law, or, more appropriately, that he is the law in today's age of the rule of men. But like Tony Rezko, another of Obama's slick Chicago political backers, Creamer was caught with his hand in the till and was convicted of a felony (bank fraud) back in 2004 when Obama was a state senator. Creamer got a softball sentence, though: five months in a minimum-security facility for white-collar criminals and another 11 months of house arrest.
With all that time on his hands, Creamer authored a book, "How Progressives Can Win," which, along with Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals," serves as the template for Obama's campaign to "fundamentally transform" America.
Obama didn't use the word "transform" in his SOTU, but he did insist that government must "lay a new foundation for long-term economic growth," under the pretense of "reform," in order to "give our people the government they deserve."
"I campaigned on the promise of change, change we can believe in. I know there are many Americans who aren't sure if they still believe that I can deliver it. I never suggested that change would be easy ... and when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy."
And well, it should.
Though Obama's efforts to nationalize the nation's health care sector have been temporarily stalled, he has no intention of giving up, announcing that he is redoubling his efforts to expand central government controls over the private sector under cover of "economic crisis." As White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said, "Never let a good crisis go to waste."
Leading up to his SOTU, Obama endeavored to portray himself as a fiscal conservative: "We can't continue to spend as if deficits don't have consequences, as if waste doesn't matter, as if the hard earned tax dollars of the American people can be treated like monopoly money, that's what we've seen time and time again, Washington has become more concerned about the next election than the next generation."
This is subterfuge.
Obama endeavors to portray himself as a constitutional conservative: "We will lead in the observance of ... the rule of law. ... Don't mock the Constitution. Don't make fun of it. Don't suggest that it's not American to abide by what the Founding Fathers set up. It's worked pretty well for over 200 years."
This is deception.
Obama endeavors to portray himself as a resolute commander in chief. Regarding Operation Iraqi Freedom he decreed, "Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31st, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end." On Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, he declared, "After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home." On the treatment of captive terrorists, he says, "I will restore America's moral standing." On the Long War with Jihadistan, Obama claims, "The United States is not, and will never be, at war with Islam."
This is farce.
Obama is a dangerous neophyte in matters of national security, and he shows no signs of improving.
If Republicans really want to defeat Obama's Leftist agenda, they need to adopt the tried and true conservative message founded on Essential Liberty. Only then can they truly take control of the debate.
And while Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's response to Obama's SOTU address was encouraging, the current crop of Republican leaders continues to play by Democrat rules, attempting to sell a dangerous and debilitating elixir: "We don't offend the Constitution as bad as they do."
Bottom line: Republicans must refocus on First Principles and govern accordingly.
Republicans can best distinguish themselves from Democrats by, first and foremost, honoring their sacred oath to "support and defend" our Constitution.
To that end, Obama declared, "If you abide by the law, you should be protected by it."
True, but on the other hand, if you are not going to abide by the law, you should be impeached.
P.S. If you are going to seat two police officers next to your wife in the gallery, the two who brought down the Ft. Hood jihadi terrorist, you might at least acknowledge them.
Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus et Fidelis!
Mark Alexander
Publisher, PatriotPost.US
In the wake of Barack Hussein Obama's first State of the Union address, much of the critical analysis from Republicans posited that he should do "this" instead of "that."
Unfortunately, when there is no more constitutional authority for a president to do this rather than that, Republicans fail to distinguish themselves from Democrats since both parties are then advocating unlawful extra-constitutional policies.
Obama's SOTU teleprompters fed him a steady stream of poll-tested rhetoric, none of which comports with the authority granted the Executive Branch, unless, of course, one subscribes to the adulterated "living constitution" as amended by judicial diktat.
Predictably, Obama offered only Socialist solutions to all ills, and not a single suggestion that individual responsibility or the private sector economy should shoulder that burden, at least not without government "incentives," a.k.a. centralized social and economic planning.
In 6,200 words (second longest SOTU after Bill Clinton -- two narcissists who just can't hear enough of themselves), Obama referred to himself repeatedly, and alleged that he was the anointed spokesman for "we," the American people, more than 100 times.
On the other hand, he mentioned the Constitution only twice.
First, in his opening remarks Obama said, "Our Constitution declares that from time to time the president shall give to Congress information about the state of our union."
Correct.
Second, he asserted, "We find unity in our incredible diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution, the notion that we're all created equal..."
