Marco Rubio and the Republican Party - Opinions Wanted???

I'm grappling with this and not sure which way to go...

Marco Rubio will assuredly be approached by the State Republican Party after Charlie Tuna bailed on them.

But should Marco take their call?

I mean, they dissed this guy as they stood behind Charlie Tuna.  Now, they come knocking at his door offering Frankincense and Muir. Should he take the bacon?  Or remain Tea Powered?

I'm not sure which way I would go.  Your thoughts please???

Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Change, Don't Care....

Open question to respected openly gay bloggers and GLBT members of the Blogospehere:  Did you really think this was going to happen any other way with Mr. Obama?

Mr. Obama has, in his short political history, shown he can and will throw supporters under the wheels of his bus - especially when there is political collateral to be gained.  So why would the GLBT community feel it's different - or otherwise immune - to the same treatment?

Perspective:  See article here.

Senior Pentagon leaders on Friday warned Congress not to tamper with the ban on gays serving openly in the military until he can come up with a plan for dealing with potential opposition in the ranks. 

In a strongly worded letter obtained by The Associated Press, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen told the House Armed Services Committee that forcing policy changes on the military before it's ready would be a mistake.

"Our military must be afforded the opportunity to inform us of their concerns, insights and suggestions if we are to carry out this change successfully," Gates and Mullen wrote to the panel's chairman, Missouri Democrat Ike Skelton.

So my open question to Cynthia Yockey, Trey Givens, Jenn at Conservative Shemale, and all within the sound of my voice who have a "dog in the race" of GLBT rights and liberties is:  Why are you surprised?

You really want to know when Mr. Obama is going to give lip service to your constituency?  Try spring of 2011.  Mr. Obama has no viable reason to NOT defer the things you feel impact you TODAY until he wants something from you again - like re-election.  And you who mindless follow the DemoNazi party - believing they will provide for you - are getting exactly what you asked for (NOT!).

Fact:  This statement comes with Mr. Obama's implicit blessing.  Mr. Obama doesn't really give a flying f*ck that your lives can be bettered today - it's all about HIM.  It always is in Obama's world. And if you didn't know that until today, you should know it now. 

Expect Obama's continued indifference until he faces re-election - I'd bet yours and my pay on it.  In the meantime, you can bask in the glow of his pathetic approval ratings, and his utter lack of oratory ability when separated from his conjoined twin, TOTUS.  All the while believing that he will for some unknown reason rise to any given occasion and declare you "NORMAL".  (I mean no with the comment - those of you who are or know someone GLBT know what I mean to relay with the comment).

I hope you who have counted on Mr. Obama to normalize existence as a GLBT citizen in the United States realize exactly where he has put you.  I encourage you to remember all the way to the polls next month, June and November.  Or, you can always wait until spring of 2011 when he'll throw you a bone for your vote.  I promise he will disappoint you until then - and if I were to be a betting man - long thereafter as well.

Sorry folks.  I just call them as I see them....

Arizona Deputy Shot By Illegal Alien Carrying AK-47

And you Liberal farkkwads wonder why Gov. Brewer and the honorable people in Arizona passed AB1070?  Fortunately, subsequent reports state the deputy is doing well and will survive. Our thoughts and prayers with the deputy and his family.

Again, I will be plain - AB1070 and laws like it are not racially based - they come in need of the protection of the people from criminals. And yes, illegal immigrants are criminal.  That's why we call them ILLEGAL!  Those of you making this law a racial issue are either ignorant or liars!

This copy via Fox News, but also reported at The American Pundit, Riehl World News and I am sure others.

A Pinal County sheriff's deputy shot by a suspected illegal immigrant Friday was airlifted to hospital while authorities tried to apprehend a number of suspects who had also started shooting at a police helicopter, according to local media reports.

At about 4:30 p.m., the deputy radioed in to report that he was shot in the abdomen with an AK-47 assault rifle during a traffic stop after pulling over a vehicle containing a group of suspected illegal immigrants on the Interstate 8 west of Casa Grande, Arizona.

The deputy was investigating a shipment of marijuana in the desert and was confronted by five suspects, Lt. Tami Villar told 12 News.

Police believe at least two people were armed with long guns and at least one handgun, AZCentral.com reported.

Rule 5 Friday - Axe Edition!

The two or three of you who know me personally are aware of my greatest interests:  Ms. T. Bagg (always #1 in my heart), Harleys, Technology, Guitars and Travel.

It's been a while since I paid any homage to guitars, so I thought I might introduce everyone to my main #1 Axe: The Paul Reed Smith Paul Allander.  It's the guitar I play 80% of the time and perhaps the most all-around fine instrument I have ever owned (and I've owned a few pricey ones).  This one is just plain freakin' excellent.

So for you guitar affectionados, here is a demo of my favorite axe.  A fine way to bring in the weekend!

