Religion, Politics, and the Great Pumpkin

"There are three things I have learned to never discuss with people: Religion, Politics, and the Great Pumpkin"~Linus

I always enjoy the Great Pumpkin concept.

Technorati Tags: halloween

Jim Bowden for Congress

The website is online. A brief statement From Jim-

Jim Bowden’s Statement: Dignity, Justice, and Hope – All For Virginia

For the past ten years I was Jo Ann Davis’s political ally and friend, I saw her build a unique legacy as a public servant. Republican Jo Ann Davis made principled stands on conservative issues and championed the Armed Services, military families, and our Tidewater environment. Her walk was her faith witness. Above all she was the bright exception to the rule that politics is just about power and money. Jo Ann Davis was all about public service. I share her passion for serving the People of our First District home.
My life is public service. Duty, honor, country as a soldier in the Army. Family, community and Commonwealth as a civilian.

I will work Jo Ann’s issues and my own to promote dignity, justice and hope. I have a vision of the future ‘’ Destiny of Freedom and Opportunity for Virginia and America. As your Congressman, I will move us towards that destiny by supporting our military in the War Against Terrorists , securing our borders against illegal aliens, cutting both taxes and spending, and protecting our Tidewater environment. I can give that vision voice. I know what needs to be done. I shall keep public service first. I shall keep America’s First District as America’s Best.

Our nomination for America’s First District will be decided by a Convention. This is the first essential vote to win. Whichever candidate brings more delegates – wins.

I can support that!

Technorati Tags: Virginia politics, Politics

Roscoe Reynolds - The Truth about AEP

H/T - From On High

Technorati Tags: Roscoe Reynolds, Joey Stanley, Dumb Ass

Who are Conservative Bloggers Supporting?

Right Wing News asked that question.

"emailed more than 225 right-of-center bloggers and asked them to send us a ranked list 1-5 of the candidates that they would most like to take the Republican nomination for President in 2008 and the 1-5 candidates they'd least like to see as the Republican nominee in 2008."

Check out the results. Some interesting results indeed. Huckabee makes a move this time as Fred and Duncan slip a little. RWN also ranks the candidates on immigration here- you may be surprised.

Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson, Duncan Hunter, Mike Huckabee, Election 2008

Iraqis Donate Cash to Fire Victims - Transfer of Power

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Members of the Iraqi Army in Besmaya collected a donation for the San Diego, Calif., fire victims Thursday night at the Besmaya Range Complex in a moving ceremony to support Besmaya's San Diego residents.

The Right Wing Liberal has the story.  It takes time to develop a relationship. We also see a Transfer of Security Responsibility for Karbala Province

Joint Statement

By Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker and General David H. Petraeus on the Transfer of Security Responsibility for Karbala Province

The United States and Multi-National Force-Iraq welcome the transfer of security in Karbala Province to Iraqi responsibility as a positive step on the path to Iraq’s self-reliance. Karbala is the eighth province to be transferred to Iraqi security responsibility as the Government of Iraq and its security forces continue to develop and assume greater responsibility for governing and providing security for the citizens of Iraq. The first province transferred to Government of Iraqi security control was Muthanna in July 2006, followed by Dhi Qar, An Najaf, Maysan, and most recently Irbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dahuk in May 2007. The transfer of provincial security responsibility is particularly significant because it includes the city of Karbala, a center of Shi’a Muslim worship, pilgrimage and religious instruction. Saddam Hussein once restricted religious observances at this city and non-Iraqi Shi'a were not allowed to travel there. Today, Karbala is again an international center of worship, pilgrimage and religious instruction. Iraqi Security Forces in Karbala have been successfully operating independently, maintaining their own security for the past three months. Working with local government officials, they have demonstrated their readiness to assume responsibility for the province. Today this responsibility is theirs. The transition of responsibility for security in Karbala Province represents the most recent step toward a future of improved security, self-reliance and increasing prosperity that will benefit all Iraqi citizens. The United States and Multi-National Force-Iraq congratulate the Government of Iraq on this important milestone.

Progress.

Technorati Tags: Iraq War

October Angst

October Angst

Winds rip and tear
in wanton lust
for anything free
to push about.

Chimes clang,
beat and bang
frantic for release,
thrashing and crashing.

Sun remains hidden
behind shredded clouds,
I am chilled by this day,
angst of it maddening.

I look inward
for a place of calm,
serenity, gentle caress of warmth
and I find you.

One Wise Girl- 11/07

Technorati : poetry

A Time for Choosing

Given as a stump speech, at speaking engagements, and on a memorable night in 1964 in support of Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign. This version is from that broadcast.

1964

I am going to talk of controversial things. I make no apology for this.

It's time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms intended for us by the Founding Fathers. James Madison said, "We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self government."

This idea -- that government was beholden to the people, that it had no other source of power -- is still the newest, most unique idea in all the long history of man's relation to man. This is the issue of this election: Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves.

You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream--the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order -- or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. Plutarch warned, "The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits."

