The Terrorism Component to Brown's Victory Helps Grayson

Much has been said about Scott Brown's opposition to Obamacare, high taxes and deficit spending. But Brown's internal polling showed that terrorism and treatment of enemy combatants was the "most potent issue," according to NRO's Andy McCarthy.

That has direct implications for Kentucky's Republican primary to replace Sen. Jim Bunning. Trey Grayson has reiterated his opposition to closing Gitmo and to giving civilian trials to enemy combatants. Grayson likewise argues that the U.S. must stay on the offense in the war on terror.

Dr. Rand Paul, in contrast, avoids the whole subject of terrorism like it is the Swine Flu. And no wonder: many of his libertarian followers, according to their comments to this blog, blame the U.S. for 9/11. Ignoring the high rate of recidivism among enemy combatants, Paul has said that he would send Gitmo prisoners back to their country of origin because it would "take them a long time" to get back here to try to kill us again.

After the attempted bombing of the Detroit-bound plane on Christmas day, Grayson quickly issued a statement. Grayson pointed out that some of the attack's planners had been released from Gitmo, only to become al Qaeda leaders in Yemen; the attempted bomber's master-minds thus are the poster-terrorists of why Gitmo should not be closed. Paul issued no statement about the attempted attack.

This is the dilemma for Paul. He has many loyal and energized followers who hate the U.S. war on terror. But unless and until Paul speaks to the issue of national security, he cannot appeal to the third leg of the Reagan coalition: voters who value a strong national defense.

Those national security voters are one reason that Scott Brown was able to reassemble the Reagan coalition. As McCarthy writes,

Scott Brown went out and made the case for enhanced interrogation, for denying terrorists the rights of criminal defendants, for detaining them without trial, and for trying them by military commission. It worked.. . . .

Yes, the Left will say you are making a mockery of our commitment to “the rule of law.” MSNBC will run segments on your dark conspiracies to “shred the privacy rights of Americans.” The New York Times will wail that you’re heedless of the damage you’ll do to “America’s reputation in the international community.”

The answer is: So what? The people making these claims don’t speak for Americans — they speak at Americans, in ever shrinking amounts. If you’re going to cower from a fight with them, we don’t need you. Get us a Scott Brown who’ll take them on in their own backyard. And he’ll take them on with confidence because he knows their contentions are frivolous — and he knows that Americans know this, too.

So while both Grayson and Paul celebrate Brown's victory, and both echo Brown's opposition to Obamacare and deficit spending, only Grayson has thus far tapped into Brown's "more potent issue."

Lally Says Brown Win Is the Writing on Yarmuth's Wall

Republican Congressional candidate Todd Lally contends that Scott Brown's win in Massachusetts -- and Republican wins in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races -- show that Congressman John Yarmuth is vulnerable

In a statement to WHAS, Lally said:

The people of the United States and Massachusetts have spoken. We are tired of waking up and finding out via newspaper that the Democrat majority has pushed its agenda on us once again. With the use of late night votes and back room deals, Senators have been given exemptions for their state, in return for their vote. This kind of under-handed politics is appalling and does not represent the intent of democracy.

Lally called Yarmuth's vote in favor of the Democrats' health care bill "irresponsible and unacceptable."; Yarmuth admitted that he had "no idea" how the country would pay for the bill.

Way To Go, Scott Brown!

It turns out the best polling was done by the Black Eyed Peas: "Tonight's gonna be a good night," and it was for Republicans, Reagan Democrats and Independents who took back the People's Seat. Simultaneously, they injected note of sanity into the debate, including the need to bring the health care issue out from behind the closed doors with Scott Brown's promise that when it comes to health care reform, "We can do better."

Statements of congratulations are flowing in. First, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who really, really needed the extra troops:

I want to congratulate Senator-elect Scott Brown on his decisive victory. There’s a reason the nation was focused on this race: The voters in Massachusetts, like Americans everywhere, have made it abundantly clear where they stand on health care. They don’t want this bill and want Washington to listen to them. Americans are investing their hopes in good Republican candidates to reverse a year-long Democrat trend of ignoring the American people on the issues of health care, spending and the growth of government.

And from U.S. Senate candidate Trey Grayson:

Kentuckians had it right in 2008 when we overwhelmingly rejected the radical liberal agenda of President Obama and the Congressional majority in Washington. It appears much of the rest of the country is now coming around to our way of thinking after a year of an attempted government takeover of health care, closed door negotiations, secret back room deals, the push for a cap and trade law to create a national energy tax, and more out-of-control spending and borrowing than our nation has ever seen.

My heart felt congratulations goes out to Scott Brown, his family and campaign staff and volunteers.It is not just a victory for Massachusetts, but for the whole country. Let’s hope that much like our own Ron Lewis’ race in 1994 this race will be a bellwether for the election results this fall. Americans didn’t vote for more intrusive government, higher taxes and a skyrocketing national debt in 2008, but that’s what we’ve gotten from this Congress. If I’m elected to the U.S. Senate my top priority will be working to restore our nation’s fiscal health.

Congratulations, as well, to those former Romney operatives who ran a brilliant campaign, even the ones who wouldn't bother to return Scott Brown's phone calls when he was a nobody.

All Eyes On the Bay State

The polls are all over the place. Zogby has Coakley winning but the DSCC has Brown up by five. Republicans have won just by turning this into a race. Democrats manifested their typical arrogance that the seat was an entitlement and didn't even see fit to campaign until it was too late. It is not, as Brown pointed out, "Teddy's seat." It is the people's seat and now it is their manifesto against Obamacare.

The most exciting thing about the Coakley - Brown race (other than the fact that it can defeat Obamacare) is it shows that the Reagan Democrats are not gone. There was no realignment in 2008. They are paying attention to this administration and they are angry.

Rest In Peace, Fancene

I was saddened to learn that WHAS radio personality Francene Cucinello passed away today at the all too young age of 43.

She and I both wrote columns for the Voice, and although I did not know her well, I enjoyed her warmth, humor and complete lack of pretentiousness.

God rest her soul and comfort her family with His peace.

Poll: Even Mass. Voters Hate Health Care Bill

Even voters in the People's Republic of Massachusetts oppose Obamacare -- 51 percent. And no wonder, according to the Suffolk University/News 7 Boston poll, 61% “believe the federal government cannot afford the proposed national health care plan.”

Consequently, Democrats may well lose the senate seat even in this bluest of states. President Barack Obama plans to go campaign in the special election. Yeah, that'll help . . . the Republican.

Trey Pounds Rand On Gitmo

I only caught the part of Trey Grayson's interactive video chat last night that fell after swim practice and before the Social Studies project, but here's my take: he made Dr. Rand Paul look dangerous on the issue of closing Gitmo.

Grayson and Paul are indistinguishable on fiscal issues. As Paul has done all along, Grayson hit hard the need to get "our financial house in order." Grayson also made an interesting point on the national security implications of our enormous deficit; our debt allows us to be held hostage by China or whoever chooses to lend us the money to continue the Democrats' profligate spending.

