RNC Coverage- Day 2

A small disclaimer before I begin: I'm tired and I think I'm getting a cold, so if I don't seem to have the zeal tonight that I typically try to write with, that's why and I apologize ahead of time.

On to the coverage...

Unfortunately, I missed Elizabeth Dole's speech as well as part of Michael Steele's speech. The part of Steele's speech that I did see, though, was very well done. I think Arnold's speech was fantastic. Barbara and Jenna, I thought, did an ok job. I thought some of their stuff was funny, but I really wish they'd have taken a more serious role and that they had been a little quicker, but that is neither here nor there. Laura Bush is just delightful.

One final note: Since I missed Dole and Steele, they will be omitted from the coverage. Also, I am not going to cover George Bush's introduction of Laura, nor will I provide any further coverage of the twins. That said, here's the break-down:

Arnold Schwarzenegger

I think that Arnold did a fantastic job. He was very energized and very enthused. He spoke clearly and very well. I think, considering his relative 'newness' to the government scene, he spoke like a veteran of the GOP. Here are the key points of the speech in the same form as last night:

America is compassionate, loving, welcoming, and offers much possibility and opportunity: This was clearly a direct attempt to appeal to the 'minority' voter, especially immigrants. I don't think that this is anything we didn't already know, but I do think it was well stated anyway.

America is a place where we can respectfully disagree. It is ok if we don't agree with everything President Bush says. Its ok to disagree with parts of the Republican platform: This, again, was information which we (should) already know. It was, again, well stated, though. I think it is specifically true in this election. Just because one disagrees with Bush's stance on gay marriage or abortion does not mean that one cannot continue to support Bush. This is a reiteration of the idea that, at least for now, we all must look at the BIG issues (ie- terrorism, war in Iraq) and not nit-pick about the lesser issues.

Republicans believe that government is responsible to the people, not vice versa; family spends money better than government, the education system should be directly responsible to the people, we must be fierce and relentless to terminate terrorism;Republicans believe the United States is a better ambassador of Democracy than the United Nations. Republicans have faith in free enterprise and in Bush's Economic plan--we can't be economic 'girly-men.'

Wow, that's a long one...This was very nice. Arnold pretty much stated every single reason why I am a Republican. Strong stance on terrorism, tax cuts, responsible government and education systems, an economic plan that encourages small business growth, and NO DEPENDENCE ON THE UNITED NATIONS. Well said, Governor!

America is the lamp of the world; the hate held by terrorists is no match for the decency of the American people. Arnold continued to talk about the strength of America. He continued to talk about the freedom in America, and the inspiration for freedom that America can push through to the world simply by being free Americans!

America is back from the attack on the homeland, the economy, and our way of life thanks to President Bush. I believe this completely. Look, nobody can say what would have happened after 9/11 had Gore been our leader, but I do believe in my heart that we would not have made the progress we made if not for George W. Bush.

Closing Remarks: I think Arnold did an amazing job. I was a little worried about him speaking because, despite his strong Republican ties, much of his social-view is more liberal.

I think he did a good job standing behind our President. This could be the best speech of the week (aside from the Thursday night speech by the President). Only time will tell...

Laura Bush

Laura Bush is one of the most delightful women I have ever seen in my life. She carries herself with such grace. She's a great speaker, too. I think she did a very good job tonight, too. I had hoped she'd be a little more aggressive, but she did a great job anyway. Laura's key point was limited to one thing: we must reelect George W. Bush. Here are the key points on why:

Education: George Bush passed sweeping legislation which gave unprecedented funding to education. He realized that too many students were being "left behind" in their schools (in other words, they were leaving school without the needed skills) an no one was being held accountable. His legislation made schools and school boards directly responsible to the people.

Economy: Bush's tax plan has encouraged the expansion and creation of small businesses through the nation. Everyone knows that small business is the backbone of the American economy. This, to me, is just as simply as that standard ole Algebra examples we always see: if a=b and b=c, then c=A. If Bush's plan stimulated small business, and small business is the brunt of the economy, then Bush stimulated the economy. This isn't' rocket science.

Health Care/Health & Scientific Research: President Bush's Medicare plan provided prescription drugs to those who needed them. I do not know enough on this topic to thoroughly cover it, but the Republicans seem to think that this is a great plan. I am not sure either way--its hard to know because either way we look at it there is some sort of spin on the facts... In this same category Laura covered stem-cell research. She noted that Bush is the only President to ever sign legislation allowing Stem-cell research. The legislation he signed is very unique in that it protects the sanctity of the human body, while allowing advancements in scientific research.

The War in Iraq was an agonizing decision: The democrats like to make it seem as if Bush came into the White House ready to lock and load. This is not true. Laura described her husband as going through excruciating pain while struggling with this decision. She poke of nights when Bush would walk the lawn thinking about it, or sit alone at the kitchen table debating the situation and reviewing the evidence he had been given. The bottom line is this: President Bush believed we had to go to War with Iraq. That is the important part--he BELIEVE everything he said. He believed Saddam was a direct and grave threat, and I, for one, support his decision. Laura also pointed out that today, 50 million people live in democracies. These people didn't have this liberty 4 years ago. His policies and actions are directly responsible for this. Also, she pointed out that the liberation of Afghanistan has directly led to freedom for women, pointing out that 40% of registered voters in Afghanistan are WOMEN. And to think that the liberals say Bush is 'anti-women.'

