Abe Lincoln gets the credit for Thanksgiving, especially in the Era of the Obama Team of Rivals Transition. I prefer to go back to the real source for the holiday: George Washington.
If this post resembles last year's Thanksgiving post, so does my dinner menu. Some things are timeless, including the words of the Father of Our Country and pumpkin pie. Drive safely and try not to fight too much with the relatives.
Political correctness has undercut the meaning of Thanksgiving for some small children and historically-challenged adults. As a result, there is some confusion about to whom the Pilgrims gave thanks that First Thanksgiving.
Though the Pilgrims invited the Indians (or Native Americans, if you prefer) to their feast, in gratitude for the Indians' kindness, the point of the feast was to worship and thank the Lord -- not the Indians.
George Washington understood that distinction and amplified it in his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789. Our first president reminded us that "it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor."
America's exceptionalism is a direct blessing that flows from the faith of Washington and many of our other Founders.
In addition to gutting the reason for our most sacred holidays, political correctness also teaches us that we should dismiss the Founding Fathers as a bunch of "dead white guys." And any time a public official refers to the Lord, we are warned that the "religious right" stands ready to impose a theocracy.Washington's Proclamation reminds us, however, that we are a country founded upon Judeo-Christian values. The Pilgrims sought freedom of religion -- not freedom from religion.
Our first president's directive speaks to us as forcefully today as it did to our new country in 1789: we are to give thanks to the "great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be."
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
So Which Country Would Kentucky Join?
A supposedly respected Russian analyst, who 10 years ago predicted the collapse of the U.S. economy, now says that America will break apart into six or more little countries.
Professor Igor Panarin told Izvestia that the failure of investment banks, U.S. debt and tough times for the auto industry convince him that the end of America is near.
He also cited the "vulnerable political setup", "lack of unified national laws", and "divisions among the elite, which have become clear in these crisis conditions."
That "vulnerable political setup" would be the constitution -- the framework of the longest functioning democracy in the history of the world. That "lack of unified national laws" would be federalism, which has allowed us to survive this long. Those "divisions among the elite" would refer to that consequence of free speech: differences of opinion.
He predicted that the U.S. will break up into six parts - the Pacific coast, with its growing Chinese population; the South, with its Hispanics; Texas, where independence movements are on the rise; the Atlantic coast, with its distinct and separate mentality; five of the poorer central states with their large Native American populations; and the northern states, where the influence from Canada is strong.
He even suggested that "we could claim Alaska - it was only granted on lease, after all." (Note to Igor: Sarahcuda may have something to say about that.)
Now as to those six parts, I don't see where Kentucky fits. We are on Eastern Standard Time (barely) and we do have a "distinct and separate mentality." But I fear that those snobs in East may not want us to join their country. They may not even want Upstate New York. If the Atlantic states are in a different country from the "northern states,"the Atlantic country will probably set its border somewhere around Westchester County.
Does the esteemed professor deem Kentucky one of the five "poorer central states with their large Native American populations"? Kentucky is a poor state, no question. We did have Native Americans at one point, before we drove them west. Consequently, we have a governor who likes gambling but no reservations with casinos. As best I can tell, only the park system in Louisville and the names of a few high schools hearken back to that Native American influence. I don't see Kentucky in the Native American Republic.
Perhaps we fall in the "South with its Hispanics." We are sort of Southern, at least around Derby time. And Kentucky's Hispanic population is on the rise.
Kentucky does not fit neatly into any of the professor's categories. That could be because Kentucky truly is sui generis. Or it could be that the Russian prof does not know we exist: plainly, our "sister city" of Perm, Russia has not been pulling its weight.
If and when the end comes, therefore, we need to form our own Republic. President of Kentucky -- now that would be a fun election.
Professor Igor Panarin told Izvestia that the failure of investment banks, U.S. debt and tough times for the auto industry convince him that the end of America is near.
He also cited the "vulnerable political setup", "lack of unified national laws", and "divisions among the elite, which have become clear in these crisis conditions."
