Corn

A Dusty Pair of Sandals

I am a firm believer that life is what happens in between the plans that we make. No matter what plans we might wake up with in our minds, life can find a way of smacking you upside the forehead with a two by four and changing the day for you.

I told you that Kilo has been educating me to bluegrass in a big way and I have found a song that sure answers those two by four moments for me. Seems we have had enough of those moments lately around here that maybe I can talk Kilo into building me a porch swing-hmmm.

Anyway, on with my song of inspiration. I hope perhaps it speaks to your heart also and gives you hope as it does for us here.

A Dusty Pair of Sandals- by Paul Williams and the Victory Trio

Just outside of Lazerus’ tomb
Lazerus’ sister’s filled with gloom
Crying sore and wondering what it’s all about
But she doesn’t know God’s plan
For just north of Bethany town
There’s a dusty pair of sandals headed south.

Chorus:
Don’t give up
Don’t give up
Don’t let trials and tribulations make you doubt
When great troubles overtake you
Don’t give in and don’t give out
There’s a dusty pair of sandals headed south.

If your life is filled with sorrow and
You’re wondering about tomorrow
And your valleys dark and deep with no way out
Jesus never will forsake you
So raise your hands and shout
There's as dusty pair of sandals headed south.

Don’t give up
Don’t give up
Don’t let trials and tribulations make you doubt
When great troubles overtake you
Don’t give in and don’t give out
There’s a dusty pair of sandals headed south.

Conservatives Need To Rally Behind Duncan Hunter

Conservatives Need To Rally Behind Duncan Hunter by Spencer Johnson from the Chattanoogan News. (Bold print for CRUVA)

It doesn't take much to see that conservative, Republican voters are still having a little trouble deciding which way to turn in the 2008 presidential election. If you listen closely to the American people, you will hear people talking about the concept of an ideal candidate. Sean Hannity described him as someone with the optimism and the ability to speak to the public like Ronald Reagan, and with the intellectual backbone of Newt Gingrich. Let me make a proposal to you about Congressman Duncan Hunter.

Congressman Hunter is not just another politician. If you look at his list of accomplishments, you will see that he has supported many issues that conservatives hold dear, and actually did something about them with passion and intense commitment. He wrote the bill to build the border fence, he wrote the bill to define person-hood at conception, he has stood up to government over-spending, he has supported enlarging our national defense, and he is a lone voice speaking out for bringing manufacturing jobs to our country. He has perfect ratings from the NRA, the National Right to Life, the Eagle Forum, The Campaign for Working Families, and Americans for Better Immigration. He has been a leader to strengthen our national defense in the style of Ronald Reagan as chairman of the Armed Services committee. He has been a leader for strong borders, he built the fence in San Diego that cut drug and human trafficking by 90%. He has never stopped lobbying the president to finish the job. He has never voted for amnesty, he has never voted pro-choice, he was a Vietnam veteran, he has 26 years of experience, and he has never backed down on his Reagan-conservative principles.

But don't take my word for it, I encourage you to investigate congressman Hunter and see that this is just the tip of the iceberg of his strong conservative ideals and corresponding accomplishments. Join the countless others that have encountered Congressman Hunter, his policies, his record, and left with their jaws dropped.

The reaction to the McCain-Kennedy bill earlier this summer said something very important about our country. It proved that the people can still have the power in this country when they stand up for what they believe in. Some have said that Duncan Hunter could never rally enough support to win. I highly disagree. Selectsmart.com created a poll in which people were asked to define the perfect candidate. When the answers were compared to current candidates, 69% had describe Duncan Hunter. Furthermore, according to the Washington Post, 74% of Americans agree with Mr. Hunter's Iraq policy (focus on training the Iraqi military so we can leave, but leave safely). His success is dependent on people like you or me.

In this country, anything can happen. In fact, I have never heard a conservative disagree with Hunter on policy. I have merely heard the excuse that we should settle for someone more moderate. When a moderate runs, the Republicans lose portions of the conservative base, the Libertarians, and the conservative Democrats. History has proven that moderates do not win for the Republican party. In fact, if the GOP could rally every conservative vote, they would win by a landslide unprecedented in American history. If the people decide that they want a president who will actually enforce their borders, stand up for their jobs, protect their economy, end government over spending, and strengthen our national security, I strongly suggest that we rally behind Congessman Duncan Hunter. We can do it.

In an election with a pro-choice and pro-amnesty mayor, a former liberal governor, and a senator from Tennessee who has an immigration voting record very similar to that of John McCain and who has hired a strong open-border advocate to his campaign, I hope we can give a close look at Duncan Hunter. He could be that elusive, ideal candidate that everyone has been whispering about and keeps hoping will show up. I strongly encourage you to join me in supporting Congressman Duncan Hunter. I will leave you with Mr. Hunter's vision for this country, and if it sounds anything like yours, please pay him the attention a candidate like this deserves. He said, "I would like to see a country where the day I walk out of the White House, after a couple of terms, the American people are more independent of government than the day that I walked in."

Just like fighting for our borders, his success is dependent on you, the American people. But it's up to you.

That pretty much says it all. Should we conservatives settle for Rudy or Fred? It is up to you.
Duncan Hunter for President

Defenders of Thompson Just Like Defenders of Bush by Richard A. Viguerie

FOR RELEASE July 30, 2007

The defenders of Fred Thompson’s troubling record have not attempted to explain, mitigate, or refute any of the concerns expressed in my article, “Conservatives, Beware of Fred Thompson.” Rather, they’ve attacked the messenger.

That’s exactly what President Bush’s political appointees--Peter Wehner and William McClay--did in response to my article in the Washington Post, “Bush’s Base Betrayal” and my book, Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause (Bonus Books, 2006).

