http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6llT2ZYg-4E
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrpearlharbor.htm
This Memorial Day it is time to not just remember the men and women who served and sacrificed. To honor them, we must also remember why they fought. The top link actually will take you to a condensed version of a Winston Churchill address in which he throws down the gauntlet at Hitler and defeatists. Britain will fight for every inch of her island and Empire. Franklin Roosevelt in the next link calls for a declaration of war on Japan after the destruction visited on Pearl Harbor.
The men and women of the armed forces who march into combat and defend our nation fight for the nation and the principles that serve as its foundation. The ememies of this nation were never Germans or Koreans, Chinese, and Vietnamese as much as they were militarists, Nazis, and Communists. We fought ideologies more so than peoples. German militarism under the Kaiser, National Socialism under Hitler, Communism under several different countries served as ideological world views. Radical left wing ideologies such as Nazism and Communism sought to infect, overthrow, and dominate all of the owrld's great nations. We rightfully fought to keep the threat at bay.
Why did we have to fight? Because of who we are. Our culture, both its positive and beautiful aspects as well as its flaws, stem from the ideal that each individual has the right to choose and the responsibility to live with their choices. Other ideologies believe that humans should have little or no choice, be forced into certain lifestyles by political leaders, or religious law in the case of fundamentalist Islam. We are, as Reagan put it, a shining light of freedom in the world. We inspire the individual. That is why they hate us. That is why they attack us from without and within. They must give us a black eye. They must destroy us if possible. Our ideals of freedom have the power of logic and reason. Live and let live. Allow each man and woman to chart his and her own destiny. They believe destiny must be charted by the Leader. as long as the American alternative exists and is respected, they will always have strong opposition to their demands for control.
That is why we have fought and continue to fight. No man or woman is ever rightfully the slave or subject of another. No government has the right to coerce its own people in the name of "the greater good" because that means that a Leader or chosen few has defined the "greater good" and imposed that definition upon all. Our military fights for the freedoms and natural rights of Americans first and occasionally others as well. Only when the entire world recognizes the natural rights of mankind and the God-given dignity of the individual will there be peace. We cannot fight for all of them, nor should we, but as long as we remain the shining light of freedom, there will always be hope and inspiration.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Massachusetts Governor Levies Sedition Accusation
The Governor of Massachusetts heard the grievances of the people. They complained about the increasing tendency of the central government to exercise power. They complained about the increase in taxes. They complained about the increasing meddling of the government in the natural flow of the economy. The Massachusetts Governor responded by calling the mere airing of grievances seditious, dismissing the rights of the people to speak freely as nearly criminal.
This governor was Thomas Hutchinson of Massachusetts in 1772 and Deval Patrick in 2010.
Governor Patrick described Republican opposition to Obama as seditious recently. Opposition to Obama's radical policies, leftists want to portray as obstructionist and political instead of the threats to America that they really are. The word seditious implies that the speech is criminal and a threat to the government. Left wingers such as Patrick would not be as irritated with Republican tactics but for the fact that most of the country opposes Obama's initiatives.
Compare this to the hate filled speech levied against George W. Bush. Bush allowed the showing of a movie filled with outright lies about America's wars to the troops in the field. Bush placed his belief in free speech above all other considerations. He saw anti-government speech as healthy, not seditious.
Obama has a credibility problem of his own making. When his friends call opposition speech seditious, they make it even worse.
This governor was Thomas Hutchinson of Massachusetts in 1772 and Deval Patrick in 2010.
Governor Patrick described Republican opposition to Obama as seditious recently. Opposition to Obama's radical policies, leftists want to portray as obstructionist and political instead of the threats to America that they really are. The word seditious implies that the speech is criminal and a threat to the government. Left wingers such as Patrick would not be as irritated with Republican tactics but for the fact that most of the country opposes Obama's initiatives.
Compare this to the hate filled speech levied against George W. Bush. Bush allowed the showing of a movie filled with outright lies about America's wars to the troops in the field. Bush placed his belief in free speech above all other considerations. He saw anti-government speech as healthy, not seditious.
Obama has a credibility problem of his own making. When his friends call opposition speech seditious, they make it even worse.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Federal Bureaucracy, Once Again Moving At the Speed of Smell
Thank God we put the federal government in charge of cleaning up oil spills. At least we haven't entrusted the feds with decisions that could actually affect life and health. Oops, too late.
Why, several years after Katrina, do we still have the same dilemma and issues. A monumental disaster occurs and the federal government is shown to be impotent and incompetent. It did not even follow its own rapid response plan because it lacked the necessary equipment called for in the plan. The rapid response plan at the Department of Homeland Security called for quickly surrounding the slick with booms and setting it on fire. The DHS owned no fire booms to implement the plan and valuable time was lost. Now it is trying to hold up Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's plan to use sand barriers to protect wildlife out of fear that the sand barriers might harm wildlife. More than the slick itself?
Here's the problem. Government does not work well. The more massive the governmental entity, the less effective and efficient it is. When will we learn that the federal government is not capable of doing anything well because that is the nature of government. It makes political decisions on every field of endeavor that it gets involved in. The federal government for over a decade thought that the Humvee could be an urban warfare vehicle despite the fact that Somalia proved that idea wrong. Katrina proved that major disasters expose the government at its worst.
State governments with energetic leadership respond much better. Governors know the "ground" and understand best where resources can be used effectively. Arch Moore in 1985 after the floods did what needed done. He angered and annoyed federal officials, but Moore understood the role of sovereign state governors. The job is not being nice to the feds, but doing whatever you can for the people. Bringing in the private sector on different types of disaster response would help. I don't mean trusting British Petroleum to clean up its own mess and remain honest about it. I mean bidding out to a company or consortium of companies the job of quick response. If they have a plan and lack the equipment after signing the contract, they, unlike the federal government, can be held accountable. Yes, the payout would be expensive and the company would be accused of profiting off of disaster, but what we are doing now is not working and will be much more expensive.
Why, several years after Katrina, do we still have the same dilemma and issues. A monumental disaster occurs and the federal government is shown to be impotent and incompetent. It did not even follow its own rapid response plan because it lacked the necessary equipment called for in the plan. The rapid response plan at the Department of Homeland Security called for quickly surrounding the slick with booms and setting it on fire. The DHS owned no fire booms to implement the plan and valuable time was lost. Now it is trying to hold up Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's plan to use sand barriers to protect wildlife out of fear that the sand barriers might harm wildlife. More than the slick itself?
Here's the problem. Government does not work well. The more massive the governmental entity, the less effective and efficient it is. When will we learn that the federal government is not capable of doing anything well because that is the nature of government. It makes political decisions on every field of endeavor that it gets involved in. The federal government for over a decade thought that the Humvee could be an urban warfare vehicle despite the fact that Somalia proved that idea wrong. Katrina proved that major disasters expose the government at its worst.
State governments with energetic leadership respond much better. Governors know the "ground" and understand best where resources can be used effectively. Arch Moore in 1985 after the floods did what needed done. He angered and annoyed federal officials, but Moore understood the role of sovereign state governors. The job is not being nice to the feds, but doing whatever you can for the people. Bringing in the private sector on different types of disaster response would help. I don't mean trusting British Petroleum to clean up its own mess and remain honest about it. I mean bidding out to a company or consortium of companies the job of quick response. If they have a plan and lack the equipment after signing the contract, they, unlike the federal government, can be held accountable. Yes, the payout would be expensive and the company would be accused of profiting off of disaster, but what we are doing now is not working and will be much more expensive.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Impeachable Offense?
Representative Joe Sestak (D) Pennsylvania, a former Navy officer, wants to be Pennsylvania's next United States Senator. He, like most, did not believe that Arlen Specter could effectively serve after his party switch and challenged him in the primary. Obama's White House, fearful of losing their new friend, offered Sestak a federal job to get him out of the primary. Sestak refused the job and won. He now faces Republican Pat Toomey in the fall.
What most media outlets will not mention with much enthusiasm is that this violates federal law. The president is not allowed to meddle in elections by offering bribes, in this case the bribe of a prestigious job. The last president that failed to serve out an elected term had to resign because he tried to cover up election interference. Richard Nixon's own party rightfully joined the chorus of media and political officials calling first for an investigation, then congressional moves towards removing the president from office.
This is not like "Bush Derangement Syndrome." A well respected member of Congress has accused the White House of actions in the election process that are blatantly criminal. It reflects the general lack of respect that Obama and his followers have for any kind of law, whether it be federal immigration law or the Constitution itself. Obama represents the worst case scenario. When Republicans regain Congress, the first order of business must be strong limits on presidential authority, including regulatory law and executive orders. Of course, like this situation, Obama could simply ignore the law out of belief that no consequences shall arise.
What most media outlets will not mention with much enthusiasm is that this violates federal law. The president is not allowed to meddle in elections by offering bribes, in this case the bribe of a prestigious job. The last president that failed to serve out an elected term had to resign because he tried to cover up election interference. Richard Nixon's own party rightfully joined the chorus of media and political officials calling first for an investigation, then congressional moves towards removing the president from office.
This is not like "Bush Derangement Syndrome." A well respected member of Congress has accused the White House of actions in the election process that are blatantly criminal. It reflects the general lack of respect that Obama and his followers have for any kind of law, whether it be federal immigration law or the Constitution itself. Obama represents the worst case scenario. When Republicans regain Congress, the first order of business must be strong limits on presidential authority, including regulatory law and executive orders. Of course, like this situation, Obama could simply ignore the law out of belief that no consequences shall arise.
Friday, May 21, 2010
National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair Fired By Obama
In the wake of several incidents and near misses, Obama fired his National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair. Blair's job lay in coordinating information and action among sixteen separate agencies that have the task to either gather and analyze intelligence, launch operations, or both.
Without understanding the particulars of the job (and few people probably actually do) the idea that Blair holds total responsibility for the Times Square near miss, the Fort Hood attack, etc. seem ludicrous. I cannot imagine trying to coodinate sixteen different people, much less sixteen agencies.
The problem is not Blair. The problem is this administration.
It does not take seriously the reality that Moslems seeking residence or government jobs must be checked over with a fine toothed comb and rigorously watched. Methodists have not sworn to blow up American sites. Italian immigrants have not tried to attack American soldiers on bases. When you have US Army majors with ties to terrorism, something is not right with military policy. Toss out the PC and admit that Islam is a more potent threat to this country than Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, Baptists, Presbyterians, etc.
It does not take seriously the international situation. When it softens its stance on terror and terror supporting nations, it does not encourage friendship, it encourages more violence. You cannot reason with terror. You must destroy terror and relentlessly pursue it until it gives up or is killed.
Obama's appeasement policy has weakened our security. Islamic fundamentalist terror is emboldened by our weakness, not deterred by offers of friendship and cooperation. They do not believe they can coexist with American notions of rights. We cannot coexist with their notions that rights must be erased. They want a revolution that will install the brutal Sharia law worldwide. America must stand firm against this and reaffirm our support for rights and democracy. Obama has not indicated in any way that he stands for the spread of democracy anywhere. He coddles Chavez and rudely snubs the British and other allies of freedom.
Blair didn't apologize for American actions defending itself, Obama did.
Obama didn't fire the right guy. If he was honest about who was at fault, he'd offer his own resignation.
Without understanding the particulars of the job (and few people probably actually do) the idea that Blair holds total responsibility for the Times Square near miss, the Fort Hood attack, etc. seem ludicrous. I cannot imagine trying to coodinate sixteen different people, much less sixteen agencies.
The problem is not Blair. The problem is this administration.
It does not take seriously the reality that Moslems seeking residence or government jobs must be checked over with a fine toothed comb and rigorously watched. Methodists have not sworn to blow up American sites. Italian immigrants have not tried to attack American soldiers on bases. When you have US Army majors with ties to terrorism, something is not right with military policy. Toss out the PC and admit that Islam is a more potent threat to this country than Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, Baptists, Presbyterians, etc.
It does not take seriously the international situation. When it softens its stance on terror and terror supporting nations, it does not encourage friendship, it encourages more violence. You cannot reason with terror. You must destroy terror and relentlessly pursue it until it gives up or is killed.
Obama's appeasement policy has weakened our security. Islamic fundamentalist terror is emboldened by our weakness, not deterred by offers of friendship and cooperation. They do not believe they can coexist with American notions of rights. We cannot coexist with their notions that rights must be erased. They want a revolution that will install the brutal Sharia law worldwide. America must stand firm against this and reaffirm our support for rights and democracy. Obama has not indicated in any way that he stands for the spread of democracy anywhere. He coddles Chavez and rudely snubs the British and other allies of freedom.