Closing Remarks: Laura Bush spoke well tonight. Her responsibility seemed to be simply to make President Bush seem real. She showed a more personal side of Bush that many don't see, and she did a great job doing it.

Tonight was much improved over last night. I think tonight will be the pinnacle of the week first three days. I'm not sure how much of an impact Arnold or Laura will have on the undecided vote, but they did a great job nonetheless.

RNC Coverage- Day 1

After careful consideration, I've decided that I will post very little this week which is not directly related to the RNC.

Firstly, let me begin by saying that I, for one, am STOKED about the RANG and have been for a couple of days. I'm so pumped about hearing President Bush on Thursday when he formally takes the nomination.

Secondly, it should be known that my love and adoration for the Republican Party does not mean that I will only be positively commenting. If there is something I see as being a problem I will not HESITATE to post on it.

Thirdly--let the fun begin....

Coverage: Day 1: Monday August 30, 2004

Key Speakers: Arizona Senator John McCain, Former NY City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

John McCain

Let me first say that I like John McCain. While this wasn't always the case, the past few weeks have really turned my views on Sen. McCain around. I think he's an all around good man who votes with his head and his heart. I believe when he speaks, he believes everything that he says. I'm glad to have Sen. McCain on our side!

That said, I'd like to say that, while McCain did a good job tonight, I do not believe his speech delivered quite the punch we Republicans were hoping for. I believe that, while many of his points were good and valid, he didn't really say much that anybody who has been paying attention didn't already know. Also, I am not sure if I understand exactly why McCain only covered the War on Terror and the War in Iraq, I don't see a problem with this as these two issues are the most important issues of the election. I suppose the reasons for this set up will be revealed later. Here are the key points of McCains speech as I saw them, followed by quick commentary.

War on Terror

• This is a war between Good and Evil-- I'm glad McCain said this. We've heard this before. Some people like to forget this fact, and I'm glad that McCain brought it back to the forefront.
• We are and must continue to vanquish the unpardonable enemy-- This point is another one which we have heard before, but which needed to be reiterated. As I see it, this statement is simply stating that we have destroyed much of the terrorist network of al quota. We have overthrown an evil regime in Iraq, and we have seen the subtle changes in actions of nations like Libya, but this is only the beginning.
• The reluctance to go to war and "take care of business" cost us dearly/war is an "expression of strength AND wisdom"-- This is sort of a rephrase of something I said in my letter to the editor of the Hampshire Review. Bill Clinton reluctance to take a hard stance on terrorism, I believe, directly contributed to the attack on 9/11. Clinton is said to have been "prepared to take action." This just wasn't enough. Full-on war was needed then, yet we went without. Who knows what would have come about had Clinton taken care of business when business needed to be taken care of!
• Defense of Freedom is first responsibility of the Government-- I believe this to be especially true and the single most important reason that Bush should and will be reelected. We MUST have a leader who will take the tough stance on terrorism. We cannot afford to fall back into the Clinton National Security approach in which we sit and wait to be hit, then we say "bad guys, stop bothering us" and that is the end of it. We must continue to destroy these terrorists.

War on Iraq

• This was not a choice between status quo and war--McCain makes a good point here. It's not as if Iraq was a happy-go-lucky nation where people basked in the sunlight of freedom and opportunity. There was wide spread violence, intimidation, corruption, torture, murder and countless other wrong doings taking place in Iraq. Whether there were WMD's or not, this war was needed. As McCain said, we musn't believe those who say otherwise, especially, "a disingenuous filmmaker." That was, perhaps, the best part of the speech. Good Job John!!
• This war, and the results thereof, "inspires hope (for freedom) in the region"--We can only hope that this is true. We can only hope that the war and the results it has brought about will directly lead to the widespread change from tyrannies to democracies.
• The people of the United States must love our freedom for the goodness it makes possible--People forget that freedom doesn't come cheap. We must not forget that sometimes sacrifices must be made. As these sacrifices are made, we must continue to love, revere, and respect the freedom we are protecting.

Closing Remarks: Overall, I think McCain's message was more of a 'reminder' than an 'informer.' He used his time to remind the people of America why President Bush is the right man. He again showed us that his policies on defense are the only ones. While I believe the enthusiasm of McCain's speech left much to be desired, his message was important and correct.

Rudy Giuliani

Let me begin by saying that RUDY IS THE MAN!! His speech, while not as well organized as McCain's, was quite moving. Rudy spoke from the heart, not from his notes. While the flow of his speech was a little rough, his message and his ability to 'rally the troops' was wonderful and I would dare to say that until we see Bush on Thursday, Rudy's speech will be the star. Again, though, the speaker focused on the most important issue with little (actually no) mention of domestic affairs. Here are Rudy's Key points.

