Letting ACORN Do the "Trafficking"
Friday, September 18, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Health Care Forum Is a Good Start
Many of my blogger colleagues have been advertising a town hall meeting. In this case, it is not being hosted by the sitting Congressman in the district, but rather, by the announced challenger in Virginia’s 11th District for 2010, Keith Fimian. The date is Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 7:00 – 9:00 PM (with doors opening at 6:30 PM). Personally, I am not sure I can make it, but those who are interested should go to
Fairfax County Government Center; Board of Supervisors Auditorium12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22030
The forum will feature health care experts from various free-market think tanks.
Now, as the title to this post says, this is a GOOD START. First of all, Republicans all over the country, especially potential Congressional and Senatorial challengers, should be doing this. Second of all, this should be the basis of formulating and becoming conversant in a coherent health care policy so voters see a practical alternative to Obama’s socialized medicine plans. These events can also help expose some of the less well-known outrages of the Democrats’ proposed legislation, such as assaults on Flexible Spending Accounts. In the case of the 11th District, Fimian would be wise to add to the discussion how Obama’s plans would be bad for Federal workers as well.
The free market can help us improve our health care delivery system better than a monolithic government. I hope more Republicans across the nation host such event to communicate a superior policy.
Fairfax County Government Center; Board of Supervisors Auditorium12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22030
The forum will feature health care experts from various free-market think tanks.
Now, as the title to this post says, this is a GOOD START. First of all, Republicans all over the country, especially potential Congressional and Senatorial challengers, should be doing this. Second of all, this should be the basis of formulating and becoming conversant in a coherent health care policy so voters see a practical alternative to Obama’s socialized medicine plans. These events can also help expose some of the less well-known outrages of the Democrats’ proposed legislation, such as assaults on Flexible Spending Accounts. In the case of the 11th District, Fimian would be wise to add to the discussion how Obama’s plans would be bad for Federal workers as well.
The free market can help us improve our health care delivery system better than a monolithic government. I hope more Republicans across the nation host such event to communicate a superior policy.
Monday, August 24, 2009
SEIUwer Rats Get Their Own Pipeline
Leslie Carbone has the details on the latest attempt to “Goon Up” a Democratic Congresscritter’s Town Hall meeting. Special guest Howard Dean gets the "throne" of honor here. Moran clearly doesn’t care about whom he “pisses” off. Now that I think about it, “Wee Wee” does go down the SEIUwer, doesn’t it?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Yes Wee-Wee Can!
Obama’s Remarks Explained
President Obama came out with remarks last week saying “There's something about August going into September -- where everybody in Washington gets all wee-weed up. I don't know what it is. But that's what happens.” Clearly, this is an extension of his campaign slogan, which has now morphed into “Yes Wee-Wee Can!” Given an alternative meaning of “can,” we can also deduce readily that he really does want to flush the American health care system down the toilet.
President Obama came out with remarks last week saying “There's something about August going into September -- where everybody in Washington gets all wee-weed up. I don't know what it is. But that's what happens.” Clearly, this is an extension of his campaign slogan, which has now morphed into “Yes Wee-Wee Can!” Given an alternative meaning of “can,” we can also deduce readily that he really does want to flush the American health care system down the toilet.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
New Sugarland Song/Video
The song in the second part of the video, while serious, has a title that my conservative blog friends in Virginia might find somewhat amusing. The first song goes for two minutes. Sorry about the commercial before the music starts.
Once again, you either love or hate Sugarland. The lead singer, Jennifer Nettles, has a powerful voice. The video is featured on the new CD/DVD set "Live on the Inside" which is currently available at Wal-Mart.
