May the Sun rise to warm your day!
May your day swell to warm someone!
May someone warm you with a smile!
May a smile raise your spirit!
May your spirit soar on the wings of the Day!
Give a man a fish, and he eats for a Day.
Teach a man to fish, and he wont ever come back home! Ooops… Thats Teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime!
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot, and hang on!
And by all means, When life gives you lemons, yell and scream at the delivery boy, and tell him you said lemonade, by Gawd.. Lemonade!!
Teach a man to fish for sure — Just dont take him to Bass Pro Shops to buy him the basic equipment… Take him to WalMart… lots cheaper there!! And whatever ya do, dont tell him that Beer stays put real good in the bottom of the boat!! Tell him that, and he wont ever get any work done at home, or otherwise… Just teach him to fish!!
Big Coal Fires Back Over James Hansen’s Criminal Complaint
Reports Revkin of the NYT:
Big Coal is firing back at James Hansen, NASA’s top climate expert, who on Monday told a House committee on energy and climate that he thought top executives of coal and oil companies should be tried for “crimes against humanity and nature.”
Below is a note sent to me by Vic Svec, who you heard from here earlier in the year in relation to efforts by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, a rising star in the Democratic Party, to deny permits for two proposed coal-burning power plants because of their potential contribution to global warming. Mr. Svec is a senior vice president for Peabody, which is the largest private coal producer in the world (to get an idea of their volume, and mission, visit peabodyenergy.com and watch the amazing coal-sales “ticker” at the bottom reel off tons of coal sold per second). Here’s what Mr. Svec said about Dr. Hansen’s assertions:
1. His use of Holocaust analogies is outrageous and demeaning. It cheapens the dialogue and invites ridicule.
2. The suggestion that a dissemination of ideas be criminalized — coming from a government employee no less — does hearken back to World War II. It is stunning and should be pounced upon by everyone who advocates free speech, from the ACLU and talk radio complex to yourself.
3. Blaming big oil and big coal for the broad array of opinions about climate change is disingenuous. If he would imprison those who don’t march in lockstep with his views, the jails would be very, very big. It would include thousands of scientists and university professors and the likes of the president of the Czech Republic, a former founder of Greenpeace and the former founder of The Weather Channel.
4. Speaking for Peabody, our time and energy are being devoted to satisfying an energy-hungry world’s need for coal and advancing the commercialization of carbon capture and storage technology. Among other initiatives, we’re proud to have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions intensity by more than 30% since 1990; to be the initial developer of a supercritical coal plant that will emit 15% lower carbon dioxide than existing plants; to be a founding member of the FutureGen Alliance; to be a part of Australia’s low-carbon Coal 21 program; and to be the only non-Chinese partner in China’s zero-emissions GreenGen project.
In short, while some are interested in sound bites, we’ll keep going about the serious work of providing clean coal, energy solutions and environmental improvement.
Environmentalists seldom practice what they preach. Al Gore’s home uses enough electricity to power a small town. And the National Audubon Society permits oil drilling in wildlife sanctuaries.
The most emotive argument against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is conservation. The barren coastal plane that is the object of a fierce political battle in Washington is home to 42 mammal species, 36 species of fish, and over 160 species of birds.
Environmental groups such as the National Audubon Society say it will devastate the wildlife in the area. NAS owns several properties in other wildlife refuges. And they permit drilling on their own land. One of these properties is in the Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary in Vermillion County, Louisiana And the other in the Bernard N. Baker Sanctuary in Calhoun County, Michigan.
“40 percent of the loss of wetlands in Louisiana is impact from oil drilling,” says Barry Kohl, the President of Louisiana Audubon Council. “The drilling of oil and gas in Louisiana is from an age when the wetlands were considered wastelands.” He says comparing drilling in ANWR to drilling done in Louisiana is like comparing to extremes that are totally disconnected. The arctic wetland is much more vulnerable because the growing season there is less than 3 months out of the year the Louisiana vegetation has a year long growing season.
The drilling in the Rainey Sanctuary dates back to 1958 when Audubon permitted for 12 wells. Two of these wells were never drilled and another eight where dry. The two remaining wells were plugged up in 1967 and 1979. The mineral rights leases expired in 1999 and Audubon has no intent to renew them.
Edmond Mouton, a biologist with the Louisiana State Wildlife Refuge which is adjacent to the Rainey Sanctuary, says that the drilling in the Marsh Island Wildlife Refuge there has been strict drilling protocols since the 1950’s in order to preserve the integrity of the refuge.
“Louisiana is riddled with oil and gas canals,” he says. “In certain areas drilling is only permitted in certain seasons as to not disturb wildlife during key times and we minimize the use of seismic surveying.”
In addition to this, the state only permits lighter drilling equipment and force the oil extractors to use directional drilling from existing canals to avoid stress on important habitats.
“This is sufficient to secure the integrity of the refuge,” says Mouton.
The two wells that were drilled in the Baker Sanctuary with permission of the Michigan Audubon Society were started in the 1970’s. The first hole, well 16-1 was dry. However the second well, which was drilled at a slant from the dry hole was successful and extraction started in 1981.
“Answering a 127-year old constitutional question, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to have a gun, at least in one’s home. The Court, splitting 5-4, struck down a District of Columbia ban on handgun possession.”
Speaking of having a gun at home, anyone see the Chicago incident where the 3 yr. old was playing with a loaded gun and killed himself?
And, that Ky. worker sure had a gun conveniently available.
Phantom
Posted June 26, 2008 at 9:23 am | Permalink
Speaking of having a gun at home, anyone see the Chicago incident where the 3 yr. old was playing with a loaded gun and killed himself?
—–
As a parent, if you let your kid play with a 12′ alligator you will get a similar result.
Phantom
Posted June 26, 2008 at 9:23 am | Permalink
Speaking of having a gun at home, anyone see the Chicago incident where the 3 yr. old was playing with a loaded gun and killed himself?
And, that Ky. worker sure had a gun conveniently available.
——
Bad parent(s) & a Kook.
Or play with the electric hedge trimmer while it’s plugged in, especially near the pool, or in the driveway behind the car, next to the where the neighbor’s put bull is tied up. .
“Rove and Co. are nervous because they see that Obama, in rejecting public financing, is not going to be a chump, like some past Democratic candidates.”
“But even as the Republicans limn him as John Kerry, as someone who is too haughty and too “foreign,” Obama is determined not to repeat what Kerry thinks was a big mistake: not having enough money to compete against the Republicans in 2004.”
And, my favorite:
“It looks as if Rove is on the verge of realizing his dream of creating a permanent position for the Republicans.
Unfortunately for him, it’s in the minority.”
We see and hear the nervousness (and fear!) right here every day. Plus, have you noticed the increased grumpiness from Republicans??
