He's Grrrrrrrrrreat!

OK, it's tired and cliche already, but apparently very true:

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush on Monday chose Carlos Gutierrez, a native of Cuba who rose from truck driver to chief executive officer of Kellogg Co. (K), to be secretary of Commerce. . . .

"Carlos's family came to America from Cuba when he was a boy," Bush said in the Roosevelt Room. "He learned English from a bellhop in a Miami hotel and later became an American citizen. When his family eventually settled in Mexico City, Carlos took his first job for Kellogg as a truck driver, delivering Frosted Flakes to local stores." . . .

"I believe passionately in your leadership and direction you've set," Gutierrez told Bush. "I believe in your call for a vibrant, growing, entrepreneurial society where everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and the pride of ownership, where everyone can contribute and where everyone can benefit. I have had the opportunity to live that American dream, so I know that the president's vision is noble, I know it's real and I know it's tangible."

This guy sounds like someone who can make a difference -- a leader.

Another great choice by W.

Odd

Often on the ride back to the Bay Area on Sunday nights, I listen to ESPN's Game Night (when I'm not listening to some of my favorite performing artists captured on the addictive Apple Music Store).

It can be fun, but I enjoy the replays from the weekend's events.

One feature is a mock trial where the "judge" asks three questions, and the hosts take a side and argue a point and three listener "jurors" vote on the issue on hand. An example from this past Summer: Should Jr. be an automatic inductee into Cooperstown since he has reached the 500 home run plateau?

Well, we are into the eleventh week of the NFL season, the college football season is reaching fever pitch with the continuing BCS saga and the NBA is in meltdown after the Rumble in Detroit.

One would have thought three questions from such a subject-rich week (especially on the gridiron) would be only too easy.

But only two sports questions were asked.

The third?

Who is the most overrated talk show host?

OK, so the lead-in was a mention that Dan Rather was leaving CBS, but guess who the two most overrated talk show hosts were to be argued in "court"?

Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh.

The sports guys who are political know nothings exhibited their high-school failing grades in English Literature by trying out such hyperbole as "Both make Ronald Reagan look like a Communist."

Such ignorance and shameless stupidity is yet another example of Blue Staters not quite understanding why so many watch O'Reilly or listen to Limbaugh. But, let them remain ignorant. A 2008 landslide will only be too fun to watch with further derangement on display.

Other off-the-cuff observations were: Hmmm, why did they choose two right-of-center talk show hosts?

Why not Al Franken, Jim Hightower or Aaron Brown?

Well, we all know the answer -- many may have read the previous sentence and asked: Who are they?

More people listen to conservative talkers than lefties.

Lastly, more ignorance was on display by pairing O'Reilly and Limbaugh.

The former wrote this piece defending Dan Rather.

Can you imagine Rush defending such a political hack posing as an objective journalist?

UPDATE:

No, I'm not a fan of O'Reilly (and many in the Conservative orbit are not fans of his temper and self-indulgance, i.e. more interested in O'Reilly than furthering Conservative Causes).

Which makes the ESPN tirade all the more interesting. After all, even O'Reilly bristles when labeled Conservative.

In the end, I find him a bore.

ESPN light weights took a shot at Conservatism via a straw man. Nothing more.

If they continue, I'll be listening to more good music (I think Ella's site is much more pleasing to the eye).

MOMA Membership

Great tip and photos from Roger Simon.

I have never visited, but would love to someday.

My dream would be to visit with my Sister.

Thanksgiving Daily

Some thoughts.

The Ukraine Matters

Excellent roundups at InstaPundit and PowerLine.

Why should we care?

Because Freedom and Liberty are still fighting against those who are either afraid of republican forms of government (small minds those) or are irridentists with, at best, dubious motives. Countries who support and encourage Freedom and Liberty will necessarily be American allies.

Thanks to Fistful of Euros where we learn that our Red States/Blue States have nothing on the Ukraine and how it split its vote.

Scorecard:

Yuschenko, lost but has credible claims of fraud and is the US choice.

Yanukovych, won, but Ukrainian Supreme Court ruled that Yuschenko's appeal must be heard.

Russia openly backed Mr Yanukovych during campaigning in a bid to keep Ukraine in its sphere of influence. The Prime Minister wants to introduce dual citizenship with Russia, make Russian an official language, and promote an economic union with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Western governments, meanwhile, have thrown their weight behind Mr Yushchenko, who advocates liberal economic reform and integration with the EU and Nato.

Keep an eye on the Kiev Post. At the time of this posting, the lead headline read "Regime’s control over TV media crumbling".

With Vaclav Havel's statements of support for Freedom and Liberty, this will be history to watch.

Thanks Be To God

PowerLine sums up very nicely my thoughts on all the recent nonsense regarding the secularist's attempts to adorn their fabled Separation of Church and State Wall with minefields or, in my opinion, the more Orwellian EU attempts at rewriting history (Huh? -- Ed. Just read here, here, here and here and realize what we Red Staters have known for years -- fortunately now Blogs are shining a light on the anti-Christian prejudices of government officials as well as that which has been laughingly called objective and mainstream media).

