The Mordant Traditionalist

Democratic Debate - My Thoughts

As I watched the Democratic debate at Howard University, I thought I was watching the Black Academy Awards or something.  Every "so-called" influential or self important black person found themselves in the audience on this evening.  The event started off with an underhanded insult that apparently no one, not a single person in the audience, or the moderator Travis Smiley, picked up on.  In my opinion, Senator Biden insulted every black person in attendance and in America when he stated that when a black child is born their are already behind their peers.  This statement infers that Senator Biden believes that white babies are smarter than black babies when they are born. To take it a step further, he may feel that black babies are behind all babies when they are born.  How absolutely no one in the audience or Smiley did not have a follow up question or statement for Senator Biden boggles my mind and offends me to no end.

As the questions asked by the panel of questioners, I sat back and listened to each and every one of the candidates pander to the audience.  The only person to offer a semblance of truth during that debate was Senator Gravel of Alaska, especially when he told the audience to not believe one word of what these people are saying.  I realize that most in the audience would see Senator Gravel as a tired old man, but they need to remember that it is the tired old men who have been around long enough to see through the bulls**t of most people and tell it like it really is.

Black people have been voting for democrats for the better part of the past fifty years and I ask you what do they have to show for their votes.  Let me run down a list of things that black people have received from the Democratic party for fifty years of block voting in the 85% to 95% range.

1. The worst school systems in the country.  The buildings are crumbling around the students, as the students have no books or supplies to learn from or with. 
2. The most dangerous neighborhoods in the country.  Crime in the black community is higher than in other communities.  Hope is lower than in most other communities.
3. Least amount of businesses to transact everyday needs of life.  Businesses such as banks, grocery stores with fresh vegetables and produce, clothing stores, malls and the like.
4. Highest share of "street pharmacies" than anywhere in America.  A resident has a higher probability of running into a drug dealer than in any other American community.
5. Highest share of Liquor Stores per square mile than anywhere in America.  A resident has greater chance of passing a liquor store than a bank in the black community.
6. Highest share of Fast Food restaurants per square mile than anywhere in America.  A resident in the black community can always find a place to purchase fast food, but can not go into a grocery store and pick up fresh milk and bread.
7. Lowest share of usable recreation and community facilities than anywhere in America.  A group of kids looking to play basketball or use a park area will probably find that space unusable and in need of repair in their community.

I could go on and on, but I think my point is clear.  Now I am not saying that voting for Republicans will result in the solving of all of these problems; but, what I am saying is that if the black voting populous as a whole were to think about how to more strategically use the voting power they have, then maybe things would start to change in their communities.  One must remember that there is power in numbers.  If enough people are unwilling to arbitrarily give their vote and support to the Democratic candidate of the moment and actually begin to listen and challenge the Republican candidate to step up and show them or tell why they should vote for them, then the political landscape will change and changes in the community will not lag that far behind.  When people begin to feel like they have a stake and a say in what happens in their respective communities and the nation as a whole, then the conversation changes from a monologue to a dialog about the issues and problems that we are really concerned about.

House votes down "Fairness Doctrine" 309-115

The House of Representatives voted against allowing the FCC to use the Fairness Doctrine to force liberal talk radio into the homes of American citizens.  The free market should decide what is heard on the airwaves not the Government.  Hopefully, the Senate will follow suit and vote against the Fairness Doctrine when it applies to talk radio programming.

The Senate - 0 The American People - 2

As the Senate debated their Amnesty bill during the its second go round, the phone system was shut down due to the volume of irate citizens that were calling into the Capitol.  The Senate Amnesty Bill has gone down in defeat for the second time.  Again, I say Thank You to the American People.  You were not fooled by the rhetoric spewing from the mouth of the likes of Senator Feinstein, who had the audacity to say that by doing nothing we are granting amnesty.  I am sorry Senator, these lawbreakers need to be rounded up and sent back home.  I know the liberals will say that we cannot round all of the illegals up; but, I sure as heck want to give it a try, rather bend over and grant they amnesty.

Again, thanks to the calls and the letters from the American people, this bill will probably not raise its Amnesty granting head until after the 2008 elections.  This gives us, the people, the time to continue to pressure our elected officials to present to us a bill that addresses the problem and doesn't grant easy citizenship to lawbreakers.

Liberal Talk Radio forced upon us

Over the past few weeks, we have been reading and hearing discussions about the "Fairness Doctrine" and how there needs to be a balance in media, especially talk radio.  This "Fairness Doctrine" represents the only way liberals can securely have a talk radio counter to the conservative talkers out there.  If Air America cannot survive on its own merits, forcing radio stations, and let's be honest this is only about talk radio, to air liberal leaning talk will not make liberal talk any more interesting.  Please allow the marketplace to decide whether or not it wants to hear liberal leaning talk or conservative talk for that matter.

