Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!
I will be on a short (week-long) hiatus.
During this Holiday Season, remember to be thankful for all of the blessings of life! For me part of those blessings is living in the greatest nation in the world...a place where liberty, justice, and equality comes standard with being a good, productive citizen.
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
Thomas Jefferson
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
Thomas Jefferson
"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty."
Thomas Jefferson
"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground."
Thomas Jefferson
"If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there'd be a shortage of sand."
Milton Friedman
"History suggests that capitalism is a necessary condition for political freedom. Clearly it is not a sufficient condition."
Milton Friedman
"I am in favor of cutting taxes under any circumstances and for any excuse, for any reason, whenever it's possible."
Milton Friedman
"The Great Depression, like most other periods of severe unemployment, was produced by government mismanagement rather than by any inherent instability of the private economy."
Milton Friedman
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Election Night Pain!
And a little comedy gold from election night...no, not the Presidential election. The American Idol election...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday Fun!
* The main stream media and moderate/liberal Republican elites need to stop trying to blame conservative talk radio for the Republican losses. Rush, Hannity, Boortz, Laura Ingraham,etc...have nothing to do with why the Repubs lost this election. If the Republicans had been listening to these guys for the last eight years, things would be different today. The Republican Party of the 2008 election season lost for one simple reason; they were the Democrat Party lite. The Republican Party offered no new answers, and no new ideas. What the Party did do, was swing wildly to the left on almost every political issue. Take for instance the debate (or lack of debate) over the bailout. The arguments that arose were over pork, but both sides generally agreed on the main tenets of the bailout. When the choice is between Democrat and almost Democrat, people will pick the guys who know how to be Democrats every time.
* The vast majority of registered Republicans want the Party to move to the R-I-G-H-T!
* Gary Bauer unmasks the populist Mike Huckabee.
* If Mr. Obama is FDR or Lincoln redux we are in some deep, deep doo-doo.
* Absurd headline of the day? Breathalyzers are racist.
* Don't want to die? Go to church.
* Diane Sawyer is enraptured by the magnificence of the new President-elect.
* Our current financial crisis is nothing like the Great Depression! Also, in case you missed it...there is no credit crisis.
* The miracle of Haleigh Poutre!
* The vast majority of registered Republicans want the Party to move to the R-I-G-H-T!
* Gary Bauer unmasks the populist Mike Huckabee.
* If Mr. Obama is FDR or Lincoln redux we are in some deep, deep doo-doo.
* Absurd headline of the day? Breathalyzers are racist.
* Don't want to die? Go to church.
* Diane Sawyer is enraptured by the magnificence of the new President-elect.
* Our current financial crisis is nothing like the Great Depression! Also, in case you missed it...there is no credit crisis.
* The miracle of Haleigh Poutre!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Moore stupidity.
* Micheal Moore is angry at the "Big 3" automakers. Moore proves he is either a lunatic or an idiot with a couple of his statements in this interview.
"...We can't let all these people lose their jobs because of the bad decisions, the stupid decisions made by the management of these auto companies. I think what has to happen here is that Congress needs to pass some legislation, and our president-elect needs to do what Roosevelt did." Let me translate: the employees of the "Big 3" have the "right" to keep their jobs. The problems at these companies isn't their fault, it's managements fault.
Actually, Michael the blame here lies with both management and the unions....and their jobs are not a right, but a privilege.
"President-Elect Obama has to say to them, yes, we're going to use this money to save these jobs, but we're not going to build these gas-guzzling, unsafe vehicles any longer. We're going to put the companies into some sort of receivership and we, the government, are going to hold the reigns on these companies. They're to build mass transit. They're to build hybrid cars. They're to build cars that use little or no gasoline. We're facing a national crisis, not just an economic crisis, but a crisis of the polar ice caps are melting. There's only so much oil left under the Earth. We're going to run out of that, if not in our children's time, our grandchildren's time."
Translation: the Government should "bail out" the "Big 3" by buying them out or confiscating their means of production. Then turn them into the "tip of the spear" of the war on Global Warming, that way the workers get to keep their jobs and we save the polar bears and the planet from utter destruction. It will only cost the American people a few billion dollars more...
(The author unleashes a Primordial scream!)
Deep breaths.
Mr. Moore, it is not the government's job to protect the jobs of the people who work for the automakers. It is not the American people's job to pick up the tab on failed businesses. It is the American people's money and many Americans disagree with your ideas as public policy... The ideas you have advanced in this interview would be better suited as a private business. Private businesses are (generally) better run and better funded then government programs. Let the "Big 3" fail, and in their place we may see the next American revolution in technology, perhaps it will be a new surge in "green" technology that allows American to once again be cutting edge in transportation technology. I have the perfect "fall back" job for any worker who will lose their jobs.
Enforce immigration law, and open the door for these factory workers to take over the employment opportunities in construction, farm labor, and other high immigrant fields...that is the American way. When one door closes another opens.
* Libertarian's and Social Conservatives have too much common ground to keep pushing each other away!
* Another "right" we don't have? The "right" to win.
* My father always said, "Everything in moderation, son." Well he was right! Apparently a little bit of pot goes a long way.
"...We can't let all these people lose their jobs because of the bad decisions, the stupid decisions made by the management of these auto companies. I think what has to happen here is that Congress needs to pass some legislation, and our president-elect needs to do what Roosevelt did." Let me translate: the employees of the "Big 3" have the "right" to keep their jobs. The problems at these companies isn't their fault, it's managements fault.
Actually, Michael the blame here lies with both management and the unions....and their jobs are not a right, but a privilege.
"President-Elect Obama has to say to them, yes, we're going to use this money to save these jobs, but we're not going to build these gas-guzzling, unsafe vehicles any longer. We're going to put the companies into some sort of receivership and we, the government, are going to hold the reigns on these companies. They're to build mass transit. They're to build hybrid cars. They're to build cars that use little or no gasoline. We're facing a national crisis, not just an economic crisis, but a crisis of the polar ice caps are melting. There's only so much oil left under the Earth. We're going to run out of that, if not in our children's time, our grandchildren's time."
Translation: the Government should "bail out" the "Big 3" by buying them out or confiscating their means of production. Then turn them into the "tip of the spear" of the war on Global Warming, that way the workers get to keep their jobs and we save the polar bears and the planet from utter destruction. It will only cost the American people a few billion dollars more...
(The author unleashes a Primordial scream!)
Deep breaths.
Mr. Moore, it is not the government's job to protect the jobs of the people who work for the automakers. It is not the American people's job to pick up the tab on failed businesses. It is the American people's money and many Americans disagree with your ideas as public policy... The ideas you have advanced in this interview would be better suited as a private business. Private businesses are (generally) better run and better funded then government programs. Let the "Big 3" fail, and in their place we may see the next American revolution in technology, perhaps it will be a new surge in "green" technology that allows American to once again be cutting edge in transportation technology. I have the perfect "fall back" job for any worker who will lose their jobs.
