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Apologies!

My apologies for the recent lapse in this blog. I have had to take a small hiatus from blogging to prepare for a move farther north to a different city here in Kentucky. I've spent the past two weeks or so packing for the move. Nice timing with the holidays upon us, huh? ;o) The good news is that the move is tomorrow morning (hmm... technically the move is THIS morning!). The bad news is that it may be a few more days until I'm back up to speed and blogging again. I've not forgotten about all of the recent events that require a commentary -- the successful election in Iraq on the 15th (way to go, Iraq!), the nonsense about the President and "spying," and the big to-do over the renewal of the Patriot Act. I certainly intend to weigh in! Thanks for your patience! Have a very merry Christmas! Please make room in your celebration this year to remember our brave men and women in the Armed Forces who must be away from their loved ones this holiday season. Dawn (aka &q

Purple Finger, Anyone?

Okay folks, it's that time again... the Iraqi people will be going to the polls on December 15th. I vividly remember staying up into the wee hours of the morning the first time they went to the polls. This time, being a fully employed responsible adult, I won't be able to savor the coverage as I did last time. Instead, I intend to show solidarity with the Iraqi people with a purple ribbon instead. A simple little purple ribbon affixed to my sweater should be enough for (a) someone disconnected from the news to ask the question that will allow me a few moments to educate them on the fantastic developments in Iraq, and/or (b) to show my own solidarity with the new Iraqi government and the people who are bringing all of our efforts there to fruition through their votes. Bill Bennett has been promoting the " Purple Finger of Freedom " campaign which I think is a wonderful idea. Read more about it and join the effort! Is there anything more moving than free people support

Bravo, Senator Bunning!

Well folks, it's been a while since I found any time to blog lately. The holidays added to my regular hectic schedule plus yet another car issue have really put me behind the 8-ball in all areas -- and I sure miss having quality time with the blog! There are many thoughts that I really want to communicate but this one must come first. As I wrote previously, the Democrat amendment that required the President to submit a timeline for withdrawl from Iraq (surrender, basically) was voted down and yet, for some crack-induced reason, the Republican leadership on the Hill felt a need to answer the defeat of the "surrender amendment" with their own Warner amendment which requires our President, who is pretty busy of late conducting a war that is critical to our national security (in case anyone missed that), to write reports to the Congress on a regular basis. The Republican Warner amendment passed. Yep, we shot down the surrender and then decided instead to handcuff the Preside

This is news?!

I find it hard to believe that the media covered President Bush's speech and the document published on Victory in Iraq today as news. As usual, Hugh Hewitt has written the definitive piece on this today, including some great links. Look, none of us in our RIGHT mind had any doubt what the plan was -- the President has been telling us what it was from the "git go" years ago. Those of us in our RIGHT minds knew that basing victory on a timeline for withdrawl of our troops was not only ludicrous but synonymous with surrender. I suppose the Lefties needed to see it in print... and yet, they are still nattering on with more nonsense today as if they hadn't even heard a word that's been said or read a word of the report that was printed. Why do we Conservatives even bother? *sigh*

Giving thanks for the French

I'm giving thanks this weekend for people who think up great French jokes! Some of you will find these "cruel" and think I'm an evil American. Fine. However, I'm guessing that many others will be thankful that I've shared these laughs! French Jokes Q. How do you say "Give me liberty or give me death!" in French? A. I give up. Q. How many Frenchmen does it take to defend Paris? A. Nobody knows. It's never been tried. Q. What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up? A. The French Army. Q. Why was the Chunnel built under the English Channel? A. So the French government could to flee to London. Q: Did you hear about the new French tanks? A: They have 5 gears...4 in reverse, and one forward gear just in case they're attacked from behind! Q: Why don't they have fireworks at Euro Disney? A: Because every time they shoot them off, the French try to surrender. Q: Why do they have trees in Paris? A: So the Germans can march in the shade i

Got under my radar! (Leftist Media and "Staging")

