Find something you like about everyone

This recent comment by Lowell Feld on Bearing Drift caught my attention. It also brought about this post by STD. Lowell says "I am a partisan Democrat and Teddy Roosevelt Progressive, proud of it"

I believe that the next half century will determine if we will advance the cause of Christian civilization or revert to the horrors of brutal paganism.
- Theodore Roosevelt

In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American.
- Theodore Roosevelt, letter to the American Defense Society (1919)

The man who loves other countries as much as his own stands on a level with the man who loves other women as much as he loves his own wife.
- Theodore Roosevelt, speech at New York City (September 6, 1918)

There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile ... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language ... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.
- Theodore Roosevelt, letter to the American Defense Society (January 3, 1919)

There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. The one absolutely certain way of bringing this nation to ruin, of preventing all possibility of its continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of squabbling nationalities.
- Theodore Roosevelt, speech before the Knights of Columbus at New York (1915)

Lowell Feld...."I am a partisan Democrat and Teddy Roosevelt Progressive, proud of it"....Indeed. Thanks for the smile Lowell.

Technorati : Teddy Roosevelt

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VBC Update

I want to update a couple things about this post yesterday about the VBC. FT Rea's accusations that Blog Net News have been "shanghaied" by the right wing bloggers have been addressed in the comments. Those who say they have not been invited to participate have their heads in the sand. David Mastio who runs Blog Net News writes:

Links to the Carnival are always up on BlogNetNews.com thanks to Kat's persuasive urging.
I am glad Kilo brought up that attack on BlogNetNews.com. Apparently a forum where liberal blogs outnumber conservative blogs, but conservatives are free to post what they want counts as being taken over by conservatives. Lame.
David Mastio | Homepage| 02.28.07 - 7:02 am | #

Indeed. Thank you Sir for commenting.

Technorati : Blog Carnival, Bloggers, Bloggers for Free Speech, Blogging, Blogs, Blogs United for Free Speech, Virginia Blog Carnival

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The VBC under Attack

This is rich. Kriehbiel writes:

"Is it just me, or has the Virginia Blog Carnival had a decidedly right-wing slant to it lately? The last four especially have been awfully heavy with conservative snark and propaganda. I always thought the Carnivals were supposed to be non-political... maybe that rule only applies when Republicans are in power."

So the last 4 carnivals are slanted? What a crock. Political posts are and have always been accepted. The carnival is made up of those who submit their work. The hosts volunteer. Now we have Rantblogs Slantblogs FT Rea making this comment and invoking the VBC in his post here. The conspiracy consists that the VBC and Blog Net News have been "shanghaied" by the right wing bloggers. The facts prove that false. But Rea does not like the facts. You see when confronted with the facts he cries foul, you're attacking me, etc.

Lets look at the facts. A simple word and archive search of either of the above blogs will reveal how many times they have hosted or linked to the VBC. I don't have to tell you the results. It is easy to see who the real "tools" are. To my knowledge neither have hosted, submitted, promoted by linking the VBC in anyway. Oh but they will whine...See- you can take them to an issue but you cant make them see the sense in it.

So gentlemen, before you whine and invoke the VBC and conspiracy theories, get off your elitist asses and submit, promote, and host. Do not blame the ones who do for your own laziness.

Technorati : Blog Carnival, Bloggers, Bloggers for Free Speech, Blogging, Virginia, Virginia Blog Carnival

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Duncan Hunter on RedState

The Mason Conservative sends us to this interview with Duncan Hunter at Redstate. I could not get the file to play on site, but it was easy to download. (clicking will start download)

This is a good interview and touches several subjects. The part about how America must soon make a choice about socializing health care is very good. Also included is how the Clinton administration was ready to sell the naval base in Long Beach to China. Amazing! Give this one a listen.

Technorati : 2008, China, Duncan Hunter, Podcast, Politics

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The Virginia Blog Carnival

I am privileged to again host the VBC. I want to thank the submitters for their time and the quality of their work.

