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

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

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

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

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

Story below

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

Stopping the Slow Death of Mexico

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Candidates and Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legislation By Lawsuit Must Stop

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

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

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

We need restrained government and we need restrained judges.

Stretch Run

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

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

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

Mike Stuart Selected As State Party Chairman

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

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

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

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

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

Mac Warner announces candidacy for U.S. Senate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What A Difference A Day Makes

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

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

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

Gary Howell Selected As Incoming Mineral County Republican Executive Committee Chair

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

Time to Move On From Race

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

Time to get over it. Everyone.

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

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

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

Analyzing the Goodwin Selection

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cart Godowin named to Byrd's seat

Carte Goodwin named to Byrd's seat

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

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

Why do we tolerate it?

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

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

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

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

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

From Mediabistro.com

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

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

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

Statement from the Republican National Committee

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

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

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

###

Representative Shelley Moore Capito Statement on Special Election

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

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

Private Sector Development Works

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

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

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

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

NASA's Most Important Mission

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

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

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

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

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

Patriotic Clip of the Day

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

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

A Few Words From an American Patriot and Supporter of Tea Parties

Resolution in the Continental Congress Introduced by Richard Henry Lee Proposing a Declaration of Independence June 7th 1776

Resolved That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown,and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual meausres for forming foreign Alliances

That a plan of confederation bed prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.

Passed July 2nd 1776.

The Right Thing to Do

We call upon our State Legislature as soon as possible to do the right thing and call for a special election to fill the vacant Senate seat this year without consideration of whom it may help or harm.

Let's consider the various scenarios of who benefits from 2012 or 2010, assuming that these people want to pursue higher office.

If the election is held in 2010 it benefits:

Governor Joe Manchin. This man may be the most popular political figure in state history, definitely of the past two decades. As President George H. W. Bush can tell you, the only way to go from here is down and down could happen quickly. If the state slips into further economic difficulties that ruin the state's solvency, the bloom could go off this rose in two years.

Earl Ray Tomblin. If Manchin runs and wins, Tomblin will be state governor for two years, giving him incumbency going into 2012. He will have no real Democratic opposition unless he does a Bob Wiselike job. Tomblin will also be in a strong position vis-a-vis any Republican challenger.

If the vote is held in 2012 it benefits:

The Republican Party. Incumbents in West Virginia do not make a habit of losing. Republicans could mount a very strong challenge for the Governor's Mansion if the seat is open. Also it is possible that Manchin could be vulnerable in 2012 running for Senate where he is not today. Shelley Moore Capito is in the strongest position possible right now. The Democrat led Congress is driving away support. Every vote and statement Capito makes on behalf of the people helps her and she is not saddled with the stupidity of what they do. Betty Ireland is also a strong contender for any higher office. She was a successful and assertive secretary of state and her luster is only increased by the actions of her successor.

Secretary of State Natalie Tennant. She benefits from a 2012 election as much as any other Democrat, or anyone else who aspires to be governor besides Tomblin.

Despite the fact that Republicans would probably benefit from keeping the special election in 2012, the right thing to do is to move it to 2010. Playing politics with elections would not help our cause in the long run. Most Republicans do seem to support the move to 2010, as they should.

Earl Ray Tomblin's Wild Card

Who potentially has the most to gain for certain if West Virginia decides to hold a special election this fall? State Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, maybe.

It is well known that Governor Joe Manchin wants to serve in the United States Senate. It has also been rumored that Earl Ray Tomblin would not object to serving as state governor. Right now he is second in succession and would assume office should Joe Manchin run for, and win election to the Senate. Should that happens, he would have two years to serve as incumbent governor, sweeping the field of Democratic challengers and putting him in strong position against a Republican nominee.

This would thwart the alleged gubernatorial aspirations of Secretary of State Natalie Tennant who would be in a much better position if the special senatorial election took place in 2012. Her interpretation of state election laws serves her very well and does not threaten the Governor's aspirations. However there is a special session of the State Legislature looming on July 19th in which they could choose, according to Hoppy Kercheval, to "clean up" the election law. If Tomblin wants to force the issue and perhaps become governor, he is definitely in the driver's seat as Senate President. Add to that the fact that it is simply more democratic to give the choice to the people sooner rather than later.

Britain calls election years the "silly season." It is going to get a lot more interesting than usual this coming month.