Louisiana oil spill proves that we should not "drill baby, drill"

Just as the shuttle disaster proves we should not be flying into outer space. Just as the Valdez oil spill proves that we should not be hauling oil in tankers (at least not with drunken captains at the helm). Just as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl prove that we should not use nuclear reactors for energy. Just as 9/11 proved that we should not build sky scrapers that are too high (or buildings that have 5 sides and are called “The Pentagon). Just as every plane crash proves that “if God had meant man to fly, he would have given him wings.” Just as Hurricane Katrina proved that people should not live near the Gulf Coast. Just as the Los Angeles quake proves that we should not build roads and bridges and buildings in California. Just as O.J. Simpson proves that we should ban knives. Just as Barney Frank proves that queer legislators should not be elected. (Whoops, sorry for that gratuitous slam at logical, reasonable homosexuals everywhere.)

The left is using the great oil slick of 2010 in order to vilify those of us reasonable persons everywhere who support offshore drilling. I am sorry that the oil slick is there. I want heads to roll and corporations responsible to pay out the nose, and greater safety precautions to be taken, and the Obama Administration to get off their collective asses and start cleaning this up.

But the fact that there was a huge catastrophe is not a good reason to stop drilling. The fact that so many millions of gallons of oil are spilling tells me one thing: There’s a whole lot of oil down there for the taking, which will save us gazillions of dollars that we don’t need to send to rag-heads to pump our oil for us.

TGIF Video - Symphony Of Destruction

Or in this case - a radical activist from Chicago (IMMORAL MAN?). You will also notice the errie similarity between the audience in the video and that of a DNC fund raiser.  Just saying...

 Thanks be to MegaDave for the music ...

You take a mortal man

And put him in control

Watch him become a god

Watch peoples heads a 'roll

A 'roll, a 'roll

Just like the pied piper

Led rats through the streets

We dance like Marionettes 

Swaying to the symphony of destruction

Rule 5 Thursday - Viva La Tanline!

Since Bob Belvedere took such effort to let the world know of my lettuce Rule 5 post (original here, Bob's parody of my garden here); I reciprocated with the promise to do some real world "weapons grade" Rule 5 this afternoon.

Again, for Rule 5 virgins, see here for proper indoctrination thereto.

Gentlemen (and ladies as appropriate), I present you today's Viewed From The Right Rule 5 tribute to:

The Tan Line.  God Love it....

(Note to RSM:  If you don't link these this week, I'll publicly accuse you of consorting with the YMCA crew - or worse, Liberals...)

Oh, and BTW, none of these tan lines even compare to the beauty that is Ms. T. Bagg.  I Love ya baby!  You ARE the best!

-LTB

Connie Mack "Whiffs" ON AB 1070

As a baseball fan, the name Connie Mack says a lot to me: Blue collar catcher, successful manager and owner.  Hall of Famer.  However, that name is also shared with the "Gentleman From FL", whom I find has little in common with his great-grandfather..

Connie Mack IV is a Representative from Florida's 14th District. Mach was also Gov. Crist's campaign chairman until earlier this month. Rep. Mack made a most obtuse and uneducated comment regarding Arizona's AB1070, making reference to Nazi Germany: (h/t thehill.com)

"This law of 'frontier justice' – where law enforcement officials are required to stop anyone based on 'reasonable suspicion' that they may be in the country illegally – is reminiscent of a time during World War II when the Gestapo in Germany stopped people on the street and asked for their papers without probable cause," Mack said in a statement.

"This is not the America I grew up in and believe in, and it’s not the America I want my children to grow up in," he added.

Question #1:  Why is any Congressman - especially a Republican Congressman - speaking AGAINST an issue of immigration reform? And more importantly.

Question #2:  Why do elected morons officials not actually READ documents before commenting on them?

Why do politicians enjoy opening their intellectual zippers to display their stupidity to the masses? (Rhetorical question, I know...).  This is just plain ignorance on Mack's part.  An unnecessary and inflammatory comment with no useful purpose to the people of Florida - or Arizona for that matter.

As an aside, we now have greater insight into the downward spiral of Charlie Crist; and his campaign to lose is free backwaxing election in November.  If Connie put the same effort into Crist's campaign as he did researching this issue, the anticipated results were never in question.

I guess the RINO never travels far from the salad after all (reference to movie "Ice Age".  Borrow it from your kids)...

Mexico, Land Of Hypocracy

So help me get my arms around this:

Mexico is enraged at Arizona for passing what amounts to as a nothing piece of legislation, and decides to boycott Arizona.  However, Mexico is cited for the systematic human rights abuse of migrant workers from other countries including hundreds or thousands of beating, rapes of murders.  Then Mexico admits the charges are true.

WTF?

Let me spell it out:  Mexico turns a blind eye to the steady stream of migrants from Central America toward the U.S.  Mexico does nothing to protect these people - and in fact seems to be supporting their abuse, or at minimum turning the other blind eye.  This is because...

