AAUGH!!!

Canada won the gold just now after beating the USA in the men's hockey gold medal game, 3-2.  After the USA tied the game at 2 with 24 seconds to go in regulation, almost eight minutes of sudden death overtime followed, ending with the Canadians getting the winning goal.  Congratulations to Canada on winning the gold.  And now, without further adieu:

AAUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Next Reagan?

Looking for the next Ronald Reagan was something conservatives were looking for in 2008, and for one writer, it will continue on into 2012.

Bruce Walker, writing this article at American Thinker, makes the case for none other than Fred Thompson as the next Reagan in the 2012 election.  He uses the period of American history from 1976 to 1980 as a parallel to today, and comes to the conclusion that instead of Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Tim Pawlenty, it's be Fred Thompson who is the Reagan candidate to support in 2012.

Although I think Bruce Walker is wrong in his contention that Sarah Palin is not another Reagan, I don't see anything outlandish about the idea of Fred Thompson being the next Reagan, so to speak.  Thompson, in my opinion, is the same kind of politician as Ronald Reagan (and Sarah Palin).  I supported his candidacy from late December 2007 to his eventual withdrawal from the primaries roughly a month later.

I would certainly support his bid in 2012, but only on two conditions:

1. Sarah Palin decides not to run in 2012.  Nobody knows whether she will run in 2012 or not, and until I hear it from Sarah herself, I remain uncertain as to who I'd be willing to support in 2012.
2. Fred Thompson decides to run in 2012.  He's said nothing about a 2012 run, and Walker's article is the only thing I've seen mentioning a Thompson candidacy, so the possibility remains in doubt.

There's also the question of who else decides to run in 2012, and frankly, the number of names being put forward, especially on the Republican side, is growing and growing.  Unfortunately, there's also no guarantee any of the eventual Republican candidates will be the kind of candidates I'd be willing to support.

But since this is only 2010, I won't be dwelling on the subject until at least next year.  As for the idea of the looking for the next Reagan, I'm not opposed as long as we remember we shouldn't be looking for a carbon copy of Ronald Reagan, but rather somebody cut from the same political cloth.

Grassroots News Minute (February 26th)

Going for the gold

All I had to hear was that the US was leading Finland 6-0 after the 1st period, and I knew it would be gold medal or bust.

The US men's hockey team whipped the Finns by a final score of 6-1 to advance to the gold medal game in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, which is scheduled to take place Sunday afternoon.  Oh yeah, their opponent will be none other than Canada, who defeated Slovakia to advance.

The last time they faced off for the gold was just eight years ago in Salt Lake City.  The Canadians won that year, so I'd love to see a repeat of the home country having to settle for silver (USA! USA! USA!)

Meanwhile, after the US women's hockey team lost to Canada in their gold medal game Thursday (AAUGH!), the Canadians decided to celebrate, which included swigging beer and smoking cigars.  That apparently caused some headlines, but that puzzles me.  As much as I was disappointed in the Canadian victory, they did win, and they're going home with the gold; what's wrong with some celebrating via beer and cigars?

Fortunately, the head of the Canadian Olympic Committee nipped the story in the bud by simply saying, “As far as we're concerned, the matter is closed.”

Anyway, USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

The latest from Sarah: Fact-checking Obamacare Summit

There was certainly some buzz yesterday about this health care summit being conducted by the President, and as I expected, it was more of the same crap being peddled by the President and the Democrats.  In her latest Facebook note, Sarah Palin writes of the fact-checking which has been conducted by the Republicans:

Fact-checking Obamacare Summit

We should be thankful for yesterday’s 7-hour health care summit – it was helpful in that it allowed Americans to hear the fundamental differences in approaches to meeting health care challenges. On one side, commonsense conservatives laid out fiscally-sound, free market-based, patient-centered solutions; and on the left’s side we heard about the Democrat’s belief that growing government is the only way to meet challenges.  

As the saying goes, “Everyone is entitled to his opinion, but not his own facts.” When these “facts” concern one-sixth of our economy and something as important to our personal wellbeing as health care, we’d better make sure they are the real deal. 

Please take a look at the compilation below from GOP.com correcting the top five falsehoods from yesterday’s summit. I appreciate their research and revelations compiled here.

