RIP Ted Kennedy

If you didn't know better you would have thought the procession through Washington, D.C. was for the passing of a President not a Senator. But then again Ted Kennedy was no ordinary Senator. He was the most prominent living member of America's royal family. And for many years...46 of them in fact...he rung the bell for liberals on Capitol Hill. That's not to say he wasn't wrong, or terrible misguided on many issues. The "cause of his life" was universal healthcare and no doubt many democrats will use his death as political firewood to stir up more debate on this bankrupt endeavor. However, I saw Ted Kennedy as a very honest man and I think many of his downfalls were brought on by the way he was raised. His trouble with women became well documented in the press. Many could also never forgive him for fleeing the scene of a car wreck on Chappaquiddick Island. The passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, died that night and the incident damaged his chances of ever becoming President. But he owned up to his mistake by asking the Massachusetts electorate whether he should stay in office. We all know he did and he went on to pass more that 300 bills on immigration, AIDS reform, education, and civil rights. And though I supported the Republican resurgence in 96', it wouldn't have been anywhere near as interesting without Kennedy's vocal opposition. May the Lion of the Senate rest in peace...

Bunning Bows Out

The flood gates have opened...Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning will not seek re-election in 2010. Bunning's announcement Monday wasn't a shock to many GOP leaders in the Bluegrass...it was almost expected. The 77 year old pitcher turned politician struggled to raise the necessary money it would take to run a competitive race, blaming fellow Republicans for drying up his funds. Bunning wouldn't point out particular backstabers, but its well known that Kentucky's other senator...Mitch McConnell...has been leading a rebellion against him. The news excited Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Bowling Green Physician Rand Paul as both Republicans have been on the sidelines waiting to jump into a Bunning-less race. It's expected there so called "exploratory committees" will turn into full-flegged campaigns in the days to come. The path is perhaps trickier to navigate for Liet. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo and AG Jack Conway...Democrats who declared their intention to run months ago. Mongiardo and Conway would have benefited from all the gunfire within the GOP had Bunning stayed in the race. Even with Bunning's departure, deciding on a favorite this early in the race would be foolish. Nevertheless, the change is landscape is important to note.

America's Slobbering Love Affair: Brett Favre

Like the left-wing media and Barack Obama during the presidential election...the sports world can't get enough of Brett Favre. The latest episode of the soap opera played out on the premiere of "Joe Buck Live" on HBO last night. When asked by Buck if he would come out of retirement to play again, Favre said..."Ummm...maybe." Favre's reply was unsatisfactory to Buck who pressed the three time NFL MVP for a sure answer. One things for certain...if he's coming back...it will be in a Vikings uniform. Minnesota is the only team Favre has spoken to and according to Favre it would be a "perfect fit" considering he knows the Vikings offense, "well enough to teach it." The ol' gunslinger did verify that he recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his throwing arm and will know in several weeks whether he'll be able to put on the cleats for a 19th NFL season. Favre said he realizes that people are tired of the roller coaster ride of drama ESPN has taken us on these past couple of weeks. "It is what it is," said Favre. So what's the big picture here? Do we take Favre at his word or say enough is enough from Mr. Congeniality? At times during the interview...Favre looked completely honest and real...understanding that his legacy and image were at stake with the viewer at home. However, small smirks also broke out on his face when asked if he would return...leading you to think he actually was enjoying that roller coaster ride spoken of above. Though Favre has appeared to turn his back on the Packers and Jets front office; I don't believe the quarterback ever gave up on his teammates when he was with those organizations. He's one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game...and finding a way to feed that hunger without the game of football is something I believe Favre has struggled with more than other past NFL greats (and I ultimately think that is what keeps him coming back). So the "hatters" take that Favre is stirring the pot as a way to continue to put the spotlight on himself...for selfish reasons...is something I do not think he is into. Favre commented that he rarely sees reports about himself in the media....and I can't picture him sitting at home smiling as SportsCenter reports on the latest dose of Brett Favre news. His foundation has donated over $2 million to charities in Mississippi and Wisconsin. On the other hand, Favre has made many mistakes...going into and coming out of retirement on more than one occasion (mistakes I think he would acknowledge). He hasn't been able to make decisions in a decent timeframe regarding his comeback(s). This has largely led to the demise of strong frienships he's built with the city of Green Bay and the Packers organization from 92-08. Though, we now know ESPN was wrong in reporting there ever was a timeframe between the Vikings and Favre (I think there's a whole lot behind the scenes we don't know). And like so many of us who wake up each morning and feel differently about an issue...Favre wants to ensure that he's doing the right thing with regards to playing in the NFL. He doesn't want to do it half-heartedly or have it make a negative impact on his family. Cut the man some slack...at least enough for him to continue to make the sports world interesting. At any rate...it's great TV! And please...stay tuned for the next episode of "America's Slobbering Love Affair: Brett Favre."

