"There Is Only One Man..."

The definitive quote of the campaign for me has belonged to Sarah Palin. She had me during her convention speech when she looked right in the camera and said, "There has only been ONE MAN in this campaign who EVER really fought for you...and that man is John McCain."

No lie, Sarah. After the Obama infomercial it would be easy for anyone who watched that to think that America is a depressed and dying country waiting only for Obamessiah to come save it. He highlighted four families, each in some degree of misery, and guess what? He has the answer to their problems, or so he would want us to believe. I don't believe.

Sarah Palin nailed it. John McCain believes in this country. He has fought for this country and he understands everything that means. Obama has no conception of that; you can defend him on issues that suit you as long as you want to try, but Obama has NEVER EVER fought for his country. Not for THIS country.

There are many important issues in this election that matter to me. I'm concerned about the economy, about jobs, about free trade, about who might get appointed to the Supreme Court and shape the course of the nation for years to come. But a big one is national security. Obama has voted against our troops at every turn. He has verbally criticized our troops (who he says are "bombing civilians and air-raiding villages"). He voted against the surge; in the only major foreign policy decision of his 143 day Senate career, he failed. Had he prevailed in his vote against the surge, our guys would have come home in defeat, Iraq in tatters and we would be facing a return to the region under even more dire circumstances. And should he get elected he proposes to cut military funding. What a slap in the face Obama is giving those soldiers and what a slap the American people supporting Obama are giving them.

After the Obama infomercial and after observing this entire campaign, there REMAINS no question in my mind that this man does not like America. He does not. If you need resassurance of that, review his list of America-hating friends and associates: Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said, Khaleed al-Monsoor just to name a few. Everyone he has associated with hates America; is this coincidence? I don't think so.

I'm not ready OR willing to turn my country, the country my own father fought for, over to this man. No way. Sarah Palin nailed it. John McCain loves our country, has fought for it and will continue to fight for it. He has a moral compass, a moral code, and he has the experience this country needs in these dark times.

If you don't believe me, listen to this guy. Even if you KNOW you're voting for Obama, or even if you already have. You owe this guy a listen, trust me:

Refrigerators, Political Research and Daily Life

Yesterday was one of THOSE days. The Teenager had to go to the doctor (virus); I didn't get home until after 6 which is later than usual. Then I check my email and have a hot flurry of people attacking me on my blog; as most of my readers know, I like a healthy debate, so this wasn't necessarily bad. But when folks start insulting my intelligence (or my spelling) and get all personal then I get testy. I think there is room for debate without, as my students would say, "hating on each other." You don't have to agree with me; in fact, life would be dull if we all agreed all the time. But be respectful. Geez.

Anyway, after defending myself to the blogosphere, during the evening I noticed that everything in the freezer was mushy. This was not a total shock as it hasn't been keeping as cold as it should for some time now. But mushy? Not acceptable. So I ditched food, cleaned it out, and went today to get a new one which will arrive on Saturday; the nice folks at Sears will haul my dead one away. I like the new one coming in better - it's bigger. And prettier. Now I just have to reconfigure a few things in the kitchen.

The Obama Show is coming on tonight. Who plans on watching?! I probably will, just out of curiosity (and despite claims to the contrary in the comments, I do my research), but I don't anticipate being swayed in any way. Besides, I want to watch the World Series!

At the Birdfeeder

Obama's Radical Friends

The End of the American Dream

I'm still not convinced that Obamessiah is going to win this election. I know what the polls say. I don't have a lot of faith in polls. I don't think McCain is exactly doing what he needs to do to win, either. Any gains he has made have been largely because of Obamessiah shooting himself in the foot either with his comment to Joe the Plumber or now from the 2001 tape, or even the 1995 tape.

It is absolutely clear to America right now what his agenda is. And half of the nation does not care. Half of this nation is ready to throw mud in the eye of our founding fathers; those brave men who forged this nation at great personal risk to themselves from the British Crown. When Mr. Obama said that the Constitution has "essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers" and then goes on to call the Constitution "a charter of negative liberties," it just makes my blood run cold. This man hates America. He's made it more than clear.

He went on to say that it "says what the states can't do to you, says what the federal government can't do to you, but it doesn't say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf."

As a Constitutional scholar Mr. Obama shows a remarkable lack of perception of the document itself and the Founding Fathers intent. And how dare he be so presumptuous to think that he knows better than they as to what they should have done or said.

The entire purpose of the Constitution was to limit government, not blow it up with massive spending, regulate every aspect of our lives, and to tax citizens out of success and redistribute their wealth to those who the government deems more worthy.

However the Obama campaign tries to spin this tape, and they will, there is absolutely no mistaken context here, nor any misunderstanding of what he said. Mr. Obama made himself quite clear. He will lie about this tape as he has lied about his associations with Ayers, Wright, Acorn and others. He lies.

Yet most Americans at this point do not care. Those casting votes for Obama are voting for socialism. No question. Don't tell me he's not a socialist because he is. He is. Those casting votes for Mr. Obama are turning our entire government over to the Reid, Pelosi, and Barney Franks of Washington with absolutely no check and balances of government. The American Dream is dead. This is not "fear tactics." These are facts - Obama hates America as it is; he has no moral compass or code whatsoever as is the case with too many of our youth. Now he wants to take the country down with him.

How can so many Americans hate America so much as to throw it away? Because that's what is going to happen if Mr. Obama does in fact close the deal.

In Case You Haven't Seen It....

More Halloween Fun

You Might Be A Redneck...

• If you think Michael Moore is John Murtha and Joy Behar’s love child, then you might be a redneck.

All in fun folks, but this Doug Giles column is funny stuff (at John Murtha's expense)

Halloween Fun

Carve your own pumpkin!

The Levin Column

Mark Levin wrote a spot on commentary on the Obama campaign. Here's a quote:

There is a cult-like atmosphere around Barack Obama, which his campaign has carefully and successfully fabricated, which concerns me. The messiah complex. Fainting audience members at rallies. Special Obama flags and an Obama presidential seal. A graphic with the portrayal of the globe and Obama's name on it, which adorns everything from Obama's plane to his street literature. Young school children singing songs praising Obama. Teenagers wearing camouflage outfits and marching in military order chanting Obama's name and the professions he is going to open to them. An Obama world tour, culminating in a speech in Berlin where Obama proclaims we are all citizens of the world. I dare say, this is ominous stuff.