- Sarah Palin 

I didn't include the compilation here, so you'll have to go to Governor Palin's Facebook notes page to see them.  As for this farce of a summit, I don't envy the people who had to sit through seven hours of the same peddling of ObamaCare, but I am surprised that people were expecting something different from this summit.

The latest from Sarah: More of the Same, Only More Expensive

In her latest Facebook note, Sarah Palin writes of the difference between what Congress offered and what President Obama has offered for health care reform: the President's bill is higher.  Why am I not surprised:

More of the Same, Only More Expensive

The President has wrestled control of the health care debate away from Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid by finally introducing his own plan. Unfortunately, the White House’s proposal includes everything we found untenable about the old Senate bill – only this one is even more expensive! This is what you might call putting “perfume on a pig.”

What’s in this “new” proposal? It has the unpopular (and arguably unconstitutional)individual mandate that forces people and employers to purchase health insurance – only this time with much harsher fines on employers who choose not to go along with another expensive government mandate. It has provisions that will make employers think twice before expanding their workforce. It has cuts to Medicare Advantage, a popular program which allows seniors to pay a little more money out of pocket for better coverage. And, of course, it still has sweetheart deals – only this time they’ve been extended even more.

Buzz Aldrin & going beyond the Moon

I have a confession: I have an account at The Huffington Post.  I'll wait a few minutes so you can reclaim your composure.

(waiting for composure to be reclaimed)

Okay, now to the confession.  Not only do I have an account, I follow two individuals who have blogged there.  Considering the two bloggers are Julia Gorin and Buzz Aldrin, I wouldn't say I'm following the filth of The Huffington Post, but the latest post from Buzz Aldrin caught my attention.

Appearing yesterday afternoon, the legendary astronaut wrote of what NASA should do with the money expected to be allotted them by the President's budget, what he hopes to see in regards to space exploration.  I don't see any problem with what Mr. Aldrin is advocating, and I certainly think efforts to reach Mars sound better than another trip to the Moon (or, for that matter, taxpayer money going to Russia for related efforts).

Despite my concerns about the cost (with what Congress has been spending and what the Obama administration has proposed in future spending, any cost being proposed worries me), I certainly would like to see NASA moving forward in the field of space exploration.  Perhaps they'll heed Buzz Aldrin's suggestions, but who knows?

P.S. Popular Mechanics had an article written by Buzz Aldrin which appeared in the August 2009 issue.  It also features his argument for pursuing continued explorations beyond the Moon.

The Greatest American Who Has Ever Lived

Some years ago, the Discovery Channel ran a program titled Greatest American, where they profiled the 100 greatest Americans.  When it came down to the top five, a televised debate was held, and anybody could vote for who they thought was the Greatest American.  In the end, the American voted the greatest was Ronald Reagan, but if it had been up to me, I'd have given the distinction to the man voted fourth by the viewing public: George Washington.  Here's four reasons why:

1) He was the key to our ultimate victory in the Revolutionary War.  Some might disagree, citing the fact as a military commander, George Washington lost more battles than he won, but it's theoretically possible to win a thousand battles and still lose a war.  What then-General Washington did was persevere and endure, all the while determined to transform what had originally been a ragtag group into an army.  And when the golden opportunity came in the form of trapping the British at Yorktown in 1781, he led his army onward to the final victory.  If the Commander in Chief of the Continental forces had been somebody other than George Washington (like Horatio Gates or Charles Lee), we would've lost the war for our independence.

The latest from Sarah: YES, Team USA!

For her latest Facebook note, Sarah Palin congratulates the American men's hockey team in beating Canada yesterday in the Olympics:

YES, Team USA!

Congratulations to Team USA’s men’s hockey team for a sensational game this evening. We needed this! It made us so proud to be fans of this team, this sport, and this great country. America's Olympic team of hard working, selfless team players – with no individual superstars – is an inspiring story for all. Now on to the next chapter in this great sports story… Go Team USA!

- Sarah Palin 

I'm ashamed to say I missed what has been described as another Miracle On Ice.  Bob Costas, reporting the game on NBC, noted how big a deal it was for Canada.  Losing the game to their major Olympic rival in one of their most popular sports and on their own soil no less; yep, Canadians are probably not taking this well (that's my understatement for the day).