But where Grayson really shone is on the question of whether President Barack Obama should close Gitmo. Grayson opposes closing Gitmo (and moving its terrorist prisoners to nearby Illinois) in the strongest possible terms.

He ridiculed Paul's assertion that we can deport the "enemy combatants" to whence they came because it would take them "a long time to get back here." Grayson maintains that we cannot allow the people who want to kill us to come back to complete their mission.

National security and foreign policy are issues that reveal the most fundamental differences between Grayson and Paul. There is no doubt that Paul is a fiscal conservative. In this primary -- in this time of our nation's history -- that is necessary, but not sufficient. Paul needs to address the national security issues upon which he would be called to vote. It is time to expand the discussion of issues beyond catch-words like "out of control spending! deficits! career politicians!"

Send Mitch More Troops

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell might pick up a 41st vote. That could stop Obamacare in its present form (and replace it with something sensible and incremental that actually lowers costs).

For that to happen, Republicans need to win the special election in the People's Republic of Massachusetts. It's neck and neck.

Note the difference between the Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown, according to Jeff Jacoby:

Coakley supports ObamaCare, opposes the war in Afghanistan, and favors higher taxes on the wealthy. Brown is against the health care legislation, backs the president’s surge in Afghanistan, and wants across-the-board tax cuts à la JFK. Coakley is an EMILY’s List prochoice hard-liner; Brown condemns partial-birth abortion and is backed by Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Coakley has no problem with civilian trials for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Brown thinks it reckless to treat enemy combatants like ordinary defendants.

Right-thinking people with any money left over from the Holidays need to make a contribution to Brown, stat.

Nothing could cure Seasonal Affected Disorder better than a Republican victory in Massachusetts. As Brown has said repeatedly, "It's not the 'Kennedy Seat.' It's the people's seat."

Rasmusson Shows GOP Leading in Senate Race

A new Rasmusson poll shows that Kentucky voters prefer the Republicans -- Trey Grayson or Dr. Rand Paul -- to the Democrats -- whether the nominee is Jack Conway or Dan Mongiardo. That is, now matter who wins either primary, Republicans win the general.

For Republicans, the closest match-up would be Grayson v. Mongiardo; Grayson wins 44-37 and "some other candidate" gets 8 percent. The best margin for Republicans is Grayson v. Conway; Grayson wins 45-35.

Paul beats either Democrat by a slightly higher percentage than Grayson due to variable "some other candidate." Whereas Grayson beats Mongiardo 44-37, if Paul is the candidate, Republicans wins 49-35. Likewise, Grayson beats Conway 45-35 but Paul wins over Conway 46-38.

H/t: Joe Arnold

Grayson Will Debate Paul

Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson has agreed to debate Dr. Rand Paul, candidate for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

Here's the schedule:

February 13th
Grassroots Group of McCracken County/McCracken County GOP Forum
McCracken County Court House, Paducah, KY / 11:30 a.m.

[Glad this one is the the morning. That saves Valentine's dinner dates.]

March 17th
Metropolitan Republican Women's Club Candidate Forum
Location TBA, Louisville, KY / 6:00 p.m.

[How about locating this one at the Irish Rover?! Will there be green beer?]

April 5th
Knox County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum
Union College, Barbourville, KY / 5:00 p.m.

April 13th
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum
Bowling Green Junior High School / 7:00 p.m.

April 23rd
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum
Location TBA / 12:00 p.m.

Both of these men are smart and articulate. That should make for an excellent series of debates.

Can Rand Paul Connect With People of Faith?

Joe Arnold has linked up an interesting post from a Bill Johnson supporter who makes the case that Dr. Rand Paul's libertarian views must be rejected by Christian voters.

In fairness to Paul, the post neglects to note that unlike many libertarians, Paul opposes abortion.

Arnold's take is that the talk about Paul hiring Mike Saltsman (formerly of the Huckabee campaign) was intended to reach fundamentalist Christians.

Christians, of course, are not the only "values voters." A comment from a Paul supporter to this blog raises the question of whether Paul will be able to appeal to Jewish voters. "Nobody" writes:

If you want to see the reality of what is truly happening, go open your eyes and follow theAIPAC and the ADL which both organizations have been instrumental in controlling our media and information we receive to protect Israel as they massacre and admit to brutalizing millions of people in gestapo-like tactics that once were used against them by Hitler.

[AIPAC is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobby; ADL is the Anti-Defamation League, dedicated to fighting defamation of Jews.]

To be sure, a candidate cannot be held accountable for the views of follower -- though if the anti-Semitism of the commenter called "Nobody" is more than just a fluke, then Paul must disavow it.

What may give Jewish voters more pause about Paul is the sincerity and depth of his support of Israel. When I asked the campaign last Fall about U.S. support of Israel, I was told "Israel is a friend of America, he [Paul] supports all allies with the United States." It is hard to know if the shallowness of that response reflects a lack of enthusiasm or a lack of reflection. It is not exactly a pledge to go to the mat for Israel. That may appeal to some Paul supporters, but may make it difficult to reach out to voters who care about Israel -- that includes Christian as well as Jewish voters.

The dilemma for Paul is that if he shows too much enthusiasm for supporting Israel, he will alienate some of the libertarian voters -- like "Nobody"-- who see Jewish conspiracies everywhere. If Paul does not show enough supporters for Israel, he risks alienating not only Jewish and Christian voters but anyone who recognizes that Israel is one of our closest allies, an important source of intelligence and the only democracy in the region.

For Paul, the issue of support for Israel dovetails into the issue of how to keep America safe in the age of terrorism without losing our civil liberties.

Trey Grayson, in contrast, has visited Israel twice and has written about it extensively. In fact, Grayson traveled with AIPAC. He is unequivocal about his support for Israel. Unlike Paul, Treyson does not have to finesse the issue.

Tea Party Convention Comes to Nashville

The first ever Tea Party National Convention will take place in Nashville, February 4-6. Sarah Palin is the keynote speaker. Rep. Michelle Bachmann will also speak.

Dr. Rand Paul is not listed as a speaker, but given the proximity of Bowling Green to Nashville, it would be easy for him to drop by.

Steve Forbes Endorses Rand Paul

Steve Forbes has endorsed Dr. Rand Paul in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate:

“As someone who has run an outsider campaign myself, I know something about taking on the establishment. I see in Rand someone who can take the fight from the Tea Parties to the Senate, and help take back our government and our country from the out of control, tax and spend liberals.

“The American people need more than just another vote. They need a man of principle who will always stand up and fight. They need a citizen politician who will represent THEM.

“Rand Paul will do the work to fight for lower taxes and spending and for more freedom in Washington. He’ll fight for a constitutional amendment to balance the budget and for term limits. He’ll fight to give back more of our rights, not take more away.

And then he’ll go back home to Kentucky. I can’t think of a better way to represent the people of Kentucky then to end the cycle of career politicians and pork barrel spending in Washington.”

