I think this primary is over. Ted Kennedy endorsing Obama will swing the tide away from Hillary.
Edwards does not stand a chance. This is good because he is the biggest phony of the lot. he is someone who will offer the masses anything and everything. He is an extreme liberal populist not because of any ideological bent but because of a desire for power. In another age he could have been a Huey Long.
Anyway enough about the looser. I know a lot of conservatives will be happy that Clinton will loose. I am not so sure I share that view. I am conflicted. I believe the Clinton's are divisive and power hungry and amoral. Obviously I do not want them in power. While Obama is sincere he is more liberal then the Clinton and because people view him as a "uniter" he will be even more dangerous to the conservative cause.
He will not compromise he will use his likable personality and ability to speak directly to the people to push through a liberal agenda. He is the Democratic Reagan and will have more success then Clinton ever would.
Then their is foreign policy. while I am deeply concerned about the Clinton relationship with China she does have a more realistic view of foreign policy then Obama. As bad as a Clinton Foreign policy could be Obama's will be worse. Think Jimmy Carter then think about worse then Jimmy Cater. Obama is dangerously naive about foreign policy.
It will be difficult for Republicans to win this time out no matter who the candidate is. Quite frankly Clinton would be the easier one too beat. She will energize the conservative base because she is so divisive. Many Independents will not vote for her even if they agree with her policies because they do not want the controversy she and her husband bring.
This is why I am not sure that Obama winning the Democratic primary is a good thing.
Two more notes on this primary. First conservatives need to stop making fun of Hillary's looks and and sending out goofy pictures of Hillary. It is cruel and stupid and it builds sympathy for her.
Second from what I have seen of Chelsea in this campaign impresses me. She has grown into a women with charm and class. Where did she find appropriate role models?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The same revolutionary beliefs for which our forbears fought are still at issue around the globe, ... the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
Friday, January 25, 2008
War on Scientology?
You have got to watch this video. It is cool and spooky.
While I can not condone criminal activity it is my opinion that what they say about Scientology is true and it is a force of evil in the world.
It will be interesting to see if their is any actual activities by anonymous.
Internet hacker vigilantes. What a concept. Maybe they can also go after organized crime, criminal foreign governments and terrorist organizations. That sounds like a good book for the beach.
While I can not condone criminal activity it is my opinion that what they say about Scientology is true and it is a force of evil in the world.
It will be interesting to see if their is any actual activities by anonymous.
Internet hacker vigilantes. What a concept. Maybe they can also go after organized crime, criminal foreign governments and terrorist organizations. That sounds like a good book for the beach.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
How To Prepare For The China Threat; #1
I have done a few long posts ( The Real Threat and The case for the China Threat) about why China is the greatest threat facing this country.
A greater threat then Communist Russia ever was because of China's economic power. That is something Russia never had.
I will periodically follow up with shorter posts on what we as a Nation need to do in order to meet this threat.
The first thing is energy independence. This means doing some things environmentalists will like and some things they will not like. THIS IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO OUR NATIONAL SECURITY.
1. develop alternate energies in partnership with private industry; make solar cheap and efficient, more wind power especially wind farms off our coasts, waste cellulose to ethanol (their is some promising research using bacteria to do this).
2. Drill in the Arctic and off all our coasts. We have been drilling for years in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas and Louisiana with very little adverse environmental impact.
3. Encourage Conservation.
4. Subsidize and expand mass transit.
5. More Nuclear power plants.
Whatever arguments can be made against doing these things are meaningless if we cease to exist as a nation.
A greater threat then Communist Russia ever was because of China's economic power. That is something Russia never had.
I will periodically follow up with shorter posts on what we as a Nation need to do in order to meet this threat.
The first thing is energy independence. This means doing some things environmentalists will like and some things they will not like. THIS IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO OUR NATIONAL SECURITY.
1. develop alternate energies in partnership with private industry; make solar cheap and efficient, more wind power especially wind farms off our coasts, waste cellulose to ethanol (their is some promising research using bacteria to do this).
