Rappin' the message at Dartmouth (h/t PowerLine):
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Another "conservative" rant
As Jay Nordlinger notes, the use of the word "descent" in the first line is worthy of our great appreciation:
It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American descent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people.Now if I told you that this comes from Pravda (!), would you believe me? After cleaning the spit-out coffee from your monitor, read the entire article here.
True, the situation has been well prepared on and off for the past century, especially the past twenty years. The initial testing grounds was conducted upon our Holy Russia and a bloody test it was. But we Russians would not just roll over and give up our freedoms and our souls, no matter how much money Wall Street poured into the fists of the Marxists.
Those lessons were taken and used to properly prepare the American populace for the surrender of their freedoms and souls, to the whims of their elites and betters.
First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics. Americans know more about their favorite TV dramas then the drama in DC that directly affects their lives. They care more for their "right" to choke down a McDonald's burger or a Burger King burger than for their constitutional rights. Then they turn around and lecture us about our rights and about our "democracy". Pride blind the foolish.
Then their faith in God was destroyed, until their churches, all tens of thousands of different "branches and denominations" were for the most part little more then Sunday circuses and their televangelists and top protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls and flocks to be on the "winning" side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another. Their flocks may complain, but when explained that they would be on the "winning" side, their flocks were ever so quick to reject Christ in hopes for earthly power. Even our Holy Orthodox churches are scandalously liberalized in America.
The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America's short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more then another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Wiemar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Liberal Hypocrisy and Judge Sotomayor
The President's nomination of Judge Sotomayor is yet another example of liberal hypocrisy. The President who claimed to be a uniter has proven to be the most radical left winger in the history of the Oval Office, and he is in fact the most polarizing President in history. He has split the country as never before, save for perhaps the Civil War.
Of course the swooning dinosaur media, never reports any of this about their beloved messiah. They still continue to drone on about the so-called polarizing years of President Bush 43. This is the same President Bush who had the most African Americans in his cabinet of any Administration in history, and who appointed the first black secretary of state and the first black, female secretary of state. Not to mention all of the spending during the Bush years which severely rankled conservatives. Some polarizing figure. He continuously reached across the aisle and got his hand slapped.
Now we see more of the same with Judge Sotomayor. President Obama picked her solely because of her race and gender, as if this would inoculate her from any so-called attack by "racist" Republicans. There were plenty of other liberal judges the President could have nominated, Hillary Clinton anyone? The fact is that the President is trying to maximize his political capital to attempt to lock in the Hispanic vote. Sorry Hillary, your race killed you in the Presidential primary last year and it has now come back to haunt you again. Race and gender trump gender by itself in the minds of liberals. It's very interesting however, to see a liberal like Secretary Clinton punished by the very hypocrisy that she and other liberals have created. After the last two years she and President Clinton must be starting to feel like Republicans.
It was also courageous for Newt Gingrich to come out and call the Judge a racist for her now infamous remark comparing female Latina judges and white male judges. What is impressive about Gingrich's comments, is that it is a nice twist on Alinsky's Rules for Radicals so often employed by liberals and especially this Administration. Alinsky's theory is predicated on the fact that it is common knowledge that conservative ideas are superior to liberal ideas, and that the only way for liberals or socialists to prevail is by calling conservatives names, such as bigot, racist, or homophobe. Liberals know that they can't compete in the market place of ideas, so they make vicious, false accusations against their opponents.
What Gingrich bravely did was to apply the Alinsky technique in a positive manner. What he said about Judge Sotomayor was absolutely true, the comments she made were clearly racist and if made by a white male judge or white female judge would have resulted in an electronic lynching by the dinosaur media. Now I won't go so far as to accuse Judge Sotomayor of being a racist, but her comments were certainly racist. As a conservative, I know that people are not the same as their behavior and the Judge deserves a fair chance to face the Judiciary Committee and explain herself.
What is also interesting is how all we hear about is Judge Sotomayor's humble beginnings. We are told by such "paragons of virtue" as Chuck Schumer that Republicans better not attack the Judge because of her race and her humble beginnings. In other words, ignore your Constitutional duty or we will brand you racists. Curious isn't it that Justice Thomas, Judge Miguel Estrada, and former AG Alberto Gonzalez were all minorities of humble beginnings, yet these facts were never mentioned by liberals or their dinosaur media pals. To the contrary these men were personally and brutally attacked for the crimes of being Republican and Conservative, and the main stream media happily joined the assault. Also,let's not forget Judge Janice Rogers - Brown. Why were her race and gender irrelevant? Liberal hypocrisy.
We will always remember Ted Kennedy's disgraceful speech on the senate floor in which he slandered Judge Bork. How about Vice President Biden's goon role in both the Bork and Thomas confirmation hearings. Nobody accused Ole Joe of being a racist for attacking Justice Thomas, no way. Ole Joe was simply doing his duty by performing the advice and consent role of the Senate, it didn't matter that his criticisms were completely without merit. Yet Newt Gingrich makes one statement which just so happens to be true, and he is branded as a racist, white male. The very type of "vermin" that the media hopes that the good Judge Sotomayor and her liberal pals on the Court will soon eradicate, or at least put in their place.
