Highlights From the RNC Day Three and Overall Impressions

It's over and we have our official Republican Presidential and Vice-Presidential nominees.

Last night's finale was one for the record books. Senator Marco Rubio joined Clint Eastwood and Mitt Romney in a crescendo that will resound well past November 6th.



Here's Mitt's acceptance speech.




But, for this blog, the highlight of the evening was the "surprise" speaker, Clint Eastwood.




Overall, I thought this convention was much better than the '08 convention. The strength and character of Mitt Romney serves as a contrast to the weakness and defensiveness of the McCain campaign, so much so that there isn't really much to compare. By contrast, this convention had more in common with the 1980 convention and Ronald Reagan than any other I remember.

Of course, in '08, Republicans were playing catch up with the Obama camp. Eight solid years of media bush-bashing which started immediately after the 2000 election did exactly what it was supposed to do: convince a bare majority of Americans to vote for a candidate with a razor-thin resume, precious little experience and a rather dubious past that included associations with the seedy underbelly of the anti-American marxist underground and those who think America should abandon her exceptionalism and become just another country.

Nowhere was this more evident than where Mitt noted that Obama had pledged to halt the rise of the oceans and to "heal the planet," with the most precious of lip-bites  (at the 31:10 mark above). He made sure to point out that Obama considered himself a "citizen of the world," while he offered himself as an American President whose responsibility was to the nation and her people first.

There were no gauzy platitudes, no vague promises of hope or change except to reinforce and revitalize the Founding Principles of freedom and self-determination.

Another thing I noticed was the focus on the issues in this convention. There was no avoidance of things like Medicare and the military. We were treated as adults capable of making informed and intelligent decisions.

Humility was also on display. Romney's history was told by folks who knew him personally. Many whom he had helped portrayed him as a caring man aware of their struggles. His Christian values of compassion shone through recounts of charity and sacrifice to others that were not common knowledge before last night. It's clear that Mitt is a somewhat private fellow, ill-at-ease with blowing his own horn. Some detractors call him stiff, but so what? I saw a genuine man at peace with himself and his faith and a man whose temperament befits the office of President far more than the current occupant.

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall inside the White House to witness the Obama's reaction to all this. The bar has been set high, and judging from the list of speakers at the Democrat Convention, the Obama campaign views this race as a limbo contest.

How low can you go?

While Mitt wasn't my first choice for president, he has risen to the occasion. He offers a stark contrast to Obama. Ace has already declared this election over except for the voting.

I agree.

However, we have work to do to make sure that Obama is a one-term president. Confidence helps, but we still have to make sure we all do as much as we can to elect Mitt and Paul. I shouldn't have to tell you how important this election is. We have to pull ourselves back from the leftward lurch of Obamaism. So talk to your friends, especially those who mistakenly voted for an empty suit four years ago. Volunteer if you can. Walk your precinct or make phone calls.

Our future is at stake.

(Note: This will probably be my only post today. I'm helping a good friend move, so I'll probably collapse into the couch with a Guinness later on and veg out in front of the TV with BackwardsGirl. Unless, of course, Something Really Important happens.)

The Science Fiction of Global Warming - The Movie

Ace has this link in the sidebar today to Watt's Up With That and the movie The Boy Who Cried Warming.

Here's an extended clip of the movie. A link to the whole thing is over at WUWT.




Click and enjoy.

Highlights from the RNC, Day Two

Last night's speeches were great again. Condi Rice spoke without a teleprompter, Suzana Martinez cussed onstage and Paul Ryan hit a big home run.




Here's cousin Condi (she's from Birmingham, note the intro music Sweet Home Alabama).



Paul Ryan steps up to the plate, bat in hand, and points across the park to where the ball will go over the fence...



Of course, the leftist, racist Mainstream Media will mischaracterize and distort every word of every speech, including the punctuation. That's just how they roll.

Tonight, Mitt will give his acceptance speech. His speech, much like Mrs. Romney's on Tuesday, will be the most important speech of his life. I have no doubt he'll do well.

3-Year-Old Deaf Child's Name is a Killing Word - School System Demands He Change It

My, my, how quickly science fiction becomes an everyday fact.

A Nebraska school district wants a 3-year-old deaf boy to change the way he signs his name because they say the gesture makes his hands look like weapons, the boy's family claims.




Thank goodness the school system has since backed down on their rather ridiculous demand. I suppose a few thousand phone calls and emails will do that. Still, the fact that this happened at all shows we have a lot of work to do to rid our school systems of this sort of leftist insanity.

Palate Cleanser - Battle of the Bombshells

Since tonight is RINO night (except for Paul Ryan's speech) at the Republican National Convention, here's something to pass the time from FoxNews.com:

Battle of the Bombshells.

You're welcome.

Leftist Media Melts Down at RNC

Well, that certainly didn't take long, did it?

MSNBC cuts every speech made by a minority from RNC Coverage.

Mia Love's Wikipedia page is hacked, changed to call her a "sellout," "worthless, dirty whore" and a "house nigger."

Yahoo news chief says on-air, "Romney happy to have a party while black people drown." No mention is made of Obama attending a fundraiser at the same time, naturally.

Ann Romney receives death threats.

And that's just Day One of the Republican National Convention.

I can't wait to see what happens tonight...

HIghlights of the GOP National Convention, Day One

It may have been a day late, but yesterday's GOP National Convention was far from a dollar short. The convention got off to a rousing start dominated by speeches from several fresh faces such as Utah's Mia Love and new Republican convert Artur Davis. But the highlight of the night was actually two speeches, the first by Ann Romney and the keynote address by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.





(Notice the difference in size of the two videos. One cannot violate the laws of physics.)

The official theme of this convention is "We Did Build This," but there was another, more subtle thread that wound through last night's speeches. It struck a chord with me, and caught me somewhat by surprise.

Past conventions, in keeping with the respective campaigns themselves, have been rather pedestrian affairs to me. Dull platitudes, buzzwords, and copyrighted slogans usually dominated the proceedings. Last night was different.

John McCain's 2008 campaign seemed to be walking on eggshells. It lacked spark until SarahCuda took the stage to electrify the audience and the party's conservative base. In retrospect, it's all the more evident that the McCain camp was playing the political version of football's "prevent defense." There were no bold initiatives, no daring policy statements, to put it in football terms, there was virtually no offense. Contrary to the image that I expected from a military man, McCain showed little in the way of toughness.

Sarah Palin was the alpha dog of the pack. That's clearly no way to run a campaign even if it does fit the title of a certain blog we all know and love.

The low point for me came when McCain bristled at anyone who dared even use Barack Obama's middle name of Hussein. And while the new media of bloggers were busy uncovering Obama's decidedly shady past, McCain was just as busy ignoring it. Stupid me was convinced that once McCain began to point out that Obama had a quite radical past, the voting public would rightly turn against him.

Boy, was I ever wrong. McCain never voiced any reservations about Obama. You'll recall his infamous quote that we had "nothing to fear from an Obama presidency."

What a crock of shit.

This campaign is different in many ways from four years ago as a result of the mistake that was the election of Obama. There's always energy at a convention, but this year, that energy has taken a different tone, one that's far more serious. Sure, it's still festive, and why not? We should make it a real party, and I'm sure the bars in the Tampa area are doing a brisk business even at this hour of the morning. My liver and I are there in spirit.

