2008 - Those Were the Days

2008 Quick Hits

-The year journalism died.
-The year the Clintons finally went a... - no wait, not done with them yet.
-The first African-American is elected President, that's cool.
-He's a socialist; oh, not so cool.
-He replaces a conservative turned socialist.

-Gas hits record highs, then tanks as the dollar it relies on falls.
-There's still a Castro in Cuba, 50 years later.
-The year a failed Democrat policy and it's danger to the US economy (low-income housing assistance) is exposed, and no one seems to care.

-McCain wins the we-got-nuttin' GOP primary.
-A star is born in Sarah Palin.
...prompting the media to lose it's mind.
-Doesn't matter, Bush is still the GOP poster boy, whole party loses.

-Campean and Ramos are still in prison.
-Democrat operatives investigate a private citizen, Joe the Plummer, because he asked a question the media wouldn't - and the one he questioned flubbed the answer.

Tony Snow
Charleton Heston
Tim Russert
Heath Ledger
George Carlin
Paul Newman
John McKay

ACORN
Bailouts!
Fannie and Freddie
AIG
The Big Three

-Michael Phelps
-The not-so-perfect Patriots
-The hapless Detroit Lions
-Flyers return to prominence, then lose to the Pens in the conference finals.
-Dolphins complete a most-incredible turnaround.
-Eagles make playoffs while looking bad doing it.

...and The Phillies end Philly's championship drought.

Whew, that was exhausting...

I hope you have plenty of food and water stored away. No particular reason (wink), just a wish for you and your family.

Have a Happy and Healthy 2009 from page13news.

Want Self Control? Find God

Not sure if I am surprised more that two psychologists, publishing in the Psychological Bulletin, are admitting that a little personal relationship with God may lead to better self control, or the fact that the New York Times is reporting it.

A self-described heathen, 'Science' writer John Tierney struggles with the concept. But since a "doctor" gave it a thumbs up, well he may just give it a whirl.

Obama Jobs Program 'Flunks Basic Math'

Gee, what a surprise.

Incredible NFL Final Weekend

After the tie with Cincinnati, many thought the Birds were dead. Instead the Eagles have somehow managed to salvage their season and a playoff birth, primarily because the rest of the NFC is mediocre. All the more sweet that it came against those damn Cowboys.

Question is, are Eagles fans going to be happy about it? It may extend Andy Reed's tenure here, but may not save Donovan from leaving. Philly will face Andy Reed's former assistant head coach Brad Childress as the Birds head to north to face the Vikings.

In New York, the Miami Dolphins complete a miraculous turnaround as they beat the rival Jets to win the AFC East. Miami ties a record for best season-to-season improvement, winning 10 more games than the previous year.

In Baltimore, rookie coach John Harbaugh and rookie QB Joe Flacco (Delaware) become the first such combo to make the playoffs.

In Pittsburgh, Ben Rothlisberger gets knocked out of a meaningless game against Cincinnati with a concussion.

And in Green Bay, the Detroit Lions complete the most pathetic season in NFL history going 0-16. The mark was worse than the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who went 0-14 in the only other winless NFL season.

Survivorman

I used to hike quite often, well one serious trip a year anyway. Usually it was among the 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks, near Lake Placid in Upstate New York.

It is a great way to give yourself a personal brain-wash. When you spend 3 days only thinking of your next step, and the greasy burger you'll enjoy when you get back to civilization, you're bound to gain a little perspective.

Relevance?

The Discovery Channel had a Survivorman marathon all day yesterday with a running of the 3rd season in this ultimate survivor series. If you haven't seen the show, it's a hiking adventure on steroids. One man, two camera's and seven lonely days in some of the most remote locations on the planet. The goal, find a way to survive with little food, water, or supplies.

The host, cameraman, and editor (also a singer-songwriter) is Canadian Les Stroud, an expert adventurer who puts you in the middle of nightmare scenarios in remote locations and educates you on surviving the wild.

From eating grubs (remove the 'bum' before you do), to building shelters, to starting a fire using grass-eating animal dung, and protecting yourself from lions using thorn bush, Stroud films his every move. There's no backup crew protecting him, one false move could be fatal.

The chances you'll need to utilize any of these skills is minute, but as a hiking enthusiast the tips could come in handy.

*****
Speaking of survival. I've taken a well-deserved break from news scanning and commentary to enjoy the kids for a few days during the holidays. Last night, the family took in Marley and Me - now that's survival.

It's a cheesy chick-flick eerily similar in every way to the experience my wife and I had with our own black Labrador, Harley. I miss that dog, especially during hikes.

Lose at ballot box, no problem...

...the (Democrat) government will fix that.

Jerry Brown, former Presidential candidate and current attorney general for California, is asking the supreme court there to invalidate the Prop 8 gay marriage ban voters just passed.

Brown's reasoning,

"the amendment process cannot be used to extinguish fundamental constitutional rights without compelling justification.

(this ban) presents a conflict between the constitutional power of the voters to amend the Constitution, on the one hand, and the Constitution's Declaration of Rights, on the other,"

No Jerry, marriage is a right granted by God and recognized by religious organizations, to legitimize children. Marriage is not a right granted or taken away by state law. There is no 'inalienable' (his word) right to have your marriage recognized.

State law only applies to the tax benefits which may or may not be attached those laws. If voters (a.k.a. tax payers) don't wish those benefits be afforded to non-traditional marriages, they are entitled to put on such restrictions.

By Brown's logic (eh-hem) a California citizen is entitled to marry his/her dog and the laws of the Golden State would have to recognize it.

This issue, as with all gay-marriage initiatives, is simply about getting money; getting the tax-break. It's got nothing to do with equal rights or alternative lifestyles being legitimized.

The people of California have spoken on the issue, but the losers can't accept it.

SEC 'Concerned' Over Failure of Oversight

We constantly hear the word oversight, regulation, and czar bandied about as though some magical governmental wizard will somehow cure, prevent, or fix whatever industry maleficence is taking place.

Now with the Madoff case hitting the fan, experts are asking how this scheme wasn't picked up earlier, including the SEC - you know that governement agency responsible for keeping an eye out for these things.

Meanwhile we are discussing an auto-industry czar to enforce government demands tied to the pending bailout.

I'm sure the Car Czar will do a fine job, no really.

Talking Ponzie

Ponzie Scheme - a financial gimmick which pays returns on investments through the investments of others, not through any business gains - also known as a pyramid scheme; rob Peter to pay Paul.

Named after Charles Ponzie, an italian immigrant, who in 1920 became notorious in New York for a similar type stunt using postage stamps.

Among Madoff's victims, Frank Lautenburg (D-NJ), Saul Katz and Fred Wilpon (co-owners of the NY Mets), and former Eagles owner Norman Braman.

Clusterstock is keeping a tally.

More well-known Ponzie Schemes

Enron - $70 billion
Worldcom - $11 billion
Madoff - $50 billion and growing

...and the granddaddy of them all
Social Security - $600 billion

Word has it, the Madoff victims (of their own greed) will petition the government for a bailout.

Cartoon courtesy of Mises Economic Blog

It's Official, Merry Christmas!!

Rasmussen Reports - 69% of Americans proudly say Merry Christmas while 19% prefer Happy Holidays; few are offended by the latter.

Would you avoid stores that have a policy forbidding the Christian reference by employees? More than a third would.

Hoeffel 'Playing Politics' with The Law

Former US Senate candidate Joe Hoeffel (D-PA), doesn't like that law enforcement is getting what it wants.

The budget for Montgomery County DA Risa Ferman's office requested additional funding for more administrative staff from the county's general fund, with additional confiscated funds (from law enforcement activities) going toward material support to detectives in the field instead of paying for the new administrative positions.

