The Sky Blog

2003-01-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

RIGHT OR WRONG? REGULAR OR IRREGULAR?

What are you?

In Tom Daschle's world, are you one of the "wrong" people to get a tax cut? In John Edward's world, are you an "irregular" person?

Apparently the Democrats can't help but be divisive.. who can blame them? They won many an election on the politics of divisiveness.

2003-01-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

TO ALL THE TAX-CUT HATERS...

Give this a read... Especially if you're one of those people always crying about what's faaaaaaaair and what's not.

2002-12-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

WHAT HAS FRIST SPONSORED?

Here's a comprehensive list.

2002-12-20T12:05:00.000-05:00

BUT... BUT... HE'S A REPUBLICAN!!!

Expect a whole lotta hate thrown at Frist despite his excellent humanitarian work and his very moderate leanings in certain issues:

Frist stayed out of politics before running for the Senate. He didn't vote until he was 36. He tries to keep up his medical skills by regularly traveling to Africa at his own expense to perform heart and lung transplants. On Wednesday he volunteered his services to check the hearts of monkeys at the National Zoo in Washington.

As the only doctor serving in the Senate, Frist attracted attention in 1998 when he was the first physician at the scene of a shooting in the Capitol that killed two Capitol police officers. Frist also came to Thurmond's aid last year when the elderly senator collapsed on the Senate floor, apparently from dehydration. Frist helped revive Thurmond, who had fainted.

Frist also gained national attention as one of the main voices of reassurance in the Senate in the aftermath of anthrax attacks on the offices of Sens. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., in autumn 2001. Frist worked with federal authorities to coordinate a response and held periodic news conferences to inform the public.

His image as a citizen-legislator - as opposed to a career politician - also could help him win support from lawmakers eager to put the Lott controversy behind them.

But Frist also has some liabilities in an institution known for hide-bound tradition. As a relative newcomer to the Senate, he has not built the kind of long-term ties that Lott has with some of the chamber's senior members. And though he has built a conservative voting record, some conservatives question his commitment to their cause.

Until he declared his Republican allegiance, many Tennessee political observers thought he was a Democrat. He supported President Clinton's nominees for surgeon general, despite concerns among conservatives about their records on abortion.

2002-12-20T11:05:00.000-05:00

MEET YOUR NEW SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

A fine (pro)choice, if you ask me.

2002-12-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

LOTT STEPS DOWN

Finally.

Here's more.

2002-12-19T11:52:00.000-05:00

SINCE I'M ON AN ANTI-PC KICK TODAY

Here's an article about 2002's most idiotic PC incidents on college campuses.

2002-12-19T11:24:00.000-05:00

SPEAKING OF PC CRAP...

What's with the banning of Christmas anyway?

Why is it that Christians are always the ones that are so offensive to the PC crowd? Are Christians out there declaring holy war on non-believers these day? Can someone explain to me why we have to be so very sensitive to every religion other than Christianity and Judaism?

Sheesh.

2002-12-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

THIS IS WHY LIBERALS PISS ME OFF...

I'm a pretty tolerant person. I certainly enjoy engaging in a debate with someone in a civil manner, and I can handle the rhetoric heating up without taking it personally. But dammit... sometimes this liberal PC crap just pisses me off.

"We believe that Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema's actions are in fact hate speech. The movie is intentionally being named The Two Towers in order to capitalize on the tragedy of September 11. Clearly, you cannot deny the fact that this falls under hate speech. We believe that if they will not willingly change the name, the government should step in to stop the movie's production or to force a name change."

Hate speech. Hate speech!

Arrrrrrrgh... I'm too irked to even really comment...

Stupid, stupid, stupid...

(P.S. It has occured to me that this could certainly be a hoax, but I looked all over the website and couldn't find any indication, or any "gotcha!" so, I'm assuming it's for real.)

UPDATE: Chris at Neptune World responds: C'mon Drew, while (assuming this isn't a joke) the people who did this are most likely liberals, surely you know that they don't speak for the vast majority of us... That's like pointing to Jerry Falwell and saying "See! This is why I hate conservatives!"