Enforce immigration law, and open the door for these factory workers to take over the employment opportunities in construction, farm labor, and other high immigrant fields...that is the American way. When one door closes another opens.
* Libertarian's and Social Conservatives have too much common ground to keep pushing each other away!
* Another "right" we don't have? The "right" to win.
* My father always said, "Everything in moderation, son." Well he was right! Apparently a little bit of pot goes a long way.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
(D) and (R)...both stand for socialism.
* Don't kid yourself, folks. Republicans are just as socialist as Democrats.
* Speaking of socialism....$4.3 trillion. That is the bill for the bailout...so far. That is not even including a new auto bailout. $4.3 TRILLION...wrap your head around that.
* Mike Huckabee's new book rips the other Republican Presidential candidates and exposes Huckabee's true leanings. Take this as my "I told you so...", Mike Huckabee is not a movement conservative. He is a social conservative, but an economic populist. He is Huey Long redux, and he does not deserve any Republican support. You cannot trust this man with your paycheck or your liberties, send him back from whence he came (to Hope, Arkansas). In his book he also attacks my strain of Libertarian Conservatism...folks, hear me when I say...Libertarian Conservatism is true American conservatism.
* Oh, and Dr. Ron Paul is still against the bailout. And so is Fox News' Shephard Smith.
* A little follow up to the gay marriage debate from Michelle Malkin.
* Is President Bush trying to make up for lost time? Finally becoming a champion for pre-born life? It may be too late to make the real difference he could have, but at least this will slow President-elect Obama's mission to make abortion more widespread.
* The Seattle Mariners have made history by hiring Don Wakamatsu as their new manager. Coach Wakamatsu is the first Asian-American manager in Major League History.
* The Red Sox Dustin Pedroia won the American League MVP award, but it was not deserved.
* Speaking of socialism....$4.3 trillion. That is the bill for the bailout...so far. That is not even including a new auto bailout. $4.3 TRILLION...wrap your head around that.
* Mike Huckabee's new book rips the other Republican Presidential candidates and exposes Huckabee's true leanings. Take this as my "I told you so...", Mike Huckabee is not a movement conservative. He is a social conservative, but an economic populist. He is Huey Long redux, and he does not deserve any Republican support. You cannot trust this man with your paycheck or your liberties, send him back from whence he came (to Hope, Arkansas). In his book he also attacks my strain of Libertarian Conservatism...folks, hear me when I say...Libertarian Conservatism is true American conservatism.
* Oh, and Dr. Ron Paul is still against the bailout. And so is Fox News' Shephard Smith.
* A little follow up to the gay marriage debate from Michelle Malkin.
* Is President Bush trying to make up for lost time? Finally becoming a champion for pre-born life? It may be too late to make the real difference he could have, but at least this will slow President-elect Obama's mission to make abortion more widespread.
* The Seattle Mariners have made history by hiring Don Wakamatsu as their new manager. Coach Wakamatsu is the first Asian-American manager in Major League History.
* The Red Sox Dustin Pedroia won the American League MVP award, but it was not deserved.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
My BIG secret.
I have a secret. It is buried deep in my philosophical soul. It is so far down, that it has been forced into hibernation to survive...but it's there. As often as I shout from the rooftops, "I am a CONSERVATIVE!", it still sits. My deep, dark secret? I am a proponent of the legalization of natural narcotics (ie. marijuana), and am not an opponent of gay marriage! I am a Constitutional Libertarian! !GASP! I know...I know. Please don't hate me, or stop reading my blog...(all 3 of you)...let me explain. I consider myself a paleo-conservative. I believe the Constitution to be the supreme law of the land, and feel that these issues are under the purview of each individual state (and their people) not the federal government. (This is also part of the reason I am an avid pro-life advocate...and believe that all Libertarians should be pro-life if they truly buy in to the Libertarian dogma) Now, I make my caveat. I generally find myself in arguments with people where I argue the opposite side (meaning I argue against gay marriage, or against the legalization of any drugs), mostly because I find liberals so stinkin' annoying! I cannot bear to agree with them on ANYTHING because of the way they defend their arguments, or justify their actions. What is happening in California and Michigan and other parts of the country is just more proof of the problem.
Dr. King Jr. had it right when he tried to change the hearts and minds of the American public. He did it peacefully, and graciously. Today's proponents of gay marriage (NOT ALL of them, mind you, just the vocal majority), are trying to force their agenda down the throat of the majority of Americans using terror, force, aggression, and hatred. The majority of the population in California voted to ban gay-marriage...but instead of talking calmly, and educating peacefully we (by we I mean other parts of the country) see the proponents of gay marriage in California marching, yelling, and aggressively promoting their cause. The difference between this and Dr. King's movement? The rhetoric. Dr. King spoke of "peace", "love", and "brotherhood". The gay marriage protesters? They shout in anger and rage about the small mindedness of others, about the hatefulness and homophobia of the masses, about the evil of conservatism, and the soullessness of America's churches. This isn't the way to win majority support...it's the way to spark violence and anger. Speak softly, speak clearly, speak logically, speak emotionally...don't incite your rivals to anger. Those of us in the middle detest your methods...and while we might be swayed to your cause...you push us away. I am conservative Christian who happens to believe homosexuality is sin...does that mean I would pass laws restricting your freedom to practice? No. Does that mean I would support measures to keep you from adopting? No. Does that mean I would support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage? No......Not yet anyway.
How Mr. Obama got elected.
Great article about the above video from Hot Air.
* Those of you who support nationalized/universal/socialized healthcare...please stop. If we continue down the nationalized healthcare road, our model will most likely follow that of the UK...and here is a quick snapshot of how things are working out for them.
"The NHS (England's National Healthcare System) is getting to the point where it must choose between buying expensive drugs for terminally ill patients or providing more care to more people."
* Are you an idiot for continuing to pay your mortgage?
* The National Review Online defends itself against a NY Times hit piece. The media often does this to anyone who has ever agreed with George W. Bush on anything...
* The LA Times has just realized that President-elect Obama has a "thin resume"!
Dr. King Jr. had it right when he tried to change the hearts and minds of the American public. He did it peacefully, and graciously. Today's proponents of gay marriage (NOT ALL of them, mind you, just the vocal majority), are trying to force their agenda down the throat of the majority of Americans using terror, force, aggression, and hatred. The majority of the population in California voted to ban gay-marriage...but instead of talking calmly, and educating peacefully we (by we I mean other parts of the country) see the proponents of gay marriage in California marching, yelling, and aggressively promoting their cause. The difference between this and Dr. King's movement? The rhetoric. Dr. King spoke of "peace", "love", and "brotherhood". The gay marriage protesters? They shout in anger and rage about the small mindedness of others, about the hatefulness and homophobia of the masses, about the evil of conservatism, and the soullessness of America's churches. This isn't the way to win majority support...it's the way to spark violence and anger. Speak softly, speak clearly, speak logically, speak emotionally...don't incite your rivals to anger. Those of us in the middle detest your methods...and while we might be swayed to your cause...you push us away. I am conservative Christian who happens to believe homosexuality is sin...does that mean I would pass laws restricting your freedom to practice? No. Does that mean I would support measures to keep you from adopting? No. Does that mean I would support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage? No......Not yet anyway.