• "President Bush said they would hear from us and they did...and they will continue to hear from us (under Bush's leadership"-- This, I believe, was a testament to Bush's honor. After 9/11, President Bush promised to take justice to the terrorists responsible. He did just that. Bush has overthrown two terrorists governments, freed millions of people, liberated millions of women, put in place governments which will foster democracy, peace, and understanding. Bush has disrupted terrorist networks abroad, improved intelligence capabilities at home and abroad, strengthened the power of the CIA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security. His programs have strengthened first response teams such as FEMA. The US PATRIOT Act has given law enforcement agencies the needed terms to combat the evil-doers on our home soil. Bush has kept his promise to make the terrorists see justice. It's just that simple.
• "There has been no strong stance on terrorism since 1972...During the Munich games"-- Rudy goes on to say that he fears support from world leaders for Kerry's election is only proof that Kerry will work to appease said leaders. Rudy did a great job making the point that certain European nations (oh come on Rudy, just say it--FRANCE and GERMANY) have continued to lead a stale and half-hearted fight against terrorism. Weak enforcement, little justice and constant fear have not only allowed terrorism to continue, but has fostered areas for terrorism to continue to grow and spread. Under the leadership of these countries with their weak stance on terrorism, terrorists have intimated nations to further their own advancement. He continues to say that Bush will not allow these stale nations of Europe to block the necessary provisions to end terrorism.
• Kerry's Flip-Flops--Rudy did a fantastic job slamming Kerry with just enough humor as to make him not seem mean. He didn't say anything we hadn't already heard, but these statements were important and are key in keeping in mind why Kerry is wrong for America.

Closing Remarks: Both speakers did well. I maintain my belief that McCain's speech, while prudent, was uninspiring. Hopefully I am the only one who sees it that way. Rudy is the man! His speech, while again was a little disorganized, was remarkably inspiring.

Ok- I'm off to bed for the night after two great speeches. Looking forward to tomorrows coverage. Until then....

Insanity

This article is actually from yesterday. Unfortunatly, though, I didn't get a chance to post it, so I'm doing it now. I know this makes two for the day, but we'll manage. The subject of the following news article was just to good to let go, and so, here I am, posting an article that's actually a few days old. To me, this doesn't seem like a big deal, but to some, let's say John Kerry's, whose ideas and views change hourly, this article may seem like some ancient stone which one may need a translator to appreciate. At any rate, I'm going to share it. I'll follow my usual format: this little intro, the long article, then some commentary on it. Keep in mind, this article goes back to a theme I used a couple posts back: Democrats/Liberals are JUST MEAN.


http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/103836/index.php
Phone numbers, addresses, and e-mails of over 1600 RNC delegates!
Current rating: -5
by RNC Delegates Working Group Email: rncdelegates (at) hush.com (verified)
19 Aug 2004 Modified: 23 Aug 2004

Today we are releasing a list of delegates to the 2004 Republican National Convention. This list includes the names, address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of RNC delegates in addition to what hotel each one is staying at during their invasion of New York City.

The earth is not dying, it is being killed. And those that are killing it have names and addresses." Utah Phillips

At the 2004 Republican National Convention, the self-appointed managers of the world will be discussing their party platform of racism, imperialism and the violent suppression of human liberty. They will proudly renominate the unelected president of an illegitimate government. For the past four years, in the United States, we have seen a terrifying increase in racism against Arabs and Muslims, the passage of the draconian USA PATRIOT Act, handouts to the rich that would make Reagan blush, millions of lost jobs, and an accelerated continuation of the war against the poor and the oppressed. Abroad, the Empire has claimed the stage of history as its own, even ignoring many of its old imperial allies, invaded two sovereign states, started a bogus "War on Terror", overseen a coup in Haiti, attempted to overthrow the Venezuelan government, overseen, aided, and authorized the brutal and illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine, and generally accelerated and intensified an already belligerent imperial system of domination which threatens the Earth and all its peoples. In short, the violent expansion of this rotten system is on one side, and all of us on the other. We view the Republican Party as one of the most important organizations of the ruling class, selling and intellectualizing this system to all thanks in part to a compliant corporate media system. (But do not misinterpret us, we do not view the Democratic Party as an opposition party, but rather as another side of the same coin.) With this in mind we are encouraged by the mobilization in Boston against the Democratic National Convention, and the massive mobilization planned for New York City against the Republican National Convention.

As a small contribution to the anti-RNC efforts, today we are releasing a list of delegates to the 2004 Republican National Convention. This list includes the names, address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of RNC delegates in addition to what hotel each one is staying at during their invasion of New York City. It is not a complete list, but does include information on over 1600 delegates gathered from a variety of sources. It is based on a list that was released on the Internet earlier this summer by an anonymous affinity group. We have verified much of this data, expanded upon it, and republished it more broadly.Our objectives are to:

- Supply anti-RNC groups with data on the delegates to use in whatever way they see fit
- Supply a body of information that can be easily added to.
- Encourage the republishing and redistribution of this data.
- Facilitate making local connections.

Many of these delegates are involved in politics and business on a town or county level.A CSV (comma-delimited file) is supplied with this article (along with a PGP signature). This text-only format was chosen for distribution since it can be easily converted to many other formats like an Excel spreadsheet, HTML, or even an SQL database. (A caveat for importing this CSV file: Some programs, by default, may interpret ZIP codes as numerical data and remove the leading zero, where applicable. Check your settings and program instructions.)As stated, this is not a 100% complete list, and not 100% accurate, but much of the delegate information has already been verified.Questions or updates to this list may be directed to this e-mail address: rncdelegates (at) hush.com.Any source of contributed info will remain anonymous of course. We encourage the use of encrpytion. The PGP key for this e-mail address is available on the Hushmail keyserver or upon request.Shut down the RNC!


Ok- so here we are, in midst of a general election which as seen more mud slinging than any election I've ever seen. Here we are in a world where unneeded violence is all to often seen. Here we are in a campaign that has seen John Kerry bawl his little eyes out about how the President continues to support (or at least not scold) 527 groups which are using their resources to show John Kerry for what he is. Here we are, in a world where the democratic leadership allows something like this to happen without one word being said.

