Martin-Stewart Consulting

FDH Lounge Showcases Project Promise

2008-11-18T20:12:00.001-08:00

From FDH Lounge:

We at The Lounge are very pleased to endorse the Project Promise Soldier foundation, which is designed to support American heroes who were wounded in combat.

They have a tremendous fundraising project that is going on through this Tuesday, which is Veterans Day. We are proud to be able to help in a small way by reprinting information about this effort and the overall cause. I am personally very happy to see one of my favorite charities, Soldier's Angels, listed as a beneficiary of this event. Certainly, times are tough and we are cognizant of that. If you are looking for a place to put some charitable contributions this holiday season, please consider Project Promise Soldier and be aware that your donations are tax-deductible.

Fousesquawk Spotlights Project Promise

2008-11-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

From Fousesquawk:

Obviously, Tuesday was disheartening. While I sympathize with your emotional state, I have one more request. On November 7-11, Project Promise will hold an online event to raise money for our wounded veterans. They will post letters and essays, video and audio clips, poems and posts on Veteran's Day and soldiers in tribute to the sacrifice of these American heroes.

As a means for spreading the word, I am asking everyone to please link our website, which is enclosed. We would very much appreciate this.

www.projectpromisesoldier.com

Keep up the good work on behalf of our wounded vets.

Support Project Promise

2008-11-18T20:06:00.001-08:00

From Conservative Libertarian Outpost:

On November 7-11, Project Promise will hold an online event to raise money for our wounded veterans. They will post letters and essays, video and audio clips, poems and posts on Veteran’s Day and soldiers in tribute to the sacrifice of these American heroes.

As a means for spreading the word, I am asking everyone to please link our website, which is enclosed. We would very much appreciate this.

www.projectpromisesoldier.com

WMD Highlights Project Promise

2008-11-18T20:03:00.001-08:00

From Weapons of Mass Discussion:

Project Promise will hold their first fundraising event, beginning November 7th and running through November 12th and you don't have to leave home to participate. The kick-off event will be a virtual gathering on the website projectpromisesoldier.com where visitors can read essays, watch videos and offer their own comments on what Veteran's Day means to them. The site is set up to take donations. Part of the proceeds will benefit Soldiers' Angels/Valour IT project, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers recovering from hand wounds and challenges related to TBI, PTSD and other severe injuries.

"This Veteran's Day, every person can take the time to read what people across the country are doing to thank our soldiers and veterans and contribute to Project Promise. This is not just a cause people should pay attention to once a year; Project Promise directly helps the soldiers who earned our respect and gratitude. The money goes to our homeless veterans and our soldiers, who today, face new challenges unknown in previous generations." (Ret.) Colonel David Hunt, Bestselling Author of "On the Hunt" and Fox News Contributor.

"One of the inspirations behind forming Project Promise was how we fell in love with the stories told by different people about what soldiers, veterans and Veterans' Day meant to them and people's desire to say thank you to those who serve in our armed forces. Whether it was the man who speaks with awe about his father's service in World War II, or people who talked about the pain they still feel about the treatment soldiers returning from Vietnam received, or the little girl who told us about how her mother took her and her siblings to the Veterans' Day parade every year to teach her about the importance of saying thank you. The stories span generations and location and are unique in every way except one: they all speak of the need to say thank you and keep an unspoken promise to those that fight to protect us. That unspoken promise factored strongly into our mission," said Christine Hunsinger, project manager for Project Promise. "Everything we do, involves these stories."

Project Promise partnered with small business, Premier Legend, to design and produce Project Promise pins and medals to reward those who make donations. The design is based on a photo taken by AP photographer Laura Rauch. On March 21, 2003, the first day of the ground war in Iraq, India Co. launched an attack on a mechanized unit in Az Bayer, Iraq. During the battle, a fellow Marine gallantly carried a wounded soldier out of the line of fire. Laura was able to capture that moment on film in a brilliant piece of photography.

The tools used to make the pins were made by Shiban Anthony is a W.W.II veteran who completed 30 missions, bailed out MIA 7 times and holds the Distinguished Flying Cross and begins his story, "Here is a kid, not quite 18 years old, from 45 Atwells Ave in Providence, R.I., in the middle of the Pacific Theater flying in a B-29 on a mission to bomb Japan. My worldly background and experience was zero."

The pins are made by Joe Anthony, Shiban's son, a Vietnam Era veteran. "It has always been a dream of mine to give something back to the military. Over the years, I've realized how important my military training was in helping me to become the person I am. Throughout my life, I have always been proudest of my military service," said Joe.

