Ogre's Politics & Views

May 04, 2007

Murder or Medicine?

This is really a serious question. It's not meant in jest in any way. But I seriously want to know what this woman did that was so wrong. From the article:

A Scottsdale mother [is] accused of holding her newborn under water until the girl stopped moving...

Tureman [the mother] was booked Friday on suspicion of first-degree murder.


I have heard a lot of discussion regarding the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the law against partial-birth abortion. I have heard women talking at the "water cooler" about how the law "set them back decades." I've heard complaints that the ruling treated women like foolish children.

So, since there is almost no difference between partial-birth abortion, which a large number of people support, and the actions of Ms. Tureman, why is she being charged with murder? She, of her own choice, pulled a baby out of her womb and then killed it. That's exactly what doctors were doing with partial-birth abortion. Why is she charged with murder? Seriously.

Again, I'm not trying to illustrate a point here. I want someone who supports partial-birth abortion to explain to me the difference between these two acts -- because I can't see one.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:06 PM | Comments (19) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Republican Debate

Richard Viguerie, author of Conservatives Betrayed, weighs in on the Republican Presidential debate:

“The three leading Republican presidential candidates continue to fail ‘the Reagan test,’” says Richard A. Viguerie, author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause, referring to the debate aired over MSNBC. “The only thing genuinely Reaganesque about the performances of Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and Mitt Romney was their physical location at the Presidential Library.”

“We won’t have conservative policies with any of the three leading candidates, and most of the others, so I continue to urge conservatives to withhold their support,” Viguerie said.

Viguerie’s Full Statement:

“For the past ten years Giuliani, McCain, and Romney—as well as most of the other presidential wannabees—have given conservatives no leadership against the Big Government policies of the Republican Congress and President Bush. Well, it’s too late. We’re now at the pandering stage of the campaign—pandering for conservative support—and if they wouldn’t speak out before, how can we believe them now?

They Fail “The Goldwater Test”

“Senator Barry Goldwater became the first political spokesman for the conservative movement because out of all the Republican politicians who claimed to be conservative, he and he alone was willing to confront the sitting Big Government Republican in the White House. President Eisenhower’s policies were ‘a dime store New Deal,’ he said on the floor of the Senate. He spoke truth to power.

“Well, again we have a Big Government Republican in the White House, and now it’s no longer a dime store New Deal—it’s a supersized Wal-Mart of a New Deal. The Republican welfare state is far worse than anything the Democrats achieved. To Giuliani, McCain, and Romney I say, ‘I knew Barry Goldwater, and you’re no Goldwater.’

They Fail “The Reagan Test”

“Throughout the 1960s and ’70s Ronald Reagan walked with us. He was there at our conservative functions, and not just at the head table—he mingled with us, listened to our concerns, and made it clear where he stood. Also, our friends were all around him as he governed in California and then ran for president—people like Dick Allen, Ed Meese, Lyn Nofziger, Marty Anderson, Judge William Clark, etc., etc.

“Where are the long-time conservative activists today around Giuliani, McCain, or Romney? I’m not talking about ‘campaign consultants’ who sell themselves to the highest bidder at campaign auctions. I mean dedicated and recognized conservative thinkers and activists who will work only for truly conservative candidates.

“If conservatives were not part of the Giuliani, McCain, and Romney inner circles before they ran for the presidency, we cannot expect them to have conservatives advising them if they get elected. And in politics, personnel is policy.

“P.S. Leave it to the Stupid Party to have Chris Matthews, a liberal Democrat, moderate a debate to select the Republican nominee for president!”

Ogre's Notes: I didn't watch the debate last night. I was being more entertained by watching the Yankees-Rangers game...and it was in a rain delay. I agree with Mr. Viguerie here. The "front-runners" aren't conservatives. Heck, they're not even good "leaders" as far as I can tell. And most certainly, they seem to be doing nothing BUT pandering, already trying to get votes. A true stateman would be more interested in putting forth his vision for the country -- rather than just trying to get elected by "offending" the fewest people. This country hungers for a true conservative leader who will stand up and speak out. The top three contenders aren't that. I'd have to agree with Socialist Dean:

the debate "confirms that a Democrat will be elected in 2008. The Republican presidential contenders are only offering more of the same failed leadership and misplaced priorities that President Bush brought to the White House."

