The Mordant Traditionalist

The FTA says no to the Tysons Corner Underground Transit Tunnel

The Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) has rejected the idea of building an underground transit tunnel through the Tysons Corner area stating that the proposed tunnel would cost more than the already approved above ground transit rail line.  This rejection is a setback for all those fighting to get the tunnel through Tysons instead of the rail.  The biggest loser is the Tysonstunnel.org group which was financed by The West Group and lobbied hard for the underground tunnel.  The biggest winner in this scenario is probably Congressman Tom Davis and Congressman Frank Wolf, as the $900 million in federal funding that they secured for the project may no longer be in jeopardy.  Read the article here.

Blogging can be danergous if misused - The story of "Flea"

Here is a story about how blogging can be dangerous if you are trying to use a blog anonymously for nefarious and unseemly purposes.  I think this story should remind everyone that if you blog you are not anonymous, even if you don't use your real name.  People will find out who your are.  Read the story here and another story about it here.

House Republicans may use "blue slip" maneuver

to stop the Senate Immigration Amnesty bill from becoming law.  The "blue slip" maneuver is a constitutional rule the Republicans in the house can play, which states that revenue raising legislation must orginate in the House not the Senate.  This rule can be used thanks to the back taxes provision in the Senate Immigration Amnesty bill, and who put that provision in there, none other than Senator John McCain.  You can read the story here.  I think that the Republicans in both the House and the Senate need to stop this Amnesty bill.  If this is the only card they have to play then they need to play it. 

America is a Great Country Weekly Contest

Beginning this Friday, I going to recognize the person or persons that best exemplifies the true meaning of why America is a great country.  I will set up a box in the side bar for any nominations that people have.  What I am trying to do with is weekly award is to show people that no matter where people come from or what their situation or circumstances are, success is achievable in this country.  So stay tuned for this Friday's inaugural winner.

What about your fellows Democrats, Mr. Edwards?

It seems that Presidential candidate John Edwards cannot bring himself to chastise his fellows democrats, or even mention them.  As Mr. Edwards rails against the President and how the voters of the November elections sent a mandate to the President to get the troops out of Iraq.  Would not that same mandate have been sent to the New Democratic Congress as well.  So why does Mr. Edwards only mention the President when discussing this mandate.  Mr. Edwards, if you want the voters to take you seriously, then you need to start calling out your fellow democrats for their inability to carry out the so called mandate of the people that the voters send to Washington via the November elections in 2006 and the New Democratic Congress.

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer.  This weekend is also the weekend that we all need to take a moment and reflect upon all those that have fought in all the wars and conflicts this country has found itself involved in.  We should take a moment and thank those soldiers who have given the ultimate, their lives to ensure that our way, the American way, the cause of freedom, and the pursuit of liberty was preserved and cherished.  If you come upon a veteran or soldier this weekend, please take a moment and thank them for all that they have done and/or will do for us and the cause of freedom.  Many people on this planet do not enjoy the freedoms that we do.  Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.

Lost Season Finale...

I watched the Lost Season Finale, and I must say that the direction the show appears to be going in is rather disappointing.  I hope that the plot the show hinted at is just another twist that the writers will somehow explain away in the season premiere in the fall.  If not, then this show has not lived up to the expectations that I had for it.

Everyday the America John Edwards' lives in looks better and better

Everyday I wake up I begin my arduous quest to achieve the level of prosperity that will allow to live in the America that Mr. Edwards lives in.

Let's take a look at the story of the $500 million Treasure recently found, and previously commented on here, off the coast England.  The story seems benign in nature at first.  A couple of treasure hunters possibly strike it rich by stumbling upon the find of a lifetime.  Come to find out that the company that found this treasure has a well known investor in its stable.  None other an Mr. two Americas himself, John Edwards.  It seems that Mr. Edwards is one of the major investors in Fortress Investments, a private equity and hedge fund manager.  Fortress Investments is a large shareholder in OMR, Odyssey Marine Recovery, via the fund Drawbridge Global Macro which owns a 9.9% stake in OMR.  You can read the story here. 

