How the Moderate vs. Conservative Republican Debate Could Influence the Election
By Edward E.J. Davis03/31/2004
Held together for decades now based on a fiscally conservative approach to curtail the waste of big government spending, an impending question gnawing on political minds this year is the apparent divide between the social conservative Bible-Belt Republicans of today and the old East Coast Rockefeller Republicans.
Continue reading 'How the Moderate vs. Conservative Republican Debate Could Influence the Election'
Liberal Talk Radio: Just Talk, or Just Politics?
By Damon Dimmick03/31/2004
This week, Liberal Talk Radio took the air in the form of Air America. The effort, CEO’d by Mark Walsh, a former America Online executive and adviser to the Democratic National Committee, is resting its hopes for success on the backs of left wing humorists such as Al Franken and Janeane Garofalo.
Continue reading 'Liberal Talk Radio: Just Talk, or Just Politics?'
GOP using Treasury to attack Kerry tax plan
By Mike Thomas03/31/2004
The Wall Street Journal reports today (3/31/04) that the U.S. Treasury had some of its civil servants do an analysis of John Kerry’s tax plan and then posted it to the government’s web site on March 22.
Continue reading 'GOP using Treasury to attack Kerry tax plan'
Rice 9/11 commission delay warranted
By Editor03/31/2004
It's official. Bush National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice is set to testify before the 9/11 Commission. And while I commend the White House for finally committing her to testify, if only to negate partisan attacks from the other side, the delay wasn't so much an act of stonewalling, as Democrats contend, but rather an attempt to ensure that the potential for Congress' power over the executive branch does not expand under such an action.
Continue reading 'Rice 9/11 commission delay warranted'
9/11 Commission is all politics
By Hunter Williams03/31/2004
My column this week in the Independent Florida Alligator addresses the politicization of the 9/11 commission:
Continue reading '9/11 Commission is all politics'
Be Careful What You Wish For
By Darren Copeland03/30/2004
The 9-11 Commission has agreed to the terms set out by the White House for National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice's public testimony and President Bush's and Vice President Dick Cheney's joint private testimony. The offers were on condition that such testimony not set precedent. Facing a possible public relations disaster, the White House finally allowed Rice to testify before the 9-11 Commission. Rice will testify in public and under oath.
Continue reading 'Be Careful What You Wish For'
SCOTUS Considers Cruelty of Execution
By Mike Pechar03/30/2004
The Supreme Court of the United States is hearing an appeal of the case of the humaneness of executing David Larry Nelson by lethal injection. As a long-time drug user, Nelson's veins are so damaged it may not be possible to start an intravenous line without making deep cuts into flesh and muscle. The appeal contends that execution in this manner would be unconstitutionally cruel. According to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer,
Continue reading 'SCOTUS Considers Cruelty of Execution'
Kerry's tax stance: Do procedural votes "count"?
By Hunter Williams03/30/2004
Liberals have taken offense at the Bush campaigns assertion that Kerry has voted to raise taxes "350 times" or, for gas taxes specifically, "eleven times."
Continue reading 'Kerry's tax stance: Do procedural votes "count"?'
The Pledge of Allegiance – Your Loyalty is in Question
By Jeff Myhre03/30/2004
The latest debate about the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance is particularly heated and unilluminating. On the one hand are the traditionalists who think the Pledge is just fine the way Congress changed it in 1954, putting in the reference to a Deity where the original lacked such. On the other are those who object to any encroachment of faith into public life. What is missing from the argument is the point that a loyalty oath, by simply existing, calls into question the patriotism and good will of the citizenry as a whole.
Continue reading 'The Pledge of Allegiance – Your Loyalty is in Question'
NATO Expansion -- Is the World Safer?
By Marc C. Johnson03/30/2004
The Washington Post, along with just about every European news outlet available, reports on the expansion of NATO. And while the South Lawn was the site of much hoopla and back-slapping, this euphoria masks the difficult work ahead for the alliance, Europe and the United States.