The Founding Fathers knew a government can't control the economy without controlling people. And they knew when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose. So we have come to a time for choosing.

Public servants say, always with the best of intentions, "What greater service we could render if only we had a little more money and a little more power." But the truth is that outside of its legitimate function, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector.

Yet any time you and I question the schemes of the do-gooders, we're denounced as being opposed to their humanitarian goals. It seems impossible to legitimately debate their solutions with the assumption that all of us share the desire to help the less fortunate. They tell us we're always "against," never "for" anything.

We are for a provision that destitution should not follow unemployment by reason of old age, and to that end we have accepted Social Security as a step toward meeting the problem. However, we are against those entrusted with this program when they practice deception regarding its fiscal shortcomings, when they charge that any criticism of the program means that we want to end payments....

We are for aiding our allies by sharing our material blessings with nations which share our fundamental beliefs, but we are against doling out money government to government, creating bureaucracy, if not socialism, all over the world.

We need true tax reform that will at least make a start toward restoring for our children the American Dream that wealth is denied to no one, that each individual has the right to fly as high as his strength and ability will take him.... But we cannot have such reform while our tax policy is engineered by people who view the tax as a means of achieving changes in our social structure....

Have we the courage and the will to face up to the immorality and discrimination of the progressive tax, and demand a return to traditional proportionate taxation? . . . Today in our country the tax collector's share is 37 cents of every dollar earned. Freedom has never been so fragile, so close to slipping from our grasp.

Are you willing to spend time studying the issues, making yourself aware, and then conveying that information to family and friends? Will you resist the temptation to get a government handout for your community? Realize that the doctor's fight against socialized medicine is your fight. We can't socialize the doctors without socializing the patients. Recognize that government invasion of public power is eventually an assault upon your own business. If some among you fear taking a stand because you are afraid of reprisals from customers, clients, or even government, recognize that you are just feeding the crocodile hoping he'll eat you last.

If all of this seems like a great deal of trouble, think what's at stake. We are faced with the most evil enemy mankind has known in his long climb from the swamp to the stars. There can be no security anywhere in the free world if there is no fiscal and economic stability within the United States. Those who ask us to trade our freedom for the soup kitchen of the welfare state are architects of a policy of accommodation.

They say the world has become too complex for simple answers. They are wrong. There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right. Winston Churchill said that "the destiny of man is not measured by material computation. When great forces are on the move in the world, we learn we are spirits--not animals." And he said, "There is something going on in time and space, and beyond time and space, which, whether we like it or not, spells duty."

You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.

 

Technorati Tags: politics, Ronald Reagan

Huckabee the Huckster?

Quin Hillyer's article "A Tale of two candidates" in the American Spectator casts a unwanted light on Mike Huckabee.

Fourteen times, the ethics commission -- a respected body, not a partisan witch-hunt group -- investigated claims against Huckabee. Five of those times, it officially reprimanded him. And, as only MSNBC among the big national media has reported at any real length, there were lots of other mini-scandals and embarrassments along the way.
He used public money for family restaurant meals, boat expenses, and other personal uses. He tried to claim as his own some $70,000 of furniture donated to the governor's mansion. He repeatedly, and obstinately, against the pleadings even from conservative columnists and editorials, refused to divulge the names of donors to a "charitable" organization he set up while lieutenant governor -- an outfit whose main charitable purpose seemed to be to pay Huckabee to make speeches. Then, as a kicker, he misreported the income itself from the suspicious "charity."(READ ALL)

Hillyer shows no mercy on the ex governor. The article drew a official reply from the Huckabee campaign that you can read here. Quin Hillyer responds that he stands by his article and the accusations made. He also writes:

Other than that, I find it interesting that the letter from the Huckabee campaign doesn't actually accuse me of mis-stating facts, but instead finds ways to change the subject. The fact remains that the Ethics Committee did indeed reprimand Huckabee on five separate counts. And for all the other allegations, I provided links to original source material. As for his fiscal record, I think the conservative Club for Growth's reports critical of Huckabee speak for themselves.

Fascinating. The campaign ignores the facts while trying to change the subject? Surely not! Anyway...give the articles a read and make up your own mind. I have ignored him for two reasons- Huckabee is a Tax Hiker and I don't agree with his immigration views. After reading the articles I can say Huckabee did not gain points with me.

 

Technorati Tags: Mike Huckabee

Redstate bans Ron Paul Supporters

From Redstate

"Effective immediately, new users may *not* shill for Ron Paul in any way shape, form or fashion. Not in comments, not in diaries, nada. If your account is less than 6 months old, you can talk about something else, you can participate in the other threads and be your zany libertarian self all you want, but you cannot pimp Ron Paul. Those with accounts more than six months old may proceed as normal."

Interesting.

