Gary Hart says Liberal is... Evil

Failed Democrat Party Presidential candidate and former Senator Gary Hart of Colorado has written a wonderfully rambling yet somewhat coherent piece for Huffington Post titled Liberal is... Evil.

In this Op-Ed, Hart attempts to pin the failings of the Democrat Party, liberalism, and Progressivism on "The Far Right." Without naming specific names, he certainly points to today's Conservative movement.

In his effort to place blame on anyone not directly responsible for Democrat's failures, Hart writes:

We describe our form of government as liberal democracy. It embodies principles of freedom, liberty, equality, and justice. Its principles were set forth by John Locke and embodied in our Bill of Rights. We engage in wars to bring this same government to others.

Mr. Hart's argument falls here, because those of us who understand our form of government correctly describe it as a Constitutional Republic operating as a Representative Democracy. All Americans who do not wish for The United States to become a Totalitarian nation are liberal by true definition, since liberal is (as the author correctly describes in his piece) the opposite of Totalitarianism, and we do indeed find our principles embodied in the Bill of Rights.

Sadly, there is some truth to the idea that we have recently engaged in a war to bring freedom to others, but to make such a sweeping generalization as "We engage in wars to bring this same government to others" is somewhat reckless. The only conflict I am aware of that was created primarily by the United States is the Iraq conflict. Vietnam, Korea, and any other conflict we have ever engaged in was an already existent situation in which The United States simply chose to fight along side and in support of freedom.

Hart also writes:

It is understandable that the far-right fulminators begin by perverting language. They are profoundly illiberal in every sense of the word. The values of magnanimity, benevolence, open-mindedness, generosity, and unselfishness are anathema to them. Nor is it coincidence that the age of anti-liberalism is one decidedly anti-scientific, whether having to do with our evolution, changing climate, or stem cell research. Totalitarianism has always wanted to control science for its own purposes.

Here Mr. Hart is simply making a lame if not valiant attempt to revise history and slander his political opposition.

It is the left, i.e. "liberals," who have shunned the word liberal. In the place of liberal, we have recently been instructed that those who operate within the Democrat Party are "Progressive," which as Hillary Rodham Clinton correctly explained is a reference to a political movement that began in the late 19th century, and essentially disappeared in the 1920's. Coincidentally, around that same time those who had defined themselves as "Progressive" suddenly began explaining to others that they were "liberal."

For Mr. Hart to claim that the right is not magnanimous, benevolent, open-minded, generous, or unselfish is patently absurd.

Anytime there is political scandal, it is the right who is willing to forgive a person regardless of politics, yet the left consistently screams for the ouster of anyone with whom their politics do not align.

Conservatives are generally much more peaceful than the "Progressives" of today. Take Bill Maher, Joy Behar, and Keith Olbermann...please, take them! Seriously, though - they are perfect examples of where the left is the more intolerant and mean-spirited ideology of the two. As compared to three examples from the right.. let's say Rush, Beck, and Laura Ingraham? I'd hang with the latter any day. The former come across like that vicious "mean girl" click made famous by a handful of movies.

It is a well documented fact that Conservatives are much more charitable by nature, offering more of their time and a higher percentage of their income then their "liberal" counterparts in every way. And to say that Conservatives are not open-minded is to not pay attention to The Log Cabin Republicans and great gay bloggers like those at HillBuzz.

And please, Mr. Hart... do not attempt to steal science from its rightful place.

We believe the climate is changing, we're just smart enough to know it is highly unlikely that humans have the capability as to destroy this magnificent planet, and it seems that largely your fake "science" has been debunked.

We do what we know is right; we recycle, we drive more economic cars, we even carpool. We'll take public transportation where it makes sense. However, we do not believe you can legislate clean air. Perhaps it is you who needs to recognize that until you unleash science and the free market from your restrictive legislation, we may never find a solution that is suitable to all needs and desires.

Additionally, It is not Conservatives who wish to destroy NASA, losing decades of real scientific progress as well as technological supremacy. And many Conservatives are just fine with stem cell research, as long as we're not destroying embryos in order to gain the most precious of cells.

You can read the balance of Gary Hart's piece here.

I noticed with great interest that Huffington Post turned off the comments for this specific Op-Ed. If you've read my work long or spent any time on Huffington Post, you know this clearly means they know they've got this one wrong but didn't wish to deny a great "liberal" such as Gary Hart his time.

As always, my comment section is available, and I welcome any perspective.

Van Jones Shouts Out to Glenn Beck, Beck Twitters Van Jones

Tonight at the NAACP Image Awards Ceremony, Van Jones made the following statement to "Fellow Countryman Glenn Beck."

"Last thing I want to say is this: To my fellow countryman, Mr. Glenn Beck. I see you, and I love you, brother. I love you, and you cannot do anything about it. I love you, and you cannot do anything about it. Let’s be one country! Let’s be one country! Let’s get the job done!"

Here's the video clip:



Shortly thereafter, Beck replied via Twitter with this comment:



Can't wait to hear what happens come Monday on The Glenn Beck Program!

More discussion at HotAirPundit, or for the left's perspective, check out Think Progress.

Via Memeorandum

Cancel the Amber Alert! There has Been an AlGore Sighting!

Non-scientist, Nobel Laureate and Global Warming alarmist AlGore has come out from under his rock to share more of his wisdom with the world.

In a lengthy Op-Ed piece for The New York Times due to hit the racks Sunday morning, AlGore offers one sentence to the real reason we should get off fossil fuels, which of course is National Security.

He then whines about how the Chinese are going to be miles ahead of us in the development of technologies such as "smart grids, fast trains, solar power, wind, geothermal and other renewable sources of energy..." but forgets to acknowledge his own administration's carelessness with American technologies. Granted, on the surface they are different issues...

"But what a burden would be lifted!" AlGore writes. "We would no longer have to worry that our grandchildren would one day look back on us as a criminal generation that had selfishly and blithely ignored clear warnings that their fate was in our hands. We could instead celebrate the naysayers who had doggedly persisted in proving that every major National Academy of Sciences report on climate change had simply made a huge mistake."

He acknowledges that the IPCC made mistakes, although he basically capitulates, as he claims:

"The danger we are courting has not been changed by the discovery of at least two mistakes in the thousands of pages of careful scientific work over the last 22 years by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change."

[...] But the scientific enterprise will never be completely free of mistakes. What is important is that the overwhelming consensus on global warming remains unchanged. It is also worth noting that the panel’s scientists — acting in good faith on the best information then available to them — probably underestimated the range of sea-level rise in this century, the speed with which the Arctic ice cap is disappearing and the speed with which some of the large glacial flows in Antarctica and Greenland are melting and racing to the sea.

Left Coast Rebel offers more insight and a couple other links, and there is more discussion to be found via Memeorandum.

