Do Overs?

When was the last time that you truly believed the words spoken by a politician? How soon after the promise did you find yourself broken hearted, and chalk it up to 'merely politics', only to promise yourself that in the future you would demand more out of your elected or campaigning leaders? There is one common theme in government, being that the truth is often hard to come by, and honesty is not priority...

A great example from Olympia, WA today, where the state senate Democrats put forth and voted on a bill, only to realize after the fact that they voted on the wrong version of their own bill - now they are asking for a "do-over"...

Voting on a bill without knowing which bill is on the floor - sounds like a derelict of duty to me... I wonder if the voters of Washington get a 'do-over' with a chance to recall each and every one of the 26 democrats who voted without having a clue as to what was on the floor...

Washington State Constutution Article 1 Section 33:

SECTION 33 RECALL OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. Every elective public officer of the state of Washington expect [except] judges of courts of record is subject to recall and discharge by the legal voters of the state, or of the political subdivision of the state, from which he was elected whenever a petition demanding his recall, reciting that such officer has committed some act or acts of malfeasance or misfeasance while in office, or who has violated his oath of office.

Sounds like we could have a do-over if we wanted! Thank God the session ends in a few short weeks!

Change You Can Believe In?

Pelosi and the Democrat run Federal Government are going to push through Healthcare this week. There is a buzz going around that as early as Friday the House will vote on, and Pass, a Government Run $1.2 Trillion healthcare bill which will be passed in the Senate by 51 votes and promptly signed into law by the POTUS. After much debate, much protest, and much turmoil in America, the answer to today's expected Republican sweep is to ram the death throws of our nation down our throat.

Change we can believe in... we had better believe that this bill is going to change America.

Congress is forever changing the dynamic between the people and the government. We are watching as government is pressing a law that will grant themselves the right to dictate and mandate our very personal health. We are witnessing the shackles of slavery and indefinite servitude being laid upon We the People.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

Our form of government should allow for a constitutional review of such a law by the Supreme Court - who should, under Justice Kennedy's consistent rulings regarding the Commerce Clause, strike down government run and mandated healthcare as unconstitutional and generally unwelcome in a free nation. One can pray that Prudence will guide and Providence will enlighten!

Friends. Readers. We find ourselves at a crossroads. Has it come to pass that our great nation has come down to this very moment? Has a nation of free men willingly succumb to bondage? Have we been so fooled that Despotism is not only accepted but our preferred way of life? It is not the government that is so out of touch with America, rather the People who have forgotten in such a short time what it meant to build a nation of free men.

This nation was founded on a principle that was never before attempted - where free men would live in equal rule of one's self, with an understanding of cooperative protection from unjust influence. Liberty. Now we are witness to Liberty's death - once and for all...

Here Lies Liberty
1776-2008
A Republic, Unkept

What was born out of the hearts and minds of men much nobler than we, was laid to rest by a conspiracy of the generations to acclimate mankind to the suffering of evil. Liberty, born from the blood and tears of the brave, once shook her fist in defiance of tyranny, now so suddenly finds herself succumb to tyranny's strangle. A struggle through the ages, let pass by complacency... [read the full Epitaph for America]

Democrats/Unions Run Boeing out of Washington - US Sen. Patty Murray's Epic Fail

The losers:

US Sen. Patty Murray - D (the intermediary in the Union negotiations)
WA State Gov. Christine Gregoire - D
IAM Union
Washington State economy and housing market
Socialist over-regulation on manufacturing

The Winners:

South Carolina
Boeing
Free Market Capitalism

Boeing will be moving the 787 second line to Charleston, SC, a decision that puts an egg on the face of US Senator Patty Murray, Democrat, who worked as the intermediary in the negotiations between Boeing, the State of WA, and the IAM Union. Murray is up for re-elction in 2012 to a fourth term in the US Senate and this loss should be placed directly on her shoulders and aide in her drive right out of office.

Without Boeing, the Pacific Northwest's economy will collapse. There was a major hit when then Governor Gary Locke, Democrat, would not modify regulatory laws, forcing Boeing Headquarters out of Seattle and into Chicago. That move took with it a number of jobs to the Kansas City manufacturing sites.

This move will set up the final death blow to Washington State, allowing for expansion of Boeing 787 production in the south and enabling a possible future move of all production out of Washington State. Hundreds of thousands of jobs lost or relocated over a decade and a half...

The culprit?

Democrat and Union leadership. The democrats have created regulatory laws disallowing any expansion of businesses without such excessive fees as to triple the overall cost of expansion, all in the name of the environment. Union leadership has put a stranglehold on the ability for Boeing to produce her product, by striking. Boeing wanted a ten year no strike agreement as well as regulatory relief from the government. Patty Murray indicated that what the state and union were willing to offer was more than fair...

It was always Boeing who was held hostage in Washington State because of a lack of manufacturing capabilities in any alternate location. The 787 Dreamliner line included the acquisition of Voight, a SC company, and the necessary elements required for full scale production of a major airliner. Boeing saw the opportunity to use her new leverage - the Democrats did not budge - and Boeing left.

The Seattle Area has directly challenged Detroit in leadership of the "Depressed Economy" club.

Thank you Democrats!

"The Republicans Made Me Do It" - Childish Left Complaining

I am disgusted with the left at this point. They are a group of unruly, immature, and irresponsible children. Let me explain.