As the Internet meme goes these days: FAIL! Uh, uh, uh, -- that "notion" was enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, third paragraph, first sentence. One would think that this alleged professor of "Constitutional Law" at the University of Chicago Law School would have noticed such a simple, yet substantial, error.
Our Constitution is devoted to clearly delineating the limited role of the central government from the unlimited rights of the states and the people.
To that end, James Madison, author of our Constitution, wrote, "The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite."
Accordingly, Obama mentions freedom only once, and made absolutely no reference to liberty.
Nowhere in our Constitution is there any authority or provision for these key proposals from Obama's SOTU:
1. The power to further centralize regulation of our economy.
2. The power to completely regulate our national health care system. (Note: both the Democrat and Republican proposals lack constitutional authority). Obama even repeated his claim that the American people are just not smart enough to get on board: "I take my share of the blame for not explaining it more clearly to the American people."
3. The power to further regulate and tax the production of CO2.
Obama reiterated his claims that the current recession was caused by "Wall Street," and then went on to insist that the only hope for ending the recession was government "investment," a euphemism for taxing money out of the private sector, taking bureaucratic handling fees out, then giving it to political constituencies.
To correctly interpret Obama's SOTU, you need only filter everything he says through his foremost pledge that the his administration's charge is the "fundamental transformation of the United States of America."
That is a line Obama lifted from the primary architect of his Socialist platform, Robert Creamer, who had earlier proclaimed, "If Barack Obama is elected president, then we have the opportunity to fundamentally transform American politics and the economy."
It's likely that you've never heard of Bob Creamer, because Barack Obama is very adept at concealing his association with his Marxist patrons.
In his younger days, Obama was not concerned about such associations: "I chose my friends carefully," he wrote. "The more politically active black students; the foreign students; the Chicanos; the Marxist professors and structural feminists and punk-rock performance poets."
But when he announced his aspirations to become a U.S. senator in 2004, Obama began to cover his tracks. He stopped associating publicly with Leftist colleagues and mentors such as Jeremiah Wright, Michael Pfleger, William Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, Khalid al-Mansour, Rashid Khalidi, Bob Creamer and others.
Creamer is a member of Obama's Chicago mob, a fellow "community organizer" and disciple of Saul Alinsky. Like all of Obama's Chicago benefactors, Creamer believes that he is above the law, or, more appropriately, that he is the law in today's age of the rule of men. But like Tony Rezko, another of Obama's slick Chicago political backers, Creamer was caught with his hand in the till and was convicted of a felony (bank fraud) back in 2004 when Obama was a state senator. Creamer got a softball sentence, though: five months in a minimum-security facility for white-collar criminals and another 11 months of house arrest.
With all that time on his hands, Creamer authored a book, "How Progressives Can Win," which, along with Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals," serves as the template for Obama's campaign to "fundamentally transform" America.
Obama didn't use the word "transform" in his SOTU, but he did insist that government must "lay a new foundation for long-term economic growth," under the pretense of "reform," in order to "give our people the government they deserve."
"I campaigned on the promise of change, change we can believe in. I know there are many Americans who aren't sure if they still believe that I can deliver it. I never suggested that change would be easy ... and when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy."
And well, it should.
Though Obama's efforts to nationalize the nation's health care sector have been temporarily stalled, he has no intention of giving up, announcing that he is redoubling his efforts to expand central government controls over the private sector under cover of "economic crisis." As White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said, "Never let a good crisis go to waste."
Leading up to his SOTU, Obama endeavored to portray himself as a fiscal conservative: "We can't continue to spend as if deficits don't have consequences, as if waste doesn't matter, as if the hard earned tax dollars of the American people can be treated like monopoly money, that's what we've seen time and time again, Washington has become more concerned about the next election than the next generation."
This is subterfuge.
Obama endeavors to portray himself as a constitutional conservative: "We will lead in the observance of ... the rule of law. ... Don't mock the Constitution. Don't make fun of it. Don't suggest that it's not American to abide by what the Founding Fathers set up. It's worked pretty well for over 200 years."
This is deception.
Obama endeavors to portray himself as a resolute commander in chief. Regarding Operation Iraqi Freedom he decreed, "Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31st, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end." On Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, he declared, "After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home." On the treatment of captive terrorists, he says, "I will restore America's moral standing." On the Long War with Jihadistan, Obama claims, "The United States is not, and will never be, at war with Islam."
This is farce.
Obama is a dangerous neophyte in matters of national security, and he shows no signs of improving.
