Good Sense

Obama Loves Boucher

2010-09-30T15:44:00.001-04:00

I’m back and forth between Heaton and Griffith, but this ad spot is too classic to pass up. Nice spot.

Issa Calls for Special Prosecutor

2010-04-21T17:57:00.001-04:00

While I appreciate the motivation behind this and can certainly condemn the abject corruption that this White House is known for, I must wait before I entertain any thoughts concerning the appropriateness about “special prosecutors.” It is my view that government does few things well, at least the things that matter. That said, any quid pro quo that has occurred should be brought to light.

(Yes, I am aware of the circular nature of my statement above. At this point, I simply don’t have a better alternative to the special prosecutor.)

Mike Pence: SRLC 2010

2010-04-15T11:25:00.001-04:00

The more I hear, the more I like this guy. Darkhorse for 2012? Let me know what you think? Seriously, give me your input on Mike Pence in my comments section. I’ll post the other parts of his speech later.

Heaton: Straight talk

2010-04-14T10:58:00.001-04:00

If you want to understand Jeremiah Heaton, you need to go check out his website. There is a video on the front page of his site that voters in the Ninth District need to see. It is entitled “Coal Mining and Leadership.”

While I have respect for other candidates running against Boucher, Jeremiah Heaton talks plain and talks straight. I’ve not had the opportunity to meet Mr. Heaton as yet, but I look forward to having that opportunity to speak with him.

Aside from the snide remarks that J. Todd and the Gang on Morrison had about Mr. Heaton having coal mining on his business card, it is important to understand that Mr. Heaton is a card carrying coal miner.

Another take on SRLC 2010

2010-04-13T10:01:00.001-04:00

SWAC Girl has this about the Southern Republican Leadership Conference and Mike Pence’s appearance there. Pence is starting to get noticed as a darkhorse candidate for 2012. My like for Pence is pretty well known. This video demonstrates why:

Rep. Mike Pence: Administration Solutions: Spend, Tax, Repeat from RNC New Media on Vimeo.

Crooked what?

2010-04-12T22:49:00.001-04:00

Before the claws come out, I’m a supporter of bluegrass and mountain music in every way possible. However, I have a few questions about this “music trail.”

1. Has this designation created one new manufacturing or farming job in each of the counties the road winds through?

2. Does this designation entitle Virginia’s Ninth District to a special place at the appropriations table in Congress? Do we benefit in some unseen way?

3. What happens if the Crooked Road becomes straight?

I challenge anyone to name one job that’s been created or attracted here because of the “Crooked Road.” There is however, a place in the upper end of Washington County that could attract a medium or large capital company to create jobs. It is called “The Glade Highlands Industrial Park.” Where are the jobs that were promised? The almost $1 million dollars in low or no interest loans have done little to nothing to draw companies willing to invest in the community or the county instead we keep drawing in transitory cash from the truck stop. Our capital is being send north with the truckers.

Never mind the almost 1,200 jobs a year that Virginia stands to lose if Cap and Tax is enacted.Instead, Washington County is becoming the Meth capital of Southwest Virginia and Rick Boucher and his union cronies are smiling all the way to re-election each term. Kilo sparks things up with his observation about the Feckless One’s inability to deliver on good paying, permanent jobs.

It’s not about trying to chase a pot of gold, it’s not even about trying to get the finer things in life, in some instances, one of these jobs could be the difference between standing in line at the free clinic in Meadowview or being seen by a specialist at The Campus for the kids. A job that a man can hang his hat on and feel secure at. Come on Rick, give us something better than the Crooked Road.

2012: A Darkhorse year?

2010-04-12T10:13:00.001-04:00

Brian Kirwin, from Bearing Drift, has an interesting perspective on the 2012 GOP field. While I don’t disagree with his assessment entirely, I have to point out that Ron Paul can put boots to the ground when it’s needed. He does energize younger voters and in my view, still has somewhat of an outsider appeal, although he’s been in Washington for years. Brian asks the question, if not Romney or Palin or Paul, then who?

A credible alternative, in my estimation, would be Mike Pence. Well liked by most conservatives, Pence offers a sensible alternative to Romney and a more experienced alternative to Palin. His work in the GOP Conference on energy and health care reform make him a natural conservative counterbalance to Obama. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but I’d be persuaded to vote GOP in 2012 instead of Constitution Party for Pence or for Ron Paul. That’s about it.

Recovery to begin today in Montcoal

2010-04-12T08:51:00.001-04:00

Recovery of the remaining 22 deceased miners will begin today according to CNN. Official estimates say that the recovery will take 2 days. Here are a few blurbs from the article:

"We are going to get to the bottom of this, because families should never have to pray, as they send their loved ones to work every day, that those loved ones will in fact return," Rockefeller said Sunday. "Our heroic coal miners have lost too many brothers and too many sisters, and now we must stop all of this." (emphasis mine)

While I’m certain Senator Rockefeller’s sentiments are well intentioned, it should be noted that mining coal is an inherently dangerous job. Realistically, there can be no way to remove all danger from coal mining. The best that can be hoped for is exactly what Governor Joe Manchin stated:

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin said Saturday that even though the cause of the explosion is unclear, there needs to be a focus on better ventilation and on sensors to alert mine personnel when gas levels become dangerous.

Better ventilation and new sensor technologies should be the prime focus. This focus will give miners a better chance before gas levels reach lethal levels. Thanks again to Governor Manchin for the manner in which he has handled this tragic situation.

Did you know?

2010-04-12T07:41:00.001-04:00

That the Southern Baptist Convention has provided disaster relief in multiple areas of the world and in our own backyard, here are a few realities

2008 Activity Report

Volunteer Days	118,951
Meals Prepared	7,914,391
Mudout Jobs	2,647
Chainsaw Jobs	9,289
Repair Jobs	243
Roofing Jobs	295
Children Cared For	1176
Showers	90,497
Laundry Loads	33,775
Water (Gallons)	247,113
Messages Sent	2,152
Chaplaincy Contacts	9,714
Professions of Faith	448
Gospel Presntations	3,487
Other Decisions	61
Ministry Contacts	20,925

Abingdon Town Council pt. 2

2010-04-11T14:55:00.001-04:00

A few days after posting this regarding Abingdon’s town council race, I received visits from Rick Humphreys and Carl Mallory. In the interest of fairness, I cannot claim credit for causing their visits, but it was good to see some door to door stumping nonetheless.

Mr. Humphreys comes from a well known family in Washington County and I must admit, I cannot be totally impartial with my assessment. He is a sincere, well spoken man who seeks to preserve Abingdon’s historical atmosphere while attempting to draw more business to the downtown area.

Mr. Mallory is an interesting fellow. I feel that he is an up and comer in Abingdon politics and while I’m still as yet undecided, I feel more comfortable with him as a candidate.

In my previous post, I did not mention Cathy Castle Lowe is running for reelection. Mrs. Lowe is a business owner in Abingdon and is a first term council member.

Romney wins at SRLC

2010-04-11T14:24:00.001-04:00

By one vote. The encouraging news(at least for me) is Ron Paul finished second. Granted, many were probably bused in, but still a strong showing for Paul.

Doug Mataconis from Below the Beltway,has a good snapshot analysis of the vote breakdown and points out:

It’s fascinating that these guys finished ahead of Palin and Gingrich, who get rock star treatment at these sorts of gatherings and, indeed, got rock star treatment at this particular gathering.

I find this interesting as well. I agree with Doug’s assessment that this is meaningless right now, I do believe that the GOP has a healthy sized field for this early in the process.

Sunday morning in the South

2010-04-11T06:55:00.001-04:00

I love going to church, being with friends, coming home and watching NASCAR. I love where I live.

Will Governor McDonnell join the tribute to the miners

2010-04-10T19:51:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: According to a Facebook post by Kilo, Governor McDonnell has called upon Virginians to join in a moment of silence in remembrance of the Montcoal miners. This will take place at 3:30 pm.

Kilo has the info here: We should let our views be know to our Governor. Virginia does indeed share a rich mining heritage with WV, KY, and TN.

Personal

2010-04-10T08:48:00.001-04:00

I want to put aside partisan politics for a moment and thank West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin. During his term as governor, he’s seen two deadly mine disasters. In my view, he has handled them both as well as can be hoped for considering the circumstances.

