Gov. Sarah Palin arrived in Alaska yesterday to throngs of cheering supporters. Her message to the greeters, as reported by breitbart.com, was one of energy independence geared to the home crowd:
Palin tried to deliver the stump speech that rolled off her tongue earlier that day in Virginia but kept interrupting herself with references to home.
In the middle of a line about her accomplishments as governor, she turned to staff members standing behind her on stage and said "I can't wait to give you guys a hug and thank you for holding down the fort and carrying the water."
She told of how excited people in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Missouri were to hear about a new natural gas pipeline which will eventually link Alaska to the lower 48 states.
"Everywhere we go they are chanting drill, baby, drill," Palin said.
"People all over the country, they're hearing about it and they're saying, thank you Alaska for allowing safe, responsibility development of your resources to help secure our state, provide jobs here, but also for the betterment of our entire nation," Palin told the cheering crowd.
"Our state will have brought Americans one step closer to energy independence. That's one step closer to an America free from foreign suppliers that do not have our interests at heart."
The she interrupted herself again, saying "I feel like I'm preaching to the choir because you guys already know this."
Later today Palin will speak at her son Track's military deployment ceremony, and this evening, ABC News will broadcast the first installment of Charles Gibson's interview of her. ABC reports that Gibson is set to interview Palin beginning this afternoon.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
It's Patriots' Day
It does not seem possible that it has been seven years, almost to the hour, since Islamofascists attacked us on September 11, 2001. How to commemorate such a day? By flying our flag and praying for our country and its leaders.
I give thanks for those leaders who have kept us safe for seven long years.
President Bush has been reviled. We all understand how unpopular he is. History, however, will record that he did the most important thing any president can do: he kept us safe. It will be years before we know the details of the attacks that were averted. That's a good thing, because we could have not gone about our lives otherwise.
I give thanks for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and those others who understand, on issues like FISA, that foreign terrorists have no right to privacy to use our phone system to plot to kill us. And who understand that the best way to honor the sacrifice of our troops is to let them win the war. As a result of the surge, we are close to finishing the war -- yet another reason for gratitude. I give thanks for our troops and ask for comfort for those families who have lost loved ones, and for those soldiers who have returned injured.
I give thanks for McConnell, Sen. Joe Lieberman and those leaders who understand that there is a difference between right and wrong; they recognize that Islamofascists want to kill us and destroy our country. We cannot combat evil without first acknowledging its existence. It would be easy to succumb to moral relativism posing as tolerance, a path that McConnell and Lieberman have steadfastly resisted. Their courage, no doubt, is informed by faith. So, I give thanks for leaders who in the best tradition of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln pray for our country.
Finally, I give thanks for the lives of those who perished on September 11. Especially Barbara. Rest in peace.
I give thanks for those leaders who have kept us safe for seven long years.
President Bush has been reviled. We all understand how unpopular he is. History, however, will record that he did the most important thing any president can do: he kept us safe. It will be years before we know the details of the attacks that were averted. That's a good thing, because we could have not gone about our lives otherwise.
I give thanks for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and those others who understand, on issues like FISA, that foreign terrorists have no right to privacy to use our phone system to plot to kill us. And who understand that the best way to honor the sacrifice of our troops is to let them win the war. As a result of the surge, we are close to finishing the war -- yet another reason for gratitude. I give thanks for our troops and ask for comfort for those families who have lost loved ones, and for those soldiers who have returned injured.
I give thanks for McConnell, Sen. Joe Lieberman and those leaders who understand that there is a difference between right and wrong; they recognize that Islamofascists want to kill us and destroy our country. We cannot combat evil without first acknowledging its existence. It would be easy to succumb to moral relativism posing as tolerance, a path that McConnell and Lieberman have steadfastly resisted. Their courage, no doubt, is informed by faith. So, I give thanks for leaders who in the best tradition of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln pray for our country.
Finally, I give thanks for the lives of those who perished on September 11. Especially Barbara. Rest in peace.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Biden's S.O.S. For Hillary
Senator Biden made this admission today, as reported by CNN, emphasis added:
Make no mistake about this, Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America. Let's get that straight.