J. D. Hayworth Appearance on AM 550 KFYI

On Friday, February 26 2010, J. D. Hayworth appeared on AM 550 KFYI, which broadcasts in Phoenix.













Guest Host Barry Markson did a respectable job of interviewing J. D. Hayworth, who is a candidate for U. S. Senate in Arizona.

Hayworth takes questions from callers and answers email questions. He shows respect for McCain, essentially saying that the reason there is negativity in this campaign is due to the fact that McCain is "A good man receiving bad advice."

As I mentioned in a previous post, there is one specific advertisement that McCain has already been forced to retract, because McCain voted for the same piece of legislation for which he admonishes Hayworth.

Hayworth absolves all national figures of responsibility as they endorse McCain, even if their views are more closely aligned with Hayworth. As he puts it, "With all due respect for Sarah Palin, it's not Sarah Palin from Alaska, it's Sarah Boyd in Scottsdale and others like her who will decide who the Republican nominee will be for U. S. Senate."

There is much discussion about how Hayworth is receiving funds, because McCain has personal riches as well as his war chest saved from his presidential campaign. If you are interested in donating to Hayworth, click here or click the button in my sidebar to the right.

Hayworth mentions medical liability (TORT) reform as well as free and open markets (interstate transactions) as ways to reduce medical costs.

Hayworth acknowledges that he were he able to, he would take back his vote on the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, which was supposed to deregulate the telecommunications industry. He admits that what he sees is less local presence and more national ownership. His position is not about content, as liberal activists would like to see changes made, but rather about ownership.

Regarding torture, Hayworth breaks from McCain and states:

"We need enhanced interrogation techniques, to get information from enemy combatants, from the Islamo-fascists who attacked us on 9/11, and we know now in the fullness of time, based on published accounts, at least four - count 'em four - 9/11 type attacks were prevented by using enhanced interrogation techniques."

The balance of this particular discussion (found in clip 3) is very compelling, and is one of the most important differences between the two men we Arizonans must address.

On "bi-partisanship," Hayworth states:

The real definition of bi-partisanship in Washington is Conservatives and Republicans caving in to what the Democrats and their cheerleaders in the Washington press corps want to see.

He goes on to explain that it is not so much crossing the aisle that matters, but instead it is the power of an idea that makes legislation worth voting for.

Hayworth has challenged McCain to one debate in each county across the state, and through a spokesman McCain has called this a "Cheap publicity stunt." Interesting, considering McCain's position on debates during the Presidential campaign.

He also pledged to only serve two consecutive terms as Senator, much like the promise made by Republicans during the discussions for The Contract with America in 1994. The term limit measure never passed because it required but did not receive a 2/3 majority vote in The House of Representatives.

Hayworth defines his position on border security and illegal immigration as "Enforce the law." He describes the issue from Washington's perspective as "A political problem to be managed, instead seeing it for what it really is, which is a national security threat and an invasion to be stopped."

It is his belief that if businesses were to properly use E-Verify, and federal officials were to cooperate with local authorities, we would witness self-deportation.

Additionally, he has a strong desire for a secure border both north and south, as well as our ports of entry. He does not feel that the issue necessitates a wall, but also could include manpower and technology.

Regarding the "birther" movement which McCain has attempted to pin on Hayworth, he is very clear - he sees Barack Hussein Obama as President of The United States. Listen to clip number six to hear the rest of his point, which is essentially the same as he made during his appearance on The O'Reilly Factor.

John McCain Appearance on AM 550 KFYI Phoenix

On February 16, 2010, Senator John McCain appeared on AM 550 KFYI, which broadcasts in Phoenix.



This is a very telling interview about McCain.

First, I know McCain has this Barry Goldwater fetish going on, but he self-promotes using the idea that "When the Republicans regain control, I'll be the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, in the tradition of Barry Goldwater."

Next, he (at best) distorts his position regarding Cap and Trade. Unfortunately the host (for whom I usually hold the utmost respect) asked the question about "Obama's Cap and Trade," giving McCain an easy "disclaimer."

Truth be told, McCain has been a proponent of such legislation as long as it is not detrimental to his own campaign against a more Conservative opponent.

From Business and Media Institute, Mar 19, 2008:

Presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain is using the idea of global togetherness to promote “a cap-and-trade system” to battle climate change. He said “Americans and Europeans need to get serious about substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years or we will hand over a much-diminished world to our grandchildren.”

From Politico, November 19, 2009:

McCain has emerged as a vocal opponent of the climate bill — a major reversal for the self-proclaimed maverick who once made defying his party on global warming a signature issue of his career.

Former aides are mystified by what they see as a retreat on the issue, given McCain’s long history of leadership on climate legislation. McCain and Lieberman authored their first climate bill in 2003 and reintroduced the legislation in 2005 and 2007.

And from The Pew Center summary of McCain-Leiberman Climate Stewardship Act of 2005:

The Commerce Department would determine the amount of allowances to be given away or "grandfathered" to covered entities and the amount to be given to the Climate Change Credit Corporation established by the bill. The Commerce Department's determination would be subject to a number of allocation factors identified in the bill. The Corporation would use proceeds from the sale of allowances to reduce energy costs of consumers, assist disproportionately affected workers, help low income communities and individuals, disseminate technological solutions to climate change, and aid fish and wildlife in adapting and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

In other words, big government and redistribution of wealth.

McCain recently began to tout the benefits of offshore drilling, but still won't bring himself to accept what his running mate and former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin supports: drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Next, I am split on McCain's position regarding the recent Supreme Court decision, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. While I vehemently disagree with McCain on the issue, I give him credit for "standing his position." However, it seems he's willing to change his position in so many other places, and I am baffled why it is that he does not understand the Constitutional impact of the decision.

His bravado about being elected the nominee for the Republican Party is understandable, yet I might suggest he not use that as a talking point when campaigning against Hayworth. American Republicans clearly picked "The next in line" as well as the most centrist candidate who might compete best against Barack Hussein Obama or Hillary Rodham Clinton.

He claims to have voted against "Every earmark that has come down the pike," yet that is not true. Recently McCain had to pull an advertisement blasting J. D. Hayworth for voting in favor of a bill that included an earmark that offered money to study snakes in Guam. The reason McCain had to pull the ad? He too voted for the bill.

He got very rough with a caller, and basically took over the show, not allowing the host to control the issue. Temper, temper, Senator...

As I broke down in a previous post, every scoring agency that I can find scores Hayworth as more Conservative than McCain. Generally speaking, Hayworth has a more Conservative record than McCain according to "On the Issues."

He comes across as if he's bragging about the major endorsements he's receiving, but the truth is there's a machine at work, and all except Palin are part of the obligatory machine. Palin feels an obligation to endorse McCain, as she said in a round about way when she said "I keep my word" on The Glenn Beck Program.

Regarding his statement that Hayworth did not offer "Any positive proposal" during his announcement speech, perhaps McCain should look in the mirror. Every advertisement he has run since he began campaigning in mid-January has been an attack ad of sorts.

