Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Global Warming Hooery
Cooling trend [Mark Steyn]
From my old Spectator colleague James Delingpole:
Global warming anxiety was a Nineties and early Noughties fad — the product of a too affluent age in search of a hair-shirt religion to assuage its guilt at having had it so good. Now that everyone has something real to worry about, cutting carbon emissions seems about as relevant as the Jitterbug or the Rubik’s Cube.
So far, depressingly few of our politicians have understood this.
Gosh, wouldn't it be nice in a two-party system to have maybe one candidate who said stuff like that? I suspect that, were it not for the sadly dated obsessions of her chief, it's the line Sarah Palin would have given when Joe Biden said anyone but a fool knows the impending eco-apocalypse is all man's fault.
Meanwhile, can it really be true that Barack Obama is proposing to classify CO2* as a dangerous pollutant? Don't hold your breath.
(*CO2 stands for "Carbon Dioxide" not "Deputy Community Organizer", which, after January 20th, will be the new title for the Vice-President.)
From my old Spectator colleague James Delingpole:
Global warming anxiety was a Nineties and early Noughties fad — the product of a too affluent age in search of a hair-shirt religion to assuage its guilt at having had it so good. Now that everyone has something real to worry about, cutting carbon emissions seems about as relevant as the Jitterbug or the Rubik’s Cube.
So far, depressingly few of our politicians have understood this.
Gosh, wouldn't it be nice in a two-party system to have maybe one candidate who said stuff like that? I suspect that, were it not for the sadly dated obsessions of her chief, it's the line Sarah Palin would have given when Joe Biden said anyone but a fool knows the impending eco-apocalypse is all man's fault.
Meanwhile, can it really be true that Barack Obama is proposing to classify CO2* as a dangerous pollutant? Don't hold your breath.
(*CO2 stands for "Carbon Dioxide" not "Deputy Community Organizer", which, after January 20th, will be the new title for the Vice-President.)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Somehow I doubt Sarah Palin will lose any sleep over this...
Madonna: Sarah Palin Isn't Welcome On Tour
The singer is rocking a private party...
Tuesday 07th Oct 2008
Madonna has made her dislike for Sarah Palin very clear by banning the politician from attending her world tour.
The singer shared her political views whilst performing a show in New Jersey as part of her Sticky & Sweet tour.
She told the crowd: "Sarah Palin can't come to my party. Sarah Palin can't come to my show. It's nothing personal."
And this outburst against the Republican party is not the first for Madge.
On her current tour she used John McCain's image in a video clip alongside scences of destruction, global warming, starving children and Adolf Hitler.
A spokesperson for McCain's campaign said Madonna's actions were, “outrageous, unacceptable and crudely divisive all at the same time.”
Full story here: http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/45086/madonna-sarah-palin-isnt-welcome-on-tour
The singer is rocking a private party...
Tuesday 07th Oct 2008
Madonna has made her dislike for Sarah Palin very clear by banning the politician from attending her world tour.
The singer shared her political views whilst performing a show in New Jersey as part of her Sticky & Sweet tour.
She told the crowd: "Sarah Palin can't come to my party. Sarah Palin can't come to my show. It's nothing personal."
And this outburst against the Republican party is not the first for Madge.
On her current tour she used John McCain's image in a video clip alongside scences of destruction, global warming, starving children and Adolf Hitler.
A spokesperson for McCain's campaign said Madonna's actions were, “outrageous, unacceptable and crudely divisive all at the same time.”
Full story here: http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/45086/madonna-sarah-palin-isnt-welcome-on-tour
Monday, October 6, 2008
20 Questions
Town Hall Questions for Obama on Ayers, Born-Alive, and More
from Peter Kirsanow for National Review Online
Anyone attending Tuesday's town hall debate is welcome to use the following questions:
1. Why shouldn't voters view your association with the radical William Ayers as evidence that you are sympathetic to the similarly radical views of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, your pastor of 20 years?
2. You characterized Ayers as " respected." What do you respect about him? Do you respect any other unrepentant terrorists?
3. Do you agree with the National Journal's assessment that you're the nation's most liberal senator? If not, whom do you maintain is more liberal?
4. Could you please cite three things you've done as senator to win the war in Iraq?
5. You would meet with Ahmadinejad without preconditions, you worked with unrepentant terrorist William Ayers, and you remained in Rev Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years — yet you refused to debate on Fox News. Do you consider Brit Hume and Chris Wallace to be more objectionable than Ahmadinejad, Ayers and Wright?