That means at least one thing for sure: Steve Forbes is not the "special celebrity guest host" who will moderate Trey Grayson's interactive house party broadcast next week.

Sarah Palin Coming to Louisville

WHAS 11 is reporting that Sarah Palin is coming to Louisville April 16 as part of the Women of Joy Conference.

Hmmmm . . . that's one month before the Republican primary, and just three days before the deadline to register to vote.

Last Fall, Former Rand Paul spokesman Chris Hightower said that the campaign was trying to get Palin to endorse Paul. Hightower maintained the the Kentucky primary is similar to special election in New York's 23rd Congressional district. Palin endorsed the Tea Partier in that race after the Republican establishment picked a liberal Republican as its candidate. The Democrat won.

So in addition to speaking at Women of Joy and promoting her book, will Sarah Palin campaign for Dr. Rand Paul?

Rand Paul Makes Diane Sawyer's Newscast

ABC News With Diane Sawyer did a feature on the Tea Partiers' growing national influence that briefly mentioned Dr. Rand Paul. The piece focused on the resignation of Florida Republican Chair Jim Greer and that state's U.S. Senate primary between moderate Gov. Charlie Grist and Tea Partier Marco Rubio.

With respect to Paul, ABC only stated "And in Kentucky, Rand Paul, son of a former presidential candidate Ron Paul, is riding the tea party wave."

Trey Grayson Gets Ready to File

Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson will celebrate his filing for the U.S. Senate Republican primary with simultaneous house parties in 94 counties. Grayson will file next Thursday, January 14, 2009.

According to the Grayson campaign, the house parties will feature an "historic interactive, live video webcast moderated by a celebrity special guest host (to be announced later)." Go to TreyGrayson.com to get invited to a house party or to watch the webcast. Apparently, Grayson will take questions.

Any guess as to the "celebrity special guest host?" Please let it not be Glenn Beck. The Rand Paul campaign reached out to Sarah Palin, but has been unable to land her thus far; could it be Palin? Maybe it's Tim Pawlenty, since he seems to be everywhere these days. But then again, he's not much of a celebrity at this point. I'm betting that it's someone in the media.

The Grayson press release about the announcement lists a range of issues that like Rand Paul hits hard on the economy:

The problems we face as a country are getting worse each day: record unemployment, growing deficits, out-of-control spending, dependence on foreign energy, threats to our national security - and the list could go on. Instead of tackling these problems in common-sense ways that stress individual responsibility and fiscal restraint, the liberal majority in Washington believes spending more tax dollars and expanding government will solve our problems. Clearly that's not working.

Unlike Paul, however, Grayson recognizes -- and is willing to say -- that terrorism is one of the most important issues that we face as a country.

Rand Paul's Filing Speech

A supporter of Dr. Rand Paul forwarded a YouTube video of a ten-minute speech Paul gave at Republican headquarters a few days ago after he filed his papers to run for U.S. Senate. For anyone who has not heard Paul speak, it's worth watching to get the full measure of the man. There is no question that Paul is smart, articulate and conservative.

However, the speech may be more noteworthy for what Paul left unsaid.

Though the speech was given on December 30 -- just five days after the attempted Christmas terrorist attack -- Paul did not address that incident. Nor did he discuss foreign policy, homeland security, Islamofacism or Gitmo. These were curious omissions, given recent events.

Paul says the the Republican Party is is great party and he believes in it's platform. "It's not enough just to have an "R" next to your name unless you believe in something." Paul also identifies himself with the Tea Party Movement: ("We, the members of the Tea Party movement" have "come to take our government back.")

He is passionate about low taxes, an end to bailouts and earmarks, and limited government restrained by the constitution. He said that it is not enough for Congress, when enacting legislation, to just "cobble together a majority." "Where is the constitutional authority for what you are doing?" It's great rhetoric, but given the expansive interpretation of the commerce clause by the courts, it may be too late.

Paul is very upbeat about his campaign, notwithstanding several resignations of key staff recently. "We are well-funded, we're doing well in the polls." He says his polling shows him up 19 points. He described his volunteer resources as "limitless." "Our campaign moves with a momentum that astounds even myself."

Although he never attacked Trey Grayson by name, he had choice words for "career politicians" -- "middle of the road bland politicians, they just want the office" and think they are entitled to it for life. He called for terms limits and a balanced budget amendment.

Paul's criticism of big government, high taxes and deficit spending is well said, though not substantively different from Trey Grayson's positions on these same issues. But as Americans wonder if it is safe to fly home from the holidays, Paul needs to discuss the war on terror and foreign policy.

View From the U.K.

The Telegraph has a great piece on Obama and the terrorist who tried to ruin Christmas.

Complacency, faux moralising and partisan shots at Republicans. It was a neat summary of where Obama is going wrong after the Christmas Day debacle when the Nigerian knicker bomber managed to waltz onto a Detroit-bound flight.

For a man who campaigned denouncing the politicisation of national security under President George W Bush, it is worth noting how intensely political Obama's treatment of what might henceforth be known as Underpantsgate has been.

His White House recognised its political vulnerability more readily than it comprehended the level of danger faced by Americans.

. . .

The incompetence of the US intelligence bureaucracy is not the only thing that makes Underpantsgate so damaging for Obama. More serious is his failure to understand or acknowledge the nature of the enemy - and to view war as mere politics.

Really, the Brits were kinder to Obama than the U.S. media would have been had the episode taken place under the Bush administration: there would have been complaints that the president "failed to connect the dots"; complaints that he should cut his vacation short and rush back to Washington; and then the inevitable Congressional hearing followed by a thousand page report.

McConnell Gives GOP Weekly Address

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell gives this week's Republican address. It is revelatory in several respects.

First, as the highest-ranking Republican in Washington, McConnell could avail himself of the platform of giving the Republican weekly address as often as he wants. And yet this is the first time he has chosen to give the address in who knows how long. Instead, he routinely uses the weekly address as an opportunity to promote rising stars within the party. This is a testament to McConnell's innate modesty and love of the Republican party: he puts the party above self-aggrandizement.

Second, by focusing on the second battle of Trenton (conducted this day in 1777), McConnell reveals his love for history and its influence on his statesmanship. This is a man who studies history for clues on how to better lead his state and his nation. That, too, underscores his modesty. Even though McConnell is now the longest-serving U.S. Senator in the history of Kentucky, he still seeks to learn, particularly from those great men who founded our nation.

Third, contrary to what the Courier-Journal likes to spin, McConnell is by nature an optimist. As a result, he views the partisanship in Washington as an opportunity to make real progress on important issues like health care. But he does not view the GOP's minority status as an excuse to capitulate (as many would).

He looks to the battle of Trenton and sees that courage and the will to fight do not come from the number of troops one commands but rather the principles for which one fights.

Messiah Mode

I enjoy talk radio, but I just can't listen anymore right now to commentary on the grinches in Washington. They may be able to steal our earthly treasures, but they can't steal our heavenly ones. Handel's Messiah will be the only thing coming out of the car stereo for the next 48 hours.