Shelley Moore Capito Is Taking Care of Our Money

Democratic lawmakers try to craft legislation that will create a special class of businesses considered "too big to fail" regardless of whatever foolish decisions they make. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito is fighting to prevent this from happening. She stated emphatically that "taxpayer dollars should not be used to cover mistakes made on Wall Street or by any private corporation in the future." She also demanded that the government "stop playing CEO with taxpayer dollars and get out of the business of picking winners and losers."

Ms. Capito is right. When government decides which businesses should always be helped while others slide into failure, this opens the door wide to corruption, not to mention violating the spirit of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. What incentive does a business have to make reasonable decisions when they believe the taxpayers will always bail them out? How is that fair to a business outside the loop?

Shelley Moore Capito believes in capitalism and the rule of law. She proves it every day by fighting for fair capitalist competition instead of protection for the friends of fat cat Democratic congressmen.

The Military Has a Term For This: FUBAR

If you know what FUBAR means, you get it. If you don't, ask a friend in the military or look it up. In any case, this term perfectly describes the process that will take place between now and 2013 to deal with Senator Byrd's seat being unexpectedly open.

According to West Virginia MetroNews, Governor Manchin can appoint an interim replacement. That interim can hold the seat until November 2012 at which point there will be an election. The same elected seat will have two races. One will be to see who will serve out the last five or six weeks, the other will be to see who takes over afterward.

As far as I can see, this is a combination of the state code and a 1994 State Supreme Court case over the replacement of a judge.

Major media outlets have bombarded the Secretary of State's office to ask clarification of the succession. The Secretary claimed that the office originally wanted to hold off on discussion out of respect for the dead. I see her point, but the plain fact is that this is a question that needed answered this morning in a quiet press release. That is, unless the process is so Byzantine that it actually took them all day to figure it out.

I blame the State Legislature. It's not like no one has asked these questions before. It's also not like this situation was sneaking up on us. We needed the State Legislature to create a rational and simple process and they did not do so. They must address this in the next term, even if it does not apply to the present situation. Fact is that it is not a secret that our other Senator is no spring chicken himself.

Add to this whole mess is the fact that it is probably open to a number of interpretations. We may not have seen the final process mapped out in how we get from today to the final man or woman who will end up in the seat.

Rule of law means that we need a code of law that is easy to understand, efficient, and restrained. In this case, the state law is not any of those desirable characteristics.

Finally, the Governor has not yet indicated who he will appoint, or when that appointment will occur.

Breaking News

According to Melody Potter, Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee Chair, the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office will have a press conference at 4:30 today.

There is no announcement on the WVSOS website as of yet.

It is expected that Secretary Tennant will clarify state law on the matter of the late Senator Byrd's succession. One journalist has stated that there will be a "snap election" in November, while others have disputed that interpretation.

Robert C. Byrd (November 20, 1917 – June 28, 2010)

West Virginia has lost one of its best friends and most staunch supporters in Senator Robert C. Byrd. The Republican Party joins with the people of West Virginia and around the world whose lives were touched by this great individual.

We differed with Senator Byrd on many principles, but we never for a second questioned his integrity and love for the United States Constitution and the State of West Virginia. He battled in the name of our founding document against political friend and opponent alike. Byrd earned one of the highest honors due a Senator, the position of Majority Leader. However he abandoned that post during a time when West Virginians suffered from severe economic distress to chair the Appropriations Committee. From there he steered billions of federal dollars here. Again, we may disagree with the method in which he worked to benefit the Mountain State, we do not question his heart or positive intentions.

Senator Byrd followed in the footsteps of a long line of great West Virginia legislators such as Stephen B. Elkins, Harley O. Staggers, Jennings Randolph and many others. He carried on a tradition of common sense principles on the national level coupled with the desire to advance his state.

We also remember the scholarship of Senator Byrd, advancing the national discussions on law and rights. He wrote on the history of the Roman Senate, but was more famous for his works on the United States Congress. Historians for some time to come will remain grateful for his compilations of senatorial statistics and important addresses. We would certainly not be honest if we claimed to agree with all of his other writings, particularly those about President George W. Bush, but we definitely respect these expressions in the great tradition of our natural right to disagree with the government and its leaders.

Senator Byrd always cut a unique figure. In his early years of campaigning he loved to talk politics to voters while entertaining him with his fiddle. In later years he brought powerful constitutional issues up for debate in his beloved Senate. Regardless of where he was or what he did, Robert C. Byrd was a leader and people appreciated him.

West Virginia already misses him. He lived to work in a land where political storm clouds rose, but now the Lord has called him home to the land of unclouded days.