Once again, you either love or hate Sugarland. The lead singer, Jennifer Nettles, has a powerful voice. The video is featured on the new CD/DVD set "Live on the Inside" which is currently available at Wal-Mart.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I HATE When This Happens
Last night I was making these brownies at home for a work party. (This time, though, I used blackberry jam instead of raspberry because Wegmans was out of the seedless raspberry jam.) As I was mixing eggs, sugar, and chocolate, the mixer suddenly slowed down, gave off smoke, and smelled like burning insulation. Fortunately, I shut the mixer off and unplugged it quickly. I also made sure that no one threw the thing in the garbage until it had cooled down completely.
So then I had to mix things the old fashioned way – with an egg-beater and by hand. The funny thing was, the brownies seemed to come out with a better consistency! Maybe I should go “low tech in the future.
The worst part was that the work party got scheduled for when I was about to leave, so I had to drop off the brownies and leave. Luckily, I saved about half the brownie batch for home. The kids are quite thankful.
Before you ask – Yes, I make the brownies myself, from scratch. My eight-year-old likes to help by cracking eggs.
So then I had to mix things the old fashioned way – with an egg-beater and by hand. The funny thing was, the brownies seemed to come out with a better consistency! Maybe I should go “low tech in the future.
The worst part was that the work party got scheduled for when I was about to leave, so I had to drop off the brownies and leave. Luckily, I saved about half the brownie batch for home. The kids are quite thankful.
Before you ask – Yes, I make the brownies myself, from scratch. My eight-year-old likes to help by cracking eggs.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Creigh Deeds Endorses McDonnell Transportation Plan
“In a Hurry” to See It Enacted
Virginia Democratic Gubernatorial candidate R. Creigh Deeds today endorsed at least one facet of Republican Bob McDonnell’s transportation plan when he was caught driving 76 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone. “As you know," said Deeds, "my opponent favors raising the speed limit to 70 miles per hour in some places. If that were the case, I would have been going only six miles per hour over the speed limit. In fact, I could have been going 81 miles per hour and had the same violation as today!”
Deeds claimed he was driving safely, since he “recently had a front end alignment.” A spokesman for the McDonnell campaign said that “maybe Creigh’s car isn’t as shaky as his campaign. One thing is for sure, though: If we have more incidents like this, we’ll have to have a special ‘transportation lock box’ just for Senator Deeds!”
Virginia Democratic Gubernatorial candidate R. Creigh Deeds today endorsed at least one facet of Republican Bob McDonnell’s transportation plan when he was caught driving 76 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone. “As you know," said Deeds, "my opponent favors raising the speed limit to 70 miles per hour in some places. If that were the case, I would have been going only six miles per hour over the speed limit. In fact, I could have been going 81 miles per hour and had the same violation as today!”
Deeds claimed he was driving safely, since he “recently had a front end alignment.” A spokesman for the McDonnell campaign said that “maybe Creigh’s car isn’t as shaky as his campaign. One thing is for sure, though: If we have more incidents like this, we’ll have to have a special ‘transportation lock box’ just for Senator Deeds!”
Monday, August 03, 2009
Frank Wolf Talks about Voter Intimidation
While Democrats Continue to Take Minority Voters for Granted
Hat tip: IMAO
Great interview here with Fred Thompson:
Hat tip: IMAO
Great interview here with Fred Thompson:
Friday, July 31, 2009
Connolly Sticks (Pigs) Foot in Mouth
Hat tip: Campaign Spot at National Review Online
The freshman Congressman, as quoted by the Washington Post:
The imagery is certainly, er, amusing, to say the least. A reader pointed out to NRO that pigs, like other mammalian farm animals, have hooves, not paws. You have to wonder if the bacon Connolly is trying to bring home is somehow radioactive.
Then again, we all knew that there was something not quite kosher about the guy.
The freshman Congressman, as quoted by the Washington Post:
"I want to be there with all four paws and snout in the trough."
The imagery is certainly, er, amusing, to say the least. A reader pointed out to NRO that pigs, like other mammalian farm animals, have hooves, not paws. You have to wonder if the bacon Connolly is trying to bring home is somehow radioactive.