Hoeffel tried to stir the pot by claiming Ferman's office was getting special treatment by not adhering to the Montco's self-imposed hiring freeze. He's referring to a 3-2 vote down party lines which approved the DA's request.

Ferman responded by citing Pennsylvania state law which doesn't allow for the necessary expenses of law enforcement to be jeopardized when it comes to budgeting. She also accused the two Democrats of playing politics with public safety.

Bingo Risa!


HT Alex at PAWaterCooler

'Suicide' for GOP - Ignore Technology

From CNN

The Republican party needs to understand the vital role today's technology plays in influencing public opinion and how it opens the door for grassroots activism.

"It would be suicide for the Republican Party and conservatives to not aggressively embrace technology," said Matt Lewis, a writer for the conservative Web site Townhall.com. "The world is dramatically changing in the way people get their information and the way they communicate -- the party needs to change with it."

Some of us already get it.

In a related story, page13news is now on Twitter. Now all I gotta do is figure out how it works.

Whiteout in New Orleans

...or one last poke in the eye by President Bush to Mayor Ray Nagin's "chocolate city"?

They told us global warming caused mega-hurricanes, so what's the excuse for this?

"We're going to have riots"

Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) on the potential after-effects of a Big Three Auto bailout defeat.

From Carter Clews at ALG

International Anti-Corruption Day

...another reason why Jonah Goldberg rocks!

In related news, the FBI and the Chicago Tribune celebrated the UN holiday in Illinois yesterday.

Barack Obama was, of course, cleared of any association. The local media, like good puppets of propaganda, made sure to regurgitate that fact.

But Obama advisor David Axelrod disagrees, and the puppets fail to report.

Is this anyway to celebrate a holiday?

Birth Cert - Constitution Update

We, the Almighty and Powerful Supreme Court, sworn to uphold the Constitution, have decided only certain portions of that old, worn out document actually have relevance and are worthy to be discussed.

They have refused to hear the case of Leo Donofrio, which contends that Obama is not a natural born citizen because his father maintained a Kenyan citizenship at the time of his birth. The lawsuit charged the New Jersey Secretary of State should not have allowed Obama on the ballot because the "natural born" citizenship status had yet to be verified.

There's still Philip Berg's case, which contends that not only has Obama not proven he is a natural born citizen, but that even if he was, that citizenship was renounced when his step-father enrolled him in an Indonesian school. At the time, the school only allowed citizens to attend.

Stay tuned.

NFL Week 14

Eagles continue to run the ball after the scripted plays were finished and surprise, they win. Donovan McNabb, 19-30 for 191 yards, was efficient and mistake free verses one of the NFL's best defenses.

Perhaps the Burress flack is a little more than just a personal judgement issue for the Giants after all.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers beat the Cowboys 20-13. There's something classic about this matchup, whenever it's played. The Steeler won in dramatic fashion with an interception return for a touchdown with under 2 minutes remaining.

The Pittsburgh win means the Eagles are firmly in the playoff hunt. If Tampa beats Atlanta, and the Birds pull off a 5 game win streak to end the season (games against Cleveland, Washington, and Dallas remain), they will be the 6th playoff seed in the NFC. Not easy, but possible.

In the AFC, the Dolphins and Patriots win while the Jets lose. That creates a 3-team log jam atop the AFC East. If Miami wins their remaining games against the 49ers, Chiefs, and Jets (in the season finale), they win the AFC East.

In fantasy news, page13 relaxed while enjoying a playoff bye week, earned after becoming the SFL's 2nd seed. page13 is pursuing a third title in the 19 year history of the league.

Republican Win in New Orleans

A little more than 3 years following hurricane Katrina, a Republican wins Louisiana's 2nd congressional district race in the Crescent City. It marks the first time in over 100 years that a Republican will hold the seat.

The incumbent, William Jefferson, was infamous for his actions following the worst natural disaster in US history. Jefferson used government resources to save some cash he had stashed in a freezer, during the storm's aftermath when those services could have been better used helping those hit hardest by the hurricane.

Oh, I forgot to mention, the challenger is the first ever Vietnamese-American in congress, Ahn 'Joseph' Cao. Cao and his family left war-ravaged Saigon in the early 70's when he was a young boy.

This election, as well as the 4th congressional district race in Louisiana, was ironically delayed due to Hurricane Gustov and was held separate from the presidential race in November. Turnout was, according to this article, "abysmally" low (damn you lazy Democrats).

A couple of observations...
-Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1 in the 2nd district of the Bayou State.
-A REPUBLICAN won in New Orleans!!
-A Vietnamese-American is a Republican!!
_________
The article also states...

Ironically, had Gustav not postponed the voting schedule one month, the general election would have been held the same ballot as last month's presidential election, when high turnout among African-American voters likely would have carried Jefferson to a 10th term.

Are they assuming that African-Americans would vote for any African-American, even if he was indicted of bribery and public corruption? Wouldn't that indicate a certain level of racial bias present in that voting block?
_________
In his victory speech, Cao spoke of his former homeland. He shed light on how a new generation of Vietnamese, who have seen the best and worst of democracy and communism, see the differences between the 2 political systems.

"I'd like to thank my Vietnamese community," he said, "and I'd like to encourage young Vietnamese in this country to work peacefully for a free and democratic Vietnam."

Hmmm, free and democratic. No spread the wealth. No government bailout of banking and other industries. No government stimulates the economy with massive spending on "rebuilding programs". No communism.

...enlightening.

Senate Hearings - A Joke, Not Funny

I am watching highlights of the Big Three Auto execs being grilled by Congress and can't help but wonder why the Senators aren't sitting in the seats the executives are.

Instead, with grand pomposity oozing from their pores, they question the big, evil, rich white guys on why their industry has failed.

The bailout will go to the industry, that's becoming obvious, the excuses are already being laid out. The fake objections to the auto bailout requests until now have all been for show, to make it seem like the Senators really care about how they spread the wealth.

The only remaining questions revolve around the extent of control the government will have over the domestic automakers. As someone called it, Rush I believe, you are witnessing the "greening" of the auto industry.

Local governments are also lining up at the trough like the scum-eating pigs they are. States, counties, and big cities just can't wait to get their piece of government-controlled pie.

Be sure, a giant dog and pony show will accompany those requests for US dollars, but in the end, the cash will be printed for them as well.

Instead of these fraud committees grilling executives, hearings examining the actions of members of the Senate banking, finance, education, and housing committees should be the focus.

Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, Max Baucus, Ben Bernanke, and King Henry Paulson (heck, let's bring every member of Congress up) should have to answer questions from taxpayers who have had enough.

The questioning would go something like this...

Senators and esteemed government appointees, you have screwed up social security, medicare, medicaid, education, and the housing industry. You've wasted billions of dollars with government excesses and handouts. You've destroyed the free-market society which had a proven track record of success, before your meddling tore it apart.

With your "oversight" you've created an environment where American industries are choked to death by your regulations and comfy ties to the unions who help keep you in your powerful positions, to the point where they are forced to come begging for your assistance; and with it, further oversight, further control.

Just who in the heck do you think you are, Senators??



NY Times Photo

Chambliss Win and Specter

Now that the Democrats won't get the 60 vote insta-socialism Senate they wanted, they will have to rely on so-called moderate Republicans to pass their agenda, without the potential of a filibuster looming.

This puts Arlen Specter and other centrists in a pickle.

First, the obvious. Will he stay home with the party he needs to re-elect him in 2 years, or give Pat Toomey (or another potential primary contender) plenty of ammunition?