I don't know if there is enough time for people to wake up and realize that even though they may not LOVE McCain, the fate of our country should push them above pushing the button for an untested, unproven, inexperienced socialist who has no real love of our country or any conception of "country first" or honor.

Check out Levin's column!

"It's Always Darkest Before It Goes Totally Black"

Before I got so consumed with this election, this blog used to have stuff on it that wasn't about politics! I guess it goes to my overwhelming concern about the election that I can't seem to post about anything else. My readership isn't high enough to actually change any minds, but I do get the occasional random visitor and if nothing else, it helps me feel like I'm doing some small, tiny thing to help my candidate. Ah well.

Sitting here with my coffee this morning, I was checking my daily sites and editorials and there were two that just nailed what I've been thinking this week. The first one was the Investor's Business Daily editorial which is part of a series they are running on the divide between Obama and McCain. It absolutely nails the Obama tax plan and gets it down to pretty simple language. A quote:

Look at just a few of the things he and congressional Democrats have in mind: Higher taxes on successful entrepreneurs (anyone earning over $250,000), higher taxes on capital gains, higher taxes on dividends, a possible raid on Americans' 401(k)s, a takeover of America's private health care industry, strict new limits on what CEOs can make, and the reimposition of the death tax.

Add it up, and Obama will usher in a new era in America — one where capital, the engine of our economic growth and success, is punished severely through the tax code. If Democrats win a filibuster-proof majority in Congress, it'll be the only form of capital punishment their party will support.

The article concludes by pointing out that the top 5% of earners already pay 60% of all taxes and Obama's changes skew that even further. This should worry everybody; it doesn't matter if you make that big salary - it's going to affect us all in a big way.

The second editorial was Bill Kristol's at The Weekly Standard. I love Bill Kristol. The first line of his article is "It's always darkest before it goes totally black." He, of course, supports McCain/Palin and he points out what has been my biggest deal with Obama which is that he has never accomplished anything but a disciplined campaign. He also criticizes those Republicans who are jumping off the McCain ship just because of Obama's calm temperment. Hunh? What's that about?

Kristol cites a moving moment at a McCain rally in which Marine Sgt. Jack Eubanks gave his Purple Heart to McCain.

"I just gave John McCain my Purple Heart," Marine Sgt. Jack Eubanks told me a few minutes after McCain finished a speech at a campaign rally in Woodbridge, Virginia, Saturday. "I said, 'I want to give this to you, sir, as a reminder that we want you to keep your promise to bring us home in victory and honor, so it will mean something.' "

The 22-year-old Eubanks has been injured twice in Iraq. He's now teaching Marine recruits at Quantico--and walking with a cane. York explains that Eubanks saw remarkable progress in Iraq between his 2005 and 2007 tours and is concerned that it might all be for naught. "I think Obama's just going to pull everyone home as soon as he can, despite what's going on over there," he told York. "I just don't want it to turn into another Vietnam or worse where everything we fought for, and all my buddies who died over there, it was just for nothing."

If you saw the Military Times poll, you know that our military fully and overwhelmingly supports McCain.

Kristol concludes with a great Lincoln quote.

"But for now, we can only echo the words of the 30-year old Abraham Lincoln. On December 26, 1839, responding to the confident prediction of one of his political opponents 'that every State in the Union will vote for Mr. Van Buren at the next Presidential election' and that Lincoln's opposition to the Van Buren forces was therefore bound to be in vain, Lincoln responded:
'Address that argument to cowards and to knaves; with the free and the brave it will effect nothing. It may be true; if it must, let it...The probability that we may fall in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just...Let none falter, who thinks he is right, and we may succeed. But if after all, we shall fail, be it so.'

As it happens, the Whig ticket Lincoln supported won that 1840 election. So might, against the odds, the party of Lincoln win this year."

In nine days this election will be over and life will go on either way. In the meantime I will be trying to understand why half our nation seems ready to throw our country away - some for no other reason than that they don't like George W. Bush. Some because they want "Change." I'm not convinced the change that is coming is the change they want.

America in Distress

Get ready America; here comes the second term of the Carter administration should Mr. Obama pull off this election and have a democratic congress at his disposal. He's already drafted his inauguration speech, built the stage for his celebratory party in Grant Park and met with his transition team. Why even both with an election?

Well maybe, just maybe, our John McCain can pull this out. Maybe enough Americans will realize that Mr. Obama hasn't accomplished anything but a successful campaign and never made an executive decision that affects an entire state, much less a nation. Maybe Americans will want a non-socialist at the helm and one that knows what it means to protect and defend our country with HONOR.

God help our military when Barney Frank and friends get finished; it will add a whole new meaning to Barney Rubble. You thought Frank did such a great job with the housing market? Get ready for this:

"After the November election, Democrats will push for a second economic stimulus package that includes money for the states' stalled infrastructure projects, along with help paying for healthcare expenses, food stamps and extended unemployment benefits, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Thursday.

In a meeting with the editorial board of The Standard-Times, Rep. Frank, D-Mass., also called for a 25 percent cut in military spending, saying the Pentagon has to start choosing from its many weapons programs, and that upper-income taxpayers are going to see an increase in what they are asked to pay.

The military cuts also mean getting out of Iraq sooner, he said."

Obama and friends are letting us know up front what his administration will look like. Socialism, higher taxes, and lower national defense, to name a few. Just last week Barney Frank said, "I believe later on, there should be tax increases. . . there are a lot of very rich people out there whom we can tax at a point down the road and recover some of this money." Redistribution of wealth, indeed.

I wish someone would tell me what Mr. Obama has done for America that proves he deserves this opportunity to lead and defend us.

Krauthammer's Endorsement and Obama in 1995

With less than two weeks to go until the presidential election, things are heating up. It's only my humble opinion but it seems like the polls (even though I don't put much faith in them) are narrowing. I believe the hype about an Obama landslide is just hogwash. But I also believe that people that have decided to vote for him are not likely to be swayed.

Over the past couple of weeks it seems as if some Americans are starting to see the real Obama. Not enough of them, to be sure, but a few. The "Joe the Plumber" thing was a real eye opener for some. From the mouth of the chosen one himself, the virtues of income redistribution. I don't think American's will stand for that. And then today he avows that he has no regrets, "none at all" for that statement. It's the same stubborn opinion he had when he opposed the surge then refused to admit that it worked; he's almost the only living soul that still stands by that stance, but it's his story and he's sticking to it.

