Senseless and Cowardly

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

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?

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

 

 

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

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

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!!!

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

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

Coal – It’s what’s for US

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

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

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

Liberty University – For The Record

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

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

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

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

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

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.

“The Voice” 1934 - 2009

It’s a shame when such a legend as Vern Gosdin can pass away and not one single country music channel takes much notice. Hits like, Set ‘Em Up Joe and Chiseled in Stone to gospel stand-bys like Jesus, Hold My Hand are solid gold. This is my blog, and I’m going to say something that contemporary “country” music lovers will not want to hear. Billy Currington, Keith Urban and others like them couldn’t even carry Vern Gosdin’s mike stand.  There are only a handful who are in the same mold and I can count them on one hand.

RIP Vern “The Voice” Gosdin

Cecil Roberts - Clueless

In this press release, Cecil “I Own Rick Boucher” Roberts comes to the Feckless One’s defense citing “protections” in the Waxman bill. How does cap and tax protect coal jobs Mr. Roberts?

 

“Coal is America’s most abundant energy resource. We have more coal than any nation on earth. As the debate over climate change has evolved over the past two decades, we have not only insisted on the preservation of coal mining jobs, but argued as well for the essential part that coal plays in sustaining our national economy and ensuring our independence from foreign oil.

“While we still have concerns about this legislation, it contains many items that Rep. Boucher and others worked hard to attain and which we support, including over $100 billion to advance and deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

The fact of the matter remains that cap and tax will create a huge bureaucracy to handle the trade of “allowance” in carbon emissions and will effectively create a National Energy Tax which will discourage the use of coal and other sources of energy which are readily available to us now. This cap and tax system, by Obama’s own admission, will cause electricity rates to “skyrocket.” Don’t believe me? Hear now the Spender-in-Chief:

This is simply about partisan politics and the fact that Rick Boucher is owned and funded by Roberts and the UMWA.  I suggest that Mr. Roberts read HR 2300, the American Energy Innovation Act to see the right approach to energy solutions for the United States. Until he does, he remains clueless as to what Americans really want.

Patrick Henry wins district baseball title

My alma mater, Patrick Henry, claimed its first district baseball tournament title since 1991, my senior year. Congratulations to the Rebels for bringing home the Hogoheegee District title.

Game On

 

NOTE: It will be interesting to see how Cecil Roberts and his buddies at the UMWA come down on this.

Rick Boucher’s support of the jobs killer bill that purports to reduce carbon emissions most likely now has cost him his seat in 2010. When Krystle first posted on this, I was skeptical. However, I now believe Rick Boucher’s betrayal of the coal industry has just cost him his seat. He’s getting hammered from the left AND the right and he’s doing nothing but killing good paying coal jobs in Southwest Virginia. Jerry points out that even the White House knows Boucher is vulnerable now. GAME ON in the Ninth District.

Poor Little Lefties

They’ve got their britches in a bunch because a private university chose not to recognize an organization which is contrary to the mission statement and religious views of the university. Boo hoo!!! What about the First Amendment rights as applied to Congressman Tom Tancredo (and other conservatives) who was almost assaulted on the University of North Carolina’s campus? Here’s the video, judge for yourself. For the record, each time a conservative group is recognized on public university campuses, they experience “free speech” in the form of vandalism of privately funded conservative newspapers.

 

 

And just so no one will accuse me of being a Fox soldier, here’s coverage from CNN:

 

Memorial Day

Before I go any further with this post, I wish to clarify that Memorial Day is not about D’s and R’s, it is about A’s as in Americans. Neither side has monopoly on remembrance and men who were D’s and men who were R’s all made sacrifices on battlefields around the world.

That said, it’s good to see Kilo posting again. Missed ya bro!!! You might find this story interesting. Go check his post and the underlying story.

Boucher is protested

H/T to Article XI:

 

Looks like the Feckless One is getting hammered from both sides. I have no sympathy for these idiots who disrupt public business, but I find it amusing that our Congressman is protested by environmental groups when he supports Waxman’s horrible legislation.

As to the protesters, come to Buchanan or Dickenson Counties and try that. You’d be run out and tarred and feathered. These idiots don’t realize that coal drives the electricity they use to blog by, it drives the electricity that heats their water when they shower. Idiots!!!

These type of protests accomplish nothing but a criminal record and bad press for your cause. You want to protest? Fine. Find a place where no public proceedings will be interrupted. As to Congressman Boucher, I hope he realizes that coal UMWA is what is keeping him in office. He sells out again, he may be out of a job come 2010.

Memorial Day 2009

In case I don’t blog the next few days, please be mindful that this weekend and the following Monday is more than just the first holiday of the summer. We should all give thanks and pay respects to the graves of fallen veterans. Take time to place flowers on veterans markers at your local cemetery, that’s what I’m going to do.

