Environmental Protection Agency Continues Its March to Irrelevance By Cracking Down on Farm Dust

Farm dust. Yup. Dirt stirred up by men and women working in the ground. The EPA is considering calling dust a pollutant and enacting stringent new regulations to harm our nation's farmers. As usual, this is something that will drive the little man out of business and benefit the big conglomerates.

I live right beside the Potomac State College farm. Yes there is a little bit more dust there than you would normally see. But is it really a pollutant? It is no more a pollutant than pollen that comes from certain flowers or crops. Will the EPA go after that next? I'm not joking. If they are going to regulate dust, the sky is the limit on stupid laws eminating from this agency. Will they next require states to pave every little country road in existence? What is the point of this and where will it stop? Seems to me that those who live by a farm simply have to buy a little bit more Pledge or move. Farmers have a right to use their property to make a living without so much government interference that they cannot operate.

At some point, the EPA will regulate itself into complete irrelevance. Bureaucrats who have never seen a farm are trying to force insane regulations onto teh backbone of this nation. It is constitutionally questionable whether or not the EPA actually has the authority to regulate anything. Just because we have allowed it to does not mean that it has the constitutional authority to do so.

We need to make our state legislators aware of this movement. It would not be hard to get a bipartisan group of West Virginia legislators together to petition our senators and representatives to halt this insanity.

Story below

http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12899662

Stopping the Slow Death of Mexico

What is the biggest national security problem that America will face in the next ten years?

Islamic fundamentalist and other forms of terror certainly have the capacity to hit our country hard. However they took their best shot at our institutions on 9/11 and we bounced back domestically while aggressively demolishing much of their organization. Outside of blowing up several atomic bombs or crashing the internet, terrorists have the capacity to injure, but not undermine.

Americans need to start looking south of the border. Mexico's slow collapse should raise alarm bells for everyone. It was not that long ago that parents had no qualms in sending their eighteen year olds to Mexican resorts to celebrate graduating high school. Now full grown and seasoned adults risk a great deal to party on those beaches.

Always corrupt, Mexico has seen its institutions further degraded by the growing power of drug cartels in its northern states. Drug bandits control huge parts of the desert and mountain regions and until recently owned Ciudad Juarez, a large city across the river from El Paso, Texas. They have grown increasingly assertive against American law enforcement as well, threatening police officers and also allegedly putting prices on the heads of some Arizona sheriffs. Murder, theft, and rape have skyrocketed in Arizona cities in the past few years, fueled by illegals with cartel connections.

The common denominator in this entire issue is the existence of these cartels and the power they wield in Mexico. They destroy the effectiveness of government, hinder economic development, and are destroying the fabric of that nation. Mexico has proved itself unable to deal with this threat on its own. The cartels have even staked out federal land in southern Arizona for observation posts. Clearly they seek to spread their reign of chaos to the border states of this nation. The wreckage they have caused drives illegals into this country. Many of them work for the cartels, others seek security. Regardless, we cannot afford to relax our laws to accomodate anyone.

The solution lies in a long term and sustained covert operation to destroy the cartels in Mexico run by the Central Intelligence Agency. They need the latitude to assassinate drug kingpins, blow up facilities, and disrupt in every way possible these organizations. On our side of the border, the FBI needs to infiltrate and destroy street gangs in the same manner as it knocked out the power of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1960s. We also need an armed National Guard presense on the border with orders to act as a military force against these people.

Think of it this way. The drug cartels have slowly invaded the United States. They occupy our sovereign territory, threaten our elected law enforcement officials. Like Middle Eastern terrorists, they are a non governmental threat to our national security. The threat comes not just in the form of what they do here, but also the effect they have on Mexico. We cannot afford to see Mexico turn into a Somalia. It is time to come up with a plan and act, regardless of th eposition of the Mexican government.

Candidates and Community

It takes a lot of time, commitment, money, and effort to run for office and I respect anyone who takes the plunge and follows through with fundraising, door to door walking, attendance at fairs and festivals, and anything else necessary.

