Choose the correct answer:
1 -A black candidate will destroy the Democrats’ chances of winning the presidency.
2 -Religion must be a determining factor in electing a President.
3 -“Everybody in politics does it (lies), but they (Bill and Hilary) do it with such ease, it’s troubling.”
And, the correct answer is # 3!
Legally, everyone is supposed to have the right of free speech, with a few obvious limitations, such as slander, etc.
However, this right does not exist today because we have a new, over-riding “law”. That law, promulgated by the politically correct police, is that we can say what we want to, so long as it is acceptable to everyone. Wow. What an unobtainable standard now exists.
Therefore, Indian mascots have to be discarded even though, for the most part, the Indian was perceived to be the ultimate warrior, capable of defeating any foe, and therefore, an excellent model of what every athlete wanted to be. An Indian mascot was our way of saying that we wanted to be as good as an Indian warrior. That was not an insult.
Religious symbols are no longer allowed, even if you only display it on your own desk top. And, cities which have long used a cross as their emblem now must remove these ancient forms of identification.
An NBA player is not allowed to admit that he is homophobic. As long as he does not act criminally against gays, why can’t he express himself?
Where do the strictures end? Who decides what is offensive and what is not? I myself find the “f” word so offensive that it makes me cringe to hear it thrown left and right, in every avenue. I dislike the sexual and violent nature of many commercials which air when children are watching tv, as during the Super Bowl. I resent being insulted for my political views. But, does that mean that others must stop doing those things because I am insulted? No. So, why would a man who admits to disliking gays be put under the media microscope and even prevented from attending a sporting event? Well, such stories help those making their living on scandals and bogus news stories.
Ultimately, whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Hardaway, he should have the right to speak freely. Otherwise, the next time someone disagrees with your viewpoint, the censor police might come knocking at my, or your, door!
I saw a lady loading groceries into her car today. There is nothing unusual in that; but, our interaction was slightly out of the norm. Upon seeing a decal with the “Semper Fi” motto in her back window, I stopped to ask if she were a Marine. She hesitated slightly and then said that her son was a Marine. When I thanked her for his service, she smiled and said that he was currently deployed in Iraq.
She was a young woman which meant her son had to be quite young, too…but, not too young to serve his country. I told her I would remember them all in my prayers and she told me, “Thank you”!!!! Shouldn’t the thanks all go the other way? How is it that a mother whose son serves his country is worried about someone’s reaction? Why is it acceptable to disdain our soldiers? This sad state of affairs is directly attributable to liberals who wanted to gain political power and the media who are the liberals’ lap dogs.
It is “the” thing to do nowadays…vent at the war and President Bush while pompously proclaiming that you support the soldiers. Well, a man cannot serve two masters. Those who think they can curse the war effort while pretending support for the military might be fooling themselves, but anyone with a modicum of intelligence understands that this is a political ploy.
I would like to thank the military once again. Thank you to that mother, — and all the mothers and fathers, husbands, wives, sisters and brothers, uncles, aunts, grandparents — of our servicemen. Thank you for keeping us safe. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make on our behalf. There are many of us who appreciate your service. So, to all the military, Semper Fi.
Parades are fun. They draw attention whenever and wherever they go. There are dancing bears, clowns, a bandwagon….and, always a crowd!
Unfortunately today, in our combative, political climate, too many issues become part of a circus act and not serious issues to discuss. Global warming is one of the most controversial concepts around today and is rapidly dividing the American public into two camps. Do you believe that people are responsible for global warming? Or, do you believe that global warming is a product of continual, climate change?
Former Senator Gore has made a lot of political hay with his strident assertions that MAN is the ultimate defiler of our glorious ecosystem. His speeches thunder with accusations and dire warnings. If he had a couple of stone tablets and a long, white beard, many would consider him to be the second coming of Moses.
Today, another voice entered the fray. Henrik Svensmark, a Danish scientist, stated that the current warming of the globe is typical of climate change and is due mostly to a thinning cloud cover which, in turn, is due to a change in cosmic rays. And, there are other SCIENTISTS, such as John Cristy or Steven Hayward, who condemn the bastardization of science merely to influence people to believe in global warming.
Why would anyone propose global warming if it weren’t true? Well, consider the political accolades and the monetary rewards taking a controversial stand gives someone like Al Gore. Essentially, his political career was ended and yet, now he rises once more as a potential, presidential candidate! Far too many politicians utilize crowd hysteria for their own personal advantage and I believe that the fear of global warming is just such an issue. Environmentalists are rejoicing in the mass hysteria that has resulted from such claims. Global warming is being used to shape ideological and social thought so that one group or another will have the upper hand in decisions about our environment, our commercial entities and even our social framework.
However, regardless of why or how the issue is presented, the future depends on today’s decisions, so we must choose one of the two theories — either there is global warming or there is not. I choose to believe that there is not anything happening to the climate that has not happened over and over — including before humans were around.