Technorati Tags: Ron Paul

Boulder Kills Woman on State Bike Trail

State Department of Conservation and Recreation spokesman Jim Meisner Junior says the rock struck 48-year-old Sudie Jenkins Hatcher of High Point, North Carolina shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday at milepost 28.5 in the New River Trail State Park. Hatcher was taken to Wythe County Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5:45 p.m.
Meisner says the group could hear the boulder crashing through the woods before it became airborne off a hill and struck Hatcher on the right side of her head and upper body. He says the rock was 3 feet long and 1½ feet wide.
Meisner says there were no signs of rock slides in the area.(LINK)

One rock....Very sad.

 

Technorati Tags: Virginia

Orlando Debate - Duncan Hunter

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, Election 2008

RedStorm PAC out raises Raising Kaine PAC

RedStorm was only online for a couple weeks last quarter and it out raised ($891 to $826) the Raising Kaine PAC! Riley writes that since Oct1, RedStorm has  "has raised another $5K online."

Visit the RedStorm page here. My left sidebar has candidates and contribute buttons like this one.  Use it.

RedStormPAC
Organization in United States of America
$

Q: What is RedStormPAC?
RedStormPAC is an independent political action committee (PAC) whose mission is to support conservative candidates with an avenue for small dollar donations, organized by committed conservative activists who want to help fellow conservatives utilize the “long tail” of online fundraising.

Q: Where does my contribution go?
100% of every contribution is passed directly to the candidate or organization. You donate $100, the candidate will get $100.  Best of all, the cause gets $100, and RedStormPAC processes the transaction at-cost to itself.

Q: Wow. So RedStormPAC doesn’t keep a portion of my contribution?
Not a dime.  This is what separates us from online fundraising organizations and tools. RedStormPAC passes 100% of an activist’s contribution to a candidate or organization. All costs incurred by the transaction are paid by RedStormPAC. So no more transaction fees, no risk of making some consultant wealthy with your hard work. We’re here to advance the cause, not fatten a checkbook (unless it’s yours).

Q: So RedStormPAC is free?
Yep.

Q: Then how is RedStormPAC able to keep the doors open?
Through donations directly to RedStormPAC, either through tips volunteered, or through generous donors willing to keep this system afloat. No one is “getting rich” at RedStormPAC — rather, we’re helping conservative candidates and organizations. Which is what we’re all about.

Q: If I contributed directly to RedStormPAC, how will you spend it?
RedStormPAC will use your donation to cover transaction fees, underpay a small staff, and conserve every red cent you give us as if it were our own.

Q: How can I contact RedStormPAC directly?
For questions about RedStormPAC, including media inquiries, please contact info@redstormpac.org

Technorati Tags: RedStorm PAC, Virginia politics

Rushing to bid....

The "Original Harry Reid/Rush Limbaugh Smear Letter" is on Ebay with less than 18 hours left to go. The current bid is $851,100.00. The highest bidder will receive-

- The original and infamous "Harry Reid Smear" letter, signed by 41 Democat senators
- The Halliburton briefcase in which this letter is secured 24 hours a day
- A personal letter of thanks from the Man Who Runs America, Rush Limbaugh
- A photograph of Rush displaying the letter on stage in Philadelphia on October 11th 

Rush is donating the money to the Marine Corps -- Law Enforcement Foundation.

Technorati Tags: Rush Limbaugh

General Peter Pace lays down his rank at the Wall

Blackfive covers this well. Gen Pace visits the Vietnam memorial:

At the Vietnam Wall we saw something unbelievable. We noticed three small index cards at the base of the Wall. I knelt down for a closer look and noticed that a 4-star general's rank was pinned to each card. Link with pictures.

A man of honor. Just a few weeks ago many Democrats called him a betrayer and a liar.

Pace said he can still remember the names and see the faces of the Marines whom he served with in Vietnam. "I never want to lose that," he said. "Under the glass on my desk is a picture of Lance Cpl. Guido Farinaro of Bethpage, N.Y., a 19 year-old corporal killed by a sniper. He was the first Marine I lost in combat. I keep his picture as a reminder that he and Lance Cpl. Chubby Hale, and Lance Cpl. Buddy Travers and Cpl. Mike Witt and Staff Sgt. Willie Williams and all the others died following 2nd Lt. Pace's orders. I can never repay that."

The day Gen Pace steps down he visits the Wall and lays down his stars to those he owes the most. Impressive.

Technorati Tags: Peter Pace, Military

Warren Wallace

Warren Wallace is made of lightning. He is one hundred miles away son.....Ready to strike!

Technorati Tags: Warren Wallace, NASCAR

Staph Infection Leaves One Dead in Bedford County

-- A high school student who was hospitalized for more than a week with an antibiotic-resistant staph infection has died, prompting Bedford County to close all 21 of its schools for a thorough cleaning.

Ashton Bonds, a senior at Staunton River High School, died Monday at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital after being diagnosed with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, his mother said.(LINK)

Very sad. A couple of local football games were canceled over infections a few weeks ago. It has showed up in Bedford, the Coalfields, and now Elizabethton,Tn. Nationally we have this:

Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, for methicillin-resistant staph aureus, and estimated that 90,000 people nationwide are becoming infected annually. The bug can invade the bloodstream. It has been associated with hospital infections, but now is spreading in communities.(LINK)

90,000 and now is spreading in communities? There is some emphasis placed on locker rooms in the first link. Think back on the cleanliness of your high school locker rooms.....