That’s an additional warning sign that Thompson may be a lot like Bush. Remember when Bush was running, a lot of good people thought he was a conservative.

Boy, were they taken in!

We’ve got to make sure we don’t go down that road again--not with Thompson or anyone else.

With Thompson, there are some definite warning signs. He was not actively pushing conservative legislation when he was in the Senate. The only issue he displayed any leadership on was--are you ready?--the McCain-Feingold Bill, which he cosponsored. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) said the bill could not have been passed without Thompson’s tremendous help.

In defending his support of this horrible legislation, Thompson has said he did not realize how the law would actually work.

Really? How exactly did he think it would work?

The Los Angeles Times discovered that, before Thompson was elected to the Senate, he had been a lobbyist for an abortions right group. Thompson denied it. Then, the New York Times located the billing records, thereby providing “the smoking gun.” This raises significant questions about either Thompson’s honesty or his mental abilities to recall significant information.

Sure, people change their mind on issues, including abortion. We welcome converts to the pro-life side. Thompson could have said, “I regret being a lobbyist for the abortion industry. But because I was once in a leadership position in support of abortion, I’m better able now to combat that point of view.”

Instead, he demonstrated that, at best, he might need medical attention to correct serious lapses in memory. I don’t know anyone who could forget about doing 20 hours of work for a pro-abortion group. At worst, Thompson may have gotten caught trying to “pull the wool over our eyes.”

The Washington Post’s investigation found that, before his election, Thompson worked as a lawyer who argued against the government’s authority to regulate drug paraphernalia. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled against Thompson.

In another case, Thompson tried to challenge U.S. Customs’ right to search a boat on which 28,000 pounds of marijuana was found. Fortunately, the U.S. Court of Appeals disagreed.

In addition to his work as a criminal lawyer, Thompson has filed a lot of civil suits. As a result, the political action committee of the plaintiff lawyers gave him the maximum $10,000 donation to each of his two Senate campaigns.

The Post reported, “Thompson defied Republican orthodoxy almost as soon as he arrived in Washington in 1995 as a freshman senator.”

To be fair, Thompson’s lifetime voting record in the Senate from the American Conservative Union was 86.1%. That’s not too bad. But it’s not as good as a lot of Republican senators, especially those from “red states.”

Conservatives need to take a good look at all of the candidates. We need to ask hard questions. If there’s a problem, we need to find out about it now, not later.

By raising issues of concern to conservatives, the campaigns can be forced to address our issues, rather than playing defense on the liberals’ terrain.

Obviously, Thompson would like to capitalize on his television persona as far as it can take him without having to take specific stands on tough issues. The truth is he’s no different from a lot of other candidates who’d like conservative support without firmly committing to conservative positions.

I’m going to do my best to see that doesn’t happen.

I hope conservatives will not be “climbing on board” the Thompson bandwagon or anyone else’s bandwagon without getting good answers to our questions and concerns.

Thompson can use the questions that have been raised about his record to try to establish a real bond with grassroots conservatives. If he does, he can win the nomination and the election. But if he comes across as a Bush-type Big Government Republican, I can tell you how this movie will end.~Richard A. Viguerie

Indeed. Conservatives have been betrayed. I for one am fed up. I take a lot of heat for grilling Fred. I think we can do better with the proven record of Duncan Hunter.

Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson, Election 2008

America-This Calling Card Deserves Our Attention

Cargosquid over at UCV has a post up today that has totally blown me away. I am very anxious for Kilo to get home so we can talk this one out. It is a long read but I promise you will not be the same when you have finished the essay he has posted by Orson Scott Card.

As I see it this essay just further explains why America needs Duncan Hunter for President. There is no other that can fully understand where America stands in the path to peace.

The Last Great Colosseum - Bristol

Don't Forget This!

Reasons To Support Duncan Hunter

1) He is the most conservative candidate in the race. He has a 92% lifetime rating, American Conservative Union.
2) He is the "National Security" candidate.  He served with the 173rd Airborne and the 75th Army Rangers in Vietnam, and was, most recently, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee in the House of Representatives.  Duncan Hunter knows defense.
3) He is a strong supporter of missile defense.
4) He's a strong supporter of Israel.
5) He was responsible for building the fence along the Mexico-U.S. border in San Diego. That double fence -- that fence cut smuggling (people and drugs) over 90%.
6) He opposes the McCain-Kennedy Amnesty bill in the Senate.
7) He is a co-sponsor of the Fair Tax.
8) He was the co-sponsor of a bill that would require a 2/3 majority in Congress to raise taxes.
9) He is a strong proponent of fair trade and will fix some of the bad trade deals that have been made by previous administrations in order to keep high paying jobs in America. 10) He pledges to appoint originalist judges like Antonin Scalia.
11) He has a 100% Pro-Life rating from National Right to Life.
12) He believes that marriage is between a man and a woman. He supports a Constitutional Amendment to protect marriage.
13) He is a strong defender of the 2nd Amendment who has an A+ National Rifle Association rating.
14) He supports school choice.
A+ National Rifle Association
100% Eagle Forum
100% National Right to Life
92% Lifetime rating, American Conservative Union
100% Concerned Women for America
100% Christian Coalition
100% Campaign for Working Families

The best in the field by far. Support Duncan Hunter for a better America.

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, Election 2008

Jonathan Mark stands up to Waldo

Waldo cant pass up a chance to make fun of Christians. Here is his latest attempt. Goodbye Ken blogger Jonathan Mark towers above Waldo with this post.
I have always wondered why non believers spend time trying to discredit something they don't believe exists. The only motive being hate with a longing to hurt and make fun of peoples core beliefs. Amazing huh.