Lance Corporal Daniel Todd Morris, United States Marine Corps, 1987 – 2007. This brave young man returned to his homeland of Augusta County this week. The community honored the fallen hero. The following posts by the SWAC bloggers are very inspirational.

SWAC Girl has her tribute here. My friend Chris at Spank that Donkey has his excellent post - God, Country, Corps. John Maxfield at The Journal of the Civilized Man has LnCpl. Daniel T. Morris is Laid to Rest. "He was a young Augusta County Republican...even though he was never able to vote..."....Very powerful. Elle at In-Politically Correct has Thank You Lance Cpl Daniel Morris. We should never forget we are at war or the sacrifice these brave men and women are making. The video here tells the story, and as this picture shows, our loved ones serving there do understand.

On a related note, this Marine Recruiter makes a stand! Did you know recruiting is at a 9 year high for the active force and a 13 year high for reserves? Read about that at Conservative Mensan.

The argument to blog anonymous got stronger this week. The Red Stater thinks so with this post that soon became scary to say the least. The Ward View also covered this attack here and here. It has been noticed the lefty blogs have remained silent on this attack.

To be fair and balanced, I will add that Spank That Donkey has been accused of being a Cyber Stalking Bully by Slantblogs FT Rea. I just linked it...You be the judge.

Leslie Carbone remembers the "Miracle on Ice" that happened 27 years ago. What a great day!

Adam of Sophistpundit submits Science as the Division of Labor. Adam writes “I give you two ideas in Economic thought: the division of labor, and opportunity cost.” Thank you for participating Adam!

Kat of Cathouse Chat is Quilt blogging. Those of us who know Kat realize she is in heaven on earth attending this show.

Ben at Not Larry Sabato has Dirty Dozen- State Senate- Edition 2. Click over and join in on the discussion.

ImNotEmeril has Class Clown Now Holds Leadership Position.
Badrose chimes in with FREAKING NEWS: Ward Armstrong new House minority leader. These two bloggers in Ward Armstrong's district are not happy.

The Word this week was Transportation. I will finish out this carnival with some links to blog posts about the Transportation plan.

Deo Vindice has this and this. The Right Wing Liberal has his thoughts here. The Mason Conservative wonders about Tim Kaine, so does SwxSE. Virginia Virtucon has the press releases from Bill Bolling and others. Jerry - From on High weighs in with Showdown.

My pick this week is Hans Mast who was featured in The Washington Post. Way to go Hans!

Technorati : Blog Carnival, Bloggers, Blogging, Blogs, Virginia Blog Carnival, Virginia Bloggers

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Duncan Hunter on CNN Late Edition this Morning

This should be interesting.

Insurgents are using chemical weapons in Iraq and allies are planning to withdraw troops. How should the U.S. respond?

Guests:

• Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubies: Iraq's national security adviser

• Madeleine Albright: Former secretary of state

• Henry Kissinger: Former secretary of state

• Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas: Judiciary Committee, presidential candidate

• Rep. Jane Harman, D-California: Homeland Security Committee

• Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-California: Armed Services Committee, presidential candidate

Technorati : Duncan Hunter, Iraq, Iraq War, Islamic Extremism, War on Terror

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Laid To Rest

Spank The Donkey writes:

"Lance Corporal Daniel T. Morris was laid to rest today in his native soil of Augusta County, Virginia. I was privileged today to feel the fellowship of his family and Community, as we paid our last respects to this Hero."