Then again, we all knew that there was something not quite kosher about the guy.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Democrats Struggling to Hold Black Vote
So says John Fund of the Wall Street Journal. All this taking for granted coming home to roost? Or is it wishful thinking?
(Sorry about the commercial up front.)
Traditional electoral trends have shown that Democrats generally need around 90% of the black vote (give or take) to win statewide. When Republicans increase their margins among minorities and get 20+%, Democratic victories are extremely difficult. Republican Bob McDonnell has been much more aggressive in courting this vote while Democrat Creigh Deeds seems to have been asleep at the switch. Will it make a difference? Will the same scenario play out in New Jersey?
(Sorry about the commercial up front.)
Traditional electoral trends have shown that Democrats generally need around 90% of the black vote (give or take) to win statewide. When Republicans increase their margins among minorities and get 20+%, Democratic victories are extremely difficult. Republican Bob McDonnell has been much more aggressive in courting this vote while Democrat Creigh Deeds seems to have been asleep at the switch. Will it make a difference? Will the same scenario play out in New Jersey?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Now We Are ALL John Galt
Ayn Rand wanted Farrah Fawcett to star as Dagny Taggart.
Hat tip: The Corner at National Review Online.
If you haven't read the classic novel Atlas Shrugged, you should. The premise of the novel is to illustrate a world in which all the people of ability go on strike. The author, Ayn Rand (1905 - 1982), features prominently as heroine Dagny Taggart, the Operating Vice President of her family business, the Taggart Transcontinental Railroad. As Dagny tries to run the railroad despite the best efforts of her brother James (the company President and a big supporter of bureaucracy), she finds that everyone she needs to accomplish any necessary task quits and disappears. Soon, she starts to suspect a destroyer at work. Along the way, the novel describes not only Dagny Taggart's search for this destroyer, but also the inventor of a miraculous motor she found in the ruins of an abandoned auto plant, and also love in her own life. The government, in the meantime, grows in size, scope, and oppressiveness as it lurches from one crisis to another (while failing to admit that the government's own actions are what make the situation worse). There is a running gag through the book in which everyone seems to say "Who is John Galt?" as if nothing matters and no one can to anything to change the deteriorating economic situation.
The book is very difficult reading, as Ayn Rand frequently interrupts the plot to go on a one or two or 60-page objectivist philosophy stream of consciousness rant. Many people find that they either really love or really hate the book. However, sales of this book (first published in 1957) have been soaring in recent months, especially as the novel is rather predictive of the consequences of a growing Federal government that makes big giveaways to unions and other special interests (like we are experiencing now).
It is interesting that Ayn Rand wanted Farrah Fawcett to be her Dagny Taggart. What guy wouldn't have wanted to be her John Galt?
Hat tip: The Corner at National Review Online.
If you haven't read the classic novel Atlas Shrugged, you should. The premise of the novel is to illustrate a world in which all the people of ability go on strike. The author, Ayn Rand (1905 - 1982), features prominently as heroine Dagny Taggart, the Operating Vice President of her family business, the Taggart Transcontinental Railroad. As Dagny tries to run the railroad despite the best efforts of her brother James (the company President and a big supporter of bureaucracy), she finds that everyone she needs to accomplish any necessary task quits and disappears. Soon, she starts to suspect a destroyer at work. Along the way, the novel describes not only Dagny Taggart's search for this destroyer, but also the inventor of a miraculous motor she found in the ruins of an abandoned auto plant, and also love in her own life. The government, in the meantime, grows in size, scope, and oppressiveness as it lurches from one crisis to another (while failing to admit that the government's own actions are what make the situation worse). There is a running gag through the book in which everyone seems to say "Who is John Galt?" as if nothing matters and no one can to anything to change the deteriorating economic situation.