Since the RNC started, and through the four days of celebration and volunteerism for the Gulf region, the leftist protesters have raised the bar, challenging enforcers of the law, disrespecting the political process, and attacking Republican delegates.

Ask anyone on the left who is to blame: The Republicans.

I guess we bring it on ourselves, right? It is what we get for being conservative or libertarian minded individuals. And since we don't agree with your views, it is your first amendment right to destroy personal property, physically attack innocent citizens, and cause general mayhem in the name of... peace?

Grow the hell up you damned fools! Educate yourselves on what the first amendment REALLY says:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The freedom of speech does NOT include:
*Destruction of property - including breaking windows and other vandalization
*Assaulting fellow citizens - including throwing bleach on the backs and faces of Republican delegates
*Violation of civic law - including littering, tearing down street signs, attacking fellow citizens, massing with intent to harm peace officers, etc. All of which is witnessed in the following video.

Let me guess - the Republicans made you do it?

Don't blame the GOP for a Democrat mayor enforcing the laws of St Paul. Chris Coleman is a Democrat, and mayor of St. Paul - and therefore responsible for all police activity within his city limits. The RNC was an event, the delegates private citizens, and the city full of private property. The job of the police is to protect the citizens and their private property, and uphold the laws of the city, and the state.

If you got clubbed - take some responsibility for your actions leading up to the event.

If you got maced - take some responsibility for your actions leading up to the event.

If you got arrested - take some responsibility for your actions leading up to the event.

It was not the Republicans fault - it is the fault of the individual who parades with mobs hell bent on breaking the law and assaulting their fellow citizens.

Civil Order is not a Republican Conspiracy - it is a code of moral and ethical values shared by citizens of a territory. When you break the codes, the officers paid to enforce the codes of law are able and willing to right the wrongs.

Grow up and take some responsibility for your own actions.

Socialists in the Democratic Party

Just days ago I posted a blog on the dangers of an Obama Presidency, citing the Socialization of the United States, especially when it comes to energy.

Here is the proof: Democrats answer to the oil crisis is to nationalize the refineries so the government can control the flow of oil.

This is the FUNDAMENTAL CONTRAST between Republicans and Democrats in 2008. The Republican party still has ties to the far right, but very faint. The GOP has become a Political Party that would even be too liberal for the likes of John F Kennedy, should he be running for president today. However, the GOP maintains that Personal Property Rights are the fundamental basis of which rule of law and liberty are founded. The Democratic Party is hardly representative of it's name. They are Socialists, fundamentally. The very ideals that we fought through the Cold War have now come home to roost. The answer to every issue on the table is governmental control, or nationalization, of the land, industry, etc. Their belief is that the individual, or collective of individual private owners does not have the capacity to function in a way that meets societies needs, so they opt for control of those goods and services from their own offices. This is an ELITIST IDEOLOGY, that "they know better than I". It is a cancer in a free society, on every level... and now they are really showing their true colors (i hate to say it, but I told you so!)

What we need in 2008 is a rebirth of McCarthy. Someone willing to provide a list of all the members of Congress and the Senate who are outright Socialists, and point out the destruction they seek on the free United States.

Our Society is going the way of Atlas Shrugged, in which the government made it impossible for an industry to succeed with archaic laws, and when the industry could not survive, they nationalized it. Systematically the country fell to the whims of those in power... and the United States became a Socialist Hell-hole. Of course in the book the leaders of industry refused to continue to produce, and in so doing, took their knowledge of HOW to produce out of the hands of the government, leaving nothing. (a great read)

But I digress...

Every citizen of the United States needs to be made aware of the dangers that lie ahead with a Democratic Majority. There is nothing Progressive about Socialism or Communism. Public ownership / Government ownership of industry, property, and production are Marxist ideals that do not coexist with freedom. Freedom can only be achieved through individual rights, rule of law, and protection by the government of those rights... any role above these by the government is one that limits freedom.

The Democrats love to target the "Rich"... They love to tell stories about how the rich have become wealthy off the backs of the people. They have created a class warfare of blame and resentment. They want you to want what others have, and be willing to take it, if not by force, by granting them the power to take it on your behalf... WHAT YOU DO NOT REALIZE is that once they seize the property of the affluent, what protection do we, the proletarian, have?

When times are hard in America, we pick ourselves up by the boot-straps and we work through it. In the case of energy, we adapt... we evolve... we support an auto industry in favor of changing their power source from petroleum to electricity or other alternates. We support the free thinking imagination of the inventors, and rally behind great new technologies.

What we do not do is turn over all facets of life to the government, thus giving up entirely, and asking them to sort it all out for us. We are Americans. We do NOT take a back seat to our own destiny!

Take an active role. Contact your Senator or Congressman. Call the White House and leave a message for the President: We do NOT support the Socialist take-over of our refineries. We do NOT support the socialist tendencies of the Democratic party in these United States. And we will NOT support Socialist Democrats in 2008!

US Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
White House Comments: 202-456-1111
White House Switchboard: 202-456-1414

The Case Agaist Obama - Race Over Reason?

I am a Racist.

At least that is what the Democratic Party is going to try and make me believe. As Republicans begin building the case against Barack Hussein Obama, we are going to be met with counter attacks void of reason but full of emotion.