Second, if Arlen sides with the left, it also increases the chances the Dems will focus on PA in 2010. If he survives the primary, the bitter fight will not just drain him of cash, but may leave Specter with half the party considering to stay home. If he loses, Democrats will make PA their number one target.

Economic Team Obama - Good and Downright Ugly

This article by David Weider at Market Watch breaks down team Obama, from what will be the President-elect's primary focus, the economy.

Weider has positive reviews for a few of the choices, like Timothy Geithner at Treasury, as a sign of real change. He defends Obama on the numerous former Clintonites, noting some of those were to be expected. However, it's a few specific appointees which Weider says are legitimate reasons to worry.

Robert Rubin, a former Clinton Treasury hack who worked on removing some of the reforms which came in the wake of the last Depression. Now, a decade later, we approach yet another economic meltdown. After that stunning performance, Rubin moved on to Citibank, and now Citibank needs $45 in bailout money. Coincidence, or a sign things won't be getting better?

Weider gives reason to why Rubin is a bad choice...

Along with Vikram Pandit, Citi's current CEO, Rubin seems to think that the whole system broke, not institutions. "This was something that was bigger than Citi," Pandit said.

Except, of course, that J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. is OK, and so are Wells Fargo Corp., and BB&T Corp., along with other banks that were wise enough not to boost short-term profits through derivatives at the risk of long-term survival.

But it doesn't end there. Add former Time-Warner (yawn) chief Dick Parsons to help get us out of the financial mess. Parsons, by the way, is on Citi's board as well - no, really.

Not sure this change is for the good.

HT JB

Black Friday Sales Up 3%...Really?

AP - Early data shows strong Black Friday

I know it's early. But with the economy reportedly in shambles and consumer confidence reportedly low, how is this possible?

Maybe the herd hasn't caught on to what's happening yet.


My gut tells me...

All this bailout spending will lead to a, misleading, small slowdown in the economy; that's not a realistic picture. Government spending is calculated into the GDP and will offset negative growth in other sectors. False confidence will lead people to save less.

...we're compounding our problems.

Why the Barack Obama Birth Certificate Issue is Legitimate

From American Thinker, Why the Barack Obama Birth Certificate Issue is Legitimate.

Does this Barack Obama birth certificate issue bug you because, although improbable, it's possible that he's not a natural born citizen, isn't eligible to be President under the Constitution, and this issue could be bigger than Watergate -- or any other "gate" in history?

Are you afraid that if you were even to raise the subject with your friends that they will think you wear a tinfoil hat, because Factcheck.org, the final arbiter of truth in the universe, said so?
...

This is more than just an opinion piece, the argument is laid out quite nicely.

This is about the validity of our constitution, not Barack Obama. Blame Democrats for not flushing this out before hand.

Mr. President, Pardon Campean and Ramos

No, not you Barack, the current holder of the office.

President Bush, it started as a simple matter and became an unnecessarily sad saga. Two loyal protectors of our borders, Jose Campean and Ignacio Ramos, who shot (in the butt) a fleeing drug dealer who had just illegally crossed our southern border, have now been imprisoned for their acts for two years.

Your United States Attorney covering this case, Johnny Sutton, has made a mockery of his duties. Your allowing this case to get this far is disappointing at best.

If a pardon is good enough for these two turkeys, surely you can set aside time in your schedule for those protecting us.

Happy Thanksgiving

Turkey, Sweet Potato Souffle, Orange Sweet Rolls, Pecan Pie, Apple Sauce Brownies, Kids old enough to help cook, Alice's Restaurant (funny beyond it's message), Football (hope the tryptophan has kicked in by the time the Eagles take the field), a 4 day weekend, and the new banks I now own thanks to the government...

...just a few of the things I am gracious for on this Thanksgiving Day.

...oh, and an address nowhere near India - May God Bless the victims and their families.

May God Bless you and your family as well, Happy Thanksgiving from page13news!!

Mormon Lynching

The alternative lifestyle community didn't get what they wanted from voters in California, so let's investigate the Mormon church.

One question I have, since the African-American vote was strongly against same-sex marriage as well, will their churches be targeted next? Or is that style of lynching just not as politically correct?

Slight jump of subject...

Here's a refreshing perspective of where the African American community is on the comparison between racism and homophobia.

Although Anthony Samad falls into the trap of thinking the Founders gave a thumbs up to slavery (in fact the Constitution made it possible to allow for the end of slavery), he clearly understands the problem the LGBT community faces with ALL Americans, not just the religious white.

News Guy on News Coverage

The Bulletin has a column by former Philly television staple Herb Denenberg about the state of journalism, and he isn't happy about how his colleges have acted during the past election cycle.

If Herb still did "Denenberg's Dump", reporting by the MSM could have its own landfill.

Hat tip to Tony Phyrillas.

The New World War II

Jonah Goldberg with another brilliant critique of the looney left.

On ABC's This Week, Robert Kuttner - author of Obama's Challenge, claimed we needed a new new deal to mimic the increased blue-collar production of the early 40s when we were preparing for WWII. Except according to this genius, we should be building not war machines, but green machines.

It's the liberal wet dream - save the environment and grow another earth-friendly government program. I'm going to start calling this Don Quixote syndrome - chasing windmills (and other save-the-planet initiatives) with idealistic lunacy.

More Suits Against Obama's Eligibility

Philip Berg's bandwagon is growing as others are taking legal action questioning the qualifications of Barack Obama to be Commander-in-Chief. At least two other cases are pending, one of them is headed to conference before the Supreme Court.

Leo Donofrio has taken the New Jersey secretary of state to the high court to challenge her decision to allow not just Obama, but also McCain and Roger Calero (Socialist Workers Party) on the ballot.

Then there's former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, who has filed a petition in California Superior Court to have the secretary of state there stop that state's 55 electoral College votes from being cast until Obama proves his eligibility.

The plots are thickening.

MSM Impact on Obama Voters

In case you've not seen it already...



From a site called howobamagotelected.com

The documentary which will follow, Media Malpractice...How Obama Got Elected, I predict, will be demonized almost as much as Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber were.

I hope the producer's are prepared for the onslaught; something tells me they are.

More Leftist "Evidence", Debunked

"Global warming" evidence this time. Another victory for angry right-wing bloggers.

Steele on 'Outreach' and Holder

I like Michael Steele, but this is not a good sign.

As the man who is rumored to be at the top of the RNC chair short list, Steele is blasting the organization's "outreach efforts" as being limited to throwing cocktail parties for minority coalitions, not actively working with these groups.

Further perpetuating the 'Republicans are just for the rich' false myth is not a way to rebuild this party. I know it's not what he intended to do - he is accurately showing how the GOP needs to change in its to approach minority coalitions - but choose your words a little more carefully.

There's nothing wrong with hosting a party for minority organizations, but to win them over the party must be willing to do the follow-up. Go to their events and sell your message as often as possible. Engage them in policy debate constantly. Educate them about why current solutions to minority issues (courtesy of leftists) do more to hold minorities down, and why GOP stances on these issues are better. Otherwise the cocktail party was just lip service.

Any salesman worth his salt knows this already - it's all about the follow-up.

In the same interview, Steele gives the Eric Holder selection as attorney general a thumbs up and calls him a "good man...smart man".

Holder, for those of you who pay attention was in Clinton's Justice Department during the Elian Gonzalez debacle and stated taking Elian in the middle of the night wouldn't happen, just days before it actually did.

Steele may like Holder because of reasons outside the Gonzalez issue, but shouldn't that be a primary reason to protest the choice?

C'mon Mike, show a little edge and a Steele spine. Don't be afraid to call Obama on his judgement. Understand your job will be to constantly remind people who the Democrats are and nail them for their past mistakes.