Chris, also a Marine, tells the story with eloquence and you should check it out. Also in attendance were his fellow SWAC bloggers:

"Today, SWAC GIRL, The Journal of the Common Man, and RightsideVA played a very special role today at New Providence Church. They came early and provided/put up dozens of 3' x 5' American Flags along the walk way from the church up to the graveyard, where Daniel was laid to rest. One thing that the Marines knew today when they escorted their Brethren home was that they were in a part of the Country, that respected them and were appreciated for what they do for us all ! "

I am sure the the family and friends of Lance Corporal Daniel T. Morris greatly appreciated this. The SWAC crew has taken a lot of heat from bloggers in the past. The SWAC crew have strongly supported the war effort and the troops. They have been there for the families of those serving not only with their blogging, but with their acts. You wont read that on the lefty blogs. They will quickly publicize a military death. They will assign blame, condemn the mission, all the while claiming they support the troops. I am sorry, I don't see it. Actions speak louder than words. As Duncan Hunter recently said about the silly non binding vote:

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA): "I don't care what you call it, a surge, an increase -- what the Republican president is doing is sending reinforcements to Iraq to carry out his plan. And if the Democrats cut off the reinforcements, the American troops will never forgive them and I think the American people will never forgive them. I think the Republican senators should be loud and clear on that issue" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 1/17).(LINK)

Never Forget...Indeed.

Technorati : Duncan Hunter, Iraq, Iraq War, Politics, Republicans, Virginia, Virginia Politics, War, War on Terror

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Heh!

"I don't have to hire consultant to develop a conservative image because I am a conservative" - Duncan Hunter-Via PoliPundit.

Technorati : Duncan Hunter

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Terry Kilgore Live Blog

NLS is hosting a live blog with Terry Kilgore today at 9am.

Technorati : Live Blogging, Politics, Terry Kilgore, Virginia, Virginia Politics

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New Poll

The new poll shows that Americans want to win the War in Iraq. Margin of error is 3.5. Some interesting findings.

which one of the following would do most to hurt America's reputation as a world power

59% To pull our troops out of Iraq immediately

...or...
35% To leave our troops in Iraq for as long as it takes to restore order

5% DON'T KNOW

2% REFUSED
Even if they have concerns about his war policies, Americans should stand behind the President in Iraq because we are at war. 56% agree

The Democrats are going too far, too fast in pressing the President to withdraw the troops from Iraq. 53% agree

I support finishing the job in Iraq, that is, keeping the troops there until the Iraqi government can maintain control and provide security for its people. 57% agree

The Iraq War is a key part of the global war on terrorism. 57% agree

Now watch Duncan Hunter spank Tim Walz on Hardball.

Technorati : Duncan Hunter, Iraq, Iraq War, Politics, Polls, War, War on Terror

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Round Up

I have been very busy the past few days so I want to link my fellow Old Dominion Blog Alliance members.
Badrose sends us to a article by Barnie Day. I remember when the Not Larry Sabato blog asked "Can Barnie Day Be Replaced?" No Sir! He cant and has not been replaced. While Barnie and I disagree on politics, his writing is still unmatched. In this article Barnie writes about his battle with Parkinson's Disease. I love this line:

"I face each day now with a new outlook. I don't just face them - I try to seize them by the throat and wring the life out them."

I can relate to that. As always, Barnie's writing has the power to humble the best bloggers. I think I will contact Barnie and see if I can use that line in my blog header.

The Ward View has this weeks Virginia Blog Carnival.

The Mason Conservative is hosting a live blog with AG Bob McDonnell tomorrow. I applaud AG McDonnell for his interest in the Blogs!

The Right Wing Liberal has "Why we cannot abandon the Iraqi people

Technorati : Blog Carnival, Bloggers, Blogging, Bob McDonnell, Carnivals, Iraq War, Old Dominion Blog Alliance, Virginia Blog Carnival, War on Terror

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More on Creigh “Dirty” Deeds

SWxSE is all over this story here and here. The Mason Conservative posts Senator Cuccinelli's press release.

Creigh Deeds has violated ethics rules. That is a fact. If Dirty Deeds wants to try to change the rules that is his right, but taking the job first is a violation. Is he above the rules? The silence of from the left-o-sphere indicates he is. Our next Governor....Heh!

Technorati : Creigh Deeds, Democrat, Democrats, Virginia Politics

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Michael "A.J. Sparxx" Illions joins Duncan Hunter Campaign!

