From the the shores of Los Angeles, analysis of Politics and Culture from the Valley of the Shadow!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Intermittent Intermission, Conclusion
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We ended on some music, let us return with some:
First, welcome back to the Valley. Like any good Blog, the links always lead somewhere, such as this link. Go on, click it. Did you click it? Good. Keep reading.
Before we get back to Politics, Policy and Encyclicals, let me update you to where I have been.
As Secretary Rumsfeld mentioned, "There are known knowns. There are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we now know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we do not know we don’t know,"
Put that in a personal level that was the "known known" since my father's death. There were some "Known Unknowns," which led to these four posts (One, Two, Three and Four) earlier this year. I can thank future Oscar winner DL who helped me during this time. Also, all the Account Executives at my last job for making me feel like part of the family there.
I even did a post on two of them (Revolutionary Jimmy and Artist Glen). What helped me through this year was watching, "Southland Tales," There are personal answers in that film.
And the "unknown unknowns," sorry that's mine for now. If I am a phone call away (or an email), it might be mentioned, but suffice it to say, now I am starting to focus a little bit on the Valley. To figure out more about me, just read my Birthday posts.
Before I go, remember: Donate to Aaron Proctor's campaign in Pasasdena (Props to the Proc!), Former Rep. Richard Zimmer in New Jersey and Rep. Vern Buchanan in Florida.
Thank you for coming back to the Valley.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Intermittent Intermission, Part 1
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If you notice, the Valley has been silent for too many weeks. It will be silent for a few more.
However, I will not be available, I will be, once more, incommunicado. But if want to reach me, hit me up on my email: EDelacroix99@aol.com. Title it, Message from the Valley -- it will get to me.
I have some personal issues to take care of and hope you can wait just a little longer.
I will return in September, and the Valley will operate will all engines running at full blast.
While I am gone, please visit my friend's Blogs:
Aurora at the Midnight Sun
Chessnovice at Shades of Grey and Black
Donald Douglas at American Power
Jason at Washington Interns Gone Bad
Malcot at Armon Israel
The Pasadena Crew: Aaron Proctor and Pasadena Closet Conservative
Pamela at Atlas Shrugs
Until September, let me leave you with this:
Sunday, August 03, 2008
The Republican Encyclicals: Letter to Karv and Todd
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Dear Karv and Todd,
It's nice to learn that the House Democrats do not believe in Democracy -- it makes writing these posts easier. As long as Democrats believe the lights should go out in the House or in Iraq or anyplace else that Democracy needs to rise, we can count on Speaker Pelosi to shut out that light.
This is the introduction post to the Republican Encyclicals, begat from the California Encyclicals (which were addressed to Todd), and the goals are still the same: It is a long term plan that Conservatives and Republicans can use to win. The Encyclicals are not just ideals, but strategies and tactics. In all the books talking of winning, ideas matter.
However, get used to this equation:
Ideas (15%) + Ideals (15%) + Image (25%) + Methods (15%) + Organization (30%) = New Republican majority
Why did I choose you guys? You know my family, you know me. You can get these ideas to the Floor of the House if they are good. However, Karv and Todd, I will be unavailable in the next month [see the next two posts], but when I return in September, there will be more.
Either I will visit DC with the Encyclicals in October or I will move there within 6 months of October. I see the tide coming, but some of us are determined to stand and fight.
To help make sense of the upcoming Encyclicals, first I suggest reading the California Encyclicals:
Prologue
Burbank, 1 and 2
Los Angeles 1 and 2
California 1, 2 and 3
Coda
(**so far, no one in California has sat down and discussed them with me yet -- and, yet, The California Republicans are still losing! Coincidence?**)
Here are things I will reference to help the case:
1) Frank Herbert's Dune series (the main books -- the reason will be written later)
2) Marvel Comics Story lines (I grew up on these and can't we just say the Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid are acting like Days of Future Past Sentinels?
3) Doctor Who -- which Democrat is like Davros?
While I'm busy in August, make sure people donate to Rep. Zimmer (R-NJ) and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-13) for this year's election.
Keep fighting the good fight!
Joe'y'
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Why a President Obama will fail -- Look at Hollywood
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Senator Obama is going around telling the country he will fix the country after the past 8 years. Woo hoo. There might even be stronger Democratic majorities in Congress. Yet...if you want to see how Democrats are running things professionally in a major city, look at Hollywood and the Entertainment field.
A few months ago, the Writer's Guild [WGA] went on Strike. After the strike was over, New Line, Picturehouse and Warner Brothers Independent fell. During that time, most Above the Line and Executives went to the Senator Obama fundraiser -- 90% of Hollywood does equal lockstep.
When a Studio falls, it affects the three parts of the industry: Pre-production (funding and scripts), Production (what goes on on set) and Post production (Editing, marketing and selling the film). If a studio falls, none of those groups end up getting paid.
Now with the Screen Actors Guild [SAG] and the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists [AFTRA] on the verge on striking and shooting done contracted deal, will people in Los Angeles work in this town again? AFTRA negotiated with the Producers to tie the next strike to be in joint conjunction with the Directors [DGA] and the WGA, three years from now.
SAG is trying to shoot down the deal for ego's sake. Los Angeles has three industries, Government, Transportation and Entertainment. If there are two work stoppages in one year, will people be willing to fund movies filmed in Los Angeles?
When the Guilds [WGA, SAG, AFTRA and DGA] and the Producers [AMPTP] sit at a table, there are no President Bush voters there. No one around that table voted for a Republican, even once. In Los Angeles, the whole City Council is Democrat. The Mayor is a Democrat. The State Assembly is Democratic. The State Senate is Democratic. The Governor is a nominal Republican (He hasn't argued for a Conservative position since 2005 -- but I discuss this in the California Encyclicals). With the Actor Guilds arguing among themselves, and arguing with the Producers, Democrats all, how can Senator Obama and the National Democrats even argue they can fix any country?
In my time away from work, I've found that if a Strike (or a de facto Strike) or a lockout (if the AFTRA contract fails) occurs, there is rumors of three Studios not surviving the next strike. Some big ones are fine, Disney, Universal, MGM and Sony; Medium sized and smaller? A lot of people around town are worried.