The Project Promise on-line event runs from November 7th through November 12th at projectpromisesoldier.com.

Project Promise is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to aiding soldiers and their families. Proceeds from the event will be benefit Project Promise and three other charity partners: The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, The Rhode Island VA, and Soldiers' Angels/Valour IT project.

“I'm Convinced He's the Real Deal”

2008-11-05T16:44:00.001-08:00

The War on Guns spotlights Tom McClintock.

I urge California gun owners to support and elect Tom McClintock to the House of Representatives. I urge you to get involved now, assist his campaign and recruit other gun owners. If you have been involved, I urge you to renew your efforts. Here's why:

How can conservative gun owners not love a guy who advocates: [T]he debate is not about guns. It is about freedom. And the wheel has come full circle. Our generation must study politics that we may restore the liberty that our parents and grandparents expect us to pass on to our children and grandchildren.

If we fail, what history will demand of our children and grandchildren, in a society where their only right is to their own thoughts, is simply unthinkable. And be assured, history will find it unforgivable. A generation that is handed the most precious gift in all the universe – freedom – and throws it away -- deserves to be reviled by every generation that follows – and will be, even though the only right left to them is their own thoughts. I've met the man. I had the opportunity to speak with him in person. I'm convinced he's the real deal.

Thing is, I'm not the one who needs convincing. California gun owners need to get off their duffs, get on the forums and boards, call their friends, scold their shooting buddies, open their wallets and generally knock off the apathy that is "our" worst failing.

I couldn't move that mountain much when Arnold was climbing it. But that didn't make the truth of why McClintock was the superior candidate any less relevant. And with the banning of .50 BMGs, with the lead shot ammo ban, and all the subsequent infringements since Arnold took over, we have the benefit of hindsight to confirm this.

It's clear the Nancy Pelosi machine is working overtime to ensure the congressional seat ends up an extension of their centralized planning campaign against freedom. Does anyone think Tom's opponent will buck his backers? And why is it do you suppose the democrat has been so shy about showing voters his hand in terms of his support for Barack Obama--the guy whose record proves he "would be the most anti-gun president in America's history" if elected?

There's really nothing more to say. California gun owners--I urge you to stop what you're doing, right now, and click on this link and start helping.

Theodore’s World Contrasts Jeff Beatty vs. John Kerry

2008-11-05T16:40:00.001-08:00

From Theodore’s World:

John Kerry has expressed anti-American sentiment throughout his public life -- beginning with his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1971.

Early last year in Davos, Switzerland, Kerry ingratiated himself with Europeans by again making public comments that revealed his true nature and shocked many people here at home.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, he openly ridiculed the United States to the delight of many in the audience. "The problem with Americans is they have an unfortunate habit of seeing the world through an American lens," Kerry said. He also referred to the United States as an "international pariah."

Rob Port: “Incapacitated Democrat Won’t Debate”

2008-11-03T15:36:00.001-08:00

From Say Anything:

Last night I had an opportunity to talk with a politcally-engaged friend from South Dakota who told me something interesting about their Senate race down there.

Senator Tim Johnson, who was felled by a stroke in December of 2006, is running for re-election against Republican challenger Joel Dykstra. As late as August of last year Senator Johnson was propped up in front of supporters to announce that he was “back” and that he’d be running for re-election. During that speech Johnson couldn’t stand. He didn’t give any extemporaneous remarks. He slurred his way through a prepared statement and then was wheeled off stage.

At the time I said that the spectacle was disturbing. Senator Johnson clearly wasn’t fit at the time to be back in the public eye, and I found it a little morbid that his handlers would push him out in front of everyone like that.

From my friend in South Dakota I learned that not much has changed. To date, Johnson has refused to debate Dykstra. Even a compromise where each candidate would answer questions separately in separate rooms for 30 minutes apiece was rejected by Johnson’s campaign.

I have to ask, if this man isn’t fit to even debate his opponent during a campaign how in the world is he fit to serve in the United States Senate? Famous for being the world’s most deliberative legislative body?

Are Democrats really so power-hungry that they’d push someone like Johnson out onto the campaign trail when he’s clearly not healthy enough to be campaigning or representing the people of South Dakota in the Senate.

“You Don’t Wear A Military Uniform”

2008-11-03T15:34:00.001-08:00

From Kevin Tracy:

There’s news in California’s 4th Congressional District where it turns out that Representative Charlie Brown (D) not only appeared at an anti-war rally where an effigy of an American soldier was lynched, but appeared in a military uniform! Now, Brown earned the uniform and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force before finally retiring in 1998.