Last night's speeches showed the influence of the Tea Party upon the GOP. This is a good thing and here's why. The past decade or so, as the Democrat Party has moved to the left, the Establishment GOP has been more than willing to follow them there. Compromise was the order of the day handed down from GOP Headquarters. Bipartisanship, not offering a viable and responsible alternative, was what the Establishment wanted. Many times, Republican leadership gave in to the demands of the Democrats and left many on the right side of the political aisle scratching their heads, wondering just what was going on.

What jumped out at me last night was the new tone of realism. More than one speaker talked of the importance of doing the right thing for the country rather than doing something to get reelected (which, more often than not, means caving in on important principles and giving Democrats everything they wanted so the Dims wouldn't say mean things about them). Gone was any notion of compromise, although bipartisanship was one point that Chris Christie emphasized throughout his speech. It seems that the new guard of young Republicans is more than willing to take the fight to the Democrats instead of cowering as the Establishment has done.

I, for one, welcome this new tone.

It's good for the party and it's good for the country. We've tried it the Democrat's way and we're paying the price for our flirtation with Socialism in ways you already know: economic stagnation, high unemployment as the "new normal," rampant inflation, the list goes on. This change of tone is exactly what we need today. No longer should we be afraid to confront Democrats, especially with their record of abject failure.

I expect tonight's speeches to continue to hammer Obama and his band of Merry Marxists even more, not out of spite (NTTAWWT), but to offer a clear contrast to their policies of government of the government, for the government and by the government.

New Ad from Navy SEALs - We Bow to Nobody

This is a great video, in my humble opinion...

Political Toonz - The Voters "Blame it on Bush"

Here's a little ditty for y'all to hum between now and November 6th.



From their album Electile Dysfunction.

And here's their website thevotersmusic.com.

IowaHawk - Stars Get In Your Eyes

Here's a little diversion courtesy of IowaHawk.

The background on this is that upon hearing of the untimely passing of Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the Moon, our illustrious president decided to honor his memory by posting a picture of... wait for it...himself!

Now, Dave Burge has penned a memorial that befits the Narcissist-in-Chief: Stars Get in Your Eyes.

With the RNC underway (finally), there's not a lot going on other than the impending landfall of Isaac near N'Awlins. Hope y'all are ready up there.

Your Reading Assignment for Today - "No Substitute for Victory"

Here is a powerful argument against the effete efforts by our leaders to coddle and mollify our enemies called, "No Substitute for Victory: the Defeat of Islamic Totalitarianism." I'll warn you, it's a long read, but well worth your time.

It's made even more relevant by this recent declaration by Islamic  Egyptian cleric Safwat Higazi: "The day will come when we will be the masters of the world."

Um, I don't think so, bub.


Here are a few tidbits...

...we are told today that only so-called “proportional” force is morally proper. We need to wage a “just war,” one founded on altruistic moral principles, using strictly limited force, for strictly limited ends, aimed at the good of others. The well-being of others—including the enemy’s people—must be our concern, and this requires severe self-restraint on our part. That the enemy does not act this way when he kills our people is of no concern. According to these moral views, we must hold the well-being of others as an absolute, regardless of the consequences; we must be willing to place our soldiers in mortal danger in order to protect enemy civilians—even though they often aid and abet enemy fighters. A military offense for our own self-protection would transgress the bounds of a “just war,” says the accepted wisdom.

According to multiculturalism, a serious military offense would be anathema. We must allow peoples of other cultures to express their “cultural identities”—whether that involves eating falafels, chanting “Death to America,” or detonating their children in Israeli restaurants.

History is clear: All-out force against fanatical killers is both practical and moral. It led us to our two most important foreign policy successes—the defeats of Germany and Japan in 1945—and to the permanent peace with those nations that we take for granted today. Such a course was practical and moral then, and it is practical and moral now—an affirmation, and a defense, of life and civilization.

This is not a clash between civilizations; it is a clash between civilization and barbarism. Until civilized people assert themselves with a depth of moral confidence exceeding that projected by those who submit to the “will of Allah,” America will remain permanently on the defensive, in a state of moral dhimmitude, and the war will continue to its logical conclusion: a mushroom cloud over America.

So get yourself a cold beverage, sit back, read and know what previous generations of Americans knew.

And cringe at the weakness that we are showing to the new wave of Islamic totalitarianism.

What Should the GOP Be?

"What Should the GOP Be?"

This is the question that USA Today is submitting to bloggers and Twitterers. Here is my reply.

During my lifetime, I have noticed the deterioration of the American political system. Ours is a unique process different from every other form of government in the world. Given this difference, our leaders have a unique responsibility to those who elect them to work in our place in Washington. In the past few decades, politicians on both sides of the aisle have failed in spectacular fashion to live up to the high moral and ethical standards that were expected of them by our Founders.

Instead of honesty, integrity, and respect, we the people are treated with disdain and condescension. Policies that directly affect the lives of millions are treated in a cavalier fashion by politicians whose loyalty is to their own power, not to the people they represent. Modern politicians promise the electorate many things, but what we have received has not been what was promised. This sad state of affairs has reached its zenith with the current administration and the country is suffering as never before as a result.

This need not be.

The GOP has an opportunity to reclaim the Founding Principles and restore greatness to America. The formula, in this layman's opinion, is simple. It requires men and women to swear an oath to themselves first, before they swear an oath of public office, to treat each and every constituent as they would want to be treated and to restrain the power of government.

The current culture of American politics would befuddle even the most brilliant anthropologist. Such is the disparity between reality and politics that what is clear to the average citizen is seemingly lost on most politicians. Political words and phrases have precious little to do with the world outside of Washington. We elect our representatives with the clear understanding that they will do what we would do, but ask yourself if this is the case today.

This difference has resulted in the overall feeling that our government is operated by a foreign entity, unfamiliar with American life. The logic and reality that inhabit the everyday lives of Americans rarely enters into political discussions or policy.

Politicians are more than willing to enact laws, when under our form of government, each new law that is passed reduces our freedom. But modern politicians feel the need to justify their jobs. By appearing to be "doing something," they can tell the folks back home how 'hard they are working." But what they're really doing is placing restrictions on their fellow citizens and their ability to live their lives free of governmental intrusion as the Founders envisioned.

While we should be a nation of laws that are equally enforced for all, after a while (and after the basics of the defense of life and property are well covered), the cumulative effects of so many laws form a legal straight jacket upon the country. Modern laws are so poorly and vaguely written that most people have no idea whether they are living legally or not. This is done seemingly on purpose, as many of those who craft these laws are lawyers themselves who, once they finish with public life (if they ever do), will re-enter private life in their former profession. This appears as a great conflict of interest to the vast majority of Americans.

There are so many laws covering so many things that we can hardly be called a truly free people any more.

But I digress.

In answer to the question, I propose these solutions.

The GOP should be the party of respect: for the Constitution and for the dignity of Americans in all walks of life.

The GOP should be the party of honesty: their members should do what they say and speak plainly to the nation always. We can make informed decisions when we are given truthful information.

The GOP should be the party of prosperity: they should commit themselves to ensuring that we have the highest standard of living in the world and craft policies with this goal in mind. The power of the free market should always be recognized as a positive force for the advancement and improvement of the human condition.