Technorati Tags: Staphylococcus

Rick Boucher beats Fred Thompson on Immigration Report Card

Americans for Better Immigration (ABI) has given Fred Thompson a C for his career votes on immigration. Here are a few of the highlights.

Voted as part of the Senate Judiciary Committee to end chain migration and crack down on illegal immigration in 1996.

Voted in 1996 to continue chain migration

Voted to strip legal reforms from 1996 bill

Voted in favor of chain migration in 1996

Voted for a foreign worker bill with no anti-fraud measures in 2000.

As Committee member, produced H-1B doubling bill in 1998

Nearly doubled H-1B foreign high-tech workers in 1998

Voted in committee against including
worker safeguards in H-1B bill in 1998

Voted to allow firms to lay off Americans
to make room for foreign workers in 1998

Voted to grant amnesty to nearly one million
illegal aliens from Nicaragua and Cuba in 1997

In 1996, removed higher fines for businesses which hire illegal aliens

Tried to kill voluntary pilot programs
for workplace verification in 1996 (READ IT ALL)

Just for comparison - Webb and Warner both received a C-. My feckless trail building congressman Rick Boucher received a B-. Jim Moran had a C-. That puts Fred somewhere between Boucher and Moran on immigration.

McCain received a D.  Ron Paul scored a B,  Brownback a D.

Duncan Hunter and Tancredo both received A+ ratings. 

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, Fred Thompson, Immigration, Ron Paul, Election 2008

Tree Huggers Fighting Border Fence Construction

Who needs enemies with friends like the Sierra club.

On Thursday, Judge Huvelle ordered a temporary halt on construction of a border fence along a 1.5 mile stretch between Mexico and Arizona, on grounds the federal government had not thoroughly performed an environmental impact study.

The Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club had asked for a 10-day delay, claiming the Bureau of Land Management and other agencies had failed to conduct a thorough study of the fence's effects on the environment. (LINK)

This practice is nothing new, according to Duncan Hunter. He encountered the same thing when the San Diego fence was built.

"Environmental groups filing lawsuits to prevent the construction of critical border infrastructure comes as no surprise," Mr. Hunter said. "For years, a stretch of border in San Diego identified by the Border Patrol as 'Smugglers Gulch,' which federal law requires be fenced, has been left open and unprotected due to unrelenting legal action initiated by environmental groups.

Amazing. Duncan requested that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff override the decision to temporarily halt construction. Chertoff agreed -

"Secretary Chertoff rightfully announced that he would use this authority to complete the 'Smugglers Gulch' location, just as he has at other locations along the border, and this most recent delay should be treated no differently," he said.

I hope it is treated differently because this administration has been reluctant to place any type of priority status to the project. It should be top priority because it is the first step to decreasing illegal immigration. Every congressman should be supporting Duncan's efforts.

Fences and walls work, they always have. They have been used for centuries for security and traffic control. Build the fence!

“Every family which has been touched by the tragedy of terrorism and illegal drugs has a stake in Duncan’s Fence.”

- Muriel Watson, Border Control Activist

“Duncan Hunter has built 59.25 miles of Border Fence, reducing crime on the border. He stopped the drive-thru smugglers. I know I can count on Duncan to continue leading the fight to secure the border.”

– Thomas Wacker, U.S. Border Patrol Chief (Ret.)

Technorati Tags: Immigration, Border Fence, Duncan Hunter

Get off the couch

I challenge voters to get off the couch, take time out of your busy schedule and take an in depth look at all 17 candidates. Find out who they are, what their positions on the issues are and what their plan for the future of America is.
Do not allow the media to dictate the final nominees and the outcome of our elections. Whether that media are network television, cable television or talk radio, just say "no" to them dictating the candidates and use your God-given brain for a critical choice, the future of America.
Your workload is even easier as you only have to research eight or nine candidates for your party's primary.
I beseech you to take the time to become familiar with all of the candidates, not only those ballyhooed by the media as front-runners. Who crowned them front-runners in the first place?
Let's wrestle control of our elections away from the media and place it back where it belongs, with us, the American voters~by Rod Belsky~(LINK)

Indeed.

Technorati Tags: Politics, Election 2008

Conservative Leadership Conference Straw Poll - Duncan Hunter has a strong showing! Fred...Fred....Hey Fred

Interesting results from the CLC Straw Poll.