Citizen Backlash over "Abuser Fees"

There has been considerable citizen backlash over the new fees that bad drivers will have to pay in addition to the normal traffic fines.  While I can understand the reactionary response of the residents of Virginia to these new fees, I think that if these same people were hit with higher and higher taxes, their outrage would be more. 

There is a way to avoid paying these new fines, try driving the way one is suppose to drive.  The outrage is misplaced and foolish.  If you are a law abiding citizen, then you are not affected by these new fines.

Senate votes 64-35 to reconsider Amnesty bill

The US Senate, the world's most deliberative and thorough legislative body, has in its great wisdom voted to reconsider the Amnesty bill that the American people do not want.  I think that those Senators who have decided in their infinite wisdom to disregard the will of the people,  and vote to allow this country to be overrun by illegal immigrants should be thrown out on their well cushioned back sides..

We, the citizens of this great nation must start holding our elected officials accountable for the votes and non votes that they take.  If the majority of Americans do not want this current immigration bill as written, then I think that the congress should act accordingly.  While the Republicans and those others opposed to the bill say that the fight to pass the bill is far from over, the bill in its current form should never have been reconsidered.  Why not put forth a bill that addresses the issue of securing the borders and making it harder for illegals to come here.  Why not put forth a bill that levies serious and punitive charges against employers who hire these lawbreakers.  Why not put forth a bill that states all those 12 illegal immigrants currently residing in the shadows in this country have to go to the back of the legal line and wait their turn like everyone else.  Unless our elected officials are willing to stand up for us, then I think that we should assure them that come election time they will have a permanent sit on the bench, as we throw the bums out in November.

The new "Civil Remedial Fees" go into effect July 1st in Virginia

These new fees were a part of the General Assembly House Bill 3202 that was passed this past spring.  The fees are aimed at those drivers that violate the rules of road in Virginia.  The fees only apply to Virginia residents, so those of you passing through do not have to worry about the added fees.

The fees are effective July 1st, and only apply to certain types of violations.  The payment of the new fees are in three installments, spaced over several months.  The initial payment is due after your court appearance and conviction.  The second payment is due in within 14 months must be paid to the DMV.  The final payment is due within 26 months must be paid to the DMV.  Traffic infractions are not assessed these new fees.  The more serious traffic violations are subject to these fees.  So as you go about your daily routines, keep in mind that speeding 20+ mph over the limit is reckless driving in this Commonwealth and may now cost you a bundle of cash. 

This Congress is about hearings not legislating

If anyone wanted to know why this Congress has an approval rating of 14%, then look no further than this latest story of the Senate Judiciary Committee issuing subpoenas against the Bush administration.  The SJC is looking into whether or not the Bush Administration violated any laws when they were listening to conversations between Terrorists, you know the people who are trying to kill as many of us as they can, even if that means they die also.  The Bush Administration may have also listened to conversations between Terrorists and their supporters here in the USA or abroad. 

The Democrats, led by Chairman Senator Leahy, are hell bend on finding something, anything to wave in front of the American people and say, see I told you that this administration was listening to Americans in violation of the law.  The only problem that the Democrats are running into, is that the American people are not especially concerned with the government having listened in on their conversations.  You would have to a paranoid, moonbat to believe that this government is really interested in the comings and goings of your life that they would spend countless hours listening to your conversations.  But, that is what Senator Leahy is looking for. 

Senator Leahy, please do the American people a favor and stop with all the hearings and get back to the business of solving the real problems that face this country.  This Congress may go down in history as the Congress that conducted the most hearings without working on the pressing issues that the people of this country want addressed. 

Lake disappears in Chile

This disappear is hard to explain.  One day a large lake is there for everyone to see.  The moment the same large lake has disappeared.  Can this lake disappearance be explained as an effect of Global Warming?  I think not, if anything the lake should be overflowing with runoff from the Glacier(s) that are melting as a result of the warming trend.  Global Warming SMEs, I need this explained to me.

The Mandated Congress - Approval Rating 14%

The newly elected Congress which proudly hailed themselves as a Congress the people have mandated to makes changes in the country has an approval rating of 14%.  This rating is the lowest since just before the Contract with America was launched in 1994.  What has Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Reid done in the few months that they have been in charge, nothing, nothing and a little bit more of nothing. 