I must have missed this story when it originally came out back in October but I couldn't resist getting an opinion in on this anyway... President Bush was accused of yet another "faux pas" by the alleged mainstream press. This time, the administration was accused of staging the interview that President Bush conducted with troops in Iraq. This was such a perversion of the truth by the press. You can see some of what the press wanted you to see of the satellite feed at Media Matters . (If anyone has access to the full feed that hasn't been mutiliated for political purposes by enemies of America, I'd sure appreciate a pointer to it.) The simple truth is that a Pentagon official worked with the troops to help them become comfortable with the cameras. The troops were given an opportunity to rehearse their questions. Maybe that sounds odd to some folks; however, as one who has been in front of a TV camera, I can tell you that it is absolutely nerve-wracking! You lose c

Thanksgiving Amusements

Do yourself a favor and visit Hugh Hewitt's straw poll this Thanksgiving weekend. Not only is it fun to take but the results are quite intriguing! Oh, and if there's still time to get this in before your Thanksgiving travails with Lefties at dinner , brush up on how to handle the inevitable argument with them over the war in Iraq. Thanks for all you do, Hugh!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's that time again: time for food, family, and football, right? Well, not entirely... It's time to remember all that you have to be thankful for this year; it's time to remember those who help make those things possible; and it's time to remember that we live in the greatest country on Earth. It's time to thank the Almighty for His blessings, for His guidance, and for His patience with His children. This year the list of things for which I am truly thankful includes: * the health and happiness of my family and friends; * my health and the ability to provide for myself so that I may help others; * the brave men and women of America and like-minded free countries who volunteer to give their all for higher ideals that will make this world a safer and better place; * the strong and generous families who stand by those courageous men and women; * the people who are able to separate fact from fantasy -- I'm proud to call many of them friends; * the few Right-minded

Colonel "Cut and Run," How DARE You?!

I am furious. I have finally HAD IT! I have respected and honored every veteran I have ever met and those I have never met. I have done so because each of them (in my mind) was courageous and patriotic. I have been thankful for each and every veteran who has stood between me and the loss of my freedom and security. I have honored these brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces in every way possible throughout my life. I intend to continue doing so; however, NOW my eyes are open. Today, John Murtha has prompted me to rethink the respect that I automatically give to the opinions of those who have served. After a 37-year career in the US Marine Corps and experience in combat, I would have thought that this man, John Murtha, would recognize cowardice. I would have thought that this VETERAN would have no respect for the type of person he apparently is. He has absolutely NO respect for the intelligence and courage of the American people for whom he has personally stood guard d

Warner and the Death of My GOP

I am ashamed to be a Republican today. I feel like I have been held down by Senator McConnell so that Senator Frist and his accomplices could easily slit my throat. How is it that Republicans can have a majority in both the House and the Senate with a Republican President in office and still manage to slit our own throats on an almost daily basis lately?! It's official. The GOP is dead. At least, it is dead to me. In case you haven't heard yet, with the President out of the country today, Bill Frist and John Warner decided to play political games and pass an amendment to the defense policy bill that was meant to be a political one-up on the Democrats and their amendment requiring timetables for our war against Islamo-fascism. Frist, Warner, McConnell, and Santorum (the current Senate Republican leadership) did not even have the decency to wait until President Bush was back in the country to stab him in the back -- they've managed to do it from afar. From the Washington Po

Russ Vaughn Strikes Again!

Paristine With a nod to Joseph Farah at World Net Daily Jacques and his frères are surely weeping Les pauvres immigrès have caught them sleeping, Paysans revolt, their emotions churning, What’s that odeur? Is Paris burning? Within the banlieues there’s no joy Among les jeunes who are sans emplois What, take a job? Not the way to go; We’d rather riot, torch your Peugeot. Ah, Mother France you took us in, Then left us with no way to win. We’re not ègal, not garçons blanc, We’ve no real chance to earn a franc. No, what we are, we’re useful fools, For leftist dreams, just brown-skinned tools. So the Rèpublique’s butt is in a crack, Give your merci to Jacques Chirac. We’ll breed you into minority, Till only mullahs hear your plea, And Shari’a rules throughout your land, A Frenchman steals, he’ll lose his hand. Your licentious lifestyle, long extolled, Will leave your women stoned, dead cold. But everything will turn out fine, In the Muslim Republic of Paristine. -- Russ Vaughn

To Veterans on this Veteran's Day

I apologize for the delay in wishing you all a happy and thankful Veterans Day today. Those of you who read this blog even at the most random moments already sense, I'm sure, that the courageous and committed warriors of this country have my respect, admiration, and thanks on a daily basis. I'm grateful for the warriors of all free countries who willingly fight the good fight on behalf of all mankind. It is you courageous individuals who ensure that history will always contain stories of freedom, stories of goodness and compassion, and stories of human exceptionalism. For our warriors who may be out in the field this very evening protecting freedom and helping ensure the freedom of others as well as those, like my Dad, who stood courageously in harm's way in previous conflicts, please know that you are truly heroes. Heroes are not found among the celebrities -- the athletes, the actors, the artists, the rock stars -- they are found among the common man with uncommon streng

Paranoid? Who me?...