Needless to say, appearing in uniform to hang an effigy of a soldier to show support for the radical anti-war left is so far beyond acceptable that it’s unbelievable. And Representative Brown is banking on you thinking it’s unbelievable as he’s now denying he ever wore a uniform to the protest.

Well, thankfully his Republican opponent, State Senator Tom McClintock, has the resources to run television ads. Take a look for yourself. Look, I’m not really upset with the hanging of an effigy. I’m sure when McCain loses, there are going to be plenty of Republicans wanting to hang effigies of me in their front yards. I mean, go to Israel and ask them if they are ever offended by the Palestinians burning an effigy of a Jew. No, it’s not polite, but it doesn’t really make that big of a deal.

What bothers me about this is Brown wearing a military uniform at an anti-war rally. John Kerry did the exact same thing during the Vietnam War and when I found out, I was just as much outraged as I am now. Brown had absolutely no business disrespecting the military uniform like that. He of all people should know how wrong his actions were on so many levels but he did it anyway.

I don’t care if you’re at an anti-war rally, a pro-war rally, or a what-war? rally - you don’t wear a military uniform when you go. You don’t wear a military uniform there if you’ve never served. You don’t wear a military uniform there if you’re in the service now. And you don’t wear a military uniform there after you’ve left the service. It’s not only illegal, but it’s about the equivalent of burning an American Flag to anyone who’s had to earn the uniform and respects it as it deserves to be respected.

Before this broke, Brown had been endorsed by VoteVets.org, The Circle of Friends for American Veterans, and Veterans’ Press. It’s time those endorsements were pulled and it’s up to us to pressure them to act. Please E-Mail, call, and fax these organizations and encourage them to withdraw their endorsements for Representative Brown for the horrible insult he paid to all troops; past, present, and future.

“Northern California Won't Buy Brown's Bull”

2008-11-03T15:31:00.001-08:00

Genuine GOP Mom spotlights Tom McClintock.

When a friend sent me a link to this video recently, a quote from Sir Winston Churchill came to mind. Churchill famously said, “"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." The video shows former Air Force officer and Congressional candidate Charlie Brown of California in attendance at an anti-war rally where American uniforms were hung in effigy. Despite witnesses who saw him there supporting the organizers, Brown continues to deny it. We have the video, though, and there he is, feeding the proverbial crocodile, in uniform no less. Shameful.

Dear readers, in Charlie Brown’s attempted manipulation of public sentiment on the war in Iraq we see the consummate politician, a man who leans with his convictions when it polls well and hides in the shadows when it doesn’t. Brown has military experience himself which tends to play well among conservatives, but in recent years he has found a friend in Cindy Sheehan and other radical anti-war activists, presumably because it has been politically expedient at times for him to associate with them. Again, it is shameful. Our men and women in uniform deserve better.

Fortunately for northern California, there is an alternative in the race, a gentleman who has the determination and guts to stand on his convictions in the light of day. Tom McClintock, the conservative Republican candidate for California’s fourth congressional district, stands to do well in a district that traditionally embraces the conservative ideals of streamlined and efficient government, common sense immigration policies and a clear sense of what it takes to keep America secure during these dangerous times. I predict that northern California will reject Brown, the preferred candidate of groups like Code Pink, in favor of Tom McClintock, a promoter of Reagan’s ideal of “peace through strength”. I hold out great hope that voters in this election cycle nationwide are too keen to fall for political evasions, half-truths and even outright lies. I am confident that the voters of California’s fourth congressional district are no exception.

Ron Paul Endorses Tom McClintock

2008-11-03T15:27:00.001-08:00

The Policy Report highlights Tom McClintock.

“This Is One of the Heated Battles in Our Country”

2008-11-02T21:09:00.001-08:00

Theodore’s World highlights Tom McClintock

Tom McClintock was born July 10, 1956, in White Plains, New York, is a California State Senator, representing the 19th district. On March 4, 2008, McClintock announced his candidacy as the Republican nominee for U.S. House of Representatives , California's 4th congressional district.

Tom McClintock’s Democrat opponent Charlie Brown has been running one of the most vile, hate filled campaign filled with lies and attacks of more lies about Tom McClintock.

Here is a sample of the kind of low life this Charlie Brown is and how he was involved with this and supported it.

Here is a TV ad highlighting Charlie Brown's participation at a anti-war rally, where he wore his uniform, in support of a homeowner who hung a soldier in effigy.

He is a conservative Republican, strong on defense, strong stance against amnesty for illegal aliens, has worked hard for our Veterans, supported the Surge and supports our military big time.