6. You dismissed your association with William Ayers by stating that his actions, while "despicable," occurred when you were just eight years old. Ayers was still a fugitive when another terrorist bomber, Ted Kaczynski ( the " Unabomber") began his bombing campaign (btw senator, you were 20 at the time). Would you have had any reservations working with Kaczynski? Would you have had any reservations launching your political career from Kaczynski's home? What about abortion clinic bomber Eric Rudolf? If so, please explain your reasons for working with some terrorists but not others.
7. Your running mate thinks that Hillary Clinton would have been a better VP pick than he. Why do you disagree?
8. Excluding political campaigns, what's the largest enterprise you've ever managed? How successful was it?
9. You've stated that given the state of the economy, as president you might have to delay your tax plan. Why isn't this an admission that your tax plan would hurt the economy?
10. You've stated that determining when a baby gets human rights is "above [your] pay grade." Let's make it simple. Do you believe a baby is a human being? If not, why not? If you do, why wouldn't a baby be entitled to human rights? Is your uncertainty regarding this issue the reason you voted against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act?
11. While in the Illinois state legislature you voted "present" more than 130 times. Given your uncertainty as to when a baby is entitled to human rights, why didn't you simply vote "present" on the Born-Alive Act?
12. Did you and Ayers ever discuss his participation in the bombing of the Pentagon? If so, when? How did you respond? Did you continue working with him afterward? Why? Did this discussion occur before or after he hosted your political coming-out party?
13. As president, would you appoint any member to your cabinet who had worked with terrorists? Would you appoint any individual whose political career had been launched at the home of a terrorist? If not, why not? If you consider an association with terrorists to be a disqualifier for, say, the position of attorney general or national security advisor, why shouldn't it be a disqualifier for president?
14. Did you ever tell Ayers that his actions were "despicable"? If so, did you do so at the time you interviewed to chair the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, or later?
15. Your campaigned is premised, in part, on a theme of racial transcendence yet you support racial preferences in employment, contracting and school admissions. Is there any existing racial preference that you don't support?
16. Why do you support the Employee Free Choice Act that would effectively eliminate secret ballot union representation elections? Do you support eliminating secret ballots in presidential, congressional, gubernatorial or mayoral elections?
17. You support giving drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants and letting them participate in the Social Security system. Why wouldn't this encourage more illegal immigrants to come to this country?
18. You had a relationship with an unrepentant terrorist and you've stated that you'd meet without precondition with the leaders of terrorist-sponsoring countries. Could you please explain why voters should believe you're serious about the threat of terrorism?
19. What, if any, policy differences do you have with Ayers?
20. In which of the following states have you met bitter people who "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them": Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Virginia?
It took five minutes to come up with these questions. Obama's been campaigning for 20 months and not once have the media found time to ask any of the foregoing. Too bad Rick Warren isn't moderating all of the debates.
from Peter Kirsanow for National Review Online
Anyone attending Tuesday's town hall debate is welcome to use the following questions:
1. Why shouldn't voters view your association with the radical William Ayers as evidence that you are sympathetic to the similarly radical views of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, your pastor of 20 years?
2. You characterized Ayers as " respected." What do you respect about him? Do you respect any other unrepentant terrorists?
3. Do you agree with the National Journal's assessment that you're the nation's most liberal senator? If not, whom do you maintain is more liberal?
4. Could you please cite three things you've done as senator to win the war in Iraq?
5. You would meet with Ahmadinejad without preconditions, you worked with unrepentant terrorist William Ayers, and you remained in Rev Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years — yet you refused to debate on Fox News. Do you consider Brit Hume and Chris Wallace to be more objectionable than Ahmadinejad, Ayers and Wright?
6. You dismissed your association with William Ayers by stating that his actions, while "despicable," occurred when you were just eight years old. Ayers was still a fugitive when another terrorist bomber, Ted Kaczynski ( the " Unabomber") began his bombing campaign (btw senator, you were 20 at the time). Would you have had any reservations working with Kaczynski? Would you have had any reservations launching your political career from Kaczynski's home? What about abortion clinic bomber Eric Rudolf? If so, please explain your reasons for working with some terrorists but not others.
7. Your running mate thinks that Hillary Clinton would have been a better VP pick than he. Why do you disagree?
8. Excluding political campaigns, what's the largest enterprise you've ever managed? How successful was it?
9. You've stated that given the state of the economy, as president you might have to delay your tax plan. Why isn't this an admission that your tax plan would hurt the economy?
