31 January 2007

Interesting Take

The organization, Gun Owners of America, has this interesting take on John McCain. I've posted this link before and I'll post it again just for kicks and giggles. We all know McCain's troubles with the conservative wing of the GOP. He has also drawn the ire of organizations that are lobbying on behalf of our constitutional liberties.

Washington County Politics

With the exception of the Sheriff, two men have been constants in Washington County politics as far back as I can remember. Dennis Godfrey as Commonwealth's Attorney and Fred Parker as County Treasurer. On January 18, the three announced that they will seek re-election to their respective offices. Frankly, I'm not sure that there are many Republicans in Washington County who can beat the three men. In 1999, we had a slate of CHIEF candidates for county wide offices. I was one of these candidates. I'll tell you about my exploit some other time. I will say that the Democrat ticket trounced us pretty good. We worked hard, but couldn't overcome the name recognition.

Personally, I have no issue with any of these men. Dennis Godfrey and Fred Parker have served Washington County for many years and Sheriff Newman can be credited for his role in the development of the Regional Jail System in Southwest Virginia.

30 January 2007

Matter of Importance

Friends,

I take my pledges and my oaths very seriously. I do not give them out like candy. This is one pledge that I believe is necessary. Yes, I have signed the NRSC pledge. I have followed my conscience.

ExploreMcCain.com

As promised, I am going to post my opinion about each candidate's (or draft movement) website. Tonight I begin with one of the frontrunners, John McCain's Exploratory Committee.

Aside from the ominous black and white layout, there is very little functionality to the website. The viewer is able to watch a speech given at GOPAC meeting and other informative blurbs. Senator McCain's website serves the purpose it was designed for. Namely, it serves as a presence on the internet for his Presidential campaign. It does offer the viewer the opportunity to sign up for the campaign e-mail list and thus be targeted as potential primary voter in viewer's state.

Beyond these few minimal functions, Mr. McCain would be well served to spruce up his website. I am not saying it has to have the bells and whistles of John Edwards website, but it would be nice to see a little red in the site. I would rate this site a 2 out of 5.

Might as well have some fun

In case you haven't noticed, I've placed GOPBloggers Straw Poll on the sidepanel. Please participate and make your voice heard. By the way, I do have a preference, but you'll have to wait and see. It's not all that hard to guess! LOL

Friends, I've not been this energized this far out from a Presidential election in a long time. In fact, the last time I really felt ready to go, I wasn't even able to vote. Enjoy the new poll.

29 January 2007

Changing Times for Bloggers

I've been contemplating the role that bloggers and tech-savvy gurus will have in the near future. Of course, I'm referring to the 2008 elections. Never before have Presidential campaign had an online presence as early as they have know. Want proof? Just look that the GOP 2008 Candidates blogroll I have on this blog. Each site serves a specific purpose and I'll look at each one (without travelling down the partisan road.) and comment on it. Perhaps I'll have the post finished just in time for next week's Virginia Blog Carnival.

Another Entrant

Mike Huckabee is in the GOP field officially. We'll see how things develop from here on out. I've added his website to my blogroll to the right of the screen. Check out all the candidates. It is still early in the game, but please find someone that will get you energized and motivated. This primary process is a healthy one if we approach it the right way.

Official Grand Opening

Friends,

This is the semi-official grand opening of the new Good Sense blog. I will be continuing with the political commentary, local analysis and general posting. Feel free to peruse at your leisure.

10 January 2007

Upcoming Agenda

Friends,

I've been debating some changes to Good Sense that would allow greater flexibility. However, I wanted to inform you of the upcoming agenda here.

1.) I will continue to reveal different planks in a "Back to the Future" platform for the GOP. These planks include: Social Issues, Defense, Intelligence and The War on Terror, Economy.

2.) In keeping with Ben's excellent posts regarding State Senate districts, I'll be examining Washington County and trends in voting there. It's pretty obvious to those of use who live here, but others might find it interesting.

3.) This project is something I intended to start last year, but my forced hiatus dictated other wise. I intend on examining some of the Federalist Papers. This is just for civic purposes!
There you have it. Good Sense will try to be a blog that is interesting, conservative and informative.

GOP in the 21st Century--Back to The Future #2

Here's the second plank in a "Back to the Future" platform that I believe is important for the GOP to develop. This plank deals with social issues. This is one that will probably generate some heat. So be it.

GOP In the 21st Century: Back to The Future


Social Issues





  1. The Republican Party recognizes that social issues are an important part of our party's platform. We reaffirm our commitment to the following:





a. We believe that life begins at the moment of conception. This is nonnegotiable. We affirm our commitment to the life of the unborn in all circumstances. We also resolve to support the Partial Birth Abortion Ban signed by the President. We intend to promote adoption as a preferable alternative to any abortion procedure.




b. We believe that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. We do not recognize civil unions or gay marriage as legitimate alternatives to traditional marriage. Therefore, we resolve to support and reintroduce the Federal Marriage Protection Amendment.




c. We believe that the family is the fundamental unit of all society regardless of race or nationality.




d. We believe that the flag of the United States is a symbol that has withstood the test of time. This symbol has rallied troops from Gettysburg to Mount Suribachi and has created a sense of unity in times of crisis. We therefore reaffirm our support for a constitutional amendment protecting this hallowed symbol of our nation.




e. We believe that religious liberty is a fundamental right granted under our Constitution. All citizens of the United States may practice whatever religion they see fit, provided said exercise does not present a “clear and present danger” to others. We affirm the right of all citizens to be secure in the protection of this free exercise. This includes the display of Nativity scenes in public parks.


How Could I Forget

Seems like Mitt Romney has no shortage of news copy for distribution. In a move that could put the South in play for Romney, South Carolina Jim DeMint will serve as a senior advisor to the campaign. Details can be found here.

Regardless about what you think about his candidacy, Romney appears to have a sharp operation already in place. Could make for an interesting horse race for the nomination. With the formal filing of papers by Governor Jim Gilmore, the GOP field is starting to shape itself. Hat tip to Riley of Virginia Virtucon.