State Sen. Tom McClintock's congressional campaign has criticized opponent Charlie Brown over his campaign contributions from embattled U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-New York) and noted that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who has also contributed to Brown's campaign, is facing questions about her own campaign fundraising.

This is one of the hearted battles in our country. The Dems never can run an honest campaign and so it is important to show support as much as possible for Republicans especially men like Tom McClintock that is well deserved.

Joel Dykstra Understands

2008-11-02T21:05:00.001-08:00

Boston Maggie showcases Joel Dykstra.

Joel Dykstra is running as a Republican for a Senate seat in South Dakota and that alone would garner him my support barring something bad. You see, I believe that to have good government, you need a mix of opinions. You need balance in places like the Senate. No supermajorities. So, in the current political climate, having more Republicans in the Senate is good on it's face.

However, there is a better reason to back Mr. Dykstra's candidacy. He has experience with one of the great issues facing our country today. Energy.

Joel spent his early career in the oil and gas industry, gaining important insight into global energy. He spent 10 years as a Petroleum Landman for the U.S. subsidiaries of British oil companies based in Tulsa, OK. He accepted a promotion to the head office of LASMO, plc, in London, England, where he served as the International Business Coordinator for five years. He was then appointed CEO of LASMO’s Italian subsidiary in Rome, Italy – a position he held for four years before returning to his home state of South Dakota. Through his domestic and international business experience, he brings innovative ideas to the ongoing national debate on alternative fuel sources. (from his campaign bio found here.)

Energy is an issue that is interwoven with our most basic issue - national security. There are people who look at the price at the pump and think "Gee, I'll have to cut back somewhere....maybe eating out. Maybe pass up those new shoes I saw at the store." and there are others who see that and think, "Someone in another country, who does not have America's interest at heart is controlling that price." Some people get that the energy we consume can be a weapon against us because of how we obtain it and how we finance it.

Energy is an important issue with no *one* solution. It needs to be a multilateral approach; conservation, alternative energy development, nuclear, and ...........exploration and development of our resources. To get the best possible result on that last part, you need people with experience. You need someone who understands the difference between what we produce and what we *can* produce. We need more people in decision making positions who possess the background to make the right decisions in these matters.

I remember reading once about a Congressman from Florida who was against natural gas exploration off the coast of Florida for fear of a "spill". I thought - "What? What did he just say?" But you know, even though I recognized the problem with that bit of ignorance, there is a whole lot I don't know.

Joel Dykstra would be a great choice for one of those Senate committees where such proposals would be discussed. When people who come to testify before his committee, Joel would not have to wait for an aide to Google the answer and slip him a piece of paper. He would understand what was being said. That would make his questions more intelligent, which would help his fellow Senators.

Joel's thoughts on America's future energy policy can be found here.

Joel is also in a position to be a good advocate for South Dakota. Again in this regard, he brings something unique to the table. He was raised in South Dakota, but lived in other places. That's good for your perspective. His loyalty to his home state was evidenced by his move back home with his family. Not a carpetbagger - not sheltered, he's balanced. He and I are sympatico on borders and GWOT - it's always good to be in line with Princess Crabby, lol.

His campaign website is here.

A recent campaign ad is here.

“John Kerry Has Abandoned Us”

2008-11-02T21:01:00.001-08:00

Speaking Out Southbridge spotlights Jeff Beatty.

I am writing to urge all voters not to vote for the re-election of Sen. John Kerry and to state for the record that not anyone in this region should give him a vote.

A strong message should be sent by voting for his able opponent, Republican Jeff Beatty.

John Kerry has abandoned us and continues to do so. He did literally nothing to get us a Department of Defense Accounting Center that the first President Bush had committed to Southbridge, with its 4,500-7,500 good-paying jobs. When the father Bush was defeated by Bill Clinton and the Democratic Secretary of Defense came in, Les Aspin, the promised project and jobs were downsized to the “DUD” it is now.

John Kerry and Sen. Kennedy did nothing and look at what the $100 million facility is now, a ghost town and doing nothing for the economic growth for our region and the homeowners and businesses of Southbridge who are subsidizing that facility with a $600,000 a year tax break.

The record is clear, John Kerry and Kennedy have been missing in action. John Kerry has not been here in years to specifically rectify the “DUD” that once was to be a promising economic engine despite all the promises from Washington and the likes of John Kerry and Ted Kennedy. Send a message now by voting for the Republican, Jeff Beatty, for Senate.

Tom McClintock vs. “Obama Photocopy”

2008-11-02T20:57:00.000-08:00

From Six Meat Buffet:

Here is another Six Meat Buffet appeal for a tight race that deserves your attention.