Reid and Pelosi have used their time as leaders of the Congress to let the American people know that America is a weak and falling apart, according to them.  Reid has used his time to beat the drum of the War in Iraq is lost.  Pelosi has used her time as leader to also hurled insults and negativity towards the President and the sensibilities of the American people.  As I have said many times before, the Democrats are not interested in your problems and how to solve them.  The Democrats are only interested in power and control.

The 2008 elections are looking more and more like an opportunity for Republicans to win back all the seats lost in 2006 and possibly more. 

How ironic is this video?

This video depicts the protesting and outrage of immigrants towards a group of americans marching against illegal immigration and prouding displaying the American Flag.  Enjoy.

My Candidate for Republican Party of Virginia Chairman is

Mary Matalin.  The chairman that follows Former Chairman Ed Gillespie has to be someone who can continue to raise money at the same level or higher than Gillespie did.  The Chairman has to understand that Virginia is going to be a battleground state in 2008 and also must be someone who has fought through some tough elections in the past.  RPV needs a winner right now.  We need someone who can come into the position and hit the ground running.  Virginia needs someone who understands the value and importance of Northern Virginia both on a National and Local level.  RPV needs someone who can speak to all Virginians from a credible and intelligent background on the importance of winning elections at a local level and help drive our national election results. 

Whatever names are bandied about by other Republicans in Virginia, I do not think that any of them would have the same kind of impact upon this party as someone like Ms. Matalin.  Oh by the way, she is a reside of Northern Virginia.

Gay Marriage will be an issue in the 2008 Elections

The recent decision by the Massachusetts Legislature to vote down a citizen driven Constitutional amendment campaign to ban Gay Marriage in Massachusetts will have far reaching results in the end.  The Washington Times has a great article about how gay rights advocates in Massachusetts plan to challenge the 1913 law that prevents people from other states marrying in Massachusetts if they cannot marry in their home state.  The Democratic leadership in Massachusetts to include the Governor has stated that they are in favor of repealing the law.

Once this law is repealed the gay marriage debate will once again rage throughout this country.  This issue will undoubtably be a major player in the 2008 Presidential election.  I think this issue of gay marriage and whether marriage should be recognized as being between one man and one woman should be decided by the people of this country at the ballot box on a state by state level.  Once the issue resolved on a state by state level, then the federal government can look at the results an decide from there whether or not to amend the US Constitution and therefore put this issue to rest once and for all.

The Immigration Bill comes back for Round 2

As the Congress and the President began to take a second bite out of Immigration apple, The American people using any and every means at their disposal, let their elected officials in both the House and Senate know that the American people are not interested in Amnesty for the 12 million illegal immigrants that are in this country.  Let's be very real clear here that these people not undocumented Americans' as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid likes to refer to them.  The people want a real solution to this problem of illegal immigration, and unless this new attempt at an Immigration solution has real solutions in it, the American people do not want it.

• The American people want a secure border to the South and a secure border in the North. 
• The American people want employers that hiring these illegal immigrants to pay a heavy price to do so.  This heavy price would discourage employers from hiring illegals. 
• The American people want the illegals here to be documented and made to prove that they work and that they do not engage in criminal behavior.  If they are criminals or the criminal justice system knows them well, then they must leave the country and never return.  If they return and are caught here, if they must serve several years in the big house.

If this new attempt does not address these issues, just to name a few, then it to shall face the wrath of the American people. 

MA. Lesgislature refuses to allow the People to vote

The Massachusetts Legislators have denied the people of that state the right to vote on same sex marriage by not approving a ballot question to amend the state's Constitution for the November 2008 election.  The ballot measure needed to receive at least 50 of the 200 votes in two consecutive legislative sessions.  In the first session the ballot question received 62 votes.  Those groups and organizations in favor the ballot question felt that they had the votes to get the 50 needed to allow the people to vote to amend their Constitution to gay marriage up or down on the 2008 ballot. 

In the second session nine legislators changed their votes from yea to nay, an in the process defeated the ballot question.  Kris Mineau put it best in this quote: "The Marriage Amendment won its first legislative vote and was on track to win its second with a healthy margin. The unprecedented pressure by leaders on Beacon Hill – the rumors of patronage jobs by Governor Patrick and arm-twisting by House Speaker DiMasi – derailed the largest initiative petition drive by citizens in the Commonwealth’s history and this is a brutal loss for citizen-centered democracy."   These are the turncoats the people of Massachusetts should keep an eye on to see if there was any nefarious behavior or back room dealings behind the change in their votes.