It is my belief that when a politician gets it right, we ought to give credit where it is due as well as criticism when they screw up. Joe Manchin has got it right and I’m thankful for that.

Montcoal Miners – God Be With You

2010-04-10T08:18:00.001-04:00

No survivors. My heart breaks for the families of the Montcoal miners.

Freedoms in America

2010-04-10T08:06:00.001-04:00

My prior post about disappearing occurrence has lit some fires among friends of mine. A good friend I’ve known since Little League called open air preaching “insanity.” That’s fine because I know America is made up of all kinds and that our Constitution guarantees my right to religious expression as well as his.

That said, I’ll leave you with this quote from G.K. Chesterton

"These are the days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed except his own."

A disappearing occurance

2010-04-09T19:51:00.001-04:00

Bold preaching in public squares are becoming a thing of the past. I thank God for men like these who call our nation to repentance.

Jeffersonian notion,Modern necessity

2010-04-09T16:00:00.001-04:00

I will not endeavor to synthesize this article from Campaign for Liberty, but liberty loving Americans should give it a read and then some serious though.

First Team Update

2010-04-09T15:54:00.001-04:00

Ninth District politics

2010-04-09T13:59:00.001-04:00

While Delegate Morgan Griffith will pick up the Ninth District GOP nod to run against Rick Boucher and has extensive experience within the House of Delegates, I submit that politics as usual will not cut it in the Ninth this year. Need an example? This year is the first in recent memory that a true independent candidate is running. Jeremiah Heaton has already been on the stump in significant ways.

Traditionally, the Ninth has reelected Boucher on the strength of his efforts in the coalfield counties such as Buchanan, Wise and Dickenson. Why does Boucher perform well in coal country? He’s in the pocket of Cecil Roberts and the UMWA. Boucher will spend most of his time in District in Abingdon or in the coal counties. I can understand that, one has to keep his bread buttered. I submit that this year may present a different outcome.

Current dissatisfaction with Congress is not necessarily limited to just Democrats. Anger with incumbents reach across party lines. Mr. Morgan, Mr. Heaton and Mr. Boucher would all be well advised to remember this. The American people and the people of the Ninth District want real solutions. They want real, good paying jobs in the manufacturing sector. They want our coal jobs to remain where they are, in the Ninth District. The people of the Ninth District do not want politics as usual.

Washington County is in dire need of good manufacturing jobs to bolster a sagging economy. The new Lowe’s has provided much needed jobs, but we have several industrial parks sitting empty with infrastructure available to companies who would be willing to invest in the site and in the community. Companies rumored to have been interested are TRW, Toyota among others. Why is the Glade Highlands Industrial Park sitting empty? Where are the good paying jobs Mr. Boucher assured us would come.

Perhaps the most indicative indicator is Mr. Boucher’s support of the so-called Cap and Trade legislation. According to the Heritage Foundation, Virginia will lose 26,604 jobs while raising electricity prices by $532.18 per household. These numbers are for the timeframe 2012 – 2035, or 23 years.On average, Virginia will lose almost 1,200 jobs a year. Why did Boucher vote for Cap and Tax?

Last year, Crystal Clear Conservative asked if Boucher could kiss his seat goodbye. At the time, I was skeptical. Now, not so much.

This figures…

2010-04-09T13:05:00.001-04:00

H/T to Riley from Virginia Virtucon

“Dear Lord … this year you have taken away my favorite actor, Patrick Swayze, my favorite actress, Farrah Fawcett, my favorite singer, Michael Jackson, and my favorite salesman, Billy Mays. … I just wanted to let you know that Chris Christie is my favorite governor.”

Does it strike anyone else that union rhetoric is typically virulent and without any value whatsoever?

Good Sense: 600 posts

2010-04-09T11:20:00.001-04:00

Good Sense has reached a milestone. We have reached 600 posts plus. Thank you to all the readers and friends.

Stupak: Cut and Run Democrat to Retire

2010-04-09T09:12:00.000-04:00

According to The Hill, Bart Stupak, Michigan Democrat, will retire at the end of this term. Considering his vote on the Health Care debacle, it should not surprise anyone.

Stupak duped pro-life activists AND legislators across the country with his and other “undecided” yea vote. Bart Stupak is the worse kind of politician. He bends with every political breeze that floats along the Potomac.

He may well be ready to quit, but his decision has deprived voters of his district of the opportunity to speak on his last term.

The old Southwest Virginia saying holds true here: “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!!”

Meth still on the rise in Washington County

2010-04-09T07:26:00.001-04:00

At least, that’s according to Sheriff Fred Newman in today’s BHC. Relatively simple to make and highly dangerous and addictive, Newman has renewed efforts to clamp down on mobile manufacturing of the substance.

At the risk of sounding like my father, it wasn’t that long ago that the worst parents had to fear was catching their kids sneaking a sip of hooch behind the barn. Then we see the use of marijuana increase, and now meth is the drug du jour. Of course, we can’t discount the abuse of prescription pain killers either.

I ramble through that to point out that even with on going law enforcement efforts, manufacturers are becoming harder to catch. I’m glad that Sheriff Newman places such a high priority on this. Let me give you some simple statistics:

26 meth labs were seized in Washington County alone in 2005
Approximately 80 to 90 percent of Washington County’s crime is drug related
We’re starting to see a large influx of meth from out of state.

They say there’s lies, danged lies, and statistics. I generally agree, but 26 meth labs in one year is a problem.

Now I know that my libertarian friends will argue with me about the use of marijuana and I respect their views, but meth isn’t marijuana and meth carries a higher danger in the production of it. I support Sheriff Newman, and I believe he is doing the best he can with the resources we have.

A Friend

2010-04-09T06:44:00.001-04:00

Since I don’t have him in my blogrolls and since I haven’t mentioned him in a long time, go check out my friend Citizen Tom. He’s a breath of fresh air in a maelstrom of car exhaust and hot air in NOVA.

No more school cuts eh?

2010-04-08T16:48:00.001-04:00

Or at least that’s what the Falls Church News Press is calling for in its editorial. I happen to partially agree with this editorial. The quote:

It is absurd for the Council to insist that further spending cuts should come equally from the schools as from the general government. Cutting the baby down the middle, King Solomon style, will only kill the baby. The Council needs to make qualitative, not merely quantitative, value judgments, and above all, that means to recognize the City's school system as its most valuable, and valued, asset.

What an absurd analogy!!! Cutting the baby down the middle? I dare any member of any school board in this great Commonwealth to show me where cuts are being made to harm any child in any regard whether physically or through loss of personnel. I submit that the Department of Education be dismantled and that control over education be returned to the states.

As for qualitative values judgments? (Yes, Northern Virginia, we know what that means.) When a school superintendent is facing budget cuts, his first reaction is not qualitative, it is almost assuredly a quantitative assessment. In other words, Where can we make these cuts with the least amount of disruption of our school system?

Sadly, I have to admit that arts programs are usually on the cutting block first. I say sadly because I am a beneficiary of arts in the schools. Particularly the performing arts.

What I find humorous is…

2010-04-08T16:34:00.001-04:00

… those in the liberal camp STILL can’t rid themselves of Sarah Palin. I’m not a die hard Sarah Palin supporter but if she still causes this much heat from the left, I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. Good grief, if her presence on a Presidential ticket scares you that much, get over it.

UPDATE Jerry, at From on High seems to agree.

I love this guys thinking…

2010-04-08T16:18:00.001-04:00

My good friend Jim Bowden has a short, sweet and honest appeal that ought to ring loudly in the ears of American patriots. Welcome back JAB from across the pond. By the way, his post “Another English Baptist Church and More Questions than Answers.” is another great read!!!

Local, Local races

2010-04-08T14:49:00.001-04:00

Well, it is getting close to election day. Yes, that’s right Virginia, there is an election being held on May 4. In Abingdon, there are several seats up for grabs which includes long time Council Member Dr. French Moore. Carl Mallory, Rick Humphreys and Bob Howard. Very little is being done by any of the candidates to be honest and the one who has made door knocks is the one candidate I think I’m less inclined to support. He’s a personable fellow and have reviewed his literature and bio sketch. There may be more candidates in the wood works, but doubtful since filing time has passed. I know what I get with Dr. Moore, but the appeal of fresh ideas on the town council is pretty intense as well. I look forward to seeing them get out more.