MEXICO WANTS CENTRAL AMERICAN MIGRANTS TO HAVE UNFETTERED PASSAGE INTO THE UNITED STATES SO THEY ARE NOT MEXICO'S PROBLEM. MEXICO IS PISSED AT ARIZONA BECAUSE AB1070 MESSES WITH THAT PLAN. MEXICO'S WHINING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PERCEIVED ABUSE OR RACIAL BIAS - MEXICO IS SELFISHLY LOOKING AFTER MEXICO'S INTERESTS AND DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT IMMIGRANTS ALREADY IN THE UNITED STATES.

There!  I got my arms around it after all.  If you must, see the below article via ASSimilated Press, which again wrongly states that AB 1070 "criminalizes undocumented migrants".  These idiots just don't want to say "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS" ...

Amnesty International called the abuse of migrants in Mexico a major human rights crisis Wednesday, and accused some officials of turning a blind eye or even participating in the kidnapping, rape and murder of migrants.

The group's report comes at a sensitive time for Mexico, which is protesting the passage of a law in Arizona that criminalizes undocumented migrants.

The Interior Department acknowledged in a statement that the mainly Central American migrants who pass through Mexico on their way to the United States suffer abuses, but attributed the problem to criminal gangs branching out into kidnapping and extortion of migrants.

Rupert Knox, Amnesty's Mexico researcher, said in the report that the failure by authorities to tackle abuses against migrants has made their trip through Mexico one of the most dangerous in the world.

"Migrants in Mexico are facing a major human rights crisis leaving them with virtually no access to justice, fearing reprisals and deportation if they complain of abuses," Knox said.

Central American migrants are frequently pulled off trains, kidnapped en masse, held at gang hideouts and forced to call relatives in the U.S. to pay off the kidnappers. Such kidnappings affect thousands of migrants each year in Mexico, the report says.

Many are beaten, raped or killed in the process.

More Brilliance From The AP On Immigration

More brilliance from AP:  "Many day laborers like Diaz say they will leave Arizona because of the law, which also makes it a crime to be in the U.S. illegally."

Ummm, question?  Isn't Illegal Immigration already illegal?  Hello?  Just asking???  Jeez people...

h/t RB, a contributor to Reihl World View.  And of course the fine writers at AP, who really ARE NOT Smarter Than A 5th Grader...

Airborne "O"gasm": Congress may not have the "Appitite" for Immigration

While onboard Air Farce One (only named such with Mr. Obama is on board), Mr. Obama was asked about Arizona's SB1070 and whether Congress would try to tackle immigration issues this year.  Following the same canned whetoric he's been using since earlier this month, Mr. Obama was quoted as again saying felt that "...Congress may not have the stomach for Immigration this year..."

Funny Mr. Obama, but we the people may not have to stomach much of Congress AFTER this year.  See? it all fits!

This is Where "O" Is Taking America

Liberalism builds on its base on Anarchy, Entitlement and Hedonism. The laws of “Liberalland” are crafted to maximize “feel good”, and “look good” and "sound good". It requires feeding from the nipple of governmental entitlement until one's bite is sufficient to accept feeding from the Socialist silver spoon. And your life expectancy is only as good as the abortion clinic, federally mandated health system and Geriatric "Death Panel" allows. Other than that, things are peachy - because they said so.

Those who embrace viewpoints based upon facts, laws, or faith need not apply; they have no bearing in the land of Liberalism. Exceptionalism, patriotism and individual initiative are verboden, as is any hint of capitalistic propensity. You must do as they say, when they say it. And don’t worry, they will tell you what you want, need or should desire. Then they will supply you according to their edicts. And don't worry, if by chance you should exceed expectations, they will be right there to relieve you of the fruits of your labor.

So, who’s on board with that? A permanently disabled, dis-empowered and disemboweled underclass? It's coming soon at DNC or ACORN offices near you. Also available online at moveon.org, mediamatters.com or, conveniently, at whitehouse.gov.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to watch Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” so I can watch Mr. “O” commanding his goose-stepping “hammers on parade”.

-LTB
“…we don’t need no thought control…”

A Peek Inside The "O"val Orifice....

Arizona SB1070 - Debunking Fiberal Myths UPDATED!

There is a lot of whining, crying and gnashing of teeth over SB1070. Most of it is BS. So let's take a moment to start with the basics.

A government is the organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises its authority, controls and administers public policy, and directs and controls the actions of its members.

As such, the fundamental premise of government is to provide a framework under which a sovereign group is provided a safe, secure and fertile infrastructure in which its citizens can safely thrive. A component of this responsibility is protecting the sovereign group. A subset of this of course is maintaining its lawful proximity with other governments.