Blair didn't apologize for American actions defending itself, Obama did.
Obama didn't fire the right guy. If he was honest about who was at fault, he'd offer his own resignation.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Everybody Draw Mohammed day
A couple of months ago, a cartoonist in Seattle became so incensed at the threats made against those around the world who had dared to draw Mohammed that she declared May 20th to be "Everyone Draw Mohammed Day."
Although Arab artists painted Mohammed early in the Middle Ages, the brutal Islamic law code known as Sharia prohibits any visual representation of the Islamic founder. The television program "South Park" which has run Jesus Christ as an ongoing character was not permitted to portray Mohammed in a bear suit. A fanatical Moslem attempted to blow up a truck near the Viacom building in Times Square anyway.
Everyone Draw Mohammed Day is not meant to insult peaceable Moslems. It instead is aimed at those that try to use threats and violence to force Western nations and individuals to bow to their cultural demands. In the United States the First Amendment protects freedom of expression. Networks have the right to censor, but any attempt by a Moslem to avenge himself on a drawing of Mohammed will be dealt with severely by our legal system. They came to the West. They need to respect the laws and culture here. We do not have to tolerate barbarism.
The best way to attack this intolerance is to ridicule it, just as Charlie Chaplin and Mel Brooks ridiculed Nazism.
By the way, the picture below is Mohammed.
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Although Arab artists painted Mohammed early in the Middle Ages, the brutal Islamic law code known as Sharia prohibits any visual representation of the Islamic founder. The television program "South Park" which has run Jesus Christ as an ongoing character was not permitted to portray Mohammed in a bear suit. A fanatical Moslem attempted to blow up a truck near the Viacom building in Times Square anyway.
Everyone Draw Mohammed Day is not meant to insult peaceable Moslems. It instead is aimed at those that try to use threats and violence to force Western nations and individuals to bow to their cultural demands. In the United States the First Amendment protects freedom of expression. Networks have the right to censor, but any attempt by a Moslem to avenge himself on a drawing of Mohammed will be dealt with severely by our legal system. They came to the West. They need to respect the laws and culture here. We do not have to tolerate barbarism.
The best way to attack this intolerance is to ridicule it, just as Charlie Chaplin and Mel Brooks ridiculed Nazism.
By the way, the picture below is Mohammed.
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
xx xx
x xx xx x
x x x x
x x x
x xxxx x
xx xx
xxxxxx
Anti-Incumbent, Anti-Democrat, Or Something Else?
Alan Mollohan is gone. Democratic Senator former Republican) Alan Spectre is about to be gone as well. However voters also rejected Senator Bob Bennett, a Republican from Utah. So is this a Republican revolution unfolding or a rejection of all incumbents?
Incumbents of both parties who supported massive debt expanding, budget busting initiatives are definitely vulnerable this year. Senator Bennett supported parts of Obamacare and also voted for bailouts. Utah rejected the campaign of a senator representing a small government party. It rejected a man running for his third term after promising to only serve two.
In other words voters almost everywhere are saying the same thing. They want to pull the throttle back on spending and taxes. They want officials they can trust. Regardless of party, those supporting big government are vulnerable almost everywhere.
Voters are anti-big government, anti-tax, and anti-compromise. They are angry at a government that is spinning out of control and seems bent on prusuing policies that will curtail growth, raise bills and taxes, and generally interfere in people's lives. Some prominent liberals, like Woody Allen, have seen the writing on the wall and advocated that Obama assume dictatorial powers. Alan Mollohan tried to make proposals for modest administrative cuts look like slashing Social Security checks.
The future is in our hands in November. Vote for the party and the candidates that will deliver massive cuts in the government and its spending. Nothing short of tremendous reform in how we look at government and its role will save this situation.
Incumbents of both parties who supported massive debt expanding, budget busting initiatives are definitely vulnerable this year. Senator Bennett supported parts of Obamacare and also voted for bailouts. Utah rejected the campaign of a senator representing a small government party. It rejected a man running for his third term after promising to only serve two.
In other words voters almost everywhere are saying the same thing. They want to pull the throttle back on spending and taxes. They want officials they can trust. Regardless of party, those supporting big government are vulnerable almost everywhere.
Voters are anti-big government, anti-tax, and anti-compromise. They are angry at a government that is spinning out of control and seems bent on prusuing policies that will curtail growth, raise bills and taxes, and generally interfere in people's lives. Some prominent liberals, like Woody Allen, have seen the writing on the wall and advocated that Obama assume dictatorial powers. Alan Mollohan tried to make proposals for modest administrative cuts look like slashing Social Security checks.
The future is in our hands in November. Vote for the party and the candidates that will deliver massive cuts in the government and its spending. Nothing short of tremendous reform in how we look at government and its role will save this situation.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Another Case From the Glorious Health Care Paradise of Britain
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,593111,00.html
Doctors accused of trying to save time and money by not taking victim seriously. And Obama wants us to have the same system.
Doctors accused of trying to save time and money by not taking victim seriously. And Obama wants us to have the same system.
David McKinley Releases Statement on EPA Regulations Against Coal
From McKinley for Congress campaign e mail.
"The EPA is out of control. Nancy Pelosi and the other Democrats in Congress are doing everything they can to stifle the coal industry in West Virginia and ruin our economy. Our people are losing jobs because of this war on coal and it must stop. Someone has to stand up to the EPA and say 'enough is enough.' I plan on watching this debate very closely."
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Here's my thoughts on the EPA. Until next year when Republicans control Congress, the states themselves need to hold the line and erect legal defenses. That means throwing down the gauntlet and challenging the constitutionality of regulatory law. Article 1 Section 1 of the Constitution is clear. Only Congress can make law. States cannot nullify federal statutes, but they can attack regulations passed by the EPA and others.
"The EPA is out of control. Nancy Pelosi and the other Democrats in Congress are doing everything they can to stifle the coal industry in West Virginia and ruin our economy. Our people are losing jobs because of this war on coal and it must stop. Someone has to stand up to the EPA and say 'enough is enough.' I plan on watching this debate very closely."
************************************************************
Here's my thoughts on the EPA. Until next year when Republicans control Congress, the states themselves need to hold the line and erect legal defenses. That means throwing down the gauntlet and challenging the constitutionality of regulatory law. Article 1 Section 1 of the Constitution is clear. Only Congress can make law. States cannot nullify federal statutes, but they can attack regulations passed by the EPA and others.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer Asks You to Just Read the Law
Attorney General Eric Holder recently admitted that the Arizona immigration law that he publicly blasted was never read by him. He had simply been listening to and reading liberal media complaints. Here is the law so that you, Eric Holder, or anyone else can actually read it.
http://www.securetheborder.org/uploads/SB1070AmendedByHB2162.pdf
http://www.securetheborder.org/uploads/SB1070AmendedByHB2162.pdf
Monday, May 17, 2010
Another Conservative Movie Recommendation
I don't watch movies in the theatre all that often because frankly I cannot afford it. However I like to pass on a recommendation when I catch up to a good one.
Today I watched the movie "Rocky Balboa." It was a far cry from the formula driven Rocky II, III, IV, and V and resembled more the first hit in the series. It resembled the 1976 materpiece because Sylvester Stallone once again had a story to tell and something to say. Stallone will never get his due as long as he lives for creating two enduring characters in American fiction, John Rambo and Rocky Balboa. He will not get credit for his artistic genius because his creations took place after the 1960s. They came into existence after Hollywood started shying away from the John Waynesque or James Stewartesque American male hero.
Rocky Balboa works on many levels, as a story and a metaphor. Rocky is aging. His wife died of cancer, but he remains devoted to her memory through the entire film. Stallone breaks the Hollywood mandate that unrelated male and female leads must eventually have sex or at least look like they want to. The female lead remains a friend and Rocky remains wedded to the memory of his wife. It was refreshing that a male and a female could be friends in a movie. Anyway, Rocky gets a chance to fight an exhibition against the world champion, Mason Dixon. Dixon is undefeated but has never been tested. Rocky is given (of course) no chance and is treated as kind of a joke.
This is where it works as a metaphor, whether or not Stallone meant it. Stallone could represent the American heroic male as we rarely see in a movie. He is strong, tough, tries to hide the emotions that are destroying him, and faces everything with quiet courage. Stallone's Rocky in this movie is reminiscent of John Wayne's character J. B. Books in "The Shootist." This character also looked like a personalized metaphor for twentieth century fame. Rocky is an extremely kind and generous man who made his name through violence. He is a hero that we never see in movies anymore. Hollywood loves to mock and joke about the old hero images of earlier movies, just as Rocky absorbs insults and jokes in the movie.
What makes this a conservative movie? In one scene the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania denies Rocky a license to box. He replies with a monologue that attacks the government's right to deprive a man of his rights even for his own good. His son questions, at first, his decision to fight again and whines about living in his shadow. Rocky does not validate the whine or the selfish emotions behind it. He instead questions his son's courage and challenges him to be his own man, saying that nothing will hit as hard as life itself and that a man must get back up after taking the hardest hits. His son responds by quitting a job where his boss walked all over him and helps his father train.
It's a story about a good man being a hero by facing challenges laid before him by life. It attacks Hollywood's persistent undermining of male heroism by presenting a lifelike example of the figure it loves to mock more than anything, the good, even saintly, man of honor and action. Stallone pulls this movie off perfectly, making it about the characters more than the action. The exected training montage looks superfluous, but you can't leave it out.
This movie is also about Mason Dixon. He has no respect as a boxing champion because he never faced a real challenge. Stallone is saying with this character that there is no respect and no credibility unless you earn it first. You only earn it by facing a real challenge.
Rocky Balboa is a film about courage, facing challenges, and what it truly means to be a man.
It's a movie and it's a message that you never see anymore except on Turner Classic Movies. I highly recommend it.
Today I watched the movie "Rocky Balboa." It was a far cry from the formula driven Rocky II, III, IV, and V and resembled more the first hit in the series. It resembled the 1976 materpiece because Sylvester Stallone once again had a story to tell and something to say. Stallone will never get his due as long as he lives for creating two enduring characters in American fiction, John Rambo and Rocky Balboa. He will not get credit for his artistic genius because his creations took place after the 1960s. They came into existence after Hollywood started shying away from the John Waynesque or James Stewartesque American male hero.
Rocky Balboa works on many levels, as a story and a metaphor. Rocky is aging. His wife died of cancer, but he remains devoted to her memory through the entire film. Stallone breaks the Hollywood mandate that unrelated male and female leads must eventually have sex or at least look like they want to. The female lead remains a friend and Rocky remains wedded to the memory of his wife. It was refreshing that a male and a female could be friends in a movie. Anyway, Rocky gets a chance to fight an exhibition against the world champion, Mason Dixon. Dixon is undefeated but has never been tested. Rocky is given (of course) no chance and is treated as kind of a joke.
This is where it works as a metaphor, whether or not Stallone meant it. Stallone could represent the American heroic male as we rarely see in a movie. He is strong, tough, tries to hide the emotions that are destroying him, and faces everything with quiet courage. Stallone's Rocky in this movie is reminiscent of John Wayne's character J. B. Books in "The Shootist." This character also looked like a personalized metaphor for twentieth century fame. Rocky is an extremely kind and generous man who made his name through violence. He is a hero that we never see in movies anymore. Hollywood loves to mock and joke about the old hero images of earlier movies, just as Rocky absorbs insults and jokes in the movie.
What makes this a conservative movie? In one scene the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania denies Rocky a license to box. He replies with a monologue that attacks the government's right to deprive a man of his rights even for his own good. His son questions, at first, his decision to fight again and whines about living in his shadow. Rocky does not validate the whine or the selfish emotions behind it. He instead questions his son's courage and challenges him to be his own man, saying that nothing will hit as hard as life itself and that a man must get back up after taking the hardest hits. His son responds by quitting a job where his boss walked all over him and helps his father train.
It's a story about a good man being a hero by facing challenges laid before him by life. It attacks Hollywood's persistent undermining of male heroism by presenting a lifelike example of the figure it loves to mock more than anything, the good, even saintly, man of honor and action. Stallone pulls this movie off perfectly, making it about the characters more than the action. The exected training montage looks superfluous, but you can't leave it out.