PoliPundit blogger and pro "rasssler" Michael "A.J. Sparxx" Illions has signed up to support Duncan Hunter. Read all about it here.

"I am proud to announce that after reaching an agreement with TCV Media, the consulting firm hired by Duncan Hunter's campaign, I will be joining the team working on the Duncan Hunter for President campaign, effective Monday, February 19th"

.

The net roots campaign is taking shape. The groundwork is being laid and the money will follow. The only negative thing I have received about Hunter is " Mitt and Rudy have more money." That is true. Let me say I will not abandon a candidate whose core beliefs mirror my own just because of funding. As other candidates are swaying their past opinions and records to appeal to the conservative base, Duncan Hunter stands solid on his past record.

His new website is up and it is looking great! Give it a look and contribute if you can. At the very least tell some friends about Duncan Hunter. He is the right man.

Jeff Evans to challenge Roscoe Reynolds in the 20th Senatorial District

ImNotEmeril has the scoop. My friends in the 20^th have a good candidate in Jeff Evans. No one can deny that many people are very unhappy with Roscoe Reynolds. I think Jeff Evans has the background and work ethic that will lead to success come election day!

Technorati : Election, Jeff Evans, Roscoe Reynolds, Virginia Politics

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The Great American Race – The Daytona 500

The big NASCAR story this week has been cheaters. Jet fuel and illegal cars were carried on every network. One would think this is bad for NASCAR. Cheating in any other sport would be, but not NASCAR. David Caraviello has a great opinion here:

"Oh lordy lordy, hide the women and children, there's cheating going on in NASCAR again..........Yes, everyone will sit back and laugh while remembering the days when a Smokey Yunick car would have its fuel drained during inspection, and then drive away on extra gas hidden in the framework. But some tape flies off a hole drilled into a rear deck lid, or somebody misaligns bolts on a rear shock mounting, and suddenly you have Watergate at 185 mph."

LOL - I love it! Nascar laid out some heavy penalties this week and it received press coverage from outlets that usually ignore racing. I am a old school fan, so this week has amused me to the hilt. I have not witnessed this much press since the death of Dale Earnhardt. Caraviello compares this so called scandal to steroids in baseball. He writes:

"Two fuel-additive violations in seven years. Compare that to, say, Major League Baseball, where 12 players were suspended for steroid use in the 2005 season alone. Or the NFL, which is plagued by gun-related incidents. Where's the scandal again?"

Indeed.

My favorite driver Jeff Burton starts 7^th today. His teammate, the despicable Kevin Harvick, starts 34^th. He will come to the front in his usual reckless style. The cheating Jeff Gordon starts next to last in what I hope will be his season of tears. Wise Girl has abandoned Jamie McMurray to support Elliot Sadler. Well at least he is from Virginia. Who knows who she will root for next week...geesh. She has predicted to me that Tony Stewart will win the cup this year. I cant argue with that. After missing the chase last year ole Smokey is fired up. I never liked Tony until I read that he donated one million dollars to the Victory Junction Camp. My readers know that this camp is something I have pushed for a long time. The Red Queen also shows her love. They have a store now with cool shirts and caps. If you can visit the site and spend a few dollars to help out. There is a great 11 min video here that will inspire you.

Technorati : Daytona 500, Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, NASCAR, Victory Junction

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Duncan Hunter – I will fight....

From Free Republic:

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., the senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, Thursday claimed that the new plan presented by Rep. Murtha, D-Penn., a Vietnam war combat veteran, to prevent additional U.S. forces being sent to Iraq was "extremely dangerous."

"America's military strength and our deterrent capability are largely dependent upon the ability of our nation to send troops quickly in reinforcing capacities to conflicts anywhere on the globe. Congress's attempts to prohibit the movement of such troops by management policies are extremely dangerous," Hunter said in a statement.

The Murtha initiative "could stop reinforcements from arriving in time to stop major casualties in any of a number of scenarios," Hunter said.