Meanwhile, during any appearances he has made, Hayworth has done nothing but offer praise for McCain's service and discussed his (Hayworth's) own principles.

McCain took a call from a man who pinned him to his support of TARP, which he is now backing away from. His answer soon turned toward his opposition of Obama's Stimulus.

Finally, I am willing to give McCain some benefit that he learned a lesson from the outrage he received over his McCain-Kennedy Amnesty bill, but the bottom line is that he was a co-sponsor of that bill. In the mean time, J. D. Hayworth has been very clear about his position, in essence saying that if we were to actually enforce the laws we have in place (in the spirit of Sheriff Joe Arpaio) we would not have such a problem.

J. D. Hayworth Appears on The O'Reilly Factor

Tonight on The Factor with Bill O'Reilly, J. D. Hayworth took advantage of an opportunity to pound Senator John McCain on some particular issues, as well as clarify his position on the "Birther" issue McCain has attempted to pin on Hayworth.

Getting right to the point, O'Reilly played the meat of McCain's recent mudslinging advertisement before he even introduced Hayworth to the audience. Right out of the gate, Bill asked Hayworth, "Are you a birther guy, J. D.?", to which Hayworth replied, "Bill - no, I'm a broadcaster," referring to his most recent employment as a radio talk show host at AM 550 KFYI in Phoenix.

Hayworth went on to explain how as a talk show host part of his role is to be a catalyst of conversation, and O'Reilly agreed with Hayworth's assessment of the idea that if as a media personality you approach a subject, many of the media-watchers from the left (i.e. Media Matters) will instantly pin you as an associate of the group you are discussing.

O'Reilly then asked and allowed Hayworth to define his own views of the "birther" movement:

"I view this entire debate as esoteric," Hayworth replied. "It's as esoteric as arguing about the eligibility of Chester Allen Arthur well over a century after he served as President."

Hayworth went on to define exactly that he believes Obama to be president, and that McCain is involved in the politics of "Distortion and distraction," offering that McCain "Doesn't want people talking about his bailout vote that included $150 billion in earmarks, he doesn't want us talking about the fact that he voted against the Bush Tax Cuts that I helped write, and he doesn't want us talking about his amnesty..."

This is exactly the type of interview Hayworth needs to conduct from this point forward. I'm not sure why Hayworth was willing to even entertain the hosts interviewing him on leftist networks MSNBC and CNN when they approached the "birther" issue, but tonight's clear break from the issue is better for his campaign moving forward.

Additionally, the explanation he gave regarding the recording McCain used in the commercial does provide a reasonable explanation to any clear thinking voter who really wished to decide their vote for Arizona Senator on the issues rather than the dirty politics McCain will definitely be entrenched in throughout this campaign.

Friday Night Videos: Tones of Home

In 1993 a little girl dressed up in a bumble-bee outfit hit the airwaves on MTV, and Blind Melon was introduced to the music loving world through their Billboard hit No Rain.

While that song gave Blind Melon notoriety, many found there was much more to Blind Melon than one overplayed MTV video. From their eponymous first release, Tones of Home is one of the twelve other songs on that album that prove Blind Melon to have been one of the premier rock and roll bands to come out of the "grunge" era.

In Tones of Home, frontman Shannon Hoon tells the tale of a young singer entering the world of glitz and glamor in Southern California. Feeling rather misunderstood by everyone around him, Hoon sings about how if he were to walk away nobody would miss him, and he'd be fine.

Hoon goes on to describe how he always thought Hollywood and the L. A. music scene would be "The land of milk and honey" but instead he has "Come to find out that it's all hate and money."

He discusses the gossip and corruption elements of his new home, and how everyone seems to so patronizing, asking him, "Yo, Hey Boy! Have you found what you're looking for?"

His response is one that displays exactly how grounded a person he was at the time, as he replies, "It seems they don't really know me, because it's here, and it's what they can't see."

Sadly, Shannon Hoon didn't stay grounded for long. He battled drug addiction for much of his short career, eventually causing the band to stop touring for its second album Soup in an effort to help him find sobriety.

He did indeed stop his abuse for a time, and in the process the band wrote many songs that were planned for a third album. Additionally, Blind Melon performed a version of Three Is a Magic Number of Schoolhouse Rock fame as part of a promotional CD, as well as a version of Led Zeppelin's Out on the Tiles for the tribute album Encomium.

Shannon Hoon succumbed to his battle with addiction on October 21, 1995, as he was found dead of a heart attack due to an overdose of cocaine. Blind Melon's third album was posthumously released and named after Hoon's only child Nico, a daughter who was just thirteen weeks old when the singer died. All the proceeds from Nico were donated by the band to a program that helps musicians with drug and alcohol addiction.

Organizing For America Attacks Talk Radio

The ongoing Barack Obama campaign effort known as Organizing for America has quietly staged talking points for a "grassroots" uprising on the airwaves of American talk radio.

Called "On The Air," the web page lists five "Discussion Points" that are described as "[...] to provide extra information and suggestions." There are also four "Calling Tips" that include such sound advice as:

• Be polite, respectful, and clear. Remember, you represent Organizing for America.
  
  
• Some radio shows may connect you right away, but most will take your name and basic info and put you on hold.
  
  
• Some hosts may challenge your views. Stay calm and firm.
  
  
• If you can't get through, don't worry! If the show you call is busy or not accepting calls at the moment you call in, simply click "Give me another show" to find another.

And with that.. on the page also is a script block that offers the names and phone numbers of various radio shows. Most appear to be national broadcasts, although Ben Smith at Politico says one he sampled was a local show from Buffalo, NY.

Some of the most notable shows listed are Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Michael Medved, Dennis Miller, Mark Levin, and The Savage Nation. There are a couple of Liberal shows listed, including Randi Rhodes (formerly of Air America) and current MSNBC host Ed Schultz.

Notably not found after multiple attempts? Rush Limbaugh.

At the bottom of the page there is a comment form, asking for your email address, whether or not your call was allowed on the air, and "Feedback for Us."

While on the surface this appears to be only about the health care discussion, I believe that this also may be the beginning of a campaign to enact some kind of "Fairness Doctrine" type legislation.

Many of these "grassroots activists" will quickly become frustrated, either because the host is able to disagree on substance and therefore appear to win a discussion, or because due to the already high volume of calls some of these "grassroots activists" will not be able to get through.

Once that frustration sets in they will return to the "Feedback" form on this web page and voice their opinion, and the Obama administration will attempt to use that to their advantage by creating the argument that talk radio is not "fair" because they talk down or do not allow opposing opinion.

You've Got A Friend...

Since I started this blog almost one year ago, I've met many interesting people. Some have come and gone, some were just gone... if you know what I mean...

Some of them have stuck, though... and with those some I've developed new friendships. Some of you are people I've never met in person, yet I feel more kinship with you than I feel for some people who actually are in my everyday life at a face-to-face level.

