Democrat Showdown Looming

We're not just talking about Clinton versus Obama either.

The West Virginia Young Democrats called for a complete halt on the assigning of permits for mountaintop removal mining in West Virginia. This certainly cannot sit well with traditional supporters of the West Virginia Democratic Party such as the United Mine Workers of America. It also shows that many liberal Democrats do choose to live in some sort of bubble world where reality strikes about as often as the tooth fairy.

Did they not watch the news last night? Shortages of energy around the world have helped spin off a rise in food prices. Coal is a vital part of America's energy solution and West Virginians are heading off to good paying jobs in coal related operations. In the long term, coal must replace oil entirely as an energy source for power plants. The explosion of electric car use will place even more strains on our grid. We need to use our coal, corn, wind, natural gas, and water resources.

That's where the West Virginia Young Democrats don't get it. Like most liberals they believe energy comes from some sort of magical place. In the real world that some Democrats and most Republicans inhabit, we realize that the needs of people must be balanced against our desire to preserve nature as it is. In the real world we need to mine more coal, we need to drill for natural gas, we need to build hydroelectric stations on some of our rivers, we need to put windmills on some of our ridges. You can put West Virginians to work and put a dent in our nation's oil demand at the same time. We can't leave all of nature unspoiled in the process, but we cannot ask Americans to sacrifice their standard of living either. Not only do we rely on energy, but the world relies on us to produce many of its necessities for it.

That is the solution that Republicans and real world oriented Democrats favor. The Young Democrats are completely out of touch. Their advocacy for a halt to coal permits pits them against their elders. It also shows locally the growing rift in the Democratic Party. Older voters and industrial workers who understand the world as it is have less and less in common with the young Obama supporting intellectuals who see the anti-American George Soros as their guru. We are seeing Democrats battle over the soul of their party nationally, and now at the state level as well.

Manchin-Bresch Scandal Cost WVU $2 million in donations

AP Article

Degree scandal costs WVU $2M donation of cash and art

The Greatness of Our Country

Sometimes in the midst of criticizing politicians and the leadership of our country it is easy to forget that we live in the greatest nation to have ever existed. There are many ways to see the greatness of our country. Traveling for example. This past weekend I traveled through 3 different states and a number of counties, townships, towns, and cities without any need for a passport or need to speak another language. When I needed to stop for a drink and a snack, I had a choice of not only what to drink, but also where to purchase that drink and snack. Only on rare stretches of road would I have had to wait more than 10 minutes to find the next store or rest stop. I never plan out where I need to fill up my gas tank because there are ample choices for gas stations in any direction that I drive. At all points in my drive I received a choice of radio stations that were coming to me for free and when needed I was able to stop and connect to the internet to check a few pending work related questions that I needed to answer.

Another example of the greatness of our country is the ability for Americans to constantly find new ways to create their own jobs and businesses. My wife and I are planning some remodeling. I always look for coupons and came across Lowes coupons being sold on auction websites. I never would have thought of this, but many Lowes stores are only a few miles from their major competitor Home Depot. Both stores offer promotions for 10-20% and run specials on their products. Someone figured out that even though these coupons are only good one time at either store, however, the other store will offer price matching plus an additional 10% off of whatever you are purchasing. So, after using their coupon at Home Depot, they sell the coupon to a Lowes customer who takes it to their local Lowes store and is given an equal discount off of their purchase. It's easily worth a couple of bucks to buy a coupon that will save up to $500 on a major purchase. It's entirely possible that an employee at one of the chains just collects these coupons during each shift and sells them on eBay. Doesn't sound like a lot but a person making $7 per hour can nearly double their income by collecting 1 coupon per hour and selling it for $5. 10 per day 5 days a week 10 weeks per year (coupons aren't available all year long at most stores) = an extra $2,500 per year or for a $7 per hour employee = 9 weeks worth of work.

Regardless of what the economy is doing there are always opportunities to earn extra money. It may take a little effort. It may take a little thought, but the opportunity is always there for Americans. We truly live in a great country.

There are countless ways to see the greatness of this country and I hope that all of us will remember that as we go through what is promising to be a rough election season.