"Further, our strength on the battlefield is also a function of sending seasoned veterans for the purpose of mentoring the new troops on the battlefield," he said.

"I said on the first day of this debate: the Iraq resolution and the new proposal to cut off troop deployments through the operation and maintenance budget are going to be seen by America's friends, America's enemies and America's troops as the first signals of retreat in the war on terrorism," Hunter said."

"I will fight any attempt to keep supplies or personnel from reaching the battlefield," he said.

You tell um Duncan! Go join in the talk at Free Republic.

Technorati : 2008, Duncan Hunter, Iraq War, Politics, Republican, War, War on Terror

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Creigh “Dirty” Deeds

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.

Follow those links to get the story on Democrat Creigh Dirty Deeds. Then listen to the silence of the lefty blogs. Dirty Deeds is breaking the rules and the left is silent. Ethics indeed!

Technorati : Creigh Deeds, Democrats, Virginia Politics, Virginia legislation

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Virgil Goode tells it like it is!

NLS has the video up. SWAC Girl is proud. Waldo has jumped the shark and GGD has the picture of our future. Badrose thanks Virgil for representing her. She writes a few lines that for some reason the leftosphere cant understand.

"I see it like this: It is estimated that there are roughly one billion Muslims in the world. If only 1% of those are radical or extremist, that's ten million people that want to see us convert or die. I don't like those odds and I don't like those options.

I've yet to see a country or a community benefit from an influx of radical Muslims. I've seen the opposite."-Badrose

Indeed. I applaud Congressman Goode for saying in plain talk what needs to be said. After watching Obsession and seeing the connections to the Hitler youth and what radical Islamics are teaching children today is cause for worry. Winning this war is the only option.

Technorati : Iran, Iraq, Iraq War, Islamic Extremism, Virgil Goode

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Flux Capacitor

Last week I could not spell electrical engineer. Now I are one!

Click over and make fun .. er wish Alton well.

Technorati : Funny Stuff

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Blogging Duncan Hunter

The Duncan Hunter campaign has hired Nathan Tabor of the blog The Conservative Voice and the TCM media and consulting firm. TCM has hired one of my favorite bloggers, John Hawkins of Right Wing News. John writes:

If you're wondering what kind of dough I'm making, let's just say that it's less than what most blog consultants make (Nobody will ever get me this cheap again), which is fine with me, because I wanted the experience and I'm a big fan of Duncan Hunter. In fact, after I interviewed Hunter back in December, I liked him so much that I actually offered to set up some interviews for him with bloggers to help get his name out there. In the end, none of them actually came off and ironically, I am now getting paid, in part at least, to do exactly the same thing.

I am particularly jazzed to be helping out Duncan Hunter because he is a hawkish, tough on illegal immigration, pro-2nd Amendment, social conservative, with the best national security credentials in the Republican field -- and don't just take my word for that now that I work as a consultant for the campaign.....(LINK)

This is good news! If you follow the above link you will find John Hawkins posts on Duncan Hunter. I predict that Duncan Hunter will gain huge name recognition in the next few months. As you know I have said that when people learn about him they will support him. Reaching out to the blogs is a wise move to gain the much needed grass root support. Hunter is the true conservative choice for 08. Check out his Peace Through Strength PAC. Volunteer and contribute if you can. Lets get a true conservative back in the White House and leading our party. A man with the record and experience that matches our conservative views. I believe Duncan Hunter is that man.