Republican YouTube Debate Solution

Captain Ed has the solution -

So what's the solution? How can we engage voters in a national forum through the New Media, while keeping the debate substantive and serious? I have a simple solution: have CNN cede the editorial/selection process to the New Media, in the form of the blogosphere.

CNN would ask bloggers to form a committee to review the YouTube entries. Since this debate is a Republican primary event, the bloggers should probably represent that segment of the electorate -- primarily Republicans, but perhaps with independent/centrist representation as well. The committee would review all of the YouTube entries and narrow them down to around 20, through whatever process and criteria to which these bloggers agree. They would also agree to the order in which the questions would be asked.(LINK)

That sounds reasonable indeed. If CNN keeps the same silly format the ratings will continue to plummet. Of course you love the current format if you are five years old, or JC Wilemore.

Technorati Tags: debate

Cindy Sheehan in Central Park

Atlas covers this massive protest featuring Sheehan. Lotsa pics and video. Be sure to notice the FINGER!

If this is the crowd Cindy draws in NYC....LOL

Technorati Tags: Cindy Sheehan

This weeks Bearing Drift Podcast

It is just Jim and Brian this week! Lotsa talking points and Jim busts a gut at the beginning. Priceless! Great discussion about Bill Bolling. Check it out.

CLICK TO LISTEN

Technorati Tags: Podcast

UPDATED-Fred Thompson Hires Spencer Abraham - Red Flags Fly as the FredHeads are Silent?

I want to update the original post with a link I received in the comments.

Israel Jewish New writes

But Abraham, who is a Christian of Lebanese descent, has also carved out an image of himself as a facilitator and supporter of anti-US and anti-Israel Islamic fundamentalism.
During his one term in the Senate, Spencer was the driving force behind a bill that granted more than $250 million in US taxpayers' money to Hizballah-controlled southern Lebanon. Nearly every penny went into the terror group's pocket.
His next move was to exhort American Muslim Association (AMA) director Agha Saeed as a positive influence on the US political scene. That despite the fact that the AMA had recently sponsored events that incited violence against the Jews and upheld Hizballah and Hamas as models for Muslims everywhere.
In 2000, just months before his electoral defeat and the end of his short legislative career, Spencer was one of only two senators who refused to sign an open letter condemning escalating terrorist attacks by Yasser Arafat's PLO against Israeli civilians.
It was previously reported that Thompson was planning to visit Israel in the coming months in order to gain more perspective on the Middle East peace process. That visit, if it still happens, is expected to take on a whole different tone with Spencer Abraham in charge of Thompson's schedule.(READ IT ALL)

What is Fred thinking?

Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson, islamist, Election 2008

Fred Thompson Hires Spencer Abraham - Red Flags Fly as the FredHeads are Silent?

I read this first at NOVA TownHall. Red flags started flying. I see Ms Malkin also covered the story, but Debbie Schussel has the best article. She knows Spencer.

He hasn't entered the Presidential race yet, but Fred Thompson, yesterday, showed us why he's the scariest Republican Presidential candidate. And maybe the scariest of both parties. Don't believe Thompson's claim that he understands the Islamist jihadist threat to America. His announcement, yesterday, of his choice of Spencer Abraham as campaign manager, told us everything we need to know. Although Abraham, of Lebanese descent, is a Christian, he is a career water carrier for Islamists of the most extremist stripe and made that the cornerstone of his failed, one-term Senate career and equally lousy tenure as Energy Secretary. As a conservative--but more important, as an American concerned about the future of this country in the face of a terrorist threat--Thompson's choice of Spencer Abraham was the final nail in the coffin for me in opposing Fred Thompson's quest for the White House.

I know Spencer Abraham. He wrote one of my recommendations for law school. And the Spencer Abraham that I and all of America have since experienced is bad news for everyone except CAIR, ADC, MPAC, ISNA, and all Islamists who want to endanger America. In 2003, I wrote the definitive column on Spencer Abraham a/k/a Spence a/k/a Edward Spencer Abraham (which was quoted in The Washington Post), and I re-publish it below, with several additions I've made, updating it. At the time Spence was still Energy Secretary, but he left to become a lobbyist for Islamist countries.

You gotta read all of this! This could be a lobbyist thing since both are well experienced at that. It is strange that all the FredHeads are not talking about this. I have read nothing from the I'm With Fred crowd or the Virginia bloggers supporting Fred. That is interesting to say the least. They should be proud of the fact Fred has hired a fellow lobbyist. One who in fact lobbys for Islamic countries and is a open borders kind of a guy.

Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson, Politics, Islamist, Election 2008

Duncan Hunter Makes the Grade!

This is a pretty cool political experiment that took place in Iowa.

We took six undecided voters all from different cities – two Democrats, two Republicans and two Independents and gave them the power of the pen to grade the candidates running for President. In all, eleven candidates sent their responses to us on time.

We asked them one question. It’s a question that has been on the minds of many Americans: “What do you think will happen when U.S. troops are withdrawn from Iraq, and what is your strategy to deal with what happens afterward?”

Our six-person panel then graded each candidate’s response. Take a look below to see who made the grade and who’s headed to summer school.(LINK)

The participants were blind as to which candidate had written the responses. Name value meant nothing, only the words written. Cool huh! My man Duncan Hunter received the highest grade. This is cool because it was a blind test. Duncan scored high across party lines. The article has the complete scoring and the candidates responses here. Cool video also!