Okay, just for the sake of my sanity... would you be worried about an audit if the IRS (the office in DC, no less) did a Google blogsearch on the word " fairtax " and then spent time reading your post about it?

YIKES! This is Tax Reform?!

The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform has published their recommendations in a nine-chapter report (plus an Appendix). As a supporter of the Fair Tax proposal , I find this panel's recommendations to be a complete waste of the time it took for them to compile it. It does not radically reform the current methodology and it leaves in place one of our government's biggest bureaucracies. Herman Cain is a former 2004 US Senate Candidate in State of Georgia and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. He currently hosts a nationally syndicated radio show – “Herman Cain with the Bottom Line” and is a Fox News Business Contributor. I agree completely with his take on the recommendations of the advisory panel: “Under the Tax Panel’s new proposals, lobbyists in Washington will get to keep their special loopholes. The incremental changes offered by the Tax Panel will only benefit K Street, not Main Street. The Tax Panel has merely rearranged the dec

VVLF Update

I received these updates from the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation (VVLF) today and wanted to share this news: VVLF On The Air -- Thursday, November 3rd at 11:00 am Eastern, leaders of the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation , including Medal of Honor recipient Bud Day, his fellow POWs Ken Cordier, Paul Galanti, Jim Warner, and Kevin McManus, and Mary Jane McManus will appear on the G. Gordon Liddy Show. Topics will include the lawsuits filed against the VVLF by surrogates of John Kerry, a conspiracy and defamation lawsuit the VVLF itself recently filed against John Kerry in federal court, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to set the record straight about the Vietnam War. During the program, excerpts from the POW documentary, "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal," and from Kerry's infamous “war crimes” testimony before the Senate in 1971 will be played. Listen live online here . Tell Your Story – The VVLF is collecting accounts from Vietnam veterans about their

Let's Get Ready to Ruuuuummmmmble!

"You [Alito] have obviously had a very distinguished record, and I certainly commend you for long service in the public interest. I think it is a very commendable career and I am sure you will have a successful one as a judge." -- Senator Ted Kennedy in 1990 when Alito was confirmed without objection to the Appellate bench. "If confirmed, Alito could very well fundamentally alter the balance of the court and push it dangerously to the right, placing at risk decades of American progress in safeguarding our fundamental rights and freedoms." -- Senator Ted Kennedy in 2005 when commenting on the nomination of Alito to the Supreme Court on Monday by President Bush. It is unprecedented for the Senate to oppose a nominee as qualified as Samuel Alito. Justice Antonin Scalia was approved 98-0 by the Senate. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was approved 96-3, and Justice Stephen Breyer was approved 87-9. Chief Justice John Roberts was overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate. So,

Hey Reid, where's your letter of resignation?

Fellow blogger, ScottG, is calling for Harry Reid's resignation on his blog " Ah, Shoot! " I certainly agree with him and will add my voice to the demand for Reid's resignation; however, while we're at it, I'd like to see Dickie Durbin's name added to that resignation letter as well. I seriously doubt that Harry Reid or Dick Durbin have ever done a noble thing in their lives. It's probably asking a bit much of them at this point to expect that they would understand the damage they do to this country on an almost daily basis when they purport themselves this way. This ConservaChick will likely suffer coronary arrest if any dim-witted Dem recognizes the error of his ways and resigns! No need to get the defibrilator ready; it won't be needed, I'm sure.

Enough already. Sheesh.

