This grassroots citizen common sense solution to the financial crisis is a winner:
"One solution to this ongoing problem is coming up in November. The voters have the opportunity to change all of the House and 1/3 of the Senate in the coming election."
Don't let the same bunch who cause this mess be re-elected to fix it.
Get right on it!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
WA Delegation Bailout Vote
Here's how our state delegation voted on the failed bailout bill:
Aye:
Brian Baird - D
Norm Dicks - D
Rick Larsen Larsen - D
Jim McDermott - D
Adam Smith - D
Nay:
Jay Inslee - D
Doc Hastings - R
Cathy McMorris-Rodgers - R
Dave Reichert - R
Aye:
Brian Baird - D
Norm Dicks - D
Rick Larsen Larsen - D
Jim McDermott - D
Adam Smith - D
Nay:
Jay Inslee - D
Doc Hastings - R
Cathy McMorris-Rodgers - R
Dave Reichert - R
Socializing Losses
This bailout could permanently and fundamentally change the role of government in the American free enterprise system.
Once the government socializes losses, it will soon socialize profits. If we lose our ability to fail, we will soon lose our ability to succeed.
If we bail out risky behavior, we will soon see even riskier behavior.
~ U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling
Once the government socializes losses, it will soon socialize profits. If we lose our ability to fail, we will soon lose our ability to succeed.
If we bail out risky behavior, we will soon see even riskier behavior.
~ U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling
There Are Alternatives
U.S. Congressman Mike Pence - a principled leader leading:
Our nation has been confronted by a crisis in our financial markets. The President and this Congress were right to act with all deliberate speed in addressing this crisis. And we now have a bill that promises to bring near-term stability to our financial turmoil, but at what price?
Benjamin Franklin said in 1759: ‘They that can give up liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.’
Economic freedom means the freedom to succeed and the freedom to fail. The decision to give the federal government the ability to nationalize almost every bad mortgage in America interrupts this basic truth of our free market economy.
It must be said, Republicans in this Congress improved this bill, but it remains the largest corporate bailout in American history, forever changes the relationship between government and the financial sector, and passes the cost along to the American people. I cannot support it.
There are no easy answers, but the American people deserve to know there are alternatives to massive federal spending.
The Bush Administration and this Congress have acted quickly but have largely ignored free market solutions to this crisis. The House Republican plan, as a solid alternative, would have set up an FDIC-style mandatory insurance program in which Wall Street firms would have paid to insure their mortgage-backed securities. Doing so would have made Wall Street pay the cost of this rescue, instead of Main Street.
And while there is an option for an insurance plan in this bill, it falls far short of the substitute that Republicans desired.
The House Republican plan would have injected liquidity into our markets through fast-acting tax strategies, releasing the economic power inherent in the American economy.
Temporarily reducing the repatriation tax, as we did in 2005, would have brought hundreds of billions of dollars back into this economy, and the other business deductions would have helped the financial sector back on its feet.
There were alternatives.
So, I say to my colleagues, before you vote, ask yourselves why you came here, and vote with courage and integrity to those principles.
If, like me, you came here because you believe in limited government and the freedom of the American marketplace, I urge you to vote in accordance with your convictions. Duty is ours, outcomes belong to God.
The American people and our posterity deserve to know that there were men and women in this Congress who opposed the leviathan state in this hour.
And if you do this, I promise you, I will stand with you and I believe with all my heart the American people will stand with you as well.
Stand up for limited government and economic freedom. Stand up for the American taxpayer. Reject this bailout and vote ‘no’ on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.
Our nation has been confronted by a crisis in our financial markets. The President and this Congress were right to act with all deliberate speed in addressing this crisis. And we now have a bill that promises to bring near-term stability to our financial turmoil, but at what price?
Benjamin Franklin said in 1759: ‘They that can give up liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.’
Economic freedom means the freedom to succeed and the freedom to fail. The decision to give the federal government the ability to nationalize almost every bad mortgage in America interrupts this basic truth of our free market economy.
It must be said, Republicans in this Congress improved this bill, but it remains the largest corporate bailout in American history, forever changes the relationship between government and the financial sector, and passes the cost along to the American people. I cannot support it.
There are no easy answers, but the American people deserve to know there are alternatives to massive federal spending.
The Bush Administration and this Congress have acted quickly but have largely ignored free market solutions to this crisis. The House Republican plan, as a solid alternative, would have set up an FDIC-style mandatory insurance program in which Wall Street firms would have paid to insure their mortgage-backed securities. Doing so would have made Wall Street pay the cost of this rescue, instead of Main Street.
And while there is an option for an insurance plan in this bill, it falls far short of the substitute that Republicans desired.
The House Republican plan would have injected liquidity into our markets through fast-acting tax strategies, releasing the economic power inherent in the American economy.
Temporarily reducing the repatriation tax, as we did in 2005, would have brought hundreds of billions of dollars back into this economy, and the other business deductions would have helped the financial sector back on its feet.
There were alternatives.
So, I say to my colleagues, before you vote, ask yourselves why you came here, and vote with courage and integrity to those principles.
If, like me, you came here because you believe in limited government and the freedom of the American marketplace, I urge you to vote in accordance with your convictions. Duty is ours, outcomes belong to God.
The American people and our posterity deserve to know that there were men and women in this Congress who opposed the leviathan state in this hour.
And if you do this, I promise you, I will stand with you and I believe with all my heart the American people will stand with you as well.
Stand up for limited government and economic freedom. Stand up for the American taxpayer. Reject this bailout and vote ‘no’ on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Trillion Dollar Band-Aid
Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) outlined a plan to stimulate real economic growth for American businesses and families through lowering taxes, reforming government failures, and immediately expanding domestic energy production.
“The proposed bailout is a trillion dollar band-aid that does not contain a single item that will stimulate our economy,” said Senator DeMint. “Now is the time to cut taxes on American investment, reform government failures, and expedite energy exploration so we can grow our economy.
