The Stage is set!!

06/12/2006 11:55 AM ET	U.S. Men vs. Czech Republic	FIFA World Cup Stadium Gelsenkirchen	Live on ESPN2 and Univision	Sold Out
06/17/2006 2:30 PM ET	U.S. Men vs. Italy	Fritz-Walter-Stadion (Kaiserslautern, Germany)	Live on ABC and Univision	Sold Out
06/22/2006 9:55 AM ET	U.S. Men vs. Ghana	Frankenstadion (Nuremberg, Gemany)	Live on ESPN and Univision	Sold Out

After beating the Venezuela and Latvia teams 2-0 and 1-0 respectively the US Mens National Soccer team is now in Germany. Did those two games convince anyone they were ready? Not sure, but they did not convince me in the least. Donovan still looks lost out there, Beasley like he doesn't give a rats @ss and John O'Brien looks good but he is still not match fit, or at least not 90 minutes match fit. The bright spots are that McBride looks as good as ever, Mastroeni will be ready, Eddie Pope surprised me, but I will wait to see what he does under some real pressure and Keller is and will remain The Man!! As to the others I would love to see Dempsey get more time than everyone thinks he will, Convey as well. I would love to see Eddie Johnson find his form again as he almost did against Latvia, but wait...That was Latvia. Cherundolo looked shakey too, but I think he'll rise to the occasion. At any rate it is time to book your time off cuz all (yes I said all) of their games are on weekdays during business hours. Hopefully everything will come together at the right time. Is this a good enough team? Yes, the best Us soccer has ever seen! The real question is not who can beat them, its will they beat themsleves? GO USA!!!

Bishop to Knight 3

U.S. Says It's Prepared to Talk With Iran

In the diplomatic world I suppose you would say this is calling Iran's bluff, in the Chess world , a probing move to draw out your opponent and reveal his/her strategy. Whatever the case this will force Iran to make a move. If they are interested in face to face negotiations and being recognized this should suffice. If they are interested in our recognition of their rights in the nuclear community they now have that also. But they must prove that they are sincere, or prove that they are not. Either way they cannot ignore this. They could balk at our demand that they stop enrichment right away, but that would only make them look bad. It is obvious they do not trust us or the Europeans for that matter, so how honest can we count on them being? The fact that they are preparing for an invasion speaks volumes. The Mulahs rely on Ahmadinejad to keep them up to speed, but that is really irrelevant because they are zealots and he is an insane person. I wonder what Russia and China will have to say? My guess is not much, they will wait to let it play out before they make a statement. A better question is what will we do/say when Iran screws this up? I would love to be a fly on the wall in those cabinet meetings. Stay Tuned!!
___________________________________________________________
Update: Iran Calls US Talks Offer Propaganda

I guess that takes care of that!
______________________________________________________
Update: Iran Rejects US Conditions for Nuclear Talks

From the above article:

Diplomats in Washington and Vienna said the US offer to hold talks with Iran was linked to an effort to get China and Russia to ease categorical opposition to UN sanctions if negotiations stalled.

"What they (China and Russia) have agreed is that if Iran does not accept this offer of negotiations or does not negotiate in good faith, we will return to the (UN) Security Council" for sanctions, a senior US official said.

The question now it seems is will Russia and China back up their words with action? I say doubtful. This is predicatable from Iran though as I believe their true motive is to stall, for as long as needed. So far they are doing a superb job of it!

Debka News has a great perspective on the issue

"Three weeks ago, American emissaries began quietly visiting banks and financial institutions in West Europe and Asia. They showed the heads of these institutions lists of Iranian firms, industries and private tycoons associated in one way or another with Iran’s nuclear effort. They then indicated that American banking and corporate doors would slam shut against any financial bodies continuing to do business with the blacklisted Iranians. Our sources report that the Americans were pleasantly surprised by the success of this quiet campaign.

Many of the banking and financial bodies lobbied in this way were quick to cut their ties with the named Iranians, with immediate impact: A loud outcry arose in Tehran’s central bazaar where most business with foreigners is contracted."

____________________________________________________________
Update: World Powers Strike Substantial Accord on Iran

From Reuters above:

"Major world powers struck what a senior U.S. official called a "substantial agreement" on Thursday on a package of incentives for Iran to halt sensitive nuclear fuel work as well as penalties if it did not."

Your opinion matters

Governor will veto SB 1437

Just wanted to share some very good news. The bill SB 1437 that would force Gay cirriculum in our public schools is a good as dead. The Governor has said he will veto the bill when it comes to his desk. So assuming he does what he says, your phone calls really made a difference. God Bless America!!

Original Post

God Bless our Heros!!!

"MEMORIAL DAY POEM."

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.

~By Joyce Kilmer 1917~

Your Tax Dollars at work!

Construction Noise shuts down the Capitol Building this morning

I wish I could say I am surprised. At least it was that and not, oh I dunno, Ted Kennedy dropping a case of scotch sent over from the Immigration lobby on his way out of town. Or better yet, the sound of a Senator/Congressman doing anything today but leaving for the weekend!