Merry Christmas!

McCain Delivers GOP Weekly Address

Sen. John McCain gives a clear overview of the Democratic plan to take over health care in this weeks Republican Address.

He characterizes the process that produces the 2,000 page bill as "confused and secretive." He decries the lack of bipartisanship and the Democrats refusal to do anything substantive -- like tort reform -- to control costs.

The Democratic bill, McCain argues, spends $ 2.5 billion to create an "unsustainable entitlement program" that will require $500 billion in taxes to take effect almost immediately.

Meanwhile, seniors will suffer massive cuts in Medicare Advantage. And those few "reforms" that the bill seeks would not take effect for four years.

McConnell Forces Reading

The Clerk of the Senate is now reading an amendment designed to appease Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), the lone Democratic hold out on the health care take over.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell invoked Senate rules that the amendment be read. It was completely appropriate for McConnell to force the reading; it's the only way to buy the public enough time to digest the 2000 page bill.

Previously, Democrats had promised that the bill would be available online for 72 hours, but as the vote is now scheduled, Democrats have broken that pledge in their attempt to ram through their plan to pay for six years of benefits with ten years of (raised) taxes.

Senate Republican Ad on Health Care

Senate Republicans have released an Internet ad opposing the Democratic health care over (scheduled for a 1:00 a.m. vote Monday morning).

Seriously, is this the best opposition we can mount?

U.S. Senators Are Left Behind In Reiding Class

Does Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid think we are idiots? He certainly behaves like United States Senators are remedial readers. Here's what Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell had to say in a press release issued earlier today:

Thursday, December 17, 2009

‘And here’s the most outrageous part: at the end of this rush, they want us to vote on a bill that no one outside the Majority Leader’s conference room has even seen. That’s right. The final bill we’ll vote on isn’t even the one we’ve had on the floor. It’s the deal Democrat leaders have been trying to work out in private’

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the importance of getting it right on health care reform:

“Senators on both sides acknowledge that the health care bill we’re considering is among the most significant pieces of legislation any of us will ever consider.

“So it stands to reason that we’d devote significant time and attention to it.

“Indeed, some would argue that we should spend more time and attention on this bill than most — if not every — previous bill we’ve considered.

“The Majority disagrees.

“Why? Because this bill has become a political nightmare for them.

“They know Americans overwhelmingly oppose it, so they want to get it over with.

“Americans are already outraged at the fact that Democrat leaders took their eyes off the ball. Rushing the process on a partisan line makes the situation even worse.

“Americans were told the purpose of reform was to reduce the cost of health care.

“Instead, Democrat leaders produced a $2.5 trillion, 2,074-page monstrosity that vastly expands government, raises taxes, raises premiums, and wrecks Medicare.

“And they want to rush this bill through by Christmas — one of the most significant, far-reaching pieces of legislation in U.S. history. They want to rush it.

“And here’s the most outrageous part: at the end of this rush, they want us to vote on a bill that no one outside the Majority Leader’s conference room has even seen.

“That’s right. The final bill we’ll vote on isn’t even the one we’ve had on the floor. It’s the deal Democrat leaders have been trying to work out in private.

“That’s what they intend to bring to the floor and force a vote on before Christmas.

“So this entire process is essentially a charade.

“But let’s just compare the process so far with previous legislation for some perspective. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve done and where we stand:

• The Majority Leader intends to bring this debate to a close as early as this weekend — four days from now, on this $2.5 trillion dollar mistake

• No American who hasn’t been invited into the Majority Leader’s conference room knows what will be in that bill

• This bill has been the pending business of the Senate since the last week of November — less than four weeks ago.

• We started the amendment process two weeks ago.

• We’ve had 21 amendments and motions — less than two a day.

“Now let’s look at how the Senate has dealt with previous legislation.

“No Child Left Behind (2001):

• 21 session days or 7 weeks.

• Roll Call votes: 44

• Number of Amendments offered: 157

“9/11 Commission/Homeland Security Act (2002):

• 19 session days over 7 weeks.

• Roll Call votes: 20

• Number of Amendments offered: 30

“Energy Bill (2002):

• 21 session days over 8 weeks

• Number of Roll Call votes: 36

• Number of Amendments offered: 158

“This isn’t an energy bill. This is an attempt by a majority to take over one sixth of the U.S. economy — to vastly expand the reach and the role of government into the health care decisions of every single American — and they want to be done after one substantive amendment. This is absolutely inexcusable.

“I think Senator Snowe put it best on Tuesday:

‘Given the enormity and complexity,’ she said, ‘I don’t see anything magical about the Christmas deadline if this bill is going to become law in 2014.’

“And I think Senator Snowe’s comments on a lack of bipartisanship at the outset of this debate are also right on point.

“Here’s what she said in late November:

‘I am truly disappointed we are commencing our historic debate on one of the most significant and pressing domestic issues of our time with a process that has forestalled our ability to arrive at broader agreement on some of the most crucial elements of health care reform. The bottom line is, the most consequential health care legislation in the history of our country and the reordering of $33 trillion in health care spending over the coming decade shouldn’t be determined by one vote-margin strategies – surely we can and must do better.’

“The only conceivable justification for rushing this bill is the overwhelming opposition of the American people. Democrats know that the longer Americans see this bill the less they like it. Here’s the latest from Pew. It came out just yesterday.

“A majority (58 percent) of those who have heard a lot about the bills oppose them while only 32 percent favor them.”

“There is no justification for this blind rush — except a political one, and that’s not good enough for the American people.

“And there’s no justification for forcing the Senate to vote on a bill none of us has seen.

“Americans already oppose this bill. The process is just as bad.

“It’s completely reckless, completely irresponsible.”
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.

Poor Illinois

It's the ultimate bait and switch. President Barack Obama flew to Europe to bring back the Summer Olympics to Chicago -- to no avail. But he does have a little something for his home state.

Obama is sending Gitmo terrorists to an Illinois prison 150 miles from Chicago.

So instead of Michael Phelps in a Speedo, Illinois gets a group of Islamofascists who'd like to break out and kill everyone.

2010 Looking Good For GOP Senate Candidates

Stuart Rothernberg finds the outlook for Republican Senate candidates much improved.

Eleven months ago, Rothenberg notes, "Sen Jim Bunning (R-KY) was in trouble" as were other Republicans.

The national landscape has changed considerably since then, leaving more and more Democratic incumbents vulnerable.

Rothernberg gives Republicans a narrow lead in Kentucky:

Other races, where there hasn't been such movement, remain tight, with the race a statistical dead heat (in Missouri, for example), or with the Republican nominee holding a narrow advantage in most polling (including Kentucky, North Carolina, Illinois and Louisiana).

Republicans have an opportunity to pick up seats-- and maybe control of the Senate.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid may not have to worry about losing more bodies in his caucus, because Reid may not even get reelected. Reid is polling around 41 percent against his most likely GOP opponent.