This movie is also about Mason Dixon. He has no respect as a boxing champion because he never faced a real challenge. Stallone is saying with this character that there is no respect and no credibility unless you earn it first. You only earn it by facing a real challenge.
Rocky Balboa is a film about courage, facing challenges, and what it truly means to be a man.
It's a movie and it's a message that you never see anymore except on Turner Classic Movies. I highly recommend it.
Friday, May 14, 2010
When Losing Reveals Class and Character
The First District race for Republican nomination was tough on all of us that care about the GOP. Friends ended up backing different candidates in many cases. The ugliness of the campaign produced a lot of hurt feelings. An e mail from Mac Warner to his supporters today puts a lot in perspective. It showed Warner to be a true class act. He asked Republicans here and elsewhere to unite behind David McKinley and included a set of e mails from his son in Afghanistan about a woman who sacrificed a great deal for her country.
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FROM: Mac Warner
TO: All my Supporters, Campaign Staff, Contributors, Classmates, Volunteers, Friends and Family
From the notes below, you can see there were a lot of things going on this week far more important than an election in WV's 1st Congressional District. Please keep the young MP, her unit, and all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and other dedicated public servants who risk their lives daily for us in your prayers. (Note Steven's observation, "The Good Lord definitely had a hand in keeping everything under control.")
Each of you has been an inspiration to me, and I'm so glad my children, Steven, Krista, Lisa, and Scott - along with my wife, Debbie -- prompted me to make this run. I have met so many wonderful people, many of whom will be friends for life. I'd like to thank each of you for your contribution, whether it was a financial donation, volunteer time, phone calls, introductions, door to door, advice, or stuffing envelopes. Everyone added value to the campaign, and I'm grateful.
As for this election, it's too important to not be involved. The health and vitality of our Republic depend on the quality of our elected leaders. Whether it is local, state, or national, they need our help. Please, stay engaged, get behind fellow Republicans -- and all candidates -- who will restore conservative, family values and common sense to government.
God bless you, your family, and may God bless America!
Sincerely,
Mac Warner
From: Steven WarnerSent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010To: Dad
Yo Dad,
Heard about the results today. Pretty bummed about it, but I'm really proud of you, the team you established, and the campaign you all put together. I can't thank you enough for running on my - and my soldiers' - behalf. The state, the country, and our military are definitely missing out on the best possible man for any public office. I'm still praying that the people of West Virginia see that someday.
Yesterday was pretty awful. I was on a patrol with one of the Troops responding to a suspected IED. Before we got there we were hit by another one. We were in the heart of the bazaar, nobody around. It was straight out of a movie - the whole thing was eerie as all hell. The IED hit the second soldier in the formation, a female E4 MP from my battalion in Bamberg (I was back around a corner, probably 60 m away). The shrapnel tore through her left leg, above, below, and at her knee, ripping meat and bone with it; she'll be lucky if she keeps the leg. From there, it only gets worse. We're in a completely urban environment where there had been small arms and RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) fire all day long, and the only HLZ (Helicopter Landing Zone) we can find is a small graveyard next to a mosque. It has power lines running over top of it, so we have to go rig up our own demo to take down the poles. Clouds start moving in, it starts raining, the sun's long gone behind the mountain, and we are literally smack-dab in the middle of the most dangerous place in our AO (Area of Operations) - one of those absolute, worst case scenarios that you do everything in your planning process to avoid.
We get the MEDEVAC birds on the way, set up security, pop smoke, they confirm the LZ, come in for an approach - and they hesitate. They go to make another pass. Pop another smoke. The second smoke catches the small field on fire, and as the bird comes back the prop wash just spreads the fire like crazy. So now our HLZ, the only one in the area, is completely consumed by flames, we're getting pelted with dust and embers as the flames lap at our backs, trying to get this girl with half her leg missing into cover. Absolutely terrifying.
The brush fire keeps pushing out - and, thankfully, dying b/c everything's getting burned - as the birds move out for another look. At that point, they refuse to land and say they're going to drop a hoist. Which takes another eternity to rig up. I go making rounds to check security and watch for any incoming fire at the aircraft. Mentally I start preparing for movement to and securing of a downed Blackhawk. This thing will be coming back close enough for me to take it down with a slingshot.
The bird comes back in and hovers to hook up the hoist right above us. The thing's spewing rocks and embers and dust and water from the small stream - an absolute mess. I must have had my back turned for about 3-4 minutes, though it felt like 30, before I turned to look and see what was taking so long. I glance up at the Blackhawk hovering only 50 feet above us, and see her on the litter spinning out of control on her ascent up. I thought to myself that a perfectly healthy me would probably pass out from the violence of that spin, much less a girl who had, in our minds, just lost her leg and waited nearly an hour to get EVACed. How that helicopter did not get shot down, though, is a miracle in my mind. How she survived that spin was a miracle. That all of that happened and the doctors think they might be able to save her leg is a miracle. Despite the IED, we definitely had Someone divine pulling over watch for us.
After the MEDEVAC, we still have to get to the suspected IED. It's pitch dark at this point, 8% illum (with these conditions our night vision is practically useless), and all air support has been called off because of the weather. We're able to find it, blow it in place (turns out to be nothing), then start our egress back to the COP. That's a nightmare in itself. We have about 25 guys in all, trying to climb over walls and cross creeks to stay off the main roads, all while getting reports that ambushes were getting established all over the place. I must have busted my ass at least 8 times, fell off a couple 7-10' drops, and even thought I sprained my knee at one point (I hit the ground HARD... I was down for a couple minutes before I was able to recover).
We were only about 1800 m from the COP (Combat Out Post). Given the conditions, it took us about 3 hours. Another miracle that we made it back in one piece, no one else seriously injured (save a couple bum knees and ankles).
It was a helluva night, one that I hope I never have to experience again. As bad as it was, it could have been - and should have been - a lot worse. I honestly thought we were going to have our own real-life "Blackhawk Down" scenario. The Good Lord definitely had a hand in keeping everything under control.
So that was my last 24 hours. Paired with the last three weeks and the results of the election, I'm pretty worn out. Again, I'm sorry to hear about the election - I think I wanted it just as much, if not more, than you did. But, like you said, there's a reason behind it. I love you and can't wait to see you.
- Steven
From: Steven Warner Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010To: Dad
Dad,
We just found out that they had to amputate the girl's leg, just about a hand's length down from the hip. Definitely a blow to us all. It'll be a tough road for her - she was one of the more active Soldiers in the battalion, always in the gym, always working out. She's a tough kid though. If she can keep her head straight in the next couple weeks, I think she'll be an inspiration for a lot of people.
- Steven
From: Steven WarnerDate: Thu, 13 May 2010 To: Dad
Dad,
I talked to her company commander today and he said she's taking it pretty hard. No surprise there. I'm going get to Walter Reed when I get home to check on her.
Love,
Steven
TO: All my Supporters, Campaign Staff, Contributors, Classmates, Volunteers, Friends and Family
From the notes below, you can see there were a lot of things going on this week far more important than an election in WV's 1st Congressional District. Please keep the young MP, her unit, and all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and other dedicated public servants who risk their lives daily for us in your prayers. (Note Steven's observation, "The Good Lord definitely had a hand in keeping everything under control.")
Each of you has been an inspiration to me, and I'm so glad my children, Steven, Krista, Lisa, and Scott - along with my wife, Debbie -- prompted me to make this run. I have met so many wonderful people, many of whom will be friends for life. I'd like to thank each of you for your contribution, whether it was a financial donation, volunteer time, phone calls, introductions, door to door, advice, or stuffing envelopes. Everyone added value to the campaign, and I'm grateful.
As for this election, it's too important to not be involved. The health and vitality of our Republic depend on the quality of our elected leaders. Whether it is local, state, or national, they need our help. Please, stay engaged, get behind fellow Republicans -- and all candidates -- who will restore conservative, family values and common sense to government.
God bless you, your family, and may God bless America!
Sincerely,
Mac Warner
From: Steven WarnerSent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010To: Dad
Yo Dad,
Heard about the results today. Pretty bummed about it, but I'm really proud of you, the team you established, and the campaign you all put together. I can't thank you enough for running on my - and my soldiers' - behalf. The state, the country, and our military are definitely missing out on the best possible man for any public office. I'm still praying that the people of West Virginia see that someday.
Yesterday was pretty awful. I was on a patrol with one of the Troops responding to a suspected IED. Before we got there we were hit by another one. We were in the heart of the bazaar, nobody around. It was straight out of a movie - the whole thing was eerie as all hell. The IED hit the second soldier in the formation, a female E4 MP from my battalion in Bamberg (I was back around a corner, probably 60 m away). The shrapnel tore through her left leg, above, below, and at her knee, ripping meat and bone with it; she'll be lucky if she keeps the leg. From there, it only gets worse. We're in a completely urban environment where there had been small arms and RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) fire all day long, and the only HLZ (Helicopter Landing Zone) we can find is a small graveyard next to a mosque. It has power lines running over top of it, so we have to go rig up our own demo to take down the poles. Clouds start moving in, it starts raining, the sun's long gone behind the mountain, and we are literally smack-dab in the middle of the most dangerous place in our AO (Area of Operations) - one of those absolute, worst case scenarios that you do everything in your planning process to avoid.
We get the MEDEVAC birds on the way, set up security, pop smoke, they confirm the LZ, come in for an approach - and they hesitate. They go to make another pass. Pop another smoke. The second smoke catches the small field on fire, and as the bird comes back the prop wash just spreads the fire like crazy. So now our HLZ, the only one in the area, is completely consumed by flames, we're getting pelted with dust and embers as the flames lap at our backs, trying to get this girl with half her leg missing into cover. Absolutely terrifying.
The brush fire keeps pushing out - and, thankfully, dying b/c everything's getting burned - as the birds move out for another look. At that point, they refuse to land and say they're going to drop a hoist. Which takes another eternity to rig up. I go making rounds to check security and watch for any incoming fire at the aircraft. Mentally I start preparing for movement to and securing of a downed Blackhawk. This thing will be coming back close enough for me to take it down with a slingshot.
The bird comes back in and hovers to hook up the hoist right above us. The thing's spewing rocks and embers and dust and water from the small stream - an absolute mess. I must have had my back turned for about 3-4 minutes, though it felt like 30, before I turned to look and see what was taking so long. I glance up at the Blackhawk hovering only 50 feet above us, and see her on the litter spinning out of control on her ascent up. I thought to myself that a perfectly healthy me would probably pass out from the violence of that spin, much less a girl who had, in our minds, just lost her leg and waited nearly an hour to get EVACed. How that helicopter did not get shot down, though, is a miracle in my mind. How she survived that spin was a miracle. That all of that happened and the doctors think they might be able to save her leg is a miracle. Despite the IED, we definitely had Someone divine pulling over watch for us.
After the MEDEVAC, we still have to get to the suspected IED. It's pitch dark at this point, 8% illum (with these conditions our night vision is practically useless), and all air support has been called off because of the weather. We're able to find it, blow it in place (turns out to be nothing), then start our egress back to the COP. That's a nightmare in itself. We have about 25 guys in all, trying to climb over walls and cross creeks to stay off the main roads, all while getting reports that ambushes were getting established all over the place. I must have busted my ass at least 8 times, fell off a couple 7-10' drops, and even thought I sprained my knee at one point (I hit the ground HARD... I was down for a couple minutes before I was able to recover).
We were only about 1800 m from the COP (Combat Out Post). Given the conditions, it took us about 3 hours. Another miracle that we made it back in one piece, no one else seriously injured (save a couple bum knees and ankles).
It was a helluva night, one that I hope I never have to experience again. As bad as it was, it could have been - and should have been - a lot worse. I honestly thought we were going to have our own real-life "Blackhawk Down" scenario. The Good Lord definitely had a hand in keeping everything under control.
So that was my last 24 hours. Paired with the last three weeks and the results of the election, I'm pretty worn out. Again, I'm sorry to hear about the election - I think I wanted it just as much, if not more, than you did. But, like you said, there's a reason behind it. I love you and can't wait to see you.
- Steven
From: Steven Warner Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010To: Dad
Dad,
We just found out that they had to amputate the girl's leg, just about a hand's length down from the hip. Definitely a blow to us all. It'll be a tough road for her - she was one of the more active Soldiers in the battalion, always in the gym, always working out. She's a tough kid though. If she can keep her head straight in the next couple weeks, I think she'll be an inspiration for a lot of people.