Salute!!!

Do you get Monday off?

In Memory of our Honored Dead

America Supports You: Our Military Men and Women!

That's what Memorial Day is to a lot of people. Men and Women who are too young or too old to have lost a family member during wartime, those of us who simply don't care and of course those who choose to dishonor our brave military in various ways. Bottom line is this blog will be remembering our fighting men and women today and through the weekend. Memorial Day is more than just an extra day off work or a day to BBQ with friends and family. It is those things also, but it gives me pride that I cannot even express in this great nation to remember that I have the freedom to watch my daughter play, to see my son succeed in sports, to watch....Ted Kennedy giving away the citizenship that these brave people fought and died for like it was a campaign button for the democratic party? (Sound of record needle scratching). Yes even that folks, I even celebrate the rights of windbags like that to say their piece and the right of other more... well, politically challenged Americans to agree with windbags like Mr. Kennedy.

This Freedom we have is so precious, so God given and precious that thousands of your countrymen were willing to die for it, to die so that others could know it, to give there lives for the small chance that it might spread and allow a people who have known nothing but an Iron Hand for as long as they can remember to experience liberty. So this weekend no matter what your opinion is of our president or the conflict we find ourselves in, take a moment and pause to watch your son hit that baseball, to see your daughter take her first steps and remember those who died so that you/they might live.

God Bless our fallen Heros!!

Army
Navy
AirForce
Marines
Coast Gaurd

Malkin has a tribute

Memorial Day Reflections

Remember:wizbang

National Review agrees with me

STACLU Memorial Day Link Fest

U.S. MNT fall 0-1 to Morrocco???

I have to take a break from Politics for a moment and address the abismal performacne of my mens national team at their warmup friendly on Tuesday. I watched the whole match and I can say for me it was embarrassing to say the least. We looked slow, unorganized, unmotivated, not sharp, not hungry and not like a team that is supposed to be ranked 5th in the world. (What a joke)

Lets begin with the starting lineup: Liked that O'Brien started and looked pretty sharp even. Did not like that Wolf started, I am still trying to figure out what exactly he has done to warrant a place not only on this team, but in the starting 11 to boot. His regular season last year was average, his performance in National team games was less than average. I just don't get it. Arena left Twellman (averaged 20 goals the last three seasons) and took wolf. He has players on the bech like Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson, Brian Ching, etc... and he starts Wolf?? Anyway, Renya pulled up with a hamstring strain early and he did not look good anyway so that was just fine with me. Pablo was a total stud in his place and deserved man of the match for the US. Did not like Gibbs at wing defense, did not like Cherundolo's performance at right back. Pope surprised me and helfd his own, but I am still very skeptical that he can do that against Italy or Czech Republic. All in all I just wanted to say, we need to wake up, cuz the fact that we just got made a fool of by a third rate African team that was missing their best players, aint saying a lot about our chances to make the second round. Note to Bruce, here is my starting 11

GK: Keller

Def: Cherundolo Gibbs Onyewoo Lewis

Mid: Convey O'Brien Matroeni Dempsey

Fwd: Donovan Mc' Bride

Let Renya and Beasley ride the pine as far as I am concerned. Overhyped and underproducing for my money

My radar is up on this one

Hastert Demands FBI Return Documents

Hastert tells President Bush FBI raid was unconstitutional

Not really sure what to make of this. I do not by any means claim to be a constitutional expert, nor can I speak intelligently on the legality of the FBI search. But something did occur to me in reading this article. For instance the fact that a prominent (D) Congressman has been caught bribing people and accepting bribes should mean jubilation for Hassert and Boehner. But the first thing you hear from both is not something to the effect of, what a disgrace this is, or that now the Democrats who believe there is a culture of corruption in the Republican senate should think twice. No, what you hear is "The search of the congressman's office was unconstitutional." That is curious for two reasons. One being the above stated non-response to their parties vindication and the other being their willingness to stand up, rather quickly in fact, and indirectly defend the rights of the accused congressman. My point is really implied, so let me make myself more clear. It seems to me that for whatever reason Hassert and Boehner are thinking ahead to a time when this kind of thing could happen to them, or worse. Not that any charges have been leveled or that there are even any investigations into wrong doing by these two. But, a smarter man than I once said, why complain if you have nothing to hide?

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Update:
Whoo Hoo! That all happened fast didn't it? Not that this is over by any means!

Hat Tip to Drudge for the articles

House speaker Under Investigation:ABC

DOJ: Hastert is not under investigation

Malkin joins the frey

More:
Bush Orders FBI-Congress Documents Sealed

Bulldog Pundit Reacts

ABC sticking by story "as reported"

DOH!