How Mr. Obama got elected.
Great article about the above video from Hot Air.
* Those of you who support nationalized/universal/socialized healthcare...please stop. If we continue down the nationalized healthcare road, our model will most likely follow that of the UK...and here is a quick snapshot of how things are working out for them.
"The NHS (England's National Healthcare System) is getting to the point where it must choose between buying expensive drugs for terminally ill patients or providing more care to more people."
* Are you an idiot for continuing to pay your mortgage?
* The National Review Online defends itself against a NY Times hit piece. The media often does this to anyone who has ever agreed with George W. Bush on anything...
* The LA Times has just realized that President-elect Obama has a "thin resume"!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Conservatism in action.
I have recently been burdened by the idea that as a pro-life conservative, I must be more proactive in my support for adoption. It is a consistent attack leveled at the pro-life community that we have not taken a big enough role in adoption to support our pro-life stance. I am not entirely sure that is correct, as a simple google or yahoo search of Christian adoption agencies provides a plethora of information. However, I do know that in my own life...the attack has found it's mark. I have been ardently pro-life for years, and have been becoming more committed to that cause as time has progressed...but have until very recently not seriously considered adoption for my family. That is changing. The LORD has blessed my wife and I with a beautiful son, and very soon a daughter...but my heart truly breaks for those on society's fringes who have been left without parents. I think it is the job of all Christians, and to a lesser extent of all conservatives to carefully consider adoption. As a Christian the argument is easy to make, we have been commanded to care for the orphans and widowed. As an anti-abortion - pro-life American my beliefs on abortion and the moment life begins demand that I be involved in adoption and foster parenting. As a conservative my politics dictate that I take part in ensuring that the least of our society have a place of comfort and refuge. My politics dictate that the government should not take the lead in the welfare of individual citizens, but that private charity should. The only way for private charities to make enough money to help the people who need it, is for those of us with the resources to help...to indeed provide help. For years we have given to charity through our church and through specific charities themselves; such as Samaritan's Purse, World Help, World Vision, and several others. I cannot help but imagine a world where every American gives at least 10% of their income to a private charity...these charities are much more able than the government to use your funds to help people. A world where every American sacrificed just 10% of their earnings for private charity, would be spectacular. If we stopped asking government to help us, and started instead to say, I will help others...the mind cannot even begin to fathom the difference that would make.
Please visit abbafund and find out how you can help "the least of these" right here at home.
James 1:27 The New International Version
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Psalm 146:9 The New International Version
"The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked."
* A 16 year old girl has been drafted to pitch by professional baseball team in Japan. How did she do it? By throwing a sidearm knuckleball...
* Albert Pujols has won his 2nd National League MVP award.
* Dr. Paul preaches truth.
* Keynesian economics is killing us.
* Secretary of State Clinton? Honestly, President-elect Obama could make a much worse choice...
* Why do we continue to allow ourselves to be duped by global warming alarmists when all of the relevant data (see examples one and two) and history say they are wrong? But of course in the land of fruits and nuts...
* It is funny how dictatorships that don't allow the free market to work in their own countries, suddenly understand how important the free market is when they need money! I just wish our legislators would get the connection between supply and demand, and how Adam Smith's invisible hand really works...
* Freedom or government?
* You thought Republicans were bad...wait until you see the War Hawks hovering around the Obama administration!
Please visit abbafund and find out how you can help "the least of these" right here at home.
James 1:27 The New International Version
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Psalm 146:9 The New International Version
"The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked."
* A 16 year old girl has been drafted to pitch by professional baseball team in Japan. How did she do it? By throwing a sidearm knuckleball...
* Albert Pujols has won his 2nd National League MVP award.
* Dr. Paul preaches truth.
* Keynesian economics is killing us.
* Secretary of State Clinton? Honestly, President-elect Obama could make a much worse choice...
* Why do we continue to allow ourselves to be duped by global warming alarmists when all of the relevant data (see examples one and two) and history say they are wrong? But of course in the land of fruits and nuts...
* It is funny how dictatorships that don't allow the free market to work in their own countries, suddenly understand how important the free market is when they need money! I just wish our legislators would get the connection between supply and demand, and how Adam Smith's invisible hand really works...
* Freedom or government?
* You thought Republicans were bad...wait until you see the War Hawks hovering around the Obama administration!
Friday, November 14, 2008
The "real" America.
Newsmax Election MapThe above map just kind of put into perspective what the nation really thinks. So who really speaks for the "common man"?
* President Bush gave a speech warning against abandoning free-market capitalism...it seems a little too late for that, no? Now that our nation has spent more than a trillion dollars making private companies into public companies. We have long since abandoned our loyalty to the free-market system, and that is precisely why our economy has taken this latest tumble. Interventionist government policy has caused the crumbling of our nation's economic foundations, and I fear that our latest actions to salvage it have only caused more severe long-term damage.
* The Heritage Foundation adds up the numbers and explains how much the stimulus packages and the bailout will cost us...and this doesn't include the numbers on the next proposed bailout and stimulus packages.
* Apparently some Republican Governors are a little jealous of Sarah Palin. The thing that struck me most about this article was Tim Pawlenty's apparent rejection of a GOP return to conservatism and embracing of broadening the GOP's appeal to more groups. I don't mind reaching out to more groups (like my fellow Latino's, or blacks, or women, etc.) but we must not try and do that by changing our ideals and message. We reach out by answering the questions that they have with our conservative principles, for too long the Republican Party has allowed the Democrats to "seem" more in touch with the black community or to "seem" more able to help women meet their life goals. We don't have to stop being pro-life to reach out to more women, and we don't have to support affirmative action to reach out to the black community. We just have to learn to better express WHY our ideas (born from our values and beliefs) are better for them then the Democrats bankrupt ideas.
* Abstinence education works better...and there is proof in Africa.
* Milton Friedman could see the future.
* Who didn't see this coming? The Russians are waiting to pounce.
* France's "lurch to the left".
My Plan for the New York Mets.
Free Agency opens up this morning; Friday November 14, and I have a plan for GM Omar Minaya of those Amazin' Mets!