Thanks Again, Keyser Police Department and Mineral County Sheriff's Department

I'm very thankful for our fast acting and efficient local law enforcement today.

I was helping out a little this afternoon with the bi-yearly clothing drive put on by Cheri Alt and Helping Hands, getting ready to take my son down for football sign ups. Normal summer day in Keyser, West Virginia.

Then I looked outside and saw a Keyser patrol car going the wrong way down Main Street. I walked out, thinking "that's odd." Then came people running and shouting. A man with a gun was behind the building and he had already shot at an officer.

We probably spent thirty minutes, men, women, and small children locked in the kitchen in the back of the Legion Hall. Oh, also my son Jared was there. On the phone the city police tried to get us information as soon as it became available. Luckily it did not take too long for police to corrall and apprehend the suspect at the Grand Central Business Center. They did their job quickly and no one got hurt. Yet we have to remember that they took their lives in their hands to keep us safe.

Last I heard, and this is unofficial, the guy was walking to the pool to shoot his family. That could be wrong, you know how stories go in a small town. I'm just thankful for the police and deputies today.

Does this change my feelings on gun control? Not at all. Had there been a law abiding citizen among us who was acarrying his own weapon, I'm sure folks would have felt much more secure.

Anyway, the story of the day is our law enforcement. Thank you guys for doing what you do!

Potomac Highlands Conservative Endorses Dr. Doug McKinney to Remain State Republican Chair

The Potomac Highlands Conservative is proud to endorse Dr. Doug McKinney to be re-elected as West Virginia Republican Party Chair.

At the end of July, the state Republican Party will have its annual summer meeting. At that time the state executive committee will vote to either retain Dr. McKinney as party chair or select Mike Stuart of Charleston.

The old adage says that you don't change horses in midstream. That in itself is true, unless the horse cannot get across the river. Lincoln had to change his horses several times in midstream before finding a winning general. However, Dr. McKinney has been able to put together a strong list of accomplishments since becoming chair. Under his leadership the state party retired its fairly considerable debt. He also worked to build upon the professional staff in place, trying to obtain for the party an experienced and professional executive director to build up the organization and other efforts. In the past few years, the evolution of the state party's internet presence has been very worthy of praise. Finally, Dr. McKinney led the effort to get the state Republican Party into its new headquarters on Kanawha Boulevard.

Dr. McKinney's opponent and his supporters have led an aggressive campaign that has tried to attack the incumbent chair's record. The attacks create some serious questions:

They have voiced their dislike of Executive Director Troy Berman. What would Stuart propose to do with Mr. Berman and the executive director position?

They have also attacked almost every aspect of the relocation of the party headquarters. Would they move the headquarters again?

And finally, what is Stuart's vision? In what way would he operate that would be substantially different?

The biggest problem created by a changeover in leadership at this time is the inevitable learning curve. Unless you have actually done the job before, there is a period of time where you have to get acclimated and learn the job. If you are cleaning house and bringing in your people, they also have their own learning curves. It is a short period of time from July to November. If elected, how long would it take for Stuart and his people to learn the job and then become effective?

Another obstacle in the path of a Stuart chairmanship is the byproduct of the negativity spawned by his campaign. On the blog that backs his candidacy, you get a daily dose of hatefulness, albeit generally from those leaving comments. They get their shots in at Dr. McKinney and his wife most often while also occasionally attacking House of Delegates candidate Gary Howell and Buddy Randolph. Some of Stuart's supporters have raised issues of method and leadership, but others more often stick barbs into other loyal Republicans. The cloud of negativity won't disperse quickly. A few words from Stuart would have shut down his supporters who simply seek to insult rather than raise legitimate questions.

Not only do we endorse Dr. McKinney, we also believe that the selection of a new chair should take place after the election. Changing the leadership on the eve of the contest makes little sense.

Abandoning a Sinking Ship

In the last days of the Bush White House, you had a sense of things unraveling. The tight ship sprang leaks, efficiency seemed to evaporate, staff jumped ship in large numbers, and the Bush presidency coasted into history.

You get the same sense of unraveling with Obama, but it is only a year and a half into a contentious and remarkably unsuccessful administration.

Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel is apparently preparing to leave after the midterm elections. His approach reeked of political thuggishness, but he remained the most pragmatic of a leftist lot. Emmanuel reportedly clashed repeatedly with idealists such as David Axelrod, demanding that initiatives be pared down to meet the reality that America did not want to buy what the Democrats were selling. Then Emmanuel got the blame when Obama ideas torpedoed his popularity and made him look more like a Columbia professor than an engaged president.