UPDATE:
For those of you who think I should be shamed for doubting our government, let me say this. I am a card carrying Republican, or better still Conservative. I believe in the war in Iraq, I believe in a secure border, and I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and that Abortion is genocide. However, I am not inclined to discount possible truth just because it comes from an undesirable source. Moussaoui is a terrible person and given the opportunity to sit at the controls of a plane I would guess he'd fly it into whatever building he could find. However, I do not for a moment believe that he is capable of gaining that position, nor do I believe that Osama put him there. Think about it, Bin Laden may be a madman, but he lives accroding to a code, a sick twisted code, but a code nonetheless. He was more than willing to tout any and every act and/or person remotely involved with any kind of terror against the US until now? Besides, this does nothing but confirm what conservatives and liberals alike already knew anyway. This man Moussaoui is insane, worthy of prison, possibly death and most probably had absolutely nothing to do with 9/11. Believe it or not those two things can exist side by side


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Bin Laden Says Moussaoui not a part of 9/11
Whether we're catching fake terrorists or faking border enforcement it seems it may be time to admit that the republican party are standing with their pants around their ankles and Harry Reid is holding the Vasoline and looking like Homer Simpson at a Crispy Kreme factory. Did you see this today? It turns out that Osama himself has even disavowed poor little Zach. He said "The truth is that he has no connection whatsoever with the events of September 11. I am certain of what I say because I was responsible for entrusting the 19 brothers ... with the raids" . Gosh, no ambiguity there! He just wasn't even involved, period!

I know, I know, this may just be to make Bush look stupid (not that he needs any help lately), but I think I believe this one. Zach never struck me as the terror mastermind they made him out to be. Ironicaly, we (America) allow men that would make Zach crap his pants and shudder to walk around as free men, with no other excuse than international politics. We let our border be invaded when you know that if we really wanted them secured... right friggin' now! They would be! Now before you go offering me a tinfoil hat and telling me there really aren't any black helicopters after me, let me say that this is not uncommon knowledge. On the bad guy front Debbie Schlussel has a new one up in her blog archives every week that we are not only letting slip through the cracks, but in some cases even lobbying. On the border issue, let's face it, we are the most powerful nation in the world, nuff said!

Bush's faith "worrying" to Madeleine Albright

Bush's Faith worries Albright
When I read this I had to stop and chuckle at all of the ironies contained the article. Firstly Madeleine Albright talking about anyones faith is ironic, having served under Carter and Clinton. But she goes on to say things like: "The absolute truth is what makes Bush so worrying to some of us." I could really stop right there and let that one line speak volumes about Ms. Albright's spiritual foundation, but what fun would that be. Let me say this about that then, What makes Christianity viable if not its absolute truths? There is but one God for example, unless you begin there and agree to that statement your faith is meaningless. There is good and evil in this world and they are NOT subjective, nor are they relative to any certain set of beliefs. Again you must agree with that statement in order to reconcile your faith. Finally neither is Truth subjective, but absolute, especially concering God. She notes in her new book, "The Mighty and the Almighty," Albright recalls how Bush, while he was governor of Texas, told Christians he believed God wanted him to be president . She also reminds us that Bush stated in a speach, "We have a calling from beyond the stars to stand for freedom." and said of his language, "Some of his language is really quite over the top," . Well, I would submit to you that his language was exactly in line with a man that has a deep and true faith in God. In her article Albright compares Bush to Clinton and Carter in the way they brought their fath into their presidencies. Stating that among other things they managed to become and be presidents without standing on that pesky little principal of "absolute truth". I can't speak to Carter, but I was alive and aware throughout the entire Clinton Presidency and I can unequivocaly state that I have seen no man less concerned with the things of God in that office at least in my lifetime, if not ever. Which when you continue reading this interview starts to make sense when Ms. Albright is confronted with her own faith and beliefs. She says she had, "a very confused religious background."

Born and raised a Roman Catholic in Czechoslovakia, Britain and then the United States, she converted to Anglicanism when she married and only later in life discovered she had Jewish roots.

It is this legacy which makes her wary of any religion which claims a monopoly on truth, she said.

These days, she describes herself as "an Episcopalian (U.S. Anglican) with a Catholic background", recalling how she used to pray to the Virgin Mary as a child and still does.

"I know I believe in God but I have doubts, and doubt is part of faith," she said.

Big shocker there, Episcopal Madeleine. Not to knock any true Anglicans, but this is the denomination that first accepted Gay clergy. So don't be fooled by Madiline's book, or her attempt at watering down truth or more specifically Christian Truth. The fact is she probably would not know it if it walked up bit her on the ear. Oh and, doubt is not "a part of faith", as she states at the end of the article. Quite the opposite actually:
James 1:5-7

James 1:5-7 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord

A Little Levity from Six Meat Buffet

El Presidente Loco

Ann Coulter frames Illegal immigration well

One of the reasons I like Ann Coulter (aside from the fact that she is an attractive blonde with conservative values) is she has this uncanny way of cutting through the BS and getting right to the point. In a world of grey area's and political correctness it is nice to know there is someone out there on TV, radio, in books, etc... who gets that an issue can be black and white, that in some cases there just are no grey areas. Someone who is not afraid to say what the rest of us who don't have book deals or political analyst spots on Fox are thinking. What we really need is for people like her and Rusty Humphries, Laura Ingraham, etc... to run for office. To kick the sh*t out of people like Harry Reid and Ted Kennedy on the senate floor daily until they are beat into submission. Well, enough ranting, please check out Ann's latest and enjoy!