That being said, some candidates tend to earn more respect than others from their communities. Those are the ones that didn't just start caring about community because they ran, but ran for office because they cared about their communities.

One great example is Harley Staggers Sr. Almost everyone has a story about his commitment to this region before and after his election as congressman. He taught kids to play ball, helped the sick find doctors in the middle of the night, and commuted to and from work in Washington most days. Remember, that was prior to four lane highways, too. His son keeps that family tradition alive by coaching middle school basketball in Keyser.

You see other candidates around the state with that same mentality. Charles Minimah and his wife are both running for the Legislature from districts in Charleston on the Republican ticket. They run a small business and have been active for many years in promoting black heritage in the Kanawha Valley. Locally you see Gary Howell active in Rotary, Rose Ann Maine in Kiwanis, and all our legislators, Dave Sypolt, Ruth Rowan, and Allen Evans, contributing by sponsoring livestock at the fair. You see them at the community dinners and gun bashes in and out of the political season. School Board candidate and recent addition to the county Republican executive committee, Butch Wahl has helped raise thousands of dollars for the Keyser High School athletic complex. They show their support for local fundraising by purchasing tickets and attending events whenever possible.

Clip from California Representative Pete Stark, Hat Tip to Hot Air.com

http://hotair.com/archives/2010/08/02/stark-explains-that-the-constitution-has-no-meaning-at-all/

Clearly in the minds of Democrats, power trumps the law of the land.

Legislation By Lawsuit Must Stop

A long time ago, judges and justices held a belief that their purview had fairly narrow limits. Issues that the legislative branch could handle were generally left to Congress or the states. They understood that in a republic such as ours, the judicial branch had to remain restrained and that the elected officials must make the decisions. Only in egregious situations, such as the severe and unwarranted violation of civil rights, should courts intervene.

That was generations ago. Elena Kagan represents only the latest of an army of activist judges and justices. They believe that they shape the law as opposed to an earlier time when courts saw themselves as restrained by it. A court decision can affect the lives of millions and never reach the desk of someone elected by the people.

This encourages "legislation by lawsuit." If legislatures will not act on an issue, find a court that is friendly to the issue and file suit. You can get products banned from the market, tourists banned from beaches, and beneficial state laws blocked. A federal court last week issued an injunction against Arizona's law which merely asks individuals involved in traffic stops or arrests to prove their identity. Last I checked, we all had to do that anyway. Down in North Carolina, local communities fear that special interest group lawsuits will close beaches that bring millions in revenue to the eastern part of that state. It only takes one environmental kook judge to ruin it for everyone.

We need restrained government and we need restrained judges.

Stretch Run

It will be here before we know it. Not the Christmas rush, but the November elections. I've been hibernating for a week at the Outer Banks myself and most folks have taken the whole summer off from politics. However, now that August is here, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

In all the hubbub over the replacement of Senator Byrd and the special election bill, West Virginia's fine nominees for Congress have gotten less attention. David McKinley and Spike Maynard need our help to overthrow the Pelosi machine and return Congress to sanity. Shelley Moore Capito's re-election will put her in a prime position to assume House leadership roles if the GOP regains control. Those working for Warner and Raese hopefully will put their efforts behind the nominee this fall.

Don't forget state legislative and county level races. These candidates need help as well. They inluence our daily lives more directly than anyone so these candidates races are crucial.

Mike Stuart Selected As State Party Chairman

At the state Republican Party summer meeting yesterday, Mike Stuart won election as party chair.

Regular readers of this blog know that I personally supported Doug McKinney's re-election. I felt that he had accomplished a great deal as party chair in retiring the debt, hiring an experienced executive director, and finding a good headquarters location. I would say that the party owes Dr. McKinney its thanks in leading it through a difficult time for Republicans across the nation.

That all being said, this is one of the most important election cycles we have seen in recent years. West Virginia has an opportunity to help overturn the left wingers currently running Congress. We need Maynard, McKinley, and one of the Republicans running for Senate representing this state. We need to end the assault on our rights and the ideals of this nation. Mike Stuart is now our party chair, so we need to get behind him and his efforts to get Republicans elected in West Virginia. Party unity is essential at this point, especially since the Democrats in West Virginia seem as divided as ever.

