Open For Business

All new video ... news stories from the top blogs ... Tweets ... huh? ... it's the all new www.radioviceonline.com .... head on over cause that's where we live now.

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New Site For RadioViceOnline

Hey folks ... we have moved to a bigger and better site that we think puts Radio Vice Online in a whole new class.

You will continue to see posts from Mel and video clips and comments from me ... plus ... so many extras including live chat, live video blogs, photos, comments and much more.

So head on over to ... wait ... not till 10 AM ... see ya then.

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Debunking The Crazy Loony Left Palin Claims

Here's the list that separates fact from fiction on Sarah Palin ... have at it ... it's all sourced. Apparently, yes, they have also made the claim she is from another planet. Why not? 

And while we are at it ... why not cross check this list with some of the outlandish claims made by Bill Curry in the Courant. Can't wait to see the retraction.

How daffy is Palin? She stood before a convention that chanted "U.S.A." every time somebody sneezed. (Well that's outragous ... USA ... USA ... shame on those proud Americans)  But back in the '90s, she led a movement for Alaskan secession, claiming Alaska's statehood resolution violated human rights provisions of the U.N. Charter.  (umm ... no she is not ... never has been ...the NY Times debunked their own slur)

Remember the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama's repudiated pastor? Palin's former "Wasilla Assembly of God" pastor, Ed Kalnins, says folks who voted for John Kerry won't be let into heaven, that the Iraq war is a war to establish "a dominant faith" and that Jesus is in a "position of war mode."(Yes, she’s an was an Assembly of God holy roller. No, she doesn’t attend an AoG church now. Yes, she did leave the AoG because they were getting too weird for her.)

Far from repudiating such ignorant folderol, Palin recently asserted not only that God supports the Iraq war but that he's also four square behind a natural gas pipeline she herself favors. (No, she’s doesn’t believe that the Iraq War was directed by God. Yes, she did pray that proceeding with the war was God’s will: “they should pray ‘that our national leaders are sending them out on a task that is from God, that’s what we have to make sure we are praying for, that there is a plan, and that plan is God’s plan.’” (Ever hear the phrase “Not my will, but Thine, be done”?) Yes, this apparently freaks some people right out.) Nor does Palin confine her proselytizing to church. One of her first acts as mayor of Wasilla was to bully the librarian into banning books. When said librarian balked, she tried to have her fired. (Yes, she did ask the librarian if some books could be withdrawn because of being offensive; no, they couldn’t; yes, it was “rhetorical,, at least as was reported contemporaneously in 1996 (and thanks to Cecil Turner@ Just One Minute for this); yes, she did threaten to fire the librarian a month later; no, that wasn’t over the books thing but instead over administrative issues; no, the librarian wasn’t fired either; yes, the librarian was a big supporter of one of her political opponents; yes, the librarian was also a close friend of the chief of police who she did fire ; yes, it was because he was lying to the city council.)

Palin opposes not only abortion but birth control. Due partly to her exertions, daughter Bristol's high school offers abstinence-only sex education. (Yes she opposes abortion. No, she doesn’t believe in “abstinence only” education. Yes, she thinks abstinence is an effective way of preventing pregnancy. Duh. Yes, she believes kids should learn about condom use in schools.

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NYT: 'Journalists Wrinkled Their Nose in Disgust' at Piper's Touching Gesture

Of all the Palin kids that captured the hearts of America convention night ... little Piper took the prize. First her little wave when she was introduced ... then ... you remember this shot, where she smooths Trigs hair ... kinda gets ya right? Not so much the cynical main stream media ...



Newsbusters points this out this morning ... tender moment turns media's stomach. Ugggggh. I am so embarrassed to say I was once one of them.

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Meet The Man Behind the Man ... and Woman

Nice piece on Steve Schmidt, the man who took control of McCain's campaign when it looked like all was lost. Apparently not when you have Steve Schmidt in charge.

Steve Schmidt, a senior adviser to McCain who worked on President George W. Bush's campaign in 2004, could barely hide his fury in the coming days, as he announced — to anyone who would listen — that he would personally make certain the McCain campaign would never again embarrass McCain.

"Fun Steve is dead," Schmidt said.

Hey I have no idea how true it all is ... but I can tell you the folks I know at the RNC are marveling at what this guy has done.

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Some Girls Just Got It ... Get It?

Obama's been constantly harping on the "get it" phrase. He "gets it", she "doesn't get it" ... get it? Well it appears Sarah doesn't just get it ... she's got it.

Seems like it was just three days ago that they were clobbering her for her hair style. Oh wait ... it was three days ago. But that was Boston ... this my friends is LA!

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News Flash: McCain 54%-Obama 44%

That "my friends" is a bounce! 

Now, I do not put much faith in these polls ... people's opinions swing all over ... but I bet its making the Obama folk freak a bit which is reason enough for me to post. As Allahpundit at Hotair would say "Dude ... where's my bounce?"

McCain leads Democrat Barack Obama by 50%-46% among registered voters, the Republican's biggest advantage since January and a turnaround from the USA TODAY poll taken just before the convention opened in St. Paul. Then, he lagged by 7 percentage points ... In the new poll, taken Friday through Sunday, McCain leads Obama by 54%-44% among those seen as most likely to vote. The survey of 1,022 adults, including 959 registered voters, has a margin of error of +/— 3 points for both samples.

Note: Mel's post below refers to the Daily Tracking Poll ... This is the USA Today Poll.

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GOP bounce: McCain overtakes Obama

Now I'm not a believer in polls. But I look at the numbers like everyone else and this I could NOT believe. If you had asked me 6 months ago if this was possible I would've told you you were insane. Unbelievable. Just goes to show what sittin' back, layin' low and hosting town hall meetings can do for you. Oh yeah, and picking Sarah Palin as your running mate. But still two long months to go. Read article here.