Now it's true, these so called protestors (although, what they're protesting I'm not sure) have their rights too. The Constitution allows for groups, regaurdless of their idiocy, to protest, demonstrate, scream, cry, shout and carry on in any way they see fit. This is a good thing. As I've said, oh, I don't know, roughly a million times, the United States has the best governement in the world. The rights afforded to us by the Constitution are rights unseen in most parts of the world. The protection the governement gives these rights is unique to our nation alone. We are a great country with 'certain unalienable rights.' Now, while Thomas Jefferson was probably not thinking specifically of the right to blab when he said this, this right to freedom of speech has come to be seen as unalienable. That said, no where in the Constitution does the right to harass appear. Not one place.

What is wrong with these people? When did it become a crime to have a two party system in this country? When did it become a crime to have views that don't fall into line with 'yours?'

This party has, for so many years, been based on understanding of inherent differences in society: race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, the list goes on... but apparently it doesn't go on to include 'political alignment.' The party that we have, for so many years, dubbed 'bleeding heart' seems to close its loving arms when it comes down to 'loving thy enemy.' I guess it goes back to the theme which, coincidently, has consistently shown its ugly head: not only are liberals mean, but they're also hypocrites--'we'll protect free speech, as long as you say what we want you to.'

I suppose it must be that I see the world through rose-colored glasses because of my love and admiration for the foundations of the Republican party; it just seems to me that we are not as 'mean' as our lefty friends.

Today's Moral: Friends, let me share something with you: There are people in this world who are going to take the words of the above article to heart. They are going to "use (provided personal data of RNC Delegates) in whatever way they see fit." This is a no brainer. Rather than becoming bogged down in the hate and violence and reacting with our own hate and violence, I propose we just ignore them. That's right, ignore: I-G-N-O-R-E. When we are faced with the enemies of Free Speech, we must just talk keep talking. We can't even change the tone of our voice. We've got to just keep talking in the same tone, same pitch, like we don't hear them. When they tear down our pro-Bush, pro-America posters, we'll just print out new ones and reapply them. We will pay them no mind. We will preserver. And remember, when President Bush is reelected on November 2, 2004 WE WILL HAVE OUR REVENGE!

DIsgusting Puke

Just about each day I am simply marveled at just how stupid people can be. Yesterday was, of course, no shocker.

As I sat down for the evening to check my mail and chat online with a few of my friends, a wind down popped up telling me that I had been added to somebody's buddy list. I didn't recognize the email address, so I messaged the person, who's sign-on name was 'George W's Platform..."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..."

The following conversation ensued. Topics of conversation: her disgusting name, and her msn picture which was a large, black square which had be crossed out and had the words 'the anti-flag' over it.

Here's the transcript:


Jeff says:
who are you?
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
katie
Jeff says:
how'd u get my msn addy?
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
some kid gave it to me
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
said you wouldnt like my sn
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
cuz ur a bush fan
Jeff says:
no i don't, and honestly i can say that in reading it, i summed you up. If that is the best reason you can think of for not to vote for bush, then you are obviously a fool
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
that's not the only reason dickhead
Jeff says:
is that "anti -flag" pic supposed to be anti american flag?
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
why dont you settle down before you give urself a hernia
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
RIGHT ON
Jeff says:
well, anti-bush i can handle
Jeff says:
anti-american, i cannot
Jeff says:
just so that you know, I am going to block you and delete you from my list right now
Jeff says:
i wanted to go ahead and give you teh heads up
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
yeah, i'm pretty anti america
Jeff says:
tha'ts very sad
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
oh...ur such a bad boy arent ya
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
lol
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
whatever
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
i dont even know who the hell you are
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
so it's not like i care
Jeff says:
why would you add me just to pick a fight?
Jeff says:
i'm just not sure i really understand it
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
i didnt
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
you started it with me
Jeff says:
i don't claim to be a 'bad boy' ...i didn't come round looking for you to pic a fight
Jeff says:
but i mean you add me with an ignorant SN name like that, then you proclaim yourself as 'anit-american' with this sickening sense of pride
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
ok whatever you say....
Jeff says:
it is just disgusting
Jeff says:
go ahead and enjoy your free ride here in american while you bash her
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
ur really uptight
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
ever hear of right of opinion
Jeff says:
yes
Jeff says:
it's one of the foundations of America--a country you just claimed to hate
Jeff says:
to be "anti"
Jeff says:
"anti-american'
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
yea ok
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
there is a lot of other places out there better than the usa, i mean come on... america has such a big ego
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:
we think we're better than everyone
George W's platform....."My dad got to be president, now I get to be..." says:wtf




This little conversation angered me quite a lot. Who goes around looking to start a fight the way she did. "I added you because some kid said you wouldn't like my sign in name!"?? What is that? Who does something that stupid?

I just can't imagine saying, "Oh, I bet this person would hate my sign in name, let me harass them." I suppose this is basically just more proof of how mean (and ignorant) the left can be.

The biggest thing that pissed me off, though, wasn't her hate of President Bush. I can understand that. I understand that we have a two party system and that it is the best in the world. I understand that people have legitimate reason to dislike Bush, I'm not stupid. I can handle that. However, being anti-American I can not. And what I really can't stand is being anti-American and then saying, 'ever heard of freedom of opinion (speech).' I mean honestly. How does one feel the right to bash America, bash everything she stands for, say 'i'm anti-American' and then use the foundations which America has been built on as defense for your beliefs. That's disgusting. Sickening.