We must enact pro-growth economic solutions that will create jobs, open up our vast energy resources, encourage investment, and pave the way for long-term prosperity.
Instead of giving government more power after its past failures, this plan provides our economy the tools it needs to work through this crisis and gives Americans the freedom to succeed."
Read Sen. DeMints plan here.
“The proposed bailout is a trillion dollar band-aid that does not contain a single item that will stimulate our economy,” said Senator DeMint. “Now is the time to cut taxes on American investment, reform government failures, and expedite energy exploration so we can grow our economy.
We must enact pro-growth economic solutions that will create jobs, open up our vast energy resources, encourage investment, and pave the way for long-term prosperity.
Instead of giving government more power after its past failures, this plan provides our economy the tools it needs to work through this crisis and gives Americans the freedom to succeed."
Read Sen. DeMints plan here.
Friday, September 26, 2008
No Federal Bailout
US Congressman Mike Pence gave the following speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today, urging caution when considering the possibility of a federal bailout:
“Our financial markets are in turmoil and the Administration was right to call for decisive action to prevent further harm to our economy.
“But nationalizing every bad mortgage in America is not the answer. This Administration’s request of this Congress amounts to the largest corporate bailout in American history.
“I believe Congress should act, but we should act in a way that protects the integrity of our free market and protects the American taxpayer from more debt and higher taxes.
“The strength of America resides in our faith in God and our faith in freedom, including our economic freedom. To have the freedom to succeed, we must also have the freedom to fail and any solution to the present crisis must preserve that essential economic liberty.
“Next, Congress should consider all available options to put our nation’s economy back on its feet.
“There are no easy answers but there are alternatives that this Congress can consider: indexing capital gains to inflation, passing a real energy bill, even regulating the credit default swap market as the chief of the SEC requested yesterday.
“These and other alternatives to a massive federal bailout must be fully considered and debated before Congress acts.
“We must address this crisis with forethought and creativity, rather than massive federal resources.”
“Our financial markets are in turmoil and the Administration was right to call for decisive action to prevent further harm to our economy.
“But nationalizing every bad mortgage in America is not the answer. This Administration’s request of this Congress amounts to the largest corporate bailout in American history.
“I believe Congress should act, but we should act in a way that protects the integrity of our free market and protects the American taxpayer from more debt and higher taxes.
“The strength of America resides in our faith in God and our faith in freedom, including our economic freedom. To have the freedom to succeed, we must also have the freedom to fail and any solution to the present crisis must preserve that essential economic liberty.
“Next, Congress should consider all available options to put our nation’s economy back on its feet.
“There are no easy answers but there are alternatives that this Congress can consider: indexing capital gains to inflation, passing a real energy bill, even regulating the credit default swap market as the chief of the SEC requested yesterday.
“These and other alternatives to a massive federal bailout must be fully considered and debated before Congress acts.
“We must address this crisis with forethought and creativity, rather than massive federal resources.”
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Pelosi Uses Panic to Pass Pork
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) expressed disappointment that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used the focus on the financial crisis to pass billions of dollars on thousands of new earmarks included in the continuing resolution (CR), which funds the government through March of next year.
The $16.1 billion for 2,627 earmarks in the CR is nearly double the cost of pet projects in the same bills from last year, and almost four times the level the President said he would except.
"As politicians tell Americans our nation faces a financial crisis, the earmark business on Capitol Hill is booming," said Senator DeMint.
“Congress has the lowest approval rating in history, and it’s well-earned. Washington seems to have no time to lower taxes or reform government, but plenty of time to bail out Wall Street and mortgage our nation's future with pork barrel spending."
The $16.1 billion for 2,627 earmarks in the CR is nearly double the cost of pet projects in the same bills from last year, and almost four times the level the President said he would except.
"As politicians tell Americans our nation faces a financial crisis, the earmark business on Capitol Hill is booming," said Senator DeMint.
“Congress has the lowest approval rating in history, and it’s well-earned. Washington seems to have no time to lower taxes or reform government, but plenty of time to bail out Wall Street and mortgage our nation's future with pork barrel spending."
Eagle Forum Holds National Leadership Conference
Phyllis Schlafly will host the 37th annual Eagle Forum Leadership Conference this weekend, September 26-28th, at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington D.C.
Some 250 leaders from all 50 states are expected to attend.
Some 250 leaders from all 50 states are expected to attend.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Protecting Marriage to Protect Children
There is a thoughtful opinion piece today in the LA Times on same-sex marriage I like to call your attention to. I've included an excerpt below. You can read the entire article on the Washington Eagle Forum web page under Hot Topics on the right.
While I do not completely agree with him it is worth reading.
Protecting Marriage to Protect Children
By David Blankenhorn
I'm a liberal Democrat. And I do not favor same-sex marriage. Do those positions sound contradictory? To me, they fit together.
Many seem to believe that marriage is simply a private love relationship between two people. They accept this view, in part, because Americans have increasingly emphasized and come to value the intimate, emotional side of marriage, and in part because almost all opinion leaders today, from journalists to judges, strongly embrace this position.
That's certainly the idea that underpinned the California Supreme Court's legalization of same-sex marriage. But I spent a year studying the history and anthropology of marriage, and I've come to a different conclusion.
Marriage as a human institution is constantly evolving, and many of its features vary across groups and cultures. But there is one constant. In all societies, marriage shapes the rights and obligations of parenthood.
Among us humans, the scholars report, marriage is not primarily a license to have sex. Nor is it primarily a license to receive benefits or social recognition. It is primarily a license to have children.
In this sense, marriage is a gift that society bestows on its next generation. Marriage (and only marriage) unites the three core dimensions of parenthood -- biological, social and legal -- into one pro-child form: the married couple.
