Follow the Leader

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What you see above is the American Government as it was from 1776 - 1789 under the Articles of Confederation. The American Government under the Confederation had a stronger Legislative Branch and Local Power than Executive power. That system begat Shay's Rebellion and gave America, the Constitution.

The test of how mature a Political party is, can it give power to another branch, knowing that their party does not own it? Nixon signed onto the War Powers Act of 1973; Newt's Congress gave President Clinton, the Line Item Veto Act of 1996 (eventually overturned by the Supreme Court)

Today's Democrats squeal every time President Bush signs an Executive Order or writes a Signing Statement; Rather then challenge each individual power in court, the Democrats let that power slide because, should their own people get into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the next Democratic President will use the same powers President Bush has. Within the presidential Branch, there is the the power of the precedent. What one president does, another will follow. If you know your history, Nixon did nothing different then Kennedy or Johnson. Bush's precedents lie within the Clinton administration.

I've been in both parties,, I've been up and down the scale in politics and policy; What I do understand, we dropped the Articles of Confederation because of the lack of concentrated power in an Executive -- a weak President domestically has no influence in foreign affairs and vice versa. Karma has a way of coming round when you least want it, do the modern Democrats wish to cut powers from the Executive Branch? Any powers lost under a Republican will be lost under a Democrat as well.

President Clinton has the right of Executive Privilege regarding his staff, as does president Bush. You deny one, you deny both. My question is simply: would you take powers from the Executive Branch of a President you dislike, knowing that a President you support will not have those powers either?

Peace, according to Anti-war Democrats, to the World

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Everyone in the world wants Peace. From the Pope in Vatican City, to the lowliest peasant in Zimbabwe, who doesn't want it? The world hears from the Anti-war crowd on how important Peace is. What type of Peace are the Anti-war Democrats and Liberals offering?

1) The first rule of the Anti-war crowd is "As long as a Nation-State does not invade another Nation-state, America should not get involved," Using this rule, that means, Saddam Hussein can gas the Kurds, Hitler can massacre the Jews in Germany, because after all, America should not use her troops to invade another Nation State.

2) The next rule is, "End American Military Recruitment" As the only Nation State with 6 million citizens, would these groups allow New York City to be protected? How about San Francisco? The years when Kaiser Wilhelm compared the British military to a police battalion are long gone. The Police Departments around the country do great work, should we post them overseas too?

3) "Americans should not engage in other's Civil Wars," That lesson was taken from the Vietnam war (even though it was a war for Colonial powers that went awry). Let that rule stand, and understand that there is no reason to go to Darfur .

3a) "America should not expand it's 'Empire' under any circumstances" Let's bring the troops home from South Korea, Germany and Japan. Who cares that we protected the world from Communism during the Cold War? Kim Jong-Il and Vladimir Putin are not expanding threats according to the Left.

3b) "Dictatorships are fine as long as they don't invade anyone else," Accordingly, Robert Mugabe is fine under this rule, as well as Putin. Why should the Anti-war crowd care about people living under dictators? Wasn't the whole Iraq war about ridding the Middle East of a dictator and bringing democracy? Even if it was not, if you can speak freely in a society, why shouldn't someone else halfway across the world? But if you're a Leftist, not speaking truth to power in Venezuela and Cuba is fine.

A Peaceful world using the Anti-war groups rules means poeple still die by unnatural causes because of the power of the State. As long as the State doesn't invade anyone else, a dictator can rule with impunity. And if the Dictator hates Republicans and Israel (Read: Hugo Chavez), why should the Anti-war Leftists do anything to bring peace to the world?

Robert Mugabe and Hamas have nothing to fear from a Democratic administration should one be elected in 2009.

A Teacher, A Preacher, and a Comedian

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Live Earth came and went. Did you see it? However, to get a little perspective on Global warming and mankind's relation to the Earth -- Here is a teacher named Dr. Carl Sagan. This is from Cosmos, his show from PBS that was shown in 1981:




The next post is from a Graduate Divinity student who became Vice President for eight years. With all the Governmental power under him, what did Vice President Gore do to stop Global Warming? This is from An Inconvenient Truth:




This last piece is from George Carlin. The language is harsh, but why are Carlin and Sagan closer then Gore and Sagan?




As the Joker said in Batman, "Who do you trust?" The teacher (Sagan), the Preacher (Gore) or the comedian (Carlin)?

Having Faith abut Faith (continues ad infinitium...)

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One of the biggest debates riding the Blogosphere is about God. Does He exist? Is evolution an act of His or is it by dint of science alone that Humans are created?

My own personal tale began when I was brought to Israel in 1983 for my Bar Mitzvah. Going to Jerusalem during December, I was Bar Mitzvahed at the Western Wall, walked the Via Delarosa, and was at the Dome of the Rock. So I have seen all three major Religions act on their best behavior. I have visited Churches and gone to many Jewish Temples. In a way, I am a secular Jew, but I have Faith that God exists. Why?

Throughout my lifetime, Rabbi's have spoken, "We are attacked in every generation," Not by reason of what the Jews have accomplished, not by reason of how well we adapt to any other country, but by reason of our very existence.

The last major person to try to wipe us out? A vegetarian, German, National Socialist, Athiest. A lack of Faith in a higher being aloud Hitler to believe he was the highest being of all. Lack of faith did not hinder Stalin from murdering millions either, or Pol Pot, the list goes on.

How can we, as finite beings, measure anything against the infinite? Growing up in New York City, I learned evolution at school and followed up with a trip to Museum of Natural History. I also went to Hebrew School and learned that the first words of Genesis were not written until King David's time. Between storytelling and evolutionary history, both stories are similar. After all, how do you measure the seven days when there is no reckoning of time?

And how does humanity get it's start? Do you believe we are random beings thrown up into the world like Pizza on a ceiling? What caused the evolutionary spark that brought us from one-celled organism to carbon based life form? As you can see, I do not deny the existence of science. It is just the beginning I see us betting against the infinite.

If there is an acid test for God, it is in the personal life. Beliefs are shaped not by Scientific method, but by our lives and what happens during that time. Even if I am wrong, Faith has gotten me through some hard times. If you do not believe that is fine, but don't laugh at individual faith, who knows how close they have been to the infinite?

Thank You Ann Althouse!