I don't think Americans care one iota that he's lying about William Ayers or Jeremiah Wright. I was doodling at work the other day and drew a web (I'm an English teacher; even our doodles are webs and Venn diagrams) and I put Obama in the center. Offshooting from him were Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Jacob Carruthers, Asa Hilliard, Tony Rezko, Mike Klonsky, Edward Said, Louis Farrakhan, Khaleed Al-Monsoor, and Rashid Khalidi. These guys are all interconnected and are all far left wing radical people. By the time I got finished drawing my lines of who was connected to whom, I had a wicked crazy incestuous web but all roads led to Obama. But again, I don't think Americans care that he has been and currently is associated with absolutely NOBODY you would take home to meet your mother.

Americans do care about the economy though, and the news this week that small business and other companies are already laying off people in anticipation of an Obama election is starting to hit home to a lot of people. Business people are worried about Obama's tax plans.

Today Charles Krauthammer came out with his (shocker) endorsement for McCain. His rational and reason was, as always, clear and to the point.

"McCain's critics are offended that he raised the issue of William Ayers. What's astonishing is that Obama was himself not offended by William Ayers.

Moreover, the most remarkable of all tactical choices of this election season is the attack that never was. Out of extreme (and unnecessary) conscientiousness, McCain refused to raise the legitimate issue of Obama's most egregious association -- with the race-baiting Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Dirty campaigning, indeed.

The case for McCain is straightforward. The financial crisis has made us forget, or just blindly deny, how dangerous the world out there is. We have a generations-long struggle with Islamic jihadism. An apocalyptic soon-to-be-nuclear Iran. A nuclear-armed Pakistan in danger of fragmentation. A rising Russia pushing the limits of revanchism. Plus the sure-to-come Falklands-like surprise popping out of nowhere.

Who do you want answering that phone at 3 a.m.? A man who's been cramming on these issues for the past year, who's never had to make an executive decision affecting so much as a city, let alone the world? A foreign policy novice instinctively inclined to the flabbiest, most vaporous multilateralism (e.g., the Berlin Wall came down because of "a world that stands as one"), and who refers to the most deliberate act of war since Pearl Harbor as "the tragedy of 9/11," a term more appropriate for a bus accident? "

He goes on to say

"Or do you want a man who is the most prepared, most knowledgeable, most serious foreign policy thinker in the United States Senate? A man who not only has the best instincts but has the honor and the courage to, yes, put country first, as when he carried the lonely fight for the surge that turned Iraq from catastrophic defeat into achievable strategic victory?"

Finally, listen to the video below from 1995 of Obama as he outlines his policies BEFORE he decided to run for President. It's nuts. Just nuts. The next two weeks should be interesting as the polls tighten and America makes it's choice. But for me, I have no doubt that Mr. Obama wants to impose socialism on our country, redistribute wealth from those that have too much to those that don't have enough, and I believe he will put our national security at grave, grave risk. Again, I ask: Why in the WORLD would ANYone want to trust our country to this man? What has he EVER done to prove himself to you? What has he accomplished? What makes you think he is qualified to lead us in these most dangerous times both domestically and abroad? He has plans, but what has he done? Nothing. Nada.

Laugh of the Day

The Military Questions

Rather than the "What I Like About McCain" post, I'm deviating tonight into a couple of other headlines that I've been dwelling on over the past few days.

As POTUS, and this should seriously go without saying, but you are in command of ALL the sensitive military information. You're the commander-in-chief, for crying out loud. And I know that the United States Constitution outlines the criteria for a presidential candidate. I get that. But is it unreasonable to expect that our presidential candidate be expected to pass the same security clearance criteria that any other military officer must pass? There is no question whatsoever that Mr. Obama would not pass even the most basic security clearance test. Based on his associations (howEVER close) with William Ayers and his wife, based on his own admitted drug use in his book, based on his association with Resko and even with Khalid al-Mansour - any one of these things would exclude him from a military security clearance. He couldn't get an FBI clearance either. For that matter, he probably couldn't even be a policeman in most American cities. So WHY does half of America want to give him the keys to the White House? WHY do you trust this man so much with your national security? WHAT has he EVER done or accomplished to prove himself to you? WHAT has he done for his country?

Still in the military vein, the new Military Times poll was just staggering to me. Full disclosure here - I place VERY little faith in polls. So much depends on who is doing them and what the bias is. Even with the margin of error they have proven to be fairly unreliable. That said, the Military Times poll is just curious. It would appear that the military folks polled (career members and veterans) overwhelmingly support McCain. And this was polled a full month before Biden's helpful comment about the vulnerable and untested Obama.

Seems to me that the military folks aren't willing to test Obama's "spine of steel." They know which candidate has been fighting for America all of his adult life. I know, too.

Merry Christmas???

I was in Albertson's this afternoon picking up a few groceries and I was looking at the fun Halloween novelty things and especially the Halloween candy; I was thinking how much I enjoy fall and the cooler weather, the leaves falling, the upcoming Thanksgiving Break...

And then there it was. Assaulting my senses. Snapping my attention away from Halloween and into ... Christmas. The Nutcracker Suite was playing. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. I tried to shake it off and move on to the Halloween costumes but then... Jingle Bells. No lie. Jingle Bells. And then I looked above me at the speakers with the incredulous look on my face and what did I see? Giant Tacky Christmas inflatables. Just yesterday the Halloween ones were there. Now - Christmas. Sigh.

I know that Christmas starts earlier every single year. In fact, I have already seen my first Christmas commercial. But good grief retailers! Let us enjoy fall! Don't rush me into Christmas yet! I'll be SICK of it by the time it gets here! And for the record, "Daddy D" cited his first Christmas abuse back in August.

