Obama's Ed Pick
I would like to laud Obama's pick for Secretary of Education. Arne Duncan is a good man, who I had the pleasure to work with, albeit tangentially, back in high school. He's an old friend of my mentor/AP Euro teacher/Citizen Club sponsor/basketball coach, John Naisbitt, and Duncan helped Citizen Club, the political discussion group my friends and I started in high school, hook up with an inner city school to create a sort of urban-suburban domestic exchange. That was a great experience and I'm thankful to Duncan for facilitating that opportunity.
Beyond that, Duncan seems to be on the right side of many education issues, especially with his desire not to coddle unions and his apparent support for experimenting further with voucher systems.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Blagastrophe
Obviously, Rod Blagojevich is toxic to anyone who comes near him, and Obama is no exception. There are many questions about his response to the entire debacle. It clearly appeared as though he was trying to hide something, but that's nothing new. What President hasn't tried to hide information from the public?
Here is a pair of articles about the Obama response to the Blagastrophe. Unfortunately a few other links I saved on the same subject no longer work.
Obama damage control - Politico.com
Rendell: Obama bungled Blago response - Politico.com
Oh and here's the RNC's ad highlighting the relationship between Obama and Blago.
RNC hightlights Obama-Blago relationship - Politco.com
Here is a pair of articles about the Obama response to the Blagastrophe. Unfortunately a few other links I saved on the same subject no longer work.
Obama damage control - Politico.com
Rendell: Obama bungled Blago response - Politico.com
Oh and here's the RNC's ad highlighting the relationship between Obama and Blago.
RNC hightlights Obama-Blago relationship - Politco.com
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Equality of Opportunity from Education
After watching Geoffrey Canada on the Colbert Report, I decided to take a look at the education program he's part of in Brooklyn. It seems like the right mindset - help individuals in low income families to help themselves by giving them a high quality education from birth through college. If this was a nationwide program that helped all of the nation's poor, this would obviate the need for an extensive welfare system, saving us countless taxpayer dollars. Unlike welfare, education is a long term fix, setting up new generations with stability who can pass on that stability to the next generation, and so on and so forth.
Here's the Harlem Children's Zone website. Not sure of the exact construct of the program, but the basic principles Mr. Canada discussed on the Report were solid.
Here's the Harlem Children's Zone website. Not sure of the exact construct of the program, but the basic principles Mr. Canada discussed on the Report were solid.
Hope for the GOP
Yes, there's hope amid the past few months of darkness for the GOP. Luckily, the reliability of the Democrat failure was staved off only by the Obamamania that swept the nation and caused an inordinate amount of kool-aid to be drunk. It appears that they're back to the old ways, with much help from everyone's favorite Governor (well, at least of the mere 7% of Illinoisan who approve of the job he's doing). Personally, I couldn't be happier with Blago. There were already extensive allegations of corruption against him, but he didn't want there to be any shades of gray in it. Wonderful.
Anyway, here's the article that spurred this post: Scandal, appointments give GOP hope - Politico.com
Anyway, here's the article that spurred this post: Scandal, appointments give GOP hope - Politico.com
Friday, December 5, 2008
Random Acts of Kindness
This article makes me smile. If only more people in the world were like these individuals:
Secret Santas in 3 states spread cheer, $100 bills
Secret Santas in 3 states spread cheer, $100 bills
The Bush-Kennedy Bipartisan Education Reform Bill
So Caroline Kennedy is interested in Clinton's NY Senate Seat and Jeb Bush is interested in Martinez's FL Senate Seat, and the two share at least one thing in common: one of their top issues is education. This is a long shot prediction, because it requires the two to actually end up in the US Senate and then to actually agree on things, but I'm going to make the bold prediction that the 112th Congress (the one following the 2010 elections) will produce a landmark education bill headed up by two of the most famous names in American political history, Kennedy and Bush. What the bill will actually hold, that is anyone's guess, but imagine the impact that bill would have.
Obama abandons windfall profits tax on oil companies
Barack's Windfall Reversal - WSJ.com
Thank goodness Obama is smart enough to change his mind on some of his terrible ideas during the campaign. Clearly he was willing to say whatever he needed to in order to appease his base and liberal idiots like Dick Durbin.
One of Durbin's most infuriating lines ever is his argument that oil companies have engaged in "profit-taking." This sham of a phrase was clearly designed to accuse oil companies of doing something wrong, in spite of the fact earning a profit is at the heart of the American dream (as well as in spite of a number of other points mentioned in the WSJ column linked above). As I mentioned to a friend yesterday, the phrase "makes my blood boil every time, because it's such a slimy way to make the argument. It's branding. Pathetic, disgusting, false, anti-American branding." I may not agree with Obama on much, but I will thank him for putting this stupid idea behind us.