Marriage says to a child: The man and the woman whose sexual union made you will also be there to love and raise you. Marriage says to society as a whole: For every child born, there is a recognized mother and a father, accountable to the child and to each other...
While I do not completely agree with him it is worth reading.
Protecting Marriage to Protect Children
By David Blankenhorn
I'm a liberal Democrat. And I do not favor same-sex marriage. Do those positions sound contradictory? To me, they fit together.
Many seem to believe that marriage is simply a private love relationship between two people. They accept this view, in part, because Americans have increasingly emphasized and come to value the intimate, emotional side of marriage, and in part because almost all opinion leaders today, from journalists to judges, strongly embrace this position.
That's certainly the idea that underpinned the California Supreme Court's legalization of same-sex marriage. But I spent a year studying the history and anthropology of marriage, and I've come to a different conclusion.
Marriage as a human institution is constantly evolving, and many of its features vary across groups and cultures. But there is one constant. In all societies, marriage shapes the rights and obligations of parenthood.
Among us humans, the scholars report, marriage is not primarily a license to have sex. Nor is it primarily a license to receive benefits or social recognition. It is primarily a license to have children.
In this sense, marriage is a gift that society bestows on its next generation. Marriage (and only marriage) unites the three core dimensions of parenthood -- biological, social and legal -- into one pro-child form: the married couple.
Marriage says to a child: The man and the woman whose sexual union made you will also be there to love and raise you. Marriage says to society as a whole: For every child born, there is a recognized mother and a father, accountable to the child and to each other...
Friday, September 19, 2008
WA Voters Better Wise Up!
by Lynn Harsh, Evergreen Freedom Foundation
Let's see...it appears lawmakers will have $530 million fewer dollars to spend next year, raising the projected state budget deficit for the next two years to $3.2 billion.
Governor Gregoire has put her foot down. She insists that officials in her budget office find $200 million in savings. That's $200 million plus the $90 million she mentioned last month.
Math doesn't appear to be her strong suit, at least not during the election season. What do you want to bet that a deficit reduction will be the sum of increased taxes plus new regulatory fees, if she get re-elected?
In fact, we seem to have elected a whole slew of math-deficient, weak-kneed politicians in this country. The latest actions by elected officials at the federal level now have a government running the world's largest hedge fund and one of the world's largest insurance companies...with our money!
We voters had better wise up.
Let's see...it appears lawmakers will have $530 million fewer dollars to spend next year, raising the projected state budget deficit for the next two years to $3.2 billion.
Governor Gregoire has put her foot down. She insists that officials in her budget office find $200 million in savings. That's $200 million plus the $90 million she mentioned last month.
Math doesn't appear to be her strong suit, at least not during the election season. What do you want to bet that a deficit reduction will be the sum of increased taxes plus new regulatory fees, if she get re-elected?
In fact, we seem to have elected a whole slew of math-deficient, weak-kneed politicians in this country. The latest actions by elected officials at the federal level now have a government running the world's largest hedge fund and one of the world's largest insurance companies...with our money!
We voters had better wise up.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Happy Constitution Day!
September 17 is Constitution Day. On this date in 1787, 39 of the original 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document that would eventually be ratified and enshrined as our fundamental law.
The United States has the longest-lasting written Constitution in human history. Our Constitution is responsible for our greatness and prosperity, and the remarkable stability we experience in our political life.
Where other nations are vulnerable to radical movements which undermine liberty and self-government, our Constitution has been the anchor and ballast by which we have maintained a stable regime.
But if our Constitution is to continue to provide these blessings, we must seize these opportunities to recur to our Constitution’s principles.
As Andrew Busch, a professor at Claremont McKenna College has recently written, too few of our public officials discuss the Constitution in their public addresses, but this will only be remedied by citizens who speak up and demand that their representatives return to constitutional principles.
Heritage Foundation
The United States has the longest-lasting written Constitution in human history. Our Constitution is responsible for our greatness and prosperity, and the remarkable stability we experience in our political life.
Where other nations are vulnerable to radical movements which undermine liberty and self-government, our Constitution has been the anchor and ballast by which we have maintained a stable regime.
But if our Constitution is to continue to provide these blessings, we must seize these opportunities to recur to our Constitution’s principles.
As Andrew Busch, a professor at Claremont McKenna College has recently written, too few of our public officials discuss the Constitution in their public addresses, but this will only be remedied by citizens who speak up and demand that their representatives return to constitutional principles.
Heritage Foundation
Two Must Reads
I have just posted two must read articles on our Washington Eagle Forum web page under Hot Topics. Don't miss The Left's Worst Nightmare by Tara Tedrow and Plenty of Palins by Mac Johnson.
Here's and excerpt from Plenty of Palins:
John McCain’s pick of the young outsider Sarah Palin as his running mate has proven to be one of the most successful gambles in modern politics. It has brought tremendous energy to McCain’s campaign and millions of voters instinctively identify with Palin and her family-oriented, working class roots.
Palin seems a wonderful return to the days of Harry Truman or even Andrew Jackson, when America’s anti-elitist electorate picked rough-hewn, plainspoken leaders from out of their own ranks and sent them to Washington to raise hell.
The pick makes believable McCain’s pledge to bring real change to Washington, and it has thus severely blunted the shallow appeal of philosophical featherweight Barack Obama -- who had little to offer America other than a lyrical mantra of unspecified change...
Here's and excerpt from Plenty of Palins:
John McCain’s pick of the young outsider Sarah Palin as his running mate has proven to be one of the most successful gambles in modern politics. It has brought tremendous energy to McCain’s campaign and millions of voters instinctively identify with Palin and her family-oriented, working class roots.
Palin seems a wonderful return to the days of Harry Truman or even Andrew Jackson, when America’s anti-elitist electorate picked rough-hewn, plainspoken leaders from out of their own ranks and sent them to Washington to raise hell.