The book is very difficult reading, as Ayn Rand frequently interrupts the plot to go on a one or two or 60-page objectivist philosophy stream of consciousness rant. Many people find that they either really love or really hate the book. However, sales of this book (first published in 1957) have been soaring in recent months, especially as the novel is rather predictive of the consequences of a growing Federal government that makes big giveaways to unions and other special interests (like we are experiencing now).
It is interesting that Ayn Rand wanted Farrah Fawcett to be her Dagny Taggart. What guy wouldn't have wanted to be her John Galt?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ted Kennedy in Fidelity Shocker
Admits Being Faithful to Wife
In response to reports that Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) had cheated on his wife, Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy (D) has now admitted that he was actually faithful to his. “It’s embarrassing to admit, but I was even sober at the time,” said the Senator. “This sure didn’t happen with Joan. Now you can see how I became such a great role model for Patrick.”
Republicans think that other Democrats are subject to damaging stories, including confirming rumors that Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) was once polite to a member of the U.S. military, or that Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH?) returned to Earth from Martian orbit.
“There’s no telling where this might lead,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele. “One day, someone might find an image of Hillary Clinton being warm and lovable.”
In response to reports that Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) had cheated on his wife, Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy (D) has now admitted that he was actually faithful to his. “It’s embarrassing to admit, but I was even sober at the time,” said the Senator. “This sure didn’t happen with Joan. Now you can see how I became such a great role model for Patrick.”
Republicans think that other Democrats are subject to damaging stories, including confirming rumors that Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) was once polite to a member of the U.S. military, or that Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH?) returned to Earth from Martian orbit.
“There’s no telling where this might lead,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele. “One day, someone might find an image of Hillary Clinton being warm and lovable.”
Saturday, June 06, 2009
A Tough Life for Singles Around the World
Making Love, not War
I saw these two articles today:
Shortage of suitable men in Gaza – Hamas is getting into the matchmaking business. Besides their well-known terrorism activities, Hamas acts pretty much as a “ward healer” to bring social services (at least when the local populace is not engaging in destroying infrastructure given to them by the Israelis or Western countries). Since there seems to be a shortage of middle class men in Gaza (wonder why?), Hamas is stealthily trying to find matches for the women.
Shortage of women in China – China’s “one child” policy has worked so well that the country is now experiencing a shortage of women (often due to sex-selection-related abortions). The article to which I linked tells of a man who paid a lot of money to marry a woman and then was dumped after a week or so.
Do you see where this is going? ;)
So let’s match some of these Gaza women with the Chinese men. My guess is that after a few decades, especially if the women go live in China, we’ll be a lot closer to achieving peace in the Middle East! In addition, if the Chinese men are happier, maybe we’ll have better relations with that government as well. Besides, the Chinese will be able to keep more of their accumulated income, and you know how wealth builds health (and a peaceful, growing economy).
My other “shorter distance” idea to help the Chinese men is to have the Beijing government allow single North Korean women to escape into mainland China if they agree to marry the single Chinese guys. With that kind of a mass exodus, the North Korean government will implode pretty quickly. Even if they don’t, they’ll run out of soldiers and slave labor in just a few decades!
With all the big bucks that they pay Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, why doesn’t she (or at least Joe Biden, who has nothing better to do anyway) think of this stuff?
I saw these two articles today:
Shortage of suitable men in Gaza – Hamas is getting into the matchmaking business. Besides their well-known terrorism activities, Hamas acts pretty much as a “ward healer” to bring social services (at least when the local populace is not engaging in destroying infrastructure given to them by the Israelis or Western countries). Since there seems to be a shortage of middle class men in Gaza (wonder why?), Hamas is stealthily trying to find matches for the women.
Shortage of women in China – China’s “one child” policy has worked so well that the country is now experiencing a shortage of women (often due to sex-selection-related abortions). The article to which I linked tells of a man who paid a lot of money to marry a woman and then was dumped after a week or so.