~Post by Mel

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Moon Over Key West

OK ... it is a little gross ... I will admit ... but overall not too bad ... and a nice break from Palinmania ... but be forewarned. A Fox reporter is mooned on live TV this afternoon and may I say this is the perfect storm ...

Live TV ... A bar ... Key West

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Where Eagles Dare

From Michael Yon: Some excellent British combat photographers went along for the Kajaki mission. SGT Anthony Boocock, RLC, shot the photos below, and gave them to me after he returned from safely the mission. These photos are property of the British MoD:

Success in Afghanistan and a dire warning from Michael Yon ... please check out this column. The British and Canadian soldiers there risked their lives to bring power to the Afghan people. And did so in 

a remarkable show of strength, courage and ingenuity. 

But there is a warning too. The war at this point is a standoff and that's not good. Read the conversation Michael had with Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit. I have told you many times on my radio show Michael, a former special forces soldier, shoots straight. When things are going well (Anbar Province, Battle of Baqubah) he tells you ... and when they are not ... he does the same. And please remember to contribute to Michael's fine work.

This link comes from Instapundit. Glenn is a magnificent journalist, relaying first person accounts from Michael Yon. I am sure he would tell you he does nothing but post but I can assure you as a fomrer reporter it is so much more.

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Saracudaaaaa!

Some pretty funny bumper stickers here.

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Holy Cow!!! He finally said it!!!

It took Bill O'Reilly to get it out of him. Aired last night was the first piece of Bill O'Reilly's sit down with Barack Obama.

The troop surge in Iraq has been more successful than anyone could have imagined, Barack Obama conceded Thursday in his first-ever interview on FOX News’ “The O’Reilly Factor.”

Now if you watch the video (link below), you'll see he dances around why he didn't support the surge. And never really tells us why it took him this long to admit it worked. And even though he did admit it worked, he still throws all the other typical talking points in. It almost felt like to me watching it, that he knew he had to concede and say it, and it was painful for him. But hey, he said it. Progress. Now lets see if he votes for the Senate Resolution 636. Al though, I don't see how politically he can't.

Here's a video link also if you'd like to watch it.

~Post by Mel

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The Free Speech Crowd Strikes Again

It happened four times during McCain's acceptance speech. He not only handled it with class and dignity he turned it to his advantage. I know you want to stop me, he said ... so I will just say it again.



BTW ... she's claiming she was mishandled ... the video indeed shows otherwise. Go here to see (H/T Instapundit)

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Protesters Interrupt McCain Speech

You see, stuff like this is why John McCain has a chance in November. The nastier and more disrespectful the other side gets, the more people get behind John McCain and Sarah Palin. Americans don't like dirty play. They want straight up, straight forward people without the nonsense. Disrupting the nomination speech??? Just straight up childish and rude. There's a time and a place and that wasn't it. Just as their plans for kidnapping delegates is insane. I don't think these protesters are the brightest. They just made asses out of themselves on national television and didn't rally people behind their cause, they scared people away.

Now I want to bring up one other point about this. Getting credentials for the RNC is not the easiest thing. Security was no joke around there. So, my question is, will they release where these protesters credentials came from??? Because I have a few guesses!!!

Read article here. There's also a video link in the article if you wanted to watch it. Surprise, surprise CNN keeps all cameras on the disruptive protesters!!! But kudos to John McCain for making a joke about it, laughing and moving on.

~Post by Mel

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Now, it’s her hair

Michele Malkin is keeping us up to date on the latest attempt from the wacko media to TRY to smack down Sarah Palin. And I say TRY, because I don't think there's any stopping her no matter how hard they try. America likes her, and America understands her when she speaks. Read Michele's column here.

~Post by Mel

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Sarah Palin On Trig

I am sorry I forgot to post this. In many ways it was the most important part of the speech. Trig is her newest child and has Down Syndrome.

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Giuliani On Obama Foreign Policy

What makes this so funny is its so true. I followed this as it unfolded and have the sound as well. Right after the Georgia invasion McCain called on Putin to put the tanks inreverse, Obama called on both sides to cool down. By the time it was all over Obama was echoing McCain.

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Charles Krauthammer on Sarah Palin's Speech

She cut him to pieces ...

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A Pit Bull In Heals

Here's the immediate reaction from Chris Wallace and Karl Rove: a pit bull in heals indeed.

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Sarah Takes On Obama and his Styrofoam Pillars

on ... taxes, big government, terror ... and empty speeches. And now you know why they called her "Sarah Baracuda"



Last post ... rest on the show tomorrow

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Sarah "I Put It On E-Bay"

She took on the oil companies, took their leases, taxed em and gave the money to the people. So tell me again why you don't like her? Oh yeah ... she sold the plane.

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Sarah On The DC Elitist Media

Coming from a former, and may I say award winning, journalist ... this is the money line. Take that MSM!

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Sarah on "Bitter Clingers"

I grew up in a small town ... she spoke for all of us tonight.

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Just A Small Town Mayor

Got it Senator ... a budget, employees, citizens, accountability. Small town America.

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Don't Mess With Sarah

Ummm ... no wonder they are afraid ... just a small town girl with small town values. Look out Joe Biden. Here comes Sarah Baracuda!

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Meet The First Woman President ... err Vice President

I'll just let her talk. The speech tonight was a home run ... err ... hat trick

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New McCain Ad

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Guiliani ... just what is a community organizer?

It's the question the media has never asked. I wonder why.  Then there's Alan being Alan. 



My guess is the media never asked because it doesn't want to know the answer.

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The Real Debate

I like Newt's style ... my guess is Sarah would win.



And while you are at it ... take the poll over at Glenn Reynolds Place ... seems great minds.

