Freedom no longer our greatest value

Here is a great quote from Walter Williams' column today:

At least two-thirds of the federal budget represents forcing one American to serve the purposes of another. Younger workers are forced to pay for the prescriptions of older Americans; people who are not farmers are forced to serve those who are; nonpoor people are forced to serve poor people; and the general public is forced to serve corporations, college students and other special interests who have the ear of Congress.

Williams explains in very simple language why big government is here to stay. It reminds me of a political cartoon I once saw whereas Mr. and Mrs. Regular Amercian Couple were being asked a question by a survey researcher. He asked "do you think the size of government should be cut?" They answered, in large print with a resounding "YES" above their heads. However, If you looked closely at the word "YES," it was made up of small print which read "except for our military base, our new bridge project, our social security check, our daughters food stamps..."

Smaller government is not going to happen, folks. We are addicted like those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Here is the entire article.

What a relief

This will have no consequences

In his most recent column, Dennis Prager has made some very good points about Keith Ellison's desire to take the oath of office on the Koran.

His points are valid, and will not be heard.

I think it is too late to be trying to appeal to basic philosophical truths about the way countries operate, where their values come from, etc. Ellison will swear on the Koran, the media will call it courageous, then we will forget about it.

The people of America, who are becoming less and less able to discern anything from anything else will talk about it at work, with their friends and families, have stupid opinions about it based on intelligent sounding concepts like "common sense" and America will continue to decline.

Oh Well.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Well, I will be out of town for Thanksgiving, and probably not blogging much.

So here are a few words on the subject.

For thousands of years, man had been totally unable to provide a system of government that would simultaneously provide justice, freedom and security to all the people within it's borders.

Every system had major flaws regarding the treatment of women, minorities, and pretty much anyone who was different.

That was until the last 2 centuries. Has America been perfect in its treatment of all it's citizens? Of course not. But I think it is impossible to deny that the vast majority of people all over the world, at this point on the time line, wish they were middle class Americans. Hell, most of them would settle for a life as a poor American.

America is not what is wrong with the world. Our ideals of freedom, Judeo-Christian Values and pluralism are what are keeping the world from plunging into anarchy.

I am deeply thankful for the fact that I was born here. In this country, I am free. I am not rich, I am not loved by everyone I meet, I am not always shielded from being offended, and my absolute safety is not guaranteed. But I reiterate--I am free.

Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are celebrating it, and however you are celebrating it.

'08 Prediction Unveiling

Ok, so I am usually wrong about these. I predicted that Jack Kemp would run and win against Clinton in 96. I predicted a McCain loss against Gore in 2000. Those are the only pre-primary predictions I have ever made.

But, for fun, here is what I think for '08:

Guiliani/Romney

vs

Hillary/Obama

Guiliani will win.

Rudy is already campaigning, and has managed to get his name all over the talk shows. He REALLY REALLY wants to be president. The party will force him to nominate someone way more conservative than him, so he doesn't try to take everbody's guns away. If not Romney, somebody else.

Hillary is too divisive. She will try to hold together the same coalition of conservative dems and wackos that helped them take over congress, but it will fall apart.

That's what I think anyway.

Serious Running

Terrorism Fueling the Backlash? No way!

This is a pretty funny clip from SNL. I wonder how long it will be before they are told to apologize.

Borat Mania

The "Borat" movie is the funniest thing I have seen all year. Kathleen Parker has written this thoughtful analysis about it.

The truth is, all of the people who were duped and are now suing, have no sense of humor about themselves. Too bad.

Philosophy 101

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a new friend of mine who said she sometimes has trouble deciding how to vote. She says that she is basically conservative, but she doesn't follow events closely enough to be informed and must rely primarily on her uncle for advice.

As far as I can tell, the vast majority of people in this predicament are there not because of a lack of watching the news, but because they have not taken a look at their values at the presuppositional/philosophical level and tried to figure out how they apply to politics. So here is lesson #1

From the wikepedia definition of "social Justice" (I am more and more impressed with this site's attempt to be neutral in it's definitions):

Social justice refers to conceptions of justice applied to an entire society. It is based on the idea of a just society, which gives individuals and groups fair treatment and a just share of the benefits of society.

Social justice is both a philosophical problem and an important issue in politics. It can arguably be said that everyone wishes to live in a just society, but different political ideologies have different conceptions of what a 'just society' actually is. The term "social justice" itself tends to be used by those ideologies who believe that present day society is highly unjust - and these are usually left-wing ideologies, advocating a more extensive use of democracy and income redistribution, a more egalitarian society and either a mixed economy or a non-market-based economic model. The right-wing has its own conception of social justice, but generally believes that it is best achieved through embracing meritocracy, the operation of a free market, and the promotion of philanthropy and charity. Both right and left tend to agree on the importance of rule of law, human rights, and some form of a welfare safety net (though the left supports this to a greater extent than the right).

The "right" and "left" are names given to the two most prevalent political orientations in modern Western society, but many other political outlooks have existed in the past or exist today in different societies, and they usually carry their own specific ideas about social justice.