I would not have picked up Carlos Delgado's option, even though he had that break out 2nd half last year...but since you did, I will keep him in my plans as well. What that means is that we will not be chasing Mark Texiera in free agency, even though a Gold Glove first baseman who hits a ton would be nice. I would recommend finding a trade partner to unload 2nd baseman Luis Castillo immediately... post haste... even if it means eating most of his ridiculous contract. Hopefully, Daniel Murphy has progressed enough on defense over the off-season that he can take over at 2nd base for Castillo. If not, then Orlando Hudson would seem to be the obvious (though expensive) choice to pursue (though my preference would be skip Hudson and pursue Cesar Itzuris or David Eckstein to play 2nd).
At SS and 3rd base we continue with the best left side of the infield in baseball, David Wright and Jose Reyes.
At Catcher it seems that Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro will continue to platoon.
In RF and CF; Ryan Church and Carlos Beltran...this continues the best defensive right 2/3 of the OF in baseball. A stretch? Maybe, but they are both Gold Glove caliber defenders. In LF comes the biggest offensive question mark for the Mets...how do we fill this hole? Manny Ramirez would be spectacular hitting in the clean-up in our lineup, but boy, the price may be prohibitive...even for the Mets. After that there are a cluster of options; Bobby Abreu, Raul Ibanez, Adam Dunn, or Juan Rivera. The C-list could perhaps be a continued platoon of Nick Evans and Daniel Murphy in left field. My personal advice here; we have skimped thus far on the Free Agents by moving Murphy to 2nd base and skipping the Texiera hunt; so splurge and chase Manny down. If the cost is too high, try and coax Abreu to Queens.
Batting order: 1. Reyes 2. Murphy 3. Wright 4. Manny 5. Beltran 6. Delgado 7. Church 8. Schneider/Castro
That takes care of the offense, now to pitching:
Billy Wagner is gone for the year, and it seems like his career may be done. The Mets would have been a playoff team last year with a more stable bullpen, so we have to shore it up. I think the Mets should start by re-signing Luis Ayala, but don't expect him to close. He worked hard late last year, and was an overall plus for the bullpen. After that, I would aggressively pursue several options; K-Rod, and Brian Fuentes topping the list. My choice here would probably be to wait on K-Rod until he realizes that the market for a BIG payday is not there and then offer him the next best deal. 3-4 years at about 13$ million a year. I would also try and bring Bobby Howry into the fold and get Aaron Heilman a shrink.
At the Starter position we are losing two starters; Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez. Now, Pedro won't exactly leave a gaping hole...though it will be nice to be free of his salary. Oliver's shoes will be harder to fill...but I say let him go. He won't be worth the cost, whatever it is. I would target Derek Lowe and CC Sabathia with the last of my free agent dollars. (Though we are going to assume CC passes, because I can't see him signing with the Mets.) The Mets get their man in Lowe, and once CC turns them down, they turn their sights on AJ Burnett and Ben Sheets. I think Burnett will be too expensive, and Sheets will sign with the Rangers...so we have to keep looking. The pitchers I would focus on are; Mark Mulder, Mark Prior, Brad Penny and Jon Garland. I think the Mets should take a shot with any combination of 2 or 3 of these guys. Remember that they would be anchoring the back end of the rotation, and that the Mets have some wiggle room financially. The first 3 of these guys could be a steal, and Garland should continue to be solid.
So what does my 25 man roster look like?
C - Brian Schneider/Ramon Castro
1B - Carlos Delgado
2B - Daniel Murphy
SS - Jose Reyes
3B - David Wright
LF - Manny Ramirez
CF - Carlos Beltran
RF - Ryan Church
SP - Johan Santana, Derek Lowe, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Mark Mulder/Mark Prior/Brad Penny
RP - K-Rod, Heilman, Ayala, Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez, Bobby Howry
Bench: Nick Evans, re-sign Damion Easley (cut Marlon Anderson), Fernando Tatis, Argenis Reyes, re-sign Endy Chavez
Alright, this was actually 27 guys...but I expect that Argenis Reyes would begin the year at AAA, and we would have to move a reliever...probably either, Heilman or Sanchez.
It may be a bit optimistic to hope for Manny and K-Rod but I am by nature an optimistic guy.
I would not have picked up Carlos Delgado's option, even though he had that break out 2nd half last year...but since you did, I will keep him in my plans as well. What that means is that we will not be chasing Mark Texiera in free agency, even though a Gold Glove first baseman who hits a ton would be nice. I would recommend finding a trade partner to unload 2nd baseman Luis Castillo immediately... post haste... even if it means eating most of his ridiculous contract. Hopefully, Daniel Murphy has progressed enough on defense over the off-season that he can take over at 2nd base for Castillo. If not, then Orlando Hudson would seem to be the obvious (though expensive) choice to pursue (though my preference would be skip Hudson and pursue Cesar Itzuris or David Eckstein to play 2nd).
At SS and 3rd base we continue with the best left side of the infield in baseball, David Wright and Jose Reyes.
At Catcher it seems that Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro will continue to platoon.
In RF and CF; Ryan Church and Carlos Beltran...this continues the best defensive right 2/3 of the OF in baseball. A stretch? Maybe, but they are both Gold Glove caliber defenders. In LF comes the biggest offensive question mark for the Mets...how do we fill this hole? Manny Ramirez would be spectacular hitting in the clean-up in our lineup, but boy, the price may be prohibitive...even for the Mets. After that there are a cluster of options; Bobby Abreu, Raul Ibanez, Adam Dunn, or Juan Rivera. The C-list could perhaps be a continued platoon of Nick Evans and Daniel Murphy in left field. My personal advice here; we have skimped thus far on the Free Agents by moving Murphy to 2nd base and skipping the Texiera hunt; so splurge and chase Manny down. If the cost is too high, try and coax Abreu to Queens.
Batting order: 1. Reyes 2. Murphy 3. Wright 4. Manny 5. Beltran 6. Delgado 7. Church 8. Schneider/Castro
That takes care of the offense, now to pitching:
Billy Wagner is gone for the year, and it seems like his career may be done. The Mets would have been a playoff team last year with a more stable bullpen, so we have to shore it up. I think the Mets should start by re-signing Luis Ayala, but don't expect him to close. He worked hard late last year, and was an overall plus for the bullpen. After that, I would aggressively pursue several options; K-Rod, and Brian Fuentes topping the list. My choice here would probably be to wait on K-Rod until he realizes that the market for a BIG payday is not there and then offer him the next best deal. 3-4 years at about 13$ million a year. I would also try and bring Bobby Howry into the fold and get Aaron Heilman a shrink.
