President Obama has stated, “Some are also saying that coverage for abortions would be mandated under reform - also false.” Is it really false?
According to FactCheck.org, abortion will be covered in the Health Care bill.
Archive for the ‘News’ Category
PETA May Picket Philadelphia Eagles Games
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009Lisa Lange, the Senior VP for PETA, was on the Larry King Live television program discussing Michael Vick and his sigining with the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. She discussed how Michael Vick had lied to PETA about his involvement and she even stated that PETA would consider picketing the Philadelphia Eagles. She further stated that she did not believe that Michael Vick deserved to sign a mutlimillion dollar contract with an NFL team.
Now for my commentary. What is Michael Vick supposed to do? Michael Vick went through the criminal justice system. He was sentenced to a prison term. He served 18 months in a prison, and then he finished his 23 month sentence by being on house arrest. Vick received no pay during all of this. He was forced to go into bankruptcy to help pay off his financial obligations.The man has paid his debt to society. Dogfighting is brutal, but come on. We are talking about the death of animals, not humans. If it had been a human he had mudered, he would hopefully still be in prison.
When someone commits a crime, once their debt is paid to society he or she should be allowed to seek an honest living. Vick has done this. He is a football player. He was involved in dogfighting. It isn’t as if he was a veterinarian. It may make sense that he would not be allowed to go back to that.
I am not a Philly fan by any stretch of the imagination. My Bucs have faced them several times in important games. I cannot stand the Eagles. I have a new respect for them though. They are doing what they feel could make them better. The NFC, especially the NFC East, is strong. The Cowboys and Giants will be difficult to beat. The Redskins could be tough, too. The division should be a real dog fight.
Ted Kennedy Plays the Political Game
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009Back in 2004 when it appeared that Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) had a chance at winning the White House, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) was able to convince the Massachusetts legislature to change the Massachusetts state law that gave the governor power to replace a resigned Senator with his own appointment.
In 2004, that governor was none other than Mitt Romney (R-MA).
Had Sen. Kerry been elected, he would have been forced to resign and Romney would have been able to replace Kerry with a Republican if he so chose.
Sen. Kennedy acted craftily to change the law so that a popular election would have been held nearly one-third of a year after a Senator’s departure.
This was purely a political ploy to allow a Democatic nominee to mount a strong effort in an election. Combined with voter data, a Democrat would have been greatly favored.
Now, once again, Massachusetts is facing the loss of a U.S. Senator. This time, it is Sen. Kennedy, himself, to death.
State law does not allow a governor appointee to assume the seat. There has to be an election.
The healthcare bill is being muscled by Ted Kennedy and the left. Kennedy understands that the vote could be close and come down to a vote or two.
Here is where it gets ironic. Kennedy now wants the law changed back to how it was before he played politics before.
Kennedy claims that it is important that Massachusetts have a second senator to watch out for their needs. Why was it not important in 2004?
Conservatives Outnumber Liberals in All 50 States
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009So says a Gallup poll.
Nancy Pelosi: “I’m a Fan of Disruptors”
Friday, August 14th, 2009Thomas Paine: Silent No More
Friday, August 14th, 2009Where’s My Bona Fides?
Thursday, August 13th, 2009Several news stories have come out in the past couple of weeks concerning Speaker Kent Williams and his desire to be accepted back into the Republican Party. Speaker Williams had his Republican credentials removed following the vote for the Speaker and other positions in the most recent Tennessee elections. Just to quickly rehash things, then Tennessee GOP Chair, Robin Smith, sent out a letter stating that if any Republicans broke rank and voted for a Democrat for Speaker or any other officer positions, he or she could have their Republican credentials removed. This was a result of several Republicans, including Williams, breaking ranks to support Jimmy Naifeh as Speaker of the House in 2007. Williams signed a paper stating he would vote for Republicans for each of these positions.
Republicans became the majority party for the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions, and Majority Leader Jason Mumpower was poised to become the Speaker of the House of the State of Tennessee. All that had to happen was the 50 Republicans vote Mumpower. The 49 Democrats could all rally behind one person, but as long as the Republicans stood together, they would win. Then, unexpectedly, Democratic Minority Leader nominated Kent Williams as Speaker. All 49 Democrats voted Williams. All 49 Republicans (save Williams) voted Mumpower. The final vote came down to Kent Williams. He voted for himself, giving himself the Speaker’s gavel.