With at least 90% of Entertainment people are Democrats and they can't get together to make Movies and TV shows, how the hell can they run Government?
Friday, July 04, 2008
July 4, 2008 -- Happy Birthday USA!
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Sorry for the radio silence. I've been working on some personal and professional issues these past few weeks. I'll be back to Blogging soon -- there is too much to talk about.
But every year, I read AJ Langguth's Patriots. This year is no different. Here is what he wrote:
"When members of the [Continental] Congress came to Jefferson's stirring conclusion, a majority thought it should include one last appeal to the power even greater then George III....They did not meddle with Jefferson's last oath, more solemn than anything they might devise:
"'And for support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortune and our sacred honor'"On July 4, 1776, independence was declared in language worthy of it.'"
-- Patriots, AJ Langguth, pg.362
Here is the Declaration of Independence.
Enjoy the fireworks wherever you are.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Where I've Been, Where I'm Going (Re-boot - ii)
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Everything is on pause for a minute.
My Uncle is back in the hospital, please say a prayer for him. He's a tough SOB and I looked up to him when I was growing up. I only want the best for him. He can ride me through the job hunt when he gets better, and I want him better.
Death seems to be everywhere, Tim Russert, my CA mentor (she will be mentioned in the next California Encyclical), and George Carlin. Enough with the death and dying.
I'm going to get back to the Valley, but first I'm going to the water, by the Santa Monica Pier today.
The other Encyclicals will be pushed back a week. I just need to clear my head. By the way, I ended up in the local edition of the Los Angeles Times, here is the article. And yes, as of Tuesday, SAG will kill any movie and TV business in Los Angeles in honor of the strike. And yes, the reporter spelt my last name wrong:
"Officials are also concerned that another media-related strike could cripple the region, just as Burbank and Glendale are beginning to recover from the three-month Writers Guild of America strike that cost the state $2.1 billion in lost wages and production.The Screen Actors Guild is currently negotiating with studios to hammer out a new contract before it expires on Monday.
“The county’s job picture is being destabilized by the June 30 expiration of the Screen Actors Guild contract,” said Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.
“While employment in motion picture and sound recording was up by 2,100 jobs from April to May, it was down over the year by 5,700 jobs. The major studios have been hesitant to start work on a film. Many in the industry are saying that a de facto strike is underway.”
The writers strike was still fresh on the mind for some job seekers at the Verdugo center on Tuesday. Joseph Fine, 37, of Burbank, was laid off two weeks ago from an advertising agency still suffering under the weight of the writers strike.
“It hurt us,” said Fine, who, in addition to setting up interviews at the job center, has also turned to the Internet to help raise money and look for employment.He is hoping to raise more than $7,000 through www.valley-of-the-shadow.blogspot.com , a blog he created to also write about his true passion, politics, which he hopes will catapult him into a political job.
But Fine’s success may depend on how much he is willing to veer from his desired political path, a conflict many job seekers are also experiencing, Sernas said.“Some have certain wage expectations that no longer exist, and some want their old job back,” she said. “People might have to compromise.”
This is me -- I compromised looking for work the last two times. Not this time.
Let's end with some laughs from the late George Carlin. While I am away, smile and pray:
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Welcome. Music. Davros.
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It's been a while since I introduced some New Bloggers (and re-introduced some favorites) to the Valley. There are a lot of California Bloggers here, so thanks to Jonathan Winquist, Music Director of the Valley and Guitarist for the Trophy Wive$, he recommended some Beach Boys.
Enjoy the tunes? Let's meet some Bloggers!
A) Professor Donald Douglas is a Southern California Blogger, who, like me, is a convert to Conservatism; Also, like me, is a believer in Wilsonianism. His Blog is called American Power. I knew Professor Douglas from his earlier Blog, and in his new Blog, was attacked by the Village Voice. Professor Douglas also plays the role of a William Buckley by going after the (few) racists in the Conservative Blogger camp. DD, I need to speak to you offline. Please email me.
B) Debbie Schlussel is a Detroit Blogger whose focus is on American racism (no matter what color or party), movies and Conservative Politics. She is also a Campaign Consultant and Columnist. She speaks on Fox News, writes for the Jerusalem Post and New York Post. She has worked in the realms of Politics and Policy. Whatever she Blogs about, you can take to the bank.
C) Michael John's Freedom and Prosperity Blog is another of the greats. He worked as a speechwriter for a President and also met President Nixon (as you can see on his Blog). He has his own radio show and is based in Arizona. Whereas, I would like to work for a future Republican White House Chief of Staff's office, Mr. Johns has already been within the world of the 66 acres. Read and stay updated.
D) The Adventures of Aaron Proctor is the first of two Pasadena Bloggers. In his Wikipedia entry, Mr. Proctor is a former Wrestler who ran for Mayor of Pasadena. He is young, so his Political future is still open. Also, he knows of Goth clubs in L.A., so I am not the only Conservative Republican Goth clubber. Mr. Proctor, check out the California Encyclicals in the Valley, they are valid on taking back the state.
E) Pasadena Closet Conservative is a myserious Pasadena Blogger. Read his Blog and figure out who he is.
And of course, let us not forget my friends Blogs (which DD is a part of):
1) Aurora of the Midnight Sun is an Australian version of Pamela Atlas. She is a teacher and a Galilean in thought and deed. For the US Conservatives, her Blog is leading the way against a Liberal Government; Something that can be cited as an example of what to do here. Read and learn.
2) Chessnovice has a smart and Erudite Blog. Again, read and enjoy.
3) Jason, friend, musician and filmmaker and resident of the Liberal snarkiness side of the Blogosphere, has a Blog called Washington Interns Gone Bad. The title is based on a movie he wrote and filmed. Jason challenges my views, and makes my arguments stronger. Occasionally, in our debates, he proves my points. A former upstate new Yorker (like Jonathan Winquist) who lives in Northern California by way of DC.
4) Malcot is an old friend from Washington, DC, living temporarily in Michigan. Her Blog is personal, spiritual and politcal. Read and enjoy.
