Wow, what a difference a week makes!

On 8/24, I was railing about the relatively confusing pick by Barack Obama of Joe Biden for his vice presidential running mate. Kind of like the experienced blind leading the inexperienced blind, but backwards, sort of, I think…

Anyhow, from a relatively confusing and backward VP pick to a very strong capable VP pick in a week- who’da thunk that such a bounce could’ve been made so fast! John McCain invited Sarah Palin to his 72nd birthday party today as America’s birthday present! What a winner! A “compare and contrast” between Palin and either Biden or Obama himself- take your pick- results in a ‘win’ for Palin in my book! A strong conservative who lives her values and has been mopping up Alaska politics for years, Sarah was a “knock it out of the park” choice. She helps put upgraded aftermarket alloy wheels on McCain’s stated interest to take on “business as usual” in Washington, while Obama’s pick in Biden reinforced the real “same old Washington politics” that lies just beneath his paper-thin “Chenge we can believe in” veneer.

As for me, I’m really proud to be an American again (no thanks at all to Michelle Obama, who uttered similar words), and I’m thinking that I just might be able to vote for McCain-Palin this coming November! The McCain Amnesty Bill aftertaste in my mouth is finally starting to dissipate! We’ll see how things play out next week at the Republican National Convention and into the campaigning, but it seems to me that conservatives finally have someone to vote for that isn’t Libertarian! In an era where both democrats and republicans have been putting top priority on “what’s in it for me” and political posturing, it’s refreshing to see real backbone and proven values count in a pick for a running mate!

Deepest sympathies to Hillary. After being shunned by her own party and not even vetted for Barack’s VP spot, it must really hurt to see “the other woman” steal her show again (apologies to Rush Limbaugh who delivered that line much better earlier today than I did just now). I love the fact that REAL feminists (not the sexually confused and emotionally embittered whiners, but the strong, action-oriented ladies real men admire so much) will have someone to rally around in Sarah Palin. For those of you who have been waiting to see a lady VP, here’s your REAL choice! Look into Sarah Palin. You’ll find a trooper who’s lived well, acted on her values, and taken a stand where she believed REAL change was needed. She didn’t just add ‘politics’ in Alaska, she added VALUE! Her two years as the states chief executive compares so favorably to Obama’s 143 days in the Senate that I chuckle every time I think about it. I’m really kind of embarassed for Barack. I hope they don’t hit his inexperience so hard with this that he cries…

In my opinion, Sarah Palin stole the show from the democrats this week. The DNC was sort of ho-hum and definitely ‘politics as usual’, but Palin’s announcement was amazing and seemed to completely steal the thunder! The presidential race now seems John McCain’s and Sarah Palin’s to lose.

Thank you, God, for bringing us Sarah Palin just when we needed her most! May You continue to greatly bless America. Have a great long weekend, everyone!
WhipSawJim

Wow. I heard over the weekend that Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his VP running mate. I encountered mixed feelings spanning from simply, “YEAH!” (followed by a long happy dance) to “They must be kidding- this is too good for America, and they’d never do something that was actually good for America.” I guess Barack has reconsidered that whole “hope and change” thing. Joe’s been in the Senate longer than all but four of the other folks there. He was in the Senate for ten years before John McCain got there. Joe seems to epitomize “dinosaur politician”. This isn’t exactly what I’d consider “hope and change”.

So why pick Joe? I wonder if it has something to do with “inexperience”- either the kind that equates to, “if I had more experience I’d have made a better choice”, or “Mr. Biden’s onerous presence will make up for the fact that I have only about 145 days of actual experience in Government (except for the lawyering he did for Tony Resco, if you can count that).

The democrat gang is all in Denver now. Those citizens of Denver could use your prayers now, in a BIG way! Denver is a nice place, and I have been there, but this is a week when I’d have left town. The dems built a special facility there to detain ‘undesirable’ protest elements, gave homeless folks haircuts to spruce things up a bit, and a bunch of other well-publicized nonsense. The Code Pink folks are there, as is “Peace Mom” Cindy Sheehan. Recreate 68 is there, and so is Ron Kovic. If I were Ron, I’d be a little embarassed with myself. I think he’s protesting both parties, but if I were Ron I’d give some consideration to which side has folks on it that have served the country to the same or greater extent that Ron has- regardless of whether he’s proud of that service or not. In all fairness, Joe’s son Beau appears to have served honorably in the National Guard, but I can’t find any other military service indications for Joe or Barack.

The democrats consider George W. Bush to be one of the dumbest presidents America’s ever had (Mr. Carter’d get my vote for that, but that’s another post). As dumb as he was, the best candidate the democrats could bring against him in 2004 got whooped roundly, soundly, and convincingly. That guy, John Kerry, insinuated that if people don’t do well in school, they wind up in the military (John McCain was the guy who demanded John Kerry apologize for the statement, by the way). It seems to me that they’re making our military folks out to be exactly the kind of people they talk about helping (what with Socialist redistribution of wealth, tax and give, etc.). To me, John McCain seems like the person most in touch with that group, since he’s the only one who’s actually served! Forget for a second the fact that Barack Obama once acted to kill the Illinois Born Alive Infants Protection Act, Barack Obama just hasn’t done much of anything but talk about how he’s gonna find some bad entity to tax (which, once you remove the smoke and mirrors trickles down to taxing you and me) so he can redistribute the income to folks he feels more worthy of it, which also increases those folks’ dependency on it.

