Trent Lott: Man with a Short Memory

Before beginning this post in detail, I have to confess that I have a poor impression of Mr. Lott that stems from an issue between his office and an organization I worked for several years ago. I want the reader to be aware of this as it adds a bias to my post.

Much has been made of the remarks made by Senator Trent Lott regarding talk radio and blogs. With the advent of the so-called "new media", politics has become even more focused on communication. As recently as 28 years ago, the television was only beginning to realize its potential as a political tool. Of course, I'm referring to the election of 1980 that brought the Great Communicator into office.  President Reagan's ability to bring his case to the American people can be tied to his abilities to communicate effectively and with grace on television.

In the past five years or so, the advent of blogs, podcasts, video podcasts and other digital media has brought a sharpening of issues with attention to detail not seen in Presidential elections before.  The use of blogs in defeating the "Shamnesty Bill" brought to bear the power of the grassroots as never before. Attention to obscure votes made by a Senator, reference to far removed bills signed by a former Governor, and the immediate communication of adverse action by our Governing bodies are all attributable to the use and perfection of digital "new" media.

I have went through this tirade to come the following point. Mr. Lott is seeing the results of a grassroots effort that has come a long way from the one that put Ronald Reagan in the White House. Mr. Lott is resenting the fact that he himself was a victim of the immediacy of reporting regarding his remarks about the late Strom Thurmond. Mr. Lott should bear in mind that the 21st century grassroots is as likely to be computer fluent as they are to be politically astute. Mr. Lott is entitled to his opinion, as every American citizen is. I would point out that opinions are more widely disseminated now than ever before. A wise local GOP activist once told me that "You better watch what you're saying at all times." This holds true in life AND politics. Mr. Lott (in my view) has been hostile to genuine conservatives after being swept into majority in 1994.

Will blogs ever totally influence elections? No. Unless you're a behemoth like Glenn Reynolds or Michelle Malkin or Ed Morrisey (sic). Will blogs ever replace the old fashioned art of the stump speech? In my opinion, no. People still love to be fired up,  informed and given their marching orders.  Blogs (and the Internet as a whole) will, however, enable the grassroots to be more effective in holding our elected officials to fire in their votes.

Hunter Legislation

An important piece of legislation has been authored by Congressmen Duncan Hunter and Tim Ryan, Republican and Democrat respectively. This legislation seeks to limit damage done by currency manipulation of China. The bill has significant support from labor as well as business and management interests.  Kilo posts on the issue here. Duncan Hunter is the only Republican with the credentials to back up his rhetoric. Pro-life, pro-defense, pro-fair trade, and pro-gun, Duncan Hunter is the logical choice for conservatives.

Scorched Earth for the GOP?

According to Roci at Rocinante's Burdens, that's exactly what should happen. Personally, I think that the time is coming. I'm more inclined to wait to see if the bill passes, but Roci makes a very strong argument. This post is a must read!!!!

Amnesty

I join others in expressing my total outrage that the United State Senate, the so-called "World's Greatest Deliberative Body" would revive a piece of legislation that is overwhelmingly 

I am tired of getting shoved around.  It is time we stand our ground. The revival of the amnesty bill is shameful and borders on treason.  Should the bill pass the Senate, I will join Ward in leaving the GOP. In the interim, I will be financially supporting only one Republican candidate, that is Duncan Hunter. The RNC can forget any contributions from me.  I'm reminded of this lyric from Simon and Garfunkel:

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? ,a nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

Think about it. You'll figure it out!!!

Perennial Candidates

 

While most of the conventional wisdom will discount even declared candidates such as Duncan Hunter, Ron Paul, and Mike Huckabee, it is perhaps notable that perennial candidates like Alan Keyes provide needed perspective in a race that is beginning to look like a traveling carnival. I have the greatest respect for Ambassador Keyes. I would encourage his entry into the race for the nomination simply because his presence would sharpen and clarify most of the other candidates (Rudy McRomney) positions. I still support Duncan Hunter, but would welcome an Alan Keyes candidacy.

Duncan Hunter's Appeal To Conservatives On The Net

I like what I hear. Duncan Hunter is what America needs at this time. Please check out www.gohunter08.com and learn more about Duncan Hunter.

Washington County Sheriff

Here at Good Sense, I've been contemplating a very serious issue. I have been considering who I will support in the November Sheriff's race in Washington County. After careful consideration, I have made my decision.

I am proud to endorse Sheriff Fred Newman for re-election. Sheriff Newman has been a consumate professional in every area of life in the WCSO. I have been impressed with the amount of cases (some very serious) that have been cleared in the 7 years that Mr. Newman has been Sheriff. The improvements made to the infrastructure of the Sheriff's Office are numerous.

Leslie Carbone: Ladies of the Night and Leaders of the News

I've never been disappointed in Ms. Carbone's posts at her blog. However, I must admit that this particular post is truly a work in subtlety.  I had no vested interest in the Sayre/Hanger primary race save that which benefits all conservatives to elect genuine conservative leaders. Ms. Carbone, as always, fine work.

Leslie Carbone: Ladies of the Night and Leaders of the News

Recommended Resources

One of the biggest complaints I hear from those who are politically apathetic is that they don't know what's going on. The Office of the Republican Whip offers a daily email notice called the Whipping Post which includes links and descriptions of bills scheduled to be before the House that particular day. You can follow the link here:

When I worked in Porter Goss' office, this tool was invaluable as to the days schedule and to gauge where the House was going in its legislative program.

There are several options for viewing the Whipping Post. You can read it as it is posted on the website, you can download and view it as a PDF file, or you can subscribe to the mailing list to receive it in your inbox. I highly recommend this resource so that we can keep our elected officials feet to the fire on bills that are vital to the preservation of American ideals and liberties.