For instance, How can the Republicans feel that they are doing the right thing by blocking the election of the first black president of the United States? As if because he is Black and because he is a major party nominee, he deserves to be President. Can someone please explain to me how the color of a man's skin qualifies him to be President? I was under the assumption that it was the content of his character?!?

So let's look at his policies, let's look at his character. In doing so, we can fight emotion with reason. we will always be labelled as the racist party because we are fighting to block a "Black President"... but what we are really doing is attempting to preserve the fundamental rights and roles of the government by supporting the candidate who has a more conservative understanding of the founding of this nation, and the role that the government should play in our lives.

Barack Obama is a Marxist. Most youths who support him don't even fully understand what this means, or what it means to a truly free America.

Obama lives by the dictum of taking from those who have to give to those in need... no free will or free choice about it. If you have it, they deserve it... regardless of what they did or did not do to earn it.

Visit his campaign website and look at his policies.

Regarding Education - He plans to fully federalize a state institution of education. Where in the 10th Amendment does it stipulate that the States must give up rights such as education of their population?

Regarding Energy - Obama is a supporter of the "Tax the Profits" ideology coming out of the Senate regarding Oil. Instead of taxing the oil industry, which will only help to bankrupt and turn the industry over to the government (can you believe it, under President Obama we will seize the private lands of the Oil Fields and nationalize them! In America!?!) Instead of putting faith in the private sector, and incentivize car companies and power companies who offer alternative energy... or what about providing tax breaks for those who go solar at their homes? Or who buy fully electric cars? Instead, the answer to Obama is to seize Private Property and have the government regulate energy entirely on behalf of the people. (sounds more like Venezuela than America)

Socialized Health care - A system which most countries are currently trying to move away from, Barack Obama will rush the US headstrong into a crippling system that will further bankrupt this nation. Instead of removing regulation on the health care industry (which is an industry, not a right) and having faith that the free market will fill the need of the many by offering low cost group care programs, the intent of Obama is to seize the health care system and nationalize care, cost, and coverage. He complains that the HMO doesn't know what the best doctor is for you, so how is a bureaucrat in DC going to know any more? This is a ploy.

Race over reason... Unless his supporters are true socialists, they have to be blinded by being part of a group that elected the First Black President... never mind that there are more able candidates, more appropriate (non socialist) policies, or more appropriate "causes". Their reason is blinded by race, by the color of a man's skin...

I challenge that anyone supporting Obama because he is the going to be the First Black President, or anyone who uses that as a campaign cry, is the actual racist.

When I see a man, I see character... content filled character. I am not so low as to rally around the campfire of skin color. I demand content!

Obama is a black man running for President... who cares? I need a candidate who understands that this country does NOT need to go the way of the Soviet Union... we demand politicians who understand that this is a Free Nation. Period.

The End of the Democratic Battle?

After months of unbelievably entertaining, and often all too desperate Primaries, the Democratic contest is officially over tomorrow (June 3rd).

Or is it.

The Democrats need a combined delegate count of 2118 to win the convention.

Barack Hussein Obama has 2076 combined voters and super delegates.

Hillary Rodham Clinton has 1917 combined.

Up for grabs tomorrow:

Montana's 25 combined delegates
South Dakota's 23 combined delegates

Should Obama win 100% of the remaining delegates, he would break the threshold by 6 delegate votes... which is not going to happen. The delegates are split by a percentage of votes won, not winner take all as in the Republican contests.

Which brings into question Michigan and Florida... both Clinton landslides (namely because she campaigned and won there, though the delegates were never going to be seated). Should she decide to seat her allotted delegates from Michigan and Florida, Hillary Clinton could take the Democratic nomination.

If not, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are so close, that a Ron Paul style "coup" at the convention could sway the Obama voters for the second round of voting.

This is where being a delegate gets confusing, and interesting. If, after the first round, there are no clear winners, the delegates are released and able to vote for whomever they so chose. If Clinton was able to stack the delegate crowd who made it to the national convention, and is able to pull off a stalemate prior to convention, she could win the convention by a landslide.

However, this tactic may back-fire in the general election.

As well, if Clinton cashes in her chips, those in the know would have to assume that she doesn't have the political will to lead her party, and as such could never be considered a serious contender in the future.

Clinton's chances for victory have never been so sweet as they are now... make Obama believe that there is no chance of victory... play the delegates HARD... and hope for a second round vote blowout. Clinton has played her cards right 100%. This could be the political story of the century.

Or her flame could flicker out after the June 3rd contests, as she bows her head in submission to Obama.

I suspect that the battle continues through the summer, and the Clinton campaign machine moves forward to the convention, and ensures that every vote is counted... and then changed in her favor.

Clinton Addresses Supporters

When I heard the Hillary Clinton was addressing supporters in West Virginia at 12:30 ET, I thought that we would finally see the Democratic race wrap up, and head into the primaries.

Unfortunately, Clinton is looking for that come from behind win... which, at this point is little more than a pipe dream.

Neither Clinton nor Obama will have the delegates necessary to end this thing prior to the convention... so, with Clinton's claims of victory yesterday, we can look forward to three and a half more months of Democratic bickering... which is fine by me... McCain is working on VP picks, visiting world leaders, and starting to consider transitions from Bush to McCain. He's looking very presidential while the Democrats are stuck in a mudslinging competition that will ne'er be matched.

So, again, the democratic primary remains unchanged...