And for all the British readers (and knowledgeable American ones): Meet Doctor Who's famous enemy, Davros. I will compare a living politician to him soon (as I did Harold Saxon to Senator Clinton), you can guess, but I suggest keep reading the Valley. By the way, start watching at 5:12:
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Where I've Been, Where I'm Going (Re-boot - i)
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Sorry I absconded there, but here is what will show up in the Valley in the next 72 hours:
A) Welcome. Music. Etc. post -- There are a few more linkers (some local, some not) and I need to highlight their Blogs.
B) The Last California Encyclical -- which will mention a former mentor who had her funeral this past week that the LA Times did not cover. This post will lead to the Prep of the Republican Encyclicals beginning after the 4th.
C) How Democrats are not planning a "new style of Politics" if they win this November. Instead, they allow their hate of the past 8 years to seep through.
And after these posts -- What my becoming radicalized means for the future of the Valley and Bi-partisanship.
Now, what happened to me?
After being in mourning for Brother Tim, I found out there was a funeral for a Republican activist this week. More on that later -- but add to the fact that I never finished mourning for my dad, and it became somewhat overwhelming.
After my Dad died, I have been in survival mode. Now that my family is in a good position, I can now focus on getting myself into a better job that relates to my interests. For the past two jobs, I've grabbed the first thing with detriment to my soul.
I am looking for a job in Los Angeles that deals in Politics or Policy (of course, with a Conservative or Republican bent) that pays over $40,000/year.
There are three clocks I am working against:
I) The Republican Encyclicals start after July 4th;
2) The Blog World Convention is on September 20; and
3) I am going to be in Washington DC the week of October 12 to promote the Republican and California Encyclicals.
And while I was away, the Valley was Google Bombed. What statement? The Wet Quintet. Why? I'd like to know.
If you can help with either the job hunt or the answer to the Google Bomb, email me. Thanks.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Godspeed Brother Tim and the Future of Meet the Press
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Whether I lived in the same city, or 3000 miles away in Washington, DC, one thing my dad and I always agreed on, Tim Russert was the best reporter on Sunday. I always nicknamed him, "Brother Tim," because of his monk like knowledge of the Political and Policy worlds.
On Friday, when the news came across the Nets that Mr. Russert died, I was very sad. Here was a man who moved up from his Blue Collar roots to work with the best the Democrats of the 70's have to offer: Governor Mario Cuomo and Senator Moynihan.
Eventually, Russert moved to Meet the Press where he became the longest serving Moderator. What made Russert a great reporter on Sunday mornings (and why the Nielson ratings for Washington, DC always put Meet the Press on top) was because, unlike modern reporters, he never became a supplicant to any politician. In 2002, Russert challenged Cheney on Iraq; In 2008, he challenged Senator Clinton on New York Drivers licenses.
He always made politicians of all stripes match their rhetoric. No one was immune. He was so successful at challenging Democrats, Arianna Huffington started a Russert Watch. Huffington did not understand that Russert was "Old School," and he did not care what letter was after a politicians name. And he never made it personal.
Godspeed, Brother Tim, Godspeed.
The Future of Meet the Press
Since I met the producer of Meet the Press at an Alumni function years ago back in DC, I want to mail this to her. I want NBC to know who should fll Russert's large shoes. (and what made them large? He was a humble guy who liked everybody). Now, who should follow?
One of the factors is that Meet the Press is an NBC made and produced show, it goes in-house. The next factor is someone who had experience in Politics and Policy, now whom?
1) Pete Williams - He has the background of Hill experience and a longtime reporter for NBC.
2) Jim Miklaszewski -- He is one of the most thorough reporters in the Pentagon. Though a press background, no one of any political stripe would deny his professionalism.
3) Lester Holt -- Again, news background but someone who is professional and every Political stripe can talk to.
4) Chuck Todd -- No one in DC goes anywhere without talking to Mr. Todd; Political and Policy experience and an NBC person.
5) Andrea Mitchell -- Understands Foreign and Domestic policy. Definitely worth a chance.
6) Joe Scarborough -- He is an anchor to MSNBC and was a former congressman from Florida. Actually provides a counterbalance to Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann. If either of these two latter people get the chair of Meet the Press, the value goes down. I vote NO.
Good luck staff of Meet the Press. Mourn wistfully, plan boldly, create imaginatively. America's future is in your hands.
Post 301 -- Upcoming Vistas in the Valley
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Lots of news, near and far. First, I'm in the process of looking for a new job, so posting might be more sporadic then usual. Second, Tim Russert died -- there will be a separate post later today about that.
If you have a Blogger Blog (or a Bloggy Blogger Blog), you can arrange posts by the amount you want, and I chose 300 -- thus, a new page begins. And here is what to look forward to in the months ahead:
A) Movie reviews: My friend Vita, directed a movie: Til Death Due Us Part. I will also review a movie by Jason as well. I suggest that everyone buy (or rent) the movies so when I review them, a lively discussion can be had (and those are the best posts). Hey, I still live Los Angeles, movies are a part of the fabric of life here.
B) Reviewing books, such as Andrew Sullivan's The Conservative Soul and whatever else looks interesting. The reason why Andrew Sullivan gets mentioned is because he will be mentioned in the....
C) The Republican Encyclicals -- These are begat from The California Encyclicals. The Encyclicals are a 10 year plan for the Conservatives and Republicans to return to majorities in House, Senate and Statehouses (the Presidency is an individual by individual basis -- why else would we have a Liberal Democrat during the 90's, then a Conservative during this decade?). These posts will be promoted from California to (hopefully) each end of DC. I will need help. The Encyclicals will be addressed to my two friends and mentors on Capitol Hill: Karv and Todd.
C1) For Karv and Todd, I will do a post directly for them as we lead into the Encyclicals. Suffice it to say, these posts tie into my book, Messages from the Valley. Also, hell or high water, I will be visiting DC for a week in October to pass the Encyclicals along.
D) Blogging my travels -- with my laptop, I will Blog about my trip to DC (and possibly the Blog World Convention).