Obama Birth Certificate Update

You may recall page13news sharing this video regarding Philip Berg's case against Barack Obama and the legitimacy of his candidacy for president based on the fact that Obama has yet to prove he is a natural-born citizen of the United States - which is required by the constitution.

The case has been appealed to the Supreme Court and Justice Souter, though not calling for Obama to produce the proof yet, has told him to respond to the charge. The docket (08-570) has been filed and Obama must respond by December 1st.

For further information, see Philip Berg's website.

Walmart Profits Up

When "Big Oil" had record setting profits (at a time of high prices), Democrat legistlators immediately called for investigations and tried to draft a windfall profits tax. It's typical of the left; ignorant to basic economic principals.

Last I checked, Walmart still offers low prices. So why is it they are posting increased profits?

Basic economic principal number one - demand drives profits, not price.

Recount Favors the Dem - Again

Why does it seem every vote recount gives Democrats greater vote results than the original count?

Although official vote recounts have yet to begin, the margin for Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman is shrinking. At first, Coleman held a 725 vote lead. That lead is now down to 206 and mysterious ballots, all of which favor Al Franken, continue to surface.

Suspicious? The Wall Street Journal thinks so.

Hamas-Obama Team Met Before Election

From Pajamas Media...

While campaigning, Barack stated he would only meet with Hamas if they renounced terrorism, recognized Israel, and honored current agreements.

Though this shattering revelation by Hamas hasn't happened yet, one would at least expect Obama would wait until he assumed the Oval Office before meeting with one of the world's most notorious organizations.

But as one will often find with the Obama team, the reality is much different.

As Dr. Ahmad Yousef, Hamas political advisor, stated,

“We were in contact with a number of Obama’s aides through the Internet, and later met with some of them in Gaza, but they advised us not to reveal this information as it may influence the elections or become manipulated by McCain’s campaign.”

No worries Israel. Since American voters have seen the light, the world now loves both of us.

Obama's Coming Baby Boom?

Ready for a good chuckle? The Corner's Mark Hemmingway has struck gold.

He received a blasted email asking if a mini baby boom might be expected 9 months from now. As with blackouts, snowstorms, and other natural phenomenon, the sender wondered if a mini baby boom might be pending due to last week's results and wanted email recipients to share their election night stories.

That explains why some in the MSM were getting tingly feelings up their legs.

Thanks to All Our Veterans

Enough said.

Obama Leak Retracted

Less than a week after their election victory, mistakes are already surfacing from team Obama.

After information regarding Obama's meeting with President Bush yesterday was leaked, Barack's spokesman, John Podesta, had to correct the details being reported in the MSM.

Happy 233rd Birthday to the Marines

November 10th, 1775, at the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the Continental Marines were formed by resolution of the Continental Congress.

No surprise, their birth was in the same city which gave life to our nation.

The State of the GOP

A great article by Lowman Henry in The Pottstown Mercury on the state of the National Republican Party and the PA GOP.

Hat Tip Tony Phyrillas

24: Redemption

After 2 years in exile, thanks to Hollywood's writer strike, 24 returns.

The next episode in the Jack Bauer saga starts November 23 with a 2 hour television event. The best show on t.v. strays from its traditional domestic-only terrorist threat theme to what one could consider a Darfur-like setting, Sangala Africa.



Get your popcorn ready!

You Say You Want a Revolution...

Just like Ford's loss to Carter gave us Reagan, and Clinton's win in '92 gave the Republicans the House and Senate in '94, the election of 2008 gives the GOP an opportunity to regroup and focus on who we really are.

The good news from Tuesday's results is that the loss was so overwhelming, on all levels, it should wake up the entire party.

Nationally, the loss should indicate that being a Democrat-light party is NOT how we will win elections. John McCain tried to win by playing to the middle; a strategy that was doomed to fail.

Sarah Palin was NOT the reason we lost - she was not a drag on the ticket like some geniuses would have you believe. If she was, Republicans in other races would have won despite the poor performance at the top of the ticket. That didn't happen, with exception of Jim Gerlach.

On the statewide level, a lack of message to counter the national opinion of the party contributed to major defeats. The PA GOP just didn't provide any reason for voters to separate the local races from the others.

Locally, the circus that is the division within Montco has contributed to a vision of an inept and ineffective party machine. While many people simply couldn't put their hatred of others aside and work together, Democrats were mobilized, well-funded, and focused.

Conservative issues won nationally. Traditional marriage (between a man and a woman) was upheld in Florida and California. Forced "green" legislation also lost in California, a state that some think should be at the head of the environmental movement.

Democrats didn't get the filibuster-proof 60 seats in the Senate they were hoping for. A united Republican party (if they stand firm) will stifle any attempts by the left to bee-line our country to socialism.

Props to Rush for seeing this bright light at the end of the tunnel, the above came from his Wednesday remarks. The Doctor of Democracy always was able to maintain focus. Hannity also pointed out a poll which indicated that only 9% of the voting public believed the GOP was "too conservative".

It's time our party returned to the Goldwater/Reagan/Gingrich party of years past. Remember how many times you heard recently, "there is just no difference between the two parties". When we got power, we acted like Democrats; spent like Democrats; ruled like Democrats. That's because a lot of "moderates" felt we need to soften our image, we needed a "new tone". But as Tuesday's results show, doing so just leads to defeat.

Now is the time for the GOP's next conservative revolution.

The "It's All About Me" Election

Some reasons others voted for Barack Obama...

Barack Obama will pay for my gas.

Barack Obama will pay for my college.

Barack Obama will take care of my mortgage.

Barack Obama will give me health care.

Barack Obama will relieve my white guilt.

Barack Obama will make rich people suffer...
...and I will feel better.


Forgive them Lord, they know not what they do.


Congratulations President-Elect Obama, you have a tall order on your hands. I promise you, the vitriol and hate those on the left have hurled towards the man you will replace, will not come from this author. But I will scrutinize every attempt you make to turn our country into the USSA. My opposition to your candidacy was never about race; it was simply about defending our republic from a turn toward socialism.

May God bless you Sir, you're going to need it.

Black Panthers Guarding Polls in Philly

From Policy Blog.



Welcome to your new America...

Obama Tax Calculator - Not So Accurate

James McTague from Barron's has an article which will appear in tomorrow's print edition. The article shows Obama's fuzzy math just doesn't add up.

Well isn't this a surprise? Of course not, it's just another political gimmick which is rigged to always show you Obama's plan is better.

As the Barron's article points out,

"This isn't a calculator," said the Tax Foundation's Gerald Prante. "This has, like, 72 possible combinations that could change the number it gives you."

Tax code is much more complicated than Obama's campaign would have you believe. Anyone who files something more than just the standard 1040 form knows this already. But Barack wouldn't let something like accuracy get in the way of a good smoke screen.

Stage Set for Nittany Lions

With Texas Tech's win over Texas, the stage is set for Penn State to go to their first National Championship game since they were robbed of a title in 1994.

Texas Tech could still leap over the Lions based on strength of schedule, which would once again beg for the NCAA to go to a playoff format for football championships. But PSU's road to the title game is a little easier than both the Crimson Tide and Red Raiders.

Go Penn State!!! Don't let your guard down against Iowa, Indiana, or Michigan State.

Mandate '08: Reagan vs FDR

Back to a more traditional comparison of the 2008 election. The San Fransisco Chronicle has a good article regarding the real issues behind Tuesday's election.

Would you rather Ronald Reagan or Franklin Roosevelt?

Not that John is anywhere close to Reagan in ideology or ability to sell the message. But compared to Obama, Mac is the free-market, non-socialist candidate.

Obama however, is much more a Marxist than FDR ever would have allowed himself to be. Remember, Roosevelt was at least willing to admit that his fix for the only real depression the US ever had, was intended to be short-lived.