I am being baited by Liberals on a daily basis now thanks to their delusions about the Libby indictment. Have they any clue how silly this is? As if I will somehow blow a gasket because yet another Lib has misconstrued the Libby indictment as proof of something perpetrated by the Bush administration. Puhleeeze! I actually received a call tonight from a lunkheaded Lib saying, "Oh, nice move by W today! Stroke of genius that he warned us all about the bird flu. I mean, I'm so scared of getting the bird flu now that I've forgotten all about the indictment of one of his cabinet members." HELLO?! I couldn't even begin to straighten out that mess. So, I let it go. Laughed it off and said, "Well, as I recall you Libs ripped him a new a-hole over last year's flu vaccine shortage. I'd say that he must have gotten the message about that, wouldn't you?" ;) This stuff is just so indicative of the Lib mentality. They defend the heck out of nonsense and ex

Apolitical musings

Today is the first day of the time change back to Standard time. I despise the way we mess with the clock. It's hard enough for night owls to be on the same time as everyone else in the working world, so must we tinker with it? Really. It's pitch black outside at 7pm now. Is that really necessary? It was fine when it got dark at 8pm but this is ridiculous. I don't do well with the time change, in case you couldn't tell. As much as I hate the time change, I do love the autumn though. The leaves on the trees here have turned anywhere from a lemon yellow to a flame red and all colors in between. It is absolutely gorgeous! The wind blows and the temperature is just chilly enough to remind you that you're vital, you're alive. It's a wonderful season!

Note to Scooter

Okay, Scooter , so you've been indicted by the grand jury convened in the Plame investigation. If you did what the indictment says you did then this ConservaChick believes you should be convicted. Just as with Clinton, I do not look kindly on obstructionists and liars at the top levels of my government. However, I heard Fitzgerald 's statements on the radio today. You know what he never said? "We found out who 'outted' the 'undercover' CIA operative, Valerie Plame. That indictment is forthcoming." Hmmm. I wonder why he didn't say that? Wouldn't they have charged you with that if you had indeed been guilty of anything close to "outting" an undercover operative and endangering her and our national security?! So, Scooter, if you did obstruct justice, etc. then I can't support you, dude; however, if you didn't do it, I hope to heck you fight these charges in court and embarrass the bejeezus out of Fitzgerald. As a matter of fact,

Hasta la vista, Harriet!

Honestly, I don't know whether to be proud that Conservatives still have a voice in their own party or to thank the Washington Post (of all things!) for publishing writings and opinions of Harriet Miers from the 1990s. Whichever it was that prompted her to withdraw her name from the nomination, it's a win for Conservatives who truly understand how important it is for President Bush to nominate someone who has stood up for his/her Conservative values consistently throughout a distinguished career. I am waiting with baited breath for the next nomination. All I can say is that it had better not come with the qualifier "Trust me" and a wink. C'mon, W. Let's get it right this time! Evidently, you'd better get your money in the pool now as odds on the next nominee are being given ...

Rest in Peace, Rosa

Is there any more famous picture than that of Rosa Parks riding the bus? Possibly, but this picture has come to represent an American awakening. Without Rosa Parks's defiance that day in Montgomery, Alabama, I have to wonder what it might have taken to finally spark the movement toward desegregation and civil rights in this nation. She has been rightly called "the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement;" however, in my mind she is the woman who awakened a nation. On the occasion of her death, I thought it might be fitting to remember that the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other black leaders was one of color-blindness. Unfortunately, today's black leaders use color to keep their communities divided from "white America." It's a shame that the message has been lost. From an interview in 1996 , in Rosa's own words, that's not the vision she had: "... February, Black History Month, seemed a relevant time to evaluate youth and their sense o

It's a Yes!

The Iraqis finally have their constitution! After the October 15th vote seemed to be a majority for the new constitution, allegations of fraud were immediately made by a few Sunni leaders who had tried to get out the "no" vote for this election. The UN elections chief praised election officials in Iraq for having done a "very good job" with the audit of results. So, it would seem that the Iraqis held a fair election where a majority of its citizens voted for their new constitution. Good news! However, I fear that some of the Iraqis who were out-voted on the constitution have adopted the same "sore loser" tactics that the Dems used after the 2000 election and yet again in 2004. ...But Saleh al-Mutlaq, a Sunni Arab member of the committee that drafted the constitution, called the referendum "a farce" and accused government forces of stealing ballot boxes to reduce the percentage of "no" votes in several mostly Sunni-Arab provinces. "

Revolution a-Brewin'?