Technorati : 2008, Duncan Hunter

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Valentines Day

Wise Girl really hooked me up this year for Valentines Day. She has always understood that the most important part of this relationship is me. I am being as honest as Bill Clinton under oath about that. My gifts - I received the complete first season of Rome.
She added Season Six of the Sopranos. I am one lucky man! I am a long time Soprano fan but I missed this last season. I have heard Rome is a great series so I cant wait to start watching. If blogging becomes lite.....I am watching the tube! Technorati : HBO, Life, Love, Rome, Sopranos, Valentines Day

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LG Bill Bolling and Speaker Bill Howell – Strategy, A Tale of Two Bills

NLS has the the story. If this move works one can only say Brilliant! Ben thinks it will be a 20-20 tie vote with LG Bill Bolling as the tie breaker. Then the plan is off to Gov Kaine, who has been as useful as tits on a boar hog on this transportation issue. The constant whining about taking from the general fund has been made clear in this wonderful but very complex graph at Bearing Drift. I would think it will take the democrats many hours of studying to figure this graph out.

Technorati : Bill Bolling, Transportation, Virginia, Virginia Politics

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Duncan Hunter - Independent Appeal

"Campaigning for the presidential primaries is under way, and the Republican frontrunners offer little for conservative voters. John McCain teamed with Ted Kennedy in pushing for an amnesty bill for 13 million illegal aliens in the United States, and Rudy Giuliani expressed pro-abortion and heavy gun-control stances and supported offering more free government services to illegals while New York City mayor. This is why conservative Republicans should give their support and votes to U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif." (LINK)

Independent voter Nick Bouterie writes why he will be supporting Duncan Hunter.

"I registered independent upon reaching voting age seven years ago and remained such since, but I will register Republican before the primaries to vote for Duncan Hunter. He is the candidate who can help the U.S. battle terrorism, border invasion and the trade deficit."(Read All)

Indeed. Duncan Hunter is the real deal. He needs your support to get his message out as he competes against the so called upper tier candidates. If you can, write a letter to the editor, write a blog post, or if you are able contribute to his campaign here or volunteer here. At the very least tell some friends about Duncan Hunter.

My other posts on Duncan Hunter can be found here.

Technorati : Duncan Hunter, Politics, Pro Life, Republican, Republicans

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The Virginia Blog Carnival

This weeks VBC is online at the Right Wing Liberal. Take a friend!

Technorati : Blog Carnival, Blogging, Blogs, Carnival, Virginia Blog Carnival, Virginia Bloggers

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Win The War

The SWAC crew has the above sign ready to distribute! I am getting up a order in my area and you should too. You can learn more Here and Here and Here or Here. Every yard needs a couple Win The War signs. If you don't want to win....then the other choice is losing.

Technorati : Iraq War, Military, War, War on Terror

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Duncan Hunter on CNN

Duncan Hunter made some good points this morning on Late Edition. When asked about Iraq he gave a clear and to the point answer.

"My recommendation, and I'm sending a formal analysis of this to the president and to the secretary of defense, is this: You have 129 operational battalions in the Iraqi military. Let's move every single one of them through a combat rotation because that matures a force much better than drill and ceremony at some remote tarmac. So let's move them all through the battle, get them all battle-hardened.

And when we've done that, we hand that security burden off to the Iraqis. And at that point they're going to have as much violence as they're willing to politically tolerate. But self-determination is self-determination." (LINK to transcript)

Indeed. We all can agree it is time for Iraq to step up. Hunter's recommendation here is a must do. The plan will not guarantee success, but we can evaluate the Iraqi forces and see where they are lagging. I also agree that combat will establish morale and self determination. This vision sure beats the disappointing rhetoric that is coming from my two senators these past few weeks. I dare say it also beats what is coming from the White House. This plan can put more Iraqis on the streets and less Americans. It would serve as a baseline as to where we stand in this war. If these 129 battalions stand strong, we can hopefully begin to bring our troops home in victory. That word Victory is something I would like to hear my two senators use every time they speak about this war.

If you would like help Duncan Hunter visit is page here. His Peace Through Strength PAC is here. Duncan Hunter wants to win this war. He understands we cannot leave a unstable Iraq.

Technorati : Duncan Hunter, Iraq, Iraq War

McCain Who?

In a Arizona straw poll at the end on January, John McCain placed fourth. Duncan Hunter was first in McCain's home state. BIG OUCH!

