It appears that Senator Obama is our president elect. I am sad that our country believes he was the best man for the job. But he is my President; and I will give him an honest shot. His acceptance speech today will be his first opportunity. His history shows him to the left; but he campaigned to the center. If he governs from the center; I will be impressed. I hope that his talk of bi-partisanship and cooperation was more than just talk.
To all Democrats that fought hard for Senator Obama...congratulations. To all Republicans who worked and voted for John McCain lets be good losers and show the world how this Democracy accepts the will of the people.
May God continue to Bless America.
Showing posts with label 2008 Election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 Election. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Headline 11/5/08: How did Barack Obama Lose?
(...5 days from today)
The entire world had predicted last week that Barack Obama would win the Presidential election. The polls told us so for weeks. The pundits told us so for months. This transformational candidate would win the country with more than a 300 electoral college votes. So what happened last night? How did John McCain squeak out a narrow 280 - 258 victory? There is just one word to explain it...BIAS!
Many this morning are talking about the Bradley effect and how voters lied to pollsters and in the end could not vote for a black candidate. This is irresponsible and false. The truth is the polls never showed Barack with a big lead unless you projected the vote incorrectly.
There were three major flaws in our pre-election polls that all the experts failed to see. First, the myth of the youth vote was once again proved false. Yesterday youth turnout exceeded 2004 numbers by less than 1% while all other segments of the population turned out in record numbers. Next, none of the polls predicted that so many Democrats in the rust belt and traditional red states would jump off the Obama ship. Apparently there really are conservative Democrats that could not vote for someone with such a liberal voting records. Finally the polls were distorted intentionally by the Obama campaign to try to achieve the sense of inevitability.
The distortion of the polls started in the Primary. Obama supporters were getting themselves onto polling lists and passing the word to insure they always answered pollsters questions. Online polls and phone polls were packed with partisans from one side. Meanwhile the disaffected conservatives who reluctantly supported John McCain had no enthusiasm for such trivial time wastes. The most ironic part of this strategy is that it is what likely cost Obama Pennsylvania by less than a 1000 vote margin.
The polls in Pennsylvania showed a 5-15 margin for Senator Obama before the weekend. So how did he lose the state? Simple. His voters didn't believe they had to show up. Obama won just six counties in Pennsylvania all surrounding Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. His campaign was destroyed in the suburbs and rural areas in margins not seen since the Reagan elections.
So today we find ourselves with huge Democratic majorities in the Senate and House with a moderate Republican to lead them in the White House. This is not what everyone expected, but it may be what everyone needs.
This may not be the headline on Tuesday, but it could be. Should be. I pray it will be!
The entire world had predicted last week that Barack Obama would win the Presidential election. The polls told us so for weeks. The pundits told us so for months. This transformational candidate would win the country with more than a 300 electoral college votes. So what happened last night? How did John McCain squeak out a narrow 280 - 258 victory? There is just one word to explain it...BIAS!
Many this morning are talking about the Bradley effect and how voters lied to pollsters and in the end could not vote for a black candidate. This is irresponsible and false. The truth is the polls never showed Barack with a big lead unless you projected the vote incorrectly.
There were three major flaws in our pre-election polls that all the experts failed to see. First, the myth of the youth vote was once again proved false. Yesterday youth turnout exceeded 2004 numbers by less than 1% while all other segments of the population turned out in record numbers. Next, none of the polls predicted that so many Democrats in the rust belt and traditional red states would jump off the Obama ship. Apparently there really are conservative Democrats that could not vote for someone with such a liberal voting records. Finally the polls were distorted intentionally by the Obama campaign to try to achieve the sense of inevitability.
The distortion of the polls started in the Primary. Obama supporters were getting themselves onto polling lists and passing the word to insure they always answered pollsters questions. Online polls and phone polls were packed with partisans from one side. Meanwhile the disaffected conservatives who reluctantly supported John McCain had no enthusiasm for such trivial time wastes. The most ironic part of this strategy is that it is what likely cost Obama Pennsylvania by less than a 1000 vote margin.