Thank you Mr. Boucher – pt. 1

NOTE: I forgot to mention that the Armistice did NOT end the state of war that exists between Pyongyang and Seoul. To this day, a formal state of war continues to exist between North and South and the US continues to lead the UN Force Command on the Korean Peninsula.

 

Well, I finally received a response from Mr. Boucher’s office regarding my question on the UN Korean Medal. I appreciate it. However, do you want to know what that response is comprised of? A print off of the Wikipedia article on the Medal and a print off of the Army information article from the Army website. That’s it. Not even a reply letter. Ok, I understand the dates are in place, but here’s my argument:

 

1.) The United States intervened on the Korean peninsula at the request of the United Nations in Security Council Resolutions 2.A.3.84 which reads in part:

 

The Security Council,
Having determined that the armed attack upon the Republic of Korea by forces from North Korea constitutes a breach of the peace,
having recommended that Member s of the United Nations furnish such assistance to the Republic of Korea as may be necessary to repel the armed attack and to restore international peace and security in the area,
1. Welcomes the prompt and vigorous support which Governments and peoples of the United Nations have given to its resolutions 82 (1950) and 83 (1950) of 25 and 27 June 1950 to assist the Republic of Korea in defending itself against armed attack and thus to restore international peace and security in the area;
2. Notes that Member s of the United Nations have transmitted to the United Nations offers of assistance for the Republic of Korea;
3. Recommends that all Member s providing military forces and other assistance pursuant to the aforesaid Security Council resolutions make such forces and other assistance available to a unified command under the United States of America ;
4. Requests the United States to designate the commander of such forces;
5. Authorizes the unified command at its discretion to use the United Nations flag in the course of operations against North Korean forces concurrently with the flags of the various nations participating;
6. Requests the United States to provide the Security Council with reports as appropriate on the course of action taken under the unified command.  (The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, Website, 11 September 2005)

The United States was specifically asked to appoint a commander of the United Nations Forces Command in Korea. There is photographic proof that the UN Flag still flies on US installations in Korea and have done so since the Armistice. I personally have photographic evidence that the UN flag was flown in an official capacity as the visit by then President Eisenhower in 1960.

 

 

Please note the UN flag that is flown beside the Union Jack of Great Britain. Also note the different countries in the review. This photo was taken by my father in the Spring or Summer of 1960 before he shipped back Stateside. Don’t believe that Ike was there? Ok, here’s more:

General Eisenhower is noted in red circle, note the salute from the General. Also note, the Secret Service agents noted in blue. The size of this assembly precludes the possibility that a lower ranking official was making the visit.

The point to this exhibition is to show that the United States forces were part of the UN Command force directed to maintain the integrity of the DMZ after the Armistice. By the way, there have been numerous incursions by the North into the DMZ well AFTER the signing of the Armistice. I’ll continue with my disdain for Mr. Boucher’s office later.

8th Cav Regiment MOH Recipient

This Second Lieutenant served in the very same company that my father served with in Korea. Had Dad decided to reenlist, it is likely, though not certain, that he would have been in the same platoon as this fine officer. Had he reenlisted, he would have received a promotion to Sergeant and would most assuredly have seen action in the first wave of troops to Vietnam.

 

Courtesy of the 8th US Cavalry Regiment Association derived from:

http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html

 

*LEISY, ROBERT RONALD
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Infantry, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. place and date: Phuoc Long province,
Republic of Vietnam, 2 December 1969. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 1 March 1945, Stockton,Calif.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Leisy, Infantry, Company B, distinguished
himself while serving as platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission. One of his patrols became heavily engaged by fire from a numerically superior enemy force
located in a well-entrenched bunker complex. As 2d Lt. Leisy deployed the remainder of his platoon to rescue the beleaguered patrol, the platoon also came under intense enemy fire from the front and both flanks. In complete disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. Leisy moved from position to position deploying his men to effectively engage the enemy. Accompanied by his radio operator he moved to the front and spotted an enemy sniper in a tree in the act of firing a rocket-propelled
grenade at them. Realizing there was neither time to escape the grenade nor shout a warning, 2d Lt. Leisy unhesitatingly, and with full knowledge of the consequences, shielded the radio operator with his body and absorbed the full impact of the explosion.

This valorous act saved the life of the radio operator and protected other men of his platoon who were nearby from serious injury. Despite his mortal
wounds, 2d Lt. Leisy calmly and confidently continued to direct the
platoon's fire. When medical aid arrived, 2d Lt. Leisy valiantly refused
attention until the other seriously wounded were treated. His display of
extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to duty provided the inspiration and leadership that enabled his platoon to successfully withdraw without further casualties. 2d Lt. Leisy's gallantry at the cost of his life are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

GarryOwen

I can’t remember if I’ve posted this or not, but here it is. The song is a traditional Irish drinking song adapted by George Custer as his regimental song. It is now the official song of the 1st Cavalry Division.