In my view, if the election were decided to day, here’s my top 3:

1. French Moore

2. Bob Howard

3. Rick Humphreys

Abingdon politics is a fluttering with this upcoming election, but will it flutter afterward or will we see more of the same. We want to see real jobs come to the outlying areas of town such as across from the new Lowe’s. We’d like to see a larger industrial base move into some of our older shell buildings. We’d like to see a company like TRW move to the Glade Spring Industrial Park where only Utility Trailer now resides.

Something to think about. When businesses want to relocate or open in Abingdon, why does the zoning commission and architectural review dictate why businesses should blend in to these quaint little antique shoppes when we really need is a large company with capital to invest in a site and also in the community. We should be actively searching for these kinds of opportunities. Instead, we quivel over the color of the paint or the tone of the masonry work. I hope Abingdon makes smart moves this May.

Heaton – The clear choice against Boucher

2010-04-07T21:39:00.001-04:00

Go, check his website out. Another former GOP guy going independent. This is a great year for true independents. I’m with Kilo on this one.

Copeland for Washington County Chair

2010-03-27T09:20:00.001-04:00

Good Sense is pleased to endorse Robert Copeland for Chairmanship of the Washington County GOP.

Mr. Copeland is a skilled Abingdon attorney specializing in contract and business law. Mr. Copeland has served as co-chair of the Gilbert Davis for Attorney General campaign in the past and continues to be active in local GOP politics. He is a principled conservative and will bring a high profile to the Washington County GOP.

Mr. Copeland has been a member of the Washington County GOP Executive Committee, Public Relations committee and has served as precinct and district chair in years past so he is intimately familiar with GOP internal politics.

In addition to his Republican politics, Mr. Copeland has had several cases reported in the United States Reports as well as has had a chapter on Contract law published in a scholarly text book.

Virginia to file suit against Obamacare

2010-03-23T17:31:00.001-04:00

Ken Cuccinelli on suing the federal government from Beehive Video on Vimeo.

Friends, we need to be thankful that we have a principled conservative like Ken Cuccinelli as Attorney General. We’re not going down without a fight.

The Duke

2010-03-10T22:04:00.001-05:00

It’s a shame that television shows no longer permit its stars to stand up for something besides communistic and socialistic values. Thanks Duke, for speaking up and speaking out.

1st Cavalry – Oh yeah!!!

2010-03-02T09:35:00.001-05:00

I love America’s First Team.

Sunday Ramblings

2010-01-10T15:55:00.001-05:00

HOW ‘BOUT THEM COWBOYS?!?!?!

Huntin’ The Country

2009-12-12T07:40:00.001-05:00

I’m a pro-gun, pro-life, pro- small business constitutionalist. I also understand the American heritage of outdoor management. Instead of passing job destroying legislation like cap and tax, we should remove the death tax and all capital gains taxes to remove barriers of land ownership and conservation within a family. Want to know the key to true “green” living? Let the hunters and fishermen manage our wildlife and preserves. Get the government out of the land ownership business. To you and yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Just a friendly reminder

2009-12-12T07:18:00.001-05:00

I trust you and yours will have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Just wanted to share this friendly reminder from last year’s campaign that our constitutional rights are still under attack by this administration.

Foreclosure Support?

2009-11-29T06:51:00.001-05:00

Ok, maybe I’m old fashioned, but isn’t foreclosure a way that banks protect themselves from defaulted loans? Like a quack doctor, Barry insists on treating the symptom rather than the underlying disease. In this case, the disease is unqualified, high risk borrowers who have no means nor the intentions of paying their mortgage on time.

Does the government desire to increase home ownership in America?

1. Cease and desist from any further bailout packages in ANY form.The government needs to quit robbing Peter to subsidize Paul’s irresponsible consumer behavior.

2. Discontinue efforts to fleece legitimate lending institutions from protecting its assets. Allow foreclosures on those who habitually default on their mortgage.

3. We need to end efforts by a fringe minority to redefine marriage based upon their mistaken and sinful norms. (31 out of 50 states rejected a voter organized referendum)

4. We need to discontinue the income tax deduction (if it hasn’t already ) for interest on mortgage payments. Many borrowers use the first year to boost their already inflated refund (children, Earned Income Tax Credit, etc.) and afterward, cease payment on mortgage.

5. To encourage homeownership within families, we need to eliminate the Capital Gains Tax.

6. Finally, we as Americans, need to understand that the problem begins with us. Yes, that’s right. We need to own up to the out of control habits we have let consume our lives and we need to start living within our means. That means, if you don’t have the cash, you don’t need to use the credit card. Or, PAY AS YOU GO. How can we expect our government to do it if we’re not willing to do it ourselves.

Live Posts on Latest from Ft. Hood

2009-11-05T19:04:00.001-05:00

I’m watching a live feed from Ft. Hood. I’ll post as I hear what comes out.

Fort Hood Shooting

2009-11-05T18:11:00.001-05:00

Much love and prayers going out for Fort Hood and the community of Killeen, TX after the horrific shootings that took place there today. I’m stunned and this hits particularly close to home because I’m an associate member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Please pray for the members of the First Team and all other units stationed at Fort Hood.

I think President Obama said the right things right now, although there’s not much to say. Too early for any easy conclusions.

Election 2009

2009-11-04T22:33:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that a heavily favored Democrat incumbent was defeated by a transplanted Republican in the Washington County Board of Supervisors race. A large reason? A No vote on a proposed truck stop which would have brought jobs to an area of the county that needs them. Joe Straten defeated Jack McCrady by a scant 17 votes. Straten, originally from Ohio, campaigned on the need for more industrial jobs in the county.

Well, we all know the results. We’ve all heard the analysis.

In my very humble opinion, the GOP had the stronger ticket top to bottom and the Dems had a particularly weak ticket, particularly for Lt. Governor and AG. I honestly thought Creigh Deeds would wage a better and more effective campaign than what he did. While this could serve as a template for future elections for the GOP, I believe that we should take it for what it is, an election. Sure, the base is energized right now, but I believe that we’re seeing a repudiation of the Obama administration right now in 2009. Could this carry over into 2010? Sure, if the economy continues to tank and Obama and Pelosi continue to insist upon governing from the left.

The fact remains that Obama and his cronies can’t be happy about last nights results. Two Democrat controlled Governor’s Mansions went red. Shoot, a Republican even picked up a House of Delegates seat in an extremely safe Democrat district in Southwest Virginia so safe that former UMWA boss Jackie Stump held the 3rd district seat before Dan Bowling. It wasn’t just a victory, but Will Morefield beat Bowling with almost 58 percent of the vote. While McDonnell’s victory was not unforeseen, a GOP victory in a heavily union district is almost unheard of, especially since the man who won is only 25 years old. At least in Southwest Virginia, there is significant indication that not only did the GOP have the stronger ticket, but in fact, this election WAS a referendum on the Obama administration and its socialist policy aims.

The campaign is over. The work begins in earnest now as the transition teams begin to put the pieces together for the inauguration in January. I sincerely hope that the GOP ticket will govern with an eye toward a renewed sense of reclaiming what rightfully belongs at the state and local level. The BHC has this about Morefield:

As delegate, Morefield said his top priority will be standing up for his constituents’ 10th Amendment rights and making sure both the federal and state governments stay out the way of private business owners.

Good Sense – at a crossroads

2009-09-19T18:40:00.001-04:00

For all my friends at the ODBA, I’ve always enjoyed our dialogue, even when the subject matter was pretty confrontational. I’ve never been one to back away when my principles are at stake. I have been extremely busy with matters not related to the blog, politics, or even blogging in general.

I’m currently on a sort of sabbatical right now. Attending to things that are important even before this election and current events. I’m NOT quitting, and probably will be back soon. I’ve discovered as much as I am passionate about Constitutional government, I’m even more passionate for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my call to vocational ministry. To this end, I’m my pastor’s ministry intern at church.

I will return and I will have definite opinions about new goings on.