Stop SB 1437

This bill would allow, nay, require that school books be re-written in a "non-discriminatory" fashion toward homosexuals. Which in other words means that the state would be required to include homosexual history in our childrens school books. Take a moment to read the below message then call and voice your opinion. I did and it only took around 30 seconds. ******Update Additionally Kit over at Euphoric Reality makes the point that in addition to books and curriculum, there is really no end to what they could call discriminatory if this is passed. Check out his post HERE


Regarding SB 1437 Homosexual Curriculum Ed. Bill
If you are unfamiliar with this bill:
Go to Google and put in SB 1437 and read, if it passes, what will be
mandated by each school district and textbook publisher
at every grade level from K-12 in teaching about the homosexual / lesbian
lifestyle and their positive influence in our history.

We called and it took 1 minute 10 seconds to call and give our opinion of
this horrendous bill that has passed the legislature.
Urge the governor to veto this bill!!
Please call the governor's switchboard:
the correct number for the governor's office is:
916-445-2841

Phone recording will ask if you want this message in English?:
yes, press 1 Is this in regards to a legislation bill? Yes, press 2
Is the bill SB 1437 ? Yes, press 1
Are you in favor of this legislation? Yes press 1, NO, press 2

Christians DO have a voice in this country and state still --- use yours
to register your opinion in this matter!

"Sometimes ya' just gotta say what the heck...Cont.

...You need proof? Ok here goes, gut check time! Are you ready?

OK

MySpace a haven for porn

Drug laced muffins found in teacher's lounge

Religous freedom under attack

Homosexual Bishop elected

Getting older younger

The Gay Church.org

First Grader suspended for Sexual Harassment

ACLU backs religous head scarves for Muslims

ACLU opposes everything Christian

Worst violators appointed to Human Rights Watch

and these are just a few I could find quickly. If you did not believe me before, you should now. No? Well then you are either seriously in denial or just part of the problem. Remember the basic rules your mother taught you when you were young: Be nice to people if you want them to be nice back. Don't steal other peoples things. Don't hit. Always tell the truth, even when it hurts. Always do your best. These are things you just know right? Well, plain truths like those are under attack, heck, the truth in general is under attack. The relative crowd would pose the question "What is truth?" Or " Is there really absolute truth?" They would tell us that it is wrong to impose "your" truth on other people and that truth is only what you percieve it to be individually. Moral Relativism is the essence of no essence, a way to feel good about yourself without accepting the reality that, certain things, actions, beliefs, lifestyles, habits, etc... are always wrong. This is being taught at the highest levels in our universities as fact and as the norm. The hard reality is that it is difficult to look at your best friend, your favorite TV show, your pastor, your teacher or even some nice person you don't really know on the street and say "You are wrong.", or "What you are doing is wrong." So we invented Moral Relativity, and now we can all have our own litle micro moralities and still accept and tolerate everyone elses even if it does not line up with our own. Sounds great right? Wrong, unfortunately it implodes upon itself at the very moment you apply it. For instance in the below arguments it becomes obvious without much consideration at all that it just can'not stand on its own:

"Dialogue One

A: "Is Moral relativism itself only true relative to a perspective?"
B: "No."
A: "You have contradicted yourself, because Moral relativism says that all doctrines are true or false only relative to some perspective, but you just claimed that Moral relativism itself is true objectively."
B: "The doctrine of Moral relativism is the one exception to the doctrine that all claims are only relatively true."
A: "That seems ad hoc. What is so special about the doctrine of Moral relativism that makes it the one, unique doctrine that is immune from relativism?"

Dialogue Two

A: "Is Moral relativism itself only true relative to a perspective?"
B: "Yes."
A: "So there is a perspective relative to which Moral relativism is false."
B: "Yes, that follows logically from what I have said."
A: "So there is a perspective relative to which truth is not relative to a perspective?"
B: "Yes, that also follows from what I have said."
A: "You have now contradicted yourself. Relativism is based on the belief that there are a multitude of perspectives that are equally justified when considered objectively. But what you have now admitted is that there is a true perspective from which other perspectives are not equally justified when considered objectively."

What conclusion should you draw from all I have said here? Well, maybe none, maybe now you are just more aware of the world around you than you were 30 minutes ago. Maybe you will tell a friend, or get involved, who knows? My prayer for you as always is that God would touch your lives and keep you in His Grace and Love. Thanks for listening!!