My belief is based upon stories my father told me of his childhood. He lived in northern Wisconsin, almost in Michigan, and he still remembers his mother harvesting watermelons, squash, and muskmelons from their home garden. As far as he knew, his childhood was the only period when this was possible. When I grew up in the same locale, we could not even grow cucumbers or summer squash. Summers were far too cold and short. Although this is only one example, and might be an anomaly, there are other examples of severe weather during this same time. The Dust Bowl had many factors, but severe weather change was definitely one of the causes.
I wish the media would stop hyping these stories. I wish the media would begin to report the news, not attempt to create the news by overblowing certain stories and minimizing others.
For example, if you believe in global warming, then you also have to believe that the real story is in China and the underdeveloped countries who produce huge quantities of greenhouse gases and have no vested interest in stopping. After all, the United States, thanks to certain public figures, is assuming all the blame. In fact, we are developing alternate energies. We are trying to harness the escape of factory emissions. As a society, we are recycling and working on protecting our planet. Yet, as usual, we are being taught that we are the problem. For once, let’s realize that we must protect the Earth but it is a worldwide project. Please do not let a few pompous, public figures push us into a knee jerk reaction, especially when many of the problems they shout about do not exist.
Unfortunately, the parade doesn’t stop unless the applause ceases. So long as the media and public clowns keep the interest high, promoting the concept of global warming as they promote themselves, we are in danger of losing sight of even more significant dangers that loom in front of us.
And, if watermelons begin to grow again in northern Wisconsin, remember that this is not the first time for climate change, nor the last.
Recently, several comments have appeared regarding blogs on this site. Because I frequently write on this blog, I would like to respond to the comments and the way in which the comments were written.
1. Blogs work best when you respond to someone else’s opinion by stating your own opinion, whether dissenting or agreeing, and not when you merely attack the blogger’s opinion. If you disagree or agree, give your own reasons for your stance.
2. If you notice the name of this blog, Republican Banter, you could and should assume that the main writers are probably conservatives. As conservatives, our views will be, well, conservative!
3. However, do not make the assumption that one conservative is exactly like another unless you know the individual. One blogger complained that “people like us” hate Hillary C. I do not hate Hillary at all. She has been through many rough situations and managed to adapt or adopt to them all. I do disrespect her for many of her decisions which led her into compromising situations from which she used her political power to extricate herself.
4. Do not assume that because some of us voice opinions that we do not also contribute in other ways to society We have family members serving in a variety of locations. We are active in our communities. We have also put our money where our mouth is for years — in charities, business, schools, political campaigns, and in raising our children. Have you?
5. It is always easy to assail another with labels and names. If you wish to be a part of a genuine discussion, forget being angry. Discuss your ideas clearly and concisely without rancor.
Maybe we can all learn from one another, but false assumptions and name-calling are not going to advance anyone’s opionion nor are they to anyone’s advantage. This blog was meant to host a rational discussion of many issues, not just to be a dartboard for angry writers.
To be nominated or to receive a Nobel Peace Prize is considered confirmation of a person’s ideas or the greatness of the person himself.
Not so.
In actuality, anyone can be nominated for the Peace Prize, if they know the right people. Nor is the committee itself governed by any universal set of guidelines. No outside input is allowed. Therefore, when former senator Gore was nominated, it was not the ultimate, universal accolade for a glorious achievement. His nomination was merely people of similar, philosophical mind using their unique circumstances to further their own theories.
In fact, there are many distinguished experts who disagree with Gore’s analysis on the issue of climate warming. However, climate warming is a popular, liberal idea right now, so those who dissent are unlikely to hear from the Nobel committee.
Is it a compliment when your fellow believers give you an award? I think not.
The true value of anyone or his ideas or his gifts to the world are not judged fairly until long after the person passes on. Let’s not allow a small, insular group to determine who truly deserves the title of “Peace maker” or “Knowledgable Scientist”. Even though the media will undoubtedly laud Senator Gore, do not let such praise persuade you that the praise is deserved. See the man for what he truly is….a dancing bear who entertains because the audience applauds him, not because bears are brilliant!
Fox news today carried an article about tunnels between Mexico and the United States with which drug runners are able to bring drugs into our country and illegal aliens are able to enter with impunity.
The “problem” cited for not filling in the tunnels was the great expense because some of these tunnels are big enough for trucks to drive through.
The quickest solution is:
1 – Notify everyone that the tunnels will be filled at a certain time.
2 – String explosives along the entire route of the tunnel beginning at the Mexican border to wherever the tunnel opens on our side.
3 – Blast the tunnels into oblivion.
This method is cheap! Because the tunnels are mostly in desert areas, there would be little loss to people. It is technologically feasible because they already use this method to destroy high rise building. Additionally, the simplicity means new tunnels can be destroyed immediately.