It's Wrong in Either Case

Yesterday came the story that fifteen year old pop sensation Miley Cyrus may have some issues with her portrayal in a Vanity Fair photo shoot. The photographer took pictures of the minor child semi-nude in sexually provocative poses and facial expressions. What was shown on the news ranged from inappropriate to downright nauseating. Cyrus' popularity comes from a fan base among middle American children whose parents look to an ever shrinking pool of family friendly entertainers for role models. Some of it also comes from country fans who liked her father's music. Meanwhile others debate that the pictures do not reveal anything and that many are simply overreacting. Cyrus herself seemed to approve of the pictures prior to publication, but afterwards criticized the final product.

First of all, her opinion either way is irrelevant. As a minor she has no capacity to consent. Not many fathers in the United States of America would approve of their children being portrayed in a sexually provocative manner. Why Billy Ray Cyrus approved the publication of racy photos of his daughter is beyond me. Vanity Fair is full of wacko liberals. He ought to know better, being raised a Kentucky boy. Some argue that this controversy will increase her marketability and it certainly will among sleazy men that paid discomforting amounts of attention to Brittany Spears when she was a minor.

This debate comes on the heels of the breakup of the fundamentalist Mormon ranch where a charismatic leader apparently established a culture that encouraged older men to regard teenage girls as sex and marriage possibilities. Women described being shown to older men in ways that resemble a meat market. While there are strong reasons to debate whether or not the government should interfere in polygamy when the participants are consenting adults, no one argues that teenage girls ought to have sex with older men forced upon them at so young an age.

Interestingly the media and society see the cultural sexualization of teenage girls differently depending upon who does it. If a liberal magazine portrays a girl provocatively, people defend it. After all, the girl will make money from it someday. Others see it as art. Fundamentalist Mormons are not part of mainstream culture, so they get no media defenders. They see it as their culture's way to create a strong family.

In BOTH CASES the sexualization of teenage girls is WRONG! The fundamentalist sect and the modern sleaze media industry now run on parallel paths, selling the sexuality of young women with no regard as to how it affects them and how they are viewed by others. Young girls get bombarded with sexually charged imagery even in magazines produced exclusively for them. (I have a teenage daughter and I have seen them. A parent should always know what they are up against when it comes to influences.) Most issues are devoted to giving tips on how to lose weight and look better. Some run articles that try to help the girls figure out their sexual orientation (I kid you not!)

This disturbing path in how the media views children has developed recently as the culture grows more and more youth obsessed. It's time for America to wake up and start pushing back. If nothing else, the parents of these celebrity girls need to put the media in check. It is just as wrong to sell your child's soul for money as it is to believe your soul can be saved by giving your minor pride and joy to an elderly man in marriage. Look at the results, broken and destroyed spirits whether they are nameless women who fled these compounds or Lindsay Lohan and Spears. They all lost their childhood and spend large parts of broken lives picking up the pieces.

Common Sense, Right?

Say you are living in a house on several acres of property many miles out a dirt road. You and your family are at home in the middle of the night. Suddenly you hear a window break and the sound of strange feet on your hardwood floors.

Say you are a single mother with a few kids. Some creepy guy has followed you home the last couple of nights. Now it is three AM and you hear your locked door being pried open.

Another single mother just got the courage to break up with her abusive boyfriend. He swears she will never live without him. Again in the middle of the night comes the sound of an intruder.

Americans find themselves in situations such as these every single day. Sounds of breaking and entering strike like lightning into the hearts of homeowners. People have the right to be secure in their homes. In recent times country after country has turned its back on the right of people to bear arms. Anti-gun activists claim that hunting is immoral and unfit for modern times. Although hunting is an ancient right as well as an effective tactic to manage wildlife, this is not the issue. Individuals have the right to defend their homes and their families with weapons that can neutralize any intruder.

It is the most vulnerable that need the guns and the knowledge of their use the most. Home invaders select the elderly and the single woman. Should these people trust to the mercies of people breaking into their homes? Absolutely not. If a person breaks into a home who does not belong there, they need to understand that they take their life in their hands. This is part of what the Second Amendment is all about. People have a natural right to defend their homes and their families.

The nonpartisan West Virginia Citizens' Defense League supports this ideal. It recently endorsed Gary Howell in the race for the 14th Senatorial District.

Blair urges WVU faculty, grads to call for Garrison’s resignation, full probe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Craig Blair

Monday, April 28, 2008 304-671-9363

Blair urges WVU faculty, grads to call

for Garrison’s resignation, full probe

MARTINSBURG — Delegate Craig Blair today called on West Virginia University graduates and faculty to demand the resignation of WVU President Mike Garrison, as well as a full investigation into the events surrounding the improper awarding of an eMBA degree to the daughter of Gov. Joe Manchin.