E) Since this is the Valley, I will keep the eye on Liberal and Democratic Anti-semitism. To confirm my last post, Ms. Kolhatker went and did an Anti-Israeli rant for the fundraising hour. Nice to have my beliefs confirmed. And last I checked, KPFK supports Democrats and Liberals. Game, set, match.
F) Joint Election coverage with Jason as we get closer to November. What and how? We're still figuring it out. For now, visit Washington Interns Gone Bad for his perspective.
G) Advice for Senators McCain and Obama. Because it is always partisan to give advice to your own side, I will actually try to be Bi-partisan. I await to see if any democratic Blogger can offer the same thing.
H) More Welcomes and Music -- I will be introducing more Blogs into the mix, and the Music Director of the Valley will be my friend, Jonathan Winquist of The Trophy Wive$. And all Welcomes and Music come with some Youtube Video.
I) And as always, visit all my friend's Blogs when you're not at the Valley: Aurora, Chessnovice, Professor Douglas, Malcot, Norm, and Jason.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Sonali Kolhatkher is Anti-Jew and Anti-Veteran; Neither group in LA should support KPFK
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In the morning, I listen to KPFK (Pacifica) to balance out the Talk Radio diet of the day. I hear Stalinist rhetoric from Lila Garrett of Connect the Dots wishing all those Right of Dennis Kucinich be banned from Legislating or talking (including Blue Dog Democrats). She also supports the CAIR backed lobbying firm, J-Street, because AIPAC is so evil for defending Israel.
Then comes Ms. Kolhatker and Radio Uprising. Before I begin, let me say what this Conservative likes about Radio Uprising:
1) Nice Opening Theme Music
2) A good laugh from the Black Agenda Report. If the past is never past, then nothing will move towards the future. In the eyes of Glen Ford, Dictatorships are fine because they are not America.
3) I get to know where the protests are in LA so I can avoid them.
Now, the meat of the problem. During Israel's 60th Anniversary bash and including up to last week, all her shows were on the Palestinians and the Gazans. In her show, she always hints at how Evil the Israeli's are. Ms. Kolhatker was raised not to believe in Germany's Final Solution. If you listen to her shows during this time, Ms. Kolhatker advocates an end to "the Jewish State,"
Earlier last week, she did a post on the ICE Raid in Postville, Iowa. There is a contingent of Russian Jews living there and if you hear the show, she leads the interview by trying to place the blame, not on Bush and ICE, but on the Jews living in Postville.
Ms. Kolhatker doesn't want Jews living in Israel, and she doesn't want Jews living in America. Are you proposing a "Final Solution" from North Hollywood? The only Jews she has on are those unsupportive of the Jewish State or of Jews anywhere.
On her Monday show, Ms. Kolhatker has an editorial called "Empire Notes," that re-states time and again, like Orwell's sheep: Republicans bad, Jews bad, Leftist dictators good.
I'm not sure if she dictates KPFK Radio policy, but her and all the other shows on KPFK have an implicit policy: If you are not a "Winter Soldier," your service, and every who served with you are to be mocked and denigrated because you served the United States. I would like to remind Ms. Kolhatker that my late father was a Veteran from America, and without him, she would not be able to speak on the air. Communism, or Emirates, in all it's many forms, does not allow free speech.
In the end, from her Radio perch in North Hollywood, isn't she spreading Hate Speech? Ms. Kolhatker just recently had a son; Is she raising him to hate as well? Because in her show, she speaks of Hating Conservatives, Hating Republicans, Hating the Evil that is America, Hating Israel, and Hating Jews. She would fit right in with the KKK of the 1950's.
Did I mention that she, and everyone else at KPFK is a Senator Obama supporter. So much for the myth that the Right hates Israel.
Even though I disagree with Jason on most Policy Issues, I know he loves America. Even if he doesn't like it's leaders, he still made the effort to get to know people who disagreed with him. From what I know of him, he seems to be teaching his daughter the good things about the United States, even if it starts with a guy named Howard Stern. In the world of KPFK, they have no need to reach across party lines because anyone who is not them, is evil. Is that helping your fund drive?
In her biography, it is mentioned she is from the United Arab Emirates. Did you know there are no Synagogues or Churches in the UAE and Anti-semitism is rising there? Very enlightened country to be from, Ms. Kolhatker. How many Mosques in Los Angeles compared to Synagogues in your home country? That, Ms. Kolhatker, is a free and open society.
Like all good revolutionaries, I have a plan how to stop this Hate Speech from spreading.
A) Contact every Synagogue in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara (where the signal goes) and relay the words of this post.
B) Contact Veterans Group's and relay Ms. Kolhatker's words about their service.
C) Members of both groups tell their friends and family not to support KPFK during their fund drive. Call KPFK at 818-985-5735 and tell them why. All the way until June 20, 2009.
D) Ms. Kolhatker is still waiting to be a citizen according to her biography. Imagine if someone from either of these groups contacted the State Department and let them know Ms. Kolhatker has a perch to spread hate Speech against the country she is choosing. What will be the ramifications?
This is what happens when no Democrat sees anything wrong with Democratic Hate Speech. I become Radicalized.
Welcome to the Revolution.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
They Are Blind, Even Though They See
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Did you hear the news today about Tony Rezko? Senator Obama's financial sponsor in Chicago was found guilty of 16 charges. Unlike say, Abramoff (whom I met) or Lay whose ties to President Bush were almost ancillary, yet were blasted across all major news outlets 48 hours straight -- the news media is quiet on this. Why?
In the Passover ceremony, there are the four sons (Good, Wicked, Simple and one who does not understand) and it is the duty of the assembled to explain the story. So, for all those reading, this is Joseph's story, the story of a people being naively led into bondage.
First, the wise son: The Media Research Center did a study showing 90% of the press voted for President Clinton in 1992. The argument I have, if all these reporters support the Democratic candidate (blindly) in 1992 and again in 2008 (and 2004, and 2000). How would they report on any criminal wrongdoing? Answer, they won't.