We also call upon Chairman Stuart to reach out to McKinney supporters and make this party whole. One party working together will get Republicans elected this fall and that is why we are here. Doug McKinney counted many devoted and principled Republicans among his supporters, as did Stuart. We hope that Stuart will personally reach out and invite these men and women to help him build his team and keep the West Virginia Republican Party momentum moving forward.

Press Release From Mac Warner: Warner Will Run For U. S. Senate

Mac Warner announces candidacy for U.S. Senate

Mac Warner announced he will file today to run in the Republican primary for the special election for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the passing of Robert C. Byrd. Warner, of Morgantown, said there is a void among candidates who can bring to the race his experience in military and foreign affairs and his dedication to Constitutional principles of government.

Despite being vastly outspent by two opponents, Warner finished second in a field of six in the First District GOP primary election for the United States Congress in May. He said today, “We need more voices in Washington who have a firsthand knowledge of military issues, a real dedication to getting spending under control, and a devotion to making sure the Constitution guides us in every decision.”

Warner said he is motivated also by the national, grassroots movement among everyday citizens, whether via the Tea Party or other organizations, to reclaim their voice in government and make sure elected officials are held accountable. With a son serving in Afghanistan, Warner said he is keenly aware of how decisions made in Washington affect troops on the ground across the globe.

Warner said he is not intimidated by the candidacy of Gov. Joe Manchin, despite current polling data. “Joe Manchin has perfected the skills of the professional politician – telling people what they want to hear while straddling the fence on virtually every issue. He actually endorsed Barack Obama for president, at the same time Obama was taking aim at the coal industry. Joe may claim to be pro-coal, but his actions -- that is, his support of this President and the Administration’s assault on WV industries -- belie Joe’s claim. As Senator, don’t expect Manchin to move to repeal or replace the government takeover of health care, not after every Democrat vote was needed to jam that one on the people of West Virginia and the rest of the US. Now, look at his eagerness to step away from his elected obligations as Governor,” said Warner. “He’s a career politician, always looking for that next political step for his own benefit. Manchin will go to Washington and fall in line behind Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. That will spell disaster for the people of West Virginia.”

Warner said Manchin has, in essence, already cast his first vote in the Senate through his handpicked appointee, Carte Goodwin. “Together, they conspired to put our country much further into debt by extending unemployment benefits to almost 2 years. Think of the irony: the big debate in America this week was about extending unemployment benefits. That alone is proof that the Obama administration has failed miserably to meet our number one challenge – creating good jobs for families,” said Warner.

Warner said he would oppose the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court because of her shameful treatment of military recruiters at Harvard, her politically-motivated revision of a medical statement on partial birth abortion, and her previous writings extolling the virtues of socialism. Her evasive and even purposely misleading answers during her confirmation hearings should have been enough to keep her from being confirmed. Warner said he will be a staunch opponent of cap and trade, government takeovers of private industry, and would work to roll back the Obama-Pelosi-Reid health care takeover.

Warner was born and raised in Charleston. In high school he was an Eagle Scout, a U.S. House of Representatives Page, played football, and ran track. He was elected Student Body President at George Washington High School in 1972. Upon graduation from high school, Senator Robert C. Byrd nominated Mac for admission to the United States Air Force Academy, while Congressman John Slack nominated Mac for admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. After visits to both Academies, Mac accepted the nomination and subsequent appointment to West Point.