 

Biden	C+ (2.5)
Brownback	C+ (2.5)
Clinton	C (2.16)
Dodd	D+ (1.33)
Edwards	C (2.0)
Gravel	D+ (1.5)
Hunter	B- (2.66)
McCain	C+ (2.33)
Obama	C (2.0)
Romney	D- (0.66)
Tancredo	F+ (0.5)

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, Politics, Iowa

The Hillary Clinton Nutcracker

Buy yours here! T Shirts are also available.
H/T AGT

The Republican YouTube Debate - No Thank You

I will say the recent YouTube debate with the democratic candidates was not what I had hoped it would be. I naively expected straight forward questions from real people, not silly video productions. I do not want to be entertained by debates, I want to be informed. While some praised the format, I found it silly and beneath what the purpose of what Presidential debates are for. I know that my opinion means little, but I was embarrassed to watch the brave candidates stand on stage and deal with the foolishness presented to them. Make no mistake, any candidate, republican or democrat that is running is a brave American. The silliness of the debate was no fault of the candidates, blame CNN and YouTube.

The Republican version is scheduled for September 17th. As of now only two candidates have committed, John McCain of Arizona and congressman Ron Paul of Texas. After watching the first debate can you really blame the others for not showing interest in format? I cant.

Kathleen Parker has wonderful column here about the debate. She writes

The recent YouTube presidential debate -- the oxymoronic event of history's longest political season -- has been dubbed "groundbreaking" and "historic."

Let's also add "ridiculous."

Not that the concerns of snowmen aren't perfectly valid, of course. One of the questions posed during the CNN-sponsored "debate" came from a talking snowman who cited global warming as the most important issue for snowmen.

"What will you do to ensure that my son will live a full and happy life?" he asked the Democratic candidates.

And not that it isn't important to know what each candidate likes and dislikes about the other. In another taped question culled from about 3,000 submitted for consideration, each candidate was asked to turn to his or her left and say what he or she likes and doesn't like about that person.

Brilliant. If you're 5. (READ IT ALL)

Indeed. We should also note the so called historic debate drew 6% less viewers that the previous debate and failed to garner much improvement for the desired younger audience. Lets hope CNN learned something from those ratings.

I will not blame candidates for not participating in this foolishness. Maybe I am just getting old and cranky but I want a question asked and equal time given to all to respond. No entertainment, just information please. I guess that is asking too much.

Technorati Tags: Election 2008, Politics

Tagged-8 Things You May Not Know About Kilo

1. Kilo IS a great house cleaner but I can't get him to wear the costume- I think he is afraid I WOULD post pictures.
2. It was Kilo's poetry, written just for me, that stole my heart away. Those blue eyes did help!
3. Kilo does beautiful wood working when he has the time.
4. OK, Everybody guess. Kilo's favorite drink is??? answer to follow.
5. His favorite cigar is a CAO Italia-Gondola
6. Kilo has been having great fun introducing me to his favorite bluegrass music: The Country Gentlemen, Allison Krauss, Blue Highway and so many more.
7. Kilo hates to fly- don't know how I will get him to Italy, he doesn't like boats much either.
8. Kilo makes killer salsa. He even cans beets which he hates just because I love them. Have you ever smelled beets in the canner- now that is love!
Answer to 4- Sweet Tea,- You thought I was gonna say Jim Beam Black label straight with a coke chaser huh. You may not be wrong but... neither am I.

Tagged - 8 Things about Wise Girl

We decided to mix it up a little with me writing about Wise Girl and she will write about me. I will be as truthful as any man can be when telling things about his lady.

1) She blogs anonymous because of her job. I have to respect that even though I have hundreds of goofy pictures I would love to post.

2) Her poetry is sweet as molasses.

3) She hates hates hates my smoking, but tolerates my love of cigars.

4) After being around me she is now a wonderful cook and not much of a house cleaner homemaker.

5) Her hair color changes with the seasons.

6) She walks miles every morning while I read the blogs and pump caffeine and nicotine to my brain.

7) She loves to annoy me. If she is away, she will call at odd hours to wake me. I think she relishes in this.

8) She loves to ride 4 wheelers and cycles. She can best me on either. Fearless indeed. Did I mention she is older than me?

Technorati Tags: Tag, Tagged, Blogging

Duncan Hunter will be on FOX's Hannity and Colmes Tonight!

Congressman Duncan Hunter will be on FOX's Hannity and Colmes this evening at 9:30 PM Eastern / 6:30PM Pacific time.

The main topic of the conversation will be Border Patrol agents Ramos and Compean.

Duncan Hunter - Historic Vote

In a historic, first vote to restrict funding for the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America, the House overwhelmingly approved an amendment "prohibiting the use of funds to participate in a working group pursuant to the Security and Prosperity Partnership."(LINK)

I have always viewed the SPP's goal was a North American Union. The Roll Call Vote is here.
Good work from Duncan Hunter and those who voted for the amendment.
DUNCAN HUNTER FOR PRESIDENT

UPDATE-NOVA TOWNHALL HAS a great post on the North American Union.

Fred Thompson - Don't Fuss at Me!

These Ron Paul supporters nail Fred Thompson pretty good. Words and Video can be found here. CNN also took notice here.
If you read about the Fed Thompson PAC I posted about here, you will be glad to hear Fred fully supports his sons actions discussed in the post.
This is good stuff for the Fred Heads. Fred now does not recall his work with the Council on Foreign Relations that supported the North American Union with Canada and Mexico. He gets nailed by a CNN commenter

"So Fred says he doesn’t know about the CFR’s work towards the North American Union? (In other video linked above.) That’s pretty disturbing considering he is a member. Lou Dobbs has been reporting on the CFR’s work towards the NAU for quite some time- this search will help:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Lou+Dobb+NAU
The NAU, like NATFA isn’t about “free trade” it’s about controlled trade by the investment class of this country- just look at how many companies are applying for protection under NAFTA laws. Further, the NAU is about creating tri-lateral country governing bodies whose laws will have supremacy over Americans to further separate them from the control of government on the march to despotism- just look at the power hunger EU for an example."~ Posted By Bryan, Houston TX : July 25, 2007 4:34 pm

Watch the video and read the comments! More entertaining than Law and Order. Other than Fred supporting his sons actions running his PAC, his statement that the left is attacking him strikes me as odd. This was not the left asking questions, but Ron Paul supporters. I dont buy into everything Ron Paul is preaching but many Conservatives are having problems with Fred also. We are tired of being Betrayed.