As I stated earlier, I think that Mr. Edwards success and wealth are great, what I find annoying and dishonest is his hypocrisy.  The man is constantly talking about how unfair the Republicans and their ways are to the common American and how he understands the common American's pain.  This man does not understand your plight nor does he want to.  This man gets $400 haircuts, lives in a multi-million dollar home that has no trespassing signs posted all around the property, and he is worth millions and millions of dollars.  Now do you really believe that he understands or cares about your plight or your problems?  I don't think so. 

This is the same man who charged a California state college $55,000 to come address its students.  Read the story here.  The topic Mr. Edwards spoke about was the great moral issue facing this country, poverty.  Do you think that Mr. Edwards provided those in attendance any useful kennels of information on how he became the wealthy American he is today?  I don't think so.  The problem I have with Mr. Edwards and his democratic ilk, is that they preach one thing to the populous of how the government can solve all your problems and the like.  But, if you watch these folks carefully, you will come to see that they themselves do not actually believe what they say.  They know that hard work and persistence along with some good or great connections are the things that will help you change your station in life.  So, as you go about your busy days and weeks, remember that Mr. Edwards and his democratic rivals are constantly plotting and scheming on how to make that next million, and not on how to solve your issue with paying the monthly utility bill. 

The Dems have caved on the Iraq War Funding bill as expected

Today, the Washington Post has a story that attempts to spin the caving in by Dems to the President on the Iraq War funding bill.  Remember these are the same Democrats that are constantly telling everyone that they have a mandate from the American people based upon the November 2006 elections.  If the Democrats truly believed that they had a mandate, then they would have stood their ground.  Oh wait a minute, I am talking about the Dems here.  These people are not capable of standing up for anything.  How can anyone vote for these people.  If the Dems believe that the War is wrong then they strong vote their conscience.  But, they won't.  Because they don't believe in anything, nor do they stand for anything.

A nice rant by Dennis Miller

Here is a great rant by Dennis Miller concerning the Iraq War and all some other salient points relevant to that particular topic. I like Dennis Miller and I think he hits the nail on the head here.

$500 million in Treasure from shipwreck

For those of you into treasure hunting this story is probably right of your alley.  A treasure hunting company has reportly found a 17th century shipwreck off the coast of England, that may yield the finders anywhere from $500 million to $750 million once the treasure is auctioned off.  The belief is that crew found a ship that contained uncirculated coins from the 17th century.  You can read the story here.

Immediate Citizenship and Annexation Act of 2028

Let's spring forward to the year 2028, I am now in my sixties and the United States of America finds itself in a familiar pickle that comes about as often has the cicadas.  This cycle appears approximately every 20 years or so.  The last time the illegal immigration problem was an issue the citizens looked to their esteemed leaders in the US Congress and to the President for guidance, because the idea of the people to send these law breakers back from whence they came was to harsh and would shock the system.  Back then in 2007, the Congress and the President decided that the best way to deal with these law breakers and their ilk was to give them amnesty.  Prior to that time, I can reflect back on the year 1986 when the problem seemed to first rear it's ugly head.  The Congress and the President at that time, again decided in their great wisdom that the best way to deal with these law breakers and their ilk was to reward them with amnesty and threaten harsh consequences if happened again.

In 1986, the problem concerned about 3 million illegal immigrants.  Back in 2007, the problem increased to about 12 million illegal immigrants.  Today in 2028, the problem has blossomed into about 48 million illegal immigrants, and this time they know that you can't just send them back.  They are now truly a force to be reckoned with.  Instead of demanding citizenship, they want the whole southwest part of the United States.  I am sitting here watching this drama or tragedy play itself out and both laughing and crying at the same time.  I am watching a country that my ancestors fought and died for, and that I love with all my heart and soul being ripped and torn into pieces, because our leaders in the past failed to lead or act in a appropriate and necessary manner.  The heroes of yesterday's fight to stop amnesty and the rewarding of illegal behavior are nowhere to be found.