Tom McClintock is running for office representing California’s 4th Congressional District.

McClintock’s positions speak for themselves as he has been in the California Senate.

Here are a couple of noteworthy votes:

No: California State Budget

McClintock’s statement

No: Ban on Holding Pets While Driving [gotta love the CA nanny state, eh? -cranky]

1) Existing law prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while transporting an animal in the back of the vehicle in a space intended for a load on the vehicle on a highway, unless specified conditions are met, with exceptions related to livestock, ranching, and farming.

Under existing law, a violation of the Vehicle Code is an infraction, unless otherwise provided.

This bill would, on and after July 1, 2009, prohibit a person from driving a motor vehicle while holding a live animal in his or her arm or arms, or upon his or her lap. Because this bill would create a new crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program.

Let’s focus on his opponent, Obama photocopy, Charlie Brown (no, really, that’s his name): Ask him a question on gay marriage, and chances are that all you’ll get is some kind of reference to his time in the Air Force. Listen to what he says one week, and you’ll probably get something entirely different the next. Try to grasp his commentary on the Constitution, and you’ll simply cringe. Instead of taking a strong stand, Charlie would rather talk about his campaign motto, “Patriotism before partisanship.”

Barack Obama has the same strategy for getting into office: issue vague statements on patriotism that make people feel good, and try to hide just how liberal you really are. Maybe afraid that people would see the similarities, Brown only officially endorsed Obama after the McClintock campaign produced a photo of him wearing an Obama sticker at an event. Wishy-washy Charlie Brown… trying to have it both ways.

Charlie Brown supports gay marriage, seeks amnesty for illegal aliens, opposes any new drilling for oil in American territory, believes global warming is a national security threat, and has been a consistent part of the radical anti-war movement. But Charlie is so afraid of the issues, it takes work to find out just what he believes beyond campaign slogans and character attacks.

He is being outspent with help from the DNC:

Republican Tom McClintock has raised and spent more money in the 4th Congressional District race with Charlie Brown. But as the contest enters its stretch run, Brown has more cash — and is being helped by an independent advertising blitz by the national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Brown, who has raised $1.8 million for the race, reported having $456,834 in cash — and $41,000 in unpaid campaign charges - at the start of October. McClintock, who has raised $2.5 million, had $94,215 in cash left — with $85,528 in campaign debt.

“Nancy Pelosi’s Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee just spent at least $200,000 in TV ads to try and win this election for Charlie Brown,” McClintock said in a statement. “While Charlie has the ‘who’s who’ of the American Left at his disposal and now the vast resources of the Pelosi machine spent on his behalf, I have to rely on you and people like you who will not give up this country to the Left without a fight.”

Federal campaign reports show that the DCCC also has spent more than $16,000 for anti-McClintock mailers in the district. To our six readers in the Placerville area, please vote for McClintock. We need him. The rest of you, please consider throwing two bucks into the hopper.

Douglas Gibbs: “I Voted For Tom McClintock”

2008-10-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

Political Pistachio spotlights Tom McClintock.

In 2003 when the California Recall Election put Arnold Schwarzenegger into the Governor's mansion in California in the place of the ultra-left liberal Gray Davis, I voted for Tom McClintock. McClintock finished third in the overall vote.

Tom McClintock appealed to me because he is a Conservative . . . A True Conservative.

Now, McClintock is running for Congress in the 4th District, which is located in the Northeastern part of California, north of Lake Tahoe. His race, like most of the Congressional Races, is critical in this election. If Obama somehow pulls off this election, and does it with a Democratic Majority Congress, the damage they could cause this great nation would take generations to resolve.

Here is Tom McClintock's views on some of the issues we face:

McClintock believes in bringing fiscal sanity back to the federal government. The fiscal problems are primarily due to wasteful and mismanaged spending by both parties, and the increased size of government. McClintock believes that we must reduce the size of government and increase its efficiency while limiting federal spending and cutting out the waste and mismanagement.

Tom McClintock believes we must secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. Completing the border fence along our southern border will dramatically stem the tide of illegal immigration in this country. The federal government needs to take the extraordinary step of enforcing all of our current immigration laws, not create new immigration laws which will simply be ignored.

McClintock wants to encourage proper management of our federal forests and lands needs so that unnecessary wildfires will cease. The Angora fire in 2007 proved that an overbearing federal bureaucracy will put your property and lives in danger. Reducing the bureaucracy and returning management of federal lands to the local communities will prove the situation dramatically.

McClintock believes in a strong National Defense, and that we need to fully fund our nation’s military in order to protect our nation from any threat in the world. Reagan’s idea of “peace through strength” is an idea we need to return to.