Technorati : 2008, Duncan Hunter, Politics, Polling, Polls

YES!

Tonight it begins! The 2007 Jeff Burton car looks awesome! A darker orange for this season. His teammate Kevin Harvick's new ride is called Ole Yellow!. The NASCAR Bud Shootout tonight at 8pm on Fox!

Technorati : Jeff Burton, NASCAR, Race, Racing, Sports

Fair and Balanced

I see Ben (NLS) and Lowell (Raising Kaine) will host their own radio show called The Blog Talk Radio Show. I think they should add Waldo to set the tone!

Seriously though, Ben loves politics and I am happy for him. This type of thing will draw more blog readers IMHO.

Technorati : Bloggers, Blogging, Blogs, Virginia, Virginia Bloggers, Virginia Politics

Gianna Jessen - From the Heart

I was so impressed with Duncan Hunter's interview for the National Pro Life Radio and Pro Life News. Kilo and I are in agreement about this not being a religious issue but rather a personal responsibility issue. An issue of the heart as Hunter says. I applaud Hunter for keeping up the fight "because it is right". His bill H.R. 552 is here. As Hunter said, "if we get the people, the leaders will follow." It is time for us to stand up for what is right, what is selfless, what comes from the heart.

Hunter mentioned hearing the testimony of Gianna Jessen. Here is her story as given before the House Judiciary Committee. Out of 13 members of the subcommittee, only 2 were willing to listen to her testimony, abortion supporters boycotted the meeting.

Testimony of abortion survivor Gianna Jessen before the Constitution Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee on April 22, 1996.
My name is Gianna Jessen. I am 19 years of age. I am originally from California, but now reside in Franklin, Tennessee. I am adopted. I have cerebral palsy. My biological mother was 17 years old and seven and one-half months pregnant when she made the decision to have a saline abortion. I am the person she aborted. I lived instead of died.

Fortunately for me the abortionist was not in the clinic when I arrived alive, instead of dead, at 6:00 a.m. on the morning of April 6, 1977. I was early, my death was not expected to be seen until about 9 a.m., when he would probably be arriving for his office hours. I am sure I would not be here today if the abortionist would have been in the clinic as his job is to take life, not sustain it. Some have said I am a "botched abortion", a result of a job not well done.

There were many witnesses to my entry into this world. My biological mother and other young girls in the clinic, who also awaited the death of their babies, were the first to greet me. I am told this was a hysterical moment. Next was a staff nurse who apparently called emergency medical services and had me transferred to a hospital.

I remained in the hospital for almost three months. There was not much hope for me in the beginning. I weighed only two pounds. Today, babies smaller than I was have survived.
A doctor once said I had a great will to live and that I fought for my life. I eventually was able to leave the hospital and be placed in foster care. I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result of the abortion.

My foster mother was told that it was doubtful that I would ever crawl or walk. I could not sit up independently. Through the prayers and dedication of my foster mother, and later many other people, I eventually learned to sit up, crawl, then stand. I walked with leg braces and a walker shortly before I turned age four. I was legally adopted by my foster mother's daughter, Diana De Paul, a few months after I began to walk. The Department of Social Services would not release me any earlier for adoption.

I have continued in physical therapy for my disability, and after a total of four surgeries, I can now walk without assistance. It is not always easy. Sometimes I fall, but I have learned how to fall gracefully after falling 19 years.

I am happy to be alive. I almost died. Every day I thank God for life. I do not consider myself a by-product of conception, a clump of tissue, or any other of the titles given to a child in the womb. I do not consider any person conceived to be any of those things.

I have met other survivors of abortion. They are all thankful for life. Only a few months ago I met another saline abortion survivor. Her name is Sarah. She is two years old. Sarah also has cerebral palsy, but her diagnosis is not good. She is blind and has severe seizures. The abortionist, besides injecting the mother with saline, also injects the baby victims. Sarah was injected in the head. I saw the place on her head where this was done. When I speak, I speak not only for myself, but for the other survivors, like Sarah, and also for those who cannot yet speak ...