Racism 101 - Professor Rev. J. A. Wright

Obama's estranged Reverend offered an interesting perspective into the racist mind, while attempting to explain the differences (not deficiencies) of the African "race" versus the "European Race".

Professor Wright suggested that it was the fault of the system of education, and the system of society that is the core problem for the African-American population in the United States. He suggested that it is a right brain versus a left brain issue... where the African ethnicity is pre-programmed to use their right brain, and society established by "White's" has been set up with a focus on left brain logic needed for success...

Pardon me while I vomit.

Done.

That anyone in 2008, especially someone with a mouthpiece to the world, can get away with this type of thinking makes me sick.

To claim that people are different SOLELY based on their skin color is the mentality that has kept the racial divide alive in this country. It is a mentality that is IGNORANT and FALSE.

Reverend J.A. Wright is ignorant.

Each person, black/white/yellow/red, has the same opportunity to learn, based on their genetic dispositions... if you are born with a genetic deficiency that inhibits your ability to learn (such as some form of mental retardation), then you have clearly significant variation in ability. Other than that, there is no difference in one's ability to educate themselves! ESPECIALLY not based on skin color!

For those of you not in the know, Rev Wright gave some examples of how White and Black are different: Whites listen to music in 4/4 time and hear the 1 and 3 beat, while Blacks listening to the same music hear the 2 and 4 beat. Here is a little music video proving the point:


Here is the original footage:


I am continually shocked at the racist, blatantly ignorant, and incredibly ridiculous things that folks like Wright say... and not just say, but believe... but not just believe, but Teach and Preach!

If there was any question as to what true racism looked like, watch the above video again... What ever happened to the integrity of Civil Rights leaders? Was Dr. King an anomaly in the African American community?


King believed that all were CREATED EQUAL... He had a dream that the future of our nation would consist of people... not people of color... unfortunately for us, the reality is starkly different from King's dream...

When leaders of the African American community make excuses, instead of taking action to make results, the Dream has died.

When these same leaders form caucuses in congress based on the color of one's skin... the Dream has died.

When these same leaders can, to a cheering crowd of thousands of like-skinned listeners, mock or degrade another skin color... the Dream has died.

Watching the video of Rev. Wright addressing the NAACP, all cheering the degradation of "white friends", listening to the anger and ignorance in the speakers and the crowd... I have to ask the question: Is the Dream Dead?

Why don't I ever hear about "clapping discrepancies" between the races in the United Kingdom?

And furthermore (my favorite question), If a "black" in America is considered an African-American, what is a "black" in London?

Answer: British.

The point of the question: Aren't we all Americans? Can't we all BE Americans?

The solution: Teach personal responsibility. Offer equal opportunity to all Americans (not equal outcome). Treat one another with mutual respect. Live, and let live.

Military reveals plans in prep for Dem cut-backs after November win

The Pentagon has begun creating new procedures as preparations for military budget cutbacks. These new procedures outline new tools, protocol, and equipment that will be available with the impending budgetary cuts should the Democrats win the election in November 2008.

Said an anonymous source within the Department of Defense: "We are taking it all back down to bare-bones, square-one... I mean, last time these guys were in power they made the army wear pretty little berets!"

Photos of the training taking place in preparation of the new equipment were released, and I have posted them below.

God Bless our service men and women! (and God save the US!)

Sarah Palin, 45th President of the United States?

As McCain closes in on the magic number for locking up the GOP nomination, the conversation of Vice Presidential picks is in full swing. We all know John McCain's shortcomings. We have discussed the battle conservatives face with McCain. And we are very aware that it must be the new battle cry for conservatives to ensure that McCain's veep is acceptable, and an appropriate choice for the movement.

I once again challenge my readers to look into the history and prospect for VP that Sarah Palin represents. She currently holds the seat of Governor of Alaska, and won the seat by upsetting the incumbent corrupt Republican Governor. She is 44, has a son in the military, and is an activist for the Pro-Life movement as a member of Feminists for Life.

The American Spectator has written an interesting article focusing on her juxtaposition to McCain's "old coot" feel. An excerpt:

Gov. Palin could become the Republican Party's Segolene Royal, the French Socialist Party's glamorous leader known for her heels and political bite. She is the perfect antidote to Sen. Obama's cheap thrills, and would help rejuvenate conservatism.

If Camille Paglia or the huffers on Huffington Post are anything to go by, the standard line that will be repeated often against John McCain will be that he's an "old coot"; a vintage George C. Scott-style warmonger; old; hypocritical; and just plain odd.

As McCain's advisers most surely know, the best way to combat that line of attack is to choose a running mate who in no way can be seen as old or as a "coot."

MRS. PALIN IS most certainly not an "old coot." She has enchanting, fresh charisma and the credentials, too, to win back and motivate a lot of conservatives, disaffected Republicans, and independents tired of government corruption and Republican degeneracy and sheer idiocy.

McCain needs someone who like Sen. Obama physically represents a departure from the past, who also oozes vibrancy and intelligence, will motivate die-hard conservatives, but what's more, who will also let the Arizonan take advantage of his age and enable him to be the playful and charming Reagan-esque grandfather figure that Americans always fall in love with. In other words, Sen. McCain, like President Nixon in the 1968 election, needs an opposite number -- that's Sarah Palin in the flesh.