If Republicans really want to defeat Obama's Leftist agenda, they need to adopt the tried and true conservative message founded on Essential Liberty. Only then can they truly take control of the debate.
And while Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's response to Obama's SOTU address was encouraging, the current crop of Republican leaders continues to play by Democrat rules, attempting to sell a dangerous and debilitating elixir: "We don't offend the Constitution as bad as they do."
Bottom line: Republicans must refocus on First Principles and govern accordingly.
Republicans can best distinguish themselves from Democrats by, first and foremost, honoring their sacred oath to "support and defend" our Constitution.
To that end, Obama declared, "If you abide by the law, you should be protected by it."
True, but on the other hand, if you are not going to abide by the law, you should be impeached.
P.S. If you are going to seat two police officers next to your wife in the gallery, the two who brought down the Ft. Hood jihadi terrorist, you might at least acknowledge them.
Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus et Fidelis!
Mark Alexander
Publisher, PatriotPost.US
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Everyone Should Serve
I can remember when the Military Draft was in full force, during the Vietnam war when I was on recruiting duty with the US Marine Corps in Los Angeles. The Marines had traditionally not taken draftees, and were the only totally professional military arm in the United States. Due to the need to quickly activate new Divisions, we were forced to take draftees, and although most of them were, I'm sure, good people, it's my belief that their presence degraded the overall quality of the Marine Corps.
This said, in my later years, I believe that every American should serve their country for 2-3 years, with a compulsory service, i.e. Military, Peace Corps, Americorps (not the Obama Corps), etc. - no exceptions! We need a lot of help in the United States and I'm sure that we could find work for everyone that would improve the United States, and instill in those that serve a much better appreciation for their country.
That said, I would offer a Constitutional Amendment. In order to serve in Federal Political Office a person would have to have served; no exceptions.
In fact, I would favor a Constitutional Amendment that would REQUIRE mandatory service in order to gain the right to vote. Just being a citizen is no longer enough, and, again, this would give individuals a greater appreciation of their Constitutional Rights, as well as make voting a privilege for well-informed people who have some appreciation of just what we have in the United States.
We need "change", just not the "change to socialism" that is happening today.
This said, in my later years, I believe that every American should serve their country for 2-3 years, with a compulsory service, i.e. Military, Peace Corps, Americorps (not the Obama Corps), etc. - no exceptions! We need a lot of help in the United States and I'm sure that we could find work for everyone that would improve the United States, and instill in those that serve a much better appreciation for their country.
That said, I would offer a Constitutional Amendment. In order to serve in Federal Political Office a person would have to have served; no exceptions.
In fact, I would favor a Constitutional Amendment that would REQUIRE mandatory service in order to gain the right to vote. Just being a citizen is no longer enough, and, again, this would give individuals a greater appreciation of their Constitutional Rights, as well as make voting a privilege for well-informed people who have some appreciation of just what we have in the United States.
We need "change", just not the "change to socialism" that is happening today.
Facebook Quandry
After enthusiastically embracing Facebook and adding as many people that I actually knew, I learned that you can't really say what you want without making others angry. So, I cut my Facebook down to just family members for some time, and although we don't always agree on everything, they give me slack for being the "political old guy" - pretty much.
Now, I've allowed some others that I know have the same view of the United States and our national disintegration as I, and that's also worked out well. I put in my comments and thoughts, with some discretion, and we have discussions, or not, as the case may be, but no one gets insulted or angry.
But it's starting to creep up again, with people wanting to be "included", but who just don't get the real shift that's happened, for me, in the political discussions. For me it's no longer about Democrats or Republicans, or which Lamestream News Channel is currently in favor.
No, it's really a view that the fundamentals on which the country was founded are being systematically destroyed by a Federal Bureaucracy, and a "professional" political class that rigs everything so that they can maintain power, and increase their control over the daily lives of every American, including telling us where and how we should spend out money. In the meantime the "ruling political class" provide special exemptions, health plans, retirement plans and privileges for themselved that remind me of the King of England in 1776.
You see, I don't believe that the basic freedoms and fundamental individual liberties originally guaranteed in the Constitution and Bill of Rights are "flexible" and in all the "living document" crap put out by many regarding the Constitution. Just today, I read of a Federal Judge in NY declaring, without any evidence at all, that the NYC Fire Department is discriminatory. Perhaps it is; however, there was no evidence presented in this case that proved it one way or the over, so this Federal Judge took it upon himself to make that ruling with absolutely no basis in fact.