The polls in Pennsylvania showed a 5-15 margin for Senator Obama before the weekend. So how did he lose the state? Simple. His voters didn't believe they had to show up. Obama won just six counties in Pennsylvania all surrounding Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. His campaign was destroyed in the suburbs and rural areas in margins not seen since the Reagan elections.
So today we find ourselves with huge Democratic majorities in the Senate and House with a moderate Republican to lead them in the White House. This is not what everyone expected, but it may be what everyone needs.
This may not be the headline on Tuesday, but it could be. Should be. I pray it will be!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Why Iraq WAS worth the Cost!
Now that the surge has worked and the United States military and diplomatic efforts are succeeding, the debate should shift toward whether or not it was worth the costs...IT WAS.
Saddam Hussein and his sons are dead. They will kill torture and torment the world no more. Since the invasion of Kuwait the United States foreign policy and military efforts have been forced to focus on Iraq and what this mad man might do. The current government of Iraq cannot muster an attack on Kuwait, Iran, or any of its neighbors. Whatever the Iraqi government becomes after we leave, they will be consumed with internal politics and power for quite some time.
After we defeated Saddam and his ilk, Al Qaeda decided Iraq is the battlefield they would fight us on. They felt that in Iraq, not Afghanistan or the United States, is where they would make their stand. They have lost that gamble. After sacrificing thousands of recruits and the entire Bush presidency to defeat our military, they are routed and headed back to the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Good. Hide there. We will see you soon. Since 9-11 we have not allowed a sanctuary around the world. This one too will come crashing down on these murderers.
We know that recently yellow cake uranium was removed from Iraq. This will never find its way to terrorist or be used by Saddam to create a bomb. While no link exists between Saddam and Al Qaeda, he did pay the families of suicide bombers in Israel. This was a man who WOULD use terror if it suited him. 9-11 showed dictators that maybe terror was a way you could strike the US. George Bush showed all dictators we can and will take action. As a result Libya volunteered it's nuclear program. The North Korean nuclear problem is also in a better state than pre-Iraq war. Neither was possible without the war.
Today in Iraq we have our largest base in the Middle East. Just miles from the border of Iran the mightiest military in the world makes a home. Children don't act up as much when their parents are near by. The Iranians are full of bluster and media shows. But they are well aware they cannot strike Israel or allow a terrorist attack to be planned on their soil. Either would result in their destruction. While many pundits talk about Iran's new strength, they have also been dealt a defeat in Iraq. Their economy is in shambles and their bad faith negotiations are about to lead to more sanctions. The Iranians are also stuck on internal problems.
The Iraqi people have voted once and just might be on their way to a Democracy. With luck, they may vote again before our elections in November. Do you remember the purple fingers from Iraq and Afghanistan as people cast their first real votes? I do. Today in Iraq there is a free press. Local muscle like Muqtada al-Sadr has been forced to put down their arms in order to maneuver for upcoming elections. Elections. ELECTIONS! Made possible by the war in Iraq.
Finally and least importantly, the Iraqi economy is showing signs of life. Their oil exports are becomings stable and exceeding pre-war levels. In the next ten years they could increase dramatically depending upon development. Markets are open. The people are returning. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq is an advanced and civilized country. It's people will thrive. We will soon get out of their way. The Iraqi war has changed the Middle East and the world. Over the next ten years, we will see by how much. History will judge. But if the past is our guide, Democracy will be good for Iraq, the Iraqis and the world.
Wars take time. They cost lives. They cost treasure. This war is in an entire region with agents spread around the world. We currently fight it in Iraq, Afghanistan, in the Philippians, in Africa and at home. In Iraq and Afghanistan we have learned much about our enemy. We are winning in both. Our military is more experienced and capable than ever before. The technology for modern and counter-insurgency military operations has been dramatically improved.
For all these benefits we should be grateful. Our soldiers are heroes. Everyone who died should know they did not die in vain. They died with honor. Fighting for freedom. Fighting to keep the world safe. Someday I hope a monument will stand in Iraq honoring them. Not built by us, or requested by the US. Built by Iraqis, honoring their liberation. I salute every soldier and thank them for their service. It was worth it. You country is proud.