Here is a list of legislators who changed their position in the five months between the two Constitutional Conventions:

Representatives

Christine Canavan, D-Brockton
Paul Kujawski, D-Webster
Paul Loscocco, R-Holliston
Robert Nyman, D-Hanover
Richard Ross, R-Wrentham
James Valee, D-Franklin
Brian Wallace, D-South Boston

Senators

Gale Candaras, D-Wilbraham (Candaras was a representative in January when she voted in favor of the amendment.)
Michael Morrissey, D-Quincy

Here is some useful information

This information came to me today in the form of an email.  I do not know if the story is true or not; but, I think the information in the email is very useful and wise.

Be careful how you list names on your cell phone!  This lady has changed her habit of how she lists names on her mobile phone after her handbag which contained her mobile, credit card, purse,,,etc,,, was stolen.  20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what happened, hubby says 'I've just received your text asking about our pin number and I've replied a little while later.Then they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn.  The pickpocket had actually used the stolen hand phone to text 'hubby' in the  contact list and got hold of the pin number.  Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all of the money from the bank.

Moral of the lesson:  Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list.  Avoid, using names like, Home, Hubby, sweetheart, Dad, Mum, etc... And very importantly, when sensitive information is being asked thru text, Confirm by calling back.  Also, when you're being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them.  If you don't reach them, be very careful about going placed to meet "family and friends, who text you.

Dennis Miller rips Harry Reid a new one

Here's another rant by my man Dennis Miller, who proceeds to eviserate Senator Harry Reid and his cowardly leadership. Enjoy.

Its Official - Gillespie Resigns

It is now official, Ed Gillespie has resigned as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia to become Counselor to President Bush in the White House.  Here is the text of his Memo:

MEMO

To: Republican Party of Virginia Leadership
CC: State Central Committee, Unit Chairs, Volunteers
From: Ed Gillespie, Chairman RPV
Date: 13 June 2007


I have some important news to share with you this morning.

As you know, Dan Bartlett recently announced that after 14 years of service to President Bush, he is leaving his current position as Counselor to the President to enter the private sector.

Dan is one of the President’s most trusted advisors, and his counsel has been invaluable. His departure leaves a critical void in the White House.

Like most, I was surprised when I learned this news. I was even more surprised to learn that President Bush felt that I was the person best suited to fill Dan Bartlett’s position.

I was also very flattered by the President’s confidence in me, and when he invited me to the Residence yesterday to offer me the position, I was honored to accept it. The White House will make this public later today, but I wanted to let you know before that happened.

While I am excited by the opportunity to serve, I regret that doing will require me to resign my position as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, a job I have loved.

Together, we have accomplished much in the past six-and-a-half months. We have already raised an amount equal to an entire year’s budget in past years, hired a growing staff of top-notch professionals, helped to foster a greater sense of unity within our Party, worked with our elected officials, candidates and units to attract new people to our cause, and developed a plan to guide us to victory in November.

Obviously, if seven months ago I had any idea that I would be asked to serve our President and our country in this new capacity less than a year after being elected to lead the RPV, I never would have sought the chairmanship.

I did so because I felt that revitalizing the Virginia GOP was how I could most directly make a difference for our commonwealth and, given Virginia’s growing importance in the national political arena, make a difference for our country.

It’s not easy to leave such a great organization and the many friends I have made in my brief tenure, but I have a unique opportunity to serve my country. And with brave Americans in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places making real sacrifices to serve, there was no way I could in good conscience have declined such an opportunity at this critical time in our history.

I will take it as a sign of some success if you’re disappointed by this announcement, but I hope you can understand my sense of loyalty to our President and our Country. I hope, too, that you’ll agree that the momentum the RPV has established in the first half of 2007 can continue regardless of who is serving as chairman.

The RPV will shortly notice a call for a new election. In the meantime, Mike Thomas has (once again!) agreed to serve as interim chairman. Under the strong management of Executive Director Charlie Judd, along with the commitment of the team of professionals he has assembled on Grace Street, I am confident that we will continue meeting our fundraising goals, registering new voters and growing our units.

Thank you for the support you have shown me during my all-too-brief tenure. I look forward to working with you for our party and our commonwealth again in the future.

Sincerely,

Ed Gillespie

This memo was obtained from the RPV.org website.

Edward W. Gillespie to Resign as RPV Chairman

The Richmond Times Dispatch is reporting that Gillespie will step down as Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) Chairman, and assume the duties of Counselor to President Bush in the White House.  While I can understand Gillespie taking such a position from a personal point of view, when one looks at this move from a party point of view, it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.  Virginia is a pivotal state in the eyes of the Democrats and the Republicans as the 2008 national elections approach, and there will be tons and tons of campaign dollars flowing into this state by both parties to help sway the state in either direction.  Gillespie's arrival in December of last year provided the state Republicans with a needed shot in the arm to help motivate the grassroots people and also to help bring some unity back to the party. 