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Thanks to the link at Althouse, the Valley was visited yesterday by 880 people. Best numbers on the Valley so far. As always, thank you Aurora, Jason and Chess Novice! And thank you Ann!

Owning Pennsylvania Avenue: Real Estate in Cyberspace

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Remember the game, Monopoly (the original version, not the new adapted ones)? If you write a Blog, you own property in Cyberspace. If ads are houses, then corporate sponsorship are hotels. Commenter's are those pieces that run around the board and visitors to your site help with the rent. Where is this leading?

Every Blogger imagines their space online as Real estate (i.e. Monopoly spaces); When I go to Aurora's site, I imagine an Australian pub with American and Israeli flags near the jukebox; With Jason's, I picture a loud Hollywood club with music blasting and his movie playing; In Chess Novice's Blog, it feels like a library at Tea Time. But I want to discuss the Blog that birthed the Valley: The Blog of Ann Althouse. And what do I picture the Althouse Blog to be? A living Dali painting with a fruit garden.

I used to comment on her Blog before I started this one. She is a a Democrat who is shifting rightward. I took the same journey back in 1992. Her Blog is commentators heaven. She posts, and the comments go flying. However, since she chose Bush over Kerry in 2004, the Left Wing Blogosphere has charged her with heresy and never forgiven Professor Althouse's vote.

Here is some dramatis personae who comment:

AlphaLiberal: Does not want Althouse to write on politics
Dave(TM): Posts only to insult Althouse; Liberal hate Speech at it's finest.
Downtownlad: A gay Blogger who thinks Christians are not to be trusted compared to Islamists.
Doyle: Hates Althouse for her opinions and tries to shut down debates; Luckeyoldson does that too.
Freder Frederson: Doesn't have a kind word to say about Althouse.
Hdhouse: Until I mentioned, I treated President Clinton with respect to his position (even though I despised him), he refused to even acknowledge President Bush's name.
Luckeyoldson: Claims to be a TV writer, but has not linked to his IMDB resume. Writes homophobic pieces about Republicans and yet does not know any. Downtownlad says nothing about his homophobic pieces.
Steve Simels: A pop music reviewer who comments in the same style as Dave(TM).

Basically, all Bloggers let commentators in for a variety of reasons. But Liberal hate Speech is never called on by Democrats. Ever. In 1974, Sen. Goldwater went to President Nixon to tell him there was no votes to stop impeachment among Republicans. There is never any Democratic leader to say to the younger folk, "Stop!" That's why a Conservative Republican exposed the evil Heathlander and his love of terrorists, not a Democrat.

I love having different opinions in the Valley (Jason, take a bow). Just show up with a name and usually (unless I know you in real life), you get published. But showing up with threats to a Blogger, any blogger, is wrong and must be despised. Argue the point of the post, not personal attacks.

The Democratic Party may have won 2006, but how do you gain votes unless you win by conversion, not inquisition. As long as these commentators act the way they do, as long as the Heathlander publishes on Kos, the democrats have lost this vote.

Every Blogger should feel at home on their piece of their Monopoly Board. What happens to Althouse might happen to the rest of us.

Independence Day

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This is last year's post. Every year, I still read the book Patriots by AJ Langguth for the holiday. Today, there are no Democrats or Republicans, only Americans. God Bless America. This is an excerpt:



"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 a copy of that famous document. Enjoy the fireworks tonight.

Moral Relevence

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Before I hear the rants and raves of the Left Side of the Blogosphere, please explain why, that a President impeached for perjury, finds the Democratic Congressmen and women standing beside him even though they were in the Jury box? The picture above was taken after the House vote on December 19, 1998, thus proving that the mainstream of Democrats do not think Perjury is a crime.

The Executive Branch has the power of commutation or pardoning. Clinton used it for Susan McDougal in a case that affected President Clinton personally; Bush commuted Lewis Libby in a case close to his office.

Intelligence agencies have Analysts and Agents. Agents actually get the information while overseas, from sources and write reports for the home office. Analysts are the home office. If Plame was an Agent, what was she doing based in Virginia? Being an intelligence agent means you are based overseas in embassies or newspapers, etc. not in a cubicle in Virginia. And who released her name to Novak? A guy who I respect, Richard Armitige.

How does Armitage leaking Plame's name to Novak cause Libby to be prosocuted? That is like Sandy Berger getting a slap on the wrist for stealing Top Secret National Archive documents. And if Berger can do it, why can't anyone else?

Berger stole documents, President Bill Clinton commited Perjury, Libby committed perjury. The Democratic party supports both stealing Top Secret documents and perjury. Prove me wrong

Gordon Brown hears the Thunderclap

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Gordon Brown wanted to be Prime Minister, does he still want it?

Two car bomb threats in London (against soft targets), and one exploding car at Glasgow Airport. Whether the Terrorists are attacking because Brown is still new as PM or Rushdie is receiving his Knighthood does not matter. How do you negotiate with someone who only wishes to kill themselves or you?

The storm was started in Israel by the Palestinian Suicide Bombers. A week before September 11, they attacked three times (twice in Jerusalem, once in Netanya). Then came 9/11, and everyone forgot those attacks.

Say what you will about President Bush and Vice President Cheney, but why hasn't the United States been attacked since 2001? And that includes embassies. The template of these attacks have occurred throughout Israel's existence, do you choose to ignore them or do you bring the fight overseas?

Now my question to my liberal readers is: How do you defeat the terrorists?

Remember, since 2004, we can't track funds, listen to domestic conversations or rely on intelligence reports as per Democratic rhetoric. Given those rules, how do you actually find and defeat the terrorists before they attack Universal City or the Golden Gate Bridge in 2009?

The British Empire's Setting Sun

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On 27 June 2007, Prime Minister Tony Blair stepped down and gave the reigns of Westminster to Gordon Brown. Both men are members of New Labour (formerly Labour); Same party, but different political styles.

PM Brown, because of the Westminster system, does not have to call an election until 2010. Brown is not known for his charisma or policies, but that he was Blair's Chancellor of the Exchequer during the past 10 years. Imagine if President Ford, unelected, had chosen to not hold elections until 1980 -- that is the situation the UK is in.

Many American journalists could not fathom how PM Blair could support President Bush after supporting President Clinton. He supported President Clinton during the bombing of Kosovo and President Bush during the Iraq invasion. Why is this important?