- Steven
From: Steven WarnerDate: Thu, 13 May 2010 To: Dad
Dad,
I talked to her company commander today and he said she's taking it pretty hard. No surprise there. I'm going get to Walter Reed when I get home to check on her.
Love,
Steven
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Safe School Czar Kevin Jennings Has Ties to Group That Advocates Legal Child Molestation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3YVMZ0pQpA
The above is a clip from the Hannity Show about (Un) Safe Schools Czar Kevin Jennings and his connections to NAMBLA, a group that promotes homosexual child molestation.
The same question comes up over and over again in the conservative and libertarian community. Does Obama have ANY normal friends and associates, meaning does he know anyone who just goes to a normal job, has a family, has traditional values? If he does, he has not appointed any of them.
We need to question a president who thinks that it is a good idea to appoint a guy into an influential education position who believes that child molestation is okay.
We need to get rid of Obama and all of his creepos.
The above is a clip from the Hannity Show about (Un) Safe Schools Czar Kevin Jennings and his connections to NAMBLA, a group that promotes homosexual child molestation.
The same question comes up over and over again in the conservative and libertarian community. Does Obama have ANY normal friends and associates, meaning does he know anyone who just goes to a normal job, has a family, has traditional values? If he does, he has not appointed any of them.
We need to question a president who thinks that it is a good idea to appoint a guy into an influential education position who believes that child molestation is okay.
We need to get rid of Obama and all of his creepos.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Results Are In!
It has been an exciting night in West Virginia politics as twenty-eight year veteran congressman Alan Mollohan condeded before 10:00 tonight to State Senator Mike Oliverio. Oliverio ran on a conservative slate of issues that blasted Mollohan for his support of Obama/Pelosicare. Locally, Mollohan won Mineral County. If he pledges and continues to pledge that he will not support Nancy Pelosi to retain her speakership, Oliverio will be a tough candidate despite the Republican trend this year.
David McKinley bested former Senator Sarah Minear and Mac Warner who charged in hard in the last few weeks. He must quickly put to rest the acrimonious primary to build Republican and independent support for his candidacy.
House of Delegates races also provided excitement. Charles Messick handily won the Democratic nomination in the 49th, defeating Jim Maybury. His victory earns him the right to battle former Mineral County Planning Commissioner Gary Howell, the unopposed Republican nominee. In the 48th Delegate district, incumbent Republican Allen Evans outlasted a challenge from Phyllis Cole. He has no general election opponent. In the 50th, Ruth Rowan had no primary opposition, but will run in November against Alan Davis.
Incumbent Republican Dave Sypolt will face Steven Shaeffer in the State Senate race for the 14th District. Shaeffer won handily over two opponents.
In Mineral County, Krista Johnson Dixon defeated Robert Schadler for Circuit Clerk. She has no general election opponent. Neither does County Clerk Lauren Ellifritz who won an unopposed primary race.
One of the closest races of the night locally featured Ridgeley mayor Doctor Richard Lechliter narrowly defeating former county commissioner Jack Bowers. Lechliter is the Republican nominee to run against incumbent Commissioner Wayne Spiggle who defeated William Nichols in a somewhat closer than expected race.
For all statewide results, go to http://apps.sos.wv.gov/elections/results/results.aspx?county=Statewide&electionid=0
I apologize for not having more detailed results from local races in other counties, but I only have the Mineral County results right in front of me.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Today, Decision. Tomorrow, Unity
Today is a day of decision all over West Virginia. Hundreds of offices are up for election this year. They range from local positions to offices of national significance.
Although participation is expected to drop from last year's presidential election, this year could see a lot more voters than a normal off year primary election.
Most years see the primary as a pretty unexciting affair. Usually only one Republican steps up to run in most legislative and congressional elections. Democratic incumbents face few strong challengers from within their own party. The entrenched nature of the Democratic machine in West Virginia has produced a one party state for many years. Primary 2010 may be a sign of things to come.
West Virginia has always been a one party state. Democrats or Republicans usually control state politics for decades at a time. We have seen very few years in which a viable opposition party has existed. The switches from the dominance of one party to the other usually come quickly as a response to national party shifts. West Virginians generally agree on issues and will vote with a party and for individuals that represent them best, as far as they are concerned, anyway. Republicans are definitely pushing into position to challenge Democrats at least as a viable opposition, if not political supremacy a few years from now. Vigorous primaries on the Republican side, the retirement of the state GOP's debt and emergence of a new vision, and the weakening hold of the state Democratic Party thanks to Obama and Pelosi have all contributed to these developments.
To continue moving forward, we must win elections. The First Congressional District is a key example. We are not used to acrimonious primaries for this position because few people in the past have desired to challenge Alan Mollohan. He is not a dead incumbent walking, but he is also not indestructable. To beat Mollohan we need all Republicans behind whichever candidate wins nomination Tuesday. With the large field, it is wide open. However since all the candidates basically agree on the same issues, the attacks focused not on ideology, but personality. In short, it got ugly and fast.
On Wednesday the candidates need to have a conference call and pledge support for the Republican nominee. They need to appear together, shake hands before the cameras, smile, and congratulate the winner. Sure there will be hurt feelings and resentment for how these campaigns operated. You can't just shake off the accusations and anger privately, but all must unite behind the cause. We need a Republican to represent the First Congressional District. We can only win if everyone enthusiastically gets behind the nominee, whomever that may be.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Shelley Moore Capito's Plan For Financial Reform
May 10 2010
Capito Op-Ed in Roll Call: Plan Would Restore Accountability to Markets
May 10, 2010 By Rep. Shelley Moore Capito
Special to Roll Call
For the past few years, the American taxpayer has been forced to rescue Wall Street institutions from self-inflicted financial ruin. While Main Street continues to bear the pain associated with poor financial choices, the bailout precedent provides little incentive for financial institutions to change their ways and avoid making irresponsible decisions.
Many Democrats have accused Republicans of acting as a roadblock to financial regulatory reform. This could not be further from the truth.
We have a plan for reform that better addresses the root causes of the financial collapse and protects Americans from paying for Wall Street’s mistakes.
This plan, introduced last year by the House Financial Services Committee Republicans, provides for enhanced bankruptcy — an approach that would set up a new chapter to handle the failure of highly complex entities. This type of bankruptcy will ensure the orderly unwinding of firms in a downward spiral without shifting the burden to hardworking Americans.
Under this new chapter of bankruptcy, regulators will coordinate with and assist the courts to ensure that the plan approved by the judge is sufficient for the complexity of the institution. The judges will also be able to prevent panic and instability in the case of a faltering large firm by staying the claims of creditors, which would prevent runs on the troubled institutions.
In a strong free-market system, all participants should know the rules of the game. When the government provides bailouts for some institutions and not others, market instability ensues. Our new chapter of bankruptcy would be consistent for all large and complex actors within the financial system and will strip the unsavory power of picking winners and losers from the federal government.
Recognizing that there are bad actors in any market system, true financial regulatory reform should include protections for consumers. The House Republican plan would increase investment fraud enforcement and monitoring of systemic market risk through increased coordination between regulators. Rather than creating new bureaucracy, we should maximize the effectiveness and coordination of our existing regulators.
In an effort to deter fraud, we are seeking to increase monetary penalties for those who deceive investors. The increased fines collected from civil and criminal actions against those who would defraud the market would help offset the damage to the system and would prevent future acts by handing out more than a slap on the wrist. Innocent victims of this type of fraud need every remedy available to them to recover their money, which is why our proposal includes provisions that would increase restitution remedies for these victims.
Enough is enough.
Will Congressional leadership have the courage to stand up for Main Street and enact financial regulatory reform that truly restores accountability to our markets and protects the American taxpayer from future bailouts?
As debate continues in the Senate, it is my hope that Republican ideas on financial reform will be included and the final product will be truly bipartisan. Financial reform is too important to be subjected to the partisan ideas of only one party. The integrity of our financial system is crucial to the success and safety of our country. For better or worse, what happens on Wall Street has far-reaching implications for the hardworking folks across our nation. We must take a bipartisan approach to this problem.
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is the ranking member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.
Shelley Moore Capito Obtains Funds For Mathias-Baker Volunteer Fire Department
Apr 28 2010
Capito Announces $138,130 Grant for Mathias-Baker Volunteer Fire Company
Department of Homeland Security Funding Awarded Through Assistance to Firefighters Program
WASHINGTON—Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., today announced that the Mathias-Baker Volunteer Fire Company has been awarded $138,130 by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Operations and Safety Grant will be funded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“Our volunteer firefighters selflessly commit to protecting their neighbors on a daily basis, and we have a duty to provide the support and resources they need to do their jobs safely,” said Capito. "Grants like this one are critical to our first responders’ ability to better serve their community—I am confident the dollars will be put to good use."
Grants awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program seek to help enhance the preparedness capabilities of local fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. Funding often supports equipment upgrades and training for first responders.
Operations and Safety Grants, like the one awarded to the Mathias-Baker Volunteer Fire Company, specifically support training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.
# # #
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Letter to the Principal Who Sent Children Home From School For Wearing the American Flag
This is an e mail sent to a principal in California. On the 5th of May, a Mexican holiday, several students were sent home for wearing the American flag. This is the response of an American who counts immigrants on both sides of his family tree, Italians who fought in World War II and Germans who fought in the revolution.
Dear Sir,
You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.
People like yourself do know and understand that this country was built by immigrants, but that is only part of it. It was built by immigrants who came here legally, believed in what America stood for, and did what was necessary to become full fledged Americans.
My grandmother arrived here on a boat. She came over with her family from southern Italy by way of Cherbourg. They settled in the mountains of West Virginia and worshipped in their faith late at night in a sanctuary loaned to them by the local Baptist Church. Their father started out working as a laborer for the State Road Commission and eventually built several businesses in Barbour County, West Virginia.
They changed their names. Nicolo became Nick. Franceso became Frank. Philomena became Minnie. They were strictly taught to speak only English because, as my grandmother put it "Dad said that it was rude to speak Italian around natives because they might think you were talking about them." The father sent all of his children to the nearby college.
When World War II and Korea came, they volunteered to go fight for their country and flag. These men and women were and are proud Americans. Yes they retained their pride at being Italian, but not one would place the old country flag over top of that of the United States.
It is a shameful day when American students cannot wear the flag that our forefathers fought and died for because of fear that it might cause offense. And if it does cause offense, so be it! If you are here from another country and the flag of the United States of America offends you, well you know where the border is, buddy. Don't let the door hit you in the rear end on the way out. No one should ever be sanctioned for proudly and appropriately displaying OUR flag.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. Smoot
Keyser, West Virginia
Dear Sir,
You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.
People like yourself do know and understand that this country was built by immigrants, but that is only part of it. It was built by immigrants who came here legally, believed in what America stood for, and did what was necessary to become full fledged Americans.
My grandmother arrived here on a boat. She came over with her family from southern Italy by way of Cherbourg. They settled in the mountains of West Virginia and worshipped in their faith late at night in a sanctuary loaned to them by the local Baptist Church. Their father started out working as a laborer for the State Road Commission and eventually built several businesses in Barbour County, West Virginia.
They changed their names. Nicolo became Nick. Franceso became Frank. Philomena became Minnie. They were strictly taught to speak only English because, as my grandmother put it "Dad said that it was rude to speak Italian around natives because they might think you were talking about them." The father sent all of his children to the nearby college.
When World War II and Korea came, they volunteered to go fight for their country and flag. These men and women were and are proud Americans. Yes they retained their pride at being Italian, but not one would place the old country flag over top of that of the United States.
It is a shameful day when American students cannot wear the flag that our forefathers fought and died for because of fear that it might cause offense. And if it does cause offense, so be it! If you are here from another country and the flag of the United States of America offends you, well you know where the border is, buddy. Don't let the door hit you in the rear end on the way out. No one should ever be sanctioned for proudly and appropriately displaying OUR flag.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. Smoot
Keyser, West Virginia
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Hutaree Militia and Aaron Burr
The government case against the Hutaree militia, according to Andrew Brietbart's "Big Journalism" blog, is quickly unraveling.
The news told us several weeks ago that the government had foiled in the nick of time a diabolical plot to assassinate law enforcement officers. This plot was cooked up in the Michigan backcountry by a "Christian right wing militia."