One of these friends has asked a special favor of me, and her request I absolutely will oblige, because this friend has a message that she truly believes she needs to share.

Please take a moment and read this post at The Right Stuff. And if you're so inclined, tell my friend Black & Gold Fan that she's got friends who care.

Thank you.

The Mount Vernon Statement: Conservative Beliefs, Values and Principles

Friend and fellow blogger j summ posted this piece about an online document he heard about on Mark Levin's show earlier this week.

Titled "The Mount Vernon Statement," it is a document that begins with the sentence, "We recommit ourselves to the ideas of the American Founding,"and continues with an explanation of what we as a nation must do in order to maintain our freedom and liberty.

As j summ appropriately reminds us in his post;

[...] "the founders pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, to form our great REPUBLIC. millions of AMERICANS have died to preserve it, and isn't it about time WE stand and say NO MORE, to the agents of change for the worse? Our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to form our great Republic. Millions of Americans have died to preserve it, and isn't it about time WE stand and say NO MORE, to the agents of change for the worse?"

Please take a moment and read The Mount Vernon Statement, and sign it if you find it fits your system of beliefs. Then drop by j's place and tell him thanks.

John McCain Mudslinging Begins as He Attempts to Pin Birthers to Hayworth

Full Disclosure: I am not a "birther," and I believe that generally speaking "birthers" do more harm than good to true Conservative causes.

Having said that, I do believe that President Barack Hussein Obama has done himself more harm than help through his resistance to the simple requests being made of him to produce his birth certificate. Obama could very easily put this issue to rest, yet he allows it to linger for exactly the reason I am writing this piece tonight.

Recently John McCain released a mud-slinging advertisement, attempting to tie J. D. Hayworth to Orly Taitz and Philip Berg. Taitz and Berg are two of the most prominent people in the "birther" movement.

The advertisement is called "Identity." For some reason it will not embed, please take a minute (1:09) and click here to watch it.

The advertisement, in my opinion, takes Hayworth's words completely out of context. I am a resident of Phoenix, Arizona and had many opportunities to listen to Hayworth while he was the host of the afternoon talk show on AM 550 KFYI.

To hear Hayworth in full context is to understand that his perspective is my perspective. I will say that Hayworth has been a bit of a bomb-thrower as of late, but he does not approach the subject during interviews unless asked.

Here I offer Hayworth about one month ago on Hardball with Chris Matthews. The entire clip is worth watching; if you're only concerned about the "birther" question and the answer Hayworth gave, you can jump to about the 6:40 mark:



Additionally, here is a clip from an interview with Campbell Brown on CNN. Notice that Hayworth explains to Brown that if it were not for the media, the question would not even be raised, yet she pushes forward.



For another perspective on the subject, I can offer azcentral.com, which is a copy of an article from Politico whose headline reads "Birther Backs Hayworth," (no media bias there) and this blog entry at redstate.com that discusses the Campbell Brown interview with little regard for context.

The Heartbeat of America: Significant Statements Made Today During Health Care Summit

Congressman Paul Ryan today told the Democrat Party members in attendance:

"We agree the status quo is unsustainable. It's got to get fixed. And I've got to tell you, the American people are engaged. And if you think they (Americans) want a government takeover of health care, I would respectfully submit that you're not listening to them."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today said:

"Inaction and incrementalism are simply unacceptable."

According to a February 24, 2010 CNN poll of Independent voters:

• Want Congress to start work on a new bill - 52%
• Lawmakers should stop all work - 27%
• The current legislation should be passed into law - 18%

Clearly Congressman Paul Ryan has his finger on the pulse of America, and Speaker Pelosi does not.

When questioned by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding the amount of time granted to each side during the first segment of discussion, President Barack Hussein Obama replied:

"You're right, uh.. there was an imbalance on the opening statements because... I'm the President."

Apparently, someone forgot to inform President Obama that he is not King.

For a list of facts as checked by the Senate Republicans, click here.

RINO Mitt Romney Endorses Progressive John McCain

Mitt Romney today announced his support for his former presidential primary rival John McCain.


McCain, who is likely to have full support of the Republican Party machine in his Senate primary campaign against Conservative J. D. Hayworth, added Romney to a prestigious list of endorsements from moderates and those who feel indebted to the Senator.


In addition to Romney, McCain has announced that he will have the support of new Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, former campaign prop Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher, and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

You may remember McCain and Romney were far from friendly during the 2008 presidential primary, although eventually Romney conceded and threw his full support behind McCain once the Senator received the Republican Party nomination.

In an interesting discussion on his radio program today, Limbaugh blasted Scott Brown for his recent deviation from the party line.

Limbaugh also blasted Romney for supporting the "Out of step" McCain.

"I like Mitt Romney, but I think he's risking his career over a guy, endorsing McCain, who is so out of step with what's going on right now," said Limbaugh.

"McCain's always conservative when he's running for reelection in Arizona. The tea parties have produced a wave of conservatism that have swept Republicans-in-name-only aside."

"I understand Palin endorsing McCain," Limbaugh continued. "She's got no choice. Loyalty, plus if she doesn't the media will cream her, 'Oh, he's good enough to be president but you won't endorse him to be Senator?'"

"And it's understandable Romney would endorse Brown, but I don't understand Romney endorsing McCain," Rush added. "I just don't think it's going to fly. These endorsements are unnecessary. What is there to gain by this? Look, it's unfortunate, but people are weeding themselves out of the process all the while engaging in this kind of behavior. So in one sense it has a cleansing aspect to it."

Discussion via Memeorandum and Ben Smith's blog at Politico.

Dallas Tea Party Invites Keith Olbermann to Rally

Cliff at Another Black Conservative had this video posted. I heard the audio on Glenn Beck's radio show today, and I couldn't help but laugh. This was very well produced.

I found it particularly interesting that the size of Tea Party events has been minimized until now, when suddenly Olbermann needs to call them "The largest crowd you'll see in your life..."



Teresa has another great video posted at teresamerica - it's called "CountBrown with Keith Olbermann's Conscience." It's an excellent mockery of Olbermann's obsession with quotas of non-whites at Tea Party events.

Mark Levin Scolds Glenn Beck: Stop Dividing Us

Left Coast Rebel posted this late last night and I just have to share the clip, as well as my opinion.

It seems there is now a new game in the Republican Party, and it's called Glenn Beck bashing.

First it was William J. Bennett scolding Beck for calling out some Republicans as big-government bureaucrats addicted to spending, as well as disapproving of Beck's use of his own personal history as a metaphor for what ails today's Republicans.

Today on the Rush Limbaugh show a caller brought up Beck's name and tried to engage Rush in a discussion about the problems inside the Republican Party as described by Beck in his CPAC speech.