Do you see where this is going? ;)
So let’s match some of these Gaza women with the Chinese men. My guess is that after a few decades, especially if the women go live in China, we’ll be a lot closer to achieving peace in the Middle East! In addition, if the Chinese men are happier, maybe we’ll have better relations with that government as well. Besides, the Chinese will be able to keep more of their accumulated income, and you know how wealth builds health (and a peaceful, growing economy).
My other “shorter distance” idea to help the Chinese men is to have the Beijing government allow single North Korean women to escape into mainland China if they agree to marry the single Chinese guys. With that kind of a mass exodus, the North Korean government will implode pretty quickly. Even if they don’t, they’ll run out of soldiers and slave labor in just a few decades!
With all the big bucks that they pay Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, why doesn’t she (or at least Joe Biden, who has nothing better to do anyway) think of this stuff?
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Taking People for Granted
Hat tip: The Corner at National Review Online
Why is anyone surprised about Obama’s cancellation of the DC Voucher program? This will continue to happen as long as the Democrats feel free to take minority votes for granted. As the advice columnists remind us, people take advantage of you as long as you let them!
So let’s apply Janeane Garofalo’s logic to this situation. Remember how she said that those of us who opposed President Obama’s election did so because we “hate that a black guy is in the White House?” Well, I guess those people who are against vouchers just don’t want black children to succeed!
Why is anyone surprised about Obama’s cancellation of the DC Voucher program? This will continue to happen as long as the Democrats feel free to take minority votes for granted. As the advice columnists remind us, people take advantage of you as long as you let them!
So let’s apply Janeane Garofalo’s logic to this situation. Remember how she said that those of us who opposed President Obama’s election did so because we “hate that a black guy is in the White House?” Well, I guess those people who are against vouchers just don’t want black children to succeed!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
School Daze II
I wrote a while back about problems we had in getting my son’s teacher to return tests and in class assignments. We were going around in circles, getting promises from the teacher that turned out to be at best half-hearted attempts to comply with our wishes.
We have some good news to report now. Finally, my wife did go to the principal. She figured that she does so much for other people, so she should at least stand up for her own son. We received a whole lot more tests back from the teacher that afternoon. Soon thereafter, other students started getting their old tests and classroom assignments returned.
Initially, we had been concerned about reprisals. However, we just got a report card for our son, and it shows vast improvement in his grades. So our fears were misplaced. It’s probably just as well that my wife went to the principal before I did. ;)
We have some good news to report now. Finally, my wife did go to the principal. She figured that she does so much for other people, so she should at least stand up for her own son. We received a whole lot more tests back from the teacher that afternoon. Soon thereafter, other students started getting their old tests and classroom assignments returned.
Initially, we had been concerned about reprisals. However, we just got a report card for our son, and it shows vast improvement in his grades. So our fears were misplaced. It’s probably just as well that my wife went to the principal before I did. ;)
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
SeGMay
Let's play "Jeopardy!" with this one . . .
What you get when General Motors teams up with Segway to produce a vehicle?
Hey, it's better than PUMA, don't you think?
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Scoop: Jeff Frederick Replaced as RPV Chairman!
We have just gotten word that Jeff Frederick will be replaced as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. According to sources, the White House has extended its strategy of replacing executives of companies to political party organizations. The new RPV Chairman will be none other than Senator Mark Warner (D). According to sources, Warner was judged to have the expertise in voter databases that political parties are said to need. In addition, Warner tours his own abilities to work with Republicans.
While Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell ponders the legalities of such a move, Governor Tim Kaine has been ecstatic. “Mark Warner has the gift of spending money like no one else does,” said the Governor. “He also can predict growth in revenue to match his spending, just like the Obama Administration is doing now. While the Republicans are our opponents, I wish them a lot of luck with Warner at the helm.”
It is believed that one of Warner’s first actions will be to activate a more aggressive fundraising effort for the RPV. “First, he will predict a budget shortfall,” said a source. “He will tax the local unit committees. He will promise a “Road to Richmond’ with the extra revenue, but will probably dole it out to special interests. Needless to say, it will be quite a Sprint.”