Saddam Hussein and his sons are dead. They will kill torture and torment the world no more. Since the invasion of Kuwait the United States foreign policy and military efforts have been forced to focus on Iraq and what this mad man might do. The current government of Iraq cannot muster an attack on Kuwait, Iran, or any of its neighbors. Whatever the Iraqi government becomes after we leave, they will be consumed with internal politics and power for quite some time.
After we defeated Saddam and his ilk, Al Qaeda decided Iraq is the battlefield they would fight us on. They felt that in Iraq, not Afghanistan or the United States, is where they would make their stand. They have lost that gamble. After sacrificing thousands of recruits and the entire Bush presidency to defeat our military, they are routed and headed back to the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Good. Hide there. We will see you soon. Since 9-11 we have not allowed a sanctuary around the world. This one too will come crashing down on these murderers.
We know that recently yellow cake uranium was removed from Iraq. This will never find its way to terrorist or be used by Saddam to create a bomb. While no link exists between Saddam and Al Qaeda, he did pay the families of suicide bombers in Israel. This was a man who WOULD use terror if it suited him. 9-11 showed dictators that maybe terror was a way you could strike the US. George Bush showed all dictators we can and will take action. As a result Libya volunteered it's nuclear program. The North Korean nuclear problem is also in a better state than pre-Iraq war. Neither was possible without the war.
Today in Iraq we have our largest base in the Middle East. Just miles from the border of Iran the mightiest military in the world makes a home. Children don't act up as much when their parents are near by. The Iranians are full of bluster and media shows. But they are well aware they cannot strike Israel or allow a terrorist attack to be planned on their soil. Either would result in their destruction. While many pundits talk about Iran's new strength, they have also been dealt a defeat in Iraq. Their economy is in shambles and their bad faith negotiations are about to lead to more sanctions. The Iranians are also stuck on internal problems.
The Iraqi people have voted once and just might be on their way to a Democracy. With luck, they may vote again before our elections in November. Do you remember the purple fingers from Iraq and Afghanistan as people cast their first real votes? I do. Today in Iraq there is a free press. Local muscle like Muqtada al-Sadr has been forced to put down their arms in order to maneuver for upcoming elections. Elections. ELECTIONS! Made possible by the war in Iraq.
Finally and least importantly, the Iraqi economy is showing signs of life. Their oil exports are becomings stable and exceeding pre-war levels. In the next ten years they could increase dramatically depending upon development. Markets are open. The people are returning. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq is an advanced and civilized country. It's people will thrive. We will soon get out of their way. The Iraqi war has changed the Middle East and the world. Over the next ten years, we will see by how much. History will judge. But if the past is our guide, Democracy will be good for Iraq, the Iraqis and the world.
Wars take time. They cost lives. They cost treasure. This war is in an entire region with agents spread around the world. We currently fight it in Iraq, Afghanistan, in the Philippians, in Africa and at home. In Iraq and Afghanistan we have learned much about our enemy. We are winning in both. Our military is more experienced and capable than ever before. The technology for modern and counter-insurgency military operations has been dramatically improved.
For all these benefits we should be grateful. Our soldiers are heroes. Everyone who died should know they did not die in vain. They died with honor. Fighting for freedom. Fighting to keep the world safe. Someday I hope a monument will stand in Iraq honoring them. Not built by us, or requested by the US. Built by Iraqis, honoring their liberation. I salute every soldier and thank them for their service. It was worth it. You country is proud.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Why are Gas and Energy Prices So High?
1) U.S. Domestic Oil production has been shrinking since its peak in the 1970s. The oil companies have been hamstrung by Environmentalists, Lawyers, and Democrats since then; making drilling in the U.S. un-profitable.
2) U.S. petroleum consumption far exceeds production. That means we have to import it from the Middle East, Russia, Mexico, Canada, and Venezuela. None of these countries have any problem drilling THEIR oil and selling it to us, shouldn’t we drill for our own?