Social justice is also a concept that some use to describe the movement towards a socially just world. In this context, social justice is based on the concepts of human rights and equality. So a very broad definition of social justice is that "social justice reflects the way in which human rights are manifested in the everyday lives of people at every level of society". It can be further defined as working towards the realization of a world where all members of a society, regardless of background, have basic human rights and an equal opportunity to access the benefits of their society.

So where do you stand on the concept of "social justice?" Answering that question will set you strongly in one direction or another.

Zany Antics Begin

Robert Novak has a column this week regarding Nancy Pelosi's handling of the election for majority leader in the house.

Speaker apparent Pelosi has endorsed Jack Murtha, which is no big deal. But what is a big deal was that she urged (in writing) the rest of the Democrats to vote against Steny Hoyer. This is seen by insiders as her first gaffe, however I wonder if it will really matter.

This is the kind of thing the grumpy Republicans who neglected to help us keep our majority were hoping for. However, I think they miscalculated one thing. Nobody cares outside those of us who read this stuff. Do you think the MSM is going to report all of the shenanigans that we will inevitably see from the Democrats for the next two years?

Click here for the entire story.

OJ writes book

Meanwhile, these two people are no longer permitted to breathe, watch a sunset, make a new friend, eat a tasty meal, or listen to music. Why? Oh yeah, that's because they are rotting in the ground after having their heads almost sliced off by a jealous monster named O.J. Simpson! Sure, life is fair.

No Equivalent on the Left

Since the death of Daniel Patrick Moynihan, there is no equivalent in intellectual prowess on the left to that of George Will.

In this column, Will points out the folly of the 9th circuit court of appeals ridiculous decision making regarding the death penalty. He methodically dissects a decision that was overturned (of course) by the Supreme Court.

Why is this significant? Because George Will is against the death penalty. Only, and I mean ONLY, on the right do you find the kind of intellectual honesty that it takes to attack the decision of a court on a position that you basically agree with because in essence, they did it wrong.

Let me make that a little more clear, for those of you who need help with this. George Will is capable of pointing to the merits of a case, and saying "even though I am against the death penalty, their legal arguments were shabby."

This, by the way, is how you can be against Roe v Wade, AND simultaneously be pro-choice. And it only happens right of center these days.

Thank you, Ma'am.

As a current member of the military, I don't think it's appropriate to comment on Kathleen Parker's column this week. However, her words are appreciated. I am working with the very population she writes about at my 3rd year practicum, and I too, will be returning to active duty when I am done with graduate school.

Here is the article.

Farmers Branch, Texas

The Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch has passed laws making it difficult for illegal immigrants to get along in their town. This was predictable, and there will be more cities accross the country that will do the same. Basically, they have made it against the law to rent an apartment or house to illegals, and have told their police department to start enforcing the immigration laws. They also made English the official language of the city.

Here is the story.

What is MORE interesting is this picture:



That's "former" Marine SGT Salvador Parada protesting the city council on the day these measures were passed. Here is the problem. He is not on active duty anymore, so unless he is retired, there is no appropriate venue for him to wear his uniform. RETIRED members of the military are authorized to wear their uniforms in VERY SPECIFIC SITUATIONS. However--political functions is NOT ONE OF THEM! Technically, what he is doing is against the law. I don't care if he is/was a Marine. Those of us in uniform know that we are not allowed to take political positions in an official capacity. Using your uniform as a way to lend credibility to your cause is the same as taking a crap on it. He's a jackass.

3 predictions already coming true.

Well, it is time for the Democrats to pay back all of the crazies that put them in power:

Donald Rumsfeld is gone,

Cindy Sheehan and her crowd are already calling for impeachment for "war crimes." They won't stop until they get it.

--and--

The Democrats are stating they are going to "revisit" the recently passed bill mandating the erection of a southern border fence. So now, instead of minimal border security, we will have none.

Torn over Wal-Mart

Here's why-

Wal-Mart is one of the biggest abusers of eminent domain. It is because of them, (and other companies like them) that America is frantically trying to protect its own private property rights with ballot initiatives. Of course, they are a business, and businesses are trying to make money. If the system corrects itself and stops the abuse, then great.

On the other hand, Wal-Mart has decided to bring back Christmas, and it's out with "the Holidays." It makes me want to do ALL OF MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING at Wal-Mart, exclusively.

Let's revisit this issue, briefly.

1. "Happy Holidays," "Holiday parties," and the rest of it have been put in place so as not to "offend" those who do not celebrate Christmas. The idea is that it makes them feel excluded.

2. Christmas is celebrated by about 90% of Americans.

3. In America, any religion can celebrate whatever holiday they want, with impunity.

4. If I were a Christian living in Israel, I would think "what a wonderful country--they are almost all Jewish, but I can put Christmas lights up around my house, have a Christmas tree, give gifts, and it is perfectly legal."

5. I would also be thrilled if I were invited to a chanukkah party. I would say "happy chanukkah" right back to anyone who said it to me.