2. Drill in the Arctic and off all our coasts. We have been drilling for years in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas and Louisiana with very little adverse environmental impact.
3. Encourage Conservation.
4. Subsidize and expand mass transit.
5. More Nuclear power plants.
Whatever arguments can be made against doing these things are meaningless if we cease to exist as a nation.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Martin Luther King Day
15 years ago I was one of those people who were against making Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday a holiday because of alleged failings in his personal life. I felt we should not be honoring him because of these.
I WAS WRONG. I have since come to the realization that there is no perfect hero. We are all flawed in different ways. Martin Luther King Jr. did more then any other person to end segregation and discrimination in our country. He did this at great personal sacrifice to himself. He did it at the cost of his life. This was a great service not only to our country but to humanity.
So while he may not have been perfect and while I may disagree with some of his other political opinions, he does deserve to be honored for what he accomplished and we should reflect today on the heroic stand he took against a great injustice. For this is why he deserves inclusion in the pantheon of great Americans.
I WAS WRONG. I have since come to the realization that there is no perfect hero. We are all flawed in different ways. Martin Luther King Jr. did more then any other person to end segregation and discrimination in our country. He did this at great personal sacrifice to himself. He did it at the cost of his life. This was a great service not only to our country but to humanity.
So while he may not have been perfect and while I may disagree with some of his other political opinions, he does deserve to be honored for what he accomplished and we should reflect today on the heroic stand he took against a great injustice. For this is why he deserves inclusion in the pantheon of great Americans.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"No greater thing could come to our land today than a revival of the spirit of religion — a revival that would sweep through the homes of the nation and stir the hearts of men and women of all faiths to a reassertion of their belief in God and their dedication to His will for themselves and for their world."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Even truer today.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Even truer today.
Scratch that
After reading this editorial by George Will I changed my mind McCain is not my second Choice as stated below. Maybe Romney would be a better second choice.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Why it's hard to be a Republican
Hillary Clinton has suggested that to help people who are having trouble paying their mortgages that they freeze interest rates for 5 years and have a 90 day moratorium on foreclosures. Edwards has an even more draconian response.
How does a Republican who believes that people who made bad decisions when they obtained their mortgage have to deal with the problem themselves, combat that type of populist (socialist?) approach to government.
It goes against human nature to expect most people who have a mortgage in foreclosure to buy the Republican argument. I have an idea lets promise people that the government will fix every bad decision anybody makes regardless of the cost. So what if this removes a persons incentive to make good choices in their life.
How does a Republican who believes that people who made bad decisions when they obtained their mortgage have to deal with the problem themselves, combat that type of populist (socialist?) approach to government.
It goes against human nature to expect most people who have a mortgage in foreclosure to buy the Republican argument. I have an idea lets promise people that the government will fix every bad decision anybody makes regardless of the cost. So what if this removes a persons incentive to make good choices in their life.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
SON OF LIBERTY REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT.
First let me lay out who I am not endorsing and why because this has been a process of elimination more then anything else. These are my opinions based on my observations and what I have read.
1. Mitt Romney. I like the positions he has laid out and he is a very good speaker however I doubt his sincerity, the depth of his belief in social and fiscal conservatism.
2. Rudy Gulianni. Social liberal. Thinks too highly of himself to the point where it borders on delusional. Narcissistic. Personality too volatile almost unstable at times.
3. Mike Huckabee. I really like the social conservative aspect of Mike Huckabee but I am very concerned about his economic policies and his tendency to want to use the power of government to improve people. Plus, I do think an overtly religious person would be attacked to the point where it would become a distraction that would effect their ability to be elected. No matter how much I like a persons position it does not help us if he is not elected. This country is severely divided over religious issues. Do we want to wave a red flag in front of the bull. This time too much is at stake.