Ron Paul-32.80%

Mitt Romney-16.13%

Duncan Hunter-14.52%

Undecided-11.29%

Fred Thompson-7.53%

Rudy Giuliani-6.45%

Alan Keyes-3.76%

Mike Huckabee-3.23%

Tom Tancredo-1.61%

John McCain-1.08%

Other-1.08%

Sam Brownback-0.54%

The Ron Paul activist fringe was very strong. The big news is Duncan is only one point behind Big Money Mitt! Duncan pulled in twice the votes as Fred Thompson.  I am not surprised. Fred and Huckabee are the big losers in this. Huckabee was beaten by Keyes and no one can argue that Fred's numbers are disappointing since he was the so called conservative savior. If anything, this poll shows that is becoming false.

This is a great another great showing for Duncan. Is he gaining momentum? Alpha Patriot has his CLC speech online here. He writes:

"After listening to him speak, I will say that I would probably be very comfortable in voting for this man. If the MSM ever gives him any press at all, he might just break out into the lead."

Indeed. Captain Ed writes:

"Hunter is an impressive speaker. If he had run from the Senate, or especially from a governor's seat, he would have probably been the flat-out frontrunner. He is the rare case of a Representative who should be taken seriously as a presidential candidate. It doesn't appear that will be in the cards in this race, but Hunter would make an excellent VP candidate for any of the frontrunners, if he can't get to the top of the ticket himself."

Duncan has won the Texas and Arizona Straw Polls. He was statistically tied for first in South Carolina. He has accomplished this with pressing the flesh campaigning and very little money. One Free Republic member has been taking notes. David Osborne writes:

As of this writing, the FR polls have made a dramatic shift toward Duncan Hunter and away from Fred Thompson. In fact Fred Thompson’s numbers have been in steady decline since the Michigan Debate. This phenomena is not just on FreeRepublic.com, but other conservative web forums as well. Look for this trend to continue as we get deeper into the campaign season.

In conclusion, it appears to me that as more conservatives start to take a serious look at the candidates in the race, Duncan Hunter seems to be gaining momentum, it is my sincere hope that this trend continues into the primary, and that folk stop the “Duncan Hunter can’t win rhetoric.

You should read all of Osborne's post here. The change is coming as people begin to research candidates in depth as the primary season heats up. Many people who thought Fred would topple the field are now witnessing what many of us that remember him already knew - Fred's record is lacking. People are wising up to the "Duncan cant win" rhetoric. I have some strong democrats here who will cast a vote for Duncan if nominated. Why? His pro military and fair trade platform appeals to both sides. One last quote from Osborne's post:

It is my sincere humble opinion, that Duncan Hunter is MOST qualified to wear the “Commander in Chief hat” in 2008 and on into the foreseeable future. No other candidate in the race on either side of aisle comes even close to his qualifications.

Having said that; It is very frustrating to me that so many folks out there who KNOW in their heart that Duncan Hunter is the right man at the right time are buying into the notion that Duncan Hunter “can’t win”. They seem to suggest that no matter how qualified Duncan Hunter is, if the MEDIA says he can’t win, then it must be true. Some have even suggested that it’s all about “NAME RECOGNITION”. If you have not heard this excuse yet, then you just are not paying close attention to the primary race. If these well meaning conservatives would quit spouting this garbage, the “name recognition” factor would be dramatically reduced. In my research I have found that many of the folks who say that “Duncan Hunter can’t win” are the folks who have already committed to supporting another candidate. This is a clear indication to me that it simply is NOT TRUE, but rather a campaign slogan for the “other guy”.

I have said it for months-I will not give up my core beliefs to support a candidate because the media and money says he can win. I will support Duncan Hunter. The true Conservative in this race. "No other candidate in the race on either side of aisle comes even close to his qualifications."

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Politics, Election 2008

About Time

RICHMOND — Virginia's Republican State Central Committee yesterday voted to hold a convention rather than a primary to pick the party's nominee to replace retiring Sen. John W. Warner next year. (LINK)

This should become the standard. I never liked the open primary thing.

Technorati Tags: Virginia politics

Happy Birthday

On 13 October 1775, the U.S. Navy was born when the Continental Congress authorized the arming of two sailing vessels in order to intercept supply transports for the British army. The Declaration of Independence came nine months later, followed by the creation of the Department of the Navy in 1798.LINK

Technorati Tags: Navy

The Time is Nearing......

I can feel it in the air.....

Technorati Tags: Christmas

Duncan Hunter Q&A in the WAPO

Question from Kensington, Md.: I'm actually a Democrat, but a general political junkie as well. I keep looking at this GOP field, then at Rep. Hunter's bio, and have to scratch my head. You've got a son fighting in Iraq, were instrumental in building a border wall (at a time when immigration is supposedly a hot-button issue) and your stances and voting record seem conservative down-the-line (even if I disagree with them). Yet, you are stuck in low single digits behind a pro-choice anti-gun New Yorker, a Massachusetts governor who once tried to out-liberal Ted Kennedy, a version of John McCain to be named later and someone whose main apparent qualification is that he has played the president in a movie. Besides the obvious fundraising hurdles, what gives? Why aren't you getting traction?