A central government is typically charged with protecting this proximity why whichever means it sees fit. In this fashion, the government helps protect its citizens from enemies both foreign and domestic. For years our Federal government (not just with Mr. Obama but continuing with him) has shirked its responsibility to meet the growing threats of illegal immigration, drug and human trafficking, and international violence spilling into the U.S. over its porous borders. The recent escalation in violent crime in Mexico, higher level of threat from foreign terrorist organizations and drug trafficking from abroad has finally forced one border state – Arizona – which has been disproportionately exposed to these threats to take a unilateral action. This was done not to usurp Federal authority (it does not) but to substitute for the ineptitude of current Federal border policy.

Arizona’s SB1070 does not add any identification, detention, search or seizure mechanisms not all ready enacted (check it, you find that’s true). What it actually does is remove a peace offer’s prerogative to forego the validation of citizenship or legal alien status. Now, whenever an officer "makes contact" with someone and has “reasonable suspicion” of impropriety, or “probable cause” to suspect someone of an impropriety, he must ascertain that person’s legal status. Most officers already do this as a normal course of business (Driver’s License or State Issued picture ID, vehicle registration if appropriate and proof of insurance where required). SB1070 in fact specifies that presentation of a valid driver’s license or state-issued picture ID does – except where forged or altered documents are suspected – meet the test of law, and no further investigation is required. However what SB1070 adds is a requirement for further investigation if during this officer’s contact a citizen displays suspicious behavior such as furtiveness, failure to make or maintain eye contact or coherent communication, can or will not communicate in a known language or attempts to flee the scene. I’m sorry folks, but this is all common sense stuff to me – there is nothing overtly racial here.

The U.S. Government exists for the protection of its citizens - not for those of another country. It does not matter if it's Mexico, or Canada or any other overseas country which refuses to respect this nations sovereignty. The U.S. is already amongst the most diverse nations of the world - and perhaps the most tolerant in regards to immigration and cultural assimilation. There is fine-tuning needed in our current immigration system - but it's better than most. Having spent time abroad I will attest to that. I am also remiss if I do not again point out that illegal is illegal. Making that which is deemed to be illegal as legal has a name - anarchy. And anarchy leads to the downfall of civilizations. See Greece and the Roman Empire for pictures and paragraphs on how it worked out for them.

The people who spread this racist, bigoted rhetoric are a primary cause of the border issues we face today. Politicians so fear being labeled racist, bigoted or intolerant for offering plans to simply improve our national security. Because of these hateful (usually liberal) windbags, this very important matter becomes a political hot potato, and continues to be tabled for the sake of political expediency and poll numbers. And it forces states to do what Arizona has done to protect its citizens.

So let's get this straight – SB1070 is not a racial issue, it’s an issue of proper control of a border and protection of citizens.  It has been brought about due to the Federal governments shirking of responsibility. Both Dems and GOP alike are culpable in this failure. A state government and its citizens have every right (via the10th Amendment) to take action to protect its borders when the Federal government cannot or will not do so. It so happens in this case the Arizona border is also a shared Federal border . I applaud Arizona for doing so and will continue to support any government which seeks the safety and security of its citizens.

To review: anyone making SB1070 a racial issue is either grossly misinformed, or willfully perpetrating a lie.

And for those of you who think it's so bad here, there are always other options. I'm just saying...

As always, one man’s opinion – YMMV
-LTB

************************************
UPDATE 1:  Arizonans organizing counter-boycott of Mexican food, Mexican sundries and travel into Mexico.

Perspective: Good for them! Pizza, burger and steak joints rejoice!

************************************
UPDATE 2: A Republican Texas lawmaker plans to introduce a tough immigration measure similar to the new law in Arizona, a move state Democrats say would be a mistake.

Rep. Debbie Riddle of Tomball said she will push for the law in the January legislative session, according to Wednesday's editions of the San Antonio Express-News and Houston Chronicle.
Perspective: See? This is what happens when government fails to act on the will of the people. Expect this to be followed by more race-baiting, Fiberal lies and hate. Which brings us to...

*************************************
UPDATE 3: Hispanics (nee Fiberals) planning marches on 70 or more U.S. cities on May 1st.

"The first priority for any elected official is to make sure that the safety and security of Texans is well-established," said Riddle, who introduced a similar measure in 2009 that didn't get out of committee. "If our federal government did their job, then Arizona wouldn't have to take this action, and neither would Texas."

Perspective: Yeah, well I have two thoughts on this. First, read the Reuters article. You will note that most comments and quotes come from ACTIVISTS and RALLY ORGANIZERS, NOT REGULAR PEOPLE. That tells you where this so-call angst is coming from, the Fiberal Hate Machine and agents of the "O"val Orifice. Second, you know there won't be illegal immigrants there in droves, because they have to work to get paid. They can't afford days off for silly demonstrations. Look instead for Immigration Liars, errr Lawyers, Consortium, Collegiate student activist clubs, Socialist groups, race baiters such as MALDEF and NAACP, and the legions faithful to Darth Sharpton and His Imperialist Bigot-troopers present in en masse...Want to fight a good fight, people? Work hard to convince our elected leaders to protect our citizens and strengthen our borders. Encourage other to spend they would use on spouting race-baiting rhetoric to support the sovereignty of the country many of us once swore to protect and defend.