Come on WE, show your true Marxist colors, and give us a topic with your opinion about how bad this close this 5-4 decision was for Government.
Disenting opinion:
In dissent, Justice John Paul Stevens wrote that the majority “would have us believe that over 200 years ago, the Framers made a choice to limit the tools available to elected officials wishing to regulate civilian uses of weapons.” http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,372041,00.html
So, the “tools available” to the Government to “regulate” the People are LIMITED.
Wow, the Power of Government is NOT Unlimited. Imagine what an all-powerful Government would be like.
The SCOTUS Opinion today is a GREAT VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE!!! And a GREAT LOSS to those who want Government to Control Everything!
I’m not surprised, a handgun ban I’d think should be illegal. However, many other questions were left unaswered, now why did they choose not to rule on those?
Damn you guys and your fishing talk. I have four hours of mowing to do, and I’d much rather be fishing.
Reminds me of a couple of songs.
I love the country song about “too hot for golf, too hot to fish, and too cold at home”. heheheh. Who can afford these days to have the a/c on enough to make it “cold at home”.
And of course, we’ll all “Whistle and go fishin’ in heaven”.
And speaking of bass boats, reminds me of the guy who placed a personal ad seeking a woman, with various criteria, one of which is that she own a bass boat.
LLTVET, they’ve seemed so very grouchy of late. Will they find this news pleasing and be able to smile? Will they look and find parts of it to criticize and still be pouty? Who cares.
I’m not sure of the scope of this decision. Pretty much limited to the right to ‘keep’ arms. Scalia stressed the ruling had no bearing on bans in place against carrying concealed.
I guess we’ll have to fight another case to affirm the 2nd amendment right to ‘bear’ arms.
He posted sometime recently about having worked sooo many hours. Guess that means he is now gainfully employed (knew it wouldn’t take him long!) and he is definitely missed, but we’ll keep the light on.
Possibly last chance to stop the FISA bill. . .if your senator is on this list, give them a call (though I’m not sure why Leahy and Specter are on there–they’ve both stated their opposition):
Just a reminder: the degree to which this bill allows general surveillance of communications inside the U.S. is unprecedented–the caveats and supposed minimization requirements are rendered impotent by weasel words throughout it.
“General warrants”–search warrants that were left blank as to name and place, to be filled in later–motivated the creation of the Fourth Amendment in the first place.
To understand Barack Obama on the Second Amendment, you have to know about the clash of character between the then-Chicago state senator and an ordinary citizen who exercised his right to armed self-defense in violation of a local gun ban.
That citizen was a 52-year-old resident of Wilmette, Illinois, who, on Dec. 28, 2003, woke to find that, during the night, his home had been invaded by a career criminal; a thief who stole household items, keys and the homeowner’s car.
John McCain issued the following statement regarding Thursday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Washington, D.C.’s handgun ban:
“Today’s decision is a landmark victory for Second Amendment freedom in the United States. For this first time in the history of our Republic, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms was and is an individual right as intended by our Founding Fathers. I applaud this decision as well as the overturning of the District of Columbias ban on handguns and limitations on the ability to use firearms for self-defense.
“Unlike Senator Obama, who refused to join me in signing a bipartisan amicus brief, I was pleased to express my support and call for the ruling issued today. Today’s ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller makes clear that other municipalities like Chicago that have banned handguns have infringed on the constitutional rights of Americans. Unlike the elitist view that believes Americans cling to guns out of bitterness, today’s ruling recognizes that gun ownership is a fundamental right — sacred, just as the right to free speech and assembly.
“This ruling does not mark the end of our struggle against those who seek to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens. We must always remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms. But today, the Supreme Court ended forever the specious argument that the Second Amendment did not confer an individual right to keep and bear arms.”
“But today, the Supreme Court ended forever the specious argument that the Second Amendment did not confer an individual right to keep and bear arms.”
——-
Well there ya go! It’s a done deal! Now can you celebrate? McCain said you don’t have to continue to worry like you thought you needed to do.
Be happy! Go grab a gun and go to the shooting range or whatever floats your boat. It’s a day to celebrate!
How ironic that mcsame loves him some second amendment. But the first and fourth? Eh, not so much…
““This ruling does not mark the end of our struggle against those who seek to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens. We must always remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms.”
Yeah, I LOVE the “struggle” mcsame and his buddies put up against the government spying on it’s citizens.
…and dont even get me started on immunity for the telecoms.
Ya gotta love the ballsiness of corporate america though. If they break the law and violate the constitution, they just start passing out cash until they get retroactive immunity.
Obama Camp Disavows Last Year’s ‘Inartful’ Statement on D.C. Gun Law
June 26, 2008 7:35 AM
ABC News’ Teddy Davis and Alexa Ainsworth Report: With the Supreme Court poised to rule on Washington, D.C.’s, gun ban, the Obama campaign is disavowing what it calls an “inartful” statement to the Chicago Tribune last year in which an unnamed aide characterized Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., as believing that the DC ban was constitutional.
“That statement was obviously an inartful attempt to explain the Senator’s consistent position,” Obama spokesman Bill Burton tells ABC News.
By Robert D. Novak
Monday, April 7, 2008; Page A17
Barack Obama, who informs campaign audiences that he taught constitutional law for 10 years, might be expected to weigh in on the historic Second Amendment case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices are pondering whether the 1976 District of Columbia law effectively prohibiting personal gun ownership in the nation’s capital is constitutional. But Obama has not stated his position.
Obama, disagreeing with the D.C. government and gun control advocates, declares that the Second Amendment’s “right of the people to keep and bear arms” applies to individuals, not just the “well regulated militia” in the amendment. In the next breath, he asserts that this constitutional guarantee does not preclude local “common sense” restrictions on firearms. Does the draconian prohibition in Washington fit that description? My attempts to get an answer have proved unavailing. The front-running Democratic presidential candidate is doing the gun dance.
Yeah, but she won’t understand that so don’t try to point out facts and reasonable thinking. Now she has brought the second blog entry… Busy, busy when she should be celebrating!
Bob Casey: Obama Would Probably Find DC Handgun Bill Constitutional
By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Sat Apr 19, 2008 at 07:54:29 PM EST
At Wednesday’s debate, Barack Obama wouldn’t say what his position is on the DC law banning handguns. He dodged, saying he wasn’t familiar with the facts of the case.
Of course, in November, his campaign told the Chicago Tribune he supporteed the ban. (Chicago Tribune November 20, 2007.)
But the campaign of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said that he “…believes that we can recognize and respect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and the right of local communities to enact common sense laws to combat violence and save lives. Obama believes the D.C. handgun law is constitutional.”
Tonight, Obama surrogate Bob Casey was on Lou Dobbs. Dobbs asked Casey whether Obama would support or oppose the DC handgun ban. (No link, I typed from his answer.)