The pick makes believable McCain’s pledge to bring real change to Washington, and it has thus severely blunted the shallow appeal of philosophical featherweight Barack Obama -- who had little to offer America other than a lyrical mantra of unspecified change...
Monday, September 15, 2008
Obama Speaks; Palin Acts
by Human Events
While Obama makes speeches about pigs wearing lipstick, Sarah Palin knows how to cut the pork out of politics.
According to David Freddoso, bestselling author of The Case Against Barack Obama, Obama often refuses to address issues that might cause him discomfort with his political allies. Obama claims that he believes in the idea of new politics, but Freddoso refutes this rhetoric saying, “Here is who Obama really is: a shrewd, machine-aligned politician from Chicago—the kind who ‘won’t make no waves and won’t back no losers.’”
Contrast that record with Sarah Palin, who is not afraid to make waves—even within her own party. She has not only taken steps to eliminate corruption from politics, but has also actively worked towards implementing the idea of new politics—putting people first, not politicians. Palin has also worked for bipartisanship. She has bridged the divide between the parties, working with Democrats to implement change and do what is best for Alaska.
Obama famously said he does not see red and blue states, but the United States of America. However, based on his voting record, he is a far-left politician who always votes along party lines. According to Freddoso, “Obama has some very bad ideas that would hurt America—and they are the same ideas that have been floating around liberal circles in Washington for years.”
While Obama makes speeches about pigs wearing lipstick, Sarah Palin knows how to cut the pork out of politics.
According to David Freddoso, bestselling author of The Case Against Barack Obama, Obama often refuses to address issues that might cause him discomfort with his political allies. Obama claims that he believes in the idea of new politics, but Freddoso refutes this rhetoric saying, “Here is who Obama really is: a shrewd, machine-aligned politician from Chicago—the kind who ‘won’t make no waves and won’t back no losers.’”
Contrast that record with Sarah Palin, who is not afraid to make waves—even within her own party. She has not only taken steps to eliminate corruption from politics, but has also actively worked towards implementing the idea of new politics—putting people first, not politicians. Palin has also worked for bipartisanship. She has bridged the divide between the parties, working with Democrats to implement change and do what is best for Alaska.
Obama famously said he does not see red and blue states, but the United States of America. However, based on his voting record, he is a far-left politician who always votes along party lines. According to Freddoso, “Obama has some very bad ideas that would hurt America—and they are the same ideas that have been floating around liberal circles in Washington for years.”
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering....
Today as we remember what happened to our nation 7 years ago we say thank you President Bush, and here's a whole list of reasons why:
Terror Plots against America thwarted by our government since 9/11.
Terror Plots against America thwarted by our government since 9/11.
Teachers for Obama
Lest there was any doubt:
NEA President Reg Weaver delivered the NEA's endorsement speech for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention on August 25th.
Weaver stated, "3.2 million members of the National Education Association are organized, energized and mobilized to help elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States of America."
NEA states it will spend $50 million in teacher dues this election including strategies to micro-target members, use sophisticated electronic individualized messaging to NEA members, and partner with other organizations to target women and minorities.
The NEA expects to reach 5.2 million voters by targeting their members, their members’ spouses and families. Their goal is to deliver 80 percent of the 5.2 million votes to Senator Obama. See “NEA Revs Its Political Engines for Barack Obama”.
The NEA and AFT were active participants at the Democratic National Convention. When the host committee for the convention was $10 million short of its fundraising goals two months before the convention, the NEA was one of seven unions that gave money to the committee to help reach their goal.
~ NWPE
NEA President Reg Weaver delivered the NEA's endorsement speech for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention on August 25th.
Weaver stated, "3.2 million members of the National Education Association are organized, energized and mobilized to help elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States of America."
NEA states it will spend $50 million in teacher dues this election including strategies to micro-target members, use sophisticated electronic individualized messaging to NEA members, and partner with other organizations to target women and minorities.
The NEA expects to reach 5.2 million voters by targeting their members, their members’ spouses and families. Their goal is to deliver 80 percent of the 5.2 million votes to Senator Obama. See “NEA Revs Its Political Engines for Barack Obama”.
The NEA and AFT were active participants at the Democratic National Convention. When the host committee for the convention was $10 million short of its fundraising goals two months before the convention, the NEA was one of seven unions that gave money to the committee to help reach their goal.
~ NWPE
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Corporate Contributions
Just how do companies divvy their political dollars.
The Leadership Institute has released its study of the largest corporate and business-related Political Action Committee (PAC) contributors so browsers can see whether companies line up with their political views.
"People who visit our website and take a look at this can examine what companies that they do business with. "There are differences among companies and how they give, and how they use their money for philosophical purposes."
For example, the study found that the PACs of Hershey and Nestle both contributed about $30,000 during the 2005-2006 election cycle. Hershey gave 100 percent of that money to conservative candidates, while Nestle sent 42 percent of its contributions to liberals. Shoe company Nike gave 80 percent to conservatives and 20 percent to liberals.
Access to the complete study is available at the Leadership Institute's website. (One News Now)
The Leadership Institute has released its study of the largest corporate and business-related Political Action Committee (PAC) contributors so browsers can see whether companies line up with their political views.
"People who visit our website and take a look at this can examine what companies that they do business with. "There are differences among companies and how they give, and how they use their money for philosophical purposes."
For example, the study found that the PACs of Hershey and Nestle both contributed about $30,000 during the 2005-2006 election cycle. Hershey gave 100 percent of that money to conservative candidates, while Nestle sent 42 percent of its contributions to liberals. Shoe company Nike gave 80 percent to conservatives and 20 percent to liberals.
Access to the complete study is available at the Leadership Institute's website. (One News Now)
New poll - McCain, Obama Splitting Swing States
Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama are engaged in tight, hotly contested battles in four of the major swing states, according to a new poll from CNN and Opinion Research Strategies.