That "vulnerable political setup" would be the constitution -- the framework of the longest functioning democracy in the history of the world. That "lack of unified national laws" would be federalism, which has allowed us to survive this long. Those "divisions among the elite" would refer to that consequence of free speech: differences of opinion.
He predicted that the U.S. will break up into six parts - the Pacific coast, with its growing Chinese population; the South, with its Hispanics; Texas, where independence movements are on the rise; the Atlantic coast, with its distinct and separate mentality; five of the poorer central states with their large Native American populations; and the northern states, where the influence from Canada is strong.
He even suggested that "we could claim Alaska - it was only granted on lease, after all." (Note to Igor: Sarahcuda may have something to say about that.)
Now as to those six parts, I don't see where Kentucky fits. We are on Eastern Standard Time (barely) and we do have a "distinct and separate mentality." But I fear that those snobs in East may not want us to join their country. They may not even want Upstate New York. If the Atlantic states are in a different country from the "northern states,"the Atlantic country will probably set its border somewhere around Westchester County.
Does the esteemed professor deem Kentucky one of the five "poorer central states with their large Native American populations"? Kentucky is a poor state, no question. We did have Native Americans at one point, before we drove them west. Consequently, we have a governor who likes gambling but no reservations with casinos. As best I can tell, only the park system in Louisville and the names of a few high schools hearken back to that Native American influence. I don't see Kentucky in the Native American Republic.
Perhaps we fall in the "South with its Hispanics." We are sort of Southern, at least around Derby time. And Kentucky's Hispanic population is on the rise.
Kentucky does not fit neatly into any of the professor's categories. That could be because Kentucky truly is sui generis. Or it could be that the Russian prof does not know we exist: plainly, our "sister city" of Perm, Russia has not been pulling its weight.
If and when the end comes, therefore, we need to form our own Republic. President of Kentucky -- now that would be a fun election.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Hillary's a Great Pick
Dick Morris sent an e-blast that warns of the perils of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. To be sure, Morris has a unique perspective on the Clintons. Nonetheless, I think that President-elect Barack Obama should nominate Hillary to be Secretary of State.
As Joe Biden ominously (and bizarrely) warned during the campaign, the Obama administration will be tested, early on. That is a certainty in an otherwise uncertain world.
Given that reality, we need someone who won't be pushed around by the likes of Vladimir Putin and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Hillary is tough enough, relentless enough and ruthless enough to protect America's interests. She doesn't seem to suffer from the world appeasement syndrome -- the need to be loved by all -- that plagues the rest of her party. Hillary represents the best chance for our country to remain as safe as possible under Obama.
Obama will have his hands full with her. He already does; the leak of her prospective nomination came from her staff, not his. (The infighting will be great fun to watch. )
Following a thorough hearing on all the donations that Bill Clinton has received from assorted despots and tyrants, the Senate should confirm her.
As Joe Biden ominously (and bizarrely) warned during the campaign, the Obama administration will be tested, early on. That is a certainty in an otherwise uncertain world.
Given that reality, we need someone who won't be pushed around by the likes of Vladimir Putin and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Hillary is tough enough, relentless enough and ruthless enough to protect America's interests. She doesn't seem to suffer from the world appeasement syndrome -- the need to be loved by all -- that plagues the rest of her party. Hillary represents the best chance for our country to remain as safe as possible under Obama.
Obama will have his hands full with her. He already does; the leak of her prospective nomination came from her staff, not his. (The infighting will be great fun to watch. )
Following a thorough hearing on all the donations that Bill Clinton has received from assorted despots and tyrants, the Senate should confirm her.
The Ad CBS Refused to Run
CBS refused to run an ad that opposes the card-check legislation. That's the proposed law that would take away the right to a private ballot for workers voting on whether to unionize. CBS apparently objected to the ad because it singles out House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- who allowed members of Congress to elect committee heads by secret ballots. Pelosi -- who was scheduled to appear to appear on a CBS show -- doesn't want the little people to enjoy the same right to keep their vote secret. Here's the ad.