The GOP should be the party of freedom: after a while, we've passed enough laws. Instead of creating new laws, old ones that have outlived their usefulness and need should be repealed. New laws should be written in plain language and reviewed by all who vote on them in Washington. If this results in a reduction of new legislation, so be it.

The GOP should be the party of individual responsibility: each American is a self-contained and self-directed party of one, responsible for fair and honest dealings with others, free to live as he or she sees fit without harming others. No one else is to blame for our own bad decisions.

The GOP should be the party of America: we are a unique and exceptional society in the world. This doesn't mean that we are superior to others, just different in how we view the necessity of governance. Our Constitution should be the sole basis of our laws. Foreign law is just that. We the people expect the principles of freedom laid out by our Founders be adhered to at all times. We don't appreciate fuzzy readings and gauzy interpretations of the plain language of the Constitution. We abhor the term "may be illegal." Something is either illegal or it isn't. We expect certainty when it comes to matters of the law.

The GOP should be the party of peace and security: we seek not to conquer, but to live our lives without fear from those who would conquer us and make us submit to their way of life. We have this right and expect our government to protect it vigorously. Our international friends should be treated as such, as should our enemies. No American should be viewed with suspicion unless they have acted in a way that is suspicious.

We can end the political deterioration of America. All it takes is for us to seek out those who agree with American ideals and demonstrate that agreement daily and then elect them to office. Once in office, our representatives have a sacred duty to uphold our laws, our societal standards and to preserve our way of life. They also have a sacred duty to be honest with us.

We can rule ourselves in the Great American Experiment. Now is the time to regain control of our government.

The GOP can be instrumental in this effort by returning to the principles and ideals that have made us the most prosperous and creative society the world has ever known.

RIP Neil Armstrong, American Space Explorer

The first man to walk on the Moon has passed.

Neil Armstrong passed away today at the age of 82 following complications from recent heart surgery.

If you were alive in 1969, you may remember where you were when you heard the words that echo today, "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind" along with the grainy, black and white video and beeping audio that punctuated engineers speaking the new language of space.

I was living in Huntsville, Alabama, home to the Marshall Space Flight Center at the time. Quite a few of my friend's parents worked there. There was a great sense of pride among everyone and a sense of awe for one particular teenager. I remember looking up at the Moon while walking home from a friend's house where we'd gathered to watch the landing on TV and thinking, "We actually did it."




I would later work with several of the people who made the Apollo Program a success. All of them had many fascinating stories to tell.

Godspeed, Neil. You have slipped the surely bonds of Earth to touch the face of God.

MoveOn.org Banner Fail - "America Is Better Then Birtherism"

Heh.

The Daily Caller sports this post about an aerial banner being towed over a Romney/Ryan ralley in the great state of Oiho Ooih Hioo Ohio.

The banner reads, and I quote, "America Is Better Then Birtherism."

I suppose this is about average for the Sooper Geeenuses at MoveOn.org who were responsible.

Spl chex. Howe duz itt werk?

Friday Night Concert - Yessongs

Yeehaw! No, wait, I should save that for a country band.

Tonight's concert is another Golden Oldie from the heyday of progressive rock. I have this three-record set on vinyl, and have seen Yes several times live. On the Talk Tour, they brought in their discrete four-channel sound system along with an FM transmitter rig that enabled the audience to hear the mix from the monitor system. In my humble opinion, this is the second best lineup from the many stellar musicians who have played in this band since their debut in 1968. The best lineup had Bill Bruford on drums, with the Trevor Rabin lineup running a close third.

Jon Anderson - lead vocals
Chris Squire - bass guitar
Steve Howe - electric and acoustic guitars, steel guitar
Rick Wakeman - keyboards (lots of 'em)
Alan White - drums (who had replaced Bruford a few days before this tour began)

Also, sorry for the dearth of posts today, had a bunch of errands to run and a doctor's appointment. Just routine maintenance.

Anywho, get out the headphones or yur high-performance ear buds and crank 'em up.



If anybody wants to share their Yes show experiences, leave a comment or a link.

Enjoy.

Anderson Cooper Takes Down Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

You know, a few hundred more of these types of interviews and CNN just might start to gain a bit of credibility, along with some viewers.



(h/t to Weasel Zippers)

Warning! Geek Overload Ahead!

Ace had this video up over at his place.

This made my pocket protector get erect.



I'll be in my bunk. With a flashlight. Don't mind me...

Jobless Claims Rise Once More

While the Mainstream Media is focused on the words of Todd Akin, jobless claims rose once more.

There's only one word missing: unexpectedly.

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits climbed last week to a one-month high, showing little progress in the labor market.
Jobless claims rose by 4,000 for a second week to reach 372,000 in the period ended Aug. 18, Labor Department figures showed today in Washington. The median forecast of 41 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for 365,000. The four-week moving average, a less volatile measure, increased to 368,000.
 

No wonder all the MSM talking heads don't want to mention the failure of the Obama administration to revive the economy.

Facts, how do they work?

First Lady Urges "Get to the Polls on November 2."

Should we tell her?

Nah, we'll let her figure it out by herself.

The date is really November 7. Be sure to tell all your Dimocrat friends...

Mitt Romney Releases His Energy Policy

While President Obama hobnobs with NBA stars, Mitt Romney addresses the issues.

Over at Yid with Lid, there's an outline of Mitt's energy policy, along with Romney's plan from his campaign website. From what I can see, it's quite good, especially the part where millions of new manufacturing jobs are created. Mitt even goes as far as predicting that his plan will make the US energy independent by the end of his second term in office.

In other words, he'll begin to do what we should have been doing all along. If he does, expect to hear the howls of the Chicken-Little enviro-nazis far and wide.

Here are a few highlights:

State regulatory processes and permitting programs for all forms of energy development will be deemed to satisfy all requirements of federal law.

Establish a new five-year offshore leasing plan that aggressively opens new areas for development beginning with those off the coast of Virginia and the Carolinas.
 

And here's my personal favorite, the one that will doubtless cause lefty heads to get all 'splody:

Prevent agencies from using “sue-and-settle” techniques behind closed doors to circumvent the public rulemaking process, impose onerous regulations, and tie the hands of future administrations.
 

And...

Disclose federal funds spent reimbursing groups for lawsuits against the government.
 

Now this last one is an item that I'd like to see completely eliminated. Why are we paying tax dollars to environmental groups to sue our government to restrict our energy supplies? Whatever it would take to stop this insanity should be done, even if it means the repeal of the Clean Air and Water Acts. At the very minimum, they should be amended to remove these absurd provisions that have held us hostage to fringe radical environmental groups for decades, caused our energy prices to increase and added unnecessary costs to virtually every item produced in the US.

Of course, the Dimocrats will scream that "Those eeeevillll Republicans want dirty air and water and we're all gonna DIE!!!!Eleventy!11!111" In fact, they've already started doing that very thing.

The fact is that our air and water are cleaner now than forty years ago, which is a testament to our efforts so far. But instead of finding a point beyond which we don't need any more onerous regulations, the Obama administration's EPA is imposing new, unnecessary regulations that are closing down perfectly good coal-fired power plants, driving up the cost of energy for all of us. Nothing is ever enough for those who would keep a boot on the neck of our energy producers.

