The First Presidential Debate

I was going to wait until tomorrow to do my shake-down on the debate, but I decided to do it now while it was fresh in my mind.

First, a few general comments and observations:

• 90 Minutes with no commercial breaks is too long for a debate. There are a couple of reasons why. Firstly, a lot was said early on that needed to have a few minutes for reflections. Secondly, 90 minutes is a long time to sit with one's eyes glued to the TV. Thirdly, it seemed to me that both Bush and Kerry began to repeat themselves.
• Both candidates spoke very articulately and clearly. Both candidates made some good points. I think Jim Lehrer did a good job of moderating, controlling the crowd, and asking questions based on the statements of the candidates.
• John Kerry is ridiculously tall and makes George W. Look like an elf.

The Breakdown:

• Kerry came out looking like he was ready to go to war. I think Kerry did a good job of not underestimating Bush, which is typically a weakness of Bush's opponents. The first thing Kerry said that caught my attention is that we need to be "reaching out to the Muslim world while isolating the fundamental Muslims." To me, this is another contradiction in statements, or at an incoherent thought. Kerry didn't do a good job here explaining how we find the difference between the two. Do we look at this on an individual basis? "Well, Omar is Muslim, let's reach out to him. Mohammed is a fundamentalist, let's isolate him..." That won't work . Do we look at it on a nation by nation basis? If so, then it works against the idea we shouldn't be at war--how else do we isolate a nation led by a dictator using the fundamentals of religion as a basis to abuse people, intimidate people in the region and in his country, defy international law, etc. etc. Make up your mind, John.
• Kerry continued with his opening by pointing out that the real war on terror is in Afghanistan, not Iraq. He explained that you don't send troops to war without the armor they need. He vowed to bring allies back to the table. President Bush began speaking and I could tell that he was nervous because he was standing up very straight and stiff. As he began to speak and get a few works under his tongue, so to speak, I could see him loosening up and slouching a little--when Bush slouches, he's in his element and nearly unbeatable. Bush pointed out a couple of key arguments here. Her explained that the war on terrorism must include a "multi-prong strategy." He explained that Iraq is a center in the war on terror because "free nations reject terrorism." This is a good point. He also jumped on something which I, as an observer, was hoping he'd launch into. Kerry said that "real war on terror is in Afghanistan." Bush replied with a great line, "people who think there's only one place to fight the war on terror doesn't understand [how to fight] a war on terror." Look, there are terrorists in just about every country in the world--Spain, France, Russia, Great Britain, Afghanistan, --but not in Iraq. To think for a minute that there were not terrorists in Iraq is to fall into naivety which is detrimental to society. Wake up, folks. The war on terror is a global war--the War in Iraq, the War in Afghanistan, Russia's war against the rebels, and our homeland security efforts are all just branches of one war. Bush also brought up a good point when he asked what initiative would nations have in "join[ing] us in the wrong war, at the wrong time, at the wrong place."
• Kerry continued to point out that he would "Bring allies back to the table." Bush responded in a way that I have been waiting for him to for weeks--by saying that saying we have no allies alienates those who support us, including Poland, Italy, Australia and Great Britain amongst others.
• Kerry again used his little slogan, "Help is on the way" this time in reference to the troops abroad. Bush hit a home run when he said "it's hard to tell that helps on the way when he votes against the 87 Billion [to give them the funds they need].
• I was so glad to finally hear somebody ask the Kerry campaign "exactly what did Bush lie about." I don't think Kerry handled this well. I think he used very general statements many of which he himself has made over the years. A common theme of the Kerry responses was the idea that Bush lied when he promised to use war as a last resort. This is ridiculous. How many resolutions would it have taken to make it the "last resort?" We were at 14. Do we did 18, 20, 25, 50, 100? How many? Personally, I think two was too many. This issue should have fallen on somebody else's lap, but I'm glad Bush finally took the initiative to do what needed to be done. Bush slammed this point home by saying, "to think another round of sanctions would have worked is ludicrous."
• Bush defended his choice often by using the line "Kerry saw the same intel I did." I think this is a good point. Saying that the President 'misled' him as the reason he voted for the war is a joke. It's taking the easy way out. Kerry really needs to change this if he hopes to win. He needs to stop using this excuse.

Both candidates had some great one liners. Her are my picks for the Best One Liners:

• Bush: "I believe I'm going to win because people know I'm a good leader"
• Kerry: "The truth is what policy should be made on."

The Candidates

• Bush: I think the President did a great job. He spoke well. He had very few verbal slip-ups. I think he played a good defense, which I guess is what he needed to do. I would have liked to have seen Bush be a little more on the 'offense,' that is--I wish that Bush would have gone after Kerry more. Still, Bush did a good job holding his own and defending himself and his policies at every turn.
• Kerry: I still don't have a sense of exactly what Kerry's plan for the war is. He mentioned a 4-Point Plan, but he never elaborated on it. I do think that Kerry did a good job firing one after another at Bush, but like I said above--Bush played a good defense. I still don't know what Kerry's views are. He changed throughout the campaign, and tonight, he changed throughout the debate. Hopefully we'll know what his views are before November 2, 2004.

The conclusion:

I think that Bush clearly won the debate. I don't think it was the home-run I expected, but it was a victory and we'll take it. Both candidates spoke in rather broad, general terms, though, on a lot of subjects. I do think that Bush's usual line of "at least you know where I stand" was clear again tonight--I left the debate with the same thoughts on Bush that I had coming into it. I really don't think that this debate will have an impact on people who pay even a little attention to what goes on because I don't feel like there was anything new said by either candidate. This fact, I think, hurts Kerry more so than George Bush because, as Bush says, we know where he stands. We don't, though, know what Kerry has in mind. I also believe that Bush looked at the audience and spoke from his heart. I still didn't feel that way from Kerry though. I still felt like he was speaking to the polls, not to the people (if that makes since).