Bob Casey: He would probably be a supporter, as he has been in the U.S. Senate and the Illinois legislature, for various restrictions on gun ownership. I happen to disagree with him on that, we have our disagreements.
More….
Why didn’t Obama answer the question at the debate instead of weaving and bobbing? Was it because he didn’t want to alienate PA voters, many of whom favor strong gun ownership rights? And, did he fail to tell the truth?
That is an excellent question, farmgrrl! There are NO answers other than they are a bunch of incompetent nincompoops! Can’t make a silk purse out of this sows ear!
Health Care Round-Table Discussion to be held in Wichita
Wichita, Ks : Affordable health care tops the list as America ’s biggest domestic worry these days. To address this concern, Democracy for America ( Wichita ) has assembled a panel of three speakers to offer concrete suggestions for reducing medical costs while at the same time improving health care.
· Walt Chappell, Ph.D. and candidate for State School Board, “How to Reduce the Cost of Health Care”
· Ron Hunninghake, M.D. from The Bright Spot for Health, “Nutritional Supplements and Health Maintenance”
· Jane Byrnes, R.D., Distinguished Kansas Dietician and Personal Trainer, “Wellness, Much Cheaper than Sickness”
This program is free and open to the public at Rockwell Library, 5939 East 9th from 7 to 8:30 pm TODAY, Thursday, June 26.
Like most rights, the Second Amendment right is not unlimited.It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose: For example, concealed weapons prohibitions have been upheld under the Amendment or state analogues. The Court’s opinion should not be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms. Miller’s holding that the sorts of weapons protected are those
“in common use at the time” finds support in the historical traditionof prohibiting the carrying of dangerous and unusual weapons.
So banning the average hunting and self-defense weapons as out. Government regulation is (still) in.
Bush is da man! Dow up nearly 700 points since Jan 31 2001!
“Dow gained 179.01 to 10,881.20. The blue chip index is now up 0.8 percent for the year and only 64 points shy from its high for the year, reached when the Fed surprised the market with a half-percentage point rate cut Jan. 3.”
I think if the hand gun industry wanted to boost sales, they could run a spot along the line of :”It’s 3:00 AM and you hear a noise outside your house; you look out and see this person (Fade to a picture of Dick Cheney).
For now, the 2nd Amendment is upheld as an Individual Right, though like all rights, they are not unlimited.
48 States for now, support Concealed Carry to some extent, with 40 some states having “Shall Issue” rights to Concealed Carry.
Obama favors a Federal Ban on Concealed Carry. That would entail a battle to determine the scope of the Power of the State vs the Power of the Federal Government.
Y’all gun banners may just get that All Powerful Federal Government you wish for under Obama.
Just one question regarding the decision today….. Perhaps GMC or one of the other rational posters can answer this.
The DC Ban has been in place for 32 years. Of that time, only 12 years were under Democratic Administrations, the balance being under Republican control.
If the Democrats are perceived as “gun banners” why didn’t one of the Republican administrations seek to overturn the ban?
Breaking News: Lopsided vote to cut off debate on FISA bill. This was done, of course, because they know they have to votes to defeat it. And by the way, Saddams had WMDs. /sarcasm off
Will the netroots forgive Obama for not rushing back to vote against cloture? If Dodd and Feingold could only muster 13 other votes, probably.
Update II: Hillary Clinton was also Not Voting. The other two who didn’t vote were Byrd and Kennedy, both of whom are (I believe) still out for medical reasons.
Yeah, Pleefer some weird things are going on under Gordon Brown. The House of Commons recently passed a bill to detain people without charge for 7 weeks!
The difference between the US and UK: they pass laws to do crap like that. . .
“giving the federal government more authority to crack down on price-gouging by oil companies and smaller vendors,” does anyone believe that the oil companies set the price at which they buy and sell? If so, please review the mountain of regulation already in place on the oil companies.
“a bill requiring energy producers to relinquish any land not currently being tapped for oil or gas production,”
Sounds fair enough to me, as long as they receive the lease fee back. Does this mean the congress is going to open drilling for these locations?
“and a measure creating new restrictions for commodity traders whose speculation has driven up the price of oil.”
Heard that if we place more restrictions on futures trading, it will only move over seas. There are several mutual fund holders that will be hurt by this. Iran is already trying to open an ‘energy exchange’. More regulation may assist in this. This is a problem because Iran wants to trade in the more stable Euro. That would further devaluate the dollar.
The simple answer, of course, is that the federal administrations take little interest in municipal affairs. DC, while a federal district, is a home-ruled district with its own municipal elected body, mayor, etc. While Congress CAN interfere with that administration, it DOES not, for lots of reasons. And the ban was overturned by Court decision, not legislative action, of course.
I note that KFG has, perhaps termed this as “activist.” It boggles the mind that affirming that the Constitution means what it says, and forecloses gov’t actions in some areas, is seen as “activist.” Limiting gov’t is exactly what constitutions are supposed to do.
That such a plain reading is rejected by four dissenting members tells us that our liberties are always at risk from those who would take them. The price of liberty indeed is always vigilence. Obama, given the opportunty, would not doubt appoint judges who would overturn this decision, as would much of the leadership of the Democratic Party, their denials notwithstanding. What they do speaks far louder than what they say.
The money quote from the decision, at least on my first read:
The very enumeration of the right takes out of the hands of government—even the Third Branch of Government—the power to decide on a case-by-case basis whether the right is really worth insisting upon. A constitutional guarantee subject to future judges’ assessments of its usefulness is no constitutional guarantee at all. Constitutional rights are enshrined with the scope they were understood to have when the people adopted them, whether or not future legislatures or (yes) even future judges think that scope too broad.
How I am a “gun banner” when I’ve never argued for banning guns?
Only in the mind of Max Grobnik, hiding under the bed with his finger on the trigger.
Some of us actually prefer to fight government abuses of power in the concrete (e.g. the fascist FISA bill) rather fight an abstract (and largely imaginary) threat of unilateral disarmament.
If it comes down to a bloody battle between the people and the military, we’ve already lost.
“Why didn’t Obama answer the question at the debate instead of weaving and bobbing?” -Max
Because Obama is a “Once-In-A-Lifetime-Leader”.
Except, this particular brand of the leader is full of ideas of how to avoid answering basic questions.
How is he:
1) Going to get us out of Iraq?
He says that he will set a timetable WHEN he becomes president. Not now, but after he is safely sitting in the Oval office a brilliant plan will gush forth.
2) Bring down energy prices (is he for Nuclear power or is he against it?)
“Barack Obama said Tuesday that he would not take nuclear power “off the table” as a possible energy option, but blasted John McCain’s proposal to build dozens of new reactors in the U.S.”