So, under a Romney administration, we can look forward to cheap, abundant energy, which is the foundation of a free market economy. Lower electricity and gasoline prices will provide an immediate kick-start to the economic boom that's just waiting to happen.

I can't wait.

"M-O-O-N" That Spells Ohio

This must be one of those 57 states.

 

 

O I H I? What a wonderful education those kids are getting. I'm sure their parents are proud of them and all the money they're spending.

Google Creates Artificial Brain That Immediately Begins Watching Cat Videos

So much for the hope of Artificial Intelligence...

Google has created an 'artificial brain' from 16,000 computer processors, and sat it down with an internet connection.

But, there's a certain grim inevitability to the fact that the YouTube company's creation began watching stills from cat videos.

We should be heartened that at least this rudimentary real-life mock-up of Data didn't start watching porn.

Or Justin Bieber videos.

It could have been worse...

 

 

(h/t to the Moron Horde)

Obama Gets All-Important Communist Party Endorsement

I'm sure the Obama presidential campaign is positively giddy.

It may be early in the campaign season, but the Communist Party USA already has seen fit to endorse Barack Obama for the 2012 election.
 

 Wonderful.

Too Good to Check - Mitt Up by 14 Points in Florida

I don't get too deep into polls, as all fourteen of you may have noticed. For one, it's a bit too early in the political season. For two, I see too many contradictions in them.

Fr'instance, the Real Clear Politics Average shows Obama up by 1.7 points as of today. But when you see other poll questions such as who would be better at handling the economy, Romney wins. And when you count in the other factors that describe the overall American mood concerning the Obama administration and the economy, it's way down in approval across the board. There's a general pessimism shown in many other polls that isn't reflected in the RCP Average.

I'm starting to wonder if these polls are accurate at all. I've heard several anecdotal stories of folks who refuse to tell pollsters what they really think.

Even though this particular poll appears to be a blowout (and thusly, should be taken with a grain of salt), it shows a positive trend for Romney and Ryan in the key battleground state of Florida.

Although highly reliable Rasmussen has Romney up by only two in this week's Florida poll of likely voters, today's astonishing numbers may suggest a trend of some magnitude has already begun. Earlier polling had found that the numerous senior-citizens of the Sunshine State were -regardless of 'progressive' drivel to the contrary- far more terrified of Obamacare than anything the habitually-dishonest Obama campaign claims Ryan is going to do to them.

Radical Islam Imams at the DNC

They used to say "Politics makes strange bedfellows." However, here is a pairing that should come as a surprise to exactly no one: Radical islamic imams and the Democrats.

It is troubling that the Democratic National Convention has decided to promote and lend its name and national political platform to the organizers of the “Jummah at the DNC”. The leaders of this event – Jibril Hough and Imam Siraj Wahhaj as advertised are no moderates. They are radicals. These individuals embrace Islamist supremacy and have demonstrated support for radical ideologies.

If that is who the DNC is consorting with then all Americans, Democrats should be concerned. There are many patriotic Muslims who are part of both parties, and when radical ideologues like this do a demonstration of “solidarity” in the name of our faith and choose an imam like Siraj Wahhaj who I saw with my own eyes in 1995 seditiously say it his duty and our duty as Muslims to replace the US Constitution with the Quran- then we need to speak up!

Now there's a word we never hear anymore: Sedition. It means rebellion against a legitimate government. At one time, if memory serves, it was illegal.

And the Democrats are embracing it. Which figures when you see all the actions of the Obama administration, particularly those where they choose which laws they follow and which ones they choose to ignore, like border security.

 And Voter ID.

And stockholder law.

It's almost like Democrats don't think our Consititution is relevant anymore.

Bacon = Hate, Fort Hood Massacre Doesn't?

You're gonna love this. Yet more proof, as if we needed it, that everything is backwards.

Muslims who gathered for prayer to celebrate the end of Ramadan in a city park found bacon scattered on the ground, CBS 2’s John Slattery reported Monday.

“This has been determined to be a bias event on the part of our Hate Crimes Task Force,” NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly told reporters, including WCBS 880′s Rich Lamb.

“On a website associated with this celebration was some derogatory comments and at the site itself, three packages of raw bacon were found,” Kelly added.

 Yes, buckaroos and buckarettes, bacon is now a hate crime. But the massacre at Ft. Hood in which 13 soldiers were gunned down in cold blood by a card-carrying "soldier of allah" is still being treated as an incident of "workplace violence."

Commander Ripley has the right question...

An Idea Whose Time Has Come - Neurological Testing for Biden

Whilst over at Instapundit's site, I ran across this article. The author makes the case for a competency test for Vice-President Joe Biden.

I concur.

The surprising thing about this article is not the author's assertion that Ol' Slow Joe might have some sort of, um, problem processing information. It's that, instead of finding this article on some nondescript website like, say, this one, it's from Forbes.com.

Yes, that Forbes.

It’s no sin not to be a polymath but most of us who have spent time in Washington have noted politicians’ abject failure to know what they don’t know. Psychiatrists call this lack of insight.  [It's also called the Dunning-Kruger Effect.]

There are worse things for a politician than lack of insight – and the person selected by Barack Obama to be a heartbeat away from the presidency exhibits many of them. Joe Biden has problems with impulse control and reality testing; increasingly, his utterances suggest some sort of dementia.

Well, I certainly can't argue that one. I mean, it's bad when the VP doesn't know where he is, but when he can't recall his own college days, I feel really, really, really concerned about him being a heartbeat away from the most powerful political office in the free world.

Here's an oldy but goodies from 1987...

That's Biden: self confident, poised and sure of himself, all admirable qualities in a politician. All except for one or two teensy-weensy little things...

However, after inaccuracies in his statements were exposed, Biden made this admission on September 22, 1987: ”I did not graduate in the top half of my class at law school and my recollection of this was inaccurate.” He had actually graduated 76th in a class of 85 from the Syracuse College of Law. And Biden’s baccalaureate accomplishment was a single B.A. degree.

 Shouldn't some sort of testing be required of those seeking office?

Are these aberrations stupidity, dementia or personality disorders? To find out, shouldn’t there be some vetting or testing of people in, or who aspire to, governmental positions as critical as the vice-presidency? After all, we require bus drivers and hairdressers to prove their competence before they are permitted to ply their trades, and applicants to most police forces undergo psychological testing.

Biden should submit to a thorough neurological and psychiatric examination, with special attention to whether he is experiencing “transient ischemic attacks” – marked by impaired blood flow to the brain – small strokes, seizures, or suffers from a brain tumor. After all, we often demand to know whether a candidate has recovered from open-heart surgery, cancer or a stroke, and many states require elderly drivers to be re-licensed.

 Actually, I'd like to see a lot more testing of candidates. In addition to psychological testing, I'd really like to see them tested for things such as Constitutional knowledge, economics and free market theories. Naturally, these test questions should be public knowledge and we should have every candidate's scores in order to make an informed decision about whom we cast our vote.

The tests need not be long or involved. But they should prove at least a passing familiarity with the ground rules of American politics and the Constitution, unlike Pete Starks:


Um, no it can't, Pete. There are limits to the things you can do under the Constitution.