************************************

ARIZONA ICE TEA:  The Official Ice Tea of Viewed From The Right and Smash Mouth Politics (East&West)

Yawn: Crist Runs As Independent

Nothing we didn't know here, except Crist just hit his political expiration date (unless he crosses over to the Fark Side - where he will be an hero).

Not biggie - he loses as an Independent.  On to relevant issues...

Memo To All RINOs: Watch Bob Bennett's Fate Become Yours

Via Salt Lake City Tribune:

Unless Sen. Bob Bennett's political fortunes change dramatically in the next two weeks, he could become Utah's first incumbent U.S. senator to lose his party's nomination in seven decades.  

A new Salt Lake Tribune poll of Republican delegates shows Bennett running in third, behind GOP challengers Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater.  

Lee logged 37 percent support in the survey, while Bridgewater came in at 20 percent, and Bennett lagged at 16 percent.  

The survey of 400 Republican delegates, with a 4.4 percent margin of error, was conducted April 22-25 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. of Washington, D.C. It comes less than two weeks before the May 8 state GOP convention.

Now Bob Bennett is not a bad guy.  He has good views on the education system, and a strong faith-based lifestyle - not much in the way of scandal or immorality to speak of.  So why is this basically upright man going to lose his job?  Because he's a RINO - plain and simple.  And now it appears he's going to reap what he hath sown. (For your Biblical types, see Gal 6:7)

Bennett's biggest liability, Coker (of Mason-Dixon Polling) said, is that delegates have a negative view of the senator: Just 28 percent see him favorably while 61 percent view him unfavorably.  

Darren Park, a delegate from Riverton, is one of those. He hasn't decided between backing Lee or Bridgewater, but says he won't vote for Bennett because of the senator's health care proposal, which would have required individuals to buy health care, and his support for the first round of bank bailouts during the Bush administration.

"It's very much about Senator Bennett and not only what he has done and what he didn't do," Park said, in opposing congressional actions "that are incompatible, I believe, with the values and principles most Utahns share."

So there's the first of what is sure to many RINOs (Republicans in Name thrown Out) in this upcoming race.  The template is created. The die is cast. We the people want Conservative values in government, not in name only - and not just in election years (you listening, John?).  Let's keep the pressure on those RINOs!

-LTB

Dumb-Ass MSM Headline of the Week

During the Monday 12PM ET hour of live coverage on (P)MSNBC, anchor Contessa Brewer described the "firestorm" over a newly passed immigration law in Arizona and fretted: "...does this lead to a situation where neighbors are turning in neighbors or families turning against families?" 


Later in the segment, a headline on screen (our winning comment) read: 
"Law Makes it a Crime to be Illegal Immigrant."


Is commentary required here?  I hope not...


-LTB

Which Right Guaranteed by the Constitution is Most Important?

h/t Right Wing News

The people of Arizona are being vilified for protecting themselves

Leo W. Banks at "The American Thinker" (h/t Doug Ross) makes some excellent points about the new law in Az which makes it a crime to be in the state illegally. I am not sure what his source is but he writes that "an estimated 500,000 illegal aliens live in Arizona."

If they were all hard-working immigrants, that would not be as much of a problem. But drug dealers have taken over the illegal routes into the country. Would be immigrants have to pay a bribe of roughly $2,500 to get through, which most do not have, or they have to carry drugs for the drug gangs. Arizona has become the new wild west, against the will of the people. And race-baiters such as Obama and Sharpton are vilifying them for fighting back.

Michelle Malkin For President!

Hear me out. She’s beautiful, articulate, and incredibly smart. She’s fearless, and she fights. She is absolutely spot on every issue upon which I have ever heard or read her views. She does not have the personal baggage of a Rush Limbaugh. She has a “non-stop motor” (a little NFL lingo).

As a public speaker, she makes Obama look like the juvenile teleprompter-breath that he is. Her grasp of the issues makes Sarah Palin look like the back-woods hick that she is. Stupid liberals despise her. Wise men adore her. The chauvinist pig in me wishes she was all this perfect package in a man’s body. Alas, eventually this country will elect a female president. It might as well be a beautiful, intelligent, articulate, wonderful conservative chick who is first, instead of some ugly ass shrill ultra-liberal wench.

Michelle won’t run you say? Okay. How about Liz Cheney?

By John Doe

Conservatives vs. RINOs vs. Fiberals - One Man's Opinion, YMMV

Earlier this evening I wrote a response to a post over at Smash Mouth Politics (damn right I do, why don't you?) regarding the upcoming mid-terms, and what Tea Party conservative vs. RNC/RINO vs. DNC/ Fiberal really means.  I thought that the two or three of you reading this blog might be interested in my thought, so here they are.