Following the vote, Williams stated that he had stayed true to his pledge to vote for a Republican. That point could not be argued. He did vote for a Republican in that race. The real problem was in the Speaker Pro Tempore. He voted for Lois DeBerry, a Democrat. That went against the pledge.
GOP Chair Robin Smith decided with the GOP Executive Committee to remove Kent Williams ‘bona fide’ Republican status.
Now, word is that Williams wants back into the Republican Party. As it now stands, Williams will have to go into reelection as an independent. That poses a couple of problems. For one, it is difficult to win as a Republican. Also, as I understand it and someone can correct me if I am wrong, but if you run under a party banner, since you run in the primary, you are able to collect the maximum donations for the primary and general. Otherwise, if you are not running in the primary, which an independent would not, you can only collect the maximum for the general.
GOP Chair Smith is gone, having been replaced by Chris Devaney (Smith is running for US Congress). Devaney has talked about reconciliation. Williams has expressed interest in coming back into the fold, but he states he feels there is nothing to apologize for.
I was quick to jump on Williams’s case when all of this occurred, but he did prove to be better than expected as Speaker. Now, I know the ends does not justify the means, but Conservative legislation did get floor votes. The problem is that a party must make sure that they exercise some control over how their members conduct themselves on votes. A member voluntarily runs under a party banner, and he or she should expect the party to take action if he or she goes against the party on certain votes and issues. If the politician does what is right, the punishment should be worn as a sign of honor. In this case, I doubt that Williams or anyone sees it in that light. He wants to be back in the party, but should he be allowed?
Williams will win reelection as an independent. No one is likely to be able to overtake him. However, I do not feel that he should be just allowed back in. He chose to go against the party’s wishes. A punishment was handed down. Being allowed back in now negates anything the party did to him. However, I do think that the party should be waiting on the other side. Let the voters in Carter County vote on Kent Williams the person, not the party banner. If he survives, the party should immediately sit down with him and look closely at reconciliation. That way, there was a punishment for the actions, the voters of Carter County have their say, and we can move forward as a state and a party.
Now is a good time for Republicans. It is good in Tennessee. It is good nationally. The political climate has once again changed. I am not saying it is 1994 again, but it could be even better. We shall see. We need to move forward. Williams has been on the conservative side of many issues. The budget is an area of concern, but it is what it is. If he is not going to be given the chance to regain his bona fides anytime within the next couple of years, we need to move on from this with that has the resolution. It was not an honorable way of getting the Speakership in many of our minds, but it would be bad for Tennessee and conservatives if we squandered our opportunities at hand. Imagine if we had a split of Republicans between two nominees (Williams and Mumpower or another party nominee). Then the Democrats would once again exercise control. 2010 is a big year with redistricting looming. We cannot afford to allow the past to be repeated with Democrats having a hand in redistricting. This is what has caused our red state to have a Democratic majority in the House.
Am I upset that a more Conservative person did not run the House? Yes. Would I have liked more Conservative bills to pass? Yes. Would I have liked Williams to cast more votes in committees to break tie votes in favor of the Republican bill? Yes. Would I have liked to have a trimmed budget? You betcha! But 2010 is looming. We have to increase our majority. That will decide future elections. If districts are redrawn for Dems, we are hurting. If districts are redrawn for Repubs, we win big. If districts are redrawn fairly, we still win big. We need to get through the 2010 election. If Williams is there, reconciliation must take place so we can focus on the future and not allow Dems to decide our future as Tennesseans.
***UPDATE*** I have been asked about the speakership. I am not saying he should have the speakership, just for clarification.
Obama IS Seeking to Destroy Private Healthcare
Monday, August 3rd, 2009Barack Checks Out Girl at G8
Friday, July 10th, 2009ABC can try to refute it, but Obama definitely checked out the girl from the back side and acted as if nothing had happened by going through the motions of helping the other person down the steps.
Sahel Kazemi DUI Video
Friday, July 10th, 2009Johnson City Pansy Commission
Monday, July 6th, 2009The Johnson City Commission took on new legislation that would have allowed legal gun carriers to legally carry their firearms into local parks. Sadly, according to the Johnson City Press, all present commissioners voted to treat legal gun carriers as criminals.
I checked out the Johnson City Commission’s website, but they do not have the minutes to show who was present and who was absent. Jane Myron, owner of Jane’s Lunchbox, which is probably a crappy, over-priced diner of sorts, had already voiced her displeasure that the legislature had voted to allow carrying in restaurants. All she has to do, however, is place a sign saying you cannot carry and you can’t. That is you cannot unless you are a criminal who would do it anyways.