2012: The Year of Hope for the Party of Lincoln

The countdown on hannity.com says it all...Republicans are ready for change. Just 4 months into office, the American people have seen a lot from the 44th President. The closing of Gitmo, the lift of the ban on stem cell research, a new stimulus bill, car bailouts and failures, a new budget that forces the Government to borrow $0.50 on every $1, new emission standards, a Supreme Court Nominee, speech to the Muslim world, etc. No doubt, even greater socialistic-like policies await. Therefore, Republicans simply can't wait until the 2016 election to put a elephant in the White House. Universal Healthcare (as defined by this administration) will be all but a reality by that point in time. Republicans have to get back to the drawing board in order to solidify support around an individual that can lead the country. Someone who possesses the conservative qualities to appeal to the GOP base, who can still pick up moderate votes along the way. And so...with 1243 days till the 2012 Presidential Election, Yours Truly decided to put on the pundit helmet and throw out possible Republican hopefuls...

Rush Limbaugh...you must be kidding right? The critically acclaimed "Voice of the GOP" has taken a severe stance on the current administration and with nearly 15 million tuning in mon-fri to listen to his banter...he has quite a following. Slim chance the talk show host runs, however...after all Republicans need someone to turn to day in and day out for comfort. Rowe's Rating *

Sarah Palin...how could she not run? A shocking pick by John McCain as his Vice Presidential candidate in 08', the Alaska Govenor shows all the signs of running in 12'. She'll get re-elected in her home state for 10'. She's already gone through the mad criticism machine that is the left-wing media. She appeals to many in middle America. She'll have more years of experience as a govenor by 12'. However, she's not too popular with moderates and even many conservatives in the party do not care for her much. Bottom Line...Republicans are best to pass on Palin for the 12' nomination. She's a patriot...but many will never give her the 2nd shot she deserves. Rowe's Rating...**

Haley Barbour...Govenor of Mississippi. A Southernor who has done an unbelievable job restoring the ravaged coast of his state following Hurrican Katrina. No one will question his ability to handle a crisis. Because of term limits in his state...he can't run for govenor again...a fact that makes it more likely he'll run for President. He's got some baggage that NBC wouldn't have to dig to deep to find, however. Rowe's Rating...**

Bobby Jindal...Governor of Louisiana. For one, he's an Asian running a Southern State. Maybe that helps attract minorities in 12'? After Hurricane Katrina the state of Louisiana looked like the underworld. Homes destroyed, lives lost, cities in rubble...it was a mess. Jindal takes some credit for turning the state around. Not the most charasmatic, however. Rowe's Rating...**

Tim Pawlenty...Govenor of the Minnesota. He was just passed over by McCain for the 08' VP nominee. He can appeal to the broad base. He can win the Great Lake States (exception of Illinois). He's not too well known, however. He'll be a player for the 12' nomination...Rowe's Rating...***

Mark Sanford...Govenor of South Carolina. A Conservative from a Southern State who will not only bring smiles to the faces of Republicans, but to the faces of Libertarians as well. A Reformer, but again...not a lot of name recognition. He could win back some of the states lost in the 08' election however. Rowe's Rating...***

Mike Huckabee...Fmr. Governor of Arkansas, Southern Baptist Minister, and Host of Huckabee on Fox News. I was worried that after the election...Huckabee would fall off the map. The exact opposite has happened...he's weighed in heavily on the political scene keeping his followers and critics close. A man I felt should have grabbed the nomination in 08' is likely to run in 12'. He's got the values and experience to run this grand country. As the people in Iowa found out...he's a very likeable guy...it's just takes time for the magic to wear on. But, will he run (I hope....)?Rowe's Rating...****