…worldwide consumption is also rising
3) The law of supply and demand is simple. When demand rises faster than supply, the price goes up. When supply rises faster than demand, the price goes down. The answer to lower gas prices is more supply. NOT taxing the companies that get the oil from the desert to my car.
4) Speculators are driving the cost of oil up, but only because it is a safe bet that oil prices will rise. “Speculators” buy an oil contract for 5 years from now. What they purchase sets the price. If the price went down, these investors would get creamed. If the U.S. quickly opened the way to new drilling in the continental shelf and A.N.W.R. the traders would be forced to bet on lower prices and other oil producers would have more competition. A commitment to new drilling could reduce prices in the next few months. By the way, who are these EVIL speculators…pension funds. (pass too tight a law against speculators and pensions could decline quick)
5) The last Nuclear power plant built in the US was is 1977. Yet Nuclear power still provides 19% of our electricity. Not building more plants has increased the cost of electricity dramatically. (France gets nearly 80% of their power from nuclear.) It currently takes longer to get a permit to build a nuclear power plant than it takes to build one.
6) Renewable energy is a future technology, not a “now” technology. Right now renewable energy accounts for just 9.5% of US electricity production compared to nearly 50% for coal, 20% for nuclear and 20% for natural gas. That is a huge gap that renewable would need to fill.
7) Wind is the only alternative energy source that is even remotely cost effective. Even Nuclear doesn’t compare to coal or natural gas. The reality is that carbon based energy is here to stay OR we cannot COMPETE in a global economy.
Cost Per Kilowatt Hour (cents)
| Low | High | Avg | |
| Natural Gas | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.15 |
| Coal | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.15 |
| Nuclear | 11.1 | 14.15 | 12.625 |
| Wind | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| GeoThermal | 4.5 | 30 | 17.25 |
| Hydro | 5.1 | 11.3 | 8.2 |
| Solar | 15 | 30 | 22.5 |
Plus..no one really knows what harnessing wind power will do to weather patterns and climate. A few wind farms here and there would have no impact. Enough to generate 50% of US energy demand, might cause some problems. Ted Kennedy doesn’t even want a wind farm where he boats….
8) Natural Gas production has also been completely flat or on a down trend despite increasing energy demand. This is thought of as the cleanest fossil fuel, but the ban on coastal drilling has kept much of US natural gas stocks in the ground instead of the pipeline.
9) Environmentalists are FOR high energy prices to encourage conservation. They are willing to pay MUCH more for environmental and supposed “health” benefits. Despite fossil fuels being the only economical option to power the US for the next 20 years. (or more) Harry Reid, leader of the Democrats in the Senate actually said “coal makes us sick” … “oil makes us sick”. While true if you live on top of a power plant; there is no widespread sickness sweeping the world. In fact life expectancy in the U.S. remains over 70 and rising.
10) When the cost of energy goes up, the price of EVERYTHING goes up. Can you afford $7 gas or $5 milk? I can’t. In fact, energy costs and taxes are the two fastest way to cause inflation so that your money isn’t worth as much. If gasoline, electricity, and natural gas costs continue to rise, then our economy will be in real trouble. But if we get out of our own way and take advantage of U.S. energy resources then we can be wealthy enough to clean up after ourselves. High energy prices means high food prices and inflation, that hurts everyone.
Sign the petition for Drill Here Drill Now and make sure Obama AND McCain are talking about new energy production immediately not some dream of alternatives that just aren’t ready yet. McCain is talking about Nuclear and some drilling but not enough. Obama is all alternatives, conservation, and wishing that the price of gas had just risen slower.
If you are not for more energy production, then you are FOR higher energy costs. So if we can’t drill? How do you generate more energy…or are you going to pass a law mandating that we can’t keep our thermostats at 72 degrees. If you are pro conservation, then start talking about rationing electricity and gasoline.