Harry Reid's Bill Will Raise Costs by $234 Billion

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (part of Health and Human Services) have crunched the numbers on Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid's latest iteration of the health care take over: Reid's bill would raise the cost of health care $ 234 billion.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was right. Just last week, Sen. Max Baucus complained, "The Republican Leader a few moments ago said that this bill raises costs. With all due respect to my good friend from Kentucky, that statement is false."

McConnell was right on cost, just as he has been right about public opposition to the bill.

Yesterday, three more polls found that the more Americans learn of the Democratic plan, the more they oppose it. A CNN poll showed 61 percent of Americans oppose the Senate health care bill. Fox News found that 57 percent oppose the proposed legislation. Even the New York Times noted that only 42 percent approve of the Obama administration's handling of health care, down five points from last month.

U of L CRs Invite Candidates to Debate

The University of Louisville College Republicans are attempting to put a debate together between the GOP U.S. Senate candidates.

The Rand Paul campaign has said he can attend any of the proffered dates: January 21, 27 or February 4, 15, or 25.

Trey Grayson will have to debate him at some point; might as well give the CRs a boost.

Tiger Beat

As Tiger Woods's mistresses scurry about for fallen crumbs like cock roaches in a dirty kitchen, two questions remain.

First, why did Tiger not have a separate, secret phone for calling his babes? This is standard practice among professional athletes of his, uh, propensities. Moreover, as the AT&T spokesman, he probably could have procured said phone for free. Not that money is an issue for Tiger.

Second question. Sportswriters who have traveled with Tiger have (privately) said for years that he has a girl in every town, lots of hookers and cocktail waitresses. So why has no Louisville mistress stepped forward? He played Valhalla, but is that all he played in Kentucky?

Are we really to believe that after winning the PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2000 Tiger didn't go celebrate? Perhaps Kentucky women don't kiss and tell.

Jenny Sanford Dumps the Gov.

South Carolina First Lady Jenny Sanford has filed for divorce from her cheating scum of a husband, Gov. Mark Sanford. He's the former Republican star who lied about hiking the Appalachian Trail while trysting in South America.

Barbara Walters named Mrs. Sanford one of the "Most Fascinating People of 2009," apparently for maintaining her dignity while her husband lost his.

Mrs. Sanford, for her part, schooled Baba Wawa when the later asked, "Are you your husband's soul mate?"

An icy Mrs. Sanford replied, "Clearly not."

Former Louisvillian Saves Girl From Stabbing

Former Louisville resident Ken Schulz saved a 16 year-old girl's life in his new hometown of Anchorage, AK. Schulz, a UPS pilot who recently relocated to Alaska, was cross-country skiing at noon when he saw a teenage boy and girl behind a high school. The boy, a Junior, appeared to be punching the girl. As Schulz got closer, however, he saw that the boy was repeatedly stabbing the girl.

Schulz kicked the assailant, who then threatened Schulz with a knife and then fled. Schulz called the police.

According to the Alaska Daily News, while the nearby school remained on lock-down, police used dogs and helicopters to chase the boy for an hour before capturing and arresting him.

The boy had lured the girl behind the girl behind the school by promising to give her a silver ring. This is what comes of schools failing to teach Odysseus; the girl should have known to beware of jerks bearing gifts.

Tiger/Obama Laugh Of The Day

The Hill reports:

In a statement given to The Hill's ITK, Rep. Joe Baca (D-Calif.) said, “In light of the recent developments surrounding Tiger Woods and his family, I will not pursue legislation awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal this session."

One of the comments:

Maybe Rep. Baca can nominate Tiger for the Nobel Peace Prize!
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.

A way to really reduce pollution

Reports have it that over 140 ozone layer destroying private jets and 1200 gas guzzling limos are being used to get to and around the Copenhagen climate conference. This is not to mention all the hot air that will arise from all the meetings. A great way to really limit greenhouse gases would be to not have such conferences.

Jack Conway Lauds Useless "Message" Amendment

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Jack Conway issued a press release to demonstrate his heart-felt support for an amendment to the the health care bill. (H/t: Page One.) The amendment was pushed by Colorado Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet, who was appointed to his seat and faces a tough election to keep it.

Bennet's amendment was intended to address the public furor over the Democrats' proposal to pay for their health care take over by cutting Medicare. Jack Conway wants us to know that he agrees with Bennet:

It is of the utmost importance to me to protect Kentucky’s seniors. Senator Michael Bennett’s (D-CO) measure will preserve guaranteed benefits for the 720,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the Commonwealth. (Emphasis added.)

The only problem is that Bennet's amendment was all atmospherics, so substance. A leaked email from Bennet's office made this clear, according to the AP:

"This is a message amendment," his office informed fellow Democrats in an e-mail unintended for publication, indicating its purpose was political. "The Senate bill already does these things and this amendment makes these facts absolutely clear and succinct." It passed 100-0.

Unfortunately for Conway, he was not on the email list from Bennet's office. Consequently, Conway was duped into thinking that the Senate's non-binding posturing would "preserve guaranteed benefits."

It does not. The vote was pure symbolism; that's why it passed 100-0.

But Conway's release revealed more than just his naivete about Senate procedure. He misspelled the name of the Democrat he applauded.

The U.S. Senator from Colorado who pushed the "message amendment" is not, as Conway twice referred to him "Senator Michael Bennett’s (D-CO)." It's Bennet with one "T": Michael Bennet.

He Wrote Back!

I wrote to Congressman John Yarmuth the first week of August to suggest that he hold a real, live town hall on health care as opposed to the fake teleconference town halls he had held up to that point.

He (or rather, one of his minions) has replied -- four months later. I am so glad for the instantaneous nature of email; it really improves constituent relations between the elected and we the little people.

It is unclear why the staffer bothered to even respond at this late date. Maybe he or she noticed that on a a near daily basis, new Republicans are announcing their candidacy to challenge Yarmuth.

As form letters to constituents go, it's a fine letter. I especially like how Yarmuth sought to reassure me that he will not turn us into Canada, Britain or France as he takes over one-sixth of the U.S. economy: "Speaking with so many people and hearing so many different personal experiences only reinforced my belief that our current health care system is unsustainable, and I will do all I can to ensure that we find a uniquely American solution that works for the American people."

One interesting turn of phrase: Yarmuth -- who is, after all, a designated messenger for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- describes the health care take over as "reform." As in, "As a result of constituent feedback during the month of August many changes were made to the health care reform legislation being considered by the House. " (Emphasis added.) And to reiterate this change of nomenclature, "With my support, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act was passed on November 7, 2009. H.R. 3962 is now on hold until the Senate approves its health reform bill." (Emphasis added.)

Reform sounds so modest and incremental. Not nearly so draconian as what the Democrats' plan actually is: a trillion dollar, two thousand page monstrosity that will make health care more expensive while reducing quality.

An Obama Cover to Collect

It would not normally be newsworthy that President Barack Obama will appear on yet another magazine cover -- no. 12,576 of his administation

But this cover, on Golf Digest, partners the president with pig Tiger Woods, under the headline, "10 Tips Obama Can Take From Tiger."