The movie in the video is We Were Soldiers. There are two war pictures that are the best I’ve ever seen. Saving Private Ryan is the other.

 

Winchester SX3: That’s my bag baby!!!

For those who know me, you know that I’m a Winchester buff. I own4 different Winchesters ranging from a Red Letter Model 37 single shot 12 ga, to a Super Shadow Model 70 .300 WSM. My next potential purchase? The SX3.

 

Obama at ND Round Up

Given the vast amount of posts out there in blogland… I thought I would take the time to link to a few of them.

 

Virginia Virtucon : Notre Dame: The Sell Out Irish

Washington Examiner :Obama tries spin moves to Dodge ND tacklers

The Right Wing Liberal : The importance of Obamas appearance at ND.

From on High : There is no middle ground here sir

 

And just to be fair minded:

Virginia Dem: Commencement Remarks “Fair Minded”

Blue Virginia: Highlights of Obama’s Speech at ND

Kingsport Times-News

The KTN took home 10 awards from the Tennessee Associated Press Managing Editors, including Best Website and Best Editorial in their division. The editorial award is appropriate because the KTN always exhibits balanced editorial coverage on diverse issues. Congratulations to the Times-News.

Old School

With the advent of heavy metal and rap and all that, I thought I’d show some love to some really good music from the WWII era. Today, it’s Glenn Miller and his orchestra with “In The Mood.”

 

Tech Product

I’ve only recently discovered some of the more interesting features of Twitter.  I’ve uninstalled TwitterFox and downloaded TweetDeck. It’s an excellent platform for all things Twitter.

Virgil Goode endorses Stanley for RPV Chair

I just received an email that others probably stating that former Representative Virgil Goode has endorsed Bill Stanley for RPV Chair. I’m still undecided, and if I were a delegate, would probably remain so right up to the ballot.

Meadowview Truck Stop nixed… for now

The Washington County Planning Commission voted 4-2 against rezoning of a proposed site for a Love’s Travel Center at Exit 24 in Meadowview. This decision will force the Board of Supervisors into making the final determination based solely on its decision to adopt the recommendation or not.

There are plenty of reasons why the sale and development of the property should go ahead. Jobs, influx of secondary traffic to the area, and so on. However, this is only one good reason why it should not proceed. The elementary school. There is a tremendous amount of traffic associated with parents picking up their children from school. Even with the availability of school buses, a sizeable portion of parents elect to drop children off and pick them up.This traffic amounts to vehicles parking along side the road waiting for school to dismiss. The traffic load would increase significantly.

This is not the first time I’ve had to do some soul searching about a truck stop in the Meadowview, Emory and Glade Spring district. In 1999, during my campaign for Board of Supervisors, a truck stop had been proposed at then empty exit 29. I was asked repeatedly where I stood on it. I had no honest answer because I was torn between the need for jobs and development and the desire to protect home owners from unwanted source of noise and fuel fumes. The kicker this time is the school.

With the argument that the area needs jobs,there is another angle which is not being talked about. Where are the good paying industrial jobs that were promised with the development of the Glade area industrial park which is sitting unused with the access road and basic lighting already in place? Mr. Boucher intimated that with this addition, good paying industrial jobs would flock to the Glade Spring and Meadowview area. Where are they? The property has been unused for almost 4 years. Certainly there are companies that would view the proximity to the interstate as beneficial?

That’s right. Mr. Boucher spends most of his time selling out his constituents.

UN Letter

 

Granted, this is not a signed letter from the Secretary General, but this is more than I’ve received from my “Congressman.”  It’s not exactly the answer I was looking for either, but they were at least courteous enough to send a reply.

Shame on you Mr. Boucher

About a month ago, I wrote two letters on behalf of my father SP4 Roy Fugate, late of the 8th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division. I wrote one letter to the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations. The other was to my so-called Congressman Rick Boucher. Today I received a reply from the office of the Secretary General and Public Affairs office that was personalized and type written with a handwritten envelope. To date, I have received precisely no reply from Rick’s office.

Let me back up a little to inform you as to why I wrote these letters. I wrote Mr. Ban Ki-moon to inquire about formal recognition of my father’s service as a part of the United Nations Command in Korea, from 13 September 1958 to 6 October 1960. In short, I wrote asking that my father be awarded the United Nations Korean Medal in formal recognition of his service.

I wrote to Mr. Boucher asking for his help in expediting this process. I enclosed the letter that I sent to the Secretary-General and explained my situation. The two letters were posted on the very same day. I am highly disappointed in the vaunted “constituent service” that Mr. Boucher prides his office on. I’ve emailed his office, I’ve written letters that were personally signed by me.