Friday, November 21, 2008
McConnell Press Conference
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell held a press conference to reiterate that the Republican caucus will demand the right to offer amendments on proposed legislation:
So the point I would like to make here is that the 42 Republican senators represent 157 million Americans. Their voices are entitled to be heard. And the way to be heard in the Senate is to have an open amendment process. And that’s what we’ve had historically until the last Congress where it was routinely the device of the majority leader to prevent the minority from offering amendments.
That is not going to stand. We are going to try to get that genie back in the bottle so that the 157 million people that we represent will have an opportunity to have their voices heard.
McConnell dismissed the notion that his reelection had been close:
Well, first of all, I don’t consider myself the leader of the Republican Party. I consider myself a leader of the Republican Party in Kentucky. Secondly, let me hasten to remind you my election was not close. I won by over 100,000 votes. I carried 87 out of 120 counties. It was the third largest margin I’ve ever gotten. It was contesting, but it was not close.
And I know the difference between a close election and a not close election. I won by six percentage points, and I believe Barack Obama won by -- what -- 54-48. So it was not close.
H/t: Congressional Quarterly
So the point I would like to make here is that the 42 Republican senators represent 157 million Americans. Their voices are entitled to be heard. And the way to be heard in the Senate is to have an open amendment process. And that’s what we’ve had historically until the last Congress where it was routinely the device of the majority leader to prevent the minority from offering amendments.
That is not going to stand. We are going to try to get that genie back in the bottle so that the 157 million people that we represent will have an opportunity to have their voices heard.
McConnell dismissed the notion that his reelection had been close:
Well, first of all, I don’t consider myself the leader of the Republican Party. I consider myself a leader of the Republican Party in Kentucky. Secondly, let me hasten to remind you my election was not close. I won by over 100,000 votes. I carried 87 out of 120 counties. It was the third largest margin I’ve ever gotten. It was contesting, but it was not close.
And I know the difference between a close election and a not close election. I won by six percentage points, and I believe Barack Obama won by -- what -- 54-48. So it was not close.
H/t: Congressional Quarterly
Why Obama Made Nice to McCain
The Wall Street Journal has an interesting take on the real reason President-elect Barack Obama invited Sen. John McCain for a sit-down -- and it wasn't to heal the nation or show post-partisanship or any other such platitude. It was to begin the process of peeling away Republican votes needed for filibusters
In short, the Obama-McCain summit was a preemptive attack on Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's ability to hold his caucus together when confronted by Obama's policies.
As Kimberly Strassel writes for the Journal, Obama's meeting with McCain was
directed, pure and simple, at co-opting Mr. McCain's help against what Mr. Obama understands is now his biggest obstacle: Senate Minority Leader McConnell.
. . .
Standing in the way is Mr. McConnell, one of the shrewdest Senate operators in recent history, and a man who knows the institution inside-out. He also knows what his members want, and what he can demand in return.
The minority leader is already crafting ways to keep his caucus together to block Mr. Obama's more destructive proposals. If the new president wants 60 votes, he's going to have to fight for them, vote for vote.
Look for McCain to go all mavericky on us and sell out Republican principles. As time goes on, we may give thanks that he was not elected; it least now conservatives have an opportunity to regroup and develop candidates who actually believe in the party platform.
In the meantime, I give thanks that Kentucky voters were not duped by Bruce Lunsford's millions and returned McConnell to keep the firewall in the Senate.
In short, the Obama-McCain summit was a preemptive attack on Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's ability to hold his caucus together when confronted by Obama's policies.
As Kimberly Strassel writes for the Journal, Obama's meeting with McCain was
directed, pure and simple, at co-opting Mr. McCain's help against what Mr. Obama understands is now his biggest obstacle: Senate Minority Leader McConnell.
. . .
Standing in the way is Mr. McConnell, one of the shrewdest Senate operators in recent history, and a man who knows the institution inside-out. He also knows what his members want, and what he can demand in return.
The minority leader is already crafting ways to keep his caucus together to block Mr. Obama's more destructive proposals. If the new president wants 60 votes, he's going to have to fight for them, vote for vote.
Look for McCain to go all mavericky on us and sell out Republican principles. As time goes on, we may give thanks that he was not elected; it least now conservatives have an opportunity to regroup and develop candidates who actually believe in the party platform.