"Sometimes ya' just gotta say what the heck...

and take a chance". Of course I am paraphrasing, but that line from Risky Business does ring very true in our current political climate. Not that many of our politicians are willing to go down that road, with the possible exception of TomTancredo who is a hero in my book on many issues that most of his colleagues won't even approach. The point is we are not being represented by people who stand for our values anymore. I have found myself so frustrated at the Ted Kennedy's of the world and recently even my own President. It feels like we are through the looking glass so much of the time and on so many levels, that being Alice in this equation, we are starting to find wonderland, quite a normal place to live. Those of you who know, will agree, those who don't probably won't ever. At any rate it seems there are fewer and fewer of us out there who actually understand the moral slope we are sliding down headlong toward total relativity. Which in fact, is chaos, because moral relativity implodes upon itself at every corner. We are losing our foundations and if there is not a figurative dunking of our societal heads into a buckett of moral ice water to wake us the h*ll up, we are in serious trouble. More to come...

To defend the borders of the United States

against ALL enemies both foreign and domestic!! A good message for the Chuck Hagel and his ilk in such a trying time. I will grant that our president is only getting off his political butt in the face of massive pressure from his base. But that does not make the need for troops to gaurd our borders any less dire. All I can say is, its about freakin' time!! Now, if he just gets on the TV tonight and says he is sending only 5,000 troops as logistical support for the border patrol there will have been no change and we will all know he is continuing to be full of BS. However, if he does what I and many others think he should and sends 20,000 - 50,000 troops at least he will have his base back and will have done something constructive toward plugging our leaky border. Incidentally, to give you some perspective, sending 5,000 troops to the border would be like trying to plug the hoover dam with bubble gum. I really hope for his sake and the dignity of this nation and our republican party that he is serious, whether this is a political move or not. His conversations with good ole Vincente reassuring him this is no big deal do not give me comfort to that end....

Well, guess my fears were correct. Read This

To be honest I don't know what the point is, he may as well have done nothing! Straight from the new Press Sec's mouth:

" Under Bush's proposal, formed in consulation with border-state governors who command the National Guard, Border Patrol agents would maintain primary responsibility for physically guarding the border. National Guard soldiers will not perform law enforcement duties, but will help in such areas as construction, surveillance and transportation"

So in other words, nothing at all!! You have to read the rest of the article to get the full picture, but that right there sums it up.

Debbie Schlussel has some questions for "the prez"

Just in case you are thinking the boycott is silly

Check out the FAQ page on Brown's DC site. He as much as admits the whole thing is a veiled attempt at creating doubt as to the diety and righteousness of Christ. For anyone who thinks the Catholic church and us Evangelicals are just overeacting, you need to read this

Hanks makes a point...sort of

The DaVinci Code is "Fiction" says Hanks in an article, but almost in the same breath says "all it is is dialogue. That never hurts" . Well Tom, it really does if the dialogue is, well... 99% lies and sets itself up as if it could be true. The danger is not that it promotes dialogue, it is that the claims in this movie are patently false from start to finish and they aim to get spiritualy ignorrant people thinking there is something to them. So Tom is right, it is fiction, but he is wrong to say its harmless. I am with the boycott crowd. Check out my earlier post for info on the falsehoods perpetrated by this movie.

The DaVinci Hoax

Hanks blasts DaVinci critics

I new Ann would not let me down

Here as predicted is Ann Coulter's total rip on the Kennedy incident. Go Ann!

What a great article

I just read the most awesome article by Peggy Noonan. She sums up the way I have been feeling perfectly and what's more she is right on in her assertions. I have been saying it for a while now, if our party does not lace boots and get in the fight for real, on real issues and put some walk to their talk we are going to start losing elections to the no idea, no agenda, party of death. That would be sad, but if that is what it takes to say to our leaders "No more!" then I'm not so sure its a bad thing in the long run.

Here is the full article. I would recomend everyone read this, it is spectacular

Tony Snow Kickin' butt & takin' names

I was pleasantly surprised to see an article today about Tony Snow's first actions as Press Secretary at the White House. The below are quotes from e-mails Snow had sent out to various MSM news organizations regarding their biased or incorrect coverage of the White House of late.

Tony Snow Fights Back

“The New York Times continues to ignore America’s economic progress,” blared the headline of an e-mail sent to reporters Wednesday by the White House press office.

Minutes earlier, another e-mail blasted CBS News, which has had an unusually rocky relationship with the White House since 2004, when CBS aired what turned out to be forged documents in a failed effort to question the president’s military service.

“CBS News misleadingly reports that only 8 million seniors have signed up for Medicare prescription drug coverage,” Wednesday’s missive said. “But 37 million seniors have coverage.” On Tuesday, the White House railed against “USA Today’s misleading Medicare story.”

“USA Today claims ‘poor, often minority’ Medicare beneficiaries are not enrolling in Medicare drug coverage,” the press office complained. “But by April, more than 70 percent of eligible African Americans, more than 70 percent of eligible Hispanics, and more than 75 percent of eligible Asian Americans are enrolled or have retiree drug coverage.”

I think that is awesome and I hope he stays that course. Someone needs to refute misrepresentation of our left leaning media and he seems to be doing that right off the bat.