Look people, it's not exactly a revelation: AMERICAN IS THE BEST. We are the best. There is no country like us anywhere in the world. For anybody to doubt us, to hate us, to say they're 'anti-American' while they're sitting there fat ass right here in the country sucking the life out of her is disgusting. People like that make me just want to vomit.

First Hand Experience

Oh my my my. Three times today. THREE TIMES. Yes folks, I have posted THREE times. Don't worry, don't get overloaded. I know that this much conservative talk sometimes affects the way we think (as it should). Hopefully it will affect you in a positive way.

Tonight's topic: FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE.

No no, I don't know what it's like to be drunk. Nor am I going to tell you not to do drugs because you end up all screwed up. Oh no no. Our topic tonight is far more important and earth-shaking than that. Tonight we talk about my first true experience of the just 'meanness' of the left. Yes, I'm saying it. LIBERALS ARE MEAN. Not all of them, but most. I'm talking about those slimy Mike Moore libs. You know the ones.

As I wrote earlier, I believe that liberals are of the view that "We'll protect your right to speak if you say what we tell you." Well folks, now I can prove it.

I have passed by the 4-6 Kerry posters in my hall here every day. Every single day for the last week. Several times a day. I have not ONCE pulled one down. Nor have I thought of pulling it down or otherwise defacing them. No no, I just roll my eyes and think "oh, these poor lost souls." I don't lay a finger on them. Why? Because I believe in my heart that the two-party democratic system we use is the best. It's like no other, and it is the best. I believe that each and every person has the right to their opinion. I may not agree with that opinion, but NEVER will I say to anyone that an opinion is stupid or wrong. I may share my opinion hoping that I can sway them a little. I may even tell them that I think they should reevaluate their opinion. But I will never discourage somebody from having an opinion. To be honest, I'd rather have 1,000,000 people who have a different opinion than mine than ONE SINGLE PERSON who, 'has no opinion.'

Apparently, though, this belief for freedom of speech and opinion only goes as far as having a liberal view point. Why do I say this? Tonight, I was the victim of a cruel, harsh vandal. This individual, whose identity remains uknown to me at the moment, ripped down my George Bush poster. How do I know it was ripped? It was clearly torn in half. Half was still on the door, half was gone.

I AM LIVING IN AN OPPRESIVE ENVIRONMENT. My views are the minority. When will my rights as a republican be upheld. Why can people burn the flag but I can't hang one damn poster on my door? What the HELL kind of world is this? I suppose if I knew the answers to these questions I wouldn't be having the problems I have.

In Closing, i'd like to leave you with a short phrase:

BUSH IN '04 BABY!!!!

"Cuz I am Living in a Politically Correct World, and I am a Politically Correct Girl"

The words of the title of this post are most powerful if set to the tune of Madonna's song "Material Girl." Please note right now that they are not in any way descriptive of me, but rather a girl I know from high school.

This girl, whose name shall remain unknown, shall be called 'Jane' for the purpose of this post. It should be noted from an early point that I have never particularly cared for this girl. Actually, to be blunt, Jane annoys me. She is a radical liberal who believes that because she is from a different ethnic background, she has the right to tell me what to think, feel and believe. In other words, she is a typical liberal--we will fight for free speech and your right to speak your mind as long as you share our opinion.

My earliest dealings with Jane came during the spring of my junior year in high school. Now if we think back to that time, roughly a year and a half ago, we all remember what was going on in the world. UN Resolution 1441's deadlines had come and passed. Saddam Hussein was as defiant and arrogant as ever. President Bush had spoken with world leaders. Our ambassador to the United Nations was working diligently to assure that the UN would back up the resolution which had passed unanimously. All deliberations had failed, though, and the United States was forced to turn outside of the United Nations. They assembled a 'Coalition of the Willing.' We were preparing at war.

Now this war was, as most do, came with a variety of opinions. Some, like myself, believed that this was a war far overdue and that Saddam must be dealt with. Some believed that war may be the answer, but that we should try a little more to find a peaceful means. Still others believed that war was wrong; and such was Jane.

It must be said that Jane had influence. She was an integral part of the media of Hampshire High School. She was part of the 'in-crowd.' I, though, was a lowly staff writer who had at one time held ambition to be editor, but had seen those ambitions pass and now simply wished to serve out the remainder of my time on staff. As it came time to prepare for the latest release of the paper, it was no shock that the war was on the tip of everyone's' tongues for editorials and features. Jane wrote her anti-war babble. This was nothing new to Jane. Jane was a seasoned liberal reporter, whose articles, even on the simplest of topics, always had a bit of a leftist pull. I, though, was writing my first ever editorial. I defended my President. I defended this Nation. I spoke about how we must be liberators for the Iraqi people. I did what all flag-waving President Bush supporters did. This was not unusual, nor was it surprising to anyone who knew me. When the paper was released, though, I saw that my article had been cut nearly to one third of it's original size. Across from my article, though, was an ENTIRE page devoted to Jane's work and the work of her liberal, anti-Bush friends. One page of slamming Bush. Less than one fourth of a page of defense for Bush.

This angered me, but I understood why it happened this way. Like I said earlier, I understand that liberals fight for your right to speak only if you speak in favor of them. This was fine, and I understood. This, though, is not the point of my post. It is, instead, a background for the true reason.