Sarah Palin is quickly moving to the top of the short list of favorites for McCain's VP for the reasons above and so many more. But the most important reason is that she is intriguing, intelligent, well spoken, and soundly conservative. She is a fresh face that can challenge the platform and experience of the Democratic fresh face, Obama, who's lack of executive experience, foreign policy, and radical left ideology are just begging to end his national political career.

Similar to Mike Huckabee's appeal in the early days of his campaign, the more people who look into Sarah Palin the more they like her as the VP for the GOP. (Speaking of Huckabee, I am not abandoning support for what Huckabee means to the race, and he is on my short list for VP... but Sarah Palin makes the GOP ticket more well rounded).

And the Democrats should fear Palin. I often hear the left attack the GOP for failing to support women or minorities within our ranks (quite a false attack, I might add). The GOP, in fact, has a number of amazing political leaders who fit this mold, Michael Steele and Sarah Palin among two of my favorites. Sarah Palin would shock the general public who have bought this profiling of the GOP hook-line-sinker, and would open their eyes to the true nature and openness of the GOP to minorities and women... (just without pandering to false "social needs" of these groups... The GOP believes that we can all be equally successful if we focus on free market and the founding principles.)

The Liberals fear Palin because she is a staunch ethicist... she represents the broom that the GOP needs to clean up our leadership. She took down corruption in the Alaskan GOP, and she could do the same in DC. She represents the resurgence of morality within the party.

The Donkeys fear Palin because she is young, energetic, intelligent, and attractive... all the things that Obama is running on... but she has substance! The Mules know that if Palin gets the nod, the race will clearly be a face-off of Obama v. Palin... McCain will be the grandfather making the calls, but Palin will be the rally cry for the youth movement within the conservative base of the party... the very base that has pledged not to support McCain.

Palin, in my humblest of opinions, is the best choice for VP... and I will continue to build the case for Sarah Palin for VP.

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

Elections in the North East - States won update

Below is an update of the states won by each candidate. Romney is out, McCain and Huckabee are soaring in the polls as the last two contenders... and state after state is dishing out delegates. Mike Huckabee continues to win in the southern states, and McCain edges out Huckabee in Washington state by 200 votes. Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC vote today, likely to be a sweep for McCain. But perhaps the Potomac region has some tricks up it's sleeves?

I will continue to update this map as results come in.

As well, Democratic results are below. With these two candidates fighting for a majority, and in a very clear delegate tie with the potential for legal battles to come up should Hillary lose, The Democratic party is not in a good position. They spent the early part of this campaign season berating the Republicans for a hotly contested seat, but now find themselves in the only non-civil contest at risk of dividing their party. The Potomac contests seem to favor Obama, in another round of the Clinton machine self-destructing in the public forum.

Hillary Clinton No Friend to Natives - Defiles Memory of Genocide Victims in US

Hillary Clinton, in her victory speech in Nevada, made a remark that struck me at my very core. To a group of cheering campaigners, she exclaimed: "This is how the West was won"

Perhaps Hillary Clinton, in all of her re-education, had forgotten that the West was won by a series of broken treaties with Natives, the mass murder of sometimes entire Native tribes including women and children... all under the order of the US Congress and the Presidents of the United States at the time.

A great example:

Hillary. The west was won by murder, thievery, and unconstitutional placement of Natives into "reservations" that have become breeding grounds for sickness, poverty, lack of education, and lack of a means to survive outside of US handouts (and still maintain their original way of life should they so desire).

Hillary - Your lack of sensitivity toward the genocide and bloodshed that occurred while the West was being taken is shocking. As a descendant of Natives, I demand an apology and an explanation for your hostility toward the Native Peoples of this Land!

I would love to hear you tell the Lakota to drop dead... that they lost their land at the hand of US invaders... Say it... please... you are so close!

Stress of Campaign getting to Clinton, Clinton chokes back tears

An interesting thing happened today... it seems that the Clinton machine is beginning to feel the pressure of the campaign.

Hillary Clinton, after a sit-down meet and greet with voters in NH, was asked a question about maintaining her campaign despite losing steam to Obama. To which she replied that some people think that elections are just games, that they support whomever is appearing on top... and what shocked everyone, including her campaign, was that she said it while choking back tears.

Is this a calculated move on the eve of the NH vote... another effort to attempt to appear more human, and possibly feminine fragile? Or is this a sign that Hillary's lack of actual leadership experience is showing through as the stress of campaigning is starting to get to her?

Time will tell... and with the deluge of polling done in NH over the past days, being reported today, it is easy to see why she is in tears... Obama continues to pull ahead... which could spell the beginning of the end... or at least it puts a question mark on the Clinton Inevitability.

Predictions for the NH Primary

Real Clear Politics is showing a new trend after the Iowa Caucus, and in anticipation of the New Hampshire Caucus: Mike Huckabee and John McCain are surging nationally, while Rudy Giuliani (who is seeing his lowest numbers of the race) and Mitt Romney are free-falling. In fact, the latest polls show a three way tie for first: McCain, Rudy, Huckabee... but unfortunately for Rudy, his numbers are falling and it will not be too long before his campaign is through... At this rate, I doubt that he will make it to Super Tuesday in one piece... so it looks like his "Go Big or Go Home" approach to delegates (focusing only on the Super Tuesday states) has failed... or is in the midst of failing.