Today, a baby is a baby when convenient. It is tissue or otherwise when the time is not right. A baby is a baby when miscarriage takes place at two, three, four months. A baby is called a tissue or clumps of cells when an abortion takes place at two, three, four months. Why is that? I see no difference. What are you seeing? Many close their eyes...

The best thing I can show you to defend life is my life. It has been a great gift. Killing is not the answer to any question or situation. Show me how it is the answer.

There is a quote which is etched into the high ceilings of one of our state's capitol buildings. The quote says, "Whatever is morally wrong, is not politically correct." Abortion is morally wrong. Our country is shedding the blood of the innocent. America is killing its future.

All life is valuable. All life is a gift from our Creator. We must receive and cherish the gifts we are given. We must honor the right to life.

Her Website is here.

Technorati : Duncan Hunter, Gianna Jessen, Pro Life, abortion

Duncan Hunter – Pro Life

Presidential candidate Duncan Hunter attended the Blogs for Life conference. In this National Pro Life Radio interview Hunter addresses what most of us noticed how the media ignored the recent pro life marches drawing hundreds of thousands. He said

"To the mainstream media, that would almost be as important as if you had 300 aging hippies, demonstrating for some vague notion of something, somewhere..."

I would add smelly aging hippies. When asked about bloggers and the pro life blogging movement he responds

"I think it's of great value. This is all people, this business is all people and it's all communications with people, and I think that the way to touch peoples hearts..., I think this is a debate of the heart. If we can get people to come to you with their heart, that all of the technical arguments by the other side will tend to wither. And so, this is a lot of communication, this is what these guys do. I like it, I think you're on the right track."

A debate of the heart indeed. What can we do to encourage people to get involved and touch those hearts? He makes one of the best statements I have heard about this subject.

"You know, the great Henry Hyde, who is not with us now because he is retired, & he was one of the giants in U.S. Congress in this century. He said something about the Pro-Life interest, he said, "you're the only special interest in Washington that's not a self interest. You're saving other people, you're helping other people, in fact you're helping other people who can't thank you, can't support you, can't vote for you...unborn children. That's a stand of principle, and everybody should always feel good and feel energized about taking a stand of principle."

I agree. This is just one of the many reasons I am supporting Duncan Hunter. He is not hate filled in his responses. Touching hearts is exactly what is needed. I have never viewed this issue as a religious issue. It is a personal responsibility issue. Except in the most extreme cases, responsibility diminishes the need for abortions. Take a few minutes and watch the complete interview.

Technorati : Bloggers, Blogging, Duncan Hunter, Life, Politics, Pro Life, abortion, family

Bill Bolling Steps Up

Via Bearing Drift we see that LtG Bolling made a stand today. His actions today help send SB1379 back to committee and hopefully to the trash can. Bravo Mr Bolling! I had not posted about this plan as it upset me that Potts and Chichester wanting to raise my taxes. I think LtG Bolling gained some points today among conservative republicans. Here is his press release.

RICHMOND - Earlier today the Senate of Virginia voted to recommit SB1379 to the Senate Committee on Finance. In response to this action, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement.

"I commend the Senate on its decision to recommit SB1379 to the Committee on Finance."

"SB1379 would have resulted in massive statewide tax increases, and if adopted, would have severely jeopardized our ability to reach any agreement on transportation funding this year."

"In addition, the committee substitute to SB1379 would have significantly expanded the original purpose of the bill. Accordingly, the committee substitute was clearly not germane to the original purpose of the bill, and therefore the bill was not properly before the Senate."

"Now that SB1379 has been withdrawn, my hope is that the General Assembly will continue its efforts to reach agreement on a long-term transportation solution that does not rely on massive statewide tax increases."

Technorati : Bill Bolling, Lt Governor Bill Bolling, Republicans, Taxes, Transportation, Virgina Politics, Virginia