Way to go, USA!  It's moments like this, especially in the Olympics, that stirs up my American pride.  On your way to the gold, guys!  USA!  USA!  USA!  USA!  USA!  USA!

Past notes from Sarah

For quite a while, I had been posting the latest Facebook notes from Sarah Palin, but unfortunately, I've been lax in mentioning the latest notes.

This past Wednesday, Governor Palin wrote about the one year anniversary of the trillion dollar stimulus bill signed by President Obama, and how much of a failure it has been.  Unfortunately, this comes as no surprise to me.  Towards the end of the note, she writes of hope in the form of candidates running for office, like Sean Duffy, who is campaigning for Congress against Wisconsin Congressman David Obey.

Thursday, the former Governor wrote of the success in Sean Duffy's campaign reaching their moneybomb goal.  I wish Sean Duffy the best in his efforts to defeat David Obey.

Friday, she wrote of the revelations behind the supposedly settled science of man-made global warming; something she describes accurately as being “more like a snow job”.  Governor Palin also notes the lack of common sense in the environmental policies of the Obama administration (sadly, common sense has been lacking in the environmental policies of many past presidential administrations).

And on Saturday, the Governor wrote to express her family's condolences on the passing of General Alexander Haig.  He will be missed.  His family and friends have my condolences; may the General rest in peace.

Marlin Stutzman: A Real Representative

While he was at this year's CPAC, Marlin Stutzman was interviewed by Moe Lane of RedState:

In addition to the endorsement from RedState, here in Indiana, State Senator David Long, the President Pro Tempore, has endorsed Marlin Stutzman for the U.S. Senate.

If you're a Hoosier unhappy with how things have been going in Washington, but are still uncertain as to who you support, check out the campaign website.  As a state legislator, Marlin Stutzman has been a real representative for Hoosiers, and he will be the same as our United States Senator.

Down to five

With the deadline now passed for primary candidates in the election for the United States Senate here in Indiana, the number of candidates in the Republican primary is now fixed at five, while the Democrat primary will have no candidates.

While I can't say for sure how many individuals were either flirting with the possibility of or making a serious bid, there were six known to have started campaigning: Marlin Stutzman, Richard Behney, Don Bates, Jr., John Hostettler, Tom Haney and Dan Coats.  When the deadline passed yesterday at noon, only Tom Haney was unable to get enough certified signatures from registered voters in order for his name to appear on the primary ballot.

On the Democrat side, Tamyra D'Ippolito, the only other candidate in the running (other than Senator Evan Bayh before his announcement of withdrawal), also apparently failed to get enough signatures submitted (or became disillusioned with the Democrat Party to the point she has decided to leave, I guess).  With nobody on the ballot for the Democrat nomination, this gives the Indiana Democrats the luxury of choosing their nominee themselves, and it seems the likely nominee could be Congressman Brad Ellsworth (it won't be known until June who the nominee will be).

Anyway, the focus will be on the next two and a half months with the five Republicans who're going after the nomination, and needless to say, I'm sure you know who I'm supporting (Marlin Stutzman, in case you forgot).

Grassroots News Minute (February 19th)

Whose Tea Party is it?

When it comes to the Tea Party movement, there is one matter in dispute: the origins of the modern-day Tea Parties.  It has been claimed by some individuals, namely Ron Paulians, that the Tea Parties began with Ron Paul's campaign for President in 2008, while others believe otherwise.

Chuck Baldwin, the Constitution Party nominee for Vice President in 2004 and for President in 2008, wrote an article for the website NewsWithViews.com, in which he laments what he perceives as the abandonment of Ron Paul by the Tea Partiers, and advises to be wary of Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck, whom he describes as “establishment players” (talk about the height of absurdity!), but in this particular paragraph, he wrote:

First of all, the Tea Parties were actually born during the Presidential campaign of Congressman Ron Paul of Texas in 2007 and 2008. For all intents and purposes, the Tea Parties and the Ron Paul Revolution were one and the same. These were (mostly) young people, who were sick and tired of the same old establishment Republican Party. They were tired of establishment Republicans selling out the principles of limited government; they were tired of the US Constitution being ignored and trampled by both Republicans and Democrats; they were tired of an incessant interventionist US foreign policy that keeps sending US forces overseas to advance a burgeoning New World Order (NWO); they were tired of perpetual war; they were tired of the bank bailouts; they were tired of the Federal Reserve; etc.