House Armed Services Committee/China

 

According to a post on the GOP Members Armed Services Committee site, the full committee will begins hearings today on recent developments in China's security apparatus.  This is something we should be watching with interest as Americans. However, this will be an opportunity for Duncan Hunter to exhibit his expertise in military and security affairs. He is also strong on China and its massive trade surplus with our nation.

This clinches it

According to a report at Politico.com, Jonathan Martin reports that Rudy Giuliani's Iowa co-chair has served on the board of Planned Parenthood as recently as 2005. Folks, what has the GOP come to? If Rudy Giuliani receives the nomination, I will renounce my credentials as a Republican. So what if Rudy's good on National Security(which is a dubious assertion at best), what good is that if we murder our most innocent lives from within our own borders. Friends, this is even more confirmation that our nation AND our party needs Duncan Hunter now more than ever.

Bottom Feeders?

It strikes me as being the height of arrogance and idiocy to call a candidate a 'bottom feeder' when the Democrat party is full of them as well. Here's the quote from some guy called BooMan, but I won't link to it.


Even segregationists had a better claim to serving the rule of law than these
losers that were quite willing to overlook the crimes of Richard Milhous Nixon.
These bottom feeders will always exist. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California) is a
current example. But the GOP is filled with them.

What about Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel? Bottom feeders for the failed liberal policies of the Johnson administration as well as Jimmy Carter's jock sniffers for the malaise of the 1970's. These two couldn't poll for dog catcher in Virginia much less nationally. Oh wait, there's something remarkably 'romantic' about the liberal peacenik crusader speaking his mind. Please. The only thing these two could win is a raffle at the local firehouse.

Reasons to Vote for Duncan Hunter

With thanks to GoHunter08.com, I present their list of reasons to vote for Mr. Hunter. The list is impressive. I've placed those reasons I find compelling in bold.



1) He is the most conservative candidate in the race. He has a 92% lifetime rating, American Conservative Union.

2) He is the "National Security" candidate. He served with the 173rd Airborne and the 75th Army Rangers in Vietnam, and was, most recently, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee in the House of Representatives. Duncan Hunter knows defense.

3) He is a strong supporter of missile defense.

4) He's a strong supporter of Israel.

5) He was responsible for building the fence along the Mexico-U.S. border in San Diego. That double fence -- that fence cut smuggling (people and drugs) over 90%.

6) He opposes the McCain-Kennedy Amnesty bill in the Senate.

7) He is a co-sponsor of the Fair Tax.

8) He was the co-sponsor of a bill that would require a 2/3 majority in Congress to raise taxes.

9) He is a strong proponent of fair trade and will fix some of the bad trade deals that have been made by previous administrations in order to keep high paying jobs in America.

10) He pledges to appoint originalist judges like Antonin Scalia.

11) He has a 100% Pro-Life rating from National Right to Life.

12) He believes that marriage is between a man and a woman. He supports a Constitutional Amendment to protect marriage.

13) He is a strong defender of the 2nd Amendment who has an A+ National Rifle Association rating.

14) He supports school choice.

Rethinking Force Structure

During the process of researching various candidates and their positions, I happened across this article written for Roll Call newspaper by Congressman Duncan Hunter, then Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.  This article reveals a lot about the breadth of experience Mr. Hunter has in defense issues, but it reveals more about his ability to analyze and comprehend complex and intricate issues such as force structure.

Congressman Hunter has thoughtfully suggested that we need to rethink our approach to force structure as it applies to the post 9/11 world. Please pay particular attention to the final two paragraphs. 

Rethinking Force Structure

New Hampshire Debate: Duncan Hunter on Illegal Immigration

In my limited experience and viewpoint, it seems to me that the question this moderator posed to Mr. Hunter is inflamatory at best and potentially racist at worst. Immigrants doing jobs that Americans don't want? That may be true in some cases but I know of plenty of people looking for a good, high paying job. Double standards in the MSM as usual.

Leslie Carbone: Constitutional Limits

 Ms. Carbone has written a primer on Constitutional interpretation in the below linked post.  I suggest some of our liberal brethren take a cue from this quote. Please note the final portion of this sentence. Nice work Ms. Carbone. 

Paradoxically, because the document that limits federal power also grants federal power, any attempt to ignore or overthrow its parameters in reckless pursuit of inconsistent legislation actually undermines the legitimacy of the government itself.

Leslie Carbone: Constitutional Limits

Duncan Hunter Calls for Darfur Relief

According to a press release issued by his Congressional office, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Presidential candidate, calls on President Bush to support the relief effort to Darfur.  Specifically, Congressman Hunter stipulates that aid be focused on a 'humanitarian corridor' near Darfur.

Their Finest Hour

 

On today's date, 63 years ago, America's greatest generation had their finest hour as Operation Overlord commenced with the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. We're losing hundreds of this generation everyday, we should always thank them for their sacrifices and willingness to protect American interests.

Duncan D. Hunter for Congress

We should be so lucky to have a candidate in the 9th District like Duncan D. Hunter.  This is Duncan Hunter's son and although we cannot vote for him, we can support him.  A man who has served two tours in Iraq as a Marine knows a thing or two about the War in Iraq.  

Duncan D. Hunter for Congress

Live Writer

As Scott suggested, I'm giving Windows Live Writer a go to see how I will like it, this post is a test.

Welcome back

to the folks at Sic Semper Tyrannis blog. I'm impressed with the new blog and am looking forward to their posts. However, go here to vote in their Virginia straw poll. Vote for your candidate, or if you don't have one.... vote for Duncan Hunter.