In the meantime, I give thanks that Kentucky voters were not duped by Bruce Lunsford's millions and returned McConnell to keep the firewall in the Senate.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Mitt: Bankruptcy, Not Billions, For Detroit
Former Mass. governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney told Fox News that the U.S. auto industry should restructure pursuant to the bankruptcy code, rather than soaking up additional billions from a taxpayer bailout.
His perspective is worth noting for two reasons. First, as Hot Air points out, Romney's family made its money in Detroit's auto industry. Second, by profession, Romney is a turn-around guy. In fact, in discussing the need for outside faces to reform the auto industry, Romney sounds like he'd enjoy the challenge of making Detroit globally competitive. And I don't doubt that he could do it.
Romney makes the point that a bankruptcy is a restructuring, not a liquidation (essentially the difference between Chapter VII and Chapter XI of the bankruptcy code).
As a result, bankruptcy is an opportunity; it would give Detroit the chance to rewrite contracts -- including with labor -- to allow Detroit to reduce its costs. Those savings would be passed on to consumers, which is the only way that American auto makers can compete with Japan and company.
On the issue of executive compensation and perks, Romney sounds down-right populist. This could be a good issue for Romney while he waits for 2012. Recall Lee Iacoca; he saved Chrysler, wrote a book. Then everyone wanted him to run for president.
His perspective is worth noting for two reasons. First, as Hot Air points out, Romney's family made its money in Detroit's auto industry. Second, by profession, Romney is a turn-around guy. In fact, in discussing the need for outside faces to reform the auto industry, Romney sounds like he'd enjoy the challenge of making Detroit globally competitive. And I don't doubt that he could do it.
Romney makes the point that a bankruptcy is a restructuring, not a liquidation (essentially the difference between Chapter VII and Chapter XI of the bankruptcy code).
As a result, bankruptcy is an opportunity; it would give Detroit the chance to rewrite contracts -- including with labor -- to allow Detroit to reduce its costs. Those savings would be passed on to consumers, which is the only way that American auto makers can compete with Japan and company.
On the issue of executive compensation and perks, Romney sounds down-right populist. This could be a good issue for Romney while he waits for 2012. Recall Lee Iacoca; he saved Chrysler, wrote a book. Then everyone wanted him to run for president.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
McConnell Reelected GOP Senate Leader
Sen. Mitch McConnell was unanimously reelected Senate Republican Leader today. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona was elected Republican Whip.
Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee was elected to be Republican Conference Chairman.
Senator John Ensign of Nevada was elected Republican Policy Chairman and Senator John Thune of South Dakota was elected Republican Conference Vice Chairman.
Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee was elected to be Republican Conference Chairman.
Senator John Ensign of Nevada was elected Republican Policy Chairman and Senator John Thune of South Dakota was elected Republican Conference Vice Chairman.
Friday, November 14, 2008
William Ayers Remains Unrepentant
What do you say in response to someone who argues the night is day?
William Ayers is at it again, this time in an interview with ABC News, which reports:
Ayers defended his bomb-throwing past and repeated a statement that has infuriated his critics: "I don't think we did enough."
The college professor also argued to "Good Morning America's" Chris Cuomo today that the bombing campaign by the Weather Underground, the group he helped found, was not terrorism.
All we can do is hope the ghost of Abraham Lincoln terrorizes Ayers if -- heaven forbid -- once he's inaugurated, President Obama ever invites Ayers to sleep over at the White House.
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.
William Ayers is at it again, this time in an interview with ABC News, which reports:
Ayers defended his bomb-throwing past and repeated a statement that has infuriated his critics: "I don't think we did enough."
The college professor also argued to "Good Morning America's" Chris Cuomo today that the bombing campaign by the Weather Underground, the group he helped found, was not terrorism.
All we can do is hope the ghost of Abraham Lincoln terrorizes Ayers if -- heaven forbid -- once he's inaugurated, President Obama ever invites Ayers to sleep over at the White House.
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, November 13, 2008
RNC Launces Web Site For Grass Roots Input
The Republican National Committee has launched a new website to give activists at all levels and all over the country an opportunity to shape the party's future.