Posted by: Ogre at 01:31 PM | Comments (22) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Eminent Domain in NC

Eminent Domain Amendment NOT discussed at yesterday's Rules Committee's meeting...

The House Rules Committee -- the one in which House Bill 878 (eminent domain amendment) is stuck -- met May 1. We have verified that HB 878 was NOT discussed at the meeting. Further, the committee's next meeting date is not yet set.

History of HB 878 (Eminent Domain Amendment)

On March 15, a bipartisan bill to protect our private property from unjust seizure by governments was introduced in the N.C. House. Four days later this bill, HB 878, was referred to the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House. It is still stuck in that committee.

House Bill 878 has a total of 96 sponsors and co-sponsors. This means that 80% of House members have signed onto this legislation. 80% of House members have sponsored HB 878 -- and yet the legislative leadership has not brought it to the floor for a vote. The bill was not discussed at the Rules Committee's May 1 meeting.

Take Action Today!

Please take action TODAY by contacting key House leaders.

Please contact the legislative leaders below and tell them House Bill 878 deserves a vote on the House floor. Please be respectful and professional as you exercise your right to make your voice heard. Click on the House member's name for a link that includes their contact information. You can contact them via e-mail, phone, and/or U.S. Mail.

* Rep. Joe Hackney, Speaker of the House
* Rep. Bill Owens, Chair of the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House. Rep. Owens is listed as a co-sponsor of HB 878.
* Rep. Rick Glazier. Vice Chair of the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
* Rep. Dewey Hill. Vice Chair of the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House. Rep. Hill is listed as a co-sponsor of HB 878.
* Rep. Paul Luebke. Vice Chair of the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
* Rep. Deborah Ross. Vice Chair of the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:03 AM | Comments (24) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

May 03, 2007

Fun Blog Cartoon

How about some silliness, blog-style? "Being Five" is a fun cartoon. It's also a blog. And the cartoon is about a 5-year old who blogs using voice-recognition software. I'm also told that it's a comic you can let your kids read without worry and at the same time, a comic you will laugh at because you've been there. Here's a sample:

Visit BEING FIVE Copyright by George Sfarnas. www.beingfive.blogspot.com

Posted by: Ogre at 07:02 PM | Comments (24) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Bush: National Day of Prayer

President Bush on the National Day of Prayer:

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America


RSS Feed White House News

A prayerful spirit has always been an important part of our national character, and it is a force that has guided the American people, given us strength, and sustained us in moments of joy and in times of challenge. On this National Day of Prayer, we acknowledge God's grace and ask for His continued guidance in the life of our Nation.

Americans of many faiths and traditions share a common belief that God hears the prayers of His children and shows grace to those who seek Him. Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech, in towns all across America, in houses of worship from every faith, Americans have joined together to pray for the lives that were lost and for their families, friends, and loved ones. We hold the victims in our hearts and pray for those who suffer and grieve. There is a power in these prayers, and we can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God.

At this important time in our history, we also pray for the brave members of our Armed Forces and their families. We pray for their safety, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace we all seek.

The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our Nation to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to respect the freedom of religion by recognizing each year a "National Day of Prayer."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 3, 2007, as a National Day of Prayer. I ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God's continued guidance, comfort, and protection. I invite all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Posted by: Ogre at 03:07 PM | Comments (24) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..." Psalms 33:12

On May 3, I invite you to participate in Meet At City Hall from 12:20 pm to 12:40 pm during the National Day Of Prayer. At thousands of city halls across the country, individuals will gather to pray for a moral rebirth in our country. The National Day of Prayer is an annual event established by an act of Congress which encourages Americans to pray for our nation, its people and its leaders.

Your participation in Meet At City Hall is very simple. Simply show up at your local city hall at 12:20 pm on May 3. There will be others present. Spend the 20 minutes in prayer.

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association

Posted by: Ogre at 01:09 PM | Comments (26) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Land Transfer Taxes

Do you know what "land transfer taxes" are? In North Carolina, these are the "buzz words" for new cash for government. They're hidden taxes, so people won't see them -- and they can generate hundreds of millions for the state and counties to waste. Socialists absolutely LOVE the idea of land transfer taxes for various reasons.