That said however, I am wondering what he will have to say to America about Bush's weak immigration stance? No way to really spin that, and the MSM will probably report that acurately for once. What I mean to say is it does no good to put a new face out to the public and say "there's a new sherriff in town and his name is Tony Snow" if he still has to deal with crappy policy. Conservative America is not stupid and Tony knows that, I wonder what he will say to us who will not hear one more word about George W Bush's "amnesty first" stance on Illegal Immigration? Maybe Tony can turn that conservative ire back on the President and let him know that he is losing over half of his base over this issue and that in addition to promoting horrible policy he is thus endagering the entire Republican platform for November. Not that most of our congressmen and senators are helping very much, but he is suppose to be "our" voice on issues like this. Maybe Tony can look at him and say, "There is just no way I can spin this", "it is just not what the people want". Doubtful, but for someone who is new blood and probably has the presidents ear right now, he has a better shot than most. GO Tony!

The letter that said nothing?

I read President Ahmadinejad's letter today. I also listened to talk radio and bloggers dismiss him and his comments and most of what they said was true. He is a lunatic, he is deluded to the extreme and he is on a mission. But does that make all of what he said untrue? I think not. I will not lay this at the door of George W Bush, but America as a country in history has been agressively behind the killing of many innocents and this hatred that many in the Mid-East have for us is a result of decades we have spent "doing the right thing". I might even say I agree with much of what our country has done over the years, supporting an Anti-Islamic Iran, supporting Iraq in the Iran-Iraq war, helping Israel to establish a state after WWII, Invading Afghanistan and Iraq, and the list goes on. It occurs to me though that many of these people who hate us have a reason. Do I think that makes us wrong? No. Do I think that they have a right to terrorize us? Absolutely not. But they do have a reason to hate us, point blank. We are diametricaly opposed forces in culture, spiritual belief, morality, and basic ideals that govern our daily lives here and there. I say this and think at the same time that maybe we are beyond (but for the Love of Christ) a way to reconcile one anothers various misdeeds and thus far incapable of forgiveness and the ability to trust one another with a true mind toward peace. Not peace in a Cindy Sheehan sort of way, but real lasting peace that would see our world not in constant fear of invasion or Nuclear attack. I am a Red Blooded American and would defend my country and her actions to the death. But this letter made me realise the dark situation we find ourselves in, and helped to draw for me the stark contrasts between what both of our governments say and what their true intentions are in reality. Remember that movie Liar, Liar where the main charachter was incapable of lying. I wonder what it would be like if our world leaders were incapable of lying for the forseeable furture. I mean if we are intent on destroying ourselves, each other why mince words right? Lets get to it!

Should we care that they still don't get it?

For years now we Christians who are tired of seeing Sharon Stone's wrinkled behind and some mass murdering retard cutting people up when we go to the movies have been saying loud and clear, "We want something different". We all cheered when Mel Gibson made "The Passion" and further still about the Narnia movie recently. Hollywood now, I am convinced, sees the market. The question is not that though, it is really whether they despise Christianity, Christian values, and any morality in general that doesn't conform to their warped idea of right and wrong enough not to grab a hold of a fist full of that "Holy" dough. The Passion grossed over $350,000,000, Narnia was in that ball park as well... So why has Hollywood not absolutely jumped on that bandwagon with a banjo and a big hat? The answer to both of the above questions is yes they do hate us that much and that is why they are hesitating. The Passion was more than a multi-million dollar gross, that movie was a ministry for adults the world over, as much as Narnia is for kids. The hard truth I'm afraid is that we have found something that is more important to Hollywood at large than money and that is, indoctrinating America into the liberal, "everything is ok as long as it feels good to you" mentality. Moral relativity boys and girls, at its finest. If they did suddenly start making great faith centric films it would be like saying "this is ok with us", "this is ok to believe" and if you know liberals like I do, tolerance is fine and good until you mention the word "God" or "Christian", or "Morality". You see, because if they gave in and admitted that these movies actually had a positive effect on society, they would have to then consider why they did, and that road only leads one place, to Christ and His teaching. To One true God and His love, and that just wouldn't do at all, no matter the price. Pretty soon they would have to start admitting that monogamy, abstinence, prayer and other yukky words like that actually leave their own relative moral failings groping patheticaly for any kind of foundation at all in reality. I read an article today that prompted me to write this post and I linked to it below. They get it half right, but they are either still in denial to a large extent or they still just don't get it!!


Jude 1:3-4
3Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. 4For certain men whose condemnation was written about^[a] long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.


What would Jesus direct?

The freakin' irony is killin' me!!

Full article Here

Ok, you know if you read my blog that I am both passionate about politics and soccer. I read this story on Demhoo today stating correctly that the US National team bus will not bear our countries colors or its flag. I tend to agree with this descision based on the fact that we are simultaneously the the most caring and most hated nation on earth. In my heart though, this troubles me. How lame is it that our players can't be publicly proud of their country for fear of being shot at or blown up en-route to a game or practice? Before you even think it, NO, its not the US government's fault that idiots with explosives and impotence issues need to get off by commiting acts of terror to justify some lunatic idea that they are being opressed by the USA. Further it is certainly not our soccer player's fault and they are being punished for it...No, actually every American soccer fan is being punished for it. It saddens me that we live in this kind of world, but we do. So say a prayer for those guys and the men gaurding them this summer. They are going to need all they can get!