Various RPV members were unsure about Warner. “Well, we don’t really trust him,” said a member of the State Central Committee. “Then again, after Warner has been around, we could get quite a bailout.”
While Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell ponders the legalities of such a move, Governor Tim Kaine has been ecstatic. “Mark Warner has the gift of spending money like no one else does,” said the Governor. “He also can predict growth in revenue to match his spending, just like the Obama Administration is doing now. While the Republicans are our opponents, I wish them a lot of luck with Warner at the helm.”
It is believed that one of Warner’s first actions will be to activate a more aggressive fundraising effort for the RPV. “First, he will predict a budget shortfall,” said a source. “He will tax the local unit committees. He will promise a “Road to Richmond’ with the extra revenue, but will probably dole it out to special interests. Needless to say, it will be quite a Sprint.”
Various RPV members were unsure about Warner. “Well, we don’t really trust him,” said a member of the State Central Committee. “Then again, after Warner has been around, we could get quite a bailout.”
Marion Barry Now Opposes DC Vote in Congress!
Supports Elimination of Federal Tax for DC Residents
District of Columbia City Councilman and former Mayor Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) today came out in opposition to giving the District a vote in Congress. Barry declares that he would rather the Federal income tax were waived for DC residence. “I just had to get a new kidney,” said Barry. He then referred to his tax bill of $277,000: “These Federal taxes are costing me an arm and a leg!”
Mr. Barry was unconcerned that DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton might be upset over his change of heart. “Let me tell you something,” said Barry. “The b*tch is setting me up!”
District of Columbia City Councilman and former Mayor Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) today came out in opposition to giving the District a vote in Congress. Barry declares that he would rather the Federal income tax were waived for DC residence. “I just had to get a new kidney,” said Barry. He then referred to his tax bill of $277,000: “These Federal taxes are costing me an arm and a leg!”
Mr. Barry was unconcerned that DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton might be upset over his change of heart. “Let me tell you something,” said Barry. “The b*tch is setting me up!”
General Motors Extends Warrantees
Government Backing Makes Cars Last Longer
The new CEO of General Motors, Fritz Henderson, announced today that General Motors will extend its warrantees to 15 years and 200,000 miles. “My predecessor, Rick Wagoner, did not fully harness the powerful incentives created by warrantees,” said Henderson. Now that the Obama Administration is backing up GM warrantees, we feel that we can extend them. If this program works out, why, we may go for 20 year warrantees and higher mileage.”
Administration sources had no direct comment on GM’s action. However, an anonymous source said that “this is one more example of how we can ‘spread the wheels’ with our domestic auto rescue plan. The American people will never tire of this. No longer will the American auto industry be in suspension. I am surprised the White House is not blowing its horn even more about the warrantee plan”
Republicans were somewhat critical of the consequences of the bailout. Said a source at the Republican National Committee, “This is just one more left turn signal coming from Obama. Soon the whole country is going to fall out of alignment”
The new CEO of General Motors, Fritz Henderson, announced today that General Motors will extend its warrantees to 15 years and 200,000 miles. “My predecessor, Rick Wagoner, did not fully harness the powerful incentives created by warrantees,” said Henderson. Now that the Obama Administration is backing up GM warrantees, we feel that we can extend them. If this program works out, why, we may go for 20 year warrantees and higher mileage.”
Administration sources had no direct comment on GM’s action. However, an anonymous source said that “this is one more example of how we can ‘spread the wheels’ with our domestic auto rescue plan. The American people will never tire of this. No longer will the American auto industry be in suspension. I am surprised the White House is not blowing its horn even more about the warrantee plan”
Republicans were somewhat critical of the consequences of the bailout. Said a source at the Republican National Committee, “This is just one more left turn signal coming from Obama. Soon the whole country is going to fall out of alignment”
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