There have been a number of stories in the news this year about schools that have banned any reference to God in connection with Thanksgiving. Which raises, obviously, the question: to whom are we giving thanks, if not to God? I think the real answer, although always unspoken, is that instead of being thankful to God for our blessings, some would have us be thankful to the government.

In the end--and the end may be quite far off, for, as Adam Smith said, there is a lot of ruin in a country--there are only two alternatives for any nation: religious faith and tyranny. Because if each individual is not, as the Declaration says, endowed by his Creator with certain inalienable rights, then those rights are only the creation of governments. And what governments give, they can, and surely will, take away. In the end, it is only the religious belief that each person, by virtue of being created in the image of God, is of transcendant value that stands between all of us and the boot heel of tyranny. Absent such belief, people are but cattle and, sooner or later, will be treated as such.

So on this holiday, we're thankful for lots of things, and we're thankful to lots of people, including the troops who are serving around the world. . . . But let's not forget to say, as we Lutherans do at the end of every service: Thanks be to God.

Giving Thanks

Donald Sensing has a wonderful Thanksgiving Photo Essay.

Take a moment to view the photos -- you will be blessed.

Compare and Contrast

Remember those English Literature papers you had to write in high school comparing and contrasting this and that.

Well, here is a fun exercise from an article Drudge highlighted today.

A perfect example of The Left's racism of lower expectations in comparison to comments from a non-Lefty.

If you don't have time to read the entire article, read the first sentence:

MILWAUKEE - A radio talk show host drew criticism Thursday after calling Condoleezza Rice an "Aunt Jemima" and saying she isn't competent to be secretary of state. . . .

Then, read the last sentence of the article:

The incident came after a radio host in Milwaukee had his talk show taken off the air all of last week after he used word "wetback" to refer to undocumented Mexican immigrants, sparking protests from Hispanics.

Now, I loved English Literature, loved my teacher, and did well in school writing my papers, but do I even have to expend one little grey cell on this compare and contrast exercise?

Wait! There's more!

This comment from the local NAACP is simply too easy to ridicule:

Linda Hoskins of the NAACP's Madison branch said she could not comment on Sylvester's remarks until she had heard them in their entirety.

As if context in its "entirety" has ever prevented the NAACP from labeling anyone straying from the orthodoxy of The Left as a racist.

What a transparently ridiculous statement.

And the walls keep tumbling on down. . . .

Iran Update

As those who have been reading for awhile know, I don't have warm fuzzies about Iran dropping their lust for nuclear weapons without a visit from Israel (or even Uncle Sam).

It now seems Colin Powell also thinks Iran is up to no good.

I agree with Roger Simon, the other two legs of the axis of evil are simply begging for attention they really don't want.

But, we can always help them regret what they wish for.

Marching in Their Boots

A letter from a Marine that we all need to read.

The story Chris Matthews won't tell you:

A young Marine and his cover man cautiously enter a room just recently filled with insurgents armed with Ak-47's and RPG's. There are three dead, another wailing in pain. The insurgent can be heard saying, "Mister, mister! Diktoor, diktoor(doctor)!" He is badly wounded, lying in a pool of his own blood. The Marine and his cover man slowly walk toward the injured man, scanning to make sure no enemies come from behind. In a split second, the pressure in the room greatly exceeds that of the outside, and the concussion seems to be felt before the blast is heard. Marines outside rush to the room, and look in horror as the dust gradually settles. The result is a room filled with the barely recognizable remains of the deceased, caused by an insurgent setting off several pounds of explosives.

The Marines' remains are gathered by teary eyed comrades, brothers in arms, and shipped home in a box. The families can only mourn over a casket and a picture of their loved one, a life cut short by someone who hid behind a white flag.

But no one hears these stories, except those who have lived to carry remains of a friend, and the families who loved the dead. No one hears this, so no one cares.

But, the story causing the Old Media to foam at the mouth assumes our Marines are guilty, and our Marine continues in his letter:

For those of you who sit on your couches in front of your television, and choose to condemn this man's actions, I have but one thing to say to you. Get out of your recliner, lace up my boots, pick up a rifle, leave your family behind and join me. See what I've seen, walk where I have walked. To those of you who support us, my sincerest gratitude. You keep us alive.

Read that last paragraph again, and think about it. All I can say is "Ooh-Rah!"

This is the first war in which the soldier can directly challenge the prejudices and biases of the Old Media.

The Old Media continue to strive to equate Iraq with Vietnam -- the Vietnam not of the Swift Vets, of course, but of John Kerry and the J-J-Jenghis Khan atrocities committed by him and his Band of Brothers.

The objectivity of the Old Media continues to underwhelm me. . . .

Bullseye Target

It's really time for Americans to reclaim humanity from the sterile PC-infected corporate world.