The Limbaugh Compromise

“I want to present a hypothetical here. I know this would not happen, but I’ll offer a compromise, the Limbaugh compromise, to the Democrats in the Senate and in the House... I will agree to pull our troops out of Iraq if you Democrats will agree to my conditions after the defeat... When al-Qa’ida celebrates after we pull out, after we admit defeat, every TV image of al-Qa’ida celebrating must be a split screen. On one side, al-Qa’ida celebrating; on the other side, I want pictures of Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer and Carl Levin smiling and congratulating themselves. When al-Qa’ida slaughters Iraqis after we pull out and we see the pictures of this on TV, every TV image must show a split screen. On one side of the screen, the bloody slaughter scenes; on the other side of the screen, pictures of smiling Harry Reid, smiling Chuck Schumer, smiling Carl Levin congratulating each other with big laughs... I think that’s a reasonable compromise, and I’ve offered it here in all sincerity. If the left will agree to this compromise, I will join them in calling for a pullout from Iraq.” --Rush Limbaugh

Indeed.

New Wise County Power Plant - Build the Road First

Wise County supervisors will vote August 9th to let Dominion Power relocate rt 655 to bring the road closer to the new plant. Dominion said the work could begin as early as August so the outlook for the plant is looking good. The Coalfield Progress writes

The new road, which will replace Russell Creek Road, will be paid for by Dominion. A paved road, it will be closer to the plant than the existing Route 655, which is just east of the former Ruby B’s restaurant.
Dominion officials have said that construction on the road could start as soon as August.
Also on the agenda for the Thursday, Aug. 9 meeting, supervisors will get an overview update on the Virginia City power plant project from Dominion representatives. The visit and progress report were supposed to take place in July, but Dominion rescheduled.
No construction on the power plant can take place until Dominion receives approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission to build it, expected in mid-2008. Other improvements, like the road and some minor site preparation, will take place in the meantime, Dominion officials have said.(LINK)

I am sure the tree huggers and smelly hippies will throw a fit, but it is looking like the plant will be built.

Rave Reviews for the new Bristol Motor Speedway

The new paving at BMS is getting rave reviews. The new transitional banking looks like it will provide side by side and maybe even three wide racing! NASCAR Truck series driver Todd Bodine said

At exactly 11 a.m., the time the test officially began, Bodine took to the track and turned six laps before returning to pit road. His reaction to the new surface was enthusiastic, to say the least.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “This is the way a track should be built. I will not be surprised at all to see three-wide racing here.”
Bodine, a former winner in the NASCAR Busch Series at Bristol Motor Speedway, says there’s absolutely no comparison to the old surface.
‘You can’t compare it at all,” he said. “The old Bristol was classic and everybody either loved it or hated it. Now, I can’t see how everybody can’t love it. It’s going to be so much fun to run on and you’re definitely going to be able to pass.
“Cars and trucks will be able to run every groove and I think you’re definitely going to have three grooves.”(LINK)

Rusty Wallace had this comment

"On a scale of 1 to 10, what do I think?" It's a 10," Wallace said.(LINK)

Sounds good to me! I am so there!

Blog Juice

H/T to Vivian Paige

Fred Thompson PAC

WHAT did Fred Thompson's son, Daniel, do to earn the more than $170,000 that his firm, Daniel Thompson Associates, was paid from his father's federal political action committee, the Fred D. Thompson PAC?
The records suggest he did next to nothing.
The elder Thompson, an undeclared presidential candidate, left the Senate at the start of 2003. He started The Fred D. Thompson PAC with $378,601 transferred from his senatorial campaign committee.(LINK)

The above is perfectly legal. Here is the thing about the Fred Thompson PAC - In the first two years the PAC donated about 7 percent of its assets to candidates and gave 25 percent to Fred's son Daniel.

To date, the PAC has paid $176,000 to the son's firm, $46,000 for federal races, $35,000 in other political donations and $62,700 to charity. The senator's son, in other words, accounts for more than half the outlays(LINK)

I think we can see what is going on here. Legal yes, but it is enlightening to read a article that compares this to the work of Jessee Jackson giving his wife a no show job. The most revealing thing is this :

The PAC appears to have had no office, no phone and no employees other than Daniel Thompson.

And of course this:

Daniel Thompson did not reply to efforts to contact him.

John Edwards : "We should not liquefy coal"

John Edwards : "We should not liquefy coal"
From tonights debate. Pay attention Wise County.

Democratic Fatigue!

At the end of a recent gathering in Detroit sponsored by the NAACP, former senator John Edwards (N.C.) and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) were overheard discussing their desire to limit the number of participants in the process, as well as the number of debates themselves.(LINK)

I'm not surprised are you?

Virginia Tax Holiday - It sounded good....

Click to Embiggen

Amazing! The Crosstabs are here.