References:
1 - http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/hist/mcrfpus1m.htm
2 - http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/cfapps/STEO_Query/steotables.cfm
3 - http://www.curriculumlink.org/econ/materials/sdlaws.html
4 - http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D91INO8O0.htm
5 - http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_was_the_last_nuclear_power_plant_built_in_the_US
5 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power
5 - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16554514/
6 - http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epat1p1.html
7 - http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Cents_Per_Kilowatt-Hour
8 - http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_sum_dcu_NUS_m.htm
9 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqR0Ui0g3wI
9 - http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0005148.html
10 - http://www.euractiv.com/en/cap/current-world-food-prices-high/article-173769
10 - http://www.newsday.com/classified/automotive/ny-bzecon025749064jul02,0,7109041.story
*http://www.wtrg.com/prices.htm
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Attn Senator McCain: I want to support you, but I cant...yet
Call it conservative angst, or call it standing on principals. I will obviously vote for John McCain in November as the Democrats offer nothing but socialism and retreat. The question now is can I give anything more than my vote to John McCain.
In the last two presidential elections and in the important Senate races here in PA, I was a contributor and a volunteer. I donated meager amounts of money, but more importantly over 75 volunteer hours making phone calls and knocking on doors. For me to reach into my checkbook or fit campaigning into my schedule I need to believe in someone. Right now, I still fear John McCain.
People talk about reaching out. Well reaching out means more than endorsements and speeches invoking the name of Ronald Reagan. It means a platform we will fight for. To get conservatives John McCain has to answer just these simple questions...
...what do you think?
In the last two presidential elections and in the important Senate races here in PA, I was a contributor and a volunteer. I donated meager amounts of money, but more importantly over 75 volunteer hours making phone calls and knocking on doors. For me to reach into my checkbook or fit campaigning into my schedule I need to believe in someone. Right now, I still fear John McCain.
People talk about reaching out. Well reaching out means more than endorsements and speeches invoking the name of Ronald Reagan. It means a platform we will fight for. To get conservatives John McCain has to answer just these simple questions...
- You say you will secure the borders first. Great. I believe you so I am willing to give you a chance. Then what?
- Why did you use class warfare rhetoric when opposing the Bush tax cuts?
- How can you achieve energy independence without expanding the use of domestic fossil fuels? And how can you do that while drinking global warming kool-aid?
- In hindsight, what would you change about McCain-Feingold to make 527s more accountable while not infringing anymore on freedom of speech.
...what do you think?
Monday, December 24, 2007
Can I support John McCain?
Less than two weeks from the Iowa caucuses and I still have no candidate. I have flirted with all the camps (except Rudi) and given a small donation to two. Now I may find myself supporting someone I swore I would NEVER vote for. John McCain.
The person who gave us the debacle that is McCain-Feingold. The man who tried to ram Amnesty down our throats more than once. The politician who allows the mainstream media to use him on Sunday programs to build up their view whenever it is different than the President. (then ignores him when he agrees).
But when I look at our slate of candidates, John McCain is the only one I believe that is Presidential and deserving of such a high office. His life, family, and political experience are second to none in the race. He has the ability to attract independents and some democratic voters if he can just hold on to those of us on the conservative side of the aisle. Clearly he was right on the war and is a strong national security candidate. But can I trust him on my other important issues?
Take immigration for example. Here he is now for a border security first plan and I can live with some of the other items from immigration reform AFTER the border is secure. But on his website he doesn't state emphatically that he will build the southern fence. If Senator McCain was elected and decided to push for "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" he would get it. I am not sure I can live with that.
What about campaign finance reform? John has always been in favor of legislation to control the process. His last attempt has resulted in the 527 loophole which has made a complete farce of TV and other advertising for campaigns. Now you have no idea who the money is behind a candidate. Clearly some of these groups coordinate with campaigns and there is no way to stop it. The way to clean up the financing is to allow a free-for-all with immediate and 100% disclosure of where your funds come from. Anything less is a restriction of free speech. I tend to believe Mr. McCain will overreach here again and regulate more, not less.