Why I Like John McCain Today - the Honesty Edition

The reason I like John McCain today is because I know who he is. I know what he stands for and he's honest about it. He has basic human honesty. I like McCain because even though I might not agree with what he says all the time, I know he is speaking from the heart as to what HE believes. We can disagree. But he is honest about what he says. Not to say that he might on occasion change his mind about an issue - again, it's not the same thing as basic honesty. When Mr. Obama (and two of his campaign people) say that Obama never endorsed the Bill Ayers book, that is a lie. It's not a mistake. It's not misinformation. It's not a change of heart. It is a lie. Obama KNOWS if he got an advance copy of the book and wrote a tiny blurb for it. (His tall tale about the Ayers blurb is one of a string; add to it the Obama "was never a trainer, organizer, or any kind of employee for Acorn" story and again, you find if not an out and out lie, certainly a gross distortion of the truth. If it's not an outright lie it would only be because of a small technicality of wording - words which Mr. Obama is so gifted with.)


Similarly, and I've said this before, when Mr. Obama says he didn't know Ayers was a terrorist, I believe that is a lie. How could he not know that? How?

I like John McCain's honesty as far as his dealings with the American people, too. He knows that he is not ABOVE Congress or the will of the people that put him in office. Mr. Obama has said he would go around, that is - circumvent - Congress in order to "regulate the carbon emissions of lawn and garden equipment" (somebody please tell his advisors that carbon is not a dangerous pollutant!) So, I won't be able to use my leaf blower without some kind of regulation over my head? Seriously?

I like John McCain's honesty when he says that he won't tolerate terrorism or those who threaten our country. I think terrorists believe him, too. I believe him when he says that "America faces a dedicated, focused, and intelligent foe in the war on terrorism. This enemy will probe to find America's weaknesses and strike against them. The United States cannot afford to be complacent about the threat, naive about terrorist intentions, unrealistic about their capabilities, or ignorant to our national vulnerabilities." Mr. Obama's own VP choice confirms, in a sense, my sentiment. Those that want to do us harm will think twice before attacking a nation with McCain at the helm while with Mr. Obama in charge, who has made it clear that he will sit down and talk without preconditions, terrorists or those who want to attack us throughout the world will feel less at risk with Mr. Obama in charge. Biden said that within the first six months of an Obama presidency we would be tested on this front. I want a guy in charge that knows how to deal with terrorists!

I like McCain for his honesty on where he stands. I know where he stands. So do terrorists. And, for the record, terrorists know where Mr. Obama stands, too. I guess that is another kind of honesty.

Mr. McCain has always been clear where he stands. He's a Republican but he leans to centrist or liberal in lots of areas (immigration for example.) But he's honest about it. If he was ever a member of the socialist party, I believe he would have said so, unlike his opponent who hides and denies this part of his past. Yet with the photo of Obama and other victorious New Party endorsed candidates, Mr. Obama does not come clean about this association. Investors Business Daily has done a TWENTY part series outlining Mr. Obama's socialist politics. If the "spread the wealth around" comment was not enough to convince ANYone, or even the "go around Congress" philosphy mentioned above, the IBD series is pretty solid. Mr. McCain is honest and right on in his assessment that socialism is not the way this country needs to go.

Yes, the recent buyout is a form of socialism. And yes, McCain (and Obama) supported it. But McCain was one of those who tried to stop it in 2006 when he warned Congress about what was coming. By the time it got to where we are today there was little McCain OR Obama could do about it but stop the bleeding.

The point, if you're still with me, is this. McCain does not always choose the popular stance. We're all tired of the "maverick" term but he is honest about what he believes and he fights for it. I do not believe Mr. Obama is honest because of his consistent deceptions about Acorn, about Ayers, about Wright, about Farrakhan, about The New Party, and the list goes on.

You can accuse Mr. McCain of lots of things, but lying or deception is not one of them. So the reason I like John McCain today is for his honesty about who he is and where he has been.

Why I Like John McCain: The Free Trade Edition

I was not in favor of NAFTA when it first came around. I thought that it would result in lost jobs for Americans and everyone could see the writing on the wall as far as jobs being lost to cheaper, overseas production. But, NAFTA is here, as are other global trade agreements; we are a global economy and it's here to stay - unless Mr. Obama is elected.

It is true that American jobs have, for the most part, gone overseas. Face it, if you check every item of clothing you are wearing right now, I doubt one item was made in America. A recent check of my own person shows pants made in Honduras and other items made in China, Mexico and Vietnam. For the most part, America is a service economy now - food service, hotels, casinos, retail, etc. The upside is that you can buy a DVD player for a cheap price. You can buy clothes at a fairly reasonable cost (depending on where you go!) Another upside is that we now have friends and allies where we did not before.

Why I like John McCain today is because he has always fought for free trade. I didn't ALWAYS like this, but now I see the wisdom of his foresight and experience. McCain saw early on that China was a growing power and fought to open trade with them. In 1994 he fought to open trade with Vietnam - the very country that held him prisoner and tortured him. Country first.

John McCain has fought for and voted for trade with Columbia Mexico, Canada, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Peru, Singapore, Oman, Morocco, Jordan, and Israel. Overall, this has been GOOD for our economy, which we all know, needs a bright spot right now. NAFTA, for example has opened trade between U.S., Mexico and Canada by eliminating almost all tariffs. This makes the product available at a lower price.

Since 1994, trade between these three countries has increased more than 200% and in fact, U.S. manufacturing was up 44% and employment grew.

In contrast, Mr. Obama has voted against virtually every single free trade agreement that has come across his desk, with the possible exception of Cuba (no wonder Castro endorsed him.) If Mr. Obama has his way, we will lose most of our free trade agreements in renegotiation which will result in higher costs for Americans. American unions drive up American costs which is part of the problem. If Mr. Obama restricts us to only American made products, you will be paying a lot more for that DVD player. Not to mention the $9.70 minimum wage he wants to impose. You think costs won't rise with that one? And jobs won't decline? Think again. NOT good for the economy.

Mr. Obama wants to GIVE billions of dollars to poverty stricken countries via his Global Poverty Act, yet he wants to shut down the jobs that have been made there through free trade agreements. The jobs that our trade agreements have created in Vietnam and other countries, for example, have led to a growing middle class in those countries. What will happen to that progress when Obama closes those trade agreements? Do you think WalMart will still be in business?

So why I like John McCain today is his wisdom of foresight; for his support of free trade and his concern for the American worker and the American economy; his concern for the American citizen.

Depressing Beyond Words...

An editorial in Friday's Wall Street Journal is simply depressing beyond words, yet at least half the country does not care. Here's the first paragraph - click on the link for the rest - whatever side you're on.