Rumors point towards a possible run for mayor of Chicago or governor of Illinois, but the stench will stick with him for some time. Obama has turned out worse than Carter even by the standards of the Left. Clinging to the idea that he appointed a Nobel Prize winner to the Department of Energy is pretty typical of Obama in desperation mode.

It will be interesting to see who all leaves the White House after November, especially if, as expected, the Democrats take a major hit. He joins White House Budget Chief Peter Orzag, expected to leave his office this fall.

Conceding the Border?

We have a border problem. Public lands almost a hundred miles from the Mexican border have been closed due to the presence of bandits coming across. The police chief of Nogales, Arizona, according to CNN, received threats that his officers would be targeted for assassination by Mexican drug cartels.

Mexico has lost control of its own territory and we have lost control of our border. Meanwhile the president plays more golf and entertains celebrities while occasionally pausing to condemn state governors for doing his job.

It is time for border state governors to mobilize their own National Guard and patrol their Mexican border. During the Boer Wars, the British built blockhouses along lines of sight. These blockhouses were impregnable and were constantly manned by small units or individuals. Anyone attempting to cross was killed on sight. It has come to that because the Mexicans coming across are not merely folks looking for the easy way to improve their lives. They include hardened killers who are ready to exploit our land of freedom to spread chaos and fear.

If we had a real president, what could he do? First of all, return the Central Intelligence Agency to its roots and launch covert operations. Blow up cartel facilities, assassinate cartel leaders, and in all ways possible, go old school on them. Drug cartels cannot match the level of destruction and violence that American intelligence can bring to their doorstep. If they want to ruin their own country, go ahead. When they threaten U. S. law enforcement, the time has come to strike and strike hard. There is little difference between a drug cartel and a terrorist group when both threaten our nation. Second, support the National Guard and Border Patrol with Predator drone technology or a spy satellite that can indicate when groups are coming across. Keep helicopter gunships available.

Lastly, cut off all social and educational aid to illegals. Jail employers that knowingly violate the law. Cut off the market forces that bring over workers and scare the bejesus out of the drug lords.

Some have not yet conceded American territory to violence. In a National Public Radio story below, a Texas sheriff has advised residents to arm themselves and prepare to kill if violence spreads across the border from the nearby Juarez Valley.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125737965

Don't Miss John Boehner in Morgantown!

From the Desk of: JOHN A. BOEHNER
House Republican Leader

David McKinley needs our help. That's why I hope you'll join me in Morgantown, West Virginia this Saturday, June 26th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Waterfront Place Hotel, to help him raise the critical funds needed to spread his message of fiscal responsibility and true conservative values. We need a new conservative majority in Congress to cut government spending, get control of the debt, and help create new jobs - and the path to that majority runs directly through West Virginia's First Congressional District.

This fall, we have the chance to stop the jobs-killing agenda being rammed through Congress by Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid, and President Obama. But we need to elect conservative Republicans like David McKinley if we want to make it happen. In fact, the only way to scrap ObamaCare and stop a disastrous "cap and trade" national energy tax from becoming law is to pick up at least 39 Democrat-held seats in Congress.

You can help take the first step right here in West Virginia's First Congressional District. So please join me at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, West Virginia for a reception with David this Saturday.

Thank You,
John Boehner
House Republican Leader

P.S. Please RSVP to (304) 214-9495 or visit Mckinley2010.com to make your contribution and show you support today.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's Statement on the Oil Crisis

No one has looked more presidential in the past several months than Governor Jindal. This is how government is supposed to work and this is why states' rights are important.