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Disgustingly Typical

Another example of fair and balanced reporting. Michelle Malkin is the best.
US Weekly for Palin and then US Weekly for Obama. Michelle Malkin says when you learn who the publisher is ... it's no surprise.

And while you are at it read her latest column at TownHall on sexism in this race.

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Newt Jumps Ugly on Ron Allen

Over at Hot Air they caught this in an hour I missed. This is pretty doggone good and Newt's frustration is understandable. Memo to reporters ... keep pushin ... you are turning Palin into a hero.

BTW ... I worked with Ron Allen. I always found him to be a smart hard working independent reporter so I have no idea if he's been infected by MSNBC disease. Here's hoping he has not.

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Almost time to come home, just as it's getting started!!!

I'll be glad to get back to normal CT!!! I don't have to worry about getting sprayed with bleach walking down the streets of CT. I actually hadn't heard about what happened to the CT delegates until I called home tonight. As I mentioned before, I was at a veteran's event today so I was out of the news loop. I hope that they are ok. If I was here tomorrow I'd try to connect with them to make sure they're ok.

So, while I was only here a short time, what an experience. Where else can you almost run into Bill Kristol in the hallway of the Xcel Center and walk by Greta Van Susteren on the street. And I have to say, it's nice to be in an environment where you're not afraid be tell people yes when they ask if you're a veteran.

I didn't put myself out there to meet a lot of people. I was more about observing from the background. Just watching things happen. I do want to share one memorable meeting though, Kevin Farley, the brother of Chris Farley. He was at the veterans event I attended today, a humble guy,  he never mentioned his famous brother. He looks like him and he's funny. But what a nice guy and he's all about supporting veterans. 

When someone thanked him for coming he said,"Absolutely, anything I can do for you guys," meaning the veterans. I talked with him about how amazing the Gold Star Moms and Families are. He was just really a breath of fresh air. I'll be buying a ticket to his new movie!!!

Here's the Fox report on it.



Mel

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Two More Howlers

It's just one more great Powerline Post ... as as they put ... "Two more howlers by Obama."

John asks ... ya think the media could spare a little time away from Bristol Palin's baby to cover the Obama gaffs?

John the answer we know is no ... fortunately there will be so many more.

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Today At The Convention

I'm attending veteran networking events off site today, which is my reason for being here, so I'm excited for that. Hopefully there are still windows in the building we're going to.

Before I leave, one more word on the protesters. As I was watching the video coverage this morning, I was struck by how the only thing they seem to be doing is terrorizing people. Everyday folk are scared. Everyone has to walk to a certain point to pick shuttles or walk to hotels. So, maybe the protesters can remember that while they have the right to protest, the people attending the convention have the same right to attend. And they should have the right to walk safely on the streets of St Paul.

At the same time let me say that either former or current military people here can't wait to run into the anti-war crowd. Because it usually goes down like this: they're chanting some little line they came up with, but if you actually engage them and ask questions they get stumped and don't know what to do.

When Fox News this morning showed pictures of top government officials, presumably the object of their scorn, to the protesters, most couldn't even identify any of them. One, who actually actually admitted he didn't know a one, laughed like it was no big deal. I'm hoping they'll be less of them around the town today as school is back in session.

Mel

p.s. - what's with the masks of the the protesters??? If you truly believe in what you're doing you shouldn't need a mask. One word, childish.

Update: Mel is a blogger for RadioVice and a veteran of the Iraq War 2003-2004 with the 143rd Military Police Company. Her dutites while there were to patrol the streets of Baghdad among other things. She is the Connecticut Captain of the Veterans For Freedom Organization.

Jim

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Pajamas TV

Many of our show's favorite bloggers and may I say more than accomplished will be playing a big part in the new "Pajamas TV" enterprise ... (including show regulars Powerline) ... webcasting live and on tape from the RNC. If you have not gone there and watched you should make a point of doing so. The coverage is inclusive, insightful and complete.

These people are hardly teens in their basement which makes the name so ironic. If you listen to me you know they are Professors, Lawyers, retired journalists, and national columnists ... professionals all. Go there now ... familiarize yourself with the site and have at it.

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John Kerry Psychic Hot Line

I wonder if he has an 800 number too. This video is for entertainment purposes. Senator Kerry on ABC's This Week responding to McCain's pick of my girl Sarah as VP. He says he alone knows who Senator McCain really wanted but picked Palin anyway because of Rush Limbaugh and ...... well just watch the video ... as Allahpundit says at Hot Air ... the money line is at the end.



I am still not sure what "a prisoner of the right wing attack not a maverick" is. Guess he got all caught up in the left wing attack not a maverick.

Note: I know this is late but I was at a wedding yesterday at the Connecticut shore. Beautiful.

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Seriously, Enough With The Protesting

Editor's Note: 

Mel will be posting from the RNC this week. A veteran of the Iraqi war as an Army MP she is with the Veteran's For Freedom Organization.

UpDate: Video added below. ( We are reposting the video. You Tube has been burping)

We got it, you made your point. We know how you feel. It's what we hear in the MSM everyday. I just hope you realize that all you're really accomplishing is making the men and women of law enforcement put in overtime and deal with a problem that's not their fault. Believe me, I've talked to some of them, they have plenty better things to do than stand around in riot gear.I don't know what you think you're doing by attempting to stop traffic. Guess what guys, I was still able to get my shuttle van back to the hotel!!! But I'm sure you got your news coverage which was all you were worried about in the first place.

While those big, bad Republicans were packing relief care packages for the victims of Gustav in St Paul, you felt it was more important to be out attempting to disrupt traffic of St Paul. While the big, bad Republicans were putting together an event for supports to be able to call in donations for the hurricane victims, you were out singing and breaking the law by attempting to break police/security barriers. Classy guys, real classy. Just makes me more proud to be on the other side.