Limbaugh more or less stated that he does not discuss the activities or commentary of other pundits, yet could not help but say that he does have some concern that perhaps "anger" is being spread too thinly between moderates and Democrats.

Clearly this was not a direct shot at Beck, yet could be interpreted to be aimed in his direction. My take was that Rush doesn't want to see so much energy devoted to exposing Progressive Republicans such as John McCain that if those incumbents win their primaries there is an air of defeatism that prevails, thereby offering the liberal Democrats a chance to disrupt a strong wave of anti-liberal sentiment.

Now it's Mark Levin who's got an axe to grind, as heard in the following clip:



My first problem with Levin's commentary is that he begins by attempting to take down Beck's presentation.

In that same vein, I have seen many bloggers lately discussing what they call Beck's "shtick" and the fact that they believe they have seen quite enough of it. That's fine, don't listen. The beautiful thing about a free market society is that we have choices.

Like it or hate it, his style is what has propelled Glenn Beck to the place he is today, and that place is certainly one of great stature in the business of Conservative punditry. Sure, he is a self-defined "Rodeo Clown" but the funny thing about that description is that when it comes down to it, sometimes it's the rodeo clown who saves the show, and most certainly a rodeo clown is always important.

I believe Laura Ingraham is on another radio network opposite Beck's show. Laura is a strong Conservative and would love to have the listeners; perhaps those who do not care for Beck should check her out if they'd prefer a different brand of talk radio.

Regarding Levin's issues with Beck's "Playing footsie with the mainstream media," I don't believe that Beck is being set up for a fall in any way, shape, or form. There's no way the MSM could disparage Beck any more than they already have, especially given that he's laid his personal life out on the table for all to examine.

Next, Levin suggests that Beck "Stop dividing us."

I don't believe Beck is a dividing factor at all; however, I do believe that Beck is speaking most directly to the truth of the matter we face today. I can not speak for Levin's presentation or what topics he discusses on his show, since I've honestly never heard it, but given the tone of this commentary I gather that Levin has a similar concern as what I took from Limbaugh's aforementioned discussion.

While it is true that Conservatives are united in displeasure for the current administration and Congressional leadership, it is not just this current group that is a danger to America. Past and future representatives have also caused our nation great harm, and it is extremely important to learn to differentiate between true Conservative leaders and those who do not have in their heart the essence of The Constitution.

There is an entire history in America that has been erased, and thanks largely to Beck's exposure the "Progressive" movement in today's political arena is being exposed and with any luck eradicated.

The 2010 election cycle for Republican Party still has a primary season to come; what happens after that time will decide the fate of the nation. During the primaries, I believe it is vital that Conservatives seek out and support the most Conservative candidates possible. After those primaries are decided, then we will all have decisions to make regarding our desire to support the candidate chosen by the people in our individual state.

Glenn Beck serves a specific and vital purpose in today's political discourse. And while he is certainly a dominant presence in today's discussions, what comes of the Republican Party from this point forward will not be the fault of a "Rodeo Clown" like Glenn Beck.

More discussion at Left Coast Rebel, Another Black Conservative, and also at Memeorandum.

Chris Matthews and Gerry Connolly Schooled by Thaddeus McCotter

MSNBC host Chris Matthews and Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) were given an education tonight by Michigan Congressman Thaddeus McCotter on everything from partisanship and the Filibuster to the truth behind the national interest (or lack thereof) in Obamacare.

Matthews' biggest concern seemed to be "Covering the uninsured." McCotter clearly explained to Matthews how the market works, and that if government would work to open the free market to allow consumers to have more choices, the "Thirty Million" uninsured might have a better chance at gaining coverage. Matthews beat this horse over and over, at one time making references to Nixon, at which point McCotter said, "Well, I was eight years old."

Matthews quickly attempted to turn the debate to car insurance in an effort to equate car insurance to medical insurance. McCotter offered an abrupt, "We have car insurance at the state level," missing a grand opportunity to shut down liberals once and for all by describing how auto insurance is a requirement due to the liability of the insured to protect the victim of an accident, whereas medical insurance is an issue of personal responsibility and self-concern.

Matthews said "I love this Libertarian view," to which McCotter replied "It is your leftist view that somehow government can do everything and not raise the cost."

"Your argument is with the American people," McCotter added.



Matthews finally summarized correctly that this discussion between Matthews and Congressmen McCotter and Connolly was a clear breakdown between the two sides of the Obamacare debate.

While McCotter is not the most Conservative representative in Congress, he serves his constituency well and represented Conservatism well in this particular instance.

Scott Brown Shows His Progressive Side, Votes for Cloture on "Jobs" Bill

Recently elected as "The 41st Vote," Scott Brown Monday displayed why true Conservatives need not have the belief that he is their next candidate for President, as he joined Democrats in voting to move forward on their $15 billion "jobs" bill.

Brown crossed the aisle after Majority Leader Dingy Harry Reid nixed an $85 billion, bipartisan plan in favor of a "more narrowly-focused bill."

“I came to Washington to be an independent voice, to put politics aside, and to do everything in my power to help create jobs for Massachusetts families," Brown said in a statement. "This Senate jobs bill is not perfect. I wish the tax cuts were deeper and broader, but I voted for it because it contains measures that will help put people back to work."

Democrats needed to poach Brown and and least one other Republican to reach the 60 votes necessary. Progressive Republican Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Olympia Snowe (Maine) also voted for cloture on the proposal.

Reitiring GOP Sens. George Voinovich (Ohio) and Kit Bond (R-Mo.) also voted for cloture.

Brown was elected to the Senate with the backing of conservatives largely because of his pledge to serve as the 41st vote to uphold a filibuster of the Democrats health reform bill.

Brown has expressed a willingness to work with Democrats on other issues.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: The Hill

Progressive High Society: Transsexual cabaret performer vomits on Susan Sarandon

The Daily Caller reported Sunday that while attending the third anniversary of The Box in New York’s Lower East Side, a transsexual cabaret performer named Rose Wood engaged in projectile vomiting on stage and hit Susan Sarandon with it.

Standing nearby were Scarlett Johansson and Liev Schreiber.

According to Wood it was not intended as an affront to the actress and she didn’t take it that way.

According to The Examiner, Wood explains that vomiting on people is fitting is this establishment. “[It was a] fitting time for an outrageous act: the third anniversary of The Box. Everybody wants to offer safe and ordinary, not The Box!"

And it's not the first time the transsexual performer has engaged in this kind of thing.

“I threw up on someone several weeks ago. They went to the manager and said, ‘That tranny just threw up on me.’ The manager said, ‘How cool is that!’ He said if that happened to me, I'd call my friends and we'd all be there tomorrow!'"

“Apparently [Sarandon] got a big kick out of it. She squealed with surprise and loved it when several handsome gentlemen wiped it off of her. She had a ball! I saw her assistant downstairs afterward, and he was moved by it! She was in great spirits,” Wood told the New York Press.