Under the Nixonian world view, what a dictator does in his country does not change foreign policy. With the Wilsonian vision, citizens of a country should be free, politically and economically. Blair supported the Anglosphere over the European Union [EU] almost at the cost of his Premiership. Given the current terrorist threats (to be discussed in the next post), should Brown trust the EU and NATO which has no aspect of fighting these multi-national NGO's? Or should the UK try to negotiate with an NGO instead of a Nation-state?

Gordon Brown is known as a technocrat. As Gov. Cuomo once said, "You campaign in poetry and govern in prose," Can anyone quote Brown's campaign speeches?

Until the next PM Elections, everything in England is on a holding pattern (not unlike Israel), but Blair should be commended for supporting Wilsonianism and the Anglosphere. Will Brown do the same or will he kowtow to the bureaucrats of the EU?

The "Fairness Doctrine" and the fare to pay

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Want to hear about my San Diego trip? Read it here.
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"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
--- First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Simple language, written by giants of men. Especially this part: "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech," So, why, oh why, is there a need for Congressional Democrats to re-create "The Fairness Doctrine"

As a partisan, I agree that there should be a battle of ideas. Fight in the papers (untouched by the Doctrine), fight on the Blogs (still untouched by the Doctrine), fight on television (also untouched by the Doctrine) and fight in person. Be civil when you're done, but argue the point. If the doctrine becomes law, it shuts down debate, not opens it up. Again, Congress abridging speech.

Recently, MSNBC found television and print reporters give money to Democrats (partisans, PAC's, and candidates) 3 to 1. Play the role of a Republican candidate, not only are you facing your Democratic opponent, but also a hostile member of the press. Reverse it, and the Democrats have an ally writing their press releases. I'm sorry, but I remember the election of 1992. Bush pere could do nothing right according to the press.

By the way, Stephanopoulis worked for President Clinton (D-AK); Russert worked for Governor Cuomo (D-NY). Should I really go further with that idea? As I mentioned in an earlier post, I don't believe in conspiracies, but I do believe some areas of our society suffer from "Group think" The press is one area that suffers from it -- hence the rise of the Blogs and Fox News.

Again, why the Doctrine? Senator Inhofe (R-OK) was in a "Senators Only" elevator when he heard this conversation between Sen. Clinton (D-NY) and Sen. Boxer (D-CA). The battle of ideas must be fought cleanly. Using the power of the State to shut down any of the debate, is un-constitutional (Again, Congress abridging speech). Think on this:

First they came for Don Imus,
But I was not an Imus fan,
Then they came for talk radio hosts,
But I don't care for talk radio hosts,
Then they came for the Bloggers,
But no one spoke for me....

The Democratic Party claims to be for "Free Speech." Here is a test for every Liberal Blogger , can you defend speech of someone you don't like? I can and I have. Should Congress abridge Free Speech Rights for those you don't like? Who will speak when it is your turn?

The San Diego Surfer

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......is not me.

Last weekend, I went to San Diego for the third time. The first time was at 1996 Republican National Convention, the second time was at the 2004 California State Republican Convention, this time was I went unaffiliated.

It's been a while since I took a trip, but since I am planning something for the Fall (Announcement after July 4th -- Editor), so this trip allowed me to come full circle. Before I moved to California in 1999, I went to California solo in 1996. Even though I was in Orange County and Malibu with my Dad in High School for a short visit, San Diego brought me in.

This trip I stayed in the Little Italy section. Every day I was there, I ate a Filippo's Pizza Grotto -- the pasta and pizza was just like eating in New York. Yum. At night, I ate a The Fish Market and Kansas City BBQ (All 3 times, I've eaten there). I'm getting hungry thinking about those restaurants.

I only had one goal this trip: Learn to surf. Well, I learned. I got the balance. I got one knee up. The rest is in pictures. It was fun. Just because the waves beat me this time doesn't mean I won't try again. After the announcement, I'll figure out the next time. Mind you, I have gone skydiving, scuba diving and snarling. Losing 1 and getting 3 are pretty good odds.

If you want to see the pictures (and see me totally embarrassed), treat me to a slice of pizza. Until then, keep reading the Valley!

Friends, Romans, Countrymen: A Comment Primer

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In the morning, I'm driving down the 5 to San Diego. Before I leave for the weekend, I want to pull back the curtains for a minute and help you understand what makes a comment printable.

Aurora, Chess Novice and Jason play different roles, but they are all a major help in bringing the posts in the Valley alive. So, first, a personal thanks. And keep up the great comments.

For the rest of the audience, what do I look for in comments?

1) Relevance -- In Star Wars (the original), one of the Rebel fighters is worried about the Gun turrets on The Death Star. His squad leader reminds him, "Stay on target," If the post is about Iraqi as Pillar in American Foreign Policy, focus on that. If the comments turn from Iraqi as Pillar to Iranian nuclear capabilities, go with the tide, but try to relate to the original post.

2) Pick a side -- I don't care if you are Republican, Democrat or Independent. I don't care if you like the sauce more than the cheese on your pizza. The Blogosphere is the new Speaker's Corner. In debates, it's good to have allies and opponents. Aurora is a great ally to have; Jason is an opponent who can give as good as he takes; Chess Novice brings the facts. I would be more than happy to sit down over a beer with any one of them. Picking a side is important, but don't forget a lost rule of debate: If you can't sit down afterword after the debate/argument, you have lost far more then you won.

3) Be Accessible -- Except for a few friends at work and at home who don't want to be noticed that much, I rarely publish anonymous comments. Those I do let through, I rebut and ask where is their link? I am a partisan, nor do I hide that fact. If I throw down and be Pro-something or Anti-something else, why can't you?

A) I read your site and it is a "9/11 Truther" or a continuous attack on Israel -- Sorry, shoe scum has more say then conspiracy theorists. You walk down that path, and soon you are walking into the Jedi temple with troops and a light saber. I've interned on Capitol Hill and have political and policy friends at different levels and different parties; Conspiracies only exist in the mind of the weak.

B) Your comment disparages the United States -- My country, it is flawed in many ways, but I love it all the same. I respect people who don't run to another country when their candidate loses an election. Four years later, wow, a new election. Two years, a new battle for Congress, and in between, your town and cities battle it out for control. If you find fascism in the United States, then please explain Venezuela.

Thanks for reading. And thank you for enjoying the Valley.