I'll try to be back tomorrow night, but I make no promises...

A Common Misconception

Well I promised I'd be back on Tuesday--so here I am. I know I barely kept my word (I have 2 hours and 9 minutes).

I have two things to cover tonight. Firstly, the Bush interview on "The Factor" on Fox News. I think the interview, thus far, has been great. Just a few highlights...

First--Bush continues to slam the 527's. I cringe every time he does because, though I believe there are restrictions which could and should be placed on the groups, the thought of banning
them all together sickens me. I maintain my belief that these 527's have the same rights to free speech that we all have and it should stay that way. Sorry Mr. Bush, but I have to disagree with you...

Secondly--I didn't realize that Bill O'Reilly was such a 'hard-core,' pro-war guy. Hats off to
you, Bill!

Thirdly, President Bush continues to be slammed by the left for having "no compassion" in regards to his stance on healthcare. As I have said a million times, we do NOT need a universal
health care system. Let me spend my money how I want to spend it. The last thing we need is more government control on our lives. They can keep their hands out of my healthcare. President Bush remains strong with the same mentality. He went on to explain that he doesn't believe healthcare is a right of all people, and it is not the job of government to provide healthcare. He said that God helps those who help themselves and so should be the mentality of our healthcare system. If somebody needs help, the help is there--that is why he supports community health centers. Good job Bush!

Next on the agenda is this little video sent to me via email by an old friend. The video is about the idea that people who are convicted of felonies should be able to vote, where our system, as it stands now, bars these people from voting. The main argument of the video is that voting is a right and that one person's inability to vote for any reason is a malfunction of the system. If that
one vote doesn't count, than neither does mine (or yours etc.). The video goes on to say that
we, the American citizens, are supporting legal discrimination by allowing this trend to continue
because mose felons are black or Latino.

This is crap.

The idea that voting is a "right" is a common misconception. Voting is not a right, it is a privilege. Now many people disagree with me on that idea, but its the truth. Voting is a special privilege (and a duty) that people often take for granted. Though I could never prove it, I will stop out on
a limb and say that most of the people sitting in prisons convicted of felonies probably didn't vote before their sentencing anyway. I believe that voting is a privilege awarded to those who nobly serve society in one way or another. When an individual does something to harm the
functionality of society (i.e. committing a felony) said individual become a societal outcast so to speak. They are no longer serving a function in society and thus they have given up the right to the privileges warranted in said society. This, to me, seems quite obvious and easy to understand.

Finally, I'd like to shed a little light on the discrimination factor. What a crock?! I'm so tired of hearing about racial profiling. Did it ever occur to anyone that maybe, JUST MAYBE, more blacks and Latinos are arrested and end up in jail because more blacks and Latinos commit crimes? Is that even possible. Oh, of course not...It is, of course, a reflection of the white man's hatred for minorities. Give me a break people. I'm tired of hearing that garbage.

I'll be back tomorrow---and Thursday night (ok, probably not until Friday morning) I'll be doing my breakdown of the debate (I'll try not to be biased, but--we'll see).

Off

Just so everbody is aware, I will be taking Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26 off as I'll be with the band for most of Saturday, then the viewing for Kaitlyn and the funeral on Sunday. I'll try to get back to posting on Monday, but it's more likely that it will be Tuesday. Feel free to browse the archives and read my post on Kaitlyn Dante from Tuesday, September 21.

For all you HHSer's, try to enjoy your weekend. I know it's going to be hard, but just remember that God is with us :)

'Bout Dern Time!

I still have stuff sitting on my desk, but I can cover that stuff later because this article is just too good. The only way to see how great it is is simply to read it, so go ahead and enjoy...

http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20040924-120619-1344r.htm

By George Archibald

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

An English professor at the University of North Carolina illegally subjected a student to "intentional discrimination and harassment" because he was "a white, heterosexual Christian male" who expressed disapproval of homosexuality, the U.S. Education Department's Office of Civil Rights has ruled. Professor Elyse Crystall violated student Timothy R. Mertes' civil rights, the agency said, by improperly accusing him of "hate speech" in an e-mail sent to students after a class discussion in which Mr. Mertes said he was a Christian and felt "disgusted, not threatened" by homosexual behavior.