Mel

*note - I'm referencing the protesters by the convention center. I did see broken windows and damage to police cars in that area.

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Bristol Palin Part Two: Now It's Kristol Vs Kondracke

On Fox News Special Report Mort Kondracke weighs in on the Bristol Palin story. Just as on CNN (see post below), there's a verbal smack down, only this time by Bill Kristol.

Mort says this should show conservatives that abstinence education just does not work because Bristol Palin just didn't have birth control at her disposal. Kristol and the rest on the panel go nuts. Enjoy, for entertainment value alone.

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CNN's Bill Bennett Bashes CNN Coverage

CNN analyst Bill Bennett smacked down CNN for it's "investigation" of both the Sarah Palin pregnancy and the pregnancy of unmarried daughter Bristol Palin. First here's the report by someone named Kiera Phillips (no keys in TV anymore so excuse the spelling), Kiera tells us CNN sent her there to look into a rumor (that Sarah's youngest child was actually Bristol's child) that had no basis other than bloggers were talking.

But what she found was even worse. A pregnant teenager, keeping the child and getting married. Oh the humanity. She then promises to dig even deeper into the lives of the kids.



They then come back to Bill Bennett and he slams CNN for going after the teenage girl et al



Well, some other facts you may not know. Despite what CNN reporter Alaska is 30th among the 50 states in teen pregnancy rates. That's just 3 places ahead of that fine blue state with sex education, Connecticut.

Second, there is sex education in the Alaska schools ... Palin backed the parents who wanted the option to exempt their kids who preferred to deal with sex education in the family, as it should be.

As for Bristol's pregnancy, I am not sure how this displays hypocrisy on the part of pro life Palin. It does mean her daughter didn't listen to Mom which doesn't make her much different than most teenagers. My guess is now she knows Mom might have been right all along. And I am not sure, despite what CNN reported, sex education in schools would have changed anything.

Update: Democratic darling and Governor of Pennsylvania apparently is also a backer: from KYW news in Philly:

"Posted: Sunday, 31 August 2008 9:12AM

Rendell Plans to Ask Feds for $$ for Abstinence-Only Sex Ed.

by KYW’s Tony Romeo

The Rendell administration is defending its decision to seek $1.7 million dollars in federal funding for abstinence-only sex education programs, which has drawn criticism from progressive groups, including ACT UP."

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Wouldn't be Politics Without Protesting

Although I have to say not very impressed. They were trying to hold hands and block traffic, traffic that wasn't even going to the RNC. Not quite sure the point. But the police were great, calm and reserved. Not quite sure how they do it but they were absolutely professional. I thanked them as I walked by, the police that is. Not the protesters.

Mel

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On My Way to MN

On my connection plane in Philly. I'll post any fun or interesting happenings here!!!

Mel

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Gulf Coast residents flee ahead of powerful Gustav

I was watching the briefing/q&a with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and was disgusted. The media's not showing concern for the people, they're asking Katrina questions so they can sit and wait for things to go wrong and nail them. I just find it so sad. This time should be about helping the people in harms way, not making this yet another political football.

~Post by Mel

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Thoughts On Sarah

Much is being made on political web sites and in the main stream media about which voters Governor Sarah Palin can and cannot deliver come November. Dissatisfied Hillary supporters? Republican Women? Feminists? Some conservatives and many liberal pundits don't like the choice, calling it a desperate pander to lure unhappy and hurt Hillary voters. Possibly, but I don't think so. But even if that is true, the unintended consequences have begun to far outweigh any other targeted gains.

The theme this election year appears to be change. And why not. The GW Bush years have been arduous to say the least, angering both conservatives (No Child Left Behind, immigration and complacency on Congressional spending) and liberals for reasons too numerous to mention here. The constant drone from the left (Bush Lied People Died, Bush Is a Nazi, Selected Not Elected) would be enough to make even the sternest parent say, "OK, OK ... yes you can go to the prom."

But the McCain camp seems to have figured out when it comes to most Americans, in particular its disaffected and defecting base, its never been about "Change You Can Believe In". That works just fine for the New Age Democrats who always seem to measure success in the immeasurable: how one feels, or simply intent. While conservatives restrict faith to their God, The New Age Democrats extend it to their policies. 

On the other hand, intent to most conservatives and Republitarians, like myself, is meaningless. Results and only results matter. I can remember well as a child my Mother and my Father encouraging me to try of course, but there would be no congratulations without results. And why should there be. It breeds half hearted attempts and builds a false sense of self.

No, the McCain camp has figured out, most voters in America prefer results over slogans and it is giving them just that. Enter Sarah Palin, a 44 year old mother of 5, rifleman, hockey coach, and corruption buster. In just 20 months as Governor she has shaken Alaska politics to its core. As a Republican she challenged the Republican establishment first cleaning up corruption in the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, followed quickly by taking on the entrenched Republican Governor in a primary, winning there and then going on to sweep through the general election.

In 20 short months she has passed major ethics legislation, taxed oil companies who she said had bribed legislators to keep taxes low and then turned the money over to the citizens of Alaska, and finally put in motion a $40 billion natural gas pipeline to, in her words, "help lead America to energy independence". Now that's change you can believe in and count on. She has done more in changing and cleaning up the landscape of politics in the country's largest, and likely one of the dirtiest, states in the nation than most politicians do in a lifetime.

So what the McCain camp knows now, even if they didn't before, is that Sarah Palin, while she may bring in new women, she most assuredly has charged up the base and woke the sleeping giant that helped put George Bush in office, and even Democrats know that at the very least that means they now have a fight on their hands and what we have learned is, Sarah Palin has never shied from a fight.

A victory for Republicans in November seemed unlikely earlier this year, perhaps earlier last week and Sarah Palin certainly does not equal victory. But as she shook Alaska to its core, she has shaken the Conservative base out of its slumber, and it took a gun totin', hockey coaching, corruption busting, mother of 5 to do it.