One thing I can say about the Tea Parties of today: Chuck Baldwin is flat wrong.  What constituted the Ron Paul Revolution has never motivated a significant number of people (compared to the Tea Parties or the 9/12 Project), and the Ron Paul Revolution never morphed into the Tea Party movement; it never served as the nucleus.  What the Ron Paul Revolution did was morph into the Campaign for Liberty, which has been a player in the Tea Party movement, but only a minor player.

The Tea Parties began spontaneously a year ago, in Seattle, Denver, Mesa,Arizona and Overland Park,Kansas, and it was the stimulus bill President Obama was shoving down our throats a year ago that served as the motivation for the first Tea Parties.

A final note: because the Tea Parties began spontaneously, there never has been a sole leader of the movement itself and there never will be.  Daria DiGiovanni, who addressed the absurd claims of the Paulians in regards to the Tea Parties in an article she wrote for the website Parcbench, says it best:

When did a movement started by fed-up, everyday Americans become the domain of any politician, let alone Ron Paul?

And indeed, the Tea Parties, as well as the 9/12 Project, will never be the domain of any one individual; not Sarah Palin, not Glenn Beck, not Chuck Baldwin and especially not Ron Paul.

Not even the innocent

Ever since Sarah Palin entered the national spotlight as the Vice Presidential nominee for the Republican Party in 2008, the Left has been in full swing with constant (seemingly nonstop) attacks on her and her family, on every front.

Charging her with false and frivolous ethics violations as Governor of Alaska, trying to condemn her as a hypocrite for her stances on sex education and teen pregnancy while her eldest daughter is pregnant, belittling her intelligence and knowledge on issues, her supposedly poor performance in interviews with the media, sexually objectifying her with all kinds of vile references and names, the absurd claim that her son Trig is actually her grandson; the list goes on and on.  But after what happened in the most recent episode of Fox's cartoon series Family Guy, we've all been reminded yet again that there is no depth low enough they won't descend to, and there is nobody, not even the truly innocent, who are immune from their attacks, from their mockery.

Another reminder, and one I find to be worse, comes from Kathleen Parker in a column she wrote dated this past Sunday.  From late in the 2008 election, Kathleen Parker, an elitist, so-called conservative, has been participating in the same kind of attacks as those on the Left against Sarah Palin, so her latest column once again comes as no surprise, but this time she uses the Governor's son to try and score points against his mother.  That's the lowest I've ever seen Kathleen Parker descend to.

As for what happened on Family Guy, Bristol Palin herself has a response, via her mother's latest note on Facebook:

Bye bye Bayh

When I read Michelle Malkin's post on Facebook about Senator Evan Bayh not seeking a third term in the U.S. Senate, I was floored.  When I saw the livestream (courtesy of WISH-TV), I felt like I was on cloud nine.  I still don't feel like I'm totally grounded.

With Evan Bayh not running and the deadline for candidates to get enough signatures for their names to appear on the ballot just a couple of days away, it seems like the election will now be a shoo in for whomever wins the Republican nomination.  Not so fast.

First of all, the Democrats can nominate anybody of their choosing if nobody can run in a primary election, and there is the possibility that the one person currently running for the Democrat nomination in the Senate race could get enough signatures to get her name on the ballot in time.  So who knows what'll happen.

As for the Republican primary, there are still six candidates in the running for the party's nomination, and the candidate I'm supporting, Marlin Stutzman, has just received an endorsement from Erick Erickson at RedState.  And at least for the rest of the night, I intend to observe this day with a little Celebration:

Remembering Abraham Lincoln

We reached our new home about the time the State came into the Union.  It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals still in the woods.  There I grew up.          -Abraham Lincoln on Indiana

To know our 16th President spent fourteen years of his life, the formative years of his life, in Indiana causes a bit of a surge in my Hoosier pride.  An individual uploaded a tribute video to Abraham Lincoln two years ago, and it's a wonderful tribute to one of our great Presidents:

One thing I still remember very clearly were the many portraits taken of Abraham Lincoln during the last six years of his life.  It was truly shocking to see how the job of President had taken such a toll on him, from looking like a man in his late forties when he took office in 1861 (he was 52 at the time) to looking like a frail old man in his sixties (he wasn't yet 56).  The Civil War, admittedly, heightened the burden, but it's no less shocking; only a strong-willed man could've handled the job ahead.  Thank God for Abraham Lincoln.