"Though we doubt most Americans realize it, this would be one of the most profound political and ideological shifts in U.S. history. Liberals would dominate the entire government in a way they haven't since 1965, or 1933. In other words, the election would mark the restoration of the activist government that fell out of public favor in the 1970s. If the U.S. really is entering a period of unchecked left-wing ascendancy, Americans at least ought to understand what they will be getting, especially with the media cheering it all on."

What I keep hearing from Obama supporters is, "Oh, that's not true! He isn't going to do THAT! That's just fear tactics you Republicans are using! Check his 'Fight the Smears' site!" Well, no. I already have checked the site and I see lies on there (about Acorn) so I don't trust it. Anyway, this editorial isn't just about Obama, it's about the liberal revolution in Congress in general.

Time Stops In Jefferson, Texas

We have returned from Jefferson. The weather was perfect and it was a nice day. We got there around 12:30 and went to Auntie Skinner's for lunch. It's in a neat old building with lots of exposed brick and a tin ceiling. I had a bacon cheeseburger and Steve had something called a Poor Man's Steak which was ground sirloin with jalepenos, cheese and lots of gravy with "Texas Toothpicks" on top. We also had fried mushrooms and a Texas brewed beer called ZiegenBock. It's an Anheuser-Busch Beer brewed in Houston and supposedly you can only get it in Texas. Beer experts that we are, we decided it's an okay dark beer although a little watery for our taste.

After lunch we poked in antique shops and meandered around the historic district. My goal for the day was to find an American Flag pin. We went in the Blackburn's Outlet Store and Steve bought pancake syrup and I got some fig preserves for my mom. There was a nice lady working there - don't know if she was an owner or not - and somehow the presidential election came up. She asked us if we drive with our lights on or off. We looked confused and she said McCain voters drive with their lights on during the day and Obama voters drive with them off at night. Then she pointed to the lights outside her shop and said, "Ours are on!" Anyway, we had a little political visit with her and then moved on. People in Jefferson are so nice and friendly; everyone wants to talk to you!

We went in several antique shops and looked at all kinds of things. Saw rotary phones for $25. Just goes to show you, don't throw anything away. Ever. Another shop had a bunch of warped 45s (records). I don't know what they were asking for those. We saw rusty gates and wrought iron, lots of Fostoria crystal, books - old and new, screen doors, furniture, estate jewelry, antique kitchen appliances like meat grinders, mixers, cheese cutters. Stained glass. Lamps. You name it, it was in some shop. We went in the fudge shop and bought fudge and mayhaw jelly and chow chow, which is a hot sort of relish. It goes great with greens and cornbread!

Still on the search for the American Flag pin, we went in another shop that had McCain-Palin t-shirts hanging in the window. They also had "Drill Baby, Drill" t-shirts. The shopkeeper was a friendly lady who had her dog at work with her. She told us that the t-shirts were for the Republican Party and she wasn't making any profit on them. You know I bought one. We visited with her (again, about politics) and pet her dog for a while. It was a nice, older dog. Then we left there and went and sat on the porch of the Excelsior Hotel for a bit. It was relaxing just watching people go by and the horses from the carriage rides. The horses are huge, gentle giants. The one I liked best was a black Clydesdale. Since we had taken a carriage ride on our last visit we decided not to this time.

We walked around a bit more and took some pictures of a couple of neat, old buildings. We passed an alley where one of the shop cats had come outside to scope out a HUGE pigeon on top of the building next door. The cat was mesmerized and licking her lips just waiting. The pigeon was so big I think it could have carried the cat off, but she was undaunted.

We decided to hit another couple of shops for a flag pin. We finally found one in the second to last shop on our list in the estate jewelry. It's gold with rhinestones (no, it's NOT tacky!) and I love it.

The thing we like about Jefferson is that is just seems like time stops there. You'll think the afternoon is gone and when you check your watch it's only 2:30. Lots of those shops all have the same sort of thing but we like poking around in them anyway. The last time we went, we went to the historical museum and it was fascinating. They had some fabulous paintings in there and some cool antiques. They wouldn't let me take pictures though. Anway, today we reluctantly left around five and made our way back home. It was a great day and we are just laying around now watching the LSU game. It was a nice getaway!

Off to Jefferson

We're off to Jefferson today; currently the weather is 56 degrees and sunny! Can't wait! After 12 hours sleep last night I still feel zonked - less like a zombie today but fuzzy headed still. It'll clear out as the day goes. I'm off now for a day of poking in antique stores, strolling historic streets and eating at Auntie Skinners Riverboat Club. We tried to eat there last time we went to Jefferson but the Boo Run Motorcycle Rally (pictured) was ongoing there and we couldn't get near the place. Today we hope for better luck. More later!

Stayin' Alive

Is it Friday? Am I still alive? It's been the week from hell - one of those weeks when you have to schedule time to brush your teeth. I've, of course, been at school every day, then mom's PT right after that on Monday and Wednesday; Thursday she had an eye doctor appt. Tuesday and Thursday I had to go BACK up to the school from 4-8 for homecoming decorating. Wednesday (god, was that THIS week?) I watched the debate. Tonight I feel like a zombie (just in time for Halloween.)

Steve and I are going to Jefferson tomorrow afternoon; we'll have lunch and poke around in the shops. The weather should be great and it'll be good to get away for a short bit.

But I'm still here and hanging on.

Why I Like John McCain: The Experience Factor

Whenever one goes out in the world in search of a job the experience brought to the table is always a major consideration. Would a company be more likely to hire that person with years of experience and proven capability behind him, or the whippersnapper with no experience but lots of big ideas? Ideas are great, but experience counts for something. I prefer the tested and proven candidate myself, rather than taking a chance on the unproven and unknown.

What I like about John McCain today is that he (not quite like Reagan, because there was only one Reagan!) makes me feel assured that terrorists are not welcome here; that he will rise to any challenge on the national security front and face it head on. I already know he has courage. I already know he has honor. His experience shows me that.

I like that he is a member of over 30 organizations including the Purple Heart Association (which tells me that he fought for me), the Francis Scott Key Foundation and the Sons of the Revolution, to name three.