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S. RES. 636

Recognizing the strategic success of the troop surge in Iraq and expressing gratitude to the members of the United States Armed Forces who made that success possible.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 31, 2008

Keep reading. How anyone can NOT vote for this I do NOT understand. We'll keep you posted.

~Post by Mel

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Virtual Patriotism

A great Veteran's perspective on the DNC from David Bellavia, a founder of Vets For Freedom and outstanding soldier. I had a hard time picking my favorite part to share but here it is.......

When the Democratic party’s mainstream proposed cutting the funding for the war in Iraq in August 2007, Sen. Joseph Biden responded eloquently: “There’s no political point worth anybody’s life out there. None.”

Amen, sir. There is also no political point or party platform worth the cheapening of those brave men and women who gave their utmost to protect our fundamental freedoms. None.

MUST read the full piece here.

~Post by Mel

UPDATE: Jim

Great article and a must read. My two favorite parts were these:
Talking about the Pepsi Center "This place makes Vegas look like a Kosovo."

and, referring to the Dems passing a new GI benefits bill: “Thank you for the new GI Bill, Congress. But I am winning the war you sent me to fight and told me I couldn’t win. Can I get a little respect instead?”

I have said this on the air before, the only veterans these guys seem to like are the ones who they can turn into victims. The Military folk I know very much appreciate the better benefits (although let's wait and see if the Feds can deliver), but they would like it a whole lot more if you would let them fight your damn war without politicians interfering.

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Yeah Baby!

I am just in love with this woman. Anyone out there know where I can get "Sarah For Vice President" stickers made? This video is from the Draft Palin For VP site courtesy of Michelle Malkin ... who BTW says "I'm Impressed." Hey, who wouldn't be?

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Well Now Pilgrim ... Let's Go Get Em!

Obama and the gang love the phrase "get it", as in "We get it, this little girl gets it, I get it, McCain just doesn't get it." Get it?

Well Scott over at Powerline gets it for sure:

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Great Analysis Of Last Night's Obamamania!

Mel brought this to my attention. Thought you would like to read this post at Power Line.
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2008/08/021362.php

Sorry about the format. This was posted from my new 3G iPhone.

Jim

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Caught on live audio: The media sexist insults begin

Here we go, didn't even take a day for it to start. Now Gov Palin can take it, I have no doubt about that but it is ridiculous. I'm usually the last to bring up the woman stuff, it's not my style nor how I operate. I'm not about excuses or pity but this bothers me. If it was people making comments about Sen Obama and African Americans it would be the leading news story. People would be outraged. This probably won't make more than a blog or Fox News. We saw the same things being dealt to Hillary and it was no big deal. People making comments about what would she do with her finger on the button if she had her period or PMS that day. Why is this not a big deal??? Why is this not acceptable??? I was not a Hillary fan by any means but still thought it was absolutely unacceptable. I realized then that there was MUCH more hostility and unacceptance of a woman in power than any qualms of an African American President. And sadly, for some reason women bashing is acceptable.

Now I'm not talking law suits here, I think that stuff is crazy. What would I do??? I'd thank them and say I know I have a hot ass. But thanks for confirming the obvious and move on. I have found that is a much more affective tactic. I'm not bitter. I'm not whining. I'm just saying it's sad.

Read Michele's post here.

~Post by Mel

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Live from Denver

Really, I truly try to keep an open mind when I watch these things. I could go on and on about what I thought about this speech. It actually angered me at parts. But I'm not because I feel it can summed up in one post from the blog on Pajamas Media by Stephen Green.

8:58PM I’m sorry I didn’t practice my George Costanza, because this was the speech about nothing. Read here.

You really must read. This guy is not a John McCain fan. This isn't a McCain supporter piece. Just live opinions of the speech as it's being heard. It's great. I found myself saying a lot of the same things minus the McCain digs. I don't think he's evil.

~Post by Mel

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Bill Clinton Was Too Inexperienced To Be Commander in Chief

Jim Geraghty dissects the statement. A must read.......goes line by line of incidents that occurred during the Clinton Administration. Read here.

~Post by Mel

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Loving the Troops, Hating Their Mission

Another right on by Pete Hegseth. How the Dems are STILL trying to stick by the surge didn't work is beyond me. Here's the first few lines.....

Denver — Yesterday, I once again watched Speaker Nancy Pelosi stubbornly deny the success of the surge. Under questioning from Tom Brokaw on Meet the Press, Pelosi insisted that — despite dramatic improvements on the ground — the surge has not been successful because “the Iraqi government has not stepped up to the plate. . . . ” Continue reading

~Post by Mel

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Vets For Freedom: Senator Acknowledge The Surge

Hey ... our friend Capt. Peter Hegseth has a new ad ... and here it is



Thanks Peter ...

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Me And Mrs Jones

If you want to hear what the "new" Democrats consider the role of the Federal Government should be go no farther than Governor Duval Patrick's speech last night. We're all kids on the playground and the government is Mrs Jones. And people in Connecticut ask "Why are you a conservative". Just remember everyone will be watching what you do ... and its OK.

The Money Line: Scroll forward to 05:01:12

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Off Message? Change We Can Count On

Pretty nice ... pretty fast ... pretty effective ... but likely preaching to the choir.

www.obamapicksbiden.com

Oh ... and I like the countdown "gaffe" clock at the RNC

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Tee Hee

Sorry ... sitting here late ... but ... you just have to chuckle ... err ... chortle .... ummm.

OK ... one more time from the peanut gallery.