“The report from the independent panel did a good job of finding the internal factors at WVU that led to this decision,” said Blair. “But what we also need is an investigation into the external pressures from outside the campus that may have played a major role in this scandal.”

Blair said that whether or not Garrison directly ordered the degree to be awarded is not the point.

“As president of WVU, Mike Garrison has a responsibility to uphold the integrity of our state’s biggest institution of higher learning,” said Blair. “What is clear is that when he learned this degree was being awarded, he either failed to ask the proper questions, or he simply condoned the decision because he wanted the issue to go away. Either way, he is ultimately responsible for this travesty, no matter how many people under him resign.”

Blair said every West Virginian has a personal stake in the integrity and future of WVU, but donors, faculty and graduates must especially make their voices heard, and demand accountability from the top.

“Once President Garrision steps aside, we can begin to heal as a state,” said Blair. “But the questions won’t end there, and we cannot be satisfied until every last suspicion is laid to rest.”

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Obama in Pennsylvania

I spent this past weekend in Butler, PA. Every other commercial on TV and Radio came from one of the Democratic contenders for President.

B. Hussein Obama continued his message of blind hope and optimism. All of the bitter voters out there can relax because he will fix everything so that you don't have to cling to guns and religion. Upon visiting B. Hussein's website I see that he is asking us to believe in not just his ability to change Washington, but also to believe in our ability to change Washington. Then a statement about how there is nothing "elitist" about 1.371 million people donating to his campaign. Surely this is the campaign of the common man...of course, viewed another way this represents contributions by roughly 0.45% of the population. Less than half of 1% of the population, if that isn't an overwhelming statistic in support of B. Hussein being a common man, I don't know what is...

According to his website, the Obama Health Care plan saves the average American $2500 per year. I would be more impressed with a total cost figure, not a theoretical savings of Up To $2500. After all, if you know that you are saving the average American $2500 per year, shouldn't you be able to tell us what it will cost? Surely there must be a statistic on the average cost of health care for Americans. Just take that number and subtract the savings. How else could you figure that you are going to save $2500? According to the website we spend 2 trillion on health care. With the number of "insured" Americans approximately 250 million, we would average $8000 per person. That means his plan should cost $5500 per person. A family of 4 would be $22,000.

The Health plans are extremely interesting to me as an insurance agent and small business owner. Since Obama's is to be the least expensive, after all he said it so it must be true, I am only looking at the summary of his plan, not Hillary's. The summary brings a lot of promise of better coverage with lower premiums without much guidance as to where the money to fund the vast increases will come from. I did come across one excerpt that indicates a source of revenue

Employer Contribution: Employers that do not offer or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of the national plan. Small employers that meet certain revenue thresholds will be exempt. -http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

What is considered a meaningful contribution? I also find it interesting that you can be exempt if you meet revenue thresholds not payroll thresholds. What if you have a large gross revenue but small payroll like a retail shop owner with a part time employee to fill in on weekends?

The plan also calls for the government to use it's masterful efficiency templates to reduce administrative and overhead costs. Just look at all of the government programs that show a strong track record for the government improving efficiency and reducing costs. I'm sold.

I also found it interesting that within the Obama health plan is a provision to fund a world wide campaign against HIV/AIDS. Shouldn't this be in the foreign policy section? Why is this being added to the US Health Care plan?

Betty Ireland's mother Virginia passes at age 94

Mrs. Virginia Hawkins Ireland, 94, of Charleston, died on April 24, 2008, at The Haven in Cedar Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Kanawha HospiceCare, or a charity of your choice.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ireland family at this time.

Capito as Congressional Innovator

Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito recently proposed an interesting idea to address the issue of funding border defense. She stated that on every tax return that Americans should have the option of checking a box that would take a small amount of money and apply it towards border control efforts. This would both provide extra money to patrol the border and show how many Americans have concerns about the issue.

Capito's plan of voluntary taxation deserves attention. People can choose the issues they wish to support. Those concerned about the issue can market their ideas and try to sell Americans on making a choice to support certain initiatives. So long as ironclad guarantees remain in place that the money will go directly to the issue listed and nowhere else, this looks like a reasonable plan. Congress could approve a short list of issues that people can choose to support or not support. Choice is always an easier sell than imposition of taxes across the board.