This time the illegals are setting the agenda and outlining how this process is going to play out.  I remember back in 2007, reading a little read story about how the plan our esteemed leaders of the time, developed allowed the radical organizations that supported those illegal immigrants final veto power and a tremendous amount of input into the new legislation that was being drafted at that time.  I and most of the people I knew back then didn't believe that our esteemed leaders would or could be that stupid to allow the law breakers to write or contribute to how their would be dealt with.  Now I realize that we, the legal US citizens were the fools and the illegals were the smart ones.

I have told my children and their children that they had better learn to speak several different languages, because the days of English being spoken in most places in this country have past.  Good Luck.  The next time this problem comes around the country itself will be at stake.

Virginia Citizens Defense League "Bloomberg Gun Giveaway" raffle

The Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) held their "Bloomberg Gun Giveaway" raffle in Mason district at the Government Center building last night, where they gave away firearms to two lucky Virginia residents.  The raffle was attended by both supporters and opponents.  The VCDL is up in arms with the Mayor of New York and his antics of of having people trying to purchase firearms in the Commonwealth of Virginia using illegal methods and then pointing the finger at Virginia and accusing the Commonwealth of having weak and unenforced firearm purchase laws.  You can read the story in the here.

Immigration Reform Compromise Reached

The Washington Post is reporting that a compromise has been reached on the immigration reform bill that is being hashed out by the US House and the Senate.  Unless this bill deals the constant flow of illegals into this country on a daily basis, all you are going to end up with is a glorified amnesty package that rewards illegal behavior and does nothing to curb that behavior.

Sen. Feingold's Amendment goes down in flames

Since the November elections the democrats have been constantly stating that they received a mandate from the American people to end the War in Iraq.  Senator Feingold introduces this amendment (S. Amdt. 1098) and when the time comes to vote the mandate that they received what do the democrats do?  They do not vote the mandate.  Senator Feingold's amendment went down in flames 29-67 today.  Here are the democrats who had no spine to vote the mandate:

Baucus (D-MT) Bayh (D-IN) Bingaman (D-NM) Carper (D-DE) Casey (D-PA) Conrad (D-ND)

Dorgan (D-ND) Landrieu (D-LA) Levin (D-MI) Lieberman (ID-CT) Lincoln (D-AR) McCaskill (D-MO)

Nelson (D-FL) Nelson (D-NE) Pryor (D-AR) Reed (D-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) Salazar (D-CO) Tester (D-MT) Webb (D-VA)

These democrats have also provided Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama the needed political cover to say that they voted for the amendment, when Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama knew the democrats as a whole did not have the guts to support Sen. Feingold's amendment.  If I were a democrat I would vote all these bums out of office.  Read the Washington Post's take on this issue.

Gary Baise for Fairfax County Chairman Campaign Kickoff

The Gary Baise for Fairfax County Chairman campaign has announced his official campaign kickoff that will feature a star studded cast of current and past local, state and federal republican leaders.  See below for details and to RSVP to the event.

Senator John Warner, Congressman Frank Wolf, Congressman Tom Davis, Former Senator George Allen,  State Senator Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, State Senator Jay O’Brien, State Senator Ken Cuccinelli, Delegate Tom Rust, Delegate Tim Hugo,  Delegate Vince Callahan, Delegate Dave Albo, Clerk of Court John Frey, Supervisor Michael Frey, Supervisor Joan DuBois,  School Board Member Steve Hunt,  State Party Chairman Ed Gillespie, 10th District Chairman Jim Rich, 11th District Chairman Becky Stoeckel, 8th District Chairman David Avella, Fairfax County Chairman Jim Hyland, Former Lt Governor John Hager

RSVP

Cordially invite you to attend the

CAMPAIGN KICKOFF

For

GARY BAISE

CHAIRMAN OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

On

June 8, 2007

6:30- 8:30 PM

At the
Richard Ernst Cultural Arts Center Forum

Northern Virginia Community College
8333 Little River Turnpike,
Annandale, VA 22003