The poll, taken in New Hampshire, Missouri, Michigan and Virginia, shows each candidate with small leads in two states.
McCain leads in Missouri and Virginia while Obama leads in Michigan and New Hampshire.
The poll, taken in New Hampshire, Missouri, Michigan and Virginia, shows each candidate with small leads in two states.
McCain leads in Missouri and Virginia while Obama leads in Michigan and New Hampshire.
What A Difference A Year Makes
Last year, at Family Research Council’s Values Voters Summit, Sen John McCain was largely ignored.
In fact, McCain came in last place among Republicans in the event’s straw poll, falling behind former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was greeted with distrust by the social conservatives present.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won the poll.
In fact, McCain came in last place among Republicans in the event’s straw poll, falling behind former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was greeted with distrust by the social conservatives present.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won the poll.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Life And Faith
Albert Mohler just made an important post on his blog that everyone one should read: A Private Conviction About Murder?
This is an important issue that many in the church are not prepared or willing to speak truth to.
"Sen. Biden says, and we must take him at his word, that he accepts as a matter of faith that human life begins at conception. But, he argues, he is perfectly willing to support a woman's right to choose to end that human life.
The killing of human life is called homicide. Murder is the willful taking of a human life. The senator has here stated that he believes abortion to be homicide, but he defends a woman's right to kill the unborn human life within her because he would not impose his beliefs about human life (and thus about homicide) on others.
In other words, if we take Sen. Biden seriously, he would defer to others who believe otherwise when it comes to the law.
How can he live with this? There are significant questions about the extent to which some matters can properly be legislated. But there is no question that the government -- any government -- must take a stand on the question of human life. This is why the abortion issue simply will not and cannot go away. The government takes a side on this question, like it or not.
I believe Sen. Biden to be a serious man, and that is what is most frightening about this. Can a morally serious man really say that he believes that unborn babies are human beings, but that it should be a protected right to kill them?"
This is an important issue that many in the church are not prepared or willing to speak truth to.
"Sen. Biden says, and we must take him at his word, that he accepts as a matter of faith that human life begins at conception. But, he argues, he is perfectly willing to support a woman's right to choose to end that human life.
The killing of human life is called homicide. Murder is the willful taking of a human life. The senator has here stated that he believes abortion to be homicide, but he defends a woman's right to kill the unborn human life within her because he would not impose his beliefs about human life (and thus about homicide) on others.
In other words, if we take Sen. Biden seriously, he would defer to others who believe otherwise when it comes to the law.
How can he live with this? There are significant questions about the extent to which some matters can properly be legislated. But there is no question that the government -- any government -- must take a stand on the question of human life. This is why the abortion issue simply will not and cannot go away. The government takes a side on this question, like it or not.
I believe Sen. Biden to be a serious man, and that is what is most frightening about this. Can a morally serious man really say that he believes that unborn babies are human beings, but that it should be a protected right to kill them?"
Monday, September 8, 2008
Don't Miss This Read
"Liberals fear what they can't control, and subsequently seek the elimination of what they fear. This explains their past efforts to blacklist patriotism, stifle free markets, disarm the American citizenry, and shackle free speech.
It also explains why they're currently pulling out all stops in their effort to destroy Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin..."
"....Sarah Palin is beyond their categorization and refuses to be limited by the mold into which they force all women. She doesn’t want their praise.
She rattled their cages with her vice presidential nomination acceptance speech when she said, “I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.
But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country.”
I have just posted this article on our WA Eagle Forum web site under "Hot Topics". Don't miss this read: Sarah Scares Them Because They Don't Scare Her
It also explains why they're currently pulling out all stops in their effort to destroy Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin..."
"....Sarah Palin is beyond their categorization and refuses to be limited by the mold into which they force all women. She doesn’t want their praise.
She rattled their cages with her vice presidential nomination acceptance speech when she said, “I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.
But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country.”
I have just posted this article on our WA Eagle Forum web site under "Hot Topics". Don't miss this read: Sarah Scares Them Because They Don't Scare Her
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Numbers Are In
"The Republican convention was the most-watched convention on television ever, beating a standard set by the Democrats a week earlier. "
Brietbart, 9.5.09
Brietbart, 9.5.09
Oprah Refuses Palin
Oprah refuses to have Gov. Palin on her show.
What a small woman...who must really be afraid!
What a small woman...who must really be afraid!
President of Alaska
This is my new favorite article by John Gizzi:
The President of Alaska
"Wow! It's as though Sarah Palin was president of her own country!" is what Connecticut's Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele exclaimed this morning after I showed him a study of just what power the Republican vice presidential hopeful holds as governor of Alaska.
At a time when political opponents and the liberal media are belittling Palin's credentials and experience, the best rebuttal is from a recent study of the Alaskan Constitution in the Journal of the American Bar Association. According to the ABA study, "Perhaps none of the states possesses a stronger executive branch than the Alaska Constitution provides.
" Like every predecessor since Democratic William Egan (the first elected governor after Alaska became a state in 1959), Palin has power that dwarfs that of George W. Bush when he was governor of Texas and Bill Clinton when he sat in the Arkansas governor's chair. Connecticut's Fedele is not far off the mark when he likens Palin to the president of her own country. Indeed, "[t]here are no independently elected officers and the Governor of Alaska will be held wholly responsible for the conduct of stae administration during his [or her] four-year term," according to the ABA Journal.
The secretary of state is elected jointly with the governor, the attorney general serves at the will of the governor, and twenty executive department heads are hired and fired by the governor. And the buck truly stops with her because the state Constitution limits the number of departments to twenty. If the governor does not like the way a department is operating, she (or he) has the discretion to "re-organize departments and transfer functions among them," the ABA Journal tells us.
The Alaska governor also oversees reapportionment every decade -- albeit acting on the advice of an independent board -- and may declare martial law but not "for longer than twenty days without the approval of a majority of the members of the legislature in joint session." The Constitution also does away with earmarked funds.