It is a sad state of affairs when the United Nations mails a hand addressed reply with a personalized type written letter. You can’t seriously assert that the Ninth District congressional office is busier than the Public Affairs office of the United Nations? SHAME ON YOU MR. BOUCHER and SHAME ON YOUR STAFF!!!!

 

NOTE: I will include a scan of the letter and evelope from the UN shortly.

Like politics and Twitter?

Well, The Hill’s Twitter Room is the place to go. Politicians, pundits, columnists, they are here and they Tweet.

Obama’s Creative Math

The Spender-in-Chief is using some pretty creative arithmetic  to justify a $108 billion increase in funding the International Monetary Fund, or IMF. The increase is attached to a supplemental war funding bill. The creative math?

In order to make this politically feasible, the administration has argued that the true cost of this $108 billion contribution to the IMF is actually zero. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) did not accept this argument, but presented a figure that is very low; as this goes to press it is reportedly at $5 billion.

The rationale? We’re spending another $108 billion of taxpayers’ money, but it really isn’t costing us anything. Geez. This guy really believes that we’ll buy that. When the debate really heats up on this, remember this equation:

$108 billion = Zero dollars

Twitter

For those who read Good Sense, please bear with me. I’m still learning the ins and outs of Twittering. If you Twitter and I haven’t followed you, please leave a comment and I’ll do so.

WaPo: The bastion of reliable reporting

Yeah, right. According to this from the Political Wire, the Washington Post there are no polls coming out of Virginia that are reliable. All of a sudden the WaPo gets integrity? All of a sudden, it will steer clear? Please.

Lashley wins MMA match in 24 seconds

Ok, so the pro wrestling scene isn’t exactly preparation for the Octagon or any other Mix Martial Arts venue. However,  Bobby Lashley destroyed his opponent in 24 seconds using a front guillotine choke.  I think it would serve Bobby well if he were to give up pro wrestling and start focusing really hard on his MMA. Don’t believe me? Here’s the proof.

 

Rick Warren on Larry King

 

NOTE: Read this article from the Baptist Banner which fills in gaps in the King interview

 

I know this has made the rounds. For those who stand for traditional marriage, this is an important segment to watch. This man is a pastor and marriage is “not even his agenda?” He even calls himself an evangelical? The Bible tells us that we will give an accounting of all our idle words. These words are not merely foolish things we’ve said, but also things that we shouldn’t have said that is contrary to the Word of God. Rick Warren, as will Charlie Fugate and everyone else for that matter, will give an accounting for his stance.

What is not mentioned here is that Warren did indeed meet with his congregation and express support for Prop 8. Which is it Pastor Warren? Yes or no. Do you support gay marriage or traditional marriage.

 

 

If you notice the crawler at the bottom, people come out for and against Mr. Warren’s stance. It’s a mixed bag.

Dr. Jerry Falwell

It was two years ago today that the Lord called his servant, Dr. Jerry Falwell, home to be with Him. Despite what people think they know about Dr. Falwell, he was one of the most compassionate and loving human beings that I ever had the privilege of meeting.

Dr. Falwell was no doubt outspoken and active in the political realm at one time. However, his latter years were dedicated to the advancement of Liberty University and under his leadership, Liberty achieved many milestones. One of the most notable was the calling of a former Muslim to be President of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Another milestone was achieving 10,000 students on the Lynchburg campus, in addition to another 25,000 enrolled in Distance Learning courses.

CIA: Pelosi’s outbursts “noise”

The Hill reports that the CIA maintains that it briefed Pelosi in a truthful manner.

 

"We are an agency of high integrity, professionalism and dedication," Panetta said in the memo. "Our task is to tell it like it is — even if that’s not what people always want to hear. Keep it up. Our national security depends on it."

In the pep talk-style memo titled "Turning Down the Volume," Panetta encourages CIA employees to return to their normal business and not to be distracted by the shout-fest Pelosi's remarks created.

"My advice — indeed, my direction — to you is straightforward: Ignore the noise and stay focused on your mission," Panetta wrote. "We have too much work to do to be distracted from our job of protecting this country."

RNC: Another good fundraising month

According to The Hill, the RNC raised $5.7 million, of which the vast majority came from individual contributions. This is significant for the GOP for two very important reasons:

1.) The GOP outraised the DNC for another month. This places cash on hand for the RNC at $24.3 million versus $9.8 million for the DNC. This is HUGE. The GOP is putting the full court press on the DNC and Governor “Timmy”.

 

2.) Perhaps as important, the majority of this influx of cash came from individual contributors. This means that the GOP is starting to understand the importance of grassroots fundraising again. Whether this will translate to votes in 2009 for the GOP, that remains to be seen. However, it does indicate a stronger party than what many pundits give it credit for being.