We the people understand this simple concept. Why don't you ?

New R & R Ad - Our Generation's Time

Wow, that was fast. The footage is from Paul Ryan's Mom's appearance at the Villages on Saturday.

(shamelessly stolen from contributed by Ace of Spades HQ)

Preference Cascade Wavelet - Newsweek Cover "Hit the Road, Barack"

Did y'all see this over at the Drudge Report?

Here's the article. I look for more of these types of articles between now and November's election as the various news organizations Official Obama Transcribers' Union Local # 13 attempts to regain reader- and viewership.

Also, Be on the Lookout for This: any uptick in the economy. Obama will try to take credit for an improving economy (and make no mistake, it will improve as the likelihood of Obama's defeat becomes more possible and popular). Obama will preen and say that it's directly due to his actions and policies that things are starting to turn around.

Don't be fooled.

Union Boss and OWS Organizer - "Progressive Labor is a Revolutionary Communitst Org."

Well, at least he's honest.

Former Amalgamated Transit Union local 689 president Mike Golash, now an “Occupy” movement organizer, was caught on tape Sunday revealing his political goals: overthrowing capitalism in the United States and instituting a communist government.

“Its objective,” he added, “is to make revolution in the United States, overthrow the capitalist system and build communism.”

And just what, praytell, makes you think we want communism here, Mr. Golash? And if you want to live under communism, why are you living here?

 (h/t BadBlue)

Friday Night Concert - Van Halen

Since last Friday's Concert was such a rousing success, I have another one for us (hey, I watch these things too).
It's Van Halen with Sammy Hagar from their 1986 show in New Haven, Connecticut.

You know what to do.



I have a gig tonight, sort of. Y'all might remember I lost a very good drummer friend of mine to cancer around this time last year. Tonight, his widow and a whole bunch of his musical buddies are going to dedicate the stage to him at the local watering hole where he played. It'll be somewhat bittersweet, as all remembrances are.

I'm pretty sure we'll make enough joyful noise for him to hear us.

RIP, Ronnie "Byrd" Foster. You are loved and missed.

Free Bird! - Lynyrd Skynyrd Endorses Romney

It's the time of the season for political endorsements. Important endorsements from the movers and shakers of society and art.

Y'all know what I'm talking about. Rock bands.

Among the first to come out in support of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan is that venerable band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. They'll be performing at the Republican National Convention along with Trace Adkins and Kid Rock.

Rumor has it Van Zandt's endorsement of Republican Ted Yoho is responsible for his upset victory over Cliff Stearns in last Tuesday's runoff in Florida.

Alright, y'all get your lighters out, take a swig from your bottle of Jack Daniels, call your dog, and put your hand over your heart: we're gonna play our National Anthem.

I saw these guys at Legion Field in Birmingham AL way back when, in the early '70's with Grinder's Switch and the Marshall Tucker Band. They toured through North Alabama fairly regularly, along with a few other bands you may have heard of such as Charlie Daniels and Little Feat.

It's good to hear and see so many of these bands still on the road pleasing audiences and welcoming a new generation of fans.

Your Weekend Reading Assignment - The Blessings of a Free Country

OK, buckaroos and buckarettes, here is you weekend reading assignment. It's from the great Kyle Becker once again, over at Conservative Daily News called The Blessings of a Free Country.

I'll warn you ahead of time: this is a long article that may require more than one adult beverage to complete. But it's well worth your time. I have every confidence that y'all are up to the task.

Here's a taste...

What the leftist will never realize is that what separates the United States from those it supposedly ‘colonizes,’ with merely an offer of trade no less, is America’s capitalist economic system, which allows free-thinking individuals to create, risk-taking entrepreneurs to invest, and carefully-spending consumers to buy. America put a productive gap between itself and many other states that preceded it by millennia by adopting free market capitalism while other states continued on in tyranny and oppression. Simply put, the U.S. thrived while despotisms lagged behind. The tyrannies of the world could not beat the United States in terms of economic clout while still maintaining strangleholds on their respective peoples – therefore the U.S. had to be subverted. The statists of the world adopted and codified an ideology that would rationalize their totalitarian control over the economies, governments, and societies of the world, and scapegoated “capitalism,” a term invented by Karl Marx as a monolithic descriptor of free market economies, as the source of all of mankind’s woe. Here was a boot-licking statist ideology that so-called “radicals” could [get] behind. Unbeknownst to most of these malcontents, subversion of the free market system leads directly to tyranny in economics and then in politics.

 Becker's article is a strong defense of capitalism and freedom.

Do read the whole thing. You won't regret it.

Run Forrest, Um, Joe, Run!

Heh.


(Shamelessy stolen from contributed by Ace of Spades HQ.)

Scott Rasmussen Points Out the Great Divide Between America and Washington

Right Wing News has a short post by political pollster Scott Rasmussen entitled Reaction to Ryan: A Gap Between Mainstream America and Official Washington. It highlights something I've been saying for a while now, that we're dealing with a vastly different culture when it comes to politicians.

What we expect to happen and what actually happens are two vastly different things in today's political sphere, as all fourteen of you have no doubt noticed. We sort of expect those we send to Washington to do the simple things we would do if we were there ourselves, like make sure the economy was growing, our national defense was always strong, and our laws are equally enforced.

Is this what we see? I think not.

Anyway, here's a snippet of Scott's take as a result of his polling. He notes several artificial divides between what we commoners think versus Washington thinking...

One of the things Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan as his running mate ensures is a series of polling questions over the coming months asking voters what’s more important: creating jobs or cutting government spending; helping the economy or cutting deficits; repealing the president’s health care law or focusing on the economy.

These questions reflect the way official Washington views the world, but they don’t make sense in Mainstream America. In Washington, it’s a given that more government spending is needed to help the economy. Most Americans hold the opposite view. So when you ask whether cutting spending or helping the economy is more important, the question doesn’t make sense. For most Mainstream voters, one leads to the other.

Read the whole thing, it's not very long.

"Dishonorable Disclosures" - the Video

By now, you've probably heard about the group called the Special Operations OPSEC Education Fund. They're a group of current and former military intelligence folk who are rightly concerned with the high-level leaks coming from the Obama administration.

Here's a link to TheBlaze on this group's efforts to contain Obama and his cronies disgraceful and dangerous leaks of information.

And here's their video, Dishonorable Disclosures. Enjoy.


Send them some money if you can.

The Inherent Wrongness of "Diversity"

While I was perusing this article over at the Daily Caller that outlines Michelle Obama's college senior article demanding race-based hiring and promotion at her college, I was reminded of just how damaging and wrong-headed this fad of "diversity" is for our country.

The 1988 essay, titled “Minority and Women Law Professors: A Comparison of Teaching Styles,” ran in a special edition of the BLSA Memo. The future first lady justified her demands for more black and female law school faculty by attacking the “traditional model,” in which law students were educated through the Socratic method.
She also opposed the traditional meritocratic hiring principle, where professors with better legal pedigrees were more often hired, arguing that it limited the success of women and blacks.

"Limited the success?" In college? Where you can study, learn the course material and succeed through your own efforts? Um, who's stopping you from doing that?