I like that he has served Americans in Washington since 1982 - I haven't always agreed with him, to be sure, but I like that he sticks up for what he thinks is right and he fights for it. He's the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, to name one of six or so. I believe McCain knows Washington but he's not owned by it. He will continue to fight for me and for America just as he has his whole life. He owns up to his mistakes, admits when he is wrong and admits when he has used poor judgment. His experience shows me that, too. He's not perfect. But I trust him and I trust his experience.

So what I like about John McCain today is his years of experience, not just in Washington but fighting for America!

Chicago Annenberg Challenge and Education Reform

Stanley Kurtz, writing for National Review Online, has written a detailed and well researched article on the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, the education foundation led by Obama and William Ayers in the late 1990s. It should be required reading. Mr. Kurtz had to overcome denials and challenges for his right to see the documents of the Foundation (after receiving permission, he was denied permission, etc.) and this article is part of his findings.

He attempts to make clear the connection between Rev. Wright, Ayers, and Obama as well as to study exactly what kind of education reform the Chicago Annenberg Challenge was funding.

In short:

• Winter 1996 - Coalition for Improved Education in [Chicago's] South Shore (CIESS) receives $200,000 grant from Chicago Annenberg Challenge. The group teaches Afrocentric "rites of passage...designed to provide African American youth with the cultural information and values they would need to counter the potentially detrimental effects of a Eurocentrically oriented society." It asserts that American socialization has "proven to be dysfunctional and genocidal to the African American community."

• One of the presentors at a CIESS conference was Jacob Carruthers. Carruthers wrote a book entitled Intellectual Warfare in which he takes as his mission the need to "dismantle the European intellectual campaign to commit historicide against African peoples."

• According to Chicago Annenberg Challenge records, Carruthers's training session was a huge hit. It "received rave reviews, and has prepared the way for the curriculum readiness survey...". These teacher training workshops were funded by the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
  

• Carruthers and other prominent thinkers from his Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations spoke often at Trinity United Church of Christ, Wright's church where Obama was a member.
  

• Asa Hilliard was another Afrocentric speaker funded by Annenberg; Hilliard had accepted an appointment to Wright's new elementary school where Wright said, "We need to educate our children to the reality of white supremacy." Wright's own educational philosophy, then, is "mirrored at the Annengberg-funded SSAVC, which sought out Hilliard's and Carruthers's counsel to construct its curriculum.

• Bill Ayers worked with Obama to fund these groups. Ayers and his wife, Bernadine Dorn have book coming out next year entitled Race Course Against White Supremacy.
  

• In 1995, the same year "Obama assumed control of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, he publicly rejected 'the unrealistic politics of integrationist assimilation'"

• If Obama read the Annenberg proposals of SSAVC he could not be ignorant of what they were about.

• In 1995 all funding decisions fell to Obama and the board; he would have read the proposals. He voted to keep funding these endeavors.
  

It should also be noted that the Chicago Anneberg Challenge's own evaluators acknowledged that Annenberg-aided schools showed no improvement in achievement scores.

So what's the point of all this? Why even bring it up? Because this is the man who half of the country wants to put in charge of education reform. Is this the kind of education reform we want? Is this what's best for American children? Radical education of ANY kind? Of course that's not what's in his platform! But what kind of judgment does this man display here?

Why I Like John McCain Today - The Socialism Edition

If I say "socialism" what do you think of? What exactly do we, as Americans, think socialism is? Is it just another term like "liberal" or "conservative"? We're hearing that term a lot in this campaign and in the media especially, but what exactly is it?

Well, under Marx, basically all governments of the world were to be overthrown and the citizens of the world would contribute to a single socialist government which would in turn give them what they needed (as the government, of course, decided what they needed and when they needed it.) For example, in the Nazi socialist state the citizens immediately lost all rights to bear arms. Children were indoctrinated with giving their loyalty to the state (not the family.) The Hitler Youth sang songs of devotion to their Fuhrer. Of course, most people didn't actually envision these goals at first, they just thought the socialists would restore order to their economy. China is another example of hard-core socialism and Russia. We all know how that turned out.

Income redistribution is another tenet of socialism. Companies (like oil companies) or wealthy people are fined and penalized for having been successful and working hard in order to support those behind them on the scale. Socialism operates by taking all for the good of the state and redistributing it as the state sees fit. But who says what "fit" actually is; who decides who needs what?

What is more insidious is the softer version of socialism such as what Britain has in place, especially evident in its health care where people can't get treatment if they are deemed too old or too sick by the socialist state. Oh and they lost their guns there, too. Crime is through the roof. Softer socialism destroys individual freedom. Lives are slowly squeezed. Freedoms are lost.

Nancy Pelosi said a few weeks ago we should nationalize oil companies. That really worked for Hugo Chavez. The only folks that pay full market price for his oil is the U.S.

What I like about John McCain today is that I KNOW he believes in the capitalistic system that is the United States of America. I KNOW that he supports the soldiers that have fought against socialism and communism. I KNOW that he supports democracy. I KNOW and believe that John McCain has America's AND American's best interests at heart. I know beyond all doubt that he loves his country. I KNOW that he would never serve on a board with a man that wanted to bomb and destroy his own country. I KNOW that he would NEVER sit in a church with a man that EVER said "God Damn America!" That's why I like John McCain today.

On This Day in History...Oktoberfest!

From History.com:

The Origin of Oktobefest

Bavarian Crown Prince Louis, later King Louis I of Bavaria, marries Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The Bavarian royalty invited the citizens of Munich to attend the festivities, held on the fields in front of the city gates. These famous public fields were named Theresienwiese--"Therese's fields"--in honor of the crown princess; although locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wies'n." Horse races in the presence of the royal family concluded the popular event, celebrated in varying forms all across Bavaria.

The decision to repeat the festivities and the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the annual Oktoberfest, which now begins in late September and lasts until the first Sunday in October. Alcohol consumption is an important part of the modern festival, and more than 1 million gallons of beer are consumed annually at Oktoberfest.

[And that's just my part!]

Why I Like McCain: Health Care Edition

I've written about the health care issue before but I think it is an issue that is very important to a lot of Americans and one that should weigh heavily in your candidate decision.