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We are fighting a war. There is no doubt that the ongoing BP oil spill is a full frontal assault on our Louisiana way of life.
From the beginning of this disaster more than 50 days ago, there have been many sorrowful sights of devastation in our wetlands and wildlife habitats. But there also have been true heroes emerging in the battles to protect our coast.
In the first weeks of the spill, we asked BP and the Coast Guard for their detailed plan for responding to an oil spill of this magnitude. As the oil started to come ashore and boom was late arriving in many areas, we again appealed to BP and the Coast Guard to meet the requests for resources outlined in our detailed parish plans. We were told to wait while they found more boom. Again, we did not wait. We moved ahead on our own, mobilizing the Louisiana National Guard to begin filling dozens of gaps in barrier islands along our coast.
Wind and weather conditions moved the oil into our coast again and again. We knew this oil spill was not going to be a single event for Louisiana; it is a war we will need to fight on many fronts.
We proposed 24 segments of sand booms to fortify against the oil. While the Corps' review process drug on, we took matters into our own hands and redirected our state-operated dredger on East Grand Terre to begin creating a sand boom wall of protection on that island. Only days after we directed this work, oil hit that area and today the sand boom on East Grand Terre is actively holding oil back from entering interior wetlands and waterways.
After weeks of delay, the Corps finally approved six segments in our plan. But the Coast Guard announced it would only call on BP to pay for one segment. We wouldn't take no for an answer. We got together again with coastal parish leaders and met with the president and National Incident Commander Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen.
We told BP to stop sending us lawyers and lobbyists; they had two choices — either begin work on the segments or get out of the way and let us begin the dredging work ourselves. We chose option two for them and signed an emergency contract to begin work on the sand boom segments ourselves — again taking matters into our own hands to protect our coast.
The war against this oil spill continues today, and our commitment to winning this war has only grown stronger. We will not wait on bureaucracy or wishful thinking. We will continue to move forward on our own to implement our own ideas for protecting coastal Louisiana, even when BP and the Coast Guard don't agree with our plans.
I know we can do this because of the many heroes we have fighting in this war alongside us — our coastal parish presidents, our National Guard troops, the fishermen who are laying out boom and the communities that are banding together to help one another in their time of need. We will protect our people and our communities and industries that make Louisiana the greatest state in the world.
And we will not rest until every drop of oil is off of our coast and out of our marshes and our water — and our seafood and our coastline are 100 percent whole again.
Bobby Jindal is Louisiana's governor.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

It was a spirited and sometimes acrimonious campaign between several men and women with good conservative credentials. They all vied for the Republican nomination for the First Congressional District of West Virginia. David McKinley on the right won while Mac Warner on the left made a strong surge at the end. When they met last Saturday at the Keyser Tea Party event, they clasped hands as old friends and gave each other credit in their speeches for running strong campaigns and being good men. This is a model for how Republicans need to get together and back each other for victory this November and beyond.

Keyser Tea Party has a host of Candidates Speaking

Bob Adams Executive Director of the League of American Voters


Stephen Smoot President of the Potomac Highland Patriots


Mineral County Commission Candidate Dr. Richard Lechliter


Gary Howell 49th House District Candidate


State Senator Dave Sypolt


John Yoder, West Virgina Supreme Court Candidate


David McKinley, Candidate for US Congress


Mac Warner former Congressional Candidate

Keyser Tea Party Scheduled for Tomorrow

A Tale of Two Immigration Enforcement Cases

A couple of weeks ago, the Mineral Daily News Tribune reported that Keyser police arrested a Mexican illegal alien for assault. When they requested that immigration authorities come and pick him up, they declined, stating that it was not important enough for them to make the trip.

Then comes this story told in a letter to the editor written by the wife of a Cameroon native. Apparently they had enough time to come and raid the home of a man from Cameroon apparently trying to stay in the United tates the right way, but no time to pick up a Mexican illegal who committed a felony about fifteen minutes down the road.

The following letter was written to the Mineral Daily News Tribune on June 14th. Immigration policy is completely out of whack under Obama if the facts stated below are true compared to the case of the Mexican illegal alien in Keyser.