The "muscular governor" was enacted as a reaction to the lack of authority during territorial days, when minutae of government was dictated by faraway Washington bureaucrats. The Alaskan model was strongly touted by one of Palin's most famous predecesors, Walter J. Hickel, who held the governorship as a Republican and later a member of the Alaskan Independence Party. When I spoke to him on his 88th birthday a year ago, Hickel was still going strong and advocating that his state's model be adopted by other countries.
So when the skeptics say that Sarah Palin has no experience, the best rejoinder of her supporters might be: "No experience? Read the Constitution. She's President of Alaska!"
The President of Alaska
"Wow! It's as though Sarah Palin was president of her own country!" is what Connecticut's Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele exclaimed this morning after I showed him a study of just what power the Republican vice presidential hopeful holds as governor of Alaska.
At a time when political opponents and the liberal media are belittling Palin's credentials and experience, the best rebuttal is from a recent study of the Alaskan Constitution in the Journal of the American Bar Association. According to the ABA study, "Perhaps none of the states possesses a stronger executive branch than the Alaska Constitution provides.
" Like every predecessor since Democratic William Egan (the first elected governor after Alaska became a state in 1959), Palin has power that dwarfs that of George W. Bush when he was governor of Texas and Bill Clinton when he sat in the Arkansas governor's chair. Connecticut's Fedele is not far off the mark when he likens Palin to the president of her own country. Indeed, "[t]here are no independently elected officers and the Governor of Alaska will be held wholly responsible for the conduct of stae administration during his [or her] four-year term," according to the ABA Journal.
The secretary of state is elected jointly with the governor, the attorney general serves at the will of the governor, and twenty executive department heads are hired and fired by the governor. And the buck truly stops with her because the state Constitution limits the number of departments to twenty. If the governor does not like the way a department is operating, she (or he) has the discretion to "re-organize departments and transfer functions among them," the ABA Journal tells us.
The Alaska governor also oversees reapportionment every decade -- albeit acting on the advice of an independent board -- and may declare martial law but not "for longer than twenty days without the approval of a majority of the members of the legislature in joint session." The Constitution also does away with earmarked funds.
The "muscular governor" was enacted as a reaction to the lack of authority during territorial days, when minutae of government was dictated by faraway Washington bureaucrats. The Alaskan model was strongly touted by one of Palin's most famous predecesors, Walter J. Hickel, who held the governorship as a Republican and later a member of the Alaskan Independence Party. When I spoke to him on his 88th birthday a year ago, Hickel was still going strong and advocating that his state's model be adopted by other countries.
So when the skeptics say that Sarah Palin has no experience, the best rejoinder of her supporters might be: "No experience? Read the Constitution. She's President of Alaska!"
Change is Coming!
This is the message that will bring life and real hope to the November election. If Republicans mean it and will advance it thru principled Republican policy watch out - we can rock this thing!
The Republican base is ready. The people are ready.
Take that Obama!
The Republican base is ready. The people are ready.
Take that Obama!
My Momento
Luanne brot this off the convention floor for me...after she got it signed by FOX News Chris Wallace. I feel the love!
My Former Seat
I know this picture is small but I wanted to show a perspective of my former perch. I was right next to the top of the flag you see in the upper right of this picture.Thursday, September 4, 2008
Media Stand
This is a media stand on the convention floor. When someone "special" would arrive they would practically fall over each other trying to get a good shot, which is what they did when Henry Kissinger arrived. He was escorted to the VIP seats.
Olympic Gold
We had a U.S. gold medalist in our section who was posing for pictures. He passed his medal down our row so I got a picture.
New Stage for McCain And A New View For Me
At the Microsoft luncheon Jeff Kent offered me a credential to sit in a lower section closer to the floor action. I was thrilled for this opportunity especially since I knew this was the nite the confetti and balloons would be dropped. So these pictures are from my new location on the left side of the main stage. The stage was redesigned overnite to bring a stage out into the people for McCain to speak. The grey seats in the second picture is the VIP section where Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain will sit to watch his speech.
And There Was Griff!
And then we ran into Griff Jenkins, FOX News brave young reporter of all protests. He actually came to our hotel last nite when trouble erupted with the anarchists.
Let me tell you what happened last nite.
After the roll call of each state happened we boarded our bus extremely tired and hungry - dinner had been at 3 PM. We got back to our hotel and began to look for a food option. The only thing that available was to order pizza.
Our delegation did have a hospitality suite open with a nacho bar so we went there to have that while we ordered and waited for our pizza. Our favorite cohorts Kathy and Margie so we began to debrief from our wonderful Sarah Palin nite while we watched Rudi's speech being replayed on FOX.
Luanne got a call from Iris Lily that their bus was being held by police a few blocks from our hotel because of an incident with protesters outside out hotel. We had no idea that was happening but decided to get right down there and rescue our bus.
Once on the street we saw this indeed was quite a big incident happening. The intersection right at the corner of our block was packed with police in riot gear. There was a line of 15 riot police shoulder to shoulder blocking one direction, two police cars in the other, a line of police on horses in the third, and I couldn't see the other direction.
We stepped out into the street and walked closer but were told by police we must be on the sidewalk. It all looked quite serious but we could not see the actual protesters. There were several young scruffy guys wandering. They were strictly told were to stand by police and as far as I could see they cooperated.
We walked towards the intersection and got pictures in the darkness and began saying thank you to the police. Once we did that camera's appeared in our faces and it was clear some of these camera men were with the protesters and specifically trying to get pictures of police aggression.
We found out that in the next block over thirsty people were on their knees being taken into custody. We were not sure what they had done but it turns out there had been a concert "Kill the Machine" with over 1500 young people. This was planned to agitate and send them out to destroy property etc. They had done this in Denver as well.