Cindy Sheehan Meets SWAC and UCV in Charlottesville

I have been a constant supporter of the the SWAC bloggers and The United Conservatives of Virginia (UCV). These bloggers support their beliefs with action and I admire that. They participated in a counter rally to Cindy's Friday in Charlottesville. Flora at UCV has two reports, the first is A Fun Time at Cindy Sheehan's Protest in Charlottesville. What a hoot! The next one is Va Says You Don't Speak For Me Cindy Sheehan. Stand the storm Flora!
SWAC Girl has a whole page of posts and pictures. Just click here and start scrolling! Great pictures!
Max has his reports WIN the WAR! Victory in Iraq! and Defenders of Freedom Trump Cindy Sheehan. Great job Max.
Before the left starts talking about polls , lets see the poll that asks America if they want to Win the War.

Duncan Hunter - How to leave Iraq

I have found many people are confused about how to end the war in Iraq. Duncan Hunter is very clear on this issue. This video explains it all. You follow this blueprint that we have used for 60 years. First we stand up the government. Step two is we make sure the government can be protected. Thats where we are now. To leave Iraq before their military can protect the fairly elected government would result in chaos. What would pulling out now accomplish? Nothing.

“How the threat of a resurgent al-Qa’ida is ameliorated by a hasty U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan, no Democrat, liberal Republican or member of the media has yet explained.” —Oliver North

Indeed. Duncan is clear when he says that as soon as the military can protect the government our troops come home. That is the right way to leave Iraq. Our victory has nothing to do with the violence we are now seeing. The religious factions will continue to kill each other for many years and history backs that up. This is about securing a free government that will not sponsor terrorism. Duncan Hunter understands that. Watch the video!

Lt. Governor Bill Bolling Live-Blog

Lt. Governor Bill Bolling Live-Blog at The Mason Conservative Monday the 23rd. Leave your questions Here.

Jim Webb - Then and Now

PowerLine takes a look at the Jim Webb of the past and present with The Triumph of Intellectual Dishonesty. You've come a long way baby!

Free the Texas Three and Secure our Borders

Please take a moment to sign Free the Texas Three and Secure our Borders, a national petition calling on President Bush to commute the sentences of both former Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, and their colleague, former Sheriff’s Deputy Guillermo Hernandez; asking Congress to insist that the DEA prosecute Mexican national Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila on felony drug distribution charges; and demanding that Congress and the Bush administration secure our borders.

The Chronicle

“The Islamists believe we can’t win; so does The New York Times. But it falls to the American people to decide the issue.” —Victor Davis Hanson
“We are seeking to create order in Iraq, while al-Qa’ida seeks to create disorder. It is orders of magnitude easier to create chaos than it is to create order. That doesn’t mean it is impossible. But it will require patience and above all, will.” —Mona Charen
“How the threat of a resurgent al-Qa’ida is ameliorated by a hasty U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan, no Democrat, liberal Republican or member of the media has yet explained.” —Oliver North

The Chronicle is kicking butt this week. Check it out.

Is the honeymoon over?

Is the honeymoon over? HaHaHa

Music of Coal

The 2 CD - 48 song set comes with a 76 page book.

“In good times and in bad, music is a reflection of the highlights of life,” says CD producer Jack Wright.

Coal mining music provides a record of the intense, life-changing experiences miners and their families have. “It is just such a hard way of life that much of the music is very depressing,” Wright said.

The themes for the majority of the songs are tragic because so many people have lost their lives in mining over the years, Wright said. Fewer die or are injured now, but the evolution of coal mining is an incredible story to tell.

“I want people to see the complex and beautiful history of coal mining. To see how families have struggled to make a living and been willing to take on jobs and situations that are very difficult, in order to survive,” Wright said.(LINK)

You can getcha one here or email me and I will try to hook you up.

John Edwards Visits Wise, Virginia for RAM Clinic.

Candidate John Edwards visited Wise for two hours yesterday. This was part of his Poverty Tour highlighting our region.

“The national media has coined this trip a ‘poverty tour’. Some people in our community have taken issue with that,” Gardner said. “We want to focus on the positive. We take ownership of our problems, but we don’t want to perpetuate negative stereotypes that cast our region in a negative light.”(LINK)

The visit drew about 200 people and a slew of press to watch the CNN interview. A behind the scenes look is here, and the BHC had this article. The Kingsport Times offers up this report.
Fellow Blogger Brain Patton was impressed with Edwards visit, but no endorsement yet. I will give Edwards credit for visiting Wise, but I don't like the motive. We here have seen this happen too many times before. The views of the poorest in our region while ignoring the people who have worked hard to achieve a good income and lifestyle. They choose to show the people who quit school, never had a job, and never put forth any effort to improve them selfs. Lets be honest about this. The parking lot for the free RAM clinic will be full of 30 thousand dollar vehicles carrying people who cant afford to go the dentist, but they smoke or chew two cartons a week. Many of these folks are the same ones you see scratching lottery tickets in the store parking lots as the cases of beer warm up in the back seat of the car. They will be in the bars or riding four wheelers this weekend but cant afford a blood sugar test.
I am all for helping the needy, the ones who cannot help themselves. I think most of these people don't fit into that group and all of the free medical care in the world will not solve that problem.

Raising Kaine Complains About New Wise County Coal Plant

Dominion filed papers for the plant July 16th. The Raising Kaine crew is already complaining. The author Kindler complains but offers no solutions. Thats sounds familiar for the Democratic party.
People here know that this so called renewable energy is a hoax at best. Coal is the reality to provide us with power. We are not going to cover our mountain tops with miles of unsightly windmills. Maybe we can put them in our valley land where the wind does not blow. Note to flatlanders - Wind does not blow up and down.
Lets damn up the scenic Clinch River, lay waste to the valley and the Rt 58 corridor and generate a little hydro. We can surround the lake with hiking trails for the visitors. Wait, without Rt 58 we have no visitors.
Hey! Lets go build us a nuclear facility here in the heart of the coalfields. Maybe the Breaks Park would be a good place for that. They are safe now, just ask Japan.
We need energy now and the source will be coal for the next 200 years. The left has the complaining part down pat, but as usual they are failing to provide answers.