Of course that choice already exists to an extent. Most social issues have some kind of private charity or church group that helps with fundraising. Government action is not always required, or even desirable in some instances. However, Capito's idea deserves serious consideration because it could change the way the government funds certain initiatives and policies. Even on the state level, certain programs could be helped in this manner.

Capito, like most Republicans, is conservative in ideals. Conservatism emphasizes the value of individual choices and freedoms over government imposed policies. Change in support of freedom of choice is almost always a positive step forward.

Dark Day For West Virginia University

A university's credibility, like many institutions, relies upon perception. Institutions and people have credibility when what they produce carries a substance that society considers to be worthy. A West Virginia University degree within this state has almost always carried substance; the real fight for this institution has been to convince those outside the state of that fact.

West Virginia University faculty, and I know this through personal experience, work very hard to teach and produce solid research. They do not receive the same pay as many of their peers, but they carry a sense of pride. Unlike other institutions, the faculty love their school and cheer on its sports teams. The school has always proved worthy of that kind of devotion.

Positive perception can be fragile. This truth applies to businesses, politicians, and universities. Questions of credibility and honesty can destroy a well earned reputation in an instant. Efforts to cover up a small problem can lead to huge messes. Just ask Richard Nixon.

The independent panel ruled on Tuesday that Governor Joe Manchin's daughter Heather Bresch was improperly awarded an M. B. A. despite her protests to the contrary. When last year the story broke in the Pittsburgh media that she did not earn the degree she claimed to have, the university scrambled and granted one to her. To make the story more complex, she is an executive for Mylan, a major donor to WVU and supporter of Manchin.

Now that it is clear that her degree was improperly granted, an investigation must begin into why the university did this and who, if anyone, played a role in influencing this poor decision. As for those who have worked so hard to build up the university's credibility whether they be distinguished faculty or alumni, who will end up apologizing to them when a WVU degree becomes a target not for respect, but ridicule?

West Virginia Citizens Defense League Inc Endorses Gary Howell

Morgantown, W.Va. — WVCDL-PAC, the political action committee of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (WVCDL), is pleased to announce that it has endorsed Gary Howell candidate seeking election to the West Virginia Senate 14th District.

WVCDL is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support an individual’s right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use. During the 2008 legislative session, WVCDL was instrumental in defeating proposed legislation that would have substantially increased concealed handgun license fees and prohibited law-abiding citizens from carrying any weapon in the casino area of the state’s four racetracks.

In its endorsement process, WVCDL-PAC evaluated the records of incumbent legislators and asked all legislative candidates to complete a questionnaire on their views concerning several legislative issues important to gun owners.

WVCDL-PAC Chairman Jim Mullins said: We have received a tremendous response to our questionnaires. There are many quality candidates of both political parties, challengers and incumbents alike, who have demonstrated their firm commitment to protecting the rights of West Virginia gun owners. We made very difficult decisions in a couple of races where several candidates were equally good choices. I would encourage every candidate seeking the support of gun owners to respond to our questionnaire, as our endorsement process will continue through the general election.

The Power to be Offensive

The West Virginia Public Service Commission and Allegheny Power recently brokered a deal that will allow the utility to run new lines through West Virginia. The project will add up to 150 new high paying jobs to Preston County and nearby areas. The line will run from Monongalia County's Pennsylvania line to the Mount Storm station in Grant County. The deal still awaits final approval from the PSC.

Originally the PSC opposed this project, known as the Trans Allegheny Interstate Line. It will boost the ability of the region to export power, but the lines originally ran through uncleared land. The PSC objections were answered by a new, more environmentally friendly route combined with savings for West Virginia consumers. Since the new line uses existing rights of way, there will be much less of an impact on state property owners and the landscape.

The West Virginia Sierra Club wins the prize for the most obnoxious statement on the whole affair, comparing Allegheny Power's proposal to the distribution of "shiny beads" from the Dutch to the Indians that owned Manhattan Island. Apparently state officials and the people of Preston and other counties who might benefit from the jobs are simply too ignorant to understand in the same manner as the Sierra Club. It is unclear why the Sierra Club considers this a "bad bargain" since it uses rights of way already established.

Sounds to me like the PSC created a bargain that will benefit some very economically depressed areas.