Happy Birthday, Sarah!

To Sarah Palin:

I never would have thought back in February of 2008 when you were on the cover of Alaska magazine (where I first read about you) that I'd be writing this to you.  Needless to say, it's surprising how things have turned out in just the past two years, from reading about “America's Hottest Governor” to wishing you a Happy Birthday today.

When you were named the Vice Presidential candidate in August of 2008, I was already a supporter of John McCain's bid, but my support was instantly electrified.  When you spoke at the Republican Convention in September, I was willing to vote for you for President, much like my dad was when he heard Ronald Reagan speak at the Republican Convention in 1964.  I certainly wasn't the only one who thought so.

When you spoke in Noblesville and later in Fort Wayne, Indiana that October, I was filled with excitement, as well as a little pride when you mentioned your favorite film, Hoosiers.  And this past November, when your book Going Rogue came out, if I had the opportunity, I would've waited in line in Fort Wayne to have mine and my dad's copy signed.  There were two copies coming from Wal-Mart that cost $10 each online and didn't arrive until after you left, so what can I say?

And now, today, I would like to wish you a Happy Birthday and many more such birthdays.  I also would like to thank you for all you have done.  I don't pretend to know what will be in store for you and for all of us in the years to come, but of all the people out there, you are the person I would like to see as our President.  I hope that day comes soon.

Happy Birthday, ma'am, and keep fighting the good fight.

A political zoo

When Evan Bayh faced opposition in 2004 for re-election, only three Republicans sought the nomination, and ultimately Senator Bayh won rather handily, with over 60% of the vote.  This time around, however, in what has become a political zoo, there are now at least six candidates in the running for the Republican nomination, and the newest contender is a former U.S. Senator from here: Dan Coats.

The man's history can go back to 1980 when he was elected to the House (winning the seat previously held by some guy named Dan Quayle), and moving on to the Senate after winning a special election in 1989 (winning the seat held by the then-Vice President; some guy named Dan Quayle).  Later elected to a full term in 1992, he opted out of running for a second full term in 1998, making the way for an open race between the then-Mayor of Fort Wayne, Paul Helmke, and the former Governor of Indiana, Evan Bayh (I'll give you three guesses how that race turned out).

Since then, Dan Coats has served as a registered lobbyist and, during President George W. Bush's first term, as Ambassador to Germany.  Now, he's making another run for the Senate.  I'm not, however, comfortable with his candidacy.

Unable to get either Congressman Mike Pence or Secretary of State Todd Rokita to enter the Senate race, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) tried a third time to get their idea of a winnable candidate with Dan Coats.  The problem with Dan Coats is that: 1) he was a Washington politician for nearly twenty years, 2) he is a registered lobbyist and 3) until now (unless I'm mistaken), he was a Virginia resident.

Although he is touted as a conservative Republican based on his record (and I wouldn't doubt it), the fact he has been a Washington politician, is a registered lobbyist and has been a Virginia resident for a long time won't exactly, in my opinion, endear him to Tea Partiers and 9/12'ers.  I suspect the national Republicans are unwittingly screwing with this election by getting somebody in they think will win, name recognition being a big factor in their choosing.

As far as I'm concerned, Marlin Stutzman is the kind of candidate I want to represent me in the Senate (not a Washington politician and a solid conservative with a record to back his stances and his words), and I believe many Hoosiers hold the same opinion as I do.  Dan Coats is not the candidate I want, and like it or not, he may not be the winnable candidate national Republicans seem to think.

Murtha Is Now Gone

The big surprise of the day for me yesterday was discovering on Fox News about the passing of Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha.  I would've preferred for him to have either been voted out of office or retired from Congress and spend the remainder of his life with his family; sadly, such was not the case.  His family has my condolences.

There is a saying about not speaking ill of the dead; however, it's hard not to, knowing his actions as a member of the House of Representatives, particularly his defamation of the Haditha Marines.  Leo Pusateri, in what will be his last post at the blog Murtha Must Go!, has more to say about Congressman Murtha and his legacy.