Tom McClintock agrees with the Founding Fathers of this nation that local government is better suited to deal with local issues. Recognizing this, he is for returning local control to our children’s education. Returning control and decision making power to our local communities and families regarding our children’s education is crucial in making our education system work again. It is not the federal government’s role to force every school district into a predetermined one-size fits all formula.

Tom is a tax-cutter, and understands the economics behind reducing taxes. Reducing the burden of taxes on our families and businesses is the way to spur growth in our economy. We need to make permanent the Bush tax cuts of 2003 so that our families and businesses are not faced with the prospect of a tax increase in the near future. We need to restore the freedom to our businesses to grow and expand their own companies; a strong economy is built on freedom

Go to Tom McClintock's site and read more about him - and while you are there, donate to his campaign. We need his Conservative Voice in Washington!

Boston Maggie Endorses Martin-Stewart

2008-10-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

From Boston Maggie:

I tried to listen to a lecture through WGBH and the Cambridge Forum. It was given by Frances Moore Lappe: Getting a Grip on Democracy but I couldn't concentrate. (drugs.brain.eating.) I'll get to it. I miss going to lectures. But I don't have the energy to haul my steroid puffed ass there. Plus if I did, how embarrassing would it be to fall asleep??

I have a lot of stuff to blog.

I want to explain more about why you should vote with me for –

John McCain for Commander in Chief.....and that's really the important part.

Jeff Beatty for the US Senate from Massachusetts

Joel Dykstra for Senator from South Dakota (I already have one post up about him)

Tom McClintock for Congress from California's 4th district (this post is actually almost done, lol, thank Heaven!)

Steve Stivers for Congress from Ohio's 15th district.

Marion Thorpe for Congress from Florida's 23rd district.

NYFM Spotlights Tom McClintock

2008-10-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

From New York For Mitt:

Tom McClintock (CA-4) is running against a Dem named Charlie Brown.

Here is a TV ad highlighting Charlie Brown's participation at a anti-war rally, where he wore his uniform, in support of a homeowner who hung a soldier in effigy...

Weapons of Mass Discussion Highlights Marion Thorpe

2008-10-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

From Weapons of Mass Discussion:

I'll take every McCain vote in Florida that I can get, but this guy has a real problem. Meet John Labriola, a Broward County Democratic Party central committee member, and read about his crazy ideas in this Sun-Sentinel piece:

A Democratic precinct committeeman from Lauderhill plans to ask the county party tonight to support dumping House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

John Labriola's complaint: despite the promises that got them elected, they've done nothing to end the war in Iraq, and have rolled over for President Bush in other ways.

All of this is to describe the environment in which a new candidate that we'll be following here on WMD is operating.

Now meet Dr. Marion Thorpe. Thorpe is running in Florida's 23rd District for the United States House of Representatives. This is Alcee Hastings' seat and the district went for Kerry over Bush to the score of 75% to 25% and it is a heavily Democratic district in terms of registered voters to the tune of 4-to-1.

But these are the types of races that we like to spend a little time on because few others will. The 527 media sure won't devote any resources to describing what a good candidate Dr. Thorpe is, so it's up to us. Check him out and learn more about his positions by clicking here.

Ron Paul Endorses Tom McClintock

2008-10-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

From United Liberty:

Dear Friend:

You know that I don’t mince words and I don’t back down in fighting a federal government that has far exceeded the confines of our Constitution. I could use some help in the House, and that’s why I’m asking you to support my friend Tom McClintock.

You may remember when he stood up to the liberal Republican establishment in California and took on Arnold Schwarzenegger during the recall election in 2003. This guy will stand and fight, and we need him in the Congress. Tom has said that he expects our federal government to protect our borders and to preserve our individual freedoms as Americans. And beyond that, he wants it out of our pockets, away from our families and out of our faces. That’s my kind of candidate.

He’s facing the Daily Kos and DCCC fundraising machine, and he’ll need our financial help on his side.

Will you help Tom with your generous online contribution of $250, $100, $50 or even the legal maximum of $2,300? You can also send your donation directly to Tom at: McClintock for Congress, 1029 K Street Ste 44, Sacramento CA 95814.

You have stood with me as I campaigned for the Presidency to return our federal government to its proper role. Will you help me bring a reliable ally to Congress?
Many thanks for all you have done.

In Liberty,
Ron Paul

Theodore’s World Highlights Project Promise

2008-10-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

From Theodore’s World:

On November 7-11, Project Promise Soldier will hold an online event to raise money for our wounded veterans. They will post letters and essays, video and audio clips, poems and posts on Veteran's Day and soldiers in tribute to the sacrifice of these American heroes.