A Word on Behalf of Charles Minimah

Despite the constant attacks from the liberal media and professional America bashers like Michael Moore, the United States continues to serve as a beacon around the world to those seeking freedom and opportunity. The American system rewards anyone who is willing to follow our laws and work hard. Charles Minimah, Republican nominee for secretary of state, is one such individual.

Minimah served his native country of Nigeria during its civil war in the 1970s, then sought opportunity in the United States. Our country and state was built in no small way by immigrants such as Minimah. German born Carl Schurz emigrated to Missouri and served as a Union general and United States Senator. Closer to home, my great-grandfather came to Barbour County from Italy. He quickly learned the language, sent his children to public school (then later on Alderson-Broaddus College), and established his own businesses. Almost everyone in West Virginia has family or friendship ties to individuals who have arrived in the past hundred years.

Once in West Virginia, Minimah established a business and worked earnestly to make it a success. Like so many other immigrants he gave back to the community. Minimah helped to establish black heritage museums and tours in the Kanawha Valley. This region was home to civil rights activist and Republican orator Booker T. Washington. Minimah certainly has helped to carry on Washington's legacy.

Minimah's vision lies in making voting more accessible and secure. The state must continue enforcing the reforms enacted by current secretary Betty Ireland while continuing to reinvigorate voter confidence in the system. Coming from a region that sometimes struggles with democratic ideals, Minimah insists that he has "an appreciation of our democracy that is often taken for granted." Like many who come to the United States, including so many of our ancestors, he understands how special this country is.

Charles Minimah will continue the current secretary's fight for clean democracy.

WV GOP Summer Meeting Scheduled for June 21st

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele will be the keynote speaker at the West Virginia Republican Party's summer convention June 21 in Flatwoods. Details can be found in the graphic at left.

Steele is the chairman of GOPAC and a former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, having been elected on the same ticket as Governor Robert L. Ehrlich in 2002. He is the first African American to serve in a Maryland state-wide office and the first Republican lieutenant governor in the state since the position was created.

Steele was, at the time he held the lieutenant governor position, the highest-ranking elected African American Republican in the United States.

Expenditures Public and Private

At a recent meet the candidates meeting, a question was raised about the use of a county vehicle. The questioner asked why a county employee was permitted to drive it at taxpayer's expense to and from his home in Hardy County. County Commissioner Cindy Pyles responded that it was a "smart" question. Hopefully she meant well-informed since some interpreted it negatively. Commissioner and candidate for re-election Janice LaRue promised to address the issue and get it resolved.

We are entering an age when every household is looking to find ways to cut expenses. Rising costs at the gas pump and the grocery store have hit many people hard. Of course our tax bill is not getting any easier either. The county must do as the rest of us have done and look for any way to maximize the revenue they bring in. Little bills add up to big costs and if we can slice away some of the waste, we should definitely start passing those savings on to the taxpayers. Commissioner LaRue is in a difficult position as the only Republican member of a three person county commission. She holds Republican beliefs no doubt, but must also at times compromise with the majority. County Republicans need to work after this election to groom a strong candidate to give Mineral County what it deserves, a Republican county commission dedicated to providing jobs and saving the people's money.

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While the Democrats are arguing over Hillary's new found identity as the driver of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, John McCain is trying to come up with solutions to help Americans even before he is elected. McCain proposed a gas tax holiday starting on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day. He proposes this with an eye towards the states that will suffer from the drop in tourism dollars this summer.

McCain will not handle this hot potato yet but public pressure is mounting towards responsible drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. George W. Bush proposed this years ago and warned of shortages if we failed to start drilling. The shortages have arrived. John Raese campaigned on this issue when running for the US Senate in 2006. It's amazing how we fail to listen to the warnings until the crisis is upon us.

Birds, Bats, and Bears

As a country we need to stop our foolishness. Really. We cannot afford it anymore.

I am talking about our foolish insistence of holding ourselves hostage to not the survival, but the convenience of animals. Ten years ago we could afford to be concerned that Alaskan polar bears might not want to live next to oil rigs. We could debate the problem of birds and bats possibly or not possibly hitting windmills. Power was cheap and the economy was strong. No more.

Our national security depends upon our national economy. Our national economy runs on accessible energy and transportation. Without these things, our economy would adjust, but only after a painful transition.