I guess he has a "tin ear" to how often that actually happens. I'm the farthest thing from a religious conservative but whenever a Falwell type spews some nonsense, without fail, someone's confronting me with it expecting me to defend it. I guess it comes with the territory - I'm a conservative so liberals assume I'm on board with the religious right. The PC nonsense is driven by lefties - hate crimes, hate speech, et al, and this is an extreme example of that, but it certainly exemplifies the ridiculousness that is prevalent in the liberal PC crowd. Forgive the generalization - I don't assume that every liberal thinks this is reasonable, but I do assume that the people behind this are bed wetting liberals.

2002-12-19T05:05:00.000-05:00

I CLAIM THIS ASS IN THE NAME OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!

James Carville got himself a prime piece of real estate...

Dear Mr. Republican Leader:

You have, on numerous occasions, asked the American people to forgive you for the statements you made at Senator Thurmond's birthday celebration. As a result of the ensuing controversy surrounding these remarks, you have acknowledged that your past actions, at times, displayed insensitivities with regard to African Americans and race relations in this country.

You have asked for forgiveness. This letter is to inform you that, on the heels of the statement offered by my dear friend Congressman John Lewis, a man I admire and respect as much as any living American, I do forgive you. As a result of that forgiveness, I will never criticize or attack any of your past actions or remarks concerning matters of race relations or civil rights.

Senator, you and I grew up around the same time, in neighboring states. From that common background, we chose different political parties and philosophies. However, we are both old enough and wise enough to recognize that neither Mississippi nor Louisiana has made anywhere near the progress one would hope for on race relations.

If, as you have claimed, your recent troubles have truly spurred you to seek redemption and find ways to improve race relations in this country, I applaud you.

As I told Congressman Lewis this morning, the church of tolerance is far too small to reject converts. We welcome you and hope you will prove an energetic member of our congregation, reaching out to all people.

Remember, Senator, we all make errors. Committing errors is not a tragedy, but failing to learn from them is a grave one.

You say you've learned. I believe you. That settles it.

Sincerely, James Carville

Does anyone else get the impression that some Democrats have come around to realizing they're better off politically if Lott stays as the leader? I know - it was obvious to everyone in the blogosphere already, but the rest of the world has seemed a few days behind on this story. But can't you see it brewing? Prominent Democrats come out, publicly forgiving Trent and declaring him redeemed for all past sins and transgressions... promising they won't talk about the embarassing incident anymore... we need to move on and "get on with the work of the American People"(tm)... and the first time Trent supports some GOP agenda item that isn't considered "racially correct," BOOM!

"I thought he'd learned from his past mistakes," James Carville will say.

"This shows that all those apologies were completely insincere," Paul Begala will chime in.

"Lott has once again shown his true colors," The Congressional Black Caucus will announce.

And so on and so forth.

So the Democrats are staking their claim, a little bit at a time. Trent must be redeemed - he must be saved - and the Democrats are there for him. For now. But he'll owe them.

Yet another reason the GOP needs a new leader in the Senate.

2002-12-18T15:04:00.000-05:00

SUPPORTING THE ARTS

Who says Republicans won't support art programs?

Congress narrowly avoided shutting down the agency in 1997. The NEA's annual budget was reduced to $99 million because of criticism over numerous grants for projects seen by some as offensive, pornographic or sacrilegious.

However, because of painstaking diplomacy by former NEA Chairman Bill Ivey, who joined the agency in 1998, the NEA's estimated 2003 budget is at $117 million.

"The NEA is expanding its funding, and with Republicans running everything, that's amazing."

Excuse me, but with everything that's going on, and the deficits we're running, why in the hell is the NEA getting more money? I'm all for supporting the arts and everything, but $117 million tax dollars is waaaaaaaay overboard.

Why shouldn't art be subject to the free market? If you're talented enough to put out a product that people will spend money to see, hear, or experience, then you're a working artist. Good for you. If you're not talented enough - why in the world should other people's money go to support your hobby?

I like doodling during meetings. I think I'm a pretty damn good doodler. How about sending me $50,000 so I can doodle some more? Really. I'll put out at least one doodle a day. I'll hang 'em up somewhere so people can look at my doodles. It'll be the best $50,000 the gov't ever spent. I'll be a doodling fool. You've never seen such doodling.

C'mon people - donate for doodles!

2002-12-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

WASTED ORGANS...