The Choice is Simple

A great post today on Tony Phyrillas' blog. I won't spoil the answer, but the choice is simple.

The election is not choice about conservative verses liberal or any of the other comparisons you may assume. It comes down to one basic issue.

Philly's 100 Seasons of Agony Over

Congrats to the Phillies, the Phans, and Charlie (from Mayberry) Manuel.

My Philly family in Florida called and for once, they wished they were back home in the cold.

For the political junkies...the last time the Phillies won the World Series...

Ronald Reagan was down 8 points in the polls to Jimmy Carter.

Heritage Foundation - Obama "Seriously Misrepresenting" Our Opinion

A letter from The Heritage Foundation's attorney demands that Barack Obama's campaign pull ads which "seriously misrepresent" the organization's opinion of the two presidential candidates' tax plans.

The quote in the ad came from an interview with (surprise) The New York Sun in which they inaccurately reported the Foundation's policy analyst Rea Hederman views on the subject.

One more piece of evidence that mainstream journalism has died, and Obama will use them to, as Heritage points out, "intentional attempt to mislead and misinform voters".

L.A. Times Suppresses Khalidi-Arafat-Obama Connection

Let's get this party started!

From National Review Online...

Why is the Los Angeles Times sitting on a videotape of the 2003 farewell bash in Chicago at which Barack Obama lavished praise on the guest of honor, Rashid Khalidi — former mouthpiece for master terrorist Yasser Arafat?

Gateway Pundit reveals that Obama has been less than honest about the extent of his relationship with Khalidi. Their coverage of the issue can be found here.

More evidence of the death of journalism...

Dolphins Owner Wants to Sell Before Election

One move this Dolphins fan can appreciate.

Wayne Huizenga announced he intends to sell 45% of the team prior to November's election to avoid any anticipated capital gains tax increases should Obama win.

Biden - Tough Questions Are a "Joke"

In my former hometown of Orlando Florida, an anchor for ABC affiliate WFTV, Barbara West, has some tough questions for Biden.

But Joe can't handle the heat.

Obama, Circa 1995, on Race and Reparations

More audio of Obama. This time from a 1995 interview where he makes the case for the redistribution of wealth to conquer issues of race, compares the USA to genocide in Bosnia, and the need for a "collective salvation for the country".



HT Rush

The Hanging of Palin

Hypocrites and hate-mongers. I'm sure glad Obama's rise is bringing about real change.

A Sarah Palin mannequin was hung by a noose as a part of a "Halloween" display outside a West Hollywood home.

I wonder how many MSM outlets will cover this, as opposed to those who would lead their news broadcast if it was the Messiah in the noose.

At least it was covered by LA's local CBS station.

Obama - Use the Courts to Spread the Wealth

Hat tip to a real AM radio talk show host, Bill Bennett, and Drudge.

In his own words, Obama on Chicago "public radio" and the failure of the Supreme Court to redistribute wealth. With the potential of 3 or more Supreme Court justices retiring, can we afford this kind of change?

He also states the Constitution is a charter which doesn't address what the states must do on your behalf. Obama is displaying the reality of the left - they hate the Constitution.

In 8 days, Americans will decide whether the Constitution is worthy of its continuance.

Obama Birth Certificate Lawsuit Update

According to the AP...

On Friday, the judge in the case, R. Barclay Surrick , dismissed the suit. I suppose a little thing like the constitution doesn't matter to the (uh hem) Honorable Surrick any more.

Next step is for Philip Berg to appeal.

The October Surprise?

Former Montgomery County Democratic Party Chair, Philip Berg has a message you might be interested in hearing...

Average Joes

McCain's latest ad...

Mac is Back

Just when a lot of the media were busy helping Barack measure drapes, comes this little story of an AP poll showing the presidential race is much tighter than any in the MSM would like you to know.

This tightening in the race comes despite a profoundly negative tone to the majority of news stories relating to John McCain. Want proof? Here ya go.

In other news, Palin's wardrobe is the focus of some media reports, while stories of Obama's relationship with Williams Ayers continue to be buried.

More evidence of the death of journalism...

The Politics of Hate

A great article by James Kirchick at the New York Daily News about the politics of hate and who exactly holds a monopoly on the tactic.

Colin Powell stated he was disturbed by comments of some on the right about Obama's ties to terrorists and Muslims. But I have a question for Mr. Powell - Why can't we question the political and financial associations of a Presidential candidate? Is that not a critical question? What exactly is fair game sir?

As Kirchick correctly points out, given the past 8 years of Bush-bashing, the left simply has no reason to complain.

Barney's "Changinism"?

Yet another reason why Barney Frank and Congressional Democrats should never be in control. This guy can't even put a coherent sentence together.

Imagine if Sarah Palin made the mistake Biden made last week, making the 3 letter word "jobs" statement or creating her own word like Barney's "changinism".



When they admit increased deficit spending BEFORE the election, what kind of expectations do you have after?

Not Your Dad's Democratic Party

The Democratic Party's Drubbing of Joe the Plumber from PajamasMedia

What's Obama Reading?

Take a look closely at this picture. What's the title of the book Obama's reading?

Answer: The Post-American World, by Fareed Zakaria

No, I'm not worried.

Simply Amazing

Sal, from the Howard Stern show, wanted to take the pulse of main street America. So he went to Harlem to interview average Americans. Are voters in Harlem supporting Barack Obama or John McCain on the issues? Are they even sure what the issues are?



Scary.

HT ERick

Obama Refuses to Meet with Jewish Leaders

Senator Obama is refusing to meet with Jewish leaders according to Pamela Geller's Atlas Shrugs blog.

What are you afraid of Senator Government?

HT BG

Glenn Beck Moving to FOX

From The Corner, the country's 3rd most-listened to talk radio host, Glenn Beck will be moving his television show to FOX.

Glenn deserves to get a real audience and won't need to artificially promote Nancy Grace.

Congrats Glenn!

Who's Playing the Race Card?

Another gem from the Hammer, Charles Krauthammer.

Murtha - Voters who elect me are racists

I'm paraphrasing with the title of this post, but the same Congressman who called our troops murderers, now calls voters in Western Pennsylvania racists.

How this guy was elected in the first place boggles the mind. But thanks John, you've just doomed your chances of getting re-elected. Additionally, you've also dealt a major blow to Barry in the Keystone State.

Don't let the door hit you in the rear, you racist moron.

Winners: Joe the Plumber, John McCain

A few notes from last night's debate.

Spread the wealth, courtesy of Barack himself via Joe the Plumber. Joe and the rest of John McCain's supporters should be credited with the GOP's presidential candidate victory, if he somehow finds a way to win. John certainly has seemed reluctant to do it himself.

If you wanted to run against George W. Bush, you should have run 4 years ago - John McCain.

And my personal favorite, a mistake which was really a gem by John McCain when he called Barack "Senator Government, uh Obama".

You had it right the first time John.

Quick Hits

I apologize for the gap in posts recently. A new position has garnered a lot of my attention so page13 has had to take a position on the back burner. Fear not, it's just temporary.

A lot of you of the past couple days have sent me a variety of links I think are worth sharing. Here's just a few...

Obama didn't write "Dreams of My Father"

Wright 101

Liberal Outrage: A Pro-McCain March In Manhattan

ACORN, Obama, and the Financial Collapse

And some folks want to elect this communist???

A clear, compelling example of how government, community organizers, and b.s. charges of discrimination are used to guilt the American population into bad policies.

Wake up people!!!



Not only should this lead to Barry's demise, it should show why government's attempts to make life fair by appeasing those who make charges of racism is a recipe for financial disaster. Thanks Democrats.

