The Iranian President has consistently angered me in the past few years. He is now fighting to win back the attention he has lost to North Korea, and by doing so, has made me downright pissed.

"If a hurricane starts be rest assured that the dimensions of this hurricane will not be limited to the geographic borders of Palestine," he added. "This regime (Israel) will take its supporters to the bottom of the swamp."

Amadinejad drew his comparison of those who support Israel to Hurricane Katrina. Are you trying to make a point, sir? Because there is no comparison. What happened with Katrina was an act of nature. What you are doing is no act of God, but perhaps the exact opposite... if you catch my drift.

You will not win this. Your regime is evil and your repressive tactics are reprehensible. You are wrong. And if you cannot maintain the world peace, then you will surely find you will collapse far sooner than the "Zionist Empire."

And people say Bush is extreme. Do you people (liberals) realize the drastic differences between the two? All of you who claim "Bush is a terrorist" are saying the same things as the psycho who sits in the Presiden't office in Iran. Get a grip.

When you let the government become the provider of the people, they think the government owes them. That's why I do NOT want the United States to follow in the footsteps of Europe with socialized... well anything really. Had this been 60 years ago, no one would have expected the government to save them from the flood waters of Katrina. You cannot, and you should not, rely on the government for anything. The most effective programs are done in small environments. Ideally, any "government" program I would support would involve control and decisions to be made at the local level and paid for with local tax dollars. Each community therefore relies upon itself and has a vested interest in maintaining the effectiveness of a program.

Granted that's a brief overview and isn't in depth. Sure I could expand more, but I only have five minutes to myself on any given day between now and the election... so back off and hold your horses.

I saw this article though, and found that I had to say something.

While most would expect a government with more power to be oppressive and dictatorial, I believe sometimes it can go the other way. If you give the government more power, and thus more responsibility, the citizens will expect more and have the government beholden to them. If the government is unable to deliver, not just unwilling, as many would claim, the people begin to revolt and rule of law is lost.

Advice to the willing to listen - never allow the government to do for you what you can do yourself. And beyond this simple truth - never allow the government to do for others what they can do for themselves, either. Government's role is soley to protect the people and to do only for the common good what people absolutely cannot do themselves. While liberals would have you believe this includes broad healthcare programs and pouring money into public school systems, conservatives believe more privitized and localized approaches are more effective. I believe things that become competitive become efficient. Therefore, I want options and competition driving healthcare and education reform, NOT government.

I realize that the underprivileged have a drastically more difficult time getting access to the same things as the more-privileged.  What you must do though, is find a program that allows them to help themselves. The recent recipient of the Nobel Peace Price, Prof. Yanus of the Grameen Bank found a viable way to do just that. And it WORKS. It lends confidence instead of reliance, trust instead of suspicion, and success instead of failure. And it paid itself off in 3 years. Talk about effective! I love it! And if you haven't heard about it, I've been in love with the idea of microcredit for 3 years now. So check it out, for your own benefit.

Remember: a government assumed to be beholden to its people for all responsibility winds up destroying itself. Example A: France. But a government who encourages the people to rely upon themselves turns into a productive and strong country. Example B: The United States of America.

In Your Own Words is a forum for New Orleans residents to put their thoughts about various political, economic, social, or otherwise newsworthy issues out in the open. Since Katrina, I've seen posts and comments there in record numbers. One of mine made it in and I thought I would share.

It was written in response to Mayor Nagin's endorsement of Congressman Bill Jefferson, Congressional District 2, and soon to be former Congressman if I have anything to say about it.

Endorsing Corruption... Again

Jewelyn Wellborn of New Orleans, LA, writes:

New Orleans has a reputation for corrupt politicians, policeman, and businessmen. Louisiana in general shares the shameful title, and is ranked the second most corrupt state in the entire country. Nagin is wrong to fight for someone who perpetuates this pessimistic view of our city, and our state.