Target stores have thrown the Salvation Army off the curbside and into the street.

As Hugh Hewitt suggests, I'll be letting Target know what I think and where I will not be shopping this Christmas season.

Best Buy and Circuit City are also playing Scrooge this year.

We can all play Ghosts of Christmas Present and Future by emailing the following addresses with your thoughts about Christmas without Bells:

Target Email address: guest.relations@target.com

Best Buy Contact Site.

Circuit City Email Site.

Here's my note to these three:

I am distressed to learn that Target has decided not to permit Salvation Army at your stores.

You have simplified my shopping choices, and I will not be visiting your Carson City store this Christmas season -- shopping online will save me time and gas money.

I also plan to spread the word of your scrooge-like decision and urge others to drive by your stores to your nearest competitor as well as donate to the Salvation Army.

Best regards,
Greg Clausen
South Lake Tahoe, California

Trifecta?

First W whips Kerry, then Daschle and other Democrats tumble.

How about some long overdue UN spanking for their Oil for Fraud criminal acts?

"How was the world so blind to this massive amount of influence-peddling?" asked Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, head of the investigations.

Norm Coleman is good. Saw him on C-SPAN tonight. I think he'll cause Kofi and Krew much deserved pain.

Pop some popcorn, make a shake (OK, use soy for us cholesterol watchers) and sit back and enjoy the show.

Arafat Worship Pathology

Why the American Left (and synonymously the Big Media) sanitize and respect this terrorist thug is a mystery that likely further explains the Blue vs Red State differences.

We Red State types just don't get the worship of a murderer.

Charles Krauthammer does not see light looking into Arafat's tomb.

[T]he prospects for peace upon his death are far more distant than the naifs (who got him wrong all through his life) now insist. Arafat's legacy -- the romanticization of violence, the rejection of Israel, the indoctrination of a new generation in intolerance and hatred -- will require a long time to undo. It will require years, perhaps even generations. It will require brave new Palestinian leaders who are the very antithesis of Yasser Arafat.

War is Hell

Thanks to Donald Sensing for this update.

There is no negotiating or surrender for those guys. If we see the position and positively ID them as bad guys, we strike. When they run, we call it maneuver and we strike them too. Why? Yesterday the muj attacked an ambulance carrying our wounded. The attackers were hunted down and killed without quarter. These guys want to be martyrs.....we're helping.

Now the Big Media are hyperventilating over this, but Charles Johnson at LGF provides some context.

I don’t know the full story yet, but the mujahideen are well-known for fighting until martyrdom, blowing themselves up, hiding weapons, and treachery, and I am extremely skeptical of this report.

If a soldier violated standing orders, he will be punished, but the Big Media rarely provide the context Charles provides in one sentence.

I'm sure tomorrow morning perky Katie will be frowning with indignation from her comfy Manhatten perch on how awful our soldiers are.

Monday Morning Quarterbacks disgust me -- judging those who never know if the next "dead" body will blow up as they walk by.

I'm sure we will be hearing about this episode for weeks from our Enlightened Blue Staters. . . .

The Syrian Connection

Since my intelligence antennae cannot compare to the intelligence gathering capabilities of the thankfully soon to be revamped CIA, I will still suggest Syrian holds many of the secrets of the former Iraqi dictatorship, including WMD.

Charles Johnson at LGF highlights an article suggesting Syrian omnipresence in Iraq (emphasis added).

The Iraqi hostage, who had been beaten on the back with steel cables, said his tormentors were Syrian and that he thought he was in Syria until the Marines found him, the Marine said. Other militants came and went, but “The Syrians were always in charge,” the Marine said.

Many serpents remain, but we are taking out vipers in Iraq who would rather be killing Americans in our homeland.

Prayers for the families who mourn the loss of loved ones.

Thanks to our troops who have given their lives for our protection.

May we never forget, and may we never trivialize nor ridicule their sacrifice. Would that some of our Blue State friends realize that those who want to kill us today wanted to do so before September 11 too. I don't think they stop and think about that simple fact due to their hysterical hatred of Bush.

But, Hatred has always been blinding.

Our Veterans

First, Happy Veterans Day, Papa Jerry.

Many sites today celebrating and thanking our Veterans for the Freedoms they have preserved, past and present.

PowerLine.

An abyss separates those who have served and sacrificed their blood for our freedom and those of us who have reaped the benefit.

Hugh Hewitt remembers the sacrifice of Joshua Michael Palmer -- a lengthy read, but you will be blessed if you have the time to read the entire memorial remarks.