"How long it will take for this revolution to run its course, and turn the world we live in upside-down, cannot be known. It may be this year or it may be fifty years. But this much we do know: those of us committed to the building of an intellectual infrastructure necessary to overturn the despotism of a government-managed society must never let up. Never let anyone tell you that what you believe is an anachronism. The Left does not own the future." While we Conservatives continue our healthy debate on the choices made by our President, while we voice our dissatisfaction with the current apathetic approach to protecting our borders, and while we call B.S. on any Republican who claims to be Conservative but doesn't follow word with deed, I am reminded of something I read a few years ago: " The Transformation of American Opinion ," written before the events of 9/11. It could not possibly be more relevant that it is today. I enjoy reading Lew Rockwell 's opini

Building a wall on the issue instead of on the border...

First let me say that I respect John McCain for his service to our country. He and the other POWs gave more for our country during the Vietnam war than any of us could imagine. As we all know, his service to our country did not end after his ordeal there. He is still in service to this country as a congressman. Even though I respect his service during wartime and do agree with him on some issues, he does not get a free pass to show disregard for Conservative ideals and Conservative constituents. I received the following email today from Brandon (a fellow ProtestWarrior) who wrote to McCain to voice his concern over the total non-management by our Republican congress of the immigration issue and to provide some suggestions for action. This email was too funny and too informative not to share with you all. ---------------------------- "Finally received my response from John McCain’s office concerning my suggestions for immigration reform, automated unfortunately, which means my let

Throw his body to the dogs

Saddam Hussein began his trial today with defiance. Good for him. You show 'em, Saddam. No one is in charge but you, old buddy. Where's Baghdad Bob when you need him? The Iraqi people, according to the Guardian , were glued to their TV sets today as the trial began. Sunnis were sure to be cheering Saddam on as the rest of Iraq cheered for justice that will have been a long time coming: "Iraq's soil has its pride. It won't accept Saddam's body once they execute him. I hope they throw his body to the dogs, not bury it,'' said Shanan, slapping his fist into his palm nervously. " Iraq is becoming a sovereign nation again under democratic rule. It no longer has a place for an egomaniacal dictator. There are sure to be great media moments ahead...

Uh oh... Dems getting a clue?!

The political strategy group, Democracy Corps , run by Democrat bigwigs James Carville, Stanley Greenberg, and Robert Shrum has issued a memo to the party. It's a revealing glimpse into the thinking of party's top strategists . I'm pretty sure it's a long shot but if Dems take advice like this (below), we could be in for a few tough races next year. "2006 will only produce an upheaval if Democrats make a break with the forces that have put them just short of a majority in the country," they argue. "The Democrats should revisit the Perot voters and their concerns, even if Perot himself has faded from view. His voters were the most anti-political and anti-elitist, anti-big government and big corporations, anti-free trade and anti-immigration. They were pro-military but anti-foreign entanglements. They were libertarian and secular, pro-gun and pro-choice." I can't speak for all Conservatives but I certainly hope the Republican party gets its house i

Government Official Stripped of Freedom of Speech?!

Well, of course, it had to happen. It was not that long coming either. The Democrat party in the state of Kentucky does not cotton much to having Republicans in charge. Now, in addition to lawsuits and other such Liberal antics, they are striving to shut down the freedom of speech of a fine American who has a political opinion that happens to be Conservative. Since when in this country is it illegal to express your political opinions on your own time? Because an accomplished attorney (previously an accomplished blogger as well) happens to have opinions that differ from Liberals, he is to be fired? Someone remind me again, please, what country is this?? Yes, he was appointed to filter job applications to ensure that the merit process was being followed to the letter. He is, after all, an attorney. Is he supposed to be denied that job because of his political ideology? Not that he needs testimonials, but I can attest to the fact that Dodd Harris is tolerant, open-minded, and objective.

Lessons in Democracy

If you blink today, you may very well miss any media coverage of the Iraqis voting again on their Constitution. Thanks to FoxNews though for their fantastic coverage of the days leading up to this vote and the polling today. As I watch the coverage, I'm encouraged. The moral of today's vote is that the Sunnis have now gotten the hang of the political process. They boycotted the last vote and found that democracy rolled right on without them. This time, guess who has turned out their vote? Yep, the Sunnis. Even if they vote the latest Constitution down, the lesson of democracy has been learned and quickly. Nice job, Iraq! Godspeed and many well wishes on your vote today. You have many cousins in freedom right here in the States!!