HT John Lewandowski at PaWaterCooler

Uh, Sorry to bother you Mr. Obama, Sir. . .

from an emailer...


Excuse me Mr. Obama, I mean Senator Obama,
Sir. Um . . . I know you're busy,
and important and stuff.
I mean running for president is very important
and -- ah -- I hate to bother you Sir.
I will only take a minute. Ok Sir?


See, I have these missing pieces that are
holding me up, and I was wondering
Sir, if you could take time out of your
busy schedule and help me out.
You know, no big deal, just some loose ends and things.


Hey, you have a nice place here!
The wife sees houses like this on TV
all the time and says boy she wishes
she had digs like this you know?
Is that painting real? Really? Wow.
I saw something like that in a museum once!


Oh, sorry Sir. I didn't mean to get off the track.
So if you could just help me out a minute
and give me some details, I will get right out of your way.
I want to close this case
and maybe take the wife to Coney Island or something.
Ever been to Coney Island Sir? No?
I didn't think so.


Well, listen, anyway, I can't seem to get
some information I need to wrap this up.
These things seem to either be
"Not released" or "Not available."
I'm sure it's just an oversight
or glitch or something, so if you
could you tell me where these
things are -- I -- I have them written
down here somewhere -- oh wait.
Sorry about the smears. It was raining out.
I'll just read it to you.


Could you please help me
find these things Sir?


1. Occidental College records -- Not released
2. Columbia College records -- Not released
3. Columbia Thesis paper -- "Not available"
4. Harvard College records -- Not released
5. Selective Service Registration -- Not released
6. Medical records -- Not released
7. Illinois State Senate schedule -- Not available
8. Your Illinois State Senate records -- Not available
9. Law practice client list -- Not released
10. Certified Copy of original Birth certificate -- Not released
11. Embossed, signed paper Certification of Live Birth -- Not released
12. Record of your baptism -- Not available

Oh and one more thing Senator,
I can't seem to find any articles you
published as editor of the Harvard Law Review,
or as a Professor at the University of Chicago.
Can you explain that to me Sir?

Oh but, hey -- listen! I know you're busy!
If this is too much for you right now
-- I mean -- tell you what. I'll come back tomorrow.
Give you some time to get these things together,
You know? I mean, I know you're busy.
I'll just let myself out. I'll be back tomorrow.
And the day after. . .

What's that Senator?
Who wants to know these things?

We the People of the United States of America!
You know, the ones that vote.

ACORN to "Beat McCain Down"

Outside the Northeast Philly office of McCain/Palin, ACORN has a message for the GOP nominee. Class act ladies, real classy. Is this what we have to look forward to if Barry wins? What if he loses?

The Real Obama

Thomas Sowell, one of the country's leading African American conservative thinkers, has a great article about a the real Barack Obama. He cites a book by David Freddoso, The Case Against Barack Obama, which exposes what the Democrat's campaign doesn't want you to know.

Sowell points out the real Obama is much different than the person media lap dogs would have you believe. He points out,

Despite his words today about "change" and "cleaning up the mess in Washington," Obama was not on the side of reformers who were trying to change the status quo of corrupt, machine politics in Chicago and clean up the mess there. Obama came out in favor of the Daley machine and against reform candidates.

That's much different than the true reformer, Sarah Palin, who took on the establishment in Alaska. Sowell goes on,

Senator Obama is running on an image that is directly the opposite of what he has been doing for two decades. His escapes from his past have been as remarkable as the great escapes of Houdini.

Why much of the public and the media have been so mesmerized by the words and the image of Obama, and so little interested in learning about the factual reality, was perhaps best explained by an official of the Democratic Party: "People don't come to Obama for what he's done, they come because of what they hope he can be."

David Freddoso's book should be read by those people who want to know what the facts are. But neither this book nor anything else is likely to change the minds of Obama's true believers, who have made up their minds and don't want to be confused by the facts.

Facts? Who cares about those stinking facts?

Obama Army

All that's missing, the swastika arm bands.

Obama Youth



HT Alex at PAWaterCooler

McCain Office Opening in Abington

News from the Montco GOP.

Tomorrow at noon, the McCain-Palin Campaign will open another satellite office, this time in my own backyard, Abington. The office will be located at 1936 Old York Road, at the intersection of Moreland and Old York Road.

Southeastern PA is once again the focus of the Presidential campaigns and Abington, gateway to the Philly suburbs, will be ground zero.

It seems the McCain camp knows exactly how to respond to Barack Obama's visit earlier today to Abington High School, set up shop in one of America's best communities.

The Best of Biden

...in the words of Sarah, "say it ain't so, Joe".

Abington Changes - Return of the Obama

Earlier this spring, the Abington School Board overturned a long-standing policy forbidding politicking on school grounds. They were clearing the way for Michele Obama to come to Abington for a rally.

It was not to give props to Abington for achieving the honor of being one of the Top 100 Best Communities for Young People, despite what they claimed.

See page13news coverage of the March event here.

Now, on the heels of news that the Almighty Barack Obama will grace our community with a visit Friday, residents are outraged. In the spring, the event was held at the end of the school day, so the school day wouldn't be interupted, just shortened.

This time, the event will be held in the middle of the school day. This time, student and teachers will not be doing what taxpayers pay for them to be doing. This time, maybe the overtime for the additional police will actually be paid for by the campaign.

Stay tuned.

Never, Ever Underestimate Sarah

When Rocky took on Apollo Creed the first time, no one thought the outcome would be a draw. OK, it's a stretch to compare the Philly classic to tonight's debate. But few people expected Sarah Palin to match Biden in this contest, let alone knock him to the canvas several times.

Biden didn't do anything to hurt himself or Barack tonight. He did a good job of, well, being Biden. He had a few flawed statements such as when he stated, "the surge concept won't work in Afghanistan" followed immediately by "we need more troops". And when he tried to weasel out of his "no coal plants in America" comments, Sarah correctly pointed out his double talk on the rope line.

It was supposed to be the McCain/Palin ticket's last stand. A lot of pundits thought the race would be over tonight. But that's why they play the games. As one commentator noted, "Welcome to the Sarah Palin show".

She was funny, witty, and relaxed. She was comfortable enough to admit that she's only been playing this game for five weeks. She spoke to middle-America, not the elitist East Coast crowd.

Joe was left to resort with class warfare, typical of Democrat candidates for as long as I can remember. He tried, again, to label McCain as just another Bush. But I suspect few voters actually buy that drivel; McCain didn't get his label as a Maverick for nothing.

All eyes were on Sarah tonight, Biden was just the side show. Of course I think she won, but I suspect so did many others watching.

The game is officially on again; the fat lady isn't singing; the obituary has not been written. Less than five weeks to go and it's about to get tight.

Unlike Rocky and Apollo, there won't be a rematch. But "Dog-gone-it" the under card sure was worth the price of admission.

Nah, No Crisis Here...

Democrats, in their own words 2004. It speaks for itself...

Finger-Pointing and Fingerprints

Jeff Jacoby from the Boston Globe has an opinion on whose fingerprints are all over the sub-prime mortgage mess and who killed reforms before it affected the economy. While Democrats blame the private-sector for causing the crisis and President Bush for blocking attempts to reign in Fannie and Freddie, the facts prove otherwise.

...while the mortgage crisis convulsing Wall Street has its share of private-sector culprits they weren't the ones who "got us into this mess." Barney Frank's talking points notwithstanding, mortgage lenders didn't wake up one fine day deciding to junk long-held standards of creditworthiness in order to make ill-advised loans to unqualified borrowers. It would be closer to the truth to say they woke up to find the government twisting their arms and demanding that they do so - or else.