“The faculty’s decision to distrust and ignore non-traditional qualities in choosing and tenuring law professors merely reinforces racist and sexist stereotypes,” Mrs. Obama wrote, ”which, in turn, serve to legitimize students’ tendencies to distrust certain types of teaching that do not resemble the traditional images."

I find it curious in the extreme that the then-Miss Robinson would decry the Socratic Method of instruction, particularly when it comes to the law. It's not like there's anything wrong with this method. It's been quite useful in classrooms for a few millenia now.

Why would you want to advocate a system based solely on one's skin color, not the proven ability to grasp the subject or get good grades, unless you yourself were racist?

The concept of "diversity" has done a great deal of harm to our society, as intended. It ignores the  fact that America is already a very diverse society. We are the melting pot of the world, open to all who value the American ideals of freedom, individuality, and equality before the law. This perversion of reality apparently works on the weak-minded and easily led, by which I mean those who lean to the political left who tend to look at people in a stereotypical way, not as individuals.

The reason for this damage is clear: skin color is to be preferred over ability. If you replace the word "ability" with "merit," you'll start to better understand how this concept has eroded a society that was once accustomed to being the best it could be, and by extension, the best in the world. Under this new banner of "diversity," outer appearance is valued above inner ability, looks are preferred over intellect, percentages and quotas are the new standard, not capacity or smarts.

Those of us who live in a Reality-based world can only gaze upon this idea and wonder how anyone could embrace such a ridiculous idea.

Why wouldn't you want to have the best instructors available? The best judges, doctors, accountants, business people, engineers or society?

What does skin color or sex have to do with intellect?

Nothing, that's what.

It's time that we retired this fad and put it with pet rocks, leisure suits, and Socialism on the ash heap of history's failed ideas and return to a society based on quality, intellect, and ability, not skin color.

New Ad - Has Obama Earned Your Vote?

Pass this ad around, especially to your friends who may have voted for Obama in '08, as these folks did.

Common Sense in PA - Judge Upholds State Voter ID Law

What's this? A Pennsylvania judge who understands the spirit and intent of laws that require all voters to present a valid picture ID in order to prove they're actually eligible to vote?




Golly, the next thing you know, judges will actually start citing that Constitution thingy as the basis for their decisions.

Where will it end?

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer Signs EO Barring Ilegals from State Benefits

Ya gotta love Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. No sooner did Obama bypass Congress and the Constitution by implementing his own "Dream Act" granting backdoor amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants (who he desperately hopes will vote for him in November, another illegal act), Governor Brewer signed her own executive order denying state benefits and ID's to the illegals.

Brewer’s Wednesday order says she’s reaffirming the intent of current Arizona law denying taxpayer-funded public benefits and state identification to illegal immigrants.

Brewer’s Wednesday order says she’s reaffirming the intent of current Arizona law denying taxpayer-funded public benefits and state identification to illegal immigrants.

I'd like to know where it's written in the Constitution that anyone and everyone, regardless of citizenship status, is entitled to any benefits. Common sense should dictate that those benefits are only for citizens.

But then again, we're dealing with progressive politicians who look upon the Constitution as a set of "negative liberties," not a document that restricts the power of Washington as it was originally intended. Do you think that California would be in its current situation if they adhered to this principle? I rather doubt it.

This needs to happen nationwide. Of course, the lawless Obama administration would tie these EO's up in court, but a clear message would be sent to Washington: you will obey the law of the land.

Food Fighters Say "No" to Obama and Biden

Here are two stories that will warm your conservative heart.

The first story concerns a Davenport, Iowa businessman named Ross Murty. It seems his business partner was approached by the Obama campaign to cater an event while he was away. Not wanting to turn down the business, Murty (a registered Republican) served up beef brisket and pulled pork while wearing a Romney campaign T-shirt that said "Government didn't build my business, I did."

(h/t to Maggie's Notebook)

The second story is about "Crumb and Get It" owner Chris McMurray who, when asked if Vice-President Joe Biden could visit his bakery for a media event, said no. When asked to explain his decision, he said...

“Very simply, ‘you didn’t build that’” McMurray said. “Speaking of small businesses and entrepreneurs all across this country and actually last night my wife was up all night. No sleep, she’s worked a full 24 hours.”

McMurray said he’s hoping folks will understand he just didn’t want to be part of a photo op for an administration whose policies he doesn’t agree with.

(h/t SooperMexican)

Culinary resistance is the front line of the battle against progressivism. Praise the Lord and pass me one of those cupcakes.

Panorama of Curiosity on Mars (Uh, Make That New Mexico)

For your geekly pleasure.


Curiosity rover: Martian solar day 2 in New Mexico

(h/t to the Moron Horde over at Ace's place.)

Why All the Ammo Purchases, Barry?

First we discover that the Department of Education has a SWAT team. (Their motto: Thinking of skipping school? Think Again.)

Yesterday, we found out that the National Weather Service has purchased 46,000 rounds of hollow-point ammunition and a few paper targets. There must be some really, really nasty storms coming.

Today, the Social Security Administration purchased 174,000 hollow-point rounds.

I assume they're expecting seniors to try something soon?

Why would they think that?

Romney's Next Repeal: Dodd-Frank

I've stated before that everything Obama has done needs to be undone, beginning with the repeal of ObamaCare, which Mitt Romney has pledged to do on his first day in office.

Now comes the good news that Mitt will repeal the awful Dodd-Frank banking law.

I'm eggstatic, ex-static, happy to hear this. Mitt appears to be a truly reform-minded candidate who recognizes all to well the economic destruction that Obama's Marxist policies have inflicted on the nation and seeks to reverse them.

I'll say this again because it bears repeating: under our form of government, each new law that is enacted reduces our freedom. The avalanche of legislation that came from the Pelosi and Reid-led 111th Congress must be repealed, along with other laws and regulations that have outlived their usefulness.

NBPP's Message of Peace, Love, and Tolerance: "Our Feet Will Be On Your Motherf***king Necks"

Kum-ba-ya.

What a lovely display of all the values of the Left, wrapped up in one phone call.

I feel all warm and fuzzy, don't you?

Two Speeches to Compare and Contrast

There were a couple of speeches given yesterday, one by Mitt Romney, the other by Joe Biden. One offered solutions to the problems causes by Progressivism, the other made baseless accusations and hinted at racism.

For ten points and a chance to advance to the next round of our competition, guess which speech was given by whom.

Speech #1

America runs on freedom. Free men and women, pursuing their dreams, working hard to build a better future for their families. This is what propels our economy. When an American succeeds, when she wins a promotion, when he creates a business, it is that individual, that American that has earned it, that has built it. Government does not build our businesses, the American people do.
The American people also build the government. We pay for it with our taxes. We choose who will lead us with our votes.

Speech #2

Look at what they value and look at their budget and what they’re proposing. [He] wants to let the—he said in the first 100 days, he’s going to let the big banks once again write their own rules–unchain Wall Street. They’re going to put y’all back in chains. He’s said he’s going to do nothing about stopping the practice of outsourcing…

 Stumped? OK, I'll give you a hint: one speaker knew where he was, the other didn't.

The winner receive a free, one-year subscription to this blog, along with a bunch of straws and napkins.

America's Actual Deficit - $200 Trillion, with a "T"

We've heard several extraordinarily large figures over the past few years from economists attempting to calculate the total of our outstanding federal debt.