"The e-mail message not only subjected the student to intentional discrimination and harassment, but also discouraged the robust exchange of ideas that is intrinsic to higher education and is at the very heart of the Constitution's protection of free speech," Alice B. Wender, the Education Department's southern regional director of civil rights concluded in a letter to UNC Chancellor James Moeser on Wednesday. The ruling was hailed by Rep. Walter B. Jones, North Carolina Republican, who requested a civil rights probe five months ago after learning about the student's plight from a Raleigh talk-radio show. "This vindicates this young man's First Amendment rights to speak out, as he has acknowledged, as a Christian," Mr. Jones said. "So I'm going to look at this as a victory for students in this country who feel that they have a right to express themselves. If you don't have that right in a collegiate classroom, what rights do you have?" The department's letter said no penalty or further action was necessary because Ms. Crystall had apologized for her actions and the university had convened faculty workshops to discourage race and sex discrimination against white, male, Christian undergraduates. Mr. Moeser, Ms. Crystall and Mr. Mertes did not respond to inquiries yesterday. The federal ruling comes as Mr. Moeser and UNC administrators at the Chapel Hill campus have moved this month to shut down a male Christian fraternity there, Alpha Iota Omega, on the grounds the student group is violating the university's anti-discrimination policy because it excludes non-Christians and self-professed homosexuals from membership. The fraternity has filed a federal lawsuit against UNC to protect its membership policy from university interference. "This adds another example to what is a problem at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and also, I believe, it's a problem across this nation," Mr. Jones said of the UNC effort to shut down the fraternity. There have been similar efforts against Christian student groups at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Oklahoma and Southwest Missouri State University. The civil rights probe of UNC involved "a discussion seminar on diversity issues — required for graduation" for which Ms. Crystall was the professor, according to Ms. Wender's 11-page letter announcing the agency's decision. In a session in February, students told investigators that they were discussing one author's views "that society affords whites, males, and heterosexuals privileges that others, for example, blacks, women and homosexuals, do not have," the decision letter stated. A topic of the session was "whether heterosexual men felt 'threatened' by homosexual men." Toward the end of the class, Mr. Mertes stated that " 'threatened' was the wrong word to use." According to the letter, Mr. Mertes cited the example of "a friend in California who is a Christian and who was propositioned by a gay man. He got a love letter from this man, and he felt dirty and disgusted, not threatened." Mr. Mertes told the class "that, as a Christian, he felt the same way," the letter said. "He would not want to have to explain to his 6-year-old why two men are kissing at a ballgame. [Mr. Mertes] ended his remarks in the classroom by saying that the only way to regard this activity as a 'threat' is that homosexuality could be a threat to life, e.g., reproduction or procreation." Mr. Jones said Ms. Crystall "didn't challenge [Mr. Mertes] in the class," but instead afterward "went around the environment of the classroom and e-mailed every student" to attack Mr. Mertes by name. The attack caused him to receive personal threats, and his car was vandalized, the congressman said. In her e-mail, Ms. Crystall told students: "I will not tolerate any racist, sexist, and/or heterosexist comments in my class. What we heard Thursday at the end of class constitutes 'hate speech' and is completely unacceptable, it has created a hostile environment. I am deeply sorry and apologize to those of us who are now feeling that the classroom we share is an unsafe environment, for those of us who feel vulnerable or threatened. I will do my best to counter those feelings and protect that space from further violence." Naming Mr. Mertes in the e-mail, Ms. Crystall wrote: "What we experienced, as unfortunate as it is, is, however, a perfect example of privilege, that a white, heterosexual, Christian male, one who vehemently denied his privilege last week insisting that he earned all he has, can feel entitled to make violent, heterosexist comments and not feel marked or threatened or vulnerable is what privilege makes possible." The department ruling said Ms. Crystall "went beyond a permissible reference simply describing the student" and illegally targeted him for a charge of "hate speech" because he is "white and male."

I'll say it again, this is good. Here's may take on a couple parts of the article:

This poor student was submitted to "intentional discrimination and harassment" because he was "a white, heterosexual Christian male." At first glance, one may think, 'this is a joke, right.' unfortunately, though, this is becoming more and more common especially on Liberal college campuses (much like Shepherd). I find the entire idea disgusting. This is just another prime example of the 'do as I say, not as I do' mentality of lefties across the globe. This woman who 'discriminated and harassed' this boy for being a white, heterosexual Christian male is the same kind of individual who would tell you that we are all equal and that everybody has the right to be who they are and think how they think without fear of discrimination. I agree completely--and that is why it's so important the the ruling came on the side of this boy. It is about damn time that we white, college-aged, straight, Christian individuals get a little respect too. All the boy said was that homosexuality made his friend, " [feel] dirty and disgusted, not threatened." He went on to say, "As a Christian, he felt the same way. He would not want to have to explain to his 6-year-old why two men are kissing at a ballgame." He also said that the only way he felt threatened is that homosexuality could be a threat to life, e.g., reproduction or procreation." Frankly, somebody needed to say this. Homosexuality does not make me feel threatened or scared, but as a Conservative Christian it does make me feel disgusted. I completely understand how the boy feels. Shepherdstown, often noted for its large homosexual population, is infested with this people. They do not scare me, but, as I said before, they do disgust me. I am tired of seeing signs for ALLIES (Alternative Lifestyles Living in Everyday Society). I am tired of going to 'sensitivity courses' where I have to hear that 'being gay, lesbian, etc. is ok' because the bottom line is, "IT'S NOTE OK!" I'm tired of seeing the "Celebrate Diversity" rainbow pins on people's back-packs. I am tired of the "Gay Rights are Human Rights" rainbow pins. I am tired of gays, lesbians, etc. I am TIRED OF IT!

Moving on... Ms. Crystall wrote: "What we experienced, as unfortunate as it is, is, however, a perfect example of privilege, that a white, heterosexual, Christian male, one who vehemently denied his privilege last week insisting that he earned all he has, can feel entitled to make violent, heterosexist comments and not feel marked or threatened or vulnerable is what privilege makes possible." I have a couple of thoughts on this. First of all, let it be known that all white, Christian males are not born into privilege. I am not poor. I am not unhappy (unless I'm dealing with a liberal). I am don't want for much (if anything). However, I am certainly not 'privileged.' I have worked my butt off for everything I have. I have worked my butt of to become everything I am. I wasn't born a member of a collegiate band. I wasn't born the HHS Striving for Excellence award recipient. I wasn't born Student Council President. The insinuation that we 'white folks' have worked for nothing makes me sick to my stomach. Secondly, nothing that the boy said was "violent." what he said was "heterosexist" but he was sharing his feelings. He wasn't saying he'd discriminate against gays/lesbians. He wasn't saying he'd hit them. That chick needs to just take a chill pill and relax before she pops a gasket. Thirdly, to me, saying "[making remarks like his] and not feel marked or threatened or vulnerable is what privilege makes possible] is, in itself, a threat. To me, this woman is basically saying "if you are a white, Christian male and you state your views, you will be punished. You make think you're above punishment, but you're not." This is insane. The woman just needs to shut up.