If Gillespie is leaving as reported, then expect the infighting and chaos to reign again in this party.  Hopefully the leaders of the opposing factions will realize that the true enemy is the Democrats and not the Republicans within the party that view things from a slightly different point of view than they might.  There is a lot at stake this year in Virginia and Virginia Republicans need strong leadership to help guide the party through important and trying times.   

An Injustice in Georgia Corrected

Genarlow Wilson was a seventeen year old teenager attending a New Year Eve party with other teenagers of which some were as young has fifteen years old.  At some point during the party things took a turn down the road of sexual adventures, the attendees began to engage in various sex acts.  All the activities that the teenagers participated were unfortunately recorded by one of the party attendees.  Up to this point nothing seems to be outrageous and nefarious on the part of the teenagers, except for the fact that they filmed their sexual escapades and somehow the tape ended up in the hands of the authorities.

The maddening part of this story is the fact that the prosecuting attorney had decided that young teenagers engaging sexual acts was punishable by initiating charges against several of the players in this one act play.  The most serious charges were brought against Mr. Wilson.  Mr. Wilson was accused of inappropriate sexual acts with a minor and also charges with Rape of a minor.  The jury dismissed the charge of rape, but convicted Mr. Wilson of the charge of aggravated child molestation.  This conviction also would require that Mr. Wilson register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.  Now, I know for a fact that there are several people out there, some may be reading this blog, that have engaged in sexual acts with others when they were both young and stupid teenagers.  Can you imagine the thought of going to prison for it, and then having to be considered a sex offender for the rest of your life.  The thought probably boggles your mind.  The thing that I forget to mention in my recounting of the events and facts of the story is that Mr. Genarlow Wilson was a young black male at the time and the female was a young white female.  This all happened in  Douglas County, Georgia. 

I truly believe and a lot of other folks believe that if both of these young teenagers were either white or black, then these charges would never have been filed.  I definitely believe that the charge aggravated child molestation would not have been filed.  So this case in the eyes of many has shown how the remnants of racism still exist in some parts of the South.  The prosecuting attorney in this case had discretion in what charges he should bring and he decided that the young man involved should have his life destroyed for engaging in behavior that is constantly promoting in show and advertising aimed at young teenagers at all times of the day in various forms of communications. 

Thankfully a judge in Georgia has decided to release Mr. Wilson from prison and also drop the requirement that Genarlow register is a sex offender.  Finally someone with a sense of fairness has acted.

Connolly continues with the Appearance of Impropiety

The Washington Post has an article in today's edition that shows how Gerry Connolly, D-VA, the current Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County.  Connolly appears to be working for the best interest of Gerry Connolly and not the best interests of the residents of Fairfax County.  In a prior post on Connolly, I have given an example of how Connolly is blatant with his steering of business to those who contribute to his campaign.  While it may not violate any laws of the County or the Commonwealth of Virginia, it does show that conflict of interest is not a concept that Connolly concerns himself with.

The article points out that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors did not vote on who received the lobbying contract, and the decision to award the contract was made by the Fairfax County Executive after receiving several bids for the contract.  Keep in mind that the Fairfax County Executive is appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and serves at the pleasure of that very board, which is currently headed by Gerry Connolly.

Is this the beginning of the New Democratic Congress Tax Increase Craze

The Democrats are looking at ways to reduce the burden of the AMT, Alternative Minimum Tax, on middle class families.  Instead of reworking the AMT rules and laws, the Congress is looking at putting in place a new surcharge tax of 4.3% on people earning over $500,000 per year.  While this may sound like a great idea to those people that do not earn over half a million a year, one must remember that the people putting this new tax increase in place, are the ones who may very well have to pay it.  Do you really believe that the Congress would pass a new tax law that would effect only them and their base of high donor campaign contributors, think again.  The so-called Middle Class is ultimately going to be hurt by this new tax proposal, just like they were eventually hurt by the AMT.

If Congress wants to relieve the pressure of the AMT on the Middle Class, then they should change the AMT trigger levels so that it only effects those that it was initially intended to apply to, those in the upper tax brackets who were not paying their fair share of income tax due to "tax preference items" or deductions. 

This is the beginning of the New Democratic Congress looking at ways to separate you, the taxpayer, from more of your money.  I suggest that each and every one of us should hold onto our wallets as tight as possible.  The government does not need anymore tax revenue from the people, what the government needs to do is spend the dollars they currently receive more effective and eliminate the waste in government.