Special guest at Good Sense

I am pleased to announce that John Meredith, founder of the Meredith Advocacy Group, has agreed to an interview with me for Good Sense. Mr. Meredith is a Certified Association Executive and has a number of years experience on Capitol Hill lobbying on behalf of diverse trade associations. If Mr. Meredith’s name sounds familiar, it should. His father, James Meredith, was the first African-American student at Ole Miss. I have had the privilege to meet Mr. James Meredith. He is one of the TRUE heroes of the Civil Rights era.  I am proud to say that John has remained one of my closest and dearest friends despite the distance between his location and mine. I’ll post further details as we get closer to the interview.

Actually Madam Secretary…

The “Rightwing Extremism”report is still out here. I have a personal copy of it myself. As long as I remain in possession of it, there will be no sweeping it under the rug. I know many others who have it as well. Let’s see you try to sweep this away by  your notions of hope and change. Left wingers, how do you like your kool-aid, with sugar or without? Keep drinking it and we’ll see what happens in 2010.

 

"The wheels came off the wagon because the vetting process was not followed," Ms. Napolitano told the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday.

No, the wheels came off because of what the report contained, not because someone had the stones to do what needed to be done. This woman is as convoluted as the Spender-in-Chief is.

Unusual

Ok, I know what the organizers had in mind when coming up with the title “GrassFest,” but knowing East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, there will be those showing up expecting the “wacky tobaccy”.  That’s just how things go here in the Ninth.

Jonesborough traffic cameras: The other side’s take

I posted on the recent protests over the use of Redflex cameras at the three major intersections in Jonesborough, TN. I thought that while the protest group was generally respectful and well organized, I made the point that I thought removal of the cameras would be a hard sell to the citizens of Jonesborough. Turns out, I was right.

In spite of the more than 400 petition signatures collected at Saturdays rally to ban Redflex cameras in Jonesborough, several residents say they feel much safer driving through the intersections because of the traffic camera system.

John Browning is a resident of downtown Jonesborough and travels through the three intersections with the cameras several times a day.

“It has always been a danger because you can’t predict what people are going to do,” Browning said “People are frequently running the red lights and speeding.”
He said one situation that often affects him is when he wants to make a right turn at a red light. He said he could pull up to the light, stop and see that he has plenty of room to pull out, but if the opposite traffic light turns yellow people would often speed up.

“All of a sudden they are right on me,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of like being a target in a shooting gallery.”

Ok, I know I live in Virginia, but I can speak with some authority on this because I have travelled those intersections numerous times while at East Tennessee State University. It seems to me that in this case, public safety would trump whatever issues would arise. That was my point in my previous post. It is hard to argue, even when you are right, with quantifiable data.

Binding Arbitration

Here’s an informative video on the second disturbing provision of the Forced Union Bill (or EFCA).

Disrespect for authority

I believe that when authority is corrupt, there is no authority. However, this young man blatantly breached his “contract” with his school and I have no sympathy for him at all. He’s cashing in on a decision to break the rules. He knew going in that this was part of the school’s position. His parents could have disagreed and went elsewhere.

During an interview with Harry Smith, Frost explained that his private Christian school does have a contract stipulating "no dancing." However, he didn't believe it should include dancing outside of school. So, despite a stiff warning from his principal, he went to his girlfriend's prom at another school. He has since been suspended and won't be allowed to take his final exams on time or graduate with the rest of his class.

It’s not been so long ago that we had a president who did away with inaugural balls because his conscience forbade him to dance. I’m not saying dancing is bad, but when your school sets policy guidelines and then you intentionally break those guidelines, you get what you deserve(please note the bold sentence above.) This young Mr. Frost is paying the price for breaking the rules. Isn’t that what our society is predicated on? The rule of law? Sure, this isn’t public law. However, for this school, this rule was law.

Truck stop at Meadowview

UPDATE: The take from Washington County News on the split between residents.

 

The Washington County School Board passed a unanimous resolution opposing the construction of a Love’s Travel Center at Exit 24. This is the same exit at which the Meadowview Elementary School is located. While the jobs are needed in the community, there is tremendous cost associated with the construction of this truck stop.

1.) The road is very narrow and would require extensive reconstruction in order to accommodate the increased traffic. Will the developer pay for the renovation to the road?

2.) With the increase in traffic, what steps will be taken to ensure that Meadowview Elementary School will remain safe and relatively quiet for the students there?

3.) Comments have been made that eventually the school will close and move elsewhere. Has a feasibility study been made to that end?  What potential locations have been discussed along these lines?