4. John McCain. I like where McCain stands on the issues. However I am still disconcerted by the cavalier way he addressed first amendment issues surrounding campaign finance and I am troubled by his bipartisan approach if that means compromise on core issues. He is also blind on the torture issue because of his personal experiences.
He also appears thin skinned at times. However because I like his positions on most issues and he is probably pretty electable he is my second choice.
5. Ron Paul. I am not a libertarian. libertarians forget the other side of the social compact. Their are responsibilities that go along with the rights. Plus his foreign policy is positively stupid.
6Duncan Hunter. Who? Actually on an issue basis I align more closely with Hunter then any other candidate but he has no chance. Maybe down the road a ways.
AND THE WINNER IS FRED THOMPSON. OK I do disagree with Fred on the immigration issue but after that I am on the same train. He is a great speaker and does not strike one as your typical waffling politician. He can do what Reagan did and talk directly to the people in a way that they can relate too and understand. He is a likable guy who people recognize because of his acting experience but he also smart and has strong political experience.
I think he can win the election and he can win the ideological battle after the election.
So Vote Fred!
1. Mitt Romney. I like the positions he has laid out and he is a very good speaker however I doubt his sincerity, the depth of his belief in social and fiscal conservatism.
2. Rudy Gulianni. Social liberal. Thinks too highly of himself to the point where it borders on delusional. Narcissistic. Personality too volatile almost unstable at times.
3. Mike Huckabee. I really like the social conservative aspect of Mike Huckabee but I am very concerned about his economic policies and his tendency to want to use the power of government to improve people. Plus, I do think an overtly religious person would be attacked to the point where it would become a distraction that would effect their ability to be elected. No matter how much I like a persons position it does not help us if he is not elected. This country is severely divided over religious issues. Do we want to wave a red flag in front of the bull. This time too much is at stake.
4. John McCain. I like where McCain stands on the issues. However I am still disconcerted by the cavalier way he addressed first amendment issues surrounding campaign finance and I am troubled by his bipartisan approach if that means compromise on core issues. He is also blind on the torture issue because of his personal experiences.
He also appears thin skinned at times. However because I like his positions on most issues and he is probably pretty electable he is my second choice.
5. Ron Paul. I am not a libertarian. libertarians forget the other side of the social compact. Their are responsibilities that go along with the rights. Plus his foreign policy is positively stupid.
6Duncan Hunter. Who? Actually on an issue basis I align more closely with Hunter then any other candidate but he has no chance. Maybe down the road a ways.
AND THE WINNER IS FRED THOMPSON. OK I do disagree with Fred on the immigration issue but after that I am on the same train. He is a great speaker and does not strike one as your typical waffling politician. He can do what Reagan did and talk directly to the people in a way that they can relate too and understand. He is a likable guy who people recognize because of his acting experience but he also smart and has strong political experience.
I think he can win the election and he can win the ideological battle after the election.
So Vote Fred!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The case for the China Threat
I have been struggling with how to address this in a blog because an encyclopedia could be written about all the evidence that China is a threat to the US.
What I will do is direct you to some recent articles about China's machinations and for those of you willing to educate yourselves on the issue to some very comprehensive sources.
While the U.S. has been tied up in Iraq, China is modernizing its military and its air defenses are now nearly impenetrable to all but the newest of American fighters. China says spending for its People's Liberation Army, the world's largest standing army with 2.3 million members, grew 17.8 percent this year to nearly $45 billion. The Pentagon estimates China's actual defense spending may be much higher.
A 2007 Senate and House conference report notes that, "China's continued investment in strategic military capabilities that could be used to support power projection and access denial operations beyond the Asia Pacific region, and the lack of transparency surrounding the strategic military capabilities and intentions relating to China's military modernization"
China is developing space war capabilities.
China has developed cyber warfare capabilities and has launched hacker attacks on US government computer systems.
China has gained control of the Panama Canal. This allows them to delay the US Navy in moving ships in the event of a conflict.