Gary Baise to accept no Developer donations

Gary Baise has made a pledge in his campaign against Gerry Connolly for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to not accept any campaign contributions from developers in Fairfax County.  This stance alone will separate Baise from Connolly, as everyone already knows that Connolly is a developer's best friend.  Connolly has accepted contributions from developers and Real Estate investors while the board was awarding business to the very same developer or investor. This conflict of interest alone should cause voters to pause and ask the question of who does Connolly represent the County or the developer/investors that contribute to his campaigns.

Since Mr. Baise has decided not to accept contributions from developers, those of us who support his campaign and campaigns run on the principal of the people first and the developers and investors second.  Let's help Baise defeat Connolly and bring the board back to the people of Fairfax County. 

Update: William Jefferson Saga

The indicted Congressman pleaded Not Guilty in Federal Court this morning to the slew of charges that he faces.  The judge set bail for Jefferson at $100,000 and restricted his travel and access to various guns and firearms that Jefferson owns.  The Judge also froze Mr. Jefferson's assets.  Mr. Jefferson faces up 235 years in federal prsion if convicted on all the charges against him.

Weekly "America is a Great Country" Winner

The winner of this week's contest is the American People as a whole.  I chose the American people because the people showed the world that this country truly is a representative government.  The Congress tried to put forth an Immigration Bill that in the eyes of the American people amounted to nothing more than glorified Amnesty for a group of law breakers.  The people did not want amnesty and let their congressional representatives in both the House and the Senate know of their outrage and lividness with them. 

What did the Senate do as a result of the people's reaction and outrage.  They backed away from the Immigration Amnesty bill and did not even have the guts to put it to a vote.  Way to go American People.  This exercise should show us that when our representatives try and enact laws and vote on bills that we as a group disagree with, our voice will win out if we scream loud enough and raise enough of a ruckus that our leaders begin to tremble in their campaign contribution boots.

Now let's see if this Congress will have the guts to put forth an Immigration bill that provides a solution to the problem of illegal immigration by dealing with the security of the borders, and effectively punishing those employers that hire these law breakers.  Yes, we want an Immigration bill, but we do not want a weak kneed solution to a problem that if not addressed will only get worse.  Again, great job by you the American people in pressuring your representatives to reject this failed piece of legislation.

The Congress - 0 The American People - 1

The real power of the American people was on display in the withdrawal of the Senate Immigration Amnesty bill.  The people rose up like a tidal wave and swept that Amnesty bill right out from under the Congress.  Take heed Congress, if you push the people too far, they will fight back. 

"Undocumented Americans"

Senator Harry Reid, D-NV, has finally left Planet Earth and landed squarely in Gonzo Land.  This man is the Majority Leader of the Senate, one half of our Legislative branch of our American Government.  This man is the number one guy in the Senate.  He is in charge.  How can we feel that our American Government has its Citizens best interests and  its Citizens security as being paramount when they make such idiotic statements as "Undocumented American Citizens".  These illegal immigrants are illegal immigrants not illegal American Citizens.

We American Citizens must keep the pressure on these clowns that represent us in Washington, so that they do not pass this foolish Amnesty Bill.

Dodd and Richardson agree to Spanish language Debate

Governor Richardson and Sen. Dodd, two of the Democratic Presidential candidates  are showing the country why they lack the leadership skills to guide our country through these challenging times.  This country is being overrun by illegal immigration from the south and faces the scourge of Terrorism from all sides.  To agree to have a Presidential debate in a language other than English is appalling and an affront to the citizens of this country that speak English.  Can you imagine a time in the yesteryear of this great nation when those campaigning to lead our country would consider having a debate in a language that most of the citizenry could not understand.  I think not.  This my friends could be the beginning of the end of this great country of ours.  Just think the next debate may be in Arabic.  Exactly how does having a Presidential debate in any language other than English benefit this country?  You must understand the Democrats as a whole are not interested in what's best for the United States of America, no, they are only concerned with what's in the best interest of them.  By the way, I guess we know where these two men stand on the Immigration issue. 

The Republican Debate in New Hampshire

I watched the Republican debate last night, and I came away from the debate with two observations.  First, when the Republicans had the hypothetical question posed to them about using tactical Nuclear weapons against an enemy of the United States, they to a man answered unflinchingly that they would have no problem using whatever means necessary to protect American lives from those fanatical people trying to kill us.  The Democrats if you will remember flinch and and hemmed and hawed and even had Hillary stated that they did not want to answer such hypothetical questions.  Now I ask you, when you sleep at night of the two groups which one allows you to sleep well at night, knowing that you are being protected with everything at this country's disposal against madmen willing to kill themselves to kill you.