The meaning of life? 42

ConservaChick had a one-year blog anniversary this month and now it's her "air-breathing human" anniversary. Thanks to the humorous genius of Douglas Adams , this year has special meaning: it is, after all, the meaning of life. Evidently, I will find enlightenment this year. "A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." -- George Bernard Shaw Thanks, George. According to you, I have led an honorable and useful life so far.

Yet Soros et al. get a pass, eh?

I will admit that I have more research to do on this but it has just come to my attention, via a letter I received today that The Club for Growth (of which I am a member) is being sued by the FEC for allegedly violating some aspect or another of the campaign finance reform law with regard to 527s. Of course, a Conservative group would be targeted while the Liberal MoveOn type 527s get a free pass. Nice job, McCain. Thanks a million. <-- do I need to claim that mil as a contribution ? The press reports (which I have just pulled up and one of which I've linked in the above paragraph) are quoting FEC officials calling this suit a "test case." Excuse me? Testing for what?... how many more of our rights that can be stripped away during elections? This is an assault on on our rights and those of every American as is the McCain-Feingold bill . The Club has consulted with legal counsel every step of the way and has followed the letter of the law. In our fight to help elect p

The Time has Come for a Citizens Petition

It was inevitable. I've been hearing the undercurrent of "harrumph" from fellow Conservatives as they watch Republican leadership make too many missteps on the path of true Conservatism ever since President Reagan left office. The time was coming when we would have to demand that our government return to governance according to the founding documents. And today, my friends, that time seems to be upon us. A citizens' petition to restore Constitutional integrity to government, and entreat the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches to confine their actions to comport with the limits of Constitutional law is now being circulated via the internet. The text of the Petition to Restore Constitutional Integrity is as follows: To President George Bush, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, House Majority Leader Roy Blunt and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist: Whereas you have, in some notable cases, neglected your oaths to support and defend the Constitution of the United

The Fonda Fallacies

Professor Robert F. Turner has written a well-referenced and well-written piece on " The Fonda Fallacies ." It is published on the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation website. It's a shame that it won't be picked up and published in a more mainstream medium for others who don't delve as far into issues as the rest of us. However, for anyone who believes, as I do, that Jane Fonda committed treason during the Vietnam war, this is required (and absorbing) reading. Here's an excerpt: " My Life So Far is Fonda’s attempt to justify the first six decades of her existence. She tells us far more than most would care to know about her difficult childhood, her battles with eating disorders to maintain her trim figure, and her various problems with a series of failed marriages. There are few acknowledged regrets, [2] considerably more efforts to rationalize and spin behavior by leaving out essential facts, and an underlying theme that almost seems calculated to be

Random Questions

I'm not a Christian but I don't fear or begrudge anyone to worship as they please and *gasp* even to talk about their religion! Why are Liberals so extremely scared of Christians? There is a giant gaping hole in our southern border. Many Conservatives are talking and acting on the issue. Why is my president so resistant to enforcing immigration laws? Why in the freakin' world would we leave this issue open for a smart Democrat (okay, oxymoron there!) to take the lead on? In days gone by, people used to talk politics just like they'd talk about a Monday Night Football game. It seemed that folks used to view politics as a sport, a horse race where the best horse won. What in the heck ever happened to those days? It used to be fun. Why is it so emotionally-charged and nasty now? I am so tired of Libs whining about the government (aka "society") not doing enough for people. What ever happened to families taking care of their own? What ever happened to small commun

Without DeLay

I've resisted blogging anything about the current embroglio with Tom DeLay and the Libs who'd love to take him out. Yes, he's been indicted but, as any good Dem knows, that doesn't make him guilty of anything. We'll see. It's tempting but I'd like to reserve judgment at this time. We do, however, have the privilege of a few poetic words on the subject from my favorite political poet, Russ Vaughn. Thanks, Russ -- you rule! ----------------------------------------- Dogged DeLay It appears to me this Ronnie feller, Thinks he might be a new Old Yeller, Fearless defender of all that’s good, Chasing skunks out of our neighborhood. But some observers of this hound, Believe he should be in the pound. That telltale frothing round his muzzle, To those who know him is no puzzle. This dog’s deranged and quick to bite, But he seldom ever wins a fight; A surly cur who snaps and growls, Whose bite’s less painful than his howls. Beware you masters he drools to please, This

One last note before light's out...