Congressman Jefferson has been the Congressional representative from the second district of Louisiana for 16 years, by far one of the most senior congressman in the entire House of Representatives. And yet, his power is miniscule. Congress.com actually ranks him as 411th out of the 435 in Congress when it comes to position, influence, and legislative activity.

We need new representation in Congress. Someone who will speak up for the people of New Orleans when we need them the MOST, instead of being distracted by a federal investigation for improper conduct and corruption. Investigations do not always mean the defendant will be found guilty, and many times the time spent fighting the charges do not affect the job a Congressman might be able to do.

But that is not the case here. We need a Congressman right now. William Jefferson has neither the time, nor the power, to represent those of us in New Orleans. Congressman Bobby Jindal has been able to do more for us than our own Congressman, and that shouldn't be the case. Certainly, Congressman Jindal's district was inflicted with the wrath of Katrina as well, but shouldn't our own Congressman, the one representing the Crescent City, be just as vocal and productive?

Now's the time for change.

I for one want drastic change. And I will endorse Joe Lavigne for Congress. I want someone who has values above all else, and a strong desire to see change from the very soul of New Orleans. Joe is young, vibrant, passionate, smart, and values-centered. I've met him, and he is the change we need.

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First things first, LOOK! The DOW broke 12K!

This is a record high and is momentuous occasion. It shows a strengthening economy, that is not only coming back from the end of the dot.com boom and the 2001 terrorist attacks, but is becoming stronger than it has ever been. I'd like to see the Democrats try to downplay this. They know that a strong economy, after the Bush tax cuts they claim have crippled the US's ability to even have a strong economy, is a death sentence for their "sweeping" victory on November 7th.

I'm feeling more optimistic! So take a look and see what you think. Because after two weeks of breaking records in the market, I think its about time Americans quit listening to the Democrat's lies, and start looking at the strength of the economy. ...Outside MI of course...

I also want to point out, while I have five minutes or so, that things must not be nearly as rosy for the Democrats coming up to the election. Howard Dean has taken out a loan for the DNC's final effort to take important House seats on November 7th. I find it odd that for all the crowing Dems have been doing lately, they feel they still don't have enough to make it.

There are two races in Louisiana which look to go into runoffs on November 7th. This means that there will be TWO seats left undecided when the polls close in 20 days. I hope the GOP doesn't forget about these two seats, as they very well could still mean the difference between the Republicans maintaining control and the Democrats taking it. Melancon and Jefferson are vulnerable. And I hope we capitalize on that. NOW.

Ok back to work!

As I write, the polls will be closing here in Michigan in .... 23 days 21 hours and 36 minutes.

Michigan is apparently a tossup. Even though the Tigers going to the World Series spells good things for Governor Granholm. I don't know WHY sports victories have such a big effect on politics, but it certainly says wonders for Michigan morale. Perhaps enough to make them forget they live in the state with the highest unemployment (tied with Mississippi), are taxed out the wazoo, and have a unionization rate that is astronomical compared to the national rate. Its pretty sad, actually. But perhaps they'll vote for change. We'll see!

I'm hoping that Joe Lavigne can remain the top pick to go against Jefferson for the second district of New Orleans. Granted he's got a very difficult race. He's a white Republican in a black Democrat district. While nothing is wrong with that, and his slogan, "The only colors that matter are purple, green, and gold," has been making waves, its a very big challenge. The problem I have, is that Jefferson has been a problem for years. He's been in office for sixteen! The Democrats have had numerous opportunities to take him out and they never tried. Never even gave it a second thought. The second district has been taken for granted by the Democrats, and New Orleans needs real change. They need another Congressman like Bobby Jindal, the leader of the Republican Congressmen in Louisiana.  And I think Joe Lavigne can handle the responsibility. More than anything, New Orleans needs someone who will fight, tooth and nail for them. I just think the Democrats have given up far too many years to an incompetent Congressman and they don't deserve to have this one in the bag.