I support the choice of the truly Conservative candidate - but not at all costs. It is becoming time we profoundly consider every situation, sometimes considering each race in different light. For instance, I would always prefer the Conservative candidate over a RINO.  But if the choice becomes a pretty conservative RINO against an Obamaniac, then to me it becomes an entirely different issue…

Let’s use a California race I recently dissected as an example. We have Barbara Boxer (take her, Please!) being challenged by Carly Fiorina, Chuck Devore and Tom Campbell. My first choice, ideologically, is Chuck Devore and I continue to support him toward the GOP primary. I consider Carly to be closer to RINO - the most moderate of the three choices. So if by chance Carly wins the GOP nod, would I vote for Carly against Boxer? Damn right I will.

As we approach the mid-term elections, we have a responsibility to inject pragmatism into voter education. It is short-sighted of us to consider a vote for every RINO as analagous to a vote for the Fiberal. And I don’t think it’s dishonorable to admit this.  We need to recognize there are two primary objectives this election:  regain traction for Conservative values, and defeat Obamaniacs.  In the Blogosphere, we want to embrace out ideology at all costs - that's not a bad thing.  But when it comes to putting our voice to work in real-world application, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.  We should not allow a single Fiberal to backdoor into another term in office because we help divide the vote.

In the end (IMHO) we need to – at all costs – defeat the Obamaniacs. I am willing to embrace and support a candidate who is closer to Conservative ideals (even if technically a RINO) to achieve that end. To me, that’s not the best win – but a win nevertheless.

Just this man’s opinion – YMMV.

-LTB

FreedomWorks Responds - Shows Who Is The REAL Party Of Hate.

Warning:  The language in this video is graphic, and downright abusive.  I would NOT recommend this as workplace friendly, or for review with kids in proximity.

This video - voicemail and messages to FreedomWorks - really shows who the party of hate is - and as I have written many times, it's not the right...

H/T Tabatha Hale, via RightWing News.

Ain't Karma A Bitch - Financial Regulation Vote Edition

Republican lawmakers stuck together Monday in preventing a massive financial regulatory bill from proceeding in the Senate, despite efforts by Democrats to portray the GOP as supporters of Wall Street -- not Main Street.

In a key test vote Monday evening on the financial regulatory bill, all Republican senators -- and one Democrat -- voted to block debate on the legislation. 

And the lone Democrat preventing the advancement of the bill?  Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

Hey Mr. Obama, how's that for a "Cornhusker Kickback"?

Robert Gibbs Suffering From "Stumblefukkitis"

Below is the YouTube of the 4/26/10 Presser with Robert Gibbs. I can never remember seeing him so passive and, well, at a loss for words.  The man absolutely had not cookie cutter answers to the questions regarding Cap & (Be)Trade and Immigration.  But he did make one admission I would like to point out to you.

Gibbs admits the Obama Regime's fear of each state passing its own legislation, like Arizona did, to deal with the Federal Government's inaction to control its borders.  Start watching at about the 1:25 mark where the AZ. question is raised, then marvel at Gibb's admission at 3:55 that Congress is to fault for the states actions.

Then go claw your eyes out because, well, Gibbs makes me want to do that. (DISCLAIMER:  Please, don't really go claw your eyes out.  That would be a stupid thing to do. Thank you... - LTB)

Lettuce Rule 5 (?) Post

Everyone who is anyone reads Little Miss Attila's blog.  That's just a given.

What?  You say you don't?  Then you better get your butt over there - like now!!!

Anyhow, there were recent posts on Attla's poor lettuce plants - some of which were harmed terribly by pests.  Yours truly did, along with many well-wishers, offer their home remedies and suggestions to help her save her crop.  To this day I do not know how things came out, but we shall remeber the lost with every salad...

So just to show I know of whence I spoke when offering my two cents, I offer for consideration the results of my lettuce crop.  We have done very well this year, almost no pests to speak of and delicious!

Yeah, I  know it's not hot girls in scant clothing, but there's more to life than sexy women (or so I've been told...)

Getting Ready For Obamagate!

Here it come folks!  The Creme d' la Creme of Mr. Obama's "More Transparent, More Ethical" administration.  Get ready for Obamagate!

You all know how I feel about Andy Stern.  One word - scumbag.  But he has been blindly loved by most of the SEIU rank and file - because they see him as a demagogue.  His recent resignation shook SEIU ranks to their roots.  More is coming out today which explains some of what's happened under his leadership. And more importantly, what MAY have happened which could shake the entire country.

Despite the external vision of SEIU of prosperous and finiancially strong, Stern in fact leave SEIU is in horrible shape financially - far worse than when he arrived.

As noted here and here; Stein and Anna Berger (presumed new President of SEIU) have left SEIU a financial mess. It is being inferred that Stein's departure from SEIU has been prompted by a few things:

• Failing fiduciary responsibility;
• Waning effectiveness of his internal leadership; 
• Drawing unwanted scrutiny of the inner workings of the Union; and/or 
• Rote jealousy by AFL-CIO leaders over Stern's "rock star" status.