10. You've stated that determining when a baby gets human rights is "above [your] pay grade." Let's make it simple. Do you believe a baby is a human being? If not, why not? If you do, why wouldn't a baby be entitled to human rights? Is your uncertainty regarding this issue the reason you voted against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act?
11. While in the Illinois state legislature you voted "present" more than 130 times. Given your uncertainty as to when a baby is entitled to human rights, why didn't you simply vote "present" on the Born-Alive Act?
12. Did you and Ayers ever discuss his participation in the bombing of the Pentagon? If so, when? How did you respond? Did you continue working with him afterward? Why? Did this discussion occur before or after he hosted your political coming-out party?
13. As president, would you appoint any member to your cabinet who had worked with terrorists? Would you appoint any individual whose political career had been launched at the home of a terrorist? If not, why not? If you consider an association with terrorists to be a disqualifier for, say, the position of attorney general or national security advisor, why shouldn't it be a disqualifier for president?
14. Did you ever tell Ayers that his actions were "despicable"? If so, did you do so at the time you interviewed to chair the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, or later?
15. Your campaigned is premised, in part, on a theme of racial transcendence yet you support racial preferences in employment, contracting and school admissions. Is there any existing racial preference that you don't support?
16. Why do you support the Employee Free Choice Act that would effectively eliminate secret ballot union representation elections? Do you support eliminating secret ballots in presidential, congressional, gubernatorial or mayoral elections?
17. You support giving drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants and letting them participate in the Social Security system. Why wouldn't this encourage more illegal immigrants to come to this country?
18. You had a relationship with an unrepentant terrorist and you've stated that you'd meet without precondition with the leaders of terrorist-sponsoring countries. Could you please explain why voters should believe you're serious about the threat of terrorism?
19. What, if any, policy differences do you have with Ayers?
20. In which of the following states have you met bitter people who "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them": Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Virginia?
It took five minutes to come up with these questions. Obama's been campaigning for 20 months and not once have the media found time to ask any of the foregoing. Too bad Rick Warren isn't moderating all of the debates.
Quote of the Day
"For a guy who's already authored two memoirs, he's not exactly an open book."
- Senator John McCain on Senator Barack Obama
- Senator John McCain on Senator Barack Obama
Friday, October 3, 2008
How Georgia Became Red
State’s partisan shift to red trickled over time
By Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sixteen years ago, Georgia was on the blueish side of purple, a state where voters went for a Democratic president, and the party controlled a preponderance of federal and state offices.
Today, Georgia is dirt red, with Republicans controlling the General Assembly and a majority of statewide and federal seats. And that November day in 1992 was the last time Georgia sent a Democrat to the White House.
The wholesale shift from Democrat to Republican was not a sudden change, a levee break, although there were days of deluge that contributed to the flood. And it was not all political, or, at least, not all ideological.
Some, Democrats mostly, believe the state could be in the early stages of a shift back the other way, based on population changes and a gradual morphing of ideology away from the social conservatism that once dominated the GOP. Only time will tell.
The state has changed in 16 years. It’s grown with gusto within the same borders in many, and varied, ways.
How things were altered —- from people who were there.
Full article here: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/printedition/2008/10/03/gachanges.html
By Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sixteen years ago, Georgia was on the blueish side of purple, a state where voters went for a Democratic president, and the party controlled a preponderance of federal and state offices.
Today, Georgia is dirt red, with Republicans controlling the General Assembly and a majority of statewide and federal seats. And that November day in 1992 was the last time Georgia sent a Democrat to the White House.
The wholesale shift from Democrat to Republican was not a sudden change, a levee break, although there were days of deluge that contributed to the flood. And it was not all political, or, at least, not all ideological.
Some, Democrats mostly, believe the state could be in the early stages of a shift back the other way, based on population changes and a gradual morphing of ideology away from the social conservatism that once dominated the GOP. Only time will tell.
The state has changed in 16 years. It’s grown with gusto within the same borders in many, and varied, ways.
How things were altered —- from people who were there.
Full article here: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/printedition/2008/10/03/gachanges.html
This is just sick......
From the Times Online:
An “expressionless” seven-year-old boy broke into a zoo, bludgeoned to death giant lizards and fed them – and other live animals - to a crocodile named Terry in Outback Australia this week.
Zookeepers were horrified when they arrived at work on Wednesday morning to see Terry, an 11-foot long saltwater crocodile, feasting on his fellow showcase reptilians at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre in the Northern Territory.