When they got to the room where the snipers were, Josh insisted on being in front. Usually officers stay in the back, because their lives are considered more valuable. But Josh had always said that he would never send his men somewhere he wouldn’t go himself, and the test of a true leader was whether or not he led from the front. It was known that there was a very high chance that the person in front would be shot, as they were so close to the snipers, and the snipers were waiting for them. Josh still went in front. He probably knew that he was going to be shot, but he wouldn’t allow someone else to die when he could have prevented it. So he leaned forward and threw the grenade. As he did, he fell a little bit forward, and was shot many times all up his left side and into his neck. Immediately his men pulled him back, and killed the sniper who had shot Josh, the other two snipers were taken prisoner. They pulled Josh to a safe location, where he eventually bled to death. The photo I have, which many of you have seen in the papers, is of Josh’s men praying over him, just after he died.

Stones Cry Out. A blog written from a perspective evidenced by Rick Brady's signature Biblical Verse, Luke 19:40: "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Please visit Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Scroll through the names and read the comments left by family members.
Reflect on the sacrafice made by veterans not only in recent years,
but throughout our nation's history .

Adopt a family and commit them to prayer.

Mac Owens also provides moving perspective to those who protect us daily.

At a time when college enrollment was a sure way to avoid military service and a tour in Vietnam, Corporal Boyer, despite excellent grades, quit, enlisted in the Marines, and volunteered to go to Vietnam as an infantryman. Because of his high aptitude-test scores, the Marine Corps sent him to communications-electronics school instead. But Corporal Boyer kept "requesting mast," insisting that he had joined the Marines to fight in Vietnam. He got his wish, and on May 29, 1969, while serving as one of my squad leaders, he gave the "last full measure of devotion" to his country and comrades. Where do we fi[n]d such men?

Larry Boyer was an only child. I corresponded with his mother for some time after his death. Her inconsolable pain and grief put me in mind of Rudyard Kipling's poem, Epitaphs of the War, verse IV, "An Only Son:" "I have slain none but my mother, She (Blessing her slayer) died of grief for me." Kipling too, lost his only son in World War I.

Indeed, Where do we find such men?

New vs Old Media

Old Media gasps and clutches at conspiracy theories to save themselves by thinking they can destroy their nemesis?

Perhaps, but this assumes right-thinking and fact-based Blogs will sit idly by while such foolishness is attempted.

But, then again, any network that would publish knowingly false memos to bring down a President would probably do just about anything.

As one Presidential wannabe has said, "Bring It On!"

The Loss of Moral Bearings

Michael Ledeen reflects on the state of Europe (specifically the Netherlands) and how they are not dealing with the enemy within.

The killing of Theo van Gogh is a textbook case of what happens when a tolerant but confused society takes political correctness to its illogical extreme. . . .

The Dutch — like every other European society I know — were unwilling to recognize that they had potentially lethal enemies within, and that it was necessary to impose the rules of civil behavior on everyone within their domain. The rules of political correctness made it impossible even to criticize the jihadists, never mind compel them to observe the rules of civil society. Just look at what happened the next day: An artist in Rotterdam improvised a wall fresco that consisted of an angel and the words "Thou Shalt Not Kill." The local imam protested, and local authorities removed the fresco.

That's what happens when a culture is relativized to the point of suicide. As Daniel Patrick Moynihan once remarked of an American politician, "he can no longer distinguish between our friends and our enemies, and so he has ended by adopting our enemies' view of the world." . . .

Holland is now in the grips of violent reaction. Mosques and religious schools are firebombed. Emergency measures have been enacted. The Dutch are groping for a "solution," but they are still ducking the real problem, which, to their consternation, we are dealing with more effectively and far more self-confidently. "The multicultural crisis," Magdi Allam wisely reminds us, "should teach us that only a West with a strong religious, cultural and moral identity can challenge and open itself to the 'others' in a constructive and peaceful way. And that the goal must be a system of shared values within a common identity."

Why Conservatives Won

Because we know how to debate without calling each other Hitler, racist, bigoted, fat, ugly, ad nauseum.

The debate over whether Senator Specter should be Chairman of the Judiciary Committee (I have since decided my heart and mind both are supportive of the anti-Specter camp) has been remarkably civil and informative.

Would anyone like to compare this to a Michael Moore or even a purported political commentor such as Lawrence O'Donnell and their sophomoric behavior?

For those of you in Ohio, please contact Senator DeWine's office and suggest we can do better than Specter.

Priceless

Read this letter from a Navy Medical Officer in Fallujah, and be Proud to be an American.

Today, we had a rather touching moment. November 10th is the Marine Corps Birthday. Around mid-morning there was the sound of bagpipes in the triage area. A Marine in cammies, flak and kevlar played amazing grace and the Marines hymn. It wasn't the best bagpipe playing I've heard, but it was fitting. We all stood at attention. When he was finished we applauded and then went back to work. The corpsmen painted a large piece of plywood red and then lettered in gold, "Happy 229th Birthday Marines." It is a great bunch of folks here.

I have to say that on a day like today, the Marine Corps Birthday, I have never been more proud to be a Navy Medical Officer. We are doing the most important thing that we can do, which is to provide the best possible treatment for our Marines, soldiers and sailors who have been wounded in battle. It is pretty amazing that anyone who makes it to us alive has survived. Anyway, I just want you all to realize that our guys are doing a great job.