Land transfer taxes are a tax on moving. Seriously. It's a penalty you pay for wanting to move from one house to another -- whether you're doing better in life and wanting to move up into a larger (or first) house; or if you're retiring and want to downsize to a smaller place. Either way, you have to pay this tax. And it will be thousands of dollars each and every time you move.

Perhaps you can see now why socialists love this tax. First, it's a tax, so they like it. Any time a socialist can increase income to the state, they're happy. That gives them more power and control over people, so they support it. But perhaps even moreso, they like this tax because any time you tax something, you will get less of it. So if they tax moving, they will make it harder for people to move -- which gives them more control. One of the biggest enemies to socialists is the freedom to move. When people simply cannot take the taxes and regulations of one place, they have the freedom to pick their things up and vote with their feet -- moving to a different place. With land transfer taxes, socialists can ensure that less people will have the freedom to move -- making it easier for socialists to control people they way they desire.

If you've got time, take a peek over at a North Carolina Socialist publication. Oh, they LOVE the land transfer tax. And they are trying hard to get one in place for... wait for it... yes, "FOR THE CHILDREN." They've got an online poll up on the left side, too, asking if you support the land transfer tax. Go ahead and vote no. Let them see that they really are in the minority.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:04 AM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

May 02, 2007

First Vinyl Meme

SpiritsHavingFlown.jpgIt seems that I've been tagged by Big White Hat with a silly meme. I think this one really is going to show my age because it asks which record we first spent money on.

Well, here it is, The Bee Gees "Spirits Having Flown." I bought it because of the song "Tragedy:"

Here I lie
in a lost and lonely part of town
Held in time
In a world of tears I slowly drown
Goin'home
I just can't make it all alone
I really should be holding you
Holding you
Loving you loving you

Tragedy
When the feeling's gone and you can't go on
It's tragedy
When the morning cries and you don't know why
It's hard to bear
With no-one to love you you're
goin' nowhere
Tragedy
When you lose control and you got no soul
It's tragedy
When the morning cries and you don't know why
It's hard to bear
With no-one beside you you're
goin' nowhere
When the feeling's gone and you can't go on

Night and day
there's a burning down inside of me
Burning love
With a yearning that won't let me be
Down I go
and I just can't take it all alone
I really should be holding you
Holding you
Loving you loving

Tragedy
When the feeling's gone and you can't go on
It's tragedy
When the morning cries and you don't know why
It's hard to bear
With no-one to love you you're
goin' nowhere
Tragedy
When you lose control and you got no soul
It's tragedy
When the morning cries and you don't know why
It's hard to bear
With no-one beside you you're
goin' nowhere


Mostly I just remember it was something I had saved up for a long time. My brother and father both had a whole bunch of records and I was only allowed to borrow them once in awhile. But this one was mine and I had earned the money (from delivering newspapers) to buy it myself. And yes, I do still own this record -- but every other record I own fits better into the "rock" category...

Posted by: Ogre at 07:04 PM | Comments (20) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Bush Conspiracy Generator

I wonder how often Rosie has to refer to this little tool each day...

(H/T to Twizted Reality)

Posted by: Ogre at 05:04 PM | Comments (25) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Kerry and Reinsurance

John Kerry is still going to save the world. Just like before, when he promised to make Christopher Reeves walk, only if we would kill more babies; he's now promised health care for every single person on the planet, but only if everyone pays a LOT more.

His plan he has called "reinsurance." Here's how it works: if you are healthy and make good choices in life; if you refrain from lifestyle activities that might put you at risk for requiring health care; if you don't smoke or drink; if you exercise and take care of your body -- well, you should pay substantially more money to the government in the form of billions of dollars of increased taxes. Oh, but you might get to pay a little bit less for the insurance you don't need because you're careful and make good choices.

If you're irresponsible and make bad health choices requiring lots of medical care; well, you don't have to pay anything extra because it's not your fault. Instead, government will steal money from those who produce and work to pay for any and all medical needs you might have or want. Want a private room while you recover from your liver transplant from drinking a fifth a day for 10 years? No problem, John Kerry's going to pay for it with someone else's money.