Thank goodness Obama is smart enough to change his mind on some of his terrible ideas during the campaign. Clearly he was willing to say whatever he needed to in order to appease his base and liberal idiots like Dick Durbin.
One of Durbin's most infuriating lines ever is his argument that oil companies have engaged in "profit-taking." This sham of a phrase was clearly designed to accuse oil companies of doing something wrong, in spite of the fact earning a profit is at the heart of the American dream (as well as in spite of a number of other points mentioned in the WSJ column linked above). As I mentioned to a friend yesterday, the phrase "makes my blood boil every time, because it's such a slimy way to make the argument. It's branding. Pathetic, disgusting, false, anti-American branding." I may not agree with Obama on much, but I will thank him for putting this stupid idea behind us.
Blago stealing from IL taxpayers
Blago is routinely criticized for being an awful governor, with the lowest approval rating in the country. There are countless reasons for this criticism, but few are as blatant and undisputed as his theft of taxpayer dollars just so he can sleep in his own bed every night. Instead of staying in Springfield while working there, driving back and forth, or even pocketing the bill to fly commercial, Blago chooses to fly on his own private jet, funded by the taxpayers, back to Chicago every night. This past week, while the Big 3 Automakers were driving from Detroit to DC, Blago flew his jet to Philly to beg Obama for federal money. The ridiculousness speaks for itself.
Blagojevich defends taking state plane to Philly - Daily Herald
"His use of the state airplane has often been criticized. He routinely uses it to commute from Chicago to the Capitol on the days he works in Springfield, leaving in the morning and flying back to Chicago at night."
"Lawmakers have frequently chafed at Blagojevich sticking them in Springfield for special sessions only to find him flying home each evening. Once he left a session early to fly back for a Blackhawks hockey game."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thank a Soldier
Let's Say Thanks - www.letssaythanks.com
Pick out a card and Xerox will print it and mail it for free to a soldier currently stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere overseas. It's so simple, how could you not do it?
Another perspective on the Durbin-Ryan pardon request
Nothing too exciting, but clearly the blogosphere and the press are unanimously ridiculing Durbin for his suggestion of pardoning Ryan because his wife misses him...just like the families of everyone in prison.
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1447
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1447
Monday, December 1, 2008
Dick Durbin misses the point about Ryan
Dick Durbin misses the point about Ryan - chicagotribune.com
"Just before Thanksgiving, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) moistened his finger and, as he has done so many times in his career, held the digit aloft to check the prevailing winds."
Gotta love any article that starts this way. Durbin consistently refuses to stake out any positions of his own, but instead follows what he perceives to be public opinion, even though this perception is often terribly out of touch with reality.
"Just before Thanksgiving, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) moistened his finger and, as he has done so many times in his career, held the digit aloft to check the prevailing winds."
Gotta love any article that starts this way. Durbin consistently refuses to stake out any positions of his own, but instead follows what he perceives to be public opinion, even though this perception is often terribly out of touch with reality.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Gov. Sanford's take on the GOP's future
What's next for the GOP? - Gov. Mark Sanford - Politico.com
Another take on where the party should go. Nothing revolutionary, but makes a few good points about looking to the states as opposed to Washington.
Another take on where the party should go. Nothing revolutionary, but makes a few good points about looking to the states as opposed to Washington.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Reports of GOP death exaggerated
Reports of GOP death exaggerated - Michael Steele - Politico.com
Steele outlines what the GOP needs to do in order to get back on top.
Steele outlines what the GOP needs to do in order to get back on top.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Global warming skeptics gain public credibility
Consensus dissipating on global warming - HotAir.com
"Global-warming skepticism has apparently gone mainstream enough to get the attention of Politico. On the cusp of getting the most progressive Congressional leadership in history, the science used to argue for central control of energy production may disappear along with the warming that by all accounts stopped ten years ago."
Has the enviro-agenda that has dominated the past several years simply been alarmist and unnecessary? If so, should Al Gore be blasted into space?
"Global-warming skepticism has apparently gone mainstream enough to get the attention of Politico. On the cusp of getting the most progressive Congressional leadership in history, the science used to argue for central control of energy production may disappear along with the warming that by all accounts stopped ten years ago."
Has the enviro-agenda that has dominated the past several years simply been alarmist and unnecessary? If so, should Al Gore be blasted into space?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Obama Escapes Accountability with the FEC
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15497.html
Well this is simply beyond infuriating...even with substantial foreign (and therefore potentially illegal) donations and many donations that surpassed the legal limit of $4600, the FEC still won't take a closer look at his campaign contributions? Where's the accountability in that? There may not be anything wrong found, but Obama should still be examined just as every other candidate, public funds or not.