The article goes on to describe how the boy killed 13 animals in all, smashing rocks on their heads and throwing them into the crocodile enclosure. His victims included a large turtle, bearded dragons, goannas and lizards including Thorny Devils and Western Blue tongues, which are hard to find in captivity. One of the goannas was 20 years old and described by the zookeeper as "an absolute doll."
What a sicko, and where are this kid's parents when he is breaking into zoos in the middle of the night?
An “expressionless” seven-year-old boy broke into a zoo, bludgeoned to death giant lizards and fed them – and other live animals - to a crocodile named Terry in Outback Australia this week.
Zookeepers were horrified when they arrived at work on Wednesday morning to see Terry, an 11-foot long saltwater crocodile, feasting on his fellow showcase reptilians at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre in the Northern Territory.
The article goes on to describe how the boy killed 13 animals in all, smashing rocks on their heads and throwing them into the crocodile enclosure. His victims included a large turtle, bearded dragons, goannas and lizards including Thorny Devils and Western Blue tongues, which are hard to find in captivity. One of the goannas was 20 years old and described by the zookeeper as "an absolute doll."
What a sicko, and where are this kid's parents when he is breaking into zoos in the middle of the night?
Rest in Peace, Goanna.
Full story here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article4874657.ece
Quote of the Day
"I may not answer the questions the way that either the moderator or you want to hear, but I'm going to talk straight to the American people and let them know my track record.''
- Governor Sarah Palin to Senator Joe Biden
in last night's Vice Presidential debate
- Governor Sarah Palin to Senator Joe Biden
in last night's Vice Presidential debate
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Jekyll Island Authority
Residents’ concerns noted in state park plan
By BOB KRUEGER
Atlanta Journal- Constitution
Thursday, October 02, 2008
I have the privilege to serve Georgia as chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority. I accepted this appointment from Gov. Sonny Perdue, and I serve at his pleasure to help achieve the state’s vision for Jekyll Island: that Jekyll shall become a model for a self-sustaining conservation community accessible to all Georgians and once again contribute to the economic prosperity and quality of life for Georgia. This vision is clear and simple, but getting there is often complex. The authority board and staff are keenly aware that we serve the citizens of Georgia, many of whom are passionate about protecting Jekyll as a unique destination. So are we.
I’m afraid some have let their emotions become unbridled and this may be the case with the recent tirade of accusations made by former authority board member, Ed Boshears. Boshears’ accusations are not true, and the people of Georgia need to understand several critical issues.
First, Boshears was not “fired.” Boshears served a complete term, which expired in June, and he continued to serve as the law provides until the governor appointed his replacement. The governor’s reasons are his own, but we are pleased with the appointment of state Rep. Richard Royal. Royal has an outstanding reputation and is a successful businessman in addition to a public servant.
Second, the accusation that the authority engaged in unethical or illegal actions as it works to encourage investment on Jekyll is absolutely false. Last year, Boshears alleged that one of our private-sector partners received a $10 million “giveaway.” This is completely untrue, and was reinforced by a positive ruling from Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker. The selection of Linger Longer Communities, which Boshears voted for, was upheld in court after several challenges by a losing team. The authority board works in full compliance with all of Georgia’s sunshine laws with open public participation.
But the most important point for Georgians to understand is that although Jekyll is a state park it is also required by law to be economically self-sustaining and affordable. It is incumbent upon the board to set policy carefully, yet address a number of challenges, including declining visitation (down nearly 600,000 visitors per year since 1989) and deteriorating facilities (we have more than $30 million in necessary maintenance in our acclaimed historic district alone). This must be accomplished without massive support from the taxpayers — visitation must provide the self-sustaining revenue.
The board must work together to address these challenges.
Solutions include responsible revitalization that will allow us to slowly increase visitation and revenue with a low-density mix of redeveloped retail, lodging and convention offerings on just a small portion of the island. Indeed, a recent visitation analysis revealed that total development needed to generate necessary visitation and income over the next 15 years represents a net addition of roughly 1,000 lodging units, 400 dwelling units and 25,000 commercial square feet over levels that existed 20 years ago.
Other key initiatives include strict design guidelines and lighting ordinances that will protect endangered sea turtles. Having financially strong and talented private partners is a critical part of the equation.
I am confident that with Linger Longer’s final beach village plan, as with the other initiatives, reasonable people will see that the board of the Jekyll authority has listened to the public and addressed their concerns.