Continue reading 'NATO Expansion -- Is the World Safer?'
Cheney challenges Kerry on tax policy
By Editor03/29/2004
In a speech Monday, Vice-President Dick Cheney came out swinging against Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's tax stances. Apparently, Kerry has voted around 350 times to raise taxes throughout his tenure in the Senate.
Continue reading 'Cheney challenges Kerry on tax policy'
Taiwan recount: Recount may be coming to America
By Editor03/28/2004
It's a preview of things to come. Four years after our experience with recounts and the ever-forgetful hanging chads, Taiwan is having to deal with much the same thing. Following a closely contested March 20 election, the opposition party is screaming foul. And because of the divisive nature of Taiwanese politics at this time, they've got plenty of support.
Continue reading 'Taiwan recount: Recount may be coming to America'
Bush numbers fall as Clarke steps into the limelight
By Editor03/27/2004
The recent findings of a Newsweek poll have been dubbed a blow for President Bush. With Richard Clarke's media whirlwind, I'm not surprised. For a former official that no one had even heard of until his transcendence to the top of American election politics with a new book accusing Bush of not taking seriously the terrorist threat, Clarke's certainly getting his 15 minutes of fame.
Continue reading 'Bush numbers fall as Clarke steps into the limelight'
PETA Terrorizes Children, Again!
By Mike Pechar03/27/2004
Without stretching the truth, the latest plan of the extremists at PETA is quite simply a form of terrorism.
Continue reading 'PETA Terrorizes Children, Again!'
U.N. Internet Takeover
By Stephen Macklin03/26/2004
If you are reading this you are likely someone who values the internet as a source of news, information and commentary. You probably value the free exchange of ideas - often hotly debated - in forums such as this one. You probably also value having virtually every possible item manufactured for sale available at your fingertips.
Continue reading 'U.N. Internet Takeover'
Condoleezza's contradictions
By Mike Thomas03/26/2004
The Washington Post today exposes some of the contradictory statements made by Bush’s national security advisor, Condoleezza Rice, in the wake of the Richard Clarke allegations.
Continue reading 'Condoleezza's contradictions'
Clarke's apology to 9/11 victims
By Mike Thomas03/25/2004
Richard Clarke did something quite remarkable and commendable the other day during his sworn testimony before the 9/11 commission - he apologized. He may be the first, and only, government official to offer a sincere apology to the family members of the 9/11 victims.
Continue reading 'Clarke's apology to 9/11 victims'
Blair’s Libyan Visit – We Don’t Have to Like It, Just Accept It
By Jeff Myhre03/25/2004
The handshake between Tony Blair and Libyan Dictator Muammar Gaddafi (choose your spelling) stuck in the throats of a lot of people, not least the families and friends of those who were murdered on Pan Am 103 by Mr. Gaddafi’s people. But we’re going to have to live with it whether we like it or not.
Continue reading 'Blair’s Libyan Visit – We Don’t Have to Like It, Just Accept It'
Will court rule against pledge?
By Hunter Williams03/24/2004
In Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, the Supreme Court will decide whether or not the Pledge of Allegiance, including the words "under God," should be recited in public schools. The case brought by California atheist Michael Newdow gained nation-wide notoriety last year when the 9th Circuit (read: Circus) Court ruled that the pledge was unconstitutional.
Continue reading 'Will court rule against pledge?'
Simon Cowell's middle finger salute
By Editor03/24/2004
Drudge is all over the story of American Idol judge Simon Cowell's on-air middle finger. Believe it or not, he's actually corresponding with Fox executives to get to the bottom of this one. You can see the picture and decide for yourself whether the finger was not-so-innocent, but is this news?