Alpha Natural Resources and MMM to attempt Bristol race

2009-08-06T15:37:00.001-04:00

According to this snippet posted on Jayski.com

Morgan-McClure and Wimmer to run Bristol: Morgan-McClure Motorsports and Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., a leading U.S. coal producer, will join forces with driver Scott Wimmer for this year's Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The one-race sponsorship announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for both Abingdon, Va.-based organizations. Attempting to qualify the #4 entry for the Aug. 22 night race at the "World's Fastest Half-Mile" signals a possible rebirth for MMM, which has been on an approximate two-year hiatus from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Meanwhile, it caps off a monumental week for Alpha, one in which the company completed a merger with Foundation Coal Holdings to become the nation's third-largest coal producer. MMM, founded in 1983, is a three-time winner of the season-opening Daytona 500 and boasts a successful history that includes 14 wins, 63 top-fives, 146 top-10s and 13 poles. "Our team, much like Alpha's owners, was born in coal country; and the first few years we were funded by dealerships that make their income by serving coal miners," says Tim Morgan, MMM's co-owner and president. "We couldn't be prouder to represent a progressive company like Alpha a recognized leader in producing coal to meet the nation's energy needs, with an outstanding reputation for being good stewards of the environment while taking care of their customers and employees." With the Foundation Coal merger, Alpha now operates more than 60 coal mines and 14 preparation plants, maintains one of the most expansive geographic footprints in the industry, and controls reserves of more than 2.3 billion tons of coal.

Wimmer, who has experience in all of NASCAR's top three divisions the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series has collected 30 top-fives, 73 top-10s and one pole in his career. The 33-year-old Wausau, Wisc., native is currently 16th in the Nationwide Series point standings. For more info about Alpha Natural Resources see alphanr.com.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports)(8-6-2009)

First of all, I’m glad to see a coal company sponsor a team. Second, I’m glad that team is Morgan-McClure. MMM was born in coal country and I’m glad to see that Scott Wimmer and MMM did not burn any bridges.

Gimme a break

2009-08-05T17:30:00.001-04:00

Milwaukee Brewers’ Prince Fielder storms the Dodgers’ clubhouse? Gimme a break. Because he was hit by a pitch in retaliation? I’ll remind readers of a quote by Tyrus Raymond Cobb:

Baseball is a red-blooded sport for red-blooded men. It's no pink tea, and mollycoddles had better stay out. It's a struggle for supremacy, a survival of the fittest.

Baseball is a man’s sport. The fact is if you’re going to stand over the inside of the plate, you better be ready to take a few for the team… and when you do, you handle it on the field and leave it on the field. These guys playing today are pansies…

Obama General Hospital

2009-08-04T18:57:00.001-04:00

Doug at Below the Beltway, has been on target on the Obamacare but I had to laugh at these logos

Obamacare: State control versus individual autonomy

2009-07-29T13:16:00.001-04:00

Doug, at Below the Beltway, has this insightful piece as to why most of us oppose Obamacare. I want to emphasize one particular portion:

It’s all about giving the state control over biggest part of our lives. That may not be the intent of the people who are advocating ObamaCare. In fact, for the most part, I think they have good intentions, but we know where that leads in the end.

Indeed.

NASA: Essential or waste of money?

2009-07-29T08:55:00.001-04:00

Apparently Jerry at From on High believes it only has one use. I’ve already proposed that NASA be eliminated or else establish a quantifiable and justifiable goal to achieve in the next 10 – 20 years. An example? How about a manned mission to Mars within the next 15 years? Barring something such as that, scrap NASA and get out of the space game.

Obama a citizen

2009-07-28T08:26:00.001-04:00

Ok, while I don’t consider myself to be a “birther” I believe that it was key to be certain in order to maintain constitutional integrity. However, now that Obama’s citizenship has been confirmed, let’s move on and make this about ideas. Conservatives should know that we have the superior ideas and there is no need to bring gimmicks into the fray.

First, we know that government interference in health care will only lead to lesser quality and rationing of care. Bureaucrats have less interest in our personal health than in their ability to “streamline” the process. This is ironic because there is no such thing when dealing with the federal government.

Second, we know that bailouts, in any form, are destructive and subsidize failure. The bailouts give no incentive for improved production and ethical management. To the contrary, bailouts do nothing but incentivize poor management. Solution: repay every red cent of the multi-billion dollar corporate welfare program to the taxpayer and slash entitlements.

Third, we know that Obama’s judicial philosophy is predicated upon race. Judge Sotomayor’s well publicized “wise Latina” remark is proof positive that racial discord will be hallmarks of the Obama judicial appointments. The rule of law has been replaced by La Raza… return our government to its constitutional mandated limits which starts with Judges who are dedicated to an originalist interpretation of the Constitution.

These are but three areas where conservatives have the superior ideas. Oh, wait, nothing is superior anymore, we don’t want the poor politicians to have low self esteem. I say, throw the bums out.

Sarah Palin

2009-07-27T10:42:00.001-04:00

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is just that, former Governor of Alaska. While I did not view her as a candidate for 2012, it is evident that some in the mainstream media did. Considering the inordinate amount of coverage the Palin family received in the months AFTER the election, surely some in the media and other talking heads viewed her as a threat. Otherwise, why go after a flash in the pan? Perhaps it is because she represented a departure from politics as usual? That’s yet to be seen. Should be interesting to see what she does from here on out.

Barry coming to Tri-Cities

2009-07-26T12:07:00.001-04:00

Wonder if Slick Rick Boucher will make an appearance? Why even ask, of course he will.

Not that it really makes much difference. According to the BHC, the President will be participating in a “town-hall style” meeting at the Kroger’s on Midway with the employees there. His purpose? Talk up his disastrous health care reform legislation. Wonder if supporters will get the prime questions to ask? Go back to Washington, Mr. President. You’re at home there, not here in Southwest Virginia where people actually have common sense.

Friday night laugh

2009-07-24T20:51:00.001-04:00

If you need a quick laugh, check this out.

ChiSox pitcher achieves perfection

2009-07-24T09:01:00.001-04:00

It has only happened 16 other times in baseball’s modern era (since 1900) but pitcher Mark Buehrle pitched a perfect game yesterday against the Tampa Bay Rays. For those of you who don’t know what a perfect game is, a pitcher must face the minimum of 27 batters and not allow any of them to reach base, that means no hits, walks or hit batters. It means 27 up and 27 down. Buehrle goes into the record books with names like Catfish Hunter, Sandy Koufax, Don Larsen and of course, Cy Young. Congratulations to Mark Buehrle and the Chicago White Sox.

Ron Paul: Right on the Money

2009-07-23T11:11:00.001-04:00

This article from Ron Paul articulates the correct view of health care. In the market, health care is a good, not a right. Give this a read.

Obama Blame Game

2009-07-22T22:12:00.001-04:00

If you are interested at all in what ideas are being put forth by House Conservatives, I highly recommend bookmarking the Republican Study Committee website. From legislative bulletins to Money Monitors, this caucus of House Conservatives will provide ammunition against liberals and their agenda.

Does AEP really know what’s going on?

2009-07-21T15:20:00.001-04:00

Those of you who live in the Ninth District know that Rick Boucher is becoming vulnerable due to his vote on the National Energy Tax. However, Appalachian Electric Power is running ads commending Boucher for his “bold and innovative” stands. There’s something fishy going on here. More than a year out from his re-election bid and there are already ads defending his vote. That’s ok because the numbers will tell the story.

Jerry, Kilo and Adam will immediately recognize the need to throw the guy out of office.

Did Bob Barr cost McCain?

2009-07-20T17:26:00.001-04:00

The answer that Doug at Below The Beltway gives is a resounding NO!!! I agree. The most notable blogger to vote third party this past year was Ms. Leslie Carbone, who voted for Chuck Baldwin, the Constitution Party candidate.

Friends, I voted for Bob Barr. I could not bring myself to vote for John McCain. His horrendous bill, McCain-Feingold infringes free political speech. John McCain, in my estimation, had his chance and couldn’t bring home the prize. Until the GOP nominates someone like Mike Pence, it has virtually no chance of regaining my vote. I fully intend on going Constitution Party.