Ridgeley, W.Va. -
To the Editor:My husband’s name is Serge Christian Nyamsi Babo. He arrived in the United States to play in a basketball tournament in Chicago in 1999, at the age of 17 years.He was brought into the country by a gentleman from Cameroon, who had the intentions of selling him and four other boys to basketball coaches. He came into the United States on a Visitor’s Visa. When the man found out that it was illegal for him to sell the boys, he gave them each $20 and told them to go get lunch, then meet back at the hotel.When the boys came back to the hotel, the man was gone. He left the boys stranded, without much money and speaking no English. The slept wherever they could find shelter. Serge ended up being taken in by a family in Indianapolis, Ind. His host father was, and still is, the chaplain for the Indianapolis Colts.Serge attended English classes and taught himself English. He met up with the basketball coach from a local high school. He graduated from Arlington High School in Indianapolis.While attending high school, his guidance counselor told him that they did not have the finances to apply to have his status adjusted to that of a student from a visitor. The counselor suggested that he apply for political asylum. Being young, naïve, and speaking very little English, Serge agreed to apply for the asylum. The asylum case was denied.Serge had an attorney, also a fellow Cameroonian, who lived in the United States. Serge was unaware at the time, but this gentleman had been disbarred and his privileges revoked as an attorney. This “attorney” told Serge that he would file an appeal.The appeal to the asylum case was also denied. Serge was granted voluntary departure. His “attorney” advised Serge to go ahead as planned, and marry his girlfriend at the time. Serge did as he was advised, and carried out their plans to get married. The appeal was filed, however the marriage papers were never filed, although they had been paid for. Serge and his wife (at that time) were under the impression that the petitions had been filed.Serge’s marriage did not work out, and he and his first wife divorced.My relationship with Serge began in 2005. Shortly after we became involved with one another, he contacted the INS to get an update on his case. In listening to the automated system, Serge learned that an order of deportation had been issued to him in February of 2005. Still to this day, he has not received a copy of the deportation letter.Serge and I were married in August 2006. Shortly before that, in July 2006, our firstborn son died at birth. Since then, we have been blessed with two more children. We have two sons, ages 2 ½ years and 9 months. We have an approved I-130 with the INS. We just purchased a house in July 2009.Serge has not been hiding from the INS. He has changed his address with them each time we have moved. He does not have a criminal background. He has a Social Security number that was issued by the government in order for him to obtain a work permit. His first work permit was issued in January 2009. He applied to have it renewed, and in January 2010 he received the renewal.He has been working for almost a year for a non-profit organization that houses abused and neglected children. He is a mentor and a role model for them.His case has been dismissed. It was never denied. We have filed a Motion to Reopen, but it was denied by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Our current attorney filed an appeal to the 7th Circuit’s denial, and that too was denied. When the appeal was denied, ICE was notified to come and pick him up. Although it has been almost 11 years since Serge last saw his family in Cameroon, he does not want to go back there to stay. He wants to remain in the United States with his wife and sons. He has already been in prison for almost four weeks now. That’s four weeks of his sons' lives that he has missed. We are trying to get him released from prison, and get his case reopened so that his status can be adjusted. Serge Babo is one of the most important people in my life. He is my husband, my best friend, and the father to our children.Serge is currently being held in the York County Prison, awaiting removal back to Cameroon, Africa. He was arrested by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 12, 2010 while standing in our kitchen, washing dishes.He is a good man, not a criminal. He should not have to be treated as a prisoner. Prison is not the place for a man of his stature. He does not have a criminal background. He is a person of good moral character, a role model and mentor to children, and is active in our home church.In conversations with Serge, he repeatedly tells me of his two biggest fears: first, that his children will not know who he is when he returns home, and secondly, that he and I will lose all of our material assets which we have worked so hard to obtain.Only 2 ½ years old, Jeremiah is complimented frequently on how well-mannered and respectful he is. This is because of his father’s impact on his life.For the past three weeks, since Serge was taken in to custody, I have had to look into the eyes of this little boy, and try to answer him when he asks, “Where’s Daddy? When’s Daddy coming home?” Try explaining that to a toddler and expect him to understand what is going on. This little boy is hurting. He is heart broken. He sits and cries, and when I ask him why he’s crying, he replies, “Because I want to go get my Daddy.”He only knows that his Daddy was taken away from him by some strangers and they haven’t brought him back yet.Our baby, 9-month-old Jabari, is too little to know what’s going on. He’s not able to ask where his Daddy is, but I am certain that he notices his absence. His face lights up with smiles when he hears his voice on the phone, but slowly, he will forget who his Daddy is and won’t recognize him when they are reunited. Please help me to keep this from happening. These two young boys need their Daddy more than anything! I was rather upset and appalled and could not believe my eyes when I read the article, ON THE RECORD (from June 2, 2010) which read:"9:31 p.m. — Police received a call about a man assaulting a woman in an alley near East Piedmont Street. Arriving at the scene, officers conducted an investigation that determined an assault had occurred. Charged with domestic battery was Jose Velez, 24, who had been staying in Keyser. However, police said Velez eventually advised officers he was an illegal alien. No immigration charges were filed, as police said federal officials from the Immigration and Naturalization Service will not respond to take custody of a lone illegal. As a result of the investigation, Velez was further charged with two counts of obstructing an officer for failing to provide information about his residency, and public intoxication."The INS won't "take custody of a lone illegal"? Are you kidding me? What do you call what they have done to our family? The came into our house, and they took a man into custody that DOES NOT HAVE ANY CRIMINAL BACKGROUND!!I have contacted both Senator Byrd and Senator Rockefeller numerous times. Neither Senator is able to offer assistance. Both offices have given the response that it is legally out of their hands, and they cannot get involved.This is very disappointing. What kind of government do we have? Serge lives in West Virginia with his family. He works in West Virginia. HE PAYS TAXES IN WEST VIRGINIA...yet they still are unwilling to help in our situation.Maybe there is someone out there somewhere who can help us!