Continue reading 'Simon Cowell's middle finger salute'
Kerry's waffles and flip-flops will hurt
By Hunter Williams03/24/2004
My column this week in the Independent Florida Alligator discusses John Kerry's lack of consistency. An excerpt:
Continue reading 'Kerry's waffles and flip-flops will hurt'
Howard Dean: A Potential Mediator Between Nader and Kerry Voters
By Edward E.J. Davis03/23/2004
Howard Dean is still generating controversy, even after a month since he has more or less officially conceded the Democratic Race to John Kerry.
Continue reading 'Howard Dean: A Potential Mediator Between Nader and Kerry Voters'
Condoleezza Rice Answers Richard Clark
By Stephen Macklin03/22/2004
Baldilocks links to this Washington Post Op-Ed (free registration required) written by National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. The piece was written in response to Richard Clarke's assertions about Bush administration failings in dealing with Al Qaida before 9/11 and an alleged Bush obsession with Iraq. It also comes as close to placing responsibility for 9/11 on the Clinton administration as possible without flatly stating it.
Continue reading 'Condoleezza Rice Answers Richard Clark'
Death of Hamas leader argued to bring more terrorism
By Editor03/22/2004
It has long been known that terrorist organizations seek the destruction of their enemies. Even so, some still proclaim that any war against terrorism will bring more terrorism. But the question still lingers: Can an organization that seeks absolute destruction credibly commit to even more absolute destruction?
Continue reading 'Death of Hamas leader argued to bring more terrorism'
Unpatriotic, Unamerican? Untrue: The Red Herring Returns.
By Damon Dimmick03/21/2004
This week in politics, Democrats and left leaning pundits continued to furrow their collective brows at being called unpatriotic for opposing President Bush. From talking heads on the Mclaughlin Group and other Sunday news shows, to the Democratic Nominee John Kerry himself, Democrats loudly and proudly denounced the vicious attacks on their patriotism launched by right-wing politicians, alleging that opposing Bush is tantamount to being un-American.
Continue reading 'Unpatriotic, Unamerican? Untrue: The Red Herring Returns.'
Useless vs Useful Math
By Jay Manifold03/21/2004
Readers of my regular blog, A Voyage To Arcturus, know that I'm a big fan of doing the math behind news stories; see, for example, this projection, based on the available numbers, that the final body count from the Iraqi mass graves is almost certainly far higher than the 300,000 figure of current projections.
Continue reading 'Useless vs Useful Math'
John Kerry is really in tune with my fun side!
By Michael Hussey03/19/2004
What is John Kerry doing!? Perhaps he is having second thoughts about this presidency thing and is trying everything he can to muddle his image. NY Times journalist David Halbfinger's latest column paints a comical picture of Kerry’s escape to Sun Valley, Idaho for some fun in the snow. I am sure Halbfinger plans to vote for Kerry, but the airy tone of the article exposes a general confusion over the merits of this latest PR stunt. First, we had to watch Kerry rip into Jay Leno’s studio on a Harley he had never before touched. If you thought he was out of his element on a bike, the AP photos of Kerry on a snowboard only serve to step up the hilarity.
Continue reading 'John Kerry is really in tune with my fun side!'
Man vs. Machine
By Amy Phillips03/19/2004
The NYT today features a bizarre op-ed by former Bush (the elder) economic advisor Too Buchholz. He argues that slowed job creation is at least partially caused by companies buying machines and computers that reduce the number of employees necessary to make a business run. He suggests a number of things that Congress should do to encourage businesses to hire workers, including reducing employer contributions to Social Security. I wonder whether he has a plan to make up the millions of dollars we'd come up short if his plan were implemented--taking more from each worker's paycheck seems the only feasible answer--but that's an issue for another day.
Continue reading 'Man vs. Machine'
Trust a bureaucrat
By I.J. Reilly03/18/2004
The FBI has asked for its largest ever budget in its Fiscal Year 2005 request.