Rep. Duncan Hunter: I would just say that as a member of Congress, getting your name and your positions to hundreds of millions of Americans takes a lot of hard work. Right now we are engaged in a very vigorous campaign. We won the Texas Straw Poll by more than two to one a couple of weeks ago, 41 percent points over the next highest contender, Fred Thompson, who had 20 percent. We also won the Arizona straw poll and moved past John McCain into fourth in a Michigan poll. These reflect the substance of and appreciation for my positions, despite the differences in money and name identification. So we're very optimistic and we're campaigning hard and I feel the message has a strong resonance with the American people.

Go read it all here.

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, Election 2008

Virginia 1st. District candidates Jerry Taylor and Terry Kilgore debate

Not much happening here. The two agreed on most issues, except for payday lending and the minimum wage. I found this interesting.

"They also agreed they liked seeing people placed on probation by a judge picking up trash along roads. Taylor added that he’d like to see welfare recipients doing the same task." (Kathy Still~Tricities.com)

How is it we missed that! Genius! Make welfare recipients pick up trash. I can see it now. A car parked on the roadside. Two young kids in the car, faces pressed against the glass. Mom working the roadside picking up trash, blaze orange vest, a big scarlet W on the chest........

Technorati Tags: Virginia politics, Virginia

Busted

WISE, Va. – Chief Scott Brooks pledged to tackle illegal drug activity and other crimes when he was hired to head the St. Paul Police Department nearly three months ago.

A new mobile data system that began operating Wednesday in Wise County gives him an extra tool to do so, he said.(LINK)

This new tool is called Busted. It is a wireless accessible database of convicted felons "The program lets them check if a suspect waived search rights as part of a plea agreement with the Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office."  No search warrant would be needed. That is saving time and effort.

"This is valuable, valuable information for an officer to have," said Ron Elkins, Wise County’s commonwealth’s attorney.

He noted that BUSTED only contains information on people who entered plea agreements with his office. The program does not violate any person’s rights, he said..............................."If we’re having a problem out of a certain individual or hear they are dealing drugs, we can check to see if they signed a waiver," Brooks said. "If they have signed a waiver, we can walk up to them and just say, ‘I’m here to pat you down.’"

Interesting tool indeed.

Technorati Tags: Virginia, Wise Virginia, Drugs

Where’s the Fire? By Michael Reagan

Reagan writes about the GOP candidates and the debate:

On the subject of the debate -- the economy -- Duncan Hunter showed the best grasp of the facts, especially the trade issue, while Thompson basically spoke in platitudes on the subject..........As Ann Coulter wrote in her new book, the best-qualified of all the candidates is Rep. Duncan Hunter. During the debate he was the candidate who provided the best information about the economy and had a first-rate suggestion of what we need to do. He keyed in on what must be one of the most important economic issues – trade.

He talked about our shocking $800 billion trade deficit, and what the Chinese are doing to us. Duncan understands that when anybody cites Ronald Reagan as a free-trade advocate in defense of our present trade policies, they need to remember that in my dad's playbook, protection of the American people came before anything else.

Read the entire article here. He talks about Fred and Mitt also, so give this a look.

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, debate, Fred Thompson

Debate Video - Duncan Hunter

“And I would say to my colleagues, Senator Thompson, and the other senators, you all voted for Most Favored Nation trading status for Communist China. That set the groundwork for 1.8 million high-paying, manufacturing jobs moving offshore. Going offshore and some of them never to return. And what I would do is pass the Hunter-Ryan bill which would put countervailing duties on the Chinese when they cheat. They are cheating on trade right now. I’d bring those jobs back home to the United States. And I would connect up the middle class of America with the Republican Party one more time.”~Duncan Hunter

Check the video out.

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, Debate, Election 2008

Duncan Hunter Debate Press Release

* Michigan Continues to Demonstrate Success of Hunter Campaign *

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2007

San Diego, CA- - - Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) once again proved to be a strong candidate for President with his performance at the Republican Presidential Debate hosted by the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Hunter utilized the opportunity to promote the goals of his presidential campaign, including a major manufacturing initiative he intends to implement as President that will eliminate all federal income taxes on domestic manufacturing activities. Hunter announced this policy at a press conference at E&E Manufacturing plant in Plymouth on Monday, where it was well received by the audience and media.

“Those in the manufacturing business in Michigan understand how important this industry is to our country,” stated Hunter. “What was once the center of America ’s “Arsenal of Democracy” has been harmed over the years by unfair trade deals that send good U.S. jobs to countries such as China . This must end, and in a Hunter Administration it will. As President, I will start by implementing a policy that removes all federal income taxes on domestic manufacturing activities and I will ensure that our nation no longer engages in unfair trade deals where American jobs are sent to other countries and where American trade dollars are used to build the military resources of our adversaries.”

Hunter’s message has been strongly resonating with Michigan citizens, demonstrated by a recent poll conducted by Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group on September 13-19, 2007, where Hunter received 7% of the vote, placing fourth out of nine candidates. Hunter’s positive ratings and strong message of promoting fair trade over free trade is also coming at a time when media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal are reporting that a rising number of Republicans are becoming skeptical of recent trade agreements that have proven to be harmful to both the American worker and economy.