Today's Moral: Is this proof that things are getting better? Nobody can truly say. I saw a bumper sticker today which made me laugh. I was thinking about how in the world I could incorporate it into my next post. I wasn't sure exactly how I'd do it, but now I know. The bumper stick said, "Annoy a Liberal: Work hard and be happy." This is applicable to this case if we look at the final point of my argument. Liberals honestly believe that people are incapable of being 'self-made' any more. The Liberals honestly believe that we can have nothing without their help. We are unable of earning anything. This is just one case, folks. We have to continue to fight back and defend people who hold morals. I'm not saying that only white people have morals. I am not saying that only straight people hold morals. I'm not even saying that only Christians hold morals. What I am saying is that heterosexual Christians are the core of moralistic people here in the United States and that every time one of us losses a battle with immoral, homosexual, liberals, we are loosing the moral clarity that makes this country great. Keep fighting folks. We're going to win in the long run...

Don't Shoot the messenger?!

I haven't said much about the Dan Rather incident, and I haven't posted anything at all about it on here. I had thought that there was enough coverage and yacking going on about it and I hadn't wanted to write on it at all because it's been, in my opinion, overplayed. We all knew from day 1 that the documents were "less that authentic" and I, for one, didn't need to wait around to hear Dan Rather 'break the story' to know he was wrong to begin with.

However, during my skimming of all the news today, I cam across an article at World Net Daily which was just too good. Here area some highlights:

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=40580

Helen Thomas, the so-called "dean of the White House press corps," is not blasting up Dan Rather over his use of unreliable documents about President Bush's military record, but instead is targeting Bush himself.

"To me, the real issue is why doesn't the president tell us the truth?" Thomas said Tuesday at a Monmoth unvisited forum on women and journalism in West Long Branch, N.J. "Why doesn't he put out all the documents? Because he can't, because there are too many gaps."

According to the Asbury Park Press, Thomas called Rather "a magnificent reporter" who experienced every reporter's nightmare in connection with his airing of unauthenticated material in a Sept. 8 broadcast of "60 Minutes II."

"This is all so symptomatic of kill-the-messenger mentality," Deutsch said. "They are interested more in Dan Rather. ... The underlying issue of Bush's National Guard Service is ignored. ... People are gloating over it. I find that very disturbing."

Is this chick serious? Am I the only one who hasn't lost my mind? What is she thinking? "Tis is all so symptomatic of kill-the-messenger-mentality. They are interested more in Dan Rather." Of course we're more interested in Dan Rather and his screwy journalism you twit. Mam, I'm going to let you in on a little secret--nobody cared about the so called discrepancies in Bush's Air National guard records in his '94 campaign. Nobody cared in 2000, and guess what, lady, nobody cares about it in 2004, either. What we do care about, though, is our journalism and the why the media reports the news. What we do care about, though, is getting to the truth. It is more disturbing to me that CBS would publish anything as TRUTH when it hasn't been proven. It makes me sick. Shame on CBS and shame on Dan Rather and finally, shame on you too, stupid woman!

Today's Moral: It's OK to lie and publish fallacies and then take no responsibility for it as long as you are criticizing President Bush. It's ok to be wrong and take no responsibility for it as long as your just reading something that somebody gave you. Look, if that is the rule we used for all of our journalism there would be absolutely no point in even reporting anything because, after all, we could just write the news as we saw fit. It's disgusting. Thank God for FOX News. I used to make fun of them, but they seem to be the only news agency anymore that can report the news as it happens, not as they think it should happen. We need to take America back from the liberal media. We need to return to the days when journalists were journalists--that is, when journalists cared about reporting the TRUTH, not just the story that supports his/her own politically agenda. Thank you FOX news and keep up the good work.

Is Freedom Only Worth Free Health Care?

After a two week hiatus, I'm back and ready to launch into some stuff that has been 'sitting on my desk' (so to speak) for a while now.

I hope to get to everything within the next few days, but I have to start my return off with a video I received via email yesterday.

This is just crazy. Here's the link: http://www.citizensunited-interactive.org/c41.11/.

Here's my breakdown of the video--summary and commentary mixed:

Images of 'the Blog' (AKA Moore) open the film with him saying "I think these words need to be said somewhere on national TV...and they are' there is no terrorist threat' there is no threat." Moore has got toe be the biggest waste of life in the world. What a slimebag. Does he need to see the tapes of those planes crashing into the towers again? How about the USS Cole? The Pentagon? When are these liberals going to learn that there is a grave and gathering threat that must be dealt with? When are they going to wake up and see that everything is not fine? The world is not fine. The world is a hellish, brutish place and if we let our guard down for one minute the people who make the world a hellish and brutish place are going to jump all over that opportunity and rip us apart. September 11, 2001 was awful. It was horrid to see the life that was lost and the blood that was shed, but it is NOTHING compared to what these people want to do to us. We must remain sound in our resolve to stop them at all costs.