We understand that we won’t make everyone happy, but the board of the authority must strike the right balance between redevelopment and environmental protection. The beneficiaries of this reasonable and responsible approach are the nine million citizens of Georgia, and all the future guests to Jekyll Island.
• Bob Krueger, a resident of Hawkinsville, is chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority.
By BOB KRUEGER
Atlanta Journal- Constitution
Thursday, October 02, 2008
I have the privilege to serve Georgia as chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority. I accepted this appointment from Gov. Sonny Perdue, and I serve at his pleasure to help achieve the state’s vision for Jekyll Island: that Jekyll shall become a model for a self-sustaining conservation community accessible to all Georgians and once again contribute to the economic prosperity and quality of life for Georgia. This vision is clear and simple, but getting there is often complex. The authority board and staff are keenly aware that we serve the citizens of Georgia, many of whom are passionate about protecting Jekyll as a unique destination. So are we.
I’m afraid some have let their emotions become unbridled and this may be the case with the recent tirade of accusations made by former authority board member, Ed Boshears. Boshears’ accusations are not true, and the people of Georgia need to understand several critical issues.
First, Boshears was not “fired.” Boshears served a complete term, which expired in June, and he continued to serve as the law provides until the governor appointed his replacement. The governor’s reasons are his own, but we are pleased with the appointment of state Rep. Richard Royal. Royal has an outstanding reputation and is a successful businessman in addition to a public servant.
Second, the accusation that the authority engaged in unethical or illegal actions as it works to encourage investment on Jekyll is absolutely false. Last year, Boshears alleged that one of our private-sector partners received a $10 million “giveaway.” This is completely untrue, and was reinforced by a positive ruling from Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker. The selection of Linger Longer Communities, which Boshears voted for, was upheld in court after several challenges by a losing team. The authority board works in full compliance with all of Georgia’s sunshine laws with open public participation.
But the most important point for Georgians to understand is that although Jekyll is a state park it is also required by law to be economically self-sustaining and affordable. It is incumbent upon the board to set policy carefully, yet address a number of challenges, including declining visitation (down nearly 600,000 visitors per year since 1989) and deteriorating facilities (we have more than $30 million in necessary maintenance in our acclaimed historic district alone). This must be accomplished without massive support from the taxpayers — visitation must provide the self-sustaining revenue.
The board must work together to address these challenges.
Solutions include responsible revitalization that will allow us to slowly increase visitation and revenue with a low-density mix of redeveloped retail, lodging and convention offerings on just a small portion of the island. Indeed, a recent visitation analysis revealed that total development needed to generate necessary visitation and income over the next 15 years represents a net addition of roughly 1,000 lodging units, 400 dwelling units and 25,000 commercial square feet over levels that existed 20 years ago.
Other key initiatives include strict design guidelines and lighting ordinances that will protect endangered sea turtles. Having financially strong and talented private partners is a critical part of the equation.
I am confident that with Linger Longer’s final beach village plan, as with the other initiatives, reasonable people will see that the board of the Jekyll authority has listened to the public and addressed their concerns.
We understand that we won’t make everyone happy, but the board of the authority must strike the right balance between redevelopment and environmental protection. The beneficiaries of this reasonable and responsible approach are the nine million citizens of Georgia, and all the future guests to Jekyll Island.
• Bob Krueger, a resident of Hawkinsville, is chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority.
VP Debate
From The Wall Street Journal:
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- There are two things people here remember about Sarah Palin's debating style during her race for governor two years ago.
One is the stack of color-coded cue cards she took to the podium for help whenever she was asked a policy question. The other is how quickly she was able to shuck those props, master the thrust-and-parry of jousting with her opponents and inquisitors, and project confidence to an audience of television viewers watching from home.
"That's the Sarah Palin I remember from the 2006 debates: positive, confident and upbeat," recalls Libby Casey, an Alaska public-radio reporter who served as a debate moderator on two occasions that year.
Here is video of Palin from a 2006 gubernatorial debate:
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- There are two things people here remember about Sarah Palin's debating style during her race for governor two years ago.
One is the stack of color-coded cue cards she took to the podium for help whenever she was asked a policy question. The other is how quickly she was able to shuck those props, master the thrust-and-parry of jousting with her opponents and inquisitors, and project confidence to an audience of television viewers watching from home.
"That's the Sarah Palin I remember from the 2006 debates: positive, confident and upbeat," recalls Libby Casey, an Alaska public-radio reporter who served as a debate moderator on two occasions that year.
Here is video of Palin from a 2006 gubernatorial debate:
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