Newt Gingrich...Fmr. Speaker of the House, Fox News Contributor, and Author. Of everyone I've mentioned...I think Newt's the strongest. He knows the political spectrum better than anyone I've ever seen. He's got the experience...and the facts and charisma to go with them. In 95' he was Time Magazine's Person of the Year...leading the Republican Revolution that took back the House after 40 years of Democratic domination. Can Newt Gingrich bring hope to the Party of Lincoln? Rowe's Rating *****

But, it's early, more faces will appear on the scene as the months and years fly by...

The Confirmation Battle Begins

The President's first nominee to the nation's highest court, Sonia Sotomayor, will begin the long, painstaking confirmation process Tuesday. The formal hearing is still a month or more away, but the ever important private meetings with top senators will take place in the days to come. Sotomayor will be asked about her views on gay rights, abortion, affirmative action, judicial temperament, constitutional interpretation, etc. She'll have to clarify an outrageous statement she made about a wise latino women possessing more judgement than that of a white male. Sotomayor will also have to answer for many of her rulings that, on paper, seem to discriminate against whites...the firemen case is an example of this notion. She's gone through a similar process twice before...approved as a federal trial judge in 92' and when she was elevated to NY's Second Circuit Court of Appeals, her current post, in 97'. The stakes, however, weren't as high as they are now. Her appointment will be for life and she will be ruling in Obama ideology long after he leaves the White House. Hopefully, Republicans will ignore the far left zealots and haters who paint any criticism against this woman as racial discrimination. This nomination is too important for the Grand Ole Party to run and hide!

Where's W. Now?

Since George W. left Washington in January he's largely avoided much of the social spotlight in light of a quieter, more laid back retirement. Though the Bush bashing from the late night talk show hosts, the NY Times, and NBC News has not completely resided, they have switched much of their focus to the "awe-factor" of President Obama. The former President only serves as a blame child for any mistakes the great change agent makes. The reason I bring all of this up is due to an article published in Newsweek Magazine this past week. These are the same folks who published an article on "The Decline and Fall of Christian America." So even before I perused the info they managed to scrape up on him (Bush didn't voluntarily contriubute to their story...as he shouldn't...Newsweek is an extremely left-wing operation out to get him), I knew what I was getting into. As we all know, Laura and George have settled in a suburb of Dallas in a neighboorhood that Newsweek magazine feels is full of Bush blow-hards...rich oilmen and executives alike. They insisted on pointing out that Bush's homestate of Texas was a wealthy benefactor for him during his rise from the governorship to the Presidency and now to mention his name, even within Republican circles, "is a little like Lord Voldemort's" (chief villan of the Harry Potter book and movie series). "It is a name that shall not be spoken," a reply Newsweek got out of a political consultant Bill Miller. They pointed out that Bush dropped by a local elementary school and he asked the children if they knew who he was. One child replied, "George Washington?" To which George W. replied...George Washington Bush (what a comeback!). Newsweek also made a point to mention that Democrats have made solid gains in the state once a Republican Machine...Obama secured 44% of the vote in Texas during the election and Kerry only picked up 38%. Newsweek forgets one of Texas' own ran in 2004...naturally the Republicans get a greater share of the vote. Texas has always had a strong Democratic hold as well...what about LBJ? They brought up the fact George W. is raising money for his new Presidential Library which will be built on the campus of Southern Methodist University, which according to Newsweek will, "wound the school's academic independence in the process." The whole article was a disgrace for the once famed Newsweek brand. I truly believe that Bush's image 20-25 years down the road will be greatly improved. Bush is slated to release his memoir currently titled "Decision Points" in 2012 which I believe will be a solid defense and insight into many of the reasons he chose to make some of the costly decisions he did while in office. We've heard enough testimony from the prosecution on the failures of the Bush Administration (NY Times, NBC News, etc.)...I'm ready for the defense!