My true reason for writing is because I ran into Jane tonight at dinner. As I ate, I couldn't help but listen to Jane's rather large mouth as she garbled on and on. There came a point where some one brought up midgets. Yes, midgets. Now, I do not know why this topic came up, but it did. As I listened to what she said, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Jane, a member of a minority group, a liberal, a compassionate person, a politically correct 'offend no one' individual spoke of these people of lesser height as if they disgusted her. The things she said, to an extent, even made me feel uncomfortable.

I am not 'pro-midget' (if there even is such a thing). I am not a midget. I do not have midgets who are members of my family, nor do I have any midget friends. I wasn't even offended by the fact that she spoke of midgets in the fashion that she did. I was, instead, only further proved correct in the statement that has become the theme for tonight's post: 'liberals will fight for your right to speak up, as long as you say what they want you to.' This particularly applied to tonight's little speech by Jane: 'You must be politically correct. You must never say anything to hurt somebody's feelings. Don't make fun of that man because he is gay. Don't use the word retarded....Unless, that is, we deem it appropriate.' This girl, who I have been told, has repeatedly called me a racist, sexist, and classist (which is hilarious--my father is an electrician, I am hardly rich), has the nerve to sit there and make fun of midgets.

Was I surprised, no. Was I offended? Certainly not. Did I want to just stand up and beat Jane to death with her empty salad container or her little cup of yogurt? ABSOLUTELY.

You see, hypocrites are, perhaps, one of my biggest pet peeves. If you are going to be politically correct, than by all means, call me a racists, sexist, classist, or whatever other term you chose to use. Go ahead and tell me not to say "gay" with a negative connotation. Ban me from saying 'black' about an 'African-American.' Tell me not to call something retarded. I don't care, go for it. But don't tell me this stuff and then turn around and make fun of somebody because they are different. It all goes back to that old saying, "practice what you preach!!"

Todays Lesson: Ann Coulter, one of my heros, said once, "The fundamental difference between conservatives and liberals is that conservatives believe in God, but liberals believe they are God." This is a quotation which I use frequently because I find that it often helps articulate just about any point I want to make about liberals, whether that be a liberal stance on abortion, or the point I am about to make. The truth is, liberals, as I said earlier, follow that old saying, "do as I say, not as I do." We allow ourselves to be governed by people like this. We allow ourselves to be taught by people who hold this statement to be fundamental to how they govern us. One needs not look outside of the great state of West Virginia to see this. Bob Byrd has no problem screaming his brains out about how President Bush is an immoral liar. He has no problem lecturing us on moral and ethics. He, however, also had no problem pulling a white sheet over his face and leading a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. I honestly believe that we will NEVER hear a liberal use the word 'we' when describing a new law, or problems in the world. We'll never hear them say "we must." Why? Because if somebody like Byrd or Kerry says 'we' then suddenly they are to be held to the same level as their constituents and that, my friends, is just unacceptable.

"The swift boat ads are bad, m'kay"

It's been almost a week, and oh what almost-a-week it has been. The first week of classes is just about over. Now that I have ten minutes, I can finally get to a story that has been breaking news every day. This story just dies for commentary. Here's today's version of the story:



Kerry blasts Bush over veterans' ad
Says president allows others to do 'dirty work'

The Associated Press
Updated: 12:57 p.m. ET Aug. 19, 2004

BOSTON - Sen. John Kerry accused President Bush on Thursday of relying on front groups to challenge his record of valor in Vietnam, asserting, “He wants them to do his dirty work.”

Defending his record, the Democratic presidential candidate said, “Thirty years ago, official Navy reports documented my service in Vietnam and awarded me the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.”
“Thirty years ago, this was the plain truth. It still is. And I still carry the shrapnel in my leg from a wound in Vietnam.”

Kerry received five medals for his service in Vietnam a generation ago, but his record has come under campaign challenge in television commercials aired by “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth,” funded by supporters of the president.
Bush and the White House have refused to condemn the ads, despite calls to do so — from Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a former Vietnam prisoner of war, as well as from Democrats.
Senior Democrats, including some inside the presidential campaign, have urged Kerry to respond forcefully to the criticism, fearing that if left unanswered, it could hamper his quest for the White House.
In addition to Kerry's speech before an audience of firefighters, his campaign released a new 30-second campaign commercial that features a former Green Beret saying the young Navy lieutenant saved his life under fire.
Recalling when his boat came under attack more than 30 years ago, Jim Rassmann says, "It blew me off the boat. All those Viet Cong were shooting at me. I expected I'd be shot. When he pulled me out of the river, he risked his life to save mine."

Aides said the commercial would air in Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin, three battleground states. The decision to advertise even in a limited fashion marked a change in course for the campaign, which had hoped to remain off the air for August to conserve cash for the fall campaign.
In his speech, Kerry employed a wartime metaphor.
"More than 30 years ago I learned an important lesson. When you're under attack the best thing to do is turn your boat into the attack. That's what I intend to do today."
Speaking of the organization airing the ads that challenge his war record, Kerry said, "Of course, this group isn't interested in the truth and they're not telling the truth. ...
"But here's what you really need to know about them. They're funded by hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Republican contributor out of Texas. They're a front for the Bush campaign. And the fact that the President won't denounce what they're up to tells you everything you need to know. He wants them to do his dirty work."
Bush spokesman Steve Schmidt said, 'That charge leveled by Senator Kerry is absolutely and completely false.'
Kerry's 'noble service' "The Bush campaign has never and will never question John Kerry's service in Vietnam. The president has referred to John Kerry's service as noble service," the Bush spokesman said.
Kerry said, "Of course, the president keeps telling people he would never question my service to our country. Instead, he watches as a Republican-funded attack group does just that. Well, if he wants to have a debate about our service in Vietnam, here is my answer: "Bring it on."
Kerry's comments drew boisterous cheers from members of the union that had endorsed him last year at a time his candidacy was struggling.
Rassmann, too, played a pivotal role in Kerry's campaign turnaround last winter. With the kickoff Iowa caucuses days away, the former Green Beret contacted the campaign and volunteered to appear with the Massachusetts senator and talk about his action in Vietnam.
Rassmann has since become the best known member of a group of veterans that Kerry calls his 'band of brothers' a stress on military service designed to erode the traditional Republican campaign advantage on national security issues.