Duncan Hunter - Patriotic Family

How many adults know the words? How many times have we watched stars draw a blank in the middle of the song...She nails it - Great Job Liz!
Duncan is campaigning hard and fighting everyday for the conservative cause. He needs your support, and yes he needs some cash. It will go for the right stuff. Duncan has not employed consultants. He has used You Tube and the blogs to get his message out. No fancy hotels and meals. Politico has this piece on the difference in campaigns and the spending. While other campaigns are spending millions on hotels alone.

"We're kind of proud of our ability to do as much as they do with a whole lot less," said Roy Tyler, communications director for Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), who raised about $500,000 in the first quarter.
Team Hunter cuts costs by staying at the Best Western, as opposed to, say, the Sheraton or Sofitel, two hotel vendors listed in the FEC filings of megamillions candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.).
"With us, it's pretty much business as usual," Tyler said of his campaign's financial planning for the future.

Take a few and check out the article. RWN has a list of the blogs and interviews Duncan has posted on. He says no other candidate compares. If you will give a few bucks to Duncan you know it is not wasted. If you don't know about Duncan Hunter I hope you watch these three short videos as a introduction. Video One - The Border. Video Two - Fair Trade. Video Three - The War.

Contribute by clicking Here.

Duncan Hunter for President

Duncan Hunter - Info

FAIR & EQUITABLE TRADE	Fair Trade, Not Free Trade = Jobs China Cheating on Trade
SECOND AMENDMENT	Glen & Helen Show
ECONOMY & TAXES	Address to Fair Tax Rally 05-15-07 Address to CPAC
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD	Iraq Resolution / Hunter vs. Democrats / Surge is Working Senate Amnesty Bill
LEGAL REFORM	Gonzales Firings / Pardon Scooter? Border Agents Compean & Ramos ”Fairness” Doctrine
ENDORSEMENTS	Appeal to Conservatives / General Chuck Yeager Ann Coulter / Magnificent! / Favorite Announcement – Part 1 & Part 2 On the Road to the Oval Office / The Conservative Case A Fresh Face / Blog Collection / Constitution Party
EDUCATION	No Child Left Behind
HEALTHCARE	Ronald Reagan on Health Care ‘National’ Health Care / “One step closer to socialism”
IMMIGRATION	Border Enforcement is Homeland Security / NAFTA Building a Fence / “Jobs Americans won’t do”? Enforce the Law / No Amnesty / Party of One / Ted Hayes
SAFETY & SECURITY	Cooking with Hunter / War On Terror / To America’s Critics Mark Steyn on 1986 Amnesty / Firefighter’s Forum
FAITH & VALUES	Blogs for Life / Judicial Appointments / Right to Life Rally Terri Shaivo / Mt. Soledad Cross / Roe vs. Wade / Hate Crimes
INTERVIEWS	Dennis Miller (June 1st – 3rd Hour) Roger Hedgecock 07-02-07 (4th Hour) Steve Malzberg 06-19-07 Laura Ingraham – Part 1 & Part 2 Brian Preston – Hot Air / William Gheen - ALIPAC WRKO Pundit Review Radio / Polipundit Radio Kevin McCullough – Musclehead Revolution NHPR’s Laura Knoy on The Exchange / Irving Baxter WESH – Orlando (Conversation with the Candidate) Hardball - Al Sharpton / George Stephanopolis / Wolf Blitzer Charlie Rangel – Part 1 & Part 2 Glenn Beck / JD Hayworth 1 & 2
DEBATES	Reagan Library 05-03-07 / Fox Interview South Carolina 05-15-07 New Hampshire 06-05-07 / Spin Room - NH Iowa Presidential Candidate Forum 06-30-07
POLLS	Hunter Beats McCain