Secondly, I think Mitt Romney performed by far the best of all the candidates.  I think that he has shown himself to be a practical and decisive leader who would not remove any option available to deal with any and all situations that may arise if he should become President of these United States.  He also was very blunt and to the point when speaking about his religion and how people that expect him to run away his religion are going to be sadly disappointed because he will not runaway from what he believes in.

All in all, I think that the debate was much better than the Democratic debate because you actual had people taking positions and answers questions whether or not the question was based upon a hypothetical situation or not. 

Immigration Bill Loopholes

Interested in what the loopholes are in the Immigration bill, well Jeff Sessions, R-AL has released a list of 20 Loopholes in the bill.  Call your elected officials and express your outrage to them.  Your inaction may result in the passage of this Amnesty bill.   

Obama perpetuates the false mantra of "The Democrats have the Answers"

Senator and Presidential hopeful Barak Obama was in Hampton, VA today giving a speech to group of people at Hampton University's Convocation Center.  Instead of speaking to people about how great a country America is and how if you apply yourself to your studies and learn as much as you can about everything that interests you, opportunities will be available to take advantage of, what does you say the Bush Administration has done nothing for you.  Instead of talking about the people who risk everything that they have to legally immigrate to America, because they see America as a beacon of hope, a place where anyone and everyone can become someone.  What does he talk about, the Los Angeles riots.  Instead of talking to the group about how people of color marched in the streets and faced death, dismemberment, risked having their families killed so that future generations of people of color could have the opportunity to succeed and become successful in this country, if only they applied and believed in themselves.  What does he talk about despair, frustration, and a lack of hope.

Instead of talking about these kinds of hopeful scenarios and situations of sacrifice; what does Obama talk about, he talks about a " Quiet Riot" that is building in the black community in America as a result of Hurricane Katrina and the lack of hope in the black community.  Why not inspire these people with his story of success and how he applied himself and achieved great success in this country.  This man is a disgrace.  How can he call himself a Presidential candidate or even a Senator.  He is not filling people with hope and a sense of how one can achieve anything in this country, if only they apply themselves.  No, Obama is just interested in telling the people that George Bush and the Republicans are against them,  because he didn't stop Hurricane Katrina from hitting in New Orleans.  Obama writes about "The Audacity of Hope", but I guess that "Hope" does not apply to black people in America.  Instead, Obama wants to fill your mind with thoughts of rioting and any other criminal behavior just to keep you thinking that this country does not and will not provide you with any opportunity.  Obama is a fraud and needs to be exposed as such.  I find the man offensive.

The remaking of Hillary Clinton - Literally and Politically

One of the most remarkable transformations in the history of mankind is taking place right before our eyes, and most of us are not even aware of it. Depending on who she is speaking to, whether southerners, midwesterners, or people in the northeastern part of the country, this woman has many dialects and mannerisms.  Also if you pay really close attention to the words coming out of her mouth and close your eyes, you might think that you were listening to someone who was somewhat right center on most issues and not a rabid ultra liberal that we know Hillary Clinton to be. 

When thinking of voting for and believing the words coming out of Hillary's speeches today, one must remember that old saying that a leopard does not change its stripes.  If you pay close attention to Hillary Clinton she will from time to time slip-up and revert back to form and start spewing what she really believes in.  Please be careful, because to ignore her means that your life will no longer be your own.  If you get a chance, you must read the new book by Bay Buchanan, "The Extreme Makeover of Hillary (Rodham) Clinton", and you will get a real good look at how much Hillary is re-inventing herself during this campaign.

Senate loses one of its members to cancer

Wyoming Sen. Craig Thomas, a republican has lost his battle with cancer and has passed away at the age of 74.  Senator Thomas is not a well known member of the Senate, due to the fact that he tended to steer clear of the lime light and all the squabbling that normally occurs in the Senate, as reported here.

The Governor of Wyoming now has five days to appoint one of three nominees presented by the State Republican Party.  The newly appointed Senator would then serve until the 2008 election year, whereby a new Senator would then be elected by the people of Wyoming.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Senator's wife and their four children.

Congressman William Jefferson indicted on bribery charges

Congressman William Jefferson, D-LA, was indicted on bribery charges today in connection with trying to use his office to broker business deals in Africa.  This gentleman and man of the people from New Orleans, is the same man who during Hurricane Katrina back in 2005, commandeered National Guard assets and had them take him through his district.  While on the tour of his district, Mr. Jefferson decided to stop at home and pick up a few things.  Keep in mind at this time, several of his constituents were clinging to trees, holding onto floating boards and the like hoping to be rescued.  Seems that Congressman Jefferson put more value on his possessions than the lives and well-being of his constituents.  The indictment can be read here. 