Why tour when your boss won’t listen

2009-07-18T12:00:00.001-04:00

According to a press release issued by the Rural America Solutions Group, a subset of the House GOP, Barry’s Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will be in Danville,VA as part of a so-called listening tour through rural America. I repeat the question above. Why bother touring when your boss won’t listen to the voices in rural America.

With the passage of Waxman-Markey National Energy Tax in the House, Barack Obama is hell-bent on draining American’s wallets to promote George Soros’ agenda. Any fool can see that jobs will be lost if the Senate passes the bill in the same form as the House.

Thoughts from Cornfield County

2009-07-18T06:43:00.001-04:00

Yes, sophisticated reader, I watched Hee Haw for years with my grandfather. I came across this little snippet. Wonder what Junior Samples would say about the Democrats now?

Random Thought

2009-07-17T16:08:00.001-04:00

Ok, with the ‘09 statewide races occupying a large number of pixels, I have this one random and totally off the wall opinion for today. In my very humble opinion, Bob Barr is one of the most underrated politicians in the country today. After last year’s candidacy for the Libertarian Party for President, Barr continues to keep his name in print with his blog, The Barr Code on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution website as well as regular columns in the print edition of the AJC.

Sam Church 1936 – 2009

2009-07-17T07:58:00.001-04:00

Many readers may remember Sam Church as president of the UMWA during the late 70’s and early 80’s. Mr. Church was the predecessor to Richard Trumka. Mr. Church passed away this week at 72 years of age. Godspeed Mr. Church.

RSC Sunset Caucus

2009-07-16T09:05:00.001-04:00

I’ve been paying attention to the Republican Study Committee and the legislation that its members have been proposing with some degree of satisfaction. The RSC bills itself as “The Caucus of House Conservatives.” If you are like me, there are particular programs that you would like to see eliminated. The RSC Sunset Caucus exists to undertake that very objective. My personal program that I’d like to see done away with is NASA. For thirty plus years, it has done little to nothing to justify its expenditures. Please click the link above to make a recommendation as to a program you’d like to see eliminated.

The Foundry

2009-07-14T08:38:00.001-04:00

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Barry's elimination of the DC Opportunity Scholarship program is bad policy. Even the DC City Council recognizes that fact.
The Foundry

Shared via AddThis

Top Five College Football Coaches

2009-07-14T08:08:00.001-04:00

As we start into the middle of July, the coaches’ whistles are starting to get warmed up and it won’t be long until two-a-days begin. In that mindset, here are my top five college football coaches:

1. Paul “Bear” Bryant

2. Lou Holtz

3. Bo Schembechler

4. Woody Hayes

5. General Robert Neyland

1st Cavalry Division – America’s First Team

2009-07-12T21:51:00.001-04:00

I’m partial to the First Cavalry because of personal ties, but here’s a great video:

Leslie Carbone: An American Patriot

2009-07-10T13:42:00.001-04:00

I had to include this. Ms. Leslie Carbone, a friend, is an American patriot and a true conservative compatriot. Thanks Leslie!!!!

Bob Barr: Keep the Feds out of the BCS

2009-07-10T10:39:00.001-04:00

As much as I love college football and would love to see a playoff system introduced, I agree with Mr. Barr that the Feds do not need to get involved. Why does the Federal government even feel the need to get involved? I think Orrin Hatch would do well to work on giving some of the taxpayers’ money back to us rather than create a new program that would cost more money in the long haul.

Boucher: Champion of coal or demagogue?

2009-07-10T10:20:00.001-04:00

Considering his recent vote for Waxman-Markey, I’d say most clear thinking Americans would lean toward the latter, but that’s just my opinion, or is it? Here’s a brief round up of my blog brothers and sisters in the ODBA and their take on Rick’s betrayal of the industry that puts him in office.

Kilo (who has strong ties to coal) has this series of posts about Boucher’s betrayal: here, here and here

Jerry, at From on High blog, has this post that opens the salvo against Rick Boucher’s betrayal of coal miners in the Ninth and this revealing an example of the distrust and unhappiness that Boucher’s action is beginning to bring about.

Alton, at Eschew Obfuscation, has this truthful look at the realities of 21st century strip mining. With very few exceptions any more, coal companies leave the sites better than when they found them.

And, at the risk of being egotistical, please take a look at my post concerning Waxman Markey and the Ninth District. The numbers are staggering.

Delusional?

2009-07-10T09:34:00.001-04:00

Does Barack Obama really think that throwing away billions of American taxpayers’ hard earned dollars has done anything constructive? I suppose so according to this snippet. Coupled with the fact that the Waxman-Markey cap and tax regime that just passed the House, the question now becomes, does Barack Obama really know what he’s doing or is he just following George Soros’ instructions? (By the way, Move On believes the Waxman Markey bill does not go far enough.)

Tennessee 2010

2009-07-07T19:57:00.001-04:00

Although I am a resident of the great Commonwealth of Virginia, I still bear great interest in Tennessee politics. I have read with interest the announcements of Bill Haslam, mayor of Knoxville,Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey and Zach Wamp. I have had the pleasure to know Ron Ramsey and like him personally, and have heard good things about Bill Haslam. However, Good Sense will take an unusual opportunity to endorse Representative Zach Wamp for Governor of Tennessee.

The Gipper gets in the fight

2009-07-07T13:38:00.001-04:00

The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76),has relieved the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and the Reagan Carrier Group has launched sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. As an aside, the Ike has been in theater since March of this year. Below is a picture of the Gipper:

The Ike is pictured below:

Waxman-Markey and the Ninth District

2009-07-06T10:32:00.001-04:00

I am thankful for an organization like the Heritage Foundation that works tirelessly to inform the American citizenry about the need for conservative solutions to problems in America today. An example is this Web Memo from Heritage that crunches the estimated job loss numbers by Congressional district. It is not surprising that in our Commonwealth, Waxman-Markey will have the greatest negative impact on the Fightin’ Ninth District. I’ll outline the findings for the Ninth District:

1.) GSP Losses in 2012 = $646.53 million This is a staggering loss of the economy in an already struggling CD. If the devastation to the Ninth’s economy were isolated, it might not be as bad, but the losses continue to pile up for the next twenty years or so.

2.) GSP Losses in 2012-2035 = $1.3 billion, yes billion. This is a tragic and devastating loss to a district that largely depends on coal as a source of income for the economy. Think this is bad? You ain’t seen nothing yet.

3.) Personal Income Loss in 2012 - $592 million and this is in just 2012. It does not get better.

4.) Average Personal Income Loss 2012 –2035 = $342.9 million The good news just keeps on coming doesn’t it?

5.) Non-Farm Job Loss in 2012 – 5,483 I’m sorry but this district cannot afford job losses on this scale. Rick Boucher should be thrown out on his can for voting for this.

6.) Non-Farm Job Loss 2012-2035 – 3,439 per year.

This bill of goods that recently passed the house will drastically affect the quality of life in the Ninth District. As before, it is no surprise that Waxman-Markey has the greatest negative impact on the Ninth District. And for what? A very negligible decrease in carbon emissions over the life of this legislation. Rick Boucher, shame on you.

National Energy Tax

2009-07-04T10:42:00.001-04:00

I’ve been behind the eight ball as far as posting goes, but here is a short video from Heritage Foundation that explains what Waxman-Markey is:

I’m back

2009-06-29T16:50:00.001-04:00

Sorry to have been gone so long, but PC was sent off for repairs. I’ll be resuming regular blogging over the next few days.

Washington County Sheriff up for US Marshal post

2009-06-09T20:41:00.001-04:00

According to the BHC, Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman is in the running for the US Marshal for the Western District of Virginia. Many of you know that I wholeheartedly endorsed Sheriff Newman in his reelection bid for Sheriff. I have found Fred Newman to be competent, dedicated and focused on law enforcement in Washington County. During his tenure as sheriff, WCSO became the second regional law enforcement agency to achieve full accreditation and has recently began a mounted patrol unit. It would be an honor for Sheriff Newman to be named US Marshal for the Western District of Virginia, but I would hate to see him have to step down as sheriff of Washington County.

Deeds Wins

2009-06-09T20:31:00.001-04:00

Although it will be a barn burner of a campaign, Creigh Deeds will be facing Bob McDonnell in the general election to determine Virginia’s next governor.