It seems I have a thing or two to learn about how to be "cool."

John McCain Was Misled About TARP?

In his very own "I was for it before I was against it" moment, John McCain came out over the weekend and claimed that he was "misled" about the true intent behind the 2008 TARP legislation that was passed under former President George W. Bush with an agreement to set aside funds for incoming President Barack Hussein Obama.

In an interview with The Arizona Republic over the weekend, McCain said that then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke assured him that the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program would focus on what was seen as the cause of the financial crisis, the housing meltdown.

However, as pointed out by Asia Times Online;

Republican candidate John McCain's campaign for president reflected this tug of war between what was the right policy initiative and what was right politically; sometimes he supported the TARP while announcing he opposed it, sometimes vice versa. Sometimes in a speech, he seemed to both simultaneously publicly oppose and support the TARP, while privately having his spokesmen tell the press that the candidate's actual position was the opposite to what was just said.

McCain is clearly feeling growing pressure from true Conservatives. Within the last month McCain has received a challenge from a much more Conservative opponent in J. D. Hayworth for the Senate seat he has held for four terms, and over the weekend he received a mention by Glenn Beck in the keynote speech at CPAC.

Beck didn't name McCain directly, but in the process of discussing what is wrong with Washington Beck made mention of a Progressive-Republican who says his favorite president is Teddy Roosevelt.

This mention of McCain by Beck has caused quite a firestorm, most notably drawing criticism from respected author and talk-show host William J. Bennett. Writing for The National Review, Bennett said in response to Beck's calling out Republicans in his speech, "Even John McCain has said again and again that 'the Republican party lost its way,'" to which Michelle Malkin today replied, "Attention, GOP: John McCain is the problem."

Via: Memeorandum
Via: Left Coast Rebel

Glenn Beck 2010 CPAC Keynote Speech

Chalkboard in tow, Glenn Beck gave an inspiring speech to close out the 2010 Conservative Political Action Conference.

He started off a bit nervously, stumbling over his own words a couple of times. He excused himself, explaining "I don't use teleprompters, I just speak from here," as he pointed to his heart.

Beginning with a complimentary reference to Ronald Reagan's famous "Morning in America" advertisement, Beck said "It is still morning in America, it just happens to be kind of a head-pounding, hung-over, vomiting for four hours kind of morning in America. And it's shaping up to be kind of a nasty day, but it's still morning in America."

The chalkboard got a standing ovation as he asked "May I bring a friend up?" "It's sick when a chalkboard gets a standing ovation," Beck said, offering a bit of his trademark self-deprecating humor. "You have no idea what it's like to travel with one of these," he said. "A palm pilot is the way to go."

Beck discussed Progressivism as the disease that has afflicted both parties, describing it as a cancer designed to eat away at The Constitution. He called out Progressive politicians in both parties, including one Republican who claims Teddy Roosevelt as a hero, and then described how Teddy Roosevelt is essentially the father of the modern Progressive movement.

He used Tiger Woods' recent mea culpa as an example of what America needs - an admission of guilt, followed by visible actions of redemption. He blasted America's "entitlement" society, and said that if he heard either political party admit that they must follow the same rules as everyone else and felt he could believe them, he would campaign for them with a sign in his yard and would be happy to vote for them.

With references to his personal battles with addiction, Glenn called out both parties for their excesses, stating that he is waiting to see anyone in government have a "Come to Jesus" moment.

"It's not enough just to not suck as much as the other side," he said. "The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. I have not heard people in the Republican Party admit they have a problem and when I did hear them say they have a problem, I don't know if I believed them."

The Republicans' problem, he said, is the same as Democrats' problem; an addiction to spending, a willingness to place the judgment of the government ahead of the rights of individuals, and an interest in picking winners and losers, with the winners being big banks and irresponsible corporations, and the losers being small businesses and individuals.

"As I read the Constitution, the only job the U.S. government has is to save us from bad guys," he said. "And right now it seems to me the government looks at us as the bad guy."

Beck said that the country can avoid calamity if it returns to its roots as a republic that embraces individual freedoms, allows people to succeed and fail on their own, and finds a way to live within its means.

"It is a hard road. I know I've walked it myself," he said. "But we will make it. And when we put our head down on our pillow at night, we can be happy, because we know tomorrow it will be morning in America again."

WaPo "PostPartisan" Writer is a Partisan Hack

Writing for The Washington Post opinion page under the banner "PostPartisan," Jonathan Capehart wrote this:

Joseph Stack was angry at the Internal Revenue Service, and he took his rage out on it by slamming his single-engine plane into the Echelon Building in Austin, Texas. We now know this thanks to the rather clear (as rants go) suicide note Stack left behind. There's no information yet on whether he was involved in any anti-government groups or whether he was a lone wolf. But after reading his 34-paragraph screed, I am struck by how his alienation is similar to that we're hearing from the extreme elements of the Tea Party movement.

Additionally Capehart left out the final two lines of Stack's "manifesto," which included the following:

The communist creed: From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

The capitalist creed: From each according to his gullibility, to each according to his greed.

Rather glaring omissions, especially considering that these final sentences might make Stack look like a left-winger as opposed to a right-winger.

After being called out for his clearly partisan hackery, Mr. Capehart attempted to cover himself by offering this FoxNews.com piece and a clearly partisan hit-piece at The Daily Beast entitled "Wingnut Rage Boils Over" to show he wasn't "the only one to make the connection between Stack's alienation from government and the anti-government extremists who have latched on to the broader Tea Party movement."

To be fair, I'm going to disregard the Daily Beast article, because that website is a blog and is proving itself to be less newsworthy than my own rants. They entrust Meghan McCain with their reputation, after all, allowing her to write for them from time to time. Need I say more?

With regards to the attempted tie to the Fox News page, however, I must take issue. I read the article at Fox News looking for the glaring statement of "Joseph Stack must be a Tea Party member" or something along those lines, but found instead this:

Experts are pointing to the incident as further evidence of what they say is a proliferation of anti-government militia groups.

"There is a real rage out there, and this terrible attack may be a reflection of that," Mark Potok, the director of the Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project, said in a statement to FOXNews.com. The SPLC has been studying the resurgence in anti-government militias and groups, which it attributes to a perfect storm of economic, political and social factors.

"There's been an explosive growth of anti-government militias and so-called Patriot groups over the past year, and the central idea of many of them is that taxes are completely illegitimate," Potok said.

The Southern Poverty Law Center? Really?

Is this the same Southern Poverty Law Center that attempted to cash in on the Department of Homeland Security report that called everyone right of Nancy Pelosi a possible terrorist?

Are we discussing the same Southern Poverty Law Center Representative who admits he knows nothing of Joseph Stack, yet attributes his actions and beliefs to militia and "The Radical Right" in this discussion with Chris Matthews on MSNBC?