The camera pans over the planes flying into the Towers on 9/11. Also images of the USS Cole (I think). but there is no terrorist threat--none at all. We were never hit--the planes that flew into the towers, the Pentagon, and the plane taken down in PA were figment of our imagination. The cowards who attack innocents in Iraq and hold them hostage then behead them are not a threat. There is no terrorist threat.

More images of the disaster on 9/11--the words "At what temperature does the brain begin to die?" float across the screen. A woman in a crowd says, "When you talk about a dictator, there's pros and there's cons. If they provide free health care...I like that dictator. If he provides...Education for everyone, I like that dictator." Meanwhile images of dictators beating their people, having their evil carried out, executing people etc. Play in the background. This woman is of real and undeniable value to the United States of America--thank God we have somebody like her. What a moron. "I like that dictator." I think maybe we should let Saddam live on a small island nation. We should set him up with all the same torture devices, biological weapons, etc. That he had in Iraq. Then we should say ' Saddam, this nation is yours. You are free to do with it as you please under three circumstances. First- you are not allowed to leave the island. Second, you must provide free education to all the people, and third, you must provide free healthcare.' Then we should take all these stupid people like this woman and place her there. Let all these people live under the dictatorship. I guess to people like this, freedom is only worth free health care...After all, she said as long as they provide education and health care...

Images of President Bush Giving a speech, "Time is not on our side. I will not await on events while dangers gather. I will not stand by as peril draws closer and closer. The War on Terror will not be won on the defensive. If we wait for threats to fully materialize, we will have waited too long." I have a confession to make--I have not always been a Bush supporter. Oh, it's true--I know it's hard to believe, but I didn't like him when he ran in 2000. Since September 11, though, I have grown not only to like him, but to love him. In the days immediately following 9/11, Bush was a voice of comfort. He was a voice of reason. He was a voice of liberty. He was a voice of justice. When he said that we would respond quickly and harshly, I believed him. He kept his promise. I think God every time I pray that we have George W. Bush on our side. Everyday, I ask that God continues to work through Bush, as I think he has. Sometimes it seems like Bush is the only remaining voice of reason in this entire world. I am comforted knowing that Bush says "the War on Terror can not be won on the defensive." This is so true. If, as Bush said, we allow events to fully materialize before we respond, we will have waited too long. Do we need to loose another 3,000+ people through another viscous, unprovoked attack before people will wake up and realize this? It scares me to think that anybody but Bush could be our Commander in Chief after November.

Images of protestors fill the screen. The camera zooms in on a ProtestWarrior sign that says "Say No To War...Unless a democrat is president." Behind the signs there are people chanting "fascist, Fascist" one man even says "I would vote for a single celled organism over George W. Bush." The protestors are prime examples of a line I use frequently--Liberals will fight for your right to free speech as long as you agree with them. What were the ProtestWarrior guys doing that was so wrong? Nothing! They were simply exercising the same right that the moronic protesters were exercising. The difference is simply in what they were saying. Those pukes disgust me. I'd love to send them back to Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy to live under Hitler or Mussolini. Then they'd know what it was like to live in a Fascist environment. It would serve them right.

People, this is real. The people that this movie shows are real. The Michael Moore's of the world are real. There is no denying it. People like that woman, who says "I like that dictator as long as he/she provides me with health care and free education' are real! These people want President Bush gone because they are stupid. They don't see the world as a bad place with evil lurking around almost every corner. They think the world is grand--flowers, blue skies, smiles on everybody's faces...Oh, and free health care and education...But they are wrong. We need GWB back in the White House. There are less than two months left! Have we done all the we could to this point to ensure a Bush victory? Have we gotten the message out? We need to ask ourselves this question now before it's too late. We can't wait until November 3rd to ask these questions. May God be with us as we approach this important day in the future of America.

Sometimes I Wonder...

The events of the weekend and thereafter have just been too much for me and I think they're starting to take their toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. I really need to get a few things off of my mind, so I'm going to shy away from my usual writing and do a more personal, highly reflective post tonight. Bear with me on this, please.

It is often said that "God works in mysterious ways." This is fascinatingly true statement.

I do not question the work of God, I will never question what he does, but sometimes I can't help but wonder, "why?" The events of the past weekend are undeniable proof of the fact that sometimes God truly does work in mysterious ways.

I suppose it goes back to that idea, "well it'll never happen to me," only, in this case, one might have expected, "it'll never happen to her." Who in the world could have thought for one minute Sunday morning that they'd be hearing the news of the loss of a truly great person in Kaitlyn Dante. Never for the life of me would I have thought anything like this would or could ever happen to somebody of Kaitlyn's caliber. What an awesome person; she was outgoing, funny, smart, kind, talented, beautiful, she was just an amazing individual.

Tragedy similar to this always has, in my opinion, amazing affects on people. During the midst of tragedy, I do my best to help others; that's just one of two ways I deal with it. I credit my 'helping skill' to the Peer Helpers of Hampshire High School. I always enjoyed being a Peer Helper, but I guess I just took for granted what I learned about helping people. To the advisors of the Peer Helper group, and too my fellow Peer Helpers, I don't know if any of you will ever read this--but I am truly thankful to all of you. You taught me what it means to care. I honestly believe that if it weren't for the advising done by this group, I wouldn't have a clue how to react in tragedy.