I am hoping the demolition will be complete soon and they can get started on building the new Fallujah Walmart.

Semper Fi guys,

Lump in my throat and then burst of laughter.

The American Spirit -- Pride, Determination and Humor.

Victory is Sweet!

Not one state (or even District!) where W did worse in '04 than in '00.

Hitler Islamofascist Parallels Continue

"Hostage 'Slaughterhouses' Found in Fallujah."

CDs and records of foreign captives were discovered by Iraqi soldiers in houses in the city's north, Maj. Gen. Abdul Qader Mohammed Jassem Mohan told reporters. Sunni Muslim (search) terrorists have claimed responsibility for a string of hostage-takings and slayings since the postwar insurgency began last April. . . .

"We have found hostage slaughterhouses in Fallujah that were used by these people and the black clothing that they used to wear to identify themselves, hundreds of CDs and whole records with names of hostages," the general said at a military camp near Fallujah.

Appears the Islamofascists and PLO have learned only too well from Hitler.

Apple Rules!

More free press in popular blogs.

. . . and all those neat things that come with Macs today.

Indeed!

iMovie Rocks! (Let alone all the really fancy wizbang stuff you can buy.)

My California Tax Dollars . . .

At shameless play, certainly not at work.

Of course, the local news channels are all over this. . . . Sorry, was in a parallel universe of objective media.

Supreme Court Politics

To Specter or not to Specter.

My head leans toward Hewitt's position, my heart toward the NRO charge.

Of course, Robert Bork is speaking from experience with no love lost for Arlen.

Specter has always been a thorn in the side of conservatives, but W and Santorum helped his re-election efforts (although the White House currently is taking an interesting approach in letting the chips fall where they may and not "campaigning" one more time for Specter -- perhaps the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Specter endorsement with this call to arms, "Before the Post-Gazette editorial board, he promised that no extremists would be approved for the bench," has cooled W's enthusiasm).

Be careful what you wish for?

Real Time War News -- Blogs, not LameStream Media

Keep tuned to the indespensible Belmont Club and another war blog of interest which suggests So Long Mogadishu, Hello Fallujah.

Fallujah has demonstrated that American forces are more than capable in neutralizing guerilla forces that have entrenched themselves in a city. The combination of speed, firepower, intelligence gathering, training and networking of forces is no match for the crude defenses built up over seven months. These are skills the United States military will retain, refine and disseminate for use in future conflicts. Our lethality in fighting asymmetrical conflicts is but in its infancy, and our will to fight is growing stronger. The days of Mogadishu are over; American now has Fallujah to serve as a guide in the future.

Stunningly Swift Advance

Prayers for our fighting men and women in Fallujah.

If the AP is reporting a "stunningly swift advance," you know the battle must be going well.

U.S. Forces Hold 70 Percent of Fallujah

By JIM KRANE, Associated Press Writer

NEAR FALLUJAH, Iraq - American forces battled through boobytrapped lanes and alleys Wednesday in a stunningly swift advance, taking control of 70 percent of Fallujah and bottling up enemy fighters along a strip of territory flanking the main east-west highway that bisects the rebel bastion. . . .

Does Arafat Have Aids?

Probably.

He sounds like the real sweetheart we've always known this terrorist to be:

"I just called the microphone monitoring center to ask about the 'Fedayee,'" Arafat's code name, explained Munteaunu. "After the meeting with the Comrade, he went directly to the guest house and had dinner. At this very moment, the 'Fedayee' is in his bedroom making love to his bodyguard. The one I knew was his latest lover. He's playing tiger again. The officer monitoring his microphones connected me live with the bedroom, and the squawling almost broke my eardrums. Arafat was roaring like a tiger, and his lover yelping like a hyena."

Munteaunu continued: "I've never before seen so much cleverness, blood and filth all together in one man." Munteaunu, wrote Pacepa, spent months pulling together secret reports from Egyptian, Jordanian and Syrian intelligence agencies as well as Romanian files.

. . . Pacepa wrote: "The report was indeed an incredible account of fanaticism, of devotion to his cause, of tangled oriental political maneuvers, of lies, of embezzled PLO funds deposited in Swiss banks, and of homosexual relationships, beginning with his teacher when he was a teen-ager and ending with his current bodyguards. After reading the report, I felt a compulsion to take a shower whenever I had been kissed by Arafat, or even just shaken his hand."

"If true, Arafat would have a great deal to conceal from his people and his murderously anti-homosexual supporters in the Islamic world," writes Frum, suggesting that Arafat was airlifted to France for medical treatment because he "could trust the French to protect his intimate secret."

Big Media asleep at the switch again.

OK, they probably know this, but it wouldn't be quite right if Arafat were discredited in the Arab world now would it?

After all, it would imply that Israel has been right about this terrorist all along -- and we can't have Israel being right now, can we?