And there are several numbers to be considered, depending on how you want to count it. But this new number is bordering on the incomprehensible. The true indebtedness of the United States now exceeds $222 trillion. Appearing on National Public Radio in August of 2011 Professor Laurence J. Kotlikoff of Boston University said...

 If you add up all the promises that have been made for spending obligations, and subtract all the taxes we expect to collect, the difference is $211 Trillion. This is the fiscal gap. That is our true indebtedness.

And it's gone up since then, as the American Thinker article states, to $222T.

I don't think I have enough fingers and toes to count that high.

On a partially related note, Ol' Slow Joe Biden thinks that your budget is your measure. Well, let's see your budget. Oh, right. You haven't produced one in over 1200 days, violating the law in the process. So, what does that tell us about your values?

New RNC Ad - "Not Working"

Not much to add to that ad. The facts speak for themselves.

There's also not much for the R & R campaign to do except remind the country of the results of Obamanomics (actually, Marxism). The glow of Mitt's pick of Paul Ryan remains. That, coupled with Mitt's business experience, signals that they're both serious about the job that lies before them.

And, on the bright side, our economy is under assault as never before, yet it cannot be killed. It's like Cthulu or something. Just imagine the growth, the prosperity, and the opportunity that awaits us next year.

Even I might wind up with a real job.

Russian Sub Patrols Gulf of Mexico Undetected

Still think we don't have enemies? Then 'splain it to me Lucy how a Russian nuclear sub managed to patrol our Gulf of Mexico for weeks without being detected?

And this isn't just any Russian nuclear-powered sub. It has a full complement of long-range, nuclear cruise missiles.

“Sending a nuclear-propelled submarine into the Gulf of Mexico-Caribbean region is another manifestation of President Putin demonstrating that Russia is still a player on the world’s political-military stage,” said naval analyst and submarine warfare specialist Norman Polmar.

And Obama wants to cut our sub defense, along with everything else in our military?

Sleep well tonight...

Breaking! Paul Ryan's Love Child Found!

We knew this was coming.

(because it's been how many days since I stole something from Ace?)

Obama's Most Horrifying Nightmare - Math. And Paul Ryan

You gotta love IowaHawk's Tweet in the title. (His subsequent hashtag is #burnthemathwitch, where he gets Tweeters to post the most outrageous lefty attacks on Ryan.)

And you gotta love Mitt's decision to tap Paul Ryan as his VP, if only for this video...

And here's a post over at American Thinker that builds the case for a Romney/Ryan ticket rather well: Paul Ryan and the Triumph of Math.

Math, do you speak it?

George Soros' Latest Effort to Take Over the World

Your favorite anti-Christ and mine, George Soros, is planning to take over the world.

Again.

Color me surprised.
He has created a new organization called INET - Institute for New Economic Thinking and has invested $50M in it.

As usual, you're job is to watch out for this organization. You and I need to make sure that this sinister effort never gains any traction anywhere. Watch your representatives in every level of government and question them any time they cite this organization or its goals for any reason.

Oh sure, it sounds innocent enough...

Three months after a summit in New York state last July, Soros pledged $50 million to INET, which promises “to promote changes in economic theory and practice” by “providing the proper guidance” to “the next generation.”

Despite its name, its philosophy is nearly a century old. The group blames the economic crisis on free market capitalism and promotes a return to the theories of John Maynard Keynes.

The current global economic crisis was not caused by free market capitalism. It was caused by governmental interference in the market. If you need another example of the failure of Keynesian economics, just take a look at us. Obama's justification for wasting some $800B on the Stimulus Bill can be found in that theory.

In other words, this new Soros organization is yet another attempt to repackage the failed economic theory of socialism. It seems that Georgie Boy wants to take advantag of the undereducated and ignorant masses to try it again.

But that's not all Soros wants to do. His goal is the destruction of the Western way of life, which is the foundation of freedom in the modern world. He also wants you and me living in poverty. One of the attendees at his forum is one Andre Wilkens. Here is what he said following Obama's election.

 The challenge ahead is to manage a peaceful decline of the west while rescuing as many of the west’s liberal political and economic values as possible…We need new global governance which can both manage the ascent of China, India, Russia, Brazil as well as the relative decline of the United States and Europe. Europe and the US must concentrate on shaping this new global governance and enshrine its progressive values within it, while they still have some power to do so.

In case I haven't mentioned it lately, progressive values are not compatible with freedom. Anyone who claims to be a "Progressive," regardless of party affilliation, is an enemy of America.

And you.

We don't need any form of global governance, thank you. We here in America elect our representatives directly, and if they don't perform their duties to our satisfaction, we replace them in the next election. It's called "sovereignty" and we like it. Self-contained, local and regional representation is what it is. It's enshrined in our Constitution.

So, George, ol' buddy, ol' pal, you can take your plans to rule over me and shove 'em up your ass.

A Question for the President

Mr. President, you asked at a campaign fundraising speech on Sunday, this question: "Do we go forward towards a new vision of an America in which prosperity is shared?"

I'd like to know what you call that paycheck thingy. Is that not "shared prosperity?"

Are not payroll costs the largest part of any business's cash flow and what managers worry about first?

Sir, you sound like your former communist advisor Van Jones. He's not very bright.

(h/t Matt Drudge)

Your Economics Monday Video

OK, buckaroos and buckarettes, you knew it was coming. It's Economic Monday, and today's lesson comes courtesy of Cato@Liberty.org.

Presented for your viewing pleasure: Obamanomics - A Legacy of Wasteful Spending,


For some reason, I can't seem to remember one word she said. Maybe I should watch that again...

George Soros Raids Coven for New Succubus

Your favorite anti-Christ and mine, George Soros is getting married again.

His fiancee might want to talk to this previous Soros girlfiend. You know, the one he assaulted and who is now suing him for a cool $50M.

Just a little girl talk...

Paul Ryan Defines the Upcoming Election

In his own words, GOP Vice-Presidential nominee Paul Ryan on how to defeat Barack Obama.

(h/t to Breitbart.com)

The Inevitable "Downfall" Parody Video About Paul Ryan

Heh.

Hitler Finds Out Paul Ryan is the VP Pick.

(thanks to BigFurHat over at I Own the World.)

Capitalism, the Superior Societal System

This article should get your week off to a positive start. From the Conservative Daily News comes this full-throated defense of the free market entitled Capitalism, the Superior Societal System.

When someone performs labor, they have transferred a part of themselves into that which they have done. The task has become intertwined with their very soul. Same with someone who creates a product, that endeavour also is a part of them. This, I believe is the inherent reason that wherever and whenever socialism or communism is experimented with, it always fails. It is because the economic system of socialism punishes the producer and rewards the mooch. It steals the very soul of man. When a person lays their hand to the plow, they do it to better their socio-economic status, not for their health. They do it for their family. This is why the recent remarks made by President Obama about small business owner’s hit such a sour note. “If you have a business, you didn’t build that, someone else made that happen.” The election that we happen upon will be a decision solely won or lost on who we think will do a better job of pulling the American economy out of the ditch. Capitalism vs. socialism. The difference's, couldn’t be further apart. Our politicians are attempting to mix the two, and have. However, I suggest they are not compatible with one another. One steals from one party, and distributes the stolen money to those without the morality to know that they should refuse to take the money. One, lets the party who earned the money to keep the fruits of their labor, and spend it accordingly to their will. They do not mix as philosophies.