Why I like McCain's health care position better than his opponent's is because under McCain's plan I will be able to keep my insurance as is, just as many Americans will choose to do. McCain's plan is good for those families that are currently uninsured. As Yuval Levin points out, "most of the uninsured are not poor - or else they would qualify for Medicaid." McCain's proposal of a tax credit would put those families without insurance $5000 closer to being able to afford it. The net tax burden on middle class families declines under McCain's plan and insurance options improve. For example, if you want to opt out of your current employer subsidized health care then you would be taking home that much more money - money that is currently deducted as your part of the cost of coverage. Put that added income with the tax credit you get from McCain, then you have more options to shop your own health care markets. The McCain plan does not force you out of employer coverage but it gives you an option.

Mr. Obama's plan gives your employer incentives to eliminate health care coverage for its employees. His plan would force all but the very smallest businesses to either provide insurance coverage or pay a tax to the government. Obama's requirements for employer health care benefits have not yet been specified but in the debate he said basically that folks would have, under his plan, health care coverage "such as Mr. McCain and myself enjoy" under their employment as Senators. This coverage exceeds what most employers currently pay. So employers would then be paying for more for covering YOU. They might then decide to drop the plan altogether and just pay the tax.

Mr. Obama would fund a government run insurance program on the taxes paid by those employers who drop coverage. Government run health care. People FORCED into government run health care.

So what I like about McCain today is his health care plan. I'll get to keep my coverage as it is; my employer won't have to make any changes either. If I didn't like my health care plan, I would have options to shop around and find a new one, which I could probably afford with my $5000 tax credit and the income I'd be keeping out of my paycheck from dropping my employer health care.

News Flash for Nancy Pelosi

Could someone please tell Nancy Pelosi that the presidential election is not until November 4, and that her current president is George W. Bush? And while you are at it, thank her for giving us a little preview of what an Obama presidency will look like. I'm wondering if the ACORN folks will be at this meeting since Obama has promised community organizers a role in shaping his presidential agenda. If she is involving the Obama campaign in discussions, is she also involving the McCain campaign?

WASHINGTON (AP) - After consulting with Barack Obama, Democratic leaders are likely to call Congress back to work after the election in hopes of passing legislation that would include extended jobless benefits, money for food stamps and possibly a tax rebate, officials said Saturday.

The bill's total cost could reach $150 billion, these officials said.

The officials stressed that no final decisions have been made. They spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they did not want to pre-empt a formal announcement. House Democrats have announced plans for an economic forum on Monday "to help Congress develop an economic recovery plan that focuses on creating jobs and strengthening our economy."

Democrats said Obama's campaign has been involved in discussions on a possible stimulus package.

Another Thing I Like About McCain

I have been accused by many of only bashing Mr. Obama and not saying what I like about my candidate. So from time to time you'll get one of these "What I Like" posts. It's just my opinion and what I like about McCain.

I like that he served his country honorably from 1958 - 1981. His father and grandfather also served. His son serves currently. The reason this is relevant and important to me is that I think a commander-in-chief should have a service background in the military (I know not all have...), especially in the times in which we currently live. The military teaches you a great deal about honor and respect for your country and that means something.

My father served in World War II; he flew airplanes and was a flight instructor. He had a soft spot in his heart for those who serve and looked back with great fondness on his days of service. It meant something. I appreciate McCain's service and what he learned from it. I also appreciate what we learn about McCain from his service.

One Reason Why I Like McCain

Go here to read the letter.

Do Teachers Have First Amendment Rights at Work?

I find myself getting sucked by into the political realm this morning. As a teacher, politics is sometimes a tricky area. My students often ask me who I am going to vote for and I never tell them. I always tell them, "Oh! I never discuss my politics!" Well, that's just not true - I guess I should say, "I never discuss my politics with students!" I've worked in both Caddo and Bossier parishes and in both we've had to sign an agreement basically stating that we will not "politic" on the job. No posters, no campaign buttons on clothing, no discussions about candidates we favor with students, etc. You get the picture. We're not civil service, but Steve is, and his rules are even more strict. He can't even put a bumper sticker on his private car or a yard sign up. I can at least do that.

In New York the teacher's union has filed suit against this rule under the position that it violates the First Amendment of the teachers. Teacher's unions are almost always for the Democratic candidate. This particular case started when the union wanted members to distribute materials for Obama and sent out an email with instructions on how to do this. Education Department officials soon became involved and now they are to the lawsuit.

I'm a firm believer in the Constitution and in the rights of the people, which does include free speech; but this is conflicting for me too because I don't think I should be pushing my views on impressionable students. I hate the way it happens in college; liberal professors have been brainwashing and indoctrinating students for years (I spent lots of time in college and have seen it.) College is a slightly different story - those students are considered adults. But high school?

Lots of my students have professed an allegiance for Obama and are wearing buttons. Their reasons? Their parents are for him. Other reasons revolve around race; I had one tell me "Because he's a brotha." My point is that many of them do not know why they support him, they just do. I'm sure there are the same examples on the Republican side, too.

In a history class or a civics class I think a teacher would HAVE to discuss this election and it would be very hard to not let your bias in. I'm not certain I could do it! And what about the idiot Florida teacher who wrote the acronym C.H.A.N.G.E. on the white board then wrote out the disgusting "meaning" for it? In a seventh grade classroom?! (He was suspended then moved to an Adult Ed. school.) I guess it is because of people like him that these rules about discussing politics at school must exist. Was that a violation of his free speech? Or can you fire someone for being an idiot?

If the New York union wins its suit and we eventually are all allowed, as teachers, to impose our views on students (and on each other) at work, where will it end? Will students feel intimidated because they don't like your candidate? Will idiot teachers penalize students for having different views? I have one student who refuses to stand for the Pledge each day. He says it makes no sense to pledge a flag and that the people who died for his right to pledge the flag make no difference to him. He said, "People have been dying since the beginning of time." This makes my blood boil but I have to let it go. I cannot make him stand.

Where does it end?

Spooky Tales

In the spooky spirit of Halloween, here are a couple of neat ghost story links to keep you up at night.

The Moonlit Road

Halloween Ghost Stories

Castle Of Spirits

Pumpkin Power

I am SOOO not crafty it isn't even funny but I think these tiny pumpkins are adorable. I always pick up a few to place around the house and on my desk at school, but I've never thought about carving them. I would probably cut my hand off. These are from the Southern Living website and I think they're adorable in this window box. And I love these other ones that are hanging outside at night. Of course, I'd probably burn down the neighborhood.