The majority culture has the right to preserve its traditions OPENLY in society. Those who are offended by Christmas tress and nativity scenes are insecure in their own faith--especially in a country as open, free and tolerant as the United States. Good for you, Wal-Mart. Just stop trying to use the government to take property away from individuals in order to secure your empire.

Leave it to Charles

Charles Krauthammer get's it right, as usual.

In this post, Dr. Krauthammer points out some of the obvious facts about the current state of politics in America. Last Tuesday's election was not a mandate to move further to the left. The Democrats recruited conservatives so they could win. He points out that BOTH parties will become more conservative as a result.

Sunday Afternoon Naptime

My roommates cat, helping me do my work today.

Yesterday's Run

Toyon Trail, in the mountains west of me. This picture is someone elses. It was actually drizzling and muddy when I was there. Also-intended to run about 6-7 miles, got lost, couldn't find my truck. Ended up running about 15.

Good Stuff

This is an interesting website

Bridge Back from the Wilderness

This statement from George Will's column is basically what the Republican punishers are counting on:

The most left-wing speaker in U.S. history will return to being minority leader in 2009 unless she eschews an agenda that cannot be enacted without requiring the many Democrats elected from Republican-leaning districts to jeopardize their seats.

Fine. If the correction was necessary, and this is how it is going to work then sobeit.

All over Townhall.com and the rest of the columns is this idea that the reason we lost is because we weren't conservative enough--which is essentially what Will is saying. In other words, we are counting on the Democrats to act crazy for the next 2 years, while the Republicans clean house. At that point, the Dems will be fired for their antics, and we will sweep congress (with "real" conservatives) and the White House (Also see The Dr's comments in previous posts about this). It still seems like an awful big gamble, but I am a team player, and the electorate has spoken. If that's the strategy, we'll make it work.

Does your grandpa know you raided his closet?

Day 2--Impeachment Talk Starts

Check out this post by Michelle Malkin. The Democrats have the memory of an elephant, as selective as it may be (And avoiding the donkey/elephant wierdness of that statement). They have never forgotten the impeachemnt of Bill Clinton and now it is their turn.

This is somehow good for America, I guess.

I'm over it now

Just needed a day to be grumpy. Now we can move on to the business of winning in '08. (And making fun of the Pelosi/Reid run congress.)

Well Republicans, I hope you're happy *UPDATE*

You will have 2 years of a circus on capitol hill that will cause buyer's remorse for every minute of it.

The soldiers in Iraq will be demoralized, and probably put in further danger. They say they are not going to cut funding for the war, but they are liars.

Donald Rumsfeld, possibly the best SECDEF we have ever had, will be brought before congress for hearings every day until 2008.--Update--Already Resigned! Yeah for us!

It will be VERY hard to replace John Paul Stevens when he dies.

The tax cuts will expire.

Because of funding cuts, the border fence will become welfare distribution centers with signs that read "Welcome to America. Here is your fair share of hard working Americans earnings"

The Democrats, even though they have been saying "no impeachment" will attempt to impeach the president. Remember, the people who kicked Joe Lieberman out are in charge of their party.

But hey--they got a message, right?

Great job, base.

GOTV

Have You?

This is how you do it

The Republicans are gaining momentum in the 11th hour, and it is guys like Micheal Steele who are getting it done. Here he is, being endorsed by black Maryland Democrats.

Inconsistent Analogy

Dennis Prager points out, in his usual methodical style, several reasons for Republicans to get out and vote Tuesday.

What is fascinating, however, is this response on the Towhall website to the article by reader Caroline Miranda:

Nice Try, Dennis, but No Dice
Stay angry but vote Republican? That's like saying to a thief, you stole from me, but come into my house for dinner, anyway, so you can steal some more of my income and property. The outright theft by Republican To justify this outright theft would be to scrifice [sic] morals and ethics, and would send a message to the bridge-to-nowhere crowd that they can do more of the same.

Unfortunately, this is an analogy that does not hold together. Let's dissect it-

The thief=Republicans

Who?=Democrats

Nice try, Caroline. The problem is, with burglary, if you fight off the burglar, he goes away. It is not a choice between being victimized by his crime without the burglar as your dinner guest and burglary plus his company. He also doesn't show up and exclaim "if you choose to get rid of me, the burglar outside is going to come in and steal your stuff AND kill your children."

The real dichotomy (between Democrats and Republicans) is a inconvenient one, but it's what we in the real world call "life."

More Reason

Carl Levin, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee. Frightening thought, isn't it? Still going to sit at home like a grumpy child Christmas morning who didn't get the XBox you asked for?

These are disgusting

Take a look at these pictures of the Halloween party thrown by Penn President Amy Gutmann.

Why didn't anyone tell this jackass to go home? What if he came to the party dressed as a redneck carrying a rope?

That's what I thought.

To the Base

For those idiots in the base who are going to go stay away from the polls to punish the republicans this Tuesday, here is a graphic reminder of why you need to think it through:



There will probably be one vacancy on the supreme court before this presidency is over. Lets force the President to nominate another Souter. Great idea.

Stuck in IRAK