2) Resucitate the US Dollar (by raising taxes, eh?) Obama criticizes the Bush policies for the falling dollar but he will not criticize the federal reserve which independently sets the interest rates which determines the value of the currency!
3) Correct the trend towards declining moral values hurting the American family. (By being pro-choice he is against it)
4) Bring Jobs back to the US (is he for free trade (read NAFTA) or against it?)
“Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama assured U.S. trading partners on Sunday that he did not oppose free trade despite making increasingly critical comments about multilateral deals such as NAFTA”
I should also note that the decision affirms that no right is unlimited. Exactly what limitations may be imposed, under what standard of review, and whether the right is incorporated as applying against state governments is left for another day, as it should be.
The decision says only that complete bans of working firearms are unconstitutional under any review scheme. It also permits the licensing and regulation of carrying concealed weapons (permitted by 40+ states) and licensing schemes in general, as long as they are not arbitrary or capricious (as in practice they usually are), though much of that is little more than dicta. Beyond that, the specifics of just how much regulation is permitted is left for another day.
Chicago’s draconian gun ban is likely next on the target list, as putting the issue of incorporation squarely before the court. Chicago will lose, and the 2nd amendment will be incorporated; logically the court can do little else, given this ruling.
ksfarmgrrl
Posted June 26, 2008 at 10:44 am | Permalink
…and on another subject, WTF is WRONG with pelosi and her merry band of democrats in the HOUSE that they cant get this stuff passed?
“That such a plain reading is rejected by four dissenting members tells us that our liberties are always at risk from those who would take them.”
I was quite surprised to see a 5-4, as I had expected a 7-2 or even a 8-1 decision. I am still surprised that it took 32 years for this to become a SCOTUS issue.
That having been said, a great number of DC residents will not be able to purchase a gun due to their extensive criminal records.
wsc, it could be that IF this question had come before the Supremes before the two latest appointments it would have changed the decision? Maybe, as a result of Roberts and Alito being appointed, the time was RIGHT?
I can’t even imagine this is such a big deal to the few who post here while at the same time the abuses of power and trampling of constitutional rights of the current administration are just of NO concern.
I’m with Rage that the FISA bill being reauthorized is at least equally important.
Did you read in this morning’s paper about the border patrol seizing the contents of laptops, cell phones and digital cameras from both U.S. and foreign travelers?? All under the guise of Homeland Security?
Tell me when, under the Bush Administration, the right of habeus corpus has been suspended?
You can’t. It hasn’t.
The recent decision did not deal with the suspension of said right, it dealt with whether said right shoud be extended to alien enemy combatants not on US soil. It that respect, it was a significant broadening of our understanding of habeus rights.
…and on another subject, WTF is WRONG with pelosi and her merry band of democrats in the HOUSE that they cant get this stuff passed?
Actually, that’s about the only thing that’s gone wrong in this Congress that I do understand. Anything they pass has to be veto-proof; that means 2/3 margins. The alternative is negotiating with Bush (good luck with that!).
And since Pelosi can’t even get that much support from Dems much of the time (let alone Republicans), the legislation dies.
However, the “Pelosi Anti-Energy Package” would block any attempt to increase domestic oil production by preventing the opening of new areas for drilling, such as the OCS and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Instead, this proposal would institute a “use it or lose it” policy that would punish oil companies for not developing what are known as “non-producing” federal leases. Pelosi and other liberals in Congress justify this position by claiming that the oil companies are allowing the land to sit idle in order to drive up the cost of fuel. However, the truth is that oil companies have invested billions of dollars in exploration of these leases, and the so-called “non-producing” leases sit idle because they do not contain a commercially viable supply of petroleum. In other words, the liberals in Congress are trying to force energy companies to magically produce oil from dry rock while preventing them from drilling in areas where it has been proven that commercially viable reserves exist.
Some of us actually prefer to fight government abuses of power in the concrete (e.g. the fascist FISA bill) rather fight an abstract (and largely imaginary) threat of unilateral disarmament.
If it comes down to a bloody battle between the people and the military, we’ve already lost.
——————————————————————
Do you see anyone taking up arms against government today? Of course not. That is the option of LAST resort.
Of course it’s right and proper to work within the laws of Government to enact the appropriate and necessary Ch Ch Changes today.
By offering your opinion on a unilateral plan to use the military against the People, Rage even you then contemplate the possibility. Global History shows one would be foolish to believe otherwise.
The Fight for Freedom is a Daily Never-Ending battle. That’s the Vigilance GMC refers to, and it does not mean that the option of last resort is used first or at all. It means that option of last resort is always defended and maintained.
When you no longer have the right to defend your own life, then you are no longer Free.
Tell me when, under the Bush Administration, the right of habeus corpus has been suspended?
On a United States military base under which we have complete control. You can weasel your way around it all you want, but the King doesn’t have the right to throw prisoners in a dark hole for 6 years with no recourse.
That’s about as basic as it gets. So much for your haughty lip-service to freedom.
I personally agree with the habeus decision. but let’s not pretend that the decision was not an extension of current law - it was - nor that it will not have consequences which at this point are unclear - it will.
I personally agree with the habeus decision. but let’s not pretend that the decision was not an extension of current law - it was - nor that it will not have consequences which at this point are unclear - it will.
It was an “extension” to the extent that the Court decided a jurisdictional question that had never come up in the exact form before. That’s about it.
On behalf of hundreds of thousands of FreedomWorks members nationwide, I urge you to vote “No” on H.R. 6346: the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act. The bill, a shallow attempt to rein in gas prices, is eerily reminiscent of the very policies that led to shortages and gas lines in the 1970s and early 1980s. That was a time when government tried to tamper with a market not at the source, where Congress could encourage more exploration and utilize the vast resources available, but at the pump where retailers have very little control over the end price.
Gasoline prices vary across the spectrum for dozens of reasons beyond the control of the merchant – state and local taxes, proximity to supply, supply disruption, competition, environmental requirement, and operating costs – not to mention the price of crude oil, refinery costs, and federal taxes that are all out of the hands of anyone trying to make a living by providing much needed gasoline to Americans.
This bill ignores simple economics and instead binds an essential industry with undefined terms like “unconscionably excessive,” “taking unfair advantage,” and “unreasonably” opening the floodgate for trial lawyers to abuse these ambiguous terms.
Currently, far from taking any advantage from current high prices, gas stations are loosing money and more of these small businesses are closing every day. This bill essentially accuses retailers of inflating prices even as business falls and it is harder and harder to stay afloat. This is, in the first place, contrary to basic market principles and insulting to those entrepreneurs. Any profit a gas station sees from selling gas is a razor thin slice of the actual cost of gasoline. Second, this bill little more than an empty shell of big words that makes retailers the scapegoat for energy costs.