As for the now vacant seat, Governor Ed Rendell must call for a special election to fill out the remainder of the term and call for it soon.  In any event, Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District is in for something of an electoral circus, with a special election, as well as the primary and general elections during the next nine months.

Welcome, Michiganders4Palin; Good luck, Lisa Graas

Because of Sarah Palin's recent endorsement of Rand Paul for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky, Lisa Graas no longer supports Sarah and thus her blogs have been removed from the Blogs 4 Palin blogroll.  I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Also, Jesse at Michiganders4Palin has been added to the blogroll.  Welcome aboard, Jesse.

Super Bowl XLIV Is On...

...and I'm watching it right now.  I look forward to the commercials to be shown this year (and expect Tim Tebow's ad to appear as well), and to a well-played game between the Colts and the Saints.  And as I did with Super Bowl XLI, GO COLTS!

Update (7:11 PM EST): They ran the Tebow ad (kudos to CBS), and it's off to a good start with the Colts up 10-0 after one quarter.  GO COLTS!




Update (7:52 PM EST): It's now Halftime, and the Colts lead 10-6. The 3rd down play the Saints had a short while ago surprised me. I await The Who with no expectations. GO COLTS!


Update (8:15 PM EST): Quickly lost interest in The Who and watched a bit of The Simpsons. I'm now waiting for the start of the second half. GO COLTS!


Update (8:59 PM EST): Third quarter is over, and the Colts lead 17-16. The second half sure got off to an unusual start. The Saints led for awhile, but the Colts got it back. Fifteen minutes to go. GO COLTS!


Update (9:45 PM EST): Game's over and the Saints have won, 31-17. They outplayed the Colts during the last three quarters. Congratulations to them. A final note on this year's Super Bowl Sunday: there weren't as many funny ads this year, with all the funny ones being from either Bud Light or Budweiser.

Tom Tancredo enraged the Left

That's what the former Colorado Congressman and 2008 Republican Presidential candidate did when he gave his speech during the opening night of the National Tea Party Convention in Nashville this past Thursday night.

The Left was up in arms, claiming he gave a “racially incendiary” speech.  The only problem with the claims is that Tom Tancredo didn't say anything racially incendiary.  I happen to know that because I read the speech.  What Mr. Tancredo said was spot on.

There was one thing about the speech I disagree with Tom Tancredo on.  He said in the speech that if John McCain had been elected, there would have been no Tea Party or 9/12 Project or rally for America at the National Mall in Washington.  On this, he is wrong.

If John McCain had been elected, he would have attempted to go ahead with the bailouts which began in 2008, and there would have been furious Americans who would've taken to the streets to protest the bailouts.  There would've been a 9/12 Project because it was Glenn Beck who got the ball rolling with the 9 principles and 12 values which constitutes the foundation of the group, and ultimately, there would've been a rally for America at the National Mall.

Maybe the attendance of these events and groups would not have been as high, but they would still be here regardless of who won.  Otherwise, what Tom Tancredo said in his speech was exactly what I've come to expect from and admire about the man.  Keep fighting the good fight, Mr. Tancredo.

Ohhhhh Brother No. 24: Pouncing on Palin

The media and the usual suspects amongst blogs have unleashed their latest defamatory attack against the Palins; this time, it's the claim of not reporting the existence of cabins on plots of land they partially own in their tax assessments.  Ohhhhh brother!

Starting at one of the anti-Palin blogs, and getting picked up by The Huffington Post (shocker!) and the Associated Press (double shocker!), the claim has been made that the Palins, partial owners of plots of land near Denali National Park, haven't paid any property taxes on cabins built on those plots because no tax assessments were made on them.

Needless to say, I'm smelling something bad, and it's not coming from the Palins, but from the Palin-haters.  Knowing this came from one of the anti-Palin blogs, which are known to make falsified claims about the Palin family, I already have significant doubt about the validity of the claims.  The fact The Huffington Post and the Associated Press have picked up on this claim not only doesn't add any weight to the claim, it also heightens the bad smell of it all.

I suspect the claim will meet the fate of all the ethics violations filed against Sarah Palin and her family: dismissed as frivolous.  And as for the Palin-haters who continue to defame the Palin family every chance they get: Ohhhhh brother!