I started making Christmas houses back in January thinking I would have at least six or seven by now. How many do I have? One. Almost two. I'm expecting a flurry of house-making before Christmas. But again, I'm just not very crafty.

If you want to try to put some of these little guys in your trees, here's how you do it:

• Hammer three holes in a can lid in a triangle pattern. A large nail punches a good hole.
• Thread wires through the holes, and twist them together at the top and under the lid. Hammer a twist nail through the center of the lid's bottom, and secure it using a glue gun.
• Push the pumpkin onto the nail, and hang it from a tree limb, far away from foliage.

(Image credit: SouthernLiving.com)

A Day Without Politics

I had to take a break from politics for a day or two. It was actually a day and a half. I found myself getting so angry and frustrated about it all. Then when all the "Proof that Obama is a socialist" stuff came out on Wednesday I had a meltdown. "How can people not understand socialism?! How can people ...." - well, anyway. Not today.

And then yesterday afternoon I was driving home from my mom's; I was turning off a busy street into my subdivision and some dog faced woman in a duct-taped-together car with six other people in it pulled out in front of me and flipped me off. I found myself yelling obscenities at her and when I found myself accusing her of being an F*ing DEMOCRAT and... well, anyway, I decided I needed a break. I realized I just need to sit back and chill out a little bit. People have the right to vote however they want to vote. I know lots of intelligent and educated people that are going to vote for Barack Obama. I also know lots of intelligent and educated people that will vote for John McCain.

So today I was on fall break (one day) which meant no school. I got up and cleaned my carpets. This took up most of the morning. I waxed furniture and fried chicken for my mother. I made cranberry orange muffins. I did not listen to the radio or get on the computer. I put out my fall decorations and some Halloween stuff. I browsed Barnes and Noble and stayed away from the political section and the history section. I sat outside with my dog. I made dinner. I did laundry. I bought Steve a Suduko puzzle book because they drive him nuts.

And I feel much less stressed. I know I'll be back in the political fray and agitating people as I've been prone to do lately. Soon the election will be over and life will go on. Either way. I hope.

Meanwhile, it's the weekend! And I've had a day to get ready for it! LSU has a big game this weekend as do lots of other college teams. I have a good book to read and, well, actually, some lesson plans to do. Life beyond politics.

(Image credit: NTTimesDaily.com)

Question of the Day

Political blog Suitably Flip is reporting proof positive of Obama's socialist party membership. If it came out a hundred percent verified and proof positive, would it make a difference? I don't know. I think it's always been clear that Obama's policies and plans are socialist so I can't see how his followers will be swayed by this. But it's another piece of the puzzle, to me. Where is his senior thesis? Why can't anyone find any record of his work at the Harvard Law Review? Why have his years at Columbia been scrubbed? Questions.

Night of the Living Dead - Debate No. 2

I thought the debate last night was dull. Boring. The format was awful - the "town hall" format was a joke. The pre-selected audience was filled with corpses and the pre-selected questions were monotonous and uninspiring. Brokaw was a stiff. I hated it and kept wishing for a Sarah Palin cameo. Gawd.

I think the Ayers thing and the other Obama associations are certainly a critical issue. However, the health care issue is sort of on my mind tonight because I'm finally beginning to sludge my way through it. I mean, straight up - and I know this will irritate the stuffing out of some of you - I resent having to pay health care costs for someone who will not work and decides to have eighteen kids without a means to pay for them. I know that's not everybody, but come on. I don't mind doing "my part" as a responsible citizen but where in the hell does the Constitution say that health care is a "right"??? It is NOT. Neither his having a car. Or living in a $200,000 house. Or your college education. It is NOT a right. You have the right to EARN one, though.

McCain's health care proposal is so much more sensible than Obama's. I mean, the simplified version is that as it is now, if you pay insurance through your employer, you don't pay taxes on that income. It is sheltered. It totals to almost $300 billion in "lost" revenue for the government in tax dollars.

McCain wants to offer a tax credit - $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families. You could do this or stick with what you already have with your job. No change. Status quo. If you have NO insurance through your job, this is a pretty good deal though, and you should be able to afford health insurance on your own. In fact, insurance rates would get more competitive in order to attract your business.

Mr. Obama, however, does not want to give you this option. He claims that McCain is actually now taxing your health care benefits. NOT. According to the Wall Street Journal, "workers would come out ahead with the McCain plan. According to the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, the average taxpayer would see his tax bill drop by $1,241 in 2009. On average, lower-wage workers have more limited coverage as part of their compensation, mostly from small- or medium-size businesses. But the more generous the employer health plan, the more the tax subsidies increase. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the current employer benefit is only worth between $600 and $3,000 for people making under $100,000. The upper-income brackets save between $4,000 and $5,000".


The Obama plan is more about expanding big government and government run health care. Seriously, since the government has done such a bang-up job with social security and everything else lately, do you really want some "suit" telling you what doctor to see and if your grandmother can have a transplant? And then you have to wait months for that service? If you don't die first?

Obama said several things in the debate last night that I took issue with, (one on his statements on drilling and energy) but the biggest issue on my mind today was the health care one. I do NOT believe that health care is a "right." And he said it.

Again, I thought overall it was dull. Neither guy came off as great to me last night. Maybe the campaign is taking its toll. I think the last month will be great though; I think both candidates are feeling the pressure of the close race.

On This Day in History...

On this day in 1983 CATS first opened. I totally love CATS and have been to seen the traveling production twice. I took both of my kids to the gorgeous Strand theater to see it. As I remember, the youngest fell asleep toward the end but he made it through most of it. He loved it and wanted to go back when it recently came back through. Of course Rum Tum Tugger is my favorite - such a fabulous character/cat. But my favorite song is probably Mr. Mistoffoles.

Ladybug Allergies

Seriously?! Ladybugs are the new allergy? I'll just have to refill my Allegra more often if these little critters are the cause of my allergies. There is no way on this green earth I will kill one of these or suck one up in my vacuum cleaner. Remind me one day to tell you the story of the ladybug princess who came to visit my father every evening when I curled up next to him on the sofa as a child. Ladybug allergies? Are you kidding me?!

DoggieScopes

Need a break from politics? Check out your dog's horoscope! Since I don't know for sure when Checkers was actually born, I'm calling her a libra. The horoscope fits.