Just this last week the Administration cut a back room deal with Unions, exempting them from paying taxes on certain health care plans; so that two people with the same health coverage, one union and one not, will be treated differently. The non-Union person will have a 40% excise tax levied on their health care plan. This is patently un-American.
So, this is where I am. I'm reading more and more about the Founders of this Country, and their writings about the intent of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. That leads me to promote the dismantling of most of the Federal Government, along with the professional Political Class and the permanent Bureaucracy.
This myth that you have to be "experienced" to be elected to public office, or make it a "career" is just so much hogwash. We would be much better off having people with real world experience taking time to serve their country for 2-3 terms and then leaving to return to private life.
So, I'm a proponent of the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, which limits Federal Power to those specifically granted to it by the States. It's time to take back States Rights, let the individual States manage their government, education, health care, etc., and sometimes even cooperate together to improve certain services.
Let's get the Federal Government out of our lives, pocketbooks, and have them stop making our choices for us. The alternative is a slow death spiral into possible revolution and the break-up of the United States into individual countries. Wake up America and take charge of your individual lives!
Now, I've allowed some others that I know have the same view of the United States and our national disintegration as I, and that's also worked out well. I put in my comments and thoughts, with some discretion, and we have discussions, or not, as the case may be, but no one gets insulted or angry.
But it's starting to creep up again, with people wanting to be "included", but who just don't get the real shift that's happened, for me, in the political discussions. For me it's no longer about Democrats or Republicans, or which Lamestream News Channel is currently in favor.
No, it's really a view that the fundamentals on which the country was founded are being systematically destroyed by a Federal Bureaucracy, and a "professional" political class that rigs everything so that they can maintain power, and increase their control over the daily lives of every American, including telling us where and how we should spend out money. In the meantime the "ruling political class" provide special exemptions, health plans, retirement plans and privileges for themselved that remind me of the King of England in 1776.
You see, I don't believe that the basic freedoms and fundamental individual liberties originally guaranteed in the Constitution and Bill of Rights are "flexible" and in all the "living document" crap put out by many regarding the Constitution. Just today, I read of a Federal Judge in NY declaring, without any evidence at all, that the NYC Fire Department is discriminatory. Perhaps it is; however, there was no evidence presented in this case that proved it one way or the over, so this Federal Judge took it upon himself to make that ruling with absolutely no basis in fact.
Just this last week the Administration cut a back room deal with Unions, exempting them from paying taxes on certain health care plans; so that two people with the same health coverage, one union and one not, will be treated differently. The non-Union person will have a 40% excise tax levied on their health care plan. This is patently un-American.
So, this is where I am. I'm reading more and more about the Founders of this Country, and their writings about the intent of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. That leads me to promote the dismantling of most of the Federal Government, along with the professional Political Class and the permanent Bureaucracy.
This myth that you have to be "experienced" to be elected to public office, or make it a "career" is just so much hogwash. We would be much better off having people with real world experience taking time to serve their country for 2-3 terms and then leaving to return to private life.
So, I'm a proponent of the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, which limits Federal Power to those specifically granted to it by the States. It's time to take back States Rights, let the individual States manage their government, education, health care, etc., and sometimes even cooperate together to improve certain services.
Let's get the Federal Government out of our lives, pocketbooks, and have them stop making our choices for us. The alternative is a slow death spiral into possible revolution and the break-up of the United States into individual countries. Wake up America and take charge of your individual lives!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
This IS Your Federal Government
Well, Merry Christmas! A terrorist, who had already been banned from England, and was reported to the US Embassy by his Family, wasn't put on the "no fly" list by the US Department of Homeland Security because "they didn't have enough information".
Consequently, we was allowed on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, during which he attempted to ignite explosives, but was thwarted by his own ignorance and the initiative of PASSENGERS!
So, our wonderful government is "tightening security".
1. You won't be allowed to leave your seat or have a blanket, pillow or anything else on your lap during the last hour of an international flight. Well the terrorist didn't LEAVE his seat! He could have used his own coat to cover his activities!
2. You will be subject to more stringent security, which means that more little old grandmothers from Milwaukee will get screened, while young Muslim males will still be allowed free access to airline flights. (A "pundit" says we can't screen based on religion, because we can't afford to offend Muslims!) Try to get aboard an Israeli El Al Flight if you are Palestinian, or Muslim! They have the safest airline in the world!