But what about taking a look at New Hampshire? How is tomorrow going to play out? The debates showed that there are four candidates in this race nationally: McCain, Huckabee, Rudy, and Romney. Thompson will likely not register in these polls, and may hold out for South Carolina... but after an embarrassing finish there, he will withdraw.

I call NH this way for the Republicans:
McCain: 37%
Romney: 28%
Huckabee: 15%
Paul: 10%
Rudy: 9%
Thompson: 1%

NH Dems:
Obama: 39%
Clinton: 26%
Edwards: 24%
Richardson: 6%
Kucinich: 5%

On the Republican side, the poor 2nd place showing will be a second blow to the already critically wounded (post Iowa) Romney Campaign. After a 2nd place finish in NH, Michigan wont much matter, and there are no other states where Romney is polling in first besides Utah (and perhaps MA, but I don't know... the last poll was from April of 2007).

Fred Thompson is not expecting anything out of NH, and only showed up in the state for the debates, then it was off to SC where he is facing a 2:1 deficit to Mike Huckabee, who leads the state. After a fourth place finish (to Huckabee, McCain, and Mitt or Rudy)... perhaps a 3rd place finish if Mitt and Rudy continue to slip, Fred will give a speech along the lines of: "Well... we gave it a good run... but it looks like it wasn't meant to be... so I will be withdrawing my campaign from the race, and endorsing John McCain"

John McCain will get a huge boost from an overwhelming win in NH. This boost will likely propel him to a 2nd or 3rd place finish in Michigan, and make him a contender (likely finishing 2nd) in SC. This will give him some momentum going into Super Tuesday. I say SOME because he will not do well in Florida, so there will be one loss just days before Super Tuesday.

Mike Huckabee's convincing 3rd place finish will reignite the huckaboom, and add to his momentum from Iowa. He will likely go on to win in Michigan, South Carolina, and Florida... giving him the big Mo' heading into Super Tuesday. This is going to be a Huckabee McCain race to the finish.

Rudy's gamble of waiting for Super Tuesday did not pay off. He will have no momentum going into Florida, and likely finish second to Huckabee. This blow will lead to a lackluster performance on Super Tuesday. Rudy will likely hold out for the National Convention, hoping to win over some delegates as Romney and Thompson drop out of the race.

Ron Paul will make his last stand in NH. This is the only state where he would have had a chance to come out on top, with the support of the Independent voters. However, a 4th place finish will leave his campaign with no momentum... plenty of cash, but no momentum. I doubt that he runs as a Libertarian, but if he did, this could put the Libertarian party on the map, giving the Green party a run for it's money as the only viable third party. This would be optimal if Bloomberg also ran as an independent. We would see a four way race, where the Democrats are hit by the Independent Bloomberg, and the Independents are hit by the Libertarians, and the Republicans are hit by losing Independent voters to some degree... It would make it the most interesting election in recent history!

On the democratic side... if Obama pulls off another upset, as I predict, the Clinton campaign will be finished. Edwards will surge into first or second as Clinton's numbers plummet. The nomination will likely go to Edwards or Obama (in that order) after Super Tuesday clears Clinton off into a third place shocker. She will likely drop out and endorse Obama, but her voters will be split between Edwards and Obama... then it is a delegate war for who can cross the threshold first.

*Note, these predictions are subject to change assuming I am completely wrong and NH goes a totally different way.

Round One: Iowa Caucus, Thompson to Drop Bid, Huckabee Expected to Win Big

The day has finally arrived... January 3rd, 2008. The Iowa Caucus. Perhaps the biggest day in the 2008 Presidential elections since the Straw Poll in Ames 5 long months ago.

Those of us who have been living and breathing this stuff since before then are more than ecstatic! Oh... if only I could take a peak at the headlines of tomorrow! The anticipation is killing me more in this one day than in all days prior!

What is more, even Mitt Romney, the multi-million dollar man, has predicted that he will lose to Huckabee tonight. One thing that we can all agree on is that it has been a tough race, but the political oddity of our time is that a dirt-road candidate with no money or organization has seemingly unseated the established and well funded candidate. If things play out this way tonight, it will be, perhaps, one of the greatest political feats of our time!

But the trouble continues after the Iowa Caucus. Fred Thompson's campaign has made it clear that if Thompson does not finish in the top 2 or 3, Fred Thompson will drop the race. Talk about taking the first exit off the expressway! This guy never really wanted to run in the first place, so this is an easy out. I commend him on inspiring his base! And even though Thompson is said to endorse John McCain when he drops the race, I doubt that all of those votes will actually go to McCain. In fact, 2nd choice for a lot of Fred Thompson voters are spread between Huckabee, McCain, and Romney... so it will be interesting to see how those votes are distributed in NH. What is more interesting is how an announcement like this will influence voters in Iowa on the day of the caucus. Perhaps the Iowa Fred-Heads will throw their 1st choice vote to Huckabee or McCain in Iowa. This definitely shakes things up a bit on Caucus Day!

Depending on how this day turns out, all eyes will be on John McCain, and the endorsement he will receive from Fred Thompson. Will this push him to imminent victory in New Hampshire, despite the Independent vote, or does Thompson's poor support in that state even matter come the Primary? And will this move hurt or help Huckabee and Rudy?