At the Starter position we are losing two starters; Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez. Now, Pedro won't exactly leave a gaping hole...though it will be nice to be free of his salary. Oliver's shoes will be harder to fill...but I say let him go. He won't be worth the cost, whatever it is. I would target Derek Lowe and CC Sabathia with the last of my free agent dollars. (Though we are going to assume CC passes, because I can't see him signing with the Mets.) The Mets get their man in Lowe, and once CC turns them down, they turn their sights on AJ Burnett and Ben Sheets. I think Burnett will be too expensive, and Sheets will sign with the Rangers...so we have to keep looking. The pitchers I would focus on are; Mark Mulder, Mark Prior, Brad Penny and Jon Garland. I think the Mets should take a shot with any combination of 2 or 3 of these guys. Remember that they would be anchoring the back end of the rotation, and that the Mets have some wiggle room financially. The first 3 of these guys could be a steal, and Garland should continue to be solid.
So what does my 25 man roster look like?
C - Brian Schneider/Ramon Castro
1B - Carlos Delgado
2B - Daniel Murphy
SS - Jose Reyes
3B - David Wright
LF - Manny Ramirez
CF - Carlos Beltran
RF - Ryan Church
SP - Johan Santana, Derek Lowe, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Mark Mulder/Mark Prior/Brad Penny
RP - K-Rod, Heilman, Ayala, Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez, Bobby Howry
Bench: Nick Evans, re-sign Damion Easley (cut Marlon Anderson), Fernando Tatis, Argenis Reyes, re-sign Endy Chavez
Alright, this was actually 27 guys...but I expect that Argenis Reyes would begin the year at AAA, and we would have to move a reliever...probably either, Heilman or Sanchez.
It may be a bit optimistic to hope for Manny and K-Rod but I am by nature an optimistic guy.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Guns, Guns, Guns...Come and get your guns!
* It's time to dump the RINO's and move back to our platform.
“Uncle Ted hereby declares it is open season on RINOs. No bag limits or permits required. Conservative ideas, arguments and votes are the weapons we will use. Hunt them down and shine a blazing light on these RINO turncoat cockroaches…
We must not make the mistake of keeping the GOP tent so big that there’s room for RINOs.”
--- Ted Nugent
* Is the firearm industry the next market bubble? Since the election of Mr. Obama gun sales have skyrocketed! Gun sales are booming in Florida, and in Virginia, and in Georgia, and in Missouri, and in Ohio, and in Wyoming, and in Tennessee, and in California and around the country.
Even the LA Times is worried.
* Is Fred Thompson considering a run at the Republican Party Chairmanship?
* I for one, will be voting again on December 2nd...and casting my vote for Senator Saxby Chambliss.
* The Gardasil massacre continues.
* This is what Georgia Representative Paul Broun was talking about when he compared the upcoming Obama administration with Hitler's Germany..."compulsory civil defense service".
If you are intellectually honest, and think about it logically...it does sound a little "Hitler Jugend", no? It is an attack on our nation's youth...an attempt to mold the minds of our children to the government's values...a lot like public schooling...but I digress.
“Uncle Ted hereby declares it is open season on RINOs. No bag limits or permits required. Conservative ideas, arguments and votes are the weapons we will use. Hunt them down and shine a blazing light on these RINO turncoat cockroaches…
We must not make the mistake of keeping the GOP tent so big that there’s room for RINOs.”
--- Ted Nugent
* Is the firearm industry the next market bubble? Since the election of Mr. Obama gun sales have skyrocketed! Gun sales are booming in Florida, and in Virginia, and in Georgia, and in Missouri, and in Ohio, and in Wyoming, and in Tennessee, and in California and around the country.
Even the LA Times is worried.
* Is Fred Thompson considering a run at the Republican Party Chairmanship?
* I for one, will be voting again on December 2nd...and casting my vote for Senator Saxby Chambliss.
* The Gardasil massacre continues.
* This is what Georgia Representative Paul Broun was talking about when he compared the upcoming Obama administration with Hitler's Germany..."compulsory civil defense service".
If you are intellectually honest, and think about it logically...it does sound a little "Hitler Jugend", no? It is an attack on our nation's youth...an attempt to mold the minds of our children to the government's values...a lot like public schooling...but I digress.
WWRD?
* The Constitution Party has it's best showing ever...by almost 25%! In Missouri, the Constitution Party was able to dislodge the Libertarian Party as the strongest third party in the state!
* I will drive to Washington and march hand in hand with the Catholic Church if it means stopping the Freedom of Choice Act. This is one we HAVE to fight...even if it means getting a little dirty.
* WWRD? What would Reagan do?
* Perhaps President Reagan would have joined Mr. Nugent in a bit of RINO hunting?
* Get rid of this corrupt clown quick.
* Camille Paglia may be a member of the vast left-wing conspiracy but boy, can she write! Another great article about Ms. Paglia's affinity for Governor Sarah Palin. It worries me when I agree more with a left wing feminist than I do with the once reasonable Peggy Noonan.
* The venerable Pat Buchanan argues for a return to Hamiltonian economic principles.
* Some positivity on our nation's immediate future.
* Has America lurched left? I think so, but we have been moving this way for the last 30-40 years.
* Howard Stern had it right when he switched party affiliation from Democrat to Republican...the Left is the party of censorship. We conservatives may hate the vitriol people like Howard Stern spew...but we will always allow them the opportunity to spew it.
* The MSM has dropped the ball on an obvious "hate crime". Now, I personally think hate crimes are an abomination to freedom of speech and thought...but I digress.
* Don't be fooled most Americans like socialism.
* Some perspective on a rough election year? How about "the fuller's soap"...
From Henry Payne
* I will drive to Washington and march hand in hand with the Catholic Church if it means stopping the Freedom of Choice Act. This is one we HAVE to fight...even if it means getting a little dirty.
* WWRD? What would Reagan do?
* Perhaps President Reagan would have joined Mr. Nugent in a bit of RINO hunting?
* Get rid of this corrupt clown quick.
* Camille Paglia may be a member of the vast left-wing conspiracy but boy, can she write! Another great article about Ms. Paglia's affinity for Governor Sarah Palin. It worries me when I agree more with a left wing feminist than I do with the once reasonable Peggy Noonan.
* The venerable Pat Buchanan argues for a return to Hamiltonian economic principles.
* Some positivity on our nation's immediate future.
* Has America lurched left? I think so, but we have been moving this way for the last 30-40 years.
* Howard Stern had it right when he switched party affiliation from Democrat to Republican...the Left is the party of censorship. We conservatives may hate the vitriol people like Howard Stern spew...but we will always allow them the opportunity to spew it.
* The MSM has dropped the ball on an obvious "hate crime". Now, I personally think hate crimes are an abomination to freedom of speech and thought...but I digress.
* Don't be fooled most Americans like socialism.
* Some perspective on a rough election year? How about "the fuller's soap"...
From Henry Payne
Race relations in America...?
An article at CNN.com has me wondering about the odd nature of race relations in our country.