I’m pretty sure America is smart enough to see through all the “America is an evil place and needs guys like us to fix it.” stuff that Barack Obama has been spewing. I suspect we’ll hear a lot more of it between now and the election, since that’s pretty much all the message the democrats have… Joe Biden has also been selling policies on this premise, but it’s been a bit more subtle in my opinion. I suspect he’ll get louder. Barack has been working awfully hard (with what appears to be the willing complicity of most of the news media) to cloud his real views with obfuscation, rhetoric, and a flashy smile.

Oh, and I wonder if Joe still thinks that Barack isn’t qualified to be president, and that the presidency isn’t the place for ‘on the job training’. Perhaps Joe has flip-flopped on this, given that he’s now running with and not against Barack? What a difference a couple of days make!

Michelle Malkin has a good post on the Biden thing.

May God continue to bless America.
WhipSawJim

After several high profile denials and getting caught by the National Enquirer sneaking around a California hotel, John Edwards confessed to having an affair. His wife Elizabeth hasn’t commented as far as I’ve heard, and thus appears to have a level of character so far above John’s that it’s surprising to me that they ever got together in the first place. It’s my opinion that character is built through perseverance. Here’s yet another opportunity to build some character, Mrs. Edwards. Not that you haven’t been through enough already. Please keep Elizabeth Edwards in your prayers. Its hard for me not to think that she deserves a whole lot better than John.

It was nice that John thought to say that even though he’d had an affair with Rielle Hunter, he didn’t love her. Hmmm- its as if that makes it alright, or somehow minimizes his immorality. No, I’m becoming convinced that all vestiges of repentance are trained out of lawyers and politicians early in their careers. Since Edwards was both, I’m guessing it happened earlier to him. I’m sure he’d have lied again if he felt it would have been in his own selfish interests to do so, or if he felt he wouldn’t get caught. “Innocent until proven guilty, you know.” The man must’ve gotten his moral compass from a cereal box or gumball machine. I’ve been in enough bars to know that a sizable percentage of men are complete pigs, but Mr. Edwards has plumbed new depths in this regard. C’mon, guys! I’m getting sick of apologizing for the lack of leadership, moral fiber, backbone, values and personal restraint I’ve seen in us lately.

That this man so obviously devoid of common decency and moral fiber could have so recently had folks supporting him as a candidate for the Presidency of the greatest country on the face of the planet mystifies me. I’ve heard several politically knowledgeable people mention today- and with certainty- that Mr. Edwards’ political career is over. Really? Can I count on that? Since we’re dealing with a lawyer here I’d prefer to have it in writing, but what took so long? I’m heartened that we’d be about done thinking this man is fit to lead, but geez didn’t the signs start showing up a few years back? I’ve never had anyone accuse me of having an affair. It’s partly because I’ve never had one, but I think it’s also because I try to behave in such a way that nobody who knows me would even start to believe claims like this. In Edwards’ case, one of his associates (Andrew Young) claims he’s the father of the baby, though Edwards’ (surprise?) denies it. “Yeah, right, John. We believe you THIS time.”

By the way, this isn’t about democrats. Being something of an aviation enthusiast, I’m still smarting over the Duke Cunningham bribery issue over in California. I still feel like one of my heroes betrayed me. A highly decorated Naval aviator and the only Ace of the Vietnam War, Cunningham sold his TOP GUNs for WAY too cheap in my opinion. It shouldn’t be about “party values”, it should be about values that take precedence over political parties. If we can’t rise above the lies, political nonsense and money-grubbing power trips, we’re not fit to lead. I hope Nancy Pelosi is listening (OK, ‘reading’, but ‘listening’ sounded better to me).

I’m totally in love with Michelle Malkin, and finally get the opportunity to gush a little, blush a little, and say that she has some excellent info on her blog about this stuff:
Culture of Corruption, GOP Edition
John Edwards ‘fesses up, sort of

May God continue to bless America- even those of us who are incredibly idiotic miscreants.
WhipSawJim

Remember back in November of 2006, when Nancy Pelosi- still reeling from the shock of becoming the new Speaker of the House- pledged that the new democrat-controlled Congress would embrace bipartisan cooperation (if not, here’s a refresher)? Well it was interesting to read that she might let a few at-risk democrats give the appearance of doing just that!

I read an article in CommonDreams (the Politico has good stuff on this too) that Mrs. Pelosi is telling democrat members of the House that they will be allowed to vote FOR offshore oil drilling when the Congress reconvenes if it’ll help them win their next elections. The plan is to basically promise voters the change (once again) that she promised back in 2006, then wait until after the November elections. At that point, Mrs. Pelosi expects to have a democrat-controlled House and Senate, and a democrat President to work with. None of the current House democrats will have to follow through on their promises, and they’ll be able to advance her kooky “save the world” agenda. Nice. It’s actually a pretty smart idea, though completely disingenuous and disgusting. Southchild has a really good summary of the recent energy shenanigans on the Hill, and Chrisy58 also had some great things to say on the topic.