Instead of doing the work required to truly increase our energy supplies and bring down costs – expanding refinery capacity, streamlining environmental hurdles, and exploring for more energy – Congress would pin current energy woes on one of the groups suffering most.
On behalf of hundreds of thousands of FreedomWorks members nationwide, I urge you to VOTE “NO” on the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008. On the way to doing nothing to address the fundamental problem in the housing market, this bill creates a new $300 billion taxpayer liability, creates a trust fund in perpetuity outside of budgetary oversights for political community groups, and greatly expands the Federal Housing Administration, perhaps to the breaking point.
The legislation allows mortgage lenders, including Countrywide Financial, to cherry-pick the worst performing and riskiest loans in their portfolios, turning them over to the FHA and shifting 100 percent of the new liability to taxpayers all over the country who will have to pick up the tab for the few states where foreclosures are concentrated. Because the legislation allows mortgage lenders to shift their highest risk loans to the FHA, CBO estimates that 35 percent of the loans will eventually default even after the balances are reset through the program.
GSE reform is critical to sound housing policy, but should not have to come at the price of a bailout bill for banks on the backs of taxpayers. The new tax in this bill actually undermines the GSEs, requiring them to pay 4.2 cents for every $100 in mortgages purchased or securitized every year.
The bill is the wrong answer to the housing crisis. The immediate new spending and taxpayer risks outweigh the benefits of this legislation. It rewards the least prudent borrowers and their lenders and puts taxpayers on the hook for the riskiest loans.
As Housing Commissioner Montgomery noted, “But some in Congress are advancing legislation that, while well intentioned, could be problematic for the economy and the country. Some of the proposed congressional actions could actually weaken the FHA and endanger the housing market by turning FHA into a less stable, less solvent, more bureaucratic entity.”
Internal Probe Faults Security Gaps at U.S. Nuclear Sites
A leaked U.S. Air Force review has found major security flaws at most U.S. bases storing nuclear weapons in Europe. The probe was launched after an incident last August in which a B-52 bomber inadvertently carried nuclear warheads on a cross-country flight. According to the report, security infrastructure is in need of major repair at several sites. At some bases, nuclear weapons were found to be guarded by private security guards and U.S. soldiers with just months of experience. The report calls for reducing the number of nuclear weapons in Europe to “reduce vulnerabilities at overseas locations.” The report was leaked to the Federation of American Scientists and published on its website. Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists said: “The main implication of the … report is that the nuclear weapons deployment in Europe is, and has been for the past decade, a security risk.”
Canadian Judge: U.S. Treatment of Khadr Amounts to Torture
Meanwhile a Canadian judge has issued a harsh rebuke of the U.S. imprisonment of the Canadian prisoner Omar Khadr. On Wednesday, federal court judge Richard Mosley said Khadr’s treatement has violated international laws against torture. Mosley cited a document detailing a technique used against Kadr during his interrogation. Mosley did not reveal the technique but said it should be publicly exposed. Khadr was fifteen years old when he was arrested by U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Judge: NSA Not Compelled to Disclose Spying on Gitmo Attorneys
In other Guantanamo news, a federal judge has rejected a suit that would have forced the National Security Agency to disclose whether it spied on the lawyers of Guantanamo prisoners. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote said the NSA does not need to tell lawyers whether they were spied on. Attorneys have claimed they’ve avoided international phone calls out of fear their phones are tapped.
Funny you mention – foreign – tags. There are a lot of Texas, Georgia, and Florida tags up here. I know they didn’t come here for the weather (tags witnessed in winter) and damn sure didn’t come for the job opportunities (non-existant).
“Mr. Svec is a senior vice president for Peabody…
It would include … the likes of the president of the Czech Republic, a former founder of Greenpeace and the former founder of The Weather Channel.”
————-
SCOTUS left sooo much room for “regulation”, this is NOT a “victory”. for gun rights. Will they soon have to hear a case as to whether or not we should be able to breathe without a tax on it?
An Arizona home invasion allegedly orchestrated by Mexican citizens wearing tactical gear sparked fears that members of the Mexican military were involved in a wave of violent crime in the Phoenix area, according to local reports.
Police followed the sound of gunshots early Monday morning to the home of 30-year-old Andrew Williams, whose bullet-riddled body was found inside, the Arizona Republic reported. Officers then pursued a report of a suspicious Chevrolet Tahoe in the vehicle and arrested three suspects, all wearing body armor and carrying assault-style rifles.
A statement by one of the suspects that he had received prior military training fueled speculation into the fact that they were members of the Mexican military. Phoenix police said Wednesday that none of them were active members.
However, in a radio interview this week, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Mark Spencer said the men involved were hired by drug cartels to carry out home invasions and assassinations.
I’m not Hank but if I were I would tell you that as soon as you show me algore is anything but a long winded politician pretending to be an expert on GW I would compare creds with you.
By the way I have never said I built houses. don’t know where you got that. But I did build my own home as energy efficient as possible and pay half the energy bills that others do for a house the size of mine. I didn’t wait to get permission for 20 years either.
You cosmos until you show me differently have zilch credibility. What are you? What makes you the expert on experts. They are many fine scientist that have studies that contradict yours. More and more are coming aboard.
You guys have won some battles but you will lose the war I think.
“NEW YORK (CNN) — A lot of people don’t believe it, but the truth is that I really don’t know whom I’m going to vote for this November. It won’t be Barack Obama — he and I simply disagree on too many fundamental issues — but it also may not be John McCain.
As much as the media and the analysts try to pigeon-hole people as having only one political ideology, the fact is that most people (at least, most “real” people), don’t fit neatly into one predetermined set of political beliefs.
I’m no exception. Although I am a “conservative,” I’m not a “Republican,” and there’s a big difference. A true Republican, or a true Democrat, is someone who puts their party above their principles and their candidate above their conscience.
But most of us (or at least those of us who live outside the Beltway) aren’t like that. We’re more like the mad scientist Frankenstein: We’d like to take a piece of this candidate, a touch of that one and a little slice of the one over there, mash it all together and create someone who’s lines up perfectly with our values and beliefs.
Which brings me back to John McCain. Like Obama, McCain and I have fundamental differences on a host of important issues. Sure, I disagree with him less than I do with Obama, but is that really the standard we should use in choosing their candidate? Our country isn’t a reality show where we simply elect whoever’s left after all the backstabbing and lying is finished.”
A conservative believes that our inalienable rights do not include housing, healthcare or Hummers.
A conservative believes that our inalienable rights DO include the pursuit of happiness. That means it is guaranteed to no one.
A conservative believes that those who pursue happiness and find it have a right to not be penalized for that success.
A conservative believes that there are no protections against the hardship and heartache of failure. We believe that the right to fail is just as important as the chance to succeed and that those who do fail learn essential lessons that will help them the next time around.