Here's my take:

Ok, so let me just get this straight...a group separate from the Bush Administration is combating Kerry's "war hero" campaign. This group, which consists of Kerry's former shipmates, is telling its side of just what happened in Vietnam. This group consists of well over the majority of people who served with Kerry. They are telling the truth as they saw it. They are telling the story as they feel appropriate.

Firstly, let us ask these questions: Why is it George W. Bush's responsibility to censor what comes through the news? Why must he denounce the ads? Why is this? Why does he need to say that he doesn't approve of the ads? These questions, to me, are very important. If, for instance, a group came out saying that George Bush was a fraud. If they said that he hadn't done something that he was using as the major pedestals for his campaign, George Bush would be strung up on a limb for limiting free speech if he said one bad thing about them. We all know this.

This is point is really unimportant, though, because the question that Kerry wants addressed isn't "why should he" but instead, "why hasn't he." To this, I can only offer counter questions. If Bush should be countering these ads with his disapproval, should Kerry not be countering everything the screaming left has said about George Bush? When does Kerry denounce Ted Kennedy's screaming face which so rudely called George Bush a liar? When do we hear the Kerry campaign tell Al Gore that George Bush did NOT "play on our fears," and that he is not a "traitor." Why haven't we hard Kerry tell Howard Dean to shut his mouth about Bush's use of the terrorism level for political gain?

I guess the true point is one that I have never understood, and that I doubt I ever will. I cannot fathom this double standard the media holds for politicians. Shame on the Conservative Right for using any sort of harsh language or damaging truth. Right on to any Liberal Leftist who chooses to slam the Right with harsh language and damaging (half) truth.

Whatever happend to fair and balanced?

"Uh, Uh, He just is"

One week down, countless more to go...

It's been a long, hard, but extremely productive week here at SU. The Ram Band has been working our butts off up here to get the show together and it's coming along nicely! I'm quite proud of myself and of the band, it's good to be part of something big and good--and cool! But that's not really what I want to talk about now.

I came to talk about the draft...No, no, that's Arlo Gutherie's bit isn't it? Sorry, it just happens sometimes...

What I really want to write about is the Anti-Bushism here at SU. While not nearly as bad as it could be, it is still quite signifacant and honestly that makes me quite sad.

The second worst thing in the world is a liberal. The first is an ignorant liberal. I know, I know, there's not much difference, but that little difference is just enough to push the annoyance level right over the top.

I had my first run in with one of these ignorant libs (we shall call them iglibs for the purpose of this little rant session) and it was truly remarkable. I had just parked my Jeep, which proudly wears a "Bush/Cheney '04" sticker plastered on the back. Suddenly, I hear a familiar voice say, "Bush and Cheney? BUSH AND CHENEY? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??" So I looked back to see a member of the sax section (the scrawny less than beautiful, obnoxious one who has about 1/4 the ability that she thinks she has). I simply replied, "No, why would I be kidding?" In a truly remarkable flash of brilliance she says "because they are running this country in the ground."

Trying to remain calm, yet preparing to launch into full attack mode--you know, that hold nothing back, kill everything that moves mode--I calmly asked, "Stephanie, would you care to elaborate on this? In other words (because I had a feeling she was dumbstruck by my use of the word, 'elaborate') what do you mean by that?"

Now, I have combated liberalism for several years now, and I'm getting better at it. In my few years as a soldier for the fight against liberalism, I have hear varying tales of the evils of President Bush and his 'Thugs" and always I have been able to say word for word why this statements are common misconceptions. However, this time, nothing could have prepared me for the enlightenment that I was about to receive. With a completely straight face, and looking as if she truly meant what she was about to say, she replied, "uh, uh, he just is."

"Uh, Uh, he just is"? What the hell is that? I mean honest to GOD people, she didn't even try to use the typical lefty lies, she just said, "uh, uh, he just is." I was dumbstruck, I think I even stumbled back a bit. After the initial 5-10 second shock delay, I couldn't help it and I just burst into laughter. I looked at her and said "I see" and walked away.

Could I have done better? Most certainly! I could have lit into her about how "uh, uh, he just isn't," but I just didn't have it in me. I just had to laugh and walk away. Honestly, how does one combat such ignorance? This sort of thing isn't something that can be deterred with facts and figures, nor can it be responded to with truth-defining rhetoric. No, no, I find that this ignorance is just best left alone. Somebody who is that blind to the events around them cannot be helped. They are too ignorant, no--no, ignorant is too bright of a word--they are too S T U P I D to compute any information we may offer them...

Today's lesson? Ignorance cannot be combated. Everything that we have learned on how to help the ignorant find a path to truth and intelligence is a lie. There is no hope for these people. They are, to quote Mr. David Trimmier, "fundamentally obnoxious and best ignored."