I've been involved in a Political machine. You think that Chicago's machine gets it's support with Ice Cream and Milk? Because reporters won't investigate, because they are enthralled with the candidate, they become Hagiographers, not reporters. On that, my theory is, all reporters want to be the next Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. of the next Democratic administration. Schlesinger was smarter then most reporters, but he was a political hack.
The Wicked: Tim Rutten and Anderson Cooper represent two different parts of the media. Where they become a Hydra is how they use their pulpits to defend Senator Obama. Anderson Cooper has yet to defend any Conservative shibboleth against any Liberal attacks. And Rutten, he is advertising himself to be a Hagiogropher.
The Simple: GQ shut down an article that was negative about the Clintons last year. This year, Esquire sends in a hagiogropher to report on Senator Obama. Simple question: How can reporters investigate a subject they fall in love with? They can't.
For the ones who can't understand:
Just because Vanity Fair put out a negative article this year on President Clinton does not mean when a Democrat is in power they will write negative articles.
When a journalist (meaning, someone who covers both sides of an argument -- it is the partisans job to convince the public, not the press) can write that same article when the Democrat is in power, then they can say they are "speaking Truth to Power," These folks are not Journalists, they are supplicants.
As someone who was a volunteer in the Bush-Quayle 1992 campaign, and as the Hillary 2008 campaign learned now, the press chooses it's champions and they are never Conservative.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Ickes, Recount and the Clinton Machine
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Recently, I saw the movie "Recount," Also, tonight, Senator Obama became the presumptive nominee. And at the tail end of Democratic Rules Committee, Harold Ickes attacked:
How do they all tie together? All these actions are responses to the motions of the Clinton Machine.
Ready for a ride on the Wayback machine? Here we go.....
Fall 1998 and Winter 1999: The Clinton Impeachment. Most of my friends on Capitol Hill (on the R side) were discussing during this time, the incoming Gore Administration and which Democratic members of Congress wrere going to ask the Clintons to leave.
During the 90's, the Democrats loved the Clintons because they did not play by the rules (FBI files anyone?); To be shocked in 2008 about the same Clintons, is stupidity. So, the press does not like the Clinton's now. Boo-freaking-hoo. The press were willing supplicants of a Democratic President in the 90's (accused of perjury), this is leading to an upcoming post. Just remember this thought.
When the World needed the Democrats to enact their "Goldwater to Nixon" moment, none stood up. Because there was no Gore installation, you had a V.P. fight a Governor when the trend in the past thirty years (1968 - 2000), only one Governor lost -- that was Dukakis (D-MA). If Gore was a sitting President, there would have been no recount because he could have shored up his support.
The Republican Congress had already sold out their 1996 candidate, if Gore rose, 2000 might not have been contested. However, since the Democrats did not stand up to the Clintons.....
In 2008, Senator Hillary Clinton stayed in the Presidential primary as long as possible. All this talk of how she didn't follow the rules -- as I said before, that is why the Democrats loved the Clintons in the 90's. As Ickes said, the fight goes on. She has only suspended her campaign, not ended it.
If Democrats learned to hate the GOP less (we did warn you guys in the 90's), and clean up their House more, they might have had an easier time this election cycle. What does it matter if a Democrat stands up to the Clintons now? They are not in power.
Truth to power only begins when someone is still in power.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
If Democrats can't run their own Election, why should they run a Country?
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Today, the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee is meeting publicly to discuss what to do with the Invisible Primaries of Michigan (where Malcot lives) and Florida.
Democrats have been having problems this year:
1) Proportional Representation -- It allowed Candidates to linger while able to extract more delegates.
2) Superdelegates -- To override the votes of Delegates; Yes Democrats, Super Delegates votes count more then regular voters
3) The Invisible Primaries -- The GOP had the same problem. Earlier this year, a decision was made, cut the two states delegates in half and allow "Winner take all," Problem solved, the GOP moved on.
Senator Clinton is trying to gain back the two states to increase her chances of winning the Democratic Party nomination; Senator Obama is working on his "unity" theme (strange how it is fine to insult Republicans though, so much for unity or Bi-partisanship).
If Democrats can't run their own Primary without highlighting an obscure committee during an election, how can they run Health care?
Senator Dole understands
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In all this talk of a former Press Secretary echoing Democratic party talking points, Senator Dole, a veteran (which seemed important to Democrats in 2004, but not 1996 or 2008), stated simply:
There are miserable creatures like you in every administration who don’t have the guts to speak up or quit if there are disagreements with the boss or colleagues. No, your type soaks up the benefits of power, revels in the limelight for years, then quits and, spurred on by greed, cashes in with a scathing critique.
In my nearly 36 years of public service I've known of a few like you. No doubt you will 'clean up' as the liberal anti-Bush press will promote your belated concerns with wild enthusiasm. When the money starts rolling in you should donate it to a worthy cause, something like, 'Biting The Hand That Fed Me.' Another thought is to weasel your way back into the White House if a Democrat is elected. That would provide a good set up for a second book deal in a few years because if all these awful things were happening, and perhaps some may have been, you should have spoken up publicly like a man, or quit your cushy, high-profile job.
That would have taken integrity and courage but then you would have had credibility and your complaints could have been aired objectively," Dole concludes. "You’re a hot ticket now, but don’t you, deep down, feel like a total ingrate?"
Unlike Democrats, Republicans always seem to get published when they "Fight the Power," of their own party.
Help me prove my point, name me Five (5) books written by Democrats during a Democratic administration that savages that same Democratic administration. I can only think of one. If there is less then five (5), Democrats can stop saying "Republicans and Conservatives walk in lockstep,"
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Being Proven Right on Bi-Partisanship
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Here is the original post on Bi-partisanship.
Let's start with the many times Democrats have not negotiated with President Bush. There was no Bi-partisanship by the Democrats in eight years.
Senator McCain (R-AZ) offered to go with Senator Obama (D-IL) to Iraq. Two Presidential Candidates working together to find a solution on the Iraq issue.
And Senator Obama decided to rebuff Senator McCain.
Proving that once again, Democrats would rather be with a President Ahmadinijad then a President Bush.
Jargon from the Valley
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If you've been reading the Valley for a while, or even if you're new, here is some terms I use here and what they mean. The inspiration came from the "Jargon from the Rush Limbaugh Show," Wiki.