Tragedy also always inspires reflection. This is the second way I handle situations of this nature. As I sat by myself at times today, I couldn't help but think of how lucky I am. I have always said that I have been blessed with the best friends in the entire world. I wouldn't trade one of my friends for anyone else. I have a wonderful girlfriend who cares for me greatly. I have an awesome family who, even though they didn't experience tragedy (they didn't know Kaitlyn) have called or emailed me throughout the day to make sure I'm OK. I think today I am especially thankful for my friends, more specifically that core group of friends that are right here in Shepherdstown with me--thank you Casey, Jillian, Heather, Bethany, Casey and Bryan for everything you did for me today. You are a remarkable group of people. It may have seemed like I was just fine, but the truth is I wasn't. Being with you helped me immensely, and I hope that I was able to help even just one of you as much as the group of you did me! My support group doesn't stop there, though. I know that out there tonight, in Capon Bridge is Courtney, who would do anything for me. I know that way out there at Wesleyan is Lydia, who has been a true inspiration to me. Savannah in Keyser. Zack and Sara in Morgantown. I don't think that I say it enough--I love you all and I am so thankful that God has blessed me by surrounding me with great people like you.

Like I said before, God works in such mysterious ways. I will never understand why He chose to call Kaitlyn home yesterday, and I suppose in the grand scheme of things it really isn't important that I understand why, nor is it my place to really understand why. The world did, though, without question, lose a great person in Kaitlyn . Although she and I weren't extremely close, she was always there to put a smile on my face. I don't believe in the four years that I have known her that I have ever even ONCE seen her without a huge smily on her face. I don't think I ever passed her in a football game, or in the hallway, or out and about that she didn't stop me and say "hey, Jeff! How are you? How's school?" And when she asked those questions, she was one of the few people who showed general concern for the answers that you'd give. She never asked those questions in passing--she always stopped, looked right in your eyes, and listened to every world. Kaitlyn, we're going to miss you!

It's been very somber here in Shepherdstown. I'm sure it was much the same back home in Romney. It's going to be a tough few days, weeks, and even months. Together, though, with Faith, we'll all get through this.

That's all for today. I'll try to get back on track tomorrow, but I really just didn't have it in me tonight.

I'm blaming this on John Kerry

I had so much to write about this week--just so much. I have an awesome video to write about. I have lots of opinions on this whole CBS scandal. I have a sexist, racist Sociology book that I'd love to rip to shreds. What about Kitty Kelly? She's certainly fair game!

Unfortunately, though, I wrote a $100 check to 'Shepherd University' for the crapiest, most inconsistent (well, unless one were to say consistently bad) internet connection in the entire world. I mean honestly, I think it's out more than it's in. And thus, I have been unable to update since Saturday. Four whole days. It's sad, I know.

Today, I could and probably should pick any one of the previously mentioned topics as the center of my rant-session. However, I am in deep and solemn mourning and to not cover this sorrow on my heart would be a full-on injustice that I could never live with...So here goes.

There aren't too many things which truly get my going. I love to talk/argue politics. I love my family. I love talking about school, church, old time, etc. With folks, but I figure if somebody asked me, "Hey, Jeff, what's the one thing that really gets you fired up?" I'd immediately respond 'hockey.' Hockey is a passion for me. I can't play. I couldn't coach. But gosh darn-it, I am a fantastic fan. I scream, cheer, cry and shout more than I probably should. I have stuck by my team (Go Rangers) through the last eight years (a rather substantial portion of an 18 year-olds life) despite the major 'suckage' which has been a trend for nearly a decade. I love hockey. I am a rabid team USA fan. I celebrated like a member of the team in '96 when Mike Richter stole the show at the World Cup winning MVP. I was devastated in 1998 when Chris Chelios acted like an ass and put a black-cloud on the American program in general. I was forgiving in 2002 when Richter and Leetch put on a heck of a show to help USA earn Silver. I was inspired when Keith Tkachuk single-handedly won the first game of the elimination round just a couple of weeks ago against Russia putting up 4/5 of the goals in the game.

I'm a fan. A diehard fan, and I am not alone. There are literally thousands upon thousands of people out there just like me, and there are thousands more who are MORE devoted and MORE in love with the game. We poor our heart, time, emotion, and M-O-N-E-Y into this game. Shouldn't we be appreciated? Shouldn't O-U-R wants come first? One would think it's logical to believe this. But that is not the case.

As we fans begin to show the early signs of full-on withdrawal from lack of hockey, those who control that game have failed us.

Making it official, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that, as of mid-night tonight, there will be a lockout, a work stoppage, a lack of hockey!

For literally months the deadline for the expiration of the CBA has been looming. Why wasn't this dealt with?

Most would argue that it's because the owners want to much change. Others argue that the players are too stubborn and need to see the need for a salary cap. I don't care what the reasons were--I blame them both.

As October approaches, it appears there will be no hockey. This saddens me. More than saddened, I am also disgusted. How dare the two sides not resolve this petty issue. How dare they? It makes me sick to think that the players are so greedy that they will not take a pay-cut to play the game that they love. I thought it was 'love of the game over money.' Apparently not. The players don't get all the blame though. Owners, how dare you complain about not being able to make money because of the high salaries of players and then shut down the season. Don't you see that you risk loosing more by acting like stubborn asses and refusing to find a compromise?

Players, Owners, get your crap together. I want some friggin' hockey by January at the latest. I say, if we don't' get NHL hockey by January, then we boycott next season. We only watch minor-league games. We only attend minor league games. As much as I love to see the camera zoom across the Garden and see MSG sold out, it serves those effers right to have the whole arena empty.

In closing, I'd just like to say that this is, somehow, John Kerry's fault. To use a little technique I learned from CBS--I won't say how it's his fault, and I can't say who told me--but it IS his fault, and you can take that to the bank...