Although the conservative hack in me would have liked to have campaigned against THE talking head of the Clinton years, I have to admit that Virginia Democrats did the smart and prudent thing by selecting Senator Deeds. I’ve maintained that he was the most serious and credible of the three candidates and he does not carry the baggage that McAuliffe and Moran does. This sets up a rematch from 4 years ago in which McDonnell defeated Deeds by only a very slim margin.

This election will be difficult by any stretch of the imagination. McDonnell has poll numbers that are consistently high and he has the advantage of being a seasoned winner on the statewide ticket. Congratulations to Senator Deeds.

A Little Fun pt.2

2009-06-06T19:18:00.001-04:00

Ladies, don’t want to leave you out of the fun.

A little fun

2009-06-06T18:25:00.001-04:00

Since its Saturday night this one’s for the men going out on the town tonight. Although I don’t party anymore, keep it safe and between the lines. Yes, that includes my liberal friends too!!!

Wow, I’m underwhelmed

2009-06-05T23:13:00.001-04:00

This is what the staff of the House Judiciary Committee is paid to do? This is 487 pages of leftist pabulum that seems more at home in a Che Guevara documentary than it does in an official document of the United States government. I know this has been out for a while, but I’m starting to read it and I have to be honest, this report is pejorative and contains little substantive contribution to any conversation about the Bush presidency. At the very least, a less pejorative title would be in order.

A plug for a friend

2009-06-04T18:14:00.001-04:00

Ms. Leslie Carbone, a blogging friend and writer extraordinaire, will be releasing her book, Slaying Leviathan: The Moral Case for Tax Reform this month. I will be placing my order soon and I’d recommend that you, dear reader, do so as well. She’s one of the conservative movements rising stars and one of Virginia’s best bloggers. Go help her out and buy her book. You’ll benefit from the experience. That is all.

The Big O: Giving Away the Farm

2009-06-04T07:51:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: Erick at Red State,has this take on the Spender-in-Chief’s speech in Cairo. It appears that I’m not the only one who thinks this speech is an open door to attack the United States.

In his much ballyhooed speech in Egypt, BHO laid the frame for what? International peace? Nope. Rapprochement with Muslims? Yes and no. What he mainly accomplished was a rhetorical message of, “Come attack us again, you can take the farm.” Don’t believe me? Hear now, the Obamessiah:

In a gesture to the Islamic world, Obama conceded at the beginning of his remarks that tension "has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations."

"And I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear," said the president, who recalled hearing prayer calls of "azaan" at dawn and dusk while living in Indonesia as a boy.

Colonialism? That smacks of communist propaganda does it not? Suddenly BHO is a Cold War veteran speaking with authority on the issue? Please. His responsibility to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam? Oh, here’s the truth, our President is an apologist for Islam.There is every indication that Obama will give the farm away to appease the radical elements of Islam. Oh, but he flip flops even within his own speech:

At the same time, he said the same principle must apply in reverse. "Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire."

Like many on the extreme left, the President does not even have the courage to stand on his convictions. This speech will only embolden those radical elements of Hamas, Al Qaeda and others who would strike at the very heart of the United States. I’m embarrassed to say this, but this guy is an amateur.

Deeds on outside looking in?

2009-06-02T09:16:00.001-04:00

Since the beginning of the year, I have maintained that if the Democrats were smart, they’d nominate Creigh Deeds for Governor. Deeds has long standing ties to Virginia, he’s the only one with rural ties and does not come with the baggage of being the talking head of the Clinton administration or being Jimbo Moran’s brother. Apparently, some in the DPVA take issue with his “conservative values” stance back from his AG campaign. Creigh Deeds is the ONLY Democrat I could remotely stomach as governor. For no other reason than he does in fact have long standing ties to our Commonwealth and he hails from a rural region of the state.

Lowell, at Blue Virginia, believes that T-Mac has the better shot at beating McDonnell. His reasoning is sound, although I don’t agree with his conclusion.

In this case, I honestly don't believe that either Creigh or Terry is a better man than the other one or clearly more electable against Bob McDonnell. In fact, neither Creigh or Terry will have an easy race against McDonnell, although I certainly believe we can beat that guy if we have the resources to let people know who he really is. (Emphasis mine)

Lowell and I usually don’t agree about anything, but I do agree that neither Deeds nor McAuliffe will have an easy race against McDonnell. In fact, the entire Democrat ticket will have a competitive race on its hands. The fact remains that Bob needs to define himself before the Dems get the chance. He’s got a winning platform and a strong ticket.

Buy FORD, not Government Motors

2009-06-02T07:51:00.001-04:00

If you’re in the market for a new car, or pre-owned vehicle, buy a Ford, not a Government Motors vehicle and definitely not a ~~Chrysler~~ Fiat. Whatever you do, support your local Ford dealer, support Ford Racing teams, support the Ford Motor Company.

What is the TN GOP doing?

2009-06-01T08:24:00.001-04:00

First we have a bill to fine saggy pants, and now this? I can sort of understand bringing a bill to allow concealed carry in bars (although I don’t agree with it), but saggy pants and horse meat? I would encourage the TN GOP to rethink its strategy and tactics. If this is going to be representative of the Republican agenda, maybe Kent Williams should not be Speaker of the House. At least with Jimmy Naifeh, you knew what you were getting.

Senseless and Cowardly

2009-05-31T19:25:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: More condemnation from the pro-life community continues to pour in after Dr. George Tiller was murdered Sunday in his church. Dr. Albert Mohler, one of the Southern Baptist Convention’s leading thinkers and ardent pro-lifer, had this to say:

We have no right to take the law into our own hands in an act of criminal violence. We are not given the right to take this power into our own hands, for God has granted this power to governing authorities. The horror of abortion cannot be rightly confronted, much less corrected, by means of violence and acts outside the law and lawful means of remedy. This is not merely a legal technicality -- it is a vital test of the morality of the pro-life movement.

The Family Foundation today publicly denounced the murder of Dr. Tiller in Kansas. This act of senseless violence is in no way representative of the vast majority of pro-life Americans who seek the end of abortion. Below is the text of The Family Foundation’s release:

Victoria Cobb, President

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Information Alert: Statement on Murder of Dr. George Tiller

The Family Foundation of Virginia denounces the act of unimaginable cowardice perpetrated today in Kansas. Whatever person or persons involved in the seemingly premeditated murder of George Tiller at a church service should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The murder of Dr. Tiller betrays not only the principle of God to value all human life but also the true purpose and intent of the vast majority of Americans who seek to end the destruction of unborn human life. We seek to protect all human life because we believe that all persons are created with the image of God. The sanctity of human life must be protected, but only through vigorous, legal efforts in state houses and court rooms.

We call on all Virginians to pray for the Tiller family and all those who will be affected by this tragedy.

I condemn this act of cowardice as murder and call on my fellow pro-life activists to do the same. My prayers and condolences to the Tiller family.

Rick Boucher – Out of Touch

2009-05-30T23:00:00.001-04:00

I’ll include the entire email regarding this meeting with Rick Boucher and his belief in the murder of the pre-born. I know the men involved with this program, Fighting for Life in the Ninth, and they are all men of integrity and humility.

Reflections on the Meeting with

Congressman Boucher

As many of you are aware, we were able to secure a meeting with Congressman Rick Boucher this past Tuesday (May 26, 2009). The nature of the meeting was primarily to address the issue of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and the congressman's support of this bill. Unfortunately, the meeting did not go as we had hoped. Mr. Boucher was very clear as it pertained to his stance on the abortion issue. Sadly, it is a stance that a godly minded individual cannot support. He made it abundantly clear that he is a pro-abortion congressman and one that is committed to upholding and defending the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade (the 1973 decision that legalized abortion in the United States). He gave no denials as to his 100% pro-abortion voting record and also offered no apologies for it. This is something we deeply regret. The Scriptures clearly define life as beginning at the moment of conception (Exo. 21:22-23; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41, as well as others). Aborti on then is the taking of life after it has begun. This is a position that the congressman made clear he will not accept.