59% of American whites thought they would see a black man become President, only 29% of American blacks agreed...why? The article also alludes to other polls, "Polls show that whites and blacks tend to have different views on the amount of racism in the U.S." said CNN polling director Keating Holland". Why do we have these different views on racism in America, and how does the election of Barack Obama change that, as the polling data suggests it does? The article basically says that before Obama was elected most African-Americans saw no "solution to this country's racial problems", whereas now the majority of African-Americans believe a solution can be found. What changed in the space of one day? Doesn't the black community need to admit that they may be wrong about most whites in America? Perhaps, the white community is not as racist as they perceived? As a man of color, I have dealt with my share of racism in my lifetime. They were experiences that I will never be able to forget...but they do not color my life. They were events that happened due to the ignorance of others, and I will not allow these few instances to change my view of humanity or to color my worldview. There are racists in American (though I would argue that racism is less rampant here than any where else in the world), and these few small minded ignorant people cannot be allowed to win. They win by turning those of us who are not bigots and racists against each other, whether we be white, black, brown, yellow, red, green or polka dotted...
59% of American whites thought they would see a black man become President, only 29% of American blacks agreed...why? The article also alludes to other polls, "Polls show that whites and blacks tend to have different views on the amount of racism in the U.S." said CNN polling director Keating Holland". Why do we have these different views on racism in America, and how does the election of Barack Obama change that, as the polling data suggests it does? The article basically says that before Obama was elected most African-Americans saw no "solution to this country's racial problems", whereas now the majority of African-Americans believe a solution can be found. What changed in the space of one day? Doesn't the black community need to admit that they may be wrong about most whites in America? Perhaps, the white community is not as racist as they perceived? As a man of color, I have dealt with my share of racism in my lifetime. They were experiences that I will never be able to forget...but they do not color my life. They were events that happened due to the ignorance of others, and I will not allow these few instances to change my view of humanity or to color my worldview. There are racists in American (though I would argue that racism is less rampant here than any where else in the world), and these few small minded ignorant people cannot be allowed to win. They win by turning those of us who are not bigots and racists against each other, whether we be white, black, brown, yellow, red, green or polka dotted...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Support the Troops...Say thanks and give 'em a hand!
Flag recovered from the remains of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.Please be sure to remember in your thoughts and prayers the many American soldiers who serve for us today, around the world. Also, be sure to remember those soldiers and their families who have served in defense of our great nation in the past...if not for these brave souls our nation would be poorer. Please, I beg of you, the next time you see a soldier in an airport, or at the mall, or wherever you may see one...take the time to stop and say "Thank you" for what they have done, and will do for all of us. Shake their hand, and show them that they are appreciated...it's the least we can do.
Make a difference in a soldier's life (or in the lives of their families):
- Forgotten Soldiers is an outreach to soldiers on foreign soil, to remind them that we are thinking of them.
- The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans
- Homes for our Troops is an organization that provides specially adapted homes for severely injured service men and women.
- Freedom is not Free provides services for wounded military service members, and the families of service members who have given their lives.
- Books for Soldiers sends care packages to service members abroad. They send books, dvds, cds, games, hygiene items, snacks, socks, blankets, school supplies, etc. to our soldiers who don't have ready access to these things.
- Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home.
- The Fisher House Foundation supports our military in their time of need, they provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.
Please give to these charities as you can, and with a very grateful heart.
* The truth is, that Barack Obama didn't make it any easier to achieve the American Dream. (In fact, it may become harder.) It was already very possible, for those of us who decided it was worth working for.
* Rush uncovers the truth, liberals from Newsweek have long been "creeped out" by President-elect Obama.
* I am not a crazy, right-wing, militant, wacko...but I agree with Congressman Broun.
* The Democrats in Congress are out for blood; moderates beware.
* Intelligent piece about the not-so-intelligent intelligentsia.
* Scuttlebutt is that it's Michael Steele vs. Newt Gingrich for Republican National Committee Chair. Can I vote neither? Neither man is the ideas oriented tough conservative the Republicans need as Chairman. I suggest asking my Presidential candidate Chuck Baldwin to come back to the GOP and head it up...
* To end on a patriotic note, here is a great video from US Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Lawrence Dean performing "Free!"
You can get the lyrics and video of the Sergeant on Fox News from Blackfive.
The Declaration of Independence
The Gadsden FlagIN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
WHEN, in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's GOD entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the Causes which impel them to the Separation.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that Governments long established, should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World.
HE has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good.
HE has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their Operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
HE has refused to pass other Laws for the Accommodation of large Districts of People, unless those People would relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyranny only.
HE has called together Legislative Bodies at Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the Depository of their public Records, for the sole Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with his Measures.
HE has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People.
HE has refused for a long Time, after such Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining, in the mean Time, exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from without, and Convulsions within.
HE has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither, and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
HE has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
HE has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the Amount and Payment of their Salaries.
HE has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harrass our People, and eat out their Substance.
HE has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the Consent of our Legislatures.
HE has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
HE has combined with others to subject us to a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
FOR quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops among us:
FOR protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
FOR cutting off our Trade with all Parts of the World:
FOR imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
FOR depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits of Trial by Jury:
FOR transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended Offences:
FOR abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an arbitrary Government, and enlarging its Boundaries, so as to render it at once an Example and fit Instrument for introducing the same absolute Rule into these Colonies:
FOR taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
FOR suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever.
HE has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection, and waging War against us.
HE has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People.
HE is, at this Time, transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the Works of Death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun with Circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation.
HE has constrained our Fellow-Citizens, taken Captive on the high Seas, to bear Arms against their Country, to become the Executioners of their Friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
HE has excited domestic Insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an undistinguished Destruction, of all Ages, Sexes, and Conditions.
IN every Stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus marked by every Act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a free People.
NOR have we been wanting in Attentions to our British Brethren. We have warned them, from Time to Time, of Attempts by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our Connexions and Correspondence. They too have been deaf to the Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the Rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
WE, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connexion between them and the State of Great-Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of Right do. And for the Support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of DIVINE PROVIDENCE, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honour
Monday, November 10, 2008
Manic Mondays...
* Does this look like change to you? By Brett Noel.
* A beautifully written "ode to the Marines" by Ted Nugent.
* One of my favorite bloggers, writing about meeting a hero of mine...great story!
* Norm Coleman, the Republican Party, and the people of Minnesota are getting screwed by the Minnesota Elections Board.
* Say No, to the new New Deal!
* A sign of things to come?
* Rachel Maddow of MSNBC has no idea what she is talking about, when trying to come off as intelligent on the Great Depression. No where near as bad as Joe Biden's "FDR on TV" announcement...but maybe more devastating because some people will actually believe she speaks truth.
* The communists love them some Barack...and Lincoln, too.
* Obama's American Dream: Servitude.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Operation Leper
*The recent spate of smears attacking Governor Palin is not coming from the Democrats but John McCain's campaign staffers. Well RedState has come up with a plan to help Governor Palin, Operation Leper is in full swing and you need to get involved. Here is more info from Michelle Malkin.