Until next time...

Pooped

I had planned to write a lot this week, unfortunately, band camp is kicking my butt all over the place, so I'm just to dead to write anything of any intelligence. So sorry everybody-

I'll get back on track come the weekend or the start of next week at the very latest....

Have a great week, everybody!

Oh Yes He's Flipper, Flipper

Below is the recent Bush/Cheney '04 newsletter that gets sent to my email address

After seeing the Kerry Iraq Documentary, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said, "I think every American should see this." And in less than 10 days over 2.4 million people have!
Your efforts are making a real difference. The Kerry Iraq Documentary is fast becoming the most important and most watched documentary of the year. The Boston Globe's Jeff Jacoby calls the video "remarkable," and Morton Kondracke, executive editor of the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, terms it "devastating."

I urge you to keep talking to friends and family about the video that offers the best response to John Kerry's claims that he is a strong and decisive leader--John Kerry's own words!
This documentary exposes the truth about his inability to be decisive when it comes to one of the central issues of our time.

Keep up the great work--YOU are making a difference. Be sure to check KerryOnIraq.com for new reviews--and to continue adding the number of viewers--and stay tuned for updates to the video early next week!
Sincerely,

Chair of the Republican National Convention

Now, typically unless it has an unusually interesting title, I do not bother with checking out this videos, especially if they are TV advertisements and the such. However, today's video, a sort of mini-documentary, struck me as being particularly prudent to the upcoming election. As I watched the film, I just about lost my self control and began laughing.

John Kerry doesn't know WHAT he believes. My favorite part of the film, which takes us on a calendar ride from mid-September, 2001 to today, and then back for a look at Kerry's view on the first war in Iraq during 1991, is the section showing his interview on "Face the Nation" on September 14, 2001. The interviewer asks if Kerry will vote against the 87 billion dollars to fund our troops. Kerry's reply:

I don't think any United States Senator is going to abandon our troops and then recklessly

leave Iraq to whatever follows as a result. That's irresponsible!

Later that day, Kerry would go on to vote 'nay' to the amendment, truly TRULY stunning.

On another interview, this time with Chris Matthews, Chris asks Kerry, "Are you one of the anti-war candidates?" Kerry's response: "Uh, uh, Y-E-S."

So, let me get this straight, voting for a war, then voting to fund it, only to then vote against funding it, makes you an 'anti-war candidate.' To me, it seems best said that being for the war when it's popular, then changing to be against it when you see that Howard Dean (the lone anti-war democratic candidate in the Democratic Primaries) is leading in the polls makes you an 'anti-war candidate.'

Geez, the thought of this man being our commander in Chief makes my stomach lurch. How are our soldiers supposed to fight for a leader who didn't fight for them during his tenure as a US Senator? How are our troops supposed to fight for a man who served less than 4 months in the military and is now trying to play his time in Vietnam off as that of a war hero? How are our troops supposed to fight for a man who's three purple hearts came for wounds that required no hospitalize?

America--WAKE UP. Look at this man for what he is. See that he is NOT the right answer. Please please PLEASE be smart enough to look at the facts. Once you--no, we--look at the facts, there is no WAY that anybody could vote for this man simply because he is the best candidate. There is just no way. I guess all I can do is HOPE that Kerry is soundly defeated in November. Go check out this video at http://www.kerryoniraq.com/. It's an interesting 12 minute little video and you won't regret watching it!

Music Review

My brother just bought Montgomery Gentry's new CD, You Do Your Thing. Wow, what a great CD. The whole CD is just amazing. It's got twelve tracks, and of the twelve I really like, well, twelve! I'm not one of those people who typically likes a full CD (except for the Barenaked Ladies) but this one is great. I want to talk, though, specifically about the title track, You Do Your Thing. Now this, this is a great song. Personally, I think the GOP should jump all over this bad boy and make it the official 'Bush-Cheney' theme music. Without saying, "Hey, this song is a slam right in Kerry's face," this band has put down in words just about every reason why America should (and I think ultimately will) vote Bush in '04. Take a look

You Do Your Thing
C. Beathard/E. Hill

Put me on a mountain, way back in the back woods

Put me on a lake with biggin' on the line

Put me 'round a campfire cookin' something I just cleaned

You do your thing, I'll do mine

I ain't tradin' in my family's safety

Just to save a little gas

And I'll pray to God any place, any time

And you can bet I'll pick up the phone if Uncle Sam calls me up

You do your thing, I'll do mine

Hey, I'll worry about me

You just worry about you

And I'll believe what I believe

And you believe what you believe too

I ain't gonna spare the rod

Cuz that ain't what my daddy did

And I sure know the difference between wrong and right

You know, to me it's all just common sense

A broken rule, a consequence

You do your thing, I'll do mine

Hey, I'll worry about me

You just worry about you

And I'll believe what I believe

And you believe what you believe too

I'm gonna keep on working hard

Make my money the old-fashioned way

I don't wanna piece of someone else's pie

If I don't get my fill on life

I ain't gonna blame no one but me

You do your thing, I'll do mine

You ain't gonna be my judge

Cuz my judge will judge us all one day

You do your thing,

I'll do mine

As I typed those lyrics in, I couldn't help but turn the CD on and crank it up. I just think it's a great song. Let's just hope that the people of America feel the same way come November. Thanks for a great song, guys!