In all actuality, Mr. Boucher did not really want to address the abortion issue at all, but rather his attention was on one aspect of FOCA. It has been the contention of Fighting for Life in the 9^th(FFL9) that one of the risks of FOCA is that it could potentially open the door for lawsuits to be filed against hospitals and health care workers that refuse to perform abortion services. Mr. Boucher expressed that he opposes and would oppose such measures and was concerned that he had been misrepresented on this particular point. It is not the goal of FFL9 to misrepresent anyone. Where we regret that Mr. Boucher feels this way we do not believe this has been the case. Mr. Boucher acknowledged that FOCA needed more specific language in order to protect health care workers and hospitals. Where we respect and agree with the congressman's position that federal funding should not be cut from those who refuse abortion services, one has to wonder if there is no risk for such happening if FOCA were to be passed (as the congressman asserted early in the meeting), why then is there a need for more specific language? If there is more specific language needed, does that not imply then that the potential is therefor such consequences?

In addition, the congressman attempted to lead us to believe that FFL9 is the only group making such an assertion as to the implications of FOCA. This is not true. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has also been very outspoken on this very issue. This is significant because not only has the USCCB performed extensive legal analysis but it also expresses the official view of the Catholic Church (something the congressman expressed was different from FFL9's interpretation of FOCA). Notice the following statement: "The combined impact of these various provisions is likely the invalidation of a broad range of state laws if challenged under FOCA, including. . .laws protecting the conscience rights of doctors, nurses and hospitals, if those create even minimal delay or inconvenience in obtaining an abortion or treat abortion differently than other medical procedures" (http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/ FOCA/analysis.pdf). Clearly, FFL9 i s not the only group concerned about FOCA's potential consequences.

This issue on health care workers and hospitals was the main thrust of the meeting due to the fact that the congressman was uninterested in having serious dialogue on abortion itself. We regret that more time could not be spent on this issue in particular. Again, it is not the goal of FFL9 to misrepresent anyone, only to present the facts as we (and others) understand them. I hope that through our conversation we have motivated the congressman to take steps to provide protection for health care workers and hospitals, but we would still oppose FOCA. The godly minded individual must oppose any measure that would further and expand abortions in this nation (which is what FOCA will do if re-introduced and passed).

Certainly, we wish the meeting would have gone differently but the battle is not lost. We must keep pressing forward. It is clear where Congressman Boucher stands and that he needs to be reminded that he is to represent the views of the 9^th district of Virginia, not his own personal feelings. As Americans we are guaranteed by our Constitution the right to hold an opinion; however, it is the opinion of the Almighty God that matters most. It is His will that we must strive to keep promoting in an age of godlessness. It does seem at times that we are fighting an uphill battle, but let us be motivated by the words of the great Apostle Paul when he wrote: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal.6:9).

Another reason that Rick Boucher does not deserve to represent the Ninth District of Virginia. The only reason why he continues to do so is that he is in the back pocket of Cecil “I Own Rick Boucher” Roberts and the UMWA. These creeps only care about lining their own pockets, not the hard working men and women they purport to represent. Shame on you Rick Boucher, shame on you indeed for believing in the murder of innocent life.

Obama – The Next Stalin?

2009-05-30T09:57:00.001-04:00

H/T to the Examiner:

According to this post on the OFFICIAL White House website blog, he could be. Speech seeking to influence direction of the Administration and others on the so-called Recovery Act will be subject to new restrictions.

Following OMB’s review, the Administration has decided to make a number of changes to the rules that we think make them even tougher on special interests and more focused on merits-based decision making.

First, we will expand the restriction on oral communications to cover all persons, not just federally registered lobbyists. For the first time, we will reach contacts not only by registered lobbyists but also by unregistered ones, as well as anyone else exerting influence on the process. We concluded this was necessary under the unique circumstances of the stimulus program.

If you are opposed to the Recovery act and you are a citizen, your First Amendment rights are being curtailed by Executive Fiat. In other words, he’s being a little baby about this. Too much opposition? “I’ll just change the rules.” This man is dangerous and makes no bones about it, he’ll not be satisfied until the Constitution is in shreds and he can make the government “in his own image.”

NOTE: FBI, DHS, and whatever other law enforcement agency who reads this site, take NOTE: I WILL NOT SIT DOWN, I WILL NOT SHUT UP, I WILL NOT BACK OFF AND I WILL NOT LET ONE MAN TELL ME WHAT I CAN TALK ABOUT.

I will bloody well write about what I want to write about. Let’s see them come stop me.

Iacocca losing pension

2009-05-30T08:28:00.001-04:00

Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli told a U.S. bankruptcy court on Thursday that Iacocca's pension would be among the obligations Chrysler will no longer have to pay if it gets bankruptcy court approval to sell itself to a "New Chrysler" to be owned by its union, the U.S. and Canadian governments and Fiat SpA (FIA.MI).

Well, I won’t be buying Chrysler or Government Motors. Looks like Ford will be getting my business for a while. While some may see the restructuring of Chrysler as a God send, I say its a load of crap. Don’t believe me, how many of us could see this coming with the advent of Government Motors.

Meanwhile, the Kool-Aid is starting to take effect. The American people have started to lose all sense of reality, caught up in the hope and change that the Spender-in-Chief has sold them. You suckers!!!!

Sotomayor

2009-05-28T19:38:00.001-04:00

Here’s a nice summation of what each nominee should be entitled to:

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom elaborated on the former governor's comments, saying that Romney thinks it's premature to discuss the filibuster.

"Judge Sotomayor deserves a fair, thorough and civil confirmation process," Fehrnstrom said. "At the end of that process, senators will decide for themselves how to vote on her nomination."

While I agree with Governor Romney on this, realistically, the ball is in the Obama administration’s court. While not overwhelmed with her judicial knowledge, the pick could have been much worse. Give Judge Sotomayor the fair, thorough and civil confirmation process, but don’t just hand the seat over to her.

Intriguing editorial from KTN

2009-05-27T07:45:00.001-04:00

Even for the Kingsport Times-News, this editorial is hawkish regarding the recent developments in North Korea. I agree with most of it, but I found it a little positive, even for the Times-News. Here’s a pretty powerful portion:

In response to that outrageously provocative act, President Obama told journalists assembled in the White House Rose Garden that the United States would work with allies around the world to “stand up to” North Korea. After that, the president made a brief visit to Arlington National Cemetery and then traveled to Ft. Belvoir where he played golf for the balance of the day.

It has been one of the treasured tropes of the left in general and of President Obama in particular that among President George W. Bush’s many faults was his deep disdain for diplomacy.

Unfair and untrue as that criticism has always been, North Korea’s escalating missile launches and this week’s underground nuclear test call that easy condemnation into further question.

It also makes all the self-congratulatory back-patting by the Obama administration over its supposedly more enlightened approach to U.S. foreign policy look not only premature but downright delusional.

If it wasn’t clear to President Obama during the campaign or in the days immediately after he took office, it should be exceedingly apparent now that diplomacy is meaningless unless it is backed up by the willingness to use force. As Will Rogers once famously phrased it, “Diplomacy consists of saying ‘nice doggie’ until you can find a rock.”

Friends, if you live in the SWVA/Northeast TN region, or even if you don’t, you owe it to yourself to either subscribe to the KTN or to read it daily online. The editorial section is superb considering its market.

The Maestro is at it again!!!

2009-05-26T11:28:00.001-04:00

Fishersville Mike, that is. I’d wager that not many people that Elvis has an opinion on China. Well, here it is courtesy of the Maestro!!! Yes, he’s the same one who brought us Sourland’s latest and even more from Sourland.

An addendum to the previous post

2009-05-26T09:03:00.001-04:00

JR, at Bearing drift, has this about cap and trade. Go check it out.

Coal – It’s what’s for US

2009-05-26T08:52:00.001-04:00

At least that’s what one would think Rick Boucher and Cecil “I Own Rick Boucher” Roberts would believe. After all, a vast portion of the Ninth District is “Coal Country.” Apparently not, according to this release by Roberts’ UMWA. I’ll restate the question I previously asked: How does cap and tax protect good paying coal jobs? Answer: It doesn’t. Capping carbon emissions and then allowing trade allowances for these credits will do nothing but enact a National Energy Tax and thus seriously threaten the coal industry. That’s the whole point behind the Waxman-Markey bill. They want to tax coal out of usage in the United States. What does that leave? Hundreds of miners out of work with no prospects for jobs that pay equally as well.