A conservative believes in personal responsibility and accepts the consequences for his or her words and actions.
A conservative believes that real compassion can’t be found in any government program.
A conservative believes that each of us has a duty to take care of our neighbors. It was private individuals, companies and congregations that sent water, blankets and supplies to New Orleans far before the government ever set foot there.
A conservative believes that family is the cornerstone of our society and that people have a right to manage their family any way they see fit, so long as it’s not criminal. We are far more attuned to our family’s needs than some faceless, soulless government program.
A conservative believes that people have a right to worship the God of their understanding. We also believe that people do not have the right to jam their version of God (or no God) down anybody else’s throat.
A conservative believes that people go to the movies to be entertained and to church to be preached to, not the other way around.
A conservative believes that debt creates unhealthy relationships. Everyone, from the government on down, should live within their means and strive for financial independence.
A conservative believes that a child’s education is the responsibility of the parents, not the government.
A conservative believes that every human being has a right to life, from conception to death.
A conservative believes in the smallest government you can get without anarchy. We know our history: The larger a government gets, the harder it will fall.
I still think “Survivor: The White House” could be a money-maker. After all, there are stunts so disgusting that they can’t get people to do them … but not in this case. And hour-long show every night from now until November. Think of the advertising revenues!
(AP) — Angry politicians vowed to keep writing laws that condemn child rapists to death, despite a Supreme Court decision saying such punishment is unconstitutional.
Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst supported that state’s get-tough Jessica’s Law.
“Anybody in the country who cares about children should be outraged that we have a Supreme Court that would issue a decision like this,” said Alabama Attorney General Troy King, a Republican. The justices, he said, are “creating a situation where the country is a less safe place to grow up.”
The court’s 5-4 decision Wednesday derailed the efforts of nearly a dozen states supporting the right to kill those convicted of raping a child and said execution was confined to attacks that take a life and to other crimes including treason and espionage.
At issue before the high court was a Louisiana case involving Patrick Kennedy, sentenced to die for raping his 8-year-old daughter in her bed, an assault so severe she required surgery.
In his majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that “the death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child,” despite the horrendous nature of the crime.
Sol, Numbers 1-4, 6-8, 12 and 14 are true. 5, 9, 10, 11 and 13 havent’ been true about conservatives since I was a teenager.
#5. Five words: You read the same intelligence
#9. Three words: Faith Based Initiative
#10. Four words: Passion of the Christ.
#11. Three words: Bridge to Nowhere.
#13. Two words: Death Penalty.
Pastor Who Officiated at Jenna Bush Wedding Launches Pro-Obama Website
The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, leader of the largest Methodist congregation in the country, launched a website yesterday titled “James Dobson Does Not Speak For Me.”
The poll found Obama leads 49 to 44 percent in Colorado, 48 to 42 percent in Michigan, 52 to 39 percent in Wisconsin and 54 to 37 percent in Minnesota. The margin of error in each state was around 2.6 percentage points.
Sol the Glen Beck column was great. It’s like he is reading my mind. So many of my friends share the same thoughts. Everyone wonders why we have so few choices and why none of them are good ones.
Same here OKObs. In fact, I have noticed a lot more ‘Libertarian’ converts. Like me, they don’t go 100% libertarian, but anymore, the Libertarian party has more Conservative platforms than any other current party.
323 Comments
Today is the best day ever!
Good Morning Wichita!!
May the Sun rise to warm your day!
May your day swell to warm someone!
May someone warm you with a smile!
May a smile raise your spirit!
May your spirit soar on the wings of the Day!
So mote it be!!
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Give a man a fish, and he eats for a Day.
Teach a man to fish, and he wont ever come back home! Ooops… Thats Teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime!
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot, and hang on!
And by all means, When life gives you lemons, yell and scream at the delivery boy, and tell him you said lemonade, by Gawd.. Lemonade!!
Teach a man to fish, and he destroys the aquatic ecosystem, then his six billion descendents starve to death.
A critic is a legless man who teaches running.
- Channing Pollock
I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.
– Clarence Darrow
Teach a man to fish for sure — Just dont take him to Bass Pro Shops to buy him the basic equipment… Take him to WalMart… lots cheaper there!! And whatever ya do, dont tell him that Beer stays put real good in the bottom of the boat!! Tell him that, and he wont ever get any work done at home, or otherwise… Just teach him to fish!!
Big Coal Fires Back Over James Hansen’s Criminal Complaint
Reports Revkin of the NYT:
Big Coal is firing back at James Hansen, NASA’s top climate expert, who on Monday told a House committee on energy and climate that he thought top executives of coal and oil companies should be tried for “crimes against humanity and nature.”
Below is a note sent to me by Vic Svec, who you heard from here earlier in the year in relation to efforts by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, a rising star in the Democratic Party, to deny permits for two proposed coal-burning power plants because of their potential contribution to global warming. Mr. Svec is a senior vice president for Peabody, which is the largest private coal producer in the world (to get an idea of their volume, and mission, visit peabodyenergy.com and watch the amazing coal-sales “ticker” at the bottom reel off tons of coal sold per second). Here’s what Mr. Svec said about Dr. Hansen’s assertions:
1. His use of Holocaust analogies is outrageous and demeaning. It cheapens the dialogue and invites ridicule.
2. The suggestion that a dissemination of ideas be criminalized — coming from a government employee no less — does hearken back to World War II. It is stunning and should be pounced upon by everyone who advocates free speech, from the ACLU and talk radio complex to yourself.
3. Blaming big oil and big coal for the broad array of opinions about climate change is disingenuous. If he would imprison those who don’t march in lockstep with his views, the jails would be very, very big. It would include thousands of scientists and university professors and the likes of the president of the Czech Republic, a former founder of Greenpeace and the former founder of The Weather Channel.
4. Speaking for Peabody, our time and energy are being devoted to satisfying an energy-hungry world’s need for coal and advancing the commercialization of carbon capture and storage technology. Among other initiatives, we’re proud to have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions intensity by more than 30% since 1990; to be the initial developer of a supercritical coal plant that will emit 15% lower carbon dioxide than existing plants; to be a founding member of the FutureGen Alliance; to be a part of Australia’s low-carbon Coal 21 program; and to be the only non-Chinese partner in China’s zero-emissions GreenGen project.
In short, while some are interested in sound bites, we’ll keep going about the serious work of providing clean coal, energy solutions and environmental improvement.
Don’t worry, we at the government will handle your child’s education. We have over 100 years of experience in this subject matter.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,371901,00.html
Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day.
Give a man a gun and he’ll steal his own damned fish.