Mayor Bloomberg and a pile of warm spit

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John Nance Gardner (D-TX), FDR's first Vice President, said "The Vice Presidency isn't worth a pile of warm spit," Rumor is, the last word was misquoted. As a former New Yorker who learned politics from the Democrats (who has become a Conservative Republican since then), Mayor Bloomberg switching to an Independent is worth exactly that same pile.

Let me explain:

In 2002, Mayor Giuliani's term was up, no successor was in the background at that time. Crime was down significantly, the homeless accosting people on the streets were almost gone, business' re-discovered midtown Manhattan. The Democratic field was crowded, so Bloomberg (a Liberal Democrat himself), re-labeled himself a Republican (in an mostly empty field) and readied himself for the New York City Mayoral Primary. Does anyone remember when the NYC mayoral primary date was? Until 8:46AM, 9/11/01 was primary day in New York City.

If you followed the earlier link, I actually had a stake in the 2001 Primary. If my friend's father's boss had won the Primary and the General, he would have been appointed Deputy mayor (Spin City, anyone?). One of the lessons I learned from the former Tammany people was: Always support your friends, when you move higher, so do they. I wasn't a Democrat since 1992, but I've always supported my friends.

How does this play for 2008? Suppose there is a Trifecta of New York candidates on the November ballot?

To start with, if Tammany hadn't gone away in 1961, Robert F. Kennedy would never have become a Senator, neither would have Hillary Clinton (D-NY). New York City politics is defined by your block, your neighborhood, your borough, your team (Yankees or Mets, Giants or Jets). Upstate is a different animal. If Senator Clinton cannot win New York City in the General, she can kiss New York State goodbye.

Mayor Giuliani (R-NY) is home-grown and can tell you which pretzel stand in New York is the best. He won the city twice and stands for his beliefs against Democrats and Republicans. New Yorkers like fighters. In a Trifecta, he could take NYC away from Bloomberg and Clinton.

Mayor Bloomberg (I-NY), as discussed earlier, was not much of a Republican. His leaving didn't make anyone else of prominence leave. Bloomberg is like Schwarzenegger in the fact that he is only looking out for himself. the New York State Republicans could not even field a candidate against a "Carpet bagger" why should he support them? However, his issues fall under "Nanny State" governance, not Republican issues. Would he win NYC in a Trifecta? No third party candidate had ever won the Oval Office, there is no precedent for it to change in 2008.

My prediction for the Trifecta: Giuliani wins the City, Hillary wins upstate and Bloomberg wins Massachusetts.

You've been Tagged

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Later this week, I am going on vacation to San Diego. Unless something interesting happens, we'll have a few light posts. Battling in the Blogosphere is hard work. The Israel/Palestinian issue will always be with us; Let us take a breather and laugh.

Rules of being Tagged
Tagging in the Blogosphere means, that if you've been picked, you have to pick five to ten others to follow suit. Here are some questions and answers. The questions in brackets can be changed when you "tag" some other blogger. Read the next section for the list of tagged Bloggers. If you're tagged, answer the questions on your Blog. Meantime, enjoy the music from my friend Jon Winquist.

Who is Tagged?
A) Aurora
B) Ann Althouse
C) Jason Buckley
D) Chess Novice
E) John Stodder

Tagging Questions
1) Name your favorite band and singer. (The singer can't be from the band)
Band: Depeche Mode Singer: Peter Gabriel

2) Favorite historical politician (domestic)? (Historical = Dead)
Ronald Reagan

3) [Favorite historical politician (International)?]
Winston Churchill

4) You're giving a Hollywood pitch (25 words or less) about your Blog -- GO:
A Blog about Geopolitics, domestic politics and their influence on each with a touch of art.

5) [Other then where you live now, what city do you like?]
Washington, DC

6) Favorite modern politician? (In office now)
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH-8)

7) Are you a Wilsonian Idealist or Nixonian Realist in foreign policy?
With the Middle East, Wilsonian Idealism should be given a chance with bi-partisan support. Dealing with Asia and Europe, Nixonian Realism would work.

8) [Favorite obscure movie?]
Murder by Death

9) What is your favorite restaurant?
Oyster bar in Grand Central Station, New York, NY

10) Choose a music video on YouTube. Why that one?



Great song and the photography of Midtown New York and the Lower east Side is priceless.

Hamas, Heathlander and the hatred of Jews

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During World War Two, at the Concentration Camps, there were Jews who did the Nazi's bidding in the hope they would be killed last. These Jews were called Sonderkommandos.

The Heathlander publishes his celebration of Hamas' victory on the Daily Kos reminds me of these Sonderkommandos. In over 171 posts on his Blog and the Daily Kos, he talks of a Palestinian state to the exclusion of Israel; But State Building requires compromise and building investments for the future. Hitler was elected in 1933, so was Hamas. But Hamas never built schools, roads or diplomatic niceties with the neighbors.

Look at The Heathlander's posts on The Daily Kos; Not one word on the acceptance of Israel as a State. Who has these same views? Neo-Nazi's (who ironically find a home at the Daily Kos). A week ago, I challenged the Heathlander to find me three posts that called for the return of the missing soldiers unharmed, that Israeli civilians are not to be targeted and whether or not Israel is a legitimate country. He refused to answer the questions and he refused Jason's peaceful overtures for an airing of views between a Pro-Israeli and himself. Who is the true warmonger? I accepted Jason's deal.

In 2005, Israel disengaged from Gaza. Every single Jewish settler was kicked out by Sharon's government. Now that Hamas run Gaza, what did they do? Kill everyone that is not Hamas.

I give you quotes from two Israeli Prime Ministers; One from the Left, and the other from the Right -- 40 years apart:

1. "Peace will come to the Middle East when the Arabs love their children more than they hate Israel." -- Golda Meir

2. "If the Israeli's put down their guns, it will be a slaughter; If the Arabs put down their guns, it will be peace." -- Bibi Netanyahu

The Heathlander is playing revolutionary; He is Suha Arafat in Paris. He expects others to die for his beliefs. If he was a true revolutionary, he would be in the Gaza Strip tomorrow instead of Hampstead Heath, London.

Every history lesson about the Jews relates how we are attacked "in every generation," As a Jew, I pray for the Heathlander to see the wrongness of his writings. As a former Democrat, I worry that the Daily Kos will stop supporting Isreal and so will go the elected officials; As a Republican, I promise to use every word on the Daily Kos written by the Heathlander as a weapon against the Democrats.