SEIU has seen its liabilities skyrocket during the past decade. The union's liabilities totaled $7,625,832 in 2000. By 2009, they had increased almost by a factor of 16, to $120,893,259. Meanwhile, SEIU's assets barely tripled, growing from $66,632,631 in 2000 to $187,664,763 in 2009. A significant portion of SEIU's current assets are from IOUs from hard-up locals.

SEIU is $85 million in debt, down from its 2008 high of $102 million, and has been forced to lay off employees. Mr. Stern has led protests against Bank of America, calling for the firing of Chief Executive Ken Lewis. Yet the union owes $80 million to Bank of America and $5 million to Amalgamated Bank, which is owned by the rival union Unite-Here.

SEIU's pensions are in even worse shape. Both of SEIU's two national pension plans, the SEIU National Industry Pension Fund and the Pension Plan for Employees of the SEIU, issued critical-status letters last year. The Pension Protection Act requires any pension fund that is funded below 65 percent of what it needs to pay its obligations to inform its beneficiaries of the deficit.

All good points.  But I'd like to float another theory:

Andy Stein is leaving SEIU in an attempt to protect the Union and it's activities in anticipation of a his Federal indictment in these election activities in Illinois.

In my recent post here, I eluded to the possibility of federal election laws being broken in the political orgy surrounding, and eventually destroying, Gov. Blagojevich of Illinois.  Due to a SNAFU in posting recent court documents, supposedly redacted information clearly shows the fingerprints of not just Blago, but of Obama, his staff and an unnamed "Labor Union President" in a clearly orchestrated plot to buy Mr. Obama's old Congressional seat.

Gov. Blagojevich’s defense team basically alleges that Obama told a "certain labor union official" that he (Obama) would support Valerie Jarrett’s candidacy for the Senate seat. Jarrett, referred to as “Senate Candidate B”, is now a senior advisor to the president. Later stating that Mr. Obama would trade "fundraising" for Blago for his preferred appointment, Valerie Jarrett (also identified as "Senate Candidate B".  From the court documents below, which can be seen without redaction here:

Redacted portion: Yet, despite President Obama stating that no representatives of his had any part of any deals, labor union president told the FBI and the United States Attorneys that he spoke to labor union official on November 3, 2008 who received a phone message from Obama that evening. After labor union official listened to the message labor union official told labor union president “I’m the one”. Labor union president took that to mean that labor union official was to be the one to deliver the message on behalf of Obama that Senate Candidate B was his pick. (Labor union president 302, February 2, 2009, p. 7).

Labor union official told the FBI and the United States Attorneys “Obama expressed his belief that [Senate Candidate B] would be a good Senator for the people of Illinois and would be a candidate who could win re-election. [Labor union official] advised Obama that [labor union official] would reach out to Governor Blagojevich and advocate for [Senate Candidate B].. . . [Labor union official] called [labor union president] and told [labor union president] that Obama was aware that [labor union official] would be reaching out to Blagojevich.” (Labor union official 302, February 3, 2009 p. 3).

13. A supporter of Presidential Candidate Obama suggested that she talk to the wife of Governor Blagojevich about Senate Candidate B for Senator. (Valerie Jarrett 302, December 19, 2008). Supporter of Presidential Candidate Obama is mentioned in a phone call on November 3, 2008, having offered “fundraising” in exchange for Senate Candidate B for senator (Blagojevich Home Phone Call #149).

"Senate Candidate B" doesn't have the staying power of Nixon's "Deep Throat", but no matter. Things are about to get hairy (no, not Harry, I've had enough of him) folks.  Sit back and watch the show - we could be seeing the beginning of the largest scandal involving a sitting President in 30+ years.

-LTB

School Lunch (Cap & Be) Trade - Amnesty For Democrat Votes.

Well folks, here it comes - the next drop in the bucket; the next shoe to hit the ground.  Fiberals have decided to table Cap & Trade legislation in favor of Immigration reform.  And Lindsey Graham is pissed.  As a result, Graham has walked away from his support of the Cap & Trade legislation.


Boo Freakin' Hoo...

Lindsey had taken a big step of faith - being the only Republican in the country to support the Graham-Schumer bill for Cap & Trade.  He also (foolishly) took Mr. Obama at his word that climate legislation would be pushed this year.  Now, as so many others have learned,  Mr. Obama's promises - whether written or oral - are not worthy of lining the bottom of a bird cage. Graham is out on a limb that's breaking.  He is up "Chit Creek" without a paddle.  He's out there alone in the political wilderness.  And Lindsey has no one to blame but himself.

There is also the desirable (for DNC) extra benefit of Fiberals being able to crow "Republicans don't want clean water!  Republican's don't want clean air!  Republican's don't want us to love Mother Earth!  Good job Lindsey...