On TV, the United States attorneys and FBI agents almost always try to get their ducks in a row before proceeding. They want an airtight case and exude professionalism. In this case, Special Agent Leslie Larsen was unable to answer questions about the case and had failed to bring her notes with her. United States District Court Judge Victoria Roberts denied a motion that the group be held without bail.
The judge, defense, and anyone paying attention must be shocked at the inability of an agent in charge to answer even simple questions about a case that was supposedly thoroughly investigated. The judge expressed her shock and indignation before setting bail.
Hutaree members face charges of conspiracy, among other things, for discussing the murder of police officers. Defense attorneys pointed out that laughing and joking indicated an element of fantasy, to which Agent Larsen agreed. But she countered with the statement that killing police officers is not a joking matter.
She is right. Few people would find that funny that anyone would advocate the killing of law enforcement even in jest. So why weren't rap groups in the 1990s arrested and charged with the same crimes? They openly proclaimed that their listeners should go kill police officers at a time when urban violence was rising. Threatening police officers is no laughing matter and nothing that a sane individual ought to joke about. Nor should they sing (if rapping is considered singing) about killing police. That being said, the First Amendment protected the right of rap groups in the 1990s. Unless the government has more substance to their case, the Hutaree will be freed as well.
In the early 1800s, Aaron Burr had a run of self-induced bad luck. He stabbed Jefferson in the back and tried to steal the presidency from him in an Electoral College mishap. Burr then fatally killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. His last gasp at some kind of influence and power lay to the West. Burr planned to go to what was then Mexico, seize land there, then establish his own empire. Many in the U.S. thought Burr wanted the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and New Orleans. We now know he didn't, but speculation back then ran wild.
President Jefferson still nurtured hatred for Burr. He declared Burr a traitor and had him arrested on those grounds. Burr was taken to Richmond to be tried in federal district court for treason. The government's only proof of a treasonous mindset was the Jefferson declaration. Otherwise, Burr was merely collecting guns and money, abiding by the laws of the United States such as they were.
Chief Justice John Marshall presided over the district court. He gave the court's opinion to the jury before it retired. It found Burr not guilty. Burr was found not guilty because the mere statement by the executive branch that a person or persons is/are guilty of treason is not enough to form evidence. Biographer Jean Edward Smith wrote "He had no affection for Burr, especially after the death of Hamilton, yet he was determined that the text of the Constitution be adhered to."
Under Obama the government has been issuing increasingly hostile statements about the gathering storm of anger against it. It warned the country that gun owners, veterans, and others might grow dangerous. Now we see the arrest of nine people based upon, what looks like right now, stupid jokes.
In the Hutaree case, we either see a real example of a conspiracy that was fumbled by an incompetent FBI agent or an incident of government action due to the fact that these people happen to dislike those in charge of their government. Either way, the Justice Department has a lot of explaining to do on this case.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Simply Put, We Are On the Verge of Becoming a Banana Republic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtvHAqK8P14&feature=player_embedded#!
Watch the video above, a clip from C Span. Rep Ron Paul (R) 14th Texas is questioning Chairman Bernanke of the Federal Reserve. The Fed Chairman admitted that the federal government has printed money to cover expenditures, a practice called "monetizing the debt." Lyndon Johnson's administration did this as well and it helped to create the dire stagflation crisis of the 1970s. Obama's irresponsible administration is doing the same. Monetizing the debt inflates the currency tremendously, eroding the value of people's savings. In a sense it operates as a tax because the government spends money at the expense of wealth held by the people.
Scary times, folks. Scary times.
Zoning Kills Competition and Communities
http://mises.org/daily/4264
This article demonstrates the killing power that zoning laws create. They attack small, locally owned businesses by eliminating the convenience and connections that they have in the communities.
A group of Mineral Countians has supported bringing zoning laws into the area for years. They express the fear that someday Mineral County will wake up one day and look like a county in Virginia that is ten minutes' drive from Washington D. C.
This article describes the true cost of zoning laws. Put that against the fanciful idea that within ten, twenty, or fifty years that this county will be completely urbanized.
This article demonstrates the killing power that zoning laws create. They attack small, locally owned businesses by eliminating the convenience and connections that they have in the communities.
A group of Mineral Countians has supported bringing zoning laws into the area for years. They express the fear that someday Mineral County will wake up one day and look like a county in Virginia that is ten minutes' drive from Washington D. C.
This article describes the true cost of zoning laws. Put that against the fanciful idea that within ten, twenty, or fifty years that this county will be completely urbanized.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Obama Politically Damaging Congressional Democrats
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=512CFE45-18FE-70B2-A88050FA3A86819E
In the above Politico story, congressional campaign staffs, notably that of Nancy Pelosi, have reacted with alarm at the recent statements of Obama. He blames problems on "Washington" or "Congress" rather than Republicans specifically. In carefully guarded language, congressional Democrats claim the Obama is trying to position himself for re-election rather than align himself with the most unpopular Congress in history.
Of course Congress has gotten so unpopular by trying to enact Obama's radical agenda.
This family spat will grow more interesting as we get closer to November. Democrats will lose many seats and likely at least one house of Congress this fall because of Obama and Pelosi. Now Obama is abandoning them. Not that the country can stand another session of this Congress, but now even Democrats will understand that this might be the most narcissistic president in memory.
In the above Politico story, congressional campaign staffs, notably that of Nancy Pelosi, have reacted with alarm at the recent statements of Obama. He blames problems on "Washington" or "Congress" rather than Republicans specifically. In carefully guarded language, congressional Democrats claim the Obama is trying to position himself for re-election rather than align himself with the most unpopular Congress in history.
Of course Congress has gotten so unpopular by trying to enact Obama's radical agenda.
This family spat will grow more interesting as we get closer to November. Democrats will lose many seats and likely at least one house of Congress this fall because of Obama and Pelosi. Now Obama is abandoning them. Not that the country can stand another session of this Congress, but now even Democrats will understand that this might be the most narcissistic president in memory.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Senate Minority Leader Don Carruth Passes Away at 59
West Virginians today are mourning the passing of Senate Minority Leader Don Carruth (R) Mercer.
He succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 59.
Carruth had the respect and admiration of legislators in both parties. He will be missed as a great representative from his district.
He succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 59.
Carruth had the respect and admiration of legislators in both parties. He will be missed as a great representative from his district.
First Congressional District Race Growing Expensive
If the stacks of mail on the table by my door are any indication, the race for Republican nominee in the First Congressional District has grown extremely expensive. Almost every other day I get a piece from McKinley. Minear mail comes somewhat less often. I believe I have received maybe two pieces from Mac Warner. A recent McKinley e mail requests more contributions from his supporters due to the fact that, as the e mail claims, Sarah Minear has put $500,000 of her own money into the campaign. Give Sarah Minear credit, she is willing to put her own money on the line and can claim to be less beholden to special interests. Be prepared for an onslaught to literature from her.
The campaign has also gotten ugly. All three front runners have created attack pieces, but the war between Minear and McKinley has gotten most vicious. Every once in awhile you see McKinley attack Warner in his e mails, but they have set their bulls eye on Minear. All parties accuse each other of outright lies.
McKinley's negative mailers may be hurting him. Polls may show a different story, but anecdotally, moderate and independent Republican voters tell me that they don't tend to read the fine print. All they see between the mailbox and the trash can is the bold print. (Incidentally, they also say they are more likely to read a mailer when they know, or at least have met the candidate.) Constant daily attacks against Minear create a negative impression. One voter told me that her only impression of McKinley is that he was an ass, based upon simply reading the bold print of the mailer she got. For people in the 14th who supported Minear over the years, they will likely end up with a negative impression of McKinley because they have met Minear and many voted for her faithfully.
This is not meant to attack McKinley, but to point out that constant negative campaigning at this stage can backfire. I would humbly suggest that McKinley should send more positive mailers about himself into the 14th senatorial district. People get that he and Minear have a difference of interpretation on their records by now. They want to know more about the candidates from this avalanche of literature they are receiving.
Finally, the candidates should realize that West Virginia Republicans are not used to a primary competition in many areas. Seeing Republicans viciously attack each other, almost every day in this case, does not create a positive impression. The 11th Commandment means more to Republicans unused to this public spectacle. Warner may benefit from this kind of fatigue because he has not been able to match the sheer amount of stuff sent out. What I have seen of his mailers has been, unfortunately, negative. However Warner can't reach your house five times a week like the other two. That may make him seem less negative by default.
At the end of the day as a voter you often have to ignore most of the negative stuff and look at the candidates, their ideas, and their backgrounds. What have they done? What credentials do they have? What potential do they have? Who are they? The candidate with the best record, the best ideas and principles, and the strongest background and abilities should get the vote. I am holding off on voting until the end this year just to see how the congressional race shakes out. I know pretty much how I am going to vote otherwise. With the enormous pressures of this campaign, you will likely see at least one of the candidates eliminate themselves through some rash statement or action. Stay tuned.
The campaign has also gotten ugly. All three front runners have created attack pieces, but the war between Minear and McKinley has gotten most vicious. Every once in awhile you see McKinley attack Warner in his e mails, but they have set their bulls eye on Minear. All parties accuse each other of outright lies.
McKinley's negative mailers may be hurting him. Polls may show a different story, but anecdotally, moderate and independent Republican voters tell me that they don't tend to read the fine print. All they see between the mailbox and the trash can is the bold print. (Incidentally, they also say they are more likely to read a mailer when they know, or at least have met the candidate.) Constant daily attacks against Minear create a negative impression. One voter told me that her only impression of McKinley is that he was an ass, based upon simply reading the bold print of the mailer she got. For people in the 14th who supported Minear over the years, they will likely end up with a negative impression of McKinley because they have met Minear and many voted for her faithfully.
This is not meant to attack McKinley, but to point out that constant negative campaigning at this stage can backfire. I would humbly suggest that McKinley should send more positive mailers about himself into the 14th senatorial district. People get that he and Minear have a difference of interpretation on their records by now. They want to know more about the candidates from this avalanche of literature they are receiving.
Finally, the candidates should realize that West Virginia Republicans are not used to a primary competition in many areas. Seeing Republicans viciously attack each other, almost every day in this case, does not create a positive impression. The 11th Commandment means more to Republicans unused to this public spectacle. Warner may benefit from this kind of fatigue because he has not been able to match the sheer amount of stuff sent out. What I have seen of his mailers has been, unfortunately, negative. However Warner can't reach your house five times a week like the other two. That may make him seem less negative by default.
At the end of the day as a voter you often have to ignore most of the negative stuff and look at the candidates, their ideas, and their backgrounds. What have they done? What credentials do they have? What potential do they have? Who are they? The candidate with the best record, the best ideas and principles, and the strongest background and abilities should get the vote. I am holding off on voting until the end this year just to see how the congressional race shakes out. I know pretty much how I am going to vote otherwise. With the enormous pressures of this campaign, you will likely see at least one of the candidates eliminate themselves through some rash statement or action. Stay tuned.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Liberal Rhetoric Aside, the Mexican War Was NOT Started By the United States
Came up with this earlier and it bears repeating. The illegal alien law in Arizona affects those of Mexican descent much like it would someone carrying a bag of pot in their pocket. If you just go around, act normally, and live your life then you likely will not get caught, either as an illegal or a carrier of a pot baggie. If you drive stupid, get into fights, and otherwise act like a fool, chances are that a cop will see you and wonder what is up. This is when the window opens to check on your legal status.
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Thing 1,098 that liberals refer to and have no idea what they are talking about: the Mexican War.
Liberals love to point at it as some kind of unwarranted war of aggression and conquest waged by a rapacious United States (led at the time by President James K. Polk, Democrat.) That is far from the truth. Since it is being brought up, let's get the truth about this war told.
Conflict started the day Texas won its independence. Texas rebelled against the dictator Antonio Lopez y Santa Anna. This rebellion included both Mexicans and American immigrants who wanted the government to leave them alone. Santa Anna invaded the province, lost the war, and signed off on Texas independence.
This independence was recognized by the Great Powers, Britain first and foremost. Recognition means that you are a sovereign state. Because of the slave issue and fears over war with Mexico, the United States put off annexation for nine years despite repeated requests from the Republic of Texas to join the Union.
Polk in 1844 ran on admitting Texas and won. Congress soonafter approved Texas' entry into the Union. Mexico warned that this meant war. Despite the fact that Texas was a soveriegn nation, recognized as such by other nations, and it had every right to unite with the U.S., Polk sent diplomats to offer Mexico money to prevent war. Mexico refused, cut off diplomatic relations, and mobilized their military.