Grassroots News Minute (February 5th)

A little note from me: I didn't know about the NRA-ILA's Grassroots News Minute for January 29th. Here's a link to it.

Meet Marlin Stutzman

Here's a video showing what led Marlin Stutzman to enter politics, his record as a state legislator, how his actions have backed his words, and what he offers as a candidate for the U.S. Senate:

I saw this video at the senatorial candidate forum at the Allen County Public Library this past Saturday, and  it shows just the kind of person Marlin Stutzman is: an original 9/12 patriot.

A forum with Marlin Stutzman

As the March for Life was being held in Fort Wayne this past Saturday, another event was taking place at the downtown branch of the Allen County Public Library:  a senatorial candidate forum featuring Marlin Stutzman.  The Anthony Wayne Hoosier Patriots Coalition held the forum, and Bryan Brown, founder of the ArchAngel Institute, moderated, which began at 2 in the afternoon.  Because the March for Life lasted longer than usual, I arrived at the Library about 40 minutes into the forum.

Three sets of panelists each asked Senator Stutzman a question on a specific topic.

The Fort Wayne March for Life

This past Saturday afternoon, Fort Wayne has its annual March for Life.  Held by Allen County Right To Life, it started with a rally at the Scottish Rite Auditorium.

Cathie Humbarger of Allen County Right To Life got things going with the rally.

State Senator Marlin Stutzman and State Representative Jackie Walorski were among the special guest speakers.  Senator Stutzman also spoke of introduced legislation intended to defund the nefarious Planned Parenthood.

Sarah's question for Rahm Emanuel

In her latest note on Facebook, Sarah Palin has a question for President Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel:

Are You Capable of Decency, Rahm Emanuel?

The newly-released mind-boggling, record-smashing $3,400,000,000,000 federal budget invites plenty of opportunity to debate the merits of incurring more and more debt that will drown the next generation of Americans. Never has it been possible to spend your way out of debt. So... let the debate begin.

Included in the debate process will be opportunities for our president to deliberate internally the wisdom of this debt explosion, along with other economic, military and social issues facing our country. Our president will discuss these important issues with Democrat leaders and those within his inner circle. I would ask the president to show decency in this process by eliminating one member of that inner circle, Mr. Rahm Emanuel, and not allow Rahm’s continued indecent tactics to cloud efforts. Yes, Rahm is known for his caustic, crude references about those with whom he disagrees, but his recent tirade against participants in a strategy session was such a strong slap in many American faces that our president is doing himself a disservice by seeming to condone Rahm’s recent sick and offensive tactic. 

The Obama Administration’s Chief of Staff scolded participants, calling them, “F---ing retarded,” according to several participants, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

Just as we’d be appalled if any public figure of Rahm’s stature ever used the “N-word” or other such inappropriate language, Rahm’s slur on all God’s children with cognitive and developmental disabilities – and the people who love them – is unacceptable, and it’s heartbreaking. 

A patriot in North Andover, Massachusetts, notified me of Rahm’s “retarded” slam. I join this gentleman, who is the father of a beautiful child born with Down Syndrome, in asking why the Special Olympics, National Down Syndrome Society and other groups condemning Rahm’s degrading scolding have been completely ignored by the White House. No comment from his boss, the president?

As my friend in North Andover says, “This isn’t about politics; it’s about decency. I am not speaking as a political figure but as a parent and as an everyday American wanting my child to grow up in a country free from mindless prejudice and discrimination, free from gratuitous insults of people who are ostensibly smart enough to know better... Have you no sense of decency, sir?”

Mr. President, you can do better, and our country deserves better.

- Sarah Palin 

If Mr. Emanuel keeps it up with comments like his last one, I would venture to say the answer is no on Governor Palin's question.

31 Days of Oscar

Every year, Turner Classic Movies features one of the two greatest television events around: the 31 Days of Oscar.  Classic films which were either Oscar winners or Oscar nominees are included in the event, and this year looks real good.  The 31 Days of Oscar have already begun today and will continue through March 3rd.  I've already seen 55 Days At Peking, and hope to see other films like Becket, The Public Enemy, Crossfire, and many more throughout these 31 days.  Here's the schedule of this year's 31 Days if you want to see it (.pdf version).  This is one reason why I love Turner Classic Movies.