 

Many supporters of the truck stop cite the need for jobs as the overriding factor in this equation. However, the potential impact on the school does need to be taken into consideration. Those who live in the Monroe District know that comparing this proposed truck stop and the one at Exit 29 is like comparing apples and oranges. The location of Meadowview Elementary is much closer to the interstate than is Glade Spring Middle School.  I believe this has been poorly thought out and the children in the school are going to pay the price for it.

Also, there is at least one individual who stands to personally gain from the construction of this truck stop. He owns a towing and repair business directly across from the proposed site and would see a dramatic increase in his personal business from it. That’s great. I have no problem with someone increasing their bottom line. Let’s just see that every angle has been covered

Relieved

Putting partisan politics aside for a moment I’m thankful that Senator Creigh Deeds was not injured and that the occupants in the other vehicle were released after observation. As partisans(unless you happen to think its ok to wish for someone to die), it is sometimes hard to remember that we’re dealing with human beings. My best wishes to Senator Deeds and the occupants of the other vehicle.

Patrick Muldoon

NOTE: I appreciate the comment and the wide variety of blog posts on Mr. Muldoon’s candidacy. I want to reiterate that I support Bill Bolling and that he IS a friend of conservatives across the Commonwealth. I just felt the need to speak my peace about Mr. Muldoon I intended no personal attacks against any who oppose him.

 

I’ve read and heard things said about Mr. Muldoon that range from mean spirited to indifferent. I want to clarify my position.

He’s a hard worker and in some ways, he’s a good campaigner. I worked with his campaign in 1996. I’ve seen him connect with people in Southwest Virginia who don’t even bother with politics. We took the better part of a full day and travelled to Lee County. We attended the morning livestock sale. The man can relate to people. During the whole time we were there, he mentioned that he was running for Congress from the outset and then talked cattle with the farmers there. He knew what they were doing and what they cared about.

I support Bill Bolling. He is the incumbent and carries all the advantages of that.There is no doubt that  he has been a friend to conservatives across the Commonwealth. That said, if Mr. Muldoon were so insignificant, why do all the blogs dedicate posts and pixels to him and his candidacy? How did he gather the petitions to be included on the Convention ballot? I’ve heard the standard line about comic relief, etc. I wonder what really drives this visceral reaction that Patrick Muldoon seems to elicit?

If the man has lied, then call him out on it. Provide proof, like Krystle did at C3.  It is one thing to run the man into the ground with reason, but its totally different to do it when all it is is “comic relief.” Before anyone starts, yes, I do feel a personal loyalty to the man. We worked and campaigned together. Yes, I did consider supporting him in his run. However, I know that the purpose of running candidates for office is to actually WIN those elections. Bill Bolling has won, and will win this time with the grace of God.

An example

Now, the New York Times is not exactly my favorite newspaper. In fact, I wouldn’t normally even use it to line a litter box for a cat. However, there is an article that illustrates my point that I made in “Obama’s Credit Adventure.”

 

But Eddie Ward, 32 and jobless, may be one reason that rule of thumb no longer holds. For many lenders, losses are now starting to outpace layoffs.

Mr. Ward, of Arkansas, lost his job at a retail warehouse in April and so far has managed to make minimum payments on his credit card debt, which he estimates at $15,000 to $20,000. Asked whether he thinks he will be able to pay off his balance, he said, “Not unless I win the lottery.”

In the meantime, he said, “I’m just doing what I can.”

I am truly sorry that Mr. Ward lost his job. Many Americans are going through that right now. However, there are two points I’d like to make about his situation.

1.) He ESTIMATES his debt – People, unless you are absolutely destitute and have no home address at all, you should know EXACTLY what your credit card debt is. There should be no reason at all to have to estimate anything regarding your debt. My father taught me that if I had to use credit at all, that I should be able to pay what I owe at one time. That’s it. Know what you owe and when you owe it.

2.) Debt between $15,000 to $20,000. This is the lack of consumer responsibility I mentioned in the earlier post. Why in the world would you run up that much debt just on credit cards when you know it will come due. Oh, that’s right, let the banks just write it off. Please. A responsible consumer would use the credit cards at a minimum and even then would pay off every red cent that was due. I’m sorry, but if you don’t have enough foresight to understand that job loss could happen to you, you deserve what you get.  Should Mr. Ward continue to pay the minimum payments, he’ll be paying on that debt the rest of his life. The problem is not a lack of disclosures, but irresponsible consumers. Sometimes, the customer is NOT always right.

Tests of faith: Many churchgoers, faith leaders struggle to define spiritual maturity - Kingsport Times-News Online

Tests of faith: Many churchgoers, faith leaders struggle to define spiritual maturity - Kingsport Times-News Online

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Government Motors

I suppose there should be no surprises.  Now, the acknowledgment comes of what we all knew would happen.

If the duly appointed CEO couldn’t do any better than what has happened, what makes us think that the government can do any better? WE have to stop drinking this guys Kool-Aid or we will all go down with the ship.