At West Point, Mac served on the Honor Committee, ran track, and was on the Triathlon Team. He graduated in 1977, and was commissioned as an artillery officer in the US Army. In 1979, Mac was one of 25 officers selected to attend law school for the Judge Advocate General's Corps. He returned to West Virginia's College of Law to obtain his JD degree. Upon graduation in 1982, he was assigned overseas to Germany where he became a defense trial attorney. He counseled incarcerated soldiers at the military's confinement facility at Coleman Barracks before becoming a Senior Defense Counsel for the Army's 1st Infantry Division at Goeppingen Barracks. The Army recognized Mac for his knowledge and reporting on confinement facilities at Fort Leavenworth, KS, Fort Knox, KY, and in Germany – unique experience that would be helpful in discerning proper procedures at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) and elsewhere. Later, Mac personally escorted war criminals from Bosnia to the International Court at the Hague.In 1985, Mac returned to the United States to receive the first of two Masters Degrees he eventually earned in law. He attended the Army's Judge Advocate General's School in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he earned an LL.M in Military Law. In 1986, he joined the newly formed Light Infantry Division at Fort Ord, California where he became the Chief Prosecutor for the Division. When the Division was called to action for the 1989 invasion of Panama, Mac traveled extensively throughout the country, and became interested in international legal issues. In 1990, Mac was accepted into the University of Virginia's prestigious Graduate Law Program (one of seven Americans in the twenty-seven person class). He was elected president of this international group of lawyers and distinguished scholars. The year was marked with several significant events, to include the fall of the Berlin Wall and the first Gulf War. Mac wrote his thesis on trying Saddam Hussein for war crimes. He received a Masters Degree in International Law from UVA in 1991, and soon traveled to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel in preparation for teaching comparative law at the Army's Judge Advocate General's School. For the next four years, Mac taught International, Military and Comparative Law to the Army's Basic and Advanced Legal Courses. He was then assigned to Forces Command in Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as Chief of International Law during the 1996 Summer Olympics and the Haiti Peacekeeping Operation. In 1997, Mac was again assigned to Europe, this time at the US Army Headquarters in Heidelberg. There, he served as the Chief of International Law for US Army Europe where he supervised the work of both American and German lawyers and staff. He also deployed to Bosnia, and led a team of military and State Department lawyers on a Rule of Law action plan. He also did leading-edge work with non-lethal weapons for our troops in Bosnia. His final assignment was to the Army's War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, where he served as the legal advisor to the Army's Peacekeeping Institute. When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, Mac retired from military service in 2000 to return to West Virginia to be close to family. Mac's international work has taken him to 50-some countries on six continents. During his 23 years on active duty, Mac and his family lived in seven states, and in Germany for six years. He worked specific projects for the Army in Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Bosnia, Macedonia, Ukraine, and Brazil. He has been to Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East on several occasions.

Mac is married to the former Debbie Law of Charleston. Debbie is a Realtor with JS Walker Realtors in Morgantown. Mac and Debbie have four children: Steven Warner was nominated by Senator Jay Rockefeller for admission to the United States Military Academy in 2004, and he graduated from West Point in 2008. He was commissioned into the Army Corps of Engineers, and is currently a Lieutenant deployed to Afghanistan with the 173d STB (Sappers), a combat engineer unit doing route clearance. Steven was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained from an IED attack on April 22, 2010; Krista Warner graduated from the University of Virginia in 2009 with a bio-medical engineering degree, taught science last year at Trinity Collegiate School in Florence, SC, and is now enrolled at Wake Forest University in Physician Assistant School; Lisa Warner was nominated by Senator Jay Rockefeller for admission to the United States Military Academy in 2008, and is currently a Cadet at West Point, Class of 2012; and Scott Warner, an avid gymnast, just completed a year in Washington, DC, first as a US Congressional Page for Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, and then as a Senate Page for Senator Jay Rockefeller. Scott will attend University High School for his senior year beginning in August.

What A Difference A Day Makes

A couple of days ago, most folks were speculating on a good and solid race between Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito and Governor Joe Manchin for the United States Senate. She, as far as I am concerned anyway, took the safe and smart decision and passed on this race, this year. Certainly she had a very strong chance of winning, but with the GOP possibly in position to take the House this year, she stands to emerge as one of the more powerful members. She publicly admits wanting the position, but is biding her time. That all being said if she lands a coveted committee position, that would be difficult to abandon with her relatively safe seat.