*** I have never been to Jane’s Lunchbox, nor do I plan a trip. It could be a good, overpriced diner for all I know. It could also be a crappy, non-diner restaraunt. I have no clue what they have. I just assume it is crappy because a restaraunt is usually a reflection of its owner. ***
Palin’s Political Passing
Sunday, July 5th, 2009Sarah Palin’s political career is over. If it isn’t, it probably should be. It has been reported that Alaskan Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell stated that the reason for Palin’s resignation as Governor of Alaska was due to personal legal costs she had incurred in ethics investigations. He also stated that the investigations were weighing heavily on her, and that she felt she could not move Alaska’s agenda forward.
Is Sarah Palin choosing to be out of politics, or does she have an eye on higher office? Politicians do not resign in the manner that Palin has chosen. Most run for higher office as they serve in another position, or they run for another office as their current term in another office is expiring. Some even run concurrently for reelection and for the higher office. That is how it is done. Palin’s resignation is nearly as bizarre as was the behavior of South Carolina’s Governor Mark Sanford. Both actions will probably knock both out of being major players for the White House in 2012.
John McCain’s Presidential Campaign was going down the drain as the veepstakes was coming to a close. Rumors were swirling about the person he would choose. Palin was the perfect choice, but the fact was that John McCain’s campaign was already doomed. Palin gave McCain the best chance. She was a strong woman. The media hated her. They attempted to thwart her at every turn, but America loved her.
That perception is changing now. Is Sarah Palin really that stong woman that we saw running for VP? She is no longer a Presidential contender. Does Palin believe that things would be any easier as President? It will only be worse. If she was unable to move an agenda through in a Republican state as a Republican Governor, does she think she would be able to do much of anything as a President with a likely Democratic controlled government? That is highly unlikely.
If Palin were to make a run for the Presidency, the Republican Party would be best served to look another way. Jimmy Carter 2.0 will be at the end of his term. He will be highly vulnerable. Palin should no longer be looked upon as being a viable answer.
Wonder if She Assaulted Any Israeli Police?
Friday, July 3rd, 2009Cynthia McKinney, yes the same former U.S. Congresswoman from Georgia made famous for assaulting a Capitol Police Office a few years ago when he stopped her from entering the Capitol because she did not show him an ID and a presidential candidate for the Green Party, has been detained in Israel for being aboard a ship that attempted to run an Israeli naval blockade and enter the Gaza area. I wonder how it feels to be an anti-Semite surrounded by Jews. Hopefully they keep her a while longer.
Writing, Hiking, Driving Along the Coast, or Something Else
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford would have been a great candidate for POTUS in the 2012 election. Social Conservatives would have loved his stances on the two hot button issues of abortion and gay marriage. Economic Conservatives would have loved his move against the stimulus funds, which he then accepted but only after getting the legislative branch of South Carolina to agree to match those funds to pay down the state deficit. Neo-Conservatives would have loved his military service, even as he is currently in the Air Force. Sanford would have garnered Libertarian-Conservative support (granted Ron Paul does not run) due to his stance on education and his soft support from the Liberty Caucus. He would have indeed been a candidate for all the factions.
The last week or so has been truly bizarre. I recall first seeing about the governor being MIA. My first thought was that this was no big deal. Turns out I was wrong. Rumors were that he had said he had to go somewhere quiet to do some writing. Then, it was said that he was hiking the Appalachian Trail. I finally realized that he was doing all of this over the Father’s Day holiday, and the governor had two children. Then news came out that his vehicle had been found at an airport in or near Atlanta. When questioned, he stated he did not know why his staff said he was hiking, and that he had been driving the coast in Argentina. Something just wasn’t right, which was confirmed at his press conference in which he admitted to having an affair.
The news has definitely derailed any 2012 POTUS hopes, but is it an offense for which he should resign? Obviously, a person should not just resign from a job for an indescretion. For example, if a bank teller is having an affair with a construction worker, neither would need to resign if it is not effecting either’s work. If a pastor were having an affair, he should resign because it would have to effect his job, because others would not see him in the same light as before. A pastor would never be qualified to be a minister again because (the Bible forbids it in my opinion) that would be detrimental to any work that he would ever do. If a politician were having an affair, it gets a little trickier.