RSVP

Illegal Immigrants Paying Taxes

As I was driving into the office this morning, I heard a story and/or report on the radio that there was a group of illegal immigrants that were taking it upon themselves to start paying federal and possibly state income taxes.  The report stated that there was a place in Manassas, VA that was offering assistance to such people who were trying to get a jump start on the new immigration bill that the Congress was working on passing that would afford a road to citizenship to those workers that were paying taxes.  This all sounds great, but I smell a rat.  I have begun my digging and will report back on what I suspect is really going on here.  I do not want to discuss it just yet, I need more facts.  Sit tight.

Overcrowded housing in Fairfax County, VA

Sunday's Washington Post had an article about the overcrowding of housing in Fairfax County, VA and the immigrant population that has exploded in the county resulting in traditional neighborhoods turning into 24/7 red light districts because of all the activity of people coming and going at all hours that results from having several adults who work various shifts living in a home built to house a single family and not single community.

The response from the current members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, remember this year all members of the board are up for reelection in 2007, is that times are changing and communities need to change along with the times.  The problem with that answer and response is that the county and Commonwealth have laws, rules and regulations that have not changed with the times.  When a person buys a home in Fairfax County they are looking at spending from $500k to over a $1 million to own such a home, and the homeowner should have an expectation that the investment in their new home is going to be protected by the county and Commonwealth by upholding existing laws, rules and regulations. 

The current members of the board should not be surprised if they find themselves on the outside looking in come November.  The voters of Fairfax County and the rest of Northern Virginia need to express their outrage and dissatisfaction with the Board of Supervisors and their elected officials by voting for change if they feel that their concerns and complaints are not being properly addressed.  While the issue may seem complicated, they really aren't.  This is a county and Commonwealth of laws, rules and regulations, and we need to have officials in place that will enforce those laws, rules and regulations.

Happy Mother's Day

I wanted to take a moment and reflect upon how much I owe to my mother on this Mother's Day.  My mother provided me with a great foundation on how I should live my life and on how I should treat and respect others.  Like most people, I on occasion sometimes find myself reflected back on the lessons and teachings that I have recieved over the course of my lifetime.  The ones that I always come back to have the teachings and scoldings I recieved from my mother.  I am thankful that I was raised the way she raised me.  Reward and punishment.  So, mother on this day I want to say Thank you and I love you, Happy Mother's Day.

Dale Jr. to leave DEI, Inc.

This must be one of the toughest decisions that Jr. has ever had to make in his racing career to date.  To leave the race team that his late great father built and venture out on his own to race for a competitive team has he stated shows me that Jr. is committed to winning in NASCAR.  Will Jr. join RCR and drive the No. 3 car.  I would love to see junior drive the black # 3, but, I think that Jr. will ultimately decide to continue to build his own legend in the number 8 Bud car.  Read the story here.

Lost

I do not know if there are any lost fans out there, but I am starting to feel this show again.  The episode on Wednesday May 2nd was probably the best of the series.  I was blown away by where the story is going.  If you do not watch this show.  I recommend that you rent the dvds starting with the first season and you will not be disappointed.  The show is really well done.

Senator Feinstein, Are your hands clean?

Apparently, Senator Feinstein, the senior Senator from California, does not have the clean hands that she wants people to believe that she has.  The Hill has a story by David Keene that you won't find anywhere in the mainstream media.  It appears that the California Senator from 2001 to 2005 had been steering government business to companies that her husband, Richard Blum controlled.  These companies were URS of San Francisco and the Perini Corporation of Framingham, Mass., and the contracts totaled over $1.5 billion.  Senator Feinstein left the subcommittee around the same time that her husband sold his stake in the businesses and saw the family net worth increase more than $40 million.  This smells like a conflict of interest, if not blatant criminal behavior.  This story needs to get out.  Senator Feinstein deserves to have a reservation for accommodations next to Duke Cunningham.  Click here to read the story by David Keene.