 

Citizen Tom meets Senator Cuccinelli

One of my favorite blogs in Virginia, Citizen Tom, has this post up about his meeting with Attorney General candidate Ken Cuccinelli. I believe that CT has done an excellent job laying the case for Senator Cuccinelli.

 

• Conservative record.  Cuccinelli has a seven year record in the General Assembly.   Cuccinelli emphasized that his record in the General Assembly proves that he means it when he says that as Attorney General he will fight to protect citizen rights and the rights of the Virginia Commonwealth from Federal encroachment.   For example, when his opponents were no where to be found, Cuccinelli backed the Marriage Amendment.  We can count on him to defend it.
• Back to basics campaign.   As our candidate, he would strive to develop a volunteer based grassroots organization/campaign across the state.  How would he attract volunteers?  As our Attorney General, Cuccinelli promised to focus on core principles, defending the basic rights of the citizens of Virginia.
• Winning Northern Virginia.   With a grassroots organization, Cuccinelli has proven he know how to win even in Northern Virginia.  As the Republican nominee for Attorney General, he would bring this capacity to develop such an organization, benefiting Republicans statewide.
• Cuccinelli realizes the job is not about him.  He told a story about a gentlemen who had served as his campaign manager.  After the election victory, he tried to thank the gentleman.  The man curtly refused his thanks.  He said:   “I did not do it for you.”   With that simple statement, the gentleman made it plain that the principles Cuccinelli stood for, not Cuccinelli himself, had earned his support.

 

With three candidates in this race, the nomination will come down to grassroots organizational skills. I believe Senator Cuccinelli has the advantage with this. It’s about to wind up and start getting ready for the General Election campaign.

When the Silver Fox talks…

People generally listen. I have to hand it to Spanky, he picked an excellent video to post here.

Why Indeed, Brian!!!

Brian Kirwin has this excellent take on why quality candidates shy away from running for Congress in Virginia.  This particular thought is very insightful and one that is lost on many.

Plus, there’s the thought that as large as the federal government is, good candidates are ones who want to have impact and accomplish things, and the chance of anyone changing much of the federal government from one Congressional seat without years and years of seniority is nil. And once you have years and years of seniority, how much “change” can you still have in your blood?

Go check out the entire post here.

Tennessee Legislature – Nothing better to do

Ok, I’m not fond of the saggy pants thing. I’m really not into seeing other guys boxers or briefs above his jeans. That said, I think the Tennessee legislature simply has nothing better to do than to follow fashion trends (by the way, they’re about 18 years behind the times, this was going on when I was in high school).

Seriously, what about local plants closing and what about doing something constructive like asking for state authority back on education?  What about writing laws that are not so open ended?

Tennessee might be the first to succeed though because a proposal remains alive in the Legislature to levy a fine of up to $250 and 160 hours of community service for wearing pants “below the person’s waistline ... in a manner that exposes the person’s underwear or bare buttocks.”

My question is, what about the guy who doesn’t have a belt or who forgot it when he left for work and stops by Hardee’s for breakfast?  Will he be forced to do 160 hours of community service in addition to the 40 he’s working now?

Again, I don’t like the saggy pants, but this really makes Tennessee’s Legislature look silly. In schools, let the teachers deal with it. Give the teachers authority to suspend the student until they can come to school dressed with all parts covered up. Don’t legislate something that is virtually unenforceable by any law enforcement agency.

Obama’s Credit Adventure

The Spender-in-Chief has proposed credit card reform in his weekly radio address. This post at The Hill includes a video of the address. I have included my comments to the post below.

 

The answer is not more lender accountability, the answer is more consumer responsibility. Credit cards, when used properly, are a source of economic independence that is helpful when the need arises for a more substantive line of credit, such as a mortgage or an auto loan. Sadly, too many Americans view credit cards as cash cows  without any strings attached. We don't need more disclosures, the American consumer needs to read the disclosures that are already in place. 

When I apply for a credit card I know what I am getting into  because credit card companies are complying with their interest rate disclosures and minimum payment schedules.  I have a responsibility to pay back the credit line that I have used and to do so within a specific time frame.

Sadly, this attempt by the President at "fixing" our problems does little more than add liabilities to companies that are already applying common sense practices.

Martin wins

Mark Martin, at age 50, has seen a lot of changes in the way NASCAR does business and the way it handles the competition side of racing. Apparently, all the changes haven’t effected Mark Martin that much. Martin held off teammate Jimmie Johnson to win Saturday night’s race at Darlington. It was Martin’s second win in the last four races. It appears as if Hendrick Motorsports has breathed new life into Martin’s career. Just two years ago, Martin was running a limited schedule and now is contending for the Chase for the Cup.