The only problem with this method is its simplicity and transparency because politicians could not add “pork” to the project. It would be easier to insert extra costs if a multitude of concrete trucks, for example, are utilized rather than a few miles of wire and a few pounds of explosives.
Which method do you think Congress will use? Despite the availability of this simple plan, I am betting that the solution ultimately involves highly technical methods, many “experts”, and a truckload of cash — most of which goes to the politicians’ friends.
The media adores Democrats. Hillary Clinton is a Democrat. The media adores Senator Clinton.
It’s like night following day. No matter what inane comment Senator Clinton makes, the media spins the comment to her advantage.
Now, Senator Clinton claims she knows how to deal with “evil” men because of her past experience with former President Bill Clinton, her husband. By insinuation, that means that she considers her husband to be evil. And, she, along with the audience, laugh at that tidbit.
Is it normal for a wife to imply that her husband is “evil” ???
Is it normal to laugh about dealing with “evil” men?
No. It is a sad commentary on today’s political climate that Bill Clinton’s immoral predilections are now the source of amusement by the world and even his wife. This lacksadaisical attitude toward immoral behaviour has degraded the office of President and even our status in the world.
The measure of a man’s character is the man’s own steadfastness to truth and morality. President Clinton was not true to the duties of his office, his marriage, or himself. Senator Clinton accepted this behaviour and now sees the situation as a big joke.
Shame on President Clinton for his perverted behaviour. Shame on Senator Clinton for condoning immorality. Shame on the Democrats for pretending the perversion was all a big joke. Shame on the media for not acknowledging their own hypocrisy by glossing over the offensive acts.
Shame on America if we allow such behaviour to be rewarded rather than treated as an example of people who are too irresponsible, too immoral, and too greedy to accept responsibility for behaviour that would have thrown a Republican out of office and into limbo forever!
The anti-war demonstrations in Washington have turned into a circus because children are now harnessed up as political props in an effort to belittle the war on terrorism. The proof is the Drudge’s report that a 12 year old in the Washington protest spoke about her concerns that the war will portray the United States as a bully.
Well, tarara-boom-de-ay! Does a 12 year old understand the delicacy of the war effort or the tactical needs of the troops or the danger presented to our country by terrorism? Are the troops reassured to hear her opinions? Or, do they see the absurdity of a child pontificating about the United States’ foreign policy?
Let’s get real! War is a serious business that needs guidance from experts, not children. Even though former President Carter also admitted that he asked his daughter (then about 12, too) her opinion of the world situation, this is not the place nor the time for children.
If adults question the war in Iraq, let them. But, that opinion should be based upon experts who have some basis for an opinion. Children, especially of 12 years, should be concerned with junior high activities and not coerced into political insanity.
Don’t make a mockery of the troops’ efforts by pretending that a 12 year old speaks for America! The war on terrorism is no joke, nor should it be treated like a circus. If terrorists succeed, our country might be the next dancing bear or tiger — defanged, of course – in a cage..humiliated for all the world to see.
Within minutes of the State of the Union speech last night, pundits began telling us their evaluations of the speech, the audience, and what the speech means to America. There are always people who believe we need to know what the President actually said. Here’s a news flash. We do not need all the Presidential hopefuls, their hype teams, nor the useless media to tell us what we heard.
Unfortunately, politicians enjoy telling the media what “The American Public” believes, thinks, feels, or wants and the media enjoys portraying these opinions as facts. Contrary to their patronizing attitude, both my husband and I, along with our children, friends and neighbors, are actually capable of listening to and interpreting a speech.
Our analysis is that President Bush’s speech was perfect for this time in history.
Webb’s speech, on the other hand, was one of denial. Although he stated the economy was in bad shape, the economy is actually roaring along. Even President Bush’s worst critics have had to admit that our economy was definitely helped by President Bush’s expertise in economics. So, one of the premises of Webb’s speech is false.
Webb’s speech exemplified a sense of belligerance and arrogance in saying that the war in Iraq is failing. He said that many military and others felt the war had been mishandled. Who are these people? Just because Webb “says” these people exist is no guarantee that such an opinion exists. And, as a former head of the Navy, he should know that wars have their ups and downs. He should also know that a positive attitude is important in every military effort and he should be encouraging rather than discouraging.
I am afraid that Webb, with his demands for pull-outs and with his depressing demeanor, will indeed “vote for failure.” In fact, he already has done so publicly with his words!
Divisive speeches, such as Senator Webb’s, will encourage our enemies. The terrorists see division here as another sign that America will quit before the job is done. They hope and pray that people will listen to Senator Webb.
No matter what anyone says, the State of our Union is strong. We all want our country to serve as a beacon of Liberty. We all want a good life for our children. We are unified in our generosity. Let’s dismiss self-serving speakers like Senator Webb and tell politicians like him that our country needs less bitterness, political jealousy, and divisive behaviour. We need less of “you”, meaning the politicians….and more of “We, the People.”