Remember the many judicial nominees of the Bush Administration that were blocked in committee.The Democrats would not even allow an up or down vote. Yet not a peep from the dinosaur media. Compare that to the nomination of Judge Sotomayor. Republicans are told that not even an or up or down vote is necessary. No sir, a simple voice vote by acclamation is all that is necessary for this liberal judge nominated by the dinosaur's messiah.Talk about hypocrisy.
The bottom line is that Republicans cannot let this nomination pass without a fair fight. Those who say we must pick and choose our battles, and that we have to focus solely on the fight against socialized medicine are misguided. While Judge Sotomayor is likely to be confirmed, the confirmation hearings will be a golden opportunity for Republicans to put the plague of "judicial activism" on trial. Our Republican leaders should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, and contemporaneously fight this nomination as well as the attack on our health care system.
However, the challenge to this nomination must be done prudently. No personal attacks like the Democrats do. Stick to the issues, such as the Judge's erroneous ruling in the Rhode Island fire fighters case, her misguided sense that the Constitution provides for a right of privacy, and her disdain for the Second Amendment. Republicans must ask the hard questions and the judge must answer them to the satisfaction of the American people.
Most importantly every Republican member of Congress who questions her should preface their comments with the fact that they will not engage in personal character assassination as did Vice President Biden, and Senators Kennedy, Durbin, Schumer, and Leahy. They should all quote these character assassins and remind the public of their victims by name. They need to remind the country of the vast differences between Republicans and Democrats.
This is a golden opportunity for Republicans to remind America, that the party that claims to represent the little people is perfectly content to let the judiciary run rampant over the other two branches of government, and to overturn the will of the people at the ballot box. Pretty hypocritical wouldn't you say? Sure you people can votes on issues, but liberal, activist judges will make sure your vote is meaningless. Would please explain for the people Judge Sotomayor how Courts of Appeals can make policy when they are not elected, legislative bodies and answer to no one?
Republicans must prove to America during this confirmation process that the Democrats' belief that people are all monolithic, zombie members of groups and/or victims is just plain wrong and anti-American. The current lie being circulated is that Hispanics will all be offended if Judge Sotomayor is questioned in any way. Some will certainly support her and others will not. However, the vast majority are smart enough to understand that there is a constitutional process to this procedure that must be honored. Are you listening Senator Cornyn? Stop reading your internal polls in Texas and start reading the Constitution. If you want to get re-elected in 2010, stop reading polls and start doing the right thing.
The fact that Judge Sotomayor will likely be confirmed is irrelevant. Republicans must honor their constitutional obligation of advice and consent. Be respectful and focus solely on the Judge's record. It's time to put liberal hypocrisy on trial big time. The fate of the American medical system and the country in general hangs in the balance.
UPDATE: A reader at The Corner sends this excellent addendum to Judge Sotomayor's comments noted above by Mark, which serves to make the point that not all Latinos embrace her racialist views. Buck up, Republican Senators, and be a voice for the Constitution!
Of course the swooning dinosaur media, never reports any of this about their beloved messiah. They still continue to drone on about the so-called polarizing years of President Bush 43. This is the same President Bush who had the most African Americans in his cabinet of any Administration in history, and who appointed the first black secretary of state and the first black, female secretary of state. Not to mention all of the spending during the Bush years which severely rankled conservatives. Some polarizing figure. He continuously reached across the aisle and got his hand slapped.
Now we see more of the same with Judge Sotomayor. President Obama picked her solely because of her race and gender, as if this would inoculate her from any so-called attack by "racist" Republicans. There were plenty of other liberal judges the President could have nominated, Hillary Clinton anyone? The fact is that the President is trying to maximize his political capital to attempt to lock in the Hispanic vote. Sorry Hillary, your race killed you in the Presidential primary last year and it has now come back to haunt you again. Race and gender trump gender by itself in the minds of liberals. It's very interesting however, to see a liberal like Secretary Clinton punished by the very hypocrisy that she and other liberals have created. After the last two years she and President Clinton must be starting to feel like Republicans.
It was also courageous for Newt Gingrich to come out and call the Judge a racist for her now infamous remark comparing female Latina judges and white male judges. What is impressive about Gingrich's comments, is that it is a nice twist on Alinsky's Rules for Radicals so often employed by liberals and especially this Administration. Alinsky's theory is predicated on the fact that it is common knowledge that conservative ideas are superior to liberal ideas, and that the only way for liberals or socialists to prevail is by calling conservatives names, such as bigot, racist, or homophobe. Liberals know that they can't compete in the market place of ideas, so they make vicious, false accusations against their opponents.
What Gingrich bravely did was to apply the Alinsky technique in a positive manner. What he said about Judge Sotomayor was absolutely true, the comments she made were clearly racist and if made by a white male judge or white female judge would have resulted in an electronic lynching by the dinosaur media. Now I won't go so far as to accuse Judge Sotomayor of being a racist, but her comments were certainly racist. As a conservative, I know that people are not the same as their behavior and the Judge deserves a fair chance to face the Judiciary Committee and explain herself.