She's a truly close personal friend and she is qualified to be president of the United States of America; she's easily qualified to be vice president of the United States of America and quite frankly [she] might have been a better pick than me.
Could it be that Biden is about to walk the plank so that Hillary can be commissioned the new first mate on the U.S.S. Barack OTitanic?
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Make no mistake about this, Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America. Let's get that straight.
She's a truly close personal friend and she is qualified to be president of the United States of America; she's easily qualified to be vice president of the United States of America and quite frankly [she] might have been a better pick than me.
Could it be that Biden is about to walk the plank so that Hillary can be commissioned the new first mate on the U.S.S. Barack OTitanic?
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
McCain-Palin's New Wolves Ad
The McCain-Palin campaign have released a new ad using footage of wolves reminiscent of the successful Bush-Cheney ad from the 2004 campaign. Only this time, instead of the wolves symbolizing terrorists as they did in the Bush-Cheney ad, the pack symbolizes the team of 30 lawyers, investigators, etc. whom, according to the Wall Street Journal, the Obama-Biden campaign has dispatched to Alaska to try to dig up dirt on Palin. The new ad is included in a New York Times article linked here. The ad should be very effective because its central message is so true: "As Obama Drops in the Polls, He’ll Try to Destroy Her.”
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
McConnell Lead Increases to 17
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released results of an internal poll that shows him up by 17 points. Here's the national take from Realclearpolitics:
McConnell is in fine shape in his bid for re-election, a new survey for his campaign finds. Though Democrats have plenty of Senate opportunities elsewhere, the Kentucky Republican doesn't look like one of them.
McConnell is viewed favorable by 52 percent of those polled, and unfavorably by 33 percent.
In comparison, check out Bruce Lunsford's numbers: 30 percent favorable, and 36 percent unfavorable. (Ouch!) More people don't like Lunsford than like him. Nor can Lunsford's high negatives be attributed to an anti-incumbent sentiment, because Lunsford, despite myriad efforts, has yet to win an election.
No wonder the guy is forced to pump his own millions into his own campaign; to know him is to dislike him.
Altogether, Lunsford has spent roughly $17 million to get himself elected to something, anything. He's not particular; he'll serve as governor or senator. Anything to plaster his mug all over our TVs. That's one pricey singles' ad.
McConnell is in fine shape in his bid for re-election, a new survey for his campaign finds. Though Democrats have plenty of Senate opportunities elsewhere, the Kentucky Republican doesn't look like one of them.
McConnell is viewed favorable by 52 percent of those polled, and unfavorably by 33 percent.
In comparison, check out Bruce Lunsford's numbers: 30 percent favorable, and 36 percent unfavorable. (Ouch!) More people don't like Lunsford than like him. Nor can Lunsford's high negatives be attributed to an anti-incumbent sentiment, because Lunsford, despite myriad efforts, has yet to win an election.
No wonder the guy is forced to pump his own millions into his own campaign; to know him is to dislike him.
Altogether, Lunsford has spent roughly $17 million to get himself elected to something, anything. He's not particular; he'll serve as governor or senator. Anything to plaster his mug all over our TVs. That's one pricey singles' ad.
If The Pig Metaphor Doesn't Work To Smear Palin, How About Mickey Mouse?
Obama supporter Matt Damon claims that Gov. Palin is "like a really bad Disney movie." He calls it a "really terrifying possibility" that McCain-Palin ticket might win the election. "Totally absurd", he says. Damon and Obama -- it's sad to see these Harvard men lost for words.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
"Community Organizers" Come In All Colors
New York Governor David Paterson lashed out yesterday at the Republicans, calling them "racists" for making fun of Senator Barack Obama's vacuous "community organizer" entry on his resume. Since when has being called a "community organizer" become a code for racism, as Paterson asserts? Indeed, as pictures of the demonstrators at the Republican National Convention demonstrate, "community organizers" can come in all shapes and sizes -- and colors too. They just need to be left-wing and out to "organize" people to vote for Democrats -- hardly a qualification for a presidential candidate who claims he is a "unifier".