It seems to me that Rudy's hold out for Super Tuesday was a poor tactic. He will have zero momentum going into Feb 5th. If Huckabee wins tonight, and McCain wins NH, Huckabee is sure to take Michigan from Romney, clean up in SC, and use the momentum to defeat Rudy in SC before Super Tuesday. McCain's numbers are close enough in Michigan and SC to give Huckabee a run for his money... but tonight will give momentum to next Tuesday... and after Next Tuesday, it could be a Huckabee / McCain race to the nomination (in either order).

On the Democratic side, If Edwards pulls the upset tonight, he could possibly use this momentum to sweep the states before Super Tuesday. If Clinton doesn't have the momentum on Super Tuesday, Edwards could win out the day. People are looking for a reason not to support Hillary, and just like Rudy's numbers fell with the first sign of hope in another candidate, so too will Clinton.

So the three candidates to watch tonight are Huckabee, McCain, and John Edwards.

How does the next month play out?

We are in the business of talking politics, and making our political predictions. No one can argue that at this point it is all merely a guess, but take a stab at giving me your prediction for how the next month plays out. (Thanks to Political Realm for the blog idea!)

• Who will win the Iowa Caucuses?
• Who will win the New Hampshire primaries?
• Who will win the Democratic nomination?
• Who will win the Republican nomination?
• What will be the biggest surprise during primary season?

My prediction is below (as posted in response to Political Realm):

The GOP:
Iowa goes to Huckabee, Romney is left to spin the results.

NH goes to McCain, Romney holds out for Michigan.

Huckabee takes Michigan with McCain in 2nd.

Huckabee takes SC, McCain finishes distant second with Romney and Thompson tied for third. Fred Thompson drops the race short of Super Tuesday. Romney holds out for Super Tuesday. Rudy has yet to make any movement.

Rudy/Huck statistically tie for 1st in Florida, breathing life into Rudy's campaign just before Super Tuesday.

Super Tuesday winners are Rudy, Huckabee, McCain. Romney drops the race.
Ultimately, McCain drops the race, endorses Huckabee. Huckabee gets the nod and McCain looks for the VP nod.

The Dems:
John Edwards sends a shock through the nation in Iowa, coming out on top.

Edwards' surge in Iowa translates into votes in NH, where he finishes statistically tied for 1st with Clinton, Obama finishes 2nd.

Clinton wins in Michigan and Nevada, with Edwards securing 2nd place finishes, Obama just behind but slipping in the polls.

Edwards' surge rallies his support in his home-state, and he takes the win in SC, Clinton claiming second, Obama third.

Clinton's poll numbers begin to slip, but she manages to take Florida, Edwards finishes second on the wave of momentum, and Obama finishes third.

Super Tuesday goes to Clinton overwhelmingly, with a surprise strong 2nd place finish by John Edwards. Obama drops the race, endorses Hillary (in hopes of getting the VP nod).

My guess is based on polling trends, and a little hope for dumb luck.

Commentary for my Liberal Readers

I recently had a discussion regarding a previous post, with a dear friend who took exception to the wording of my post. A message to my friend, first, thanks for reading my thoughts and opinions of world affairs, and for continuing the discussion and debate. It is this communication that betters the world in which we live, enabling multiple ideals to meet at a common goal (and hopefully a common good). Secondly, this post is for you...

I am going to spell out my feelings on certain issues very plainly, so there is no confusion:

• I am against amnesty for illegal immigrants who come to a free land and disgrace the very institution and sanctity of that freedom. I am very much against anyone who supports race-based and ignorant movements like La Raza, who believe that they are entitled to that which they did not earn, solely based on ethnicity / skin color / primary language. These are violent and vulgar establishments that I equate with hate groups like the KKK, Radical Islam, etc. They have no place in a free society, and work only to tear down a free and just society. Anyone, ANYONE, who supports these movements will find a very harsh word from me in person and in writing on this blog.
  


• I whole-heartedly support the existence of a Jewish Nation in Israel. The Islamic movement to destroy a nation based on religion is a movement that will surely perpetuate war for all of time. The land is Holy to all religions, and all religions are allowed to freely worship in Israel. There was a time where that was not so. The existence of Israel is the existence of sanity in the Chaos of the Middle East. There is no place in a just world for radical religions. Anyone who disagrees will have much to debate with me in person and via this blog.
  


• I firmly believe in the founding principles... There is a moral compass that guided the US into existence. I right to be free, granted not by government, but by the Creator of nature... whomever you believe that to be. Every Man, Woman, and Child (including the unborn) have a Natural Right to Life, Liberty, and the PURSUIT of Happiness... We all deserve to live. We all deserve to live freely, free from Tyranny. And we all deserve the right to follow our dreams, our ambitions, as long as we do not hinder the rights of others. The existence of socialized programs run by governments and funded by increasingly high taxes is a direct threat to the Pursuit of Happiness... it is attempting to re-write the pursuit into the "RIGHT of Happiness". This leads me to Marxism....
  


• I am adamantly against the Marxist belief of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need". In a principle of charity, I believe that this is a great compass... but when this is the government agenda, you lose your rights to choose happiness... instead you are obligated by the government to help... Forced Charity, if you will...
  


• I strongly support gun ownership. I believe that the first line of defense is the self, and the first line of societal protection is the armed citizen. What hope do we have if we cannot, in the least, defend our very right to Life? Guns are more than a means with which to hunt. Guns are the extension of the will to remain free. The very existence of the Bill of Rights is protected by the 2nd amendment... without it, the others seem to fade with time.
  