Tip number one: hide the golf clubs from the your wife.

h/t Instapundit

Dems Attack Each Other Over Health Care

Perhaps the most interesting fights on the Senate floor these days are between Democrats. Take this exchange on proposed cuts to Medicare.

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) likes the cuts, arguing that "what is cut are private health care plans under the Medicare Advantage Program." As if the quasi-private nature of the plan should console the elderly recipient who loses her benefits.

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) represents a state with a large population of senior citizens, and therefore viewed the cuts differently: "I think it would be intolerable to ask the senior citizens on Medicare who have [Medicare Advantage] to give up substantial health benefits that they're enjoying under Medicare." Nelson pledged to offer an amendment to shield seniors form the proposed cuts.

Trey Reacts to Obama Speech

Here are the remarks of U.S. Senate candidate Trey Grayson in response to President Barack Obama's speech on Afghanistan. Grayson is on the mark:

I support the President’s decision to finally accept the recommendations of commanders on the ground and order a surge of forces in Afghanistan. I disagree with those who believe we should set a date certain for withdrawal from Afghanistan and believe that we must show the necessary commitment to success for the Afghan people, for our allies, and to our enemies. We all want our troops to come home, but not until Afghanistan Security Forces are sufficiently able to secure the country and prevent it from being overrun by Al Qaeda again, creating a situation that could lead to another attack on the United States. I will be watching with great interest as more details on the President’s strategy are provided in testimony before Congress. Key to success is a clear mission with measurable results in the ability of Afghan Security Forces to secure the country.

Now we need to hear from Dr. Rand Paul.

Swine Flu Vaccines Really, Really Late

Jefferson County children will finally get vaccinated for the Swine Flu, more than a month after H1N1 peaked in local schools.

The absence rate at my children's school exceeded 30 percent the week leading up to Halloween; it has been back to normal for some time since.

It's great that schools are making the vaccine available to students on-site. But where was the vaccine when we needed it last month?

The Obama administration had nearly a year's lead-time to prepare for the Swine Flu. And yet we are just now getting the vaccine, after the flu has run its course.

If this is how the administration reacts to a public health crisis when it has this much advance notice to plan and prepare, how it will handle a crisis that by its nature gives only a few days warning --like a hurricane.

By the way, more than twice as many people have died from Swine Flu than from Hurricane Katrina.

Support For Health Care Bill Plunges

A new Rasmusson poll shows that support for the Democrats' health care plan has reached an all-time low: 38 percent support it, the lowest number since the tracking polls began in June.

In contrast, 56 percent of Americans said in the telephone poll that they oppose President Obama and the Congressional Democrats' health care plan.

This is why the debate that will now take place in the Senate is good for Republicans; the more Americans learn about the Democrats' plan to increase health care costs, raise premiums and cut Medicare, the less they like it.

Notions to blame Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for "obstructing" the health care takeover, moreover, sound like blaming the fire extinguisher for impeding the progress of a conflagration.

A Botox Tax?

The Senate Health Care monstrosity includes a five percent tax on cosmetic surgery, according to Politico. The tax may raise eye brows, but not those of Vice President Joe Biden or Sen. John Kerry.

How is it that Nancy Pelosi omitted this gem from the House bill?

Grayson Goes On Offense

Secretary of State Trey Grayson is finally drawing a substantive distinction between his positions and those of Dr. Rand Paul.

Earlier this week, Grayson sensibly condemned the Obama administration's decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammad and his co-conspirators in a New York City civilian court, rather then in the military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay.

Paul quickly issued a release stating that he, too, thought the 9/11 mastermind and company should be tried at Gitmo, and criticizing the Obama administration. According to Paul,

Foreign terrorists do not deserve the protections of our Constitution. These thugs should stand before military tribunals and kept off American soil. I will always fight to keep Kentucky safe and that starts with cracking down on our enemies.

Well said on Paul's part, though it was a bit of a surprise, given that some in the libertarian end of the party are not exactly aggressive about the War on Terror. Paul's statement tended to reassure that he would approach issues like the terrorist detainees with clear-eyed common sense.

But then the Grayson campaign trotted out three statements that Paul made last May -- statements that appear to contradict his condemnation of the Obama administration's decision to hold the KSM show trial in civilian court.

One such statement appeared on Paul's campaign site; it has since been removed, but is available by Google cache snap shot. That post said that Paul "couldn't agree more" with those who believe that Gitmo "significantly damaged the reputation of the United States" and should be "shut down." The Paul campaign now says that a volunteer posted the language without the campaign's permission.

Assuming, for sake of fairness, that the web site post cannot be attributed to Paul, we turn to two other statements that Paul spoke himself. In both, he asserts that the U.S. should just dump the terrorists back from whence they came.

On the Alex Jones radio show (May 21, 2009), according the the Grayson campaign, Paul said,

it's kind of unclear whether these people are guilty, not guilty. . . . So I really think deportation, sending them back to their country of origin might be the best way to go. And none of it's fair, because some of them have been held years and years.

Of course, that begs the question of what process is appropriate to determine whether "these people are guilty, not guilty." Deportation -- without an adjudication -- seems to give the suspected terrorists a pass; it's certainly not a conviction.

In Paducah (May 8, 2009), Paul said of terrorist detainees, "I think they should mostly be sent back to their country of origin or to tell you the truth I'd drop them back off into battle . . . you're unclear, drop them off back in Afghanistan. It'd take them awhile to get back over here."

The problem with Paul's approach is that it does not account for the recidivism rate among terrorists. What happens after we ship terrorists back to Afghanistan, as Paul suggests? Are these thugs more likely to wave American flags at our troops or set IEDs to kill them? If the latter, then we have just sent reinforcements to kill more Americans -- sort of a reverse surge.

Republican primary voters need to pay close attention to what Grayson and Paul say about Gitmo and the War on Terror. Grayson and Paul are virtually indistinguishable on fiscal issues: both support limited government and low taxes. Republicans must therefore identify those issues on which they differ -- such as what to do about foreign terrorists.

Did Eric Holder go to law school?

In response to criticism for having the KSM trial in a civilian court, Eric Holder said that acquittal is not an option. What?!?! Under the U.S. Constitution, acquittal is ALWAYS an option. That is what trials are for. This is law 101. For the highest lawyer in the land to make this statement is amazing.

If KSM gets some bright defense attorneys, as he most certainly will, there will be a real opportunity for them to to get him off on some technicality. How about violation of his Miranda rights for a start? Who knows how clever they can be.

It is unconscionable that a war criminal is being tried in a civilian court, but then unconscionable has become routine under the current regime. I am not sure that anything they do should surprise or shock us anymore.

Grayson Condemns Obama 9/11 Show Trials

Secretary of State and U.S. Senate candidate Trey Grayson has condemned the Obama administration's plan to use civilian courts to try the master-mind of the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, and his co-conspirators.