You are all most welcome oto submit your video clips, essays, and stories to Project Promise Soldier. Project Promise Soldier is a new non-profit dedicated to helping soldiers. The group is simple in mission and broad in scope. Project Promise Soldier recognizes that there is an unspoken promise we, as citizens, make to care for our veterans and their families. Project Promise’s mission is to be part of the network of organizations that care for our wounded soldiers; to give something back to those who serve and protect our country and our citizens and to keep that unspoken promise.

NYFM Spotlights Steve Stivers

2008-10-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

From New York For Mitt:

Steve Stivers is a Republican running in Ohio (OH-15). His opponent is Mary Jo Kilroy.

Mary Jo Kilroy stars in a socialist French documentary by Noel Burch. Burch journeyed back to America to visit his militant, far left friends. Guess who was among them? Yep, Mary Jo Kilroy.

Here's a relevant YouTube.

Should Barack win, we don't need any more socialists in D.C.

San Francisco Chronicle Chides Charlie Brown

2008-10-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

From Red County:

When the San Francisco Chronicle "Outs" Charlie Brown, you have to start scratching your head. Anyone that thinks that Tom McClintock is going to walk away with this Congressional seat had best read the below first and realize that you can fool people some of the time.

The question is - will Charlie be able to fool enough people into thinking he is some sort of Republican long enough to get elected. Volunteers and boots on the ground can change that.

In addition - don't forget that left-wing sites like Daily Kos and Blue America know who Charlie Brown is...

San Francisco Chronicle Article

Six Meat Buffet: “This Race Needs Your Attention”

2008-10-28T16:29:00.001-07:00

Six Meat Buffet highlights Steve Stivers.

I know, we’re talking about Ohio here. However, this race deserves your attention. Like the presidential race, we have a very-liberal and slightly-demented Democrat seeking the office.

Running against Republican Steve Stivers and some Libertarian whose name eludes me, Mary Jo Kilroy would like to bring a little Bernadine Dohrn to Ohio’s 16th district.

To make the case, enjoy this Documentaire Francais about a smelly Socialist who comes to America in search of his long forgotten radical youth. You can almost smell the Gauloise smoke. It features Kilroy sharing some academic grade lefty fun.

United Liberty Showcases Tom McClintock

2008-10-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

Michel Powell contrasts candidate’s, his positions.

As a temporary California resident (I’m here for school), I thought it would be interesting to look at libertarian leaning Republican congressional candidate Tom McClintock’s positions on the upcoming ballot propositions. Currently a state senator, he is running for office in California’s 4th District, which is the northeastern region of the state.

Following are his positions, with a follow-up by myself:

Prop. 1A High Speed Rail Bond. NO: This is the most outrageously expensive boondoggle in California’s long history of outrageously expensive boondoggles. The ultimate cost of this project could end up exceeding $90 billion - or $10,000 per family - all for a train that goes from Los Angeles to San Francisco in two hours longer than it takes to fly. It’s brought to you by the same folks who botched Boston’s “Big Dig.” (I’m one of the official opponents of this measure.)

Prop. 1A High Speed Rail Bond. YES: California in many ways is one of the most interconnected of all of the states in the union. Public transportation of this sort can be very helpful in connecting several economies to one another and allowing people of all backgrounds to go to and from each city with less investment than it takes to buy a car. I’m not against government actions if they benefit the taxpayers in the long run, and I believe public transportation does.

Prop. 2 Farm Animals. NO: Sorry, but farm animals are food, not friends. Plan on somewhat happier cows and much higher grocery bills if this one passes.

Prop. 2 Farm Animals. NO: I’m a lifelong vegetarian who has found the few experiences with meat that I’ve had to be pretty gross. I’m a big supporter of free-range farms. However, governmental advocacy in the marketplace can often have adverse effects.

Prop. 4 Parental Notification. YES: Parents must give written consent before their teenage daughters use a tanning booth or get their ears pierced. This measure simply requires them to be notified if their daughter is having an abortion.

Prop. 4 Parental Notification. YES: McClintock is touting common sense here. I remember having to get parental permission when I was seeing a PG-13 movie in high school. It seems like common sense that one would have to do the same when they’re terminating a pregnancy.

Prop.5 Non-violent drug offenses. NO: The fatal flaw in this otherwise decent measure would allow criminals to use their drug offense for leniency for other non-drug-related crimes.

Prop.5 Non-violent drug offenses. NO: You know, we really wouldn’t need things like drug-offender rehabilitation if we ended the failed War on Drugs. Imagine the money that taxpayers would get to keep if prisons were reduced to only house those guilty of serious crimes, not for carrying marijuana.