Brittney (Rinard) Babo
Ridgeley

The Obama Embracing Former Republican Governor of Florida Inspecting His State's Attractions

I'm not going to heavily criticize Florida Governor Charlie Crist for an unguarded moment like this. There's far too much to criticize about him that has real substance. His embrace of Obamunism led to his virtually being read out of the Republican Party. He will probably lose to Republican nominee Rubio this fall.

That all being said, this is a photographic moment that the man probably would rather not be spread.

MSNBC Bashes Obama's Oil Well Blowout Speech

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/06/15/msnbc_trashes_obamas_address_compared_to_carter_i_dont_sense_executive_command.html

The above link takes you to Real Clear Politics. They carry a transcript of some of the remarks made by MSNBC's ultra left wing political team after Obama's oil well blowout speech last night. Their tone is shocking compared to the gushing they did in 2008, ignoring the conservative accusations that an inexperienced Obama may be in over his head.

Of course they do it in a somewhat disturbing fashion. I do not like the idea of executive command as a model. Leadership, guidance, organization, innovation, these would help. Command is too dictatorial a word for me. Unless the situation involves war, I do not want a president thinking in terms of command.

This situation would try any president. Catastrophes either make or break those who aspire to be called leaders because there is so little margin for error. From the early day that Obama's Administration refused help from the Netherlands to his party with Paul McCartney, the president and his staff seem to have no clue that this is something beyond a political problem. It's actually the opposite of the Bush/Katrina problem. Bush was working behind the scenes to prevent economic disaster and deferring, as he should have, to the state governor. He and his people ignored the political issues created by the perceived lack of engagement. Obama's people have reacted as if this was entirely a political issue, hoping it would blow over, then reacting belatedly by putting on some silly tough guy act.

In any case, it's clear that temporarily at least he has lost the Left.

Addendum to Today's Call For Banding Together

Just took a quick peek over at West Virginia Red, something I do about once a week. Sometimes they have articles of interest when they are not continually and relentlessly attacking Chairman Doug McKinney, Executive Director Troy Berman, or any number of other state executive committee members. Today they did something that went a little too far.

Young Republicans Chairman Mike Howerton occasionally indulges in a little small time professional wrestling. It's an activity that lies somewhere between sports and performance art most certainly. To be good at it requires some acting that is more than a little over the top.

Wrestling's not my thing, personally, at least not since I was a teenager. However, I can see how doing it would be a fun way to earn a little extra cash. Don't tell that to a few of the folks over at West Virginia Red. The responses not only bashed Howerton, but also eventually became somewhat offensive with anti gay remarks. (For the record, Mike is about to get married, he is not gay.)

You know, if you have issues with how he was chosen for his position, or how he performs his job that's one thing. Insults should be beneath us.

Also for the record and by way of example, I remember Republican Sonny Bono being elected to the House of Representatives after singing and starring on a variety show. Christopher Guest, formerly of Saturday Night Live, was a member of the British House of Lords until reform laws disqualified him. Comedy sketch shows are about on the same respect level as professional wrestling, but that did not seem to hurt either of them. I guess the folks who don't like Mike were mortified to see "The Rock" sitting in front of former President George H. W. Bush at the 2000 Republican National Convention. Oh the humanity.

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Another thing that is a little more amusing is the attacks they have made on this blog. Basically their beef is that we don't bash Doug McKinney or other people involved with the WVGOP. Maybe they are not aware that not every conservative blog is eager to throw Republicans overboard at least twice a week or more. Over here we do local, regional, and state news along with commentary on current events and pieces on conservative thought, values, and ideals. Maybe that's not as interesting as some of what goes on over there, but our reason to exist is not to insult, tear down, or otherwise carry on against other conservatives and Republicans. There is a serious factional fight taking place in this party. Regardless of what happens this summer, we have to come together afterwards and fight the leftists instead of each other.

Not everyone who writes or responds to West Virginia Red creates vicious attacks, but there are enough to cause hard feelings that won't just vaporize in August. We will all need to work together for West Virginia to do their part, returning Ms. Capito and electing David McKinley and Spike Maynard, plus gaining as many legislative seats and other elected positions as possible.