Yes, this IS Hillarycare, but Kerry's just calling it something else. It will strongly encourage no one to buy any insurance -- because if you don't, government will just buy it for you. And of course, once government gets to determine how much is going to be spent, it will destroy the entire medical industry because when a procedure costs $200 to perform, but the government will only pay $10, how many people do you think will be willing to perform it?

Nothing like the total destruction of 1/7 of the country's economy in the name of socialism, is there? John Kerry, a Senator from Massachusetts, is a true danger to freedom and liberty.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:04 PM | Comments (16) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Oppose Reid

I was alerted to a new web site called Oppose Senator Harry Reid. It's stated purpose is:

This site is solely intended to see what kind of response we can get to some ideas about retiring Senator Reid against his will. We want to share with others our disgust and contempt for Harry Reid’s politics and his message to our military.

Interesting. Certainly there is no question that Harry Reid is wrong. His recent statement that the war is lost was absolutely wrong. While reasonable people can disagree about the current situation in Iraq, it's just insane to support a bill like Harry Reid has that gives our enemies a schedule of our retreat.

But I wonder how much good this sort of site can truly do. One of the reason that Republicans took such a beating in 2006 was because they didn't have any ideas. The 2006 election campaign was a lot of: "Look how bad the other guy is" -- and almost no one had any ideas. I wonder if they way to politically defeat Reid is by finding a true conservative leader who will stand up with new, bold ideas -- instead of just trying to tear down those who are clearly wrong.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:04 PM | Comments (507) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Jessica's Law Update

by Mark A. Palmer

Here is update and a reminder on how crucial time is for HB933 / Jessica Lunsford Act for North Carolina aka. Jessica’s Law.

The Judiciary II Committee, Chaired by Rep Dan Blue (Dem-Wake) Met past Tuesday, April 24th. After addressing other bills assigned to the Judiciary II Committee, the time finally arrived for them to discuss HB 933 / Jessica Lunsford Act for North Carolina . The Committee went thought the 11 pages of HB 933 and was too lengthy to read. Rep. Julia Howard (Rep-Iredell) one of the four primary sponsors of this bill rose and stated that she could summarize the obvious objectives of this piece of legislation.

The Judiciary II Committee stated that would not be a sufficient course of action and decided not to “gavel” the bill (meaning to kill the bill) but to form a Sub-Committee of 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans to Read the bill (HB 933 all 11 pages) and report their findings to the Judiciary II Committee by May 17th, 2007.

Here is prime example of the concerns we have from the games played by various committee members. We need to keep on top of these six people on the sub-committee each day and watch them like a hawk.

Sub-Committee:

Last year, Rep. Jennifer Weiss (Dem-Wake) would not allow Rep. Julia Howard (Rep -Iredell) allow her bill is read, which a version of Jessica’s Law was.

Sub-committee: Chairman, Jimmy Love (Dem-Harnett/Lee) (919) 715-3026
jimmyl@ncleg.net

Jennifer Weiss (Dem-Wake) (919) 715-3010
jenniferw@ncleg.net

Alice Borsden (Dem-Alamance) (919) 733-5820
aliceb@ncleg.net

Pat Hurley (Rep-Randolph) (919) 733-5865
Path@ncleg.net

Karen Ray (Rep-Iredell) (919) 733-5741
Karenr@ncleg.net

Joe Kiser (Rep-Lincoln) (919) 733-5782
Joek@ncleg.net

http://jessicaslawnownc.spaces.live.com/
Jessica's Law Now NC <<< Click Here

Posted by: Ogre at 11:03 AM | Comments (28) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

May 01, 2007

Dole Protests

A few extra images, for your entertainment this afternoon, from the "massive" protest that was supposed to greet Senator Dole when she arrived at the Conservative Leadership Conference. And no, she never actually saw them because of where they were located in reference to where she arrived.