Prop. 6 Police and Law Enforcement Funding. YES: This is a tough call. My favorite provision is prohibiting the release on bail of illegal aliens charged with violent crimes. Its principal purpose is to lock up an increasing portion of the state budget for local law enforcement. Law enforcement should be government’s top priority, but I don’t like auto-pilot spending or using state resources for local programs. I also don’t like its weakening of the hearsay rule. On balance I think it does more good than harm, but it’s a very mixed bag.

Prop. 6 Police and Law Enforcement Funding. NO: I agree with McClintock that this is a tough call, but I would vote NO. I’m uncomfortable with the provision that “deems any youth 14 years or older who is convicted of a gang-related felony as unfit for trial in a juvenile court and prosecuting these youths as adults.” Whether or not it’s gang-related, individual crimes are individual crimes and should be decided on the facts of the case.

Prop.7 Renewable Energy Subsidies. NO: This will send electricity prices through the roof. It requires the most expensive energy generation to comprise 20 percent of our electricity needs. Government should get out of the way and let simple economics determine the mix of energy generation in this state.

Prop.7 Renewable Energy Subsidies. NO: I agree with McClintock here. I’m all for renewable energy, but forcing companies to invest in unprofitable sources is going to have unintended consequences. I would predict that the same people who think this is a good idea would complain about their electricity bill when it goes way up.

Prop. 8 Defense of Marriage Act. YES: Marriage is a unique institution in which a man and a woman summon a child into the world - creating a unique tapestry of responsibilities. Our marriage laws are designed to support those responsibilities and are simply inapplicable to any other kind of relationship. Lincoln asked, “If you call a tail a leg, how many legs has a dog? The answer is four. Calling a tail a leg doesn’t make it one.” And calling a homosexual partnership a marriage doesn’t make it one.

Prop. 8 Defense of Marriage Act. NO: McClintock’s position is about as anti-libertarian as it gets. If two consenting adults want to get married, it doesn’t affect me in any way. I’m all for people doing whatever they want as long as it doesn’t harm anyone other than those engaging in it. (If you’re about to bring up assisted suicide, I would argue that those who aren’t comatose and are seeking assisted suicide aren’t mentally fit to be making such decisions.)

Prop. 9 Parole Reform. YES: This requires the victim to be considered when a suspect’s bail is being set or a criminal’s parole is being determined. About bloody time.

Prop. 9 Parole Reform. YES: After spending a good portion of my life in the Seattle Public Schools, where teachers were allowed to get away with child abuse and the victims of the abuse didn’t have the right to find out what had happened to the perpetrator, I’ll all for victims’ rights.

Prop 10 Fuel Subsidies. NO: This $5 billion bond will cost taxpayers $10 billion with interest to subsidize “alternative fuel vehicles” and “renewable energy.” I’m all for alternative fuel vehicles and renewable energy as long as the consumers who want them pay for them. But don’t reach into my pocket to pay for somebody else’s choice.

Prop 10 Fuel Subsidies. NO: I’m extremely skeptical of subsidizing in general, unless it provides a service that can’t be provided otherwise. Growing up in Seattle, I was long disgusted with taxpayers having to pay for the construction of massive stadiums for the benefit of sports fans.

Prop 11 Redistricting. YES: This should be the all-time no brainer: voters should choose their politicians and not the other way around. This measure takes redistricting out of the hands of the legislature, removing an obvious conflict of interest.

Prop 11 Redistricting. YES: This is really cool. According to the League of Women Voters website, this proposition would require “government auditors to select 60 registered voters from applicant pool. Permits legislative leaders to reduce pool, then the auditors pick eight commission members by lottery, and those commissioners pick six additional members for 14 total.” California might end up with districting that corresponds with the electorate, and not the legislature.

Prop 12 Veterans Bond Act. YES: This is a self-liquidating bond (meaning taxpayers aren’t on the hook) to assist veterans with home purchases. The state has done this for many years and it has never cost taxpayers a dime. I co-authored this one.

Prop 12 Veterans Bond Act. YES: This is basically an extension of what California has been doing for veterans for over eighty years. When people put their life on the line for their country (even under controversial circumstances), they deserve our gratitude.

Boston Maggie: Kerry's Such An Asshat

2008-10-28T16:21:00.001-07:00

From Boston Maggie:

Whenever John Kerry tries to be smart.....it doesn't go well. He tried to make Jeff Beatty out to be a carpertbagger and a Yankees fan. Jeff responds here.