Ready to see some future Webster terms?
Bi-Partisanship: When Government works when there is difference in parties between the branches. Even during Impeachments (of Nixon and Clinton), the business of Government still got done. Under Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid, nothing got done.
Conversion: The way to win over Political voters and Policy debates. Not castigation, as performed by Modern Democrats and anyone who is not in lockstep (See Senator [and former V.P. candidate] Joseph Liberman)
Democratic Anti-Semitism: The press can find Republican Anti-semitism; However as someone who has been high up in the Conservative and Republican staffers, support of Israel is knee-jerk. Democrats and Liberals offer excuses for Palestinian instigations. See Huffington Post, Daily Kos, Heathlander and Pacifica radio
Democrats Do Not Believe in Democracy: See Wilsonianism
Encyclicals: Posts giving ideas for Republicans and Conservatives to win a majority.
Harold Saxon: Doctor Who enemy who became Prime Minister of United Kingdom. The American equivalent is Senator Hillary Clinton.
Institutionalism: Respect for individuals within offices even if you do not support their policy goals. I dislike Speaker Pelosi, Senator Reid and President Clinton, but I will respect them because of the offices they hold. Other people voted for them; Why disrespect other Americans? (See Bipartisanship). Institutionalism is the opposite belief of Code Pink and Modern Democrats and Liberals.
Liberal Hate Speech: Liberals who wish people who do not believe in their worldview dead or imprisoned. They are represented by Nazguls. If Republicans said half the Liberal hate Speech, they would be despised. However, Liberals and Democrats are allowed to wish people dead.
Nazguls: In the Lord of the Rings, their are Nine. In the world of Liberal Hate Speech, three have been discovered: Thom Hartmann, Keith Olbermann and Robert Scheer. In the Real World of Liberal hate Speech, there are more then Nine.
Nixonian Foreign Policy: Kissingerian belief of Realpolitick. To maintain peace between nations, deals with dictators can be made. The Democrats current foreign policy position.
Peace: What everyone in the world wants. How to get there? Using Code Pink's methods creates anarchy, bringing Wilsonianism (see below) to the world is the best way.
Southland Tales: Movie by Richard Kelly. Surreal, interesting and ties into a lot of subjects here in the Valley.
Wilsonianism: Belief that Democracy is better then Dictatorships. When I was a Democrat in 1990, the democrats believed in Wilsonianism for the Middle East. In 2003, Democrats opposed President Bush for supporting this theory. Current Democrats do not support the "Concert of Democracies"
Do you know of any other terms from the Valley?
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day 2008
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Even during Presidential Election years, Memorial Day occurs.
Here is last year's post.
If you are in the DC Beltway region, check out these events.
Remember the Soldiers and the Veterans today. And every day.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Where there is smoke, there is fire
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That didn't take long, did it?
How did Senator Clinton get away with saying this? Now, even as partisan as I am, I wish well for all the candidates (and Presidents); It seems that Senator Clinton is exposing a side of the Democrats we denizens of the Valley have known all along.
If you didn't like the Clintons in the 90's, there was always a list circulating of people they "killed," Here is a copy of that list. During the 90's, when we had Republicans and Conservatives call the Clintons, "Sociopaths," they were scutted to the side. In Democratic parlance, you call a Republican President a "sociopath," you get to keep a show on Air America.
How did the Clintons get this far? Heck, we've only been mentioning Liberal Hate Speech in the Valley for a while. But, here is the rhetoric used on Republicans and Conservatives. Not that far from Senator Clinton's view of other Democrats.
Here's a hint: If you don't like this rhetoric, don't use it on other Americans. We disagree, fine -- that doesn't make us criminals or or any other Ad Hominims. Democrats, the Clintons are your problem; the Republican Congress even tried to help you in the 90's, but as we know, Democrats hate Republicans more than Dictators.
The Actor on the White House Soundstage
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In the last post, I debated with Jason about why Democrats who believe in spreading Democracy in the Middle East in 1990, turned around in 2002 and decided to support the status quo of Dictators.
Here is something that kept me awake:
"I could think of at least 20 Republicans who as President might have been able to get bipartisan support on this."
None of those 20 republicans were President in 2002, only President George W. Bush. In the 1990's, there were no other Democrats who were President other then Clinton. I also remember that in the 1990's, America reneged on it's promises to internal Democratic movements in Iraq. Then to say that no "organic movement" of Democracy could occur in a Dictatorship is a red Herring.
When, since 1979, has Middle Eastern Democracy grown "organically" under a Dictatorship?
Also, to make foreign policy work requires a sliver of Bi-partisanship. Let's rewind and see how good the Democrats are on that:
2001 - Democrats believe President Bush is an illegitimate President; Why negotiate? After 9/11, for three weeks, Democrats act Bi-partisan.
2002 - The Senate switches hands and an election is coming -- why negotiate?
2003 -- The Presidential Election is coming, Democrats want a replay of 1992 -- why negotiate?
2004 -- Same as above -- why negotiate?
2005 -- Problems with Ohio. Democrats hold the same views as 2001 -- why negotiate?
2006 -- Hurricane Katrina and Congressional Elections -- why negotiate?
2007 -- Democrats take Congress -- Why negotiate?
2008 -- President Bush is a lame duck -- Why negotiate?
And my question is, after 8 years of Democrats not proving to be Bi-partisan (except for three weeks in 2001), why should any Republican support any Democrat policy from any Democratic President? After all, most Democrats wanted an actor who starred in a TV show about a White House to be President, because they didn't like the one in the (real) White House.
Maybe, if a Democratic President is elected, we should just say, "I would work the Democratic President, but he isn't perfect enough, so why should Conservatives and Republicans support their views?"
Even during the Impeachments of Nixon and Clinton, both branches still appointed people and Government work still continued. Not under these current Democrats.
What proof over the past seven years have the Democrats proven to be Bi-partisan? And why should any Conservative or Republican support any Democratic President given this precedent?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Liberal Internationalism and the Wayback Machine
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Before we go on our journey on the Wayback machine, please donate to these organizations that are helping Burma today:
Doctors without Frontiers and the International Red Cross.