Dying Europe

If this doesn't illustrate the state of European decline, due to the Political Correctness contagion, nothing does.

What will Europe be like in 30 years?

Will anyone who disagrees with Muslim radical activities be killed. Will crowds simply cheer?

For those who haven't been tracking this story, an Islamic fundamentalist murdered Dutch film-maker Theo Van Gogh on Tuesday.

Blood for Atoms

Both China and Russia are supporting Iran in their nuclear efforts.

This problem is not going away.

Alas, it will be up to the US and Israel once again.

Why We Are At War

There are many people who think this way.

People who have no qualms in threatening murder.

And, there will be more of them.

Operation Gratitude

Here is how you can help those protecting us overseas as they and their families struggle with separation while Thanksgiving and Christmas approach.

As Lucianne suggests, "Let's concentrate on these guys now."

They are doing important work.

Deranged, Spoiled Brats

Photos of the intellectually and morally lazy can be found here (WARNING: Graphic Language from where else -- San Francisco -- and as added protection, you also need to select the link at LGF before you see The Left in its orgy of despair and anger).

After reading about those who put their lives on the line daily for such nonsense, it really isn't all that hard to understand why the Americans gave Thumbs Down to the Democrats is it?

Dawn in Iraq

Thanks to InstaPundit for pointing to this update from Iraq.

The Mudville Gazette is a heartening view from a US soldier in Iraq.

His ridicule of Big Media (The New York Times in this case) is delicious.

That reporter shore is a smart feller. He's rite. I'm hopin I can get me one of them innernets over here and start me a blog. Also he's rite about homo marridge, Thats the nummer one issue with troops, homo marridge.

One domestic issue resonates with many troops, he said, because it angers them: gay marriage. But on many other issues, troops tend to be too busy or too far from home to pay close attention.

If I get me a innernet I'll stop that homo marridge.

. . . Here in my world the Chaplain opened the commander's staff meeting with a prayer. After calling for hellfire to rain down on gay people everywhere he gave thanks for our Democracy, thanks for the freedom that Americans enjoy, and expressed his fervent hope for Iraqis to share that soon.

Indeed, may we all give Thanks and offer Prayers of Protection to those protecting us.

After all, "Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

That is an unfortunate fact The Left cannot comprehend.

Blue State Snobs

If you have the time, Lilek's Bleat is worth a check on a daily basis. Great writing with a discerning eye that cuts through mounds of Blue State Bull. And, very, very funny.

Friday's entry takes on the pompous Left who really don't get it for all their supposed intelligence (yes, much different than wisdom).

Try this sample:

In the New York Times, some angst from our betters:

"Everybody seems to hate us these days," said Zito Joseph, a 63-year-old retired psychiatrist. "None of the people who are likely to be hit by a terrorist attack voted for Bush. But the heartland people seemed to be saying, 'We're not affected by it if there would be another terrorist attack.' "

Sir. Please. First of all, on a purely practical level, if New York takes a hit, the economy takes a hit. There are people in North Dakota who write financial management software used by big companies. The economy goes south for a year, they might well go south forever. On an emotional level, an attack on New York is an attack on us all. No one tunes in at midnight on New Year’s Eve to watch the corn cob drop in Des Moines, or whatever they do. For that matter, we simple folk in flyoverland tune in at eleven o’clock to watch New York declare the old year dead. Our own midnight feels like an anticlimax. We don’t even mind that you came up with the next new year first; hell, we’re used to it. We get one more hour out of the old one, and that’s fine.

. . . Just as every man feels himself somewhat less for never having been a soldier, every man would like to think he could have been a New Yorker in the classic mold, however he defines it. Hate you? I love you more than you know. We may disagree about the means to keep it safe; that’s fine. But don’t assume that someone sitting in a smallish metropolis half a nation away is indifferent to your fate and safety. On the contrary. They touch one hair on your head, they should sleep with the fishes.

Beautiful!

Big Media Wrong Again

InstaPundit has a very interesting analysis of the theories behind W's re-election.

It ain't the Culture Stupid!

It was non-intuitive to me when I noted earlier that Big Media was making the claim that it was morals (yes, I'm still very interested in writing about cultural issues, but not for the reasons the LeftStream Media are propounding).

I can only surmise that Big Media are simply trying to explain what is to them the inexplicable -- how could W have been re-elected.

In the end I think it was both security and cultural (more descriptively general term than "moral" in my opinion) issues that led to W's re-election.

And, in some cases, I think you could argue that security is a cultural issue, i.e. the Patriot Act is an example of where Red State Americans find an acceptable and appropriate balance between liberty and security.

In the end, we will want to keep an eye on the Big Media and the perceptions they will try to create regarding the "real reasons" W was re-elected. None of them will be flattering to Conservatives nor Republicans, but will be self-serving self-denial.

That is good. Let them believe Red State Americans are stupid. Let them continue to underestimate W and his strategery.