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Idiotic Democrats Continue To Smear Palin
Just when we thought the Democrats couldn't sink any lower in attacking Governor Palin -- here's what a South Carolina Democratic bigwig said today, according to Jonathan Martin at Politico:
South Carolina Democratic chairwoman Carol Fowler sharply attacked Sarah Palin today, saying John McCain had chosen a running mate " whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn’t had an abortion.”
Wow!
Update: AP reports that Fowler has now apologized for her remark.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
South Carolina Democratic chairwoman Carol Fowler sharply attacked Sarah Palin today, saying John McCain had chosen a running mate " whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn’t had an abortion.”
Wow!
Update: AP reports that Fowler has now apologized for her remark.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
The "Messiah"'s Running Mate (aka Sen. Biden) Exhorts Wheelchair-Bound Man To Walk
Senator Biden must be jealous that Senator McCain and Governor Palin are receiving all the media attention these days, except for when they are reporting on Senator Obama's gaffes. So Joe made a major one of his own yesterday. As reported by Politico:
Biden had an awkward moment during a rally in Columbia, Mo., Tuesday. At the start of his remarks, he pointed out several state lawmakers in the audience for praise. When he got to Chuck Graham, a state senator from Green Meadows, Biden urged the lawmaker to "stand up Chuck, let 'em see ya."
But Graham, who is in a wheelchair, can't stand up - a fact Biden quickly picked up on.
"God love ya, what am I talking about," Biden said. "You can tell I'm new," he quipped, asking the audience to stand up for Graham instead.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Biden had an awkward moment during a rally in Columbia, Mo., Tuesday. At the start of his remarks, he pointed out several state lawmakers in the audience for praise. When he got to Chuck Graham, a state senator from Green Meadows, Biden urged the lawmaker to "stand up Chuck, let 'em see ya."
But Graham, who is in a wheelchair, can't stand up - a fact Biden quickly picked up on.
"God love ya, what am I talking about," Biden said. "You can tell I'm new," he quipped, asking the audience to stand up for Graham instead.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Obama Decries "Swift Boat Politics" -- A Sure Sign He's Losing
Want further proof that Obama is on the ropes? Today, he calls his "pig with lipstick" quip "an innocent remark" and claims he is being swift boated. As Ben Smith of Politico reports:
Speaking at a high school in Norfolk, Obama took a few moments to address what he calls "the made-up controversy" of the day, Amie Parnes reports.
Obama said the McCain campaign moved to "seize an innocent remark and take it out of context because they knew it's catnip for the news media."
"See, it would be funny, but the news media decided that would be the lead story yesterday. This happens every election cycle. Every four years, this is what we do. This is what they want to spend two of the last 55 days talking about...Enough!" he said.
Obama called the attacks "lies, outrage and swift boat politics."
"These are serious times and they call for a serious debate...spare me all the phony outrage. Spare me all the phony talk about change," he said.
Spare us your phony outrage to salvage your lame attempt at humor yesterday, Barry.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Speaking at a high school in Norfolk, Obama took a few moments to address what he calls "the made-up controversy" of the day, Amie Parnes reports.
Obama said the McCain campaign moved to "seize an innocent remark and take it out of context because they knew it's catnip for the news media."
"See, it would be funny, but the news media decided that would be the lead story yesterday. This happens every election cycle. Every four years, this is what we do. This is what they want to spend two of the last 55 days talking about...Enough!" he said.
Obama called the attacks "lies, outrage and swift boat politics."
"These are serious times and they call for a serious debate...spare me all the phony outrage. Spare me all the phony talk about change," he said.
Spare us your phony outrage to salvage your lame attempt at humor yesterday, Barry.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
In McCain-Palin, Europeans Will Get What They Need
Jonathan Freedland of The Guardian warns "The world's verdict will be harsh if the US rejects the man it yearns for." Oooo, I'm really scared!
Freedland should heed the lyrics of another Englishman from forty years ago:
No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find You get what you need.
Update: A new poll of Russians find they prefer Obama and Putin over their respective political opponents -- yet another ringing European endorsement to make the Democrats proud.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Freedland should heed the lyrics of another Englishman from forty years ago:
No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find You get what you need.