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, election 2008

Local Wine Wins Best of Show at the State Fair

 Very Cool! The MoutainRose vineyard here in Wise makes a mark at the state fair. Their Autumn Gold Vidal Blanc is a winner.

Phones at MountainRose Vineyard have been ringing ever since. Many people have called to offer their congratulations, and plenty want to buy a bottle of the award-winning wine. Not bad for a winery that has been in operation for only three years.

"There is a good buzz about it," David Lawson said of the talk generated by the contest win. "We’ve had several people want a bottle. Some say they can’t get out here, and they ask us to save them a bottle."

Lawson’s face was animated, his love of his profession evident, as he described Autumn Gold.

"It’s definitely got a lot of apricot aroma and hints of honey," he said. "It’s a very rich mouthful. I think it’s got good crisp acidity, and that balances the sweetness."

Virginia’s wine judges were impressed. Fifteen judges conducted a blind tasting of 186 wines from 42 vineyards in June. Thirty-one wines received gold medals, but Autumn Gold was the big winner.(LINK)

Apricots and honey? Wise Girl likes it. Now back to bourbon and cigars...

Technorati Tags: Wine

Cigars and Mason Jars - Pt Four

A CAO Sopranos cigar and Bushmills. These two make a great combination. I am not a big fan of Irish Whiskey. I prefer bourbon thank you. A friend introduced me to Bushmills a while back, and when I saw it on sale at the ABC I picked up a couple bottles.

I enjoyed the cigar and a couple glasses last night. A very full bodied cigar with a leathery taste. This cigar is nine.

Technorati Tags: Cigars

Ramadan Violence Down by 38%

Good news from Iraq.

By Paul Tait

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Violence in Iraq during Ramadan has fallen by almost 40 percent from last year, the U.S. military said on Sunday, despite a warning from al Qaeda that it would increase attacks during the Muslim holy month.

U.S. military spokesman Rear Admiral Mark Fox said a "surge" of 30,000 extra troops into Iraq this year and the new tactic of moving soldiers into small combat outposts instead of "commuting to the war" from large bases had helped bring down violence.

"We are substantially below last year's level. As a matter of fact, in comparison to this time last year, about 38 percent lower in terms of Ramadan violence levels,"(LINK)

You have to admit that is notable achievement. Our military and their strategy is making progress. The Senate and their work did not fare so well.

The U.S. Senate passed a non-binding resolution on Wednesday which called for "a federal system of government and ... federal regions". It was rejected by the Iraqi government and other critics as an attempt to partition the country.

Interesting.

Technorati Tags: Iraq War, Military, Congress

The Greatest Prank Call Ever

Technorati Tags: pranks, funny

Dr. Mike Breiner, Roscoe Reynolds, Adam Tomer, and Joey Stanley - A Yellow Dog Strategy Indeed.

Dr. Mike Breiner joins Roscoe Reynolds and Adam Tomer in hiding their connection to Joey Stanley and Yellow Dog Strategy. You can see Roscoe's stealth support here. The picture here shows the same attempt by Candidate Breiner and candidate Tomer.

Click to Embiggen

Click to Embiggen

What are they trying to hide? Are they ashamed to be connected with the NAMBLA linking Chairman of the Franklin County Democrats Joey Stanley? Whatcha hiding Guys?

Support Charles Poindexter and Jeff Evans.

Jeff Evans
20th State Senate District of Virginia
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Charles Poindexter

9th House of Delegates District of Virginia

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Technorati Tags: Roscoe Reynolds, Joey Stanley, Ben Tribbett, Old Dominion Blog Alliance, Eric Ferguson, Democrats, Democratic Party of Virginia, Adam Tomer

Eric Ferguson and Joey Stanley - Dirty Boys

Charles Poindexter's mailer hit the mailboxes in the district yesterday. Click and embiggen the picture above. View the complete mailer here. Eric Ferguson is a democrat that employs Joey Stanley:

This year he (Ferguson) and his attack team are back, and his campaign promises to be even worse. Ferguson hired and continues to employ a campaign manager who linked a web site to a group that promotes sex with young boys, just to smear his conservative opponents.

I think the mailer speaks for itself with references to the Roanoke Times and the Franklin News Post. These two dirty boys are close...real close. The New Dominion reported

I attempted to make contact with Stanley in connection with this story. Stanley replied to an e-mail with an indication that he would agree to an interview, but did not reply to a followup e-mail from me or return a message left at a contact phone number listed on the website of his political-consulting firm, Yellow Dog Strategy, which was answered by someone in the Eric Ferguson for Delegate campaign office.

A subsequent check of the phone numbers for the firm and the campaign showed them to be one and the same.(LINK)

What a mess. Charles Poindexter is the clear choice for leadership on this race. Charles says "I will stand up for conservative, rural, small town Virginia values."

Note to Joey and Eric - NAMBLA is not a Virginia value. Contribute to Poindexter below.