Let them run Hillary in '08. Can't think of one state in the South she would win.

Blue Wednesday

The Left seems to have gone into meltdown.

Here are some choice observations from NRO's Jay Nordlinger:

Yesterday in my "Introduction to Nursing" class my teacher put on a 30-minute video stating why we should vote for John Kerry and not George W. Bush. The teacher did say the video was biased, but not to the extent it really was. My teacher is a political activist, and feels compelled to make the rest of us activists, too. She did not say "Vote for Kerry," but the video said that for her. Can you imagine a teacher subjecting nursing students to a Republican propaganda video?

And this is simply priceless:

I thought I would share an inspiring moment I had today [Tuesday]. When I had finished filling out my ballot, I had to get in another line to give my ballot to the person who puts it in the scanner. Right in front of me, a woman was complaining that it took her an hour and 20 minutes to vote. Upon hearing this, a man in an Air Force uniform turned to her, smiled, and said, "That's all right — this is the most important thing I'll do today." He let his words sink in and then said, "At least I didn't have to walk three days to vote like some of the people in Afghanistan."

I often take God's gift of freedom and democracy for granted. Untold thousands or probably millions of people have died for freedom's sake. Many more have served in the military to spread and protect freedom. We need to let these people and their families know how much we appreciate their sacrifice. This conversation I overheard reminded me of that. May God continue to bless America.

And The Left wonders why they keep losing.

They simply don't Get It.

What Now?

It's the Culture Stupid!

At least that's what the Media are telling us.

I've always been interested in the cultural topics, and will start exploring these in more depth.

One item of deep interest to me is the issue of stem cell research. More on this in the near future, but I have previously discussed. It will be most interesting here in California where technology often wrestles with the moral. Silicon Valley is most interesting given the diverse cultures and intelligent people.

However, intelligence does not necessarily imply wisdom.

California is a beautiful state God created, and now a crazy state man uses as a social laboratory.

Lastly, our culture wars will soon come to the forefront with the Supreme Court. This will be W's moment for domestic legacy.

Whom will he choose?

I sleep tonight knowing that Kerry and the Michael Moore Left will not be making that choice.

What sweet dreams. . . .

3 Strikes, You're Still Out

But, Stem Cell Research will be financed.

Which State is Closer?

Not Ohio.

This says it all.

Four More Years!

Bush 286
Kerry 252

First President since 1988 to win majority of popular vote.

First President to receive over 57 million votes.

Significant coattails in both the Senate and House races.

Icing on the cake -- Daschle is history (now he can live happily in his DC home and no longer pretend to be from South Dakota).

Such a treat to watch Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw and CNN moan all night.

Fascinating how they could call Florida so fast in 2000, but can't find the lever now. Fascinating, but remember, they are objective journalists.

After that poor attempt at humor, I'm heading for dreamland. . . .

Bums

The Boston Bums, and the Lame Big Media Bums.

Kerry/Edwards making Gore/Lieberman look statesmanlike.

W is first President to win with >50% of popular vote since 1988.

Kerry's toast, and there is a part of me that would like to see him make a fool of himself and his pathetic party.

The rationalizations going on with Big Media on why they haven't called Iowa or Ohio (CBS -- who else) and New Mexico are pathetic (my word for the night).

These guys can't do math.

No wonder they call a reduced government spending increase a spending cut (only when a Republican is President).

Shameful, but not a surprise.

Fortunately, their days are numbered.

The Blogosphere is here to stay.

Time to Count!

I'm helping with projects at The Horserace Blog (reporting data on Eastern Michigan) and The Command Post -- 2004 Presidential Election (reporting on California -- waiting a bit to get Proposition numbers).

Jump in and keep up to date.

Other great sites include anything at National Review Online (choose from The Corner, Kerry Spot or Battlegrounders on their home page).

Time To Vote!

My absentee ballot was completed several hours ago.

I still like visiting my polling place as opposed to the antiseptic (and did it get there?) act of dropping my ballot in the mail.

Interestingly, a storm front is moving through some battleground states.

Don't let the Big Media influence whether your vote or not.

Vote Early!

6th Circuit Comes Through!

This is very good news for Ohio.

Election Eve Movies

Watching some good ones on Turner Classic Movies as I vote.

Sunrise at Campobello is the 1960 flick that irritated Republicans given its hagiographic nature -- especially at a time when the Democrats needed a boost. However, it's not about politics as much as about FDR's battle against polio. Wouldn't buy it, but not a bad movie.

Now, Abe Lincoln in Illinois is a treat. This 1940 classic features delightful performances by Raymond Massey as Lincoln and Gene Lockhart as Stephen Douglas. Mary Todd, what an intriguing historical character. Now, to find and read some good Lincoln biographies (my favorite President growing up).

Coming up?

Tennessee Johnson (I'm a Van Heflin fan).

The Gorgeous Hussy has a big name cast (Crawford, Taylor, Barrymore and a young James Stewart among even more).