Great cartoon today Richard Crowson! Very insightful
http://www.kansas.com/opinion/cartoons/
More straight talk from John Sydney McBush >>>
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/325.html
Drill as I say, Not as I Do
by Lene Johansen
Environmentalists seldom practice what they preach. Al Gore’s home uses enough electricity to power a small town. And the National Audubon Society permits oil drilling in wildlife sanctuaries.
The most emotive argument against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is conservation. The barren coastal plane that is the object of a fierce political battle in Washington is home to 42 mammal species, 36 species of fish, and over 160 species of birds.
Environmental groups such as the National Audubon Society say it will devastate the wildlife in the area. NAS owns several properties in other wildlife refuges. And they permit drilling on their own land. One of these properties is in the Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary in Vermillion County, Louisiana And the other in the Bernard N. Baker Sanctuary in Calhoun County, Michigan.
“40 percent of the loss of wetlands in Louisiana is impact from oil drilling,” says Barry Kohl, the President of Louisiana Audubon Council. “The drilling of oil and gas in Louisiana is from an age when the wetlands were considered wastelands.” He says comparing drilling in ANWR to drilling done in Louisiana is like comparing to extremes that are totally disconnected. The arctic wetland is much more vulnerable because the growing season there is less than 3 months out of the year the Louisiana vegetation has a year long growing season.
The drilling in the Rainey Sanctuary dates back to 1958 when Audubon permitted for 12 wells. Two of these wells were never drilled and another eight where dry. The two remaining wells were plugged up in 1967 and 1979. The mineral rights leases expired in 1999 and Audubon has no intent to renew them.
Edmond Mouton, a biologist with the Louisiana State Wildlife Refuge which is adjacent to the Rainey Sanctuary, says that the drilling in the Marsh Island Wildlife Refuge there has been strict drilling protocols since the 1950’s in order to preserve the integrity of the refuge.
“Louisiana is riddled with oil and gas canals,” he says. “In certain areas drilling is only permitted in certain seasons as to not disturb wildlife during key times and we minimize the use of seismic surveying.”
In addition to this, the state only permits lighter drilling equipment and force the oil extractors to use directional drilling from existing canals to avoid stress on important habitats.
“This is sufficient to secure the integrity of the refuge,” says Mouton.
The two wells that were drilled in the Baker Sanctuary with permission of the Michigan Audubon Society were started in the 1970’s. The first hole, well 16-1 was dry. However the second well, which was drilled at a slant from the dry hole was successful and extraction started in 1981.
cont’d at
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=27206#continueA
“Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day.
Give a man a gun and he’ll steal his own damned fish.”
MH- Very good!
Attending Wichita Pride Parade or Festival on Sunday? Tell Bruce McKinney his PAC report to the Ethics Commission is late!
http://kansasmeadowlark.com/2008/06/26/attending-wichita-pride-parade/
Cosmos,
Before you bother responding to my father today, I hope you remember our talk last night.
The debate is over.
Why are you wasting your time still trying to debate with us meaningless posters when you could be using that time to save the world?
The 2nd Adm. Lives!
http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/
“Answering a 127-year old constitutional question, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to have a gun, at least in one’s home. The Court, splitting 5-4, struck down a District of Columbia ban on handgun possession.”
Speaking of having a gun at home, anyone see the Chicago incident where the 3 yr. old was playing with a loaded gun and killed himself?
And, that Ky. worker sure had a gun conveniently available.
MoDo on Rove’s latest B.S.:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/opinion/25dowd.html?em&ex=1214625600&en=8368c115b6d559d0&ei=5087%0A
Phantom
Posted June 26, 2008 at 9:23 am | Permalink
Speaking of having a gun at home, anyone see the Chicago incident where the 3 yr. old was playing with a loaded gun and killed himself?
—–
As a parent, if you let your kid play with a 12′ alligator you will get a similar result.
Phantom
Posted June 26, 2008 at 9:23 am | Permalink
Speaking of having a gun at home, anyone see the Chicago incident where the 3 yr. old was playing with a loaded gun and killed himself?
And, that Ky. worker sure had a gun conveniently available.
——
Bad parent(s) & a Kook.
True ANTI. You also shouldn’t let your kid drink the stuff you keep under the sink, or stick things into the electric plug in.
Or play with the electric hedge trimmer while it’s plugged in, especially near the pool, or in the driveway behind the car, next to the where the neighbor’s put bull is tied up. .
Hmmmm….
US Supreme Court rules the 2nd Amendment protects INDIVIDUAL gun rights.
Wow, imagine that. The Bill of Rights applies to People.
Oh, thanks Steven! That had some good ones!
“Rove and Co. are nervous because they see that Obama, in rejecting public financing, is not going to be a chump, like some past Democratic candidates.”
“But even as the Republicans limn him as John Kerry, as someone who is too haughty and too “foreign,” Obama is determined not to repeat what Kerry thinks was a big mistake: not having enough money to compete against the Republicans in 2004.”
And, my favorite:
“It looks as if Rove is on the verge of realizing his dream of creating a permanent position for the Republicans.
Unfortunately for him, it’s in the minority.”
We see and hear the nervousness (and fear!) right here every day. Plus, have you noticed the increased grumpiness from Republicans??
Come on WE, show your true Marxist colors, and give us a topic with your opinion about how bad this close this 5-4 decision was for Government.
Disenting opinion:
In dissent, Justice John Paul Stevens wrote that the majority “would have us believe that over 200 years ago, the Framers made a choice to limit the tools available to elected officials wishing to regulate civilian uses of weapons.” http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,372041,00.html
So, the “tools available” to the Government to “regulate” the People are LIMITED.
Wow, the Power of Government is NOT Unlimited. Imagine what an all-powerful Government would be like.
The SCOTUS Opinion today is a GREAT VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE!!! And a GREAT LOSS to those who want Government to Control Everything!
Wasn’t this the decision everyone, from every political philosophy, predicted?
Maybe now those who have become most grumpy can smile and loosen up and be a little more pleasant!
Be happy!
Bush has decried the N.K. is no longer a part of the Axis of Evil!
I’m not surprised, a handgun ban I’d think should be illegal. However, many other questions were left unaswered, now why did they choose not to rule on those?
Damn you guys and your fishing talk. I have four hours of mowing to do, and I’d much rather be fishing.
Reminds me of a couple of songs.
I love the country song about “too hot for golf, too hot to fish, and too cold at home”. heheheh. Who can afford these days to have the a/c on enough to make it “cold at home”.
And of course, we’ll all “Whistle and go fishin’ in heaven”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdzdEQOHL_I
And speaking of bass boats, reminds me of the guy who placed a personal ad seeking a woman, with various criteria, one of which is that she own a bass boat.
“Please send picture of boat”.
heheheheheheheheh!
I can only presume that our more conservative bloggers will agree with the most recent Supreme Court decision.