Well this is simply beyond infuriating...even with substantial foreign (and therefore potentially illegal) donations and many donations that surpassed the legal limit of $4600, the FEC still won't take a closer look at his campaign contributions? Where's the accountability in that? There may not be anything wrong found, but Obama should still be examined just as every other candidate, public funds or not.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Reporters describe their experiences with McCain & Obama
Very interesting reads that give quality insight into the candidates:
Obama: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-peter28-2008oct28,0,3342579,full.story
McCain: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-maeve28-2008oct28,0,2700908.story?page=2
Obama: http://www.latimes.com/new
McCain: http://www.latimes.com/new
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Obama makes stuff up...as usual
Obama Makes It Up - WSJ.com
"In Wednesday night's debate with John McCain, Barack Obama defended his opposition to the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement this way: 'The history in Colombia right now is that labor leaders have been targeted for assassination, on a fairly consistent basis, and there have not been any prosecutions.' Among the many falsehoods in this Presidential campaign, this is one of the worst."
Further examples of Obama's complete lack of facts.
"In Wednesday night's debate with John McCain, Barack Obama defended his opposition to the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement this way: 'The history in Colombia right now is that labor leaders have been targeted for assassination, on a fairly consistent basis, and there have not been any prosecutions.' Among the many falsehoods in this Presidential campaign, this is one of the worst."
Further examples of Obama's complete lack of facts.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Obama flipping positions...it's like magic!
.
Potomac Watch - Obama's Magic - WSJ.com
A great look at the constant flip-flopping that Obama has done on nearly every issue during this campaign...yet the media refuses to spotlight any of it.
A great look at the constant flip-flopping that Obama has done on nearly every issue during this campaign...yet the media refuses to spotlight any of it.
Noonan's criticisms of the campaign season ring loud and true
"America's political class lacks the seriousness this moment demands."
A great look at this campaign season from Peggy Noonan, and she's as fed up as I am.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Biden's Fantasy World
Biden's Fantasy World - WSJ.com
"Sarah Palin may not know as much about the world, but at least most of what she knows is true."
Biden has such a tremendous history of making things up, yet the media has given him a complete pass throughout the entire election thus far. There is no question that a double standard exists.
"Sarah Palin may not know as much about the world, but at least most of what she knows is true."
Biden has such a tremendous history of making things up, yet the media has given him a complete pass throughout the entire election thus far. There is no question that a double standard exists.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
US Hostages in Colombia - time to do something about it
Three US citizens have been held hostage in Colombia for the last 5 years and apparently no one is doing anything about it. So please contact your Senator, representative, etc. Click below to learn more.
http://www.marc-gonsalves.com/
If you are willing to send an email to your Senator or Representative, but you don't know what to say, you can use the brief message I wrote up:
"For the past five years, three American citizens (Gonsalves, Stansell and Howes) have been held hostage by the Colombian government after their plane crashed while doing drug surveillance for the Dept of Defense.
To date, nothing has been done to free them. I write to ask you to take action to help free our fellow Americans from captivity."
http://www.marc-gonsalves.com/
If you are willing to send an email to your Senator or Representative, but you don't know what to say, you can use the brief message I wrote up:
"For the past five years, three American citizens (Gonsalves, Stansell and Howes) have been held hostage by the Colombian government after their plane crashed while doing drug surveillance for the Dept of Defense.
To date, nothing has been done to free them. I write to ask you to take action to help free our fellow Americans from captivity."
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Jeff Flake (R-AZ) for Appropriations Committee
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/house-gop-not-rushing-to-replace-wicker-2008-01-17.html
There's an opening on the House appropriations committee, and here's hoping that Jeff Flake, a Republican member of the House from Arizona, gets the seat. He has relentlessly railed on the excessive and ridiculous use of earmarks by Congress.
I'm not sure if he still does it, but for a while he gave a speech on the floor of the House each week called the "Egregious Earmark of the Week." Some of the things that these supposed leaders of our nation have spent our tax dollars on are flat out embarrassing.
Flake on the appropriations committee would be a major step toward ending wasteful spending and bring transparency to a process long in the shadows. If that's something you want to see, click the link below and do any one of the options listed.
http://www.makeitflake.com/open_letter.php
There's an opening on the House appropriations committee, and here's hoping that Jeff Flake, a Republican member of the House from Arizona, gets the seat. He has relentlessly railed on the excessive and ridiculous use of earmarks by Congress.
I'm not sure if he still does it, but for a while he gave a speech on the floor of the House each week called the "Egregious Earmark of the Week." Some of the things that these supposed leaders of our nation have spent our tax dollars on are flat out embarrassing.
Flake on the appropriations committee would be a major step toward ending wasteful spending and bring transparency to a process long in the shadows. If that's something you want to see, click the link below and do any one of the options listed.
http://www.makeitflake.com
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