We should have left the Sonderkommandos in Germany in 1945; They should not be writing for the Democrats in the 21st Century.

Realpolitick in a Unipolar world

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During the Cold war, smaller nations played for one of two teams: The Americans or the Soviets. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the world took a breath. Globalization poured forth due to Free Trade Agreements, the merging of the European Union (in 1992) and the new "Information Superhighway"

In due course, came the Anti-Free trade riots in Seattle in 1999, the the dot-com implosion and finally September 11, 2001 which ended the world's "silly season."

In 2007, America is the last power standing. We spend the most on military because our bases are in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Europe is building it's own version of a United States by merging economies and sovereignty's.

Asia has come back after "The Asian Flu" hit during the 90's. Americans are learning that China does not want to fight, but they are busy expanding their economy like Japan did during the 1980's

The Islamic nations are proving to be the only balance to American power. Within their societies, they are having an internal Revolution. September 11, 2001 turned America into Martin Luther for the Muslim world. Turkey and Dubai understand modernization, Palestine and Saudi Arabia do not. There is a new trend of "Islamic Economics" to help expand corporations and ease debt in the Muslim world.

America, as the only power on the scene, is in the Middle East to create something that was missing since 1979, stability and free markets. The Old World is slowly catching up; Asia understands, especially China. The race is not towards Military might and real estate acquisitions, but economic stability and future investments. Realpolitick lies not in the bombs in the streets, but the seller who yells, "Buy."

Reagan the Pragmatic Wilsonian

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20 years ago today, President Reagan spoke about spreading Democracy, and the INF treaty with Secretary Gorbachev. Republicans have been Wilsonians for a long time; Does that mean the Democrats believe in Nixonian Realism? For now, watch the speech:

The Missing Four Minutes

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Did you catch the end of the Soprano's? Let's go over the spoilers before we tackle some other issues; This will be done as was the Soprano's minute by minute....

First Minute -- [SPOILERS -- Here There Be Dragons]. Here's the recap. The scene goes black in the diner. My predictions were wrong; Phil Leotardo died, Paulie stayed loyal to Tony and life goes on? Before any hit in the Sopranos, some crew member would tail and then attack (i.e. Phil Leotardo). The code is families were not to be attacked, but Tony was still a target due to the indictment coming down. And if you remember The Godfather, "Leave the Gun, take the Cannoli's," The Gun was in the bathroom. The scene goes black because Tony is shot. We don't need to see what happens next. [END SPOILERS]

Second Minute -- Jason, tried to make peace between The Heathlander and I. I played Netanyahu in 1998 at Wye River, The Anti Semite Heathlander played Yassir Arafat at Camp David in 2000. The allies of the Palestinians prove they do not want a two-state solution (as evidenced by The Heathlander's words and actions); they want to kill every Jew in Israel. If the Palestinians were interested in a state, where is their Parliament? Their schools? Their roads? Their Central bankers? None exist because they wish to destroy Israeli's first.

Third Minute -- To follow up with Jason's (Hey, he tried to build a bridge, The Heathlander blew it up) conclusion post on Israeli-Arab fight; That is not what I'm focusing on but this is where I am looking at: Arab-Democratic party alliance. Back when I was a Liberal Democrat in NYC in the 1980's, I met some old Tammany folk who explained if you want to rid your party of troublemakers, the old men must step in and quell "the young whippersnappers," For all those Lefties who cry about "Coulter, Limbaugh and Hannity." Who will step in for Maher, the Huffington Post and the Heathlander? This should be handled by the Democratic party partisans, but even the cicada's are louder.

Fourth Minute -- I am trying to set up a couple interviews for the Valley. More news as it arrives. As you enjoy Jason's Blog, don't forget to read Aurora's.

Roll Credits.

Sopranos Predictions

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Which Sopranos Character Are You?

You are Tony
Take this quiz!

This quiz can only mean one thing: The End of the Sopranos. I've only missed one episode since it began, but here is my guess on what is going to happen:

A) The war between New York and New Jersey: New York has someone inside the New Jersey mob -- I'm guessing it is Paulie Walnuts -- and they will take down Tony and Sil. Phil Leotardo started this war to move someone new into Tony Soprano's position. Who else were they implying?

B) Betraying Tony -- Paulie wants to go back to making money. He will face Tony mano a mano. Whoever survives runs the family. If you read I Claudius, the history is clear.

C) Dr. Melfi's guilt -- By rejecting Tony, she has put herself in the line of fire, which could be where the betrayal takes place.

That's my guesses for now. Watch tonight.

A challenge to the Anti-Semite Heathlander

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It seems the Heathlander responded. Woo hoo. If I was accused of hating a race or a country, my first reaction would be: "I am not Anti-Semitic! Here's proof." Instead he ranted on how an invasion of Iran on Israel is a "thought experiment." If you wish to do a "thought experiment" (otherwise known as a hypothesis, use a dictionary), how about "What if the Palestinians worked on State Institutions rather then bombing soft targets?" or "What if the Arabs rescinded their Economic Boycott of Israel?"

He writes on International relations but doesn't understand Wilsonian idealism or Nixonian Realism; Mind you, those world views affect America's presence in the Middle East -- maybe you should be awake in school Heathlander.

But here is my challenge, if you respond effectively, I will not call you "an Anti-Semite," "Quisling" or that you wish "to push the Jews into the sea," in any other post. I will not tie your words to any Democrat running for office or in office now. Three things:

1) If you are not Anti-Semitic, I'm sure you wrote a post during the Israeli-Lebanon war about returning Galid Shalit, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser safely and unharmed. Find me that post.

2) If you are not Anti-Semitic, I am sure you have written between 1 January and 1 May 2007 that Israel citizens should not be attacked. Find me two posts.

3) Answer me this: Do you believe that Israel is a legitimate country?
a) If yes, what should they do to defend themselves?
b) If no, what should be in Israel's place?

Heathlander, if you do not answer by 5:00PM, Monday, Greenwich Mean Time, I will continue to let the world community know that you are an Anti Semite and that you wish death for the Jews. Prove me wrong.

Riddle me this, Are Democrats Wilsonian or Nixonian?

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This is my busy week so I don't have time to post regularly. However, I read and ponder during this week. After spending a lot of time on the Palestinian and Israeli issue (I will go back again -- there is the question of the Anti-Semitic Heathlander to deal with); But for now, I have a query.