What is also interesting is how all we hear about is Judge Sotomayor's humble beginnings. We are told by such "paragons of virtue" as Chuck Schumer that Republicans better not attack the Judge because of her race and her humble beginnings. In other words, ignore your Constitutional duty or we will brand you racists. Curious isn't it that Justice Thomas, Judge Miguel Estrada, and former AG Alberto Gonzalez were all minorities of humble beginnings, yet these facts were never mentioned by liberals or their dinosaur media pals. To the contrary these men were personally and brutally attacked for the crimes of being Republican and Conservative, and the main stream media happily joined the assault. Also,let's not forget Judge Janice Rogers - Brown. Why were her race and gender irrelevant? Liberal hypocrisy.
We will always remember Ted Kennedy's disgraceful speech on the senate floor in which he slandered Judge Bork. How about Vice President Biden's goon role in both the Bork and Thomas confirmation hearings. Nobody accused Ole Joe of being a racist for attacking Justice Thomas, no way. Ole Joe was simply doing his duty by performing the advice and consent role of the Senate, it didn't matter that his criticisms were completely without merit. Yet Newt Gingrich makes one statement which just so happens to be true, and he is branded as a racist, white male. The very type of "vermin" that the media hopes that the good Judge Sotomayor and her liberal pals on the Court will soon eradicate, or at least put in their place.
Remember the many judicial nominees of the Bush Administration that were blocked in committee.The Democrats would not even allow an up or down vote. Yet not a peep from the dinosaur media. Compare that to the nomination of Judge Sotomayor. Republicans are told that not even an or up or down vote is necessary. No sir, a simple voice vote by acclamation is all that is necessary for this liberal judge nominated by the dinosaur's messiah.Talk about hypocrisy.
The bottom line is that Republicans cannot let this nomination pass without a fair fight. Those who say we must pick and choose our battles, and that we have to focus solely on the fight against socialized medicine are misguided. While Judge Sotomayor is likely to be confirmed, the confirmation hearings will be a golden opportunity for Republicans to put the plague of "judicial activism" on trial. Our Republican leaders should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, and contemporaneously fight this nomination as well as the attack on our health care system.
However, the challenge to this nomination must be done prudently. No personal attacks like the Democrats do. Stick to the issues, such as the Judge's erroneous ruling in the Rhode Island fire fighters case, her misguided sense that the Constitution provides for a right of privacy, and her disdain for the Second Amendment. Republicans must ask the hard questions and the judge must answer them to the satisfaction of the American people.
Most importantly every Republican member of Congress who questions her should preface their comments with the fact that they will not engage in personal character assassination as did Vice President Biden, and Senators Kennedy, Durbin, Schumer, and Leahy. They should all quote these character assassins and remind the public of their victims by name. They need to remind the country of the vast differences between Republicans and Democrats.
This is a golden opportunity for Republicans to remind America, that the party that claims to represent the little people is perfectly content to let the judiciary run rampant over the other two branches of government, and to overturn the will of the people at the ballot box. Pretty hypocritical wouldn't you say? Sure you people can votes on issues, but liberal, activist judges will make sure your vote is meaningless. Would please explain for the people Judge Sotomayor how Courts of Appeals can make policy when they are not elected, legislative bodies and answer to no one?
Republicans must prove to America during this confirmation process that the Democrats' belief that people are all monolithic, zombie members of groups and/or victims is just plain wrong and anti-American. The current lie being circulated is that Hispanics will all be offended if Judge Sotomayor is questioned in any way. Some will certainly support her and others will not. However, the vast majority are smart enough to understand that there is a constitutional process to this procedure that must be honored. Are you listening Senator Cornyn? Stop reading your internal polls in Texas and start reading the Constitution. If you want to get re-elected in 2010, stop reading polls and start doing the right thing.
The fact that Judge Sotomayor will likely be confirmed is irrelevant. Republicans must honor their constitutional obligation of advice and consent. Be respectful and focus solely on the Judge's record. It's time to put liberal hypocrisy on trial big time. The fate of the American medical system and the country in general hangs in the balance.
UPDATE: A reader at The Corner sends this excellent addendum to Judge Sotomayor's comments noted above by Mark, which serves to make the point that not all Latinos embrace her racialist views. Buck up, Republican Senators, and be a voice for the Constitution!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Grilling burgers
Luca has decided that at the ripe old age of 10, there are some man things he needs to learn to do. One of them is learning how to grill burgers. Well, he was in luck, as our Weber grille, almost consigned to the scrap heap after 15 years of loyal service, was saved by Angela's find of replacement parts online, allowing me to reconstruct the innards (talk about dirty work!) yesterday. So with the grille back in service, Luca was on.
The first steps were in the kitchen with Angela, learning to mix the spices with the ground beef and then forming patties:
Having mixed up the ground beef and the spices, time to form patties
Gabe watches Luca at work
Gabe joins in the fun
Luca's first ever patties
Gabe goes for the more abstract impressionist take on the classic backyard burger
Then it was out back to show him how to work the gas grille, and get the patties onto the hot grille. I let Luca put two burgers on with just a little help from me; Gabe also got to put one on. A few minutes of grilling and some cheese slices later, and it was cheeseburgers in paradise!