Out front there were these three folks. They got an interview with News Channel 14. They were rather proud of that. The fellow in the middle was nervous about me taking pictures because he was afraid that I might provide them to the FBI.

protestors1.JPG

As they crammed themselves together for the TV interview, this other fellow showed up with his big sign. There were a total of these four outside the front entrance, and there were 2 bloggers and a TV camera filming them. Everyone else pretty much ignored them and walked around them.

protestors2.JPG

Meanwhile, at the rear entrance to the building were these two people. The three people on the right were from the conference, trying to talk to the protesters. I think they had a tag-team going because when one person would get tired to talking to them, they'd walk inside and another would come out to engage them.

protestors3.JPG

She was very proud of this sign. When she saw me taking pictures, she quickly grabbed this sign and asked me to take a picture of it.

protesters4.JPG

All told, there were 6 protesters. And Dole never saw one of them. The folks out front were quiet and respectful. The fellow out back really got agitated easily and started yelling a couple times. Strange people, those afflicted with Bush Derangement Syndrome.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:04 PM | Comments (93) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Conservative Issues

So, what was the net toll and results from the North Carolina Conservative Leadership Conference? Well, this is the second year I attended, so I can't help but make many comparisons to last year. Keep in mind, last year's conference was before the elections of 2006 and the total slaughter of Republicans.

Last year's conference was very upbeat. It was very positive. This year, if I had to sum up the conference in a word, I'd have to say "hopeless." Really. With certain obvious exceptions, the overall mood seemed to say, "Okay folks, we lost in 2006 and there's nothing looking like we're going to win anything any time soon." Heck, only one person there even mentioned actually winning in 2008, and that was a candidate for governor of NC.

To me, a conservative is one who wants less government. From that one item can extend all sorts of other parts of conservatism -- lower taxes, less regulation, more freedom, gun freedom, freedom to live, freedom to defend things like marriage. All of these ideas stem from the one concept of less government. Of the current crop left over in Washington, there are many that support one or more of those ideas, but almost none that support the basic premise of less government -- a concept that just one person at the conference mentioned (current Congressman Walter Jones).

I was very surprised at the conservative reception of Rudy Giuliani. With his strong and open positions on abortion, I didn't think he would be well-received. It appeared from what I witnessed that if you think abortion is wrong, you no longer have a party. Democrats support abortion all the time and will never compromise on that position. Now Republicans are open in their support and conservatives who oppose abortion on demand are basically being told to ignore the issue.

Gun rights were mentioned a lot during the weekend. Nearly all times, they were strongly supported -- except by Giuliani, who seemed to have a conflicting, middle-of-the-road position. But overall, few questioned the clear reading of the second amendment and the individual right to keep and bear arms.

Illegal immigration, one of the big, hot topics, that nearly always got applause, got nothing. Zero. Almost every single person at the conference talked about it. However, they all said the same thing: "We've got to do something about it!" And that's about all. No one had any ideas or solutions at all -- not even one. One commentator said that the Republican Party needed to come up with "some way" to solve the problem without "alienating" those already here (who are voting). In other words, we'll do nothing, and have no plan and no ideas.

Education was a hot topic as well. With the exception of the education forum, once again, there were no ideas. There was a whole lot of "for the children," but that's about it. At the education forum, there were clear, outlined, detailed plans about how to help educate -- then just as clear brick walls that the education establishment, via Democrats, would absolutely oppose.

A recurring theme throughout the weekend was that if Republicans and Conservatives (NOT one and the same) needed to stand for something. They needed a BIG idea for the next election -- something along the lines of Newt's "Contract With America" -- but there was absolutely nothing about what that idea might be. The only thing close was Congressman McHenry's suggestion of a $1 billion cash prize for the person who came up with a way to get rid of America's dependence on oil.

Many, many people talked about the losses in the 2006 elections. There were numerous reasons given for the losses -- none of which had changed! Many people expressed the idea that conservatives lost because people didn't trust them any more -- but then also noted that nothing has changed, people still don't trust them. People talked about the failures in Iraq (and, certainly, the good that we're doing) -- and the voter's perceptions of those failures -- which still continue today.

Many people invoked Reagan and his words. Many people spoke favorably of him and his ideas. Many said we need to focus on his ideas -- but gave no examples of how to do it. A number of people mentioned that local races had to be won first -- implying that conservatives aren't going to win anything at the national level for a very long time.

Overall, the attitude really seemed to be that we lost the last election. And conservatives haven't done anything to change -- which certainly implies to me that there's not much hope of winning anything any time soon.

Me, I'm much more hopeful than that. But I'm not sure I've got a lot of support.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:09 PM | Comments (1673) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Rudy on Positions

Okay, now for some of Ogre's analysis on what he saw and heard at the Rudy speech last Friday lunchtime.