The roots of this crisis go back to the Carter administration. That was when government officials, egged on by left-wing activists, began accusing mortgage lenders of racism and "redlining" because urban blacks were being denied mortgages at a higher rate than suburban whites.

Like most left-wing ideas, the solution was to water-down requirements under the guise of "fairness". But when did it become clear to some that the sub-prime mortgage industry was in trouble and might bring the entire economy down?

Time and time again, Frank insisted that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were in good shape. Five years ago, for example, when the Bush administration proposed much tighter regulation of the two companies, Frank was adamant that "these two entities, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are not facing any kind of financial crisis." When the White House warned of "systemic risk for our financial system" unless the mortgage giants were curbed, Frank complained that the administration was more concerned about financial safety than about housing.

Now that the bubble has burst and the "systemic risk" is apparent to all, Frank blithely declares: "The private sector got us into this mess." Well, give the congressman points for gall.

He's got gall alright.

Bailout Earmark to ACORN??

You have got to be kidding me.

Paul Newman

From AP

Legendary, driven, and genuine, Paul Newman died today of cancer at the age of 93. Beyond his acting career, Newman was an entreprenuer, a racing fanatic, and deeply committed to his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward.

It's estimated that Newman's Own brand netted $200 million in charitable donations over the years.

Pop Go the Weasels

There's a great point being made about the questions Sarah Palin has been peppered with in her few interviews. I couldn't put my finger on it, but knew something was odd; something told me I had seen this before.

If you remember the 2000 election, Bush was asked identify the leader of Pakistan - he bumbled the answer. It was the first of many attempts to cast W as clueless on foreign affairs. Likewise, Palin is being subjected to the same style of grilling.

A topic at The Corner, leads you to an article about the Pop-Quiz style questioning intended to trip up Palin. It gives Sarah advice about how to answer the baited questions she continually gets tossed.

"...back to your question. You seem to be implying that if I don't know something you didn't learn about until you were preparing for this interview, somehow that means I'm not qualified for office. I realize you're just doing your job, but don't you think the American people want a leader, not a Jeopardy winner?

"And by the way: Did you ever ask John Edwards that question?"

That kind of a response would end the Double-Jeopardy questioning from the dimwitted Katie Couric and her comrades in a heartbeat.

Despite the Hype, Debate Uneventful

Neither guy hit a home run tonight. Considering Barack just had to hold his own, he succeeded in his task.

Still, the Big O has been sold as this great debater, a brilliant mind. I just don't see it. More importantly, I bet those who are just tuning in may have been disappointed in Barry's lack of quick-witted responses. One thing he's not - the reincarnation of Slick Willie.

McCain was himself; dry and sometimes awkward with words. But he understands the issues related to security and it showed. He capitalized on the rookie's mistakes, though couldn't find the exact phrase to expose them properly.

John's only glaring mistake, the occasional stares into the audience (once with his hand blocking the lights) which made it look like he was searching for a secret sign from an audience member.

There weren't many soundbite-worthy quotes, with one good exception. At this point in the debate, they were discussing when it's appropriate to use diplomacy verses taking action...

An American Carol

The movie Hollywood doesn't want you to see...



It's a spoof of Michael Moore, played by Kevin Farley. Created by David Zucker, the genius behind Kentucky Fried Movie and the Naked Gun . Opens October 3rd.

HT/TP

Bush on the Bailout

The news desks will only give you 30 seconds of the speech Bush gave last night. In all fairness, their formats don't allow more than that. So here's the entire speech.



If you want to cut through the politicking on the issue, learn some history behind the crisis, and the reasoning behind this bailout, it's worth 13 minutes of your time.

Note: No blame or political finger-pointing, although he certainly could have taken advantage of the spotlight to do so.

Chickens and Ducks

Those angry leftists; such short memories.

As soon as Barack Obama won the Democrat nomination for President, John McCain challenged him to a series of debates, town-hall style. If Obama had accepted, we would have had a handful or so already. But Barry ducked the requests.

Now Barry and the O-supporters want to call McCain a chicken for wanting to push back a debate on Barry's weakest issue, and John's strongest, national security. Does that even make sense?

It was an economic collapse which put the final nail in the Soviet coffin - no amount of weapons could save them. In essence, it was a grave security issue. Now, America finds itself in a similar security crisis - heading toward a more socialistic state which would put us in economic collapse.

Instead of accepting the challenge to put aside politics for a few days, Barry is ducking a debate on the financial mess we are in. Why? It's simple. To resolve the issue, we must discuss how we got here. That's a security issue Barry and the Democrats (Chris Dodd, Charlie Rangel, etc.) can't afford to discuss.

For months now, Obama has been ducking debates. They can call McCain what they want, but the 'chickens' are on the left. Walk and chew gum at the same time? How about a discussion about their socialistic plans and how they lead to this economic disaster. Can they handle it?

There is just no reasoning with these people. So let them name-call and act like high-school punks. The facts prove otherwise.

Allyson Schwartz Silence

Utilizing the old Bob Casey Jr trick of saying absolutely nothing in the midst of a campaign, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA 13) is strangely silent these days.

Silent on the bailout, silent on energy solutions, and silent on GOP contender Marina Kats' challenge to debate. Two days and counting - see clock bottom right of page.

Leftist Blogs React to McCain Suspension

"Chicken McCain"
"Grandpa McCain suspends his campaign to take a nap"
"I'm taking my ball and going home"
"Is McCain chickening out of the debate?"

These are just a sampling of the headlines by childish-left PA bloggers as they realize McCain just outsmarted Obama by suspending his campaign to focus on the terms of the bailout.

They probably realize it will reverse the advantage Obama gained over the last few days caused by the financial crisis in the sub-prime lending market (Democrat Social Engineering fingerprints all over it). They probably don't want a real look into what caused this problem. They probably see it will be viewed as an act of leadership by the Republican candidate. They probably wish Barack had done this first.

Otherwise, why else would they react so emotionally; so childishly. Really fellas, you need to grow up.

No links to their comments - I refuse to give them any increased traffic directly.

The Experience of Legends

Here are a few facts about a would-be Vice President...

Under 45 years old
Loves the outdoors
Is an experienced hunter
Took on the Republican establishment
Has many children
Has 2 years of executive experience as Governor

In 2008, such a candidate is considered a political light weight. But in 1900, so was the conventional wisdom toward Teddy Roosevelt.

They mocked Teddy too, as this Wikipedia picture shows. But the leader of America's original progressive movement, is now permenently carved in Mount Rushmore's stone.

HT Ted Taylor

Democrat 'Canard'

From the Wall Street Journal opinion page, is an article by by Charles W. Calomiris and Peter J. Wallison who point out some historical facts behind the sub-prime mortgage crisis.

In light of the collapse of Fannie and Freddie, both John McCain and Barack Obama now criticize the risk-tolerant regulatory regime that produced the current crisis. But Sen. McCain's criticisms are at least credible, since he has been pointing to systemic risks in the mortgage market and trying to do something about them for years. In contrast, Sen. Obama's conversion as a financial reformer marks a reversal from his actions in previous years, when he did nothing to disturb the status quo. The first head of Mr. Obama's vice-presidential search committee, Jim Johnson, a former chairman of Fannie Mae, was the one who announced Fannie's original affordable-housing program in 1991 -- just as Congress was taking up the first GSE regulatory legislation.

In 2005, the Senate Banking Committee, then under Republican control, adopted a strong reform bill, introduced by Republican Sens. Elizabeth Dole, John Sununu and Chuck Hagel, and supported by then chairman Richard Shelby. The bill prohibited the GSEs from holding portfolios, and gave their regulator prudential authority (such as setting capital requirements) roughly equivalent to a bank regulator. In light of the current financial crisis, this bill was probably the most important piece of financial regulation before Congress in 2005 and 2006. All the Republicans on the Committee supported the bill, and all the Democrats voted against it. Mr. McCain endorsed the legislation in a speech on the Senate floor. Mr. Obama, like all other Democrats, remained silent.