Duncan Hunter - Press Release - Ramos and Compean

For immediate release:
July 17, 2007
Hunter will go to hearing with "fight" on his mind
Seeking full pardon for border patrol agents Ramos and Compean
(Washington, D.C.)...United States Congressman Duncan Hunter continues
his pursuit of justice in the case of two border patrol agents that have
been imprisoned. Hunter will attend and will testify for former agents
Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean at a hearing to be held in Washington,
D.C. The agents allegedly shot a fleeing drug smuggler in the buttocks. They
were subsequently given sentences of 11 and 12 years in prison, while
federal prosecutors granted the drug smuggler immunity to return to the United
States and testify against the law enforcement officers. Hunter exclaimed,
"The circumstances of this case have outraged many Americans concerned
 with the problems of illegal immigration and drug-running from Mexico. I
 have and will continue to call for a full pardon from the President in this
 case."
In February 2005, the agents tried to stop a van driven by alleged drug
smuggler Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila near the Mexico border. After a scuffle
with Compean, Aldrete-Davila fled on foot. Ramos says he believes that he
saw a gun, which the smuggler denies. Both agents fired at Aldrete-Davila,
who fell, then continued his escape across the border. After he got away,
Ramos and Compean filed a report on the 743-pounds of marijuana they found in
the van, but not on the gunfire. As it turns out, Ramos had shot Aldrete-Davila
in the buttocks. A Homeland Security agent heard about the episode went
to Mexico and offered Aldrete-Davila immunity, if he would testify against
Ramos and Compean. U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, a Bush appointee, prosecuted the agents.
In March, a jury found them guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon,
discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, obstructing justice,
lying about the incident, and willfully violating Aldrete-Davila's Fourth
Amendment right to be free from illegal seizure.
Because there was gunfire, the mandatory-minimum prison sentence the
agents will serve is 10 years. The U.S. Probation Office in El Paso, Texas,
had recommended 20 years for each of the two agents.
Aldrete-Davila, who faces no charges, is believed to be considering a
civil suit against the agents and the United States Government. It is
believed that he will seek $5M for the violation of his civil rights.
Hunter's congressional district is in southern California near the
border with Mexico. He has led the Congressional campaign for border security,
joined by dozens of his fellow members, and several activist groups, in
calling for a full pardon for the duo.
White House spokesperson Tony Snow recently said he wanted "cooler heads" to
prevail and "facts" to be presented in the flaring dispute over the
sentences imposed on the two former agents.
Following a failed request, lead by Hunter, to keep Compean and Ramos
free on bail pending their appeal, the former agents surrendered to federal
custody on January 17, 2007.  Hunter noted 
"The very day they
 surrendered to federal custody, I recommended that agents Compean and Ramos be
 segregated and was assured they would be removed from the general population and
 close attention was being paid to their personal safety.  The attack against
 agent Ramos indicates concerns for his personal safety and protection were
ignored."
Hunter sent a letter to the President asking for an investigation into
the attack against agent Ramos.  The letter also requested the discharge
that Bureau of Prisons Director Harley Lappin if facts show him to be
derelict in his administration of his duties.
Hunter, the only Republican Presidential Candidate expected to attend
the upcoming hearing, has been in the forefront on the immigration issue.
He has led the way for tight border security and for extraditing the
immigrants who are in this country illegally.

Duncan Hunter - Talks to Young Republicans

Build the fence, Pardon Ramos and Compean, pro life judges! Straight talk from the Man!
Duncan Hunter for President

Dominion files for new Wise County Coal Plant

CnnMoney has this:

Jul. 16, 2007 (AFX International Focus) --

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Dominion (NYSE:D PRA) (NYSE:D) Virginia Power has applied for permission to build a coal-fueled power plant in the southwestern part of the state at an estimated cost of $1.6 billion, parent Dominion Resources Inc. said Monday.

The company asked Virginia's State Corporation Commission to approve the 585-megawatt power plant by April 2008 so it can be operational by 2012. Besides approving the project, the commission must set a rate of return for the company's investment, Dominion said.

The plant, which would be located on a 1,700 acre site near St. Paul in Wise County, would provide enough power for 146,000 customers. It would include features to reduce emissions, Dominion said.

Let the protests begin!

Mom & Dad Not Tom & Brad

Has it already been nine months since Virginia passed the Marriage Amendment? Am I wrong to assume that all the horrors stories pushed by the anti amendment side have been proved wrong?

Blogs United in Hampton Roads - The Yankee

I am Sorry Mr Yankee for leaving you out of the previous post. I know being from the north is a bad thing....But not that bad.

Blogs United in Hampton Roads - Thank You

Jim Taking Down The Signs

Mr Hoeft hosted a great conference this year. Thank you Jim for all your hard work. All of your efforts paid off with a top notch conference. The facility at CNU was first rate. Our every need was met and I think everyone there was impressed with the David Student Union and the comfort it provided. First rate facility and staff!
A big shout out to McGuire Woods Consulting for the sponsorship they provided.
A special thank you to Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds and Virginia Delegate Brian Moran for their time. Blogs United had the top four gubernatorial candidates in attendance! Again, thank you gentleman for giving us your time!
I also enjoyed Communications directors Shaun Kenney of the RPV and Danae Jones of the DPV. they provided us with a party view blogging. I am not a member of either party, but I do appreciate seeing them both supporting bloggers.
I really enjoyed meeting Leslie Carbone and the brief conversation we had. My conversations with Greg solidified my beliefs that he is the powerhouse of the Virginia blogs. Spending time with Kat is always a joy and I love to watch her as she gracefully works a room spreading her wit and charm. I shared a table with Pam from Bearing Drift and found her to be charming and personable. Thank you Pam! Of course my dear friends Alton and Chris are two of the great friendships I have made through blogging.
One of my goals was to meet and talk to Vivian Paige. I was lucky enough to get to do that and enjoy several great conversations. What a lady! She even talked me out of one of my best cigars.
James Atticus Bowden...what a guy! I could have spent the day listening to him. The man had me fascinated with his knowledge and words. I am now enjoying his latest book.
I will have more later about the gubernatorial candidates speeches and my take on that.
In closing I don't think we can praise Jim enough for his hard work. Saturdays agenda and dinner is something I will never forget. I look forward to seeing the next event take shape.

Jim Webb batting ave - 000

Jerry is right, we deserve better. The failed Webb amendment sounds good to the ear, but in reality it is foolish to enact.

"This coupled with Webb's failure to get his amnesty bill amendment passed means his batting average in the Senate is a big, fat goose egg. Virginia deserves better."

Indeed. With the Clinton era weakened military and a multiple front war underway, setting deployment limits is not possible and Jim Webb knows that.
The hate spewing from the lefty blogs on this issue is not surprising. Maybe Jim Webb can call for a draft and get our numbers back up to pre Clinton era standards.

Duncan Hunter - The Constitution Party View

Good Sense has The Constitution Party analysis of Duncan Hunter up. It is very interesting and shows the appeal of Duncan Hunter. Check it out!
They also have Fred Thompson's review here.
Duncan Hunter For President

Newt Gingrich meets with Bloggers

Check out Bearing Drift and Scott's Morning Brew. Great Job Guys!

Scenes From Spark It Up HQ

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