Th police were able to preempt and stop them before there was trouble. While we were standing there Griff from FOX News arrived to report on the trouble. He said hi and then headed out to get to work.
While standing near the corner we were suddenly alerted that some of the protesters had flanked us in, and we were advised to get closer to the hotel door. Once we got there more police vehicles swept in and began to unload tables and equipment to begin processing the protesters. A few minutes later our bus was escorted in.
We found out that all buses to our area were quietly given a multiple motorcycle escort safely to our hotel that nite. We hadn't even see this.
Thank you Minneapolis security!!
Sean and Brett
Inside the FOX tent Sean Hannity was visiting with Elizabeth Hasselbeck, and just over across from them was Brett Baehr on stage preparing to tape. He was kind enough to greet us with a big wave.
The FOX News Experience
FOX News has a wonderful outdoor tent where a lot of their production for convention coverage takes place. They gave us access to a section of it and we were so thrilled to check it out.
Our Last Bus to Xcel
I can't believe it but this is our last bus ride to Xcel Energy Center. There is incredible excitement in the air following Sarah Palin's magnificent speech to the convention and nation last nite.
Our delegation is energized and ready to do the work of electing McCain - Palin in November.
Our delegation is energized and ready to do the work of electing McCain - Palin in November.
Microsoft Reception
This afternoon Microsoft hosted a reception for our Washington State delegation.
BTW....
Really now, isn't a smart skirt and heels a vast improvement compared to all those tired old pantsuits!
Winsome Warrior
The Washington political-journalistic elite thought it had an argument that could beat this reform-minded, culturally conservative, small-town former Alaska mayor: She isn’t ready to be commander in chief, they said.
In the very first battle of the campaign, she rolled around the right flank and straight into the heart of America. She now commands the high ground.
Terence P. Jeffrey
CNS News
In the very first battle of the campaign, she rolled around the right flank and straight into the heart of America. She now commands the high ground.
Terence P. Jeffrey
CNS News
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Life of the Party Protest Video
RNC Life has posted this link to a video clip showing some of the protester antics from yesterday.
Media Row
The convention center's first level is the home of media row. They're all here. Walking down this hallway you never know who you might run into.FOX News
This is the FOX outdoor set. As we enter the Xcel Energy Center we walk right past it, and generally as we leave they are taping their daily convention wrap segments.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The "After, After" Event
After an eventful cab ride back to our Minneapolis hotel we pondered whether to attempt finding the "Huck" event.Mike Huckabee's band Capitol Offense was performing at the Spin Nightclub which was very near our hotel. We had wanted to go, but decided instead to call it a night...until Doug Roulstone met us at the elevator and convinced us to check it out with him. What a great idea this turned out to be.
It is really quite amazing that we even got in. It was said to be a ticketed event...with no more tickets available. We were never asked for tickets. Entrance bands were placed on our wrists and we were in.
The place was packed and the band playing when we got there. We wove our way thru the crowd and ended up in a prime spot on the upper level looking right down on the band.
It was just great fun with great music. We had a blast! Huck played base guitar and was really enjoying himself.
At one point there was an impromptu auction of a one-of-a-kind tie signed by Huck and the band. Doug enthusiastically bid for it....and won!
But the best part for me was when country music sensation Joe Nichols showed up at the event, went on stage and sang with the band. Oh my ever lovin' word! So fine.
The numbers two-zero-zero were on the clock when we got back to our room.
The "After" Event
After the convention closed for the day we made our way to the stunning James Hill Library to attend the Florida Delegation's National Treasure Event.We had a wonderful visit there with Eagle Forum friend Bill Federer, and even had our picture taken with Florida State Senator Mel Martinez.
Connecticut Delegation Assaulted
We personally have been very well insulated from the anarchist's and anti-war left, with the exception of our one delegate bus hit by a sand bag en route to the Xcel Center on the first day. Apart from that we have not physically seen them, and have just barely heard them.
The sad story is about the Connecticut delegates who were brutally and senselessly assaulted.
Shouting foul-mouthed slogans and carrying "Obama" signs the 100-plus thugs tried to tear the credentials from around the neck of the oldest member of the delegation Fred Biebel, age 83. They tore from his neck the credentials needed to get into the convention.
The police were called and arrested some of the assailants. His credentials were eventually recovered from them and returned to him.
Others had chlorox and water bottles tossed at them as their delegation tried to enter the convention center.
"Women and older delegates were the targets of these creeps," delegate Mike Garrett reported.
The sad story is about the Connecticut delegates who were brutally and senselessly assaulted.
Shouting foul-mouthed slogans and carrying "Obama" signs the 100-plus thugs tried to tear the credentials from around the neck of the oldest member of the delegation Fred Biebel, age 83. They tore from his neck the credentials needed to get into the convention.
The police were called and arrested some of the assailants. His credentials were eventually recovered from them and returned to him.
Others had chlorox and water bottles tossed at them as their delegation tried to enter the convention center.
"Women and older delegates were the targets of these creeps," delegate Mike Garrett reported.
God Bless America!
It is very hard to write an adequate description of a convention session. There is so much that happens. Every moment is filled almost beyond what you can absorb. Definite sensory overload.
I will say it that it would make you so proud to be here. To hear bold and unapologetic expressions of patriotism celebrating our great country, to feel the amazing political energy. I am completely overwhelmed at this incredible opportunity and experience.
Service was the theme, and our evening was designed to showcase stories of incredible bravery and extraordinary service to our country.
And then came a little "red meat".
Fred Thompson led it off by reminded us that "we live in the freest, strongest, most generous and prosperous nation in the history of the world", and how thankful we should be for that.
He described McCain "character has been tested like no other presidential candidate in the history of this nation."
Of Palin, he described her as being "from a small town, with small town values", and then added "give me a tough Alaskan Governor who has taken on the political establishment in the largest state in the Union -- and won -- over the beltway business-as-usual crowd any day of the week."