Now the Democrats are blaming the financial crisis on "deregulation." This is a canard.

They created this mess when President Jimmy Carter signed the Community Development Act in 1977. During the Clinton administration they pressured lenders to increase CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) ratings. And as shown above, they blocked efforts to fix the current mess, before it became a reality.

Yet they still want to blame Republicans and the Bush policies for the meltdown. Anyone suprised?

Obama-tied PR Firm Behind Palin Smears

Hat tip to The Corner's Katheryn Jean Lopez.

Did the Obama camp hire a PR firm to dig up dirt on Palin? The firm is named Winner and Associates, a division of Publicis Group, one of the world's top 10 PR firms.

If this is true, it must just be typical political tactics, hence no big deal, right? Yeah, maybe not so much.

It's possible this is a clear violation of FEC rules regarding identifying who paid for the messages and announcing their ties (if any) to campaigns - two things the creators did not do.

Ronnie Spectacular

Ronnie Brown and the Miami Dolphins knock Yankee Stadium's curtain call off the front page of ESPN's SportsCenter.


By the numbers...
The Pats 21 game regular season winning streak, an NFL record, ends.
Pats 15 game home winning streak ends.
This is the first week the Patriots have not lead the AFC East, since week 6, 2003
The Dolphins end a 11 game road losing streak.

In Philly, the Birds defense swarmed the Steelers and Correll Buckhalter leaped for the game's only TD as the Eagles chalk up their 2nd win over visiting Pittsburgh. It was a dominating and breath-taking win, although most of the breaths were taken when Brian Westbrook turned his right ankle awkwardly.

Other significant sports happenings...
The US defeats Europe in a convincing 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 win in the Ryder Cup.
The Phils stretch out to a somewhat comfy 1 1/2 game lead in the NL East.
Greg Biffle makes in two in a row by winning at Dover, moving up 6 positions in the cup standings.

...and page13-SFL takes the Ray Nap division lead, thanks to Ronnie Brown.

Race and the Union Vote

An interesting article from Selena Zito at Real Clear Politics.

It seems race will play a role with some voters according to Bill George, Pennsylvania's AFL-CIO leader. But George is responding to his Ohio counterpart's endorsement of John McCain and attempts to draw race parallels.

"We in America like to think we don't have any hang-ups or stereotypes. But because of our history and because of a lot of industrial psychology controlling the masses, people have innate prejudices."

George says that the mind-set of some people in the labor movement regarding race is no different than it is in church groups, or in the Republican Party.

If true, what is he saying about the Democrat's most-loyal voting base? If it's not true, perhaps members actually have real issues with Barack Obama beyond race and, thinking for themselves, reject his ideas.

Additionally, why is this type of mindset equivocated with presumed Republican racism? It seems George is telling us a lot about the core of the Democrat party, but attempts to justify it by accusing Republicans of doing the same. That's weak and eye opening.

The left assumes conservatives are racists, much like they assumed we were sexists. Were being the key word - it became past tense after they witnessed how much Sarah Palin lit the fuse of the GOP base.

Barack's Other Advisor

The other Obama advisor who ran Fannie Mae into the ground, earning millions in the meantime, Jim Johnson.


The rest of the story...
Johnson was also a part of the Vice Presidential search committee. The choice, Joe Biden, banking giant MBNA's best friend.

Obama Advisors and Fannie Mae

The newest McCain ad and our first look at one of two gentleman who controlled Fannie Mae, Frank Raines.

Mentiras en Español

When you have something you must lie about, do it Spanish, no one will notice.

ABC is reporting that an ad by Barack Obama falsely connects John McCain and Rush Limbaugh on the issue of immigration and associates Rush with statements about illegals taken out of context. The problem? The ad ("Dos Caras")was run in Spanish - apparently to hide the outrageous charges contained within.



Of course, anyone who listens to Rush daily would know he and McCain were on opposite sides of the immigration issue and have been for a long time. The quotes attributed to Limbaugh in the ad were taken out of context, as the ABC report points out.

Now to the real issue. The ad proves the complete ignorance of the left. The Obama camp assumed Republicans would never discover the lies. After all, they can't possibly understand Spanish, right?

Palin Email Hacker - Son of a Dem

The apparent hacker of Sarah Palin's email account may be the son of Tennessee State Representative, Mike Kernell.

What a bleeping surprise - yeah, not so much. Tip to Alex at PaWaterCooler.

General Patraeus - A Job Well Done

The Miami Herald is giving General David Patraeus his proper credit. They point to three areas where his efforts have improved the landscape, both militarily and politically, in Iraq.

Quietly hidden at the bottom of the opinion is the following...

Now that the U.S. withdrawal of forces from Iraq has started, it is unlikely to stop until most of the troops have left. The end game has begun.

There's that damn Bush administration, and the heroic American soldiers succeeding again. Any questions now MoveOn.org?

Olbermann, the "editorial page" of NBC

From TVNEWSER, NBC CEO Jeff Zucker sees Keith Olbermann's Countdown as the editorial page of NBC.

"For most of its day [MSNBC] is the rest of the front section of the newspaper and then brings an editorial point of view from its editorial page at 8 o'clock at night,"

It's about time someone in the MSM admits a little bias. In fact he stated he felt "incredibly comfortable" with Olbermann's show. What is it with these guys and tingly feelings for each other?

Unfortunately, Zucker failed to admit that Hardball, the Nightly News, the Today Show, and Meet the Press are just as biased and editorial in nature. They just aren't as blantently obvious about it as Keith.

RightChange.com

If you've been paying attention to any cable news tonight, you've seen this commercial. Describing themselves as non-partisan group for the next generation, not the next election, RightChange.com, has a unique way of making a point.

The Real Culprit - Social Engineering

Here's a few exerpts from an article by Investor Business Daily which shows how we arrived at yesterday's (relatively minor) sell-off on Wall Street.

The untold story in this whole national crisis is that President Clinton put on steroids the Community Redevelopment Act, a well-intended Carter-era law designed to encourage minority homeownership. And in so doing, he helped create the market for the risky subprime loans that he and Democrats now decry as not only greedy but "predatory."

Yes, the market was fueled by greed and overleveraging in the secondary market for subprimes, vis-a-vis mortgaged-backed securities traded on Wall Street. But the seed was planted in the '90s by Clinton and his social engineers. They were the political catalyst behind this slow-motion financial train wreck.

And it was the Clinton administration that mismanaged the quasi-governmental agencies that over the decades have come to manage the real estate market in America.

As soon as Clinton crony Franklin Delano Raines took the helm in 1999 at Fannie Mae, for example, he used it as his personal piggy bank, looting it for a total of almost $100 million in compensation by the time he left in early 2005 under an ethical cloud.

Other Clinton cronies, including Janet Reno aide Jamie Gorelick, padded their pockets to the tune of another $75 million.

Wait a minute! You mean while Janet Reno (of Waco assault and Elian Gonzalez fame) and Jamie Gorelick (creator of the pre 9-11 CIA/FBI wall) were raiding American homes and tying intelligence agency hands behind them, they were getting rich off of low income housing?

There's a political root cause to this mess that we ignore at our peril. If we blame the wrong culprits, we'll learn the wrong lessons. And taxpayers will be on the hook for even larger bailouts down the road.

But the government-can-do-no-wrong crowd just doesn't get it. They won't acknowledge the law of unintended consequences from well-meaning, if misguided, acts.