Rep. Mark Foley was caught having erotic conversations with male pages. This ruined any future in politics that he might have had. Resigning was the only option.
Senator Larry Craig was caught trying to solicite homosexual sex in an airport bathroom. This ruined his ability to be taken seriously and he should have resigned.
Barney Frank should never be taken seriously and should resign, but the left apparently owes him something as he is a power player.
The whole Lewinsky affair destroyed Clinton’s ability to do anything substantial as POTUS. He should have resigned.
John McCain and Newt Gingrich have been able to weather questionable behavior and have successful political careers that really have not had a major effect on their ability to serve as politicians.
These examples bring us to Mark Sanford. Can Mark Sanford continue as Governor of South Carolina? It is highly doubtful. Had there not been such media attention (as with John Ensign), Sanford may have been able to weather the storm. That has not been the case. I know every time I heard about Mark Sanford a month ago, I thought about an honorable man who stood up to the federal government. Now when I hear about Sanford, the text of those steamy e-mails come to mind. It is doubtful that he can be anything more than a lame duck, and he should resign. Maybe he would be able to come back years from now, but that is even highly doubtful at this point.
Greeneville - Greene County TEA Party
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009There will be an Independence Day TEA Party Rally on Thursday, July 2nd at noon. The event will be held at the Greene County Courthouse.
http://greenevilletn.net/teaparty/
I hope to see a large turn out.
Local Klan at Work
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009I have not looked at my Johnson City Press or Greeneville Sun today, so maybe that is why I have missed the story, but here it is after 4 o’clock, and as I browsed Post Politics, I found a story out of Greeneville, TN. I only live about 10 minutes or so from Greeneville, so this piqued my interest.
Apparently, someone or a group of people claiming to be from the Klan spread flyers titled “10 Steps to a Better America.” These flyers were left in a predominately African-American neighborhood earlier this month. The local residents a upset, and rightfully so.
The Greeneville Police Dept. thinks otherwise. They say that the distributors were only possibly guilty of littering. Were they not also guilty of trespassing? I hope to never see anyone distributing flyers in my yard while wearing a hood. (I am a supporter of the 2nd Amendment and private property rights. It is a person’s duty to protect their family from anyone who would sneak onto your property in the middle of the night, especially if they are wearing masks.) I hope that the Greeneville Police are taking this seriously, even if they are right and no other crimes were committed.
I have not seen the flyer myself, but I was able to find one on the internet that appears to be the same one shown on the video in the WJHL broadcast. If so, there are no threats so it would be difficult to charge them with much more. Ignorance is not a crime in and of itself. Neither is harboring racist beliefs. Maybe I am missing something that they can be charged with.
The Greeneville Police do say that this is freedom of speech. It is, but crimes were committed. Littering and trespassing were committed. If the people were going door to door handing this out, there would have been no crime. But if someone sneaks under a cover of darkness to distribute this material, they knowingly littered. They knowingly trespassed. I suggest that the GPD go after these people and charge them with what they can, consitutitionally. (Please don’t say it was hate speech. That goes against the equal protection under the law.) Make sure to keep an eye on these areas so that you can be sure it was nothing more than handing out literature.
And to all you pro-KKK people that may end up reading this story: Do not tell me that they meant nothing by this. Why would you give an African-American a piece of literature saying, “We must secure an existence for ourselves and the future for our White Christian Children!” Would that not be something you would tell to whites?
I remember during the last Presidential election, that I got a flyer placed on my car while I was at school. The flyer said to vote for Chuck Baldwin, the Constitution Party candidate. (I did vote for Baldwin.) In this flyer, it said that the US government was responsible for 9/11 as they bombed the WTC. I believe it may have even had some racial things in it. It would not surprise me a bit to find out that the same people passed out that nonsense. I know enough about politics to know that this was something with which the Constitution Party had nothing to do, but it reflected bad on the Constitution Party. Several teachers knew that there was no way I was voting for Obama, and that McCain was not getting my vote because he was nothing more than a RINO. They knew that I was voting for Baldwin. After this was left on their windshield, I felt the need to tell them that this was something some wacko had come up with, not the Constitution Party. I did not want those views to reflect on me. Alas, there are some people in this area that have more than just a screw loose.
Wow… 2 Months?
Friday, June 19th, 2009Sadly, it has been two months since I last posted. A lot has been going on with building a house and moving. My office is mostly set up and I am back. Things may still be a little sporadic, but I am definitely back…