The first steps were in the kitchen with Angela, learning to mix the spices with the ground beef and then forming patties:
Having mixed up the ground beef and the spices, time to form patties
Gabe watches Luca at work
Gabe joins in the fun
Luca's first ever patties
Gabe goes for the more abstract impressionist take on the classic backyard burgerThen it was out back to show him how to work the gas grille, and get the patties onto the hot grille. I let Luca put two burgers on with just a little help from me; Gabe also got to put one on. A few minutes of grilling and some cheese slices later, and it was cheeseburgers in paradise!
How to Honor our Veterans on Memorial Day Weekend
Angela and I took our two youngest kids to Nashville National Cemetery (I had to use a Google cache version, as the domain name has expired), where, along with dozens of other scouts and their parents and siblings, we placed an American flag in front of every head stone in the place - all 35,000 of them.
Our Scout Master, Tim Thompson, addressed the boys before we set out to place the flags with this instruction: read the name of the person at whose head stone you are placing a flag. You might be the only person to visit them all year. With respect, say their name and think about their sacrifice.
Burt and his son Ben
Paul and his son Brandon
Luca, Angela, and Gabe in the foreground
Angela worked mainly with Gabe and I with Luca. We probably placed 50 or so flags. With all the other scouts, we finished in under an hour.
Pack 210 of St. Edward School in Nashville
We had to hit the road before 6:45, and there was quite a bit of walking, but the boys did their duty. Our boys were rewarded with a nice breakfast at Cracker Barrel and later a matinee to see Night at the Museum 2. A fitting start to the Memorial Day weekend.
Opening ceremony with a prayer and a Pledge of Allegiance
Our Scout Master, Tim Thompson, addressed the boys before we set out to place the flags with this instruction: read the name of the person at whose head stone you are placing a flag. You might be the only person to visit them all year. With respect, say their name and think about their sacrifice.
Burt and his son Ben
Paul and his son Brandon
Luca, Angela, and Gabe in the foregroundAngela worked mainly with Gabe and I with Luca. We probably placed 50 or so flags. With all the other scouts, we finished in under an hour.
The head stones after the placement of the flags
Pack 210 of St. Edward School in NashvilleWe had to hit the road before 6:45, and there was quite a bit of walking, but the boys did their duty. Our boys were rewarded with a nice breakfast at Cracker Barrel and later a matinee to see Night at the Museum 2. A fitting start to the Memorial Day weekend.
Monday, May 18, 2009
ACORN and the New York Times
Michelle Malkin does a bang-up job further discrediting the Gray Lady's otiose attempts to exonerate itself from the charge of spiking a story to protect its Chosen Won. And her post includes this great graphic:
More Thoughts on Notre Dame
I've been struggling to find the right words to complement Mark's excellent piece on the shameful event that took place at Notre Dame this past weekend -- an absolute travesty that places the final nail in the coffin of credibility for alleged Catholic Church leaders.
As a lifelong Catholic who is still smarting over the disgrace that was the clergy pedophilia scandal, Notre Dame's embrace of the most radical pro-abortion president ever to occupy the White House is simultaneously shocking and demoralizing. However, it's not the first time priests, nuns and lay people have gone astray, all in the name of "the poor."
It brings back vivid memories of Catholic school with its many contradictions: nuns and priests (rightfully) admonishing us that abortion is indeed murder and yet voting consistently for the pro-abortion Democrat in every local, state and national election; (correctly) informing us of the plight of the world's less fortunate, yet inexplicably condemning America rather than the despotic regimes that purposely starve and terrorize their own people; and wrongly chastizing "the rich" while at the same time cheerfully accepting the fruits of their hard-earned labor at the collection basket during weekly Mass.
I was a high school student for most of President Reagan's first term and can clearly remember a conversation I once overheard in the yearbook office between a young priest and a female lay teacher regarding the 1984 election. The two openly agonized over the choice between a "war monger" who was admittedly pro-life; and a good man who promoted nuclear disarmament (Mondale) yet stood in solidarity with groups like Planned Parenthood. "What's a good Catholic to do?" they sighed.
Here's a suggestion that applies both then and now: Get a freakin' clue!
In the name of "Catholic Social Justice" today's priests (with some notable exceptions, including Father Jonathan and Father Frank Pavone) will rationalize just about anything, including infanticide. Is it any wonder Obama garnered 54% of the Catholic vote in spite of his support of horrific legislation like the grossly misnamed Freedom of Choice Act, and his refusal to vote in favor of comfort care for defenseless babies who survive abortions?
Funny, none of these priests know at a practical level what it's like to have to make a mortage payment, buy their own groceries or balance a budget at the end of the month (kind of like the federal government). So I guess from their perspective, socialism is a good thing.
I beg to differ. As the saying goes, "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for life." Capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any other system in the world. Further, it is most in line with the God-given free will inherent in every individual, who has both the authority to make his/her own decisions and the obligation to also live with the consequences of his/her actions.