My favorite Thompson line: "the Democrats present a history making nominee for president. History making in that he is the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for President. Apparently they believe that he would match up well with the history making, Democrat controlled Congress. History making because it's the least accomplished and most unpopular Congress in our nation's history."
He was followed by Democrat Senator Joe Lieberman.
Lieberman stated that he was here to support John McCain because country matters more than party. He talked about "rising above the smallness of our politics to get big things done for our country and our people".
He described Senator Obama as "a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead" but that "eloquence is no substitute for a record."
And he challenged that "in the Senate he (Obama)has not reached across party lines to get anything significant done, nor has he been willing to take on powerful interest groups in the Democratic Party."
During the Lieberman speech I had the privilege of being a guest in the Republican National Committeeman's private suite thanks to my State Committeeman Jeff Kent. What an honor.
I will say it that it would make you so proud to be here. To hear bold and unapologetic expressions of patriotism celebrating our great country, to feel the amazing political energy. I am completely overwhelmed at this incredible opportunity and experience.
Service was the theme, and our evening was designed to showcase stories of incredible bravery and extraordinary service to our country.
And then came a little "red meat".
Fred Thompson led it off by reminded us that "we live in the freest, strongest, most generous and prosperous nation in the history of the world", and how thankful we should be for that.
He described McCain "character has been tested like no other presidential candidate in the history of this nation."
Of Palin, he described her as being "from a small town, with small town values", and then added "give me a tough Alaskan Governor who has taken on the political establishment in the largest state in the Union -- and won -- over the beltway business-as-usual crowd any day of the week."
My favorite Thompson line: "the Democrats present a history making nominee for president. History making in that he is the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for President. Apparently they believe that he would match up well with the history making, Democrat controlled Congress. History making because it's the least accomplished and most unpopular Congress in our nation's history."
He was followed by Democrat Senator Joe Lieberman.
Lieberman stated that he was here to support John McCain because country matters more than party. He talked about "rising above the smallness of our politics to get big things done for our country and our people".
He described Senator Obama as "a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead" but that "eloquence is no substitute for a record."
And he challenged that "in the Senate he (Obama)has not reached across party lines to get anything significant done, nor has he been willing to take on powerful interest groups in the Democratic Party."
During the Lieberman speech I had the privilege of being a guest in the Republican National Committeeman's private suite thanks to my State Committeeman Jeff Kent. What an honor.
Xcel Center Day Two
It was a short walk for us to the Xcel Energy Center. There are volunteers and security details stationed everywhere helping us maneuver safely where we need to go.
The security line tonite was long but we were able to make it inside with only the regrettable loss of Luanne's new red RNC umbrella which was confiscated by convention security.
Some "Classy" Protesters
Thot you might want to see what they looked like. These individuals were stationed just outside the Life of the Party venue. Parental discretion is advised.
Guest of Honor
The room exploded when our special fill-in guest Laura Ingraham was introduced by Phyllis Schlafly. And then she brot down the house with a most powerful message taking head-on every attack of the hyperventilating left and radical feminists.
She boldly urged us to call the "reproductive justice" they champion what it is - the killing of pre-born babies. She said the cause of life is the dividing line in our culture today. Bristol Palin chose life in a very difficult circumstance, and they can't deal with it.
Laura said that Sarah might not know a lot about raising large amounts of money from wealthy people, or about the best places to dine in Manhattan, or about spa vacation resorts... but what she does know is what the American people believe in, what they hope for, dream of, and what they work hard for.
Laura was a great fill in for Sarah Palin and no one could be disappointed by the passionate, upbeat message she delivered with very little notice.
Phyllis then spoke about RNC Life's successful work in once again preserving the pro-life plank in the Republican platform. Not only was is preserved but it was actually strengthened making this the most pro-life ever.
Then Gary Bauer spoke very eloquently of the value of every human life. He then addressed the press calling it "a new low in tabloid media to use a 17 year old pregnant teenager to pummel her mother politically."
Minnesota Senator Michelle Bachman also spoke and is another powerful pro-life voice for us in Washington DC. Here's a tip: keep your eye on this woman.
And what would a pro-life event be with out a few feminists. There were two incidents when female protesters walked on stage with signs and tried to take Phyllis's place at the podium. Phyllis so calmly - and with her classy signature grin - simply took their signs and covered the mic till security could remove them.
At one point the people helped Phyllis by simply singing God Bless America over the attempted rudeness of these protesters.
She boldly urged us to call the "reproductive justice" they champion what it is - the killing of pre-born babies. She said the cause of life is the dividing line in our culture today. Bristol Palin chose life in a very difficult circumstance, and they can't deal with it.
Laura said that Sarah might not know a lot about raising large amounts of money from wealthy people, or about the best places to dine in Manhattan, or about spa vacation resorts... but what she does know is what the American people believe in, what they hope for, dream of, and what they work hard for.
Laura was a great fill in for Sarah Palin and no one could be disappointed by the passionate, upbeat message she delivered with very little notice.
Phyllis then spoke about RNC Life's successful work in once again preserving the pro-life plank in the Republican platform. Not only was is preserved but it was actually strengthened making this the most pro-life ever.
Then Gary Bauer spoke very eloquently of the value of every human life. He then addressed the press calling it "a new low in tabloid media to use a 17 year old pregnant teenager to pummel her mother politically."
Minnesota Senator Michelle Bachman also spoke and is another powerful pro-life voice for us in Washington DC. Here's a tip: keep your eye on this woman.
And what would a pro-life event be with out a few feminists. There were two incidents when female protesters walked on stage with signs and tried to take Phyllis's place at the podium. Phyllis so calmly - and with her classy signature grin - simply took their signs and covered the mic till security could remove them.
At one point the people helped Phyllis by simply singing God Bless America over the attempted rudeness of these protesters.
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