Obama is change we can count on ... and he will bring about change because he's against the Washington insiders and lobbyists and the war and ... oh never mind. (Thanks to Instapundit)

As HOT AIR points out (image from Hot Air) ...  if there's anyone who can out talk Obama its Joe .... problem is ... 

its not always true .... For the best read on Joe's track record on exaggeration ... POWERLINE.

but hey ... we still have HOPE! More now than ever before.

Te hee heeeeee.

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Institute for the Study of War

Here's the link again for this outstanding and FACTUAL analysis on the Iraq War and the Georgian situation.

~Post by Mel

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VFF Back to Iraq

Here's a link to my original post last week about the outstanding articles of Pete Hegseth and the crew about their return to Iraq for analysis. Below you will find the links to the articles since this post. Pete is brutally honest in his evaluation, he states what's working and what needs work. Please read.

Arsenal for Iraq-racy

Why Victory In Iraq Matters

~Post by Mel

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Free Tibet 2008 TV Channel

Didn't even know this was there ... worth the watch. Not surprisingly ... only a little more than a hundred views. Pass the word.



and here's the link to Free Tibet TV. Thanks.

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I Don't Know What Obama Thinks... He's On Vacation

Hey, she's just saying what everyone else is thinking ... even the NY Times.

Darragh Murphy of PUMA (Democrats fighting for Hillary still) Debates MSNBC's David Shuster. She may be a Hillary supporter but she's no Obama supporter.



Shuster calls her on the size of her organization ... PUMA has raised just $50,000 ... the lack of support. Then reminds his audience she gave John McCain $500 in 2000. Yes, she says, "and I gave $700 to Hillary Clinton."

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McCain vs The Tax Man

McCain has a new ad! I love it!

Thanks to Powerline for pointing this out. Here's their take.

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Freedom of Speech

It ain't easy being a reporter trying to cover a Tibet protest in China ... off to prison with you.

Then there's CNN's report on crews getting shot at in Georgia



Then there's this report of a Georgian woman getting shot while covering the invasion ... while Russian troops watch.



Finally here in the US .... it's Gitmo for protestors!

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Where's Obama?

Reminds me a little of National Lampoon's summer vacation ... but when the NY Times wonders where Obama is during this Georgia crisis? Read the article here and Hotair's analysis.

And how about poor Poland ... they agree to a missile defense system and now they are a nuke target.

Meanwhile we have the original Senator Obama who wants to disarm America

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Obama Nation

Thought you might like to see "Early" Obama defense priorities ... disarm America and talk with the Russians. Courtesy Powerline.

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Brave Old World By Victor Davis Hanson

Here's the first paragraph, a great read........

Russia invades Georgia. China jails dissidents. China and India pollute at levels previously unimaginable. Gulf monarchies make trillions from jacked-up oil prices. Islamic terrorists keep car bombing. Meanwhile, Europe offers moral lectures, while Japan and South Korea shrug and watch -- all in a globalized world that tunes into the Olympics each night from Beijing. Continue reading

~Post by Mel

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Powerline Link to Video

Here's the post Jim was talking about........

~Post by Mel

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Link to Informational Site on Russo-Georgian Conflict

Here's the link with the best info and analysis, including a handy map to help understand geographically what's going on. Click here. You will recognize this site as it also has the best analysis on Iraq and I highly recommend and have talked about on multiple occasions. www.understandingwar.org

~Post by Mel

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VFF Back to Iraq

For those that don't know, Vets For Freedom sent eight US Iraqi War Veterans back to their "old stomping grounds" during their tours in Iraq. They have been studying, learning, observing, seeing the changes first hand. Take the time to read some on the ground accounts you will find no where else.

I've highlighted Pete Hegseth's articles here for easy reading since he's the most we're familiar with in the group. My personal favorite so far is Enemies Become Allies piece. I don't think any article out there today can better describe the full circle changes on the ground in Iraq. A close second is Revelations at the Al-Rasheed as Baghdad is of much interest to me.

Track Pete Hegseth's articles here......

An Appointment in Samarra 8/6/2008

Revelations at the Al-Rasheed 8/11/2008

Up and Over the Palm Tree 8/12/2008

Enemies Become Allies 8/13/2008

Also if you visit the Back to Iraq page, on the right hand side about half way down there are a few video posts. Pete's Back to Iraq - Pete 1 is a video he did from the site of the Golden Mosque, which under reconstruction.



~Post by Mel

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National Health Care ... Not So Much

I am catching up on some of the better articles I have failed to post ... but now that the Festival is over ... here's one requested often in the last month: Canadian Health Care We So Envy Lies In Ruins.

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Energy Myths

Here's a little more ammo for those of you arguing the "Drill Here, Drill Now" case. From IBD Editorials ... Energy Myths

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Oil Oil Everywhere

Here's the article by Deroy Murdock on why drilling for oil has never been safer and in fact cleaner than Mother Nature herself!

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Congressman You Are Wearing On My Nerves

This may be Neil Cavuto at his best ... trust me. Congressman Eliot Engel from New York tries to explain why a windfall profits tax is good for America. Neil Cavuto isn't buying. Everytime Neil asks him to define windfall, or to explain how it will lower prices, Engle screams "68 million acres". Neil just can't take it anymore and responds in kind ... "You're not answering the question Congressman", or "You're wearing on my nerves", or my personal favorite when Engel tries to blame "BIG OIL", ....  "Look at yourselves in the friggin mirror."

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Going Through Withdrawal

Another great piece by Pete Hegseth......read full piece here

In fact, just one question entered my head when I finished reading: Why now? Why would Sen. Obama — or any legislator, for that matter — write such a piece before visiting the country for himself, seeing the situation with his own eyes, and speaking with commanders and troops who actually know what’s going on?

~Post by Mel

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Some US soldiers in Iraq yearn to be in Afghan war

Bet you haven't seen any of this on the nightly news. The MASSIVE success in Iraq doesn't fit into their game plan. And that's sad. The turn around the last year in Iraq is remarkable. Too bad the MSM doesn't share that with the American people.