Update: A new poll of Russians find they prefer Obama and Putin over their respective political opponents -- yet another ringing European endorsement to make the Democrats proud.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
McCain-Palin's "Lipstick" Ad
The McCain-Palin campaign released an ad today firing back at Obama for his "lipstick on a pig" remark. Click here for the ad.
Update: Sorry, but the ad is no longer viewable at the YouTube link noted above. Ben Smith of Politico reports that "YouTube has removed a webad that casts Sarah Palin as the victim of sexism on the request of CBS, whose anchor Katie Couric was featured in the ad." Smith adds:
YouTube's page displaying the ad now tells visitors, "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by CBS Interactive Inc."
Couric's original commentary can be seen here. A cached version of the McCain ad is currently available here.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Update: Sorry, but the ad is no longer viewable at the YouTube link noted above. Ben Smith of Politico reports that "YouTube has removed a webad that casts Sarah Palin as the victim of sexism on the request of CBS, whose anchor Katie Couric was featured in the ad." Smith adds:
YouTube's page displaying the ad now tells visitors, "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by CBS Interactive Inc."
Couric's original commentary can be seen here. A cached version of the McCain ad is currently available here.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
She's A "Pig With Lipstick"? Obama Needs His Eyesight Checked
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Obama's "Change" Theme Changes Into A Pig In A Poke And Old Fish
Senator "Eloquence" (aka Barack Obama) came unhinged today. He had this to say about his opponents at a campaign stop in Norfolk, Virginia, as reported by numerous media, including the Dallas Morning News:
"The other side, suddenly, they're saying 'we're for change too,' " Obama told the crowd. "You can put lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig. You can wrap up an old fish in a piece of paper and call it change. It's still going to stink after eight years. We've had enough."
Let's see: Palin, a pig with lipstick, and McCain, an old fish.
What a comedian you are, Barry. And do you have to be such a crybaby about the Republicans borrowing your campaign slogan?
Quick, get Obama a teleprompter with some wit!
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
"The other side, suddenly, they're saying 'we're for change too,' " Obama told the crowd. "You can put lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig. You can wrap up an old fish in a piece of paper and call it change. It's still going to stink after eight years. We've had enough."
Let's see: Palin, a pig with lipstick, and McCain, an old fish.
What a comedian you are, Barry. And do you have to be such a crybaby about the Republicans borrowing your campaign slogan?
Quick, get Obama a teleprompter with some wit!
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
More Anti-Palin E-smears
The smears continue as the Left tries to reverse the downward spiral that Gov. Sarah Palin has inflicted on Barack Obama's poll numbers.
Today's email continues the theme set this morning by Salon (see post below): that Palin is a religious fanatic who will establish a theocracy if elected.
This woman not only reads the Bible, she believes it. Therefore, the argument goes, she is an ignorant redneck who will make us all conform to her beliefs.
And she is guilty by association with other prominent Christians. As the e-smearer writes,
Palin's religious convictions, and her willingness to use the power of government to force them on others, has won strong backing from far-right groups, such as James Dobson's Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum, and the Council for National Policy, the normally secretive network of right-wing preachers, political operatives, and fat cats who have been a major force in the Republican Party ever since they backed Ronald Reagan for president. (Emphasis added.)
It's just a recycled version of Hillary's old complaint that a "vast, right-wing conspiracy" was out to get the Clintons. Not surprisingly, the e-smear comes from a self-described Hillary supporter.
The Left is particularly worked up by remarks Palin has made, in the prayer petitions in her church for example, where she has asked (1) the Lord to bless America and (2) that our country's leaders walk in His will.
To hear the Left complain, one would think that Palin had proposed an Inquisition.
Palin is no doubt used to being ridiculed by the elites at this point, and therefore not surprised at this latest attack. George Washington, however, would be flabbergasted. Recall the words from his Farewell Address (emphasis added):
Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government.
Palin's faith is in the best tradition of our Founders. Her willingness to look for guidance in prayer and scripture shows that in addition to the many attributes she displayed in her acceptance speech -- humor, poise, authenticity -- she is also wise and humble. That's why voters love her. She hasn't ever, in any way, indicated that she would impose her religious traditions on anyone else.