In an email blast, Grayson states that he

disagree[s] strongly with this decision and have launched a petition against this policy on my website. I hope you will sign the petition to President Obama today and join me in opposition to bringing captured terrorist suspects to U.S. soil for prosecution in civilian courts instead of prosecuting them using military commissions outside our borders. I see no need to threaten the security of Americans and spend untold additional millions of dollars trying to mitigate those risks on our own soil. If I am elected to the U.S. Senate I will support measures such as Sen. Jim DeMint’s legislation to extend the ban on moving Guantanamo detainees to the U.S.

It is a welcome relief to see the Grayson campaign finally focus on an important issue of national security, rather than how long his opponents have lived in Kentucky.

No word yet on how Grayson's opponent in the Republican primary Dr. Rand Paul views the use of civilian courts to try foreign terrorists.

If Paul gets his way, however, we will soon hear he and Grayson compare their positions on this and other issues. Paul today called for Grayson to debate him: "I challenge Mr. Grayson to debate before any impartial group. Several universities and media outlets have expressed an interest and I've indicated that I relish the idea of debate."

Meanwhile, President Obama -- flailing to defend his decision to try KSM in New York City's federal court -- gave a curious lesson on the rule of law to the Communist Chinese: Obama promised that the terrorists will be convicted. In addition to tainting the jury pool, Obama made the whole judicial exercise look like a sham with a pre-ordained conclusion.

Wisdom of a Founding Father

"As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust..." James Madison

One of the beauties of the U.S. Constitution is that its drafters recognized the natural "depravity" of man and the need to set limits on a government comprised of men and women. History had taught them that no matter what the form of government, the possibility for abuse of power was omnipresent when governmental powers were not limited. Embodied in the U. S. Constitution is that precious wisdom. Madison understood, perhaps better than anyone, that all men deserved a degree of "circumspection and distrust" simply because they were men.

Unfortunately, we today have a government that seeks to break the bonds of this most special document to institutionalize a form of depravity. It is not going too far to label currently proposed legislation, namely healthcare reform and cap and trade, as depraved. These are job and life destroying initiatives that will only accrue to the benefit of a selfish and overreaching government. These are clearly instances of arrogant and prideful man attempting to break the bonds of a limited government as embodied in the Constitution.

We can only hope and pray that this depravity can be stopped.

McConnell Reacts to Obama Trying 9/11 Terrorist in NYC

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell reacted to the administration's decision to bring the 9/11 perpetrators to trial just blocks from ground zero.

“The White House’s decision today to bring the 9/11 plotters within our borders and into our communities instead of trying them at the secure detention facility at Guantanamo is a step backwards for the security of our country and puts Americans unnecessarily at risk.

“This misguided decision is based on the false belief that the terrorists who killed 3,000 Americans in one day on U.S. soil are common criminals—not war criminals. But there are needless risks from this decision: classified information can be inadvertently leaked, as it was in the first World Trade Center trial; our cities will face enormous security problems; and our communities will be potential targets for attack.”

Likewise, the Obama administration undercuts its supposed commitment to teaching the world about the rule of law: there's no way that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-terrorists can get an impartial jury in the venue of New York City.

President Barack Obama said on 60 Minutes in March "Do these folks deserve Miranda Rights? Do they deserve to be treated like a shoplifter down the block? Of course not." So then why is the Obama administration doing just that?

Certainly the KSM's trial will require extraordinary security measures -- more than Obama's hypothetical shoplifter. But the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure will entitle KSM and other terrorists to exculpatory evidence, lists of witnesses and all the rest. Consequently, the terrorists will get to avail themselves of the same rights as the "shoplifter down the block."

Porkulus, the bailouts, the health care takeover, all of these were foolish ideas on the part of the Democrats. But bringing the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks to New York City for trial is not just foolish: it is cruel to the families of the victims and dangerous to America's security.

WSJ Inteviews Rand Paul

The Wall Street Journal online has an interview with U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Rand Paul. (Hat tip to Page One.)

He notes that unlike his father, Rep. Ron Paul, he would abolish the earmark system altogether. That is certainly correct on a macro level but would be hurt Kentucky so long as we are fortunate to have a party leader represent us.

Note that his indictment of the earmark system was in response to a question regarding to what extent he disagrees with his father on the issues. He identified earmarks as one of several "minor issues" with which he disagrees with his father.

Rand Paul needs to specify the other "minor issues." For the most part, however, he seems to embrace his father's failed presidential platform. That means Rand Paul now owns all of Ron Paul's positions (as well as his internet lists).

Asked about the legalization of drugs, Rand Paul responds that "It's a state issue. All issues of crime are better addressed at the state level."

He is correct that the constitution leaves the police power to the states. He is running for a federal office, so I don't view his answer as waffling (which it clearly would be were he running for governor.)

And though his respect for federalism is laudable, on the issue of the criminalization of narcotics, it strikes me as simplistic. It is not enough for Kentucky to criminalize a drug that has not only crossed state lines but in fact is being smuggled into our country from other nations. The interstate and international nature of drug smuggling makes this an appropriate area for some federal coordination with the states.

This Paperwork Is Really Stimulating!

The Obama Administration's trillion dollar porkulus plan -- the one that was supposed to stave off double-digit unemployment but did not -- comes with lots of strings.

Just ask Campbelsville, KY shoe store owner Buddy Moore, who accepted an $889.60 order from the Army to provide nine pairs of work boots for a porkulus project. The Army Corps of Engineers then called the shoe owner, according to the Wall Street Journal, to demand that he fill out his Recovery Act paperwork, showing how many jobs he had created or saved. Next the government called back to see how those forms were coming along.

Moore has been filling orders for the Army for decades, but has never seen anything like the paperwork required by the Recovery Act. He asked his daughter, Paula Moore-Kirby, to help him with the on-line form.

Moore-Kirby spent eight hours trying to fill out the form as accurately and completely as possible. Eight hours for an eight hundred dollar government contract. After calling the assistance hot line, and told that she could revise the filing if necessary, Moore's daughter reported that the store's share of stimulus funds had created or saved nine jobs -- because Moore sold the Army nine pairs of boots.

Moore-Kirby wonders how the job creation question should have been answered: "Did we create zero? Is it creating a job because they have boots and go out and work for the Corps?"

Little did Moore know when he agreed to sell the Army nine pairs of boots that he was about to become the poster-child for the Recovery Act's red tape and inflated claims of job creation.

David and Betty Jones Give $1 Million to McConnell-Chao Archives

Philanthropist and Humana co-founder David A. Jones stunned a University of Louisville audience today when he presented a $1 million check to the Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao Archives at its ribbon-cutting.

Jones said the donation from him and his wife Betty was unsolicited. He praised the McConnell Center's development of leaders for U of L and Kentucky. He singled out Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's dedication to many"issues big and small" -- for example, to conservation and parks, as well as McConnell's aid when the Jones's son was injured in the first Iraq war.

Jones also took an opportunity to praise McConnell for his relentless defense of the first amendment. McConnell has defended the first amendment's application even to unpopular speech, including the right to burn the U.S. flag, and the right for corporations to engage in political speech.