And while all of this may be true, it leads me back to the most basic right of all: the right to life. Planned Parenthood's founder, Margaret Sanger, was an avowed eugenicist who believed certain races and ethnicities (blacks, Jews, Italians) should be eliminated.
The fact that Mr. Obama is aligned closely with an organization that repeatedly refuses to report the rapes of minors to the proper authorities; neglects to inform women of the realities of abortion with the use of ultrasound technology; and enthuiastically provides abortions at all stages (including the 9th month of gestation) for any reason whatsoever, should preclude him from addressing graduates and accepting an honorary degree at any self-respecting Catholic university. That this travesty took place at Notre Dame, the citadel of Catholicism here in the United States, just adds insult to injury.
But as Mark noted earlier, priests, nuns and the go-along laiety will someday have to answer to a much Higher Authority. God have mercy!
As a lifelong Catholic who is still smarting over the disgrace that was the clergy pedophilia scandal, Notre Dame's embrace of the most radical pro-abortion president ever to occupy the White House is simultaneously shocking and demoralizing. However, it's not the first time priests, nuns and lay people have gone astray, all in the name of "the poor."
It brings back vivid memories of Catholic school with its many contradictions: nuns and priests (rightfully) admonishing us that abortion is indeed murder and yet voting consistently for the pro-abortion Democrat in every local, state and national election; (correctly) informing us of the plight of the world's less fortunate, yet inexplicably condemning America rather than the despotic regimes that purposely starve and terrorize their own people; and wrongly chastizing "the rich" while at the same time cheerfully accepting the fruits of their hard-earned labor at the collection basket during weekly Mass.
I was a high school student for most of President Reagan's first term and can clearly remember a conversation I once overheard in the yearbook office between a young priest and a female lay teacher regarding the 1984 election. The two openly agonized over the choice between a "war monger" who was admittedly pro-life; and a good man who promoted nuclear disarmament (Mondale) yet stood in solidarity with groups like Planned Parenthood. "What's a good Catholic to do?" they sighed.
Here's a suggestion that applies both then and now: Get a freakin' clue!
In the name of "Catholic Social Justice" today's priests (with some notable exceptions, including Father Jonathan and Father Frank Pavone) will rationalize just about anything, including infanticide. Is it any wonder Obama garnered 54% of the Catholic vote in spite of his support of horrific legislation like the grossly misnamed Freedom of Choice Act, and his refusal to vote in favor of comfort care for defenseless babies who survive abortions?
Funny, none of these priests know at a practical level what it's like to have to make a mortage payment, buy their own groceries or balance a budget at the end of the month (kind of like the federal government). So I guess from their perspective, socialism is a good thing.
I beg to differ. As the saying goes, "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for life." Capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any other system in the world. Further, it is most in line with the God-given free will inherent in every individual, who has both the authority to make his/her own decisions and the obligation to also live with the consequences of his/her actions.
And while all of this may be true, it leads me back to the most basic right of all: the right to life. Planned Parenthood's founder, Margaret Sanger, was an avowed eugenicist who believed certain races and ethnicities (blacks, Jews, Italians) should be eliminated.
The fact that Mr. Obama is aligned closely with an organization that repeatedly refuses to report the rapes of minors to the proper authorities; neglects to inform women of the realities of abortion with the use of ultrasound technology; and enthuiastically provides abortions at all stages (including the 9th month of gestation) for any reason whatsoever, should preclude him from addressing graduates and accepting an honorary degree at any self-respecting Catholic university. That this travesty took place at Notre Dame, the citadel of Catholicism here in the United States, just adds insult to injury.
But as Mark noted earlier, priests, nuns and the go-along laiety will someday have to answer to a much Higher Authority. God have mercy!
I got a link!
Giving a speech about my book at the Order Sons of Italy - Leonardo da Vinci Lodge in Boca Raton last January.Just wanted to thank Dean from Italian-American Against Media Stereotypes for linking to my Moving beyond the Mafia piece on Smart Girl Nation. Check out his excellent blog!
P.S. More thoughts on the travesty that took place at Notre Dame this weekend to come. Shame on every complicit priest, nun and layman who've imbibed the Kool-Aid and abandoned one of the most sacred church teachings!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The disgrace of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame disgraced itself today by not only inviting the President to speak, but in also granting him an honorary degree. To honor a man who is not only pro-abortion in contravention of Church teaching, but who also supports infanticide, is reprehensible. The President while a state Senator in Illinois voted against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, which would have mandated medical care be given to a baby who had survived a botched abortion. This is quite simply child killing.
To make matters worse (if that's even possible) is the attitude of many so-called Church leaders and ordinary Catholics who subscribe to the absurd position that the President is more in line with Church teaching on social issues, save for abortion, than any president we've ever had. Pour me some Kool-Aid! This is chilling. Talk about the Devil in the Church.