George W. Bush saw this coming and proposed an energy plan some years ago. This plan would research a variety of energy sources while opening up the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to drilling for oil. The Republican Congress did not approve it due to skittishness over the upcoming election. Most of those don't have to worry about campaigning this year.

Had we listened to the foresight of Bush, we would not be experiencing many of the shortage problems we have now and Alaskan wildlife would be fine. White tailed deer and black bears thrive in the eastern United States. I doubt a few oil wells and pipelines would hurt wildlife in that area. ANWAR is the size of our smallest states. There is plenty of room for animals and oil production. I would predict that if it is possible, President Bush will open at least part of it to oil drilling near the end of his term via executive order.

Some propose that we lessen our dependency upon oil by driving hybrid cars. Not a bad idea and it is also a logical market reaction. The more we depend upon hybrid vehicles, the more we will need to expand production of coal while harnessing wind and water. As I pointed out recently, West Virginia has ample clean energy potential to supplement our coal. Our country needs it all. However there are some out there who would place the welfare of bats and birds above restoring sanity to the energy market. I'm sorry. When we and our neighbors struggle to pay our bills because the energy supply is constricting, we must expand the supply. Bring on the windmills! Start drilling for and using the natural gas resources that lie under our state.

People are more important than bears, birds, and bats. It is time to put some energy into finding solutions before we reach a full blown national crisis.

Olympic Flaming Idiots

I see that both Hillary and BO have now called on President Bush to boycott the opening ceremony of the Olympics. I guess they can't spare the time from their campaigns to go there, and would have to pay the going price, or get some lobbyist to pony up for them, so they don't want the President to go either. Whether or not the President chooses to go is his business, not the business of Hillary or BO.

No other senators have called on the President to boycott. I wonder why not? Could it be that only Democratic Senators who happen to be vying for any headline of any sort while they are still locked in a primary battle see this as a battle cry with any valence whatsoever. Look for them to run out the battle cry for Armenian independence next week, and make a ceremonial visit to the Little Bighorn the following one, while stocking up on Absolut Vodka in a play for the Hispanic vote.

So far the White House has dismissed Hillary and BO beautifully, deeming it to be merely a Presidential scheduling issue. For the Repulicans, it certainly isn't much of a campaign issue. There was not much the United States could do when a substantially less formidable Communist China took over Tibet and sent the Dalai Lama scampering with little more than a simple little orange dress to his name. To give him credit, that worthy has made a good living from his status as whatever it is that he is. However, despite his best efforts, and the protestations of Hillary, BO, or many another bleeding heart, there is still nothing much we can do about China's handling of the Tibet issue. Boycotting the opening ceremony would insult the Chinese, of course, but I suppose that the television contracts have long been signed, the coverage will be there, and the people here will mostly be watching what probably will be a magnificent show. If Hillary and BO don't watch any of it, I'd be surprised. On the other hand, they will be busy trying to flip superdelegates, which may prove difficult at that particular time, because the superdelegates will probably be busy eating, drinking and merrily watching the opening ceremonies on really big-screen TV's just like most people around the world will be.

The decision by President Bush to attend or not attend the Olympic Opening Ceremonies is an important one. Fortunately, he is not running for re-election, so he gets to make the decision under circumstances quite different from Hillary's or BO's. His decision is unlikely to have any particular impact on the campaign one way or the other, so he doesn't have to decide before the Pennsylvania primary election, either, not that the Tibet issue is likely to be a big one anywhere but Haverford.

There is actually something to be said for not insulting China over an issue as non-momentous as Tibet, regardless of what the Dalai Lama might say. We do a lot of business with China. We have strategic interests to consider. Do we want to risk worsening Taiwan's situation by some theatrical gesture in favor of Tibet's situation? Do we want to annoy the Chinese, who have sometimes been helpful in trying to get a lid on North Korea and may be needed in that situation in the future?

Hillary speaks of her foreign policy expertise. Yeah, right, she played dress-up in India. BO has played dress up in Africa and he went to madrasa in Indonesia, and possibly he has eaten in a Chinese restaurant or two, but he's no expert on foreign policy by a long shot either. George W. Bush has quite an edge over BO and Hillary in foreign policy, and he has a highly educated and competent Secretary of State to advise him. Fortunately for Hillary and BO, the President is not a cruel man. If he were, he could make a mockery of Hillary and BO's stupid call for him to do as they are telling him in this instance, or for that matter in just about any instance.

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.