Polk sent the Army to the border to protect Texas. Mexican troops crossed the border and attacked U.S. soldiers, killing several. Congress responded by giving Mexico what they had been begging for, a war.
The fact that the United States easily whipped Mexico and took as compensation a huge chunk of Mexican territory does not erase the fact that Mexico begged for a war and started it when the U. S. would not oblige. We went to great lengths to avoid the war, Mexico overcame every obstacle we tried to throw in their path.
OK liberals, that is your lesson for today
Breaking the Law Now Illegal in Arizona, Obama Mulls Challenge
Arizona's Governor Jan Brewer signed a bill into law this week that makes it illegal to break the law in her state. Furthermore, she has worked with law enforcement to draw up a plan to enforce laws that were once broken with impunity. As expected, Obama has sided against the enforcement of the law and mulls a challenge. His Justice Department may work strenuously to prevent Arizona from enforcing the law, thereby enabling lawbreakers to continue violating the laws of the state and nation.
Sound ridiculuous? Of course it does. As most people know, the law violators are illegal aliens. Most do not realize that Arizona has attracted much of the violent criminal element acrosss the border. Phoenix has become the kidnapping capital of the United States and law enforcement is losing control of gangs that operate with impunity. On top of that, wrongheaded federal courts have ruled that states must provide illegals with social services. Arizona has figured out a way around lax enforcement at the federal level. Make illegal residence a state crime and enforce the law itself.
Arizona will save millions, maybe billions, in social service and law enforcement costs. California is sinking like the Titanic from the same issues, yet politicians there blast the Arizona law. Obama threatens to challenge it in court, calling the law profiling. Of course illegal aliens in Arizona are going to be 99% Mexican, there is no way around that fact. However, Governor Brewer should likely ignore any ruling or opinion against her state. After all, to go back means to continue to saddle Arizona with escalating costs and violence. The federal government will do nothing. States, especially on the border, must take action.
Sound ridiculuous? Of course it does. As most people know, the law violators are illegal aliens. Most do not realize that Arizona has attracted much of the violent criminal element acrosss the border. Phoenix has become the kidnapping capital of the United States and law enforcement is losing control of gangs that operate with impunity. On top of that, wrongheaded federal courts have ruled that states must provide illegals with social services. Arizona has figured out a way around lax enforcement at the federal level. Make illegal residence a state crime and enforce the law itself.
Arizona will save millions, maybe billions, in social service and law enforcement costs. California is sinking like the Titanic from the same issues, yet politicians there blast the Arizona law. Obama threatens to challenge it in court, calling the law profiling. Of course illegal aliens in Arizona are going to be 99% Mexican, there is no way around that fact. However, Governor Brewer should likely ignore any ruling or opinion against her state. After all, to go back means to continue to saddle Arizona with escalating costs and violence. The federal government will do nothing. States, especially on the border, must take action.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Bill Aiming to Force Puerto Rico to Vote Every Eight Years On Statehood
Under a bill entitled the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico would be forced to vote every eight years on whether or not they wish to become a state.
Puerto Rico predates the United States. For centuries it fell under Spanish jurisdiction until the Spanish -American War. Its strategic position recommended to the government that it be snapped up along with the Philippines, Guam, and other territories. Repeatedly the government has tried to entice it into statehood, but that move has been consistently rejected. A vocal minority demands independence, but the people of the island do not want that either. The status quo preserves their distinctive identity in the international community and Olympic sports as well as their connection to the United States.
Will repeated elections convince the Puerto Ricans to commit to statehood? Probably not, although Democrats certainly hope that it will. They expect that the poor island will vote for their party. Until now. Puerto Ricans, as Spanish speaking peole in the Caribbean, have a sensitive nerve when it comes to Yankee Imperialism. Anything that looks like imperialism, even a naval base, creates a stir.
This forces vote, after repeated rejections, would be an imperialist move on the part of the Democratic Party against the choice made repeatedly by Puerto Rico. It would likely strengthen the independence movement, though not enough for that island to vote for sovereignty. Republicans can stop this and accuse the Democrats in Congress of imperialism all at the same time. Should be fun!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
It's Inevitable, Democrats Will Lose Power in West Virginia Within a Few Years
It's inevitable. It has a momentum all its own. And no one is pushing it faster than those that stand to lose the most.West Virginia will soon be a Democratic minority state. I would say this process will be complete by at the latest 2014.
Yes Democrats have the majority of registered voters now, but they face a steady stream of defections from their ranks. New voters who see little future in what Obama promises, who understand that leftists want to steal the rewards of ambition and work, they are leaving. Miners and their families, even in die hard Democratic counties, are leaving. People who have clung fiercely to the Democratic Party for generations have found that Obama, Pelosi, Mollohan, etc do not follow policies that will put food on workers' tables in West Virginia. Demographics do not favor Democrats. The older generation is passing on, taking away the last of the FDR voters and some of those inspired by Kennedy. Younger people tend to choose Republican or Independent registrations.But will West Virginia be a Republican majority state? It all depends. In state history, party switches happen quickly. Chaning conditions and party stances often provoke powerful and fast chang
es. West Virginia has never been a two party state.
Republican leadership in West Virginia is moving forward to take advantage of the shift taking place in the state. It must continue to remind voters that Republicans here support development and oppose additional federal burdens. They must stay committed to lowering taxes and reducing spending at all levels of government to gain support.
Democrats are declining quickly in West Virginia, but it is not yet inevitable that Republicans will gain a clear majority. Disgusted Democrats and Tea Party style libertarians for different reasons are choosing to remain independent. To gain and keep the support of both, the GOP must continue to support basic anti-tax and pro-development issues. Elected officials must also act on the principles that got them elected.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Obama to White Males: "Drop Dead"
First of all, apologies for not posting at the end of last week. I had to travel last weekend.
Obama, according to Politico.com, released a video message through the DNC trying fairly uncharismatically to connect with the same voters who he thinks enabled his victory originally, blacks, hispanics, women, and (supposedly) women. The Democrats hope that a national resurgence of Obamamania will save them this fall.
Remember when Obama was supposed to be a uniter, break racial, partisan, and gender divides? Perhaps the drop off in support over the past couple of years reflects that fact that Obama was not what he promised to be. He is taxing the middle class, demonizing his enemies, keeping his legislation secret instead of open, and showing a distinct pettiness and condescension towards even his supporters. Instead of distancing himself from the ultimate politician, Bill Clinton, as he tried to do in 2008, he now embraces Clinton.
Obama did this partly to himself. He built up unreasonable expectations and promised certain things to the electorate. Those promises were forgotten quickly. The carefully crafted image of a liberal messiah sent by heaven to erase Bushism crumbled. If an election were held today between Bush and Obama, Bush would eke out a win. This puts Obama back at the same level of popularity as John Kerry.
Will those voters come out to support Obama and vote in the off elections? Likely no. Young people now understand that he is not an idealist. Furthermore, Republicans have convicned them that Obama policies have mortgaged their future. All Obama can do is say "no it won't" even as his own budget offices prove that he deceived us. Middle class and wealthy blacks are increasingly agitated about taxes. Traditionally Democratic Jewish voters are angry over the mistreatment of Israel and its leaders. In short, Obama's radical agenda, condescending nature, and horrible foreign policy have alienated much of his base. Democrats will pay in November.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Potomac Highlands Conservative Endorsements For Primary Elections
The most difficult choice of the various elections came in choosing our endorsement for Republican nominee in the First Congressional District.
We sent out a three page list of questions to gauge the candidates' conservative principles. Some questions had a very conservative aspect whereas a few could have been answered either way by a good and principled conservative candidate. Every candidate for the Republican nomination scored very high on conservative principles, although some scored slightly higher than others.
Next we had to look at electability. Three candidates have emerged from the pack. David McKinley and Sarah Minear are well funded. Mac Warner may have less money, but he seems to have as committed of a set of volunteers as the other two. All three would provide a powerful opponent for the eventual Democratic nominee. Even some of the less well-funded candidates, such as Tom Stark, may have a good shot with the current mood and national money behind them.
Experience matters. Again, all three of these individuals have tremendous experience. Sarah Minear represented her senatorial district very well for many years. Many of those most closely involved in GOP politics in her district are powerfully loyal to her and respect her political service. David McKinley served as Republican Party chair and also worked hard as a state legislator. Mac Warner spent many years in the United States Army traveling the world, then returned to West Virginia to establish businesses in the Morgantown area.
Of the three candidates, two have committed themselves to visiting this area in person. Sarah Minear and Mac Warner both have visited the Potomac Highlands multiple times. We saw both speak in person at a Meet the Candidates forum in Fort Ashby. Both candidates conveyed a sense of strength, ability and leadership. Mac Warner and Sarah Minear have also both demonstrated a strong concern for the portion of the Potomac Highlands that lies within the First District.
So we whittled it down to two and must choose between them. Republicans in the First District have put forth a powerful field, one of the strongest for an office that I remember. All of the GOP contenders are good conservatives. Four of them are running strong campaigns, three of them seem to have very good organizations, especially in the Potomac Highlands. Of those candidates who have come in person to this region repeatedly, Minear and Warner present the stronger image and have tremendous experience, albeit in different fields.
So it comes down to Minear and Warner. I want to stress that either one of these two, and also McKinley, would be great candidates. I would have no problem doing what I could for any of them. However the slight edge goes to Mac Warner due to his strong military background. With the nation still at war (whether the media remembers it or not) having congressional representatives in place that understand the military from the inside helps tremendously for many reasons.
I have met Sarah Minear and, if elected, believe she would make a great congressional representative. I have heard positive things about McKinley. If you could endorse more than one, I'd not hesitate to do so. Minear, McKinley, and Warner all bring experience and skill to campaigning and Congress. However, you can only endorse a single candidate and that will go to Mac Warner.
Now for the Democratic nominee in the First Congressional District. We will endorse no one at this time. Mike Oliverio is a good conservative Democrat, but must pledge publicly to not vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker should he win election. She has harmed West Virginia and its people considerably and needs to go.
Second Congressional District: This one's easy. We support Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito for re-election. No one has fought harder for West Virginia since the Obama Administratiuon started its relentless attacks on mining and manufacturing.
14th Senatorial: Also easy. Senator Dave Sypolt has represented his district admirably since winning election. He returns to Mineral County on a regular basis and is responsive to voter concerns. Sypolt has leadership qualities that could serve him well in higher office, should he ever decide to seek it. He is a strong Republican legislator and we enthusiastically endorse him
On the Democratic side we endorse the personable Glynis Board.
We sent out a three page list of questions to gauge the candidates' conservative principles. Some questions had a very conservative aspect whereas a few could have been answered either way by a good and principled conservative candidate. Every candidate for the Republican nomination scored very high on conservative principles, although some scored slightly higher than others.
Next we had to look at electability. Three candidates have emerged from the pack. David McKinley and Sarah Minear are well funded. Mac Warner may have less money, but he seems to have as committed of a set of volunteers as the other two. All three would provide a powerful opponent for the eventual Democratic nominee. Even some of the less well-funded candidates, such as Tom Stark, may have a good shot with the current mood and national money behind them.
Experience matters. Again, all three of these individuals have tremendous experience. Sarah Minear represented her senatorial district very well for many years. Many of those most closely involved in GOP politics in her district are powerfully loyal to her and respect her political service. David McKinley served as Republican Party chair and also worked hard as a state legislator. Mac Warner spent many years in the United States Army traveling the world, then returned to West Virginia to establish businesses in the Morgantown area.
Of the three candidates, two have committed themselves to visiting this area in person. Sarah Minear and Mac Warner both have visited the Potomac Highlands multiple times. We saw both speak in person at a Meet the Candidates forum in Fort Ashby. Both candidates conveyed a sense of strength, ability and leadership. Mac Warner and Sarah Minear have also both demonstrated a strong concern for the portion of the Potomac Highlands that lies within the First District.
So we whittled it down to two and must choose between them. Republicans in the First District have put forth a powerful field, one of the strongest for an office that I remember. All of the GOP contenders are good conservatives. Four of them are running strong campaigns, three of them seem to have very good organizations, especially in the Potomac Highlands. Of those candidates who have come in person to this region repeatedly, Minear and Warner present the stronger image and have tremendous experience, albeit in different fields.