One positive was the courage of the protesters, among them priests, lay people, and many students who didn't go inside the stadium for the graduation ceremony, but remained outside in the grotto. Among the protesters was former Ambassador and presidential candidate Alan Keyes, a man who was arrested not once but twice this weekend. I am proud to say that I voted twice for Ambassador Keyes for president in 1996 and 2000 and would do so again in a heartbeat.
What is also stunning is how so many can be fooled by the President's rhetoric about common ground and about how we should all be working to reduce the number of abortions. He is bought and paid for by NARAL. They own him. For Notre Dame to allow itself to be used is astonishing. Stalin had a name for those who could be so easily duped, "useful idiots". Of these there are many on the Board at Notre Dame and unfortunately far too many in the Catholic Church. No doubt they will one day find that the ultimate price for selling one's soul is more than they bargained for.
UPDATE (from Paul): Some ND alumni aren't taking this sitting down. Good for them!
To make matters worse (if that's even possible) is the attitude of many so-called Church leaders and ordinary Catholics who subscribe to the absurd position that the President is more in line with Church teaching on social issues, save for abortion, than any president we've ever had. Pour me some Kool-Aid! This is chilling. Talk about the Devil in the Church.
One positive was the courage of the protesters, among them priests, lay people, and many students who didn't go inside the stadium for the graduation ceremony, but remained outside in the grotto. Among the protesters was former Ambassador and presidential candidate Alan Keyes, a man who was arrested not once but twice this weekend. I am proud to say that I voted twice for Ambassador Keyes for president in 1996 and 2000 and would do so again in a heartbeat.
What is also stunning is how so many can be fooled by the President's rhetoric about common ground and about how we should all be working to reduce the number of abortions. He is bought and paid for by NARAL. They own him. For Notre Dame to allow itself to be used is astonishing. Stalin had a name for those who could be so easily duped, "useful idiots". Of these there are many on the Board at Notre Dame and unfortunately far too many in the Catholic Church. No doubt they will one day find that the ultimate price for selling one's soul is more than they bargained for.
UPDATE (from Paul): Some ND alumni aren't taking this sitting down. Good for them!
Wayman Tisdale RIP
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former NBA All-Star Wayman Tisdale after a two year battle with bone cancer. I had no idea he was even sick, and saw him do an interview on ESPN with Bob Knight a few months ago which I found very enjoyable. Watching it you had no inkling that he was seriously ill. However, enjoyable is just the word to describe Mr. Tisdale. He was always smiling, positive, and upbeat.
A very accomplished man, he was an All-American at Oklahoma and a member of the 1984 gold medal-winning US Olympic basketball team coached by Bobby Knight. In 1997, he was the first player to have his jersey number retired by the University of Oklahoma. He was a first round draft pick of the Indiana Pacers in 1985 and had a very successful NBA career scoring almost 13,000 points with three teams over 12 years.
However, the guitar was always his first love, since he began playing in his pastor father's church as a boy. In fact, while at Oklahoma the coach changed the basketball practice schedule from Sunday mornings to Sunday evenings to accommodate Tisdale's playing bass guitar at church. He was primarily a bass player and in 2002 received the Legacy Tribute Award from the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. In his music career he recorded eight albums. At the time of his death, he was working on yet another musical project.
He left us too soon on May 15, leaving a wife and four children. A true example of the American Dream come true. RIP.
A very accomplished man, he was an All-American at Oklahoma and a member of the 1984 gold medal-winning US Olympic basketball team coached by Bobby Knight. In 1997, he was the first player to have his jersey number retired by the University of Oklahoma. He was a first round draft pick of the Indiana Pacers in 1985 and had a very successful NBA career scoring almost 13,000 points with three teams over 12 years.
However, the guitar was always his first love, since he began playing in his pastor father's church as a boy. In fact, while at Oklahoma the coach changed the basketball practice schedule from Sunday mornings to Sunday evenings to accommodate Tisdale's playing bass guitar at church. He was primarily a bass player and in 2002 received the Legacy Tribute Award from the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. In his music career he recorded eight albums. At the time of his death, he was working on yet another musical project.
He left us too soon on May 15, leaving a wife and four children. A true example of the American Dream come true. RIP.
On "Game Changers" and a free press
It's a good thing we have a free press, with its protection explicit in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, or else the press might become the instrument of those which it favors politically. Good thing, huh?
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Just What is Torture?
Let me get this straight. According to the President and our friends on the other side of the aisle, water boarding is torture. Despite the fact it was used very sparingly, a doctor was always present, and it has no long term effect on the suspect. Not to mention the fact that the few who have been water boarded, are murderous, terrorists who cut the heads off of innocent people. Also, let's not forget to throw in the fact that it worked, and the lives of countless Americans were saved thanks to water boarding and other enhanced interrogation techniques.
Yet partial birth abortion, a gruesome procedure whereby a fully developed baby is pulled out of the womb by its feet at which time a knife is stuck into the base of its skull and its brains sucked out, is not torture according to the Left. I guess I get it my progressive friends. The goal is murder the most innocent American life and to coddle the most guilty, murderous terrorists. What does that say about our values? You know the same values you always bring up in the torture debate, and which you completely ignore in every other context.God help us all.
