Green Grass

I saw a commercial the other day for a grass that grows with substantially less water than standard grass. This new, environmentally friendly, grass seed from Pennington made me laugh. The commercial ends with a statement that this grass is better for the environment. Better? Better than, say, normal grass? I always thought of grass as environmentally friendly just because it's...well, grass.

I am in favor of environmentally aware actions and living. Like most people, I want my children to appreciate nature and enjoy the mountains that we live in and around. But this new environmental movement seems a little phony to me. I am overwhelmed with organic, green, and Fair trade products, but nobody really knows what these labels mean. Is there a traceable impact in purchasing a few organic or green products, but continuing one's normal lifestyle?

My office is about 1 mile from my home. If I walk to work, people think I am either crazy or lost my car and I get offered rides to work or church by everyone who sees me walking. The streets of Keyser are full of people like me who could easily walk to work each day if they really wanted to make an impact. In this area, people have a different sense of the environment. It surrounds us and as West Virginians, we identify with the natural beauty of the state. Just ask the Governor about his experience trying to change our state motto.

Now we have to listen to Hollywood stars and big city power players and politicians tell us how we are destroying the world because our cars use too much gas on our 1 mile commute, or because we use bad grass, or leave the lights on when we leave a room. Afterall, the Neo-Environmentalists that are emerging around us care more, just look at their shopping carts. But is this really an effort to make an impact, or does everyone just want to look like tehy are trying? Take the grass example. The goal of course is a lush, green, better than the Jones', lawn that requires less manual watering from the property owner who is trying to conserve water. Afterall, the property owner is economically aware and wants to conserve water. Then again, if the property owner really wanted to conserve water, couldn't they just forego having the greenest lawn on the block? Afterall, they are saving water but probably using gas powered lawn maintenance equipment that is filling the air with toxic vapor and increasing our demand for foreign oil...Clearly this is the Presiden'ts fault. A spotty, untreated, unwatered, natural lawn should be a badge of honor to a true environmentalist. Mow your spotty lawn with a rotary, self-powered mower that uses no gas or electricity and I will applaud that you are trying to make an impact. Otherwise, create a beautiful landscape with non-native plants and I will applaud your creativity and commitment to creating an aestheticly beautiful place to live.

Rockefeller Insults Veterans

A big thank you to Vic Sprouse for bringing this to our attention.

Our United States Senator, Jay Rockefeller, in an attempt to defend his backing of Barrack Obama, lashed out at John McCain's service. He belittled McCain's role as a combat pilot. Rockefeller criticized McCain's role as simply being a guy that dropped laser guided bombs on people, then he flew away never for a moment considering the fate of the people he bombed.

You know that the state media will never publicize these comments. That is why it is so important to supplement the traditional news by reading these conservative blogs. Rockefeller gave us a clue as to his entire elitist mindset about the military and those who serve. He thinks nothing of the danger those pilots faced. He thinks nothing of the fact that McCain was eliminating threats to soldiers on the ground fighting for their lives. No, Rockefeller is an elitist guy from an elitist school who will never understand the sense of duty and honor that John McCain represents.

I am going to cut and paste Vic Sprouse's blog entry in its entirety and send it to my friends and relatives who served. Here is a link.

http://www.changewv.com/2008/should-jrock-continue-as-head-of-intelligence

Spread the word and donate to Jay's Republican opponent. We need to get this information over the television and radio airwaves next fall.

US ROUTE 50 IN FREDERICK COUNTY VIRGINIA WILL HAVE MAJOR CLOSURE April 18 to 21.

ROUTE 50 IN FREDERICK COUNTY WILL HAVE MAJOR CLOSURE

Closure will be April 18-21

STAUNTON – Motorists traveling on Route 50 near the Virginia border with West Virginia should be alert for an upcoming temporary but major traffic pattern change. The Route 50 westbound lanes will be closed due to railroad work in Gore.

The closure will take place beginning at 7 p.m. on April 18 and lasting until 5 a.m. on April 21. The westbound lanes of Route 50 (Northwestern Pike) in the Gore area of Frederick County will be closed. This location is approximately .1 mile west of Route 752 (Knob Road) and is near the Virginia and West Virginia state line.

The closure is due to railroad work being performed by the Winchester and Western Railroad in the Gore area. All work is weather permitting.

The detour for the Route 50 westbound closure from April 18 -21 is as follows:

For trucks:

From the Winchester area take Route 37 to Route 522 northbound to Route 127 westbound to Route 29 southbound to Route 50.

For passenger vehicles:

From the Winchester area take Route 37 to Route 50 westbound to Route 600 north, to Route 684 east, to Route 522 northbound, to Route 701 to Route 703 to Route 50.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. (TTY/TDD users, call 711). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits. For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.

Guns Make Citizens

Last week I came home to find the Washington DC local news on. The local station was doing a story about a gun search. That's right. Without warrants, people's homes were being searched for guns that are currently illegal in Washington DC. Presumably this is because they fear that their law will be found in violation of the Second Amendment. Of course these are likely the homes of law abiding citizens because no one would just barge into a drug lord's home to demand guns. My daughter said that it sounded like something that the British might do shortly before the Revolution.