It's called RepublicanForAReason.com. (I'll add it to the blog roll on the right.)
The Republican Party has become fat and intellectually lazy as a result of too many years in power. It's time to return to the tenets that Ronald Reagan relied on: limited government, individual responsibility, judicial restraint, respect for life and peace through strength.
Let the RNC know your vision for our party.
It's called RepublicanForAReason.com. (I'll add it to the blog roll on the right.)
The Republican Party has become fat and intellectually lazy as a result of too many years in power. It's time to return to the tenets that Ronald Reagan relied on: limited government, individual responsibility, judicial restraint, respect for life and peace through strength.
Let the RNC know your vision for our party.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
AUTO BAILOUT! Let's think about it.
Being a capitalist in business and in thinking I believe the free market should decide the outcome of our future. As a capitalist I realize I succeed or fail based on my decisions as a business owner. I believe that bigger companies have greater resources than I to make better decisions for their outcome and improve their chances of success.
With that said I realize the economical impact of losing any or all of our big auto makers.
I do question why they cannot trim their cost first. One item I heard the other day was just absurd. The automakers are forced by the unions to retain a “bank of workers” that they no longer need due to new robotics that do the job of the worker more efficiently. This bank of workers sits in the cafeterias of the auto plants idly putting in their time waiting to be called to the line if needed. My source stated that this bank amounts to 15,000 workers each day, earning in the area of $31.00 per hour. My quick math says this is approximately $100,000,000.00 per year that could be trimmed out of the auto makers cost.
If we pass a bill to save the big three automakers with out making them and the unions make concessions, would we not be subsidizing the costly unions and the demands they in turn make on the automakers?
Let’s learn a lesson from our bail out of AIG and make sure the taxpayers are not going to subsidize spa treatments for their executives and unnecessary costly demands of our unions that bog down our ability to produce a competitive product.
With that said I realize the economical impact of losing any or all of our big auto makers.
I do question why they cannot trim their cost first. One item I heard the other day was just absurd. The automakers are forced by the unions to retain a “bank of workers” that they no longer need due to new robotics that do the job of the worker more efficiently. This bank of workers sits in the cafeterias of the auto plants idly putting in their time waiting to be called to the line if needed. My source stated that this bank amounts to 15,000 workers each day, earning in the area of $31.00 per hour. My quick math says this is approximately $100,000,000.00 per year that could be trimmed out of the auto makers cost.
If we pass a bill to save the big three automakers with out making them and the unions make concessions, would we not be subsidizing the costly unions and the demands they in turn make on the automakers?
Let’s learn a lesson from our bail out of AIG and make sure the taxpayers are not going to subsidize spa treatments for their executives and unnecessary costly demands of our unions that bog down our ability to produce a competitive product.
George Will and David Hawpe Square Off On McConnell's Significance
George Will and David Hawpe have competing columns published today on the Courier Journal's editorial pages. (Will's piece is linked here; Hawpe's is here.) The topic is whether Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is the greatest Republican congressional leader that Kentucky has ever produced. Judge for yourself which of these writers has the best argument. My money is on Will, who calls McConnell "Kentucky's most important politician since Henry Clay, 'the Great Compromiser.'"
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.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A Timeless Epistle...
The following letter was written by my grandfather to his best friend on December 19, 1944. I share it because the words are as fresh and relevant today as the day they were written. Furthermore, the letter's conclusion was true then, as it is today, and always will be.
Dear Eli:
In these days of the glorification of imbecility and the enthronement of dishonesty, vindictiveness and chicanery as crowning qualities of moral dignity, Mary Louise and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and the happiest New Year possible.
The long winter of our discontent is here. There is hardly a doubt that we shall witness and many of us experience strange and possibly harrowing convulsions in the years ahead. Out of the darkness, however, there is a light which still shines with undiminished brightness, a steady solid brightness --even in twenty years the whole motley array of political perverts, social saboteurs and schizophrenic straphangers in Washington together with their scattered helots, can really not do very much about the Ten Commandments and the eternal compensations which have always been the reward of decency.