Yet partial birth abortion, a gruesome procedure whereby a fully developed baby is pulled out of the womb by its feet at which time a knife is stuck into the base of its skull and its brains sucked out, is not torture according to the Left. I guess I get it my progressive friends. The goal is murder the most innocent American life and to coddle the most guilty, murderous terrorists. What does that say about our values? You know the same values you always bring up in the torture debate, and which you completely ignore in every other context.God help us all.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Is the Pendulum Finally Swinging Back to the Right?
According to the latest Gallup poll, "More Americans Pro-Life than Pro-Choice for First Time." Hey uh, "Big Tent" Republicans, will you finally get it now????
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Hypocrisy of NOW
It seems that the National Organization of Women is no longer in the business of protecting and promoting the rights of women. Monica Lewinsky was savaged, literally by President Clinton I might add. What did NOW do in her defense, nothing! When the women of Afghanistan and Iraq were given freedom along with their fellow citizens courtesy of President Bush and the US military, what was NOW's response? It simply condemned President Bush and said nothing about the horrors experienced by their sisters in these totalitarian countries prior to their liberation.
Governor Palin was savaged in the recent Presidential campaign. What did NOW do for this highly accomplished, self - made woman, nothing! When Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro commented that the only reason that President Obama defeated Senator Clinton in the Democratic primary was because of his race, the dinosaur media turned on their fellow liberal like a pack of hungry wolves. What did NOW do? You guessed it, they didn't lift a finger to help Ferraro. Why? Because race trumps gender in the minds of liberals who treat people not as individuals but as victimized members of groups.
Bristol Palin, a teen-aged young woman, is savaged and once again not a peep from NOW. The latest episode involves Miss California, Carrie Prejean. She has been unmercifully savaged in the press. Surprise, surprise no response from NOW.
Ladies of NOW, the clock has struck midnight and it's time to face the music. Your organization does not support the rights of woman and never did. It was simply a front for your socialist agenda to hide behind. I say come out of the closet and be honest with the American people. Admit you don't stand up for women. Call yourself what you really are, the National Organization of Socialists. Look at the record ladies. Your silence is deafening.
Governor Palin was savaged in the recent Presidential campaign. What did NOW do for this highly accomplished, self - made woman, nothing! When Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro commented that the only reason that President Obama defeated Senator Clinton in the Democratic primary was because of his race, the dinosaur media turned on their fellow liberal like a pack of hungry wolves. What did NOW do? You guessed it, they didn't lift a finger to help Ferraro. Why? Because race trumps gender in the minds of liberals who treat people not as individuals but as victimized members of groups.
Bristol Palin, a teen-aged young woman, is savaged and once again not a peep from NOW. The latest episode involves Miss California, Carrie Prejean. She has been unmercifully savaged in the press. Surprise, surprise no response from NOW.
Ladies of NOW, the clock has struck midnight and it's time to face the music. Your organization does not support the rights of woman and never did. It was simply a front for your socialist agenda to hide behind. I say come out of the closet and be honest with the American people. Admit you don't stand up for women. Call yourself what you really are, the National Organization of Socialists. Look at the record ladies. Your silence is deafening.
Bigotry and Carrie Prejean
Three cheers for Miss California. If Republican elected officials had half as much guts as this young lady, the country would not be in the trouble it is in today. By now, we all know the story. Quite simply Miss Prejean was likely cheated out of the Miss Universe title for simply asserting her First Amendment right of free speech under the Constitution.
When asked about gay marriage, she responded respectfully that it was her religious belief that marriage should be confined to one man and one woman. Hardly startling, except for the fact that the judge who asked the question was highly offended by her response. The judge, a fellow named Perez Hilton who I confess I never heard of, has been crying bigotry ever since.
I have no idea who you are Mr. Perez and why you were chosen to be a judge at this pageant, but you are right. As Americans we must all stand up to bigotry and confront it when it rears its ugly head. So kudos to you Mr. Perez for railing against a bigot. The only problem sir, is that the only bigot in this story is you.
When asked about gay marriage, she responded respectfully that it was her religious belief that marriage should be confined to one man and one woman. Hardly startling, except for the fact that the judge who asked the question was highly offended by her response. The judge, a fellow named Perez Hilton who I confess I never heard of, has been crying bigotry ever since.
I have no idea who you are Mr. Perez and why you were chosen to be a judge at this pageant, but you are right. As Americans we must all stand up to bigotry and confront it when it rears its ugly head. So kudos to you Mr. Perez for railing against a bigot. The only problem sir, is that the only bigot in this story is you.
Abortion, RINOs and the 2008 Election
My latest effort for Smart Girl Nation dissects the current wishy-washy state of the GOP, which doesn't seem to want to learn from history, e.g. Ronald Reagan's winning recipe of unapologetic conservatism. I'm not quite sure what it's going to take for these obtuse, alleged "leaders" to finally see the light, but if enough of us keep voicing our displeasure, and simultaneously withhold funds from the RNC in favor of conservative candidates, perhaps it will sink in. Click the link below for the full column:
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday Links
Heading out soon to consult with a new client on his book. A referral from two good friends who run the Southeast Broward Republican Club, Ilya is a man who knows what real oppression feels like, having spent a portion of his life as a prisoner in a Soviet gulag. I am looking forward to learning more of his story.