The first thing that dictatorships seize is people's guns. Other countries, such as Japan, hesitated to directly invade the US due to widespread gun ownership. Thomas Jefferson saw them as key to a free people protecting their freedoms from a tyrannical government. The right goes back to the Middle Ages when King Henry II of England required people to arm themselves to protect the nation. He as a result understood that he needed to be better acquainted with the people's needs and traveled widely to keep in touch with their wishes. Later kings found it more convenient to call assemblies later known as Parliamant into session. An armed population is one that the government goes to greater lengths to keep happy.

Certainly the biggest threat on the horizon, besides the current case before the US Supreme Court, is Barrack Obama. According to many, his actual views as he wrote in his book are far to the left of the mainstream. He is the stalking horse for George Soros and MoveOn.org who continue their quest to revolutionize the United States and transform it into something quite alien from the original dreams of the Founding Fathers. Their guiding star is not George Washington, but Karl Marx. Of course the people must be rendered impotent first.

The American definition of rights is freedoms granted by God or nature. The American definition of citizen describes a person who not only enjoys, but fights for these rights. Gun ownership ensures our rights now and forever, or at least until we elect governments that obliterate their enjoyment.

Gary Howell Fundraiser Last Friday

Last Friday night, Gary Howell held his first fundraiser of the campaign season. This event was organized by Christy Barnett with help from Gloria Howell and the good folks of the Old School Cafe. Campaign consultant Gary Abernathy hosted the event.

Gary was supported by a roomful of people who came to show their support and donate money. Included among Gary's local friends were State Senator Dave Sypolt and Republican nominee for governor Russ Weeks. Gary gave a tremendous speech that explained his priorities, namely economic reform in West Virginia to ensure a prosperous future.

Many items were donated for the silent auction. Included was some truly "fabulous fudge" as it was called. Let me tell you, that was truth in advertising! Others baked some delicious looking pies. West Virginia University professor Russ Sobel, Abernathy, and Weeks also donated autographed copies of their books. Barnett donated Washington Senators tickets and Cheri Gannon donated a gift basket from the Keyser sandwich and coffee shop On Common Grounds. Many other donations (I wish I could remember from whom) helped Gary raise a substantial amount to help his senate bid.

The Republican Party has a vision for the state's future that involves a drastically different course than we are following now. We need to put the development of state business first and create a solid foundation for growth. Only through a GOP Legislature will this ever be achieved. Gary Howell can be a big part of the solution that West Virginia needs. A whole lot of his friends that showed last Friday agree with that idea.

Press Release: Lynn Staton Seeks National Committeewoman Seat

Dear Potomac Highlands Conservative,

On June 21, 2008 the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee will meet in Flatwoods for our State Committee Summer meeting and West Virginia Convention. I am a candidate for National Committeewoman. The election for this office will be held during the state Committee meeting portion of our gathering. I would be honored to have your support.

Because of the nature of our government affairs consulting business, my husband, former Congressman Mick Staton, and I are frequently in Washington. Over the years, I have become acquainted with our national Republican leaders. Additionally, our proximity to the nation’s capitol and frequent trips into DC make it easy for me to be in touch with the Republican National Committee.

As a lifelong Republican, I have worked hard for the election of our candidates on the local, state and national level. We have been involved in a number of successful campaigns in West Virginia including State Senator Sarah Minear, the late State Senator Harry Dugan, Governor Cecil Underwood and the 2004 Bush campaign, just to name a few.

In 2004 I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the State Committee from the 16^th Senatorial District. In 2006, I ran for, was elected, and presently serve in that capacity as well as my position as Associate Chairwoman of the Republican State Executive Committee. In years past I served as Assistant Treasurer of the State Committee. Most recently I served as the General Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Presidential Nominating Convention – a very rewarding position.

As you know, the national party will be formulating a new system for presidential primaries. I believe my experience working with and understanding other states’ processes will aid me in helping the party arrive at a new system that works.

Now I am asking for your vote to become the next National Committeewoman from West Virginia. I believe my experience on the national scene, my work on behalf of Republican candidates and my service to the party equip me well for this position. I am confident that I can help West Virginia Republicans on the national level as well as here at home. I will do my best to keep West Virginia “Red” and carry our message of small government, lower taxes and individual freedom to the national party. I hope I can count on your support. I look forward to discussing this with you and will call you soon to see if you have any questions for me.

Until then, if you would like to talk with me, you can reach me at (304) 229-5890 or by email at lynn@caplink.com.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Lynn S. Staton

368 Jaguar Drive * Inwood, WV * 25428

Barbour County Lincoln Day Dinner

The Barbour County Lincoln Day Dinner had a good crowd and lots of candidates. Hiram Lewis was the keynote speaker talking about what the flag meant to him.

Beth Walker talked about the need for a supreme court justice that can follow the law. Numerous other candidates spoke both state wide and local. A lot of credit goes to the Barbour County executive committee for putting on a good show. Annette Santelli made a good MC for the event.