The fact is that this was not an act of left wing or right wing politics. This was a man who was so distraught by his own financial crisis he felt he had no other choice than to take his own life and attempt to destroy the lives of as many as possible as possible. Partisan politics was not a direct part of Stack's motivation.

We've come to expect as much from Chris Matthews, but in my opinion Jonathan Capehart should be ashamed of himself for such irresponsible journalism.

Friday Night Videos: 2112

In 1976, A three-piece band from Canada called Rush made one of the best rock albums of all time.

Entitled 2112, the album is two parts. The first part, which was side one when the original release came out on vinyl, was a masterful concept suite in seven parts. This concept suite was also named 2112.

With music written by frontman and bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson, and lyrics written by drummer Neil Peart, 2112 tells the dystopian story of a futuristic world that has been taken over in 2062 and is ruled by "The Priests of the Temples of Syrinx," who represent the Red Star of the Solar Federation.

By Peart's own description the lyrics were inspired by "The Genus of Ayn Rand," specifically her novella Anthem.

These "Priests" which are rulers from the Red Star control the world in a very Orwellian fashion; they determine the content of all reading matter, songs, pictures - every facet of life.

2112 begins with Act I called Overture, which is primarily an instrumental piece ending with the line "And the meek shall inherit the Earth," in reference to the Beatitudes from The Gospel of Matthew.

It then continues with an aggressive sounding self-introduction of The Priests in Act II, Temples of The Syrinx, in which the Priests describe the Totalitarian Socialist state they have created. In this self-introduction, The Priests describe how "It's one for all and all for one, We work together, common sons, Never need to wonder how or why," and "All the gifts of life are held within our walls."

In Act III, titled Discovery, a man discovers an ancient device which we soon learn is a guitar. He learns to play the guitar, and in Act IV of 2112, titled Presentation, he wishes to share its wonder with the Priests, in the belief that they will see the magic of the music and understand the value it might offer society.

However, the all-controlling Priests will have none of it, telling the man "It's just a waste of time," "Another toy will help destroy the elder race of man," and "Forget about your silly whim, it doesn't fit the plan."

After being denied by The Priests in Act IV, the man has a dream in which an oracle shows him a wonderful future in Act V, titled Oracle: The Dream. In this dream the oracle shows the man a future in which "The Elder Race" still learns and grows and aspires for individuality.

However, in Act VI, titled Soliloquy, when he awakens to find that nothing has changed and The Priests still control the world, he is so distraught that he commits suicide. As he dies, the the final act takes place in Grand Finale as another planetary battle begins, resulting in the ambiguous ending "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation: We have assumed control."

Fans of Rush have long since pondered the meaning of Grand Finale, but to me there is no question. Overture tells us that "The meek shall inherit the Earth," so undoubtedly the man's death was not in vain.

The quality of this video is not the best, as it was filmed in 1976 during the band's All The World's A Stage tour.

Additionally, while the sound quality is good this live version does not present 2112 in its entirety. It offers Acts I, II, IV, VI and VII in completion, with only a part of Act III, and it skips Act V completely. That's the internet for you... but I am ever-grateful to have found this clip.

2112 is an amazing piece of music that is amazingly representative of much of what we see happening in our world on a daily basis in its battle of Freedom versus Socialism.

If you would like to hear the complete studio version of the song, you can do so by clicking here, and if you would like to read the complete lyrics of 2112, they are available here.

Enjoy!

Sarah Palin Allows Daughter Bristol to Scold "Family Guy" Creator Seth McFarlane

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane has once again found himself some publicity courtesy of Sarah Palin.

You may remember during the 2008 election, MacFarlane used his animated show to mock John McCain and Sarah Palin.

In that episode (as seen below) characters Brian (dog) and Stewie (baby) toured Germany and at some point (for reasons I don't care to remember) stole the uniforms of some Nazi soldiers. After they had outfitted themselves in their new attire, Stewie noticed a small button on his uniform, looked down, and found a McCain/Palin button on the jacket - again, the jacket of a Nazi soldier.



This time it seems MacFarlane couldn't resist an opportunity to get in on Palin's latest media storm, which involves her statements about Rahm Emanuel after he called a group of people "f---ing retarded," and the Rush Limbaugh show that followed.

In this episode of Family Guy, one of the characters (Chris) goes out on a date with a girl who appears to have Down Syndrome. The ladies of The View have a reasonable discussion about the topic, as seen here:



In a response on her Facebook page, Sarah Palin posted the following:

People are asking me to comment on yesterday’s Fox show that felt like another kick in the gut. Bristol was one who asked what I thought of the show that mocked her baby brother, Trig (and/or others with special needs), in an episode yesterday. Instead of answering, I asked her what she thought. Here is her conscientious reply, which is a much more restrained and gracious statement than I want to make about an issue that begs the question, “when is enough, enough?”:

“When you’re the son or daughter of a public figure, you have to develop thick skin. My siblings and I all have that, but insults directed at our youngest brother hurt too much for us to remain silent. People with special needs face challenges that many of us will never confront, and yet they are some of the kindest and most loving people you’ll ever meet. Their lives are difficult enough as it is, so why would anyone want to make their lives more difficult by mocking them? As a culture, shouldn’t we be more compassionate to innocent people – especially those who are less fortunate? Shouldn’t we be willing to say that some things just are not funny? Are there any limits to what some people will do or say in regards to my little brother or others in the special needs community? If the writers of a particularly pathetic cartoon show thought they were being clever in mocking my brother and my family yesterday, they failed. All they proved is that they’re heartless jerks. - Bristol Palin”

Seth MacFarlane is a comedy writer, and while that is no excuse for his actions he has the right to create whatever he wishes.

Ultimately the market will decide if his or any other brand of humor is acceptable, because quite simply if people do not like what he has to offer, people will turn him off.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Sets the Bar High with Fiscally Conservative Speech to Legislature

I just heard about this today, but I must say that I believe New Jersey Governor Chris Christie set the bar in a wonderful way when he delivered a detailed and aggressive speech to State Legislators last Friday.

Christie blasted New Jersey's ridiculously high taxes and outrageous fiscal irresponsibility as he detailed his plans to bring The Garden State back from the edge of bankruptcy.

"New Jersey is in a state of financial crisis," Christie said to the Democratically controlled State Legislature. "Our state’s budget has been left in a shambles and requires immediate action to achieve balance. For the current fiscal year 2010, which has only four and one-half months left to go, the budget we have inherited has a two billion dollar gap."

Christie continued, "What do I mean exactly? This year’s budget projected 5.1 % growth in sales tax revenue and flat growth in corporate business tax revenues. In June of 2009, was there anyone in New Jersey, other than in the department of treasury, who actually believed any revenues would grow in 2009-2010? With spiraling unemployment heading over 10%, with a financial system in crisis and with consumers petrified to spend, only Trenton treasury officials could certify that kind of growth.