If I might expand this concept: Capitalism provides a necessary psychological outlet. Instead of channeling energy towards aggression (and, let's face it, history has many demonstrations of mankind's inhumanity to man), capitalism redirects this energy (through self-interest) into action, goods, and services that benefit others.

In other words, work is good for you. It's a healthy outlet that has a beneficial side-effect. If the Twentieth Century taught us anything, it's that if man is free, his natural curiosity and drive will result in positive consequences for others. The 1900's saw the largest aggregate improvement in the condition of people worldwide than at any other time in history. A quick perusal of technological advancements and inventions show an explosion of creativity previously unknown. The car, home appliances, computers, television and radio all became common household objects, saving us time and money which we could spend with friends and loved ones.

On could conclude (if one chose to look at it from a certain prospective) that technology brought the human race closer together.

Technology that was brought to market (and into your home) thanks to capitalism.

And freedom.

Today, capitalism is under assault from deviants who abhor freedom. This minority sees freedom in action and they reflexively strive to stop it by any means necessary. Jealous, they are confronted by their own inadequacy and seek to compensate for their personal failure by imposing their will (through lies and deceit) over the lives of others instead of themselves. Covetous, these people seek equal outcomes of misery for all in the name of "fairness," not equal opportunity for success. They point to any individual failure and condemn the entire system.

They ignore a basic truth: Life Isn't Fair. It never has been, and likely never will be. But once this truism is accepted (as intellectually mature people do), then the real work of being your own person can begin. Your inner drive can direct you without the soul-crushing pressure of laws and regulations that are typical of failed forms of governments that have followed socialist doctrine. You will impose fairness upon yourself.

In short, capitalism works, but only when combined with freedom.

Geithner to Ryan: "Our plan is to oppose your plan."

Here's an oldie but a goodie. This video pretty much describes the Obama administration's stance on any plan that dares to address the Dimocrat's skyrocketing spending and irresponsible fiscal policies.

At 1:45, listen closely...


David Axelrod said today that both Romney and Ryan's views on the government were "extreme."

Really, Davey? Your statement merely points out how far to the left the Dims have gone: when you stand on sound principle and common sense, you're extreme. When you think that government should be operated like a household and not spend more than it takes in, you're extreme.

If you oppose the disaster that is this administration's fiscal policy, you're extreme.

Thanks for clearing that up, Dave.

First R&R Ad

Here's the first Romney/Ryan ad.

At least I think it's the first one.


Mitt's selection for Vice-President has sent shock waves throughout the Dimocrat camp. With the Olympics almost over, we'll see this campaign start to move to the front of the country's attention. The Dims and Obama now have to confront a bit of reality, especially when it comes to the budget (of which we now haven't had one of in over 1200 days), the economy, entitlements, spending, and the future of the country.

In other words, for the Dims, the refuse has become palpable. (Translation for Dims: Shit just got real.)

While the Obama campaign says it wants to tackle the issues and how to solve them (I can't believe I typed that with a straight face), the best they've been able to come up with so far is attack ads. Not that they're going to stop that anytime soon, but they should know that if they continue with the false ads and think they're swaying the average voter, the R & R team will be talking about the things that actually affect the country. Ryan is a numbers geek with a better handle on government spending, budget projections and fiscal policy that all the Dims combined.

For every attack ad that comes from Obama, Mitt will be perfectly justifiable in saying, "Barack, there you go again."

Obama will have lies, deceit, innuendo and smears on their side. The R & R camp will have hard numbers and the awful results of Obama's policies on their side.

The public will notice the difference.

Romney Taps Ryan for VP UPDATED!

This blog interrupts your hangover recovery morning to announce Mitt Romney's pick as his Vice-Presidential running mate:

Paul Ryan.

I just finished watching the official announcement and Ryan's speech. Paul hit all the right buttons, speaking of things like equal opportunity (not equal outcomes), free enterprise, Natural Rights that come from God (not the government), and Founding Principles. I was heartened by his decidedly conservative message of leadership, personal responsibility and his and Mitt's commitment to the country, its people, and to the Truth.

He also struck one chord that really resonated with me, one that I hadn't heard yet in this campaign: the idea that we own the government. Our foundation is built upon the principle of the "consent of the governed," which is sadly missing from the Obama administration. You'd be hard pressed to find very many Americans who approve of the direction we're headed under Progressive rule.

Now that this is out of the way, we can proceed to persuade and convince our friends and neighbors to vote for Romney and Ryan.

Confidence is high...

As you were.

UPDATE: From fellow Moron DrewM, here's a roundup of some Ryan awesomeness, including a video of him saying to Obama, "Hiding spending doesn't reduce spending,"

Friday Night Concert - The Beatles Rooftop Concert

Since I haven't done a Friday Bits of Tid in a long while, I thought I'd do something different for Friday and post a full-length concert. NiceDeb does something similar on Sundays, usually of a classical and religious nature which is also very good. So, yeah, I'm a copycat.

Anyway, if you have good headphones or ear buds, plug 'em in and crank 'em up.


The sound quality is pretty good, considering this recording's age. I'm listening to it on a pair of Bose in-ear headphones. They're not buds per se, they're a bit bigger and sound fantastic on my laptop, which also has a pretty good sound card in it.

Heard on keyboards but rarely seen in this vid is the late, great Billy Preston.

Hope y'all like it. Have a good weekend.

New Ad - "Cancer"

Here's a brand-spanking-new ad condemning the despicable pro-Obama SuperPAC for accusing Mitt Romney of murder.



(h/t Hyscience)

U.N. Has a Lucid Moment, Questions US Ethanol Policy

You know, a few hundred more of these types of requests from the idiots at the United Nations, and I might just start to think they're OK.

Dimwit Energy Policies,Record Corn Prices and UN Pleas to Change US Ethanol Policy; Obama Consistently Wrong, Romney an Energy Pretzel.

No cut-paste-fu on this article for some reason.

The Most Ridiculous Thing You'll Read This Afternoon

"Special" Ed Shultz had Johnathan Alter on his show last night to give us today's snippet of leftist insanity, "If we elect Romney, a lot of people will die."

"ObamaCare will save, literally, thousands of lives," Alter declared."

 Sorry, Johnny, no it won't.

I do wonder how these people are capable of remembering to breathe.

Take a look around at the other countries who have socialized health care, Johnny. What do you see? Long lines, delayed treatment, high costs that lead to rationing of services and a rush to come here in search of the best health care, a depressed economy.

Now explain to me why in hell we should want that here? ObamaCare, the socialist wet-dream for a century, was rammed down our throats  by a group of power-mad progressives who want to boss you around through whichever method they can find. These people want nothing less that total and absolute power over you in every facet of your life. They think you are their slave, to do with as they please. Your money, your family, and your life isn't yours, it's theirs.

ObamaCare is wildly unpopular, and has grown moreso in the the two years since it was passed. We want this law repealed as quickly as possible and replaced with a free market solution that increases business and diminishes the power of Washington.

You, Johnny, can relocate to whichever country suits your needs. If you want socialism, move somewhere else.

I like my freedom. You can't seem to understand what it is.