Fighting Back

Finally, the Bush Administration is fighting back against accusations of harsh interrogation techniques of captured terrorists. Dick Cheney, the former Vice President, recently sat down with Fox News's Sean Hannity defending Bush interrogation techniques, saying that they were necessary when an attack on the United States was a likely possibility. According to many far-left advocates, however, the Bush Administration represents the essence of a human rights violator. Liberal media institutions like NBC News and the NY Times wish for officials to use only those interrogation techniques described in the Army Field Manual...essentially, polite conversation. Which is absoultely insane considering millions of Americans lives are on the line. I don't know about you, but I'm willing to put a suspected terrorist through temporary discomfort (like waterboarding), to gain valuable information that could pose a threat to the country. Yet, many members of Congress are pushing the Obama White House to prosecute officials of the Bush Administration for their use of such techniques. And, as it appears, Obama is willing to back a bi-partisan investigation that would ignite the country. Let me make this clear....prosecuting Bush officials for their use of harsh interrogation techniques, which ultimately kept Americans safe, would be permanately damaging for the legacy of Mr. Obama.

Tea Parties

This past Wednesday thousands upon thousands of Americans gathered at cities across the United States all in the name of fiscal responsibility. In Cincinnati, approximately 7,000 people crowded Fountain Square in protest of the government spending millions of dollars on federal stimulus projects. Fox News showed images of thousands outside the Alamo in Texas, the State Capitol of California in Sacramento, Atlanta, GA, Washington, D.C., and the list goes on and on. Picket line signs bared slogans such as “Taxed Too Much Already,” “Don’t Ruin Our Future,” “Give Me Liberty…Not Debt,” and “The United Socialist States of America.” Some were even dressed in colonial wigs with tea bags hanging from their glasses. As House Minority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican would put it, “Across our nation, thousands of Americans are participating in taxpayer tea parties today for one simple reason: overtaxed families and small businesses have had enough.” And it all happened on April 15th, also known as Tax Day, a day that every American loathes to no end. The TEA, Taxed Enough Already, Parties were not organized by big Republican backers wishing to mudsling President Obama and his financial advisors. This was a grassroots movement against crazed government spending that threatens to destroy the lives of Americans not even born yet. And it was all rightly so. The big spending cannot be attributed to only the Republican or Democratic Party, both are at fault. The stimulus bill during the end of the Bush Administration was just the first toll that sparked much of the public outcry that has led to our government whipping out green bills at record pace. But, at least the Republican Party recognized the huge grass roots movement. Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, Mark Stanford, Governor of South Carolina, and Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana, were all involved in Tea Parties in their respective states. Not surprisingly, the Obama White House failed to even make note of the events. The bottom line is that Americans have had enough. Often times, it takes this kind of political participation, unconventional participation, for government leaders to wake up and realize their mistakes.

Christianity and the Mainstream Media

It's no mystery that the mainstream media has willed to deconstruct the so called "evangelical movement" in this country for many years. The real question is why? The United States was founded upon Godly principals, and with over 70% of Americans claiming themselves to be Christians, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense why the media doesn't take a more pro-Christianity stance than they do. Evangelical voters play a huge factor in political elections, epecially in the Southern States. Films in recent years like The Passion of the Christ and Facing the Giants have been huge successes. So, again, why is the media so biased toward evangelicals in this country? The answers...too many biblical points contradict with the media's social agenda. The Bible strongly speaks out against many social injustices like abortion and gay-marriage, both issues are media strongholds. Many of the journalists and editors at the big media corportations (like GE...which owns NBC News, a far left institution) are also extremely liberal, and only serve to cast a shadow of hatred on the evangelical movement. Finally, the Media toy with those who will not fight back. Those folks who they can continually polk with a stick again and again. The Bible speaks on loving another person as one's own self, and therefore, Christians are above the mudslinging that the media take part in everyday.