...That soldiers are looking elsewhere for a battle is a testament to how much Iraq has changed from a year ago, when violence was at its height. Now it's the lowest in four years, thanks to the U.S. troop surge, the turn by former Sunni insurgents against al-Qaida in Iraq, and Iraqi government crackdowns on Shiite militias.

Read full article here.

~Post by Mel

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Hill Democrats miffed at Obama

They're already starting to crumble.........I've been leaning towards the word arrogant lately when listening and reading about Senator Obama. Guess I'm not the only one..........Read full article here, it's a good read broken down point by point.

Privately, however, there is a different message coming from some Democratic quarters on the Hill and on K Street. Some Democratic leadership staffers complain that, having defeated the vaunted Clinton political machine in the primaries, the Obama campaign now feels a “sense of entitlement” that leads to “arrogance.”

~Post by Mel

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"Which would you prefer ... we spend your money fast or slow?"

I suppose its progress ... at least in the empire state it will be a slow bleed.

The poll found 75 percent favor a circuit breaker, even it it means raising income taxes on those who earn more than $1 million annually. At the same time, 69 percent supported Gov. David Paterson's plan to cap property tax increases at 4 percent per year -- down from the 74 percent last month who said they agreed that a cap "is necessary to help those who have seen property tax bills increase by 7 percent per year over the last five years."

Talk about a Sophie's Choice. "Which would you prefer ... we spend your money fast or slow?" I think stop spending so much would be a better idea but then that's just me.

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And Now The Rest Of The Story

Outraged ... outraged, I tell you. I am so sure Fox 61 will be here any minute to get my take on this Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist's depiction of John McCain.

And the media will be all over this and it will be the subject of talk show fodder and Obama of course will reject it and .... oh ... never mind

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Asault On Christianity Continues

I am sure the mainstream media will be outraged over this too.

"University students Rachel Evans and Amber Pike, who challenged the legislation, said they and other protesters would now hand out condoms, stickers and leaflets to pilgrims. "Symbolic coat-hangers", designed to draw attention to the problem of backyard abortions, would also be distributed ... Evans said protesters wearing T-shirts with slogans such as "The Pope is Wrong – Put a Condom on" and "Pope go Homo" would picket a cross-city march due to be held on Saturday."

Kinda makes the Obama magazine cover look like child's play huh? Wonder if Rachel plans on doing this is at a fundamentalist Muslim conference?

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Obama accepts Jackson's apology for crude remark

Read the actually apology yourself. He's not apologizing for WHAT he said. He's apologizing for what it might do to the campaign. So he meant what he said, but just didn't want people to know because it would hurt the campaign. Read article here.

"For any harm or hurt that this hot mic private conversation may have caused, I apologize,"

~Post by Mel

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John and Fast EDDIE at the 1109th AVCRAD Send Off Ceremony

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Liberal Activists Target Lieberman's Chairmanship

Talk about a slap in the face, but we all knew it was coming. The left can't have one of "their own" standing up for something he believes in. And may I say he's been RIGHT. He gets national security. His party doesn't. So now they're calling to use him for the majority but after they can stack up some more on their side in the next election, they'll kick him to the curb. How nice. Read article here.

~Post by Mel

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Too Much!

From the "You can't make this stuff up" category.

I rail continually against the "do as I say ... not as I do" politicians that continually ask for sacrifice from the people, while the so called "public servants" stuff their bellies with the fruits of our labor. I just never thought the pork belly pols would be so literal about it.

Getty Image/ From UK Telegraph

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In The Messiah's Words

Hugh Hewitt has discovered its powerful stuff ... the question is ... do the Republicans have the guts or will they leave it up to the rest of us. I vote the rest of us.

While many voters know that Obama used drugs as a young man, they haven’t heard the senator describe his drug use in those terms, or in his own voice. Nor have they heard him extensively quoting from the first sermon he heard from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., his longtime clergyman whom he renounced during the primary, saying, “The person I saw yesterday was not the person that I met 20 years ago."

In one excerpt from the audio book that Hewitt played on his show in March, Obama alters his voice to mimic Wright’s and repeats passages from a sermon decrying a society “where white folks’ greed runs a world in need.” Later Obama says of Wright’s preaching, “I found the tears running down my cheeks.”

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MSM Campaign To Elect The Messiah

Sometimes I sit behind the microphone in stunned disbelief at my former colleagues in the MSM. Let me say first that we all carry with us preferences and biases but in journalism (as opposed to what I and others do which is commentary) a reporter and editor are supposed to isolate them and at least attempt objectivity (as opposed to feigning it).

Today I urge you to read a series of posts at Powerline. It will stun and amaze I think even those of you who are pro Obama and consider yourself liberals. Now I admit you will likely smile but in my world, it's pretty shameful and I am stunned none of my former colleagues have not commented.

First is the mis-identification of our friend and SOCT guest Col Bud Day. When Col Day defended McCain against Gen Clarke's attack, CNN referred to him as a member of the swift boat coalition. Nothing more. Wrong and wrong.

Next a Washington Post article on the Messiah's religious values. Certainly there is much mention of his pastor of 20 years, correct? Ummmmm ..... nope!

Then there's Richard Holbrooke's review of a new book on the Cuban missile crisis. Holbrooke uses the opportunity to take a shot at President Bush while lauding the firm hand of John Kennedy. Any child of 12 who has paid attention in school knows that while Kennedy defused the the crisis with the threat of action, we got into the crisis via his weakness at the negotiating table. Well everyone except Holbrooke.

Finally... the NY Times takes a strange look at America's rising gasoline crisis and blames Congress for not increasing CAFE standards (each automaker must make cars that meet set MPG standards) ... yet oddly enough, no mention of drilling, and little historical perspective. My guess is the story had an agenda and this didn't fit.