But the fact that she has a strong faith, and is unashamed of it, encourages people. It is one more way in which we relate to her: when seeking guidance to life's difficult question, and comfort in times of adversity, many of us pray -- including for our country and its leaders.
We pray and we vote.
Today's email continues the theme set this morning by Salon (see post below): that Palin is a religious fanatic who will establish a theocracy if elected.
This woman not only reads the Bible, she believes it. Therefore, the argument goes, she is an ignorant redneck who will make us all conform to her beliefs.
And she is guilty by association with other prominent Christians. As the e-smearer writes,
Palin's religious convictions, and her willingness to use the power of government to force them on others, has won strong backing from far-right groups, such as James Dobson's Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum, and the Council for National Policy, the normally secretive network of right-wing preachers, political operatives, and fat cats who have been a major force in the Republican Party ever since they backed Ronald Reagan for president. (Emphasis added.)
It's just a recycled version of Hillary's old complaint that a "vast, right-wing conspiracy" was out to get the Clintons. Not surprisingly, the e-smear comes from a self-described Hillary supporter.
The Left is particularly worked up by remarks Palin has made, in the prayer petitions in her church for example, where she has asked (1) the Lord to bless America and (2) that our country's leaders walk in His will.
To hear the Left complain, one would think that Palin had proposed an Inquisition.
Palin is no doubt used to being ridiculed by the elites at this point, and therefore not surprised at this latest attack. George Washington, however, would be flabbergasted. Recall the words from his Farewell Address (emphasis added):
Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government.
Palin's faith is in the best tradition of our Founders. Her willingness to look for guidance in prayer and scripture shows that in addition to the many attributes she displayed in her acceptance speech -- humor, poise, authenticity -- she is also wise and humble. That's why voters love her. She hasn't ever, in any way, indicated that she would impose her religious traditions on anyone else.
But the fact that she has a strong faith, and is unashamed of it, encourages people. It is one more way in which we relate to her: when seeking guidance to life's difficult question, and comfort in times of adversity, many of us pray -- including for our country and its leaders.
We pray and we vote.
News Bias?
They say there is no bias in the news media. Tonight (Sept 9, 08) on NBC Evening News Brian Williams had Chuck Todd on to report the numbers on the campaign.
If they are not biased, then how come Chuck Todd uses the pronoun "we" for reporting Obama's numbers. Tonight it was how voters felt about their choice of presidential candidate. When he reported Senator Obama's good numbers he said, "although good they are not as good as we once had". This is the second time I have heard Chuck Todd use the pronoun "we" when reporting on Obama. I could attribute this to just a slip but I don't listen to NBC News a lot and to have heard it twice in about three weeks gives me an idea that Mr. Todd is in the biased media category. Maybe Gregory could fill in for him as well as Olbermann and Chris Matthews. That should fix everything.
If they are not biased, then how come Chuck Todd uses the pronoun "we" for reporting Obama's numbers. Tonight it was how voters felt about their choice of presidential candidate. When he reported Senator Obama's good numbers he said, "although good they are not as good as we once had". This is the second time I have heard Chuck Todd use the pronoun "we" when reporting on Obama. I could attribute this to just a slip but I don't listen to NBC News a lot and to have heard it twice in about three weeks gives me an idea that Mr. Todd is in the biased media category. Maybe Gregory could fill in for him as well as Olbermann and Chris Matthews. That should fix everything.
Obama's Top Five Gaffes
We aren't the only ones who have noticed Obama's clumsiness while off teleprompter. Here are Obama's top five gaffes, as reported by College On the Record:
1. While in Pennsylvania, Obama called the Penn State football team the “Nittaly Lions.” They're actually the “Nittany Lions.” Joe Paterno, Penn State’s head coach, must have been upset.
2. When giving a speech at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Obama mistakenly called the city “Sioux City.”
3. During a speech in Oregon earlier this month, Obama said he had visited “57” states over the past 15 months. This one has George W. written all over it. Although as Conan O’Brien joked, Bush would have likely said that Obama forgot two states, instead of calling him out on his gaffe.