Sincerely,
Sloane Graff
Dear Eli:
In these days of the glorification of imbecility and the enthronement of dishonesty, vindictiveness and chicanery as crowning qualities of moral dignity, Mary Louise and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and the happiest New Year possible.
The long winter of our discontent is here. There is hardly a doubt that we shall witness and many of us experience strange and possibly harrowing convulsions in the years ahead. Out of the darkness, however, there is a light which still shines with undiminished brightness, a steady solid brightness --even in twenty years the whole motley array of political perverts, social saboteurs and schizophrenic straphangers in Washington together with their scattered helots, can really not do very much about the Ten Commandments and the eternal compensations which have always been the reward of decency.
Sincerely,
Sloane Graff
Barbadian Calls Kentuckians "Hillbillies" And Obama A Proverbial King Tut
Poor Kentuckians and Obama! We now are being called dumb "Hillbillies" by a Barbadian for not voting for Obama, who is called a "Pharoah". I'm not sure which nickname is worse, though apparently the writer intended Obama's new title to be a compliment. Check out this amazing piece of Obama oblation:
Blessings for US, Pharoah Barack Obama
Published on: 11/11/08.
GOD BLESS the United States.
The scales have fallen from her eyes as she travelled metaphorically on the road to Damascus. She has redeemed herself! For God has raised up a horn of salvation, to redeem our low estate from the abyss of slavery, by the enthronement of Pharoah Barack Obama in the House of White in the land of the United States. The God of our Forefathers has not forgotten the plight of our people, neither has he lent a deaf ear to the lamentations of the children of Africa. He has magnified us by this election!
President-elect Obama, who is really a Kabaka of one of the ancient princely houses of the Rift Valley of East Africa, ran a brilliant and finely tuned political campaign which attracted the young educated voters of the United States and the vast majority of all the various groups of voters who participated in that amazing election. The Hillbillies in Kentucky could not bring themselves to vote for a man of colour. But then that group of citizens is not known for cerebral considerations.
. . . .
I salute President-elect Barack Obama, Pharoah of the Upper Nile!
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.
Blessings for US, Pharoah Barack Obama
Published on: 11/11/08.
GOD BLESS the United States.
The scales have fallen from her eyes as she travelled metaphorically on the road to Damascus. She has redeemed herself! For God has raised up a horn of salvation, to redeem our low estate from the abyss of slavery, by the enthronement of Pharoah Barack Obama in the House of White in the land of the United States. The God of our Forefathers has not forgotten the plight of our people, neither has he lent a deaf ear to the lamentations of the children of Africa. He has magnified us by this election!
President-elect Obama, who is really a Kabaka of one of the ancient princely houses of the Rift Valley of East Africa, ran a brilliant and finely tuned political campaign which attracted the young educated voters of the United States and the vast majority of all the various groups of voters who participated in that amazing election. The Hillbillies in Kentucky could not bring themselves to vote for a man of colour. But then that group of citizens is not known for cerebral considerations.
. . . .
I salute President-elect Barack Obama, Pharoah of the Upper Nile!
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 "Ran One Heck Of An E-Campaign"
Nikki Schwab at U.S. News & World Report reports that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell "ran one heck of an E-campaign." She explains:
Much like the presidential candidates, the Kentucky senator used everything from E-mail to online advertising to YouTube and Facebook to boost his re-election chances against challenger Bruce Lunsford and ended up beating the Democrat by six percentage points and being re-elected to a fifth term.
While many members of Congress failed to be superinnovative on the Web this election cycle, Senator McConnell was interested from the start. While he's known in Washington for using old procedural tricks to trip up the Democratic majority on legislation the GOP opposes, McConnell turns out to be equally masterful with the new tricks of the election trade. "Senator McConnell, when he hired me, stated as a goal that he wanted to run the best Senate campaign in America and he wanted to take advantage of all the latest technologies and methods," Campaign Manager Justin Brasell tells Whispers. With that, McConnell's Web team created a new site for the senator, TeamMitch.com, and advertised heavily through Google. They promoted the senator's campaign using banner ads that were often timely, like the General Petraeus one shown above that was placed on conservative websites around the time the general was testifying on Capitol Hill. McConnell would check with staffers for weekly updates on how many people were viewing his YouTube videos, how many were opening his E-mails, etc. "He followed it pretty closely," Brasell says.