The first amendment, Jones said, is central to our survival as a country, and that includes the free speech rights of corporations.

Jones's comment seemed aimed at the Obama administration's gag order of Humana, imposed after Humana notified its subscribers of the potential impact of proposed health care legislation. McConnell vigorously criticized the Obama administration for censoring Humana and other insurance companies.

Likewise, Jones's remark could be an implicit criticism of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law, which hinders corporations from engaging in political speech. That bill's sponsor, Sen. John McCain, was the guest of honor of today's dedication of the archives. McConnell and the ACLU sued to have McCain-Feingold declared unconstitutional; McConnell lost and the law was upheld. McCain and McConnell both noted that their mutual respect and friendship transcends their differences of opinion on some matters of public policy.

Best Line of the Day

Sen. John McCain (quoting Sen. Tom Coburn) describes the Democrats' takeover of the health care industry: "No Child Left With a Dime." So true, it hurts.

McCain Calls a Terrorist a Terrorist

Sen. John McCain, who was in Louisville this Veteran's Day to celebrate the opening of the McConnell-Chao archives, said what many have thought: the shooting rampage at Fort Hood was an act of terror. WHAS has the video. McCain insisted that political correctness must not be allowed to impede national security.

Some argue that the Fort Hood shootings were a crime, perpetrated by a lunatic. To be sure, the tragedy is both a crime and a symptom of madness. That, however, proves too much: any act of terrorism -- including the attacks of 9/11 -- is both a crime scene and the product of insanity. What distinguishes terrorism from a crime is the political motivation of the person pulling the trigger or flying the plane. When, as at Fort Hood, the shooter screams "Allah Hu Akbar," there is no question as to the motivation.

Basic Human Rights

A letter to the editor of the “The American Legion” November 2009, this Legionnaire John S. Duty, from Winchester Kan, states it so succinctly:

Health care is not a basic human right; “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are basic human rights. Health care is a service. No basic human right exist where others have to pay for it.”

You can always count on a veteran to point out the obvious. Thank you John Duty and have a great Veteran’s Day tomorrow.

NYT: We Need More Stimulus

In the world of the New York Times, down is up and up is down. How else to explain the Paper of Record's editorial today, urging the government to pass yet more stimulus -- because the last trillion worked out so well for the poor slobs formerly known as its subscribers.

The Times opines, "government spending, as large and as necessary as it has been, has not been enough to revive hiring." To the contrary, the more the Obama administration spends, the worse unemployment gets.

McConnell Reacts to Health Care Vote

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement in response to the House's vote to approve the latest health care debacle:

"Rarely has the disconnect between Congress and the American people been clearer than the vote tonight. Americans want lower costs, less government intrusion, a simpler approach and less spending. Instead, the Democrat leadership has just forced through a partisan, 2,000-page bureaucratic monstrosity—a trillion-dollar government experiment that raises premiums, raises taxes and slashes Medicare to create more government programs. That’s not reform.

As this bill moves to the Senate, Republicans will continue to offer commonsense reforms to lower costs and increase access."

How many of the 220 members who voted in favor of the trillion dollar health care takeover even bothered to read the bill?

Yeah, About Those Jobs

President Barack Obama warned that unless he got his way -- unless Congress appropriated billions upon billions of dollars in new government spending, unemployment would reach double digits: “If We Don’t Act Swiftly And Boldly, We Could See A Much Deeper Economic Downturn That Could Lead To Double Digit Unemployment," Obama said last January 3, 2009

One month later, he repeated his warning: “[I]f We Don't Act Immediately, Then Millions More Jobs Will Disappear; The National Unemployment Rates Will Approach Double Digits."

Congress caved and gave Obama the vast sums he said he needed to stave off double-digit unemployment.

Bottom line: the Obama plan did not work. Unemployment has now broken the 10 percent mark for the first time in more than two decades.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called the Obama plan a failure: “I know the administration shares our goals of job creation and economic growth. But more debt, more spending, higher taxes and growing the size of government clearly has not worked—particularly in a time of double-digit unemployment.”

While Nation Grieves, Obama Gives A Shout Out

President Obama's My Pet Goat moment came yesterday. Robert A. George writes:

President Obama didn't wait long after Tuesday's devastating elections to give critics another reason to question his leadership, but this time the subject matter was more grim than a pair of governorships.

After news broke out of the shooting at the Fort Hood Army post in Texas, the nation watched in horror as the toll of dead and injured climbed. The White House was notified immediately and by late afternoon, word went out that the president would speak about the incident prior to a previously scheduled appearance. At about 5 p.m., cable stations went to the president. The situation called for not only his trademark eloquence, but also grace and perspective.

But instead of a somber chief executive offering reassuring words and expressions of sympathy and compassion, viewers saw a wildly disconnected and inappropriately light president making introductory remarks. At the event, a Tribal Nations Conference hosted by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian affairs, the president thanked various staffers and offered a "shout-out" to "Dr. Joe Medicine Crow -- that Congressional Medal of Honor winner." Three minutes in, the president spoke about the shooting, in measured and appropriate terms. Who is advising him?

Anyone at home aware of the major news story of the previous hours had to have been stunned. An incident like this requires a scrapping of the early light banter. The president should apologize for the tone of his remarks, explain what has happened, express sympathy for those slain and appeal for calm and patience until all the facts are in. That's the least that should occur.

Goerge's comments appear on the website of NBC's affiliate in Chicago, of all places. Mmmm. The White House hunt may need to expand to go after more game than just foxes.
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.

Two More GOP Governors

The White House and liberal press can spin it anyway they want, but yesterday's victories in New Jersey and Virginia show that independents can and will dump Obama and return to the GOP.

It is particularly significant that both races were for the governor's mansion. Governors historically have been the farm team from which presidential candidates come, so it essential to the national party's survival to keep winning these state races.

For Team Obama, the only consolation last night was the Democratic win in NY-23. This race was sui generis, and therefore little can be extrapolated from it with any certainty. However, it shows that conservatives will not be marginalized in the candidate selection process. And it shows that it is important for the GOP to cure its dysfunction say, a little before the last week of the general election. The shock is that poor Mr. Hoffman was able to do as well as he did.

But NY-23 is no mandate for Obama or Obamacare. It is, however, a warning to Michael Steele and Newt Gingrich.

C-J's Freudian Slip

Joe Gerth has been dutifully reporting the attacks between the campaigns of Attorney General Jack Conway and Lieut. Gov. Dan Mongiardo in their bids for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Lots of stalkers with camcorders filming each other. Now an accusation that Mongiardo is blurring the line between his official and campaign events, improperly excluding Conway's campaign staff.

Check out Gerth's coverage of the Kentucky Society of Health System's Pharmacists in Lexington:

Mongiardo's lieutenant governor's office sent out a notice last week announcing that Mongiardo would be speaking at them. [Emphasis added.]

After the primary, Mongiardo won't have anybody to speak at.