In the meantime, some Monday links:
Mark Steyn - Climb.
Michelle Malkin - The most self-absorbed night in Washington (since the inaugural).
Dr. Ted Baehr - Angels, Demons and Democrats
Hugh S - About Last Night
Kevin Jackson - Great Moments in Democrat Racist HistoryOn Freedom's Wings - The Patrick Henry Caucus
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mothers' Day!
In this photo, left to right, cousin Annie, Daria, Mom and sister Carolyn on Christmas Day On this day honoring mothers everywhere, I wanted to send out a special thank you to my own mom -- one of the most loving, generous, strong-willed and determined women I know. There are some in our society who erroneously believe that the concept of a strong female took hold in the 1960s, as if prior to that turbulent decade, every American woman was nothing more than an appendange to her husband (if she happened to be married), a slave to her children (as if motherhood was a form of indentured servitiude), or dependent on the generosity of others (if she happened to be single).
I am blessed to have descended from a long line of sterotype-shattering females -- spawned from tough peasant stock -- who proved long before Gloria and the girls came along that women can be independent, accomplished, smart, funny, self-assured and devout in their religious beliefs. They could also own businesses, as is the case with my late Aunt Emma, a wife and mother who ran her own beauty shop back in the 1940s; break the glass ceiling, like my cousin Millie, the first female graduate of Temple University's Pharmacy School; or after spending time in the working world, make a glorious career out of raising respectable, productive and caring human beings.
My own mom falls into that last category, although while raising kids, she also took care of the books for my dad's medical office; served as President on the Home and School Association; ran countless successful fundraisers for various organizations (Saint Joseph's University, O'Hara High School and Physician's Wives Auxiliary, to name a few) and even served as township committeewoman for several terms.
But by far, her greatest joy was her children, and seeing them into adulthood, her top priority. My mom didn't just "parent" her little ones out of natural obligation, she relished every moment of it -- whether it was taking us into downtown Philadelphia to visit historic sites or watch live stage productions; cheering for the home team with us at a Phillies or Eagles game (yeah, mom is totally into sports); teaching us our prayers; or helping with homework.
Emotionally, she was always there to lend an ear and a hug when the inevitable realities of life would set in, such as a mean kid at school making fun of me for a few extra pounds; or as childhood transformed into adolescence, having to deal with the object of my affection (a creature known as "the teen-aged male") rejecting me.
No matter what took place in the outside world, home was always a haven of comfort and unconditional love, thanks in large part to my mom. It was the place I could cry, laugh, hang out with my siblings and otherwise be myself, without any fear of rejection or ridicule. It was also a place that had well-defined boundaries and serious consequences for bad behavior. Never one to utter the phrase "Wait until your father gets home," (partly out of necessity, as dad's workdays as a surgeon tended to be quite long) Mom always administered "tough love" when the situation warranted.
She taught me about strength, courage, persistence, love and generosity through her example, and not just as an academic exercise.
I based a character from my book, Monica Rose, on my own mother, and I believe this particular passage nicely summarizes the theme of this Mothers' Day post:
"After all, hadn't it been Monica's stellar example of independence and determination that had provided Maddy the blueprint? Mrs. Rose had admirably handled formidable hardships of her own -- the death of her beloved brother Anthony in World War II, Bell's Palsy at age 13, and -- in one of the biggest tests of her adult life -- the birth of a Down syndrome baby when she was 28, at a time when conventional medicine dismissed such children as "stigmas" to be shipped off to nightmarish institutions, never to be seen or heard from again."
Everything stated in the above "fictional" paragraph was culled from my mother's own life. And the more I reflect back, the greater my admiration and respect for her. As children of course, we mostly fail to appreciate fully these realities; for me, the older I get, the deeper the realization of my mother's exceptional character and example becomes. Much of it also stems from writing commentary on the current sorry state of our culture, with its excessive divorce rate, "instant gratification" mentality and "me first" outlook -- all of which inflicts incredible damage upon today's children. I am eternally grateful to have been given a mother who not only loved her offspring immeasurably, but also genuinely enjoyed raising them.
Happy Mothers' Day to my mom, and all of the mothers everywhere. God bless you!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Boca Republican Club Social
I had a great evening hanging out with some local conservatives at The Blue Martini Lounge at the Town Center Mall. For those of you who live out of state and cannot fathom the idea that there actually are conservatives in Boca Raton, here's some proof!
The event was mostly about music, dancing, drinks and light-hearted conversation; however, this group is focused on ridding the Republican Party of treacherous RINOs at the local and state levels. Ed Lynch and Col. Allen West, both conservative candidates for Congress in South Florida, were in attendance. They are already working hard to ensure victory in 2010!
No matter where you live, NOW is the time to rally behind good candidates. Taking our country back requires dedication, persistence and the sacrifice of time and money; I happen to believe freedom is worth it.
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