First read Professor Douglas' two posts on Liberal Internationalism and Burma.
Burma, a military dictatorship since 1962, suffered death and destruction from Cyclone Nargis. After the Cyclone, there were a lot of words by Liberals about how bad this Dictatorship is and how something must be done (as in Darfur).
Wonderful -- Wilsonianism lives within the hearts of Democrats! Or does it?
Let's hop on our wayback machine to 2004, did Democrats believe in spreading Democracy in the Middle East? According to Senator Kerry, the answer was No.
What happens to Democrats and Wilsonianism under a Democratic President? To answer this question, we take our Wayback machine to 1998. Democrats, under a Democratic President, support the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998.
And now, our wayback machine takes us back to 1990. The New York Times seemed to agree that the US Military should be used for Wilsonian purposes. Also, that same year, I was a Liberal Democrat. I took part in protesting Gulf War I.
Why? Because America had a job to spread democracy around the world. When the Democrats protested in 2003 about the War in Iraq, my head spun. Isn't ridding the world of dictators a good thing? As we ride our wayback machine to 2008, it seems that Democrats are more comfortable dealing with dictators then "Liberating" people under the boot.
Here is the crux, to negotiate with a dictatorship in power means the Dictatorship decides if it will free it's people. Moses asked "Let my People go," 10 times. Until the Hand of G-d smites Pharaoh's own first born, the Jews were slaves in Egypt. And Moses did not act alone, he had outside help. For now it seems, the Democrats are very comfortable letting Dictators remain Caesers to their people. Let the Dictator decide who should be free. When has any ruler given up power unconditionally?
If the US is to remain the beacon of Democracy, spread the franchise.
For me to become a believer in Democrats spreading democracy, if asked by a future Democratic Administration support Liberal Internationalism (what the protests against President George HW Bush were about); I will Google the name of the person asking and then put "Iraq Democracy," If no positive words show, then no, I will not help.
My question is: If spreading democracy is such a bad idea in 2003, why no protests during the bombing of Kosovo in 1995? Or the bombing of Iraq in 1999? If spreading Democracy is a good idea, why does it matter what the party of the President taking the idea forward is?
Thank you for riding the Wayback machine.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Is POTUS reading the Valley?
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Follow the words:
The actual transcript.
These words were said by the President today:
"Some seem to believe that we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: "Lord, if I could only have talked to Hitler, all this might have been avoided." We have an obligation to call this what it is -- the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history."
And these words were written by me in the first Bi-Partisan post:
"In the past seven years, the only countermanding theory the Democrats proposed is the "Neville Chamberlain option,"As a Jew, I realized Hitler gave peace from 1936 to 1940 with England. But there was no Peace if you were a Jew in Germany, Poland or Czechoslovakia. As evidenced by President Carter's trip to Hamas, Democrats would support terrorists and terrorist states if they hated President Bush. "
The Bi-partisan posts were inspired by Thom Hartmann's rants and the action of the Liberals at the LA Times Book festival. For every Liberal and Democrat to be angry about the words defeats the purpose: What is the Countermanding theory to "Democracy beats terrorism?"
If you are in the White House and reading this, thank you from the Valley.
Happy 60th Birthday Israel!
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Created by a United Nations where a majority of members who believed Democracy brings freedom; Supported by a President unloved in his own party and around the United States (and looked down upon by members of the Press and Academia)-- Israel was born.
Given the trouble in the region, isn't it nice to have an ally who supports us, as we support them? A Jewish beacon in a world filled with rising Anti-semitism.
If you want to talk about the Palestinians in Israel, first tell me of all the Jews in the surrounding countries. Hint: There isn't.
So, Israel, a Democracy in an undemocratic area; an American ally when some Americans do not act like allies -- may you have 60,000 more celebrations!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Bi-Partisanship, the One Ring and the Uruk-hai -- Conclusion
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Before you go further, first read Part One and Part Two. Jason then offered his take on Bi-partisanship. Since this is Sunday, a day of Redemption for most in America, let me show the way for the Three Nazguls of hate Speech: Hartmann, Olbermann, and Scheer.
I do believe in Bi-partisanship; It makes Governments run Locally and Nationally. During the Political season, to the 60% unaffiliated, when both Parties choose a candidate, I offer four things:
For the R candidate: Pros and Cons regarding said candidate; For the D candidate: Pros and Cons regarding said candidate.
Even if you are strongly for your candidate (whatever party), there are reasons people are voting for the other candidate. Unlike the Three Nazguls of Hate Speech, I believe if you care about a candidate, there must be some good in that person. How hard is it to find some good in other Americans?
Since I was a former Liberal Democrat, I know why the other Partisans vote for the other person. Man, wouldn't it be great if the Three Nazguls looked at other Americans who did not vote for their candidate as patriotic rather than stupid. It would go a long way to healing wounds.
On the Policy side, the way of the world is: Help me with my cause, I will help you with yours.
For seven years, Conservatives and Republicans have asked for help from the Left. All we got back were Ad Hominems (used by Hartmann, showing his intellectual vapidity here) and threats of prison and censorship for Republicans and Republican elected officials. As I discussed earlier, a concession by the Left on Iraq ("Democracy trumps Terrorism"), might have opened the door for my open-mindedness on the Conservative side on Global warming. Instead, Ad Hominems.
I did not come to my threats from the last part easily. But the rhetoric, the actions at the LA Book festival, Code Pink, and the actions of a 8 year old kid threatening a president is....radicalizing me.
As a Dem, I believed in Volitaire's words: I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. As a Conservative Republican, I believe in the same thing. When Randi Rhodes was forced off Air America, Sean Hannity defended her right to go back on the air. When Rush Limbaugh was in legal trouble, did Hartmann offer any sympathy or support? No.
In the Valley, in real life, I can be Bi-partisan -- but in the past 7 years, no Democrat has proven that they can be Bi-partisan. I have never said, "I do not love my country as much because of it's leaders," I despised Clinton, but I still respected him when I met him. Why? People voted for him. We have one President at a Time. Simple civility that the Three Nazguls do not push.