Chappaquiddick Part Deux

Like father, like son???

Boy oh boy is Ann Coulter gonna have a ball with this one!

It seems that Ted Kennedy's son was in a car crash this morning and before you ask... I am not aware that he dumped a young woman into the river before, during or after. Check out this excerpt from Drudge:

“The driver exited the vehicle and he was observed to be staggering,” Baird’s letter states. Officers approached the driver, who “declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote. The House had adjourned nearly three hours before this incident. It was Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy from Rhode Island.”

The part I think Ann is going to love is this...

Officers were not allowed to perform basic field sobriety tests on Congressman
Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), son of Sen. Ted Kennedy, after car crash...

Click Here for Chappaquiddick reference

You can file this under: Other Picture Postcards

...But since I am a Soccer fanatic I must blog away about the newly released US national team roster. First let me say that I believe that baring injuries, the best US team we could have fielded will likely be in the starting 11 with maybe one exception. But more on that later. Let me lay them out player by player and comment a bit on each one I think are noteworthy

Landon Donovan F/M - The great white hope of american soccer according to most pundits and gurus. Donovan is a great player with speed, skill, intelligence and field vision. In those areas he may live up to his billing. However in my view he often lacks heart and seems un-motivated on the field much of the time. He has the tendency to completely take over a game single handedly, but also the potential to get totaly lost and become ineffective and invisible. A great example would be the fact the while other lesser US players have moved on to Europe, he is still languishing in what most fans and players consider a decent 1st division league at best relative to the level of soccer being played around the world. My bottom line for Donovan is, which one will show up to the World Cup? Will it be the world beating, fan thrilling Donovan that got us to the 1/4's in 02, or the boring, invisible Donovan that allows his club team to lose 1-0 to the Columbus Crew?

John O'Brien M - Pound for pound the best soccer player to come out of America yet (yes better than Donovan). His vision on the field when he is in form puts him in the class of Europe's best in my opinion. He has soccer instincts like some of the worlds best. Only problem is he is a China Doll, lately he is injured more than he is healthy. The bottom line for him is his fitness, if he is in form and fit the US will benefit greatly, he is the kind of player that could be the difference between a 1st round exit and a trip to the semi's. I am praying for you John!!

Brian McBride F - Great in the air, knows how to be in the right place at the right time, a true poacher of the first order. His success in the EPL has proved that he belongs on that stage and can compete at the highest levels. He is getting old though, he is less fit and more fragile than he was 4 years ago and that will show over the long haul if the US make it out of the group stage. Don't get me wrong though, this is another impact player who can be a game changer as well with a guy like O'Brien or Lewis serving him up good balls in the 6 yard box.

Bobby Convey M/D - An up and comer. I think that Convey has reached his stride and will only get better. He is young, fit, has the experience of playing in the English Championship to draw from and has a wicked shot from the left side. His new found confidence and skill showed against Germany last month and I was highly impressed by his poise. He will make a difference in the cup if he plays. Watch for him to fill in both at midfield and on the left side of defense.

Eddie Lewis M/D - A true working man's player. He is the guy that you rarely notice, but that makes all the difference in a game. He has a great touch on the ball, lots of high level experience and poise. Bruce will have him playing left back this time around and if he stays healthy not many in the world can get past him on the flank. He is also very aggressive going forward and a great crosser of the ball.

Cory Gibbs D - My favorite to start in the middle defense. He is big, fast, tough, smart and very tough to beat one on one. The only problem will be, does he start? For some reason Bruce is partial to Eddie Pope and I think he may get the start over Gibbs. I can hope though right?

Eddie Pope D - Some of you might think I should be showing Eddie more love, but I just do not trust this guy to ancor a world class backline at his age and with his fitness. I know Bruce Arena will start him in leiu of Gibbs and my fear is he will become the 2006 version of Jeff Agoos (argh!). I am hoping I'm wrong but with what I have seen of him lately he looks like his heart is just not in this at all. He makes stupid mistakes, gets injured easily and is really not that tough all things considered. He has been bounced around the MLS the last 5 years and never played in Europe that I know of and now sits on one of the, if not the worst team in the MLS. Real Salt Lake. Like I said I hope he proves me wrong, but I also hope that Bruce is smart enough to have Gibbs up and ready in the bullpen in case he gives up a stupid goal in the first 20 against the Cezch's

Demarcus Beasley M - Possibly the US European based player in the best form at the moment. He is left footed, greasy fast, and has great skill on the ball. He has benefitted greatly from his time with PSV in the Dutch league and will bring that to the Cup. His problem is he's small, very small and he gets knocked around a lot. This could be a problem with some of the larger defenders and flank players on opposing sides. But if Bruce has his game plan in order they can avoid a lot of that and get him through in attack where we all want him.