Continue reading 'Trust a bureaucrat'
China Now Censoring Blogs
By Mike Pechar03/18/2004
According to this story, two popular websites which host thousands of blogs have been shut down by the Chinese authorities for posting entries that were critical of the government. The Paris-based media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said that blog hosts BlogBus.com and Blogcn.com have been shut down as part of an overall escalation in the level of censorship. Internet cafes and online discussion forums, along with major foreign media sites, have previously been shackled in the government's goal to strangle free expression on the web.
Continue reading 'China Now Censoring Blogs'
Kerry Lacking in Common Sense
By Stephen Macklin03/17/2004
The New York Times offers a stunning display of John Kerry's lack of common sense. In a report on the Bush campaign, the Times quotes Kerry on the subject of the $87 billion appropriation to fund continued military operations and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Continue reading 'Kerry Lacking in Common Sense'
More on homosexual "marriage"
By Hunter Williams03/17/2004
The following is adapted from a response to an email I received regarding my column on homosexual marriage:
Continue reading 'More on homosexual "marriage"'
Homosexual "marriage" and the family
By Hunter Williams03/17/2004
My column this week in the Independent Florida Alligator is on gay marriage. Here are some excerpts:
Continue reading 'Homosexual "marriage" and the family'
Religion, Irrationality and the First Amendment
By Tadlow Windsor II03/16/2004
This seems to me a pretty straightforward issue, even if many of my secularist brethren will wince. The government has scant interest in discriminating against "religion" in otherwise neutral, government-funded education grant programs. Religion is just one form of irrationality, after all, and even if you assume (as I do) that the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment would better have been omitted, it's not hard to see that such content-specific restrictions targeting the content of the education programs to be funded still would not pass constitutional muster, even considering the speech-related issues alone.
Continue reading 'Religion, Irrationality and the First Amendment'
The Rise of Anti-Semitism, Real and Imagined
By Darren Copeland03/16/2004
I've been reading a lot lately about the rise in anti-semitism around the world. Europe is seething with it. And here, anti-semitism is causing problems as well. Just check out some of the reviews for "The Passion." This is Chris Hitchens in Slate:
Continue reading 'The Rise of Anti-Semitism, Real and Imagined'
Social Promotion -- Institutionalizing Ignorance
By Jeff Myhre03/16/2004
Social promotion is the misguided belief that school children should be kept with their age group regardless of their academic performance lest it adversely affect their self-esteem and their attitude toward school.
Continue reading 'Social Promotion -- Institutionalizing Ignorance'
How the Left Can Deal With Nader
By Michael Hussey03/16/2004
If the mainstream media is so concerned about a “Nader Nightmare” taking down their favored son, John Kerry, I have a simple counter-balance solution: highlight the Libertarian candidate. Certainly, libertarian ideals of freedom and non-initiation of force will appeal to a broad swath of voters who are fed up with both candidates, but have no interest in voting for the Marxist Nader. Of course, libertarianism is revolting to the leftist cowards hiding behind the institutional legitimacy of the NY Times and the litany of left-leaning outlets across the country.
Continue reading 'How the Left Can Deal With Nader'
The John Kerry Public Relations Blitzkrieg
By Edward E.J. Davis03/15/2004
You have to admire the organization of a presidential candidate that can rebut an attack hours before a planned attack has even been launched.
Continue reading 'The John Kerry Public Relations Blitzkrieg'
Spanish elections - a win for al Queda?
By Andante03/15/2004
Many opinions have been expressed regarding the terrorist attacks in Spain and their effect on the election.
Continue reading 'Spanish elections - a win for al Queda?'
George Bush - Crooked Liar
By Mike Thomas03/15/2004
OK, so that might be a bit provacative. But how else do you respond to this type of nonsense - "Bush Exaggerates Kerry's Position on Intelligence Budget (washingtonpost.com)"
Continue reading 'George Bush - Crooked Liar'
Al Qaida wins in Spain
By Editor03/15/2004
The reclaiming of Spanish government by the Socialist Party following the recent terrorist attacks in Madrid scares me. Not because of the political ideologies involved, but because al Qaida was Sunday's big winner.