4. Last May, Obama gave a speech where he said a tornado in Kansas had killed 10,000 people and destroyed an entire city. In actuality, only 12 were killed. Oops!
5. Finally, in a very recent interview, Obama, who clings to his Christian faith like a life preserver, stated that he didn’t blame McCain for his attacks on his “his Muslim faith.” The interviewer corrected him, and the gaffe raised new concerns that he is lying about his actual religion.
1. While in Pennsylvania, Obama called the Penn State football team the “Nittaly Lions.” They're actually the “Nittany Lions.” Joe Paterno, Penn State’s head coach, must have been upset.
2. When giving a speech at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Obama mistakenly called the city “Sioux City.”
3. During a speech in Oregon earlier this month, Obama said he had visited “57” states over the past 15 months. This one has George W. written all over it. Although as Conan O’Brien joked, Bush would have likely said that Obama forgot two states, instead of calling him out on his gaffe.
4. Last May, Obama gave a speech where he said a tornado in Kansas had killed 10,000 people and destroyed an entire city. In actuality, only 12 were killed. Oops!
5. Finally, in a very recent interview, Obama, who clings to his Christian faith like a life preserver, stated that he didn’t blame McCain for his attacks on his “his Muslim faith.” The interviewer corrected him, and the gaffe raised new concerns that he is lying about his actual religion.
Obama's Gaffes Continue
Here's another belly laugh courtesy of Senator Barack Ogaffe, as described by Jonah Goldberg in the LA Times:
Over the last week, Obama misspoke and referred to his "Muslim faith" on ABC's "This Week" and told a rally how excited he was to be in "New Pennsylvania." Perhaps that's one of the 57 states he once claimed to campaign in?
And perhaps in Obama's New Scranton, voters don't cling to their God and guns so much.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Over the last week, Obama misspoke and referred to his "Muslim faith" on ABC's "This Week" and told a rally how excited he was to be in "New Pennsylvania." Perhaps that's one of the 57 states he once claimed to campaign in?
And perhaps in Obama's New Scranton, voters don't cling to their God and guns so much.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
The Antidote For Anti-Palin Spam
If your inbox, like mine, is overflowing with emails from Democratic friends who are trying to rescue you from your delight in Gov. Sarah Palin's nomination, you can get the truth on many of the internet rumors from Newsweek, of all places.
Newsweek debunks the rumor -- spread by CNN -- that as Governor of Alaska, Palin cut state funding for special needs students by 62 percent. That's not only false, Palin actually tripled special needs funding in three years, a move that educators called "historic."
Nor did Palin push for Alaska to secede from the Union, endorse Pat Buchanan or insist that schools teach Creationism.
The worries on the left that Palin favors lower taxes, a strong national defense and the sanctity of life, however -- those are true. You go girl!
Update: Juan Cole has a piece at Salon that includes many of the internet falsities, such as that Palin banned Harry Potter from the Wasilla library (when in fact, it wasn't even written at the time of the supposed incident.) His article is entitled "What's the difference between Palin and Muslim fundamentalists? Lipstick."
Now what was all that about bashing Obama by reminding people that his middle name (like that of his African half-brother) is Hussein? Unlike the rumors about Palin, the Obama boys really are named Hussein. That's what is known as a fact.
Newsweek debunks the rumor -- spread by CNN -- that as Governor of Alaska, Palin cut state funding for special needs students by 62 percent. That's not only false, Palin actually tripled special needs funding in three years, a move that educators called "historic."
Nor did Palin push for Alaska to secede from the Union, endorse Pat Buchanan or insist that schools teach Creationism.
The worries on the left that Palin favors lower taxes, a strong national defense and the sanctity of life, however -- those are true. You go girl!
Update: Juan Cole has a piece at Salon that includes many of the internet falsities, such as that Palin banned Harry Potter from the Wasilla library (when in fact, it wasn't even written at the time of the supposed incident.) His article is entitled "What's the difference between Palin and Muslim fundamentalists? Lipstick."
Now what was all that about bashing Obama by reminding people that his middle name (like that of his African half-brother) is Hussein? Unlike the rumors about Palin, the Obama boys really are named Hussein. That's what is known as a fact.
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