Call to Action:
As November approaches, please keep in mind that elections have consequences. Go out and VOTE! If you really WANT drilling and lower gas prices, make sure to vote for someone who’ll actually honor their promises. A politician who has a track record of opposing such things, but who has suddenly become the best friend of his constituency, may be suspect. If you don’t know who your US representatives are, you can find your Congressperson here and your Senator here. Call ‘em up and ask ‘em (OK, their staff- just as good usually) a few questions! Don’t let ‘em forget who’s payin’ ‘em! As Joe Bob Briggs used to say, “Without eternal vigilance, it could happen here!”.

God bless America (and Nancy Pelosi too)!
WhipSawJim

Heard on the J.D. Hayworth show on KFYI the other day:
” Some guy asked me to think outside the box. I said, ‘OK, why does it have to be a box?’”

It took me a minute, then I started laughing!

Happy Saturday everyone! God bless America!
WhipSawJim

I heard the other day that Barack Obama wants to give everyone (well, ‘cept me, ‘cause I make too much money) a $1,000 economic stimulus check. This would be paid for by a windfall profits tax on “big oil”. I think the assumption here is that “big oil” won’t pass the tax right along to the consumer, or perhaps Barack doesn’t want us to think of that. There are gas taxes currently. “Big Oil” can’t pay them without our help. There isn’t someone over there at “big oil” who goes to another job, makes trillions of dollars per year, and pays the corporate taxes for “big oil”. “Big oil” does what every other business entity from big corporations to small businesses do- they increase their prices to pay the tax! So, what we have here is another not-so-well thought out Obama plan to raise the price of gas so he can give some money back to SOME people. Does this sound like a redistribution of wealth to you? It should. Google defines “socialism” as An economic, social and political doctrine which expresses the struggle for the equal distribution of wealth by eliminating private property and the exploitative ruling class. I think Barack Obama is a fine guy. I like his smile, and I think he has a nice sense of humor. He’s kind of a bumbler sometimes, which makes me feel so much better about myself. It also occurs to me that most of the things he wants to do advance a socialist agenda of removing or redistributing private property.

I’d also like an answer to this: When the government (which doesn’t do anything for it) gets $.20 - $.40 per gallon in taxes, and “big oil” (who hire the workers, explore for resources, and actually produce and sell gasoline) also gets around $.40/gallon in profits, why is it legitimate for government to get their money, but a “windfall” worthy of being taken back by the government (who’d already received $.40/gallon they didn’t earn) when “big oil” gets the same amount?

I’d encourage everyone to look deeper. Some silly stuff really is just silly

May God continue to bless America even though some of the folks who would be our leaders aren’t very smart.
WhipSawJim

I heard the news about what went on in Congress today on the radio as I drove home (House Dems turn out the lights but GOP keeps talking). From the way I heard it Nancy Pelosi and Congressional liberals essentially shut down the U.S. Congress. There was apparently quite a song and dance, and all so Mme Speaker could ignore the will of the people, get on her jet (bought by the people) and fly home (fuel payed for by the people), and have a five week paid (by the people) vacation. Since Congress was technically adjourned, C-SPAN had to stop its cameras so the America people wouldn’t see what was happening (apparently it’s their policy not to record what happens on the floor of the House when it’s not in session). To me, what happened in Congress today seemed like a slap in the face- bought and paid for several times over by the slappee, me- AND covered up to boot! On the other hand, I’ve never been prouder to be a constituent of John Shadegg!

At probably the headiest moment in her rise to Speakerdom, Mrs. Pelosi promised the American people (her employers) two things:
1) to work in a bipartisan way to move America forward, and
2) to lower gas prices for the American people.
This, by the way, was in 2006, when gas prices were roughly $2.32/gallon. Not only are gas prices higher now, but Ms. Pelosi literally turned tail and beat a hasty retreat rather than stand strong, pitch in, and show leadership to help the bipartisan majority relieve America’s high gas price problem. Some might call such behavior “cowardice in the face as the enemy.”

I tried to give Ms. Pelosi a call to share my feelings with her (politely and in good taste, as I’d recommend to everyone), but both her phone message boxes were full. Not surprising, I suppose. I emailed her instead. Interestingly enough, I sent one to her SF office and received a reply indicating that, “Congressional courtesy prevents me from replying to emails if I cannot determine that you are a constituent of mine.” I’m not, but I think America’s had it’s fill of “Congressional courtesy” today anyhow. I also called John Shadegg’s office to congratulate him for his valiant efforts today on behalf of the American people.

You can find Nancy Pelosi’s phone number and email forms on her website.

Pardon me if this comes out a little funny looking, or if I miss some of the finer points. It’s my first attempt at blogging. I’m hoping to gain experience at your expense as I go.

May God continue to bless America, kindly pardoning us for our poor behavior in Congress today…
WhipSawJim