The Web presence brought in supporters and money alike. "Conservatives were really looking for a way to support him and they were using Google to do it," explains Peter Pasi, executive vice president of Emotive, the company that developed McConnell's Web strategy. When people Googled the senator's name, they would see sponsored links from the campaign that enabled them to donate to the candidate. "What we found is that starting around September, when the race got really tight, we had a lot of money coming in just from basic search," Pasi says. By Election Day, the average person who Googled McConnell was giving the campaign $80. And for every $1 the campaign spent on advertising on the search engine it was making between $25 and $30.
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.
Much like the presidential candidates, the Kentucky senator used everything from E-mail to online advertising to YouTube and Facebook to boost his re-election chances against challenger Bruce Lunsford and ended up beating the Democrat by six percentage points and being re-elected to a fifth term.
While many members of Congress failed to be superinnovative on the Web this election cycle, Senator McConnell was interested from the start. While he's known in Washington for using old procedural tricks to trip up the Democratic majority on legislation the GOP opposes, McConnell turns out to be equally masterful with the new tricks of the election trade. "Senator McConnell, when he hired me, stated as a goal that he wanted to run the best Senate campaign in America and he wanted to take advantage of all the latest technologies and methods," Campaign Manager Justin Brasell tells Whispers. With that, McConnell's Web team created a new site for the senator, TeamMitch.com, and advertised heavily through Google. They promoted the senator's campaign using banner ads that were often timely, like the General Petraeus one shown above that was placed on conservative websites around the time the general was testifying on Capitol Hill. McConnell would check with staffers for weekly updates on how many people were viewing his YouTube videos, how many were opening his E-mails, etc. "He followed it pretty closely," Brasell says.
The Web presence brought in supporters and money alike. "Conservatives were really looking for a way to support him and they were using Google to do it," explains Peter Pasi, executive vice president of Emotive, the company that developed McConnell's Web strategy. When people Googled the senator's name, they would see sponsored links from the campaign that enabled them to donate to the candidate. "What we found is that starting around September, when the race got really tight, we had a lot of money coming in just from basic search," Pasi says. By Election Day, the average person who Googled McConnell was giving the campaign $80. And for every $1 the campaign spent on advertising on the search engine it was making between $25 and $30.
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.
Like A Rodgers and Hammerstein Song, "Getting To Know You, Getting To Know All About You"
From WhiteHouse.gov:President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama walk the Colonnade to the Oval Office Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, as the President and Mrs. Laura Bush welcomed the President-elect and his wife, Michelle, to the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper
Update: Sorry we couldn't resist the Rodgers and Hammerstein allusion. As Hammerstein wrote for another tune, "[t]he corn is as high as an elephant's eye."
St. X's Football Stock Is Rising, and Trinity's Is Not Far Behind
In the new national rankings of high school football teams, as determined by Rivals.com, St. Xavier High School of Louisville is ranked 22nd in the country. Trinity High School of Louisville is ranked 69th. Regarding St. X, the commentary notes:
Stock Rising This past weeks 56-0 thrashing of Covington Catholic was very impressive. St. X looks poised to take home Kentucky 6A hardware.
Congratulations, Tigers! And hang in there Rocks: you are bound to play St. X again in the playoffs.
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.
Stock Rising This past weeks 56-0 thrashing of Covington Catholic was very impressive. St. X looks poised to take home Kentucky 6A hardware.
Congratulations, Tigers! And hang in there Rocks: you are bound to play St. X again in the playoffs.
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.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Senate Republican Conference News
The Hill.com reports that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is likely to retain his leadership position when the Senate Republican Conference meets on November 18. But Senator Norm Coleman's "cliffhanger reelection race in Minnesota has complicated his long-sought bid to take the reins of an influential Republican campaign committee, senior GOP aides said Monday."