So it comes down to Minear and Warner. I want to stress that either one of these two, and also McKinley, would be great candidates. I would have no problem doing what I could for any of them. However the slight edge goes to Mac Warner due to his strong military background. With the nation still at war (whether the media remembers it or not) having congressional representatives in place that understand the military from the inside helps tremendously for many reasons.
I have met Sarah Minear and, if elected, believe she would make a great congressional representative. I have heard positive things about McKinley. If you could endorse more than one, I'd not hesitate to do so. Minear, McKinley, and Warner all bring experience and skill to campaigning and Congress. However, you can only endorse a single candidate and that will go to Mac Warner.
Now for the Democratic nominee in the First Congressional District. We will endorse no one at this time. Mike Oliverio is a good conservative Democrat, but must pledge publicly to not vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker should he win election. She has harmed West Virginia and its people considerably and needs to go.
Second Congressional District: This one's easy. We support Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito for re-election. No one has fought harder for West Virginia since the Obama Administratiuon started its relentless attacks on mining and manufacturing.
14th Senatorial: Also easy. Senator Dave Sypolt has represented his district admirably since winning election. He returns to Mineral County on a regular basis and is responsive to voter concerns. Sypolt has leadership qualities that could serve him well in higher office, should he ever decide to seek it. He is a strong Republican legislator and we enthusiastically endorse him
On the Democratic side we endorse the personable Glynis Board.
Finally we get to the races for House of Delegates.
In the 48th Delegate District we only received one response and that was from incumbent Allen Evans. Evans has a good legislative record and has worked hard to benefit the entire region. A local mayor outside the 48th noted that Evans was very helpful in securing help for his town. When looking at the Republican legislative "team," Evans helps considerably with his knowledge and experience in agriculture. Our enthusiastic endorsement goes to Allen Evans.
In the 49th Delegate District we endorse Gary Howell. Howell has been involved in regional transportation development issues for several years. He has worked on the U. S. 50 committee and has researched alternative and cost reducing ways to finance Corridor H. Howell spends a great deal of time researching public policy. Since Republican legislators do not have their own researcher in Charleston, Howell can add that talent to the team in Charleston.
We received no responses from the Democratic candidates in the 49th.
In the 50th Delegate District we are happy to endorse Ruth Rowan. Rowan's years of teaching experience make her a leader among Republicans in crafting education policies. Her husband also brings his decades of teaching experience to Charleston to help support Delegate Rowan. They make an outstanding team and represent their district well.
On the Democratic side of this race we will endorse Joseph Moreland over Alan "Mitch" Davis. Moreland responded to the survey and has a fairly conservative lean.
In the 51st Delegate District, incumbent Daryl Cowles receives the endorsement on the Republican side. He has amassed a strongly conservative voting record that represents his district well.
There of course are endorsements for the primary election cycle. We will run endorsements again for the general election at the start of early voting.
Early voting has started across the state. Now go out and vote!!!!!!!
Stephen P. Goodwin, Former Board of Governor's Chief, Dies
I am truly saddened to learn of the death of Stephen P. Goodwin, former head of the Board of Governors.
Mr. Goodwin, a partner in Goodwin and Goodwin, was one of the most prominent Democrats in the state. However, I knew him more as the father of my friends, a sponsor of youth sports, and an all around great guy. His optimism and spirit are reflected in the success of his children, Aly, Carte, and Ryan, whom I am proud to call good friends.
Please say a prayer for this good man and his family.
Mr. Goodwin, a partner in Goodwin and Goodwin, was one of the most prominent Democrats in the state. However, I knew him more as the father of my friends, a sponsor of youth sports, and an all around great guy. His optimism and spirit are reflected in the success of his children, Aly, Carte, and Ryan, whom I am proud to call good friends.
Please say a prayer for this good man and his family.
I Love Money
I'm admitting it. I am saying it. I refuse to add a caveat or a qualifier. I refuse to refer to St. Augustine or any country song written by a comfortable artist and sung by a rich person.I like money. Actually I love having money when I have a little of it. I wish I had it. I know it would make my life and the lives of those closest to me a lot better.
One of the best events in life is getting your first paycheck. For most of us, it was probably something like a hundred bucks or so. It represented a sacrifice of time and energy spent earning money. As you work hard and move ahead in life you see that pay day get better andbetter, hopefully. You see it grow even larger as you achieve in your job or graduate from college. Making money off of investments makes a person feel good too. You risked money in a viable enterprise, helping it and yourself if the investment succeeded.
Money is great. It feels great to have a nice thick stack of bills in your wallet. You can take your kids on trips that broaden their mind, you can fix up your house or, hey, buy a new one. Money and property liberate the mind, body, and soul. Obviously that liberation can go in positive or negative directions. But it's your money, you can do what you want, enjoy the benefits, or reap the consequences. I want to have as much of it as I can possibly earn. I refuse to allow myself to be socially badgered into thinking that is a bad thing. If I had a lot of money, I'd put more money into the collection plate at church, into the Salvation Army buckets, and leave giant tips. Best of all I would invest it into the private sector, helping to create jobs and economic expansion. I'd also spend a good bit too.
Investing and spending generate more wealth. It's the capitalist system and it has done a very good job of creating massive amounts of wealth in the United States. It's that wealth that Obama and the Left want to seize so they can run their unnecessary programs. Wealth liberates and taxes control. They want your money and your liberty.
The fact is that such statements sound shocking. We have been conditioned to think of money as a necessary evil, a corrupting influence, and a signpost on the road to perdition. We've been trained to always add some moral caveat every time we say we want money or like it. I'm tired of that. Money is a good thing. For every lottery winner or sports star that ends up worse off, there are many whose lives improve because of it. Country music usually hits the nail on the head, but I cringe every time I hear a millionaire singing that he or she just wants to live in a little house in the sticks and drive a car that breaks down all the time.
Left wingers love to bash money and bash businessmen that earn it, even when they are rich themselves. They want to raise taxes that siphon away that money because they think they can spend it better than you can. Part of their strategy is to demonize money itself and make people feel shame for having it even when they work hard for it. Don't give in to that kind of mindset because it is the road to serfdom, if not downright slavery.
And it is not greed to want to keep your money. If the money was earned by someone, somewhere properly, it is not greed to want to keep it. Greed is when you believe that you are entitled to resources that you did not earn or own. It is not the rich man who holds onto his cash that is greedy, it is the government that comes to take it so it can fund pointless programs. The government is greedy, not the owner of wealth or property.
Be proud of the money you earned and fight for your right to keep it. Because money, after all, is potentially a very good thing.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Obama Insults Poland
Ronald Reagan in 1981 said of Poland and its people:"The Polish nation, speaking through Solidarity, has provided one of the brightest, bravest moments of modern history. The people of Poland are giving us an imperishable example of courage and devotion to the values of freedom in the face of relentless opposition. Left to themselves, the Polish people would enjoy a new birth of freedom. But there are those who oppose the idea of freedom, who are intolerant of national independence, and hostile to the European values of democracy and the rule of law.
"Two Decembers ago, freedom was lost in Afghanistan; this Christmas, it’s at stake in Poland. But the torch of liberty is hot. It warms those who hold it high. It burns those who try to extinguish it."
Poland has becoem one of our strongest friends and supporters since the fall of Communism in part to to words and deeds of Ronald Reagan, a true president.
This week Barack Obama, currently occupying a house where heroes once lived, could not tear himself away from a a game of golf to ride over to the Polish Embassy to pay respects for their fallen president. Obama's non attendance at the actual funeral in Poland was understandable given that an engine destroying cloud of volcanic ash hovered over Europe. What prevented him from stepping into a car and riding to pay his respects to Poland's representatives in the United States?
Again, this is what you get from a minor league man in a major league role. In other news, Libyan dictator Moammar Qadaffi praised Obama's leadership . . .
Monday, April 19, 2010
Beautiful Day
My apologies to regular readers. I was at a conference in Virginia Beach from Thursday until Saturday. Friday afternoon featured a beautiful 88 degree day without a cloud in the sky. My hotel sat right on the water so I enjoyed an afternoon with the surf and sand.
At some point during that afternoon I turned away from the Dean Koontz novel I was reading to survey my surroundings. I walked down to the ocean and waded in to my knees (water was too cold to go any further!) To one side I saw two somewhat plump children about ten years old defiantly running into the surf. Our nanny staters would bemoan the fact that the children had grown slightly overweight. I saw it as beauty. How wonderful to live in a nation where so much is so abundantly available. How rare that is in history!
I turned to look at the line of hotels extending about a quarter mile to the south and miles to the north. All moderately sized, they came in different forms, but not much variety of color. From behind them, you could see the multicolored (mostly pastel and white) shops across Atlantic Avenue. Our environmentalist friends would bemoan the presence of endless citadels of humanity and pine for the days when Virginia Beach was a pristine and savage place, scrub trees on the sand, swamps a few hundreds of yards inland. They see humanity as intruders upon the world and seek to limit man's reach as much as possible, no matter what that might mean to real, everyday people. The proliferation of hotels in Virginia and elsewhere creates a competitive environment where establishments must offer good service at reasonable prices. Reasonable prices mean that people on average or even poor incomes can scrape together money to take their children or just themselves to a decent vacation. Environmentalists not only want to limit the number of hotels and cottages, they also want to drive up the price of gas and shrink the size of vehicles. How can an inland family squeeze into a compact and pay outlandish prices for gas to go to the beach. Travel educates and broadens the mind, even if it just goes to the beach. Environmentalist policies would drive travel beyond the affordability of many people who can scrape together money to do it now. In an environmentalist world, travel is only for an elite few, namely themselves. They want it this way because they see common men, women, and children as invaders upon their secular creation, destroyers of a static sense of nature that they invented and has no basis in true reality.
Progress is cheap vacations, cheap power, cheap food, and drained swamps. Regress is rising prices, rising scarceness, and fewer opportunities for travel. The self-styled "progressives" believe in rolling back the progress of the industrial world, limiting its benefits to a few, and creating artificial scarcity. Virginia Beach is currently a symbol of the triumph of American civilization. Even lower middle class and poor have leisure time and money to enjoy a few days at the beach. A few more years in the hands of the so-called "progressives" and those opportunities will disappear.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tax Day Protests All Over, Especially In Washington DC
Tax Day Tea Party in Washington, D.C.
Fron FreedomWorks in Washington DC
Join us this April 15th by the Washington Monument
FreedomWorks has agreed to host the 2010 Tax Day Tea Party for Washington, DC. On Tax Day, April 15th, hundreds of thousands of Americans will protest big government around the country. They will protest in big cities and small towns, from Los Angeles, California to Burlington, North Carolina.FreedomWorks will be hosting the DC Tax Day Tea Party, at The Washington Monument, in view of the White House.As we put together the details of the event, check back here for updates if you are planning to attend. Just so you know, we are planning to have an evening event with speakers, music and lots of rowdy protesters.
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Try to find a protest somewhere if you have free time. Almost 15,000 appeared yesterday in Boston to listen to Sarah Palin and other speakers.
The image above came from that event, courtesy of Stacey Higgins, Tea Party activist extraordinaire.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Capito Speaks on Energy, Once Again Defends West Virginia and Its Workers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: AshLee Strong(202) 225-2182 or (202) 450-9695 ashlee.strong@mail.house.govApril 14, 2010 Capito on the Coal Industry’s Role in the ‘New Energy Age’Opening Statement at Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming WASHINGTON—Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., made the following opening statement at today’s Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming’s hearing titled, “The Role of Coal in the New Energy Age”:
“Mr. Chairman, thank you for hosting today’s important hearing. “Even though today’s hearing focuses on the role of the coal industry in the new age, I think it is important for us to recognize the sacrifice miners make to provide the energy and power so many of us take for granted. “Last week’s mine disaster at Montcoal, WV that killed 29 miners was the worst in the U.S. coal industry in 40 years. “Just four years ago, 12 people were killed at the Sago Mine disaster in my district. With the investigation underway and as further details are available on the cause of the accident, we must continue our commitment to keep our miners safe. “The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster only furthers people’s poor image of mining and has led many to discuss the future of coal. “Coal is a prime energy source throughout the world. Fast-growing countries such as China and India rely on the low-cost fuel to meet their electricity demand. “Here in the United States, coal is our nation’s most abundant domestic energy resource with recoverable reserves sufficient to last 250 years. Coal currently fuels more than 50% of all electricity generation in the United States.