Today's Moral: Stop thinking with your wallets effers. The whole thing is ridiculous. Hockey is a game! It's entertainment. Without the spectators there is no market for entertainment. Without a market, there is NO income. The longer this lockout goes, the more fans fall from the band-wagon. I guess it just shows that when we think with our wallets, we loose more than we gain.

I'll be back tomorrow (assuming this internet stays up) with a real post.

'Have You Forgotten?'

For anybody who may be a 'regular' reader (I'm honestly not sure there are many if any of these) I'm sorry for my laziness this week. I had a 'mini-post' on Tuesday, then Wednesday I was sick, Thursday I had a lot to do and Friday I took a day off to go to the James Wood v. Hampshire game (which, by the way, was an AWESOME game. I don't even like football and it was awesome. Hampshire was down 30-14 or something like that and the crowd really started to thin out, then, all of a sudden, the Trojans came to life and came back to win it 32-30. It was a good game). So anyway, back to the point, I will get back to posting on Monday or Tuesday. I've got a lot to talk about, but I feel like today should be set aside from my usual partisan ranting. I'm not going to slam Kerry, praise Bush, or anything else. I'm going to post the lyrics to the song, "Have You Forgotten," by Darryl Worley. It's a really great song and it really made me stop and think...had I forgotten? We need to remember what happened three years ago today. We need to remember the lives taken on that day and all the lives lost following that day in order to prevent something like that from ever happening again. I thank God at every opportunity I have that we have brave men and women who fight and die to protect our freedom. Remember Those Lost today as we reflect on 9/11. May God Bless America!!!!

Have You Forgotten?
(Darryl Worley/Wynn Varble)

I hear people saying we don't need this war
I say there's some things worth fighting for
What about our freedom and this piece of ground
We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down
They say we don't realize the mess we're getting in
Before you start your preaching let me ask you this my friend
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
After 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
And you can bet that they remember
Just what they're fighting for
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten all the people killed?
Some went down like heros in that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten about our Pentagon?
All the loved ones that we lost and those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry about bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?

Childish

I was almost to the point that I just couldn't find anything that really inspired me to write tonight, so I was just going to have a four day break from blogging, but alas, just when I think that I can find nothing, I see a little pop up. Now this little pop up is notorious for pissing me off. It drops down in my way every single time I try to check my email at Netscape It is just infuriating. Today's top headline was, "Bush's Appalling Word Mix Up." I just had to know. Expecting him to have said something unusually awful, I braced for the worst. As I read this I couldn't help but feel ashamed to live in a time when this kind of immaturity is allowed to be posted as breaking news. I'd post the link, but the little headlines change hourly, so it probably wouldn't be there.


President Bush's Appalling Word Mix-Up
President George W. Bush has done it again. He uttered a doozy of a "Bushism" on Monday; that is, saying something he can't possibly mean but sounding and acting for all the world like he does. While speaking in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on Labor Day, Reuters reports that Bush offered an unexpected reason for cracking down on frivolous medical lawsuits: "Too many Ob-Gyns aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country."



Grow up people are Reuters. There really is no need for this sort of sophmoronic behavior. These people are like a couple of fourth graders giggling at the puberty movie we all have to watch. I guess we must live in a beautiful world where nothing of any true 'newsworthiness' comes up if this is a headline. Shame on you, Reuters!

RNC Coverage- Day 4

Tonight's post is going to be somewhat different than usual. Rather than break down the major points of Bush's speech, I'm just going to respond/reflect because of the fact that Bush covered so many topics so well and I just don't' have time/energy to analyze them all.

Before I start on Bush, I'd like to say something about Governor Pataki. Pataki is an awesome speaker, and an awesome Governor and I wish that West Virginia's governor was half the leader that Pataki is. New York State is very lucky to be blessed with a great man like him as their leader.

That said, here are my thoughts:

President George W. Bush

This President continues to impress me and I don't believe that there is any other way to say it than this: he has my full and undivided love and respect at utmost confidence. As Hannity said, "I love him." That's all there is to it. I refer to him often as MY President, and I will continue to. His speech tonight made me proud to be a Bush supporter.

I think his layout of the speech was very well done. He used very positive phrases and ideas to promote himself to the undecided. Everything he said was wonderful.

There's really nothing else I can say...I mean there is, but there isn't. I could go on about how great everything he said, but there's no point because I wouldn't do him justice. If you missed the speech, find the transcript or find a tape of it. It was an amazing speech and an amazing convention which acted as a constant crescendo. Slow on Monday, good on Tuesday, Great on windstorm, and SUPERB Tonight with President Bush. Well done to every speaker.

Great convention and GO BUSH '04!!!! That's all i have left to say.

RNC Coverage- Day 3

Today has been a day-long battle with the liberals of Shepherdstown. Despite this, I will resists the urge to rant as to provide RNC Commentary.

Tonight's coverage will feature Dick Cheney and Zell Miller...enjoy ;)

Zell Miller

First let me say that I expected a rather long, bland speech which would be simply one of many speeches which didn't really catch much attention. I assumed that it would be a shadow in the vast light of the brilliant 'Arnold' speech. I was wrong. Zell's speech was, arguably, the best speech of the convention, beating out Arnold's speech hands down. Zell, I was quite impressed! I guess the woman was correct when she introduced you as the "conscience of the Democratic Party." Here's the break down:

Which leader as the vision, will, and back bone to protect our families? George W. Bush! As per the pattern, this is something that I already knew. I am not sure how much affect Zell's words will have on his fellow democrats, but I guess we'll see.