Yesterday we learned that former Secretary of State and congressman Ken Hechler jumped into the fray. He plans to make opposition to mountaintop removal the centerpiece of his campaign. He does not expect to win, but he is running to raise awareness of the issue.

This gives Republican contender John Raese a golden opportunity. Hechler could "steal" a large section of Manchin support. Raese was a Tea Partier before there was a Tea Party. He can also self fund to his heart's content. His staunch economic conservatism has always been seen as a liability in West Virginia, but this year the rules have changed.

Gary Howell Selected As Incoming Mineral County Republican Executive Committee Chair

At this evening's special meeting open to the public, Gary Howell won election as Mineral County Republican Executive Committee Chair. He thanked outgoing chair Bob Harman for forty six years of service and proceeded to conduct a regular meeting.

Time to Move On From Race

On one hand, it is not news that racial prejudice exists. It takes many forms. White on black, black on white, and everything in between. Race has flared up as an issue because the NAACP insists upon calling Tea Parties racist, despite the fact that they contain black members and support black candidates. Now a recently fired black USDA official admits that she did not do all she could for a white farmer asking for help.

Time to get over it. Everyone.

This is the 21st century. To youngsters, racial prejudice makes as little sense as a previous era's angst over Irishmen, Catholics, and Jewish people. They simply don't see race. I'm not saying that the young are always the sharpest tools in the shed, but here we can follow their example. Stop talking about race. Stop worrying about race. Be color blind like our children. That goes for everyone.

This means that we have to start thinking of individuals instead of categories. The NAACP has to stop seeing black Republicans as treasonous to some outmoded race concept and realize that people make political decisions based upon interest and opportunity. Republicans want to stay out of your life and take less of your money. That appeals to people across a broad spectrum of races, cultures, and backgrounds.

The big debates of our time do not center around what color you are, but how many of our natural rights will remain uninfringed upon.

Analyzing the Goodwin Selection

Last week, confirming the weeks long speculation of some in the state Republican Party, Governor Joe Manchin selected Carte Goodwin to fill Senator Byrd's former seat.

To many this came as a shock, but it represented a fairly logical selection on the part of the Governor, despite some protests.

First of all, the situation is as such: the Governor wants to run for this Senate seat and has to appoint someone on an interim basis. Some suggestions for nomination included Gaston Caperton and Bob Wise because of their past political position. Others included Nick Casey, former Democratic Party chair. Why would Goodwin represent a more logical selection than the aforementioned?

Frankly the Governor needed someone who would not "welsh" on a promise to step back for the special election. Goodwin has worked closely with Manchin for years and has his political career for the most part in front of him rather than behind. He has decades of life to run for the Senate again if he so chooses. Also, Goodwin is an up and coming guy in the party. He has intelligence, experience crafting legislation, and charisma not unlike the Governor's. Much like a baseball team will bring up its prospects in September and October to get them major league experience before they emerge as stars, the Democratic Party benefits from getting one of its own future leaders in the limelight and the public eye.

Like I have said before, I am a Jackson County guy originally and know the Goodwin family pretty well. This was a good selection ideologically, from a conservative point of view, when you look at the alternatives and Goodwin himself. Some people will express outrage unless a person along the same ideological lines of John Raese was selected. We were not going to get a conservative or a libertarian. What you do get with Goodwin is the same sense of pragmatism that you often get with the Governor. You will get an outlook that will be more fair to business and more reflective of West Virginians than most other selection possibilities. Another benefit, compared to Wise or Caperton, is that Goodwin actually lives in the state.

The downside for Goodwin personally is that he has been sent to join one the of the least popular Congresses in recent years. If he can separate himself somewhat from the Democratic Party leadership, he may not end up friends with the (likely) outgoing Harry Reid, but he will score points with potential future voters. Goodwin has been placed into a very difficult position at a tough time in history for the Democrats. It will be interesting to see how he negotiates the storm that currently grips the nation's politics. Personally I think he will do a good job considering the circumstances.