Other issues that may be on the agenda:
In next week’s meeting, the conference also may decide on rules changes proposed by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), including a one-year ban on earmarks and term limits for leadership positions and for Republicans serving on the Appropriations Committee. The conference will also begin to debate how to handle Sen. Ted Stevens’s (R) felony conviction, especially if he pulls off a win in his Senate race in Alaska. Some Republicans seem open to standing behind the longest-serving GOP senator in history as he appeals his conviction, while others argue he should be stripped of all committee assignments and ultimately expelled to show that the party is rooting out corruption. DeMint has also informed his party's leaders that he will offer a rule targeting Stevens's ability to serve in the conference, one aide said Monday.
In addition to McConnell's almost certain retention of his post,
Minority Whip Jon Kyl (Ariz.) and Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) are expected to retain their leadership spots next Congress.
Meanwhile, Sen. John Ensign (Nevada) plans to relinquish his NRSC chairmanship to become the next GOP Policy Committee chairman, the No. 4 spot in leadership, and Sen. John Thune (S.D.) is running uncontested to become the next vice chairman of the conference.
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.
Other issues that may be on the agenda:
In next week’s meeting, the conference also may decide on rules changes proposed by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), including a one-year ban on earmarks and term limits for leadership positions and for Republicans serving on the Appropriations Committee. The conference will also begin to debate how to handle Sen. Ted Stevens’s (R) felony conviction, especially if he pulls off a win in his Senate race in Alaska. Some Republicans seem open to standing behind the longest-serving GOP senator in history as he appeals his conviction, while others argue he should be stripped of all committee assignments and ultimately expelled to show that the party is rooting out corruption. DeMint has also informed his party's leaders that he will offer a rule targeting Stevens's ability to serve in the conference, one aide said Monday.
In addition to McConnell's almost certain retention of his post,
Minority Whip Jon Kyl (Ariz.) and Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) are expected to retain their leadership spots next Congress.
Meanwhile, Sen. John Ensign (Nevada) plans to relinquish his NRSC chairmanship to become the next GOP Policy Committee chairman, the No. 4 spot in leadership, and Sen. John Thune (S.D.) is running uncontested to become the next vice chairman of the conference.
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.
Coleman Clings By Fingernails To His Lead Over Franken
The latest from AP is that Republican Senator Norm Coleman's lead over Democrat Al Franken is now only 204 votes:
That's down 17 votes from the margin reported last week in tallies that are still considered unofficial. The difference of only about one-hundredth of 1 percent between the two candidates will trigger an automatic recount next week.
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.
That's down 17 votes from the margin reported last week in tallies that are still considered unofficial. The difference of only about one-hundredth of 1 percent between the two candidates will trigger an automatic recount next week.
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.
AFP: "McConnell Is The Sole Check On Democrats In Congress"
AFP confirms what we have been saying about Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's increased significance in the Washington after the election:
The most powerful Republican in Washington is Mitch McConnell, the leader of the party's battered Senate army.
With a few races from Tuesday's election still to be decided, Democrats look set to fall short of the 60-vote super-majority needed to forestall Republican filibuster obstruction tactics in the Senate.
So McConnell is the sole check on Democrats in Congress -- given that Democrats extended their dominance in the House of Representatives, triggering bloodletting among the Republican leadership.
McConnell set out his stall in his first response to Obama's election in a statement.
"The Republican leadership stands ready to hear his ideas for implementing his campaign promises of cutting taxes, increasing energy security, reducing spending and easing the burden of an immense and growing national debt."
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 most powerful Republican in Washington is Mitch McConnell, the leader of the party's battered Senate army.
With a few races from Tuesday's election still to be decided, Democrats look set to fall short of the 60-vote super-majority needed to forestall Republican filibuster obstruction tactics in the Senate.
So McConnell is the sole check on Democrats in Congress -- given that Democrats extended their dominance in the House of Representatives, triggering bloodletting among the Republican leadership.
McConnell set out his stall in his first response to Obama's election in a statement.
"The Republican leadership stands ready to hear his ideas for implementing his campaign promises of cutting taxes, increasing energy security, reducing spending and easing the burden of an immense and growing national debt."
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.
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