If you're having problems with the formatting of my blog in your browser, please email me or comment to let me know. I understand that there may be a problem viewing it in Firefox browsers. I have a new template and will simply need to escalate the priority on putting it in place if that will help the problem. On a completely separate note (I am the Queen of non sequiturs, after all): It's becoming a tradition for a number of the "women folk" in my family to get together one weekend a year in Tennessee. That's happens to be this weekend. It's time again for a lotta girl talk and a bit o' moonshine. ;) So, I'm officially outta here until at least Monday. Have a great weekend! 'night y'all!

Tony Blair: Labour Party's Greatest Ambassador

In the days following 9/11 I first heard, really heard, the Prime Minister of Britain speak. He was so forthright, so earnestly on the side of good in this world, and such a warming force to the hearts of Americans who were in dire need of a solid friend. It took a while for the full picture of Tony Blair to form for me... My God! This man is a social democrat! He is the first and probably will be the last social democrat that I've ever revered. Tony Blair is a study in how contradictions can sometimes gently fold together into wonderful works of art and wonderful artistic moments in history. As I catch up on my reading of the Weekly Standard tonight, I was struck by this article by Irwin M. Stelzer: " Labour's Pain... and Blair's Achievement ." Here's an excerpt but the entire article is a must read for anyone who admires Prime Minister Blair: "To students of social democratic history in Europe, this was only one of several striking changes from the day

A Rosa Parks Moment

From last week's Weekly Standard comes yet another superbly-written article by Jonathan Karl on yet another reason to be proud to be of the same political ideology as people like Karen Hughes . "...After just a few minutes, there was a surprise announcement: All the reporters, men included, would be allowed into the auditorium. U.S. Embassy officials couldn't believe it. One called it "historic." Men and women together in public. A shocking thought in the Saudi world. Gamal Helal, a longtime Arabic interpreter and adviser to Democratic and Republican presidents, told Hughes it was "a Rosa Parks moment."... " I knew I liked Karen Hughes. I had no idea just exactly how much... now, I do! With people like her representing this nation to our new friends in the Middle East and elsewhere, we are in fine shape indeed. Way to go, Karen. You make this Conservative proud!

Freeh at Last

A preview of the 60 Minutes interview with Louis Freeh that will be televised this Sunday (October 9th) is enough to send me in search of his new book: "Aside from scandals and investigations, Freeh says Clinton let down the American people and the families of victims of the 1996 Khobar Towers terror attack in Saudi Arabia. After promising to bring to justice those responsible for the bombing that killed 19 and injured hundreds, Freeh says Clinton refused to personally ask Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah to allow the FBI to question bombing suspects the kingdom had in custody — the only way the bureau could secure the interviews, according to Freeh. Freeh writes in the book, 'Bill Clinton raised the subject only to tell the crown prince that he understood the Saudis’ reluctance to cooperate and then he hit Abdullah up for a contribution to the Clinton Presidential Library.' " I'm looking forward to this interview!

It's all Good!

It occurred to me as I'm listening to talk radio today that the hubbub over the nomination of Harriet Miers is not wasted effort on behalf of all thinking Conservatives. The Liberal mainstream press is overjoyed by the dispute at hand but we know that it is truly representative of our party that such a dispute would be had. We're a large bunch and it's rare that any two Conservatives agree on everything! I'm happy for the rest of America to see that we are a thinking person's party. If Ms. Miers is indeed confirmed by the committee, she will be mindful of the complaints that were issued by many good Conservatives. (None of which, I might add, were personal.) The concerns being raised should inspire her to be sure that she does the best job she can possibly do. She should come through this with a better education on the Conservative ideology. I sincerely hope that she sees that Conservatives are more than just the Religious Right; we are a vast bunch differing in our

Venting (politely ignore me, please)

My return to college online is becoming more and more a test of tolerance. In person, one-on-one, I'm a pretty nice people person; however, online where my attitude is "get it done," I am not a good people person. Trading six emails to get one simple answer has finally grated on my last nerve! I've got a class in one of the "soft skills" that is led by an instructor who is either lazy, obtuse, or both. I won't name this instructor here but, suffice to say, if I ever meet her in person, I will be compelled to give her a detailed description of her job, a dictionary, and a smack on the forehead. Simple questions require simple effort and simple answers on your part, Dr. X. I'm the customer. Hello? Anyone home?? GRRRR. Let's rumble. On the other hand, I'm enjoying Economics class. It's led by a very logical and responsive instructor. She is easy to work with and on the ball. Economics is not a soft skill, of course, so she's probably a s

Wooohoooo! I'm ONE today!