3. Congress and the Department of Homeland Security will "investigate" what happened in this case, which means they'll excuse themselves and look for someone at the State Department, or FBI to throw under the bus.
FACT: We have the most incompetent permanent Federal Bureaucracy ever allowed to exist in Government, followed only slightly by a Congress that is not only tone deaf to what Americans want, but are probably criminally irresponsible in our homeland security, management of "benefits" like Social Security, Medicare, as well as oversight of non-performing Federal Departments like Education, Energy, EPA, etc.
Are these the people you want deciding whether you get health care, and what kind of health care you should receive? Will you continue to allow them to confiscate your money and spend it on totally useless programs and politically-correct efforts?
Wake Up America! Throw out all incumbents, and only vote for people who have actually held jobs, made a payroll, created jobs and wealth and understand the basics of financial and business success. Lawyers and "professional politicians", along with "community organizers" don't qualify!
Consequently, we was allowed on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, during which he attempted to ignite explosives, but was thwarted by his own ignorance and the initiative of PASSENGERS!
So, our wonderful government is "tightening security".
1. You won't be allowed to leave your seat or have a blanket, pillow or anything else on your lap during the last hour of an international flight. Well the terrorist didn't LEAVE his seat! He could have used his own coat to cover his activities!
2. You will be subject to more stringent security, which means that more little old grandmothers from Milwaukee will get screened, while young Muslim males will still be allowed free access to airline flights. (A "pundit" says we can't screen based on religion, because we can't afford to offend Muslims!) Try to get aboard an Israeli El Al Flight if you are Palestinian, or Muslim! They have the safest airline in the world!
3. Congress and the Department of Homeland Security will "investigate" what happened in this case, which means they'll excuse themselves and look for someone at the State Department, or FBI to throw under the bus.
FACT: We have the most incompetent permanent Federal Bureaucracy ever allowed to exist in Government, followed only slightly by a Congress that is not only tone deaf to what Americans want, but are probably criminally irresponsible in our homeland security, management of "benefits" like Social Security, Medicare, as well as oversight of non-performing Federal Departments like Education, Energy, EPA, etc.
Are these the people you want deciding whether you get health care, and what kind of health care you should receive? Will you continue to allow them to confiscate your money and spend it on totally useless programs and politically-correct efforts?
Wake Up America! Throw out all incumbents, and only vote for people who have actually held jobs, made a payroll, created jobs and wealth and understand the basics of financial and business success. Lawyers and "professional politicians", along with "community organizers" don't qualify!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Health Care Reform and Revolt
So the US Senate, against the wishes of a majority of Americans, passed a Health Care "Reform" Bill yesterday that has the potential to bankrupt the country. The simple fact is that the Government CANNOT take $500 Billion out of Medicare over the next few years. First of all, they've proven over and over again that the US Government Bureaucracy cannot successfully administer any program with efficiency and cost controls. The examples are too numerous to mention, but just think of Social Security, The Post Office, Amtrak, and yes - Medicare! Most of them are broke, or going broke and require massive Federal spending just to survive temporarily.
Secondly, if they to attempt to reduce reimbursements to hospitals and doctors, then there will be many, many fewer doctors and hospitals accepting Medicare patients. This is exactly the Health Care "Rationing" they say won't happen. But, in the end, the Government can't force Hospitals and Doctors to accept Medicare Payments.
Lastly, the Politicians don't even know what is in this bill; haven't read it, and ignore the CBO's warnings that it won't reduce deficits. Historically the CBO's estimated are incredibly wrong, on the low side. So this amounts to a tax increase for every American - there's no other way to pay for it.
What it is, is the first "step" in a massive Government takeover of your individual liberties, rights, and an Unconstitutional Bill, which requires every American to purchase Health Care Coverage.
The revolt needs to be at the ballot box next November. But I wonder if the American public has both the attention span and guts to make the changes needed for real reform in Government. If not, then the other kind of "revolution" may indeed happen. Remember, when the first American Revolution occurred, only about 20% of the population was involved. The rest sat on the sidelines, or were British sympathizers.
"Whereas, to preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them; nor does it follow from this, that all promiscuously must go into actual service on every occasion. The mind that aims at a select militia, must be influenced by a truly anti-republican principle; and when we see many men disposed to practice upon it, whenever they can prevail, no wonder true republicans are for carefully guarding against it." --Federal Farmer, Antifederalist Letter, No.18
Secondly, if they to attempt to reduce reimbursements to hospitals and doctors, then there will be many, many fewer doctors and hospitals accepting Medicare patients. This is exactly the Health Care "Rationing" they say won't happen. But, in the end, the Government can't force Hospitals and Doctors to accept Medicare Payments.