In California, a two-time felon received a heart transplant about a year ago. That sparked a heated debate over the propriety of organ transplants for convicted criminals - should a convict get an organ transplant before some innocent person?

This particular convict, who has yet to be named, ignored all the routines he needed to do to take care of himself, and died on Monday. With about 4,000 people currently on waiting lists for heart transplants, I find it appaling that this cretin wasted a perfectly good organ.

So, should convicts get equal treatment on organ transplant waiting lists? Typically, inmates do not take good care of themselves, so it's probably safe to assume that the rate of success will be lower if the recipient will not do what's required following a transplant. And really, is a convict equally deserving of a transplant when there are thousands of innocent people on waiting lists all over the country? Interesting moral question, if you ask me. I'd be curious to know what you think.

2002-12-18T14:43:00.000-05:00

RACIAL SLURS GALORE!

SF Gate has put together a handy compilation of politicians who have made some high profile racial slurs.

2002-12-18T12:55:00.000-05:00

NOMINEE FOR WORLD'S STUPIDEST EXCUSE

A New Zealand teen claimed that 512 cannabis seeds found in his possession were food for his racing pigeons.

The judge wasn't impressed.

"Anyone who tells me cannabis seeds enhance the performance of racing pigeons must believe judges were born yesterday," he said.

2002-12-18T11:33:00.000-05:00

HA AGAIN!

Boortz made a funny:

LET'S PRINT SOME DEEDS.

How about it? We'll print up some fake deeds to one square centimeter to Trent Lott's white butt. Well then issue those deeds to Rep. John Lewis and the rest of the members of the Black Legislative Caucus, various race warlords like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Joseph Lowery, and the last few square centimeters to the editors of The New York Times and the Washington Post. Makes sense to me. If Lott sticks tight in that leadership position these people are going to own his huge white posterior. They have him in their pockets, they might as well have a deed to put in their files.

2002-12-18T11:23:00.000-05:00

HA HA!

If you haven't checked out the humorous Right Wing News blog, Official Website of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy(tm), go there now.

They're compiling a list of 2002's Most Annoying American Lefties.

Go nominate someone! So many to choose from... so little time...

(found via The Daily Rant)

2002-12-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

QUOTE OF THE DAY

From Best Of The Web:

There are two basic positions on race in America today. The "liberal" position holds that remedying past discrimination requires race-conscious policies such as racial gerrymandering, laws treating "hate crimes" differently from ordinary crimes, and preferences in hiring, government contracting and university admission. The "conservative" position holds that such measures offend the principle of racial equality and exacerbate racial differences by treating black Americans as a separate class.

That is a fair summation of both sides arguments, succinctly put as well. There are merits to both arguments, and they should be debated. UPDATE: Chris over at Neptune World writes to argue that it isn't quite as "fair" a "summation" as I stated, reason being that: "liberals support "race-conscious" policies (like affirmative action) ... because racism is alive and well TO THIS DAY! It's not just a means of "remedying past discrimination." Fair enough - it was a pretty broad statement, but the argument that the programs are necessary as a form of reparations is a very common one I've heard many, many times. Change the statement to: "The "liberal" position holds that remedying past **and present** discrimination requires..." and I think we'll all agree.

Of course, I'm on the conservative side of the fence, and I truly believe that the ideal of a colorblind society is hampered by programs that are designed specifically for a particular class or minority group. Discrimination complaints should be handled on an individual basis, litigously rather than legislatively. But many people who are subject to discrimination cannot afford lawyers! True, but I know there are organizations out there that will take discrimination cases pro bono, or just fight the case for the payoff - BUT, I think I have a better plan than that. Take the resources that governments are already expending for racial justice programs, and use them to fund local and state boards where greivances can be filed and investigated at no charge. Make the punishments for "guilty" verdicts hefty - enough to fund the boards, give the victim a fair payoff, and deter businesses from engaging in discriminatory hiring practices.

Would it be perfect? Probably not. I can imagine enough opportunistic people would file false claims in the hopes of a payoff and the board becoming another slow moving beauracratic mess... but at least it wouldn't send the message to minorities that they are indeed a special, victimized class that needs government programs and assistance or else they'll never get a fair shake in this world. If we're going to strive for ideals in this country, then we need to assume the best of people instead of legislating to attempt to prevent the worst.