His views on global warming also scare me. This is from an op-ed he wrote in 2003..."Global warming is a serious threat. There is overwhelming evidence that increasing amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are heating up the Earth's climate and that inaction could be disastrous." This is so blatantly false it upsets me every time I hear some liberal state it as a fact. IT IS NOT DISASTROUS AND THERE IS NO PROOF WE ARE CAUSING ANY WARMING. The warming crowd is already pretty sure they are wrong, so they are changing the name to "climate change" so that when it doesn't warm they can keep on their world government agenda. Anyway, again I am not sure I can support him on this.
So where does that leave me? A great man I disagree with on many items and don't quite trust on others. Ugh, Newt where are't thou? The Huckaboom is over and Mitt just doesn't catch my fever. Please Please don't let Hillary win. I just don't know if I can support John McCain or not, but I think he is the only one who can win.
What do you think?
The person who gave us the debacle that is McCain-Feingold. The man who tried to ram Amnesty down our throats more than once. The politician who allows the mainstream media to use him on Sunday programs to build up their view whenever it is different than the President. (then ignores him when he agrees).
But when I look at our slate of candidates, John McCain is the only one I believe that is Presidential and deserving of such a high office. His life, family, and political experience are second to none in the race. He has the ability to attract independents and some democratic voters if he can just hold on to those of us on the conservative side of the aisle. Clearly he was right on the war and is a strong national security candidate. But can I trust him on my other important issues?
Take immigration for example. Here he is now for a border security first plan and I can live with some of the other items from immigration reform AFTER the border is secure. But on his website he doesn't state emphatically that he will build the southern fence. If Senator McCain was elected and decided to push for "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" he would get it. I am not sure I can live with that.
What about campaign finance reform? John has always been in favor of legislation to control the process. His last attempt has resulted in the 527 loophole which has made a complete farce of TV and other advertising for campaigns. Now you have no idea who the money is behind a candidate. Clearly some of these groups coordinate with campaigns and there is no way to stop it. The way to clean up the financing is to allow a free-for-all with immediate and 100% disclosure of where your funds come from. Anything less is a restriction of free speech. I tend to believe Mr. McCain will overreach here again and regulate more, not less.
His views on global warming also scare me. This is from an op-ed he wrote in 2003..."Global warming is a serious threat. There is overwhelming evidence that increasing amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are heating up the Earth's climate and that inaction could be disastrous." This is so blatantly false it upsets me every time I hear some liberal state it as a fact. IT IS NOT DISASTROUS AND THERE IS NO PROOF WE ARE CAUSING ANY WARMING. The warming crowd is already pretty sure they are wrong, so they are changing the name to "climate change" so that when it doesn't warm they can keep on their world government agenda. Anyway, again I am not sure I can support him on this.
So where does that leave me? A great man I disagree with on many items and don't quite trust on others. Ugh, Newt where are't thou? The Huckaboom is over and Mitt just doesn't catch my fever. Please Please don't let Hillary win. I just don't know if I can support John McCain or not, but I think he is the only one who can win.
What do you think?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
CNN YouTube Republican Debate: What will they ask
One of the best stories of today's Republican debate on CNN is what questions will CNN choose. The questions do come from the public, but they will be picked out by a panel now doubt. So in a GOP primary, will they reflect republican issues, or will they be driven by a progressive agenda?
I think it is safe to say we will get a solid dose of global warming questions that assume it as a fact. I have no doubt we will get at least one question vilifying George Bush and "his war". But will they get illegal immigration, border security, and pork barrel spending covered?
I predict at least 20 minutes of horse race questions. Completely useless items about why you are gaining, losing, or not showing up in the polls. I will say this, I am very excited to see the candidates show their stuff and I hope to be won over by someone. Anyone...
Any predictions?
I think it is safe to say we will get a solid dose of global warming questions that assume it as a fact. I have no doubt we will get at least one question vilifying George Bush and "his war". But will they get illegal immigration, border security, and pork barrel spending covered?
I predict at least 20 minutes of horse race questions. Completely useless items about why you are gaining, losing, or not showing up in the polls. I will say this, I am very excited to see the candidates show their stuff and I hope to be won over by someone. Anyone...
Any predictions?