Ah, back to voting.

UPDATE:

Lincoln carries New York by 25,000 votes and wins the election!

Swing State Fun!

While here in California, we have to wade through the Propositions (the upside is that without them we'd be forever mired in Loony Left Coast Democrat increasing control of our lives).

Would have been much more fun seeing W in Cincy!

Go W!

Go Ohio!

The Command Post

Please be sure to visit The Command Post 2004 Election Coverage.

I've volunteered to add updates from California.

Note the Field Poll updates here and here.

1

Day to Go!

Mark Steyn sums it up with a rhetorical question:

So, taking a flyer on a guy who’s spent 30 years siding with the Vietcong, the Soviets, the Sandinistas, the Commies in Grenada and — vis-à-vis Kuwait in 1990 — Saddam Hussein? No thanks.

And, a great example of why a Kerry win would be without a mandate.

Ugh.

Will we ever be rid of Michael Moore and his Leftist Lunacies?

Oh, to be able to confront the nonsense in person with ridicule.

Coming Out of the Closet

Roger Simon does so eliciting shrieks -- literally.

There are times when seismic shifts in politics can occur. I think this could be one. It will be interesting Tuesday to see if Americans point their fingers at terrorists abroad or W at home.

Do we go the way of Spain, or Australia?

More Journalistic Malpractice (Part n+1)

Now we are learning there is more to the Osama Bin Laden tape than we have been told.

Now this.

Why are our Shameless Big Media refusing to show this?

Are they afraid pleas by Bin Laden to spare states from future attacks who do not vote for W might cause voters in those states to send Bin Laden an electoral message?

These elites really do believe Americans are stupid. After all, I'm sure Rather, Jennings and Brokaw think if we vote for W in larger numbers we have to be stupid.

Incredible.

If they truly believed in democracy, rather than pretending to, they would have shown the entire tape by now.

UPDATE:

Roger Simon recommends pouring yourself a double-brandy first.

UPDATE II:

Scroll down to read the Beldar's Citizen answer.

Kerry's Blind Eye

The man who would be JFK cannot see this.

(Hat Tip: InstaPundit.)

Johnny Bench for Bush -- Go Ohio!

What a picture!

(OK, I'm a Cincinnati native who had the good fortune to see the Big Red Machine in person.)

I too think these endorsements can matter in tight swing states.

What strikes me about the photograph is how great Bush looks.

Confident, relaxed and having a great time.

Truly enjoying the people and the event.

Afghan Miracle Amnesia

And to think that nearly half the electorate will vote for a man who has these leadership abilities:

This election comes down to a choice between one man's evolution and the other man's resolution. With his endlessly repeated Tora Bora charges, Kerry has made Afghanistan a major campaign issue. So be it. Whom do you want as president? The man who conceived the Afghan campaign, carried it through without flinching when it was being called a "quagmire" during its second week and has seen it through to Afghanistan's transition to democracy? Or the retroactive genius, who always knows what needs to be done after it has already happened -- who would have done "everything" differently in Iraq, yet in Afghanistan would have replicated Bush's every correct, courageous, radical and risky decision -- except one. Which, of course, he would have done differently. He says. Now.

Ouch indeed.

The Left in the Looking Glass

Jim Geraghty hits this out of the park.

[T]his tape should cause many on the left to stare into the mirror for a long time and ask, “What have I turned into? How did I become so reflexively partisan, so blinded by rage, so intemperate in my rhetoric that my own arguments are being echoed by a man who planned and enjoyed the mass murder of Americans?”

“How the hell did I reach the point where I agree with Osama bin Laden on Bush?”

Check out the disgusting examples Geraghty offers up:

UPDATE: I'm not going to go looking for too many "Well, now I agree with Osama" comments from lefties. But I had these comments by Daily Kos readers forwarded to me: "He couldn't believe that Shrub stayed in a classroom reading a book about a goat to kids while his country was being attacked. SMACKDOWN from OBL." Another one: "well I guess I have to agree with the man. Although it pains me. on a side note. Is Amazon shipping F911 to Afgan addresses?"

More Journalistic Malpractice (Part n)

MSNBC are truly little people.

If this is the only way Kerry can win, he will have the much discussed Tit on a Boar mandate.

We are clearly in the new realm of Shameless Media.

Why?

InstaPundit notes an understandably exasperated rant by Varifrank regarding Big Media's unwillingness to see through the horrors of our enemies.

Here are very disturbing photos of the evil perpetrated by the regime of Saddam.

Look at the Victim's of Saddam's Regime on Page 11 and third and fourth pictures from the top.

Do these look familiar?

You may remember my earlier post on an extraordinary collection of WWII photos.

Compare this photo with those from Iraq.

And can anyone still seriously argue that Saddam should still be in power?

Should still be murdering?

There is Evil in this world -- and only one Presidential Candidate who knows it must be confronted at its source, before it attacks here again.