I'm hoping for the best on election day, but expecting the worst. A friend of mine, (shout out to Dave, President of the Tulane College Dems) told me a few things he sees as "my party's problem."

A. Foreign Policy with no outs.

I disagree. I think an ambitious foreign policy where we endeavor to improve the fortunes of other nations should be considered. Iraq was a problem. It was. If the Dems want to insist it was a distraction, then they weren't paying attention. Yes, North Korea and Iran are just as troublesome, but if we had gone after one of them instead, Saddam would be mouthing off as well. Gorbachev said today that the United States missed its chance to capitalize on the Cold War victory. He's right. We WON the Cold War and assumed the place of the world's super power. And yet, when we could have excercised the most influence and carried out strategic and democratic victories, we went at it with only half a heart. Think Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. We had a chance to use overwhelming military and economic influence and instead... well we didn't surmise what you will about WHY.

B. Brinksmanship with Iran doesn't help with the price of oil.

Well no, but when OPEC decides it's going to slow production to raise prices again, that certainly is no help but NOT our fault. Also, the fact that we haven't opened a new refinery in the United States since the 80s and its costing oil companies a ridiculous amount to upgrade the existing refineries to make the countless new blends. You can't just listen to what the media says, dear, you have to know a thing or two about the oil companies and what they have to deal with before you can criticize everything they do. They aren't evil.

C. Immigration

Is tearing the nation apart. Although wait... most of them say, loud and clear, GET THE ILLEGALS OUT. Its easy. Enforce the laws. Crack down on businesses who hire illegals and anyone who aids them. If Mexico wants to throw a fit, then they can join the United States. Seriously. Or quit whining.

We'll see how election day goes. Foley didn't help. And quite frankly, perhaps the Republicans deserve to lose this November. But if they don't, I hope they learned a lesson.

 

 

Prospects are not looking so rosy for my party on election day.  While it is still too close to call on many races across the country, it won't surprise me too much if we lost either the House or the Senate, with a very small possibility of both.

While Democrats salivate, Republicans are cringing. They deserve to. The Republicans in office forgot why they were there - to serve the people. And what's worse, is they have let their party down, their base down, and Americans down. This isn't to say that there aren't many Republicans worthy of our praise, nor are there no Democrats deserving of a good slap across the face. But I am certainly disappointed with the actions of Congress.

And even worse than that, in many places we aren't campaigning right.

Example A: The gubernatorial race in Colorado.

Bob Beauprez is an amazing candidate. Easily one of the best statesmen I have ever had the privilage of meeting and of speaking with. He is twenty times the capable lawman that Bill Ritter, his democratic opponent could ever be. But something is askew, because the people of Colorado aren't seeing Bob. He is having trouble letting the citizens see him, and the base just doesn't seem energized in the state. I don't know where the problem lies, but I do know things need to be drastically different for Bob to win. And I just pray the Republican GOTV machine in Colorado is as good as it needs to be. Meanwhile, the rest of the statewide candidates are looking peachy, including my personal favorites, Mike Coffman and Mark Hillman. Tancredo's looking at an easy reelection, ODonnell is finally catching up, Musgrave seems to have caught her stride, and Lamborn seems to be hanging in there. So other than Bob, Colorado is looking like it'll stay, for the most part, in the right hands.

B. Louisiana District 2.

Bill Jefferson is vulnerable. An unknown and weak candidate for the seat in the last round still garnered 21% of the vote. This round is the first true battle Jefferson will have to fight. And if he makes it to election day without being indicted, whoever goes against him will WIN. Joe Lavigne has raised more money than any conservative to ever run in the district, and this could very well be a much needed victory for the city of New Orleans.

Jefferson has held the seat for 16 years. In the year before his last reelection, he visited the district THREE times. That's it. This man believes the seat is in the bag. And he's a crook. And a testament to the very problem the people of New Orleans: the perception of corruption.