Today is the one-year anniversary of this blog! Some of you may remember when the blog was called "SWF with Attitude." I was so humbled by the mention it received on Hugh Hewitt's blog way back in November of last year. After sitting in on his show from the Frasier Historical Arms Museum, I became known for a short time as "the girl in the second row." :) It occurred to me one day (for no apparent reason) that the name of my blog seemed more like a personals ad than a statement of my political ideology. So "ConservaChick" was born. It's been a fun name and I'll keep it until it is wrenched from my lifeless hands. So far, so good. I'm looking forward to another year of blogging and hope you all will be with me for the ride. 2006 promises to hold forth some interesting blog-fodder!

Interesting tidbit

Being sick for a few days does wonders for the pile of magazines that have piled up over the past few weeks! So, don't be surprised to find this blog growing with tidbits from my reading. Have you ever wondered at the relaxed attitudes of foreign workers, especially when you're driving at it hard and trying to meet a deadline? Ever wonder why the US is almost always at or near the top of the list of most productive workers globally? Take a gander at how many days of vacation per year are taken by workers in other countries compared to the US: Italy -- 42 days France -- 37 days Germany -- 35 days Great Britain -- 28 days Canada -- 26 days Japan -- 25 days United States -- 13 days Surprising that many of us here in the States struggle to use up our vacation days, isn't it?!

The IFC is O-U-T!

I have good news to report thanks to Deborah Burlingame and everyone who rallied around the " Take Back the Memorial " effort. The "blame America first" weasels behind the "International Freedom Center" (IFC) who wanted to co-opt the memorial at Ground Zero for their America-is-evil messages have finally been booted ! Thank you, Governor Pataki!! Interestingly, the people behind the IFC who sought to overshadow the loss of all Americans on 9/11/01 to build a monument to their hatred of American freedom have decided to scrap the project altogether. If they can't build it at Ground Zero, they won't build it at all. Seems like a parasitic attitude to me. If their vision of a museum honoring freedom in the world is compelling enough to stir up such a bruhaha at Ground Zero, why not build it elsewhere? I think we all (at least those of us who love this country) know the answer to that.

"Stolen Honor" POWs Need Our Help

Had the Swiftboat Veterans and POWs for Truth maintained their years of silence about the lies laced throughout John Kerry's naval "career" and his treasonous behavior afterward, many good Americans may have been mislead into voting for him. Thanks in part to these brave swiftboat veterans and POWs the scourge known as Kerry/Edwards was defeated in 2004. Now, apparently, the POWs who spoke out in the film " Stolen Honor " are under fire and they could sure use our help. I received this email today and am sharing it because it is our turn to help: John O’Neill Houston, Texas Dear Friend, Last year, when my fellow Swift Boat veterans and I spoke out about John Kerry, you rallied to our side. We will never forget your faith in our cause and your belief in our honesty. It made all the difference. Together we made history. Like most of you, I believed our mission was over. We could all move on with our lives, return to our families and homes secure in the knowledge

Leadership Saves Lives

Click to view the picture full-size. A picture is worth a thousand words but two pictures side-by-side? Priceless! (Thanks for sending this one my way, Kraig.)

Cat Scratch Fever

I generally prefer to take some time to mull over a situation and learn a little something before chiming in on a current issue or event. And, therein lies the rub with regard to the Miers nomination to the Supreme Court. Other than her standard bio , there's not much to learn about Harriet Miers. And this is the very down-tempo beat that President Bush seems to be playing to of late. First Roberts, of whom little was known, and now Miers of whom even less is known. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for the President toying with the Libs like a giant cat batting about a tiny mouse. I'm a fan of the Darwinian "survival of the fittest" theme especially in fields where intellect is necessary to make one a player. However, I'm darned tired of the passive tactics. You see, that giant cat analogy assumes that the cat has taken the fight to the mouse and is toying with whether to deal the final death blow to end the game. In this case, it seems to me that the cat first