These are new times ... bloggers like the three professionals at Powerline have good memories and access to enormous amounts of information. CNN, WP and NYT can no longer rewrite history to their liking.

Good work Scott, John and Paul.

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Letter from Vets For Freedom to Wesley Clark

This is a great letter that along with the text, proceeds to address each of his "miscomments" with the facts. This is my personal favorite. Another home run hit by Pete Hegseth.

“I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President.”

FACT: If serving your country, volunteering for combat, resisting the enemy, and receiving seventeen decorations for service does count for anything, then why are you on television, speaking as an “expert” on national security matters?

Read full letter here.

~Post by Mel

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Happy 4th of July!!!

~Post by Mel

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Sea turtle Dylan is released back into the wild

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. - A 150-pound sea turtle raised by humans returned to freedom on Monday after nine years of captivity, swimming away after the veterinarians who cared for her helped steer her toward the ocean.

Continue reading here.

~Post by Mel

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National Guard troops set to relieve fire crews

But I thought they were all in Iraq and we were broken and we didn't have any troops at home, they were all over seas........oh wait, I don't listen to the left. Read article here. But on the serious side, the fires are no joke and we wish them luck and cooperative weather.

~Post by Mel

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The Wheels On The Bus

Conservative 247 has a very nice round-up indeed on the Wes Clark incident. I will try and get the video up ... and some others ... but for starters check out the site.

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Apparently the war is not lost, the surge is working and ... well, read on Democrats.

In the words of Majority Whip James Clyburn ... "Now that would be a problem for us ...". Indeed. Via Instapundit.

The White House sees the progress in a particularly positive light, declaring in a new assessment to Congress that Iraq's efforts on 15 of 18 benchmarks are "satisfactory"—almost twice of what it determined to be the case a year ago.

But of course ... the AP makes sure we know ... its not perfect ...

But for every small step forward, Iraq has several more giant steps to take before victory can be declared on any one issue. Amnesty requests are backlogged, and in question is whether the new law will speed the release of those in U.S. custody. It also remains unclear just how many former Baath members will be able to return to their jobs. And while Oct. 1 had been identified as an election day, Baghdad hasn't been able to agree on the rules, possibly delaying the event by several weeks.

Sounds a little like the current Democratic congress ... but then maybe that's just me.

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The Obligatory McCain Temper Story ... Redux.

Oh good grief ... here we go again. McCain flashes his temper at the Sandinista's? And this is bad because... ?

"McCain was down at the end of the table and we were talking to the head of the guerrilla group here at this end of the table, and I don't know what attracted my attention," Cochran said. "But I saw some kind of quick movement at the bottom of the table and I looked down there and John had reached over and grabbed this guy by the shirt collar and had snatched him up like he was throwing him up out of the chair to tell him what he thought about him or whatever. I don't know what he was telling him but I thought, good grief everybody around here has got guns and we were there on a diplomatic mission. I don't know what had happened to provoke John, but he obviously got mad at the guy and he just reached over there and snatched him."

I like the part where Cochran is scared ... and McCain just doesn't give a crap. Might have something to do with "riding around in jet planes" ... and "being unconnected with war because you were taken off the battlefield". BUT this is one case where I agree with Glenn Reynolds ... McCain should have landed one.

Damn ... I like this guy more every day!

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Dig It!

Ya know ... I really would answer these questions. Someone needs to ask ... these two terrorists still on the guest list?



Thanks to Tigerhawk.

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Shout To The Lord

(Picture from Hartford Courant)

On my way into work this morning I was listening to an amazingly inspirational and well know song "Shout To The Lord", on my IPOD. Then when I arrive I pick up the Hartford Courant and find this headline: "Poll Finds Many In State Unsure About God". Discouraging to say the least.
Then as I burrow into the article Elizabeth Hamilton writes:

"... Connecticut (along with Rhode Island) ... ranks near the bottom of most indicators of religious fervor, compared with the rest of the United States.When asked how many of us are "absolutely certain" we believe in God or a universal spirit, only 57 percent responded yes. Only the folks in New Hampshire and Vermont scored lower, at 54 percent.Even the residents of Alaska, who pray less than we do and go to church less frequently, according to Pew, are more sure of God than we are, it seems. "

In fact New England states are at the bottom. I guess I should not be surprised. Pastors chalked it up to Yankee stoicism. I defer to their knowledge of course but I think its more a case of God not ranking high on the list of things to do in my day. It is a well written article ... Elizabeth is a fine reporter. It's worth the read.

Other headlines include the Globe:Americans see truth in a rangeof faiths, massive study finds
and the NY Times: Survey Shows U.S. Religious Tolerance
and the WaPo:Most Americans Believe in Higher Power, Poll Finds

Guess it depends on your perspective.

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Why Obama Must Go to Iraq

An Op Ed from Pete Hegseth from earlier in the month, a must read if you missed it. Read here

~Post by Mel

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New clue to Alzheimer's found

Anyone who's been touched by this disease knows how important this is. Read discovery here

~Post by Mel

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The Obama/Pooh Photoshop collection

Here's just some fun political humor courtesy of Michelle Malkin........

In response to Barack Obama’s foreign policy adviser endorsing Winnie the Pooh as a “fundamental text on national security” this week (yes, it’s true), readers and bloggers are having brutal fun with Photoshop.

Continue reading and see the rest of Photoshop pictures.......

Also continue looking at Michelle's site, she has a Jeramiah Wright update
~Post by Mel

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Airport volunteers welcome troops back stateside

Always a good story......read here

~Post by Mel

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Panda habitat damaged by China quake

80% of their habitat destroyed. I think the panda deserves a little more attention than the polar bear right now. Read article here

~Post by Mel

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