I don't understand why some folks over there want to make that necessary August reconciliation (again, regardless of what happens!) as difficult as possible.

Time to Band Together

The primary season has just about wound down across the nation. In some states we saw surprises while in others we got pretty much what we expected. In this neck of the woods, Shelley Moore Capito will likely be returned to Congress. David McKinley was selected from a strong field of candidates to represent the party this November. Sure there was some family squabbling there that we don't always see here in West Virginia, but McKinley will do very well this summer and fall.

Across the country, Republicans are preparing for November, but there are two schools of thought on what should happen. The first school says that moderate Republicans squandered their opportunity to make a real impact last time they had power. They played politics as usual, handing out more and more pork while mouthing the principles that got them elected. Voter anger tossed them out for two straight elections. Some say that these men and women ought to be purged and replaced with more ideologically pure Republicans.

Others, such as Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, insist that we are all in it together and that we all have an interest in defeating the Left wing that holds the angry nation in its grip. There is some truth to this too. The political paradigm has shifted. Voters want debt reduction more than money sent back to the district. They fear socialism more than they want an old theatre refurbished (or whatever. Pick your pork example here!) And Republican voters want no compromise with the Left. They can see that this is a different Democratic Party than in the past. Horse trading won't work right now. But Governor Barbour has a point. We need all Republicans and all conservatives and libertarians period to overthrow Pelosiocracy.

Third parties and factions will doom us this year. Personal antagonism will as well. This year is bigger than all that. Republicans, independents, libertarians, and conservative Democrats need to vote for the Republican candidates whoever they are. They need to support the Republican Party organizations. Some of you are dissatisfied with how the RNC has conducted itself lately. So am I. I'm pretty disappointed some days. Declaring victory well before the election is never a good stretegy. However there is a lot of reason for optimism.

The party is evolving slowly, but surely. Texas's GOP defied their governor and passed a resolution calling for an Arizona style immigration law. State legislators across the nation are coming up with ways to defy unconstitutional federal measures. State attorneys general are filing lawsuits against the expansion of federal power. Most Republicans do "get it." It's time to unify and march on all fronts against an enemy desperate to hold on to power.

Leftism will transform this country stage by stage if it is not stopped quickly. We must avoid the fate that history imposed upon other nations over the centuries. That means setting all else aside and standing up for our rights and our nation. There is a reason that we call ourselves Republicans. This year and in 2012, it is about saving the Republic.

Little Orphan Annie Exits Stage Left and Obama To Return to Campaigning For Himself

The comic strip "Annie" is now ending its run after almost ninety years. Her adventures as an impoverished orphan helped by a benevolent businessman have made the movies and Broadway, but the print run, at least for now, is over.

Annie was a different type of cartoon in that it reflected the viewpoint of the rock ribbed Republican conservatives. She fought New Dealers, bureaucrats, clueless do gooders and social workers. The strip's message was clear. Government can and will screw up whatever it tries to do. Individual initiative and the private sector are better at solving America's problems.

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Obama will be appearing tomorrow night to address the nation on the oil spill. His gaffes on the subject actually predate the spill, when he joined the chorus of Bush bashers after Hurricane Katrina. He implied that his administration would reflect confidence instead of impotence. Of course the opposite has been true on all too many issues. Most recently he mused that he was looking for someone's a__ to kick. This was supposed to, perhaps, reduce the perception of Obama as detached intellectual professor and make him sound more proletarian. It came off as naturally as Michael Dukakis riding around in a tank, like a nerd finally trying to look tough and failing.

Obama today inspires more guffaws than confidence. Is the oil well blow out his fault? Probably not. However his refusal to accept offers of help from foreign and domestic sources, his regular partying with celebrities during the course of the disaster, his stilted public appearances, refusal to speak even to the friendly mainstream media all contribute to a breakdown of leadership. Add to that his unwillingness to spend Memorial Day at Arlington to honor the troops, the snubs of important allies, an offer of $400 million to the terrorist group Hamas, and to top it all off the rushing of Vice President Biden to the World Cup when neither Biden nor Obama could be bothered to attend the Polish president's funeral. What did Obama do that day? Did he pay respects at the Polish Embassy at least? No, he played golf.

This is just the last six months. This man is completely out of touch with the people and his responsibilities across the board. It's not just the oil well blowout that has Americans and people around the world worried. His entire presidency is a disaster of catastrophic proportions.