Art Pope introduced Rudy as a "Great conservative leader."

Well, fiscally, I think we can agree with that. He's good on crime, good with safety, he knows how to cut taxes, and he likes welfare reform. Former Governor Erhlich is helping and supporting Rudy. Okay.

Rudy said that the Republican Party believes that we should give people responsibility and freedom, but that rights have duties. Okay, I'm with you.

He opposed Pelosi's trip. Well, anyone who has half a brain agrees with that one.

He is certainly very strong on defense. He really got it right when he said that Democrats simply won't admit that Islamic terrorists are dangerous. Rudy understands when he says that Islamic terrorists are planning to come here and kill us. He understands that the only way to deal with them is to remain on offense against them.

Great. He's on the right side for national security and taxes. That's a huge plus, and I remember back to Bush's second election. One of the big reasons he got support was "More Dead Terrorists and Tax Cuts."

But then he did get more specific on a couple issues when he was asked questions. On gun control, he said that he believes that individuals have the right to bear arms -- but subject to basically any restrictions that government deems reasonable. He didn't really elaborate too much on what's reasonable -- and it doesn't really matter, because that screams to me that he supports gun control if it's "reasonable" -- which means whatever government wants it to mean at any moment.

On abortion, he was clear -- he supports abortion for any one at any time for any reason. Then he said that he supports the recent decision on partial-birth abortion. Huh? I find it very, very, very difficult to support a candidate that supports abortion on demand.

For marriage, he was clear that he also supports creating new rights for people based on their actions -- gay rights. Then he claimed that marriage was between a man and a woman. Sorry, Rudy, you can't really have it both ways.

He did finish up with quoting Reagan by saying that my 80% friend is not my 20% enemy. So he suggested that those who disagree with him decide how much they disagree with him, and how important those issues are to them.

Of course, I still can't get the image out of my head of him dressed up as a woman. That sickens me to think that a person who does that might be president.

So, because of his clear (to me) positions on gun control and abortion, I cannot get behind and support him for president. However, if he's the Republican nominee, I may be able to hold my nose a lot and cast a vote for him -- especially if it's against Hillary. But that's a pretty sad reason to vote for someone -- just because the other person is worse.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:08 PM | Comments (20) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Ehrlich & McHenry

Patrick McHenry, Republican Congressman from the 10th district (Ogre's district) spoke at the evening meal Friday night at the Conservative Leadership Conference:

Repblicans didn't lose because of the conservative message. Republicans lost because they strayed away from the conservative message.

I believe that if you think it's important, don't tax it. We should have tax-free medicine, insurance, and education. All education should be block grants -- the entire job of the federal department of education should be to write 50 checks a year -- and then go home.

He believes that we need to defend life and traditional marriage. We need to get judges out of the picture. Congress needs to pass the laws and then take the power away from judges to change those areas. That's one reason he supports term limits on federal judges.

We need a 21st century Manhattan Project -- something really, really BIG. We need massive free market energy reform to remove our dependence on foreign oil. He thinks we should have a $1 billion prize for innovation in energy for any free market person who can come up with a workable solution to get the US off oil. We need to take care of ourselves.

As conservatives, we need to unite around big, bold ideas.

Also speaking that evening was former MD governor Bob Ehrlich:

We need to cut government. I did it. I started with a defeceit, and when I left it was a surplus. It can be done. While I was governor, I got government out of the way of (I didn't "create") 100,000 new jobs in the state of MD. I helped kill Democrats spending to the tune of $7.5 billion. And I stopped in-state tuition for illegals (big applause here).

Why did Republicans fail in 2006? Too much spending, too few vetos, too many scandals, and failure of real immigration reform. I support Rudy -- the next president absolutely must be a fiscal conservative.

But right now, more people in this country trust Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi that conservatives. People just don't believe conservatives any more. But conservatives need to counter their message. When Harry Reid talks about the fact that "we lost" the war, we need to stand up and say, "We CAN'T lose." Because even if we leave Iraq, we'll still be at war.