Responsibility

The entire financial crisis began back in July of 2007 when there was a loss of confidence by investors in the value of mortgages in the United States. As a result, lawmakers hurried to inject a substantial amount of capital into the financial markets using the United States Federal Reserve Bank. Granted, no one can credit the current crisis to any one lawmaker or any one financial committee. The mess was bigger than anyone could have ever expected. But, many of the decisions made by lawmakers after the demise of the housing industry have only come to worsen an economy that was already sliding downward. That being said, I think it's time that Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Ben Bernanke, and Tim Geithner, and every other politician in Washington stop pointing fingers and own up to the mistakes that they have made during this grave situation. Because, it's not going to be government intervention that will solve our problems, but officials allowing time for the markets and industries to correct themselves. I think former President Herber Hoover put it best when speaking on this subject, "Economoic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement. Economic wounds must be healed by the action of the cells of the economic body-the producers and consumers themselves."

Tough Times for President Obama

For maybe the first time in his political career, Obama is on the ropes! According to Rasmussen Reports, only 56% of Americans say that they approve of the President's performance so far, and only 35% of the folks believe that the country is heading in the right direction. Do these numbers sound similar to reports we were receiving during the end of the Bush Administration? You bet ya! Clearly, the President is worried by the diminishing poll numbers, the economy downfall, and the recent AIG developments. His solution...be a guest on the Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno! And to tell you the truth, maybe that isn't such a bad idea. Obama will work his smooth image that carried him through the election, and he'll answer softball questions while doing it. But, a few nights away from Corruptionville, USA isn't going to clean up an economic mess that would make the folks at Rumpke grimace. Clearly the country is on the backburner at the current time. And granted, he inherited a world of problems. But at the same time, he knew what he was getting into. Should things continue down this slipperly slope that Obama is creating, he will not be remebered as the change agent/FDR that he boasted he was during the campaign. Instead, he'll have to be likened to one of this country's finest fallen heros...Jimmy Carter...

The Voice of the GOP?

Is Conservative radio talk show giant Rush Limbaugh the voice of the GOP? After the Presidential Inauguration in January, Limbaugh buffed up his criticism of Obama saying that he hoped Obama would fail in office. Lately, many officials within the Obama White House, with special emphasis on Rahm Emanuel (Obama's Chief of Staff), have leveled attacks at Rush, clearly viewing him as a threat to the Democrats success in Washington. Michael Steele, the current RNC Chairman, went on CNN this past Saturday night calling many of Rush's remarks about Obama "ugly" and "incendiary." As a result of Steele's remarks, Rush goes on to blast Steele on his radio program Monday afternoon, and Steele ends up apologizing to Limbaugh for those orginal remarks. Talk about power. Now, let me insert that all of this criticism has driven Rush Limbaugh's ratings through the roof. This new wave of controversy has kept his faithful close and has allowed millions more, who usually don't listen to his program, to check out his show for the first time. So, there is no question that Rush wields great power, and right now, he probably possesses more power than any other Republican in the nation. Rush has more power than Michael Steele, Bobby Jindal, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, or John McCain could ever hope to come up with. So, to answer the question...yes, Rush Limbaugh is the mouthpiece of the grand ole party...

The United Socialists of America

This past Tuesday, President Obama addressed Congress and the nation on his economic agenda saying, "the day of reckoning has come," after years of finanical irresponsibility. Obama praised Congress for their passage of the $787 billion dollar economic plan, believeing that its passage will create approximately 3.5 million jobs. President Obama went on to indicate that the government will be getting into the consumer banking business, overhauling energy resourcefulness, investing millions in Medicare, and reforming schools. But, will this, to paraphrase Mr. Obama,"build a new foundation for lasting prosperity?" Well, just listening to that speech, you couldn't help but get the feeling that the United States was turning from a capitalist society to a socialist one before your very own eyes. Using Medicare as an example, I think President Obama was very much impyling that socialized medicine is a path onto which the U.S. should trod. Certainly, FDR would have stood up with Nancy Pelosi in giving President Obama standing ovation after standing ovation. However, would the founding fathers have found resonance with the same words? I do not think that anyone would disagree that they, more than anyone else, knew what would build a new foundation for lasting prosperity.