Back in my younger days when I was an Idealistic Democrat, I protested Gulf War I in college. The main line that was promoted during these protests was that the United Stated Government should not "Support Dictators," Now I am a Pragmatic Republican (yes, there is a difference), who wonders where those protests went.

Now with Iraq in play because of the Wilsonian in the White House, the Democrats who protested against dictators now believe in dealing with Repressive Governments (i.e. Iran and Venezuela). In an earlier post, I define Wilsonian idealists and Nixonian Realists.

My questions to my readers all across the political battlefield, if the Democrats, as far back as JFK's inaugural address, believed in Wilsonian ideals then, have they abandoned them for Nixonian realism now?

Boycott the British University Professors Union!

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Talk about synchronicity. While discussing the Anti-semitism and Palestinian rights among the Left, what rears it's ugly head in the land of the Heathlander?

The University and College Union [A British Professors Union] has called for the "Grey listing" of all Israeli academics from working in England.

I wonder, how many University Professors voted for New Labour or Liberal Democrats? More and more Anti-semitism can be found in these left-wing bastions.

Since the UCU proposes to boycott Israel, I propose a boycott of every UK British Professor who comes to these shores. No lecture should be listened to, no book should be bought by anyone who has signed onto the Israeli boycott.

And will anyone ask the Daily Kos not to align with the UAU? I doubt it.

In the Trenches with the Christians

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Back at the DNC Anti-Semitism Post, Jason of Washington Interns Gone Bad asked: "So, what do you think about the Evangelical Rights support of Israel as a pawn in their apocalypse fantasy?" Here is my response:

Since Israel's inception, this safe haven for the Jews has been under attack by the Arab neighbors. After the Six Day War, the Arab States started to realize Israel is not going to go away but remain as a state in their midst. When I was bar Mitzvahed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the questions to all the Arab States regarding the Palestinian question was: "Where were the Palestinians when they were in Jordan?"

Even though these State entities could not defeat Israel, these same States have kept an Economic Boycott of Israel. Allies for the small Jewish State have always been few and far between. The United Nations, supposedly a bastion of Peaceful Nations declared in the 1970's "Zionism is racism" Excepting the United States, which States stands with Israel?

The Christian Zionists (of which Aurora is one), support Israel's survival unconditionally. Modern Leftists, Liberals and Democrats [LLD] do not see a beleaguered Jewish state surrounded by people who wish to kill her civilians, but as a "terrorist" entity that is filled with war criminals. A friend is someone who wishes you can do better, but will support you. The LLD's do not even make the case for protecting Israel's civilians.

Remember, The quisling Heathlander is a writer on the Daily Kos, which in turn supports the Democrats, who might turn away from Israel during the next attack. The Christian Zionists believe in the words of the Book of Revelations, but it's arrival is no more clear then the date of "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" or whatever it is being called today (And that is a post for another day).

Every generation since the Fall of Rome has seen the Apocalypse coming. Who knows? It might actually happen. Until that day arrives, I like having the Christian Zionists talking about Israel in a positive light. What other nation is doing that? When the LLD's support the right of Israel's existence, then I will listen to their criticisms of the Jewish State. The Christian Zionists want Israel to live and thrive. What do the LLD's represent but criticism and wishful thinking (on the Palestinian side)?

Memorial Day 2007

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When my Dad was stationed at the Pentagon during 1965-66 and 1967-68, he roomed with the Honor Guards who watched over the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery.

If you take away anything from the Valley, it is that American Institutions must outlive the Partisan wars. Here, at Arlington, there are no partisans, only Americans. Remember the Veterans and Soldiers today, and everyday.

Welcome. Music. Videos.

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Good Morning. Today, I'm bringing in four new Blog to the rolls. Let me introduce them to you and hope you visit their links. Each one is worth a visit. Also, I'm going to link to some good music and a video. First, the Blogs.....

A) From the land of Oz (Australia), the first link is to The Midnight Sun. Aurora first discovered the Valley with the I, Claudius post. I would say Aurora is the Australian Christian equivalent of Pamela Atlas of Atlas Shrugs. However, Aurora, I am having trouble leaving comments on your site. Shoot me an email from Down Under. Otherwise, good supporter of Israel and Conservative Blogger, she joins the Blog roll where Righteous Indignation used to be.

B) Jason, near San Francisco (where The Wizard of Oz is a template for the city) is a Commentator whom I respect because he stands up for his views in the Valley, is a musician and a movie-maker, who Blogs at Washington Interns Gone Bad. Jason made a movie of the same name. Watch it on his website. My only dispute is the fact that he calls himself a "Non-Partisan partisan," I learned from both parties that the only "Non-Partisan partisans," live six feet under. But, he is a strong ally of the Democrats and worth a look.

C) Chessnovice is an erudite commentator and Blogger. He posts at Shades of Grey and Black where issues are brought up at an intellectual level rather then a partisan one (such as at the Valley). He is a friend of an ex-girlfriend and lives down in Texas. Read his blog and comment. Maybe you will learn something new.

D) Norm is blogging for the right reason. He makes beer and wants to fill us in on the details. His blog is Norm's Beer LOG. I know him from work and he put the Valley together. Read it over your next beer.

Now, the music. My friend, John Winquist just broke up his band. However, John and the drummer, James are putting together new material. Follow the link and listen to his tunes. When John gets his new band together, they should be on the Billboard charts within a year. Listen and enjoy.

To enjoy the beginning of the summer, enjoy this video:

8:00AM weekly round-up

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This was my busy week, so I need to get to some of the news issues I missed:

A) This post generated a lot of heat and fire. If you want to add to the conversation, please comment. Jason, I will post my reply to your question after Monday night.

B) The Iraq funding vote. Now that the funding is there for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, why did the Democrats in Congress cave on their main issue? Were they lied to? Was there logrolling? Or did Pelosi and Reid become Wilsonians?

C) Venezuela. They own oil and their leader is shutting down opposition media. Tell me again how President Bush has stopped The Nation from publishing, and Radio Pacifica from broadcasting?

D) This weekend in Los Angeles is the start of summer. I promise a couple of light (and funny?) posts before Monday. Get some sun. Enjoy the weather. Remember our Veterans and our troops.

What's done in the darkness....