Continue reading 'Al Qaida wins in Spain'
Al Quida or ETA? Doesn't Matter
By Stephen Macklin03/14/2004
Before the dust settled from the explosions that killed and wounded so many in Madrid, Spain last week, the debate had begun on who was responsible. The Spanish government and the United Nations were quick to point toward the ETA, but information from the scene pointed to Islamic terrorists. Analysts and pundits, both professional and amateur, analyzed the pattern of the attacked and said it was not characteristic of the ETA. Likewise, Arabic documents claiming Al Quida responsibility were examined and found not to conform to normal Al Quida communication patterns.
Continue reading 'Al Quida or ETA? Doesn't Matter'
A Permanent Tax Cut Appeal
By Stephen Macklin03/09/2004
John Kerry has stated in his campaign that if he were elected president he would at the very least repeal some of President Bush's tax cuts. He would raise the taxes of the rich, but leave in place the tax cuts for the middle class. This displays a remarkable level of political consistency on Kerry's part as he did in fact vote against the tax cuts. It is however a completely disingenuous position as all of the Bush tax cuts are temporary. And without an affirmative act of congress they will expire on their own.
Continue reading 'A Permanent Tax Cut Appeal'
Moving American Gun Policy Forward
By Jeff Myhre03/08/2004
The presidential election means it’s time for another round of arguing over the role of guns in America. Rather than the usual “guns are good, guns are bad” piece, I would like to try to find some common ground between the two sides. To start this magic trick off, we need to accept that both sides have legitimate concerns. From there, I have a partial solution to the mess we’re in that I hope can grow stronger through suggestions from all the readers here.
Continue reading 'Moving American Gun Policy Forward'
Bush campaigns for NASCAR votes
By Editor03/07/2004
The AP would have you believe that President Bush is campaigning for votes. Surprise, surprise! Seriously, though, is it any wonder that an incumbent president is campaigning for votes in an election year? To the media, pandering for votes is the lowest of the low, the bottom of the barrel. But have you known anyone to be elected in another way?
Continue reading 'Bush campaigns for NASCAR votes'
Martha Guilty of Highlighting Her Detractors' Insecurities
By Michael Hussey03/05/2004
Martha Stewart is now somehow guilty of one count of conspiracy, two counts of making false statements and one count of obstruction of agency proceedings, but the real conspiracy lies in the motives behind each party that tore down this woman. The only people who deserve to be behind bars are the envious scum who led to the destruction of one of the most productive and amazing women in the history of the world.
Continue reading 'Martha Guilty of Highlighting Her Detractors' Insecurities'
How much worse is Kerry?
By Stephen Macklin03/04/2004
In a comment on Dustin's post ("Kerry a liberal, not moderate"), Mike Thomas asked a rather interesting question. I felt my reply to be too important for leaving in the comments, so I am answering it here. The question:
Continue reading 'How much worse is Kerry?'
Kerry in favorable position
By Mike Thomas03/04/2004
The Wall Street Journal today (3/4/04 pg. A4) has some worrisome news for Republicans looking to next November. The presumptive Democratic nominee John Kerry finds himself in a position that is rare for challengers at this stage of the election process - he is leading in the polls. That has been practically unheard of during the past two decades and it doesn’t bode well for Bush’s re-election chances.
Continue reading 'Kerry in favorable position'
Kerry a liberal, not moderate
By Editor03/03/2004
As the saying goes, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." In the political world of 2004, the greatest trick Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry ever pulled was to convince the voters of his moderation.
Continue reading 'Kerry a liberal, not moderate'
Deregulation of Marriage
By Michael Hussey03/01/2004
Recently, I wrote about the gay marriage debate and how the only solution is to return the practice to its private roots. I have received a lot of concurring and dissenting feedback. As I ponder my premises, I will restate the case that this touchy issue is a state created problem, and the only palatable solution is for the state to get out of the marriage business altogether.
Continue reading 'Deregulation of Marriage'