And from Campbell Brown:
* The Wall Street Journal has some advice for both Governor Palin and her GOP haters. And one feminist's argument to support Sarah Palin. Oh by the way, Oprah would love to have the Governor on her show, now that the election is over.
* Was compassionate conservatism a mistake? Perhaps just one of the many mistakes Republicans have made over the past eight years.
* This was my hope in supporting a 3rd Party in this recent election, that John McCain would lose, and that the Republican Party might wake up from their zombie-like socialist march. Maybe it worked?
"...so the Republicans must go down to their grass-roots, get in touch with their base and rebuild an opportunity to win national elections. Government has been bad for the party. It has sapped the party's soul and eroded its purity. But opposition, especially as a socialist like Obama wrestles with the practical problems of capitalism, will be a heady experience for the Republicans. The conservative movement can be reborn in opposition in a way they never could have been as the governing party."
* I am imploring my fellow Georgians to get out to the polls on December 2nd and cast their ballot for Saxby Chambliss. We cannot afford to allow the Democrat Party to inch there way closer to the magical 60 seat filibuster proof majority in the Senate. Not to mention, Saxby can be trusted to support the Fair Tax and generally side with conservatives on the major issues of the day (though his support for bailout saddened me).
* Did you realize that there is a movement to impeach President-elect Obama?
* Barack Obama and the post-racial delusion. The election of Barack Obama to the presidency showed no evidence of "the Bradley Effect" or any other bias from white voters...surprise, surprise. While there is racism in some corners of white America today, it's efficacy is vastly overstated. Most white Americans are not racists...and that's all there is to it.
* The President-elect has chosen a Washington-business-as-usual-politician to be his chief of staff...so much for the post-partisan delusion.
And from Campbell Brown:
* The Wall Street Journal has some advice for both Governor Palin and her GOP haters. And one feminist's argument to support Sarah Palin. Oh by the way, Oprah would love to have the Governor on her show, now that the election is over.
* Was compassionate conservatism a mistake? Perhaps just one of the many mistakes Republicans have made over the past eight years.
* This was my hope in supporting a 3rd Party in this recent election, that John McCain would lose, and that the Republican Party might wake up from their zombie-like socialist march. Maybe it worked?
"...so the Republicans must go down to their grass-roots, get in touch with their base and rebuild an opportunity to win national elections. Government has been bad for the party. It has sapped the party's soul and eroded its purity. But opposition, especially as a socialist like Obama wrestles with the practical problems of capitalism, will be a heady experience for the Republicans. The conservative movement can be reborn in opposition in a way they never could have been as the governing party."
* I am imploring my fellow Georgians to get out to the polls on December 2nd and cast their ballot for Saxby Chambliss. We cannot afford to allow the Democrat Party to inch there way closer to the magical 60 seat filibuster proof majority in the Senate. Not to mention, Saxby can be trusted to support the Fair Tax and generally side with conservatives on the major issues of the day (though his support for bailout saddened me).
* Did you realize that there is a movement to impeach President-elect Obama?
* Barack Obama and the post-racial delusion. The election of Barack Obama to the presidency showed no evidence of "the Bradley Effect" or any other bias from white voters...surprise, surprise. While there is racism in some corners of white America today, it's efficacy is vastly overstated. Most white Americans are not racists...and that's all there is to it.
* The President-elect has chosen a Washington-business-as-usual-politician to be his chief of staff...so much for the post-partisan delusion.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Supporting our President-elect.
At the end of election night I will admit to having found myself disappointed but oddly at peace (it could very well have been because of my dislike of John McCain as a Presidential candidate). I am also incredibly worried for Mr. Obama's supporters. Some of them have preposterous expectations of this man, and I fear they will be grievously hurt when he cannot meet all of their needs (and wants). But perhaps that is where we (as Christians) can step in and offer those folks a "peace that passes all understanding"?
I think the article that best explains how I feel is from talk show host Albert Mohler. I agree with Mr. Mohler, and I will completely support my new President-elect. I may not agree with most of the decisions he makes, but he will have my complete support. He has walked into the hardest job in the world, and he will have to face the most difficult problems he has ever faced...on day one. He deserves as many of my prayers as I can offer, and he will have them.
* Just to let you know....if you voted for John McCain in the primary Ann Coulter is hunting you down(and I might just let her know where you are).
* For the sake of right-wing balance, Michael Medved disagrees with Ann Coulter about a more conservative candidate's chances in this election.
After reading both of their articles, I completely understand and agree with both writers. However, I think Mr. Medved misses the greater point. The Republicans have been way OFF Message for the last few years, and this election was the culmination of that. The Republicans didn't lose this election with their choice of candidate but with their lack of answers and with their horrendous record over the last 2-3 years. President-elect Obama was a liberal Democrat who ran as a moderate Democrat and McCain is a moderate Republican who ran as a conservative Democrat. That is no choice at all...
The Republican Party lost this election back around 2005 when they stopped acting like Republicans and started acting like Democrats. The way to turn this 100 mile-per-hour bus ride to hell around, is by moving the new cast of conservatives into power. Bobby Jindal, Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor, Mike Pence, John Shadegg (though he is older than the others), Jeff Flake, Tim Pawlenty and yes...Sarah Palin. Get rid of the RINO's and turn the party back over to the conservatives who have ideas and convictions.
I think the article that best explains how I feel is from talk show host Albert Mohler. I agree with Mr. Mohler, and I will completely support my new President-elect. I may not agree with most of the decisions he makes, but he will have my complete support. He has walked into the hardest job in the world, and he will have to face the most difficult problems he has ever faced...on day one. He deserves as many of my prayers as I can offer, and he will have them.
* Just to let you know....if you voted for John McCain in the primary Ann Coulter is hunting you down(and I might just let her know where you are).
* For the sake of right-wing balance, Michael Medved disagrees with Ann Coulter about a more conservative candidate's chances in this election.
After reading both of their articles, I completely understand and agree with both writers. However, I think Mr. Medved misses the greater point. The Republicans have been way OFF Message for the last few years, and this election was the culmination of that. The Republicans didn't lose this election with their choice of candidate but with their lack of answers and with their horrendous record over the last 2-3 years. President-elect Obama was a liberal Democrat who ran as a moderate Democrat and McCain is a moderate Republican who ran as a conservative Democrat. That is no choice at all...
The Republican Party lost this election back around 2005 when they stopped acting like Republicans and started acting like Democrats. The way to turn this 100 mile-per-hour bus ride to hell around, is by moving the new cast of conservatives into power. Bobby Jindal, Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor, Mike Pence, John Shadegg (though he is older than the others), Jeff Flake, Tim Pawlenty and yes...Sarah Palin. Get rid of the RINO's and turn the party back over to the conservatives who have ideas and convictions.
Conservative light?
* A light on "The Hill". A way out of the wilderness?