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To continue commenting on Howard Dean, the DNC and the Anti-semitism at the Daily Kos, go here.
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One of my favorite songs by Moby was re-done by Johnny Cash. On Moby's Play, the song was called "Run On"; Cash's title on American V was "God's Gonna Cut You Down." Both songs are from an old spiritual and have one lyric I want you to remember:

"What's done in the darkness will be shown in the light"

This current immigration bill in the Senate is flying through the night. Now, two issues I dread talking about in the Valley is Abortion and Immigration. This post will not discuss abortion; but to paraphrase Dennis Miller, is it too much to ask all those coming into the United States to sign the guestbook?

President Bush is for Senator McCain's bill. Yes, there are some issues I do not see eye to eye with the President on, this is one of them There are other issues, I trust no one that follows anyone 100%. But here is what bothers me:

Senator McCain, is being the Administration's cats paw, and worked out a compromise to get the bill past the Senate (the equivalent already is at House Judiciary committee). However, after the compromise last Wednesday, the bill was crafted Thursday, released to public on Friday and it is to be be debated on Monday [today].

The best crafted bills have sub-committee hearings, public support and at least a week's debate on the Senate floor. Senator McCain is pushing this through without any of the above. The President will sign whatever comes to his desk. As Chief Executive, that is his privilege. But the Senate can be swayed by the public; The House is based on majority rule -- the bill is a done deal there.

All I want is for a public debate on the Bill. If it suceeds, great, get it out of Congress and let the President sign it. If not, let it go the way of the Dubai Ports deal. To influence the process, call up your Senator at (202) 225-3121. And ask that the public be allowed to debate the bill before the Senators pass it in the darkness.

The new Anti-Semitism: Authorized by the DNC

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Did you watch the speech? Howard Dean, the head of the Democratic National Committee [DNC], spoke last year to the Yearly Kos. I wrote a post about the rising Anti-semitism that can be found the at the Huffington Post, Daily Kos and James Wolcott. Wolcott is behind the Vanity Fair website, and unlike the author here, you cannot contact him. So much for Democratic partisan manliness.

By the way, if there is no anti-semitism within the Democratic ranks, why all the huffing and puffing against "Neo-Conservatives?" Most "Neo-Conservatives" were formerly Jewish Liberals who became Conservative Republicans because they believe more Democracy in the Middle east would stop Terrorism. Does the Democratic party belive in democracy? Or do only Western and North Asian nations deserve to have that honor?

So, why am I highlighting Gov. Dean at the Yearly Kos? Well, with writers at the Daily Kos like The Heathlander, and others in this post citing reasons not to support Israel, will Gov. Dean decry the Kos?

No, he won't. They give the DNC money and volunteers. As long as the Heathlander expresses interest in forcing the Jews towards the sea rather then a two-state solution with both sides, the Kos and the DNC are taking a devil's bargain.

I believe in the two state solution. Let the Palestinians live freely within their state, let the Israeli's live freely within their state. All that I ask is that the Palestinians recognize Israel's right to exist and stop firing Kayusha rockets into Israel. Should the Palestinians get their State yet? No, not until they learn to get along well with their nearest neighbor. If both sides are smart, commerce and socializing will occur. Kumbaya.

Again, why Howard Dean at the Yearly Kos 2006? In case I hear that the DNC has no say over the Kos or no influence or no support. The head of the DNC is at the Kos convention where the Heathlander publishes. What Democratic Blogger will stand up to the Kos?

This post has been authorized by the Valley of the Shadow.

Rudy, Ron, Andrew and Jason

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The interchange above between Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and Mayor Giuliani (R-NY) shows a deeper cut in the American Body Politic between the Left and the Right than between Republicans; However, Rep. Paul is taking the Left here.

The Left is more then willing to believe in the conspiracy theories about 9/11 (heck, they peddle these theories on Pacifica radio every fund drive) and Rep. Paul is willing to follow. And, Andrew Sullivan, blinded by his hate of Conservatives is following the Left. The Left, from the International Socialists down to the most local Democratic party, believe that the current Administration had something to do with 9/11. What Rep. Paul did was give in to the Lefts views and make them viable.

I have been around Government and Politics my whole life. Because of that, I don't believe in conspiracy theories, but I do believe in my country and my party. However, I don't ever remember Sullivan knocking on doors or cold calling for any Republican candidate before 2004. His issue is "Gay Rights." Great. However, Sullivan believes the public should be force-fed by the courts. That is not Conservative. If Sullivan was truly a Conservative, he would want his issue passed by the Congress and signed by a President and confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Since Sullivan is backing Rep. Ron Paul in the GOP Primary and has very few friends on the Right, he is prepping for a jump to the Left in 2008. But the Left is filled with people who want the Israelis to be pushed into the Sea like the Heathlander (also British). Does Sullivan wish to associate with people who wish death upon the Jews? That's who is in the bargain.

There are good Bloggers on the Left who make bad posts which can damage the Body Politic. Jason, who seems like a nice guy, can say some impolitic things. If Andrew associated more with Jason (and tempered his spirit a little), I would believe Sullivan's conversion. But the Left are filled with more Anti-Semites like the Heathlander then partisans like Jason.

If Rep. Paul had any chance in the primary, he ended it last night by following the Lefts line about 9/11. Giuliani acted like a true New Yorker and called "Bullshit" to Rep. Paul. Maybe Andrew Sullivan can explain why the Democrats are acting like isolationist John Birchers instead of Wilsonians?

Buy-in at the Craps Table

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The first game I played, other than slots, in Las Vegas was at Ballys, was Craps. I learned how to buy-in, where to place the chips, the first win on the dice and the first losses. That night I won $500.00 from a nut of $60.00, but in the current Presidential campaign, there are bigger stakes.

First, the Primary Calender has moved up to the point where America will learn who the candidates are by the Ides of March. Growing up in the 1970's, there was a gap between New Hampshire, Iowa and Super Tuesday. In 1976, Jimmy Carter didn't have name recognition of large amount of funds, but he made it to the convention because of that gap. In 1980, Reagan was able to focus on New Hampshire because of that time Gap before Super Tuesday.

The front loading process destroys that "Black Sheep" of both parties. They can't raise funds or build name recognition after coming in Win, Place or Show. Two traditions have been fully broken in time for '08: Joining in matching campaign funds and releasing tax returns.