It Delivered

Star Trek delivered the goods in a huge way. I went to see it last night in Dolby Digital (the only theater to have it between Knoxville and DC). WOW. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it, but if you like swashbuckling action (yes, I said swashbuckling) then this movie is for you.

Dr. Webb?

Jim “Foot-in-Mouth” Webb, Virginia’s senior Senator, delivered the keynote address at Emory and Henry College’s commencement yesterday. I attended EHC and this doesn’t surprise me. I realize that it is customary to award honorary degrees to noteworthy speakers, but I just can’t seem to be able to call him Dr. Webb. Personally, the campus and its people are among the most friendly I’ve encountered. However, the conservative viewpoint is an endangered species at Emory and Henry and is generally drown out by the liberal activists.  My advisor and I spoke at great length during “advising” sessions about my personal politics. Dr. Lane, if you ever read this, I appreciate your drive to make me say “why” I believe what I do.

Worth a read

If you are a Republican, you might want to pay heed to this post from Anonymous Political Scientist (or from now on APS).  These are very fundamental ideas that Republicans would be wise to pay attention to.

Quote of the Day

With all due respect to Jerry at From on High, I thought I would give you this little tidbit from Morton Blackwell, Republican National Committeeman for Virginia. This is taken from a speech made in Louisa, VA on November 12, 2008, (after the election)

Behind Obama’s smiling mask of unity and hope there lurks a leftist ideologue who knows very well the changes he wants to make in America. And inside that ideologue I believe there lives a leftist demagogue.

Another helpful tool

While I mostly use Mozilla related utilities (Firefox, Thunderbird, etc.), I do have a Microsoft product that I really like to use. It is Windows Live Writer. Writer is a blog editor tool that allows you to post updates about websites, pages and other general stuff without having to log in to your service in your web browser. You can embed videos with two clicks and it allows you to determine your own labels for your posts. All in all,  I like this tool and recommend it.

Bill Bolling: Not the right time

Bill Bolling’s post at Bob McDonnell’s blog shows a dedication to not only his own re-election but to electing Bob McDonnell as our next Governor.  Check out the campaign’s blog and donate to his campaign here.

O is for Obfuscator

At least that’s my take on this article from today’s The Hill online. Calling for credit card reform, the Spender-in-Chief is coming up with creative means to bilk the hard working Americans who pay their credit cards ON TIME!!! Just when you think the talk coming out of Washington is the murkiest it can be, the Chief Obfuscator takes it to a whole new level with this:

Obama called for stronger consumer protections from credit card companies, including credit card statements with cleared language and stronger penalties for companies that "take advantage of ordinary Americans."

Credit card reform? How about encouraging the American people to reform their credit behavior? That would be true credit card reform. If you can’t pay cash for it, don’t use a credit card. It’s that simple.

“Take advantage of ordinary Americans.” Typical boilerplate response but the Chief Obfuscator appears to be trying to take a populist approach because he knows that a straight up liberal strategy will not work.

My question is what avenue of private life will the Obfuscator invade next?

I understand this one

Not so long ago, I posted about a student group at ETSU (my alma mater) that protested the university’s use of coal in its physical plant. Readers may remember that I was less than enthused about that protest. However, I read in today’s Kingsport Times-News that another student group is organizing a protest. This time it is against traffic cameras in Jonesborough (Tennessee’s oldest town.)

I can respect this one. There are two important factors at play here that influenced my view.

1.) The issue is broad enough that a change in policy would benefit the entire motoring community in Washington County, TN.  If you are not familiar with 11-E, it is a heavily travelled highway that runs through Jonesborough. ETSU has hundreds of students that are from Jonesborough or they live there during the school year.

2.) The demeanor of this group seems to be very respectful and not set on shock value, which the coal protest was. Remember “We don’t want your stinking coal?” The inclusion of the public in this rally is an excellent way to educate, but also an excellent way to get good publicity for your group. Family friendly is always good.

The other side of this is the fact that Jonesborough has apparently seen a decrease in violations at the intersections.

“Initially we had monitors set up at the three intersections to see if the violations were as bad as we suspected,” Ford said. “The number of violations was terrible, at 100 per hour. When the regular cameras were installed and we issued warnings only, the violations dropped to 100 a day. During the warning period we also made sure the yellow caution light was extended to five seconds at the signals, and the violations dropped to under 60 a day.

“Now that tickets are being issued, we are experiencing about 30 violations a day. That is a tremendous improvement.”

If Mr. Ford can bring hard evidence of that to the table, I believe it would be a hard sell for the “Students of American Liberty” to make to the citizens of Jonesborough. Having travelled that way many times myself, I know it can be a bad place for speeders and light runners.

In any event, my kudos to the “Students of American Liberty” for approaching this with appropriate demeanor and with taste and concern for the residents of Jonesborough.