The Republican Nomination: A free and open debate for the Party
Republicans,
We need to start thinking about the race in front of us in a different way. According to Real Clear Politics, there are five serious contenders for the nomination. (plus Ron Paul). Rather than lament that their isn't a perfect candidate to get behind, we need to embrace the debate for the candidate of our party. The Wednesday YouTube debate on CNN should be a true test of these leaders and whether or not they can run the country.
Republican party members will be watching the debate in huge numbers. They are honestly waiting for a candidate to express their views and to pick the candidate they are willing to support. The Democrats are leading the money races in huge figures, but that is just because GOP dollars are still waiting on the sidelines. On the 28th we will judge these men on character, elect ability, policies and record. May the best candidate win.
Who do you support?
Myself, I have still not solidified on a candidate. I have donated a few dollars to both McCain and Huckabee to support them staying in the race. But I could still end up supporting Romney or Giuliani if they convince me that they are ready. So at the end of the debate, I will either be still undecided or firmly in someone's camp.
McCain is the war / foreign policy strong man. He is tough and knowledgeable on international issues. The senator knows you can't trust the UN, but can reach out to allies and speak tough to enemies. His campaign finance legislation and comprehensive immigration reform stand might be too much to overcome though. He has to convince me he learned from those two errors for me to give him my vote.
Giuliani wins if you dislike crime and you are a social moderate. The only way I end up in his camp is after he wins the nomination. I could support a pro-choice candidate, but only after my pro-life candidate lost in the primary. He does great in one-liners and would be an effective leader. I just disagree with him on too many issues.
Huckabee is an attractive candidate that comes off as the everyman. I would be most comfortable with him in a room. He says the right things on border security and spending, but his spending record looks pretty liberal. On the moral issues, he has a strong Christian faith and I think he would lead morally to help the American family. But some of his comments on healthcare have sounded too much like "nanny state" and not enough towards "personal responsibility".
Governor Romney can also lead on the moral issues. Like Huckabee he is founded by his faith in God. I admit, as an evangelical Christian I have a preference towards supporting someone of my faith. But most important to me is that our leader have faith and truly believe in what he exposes. So despite our disagreement on doctrine, I think he could make a great nominee. But he is a little too "slick willy" or "Breck Girl" with his fancy hair cuts and perfectly tailored message. I am right with him on the issues, I just have to decide if I believe him or not.
Fred Thomson is in the race only in the polls. I was in his camp for a month until his campaign started. By the time he had got in, I had checked out. Plus he looks like a dead fish in interviews and debates. As the drive bys say, no gravitas.
So despite the commenting rules, this post is open to blatant support of a candidate. Promote, link, or whatever, just try to keep them short.
Contribute your opinions to the GOP Grassroots Platform 2008. Version 2 coming soon.
We need to start thinking about the race in front of us in a different way. According to Real Clear Politics, there are five serious contenders for the nomination. (plus Ron Paul). Rather than lament that their isn't a perfect candidate to get behind, we need to embrace the debate for the candidate of our party. The Wednesday YouTube debate on CNN should be a true test of these leaders and whether or not they can run the country.
Republican party members will be watching the debate in huge numbers. They are honestly waiting for a candidate to express their views and to pick the candidate they are willing to support. The Democrats are leading the money races in huge figures, but that is just because GOP dollars are still waiting on the sidelines. On the 28th we will judge these men on character, elect ability, policies and record. May the best candidate win.
Who do you support?
Myself, I have still not solidified on a candidate. I have donated a few dollars to both McCain and Huckabee to support them staying in the race. But I could still end up supporting Romney or Giuliani if they convince me that they are ready. So at the end of the debate, I will either be still undecided or firmly in someone's camp.
McCain is the war / foreign policy strong man. He is tough and knowledgeable on international issues. The senator knows you can't trust the UN, but can reach out to allies and speak tough to enemies. His campaign finance legislation and comprehensive immigration reform stand might be too much to overcome though. He has to convince me he learned from those two errors for me to give him my vote.