“In my home state of West Virginia, 98% of our electricity comes from coal. “It provides 125,000 direct high-paying jobs for U.S. coal miners and supports hundreds of thousands of additional jobs throughout the supply chain. “When considering the future of coal in the global warming debate, the first thing that we need to remember is that climate change and energy policies are inextricably connected with economic, environmental and social issues. “Last year, the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act. I did not support the legislation because I believe it stood to push energy prices upward and threaten an economy that is already in trouble. “A tax increase on carbon dioxide emissions will come directly out of customers’ pockets in the form of higher electric rates. “Manufacturing output would also fall considerably. Manufacturing firms who have traditionally relied on low and stable electric rates in our states will be subject to massive cost increases, likely forcing them out-of-business or to relocate their operations overseas.
“Instead, we need to do much more accelerate the development of advanced clean coal technologies, including and most importantly, carbon capture and storage technologies (CCS). Carbon capture is important to West Virginians and ensuring our national energy independence. Without it, we deprive ourselves of the most effective tool for addressing CO2 emissions from coal. “We need to provide sufficient funding and incentives to accelerate the development, demonstration and broad commercial deployment of CCS technologies. “The American Electric Power Mountaineer Plant located in New Haven, WV represents an important milestone in our efforts to bring CCS online. The facility began operations last fall and captures and stores approximately 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The Mountaineer Plant is the first demonstration of CCS from an existing coal-fueled power plant.
“The implementation of CCS technology will not only benefit a state like mine with jobs and revenue, it will also benefit our nation by making clean coal a reality. “In addition to climate change, coal has been the subject of continued federal scrutiny for its impact on water quality. “Recent action by the Obama Administration and the EPA to further scrutinize mining permits only confirms their anti-coal agenda. “The Minority Staff of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works initiated an investigation into EPA’s handling of Clean Water Act Section 404 permits for coal mining in Appalachia and found that in 2009, EPA froze 235 coal mining 404 Permits, claiming that additional time was needed to assess the environmental impacts of mining operations.
“Since the initiation of the investigation, EPA issued 45 of the 235 permits. To date, there are 190 permits that EPA continues to hold for operations including surface, underground and refuse operations. “Furthermore, decisions being made by federal environmental regulators are not focused enough on the importance of coal to the economy. In my conversations with Lisa Jackson, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, she said that she explicitly omits economic considerations from her decision-making process. “I find this particularly troubling. The EPA’s delays in handling these permits will jeopardize jobs in Appalachia and weaken energy security for the nation.
“Even more disturbing, on March 26, the EPA announced their intent to veto the existing Spruce Mine permit. The Spruce permit is the most scrutinized and fully considered permit in West Virginia’s history. The 13-year permitting process included the preparation of a full environmental impact statement. “In the course of the permit’s review, EPA had ample opportunity to review and comment on the mine’s decision. The EPA also had the chance to use its veto authority at the time the permit was issued instead of waiting until production had started. "The decision by the EPA to veto the Spruce permit brings into question the reliability of the entire permitting process and shows their complete disregard for the impacts it will have on West Virginia’s economy. “I look forward to hearing the testimonies from the panel.”
“Mr. Chairman, thank you for hosting today’s important hearing. “Even though today’s hearing focuses on the role of the coal industry in the new age, I think it is important for us to recognize the sacrifice miners make to provide the energy and power so many of us take for granted. “Last week’s mine disaster at Montcoal, WV that killed 29 miners was the worst in the U.S. coal industry in 40 years. “Just four years ago, 12 people were killed at the Sago Mine disaster in my district. With the investigation underway and as further details are available on the cause of the accident, we must continue our commitment to keep our miners safe. “The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster only furthers people’s poor image of mining and has led many to discuss the future of coal. “Coal is a prime energy source throughout the world. Fast-growing countries such as China and India rely on the low-cost fuel to meet their electricity demand. “Here in the United States, coal is our nation’s most abundant domestic energy resource with recoverable reserves sufficient to last 250 years. Coal currently fuels more than 50% of all electricity generation in the United States.
“In my home state of West Virginia, 98% of our electricity comes from coal. “It provides 125,000 direct high-paying jobs for U.S. coal miners and supports hundreds of thousands of additional jobs throughout the supply chain. “When considering the future of coal in the global warming debate, the first thing that we need to remember is that climate change and energy policies are inextricably connected with economic, environmental and social issues. “Last year, the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act. I did not support the legislation because I believe it stood to push energy prices upward and threaten an economy that is already in trouble. “A tax increase on carbon dioxide emissions will come directly out of customers’ pockets in the form of higher electric rates. “Manufacturing output would also fall considerably. Manufacturing firms who have traditionally relied on low and stable electric rates in our states will be subject to massive cost increases, likely forcing them out-of-business or to relocate their operations overseas.
“Instead, we need to do much more accelerate the development of advanced clean coal technologies, including and most importantly, carbon capture and storage technologies (CCS). Carbon capture is important to West Virginians and ensuring our national energy independence. Without it, we deprive ourselves of the most effective tool for addressing CO2 emissions from coal. “We need to provide sufficient funding and incentives to accelerate the development, demonstration and broad commercial deployment of CCS technologies. “The American Electric Power Mountaineer Plant located in New Haven, WV represents an important milestone in our efforts to bring CCS online. The facility began operations last fall and captures and stores approximately 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The Mountaineer Plant is the first demonstration of CCS from an existing coal-fueled power plant.
“The implementation of CCS technology will not only benefit a state like mine with jobs and revenue, it will also benefit our nation by making clean coal a reality. “In addition to climate change, coal has been the subject of continued federal scrutiny for its impact on water quality. “Recent action by the Obama Administration and the EPA to further scrutinize mining permits only confirms their anti-coal agenda. “The Minority Staff of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works initiated an investigation into EPA’s handling of Clean Water Act Section 404 permits for coal mining in Appalachia and found that in 2009, EPA froze 235 coal mining 404 Permits, claiming that additional time was needed to assess the environmental impacts of mining operations.
“Since the initiation of the investigation, EPA issued 45 of the 235 permits. To date, there are 190 permits that EPA continues to hold for operations including surface, underground and refuse operations. “Furthermore, decisions being made by federal environmental regulators are not focused enough on the importance of coal to the economy. In my conversations with Lisa Jackson, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, she said that she explicitly omits economic considerations from her decision-making process. “I find this particularly troubling. The EPA’s delays in handling these permits will jeopardize jobs in Appalachia and weaken energy security for the nation.
“Even more disturbing, on March 26, the EPA announced their intent to veto the existing Spruce Mine permit. The Spruce permit is the most scrutinized and fully considered permit in West Virginia’s history. The 13-year permitting process included the preparation of a full environmental impact statement. “In the course of the permit’s review, EPA had ample opportunity to review and comment on the mine’s decision. The EPA also had the chance to use its veto authority at the time the permit was issued instead of waiting until production had started. "The decision by the EPA to veto the Spruce permit brings into question the reliability of the entire permitting process and shows their complete disregard for the impacts it will have on West Virginia’s economy. “I look forward to hearing the testimonies from the panel.”
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tea Party Gearing Up and So Are Saboteurs
From the "some people have too much time on their hands" department.
Jason Levin has established a site called Crash the Tea Party. It intends to recruit left wingers to join Tea Party protests. Their mission is to say and do things publicly to make the Tea Party activists look racist, secessionist, violent, or unacceptably radical in a variety of ways. This brazenly open attempt must rely on the mainstream media to ignore its existence if something does happen.
Since its inception, libertarians have themselves infiltrated the infiltration movement. Most likely nothing will happen.
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A large number of Tea Party events are planned for April 15th, known to most as Tax Day. Close to us is Washington DC's event at the White House. Obama will probably have somewhere else to be that day.
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Many liberals and leftists have tried to paint the Tea Party movement as racist, anti-gay, Nazi, and a long list of things that it is not. The Tea Party is libertarian in nature. Their motto, if they were to agree on one, would be "Leave me the #@!! alone." Most Tea Partiers break with social conservatives on issues such as gay marriage. It is different in some ideological features from the Republican Party and seems to regard its organizational structure as evidence that it is too moderate and too willing to compromise with big government. However both movements share the conviction that the current administration is dangerous to the general welfare of the nation and our posterity. It is essential that Republicans and Tea Partiers join forces and combine efforts this fall.
Jason Levin has established a site called Crash the Tea Party. It intends to recruit left wingers to join Tea Party protests. Their mission is to say and do things publicly to make the Tea Party activists look racist, secessionist, violent, or unacceptably radical in a variety of ways. This brazenly open attempt must rely on the mainstream media to ignore its existence if something does happen.
Since its inception, libertarians have themselves infiltrated the infiltration movement. Most likely nothing will happen.
***************************************************************
A large number of Tea Party events are planned for April 15th, known to most as Tax Day. Close to us is Washington DC's event at the White House. Obama will probably have somewhere else to be that day.
*****************************************************************
Many liberals and leftists have tried to paint the Tea Party movement as racist, anti-gay, Nazi, and a long list of things that it is not. The Tea Party is libertarian in nature. Their motto, if they were to agree on one, would be "Leave me the #@!! alone." Most Tea Partiers break with social conservatives on issues such as gay marriage. It is different in some ideological features from the Republican Party and seems to regard its organizational structure as evidence that it is too moderate and too willing to compromise with big government. However both movements share the conviction that the current administration is dangerous to the general welfare of the nation and our posterity. It is essential that Republicans and Tea Partiers join forces and combine efforts this fall.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Confederate History Month in Virginia
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell made some cardianl sins in the left wing world recently.
First, he stated that there at one time in history was a Confederate States of America.
Second, he implied that there may have been popular support for it.
Third, he did not preface those statements with some sort of disclaimer saying that every Confederate was the equivalent of Hitler, Genghis Khan, and Judas Iscariot rolled into one.
Fourth, he dedicated a month to the history of the Confederacy and those who fought for it.
You would have thought that Governor McDonnell had raised the Nazi flag above the Virginia statehouse.
The Confederacy was not created for the purpose of maintaining slavery. That may not be the politically correct thing to say, but it it the truth. From the time of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, southerners had expressed deep concerns about the advancing power of the federal government and the northern states. As northern populations and wealth grew, Southerners grew terrified at the prospect of a federal government in which they had little say.
What was the role of slavery? It retarded the South economically. It prevented immigration, because immigrants could not compete for unskilled labor jobs. It prevented innovation because societies with slaves are less interested in reducing costs of labor. It inspired some strange radicalism among some of the South's dominant thinkers; some arguments for slavery argue for it as a type of feudalistic communism. Slavery created conditions that led to the political fears of shrinking southern influence. But slavery was not the reason for war.
States' rights concerned the South from the 1790s until the 1860s. It came up in debates over the Sedition Act of 1798, and the Tariff of Abominations of the late 1820s and early 1830s. Southern states wanted reassurances that the federal government would not expand its power to the point that it could overwhelm the states.
The hundreds of thousands that fought for the South certainly did not fight for slavery. Few of those in uniform owned slaves and would have bristled at the notion that they fought for a wealthier man's property. They fought to defend their states. They fought out of fear that an invading army might arrive on their farm one day. Robert E. Lee himself repeatedly expressed disdain for slavery. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson faced heavy criticism, even ostracism, before the war for illegally establishling schools to teach slaves to read. They did not see themselves as fighting for slavery either.
And it is they that deserve the month. Countless thousands of Virginians fought and died for their state. Many more enlisted in Virginia state forces or the Confederate Army itself. The Confederate battle flag is the controversial symbol, but it is the one least associated with slavery historically speaking. The battle flag represents the small farmers and others who rallied to the Southern cause that never owned anyone. Perversely, by the end of the war, the letter of the Emancipation Proclamation resulted in a situation where slavery remained fully in place in several Union states, but was nearly eliminated through most of what was the Confederacy.
And racism was not exclusive to the South. New York City rioters massacred blacks in the streets in 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation killed much of the support Lincoln enjoyed in the early part of the war. Only victories in the Fall of 1864 from Grant and Sherman saved Lincoln's chances. West Virginia statemakers pondered whether or not they could legally exclude free black movement into the state.
I'm not a "South shall rise again" type of person. There are a lot of problems with choosing to secede from the Union. One should want to fight for this country the Founding Fathers established and bring it back to where it ought to be. However, I understand that they fought for political principles over and above slavery. They fought out of fear for their liberties, while slaveowners both black and white unfortunately continued to oppress the natural rights of slaves.
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