Actually, there was one. He was then thrown out of the Democrats for playing the role of Senator Vandenburg.
So, what can the Democrats do, to make up for 7 years of partisanship?
1) The first Democrat (or Nazgul) to say something nice about the Policies of the Current President deserves kudos (and who knows? Votes). The first Nazgul deserves praise. is it that hard to say civil things about a current American president?
2) If Democrats have Policy differences, fine -- but stop trying to criminalize Republicans or their partisans. How does that engender good will? Please explain.
3) You want help on your issues, that requires some give on Conservative and Republican issues. If you can't support domestically, choose foreign policy.
4) Stop trying to censor views contrary to your own (especially Hartmann). Free speech is free speech. There is no "And but..." Speak freely in an opposite views crowd, or the partisanship will grow. And Hartmann has a way of SHOUTING DOWN those he disagrees with -- truly a Nazgul.
5) Be nice to folks who don't agree with your candidate -- it then becomes the other person's job to be nice to you. Not that hard, innit?
Why is Bi-partisanship an issue now? In my book, Messages from the Valley, I am coming to a point of saying one of two things -- I just want everyone's opinion.
Either I can say:
A) Conservatives and Republicans shouldn't hold grudges over the past (look at how we acted in the Election of 1960). However, we should always fight the next candidate in Politics and Policy and use the tactics in the book.
or,
B) Given the actions of the Democrats and their partisans during the Bush presidency, every partisan, candidate and associate must be attacked by both Policy and political means. No quarter, like the Democrats did during the Bush presidency.
A or B? And Why?
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Gametime: NC and IN
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Welcome back to PNN (Political News Network)!
First, here are the numbers from Indiana and North Carolina. Next, here is Jason's take.
So, what happened?
Simply this: Senator Clinton would never have enough delegates to beat Senator Obama by hook. Even if she says that she is shutting down her campaign does not mean that she cannot take the fight to the floor of the convention in Denver.
Senator Clinton was not known for her positive ratings. In the beginning, Republicans hated her. As the campaign wore on past Super Tuesday, Senator Obama supporters aligned with the Republicans to understand why they hated the Clintons back in the '90's.
She never had enough early wins to propel her over the top. Senator Obama defined the Primary campaign. He defined it by announcing first, and allowing his issues to come forth. "Guilt by Association," a tactic Democrats frequently use on Republicans, was used on Senator Obama. He survived his association with Reverend Wright and Bill Ayers for the Primary.
In the General, those same factors might play out differently. It all depends on two factors:
A) Does Hillary drop out and allow Senator Obama to raise funds and support for the general? Or will he keep fighting her in Denver?
B) How well those associations play among the General public?
Now, the Clintons are defining the rules of how the Democrats will fight in the General. Can't say the republicans didn't warn you during the 90's or give you cover back then to stop this extended Primary from occurring. All it required to stop Hillary was a Goldwater to Nixon moment in Winter 1999. Now the Democrats are paying the price.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Bi-Partisanship, the One Ring, the Uruk-hai -- Book 2
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Read this first.
Interestingly enough, Thom Hartmann discussed on Monday two things: How the Democrats can bring this country together, and David Horowitz. I laughed for a while at the first one. With David Horowitz, Hartmann followed the path laid forward by the crowd at the Los Angeles Book Festival-- any contradictory information to his World view, he chose to SHOUT DOWN. Continuously.
When I said in Part One is how Republicans and Democrats want to help America. Like Tolkien's Fellowship, both believe they are keeping Mordor at bay. While Conservatives and Republicans believe that to fight Mordor to the edge by spreading the idea of Democracy will change the battlefield in the Middle East and Central Asia, Democrats believe that stopping Global warming is a way of sending the One Ring towards Mount Doom.
And who are the Uruk-hai? All of us partisans, whether Talk radio Hosts, Consultants, candidates or Bloggers.
Hartmann's mistake is he is a policy guy who tries politics. By not allowing in differing views, he shows Blindness. Keith Olbermann is a man who would do well under a Totalitarian State. Why? He would be in charge of the Secret Police asking for papers. Robert Scheer is the old intellectual who believes that anyone who is not him is wrong.
Now with those people guiding the force that are Democrats, how the hell can they bring bi-partisanship?
First they call President Bush stupid and attack him for going into Iraq; Then, when explanations come forth on how Wilsonianism trumps Terrorism, the Democrats choose to ignore it. And how is the Left showing it's support to America's allies? Sonali Kolhatkar of Radio Uprising called for the elimination of Israel today.
The Left does not support America's allies; They don't support American Presidents who are not Democrats. Lets start from 2007, what actions have the Democrats done to create Bi-partisanship? [Ladies and Gentlemen, Bi-partisanship is simple, whichever party holds the Executive Branch, the opposite party must make deals. That is why Speaker Gingrich failed and why Speaker Pelosi is failing today]
Seven years of rhetoric on how all Conservatives and Republicans are criminals; Seven years of Rhetoric on how all Conservatives and Republicans must be silenced. Within two years, Charles Manson created a series of murderers and future assassins of President Ford -- what will the rhetoric of Hartmann, Olbermann, and Scheer begat?
It starts with a 10 year old kid threatening assassination of our current president. Not one of these three men find anything wrong with that scenario. I am disgusted if people want to hurt Senator Clinton or Obama (or McCain). Why aren't they?
Conservatives and Republicans think that spreading Democracy (originally a Democratic party ideal) is a way of spreading Peace. Democrats and Liberals support stopping Global Warming as a way of helping Life on Earth. What would it have gained Frodo and sam if they said that Aragorn's "so-called" War on Mordor is imaginary, just get the One Ring to Mount Doom?
On the Conservative side, we have two Bloggers trying to stop the "Scouring of the Shire" in America and Europe. They are Aurora and Pamela Atlas.
If something happens to President Bush, I will spread Hartmann's, Olbermann's and Scheer's home address' and phone numbers on here. A simple Sword of Damocles that should not be sheathed. But, I also believe in Redemption too. That will be in the concluding post.
The question for this post is: What have you done for Bi-partisanship?