* The American people's treatment of President Bush is a travesty. I am one of those on the right who has been continually disappointed by this President's policies, but I believe that years from now he will be seen in a much more positive and perhaps even heroic light. What will you miss about President Bush?
* The world thinks that Americans made the right choice in electing Barack Obama. I cannot say I agree, but I sincerely hope they are right.
* Want to see the real moral compass of this country? Look at the ballot initiatives and how they fared. New limits on abortion failed across the country, while Washington has made it easier to commit euthanasia. In Colorado where Obama won a convincing victory, the voters decided that affirmative action was still necessary...?
* Michael Crichton has passed away at age 66. My favorite Crichton books had to be "Eaters of the Dead", "Congo", and "the Andromeda Strain" in that order.
* The American people's treatment of President Bush is a travesty. I am one of those on the right who has been continually disappointed by this President's policies, but I believe that years from now he will be seen in a much more positive and perhaps even heroic light. What will you miss about President Bush?
* The world thinks that Americans made the right choice in electing Barack Obama. I cannot say I agree, but I sincerely hope they are right.
* Want to see the real moral compass of this country? Look at the ballot initiatives and how they fared. New limits on abortion failed across the country, while Washington has made it easier to commit euthanasia. In Colorado where Obama won a convincing victory, the voters decided that affirmative action was still necessary...?
* Michael Crichton has passed away at age 66. My favorite Crichton books had to be "Eaters of the Dead", "Congo", and "the Andromeda Strain" in that order.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
What happens tomorrow?
* I worry what happens if either of the major candidates wins. If John McCain pulls out the upset, then we may see riots across the country as Democrats charge that Republicans have suppressed the "true vote". There would probably also be cries to destroy the electoral college system, as I think that even if McCain wins, he will probably have lost the popular vote. If Barack Obama wins, I worry that once he takes office and his supporters realize that he is not deity incarnate, they will riot because their "hopes" were not met.
I am serious about the "deity incarnate" thing...
or maybe not deity but "a prophet" for sure...
* A last ditch post to show how the candidates really come down on the issue of the sanctity of life.
* Chris Matthews admits that Obamanomics is just more welfare.
* It may just be me, but I have a real fear about the rise of anti-Semitism in world today. The Middle East and North Africa are hotbeds of hatred against the Jews, but today we can palpably see Europe reviving their tradition of hatred of the Jews as well. My worry is that this election may also see a reversal of American support for the Jewish state...and I think anti-Semites around the world think that an Obama win will be a win for anti-Semitism. Hear me here, I am not saying that Barack Obama is an anti-Semite...I am saying that his policies may end up being anti-Semitic by default.
I am serious about the "deity incarnate" thing...
or maybe not deity but "a prophet" for sure...
* A last ditch post to show how the candidates really come down on the issue of the sanctity of life.
* Chris Matthews admits that Obamanomics is just more welfare.
* It may just be me, but I have a real fear about the rise of anti-Semitism in world today. The Middle East and North Africa are hotbeds of hatred against the Jews, but today we can palpably see Europe reviving their tradition of hatred of the Jews as well. My worry is that this election may also see a reversal of American support for the Jewish state...and I think anti-Semites around the world think that an Obama win will be a win for anti-Semitism. Hear me here, I am not saying that Barack Obama is an anti-Semite...I am saying that his policies may end up being anti-Semitic by default.
Monday, November 03, 2008
D-Day minus 1...trepidation.
* Andrew Breitbart is still a fan of President Bush.
* This is why the media should not run the debates.
The questions should be surprises for the candidates, and the candidates should be allowed to question each other. The debates that we have between our Presidential candidates are ridiculous, and superfluous. They are unnecessary and counter-productive. If the Main Stream Media wants to see a real debate, the format cannot be allowed to be produced by the candidates.
* The very BEST argument against Obama's tax policies, from a couple of real plumbers in Pittsburgh, PA. Is it truly "economic justice" to take from one group and give to another?
* Surprise, surprise...conservatives are more charitable than liberals. This is the point, right? Spread the wealth? Conservatives who are generally less well off (financially) than liberals, give more financially and of their time than liberals.
* A report on John McCain that any pro-life voter needs to read. Also, an interesting letter from a Libertarian Christian to her Republican voting Christian brothers and sisters...I don't necessarily agree with the author's views but appreciate the sentiment.
* Democrat lawmaker says "Let Russia invade Georgia!"
* The ultimate in nuance...Obama sure can wriggle.
* A President Obama is a leap to the left for the USA.
* America's last will and testament?
By Brett Noel of HumanEvents.com
* This is why the media should not run the debates.
The questions should be surprises for the candidates, and the candidates should be allowed to question each other. The debates that we have between our Presidential candidates are ridiculous, and superfluous. They are unnecessary and counter-productive. If the Main Stream Media wants to see a real debate, the format cannot be allowed to be produced by the candidates.
* The very BEST argument against Obama's tax policies, from a couple of real plumbers in Pittsburgh, PA. Is it truly "economic justice" to take from one group and give to another?
* Surprise, surprise...conservatives are more charitable than liberals. This is the point, right? Spread the wealth? Conservatives who are generally less well off (financially) than liberals, give more financially and of their time than liberals.
* A report on John McCain that any pro-life voter needs to read. Also, an interesting letter from a Libertarian Christian to her Republican voting Christian brothers and sisters...I don't necessarily agree with the author's views but appreciate the sentiment.
* Democrat lawmaker says "Let Russia invade Georgia!"
* The ultimate in nuance...Obama sure can wriggle.
* A President Obama is a leap to the left for the USA.
* America's last will and testament?
By Brett Noel of HumanEvents.com
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Can you feel the anticipation?
Oh, crap we are in trouble...
* An update on Mr. Obama's tax cut ceiling: Don't look now, but it's still dropping! Today, it fell to $120,000! Joe Biden had dropped it to $150,000, after Obama himself brought it from $250,000 to $200,000. Also, a look back to 2003 when Obama said the middle class topped out at $75,000.
* Newt Gingrich offers his support for a McCain presidency.
* The New York Post offering an interesting look at the first four years of the Obama presidency. Obama's foreign policy achievements. Also, will Obama be the Democrat nominee in four years?
* What will happen to your monthly energy costs if Mr. Obama wins? Bad things, man, bad things.
* An update on Mr. Obama's tax cut ceiling: Don't look now, but it's still dropping! Today, it fell to $120,000! Joe Biden had dropped it to $150,000, after Obama himself brought it from $250,000 to $200,000. Also, a look back to 2003 when Obama said the middle class topped out at $75,000.
* Newt Gingrich offers his support for a McCain presidency.
* The New York Post offering an interesting look at the first four years of the Obama presidency. Obama's foreign policy achievements. Also, will Obama be the Democrat nominee in four years?
* What will happen to your monthly energy costs if Mr. Obama wins? Bad things, man, bad things.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
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