What benefits would the United States gain environmentally under a cap and trade system? Little to none according to the Heritage Foundation:

Waxman-Markey Bill: Dumb and Dumber

Waxman-Markey Global Warming Tax: The cap-and-trade tax proposed by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Edward Markey (D-MA) is disguised as environmental legislation when it would have little impact on global temperatures. In fact, it is a massive energy tax that promises soaring household energy bills, major job losses, income cuts, and a sharp left turn toward big government.

And It Keeps Getting Worse: The original draft of Waxman-Markey was so bad for the economy that moderate Democrats demanded it be changed. The new version, believe it or not, is much worse. Compared to no cap and trade, real GDP losses increase an additional $2 trillion, from $7.4 trillion to $9.6 trillion

And Why Is It Getting Worse? Attempts to reduce costs to consumers in the current bill do ease some near-term economic pains, but because "pollution permits" are handed out as subsidies, debt is driven up, interest rates increase, and businesses significantly reduce the investments that drive the overall economy, resulting in a more costly bill.

Green Jobs Are a Myth; Real Job Losses Are Not: For every "green job" created, others are wiped out. Compared to no cap and trade, average unemployment increases in the new bill an additional 261,000 jobs, from 844,000 lost jobs to 1,105,000 lost jobs in the current version

Your Family Will Pay: Waxman-Markey will raise electricity rates 90% after adjusting for inflation, gas prices 74%, natural gas prices 55%, and an average family's annual energy bill by at least $1,500.

And What Do We Get After We Tax the Weather?

The Ultimate Outsourcing: India and China have repeatedly said they would not match U.S. environmental goals in order to protect their economies. Cap and trade will merely move manufacturing jobs to China and India.

Environmental Status Quo: All of the outrageous costs associated with this bill may at best result in 0.2 degree drop in temperature by the end of the century, and most likely even less.

Massive Corruption: The New York Times reports that cap and trade "is almost perfectly designed for the buying and selling of political support through the granting of valuable emissions permits to favor specific industries and even specific congressional districts" (May 20, 2009).

An Alternative That Supports American Taxpayers: Instead of appeasing a radical environmental agenda, President Obama should give us access to all energy sources, including domestic oil production, nuclear energy, coal, and new renewable fuels. Instead of new taxes, the President should aim to lower gas and electricity prices. When government impediments are lifted, America's energy entrepreneurs can develop innovative and market-driven solutions to our energy needs.

The problem is that Cecil Roberts and the UMWA are sweeping Boucher's support of Waxman-Markey under the rug. I posted about this, but no seems to be paying attention, I know you all read stuff, but the complicity here is staggering considering Roberts' rhetoric. The question we ought to be asking Roberts, Boucher and the UMWA, is how does cap and tax protect good paying coal jobs? Boucher's song and dance routine about being middle of the road is getting him nowhere. We've all seen the protest at his DC office and the arrests that followed. Being middle of the road does nothing but get you hit by a tractor and trailer.He should stick with being liberal, he's better at it.

SWVA Delegation to Richmond, not optimistic

2009-05-26T08:18:00.001-04:00

Senators Bill Wampler, Jr. and Phillip Puckett are taking a wait and see attitude as to whether further budget cuts will be needed.

State Sen. William Wampler Jr., R-Bristol, was in Richmond Thursday with the Senate Finance Committee dealing with the latest notch to get bored into the state’s tightening belt.

“I think the most disturbing point is, all revenue trends are worse than what the governor briefed us on during (this year’s session of the Virginia General Assembly),” Wampler said.

“We continue to see a slide in sales tax collections and quarterly income tax estimates.

Well, I think Senator Wampler has understated the situation. He’s in a panic mode without trying to appear in a panic mode. The fact of the matter remains that this “porkulus” package has done little or nothing to ease the fiscal crunch that many are feeling right now. What it has done is expand the scope of federal government intrusion and oversight into matters that are properly left to the state governments. Common sense will tell you if people aren’t spending, sales tax revenues will be below estimates.

Senator Phillip Puckett is taking much the same approach as Senator Wampler:

State Sen. Phillip Puckett, D-Lebanon, said May and June revenue numbers will be crucial to knowing where to go into the new fiscal year that starts July 1.

“These last two months will probably determine if we have to make any serious cuts, and we will probably have to do that before June 30,” Puckett said, in order to balance the budget by the end of the current fiscal year.

We’ll see.

Kilo – The philosopher

2009-05-25T21:35:00.001-04:00

Quoting Pericles, Kilo makes an appropriate post on Memorial Day.

Liberty University – For The Record

2009-05-25T15:08:00.001-04:00

Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. released this statement regarding the College Democrats at LU.

Here’s the pertinent information:

The University has not banned Democrats from campus. Nor has the Democrat club been banned from meeting. And, never has the University or its’ officials said that a person cannot be a Christian and a Democrat. Sorry for those who want to run with these titillating soundbites, but these are the facts.

The students who formed the Democrat club last October are good students. They are pro-life and believe in traditional marriage. They can continue to meet on campus. The only thing that has changed came about as part of a University-wide review of all student organizations for official recognition status. Official recognition carries with it the benefit of using the University name and funds. While this group will not be an officially recognized club, it may still meet on campus.

The McAuliffe campaign has made it appear as if the Dems were the only group under review. Spin? How about outright misrepresentation. If all campus groups were under review, then the Lefties don’t have a leg to stand on. As yet, I’ve not seen an official release from the group itself, only the Democrat Party of Virginia, the DNC and the McAuliffe campaign.

While the students in the college Democrat club are pro-life and support traditional marriage, the constitution of the club pledged support to advance the Democratic platform and candidates. The 2008 Democratic platform has taken an extreme turn to the left on social issues. For the first time it supports federal funding of abortion and repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, a law passed overwhelmingly by a bi-partisan Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton. Liberty University will not lend its’ name or financial support to undermine marriage or to promote abortion. (as is its right as a private university) (italics mine)

If it is about Free Speech as many bloggers have claimed, why doesn’t the DNC or the Democrat Party of Virginia speak out against the pro-life and pro-marriage stance the LU group espouses? It is about partisan politics and, in my opinion, the effort to deflect growing criticism of his campaign by Terry McAuliffe. The Democrats have seen the same polls as everyone else. They know that all THREE of their candidates trail Bob McDonnell in recent polls.

Stars and Stripes: D-Day Vet honors comrades

2009-05-25T06:56:00.001-04:00

This article is well worth the read on this Memorial Day. It appears in the latest issue of Stars and Stripes. This is a short post, but go read the article.

UVa – Wise to begin ROTC program

2009-05-25T06:21:00.001-04:00

This is a great step for the Wise County college. Once known as Clinch Valley College, the Cavaliers will begin offering the ROTC program under the auspices of the current program at East Tennessee State University.

While at ETSU, I had the opportunity to tour the ROTC barracks and their training facilities. Both are impressive and will enable the UVa – Wise program to get a foothold into the ROTC world. Congratulations to the UVa – Wise Cavaliers for this positive step forward.

Tessie

2009-05-24T21:31:00.001-04:00

My fellow Red Sox Nation compatriots will know exactly what I’m talking about. I love the original Tessie, but this is awesome too!!!!

1st Cav Division – Helping rebuild Iraq

2009-05-24T15:37:00.001-04:00

It is always important to note that men of war are among some of the most generous and gentle people to walk the planet. This release from the 1st Cavalry Division PAO demonstrates the difference these 8th Cavalry Regt’ troopers are making; one community at a time.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, travelled to Hawijah in Kirkuk province to deliver micro-grants May 2.

According to Staff Sgt. Jared Wiegand, a Fort Wayne, Ind. native, and pay agent with 1st Bn., 8th Cav Regt., the micro-grant amounts ranged from $1,500 to $2,500. The amounts were determined based on services and equipment local shop owners requested.

Excellent Read

2009-05-24T15:25:00.001-04:00

If you don’t already read it, I’d suggest that you begin to read “Stars and Stripes” the newspaper for today’s military. An electronic version of the actual paper is provided for download and the site offers different sections for each edition. I read it as I would my local paper. I write this to point out that there are other news media out there other than the big box, mainstream media.