Oguchi Onyewu D - Another favorite of mine to start alongside Gibbs at Central defense. He is huge, fast for his size and what I have seen of him in qualifying has quieted my doubts about his ability to hold off more skilled players. He is also great in the air both offensively and defensively and will be a total buttkicker, enforcer type in the middle.

Clint Dempsey M/F - His first World Cup, but I think he is more than ready for the challenge. Don't know if he will start if John O'Brien stays healthy but I can still daydream about him in a 3-5-2 can't I? Dempsey is the future of American soccer. He is a player who will (if his career continues on course) play at the highest level at a premier European club one day. Mark my words. I am very excited to see what he does this summer.

Steve Cherundolo D - He is probably second best as far as form in a European player goes. He is a player who is very comfortable playing at the highest levels, is very calm and collected on defense, rarely ever gives the ball away, and never in his own third. Great flank runner and crosser of the ball as well. He is the perfect choice to start on the right defense.

Eddie Johnson F - Not so sure about this kid. He shows great potential, but like Donovan makes me feel like he lacks motivation to score and impact the game when he is off or not interested. He also tends to disappear at times, but can be extremely dangerous with the right players behind him in midfield. I believe he may start alongside McBride and his Cup will depend on who is serving him through balls.

Pablo Mastroeni M/D - Another very hard worker. He is the guy you want clipping at the heels of guys like Nedved and Totti when they are trying to get forward. Bruce will start him in the defensive midfield and there is nobody who can contend for that spot unless he gets hurt, then Olsen steps in.

Well, those are my 11 favorite field players w/ one not so favorite thrown in for good measure from Bruce's roster. Be sure to check out the full roster posted here and don't forget to watch our boys kick butt in the World Cup this summer!!

Well...Monday has come and gone

...Was your life affected by the Illegal's Boycott? Until about 7:00pm pdt yesterday I thought not. However this is dinner time for me and I drove to my favorite Mexican food joint only to find a "Closed" sign in the windows. I gather from all the hype that this was supposed to cause me to reflect on how much I depend on that Super Deluxe Burrito, to reflect on the oppression of these fine people who run a business in my town by employing undocumented workers and paying them under the table. It was probably suppose to make me sympathetic to their plight... Only it didn't. Not only was I supremely annoyed that I could not get my food, but also absolutely enraged at the nerve of these people to close the doors of their business to spite me. This truly did not hit home for me until that moment, but in my town especially (a small afluent white neighborhood) these people have been living off of us and our afluence for over 3 decades, taking advantage of a very lucrative location relative to our industry and proximity to the beaches, making money hand over fist. They live in beautiful homes, drive expensive cars and send their children to our schools. Yet they have the gall to count themselves among those who would make a mockery of the very freedom that has allowed them such a life to begin with. These are not poor migrant workers, these are successful business men. This week I am going to approach the owner of this establishment and confront him regarding his closure on Monday. I am going to remind him that I spend approx. $3,000.00 per year in his place. Then I am going to inform him that I am boycotting him and his joint for one year. I am also going to tell everyone I know who will listen to do the same. This will be a sacrifice for me as they have really, really good salsa. But I have to stand on principle.

Once and for all

Lets get this straight...

According to Wikipedia:

"Citizenship is membership in a political community (originally a city but now usually a state) and carries with it rights to political participation; a person having such membership is a citizen."
Citizenship often also implies working towards the betterment of one's community through participation, volunteer work, and efforts to improve life for all citizens.

Law (from the late Old English lagu of probable North Germanic origin) in politics and jurisprudence, is a set of rules or norms of conduct which mandate, proscribe or permit specified relationships among people and organizations, intended to provide methods for ensuring the impartial treatment of such people, and provide punishments of/for those who do not follow the established rules of conduct.

Illegal, or unlawful, describes that which is either prohibited or not authorized by law. In general, conduct is made illegal by statute, rule, or regulation.

Rules make conduct illegal in a non-legal setting. For example, rules often dictate how a game is played.

Statutes make conduct illegal and are punishable by law. Violation of a statute can result in civil forfeiture or criminal prosecution.

Regulations are created by administrative agencies. Violation of a regulation often results in administrative law proceedings or legal action.

Now given these three definitiions, leaving all of the emotional, political and social smoke screens, are these 12,000,000 undocumented workers entitled to anything? Are they breaking the law? Don't lose sight of the facts people, there are hard truths to be dealt with here and there is no easy answer, but we need to start facing them and dealing with them. Starting with our borders and then (only then) dealing with the failure of our country to deal with the undocumented workers who are already here, with lives and families.

I know there are more important things going on today...

but I had to mention this. Hat Tip to Drudge for the link. Madonna, being the "class act" that she is once again proved living in the classy part of London doesn't mean you actually have class, that cleaning up your image on the outside doesn't mean you are not still a scumbag on the inside. I'm sure her daughter would b e proud!

Madonna profanes Bush in one of her songs