China has engaged in a pattern of technology espionage and theft. Another Example.
What I will do is direct you to some recent articles about China's machinations and for those of you willing to educate yourselves on the issue to some very comprehensive sources.
While the U.S. has been tied up in Iraq, China is modernizing its military and its air defenses are now nearly impenetrable to all but the newest of American fighters. China says spending for its People's Liberation Army, the world's largest standing army with 2.3 million members, grew 17.8 percent this year to nearly $45 billion. The Pentagon estimates China's actual defense spending may be much higher.
A 2007 Senate and House conference report notes that, "China's continued investment in strategic military capabilities that could be used to support power projection and access denial operations beyond the Asia Pacific region, and the lack of transparency surrounding the strategic military capabilities and intentions relating to China's military modernization"
China is developing space war capabilities.
China has developed cyber warfare capabilities and has launched hacker attacks on US government computer systems.
China has gained control of the Panama Canal. This allows them to delay the US Navy in moving ships in the event of a conflict.
China has engaged in a pattern of technology espionage and theft. Another Example.
China is making diplomatic and economic inroads into our back yard. It has also made serious inroads into resource rich Africa at the expense of the US. Often assisting African despots, violating Arms embargo's and stymieing efforts to enact UN sanctions against Sudan for its genocidal actions. see also and this.
China has become an economic juggernaut that clearly has the capability to wage economic war on the US.
China will sell arms to just about anyone. This strengthens there military industrial complex while gaining them valuable allies.
It is no secret that China opposes America on most efforts to bring rogue nations under control whether it be diplomatic or militarily.
In Short China is now a superpower.
This Blog entry barely scratches the surface. For more detail I recommend you read "The China Threat" By Washington Times Correspondent Bill Gertz. Also read "Unrestricted Warfare" by Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsul.
All this just barely scratches the surface but taken with into consideration along with the type of government China has it clearly illustrate that China is a very serious threat to us. A threat which we are woefully unprepared for.
Next; what to do.
Quote for the week
Pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." John F. Kennedy
Something his surviving brother and the rest of the democrats seem to have forgotten.
Something his surviving brother and the rest of the democrats seem to have forgotten.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Lies, Dam Lies and Statistics
I am working on my next China post but could not pass this up.
This article appears on Yahoo France is health care leader, US comes dead last: study .
The ABC news video on Yahoo starts off by saying US ranks last in preventable deaths.
However if you read the article what it really says is that the US saw the smallest PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN PREVENTING PREVENTABLE DEATHS. This is a significant difference
What the article does not tell you is the percentage of preventable deaths prevented that was the baseline.
For instance if the US was preventing 95% of all preventable deaths and France, the number one in the study was only preventing 70% of all preventable deaths then what the study is really saying is that France is finally catching up to the US. The fact that France saw a 16% decline in preventable deaths and the US only saw a 4% decline in preventable deaths has much less negative meaning if the US is already way ahead in preventing deaths.
Now I do not know what that baseline is but without it this study is meaningless and the fact that the baseline is not given makes me suspicious. Then the News media not only fails to note this but then mis-characterizes what they have been given. It does not say we are the worse it says we had the smallest percentage improvement.
So now when your liberal friends trot this out to support socialized medicine you can point out to them the key missing data which makes their argument meaningless.
This article appears on Yahoo France is health care leader, US comes dead last: study .
The ABC news video on Yahoo starts off by saying US ranks last in preventable deaths.
However if you read the article what it really says is that the US saw the smallest PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN PREVENTING PREVENTABLE DEATHS. This is a significant difference
What the article does not tell you is the percentage of preventable deaths prevented that was the baseline.
For instance if the US was preventing 95% of all preventable deaths and France, the number one in the study was only preventing 70% of all preventable deaths then what the study is really saying is that France is finally catching up to the US. The fact that France saw a 16% decline in preventable deaths and the US only saw a 4% decline in preventable deaths has much less negative meaning if the US is already way ahead in preventing deaths.