Where is the bi-partisanship when we need it? This was a good point. I think Zell's example of the Rep. candidate running against FDR saying that he 'didn't want to make National Security a partisan issue" because the bottom line is it shouldn't be. Protecting America by whatever means should be the number one priority for both parties; it's just that simple.

Democratic leadership sees America as the enemy. They see America as occupants, not liberators. I think this is also true and it's very similar to my own phrase that I use a lot. I believe that the Democrats have made George W. Bush the enemy. They hate him and want to defeat him more than anything else. The Republicans, though, still see al Queda and other terrorists as the enemy. John Kerry is just a side note, nothing more. I believe this is extremely true, and I'm glad that somebody with a little clout sees it the same way I do. Well said, Zell.

Kerry says he'd stop out-sourcing. The truth is, he wants to outsource our National Security. This is another particularly true statement which, though, goes a little bit beyond just the outsourcing part. Zell first describes how the two Senators from Massachusetts have voted against every key weapons system in the last twenty years. Many of the systems are what helped us win the Cold War and are now assisting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and with the war on terror in general. Secondly, Zell shouted a familiar chorus: we don't need Paris telling us it's ok to protect our homeland.

Kerry wants to refight yesterday's war. Now I'm not sure in which context Miller intended this to be taken, but I think it works for both. Firstly is the idea of Vietnam. Kerry is, in his own way, trying to rewrite history. Sometimes I wonder how he ended up in the condition he is in because sometimes to hear him talk it's almost like he really believes EVERYTHING he is saying! It's really quite sad. Secondly is my old theory that the Democrats are stuck in the Cold War days, and who can blame them? Wouldn't it be nice to have a clear enemy? Wouldn't it be nice to say "no no, the Russians are bad--they live here. They're bad, but they LIVE IN RUSSIA." Unfortunately, though, it doesn't work like that. Our enemy is no longer Russia. Our enemy no longer is stationed in one town, city, country or even region. Our enemy is everywhere--Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Spain, South America, and even South Florida for crying out loud. If this is really how the Dems want to approach this war then we might as well face that we have no chance of winning it. We have got to move forward in our defense.

George Bush isn't a slick talker, but he's a straight shooter! How true, how true.

Closing Remarks: Zell Miller is the man. I thought it was Rudy. Then I thought it was Arnold. Now I know it's Zell. What a great job. Every point he made tonight was right on the money. I think that the momentum has just continued to build--tomorrow night, when 'W' takes the stage, I don't' know...The roof might just pop right off of MSG.

Vice President Dick Cheney

Cheney is an amazing man. I had never really heard about his background the way I heard it tonight. I've always respected Cheney, but now that I know that he is a self-made man, my respect for him is even greater. His speech was low-key compared to Miller's, but it was very effective nonetheless. Here's the breakdown:

Education "No-Child-Left-Behind" is the biggest Reform in Ed. in the last 40 years. These policies hold educators responsible to the highest of standards. This is something that we have needed in public education--and Cheney should know. He said himself that he attended public school from K-Graduation!

The Bush Tax-cuts are working!! This is no revelation to anybody who has a grasp on reality. Business growth is phenomenal, homeownership is the highest its ever been. Job numbers are steadily increasing. There is no doubt about it--the economy is on an upswing. We're growing at the fastest rate in 20 years. This is great news for America. People need to look at the numbers and see this.

Today's biggest threat is the idea of nuclear weapons in the nads of our Enemy's We have stopped the "block market network" for WMD's. Cheney said that we "confronted a gathering threat" in Iraq. This is true. He also pointed out that shortly after our arresting Hussein, Libya turned over their Nuclear program. That is true. What Cheney didn't say is what we're going to do about Iran and North Korea. I think it's important that we hear the plans for these two issues from President Bush tomorrow night or very soon. These are the 'gathering threats' now. Today's press release about Iran's beginning to enrich uranium is scary to me. We have to deal with this now!

Kerry speaks of his Vietnam service often, and we honor him for that. Thanks, Dick. Nobody else has said that, have they? I mean, I have only heard Bush say it a million times. You've said it only a couple million, and McCain has only said it a couple hundred million. Perhaps this will be the LAST time we have to kiss Kerry's butt about his service in Vietnam. Look, I commend Kerry for his service too, but this is NOT THE ISSUE AT HAND. Can we PLEASE move on.

Kerry states that he will only deeply troops with UN approval. He vows to fight a sensitive war on terror. Well, Mr. Kerry, I highly doubt that al Queda will be impressed by our 'softer side...Our foreign policy is not to impress a few critics. Nice delivery on an important topic. I do not want this country on its knees begging for forgiveness from the Frogs at the next UN meeting. It will make me sick. We do not need permission to defend ourselves, even in the case of preemption. That is a fact.

Kerry's liveliest disagreement on the issues is with himself. He sees two Americas, well that feeling is mutual; we see two John Kerry's. Again, an excellent delivery. Cheney was loaded with quick, sharp statements that really packed a good punch! I loved to see the crowd do their "flip-flop" chant. It was great (even though I couldn't understand them when they started).

Closing Remarks Cheney's speech was not the angry battle cry that we heard from Zell Miller. It was not the compassionate story that we heard from Laura Bush. It wasn't like the tale of opportunity from 'Arnold.' Nor was it the story of inspiration from McCain or Giuliani. It was, instead, a platform. It was all of these things combined to created the runway for the President's speech tomorrow. I think I speak for each and every Bush supporter when I say that, despite his flaws, I love Dick Cheney, and I am glad and honored to have him as MY VP.