And why has this come to pass?  Well kind reader, if you were not aware, Fiberals are being drawn and quartered in the polls.  Democrats are (if you believe said polls) in considerable danger of losing majorities on both houses of Congress, and being flailed in regional elections where Independent votes are walking, no running, away from the DNC is hoards.

To coin a phrase: "It's all about the votes, stupid!"

Specifically, it's about saving Obama's azz in 2012.  Some would have you believe it's about Harry Reid, but in honesty, I am not so sure.  Mr. Obama has routinely demonstrated agility while throwing once-useful politicians under his bus. And while I cannot get close enough to read Harry's expiration date, Reid’s loss (if ultimately a political windfall for Mr. Obama) is a price he'd gladly pay.  It would also allow Mr. Obama to use Reid's carcass to deflect some of the health care vitriol.  Just saying…

So, here we have two things happening in unison this Monday - Mr. Obama has a video speech circulating pushing young activists to engage first time voters - ostensibly young voters.  At the same time, Mr. Obama's taking sides in the recent Arizona legislation AND announcing the Obama Regime's push for an amnesty provision.

So who are the REAL first-time voters Mr. Obama is trying to coddle?  Why, the Hispanic vote, of course.  Now one might remember that Mr. Obama had the Hispanic vote in 2008.  And he had the young vote.  And he had the Black vote. And the female vote. And so on. 


But the prize Mr. Obama wants most of all?  The Independent vote.


Mr. Obama is trying in desperation to win back the non-affiliated who are running away in droves.  And Mr. Obama doesn't believe Cap & Trade will get them back.  He believes Immigration Reform and Amnesty will.  As such, he will seek to vilify Arizona for their Immigration legislation (which would have been unnecessary if the Federal Government was controlling our borders as mandated by the Constitution).  Mr. Obama will wait for any questionable event in Arizona to swoop in and "save the people".  He will add a free ride to millions by including amnesty for illegal aliens to his already bloated "Pussification Of America" doctrine.  Which of course will also cause unemployment, welfare and healthcare costs to spiral upward...

Gently reader, I am long on record as supporting a process by which those eligible for legal immigration can become legal resident aliens and citizens faster - streamlining the process.  But I am also on record as saying that flaws in the Immigration code cannot be mitigated by illegal immigration.  Illegal is illegal, period.  And illegal immigration should be address as a legal issue - law enforcement and courts - not political hacks in an election cycle.

This is a political stunt, plain and freakin' simple.  There is no way in hell Immigration legislation can be done by November.  But the bill is not what will count. Fiberal rhetoric from now to November will make oft mention of impending amnesty legislation.  Fiberal candidates and pundits will trumpet it with one side of their forked tongues, knowing full well that no legislation will be delivered until Mr. Obama can get political traction from it - and long after November 2010 has passed.

What if there is a GOP landslide in November?  Amnesty talks gone - buh bye!.  Until mid 2011.

Campaigning to mid-term elections, all the rhetoric you will hear regarding amnesty will be empty promises.  And why not, Mr. Obama excels with empty promises.  Don't believe me?  Call Lindsey Graham and ask him...

-LTB

What is the longest that you have gone without sleep?

The NYT has a good article on people who went long periods of time without sleep. Being a pampered baby-boomer (tail-end, 1957) who never served, I never had to go long periods without sleep. The longest I can remember is the summer of my 16th year. A bunch of us went to the local county fair, and camped there for 3 days. I got a grand total of 1 1/2 hours sleep during that time. We were basically un-supervised. Young poon was everywhere. Dope was plenteous. Life was good, and too precious to waste on sleep. By the end, I was exhausted. I blew through a red light on the way home, as though it was not even there. Fortunately, nobody was crossing on the green.

Surely many out there have that puny-assed "record" beat?

Increase the tax on imported oil?

Sometimes even a bumbling idiot such as Thomas L. Friedman of the NYT can espouse a good idea. His latest? Put a $10 tax on every gallon of imported oil and put every penny to paying down the debt.

The exact amount is debatable. Probably should be much more. And provided that we make tax cuts elsewhere to offset the new tax (we are taxed enough already).

Americans are lazy. Why bother saving gas when it is so cheap? Why get a tune up, why skip trips? Why get a job close by when I can commute? We are addicted to cheap gasoline and big cars. I'm as bad as any. But jack up the cost of oil and gas, and American ingenuity will kick in and save gazillions. In a perfect world, we wouldn't need to do this--everybody would save every tiny oz. of gas and oil.

We would have to grant some exemptions, or tax credits for people such as truckers (and those who live out in the middle of Bumphuckistan and Podunk, and who have to drive a gazillion miles just to visit civilization). But we should be relying more on freight trains anyway. Whatever happened to trains?

This idea has the hackles on my anti-government, anti-tax neck standing up, so I realize I might be wrong. Help me! What do ya'll think?