We also have much too much of a reliance on foreign oil. That hurts our economy. As conservatives, we need to gather together in a big tent -- we need to include the religious right, people who are right of center, and libertarians.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:07 PM | Comments (13) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Lt. Governor Steele

Former Lt. Governor Steele spoke at the Lunch meeting this past weekend at the North Carolina Conservative Leadership Conference:

His motto is to always be prepared -- but you never know what to be prepared for. The weekend before the votes in 2006, the Republican governor's approval rate was 60%. But only 48% of the people voted for that governor. That shows that there's simply a huge disconnect between the people and the elected.

To succeed in the future, we need to show people leadership and spirit. We need to convince people that conservatism is GOOD. We need to show people that conservatism has the exact same concerns about family, schools, and children as everyone else. We have to say and do something radical.

What do we believe? We believe in the power and ingenuity of the individual. We believe government should be limited to not take away rights. We believe that low taxes are good and right so people can enjoy economic power and freedom. We believe that reduced business regulations encourage entreprenuerism. We believe in the ideal of a colorblind society and not in hyphenated Americans (much applause here).

What we believe will underscore the change this country needs. We need leaders who understand the difference between giving someone fish and teaching someone to fish (big applause here).

We need leaders who understand hope is not just words. Hope by itself won't protect us from terrorists! Hope isn't a strategy. Hope won't educate our children. We need to show how to turn hope into action to give people opportunity. Without action, hope waits passively for others to take action.

Only individuals can create ownership, not government. We need to show people that we ARE that shining city on a hill. Our challenge is not to beat ourselves. There is no right wing, only the right way. We stand on self-reliance and integrity. Why do we let others define us? Opportunity can defeat dependence.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:07 AM | Comments (15) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

April 30, 2007

Fast Catholics

Supplied by GM Roper:

How to tell a Catholic is driving too fast:

fastCatholic.jpg

Posted by: Ogre at 07:02 PM | Comments (27) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Appeal for Courage

In case you haven't seen this petition, take a peek -- especially if you are, or know anyone who is, active duty or reserve military. Here's what people are asked to sign:

As an American currently serving my nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to fully support our mission in Iraq and halt any calls for retreat. I also respectfully urge my political leaders to actively oppose media efforts which embolden my enemy while demoralizing American support at home. The War in Iraq is a necessary and just effort to bring freedom to the Middle East and protect America from further attack.

Reid and Pelosi need to hear that message from the troops themselves.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:05 PM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

May NY Protests

Wednesday, May 23: Coast Guard Academy, New Lond, CT 8:00 am: Beginning Wednesday, May 23rd, the Islamist, leftwing ANSWER Coalition will protest at the Coast Guard Academy graduation in New London, Connecticut, where President Bush will be speaking. They will strike next at the West Point Academy graduation on Saturday, May 26th.

The Gathering of Eagles will hold a counter-rally at the Coast Guard Academy graduation, at 8:00 am in New London, CT, to show support for the Coast Guard graduates, our troops and our country. Assemble at the corner of Williams St. and Mohegan St., 50 yards from the entrance to the Coast Guard Academy. Parking is available 50 yards east in a park on Williams St. Bring signs showing support for Coast Guard personnel, graduates, the nation and our president. For the latest updates on the New London action email ctgatheringofeagles@gmail.com and put Add to Alert List in the Subject Line.

Saturday, May 26: West Point: Highland Falls, NY, 8:00 am: If you are traveling from the northeast on the road to Washington DC for Gathering Of Eagles II, consider making this the first stop on your ‘freedom trail’. After the rally convoy in strength with other eagles to Washington. There are two assembly areas: at the corner of Main St. and Homestead Ave., outside the Thayer Gate to West Point, and at Veteran’s Park to defend the memorials there. Parking is available at two municipal lots. The first is right by Veteran’s Park on Town Hall Row. The Second is in the median separating Main St. from West Point Highway and extends from Cozzens Ave. all the way to Homestead Ave. The distance between the two assembly areas is approximately ½ mile. At either location look for Marshals wearing GOE armbands for further instructions. For the latest updates on the West Point action email goe.ny@earthlink.net and put Add to Alert List in the Subject Line.

Posted by: Ogre at 04:03 PM | Comments (20) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

<< Page 29 >>

Processing 0.16, elapsed 0.3999 seconds.
37 queries taking 0.2611 seconds, 1038 records returned.
Page size 1192 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.