• And I believe in honest and even debate. I will surely admit that I am being attacked when a debate begins by my having to defend my very belonging to a political party, or to an ideology. Attacking an individual's belief system is the very core of bashing... and is used, successfully, by those (IMHO) on the left to keep the debate off of the topic, and more on the opponent attempting to prove negatives... It should be known that I am a conservative. Don't question my reasoning for being a conservative... rather, let's discuss the issues... you offer your opinions and facts, and I will do likewise... let us then meet somewhere in between with a common understanding, and we both leave as better individuals... better thinkers!

So to my friend... Your comments, your thoughts, your feelings... they are all welcome... Just know that in the world of political debate the temperatures can run red hot... especially when venting after an attack... ummm... I mean a debate... And know that I always try to reply... I live for the debate... as we all should! I take nothing on the issues personally... unless it is made personal... then what choice do I have?

Thank you for reading! You are a dear friend!

How free do I want to be?

One of my favorite topics to discus is the philosophy of politics. More importantly the founding principles of a free society versus the Marxist philosophies of socialism. Are we a people destined to be free from forced obligation, or are we sure to fall into the hallows of socialism?

Socialism states: From each according to his ability, to each according to his need

This philosophy means that if I am a doctor, I am obligated to serve every sick or injured person, regardless of my professional desires. If I am a baker, I am obligated to give my bread away to the poor. If I am an automaker, I am obligated to provide automobiles to anyone in need of transportation.

There is no free choice, no free market, no reason to dream or to invent. I cannot save for a vacation, because my desires to explore are outweighed by the poor's need for money... so if I have the ability to pay for my neighbors dinner, I am forced into that obligation.

That is no way to live.

The philosophy of freedom states: Need does not necessitate right.

This means that if I am a doctor I have the choice to treat your ailments. If I am a baker, I can choose to offer my bread at $2 a loaf, and you are free to find a better priced bread. If I am an automaker, I can build as many cars as I can afford, and you have the choice to negotiate a price with me, or to take your business somewhere else.

Not that materialism should be the focus of life, but as a society, we are at least in the need of the basic material items: Clothes, food, shelter. So in the least, we are free to choose which clothes to purchase, or if we make our own... we are free to purchase the food we wish, or to grow it ourselves for ourselves... we are free to live where we please, at a price that is negotiated between the owner and the renter/buyer. The key difference is choice.

So when the federal government requires upwards of 40%-50% in taxes, there are government regulations on what I need to do to work in a profession, and the government officials are now talking about forcing me to participate in a socialized health care system... well, I begin to question how free I actually am.

Are we a people who choose to live in a society of freedom and choice, or are we electing representative who further strip away our right to personal choice?

We are officially less than one year away from electing our next president. Keep these questions in mind as we move forward to select our representatives. Who is going to ensure freedoms, and work to get back the freedoms that have been lost? Who is going to fight to make government less of a spectator sport, and more of a full contact profession as it relates to our personal lives?

Ask yourself... how free do I want to be?

Could the 2008 Dem nominee STILL be Al Gore?

"And the nominee is..."

The crowd hushes, Hillary is smiling in the wings... Obama is pacing the in the pews...

"Al Gore..."

A buzz instantly fills the room... was Al Gore even in the race? Hillary can be seen, red faced, yelling at her campaign manager... Obama is in tears as he thinks of all the political leaders he wont get the chance to insult.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This is not an actual situation, but an enactment of what could be the case during the Democratic Convention next year.

WHY? You ask... Well, The speculation of an Al Gore entry into the race is still afloat... and even Rasmussen, the most trusted name in polling, is predicting that regardless of the Clinton/Obama buzz, that the Democrats are going to pick a white male for their nominee. That leaves John Edwards and Al Gore.

What is better... Al Gore, without campaigning, is winning straw polls... The latest was the Scottsdale District 8 Straw Poll... It is no Ames, but voters had to pay $20 to cast a vote... and Gore walked away with the big win. He also came in second place to Edwards in the "popularity" vote. Clinton, Obama, and very far behind Richardson don't seem to have the support of the Central Arizona democrats... The same three don't really have the support in the Midwest, either... It is Edwards sweeping the middle-America crowds... which only means that if Al Gore enters the race, he will be the Democratic entity able to shake the Clinton foundation.

Speculation was that Gore would enter the race during the "save the earth" concert... but he didn't... With high numbers, high popularity, and the Democratic party secretly looking for the White Male candidate, the choice is Edwards or Gore. Recent speculation is that if gore's popularity and numbers continue to rise in the wake of the Draft Gore movement, December will be the kick-off of the Gore2008 campaign.

With political rivalries sizing up a Clinton nomination, throwing Al Gore into the mix could ruin the GOP strategy... (if I can figure out what that is, I will let you know). Remember, the GOP is planning to play the 51% "Definitely Will Not Vote Clinton" card VERY hard for the independents, as well as some of the Dems likely to jump ship. I know a few Dems who are in that category, and I don't blame them. There is a constant buzz in my community: "Anyone but Clinton"... and I think America Agrees.

So Al Gore... it looks like you may be getting the nomination after all...

GOP Candidates, be prepared for the shocker... just in case. Everyone else, keep your eyes on Florida!

God Bless.