Where am I putting my chips for the Presidential Campaign 2008? There is precedent which I follow:

1) The last sitting Senator elected was in 1960. Since 1968, only Governors and Vice Presidents have made the cut because of Executive experience.

2) Since 1972, no President has been elected from the North east. The even money is on Southern, Western or South western states.

3) The last president to only have a B.A. was Lyndon Baines Johnson. Every President since then has had a post-Bachelor's degree in Law.

4) At heart, most Americans do not have Royalist tendencies (except if you swoon over the names Kennedy or Clinton, but that would make you a member of the Press or the Democratic party, but I repeat myself).

Where will I place my bet? On a future gap between New Hampshire and Iowa and Super Tuesday. Oh, 2008? Keep reading.

A Hamiltonian quoting Jefferson

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In my last post, I wrote, "It is intellectually lazy to hate President Bush because as Thomas Jefferson said 'That which is popular is not always right'"

I live in Los Angeles, California, where fads and popularity move the landscape rather then political will or policy differences (that is DC). When Paris Hilton bought a little dog, every aspiring hipster (I was going to say actress, but actresses actually study acting not trends) in LA wanted the little dog too. Imitation shows no originality, no flair.

When I say "It is intellectually lazy," I see a country following Paris Hilton, sorry I meant to say, Maureen Dowd. President Clinton was not my favorite President, however, since I respected the office he temporarily held, I always made it a point to list three things that he should be respected for. I may be partisan, but I know that we live in a two party system. And some people will never vote my way. It's easy to hate, it's harder to try to look across the aisle and say "Why do these people vote for that person?" It is an intellectual game that no Leftist (that includes you, Jason) tries to engage in.

This Hamiltonian quotes Thomas Jefferson saying: That which is popular is not always right. Let's go over some popular trends in the United States. Slavery was popular in the United States from 1600 until 1865. Did that make it right? Treating African Americans as second class citizens in the North and the South was popular from 1865 until 1965. Was that right? Neither of these things were right, but they were popular, just like hating President Bush.

Hamilton believed the tax coffers of the country will come from the urban dwellers whereas Jefferson believed in the farmer. From Nixon onward, America believed in Realpolitik, supporting dictators while maintaining the illusion of peace. President Bush believes that Dictators are what cause terrorism. Do modern Democrats today believe in supporting dictators?

So, my question to the my democratic party readers is two-fold. Email me if you don't want to publicly comment here, if you wish:
1) To stop being intellectually lazy, write three things that president Bush is doing right.
2) Does the modern Democratic party believe it is better to support dictators then promote Democracy?

I will await your replies.

Spring Cleaning

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Many apologies on the long delay between posts, however there is a few things going on.

A) I do have a day job. This week I was on the 8:00AM shift, the busiest one. Next week is the late shift (9:00AM), not much for me to do, but I can post more. The 7:00AM shift also gives me the freedom to post because I leave work earlier. This week, more posts!

B) The Valley of the Shadow got reviewed! Thanks to Brent over at the Weblog Review. If you have a Blog, go there and sign up. My rebuttals to the review:
1) I am not a technician, thus the long page down on the second column. But I do participate in "link exchanges" with other Blogs. The Blog roll is from Stop the ACLU, they were an early linker to this Blog. I am old fashioned, if you support me, I will support you.
2) Donations, donations, donations! When I was in DC, I took a class about fundraising at the National Republican Congressional Committee [NRCC]. I did event fundraising for a non-profit in New York. First thing I learned, you lose if you do not ask. If I can raise the money now, next year, I can say the Valley raised $7,700 on it's own, and the target will be doubled for a military charity. If I raise the money, those donation posts go away until next year.

C) I have been trying to promote the California Encyclicals. To do that, I met Hugh Hewitt at the Los Angeles Book Fair at UCLA. I've been trying to get through to the Los Angeles Times (DC and LA). If you are a reporter, or Party person, I am available for interviewss regarding the Encyclicals.

D) Presidential politics - Yes there were early debates, but what counts for me is the last two debates before New Hampshire. Whoever is left standing have a better shot at making it to the Convention. Have I decided? Watch this spot.

E) Personal notes - I am cleaning my room and preparing for a 3000 mile journey. Like the Encyclicals, I want to help the GOP get another majority around the country. It requires my help. If you are able to help me help the GOP, email me.

F) Comment on this: It is intellectually lazy to Hate President Bush because as Thomas Jefferson said "That which is popular is not always right" Discuss.

The California Encyclicals -- Coda

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My friend and mentor Todd read the Encyclicals (Prologue, Burbank 1 and 2, Los Angeles 1 and 2, and California 1, 2, and 3); Eugene Tong of the Los Angeles Daily News linked to them in his blog; Did you read the Encyclicals?

However, if you read them, a few side notes.

A) Last Monday, my Mom was mugged here in Burbank and the Burbank Police Department and Fire Department did a great job of helping us out. So, many thanks and kudos to those brave men and women who help in Burbank.

B) I learned about the ADC's by being in one. If you are a Republican in California, support them. If you can do better, bring friends and run for positions in them. The name of the game is to win.

C) Why did this Jew call these Posts Encyclicals? My Bar Mitzvah was in Israel in 1983 during the Winter Holiday season. Seeing all three great religions at their height and acting their best drove me to curiosity. I learned the Pauline Letters are really early Encyclicals. If something must be said, it must be heard. The Los Angeles and California Encyclicals were forwarded to the Los Angeles Times (no response), White House Office of Political Affairs (in conversation), RNC Chairman's office and Political Office, Two Republican Presidential campaigns, the NRCC and the NRSC. How can you win in Los Angeles and California with the same team?

D) The Los Angeles County Republican Party [LACRP] has the same team that supported Mayor Hahn, so do the Lincoln clubs. They do not want to win. For these same leaders, it is more profitable for the LACRP to lose then to fight. However, if they wish to prove me wrong, win two City Council seats based in the San Fernando Valley in the next local election. Then keep those seats.

E) The California Congress of Republicans [CCR] have a habit of trying to destroy anyone who is not a Republican of their ilk; the California Republican Assembly only builds coalitions. In 1999, the leader of the CCR's walked out of the State Convention because the Party was not "moderate" enough. To win, give patronage, build Coalitions, and play nice with others.

F) Remember the Equation: 37 Counties + San Diego + Los Angeles = Republican State.