2002-12-17T15:59:00.000-05:00

QUICK! SOMEBODY CALL SHABBA-DOO!

His career may be coming back!

(Bonus 80's geek points for anyone who gets the referance)

2002-12-17T15:54:00.000-05:00

DASCHLE URGED TO RECONSIDER CANDIDACY

When even your friends tell you not to run, you know you don't have a chance.

Although, I must say I'm becoming more and more disappointed - the most entertaining candidates keep dropping like flies.

2002-12-17T15:39:00.000-05:00

SMART GUNS?

New Jersey has just OK'd a law that, when the technology becomes available, will mandate user-identification technology to prevent handguns from being fired by anyone except an authorized user.

Mind you, the technology is still far away from being developed, and nobody's quite sure how it'll work, but let's not let that stop the politicians from mandating that every gun utilize it.

Wonder what the reaction will be the first time some woman is home alone, and tries to protect herself from some home invader rapist, but can't because only her husband is authorized to use the gun.

2002-12-17T15:26:00.000-05:00

WHY DID AL GORE DROP OUT?

Well, we all know why, really - polling data showed he would lose, and the DNC pulled him aside and told him to step aside...

But this is an interesting read, if you're into political conspiracy theories...

Funny how the lefty blogs never mention Al's big sell out to the airline industry....

2002-12-17T15:23:00.000-05:00

MUST READ...

Neal Boortz's daily Nealz Nuze is always worth reading. Whether or not you agree with him, you can't deny he's entertaining.

Today's is particularly good, especially this piece:

PLAYING THE RACE CARD …THEN BLAMING IT ON REPUBLICANS

If you were watching Paula Zahn on CNN this morning you saw Congressmen Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and J.C. Watts (R-OK) discussing (what else?) the Trent Lott situation. During the course of that conversation Meeks, the Democrat, was doing his level best to portray the Republicans as generally bigoted and racist.

During his rant Meeks told Zahn that he has actually seen campaign literature with the picture of a black family and the words “If they win, we lose.” Meeks presented this as an example of the racism that is a part of the Republican Party.

OK … now here’s the rest of the story.

That campaign literature was prepared and used in Georgia. Yes, it did have a picture of a black family; and yes, it did have the words “If they win, we lose.” What Meeks didn’t say this morning on CNN was that this campaign flyer also had a picture of a white person … a Republican candidate. In the flyer the “they” referred to the white guy, the “we” was referring to the black family.

Interesting, isn’t it? The Democrats create a bit of campaign literature designed to frighten blacks into voting Democrats by telling them that if “they” (the Republicans) win, “we” (black families) lose.

This has to be the first piece of “dual use” campaign literature I’ve seen. You use the flyer during the campaign to frighten blacks into voting for Democrats; then, after the election is over, you attribute the flyer to Republicans and use it to illustrate their racism.

Damn.

Yesterday's featured a nice, although frightening, look into the minds of the people who dwell on the Democratic Underground's message boards... Best not to read right after a large meal, though.

UPDATE: Just found this piece from Boortz on WorldNetDaily that talks about his brave ventures into the DU Message Boards.... {shudder}

2002-12-17T15:15:00.000-05:00

I WANT MY TWENTY DOLLARS!!

Hey! The record companies may owe you $20!

Click to collect!

2002-12-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

WHO'S THE BIGGER THREAT TO AMERICAN YOUTH?

Al Qaida or Jackass?

A teenager died while practicing what police say was a stunt he and a friend had seen in the movie "Jackass."

Stephen Paul Rauen, 15, was ejected from the top of a friend's car Monday after he'd jumped onto the hood, Albuquerque Police spokesman Jeff Arbogast said.

When the driver hit the brakes, Rauen hit the pavement, then was run over and dragged a short distance.

"We had reports the individuals had done it before," Arbogast said.

Well, there's something to be said for thinning out the gene pool....

2002-12-13T11:45:00.000-05:00

SOMEBODY IN SAN DIEGO IS PARTYING RIGHT NOW...

Same place as the story below, a few hours ealier.

Note to self: If I'm ever smuggling 2,000 pounds of marijuana, check all the lights to make sure they're working.

Kay.