The Dark Cloud

In the last two years, the US has run up deficits of $2.5 trillion dollars...that's almost a fourth of all the debt the nation has taken on in its entire history. With eight months left in the current budget year, the deficit already has surpassed the deficit for 2008. Many economists are forecasting that the deficit for the current year will hit $1.6 trillion. America has borrowed so much money that just the interest on its debt is now more than what the country spends in Iraq. And the money the Obama Administration is borrowing for the stimulus package adds another $350 billion in interest. Let me also mention Medicare, which is expected to cost $36 trillion with approximately 77 million baby boomers retiring in the next few years. Naturally, one must ask the question of who is going to pay the tab on this bill? A difficult answer, but most likely the grandchildren of our children. And everyone knows its easy to spend someone else's money, someone who is too young to vote or even someone who hasn't been born yet...and that's exactly what we are doing. But, I'm afraid it's too late to do much about it now, the check has already been cashed. Now, American's must at least hold their government accountable for their decisions and make sure the money goes to the purposes of which it was intended. Nevertheless, one cannot deny that a dark cloud hangs over the United States at this very hour.

Children of the Mountains'

This past week ABC's Diane Sawyer (a native Kentuckian) aired a 20/20 investigation focused on the children of the Kentucky Appalacian region. The feature focused on different children of the region and how they are working to overcome the odds placed upon them by the area. For example, a statistic offered up by the program was that up to 1 out of 10 residents is completely without teeth and that children as young as 2 have as many as 12 cavaties. The program also highlighted a few hero's who were working to make conditions for those in the region better than they have ever been. I first learned about the program from Bill O'Reilly's, The O'Reilly Factor, when he interviewed Diane Sawyer regarding the feature. Now, before I go out and bash Mr. O'Reilly, let me state that I agree with Bill on almost every issue that he has added insight on. I watch his program nearly every evening and find his commentary second to none. However, I was shocked at how hard he came down on Diane, essentially blaming the Appalacian people for much of their disfortune. The heart of Bill's point comes down to folks choosing not to move away from the area knowing that there is no livelyhood present in the hills, and essentially refusing to better themselves. I can understand where he is coming from, he being from Long Island, NY where poverty of this magnitude is a distant reality. But, it is unreasonable and above unfair to blame the children of the region for their misfortune. What are they to do? I think parents feel somewhat trapped. They do not want to completely leave their families behind, forsaking them so they can have a better life. Many, also, do not have the money to move away, even if they had the opportunity to do so. I also feel that other's (and this is not only directed at Bill, mind you) portrayal of the region is not always accurate. The "hills" have really come a long way, both economically and socially. Students are getting better educations than ever before, new buisnesses are beginning to crop up in cities like Pikeville, KY, and most of all, more money is being spent on the region than ever before. So, the Bottom Line...outsiders, even within the state of kentucky, do not often foster a very accurate opinion of the appalacian hills...

The Downfall of a Hero

This past Thursday, Michael Phelps was suspended by the governing body of United States swimming. The suspension came less than a week after Phelps had been pictured in a British tabloid smoking marijuana from a pipe at a party on the University of South Carolina's campus. Now Phelps is considering retirement from swimming, claiming that the disappointment is just to much to bear. And it should be. I can very easily recall the magic moments of this past summer...the anticipation, the adrenaline, the goosebumps that were present in every viewer as Phelps stepped onto the platform each night in Beijing. Watching Phelps win those golds was quite possible the most miraculous achievement that I had seen in my young lifetime. Now, with Phelps backed into a corner I wonder what happen to all the magic. I balk at how a man who had it all...glory, fame, cash...would trade it away for a dose of marijuana. I grimace at seeing parents faces as they try to hide their children from seeing their role model crash and burn. I think Yogi Berra put it best; "If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be." Too bad it isn't.

"The Bill"

Obama's Congress is on track to pass a stimulus bill that could easlily top $900 billion. Though no Republicans voted for the bill, it slipped through the House and has now landed at the feet of the Senate. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Sunday that their region alone had requested at least $2.5 billion in requests. To me, Obama has bet his future legacy as President on this bill. Essentially, Obama has modeled himself after FDR in his crafting of this legislation. The problem is...FDR's New Deal did squat to improve the then "dead" U.S. economy of the 1930s. WWII saved FDR and the US economy in one scoop. One is left to wonder if history will repeat itself. More importantly, however, is the prospect of how a humble Joe like myself can get a big piece of this benevolent pie. Hmmmm.....