Cart Godowin named to Byrd's seat

Carte Goodwin named to Byrd's seat

Is Anyone Else Tired of the Sturmabteilung Tactics of the Left?

The New Black Panther Party is videotaped in the act of intimidating white voters in Philadelphia. The Service Employees International Union invade people's yards to intimidate young teenagers whose relatives happen to be connected to banks. These and other groups advocate even more extreme action to further their own agendas.

Why do we tolerate it?

The Sturmabteilung was the main group that facilitated the rise of National Socialism to power in Germany. They specialized in street violence and menacing law abiding citizens, especially Jews. Leftists, which Hitler and teh National Socialists were, lioked to push the envelope when they operated in a democracy only to clamp down when they took power.

Fortunately, these thug tactics horrify a majority of independents and a minority of Democrats. This has led to Obama and his radicals being unable to maintain a tight grip on power despite their efforts to intimidate the media and politicians.

But how do we the people fight back when we see thugs and National Socialist wannabes show up to try and scare good and decent people? If you are in an area where these types congregate at election time, first call the law, then call the local Tea Party organization. Safety exists in numbers and cameras. The presence of cameras and almost instantaneous uploading of video to Youtube and news organizations will make sure law enforcement does its job and may even restrain the thugs.

This is our country. We want traditional American elections, not voters intimidated like they are voting in Venezuela. Hopefully we will have a government soon that recognizes the fact that no difference exists between the New Black Panthers and the Ku Klux Klan when it comes to bigotry and bad intentions. And if the SEIU comes onto private property, well if you are in a Castle Law state, you know what to do.

Congratulations to An Old Friend of West Virginia Politics, Chris Stirewalt

From Mediabistro.com

Examiner's Stirewalt to Fox News
By Matt Dornic on Jul 08, 2010 09:54 AM
In an email to staff this morning, Washington Examiner Editor Steve Smith announced that Chris Stirewalt will be joining Fox News as a political analyst. See memo from Smith below:
It is with a mixture of sadness (for us) and happiness (for him) that I announce that Chris Stirewalt is joining Fox News as a political analyst. His contributions to the Examiner are almost too numerous to list. He expertly directed our White House, Congress and politics coverage. He wrote a fresh, perceptive and witty political column twice a week. He rose at dawn every weekday to comment on the news, often sardonically, in Morning Must Reads, which has become an addiction for thousands of people across the country; he took time out from his desk duties to show the Examiner flag on television, making more than 40 national TV appearances last year alone; he offered snappy headlines and sure-footed news judgments as we put together the paper every day; and, above all, he brought the gift of laughter to the newsroom. Chris arrived 2 1/2 years ago after a distinguished newspaper and television career in West Virginia. He leaves us as one of America's brightest young political commentators. Please join me in wishing him every success.
Cheers, Steve
Stephen G. Smith
Editor
The Washington Examiner

*********************************

Congratulations Chris Stirewalt. You've come a long way since pounding the beat in Charleston for the State Journal. May you continue to rise!

Statement from the Republican National Committee

July 7, 2010
CONTACT: Press Office202-863-8614
View This Statement At GOP.com
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE AND WEST VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN PARTY ANNOUNCE VICTORY CAMPAIGNWASHINGTON –
The Republican National Committee today announced the West Virginia Victory campaign to establish the in-state political operation to ensure Republican candidates are successful in November. In partnership with the West Virginia Republican Party, the RNC is providing funding and resources to promote strong Republican leadership grounded in small government, low taxes, and fiscal responsibility. In addition to staff and resources on the ground, West Virginia Victory will have full access to communications, research, and political support.

By leveraging these tools, Republicans will compete aggressively in West Virginia and deliver a clear message to voters that it’s time to stand up to Barack Obama’s big-government agenda.“The RNC is excited to partner with the West Virginia Republican Party and invest in the Mountain State to provide voters with a clear choice between the tax, borrow and spend agenda of Washington Democrats and the fiscally responsible, pro-growth Republicans. “West Virginia Victory will tap into the high amount of voter energy, excitement and momentum we are experiencing within the Republican Party and use it to ensure that Republicans are elected across the state,” said Chairman Steele.