Giuliani wins if you dislike crime and you are a social moderate. The only way I end up in his camp is after he wins the nomination. I could support a pro-choice candidate, but only after my pro-life candidate lost in the primary. He does great in one-liners and would be an effective leader. I just disagree with him on too many issues.
Huckabee is an attractive candidate that comes off as the everyman. I would be most comfortable with him in a room. He says the right things on border security and spending, but his spending record looks pretty liberal. On the moral issues, he has a strong Christian faith and I think he would lead morally to help the American family. But some of his comments on healthcare have sounded too much like "nanny state" and not enough towards "personal responsibility".
Governor Romney can also lead on the moral issues. Like Huckabee he is founded by his faith in God. I admit, as an evangelical Christian I have a preference towards supporting someone of my faith. But most important to me is that our leader have faith and truly believe in what he exposes. So despite our disagreement on doctrine, I think he could make a great nominee. But he is a little too "slick willy" or "Breck Girl" with his fancy hair cuts and perfectly tailored message. I am right with him on the issues, I just have to decide if I believe him or not.
Fred Thomson is in the race only in the polls. I was in his camp for a month until his campaign started. By the time he had got in, I had checked out. Plus he looks like a dead fish in interviews and debates. As the drive bys say, no gravitas.
So despite the commenting rules, this post is open to blatant support of a candidate. Promote, link, or whatever, just try to keep them short.
Contribute your opinions to the GOP Grassroots Platform 2008. Version 2 coming soon.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Do YOU live in soup line America? I dont.
I just finished watching the democratic debate tonight in Nevada. The thing I found so striking is the way that the candidates view our country. They view it full of problems, poverty, discrimination and despair. There was a point when they talked about all the things Americans worry about every night. As if Americans sit home scared in their beds praying for the federal government to solve their problems.
This is not the America I have lived in for 31 years. I am a small business owner who is clearly middle class. My employees make salaries very close to mine as I sacrifice to get my company to the next level. As a proud Pittsburgh resident, I have lived in the rust belt my entire life. My parents were middle class and I am middle class. Do you know what I see....
...I see opportunity. I see low unemployment. I see Americans indulging in leisure activities and serving their churches and communities. We live in the wealthiest nation in the world with the largest middle class and the fattest lower class in the history of the world.
But I also see people failing. In my own family some people are not living the American dream. However, there is nothing Hillary Clinton can do to help these people. They must help them selves and their families, communities and churches must help them. My friends and family that are not succeeding have themselves to blame. Some are lazy. Others made bad choices. Still others passed on amazing education opportunities or wasted them by being wasted.
How can you listen to that debate and believe anything said by any candidate tonight? All the Democratic party does is promise everything and blame everything else on George Bush. You would think President Bush was the boogie-man. For a bunch of people who talk about being positive, I have never heard more negativity and pessimism.
So I want to know from everyone who reads this. Do you live in soup line America? Is this still a great country or is it one crisis after another?
Please comment
This is not the America I have lived in for 31 years. I am a small business owner who is clearly middle class. My employees make salaries very close to mine as I sacrifice to get my company to the next level. As a proud Pittsburgh resident, I have lived in the rust belt my entire life. My parents were middle class and I am middle class. Do you know what I see....
...I see opportunity. I see low unemployment. I see Americans indulging in leisure activities and serving their churches and communities. We live in the wealthiest nation in the world with the largest middle class and the fattest lower class in the history of the world.
But I also see people failing. In my own family some people are not living the American dream. However, there is nothing Hillary Clinton can do to help these people. They must help them selves and their families, communities and churches must help them. My friends and family that are not succeeding have themselves to blame. Some are lazy. Others made bad choices. Still others passed on amazing education opportunities or wasted them by being wasted.
How can you listen to that debate and believe anything said by any candidate tonight? All the Democratic party does is promise everything and blame everything else on George Bush. You would think President Bush was the boogie-man. For a bunch of people who talk about being positive, I have never heard more negativity and pessimism.
So I want to know from everyone who reads this. Do you live in soup line America? Is this still a great country or is it one crisis after another?
Please comment
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