In fact, sales tax revenue is not up 5%, it is down 5.5 %; and corporate business tax revenue is not flat, it is down 8%. Any wonder why we are in such big trouble? Any question why the people don’t trust their government anymore and demanded change in November?

Today, we must make a pact with each other to end this reckless conduct with the people’s government. Today, we come to terms with the fact that we cannot spend money on everything we want. Today, the days of Alice in Wonderland budgeting in Trenton end."

Christie reminded the legislature that New Jersey's Constitution requires a balanced budget. He then went on to say that he had already signed an executive order freezing the necessary state spending to balance the budget.

He presented in great detail the fact that many programs will be delayed or completely terminated. He described that some projects, such as capital improvements to state buildings, correctional facilities, and state parks would be delayed. Others he said, such as former Governor Corzine's InvestNJ would be terminated and replaced with a more well conceived plan for business development and job creation.

Christie continued his announcements by declaring that he was cutting the subsidy for the New Jersey Transit system.

"New Jersey transit will have to improve the efficiency of its operations, revisit its rich union contracts, end the patronage hiring that has typified its past, and may also have to consider service reductions or fare increases," he stated. "But the system needs to be made more efficient and effective."

He then discussed the state's pension situation by saying,

"The state cannot this year spend another $100 million contributing to a pension system that is desperately in need of reform. I am encouraged by the bi-partisan bills filed in the Senate this week to begin pension and benefit reform. I commend President Sweeney and Senator Kean for leading the way to begin this long overdue set of reforms. I am sure our Assembly colleagues will follow suit with the same kind of bi-partisan effort.

These bills must just mark the beginning, not the end, of our conversation and actions on pension and benefit reform. Because make no mistake about it, pensions and benefits are the major driver of our spending increases at all levels of government—state, county, municipal and school board.

Also, don’t believe our citizens don’t know it and demand, finally, from their government real action and meaningful reform. The special interests have already begun to scream their favorite word, which, coincidentally, is my nine year old son’s favorite word when we are making him do something he knows is right but does not want to do—“unfair.”

Let’s tell our citizens the truth—today—right now—about what failing to do strong reforms costs them."

After laying out details of the exorbitant expenses involved in pensions, Christie came to the most controversial subject of his speech; aid to public schools.

"The previous administration severely underestimated our budget gap, and it proposed to reserve some $230 million in school aid – yet it did not offer a legislative solution to achieve this number, and once again, left important business unfinished.

I am implementing a solution which insures that every school district has the resources to provide a thorough and efficient education to its students.

Our solution does not take one penny from an approved school instructional budget. Not one dime out of the classroom. Not one text book left un-bought. Not one teacher laid off. Not one child’s education compromised for one minute. Not one dollar of new property taxes will be needed.

The union protectors of the status quo will claim otherwise—once again, they will be proven to be self-interested and wrong."

He stated on more than one occasion that he understands some of his decisions will be unpopular, but reiterated that these are the tough decisions that must be made in order to close a $2 billion budget gap.

In total, Christie announced plans for cuts in 375 programs which reach across all areas of the budget.

I believe Chris Christie has done an excellent job of setting the bar for a new-found fiscal responsibility across America. He acknowledged the difficulties that will lie ahead, expressed the need to not repeat the obvious failures of the past, and gave honest hope for a positive future moving forward with real reforms.

A full transcript of Governor Christie's speech is available here, or you can watch the speech in three segments here.

Arizona Senate Race 2010 Update: J. D. Hayworth Officially Enters Race Against John McCain

I would like to make a correction to an entry I made on January 22, 2010, and provide an update.

The correction is as follows:

Effective January 22, 2010, J. D. Hayworth resigned his position as afternoon talk show host at AM 550 KFYI.

However, it was not until today that J. D. Hayworth officially announced his intention to run in the Republican primary race for Senate.

Now, for the update:

Former Congressman and conservative talk-radio host J.D. Hayworth officially kicked off his campaign challenging Arizona Senator John McCain on Monday.

Hayworth began his campaign with a rally in Phoenix followed by a three-day statewide tour.

Meanwhile, McCain held his own campaign event at nearly the same time in nearby Tempe, with more than two dozen mayors from across the state vowing to support him.

The primary showdown between two well-known Arizona Republicans promises to be the toughest re-election battle of McCain's congressional career. Conservatives in Arizona have long been skeptical of McCain, who carved out a niche as a "maverick" Senator working with Democrats on many issues.

McCain has plans to bring in national names such as Palin, Joe the Plumber (although Joe may have different plans), and Senator-Elect Scott Brown to stump for him throughout the campaign.

Hayworth stated on local radio recently that he is not intimidated by McCain's celebrity line-up.

Locally, Hayworth has received the endorsement of well-known Sheriff Joe Arpiao, and at the national level he has received an endorsement from commentator and Conservative writer Patrick J. Buchanan.

Additionally, Chris Simcox, one of the founders of the well known Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC), joined Hayworth today at his announcement. Simcox announced his withdrawal from the Republican primary and pledged his full support for Hayworth.

Hayworth said today in his announcement speech, "There are two John McCains, the one who campaigns like a conservative and the one who legislates like a liberal."

Hayworth also made a point to be clear about his respect for McCain's service to America, saying, "I have the utmost respect and admiration for what John McCain has given our country. But I do have serious and profound disagreements with John about the choices he’s made as Senator."

Hayworth will campaign on the concept of his being a consistent Conservative, and certainly hopes to ride the wave of anti-incumbency that is currently sweeping the nation. Hayworth has a more Conservative record during his time in Congress, as I detailed in my January 22 post.

McCain will attempt to brand Hayworth as fiscally irresponsible. McCain has already been airing advertisements on radio attempting to associate Hayworth with "The Bridge to Nowhere" and a spending bill that funded research on snakes in Guam. The snakes were a part of H.R. 1588, otherwise known as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, and in addition to Hayworth, both Arizona Senators Jon Kyl and McCain voted for the bill. Additionally and worth noting, Hayworth has a better lifetime rating from Citizens Against Government Waste.

McCain has millions of dollars at his disposal, and will no doubt be the recipient of favoritism in most local and national media, as is proven by this Arizona Republic article and this Politico article. For a good laugh at what the left considers journalism with integrity, check out this piece of "work" from Daily Kos.

I believe Hayworth understands that being low-key and maintaining fiscal responsibility, as well as running a positive campaign, are going to be keys to victory.

While Hayworth does have some issues in his past as a Congressional representative, I sincerely believe that his loss in 2006 combined with his years spent reconnecting with the people as a local radio talk-show host have brought Hayworth a new-found concept of responsibility and humility with regards to the people's Senate seat.

Meanwhile, McCain voted for the $850 billion bailout of the big banks (TARP) which included $150 billion in pork, proposed a $300 billion bailout for mortgage lenders and, according to the Heritage Foundation, sponsored an amnesty bill in 2007 that would have cost taxpayers $2.6 trillion over the long-term.