Lastly, the Politicians don't even know what is in this bill; haven't read it, and ignore the CBO's warnings that it won't reduce deficits. Historically the CBO's estimated are incredibly wrong, on the low side. So this amounts to a tax increase for every American - there's no other way to pay for it.
What it is, is the first "step" in a massive Government takeover of your individual liberties, rights, and an Unconstitutional Bill, which requires every American to purchase Health Care Coverage.
The revolt needs to be at the ballot box next November. But I wonder if the American public has both the attention span and guts to make the changes needed for real reform in Government. If not, then the other kind of "revolution" may indeed happen. Remember, when the first American Revolution occurred, only about 20% of the population was involved. The rest sat on the sidelines, or were British sympathizers.
"Whereas, to preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them; nor does it follow from this, that all promiscuously must go into actual service on every occasion. The mind that aims at a select militia, must be influenced by a truly anti-republican principle; and when we see many men disposed to practice upon it, whenever they can prevail, no wonder true republicans are for carefully guarding against it." --Federal Farmer, Antifederalist Letter, No.18
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Couple of Interesting Quotes that Forecast the Coming Calamity
"Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States."
—Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, 1787
John Stossel: "I reread ['Atlas Shrugged'] recently and was stunned. It was as if [Ayn] Rand had seen the future. Writing half a century ago, she predicted today's explosion of big government in shockingly accurate detail. The 'Preservation of Livelihood Law.' The 'Equalization of Opportunity Law.' The 'Steel Unification Plan.' Don't these sound like laws passed by the current Congress?"
—Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, 1787
John Stossel: "I reread ['Atlas Shrugged'] recently and was stunned. It was as if [Ayn] Rand had seen the future. Writing half a century ago, she predicted today's explosion of big government in shockingly accurate detail. The 'Preservation of Livelihood Law.' The 'Equalization of Opportunity Law.' The 'Steel Unification Plan.' Don't these sound like laws passed by the current Congress?"
The Ultimate Sport for Mind and Body
"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, 1785
Keep your powder dry folks. This Congress is going to make fundamentally unsound changes in the American infrastructure that will lead to certain bankruptcy. There's more evidence that only a complete replacement of the "ruling class", along with the "permanent bureaucracy" will solve the problem.
Keep your powder dry folks. This Congress is going to make fundamentally unsound changes in the American infrastructure that will lead to certain bankruptcy. There's more evidence that only a complete replacement of the "ruling class", along with the "permanent bureaucracy" will solve the problem.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Max Baucus’s Friends, Family, and F*!k Buddy Plan
Max Baucus’s Friends, Family, and F*!k Buddy Plan or How the Senate's Health Care Plan is Influenced by Special Interests.
This is just disgraceful. Senator Baucus should be shown the door by Montanans! This is the poster boy for "special interests". Does anyone actually IN Montana contribute to his campaigns?
Also what ever happened to integrity in getting friends and family appointed to special government jobs? This is why ALL Incumbents need to be retired in 2010!
This is just disgraceful. Senator Baucus should be shown the door by Montanans! This is the poster boy for "special interests". Does anyone actually IN Montana contribute to his campaigns?
Also what ever happened to integrity in getting friends and family appointed to special government jobs? This is why ALL Incumbents need to be retired in 2010!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
For Conservative Movie Lovers: John Ford, John Wayne, and ‘They Were Expendable’ Part 6
This is a 5 part series, simply dedicated to one John Ford Movie, "They Were Expendable" a true WWII story, but one that was brought to the screen by a uniquely American Director, and a genius. Today's critics don't see these movies for what they represented, for their place in American history, and in the context of the time. You most often get people talking about how maudlin, or over-the-top patriotic they were - the entire body of John Ford's work. But in the end, if you are more than a person who just watches movies, you understand, you "get it", and appreciate the true genius of an American director who was an artist, creative, and brought the best of America to the screen. I have been a lifelong fan of John Ford's movies and of many of the actors he used in his "stock company", and I never tire of learning more about both the man, and about the movies that he made.
For Conservative Movie Lovers: John Ford, John Wayne, and ‘They Were Expendable’ Part 6
For Conservative Movie Lovers: John Ford, John Wayne, and ‘They Were Expendable’ Part 6
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