“I’d like to thank Chairman Steele for providing the West Virginia Republican Party with these essential resources. They will have a tremendous impact on our ability to deliver the Republican message of lower taxes and fiscal sanity directly to West Virginia voters,” said West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Doug McKinney. “With a sophisticated operation at the state and local level, we can capture the outpouring of support that we are already seeing here in West Virginia. Our volunteers are energized and ready to stop the tax and spend policies of Democrats across our state.”

###

Representative Shelley Moore Capito Statement on Special Election

While West Virginians continue to honor the life and legacy of Senator Robert Byrd, the process to select a new U.S. Senator has already begun among our state’s elected officials. The U.S. Constitution places the power of filling a vacancy correctly with the voters while allowing for state legislatures to permit temporary appoints by the Governor. I am confident that a West Virginian with a distinguished record of public service can be appointed in an open and transparent process to serve on an interim basis until a Special Election can be held. The West Virginia Secretary of State announced that under current election law the Special Election will not take place until the 2012 election cycle. While that may be the correct interpretation of the current law, I do not believe it is the right course for West Virginia.

The power of our vote should never be limited or delayed in selecting our elected officials, and 28 months is too long for any person to serve in an elective office through appointment. I encourage the West Virginia Legislature to amend our state’s election code and allow for a Special Election during the current election cycle on November 2, 2010. For the first time in 26 years, voters may go to the polls this November to select a new U.S. Senator. As this process will create intense speculation on potential candidates, it will ultimately allow for a healthy discussion of the pressing problems facing our state and country. Throughout my almost 14 years in public office, I am constantly reminded that elected officials are caretakers of that office on behalf of the people.

Private Sector Development Works

Recently the Greenbrier resort had one of its most star studded weekends in recent years. Not that it has not hosted its share of such events going back to the days when Southern belles would gush at the presence of Robert E. Lee, but this party marked a comeback for the grand old lady.

Jim Justice, known more for coal than celebrity, sold one of his mines and poured tens of millions of dollars into modernizing the Greenbrier. With a boost from local voters, he built a casino reminiscent of Monte Carlo and also attracted a PGA event to its famous course. Those who made the event saw basketball and golf legends as well as actors and actresses enjoying a stylish evening in Southern West Virginia.

This is what is possible in the private sector, even in West Virginia. Some several years ago called for the state to take over the struggling hotel and the government prudently refused. Private capital made it much more of a success than it ever could have been under government control. Don't forget that this was made possible with a vast fortune created by coal.

Barack Obama believes that a person should only be able to keep so much money that they earn. If Jim Justice had his fortune taxed away from him, we would be looking at the eulogy of the Greenbrier instead of its rebirth.

NASA's Most Important Mission

Almost fifty years ago, John F. Kennedy gave our space program direction and a sense of purpose when he challenged it to put a man on the moon before 1970. Scientists around the country worked with engineers and remarkably developed missions that accomplished that feat. Considering the technology of the time, it was an exceptional achievement.

So what is the great push in the 21st century? According to NASA chief Charles Bolden, he was told by his boss, you know who, that his primary mission is to reach out to Moslems.

Say what? Yup. he has been charged to reach out to remind Moslems of all of their achievements in science, technology, and space exploration. I am not joking or making this up even though it sounds like a Saturday Night Live skit.

CXharles Krauthammer nailed it when he said this reeks of imperial condescension. It's also a bizarre perversion of the mission of the agency. These are engineers, not diplomats; scientists, not sociologists. Their mission is to get us to Mars, to get the space station to work efficiently, to "go where no man [or robot] has gone before." One dime spent by NASA in this wrong headed attempt at using engineers to community organize is too much and troubling in the extreme.

Once again, Barack Obama's failure as a leader ends up as a waste of our nation's time and money.

Patriotic Clip of the Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO3gPUn24FI

Click on the Above to see Kate Smith singing God Bless America to an adoring Philadelphia crowd in 1976.