We reelected a Mayor because we lacked a better choice. This time, we HAVE one. Joe Lavigne is worthy of party support now, to get him into the runoff. Wouldn't it be ironic if November 8th we wake to find we've lost control of the House? But only by one seat? And then to realize that in the last remaining seat left undecided, there are two democrats running against each other.

WAKE UP GOP! Joe Lavigne is deserving of your support! ALL OF IT!

I'm concerned. Needless to say now, I guess.

 

 

 

Staying home alone on a Friday
Flat on the floor looking back
On old love
Or lack thereof
After all the crushes are faded
And all my wishful thinking was wrong
I'm jaded
I hate it

I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
Get here

Searching all my days just to find you
I'm not sure who I'm looking for
I'll know it
When I see you
Until then, I'll hide in my bedroom
Staying up all night just to write
A love song for no one

I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here

I could have met you in a sandbox
I could have passed you on the sidewalk
Could I have missed my chance
And watched you walk away?
Oh no way

I could have met you in a sandbox
I could have passed you on the sidewalk
Could I have missed my chance
And watched you walk away?

I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
I'm so tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here(1st time Oh, yeah)
2x
You'll be so good
You'll be so good for me

I don't have time for a full blog today. Nor will I until after the election. But for now, suffice it to say I wish to share these quotes. "Points to Ponder" if you will.

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." - President Abraham Lincoln

"Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the need for its own existence." - President Ronald Reagan

"There's no such thing as a good gun. There's no such thing as a bad gun. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a very dangerous thing. A gun in the hands of a good person is no danger to anyone except the bad guys." - Chalrton Heston

"Make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you." - Benjamin Franklin

"We've gotten in touch with our feelings, but not with the useful ones. We know all about sorrow and sensitivity, but nothing of courage and endurance." - Bob Lonsberry

"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid." - President Ronald Reagan

"Time has been wasted on ridicule instead of explanation. Time in which the sands of freedom has fallen through the glass. But the youth will not waste time, nor will they allow time to waste them." - Senator Barry Goldwater

"Something you Democrats would never understand. Americans - we're homesteaders. We want a safe home, to keep our money, and to shoot bad guys." -William Shatner on Boston Legal

 

 

Harvard just announced its getting rid of "Early Admissions." That's the policy that allows students to apply earlier to Harvard, indicating that the school is their number one choice.

The justification is that Early Admission discriminates against the poor and minority groups.

What?

The majority of students who apply early come from wealthier families who have the tools to apply early.

Well.... no.... I applied early. Know what happened? I just had to sit down and fill the forms out. Took some time perhaps, but certainly no extra "skills."

What they need to get rid of if they're serious about this, is the $85 application fee. THAT I could see causing some problems for the poor or underprivileged.

Get it right Harvard. This is a "first step in leveling the playing field," according to ABC news. Turns out it's a real testament to just how stupid our media is. Maybe, just maybe, Harvard really changed nothing of consequence and is trying to put up the appearance of helping underprivileged students?

Yeah. Right.

Are you kidding me? We couldn't even get 30,000 people out of New Orleans when we knew the hurricane was COMING! Or once the levees broke!

You really think we can orchestrate a "terrorist" attack where we murder 3000 people just to justify a war on Iraq?

Some people, man. Some people. I am disapointed.

I have great faith in the American people and their ability to see through the lies. Chavez, I'm much less optimistic about. Perhaps he simply doesn't have the capacity to understand dangerous ideologies. There are many in our own country who fail to grasp the situation in its entirety.

Do me a favor, if you haven't, read Bernard Lewis' The Crisis of Islam. It's a great read and very informative.

I'm considering posting a conversation I had with a young liberal who... who really had no substantive arguments. I don't say that because he's liberal, but truly because he had no substance in anything he said.  But then I realize that very few people actual read my blog and to share the idiocy of an ignorant young man.... well seems rather pointless.

Have a good day, everyone!