The President is wrong on the Immigration Issue

I consider myself an ardent supporter of President Bush and feel that in most cases he has the country's best interests at heart when he does and says the things that he does.  But, I must say that when it comes to the Immigration bill that is currently being debated and discussed in the Congress, he is wrong and he needs to realize that the American people are not going to buy another amnesty bill from the likes of Senator Kennedy and his ilk.  The President needs to heed the loud and raucous message the country is sending to him. 

The country does not want this bill or anything like it.  The American people will settle for nothing less than the upholding of the laws of this country by its leaders who are charged with that responsibility, and they want a real border security plan presented to it by those leaders.  The American people were promised a border security plan back in 1986, the last time this immigration issue was dealt with in this country.  Mr. President, for the sake of the country, please heed the will of the people and denounce this Immigration bill and bring forth a bill that deals with border security and the immigration problem in a real way.  Please stop trying to berate the Congress and your fellow Republicans into going against the people.

The thing the drives most Americans crazy is the fact that illegal immigrants are emboldened by our elected leaders to march on our Capitol and have the audacity to demand from us Amnesty and also to demand that we forgive the fact they, the illegal immigrants, have absolutely no respect for our laws and the appropriate process that needs to be followed to become a legal resident of this country.  The fact that newspaper articles like the one in the Washington Post try to paint a picture of these illegals being somehow wronged by our country is insulting.  We need our leaders in the Congress and the White House to stand with the American people and refuse Amnesty for these lawbreakers.

The Hunt for Red November rolls through Virginia

I attended the Republican Party of Virginia's, RPV.org, annual Commonwealth Gala with special guest speaker Senator Fred Thompson this evening, and must say that the natives were very restless.  As reported by newly installed Chairman Ed Gillespie, this year's Gala had over 400 attendees versus last year's attendance of just over 200 people.  The private reception and photo opportunity with Senator Thompson was also well attended. 

When it was time for Senator Thompson to step to the podium, he received a rousing three to foul minute standing ovation.  The crowd's excitement and enthusiasm for the Senator were very evident.  Senator Thompson gave a very rousing speech that focused on what brought him into the Republican party and what motivates him today.  While most in the crowd were hoping that Senator Thompson was going to announce his candidacy for the Presidency this evening, he didn't.  But there were a couple hopeful moments during his speech in which he teased the crowd with statements like, the change can start tonight and right here in the Commonwealth of Virginia where freedom and liberty began some 400 years ago, to paraphrase the Senator.

The Senator also touched on how the American people were looking for real leaders to deal with the real issues that the country is and will face in the future.  The Senator made a couple of great statements, about Illegal Immigration and the War on Terror that I found to be inspiring and in touch with how most of the American people feel and think.  He also talked about why republicans need to remember why they are republicans and reasons why the people have elected republicans into office.  He did touch on how some in the party had lost their way and that we as a Party need to refocus and reclaim our Republican beliefs. 

I came away from this year's Gala feeling like Virginia's republicans are charged up and ready to starting winning elections again.  You can read about the Gala here, and here and here.  I am looking forward to Senator Thompson's July 4th announcement.

First Weekly Winner of the "America is a Great Country Weekly Contest"

The first winner of my weekly contest, "America is a Great Country Weekly Contest" is Curtis, "50 Cent" Jackson.  Mr. Jackson is a man who grew up in poverty in South Jamaica, Queens, New York.  His father was not involved in his upbringing and mother was murdered when he was eight years old.  He found himself lured into the streets of New York at an early age and engaged in illegal activities to survive.  After realizing that there was no future in the streets, Mr. Jackson decided to pursue a career in rap music.  While pursuing this rap career, he was shot nine times and found himself lying near death in an emergency room at a local hospital. 

After surviving this shooting Mr. Jackson found himself not able to secure a record deal.  But he persisted and soon found success once he teamed up with the Eminem and Dr. Dre.  Mr. Jackson went on to have several successful hit songs and a sucessful rap career.  Mr. Jackson also has had a number of successful ventures outside of the music industry.  All of this has resulted from a man believing in himself and the fact that he lived in a country where belief and persistence and dogged determination can result in success.  Just this past week Mr. Jackson witnessed a great payoff from an investment that he made in a vitamin water company.  He will walk away a great return on that investment and some more cash to add to his bank account as the company in which he had a 10% stake, Glaceau, Inc. was acquired by Coca-Cola. 

Mr. Jackson has seen his life go from rags to riches, all because he believed in himself and happened to live in a country where an individual can change his lot in life through hard work and dogged persistence.

Join me here for next week's winner.  If you have a nomination or suggestion, please email it to me at this address mordanttraditionalist@yahoo.com