Charles Poindexter
9th House of Delegates District of Virginia
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Technorati Tags: Roscoe Reynolds, Joey Stanley, Ben Tribbett, Old Dominion Blog Alliance, Eric Ferguson, Democrats, Democratic Party of Virginia, Adam Tomer

Duncan Hunter Warns Congress about Communist China getting a piece of 3Com

The Right Wing Liberal has been all over this story. The Washington Times had this front page story yesterday.

A Chinese company with ties to Beijing's military and past links to Saddam Hussein's army in Iraq and the Taliban will gain access to U.S. defense-network technology under a proposed merger, Pentagon officials say.

What the hell? Duncan is worried, as we all should be.

Rep. Duncan Hunter, California Republican and ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, said he is worried the deal will lead to the loss of sensitive technology to China. Specifically, I have some concerns surrounding the minority position of Huawei Technologies and what control the Chinese company might have over America's sensitive information," Mr. Hunter said. "In addition to encouraging the Pentagon to review how this deal may affect any of its classified contracts, I would encourage the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to conduct a thorough review."

Just what are they thinking?

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, China

The Good Stuff

“I just want everyone to understand that this dialogue is not about, ‘Can we vote our way out of a war?’ We have an enemy who has declared war on us. We are in a war. They want to stop us from living the way we want to live our lives... We will prevail; there’s no doubt about that.” —outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Peter Pace

“The pen is not mightier than the sword if your enemy is confident you will never use anything other than your pen. Sometimes it’s not about ‘freedom of speech,’ but about freedom. Ask an Iranian homosexual. If you can find one.” —Mark Steyn

The BIG denial: “We didn’t have the terror threat [in 1992].” —Bill Clinton

The Chronicle is online.

 

Technorati Tags: Politics

Alton Foley Discusses Roscoe Reynolds, Eric Ferguson, Joey Stanley, and the NAMBLA issue on TV

Mr Foley appeared on the show to discuss the recent Joey Stanley/NAMBLA issue. He also discusses Roscoe Reynolds and Eric Ferguson. There is a lot to discuss here so take time to watch the whole interview. Alton is clear on the timeline of events. Roscoe has stated he does not know anything about blogs, but he attended a blog conference in Martinsville and sat with Joey Stanley. A Picture is here. Alton is clear in his account that these videos of Roscoe was what started the Joey Stanley NAMBLA attack against the ODBA. So what did Roscoe really know? How does a media company operate out of Eric Ferguson's campaign headquarters? Does the Democratic Party condone Franklin County Chairman Joey Stanley's NAMBLA actions? There are many questions that need to be answered. I think we need Jeff Evans instead of Roscoe. More later.

Jeff Evans
20th State Senate District of Virginia
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Technorati Tags: Roscoe Reynolds, Joey Stanley, Ben Tribbett, Old Dominion Blog Alliance, Eric Ferguson, Democrats, Democratic Party of Virginia

Phony Soldiers and a Phony Smear

The Democrats are so desperate for revenge over being called out for the Move On General Betrayus ad, they are trying to manufacture a smear. They have taken issue with Rush Limbaugh and his statement about "phony soldiers." Sorry my liberal friends but no one is buying it. The argument is ridiculous and totally out of context. If you read or watch what Rush actually said, one can ask why are the Democrats lying about this? And let us never forget these words:

“We bought it, we own it, and we’re going to take it back.” Those are the now infamous words spoken by MoveOn.org founder Eli Pariser when speaking about the Democrat Party after the 2004 elections(LINK)

Two Conservatives points out - "Before Rush Limbaugh was falsely accused of smearing "phony soldiers", ABC News ran a news story on their nightly news show, titled "Phony War Vets" Yes there is video.

Check out Just who is the “Phony Soldier” that the Dems are defending? and Rush Limbaugh Under Assault. Also look at Rush is Right!!! He IS a phony soldier…

I agree with Badrose - I’ll Salute my General Electric Hot Water Heater.

The democrats are looking foolish over this.

Also Blogging - Swac Girl

Chris at Mason Conservative has Rush Limbaugh At His Best.
Ward at The Ward View writes Rush to Reid: Say It To My Face, Senator.

Technorati Tags: Democrat(ick)s, Dumb Ass

4th Circuit Court of Appeals - Virginia's open primary law is unconstitutional

Good Sense broke the story today. The opinion is here. It is no secret that I am not a open primary fan, so this is good news to me. Now to see where this goes.

Technorati Tags: open primary law, Elections, Virginia politics

Rick Boucher's Tourism

Jerry From on High blisters the reports on how good tourism is in SWVA. When I read the news articles over the weekend about this, I knew Jerry would be all over this. I was not disappointed. You see...I am a tourist in SWVA. When I go to work-Tourism. Take the kids to school-Tourism. Go grocery shopping-Tourism. Get the picture? Now click here and enjoy Jerry at his best.

Technorati Tags: Virginia politics, Tourism