Now I do not know what that baseline is but without it this study is meaningless and the fact that the baseline is not given makes me suspicious. Then the News media not only fails to note this but then mis-characterizes what they have been given. It does not say we are the worse it says we had the smallest percentage improvement.
So now when your liberal friends trot this out to support socialized medicine you can point out to them the key missing data which makes their argument meaningless.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.
Cassius
One to remember as we enter a new year.
Cassius
One to remember as we enter a new year.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The Real Threat
Our nation faces a grave peril. In fact our very existence as a nation is more threatened then at any time since World War Two. Although the hammer will not drop for another 10 to 20 years the threat already exists and we ignore it at our own peril.
No it is not Islamic terrorists. Although they are a danger they do not have near enough power to take us down. In fact the greatest danger they pose is that they sap our strength and distract us so that we will be unable to face the real threat.
No it is not Mexican Immigrants. in fact Immigrants from Mexico can help revitalize our country just like the immigrant groups before them.
The real threat to this country is China and we are ignoring it.
First let's be clear about what China is. It is no longer communist it is closer to fascism then communism. It is authoritarian it has a socialistic well regulated, state-integrated economic sector (as opposed to a true communist economic model which it has actually rejected). It is nationalistic. The current Chinese leadership believes China is the middle Kingdom and must be restored to its number 1 position in the world. Do not doubt that they believe that the Chinese people are superior. It is militaristic having the largest standing army in the world and engaged in a massive buildup and modernization. It is Imperialistic. They have had border wars over the last 50 years with Russia, India and Vietnam that are currently quiet but remain unresolved. They have disputes with Japan the Philippines and other nations regarding ownership of international waters. Finally we know they intend to eventually subjugate Taiwan no matter the cost. Wikipedia states that The key attribute (of Fascism) is intolerance of others: other religions, languages, political views, economic systems, cultural practices. Witness how they treat their minorities particularly Tibet. The only attribute of Fascism they do not have is anti- communism and that is because they still use the myth that they are communist because fascism has even more negative associations then communism in the eyes of the world.
Like all good fascists they believe they as a nation (not as a political /economic movement like communists) it is their destiny to if not directly rule the world be the Hegemon of the world.
The only thing China sees standing between them and their destiny is us.
Coming up next the the case for China as a threat.
No it is not Islamic terrorists. Although they are a danger they do not have near enough power to take us down. In fact the greatest danger they pose is that they sap our strength and distract us so that we will be unable to face the real threat.
No it is not Mexican Immigrants. in fact Immigrants from Mexico can help revitalize our country just like the immigrant groups before them.
The real threat to this country is China and we are ignoring it.
First let's be clear about what China is. It is no longer communist it is closer to fascism then communism. It is authoritarian it has a socialistic well regulated, state-integrated economic sector (as opposed to a true communist economic model which it has actually rejected). It is nationalistic. The current Chinese leadership believes China is the middle Kingdom and must be restored to its number 1 position in the world. Do not doubt that they believe that the Chinese people are superior. It is militaristic having the largest standing army in the world and engaged in a massive buildup and modernization. It is Imperialistic. They have had border wars over the last 50 years with Russia, India and Vietnam that are currently quiet but remain unresolved. They have disputes with Japan the Philippines and other nations regarding ownership of international waters. Finally we know they intend to eventually subjugate Taiwan no matter the cost. Wikipedia states that The key attribute (of Fascism) is intolerance of others: other religions, languages, political views, economic systems, cultural practices. Witness how they treat their minorities particularly Tibet. The only attribute of Fascism they do not have is anti- communism and that is because they still use the myth that they are communist because fascism has even more negative associations then communism in the eyes of the world.
Like all good fascists they believe they as a nation (not as a political /economic movement like communists) it is their destiny to if not directly rule the world be the Hegemon of the world.
The only thing China sees standing between them and their destiny is us.
Coming up next the the case for China as a threat.
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