Are the justices “Legislating from the bench” on this decision? (sarcasm off)
Grumpy repubs? Naaaw. They aint grumpy.
They’re just plain mean most of the time, writerdog excepted.
LLTVET, they’ve seemed so very grouchy of late. Will they find this news pleasing and be able to smile? Will they look and find parts of it to criticize and still be pouty? Who cares.
…and speaking of the Dawgster….
Where has he been? Playing guitar under a shade tree? Whistling and fishing? Working on his great American novel?
Linda, could the minutes please reflect that our esteemed colleague Writerdog is missed when he’s not here?
I’m not sure of the scope of this decision. Pretty much limited to the right to ‘keep’ arms. Scalia stressed the ruling had no bearing on bans in place against carrying concealed.
I guess we’ll have to fight another case to affirm the 2nd amendment right to ‘bear’ arms.
Dog and Vaughn. Probably many others we don’t have the opportunity to hear from. We get the worst of the bunch. Oh well. If that’s all they got…
Damned acteeevist judges. Didnt they over rule the will of the people, as reflected through their elected representatives?
I HATE when they do that!
Oh yeah Linda. Vaughn is greatly missed. He is the ORIGINAL voice of reason.
He posted sometime recently about having worked sooo many hours. Guess that means he is now gainfully employed (knew it wouldn’t take him long!) and he is definitely missed, but we’ll keep the light on.
Seems like CF has been a long time gone too. I’m gonna be so jealous if he is in Austin. Or Seattle.
Possibly last chance to stop the FISA bill. . .if your senator is on this list, give them a call (though I’m not sure why Leahy and Specter are on there–they’ve both stated their opposition):
* Bayh (202) 224-5623
* Carper (202) 224-2441
* Obama (202) 224-2854
* Inouye (202) 224-3934
* Johnson (202) 224-5842
* Landrieu (202)224-5824
* McCaskill (202) 224-6154
* Mikulski (202) 224-4654
* Nelson (FL) (202) 224-5274
* Clinton (202) 224-4451
* Nelson (NE) (202) 224-6551
* Pryor (202) 224-2353
* Salazar (202) 224-5852
* Specter (202) 224-4254
* Feinstein (202) 224-3841
* Webb (202) 224-4024
* Warner (202) 224-2023
* Snowe (202) 224-5344
* Collins (202) 224-2523
* Sununu (202) 224-2841
* Stevens (202) 224-3004
* Byrd (202) 224-3954
* Lincoln (202)224-4843
* Reid (202) 224-3542
* Coleman (202) 224-5641
* Durbin (202) 224-2152
* Smith (202) 224-
* Stabenow (202) 224-4822
* Kohl (202) 224-5653
* Leahy (202) 224-4242
* Schumer (202) 224-6542
http://firedoglake.com/2008/06/24/fisa-call-your-wobbly-fisa-senator/
Just a reminder: the degree to which this bill allows general surveillance of communications inside the U.S. is unprecedented–the caveats and supposed minimization requirements are rendered impotent by weasel words throughout it.
“General warrants”–search warrants that were left blank as to name and place, to be filled in later–motivated the creation of the Fourth Amendment in the first place.
The SCOTUS Opinion today is a GREAT VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE!!!
But by a NARROW 5-4 margin. Obama will appoint very Liberal judges to the Supreme Court. Then they will reverse this decision.
Obama does NOT support the right of a person to own a gun in his or her own home. AND of course, Obama supported the Washington DC gun ban.
http://www.nrapvf.org/News/Article.aspx?ID=286
To understand Barack Obama on the Second Amendment, you have to know about the clash of character between the then-Chicago state senator and an ordinary citizen who exercised his right to armed self-defense in violation of a local gun ban.
That citizen was a 52-year-old resident of Wilmette, Illinois, who, on Dec. 28, 2003, woke to find that, during the night, his home had been invaded by a career criminal; a thief who stole household items, keys and the homeowner’s car.
John McCain issued the following statement regarding Thursday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Washington, D.C.’s handgun ban:
“Today’s decision is a landmark victory for Second Amendment freedom in the United States. For this first time in the history of our Republic, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms was and is an individual right as intended by our Founding Fathers. I applaud this decision as well as the overturning of the District of Columbias ban on handguns and limitations on the ability to use firearms for self-defense.
“Unlike Senator Obama, who refused to join me in signing a bipartisan amicus brief, I was pleased to express my support and call for the ruling issued today. Today’s ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller makes clear that other municipalities like Chicago that have banned handguns have infringed on the constitutional rights of Americans. Unlike the elitist view that believes Americans cling to guns out of bitterness, today’s ruling recognizes that gun ownership is a fundamental right — sacred, just as the right to free speech and assembly.
“This ruling does not mark the end of our struggle against those who seek to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens. We must always remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms. But today, the Supreme Court ended forever the specious argument that the Second Amendment did not confer an individual right to keep and bear arms.”
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/26/raw-data-mccain-on-supreme-courts-ruling-on-dc-handgun-ban/
So max, does this mean you can stop being afraid all time? Or are you just addicted to the fear?
“But today, the Supreme Court ended forever the specious argument that the Second Amendment did not confer an individual right to keep and bear arms.”
——-
Well there ya go! It’s a done deal! Now can you celebrate? McCain said you don’t have to continue to worry like you thought you needed to do.
Be happy! Go grab a gun and go to the shooting range or whatever floats your boat. It’s a day to celebrate!
Here’s a great post about the c and a (capitulation and appeasement) democrats. You have to scroll down a ways to get to Russ Feingold’s comments.
I SO wish Russ had run for president. But then, I guess he’d rather DO something than BE something.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/
How ironic that mcsame loves him some second amendment. But the first and fourth? Eh, not so much…
““This ruling does not mark the end of our struggle against those who seek to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens. We must always remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms.”
Yeah, I LOVE the “struggle” mcsame and his buddies put up against the government spying on it’s citizens.
…and dont even get me started on immunity for the telecoms.
Ya gotta love the ballsiness of corporate america though. If they break the law and violate the constitution, they just start passing out cash until they get retroactive immunity.
Such a deal we have for you today…
Obama, the LIAR, changes his opinion on the DC Gun Ban AFTER the Supreme Court decision.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/06/obama-camp-disa.html
Obama Camp Disavows Last Year’s ‘Inartful’ Statement on D.C. Gun Law
June 26, 2008 7:35 AM
ABC News’ Teddy Davis and Alexa Ainsworth Report: With the Supreme Court poised to rule on Washington, D.C.’s, gun ban, the Obama campaign is disavowing what it calls an “inartful” statement to the Chicago Tribune last year in which an unnamed aide characterized Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., as believing that the DC ban was constitutional.
“That statement was obviously an inartful attempt to explain the Senator’s consistent position,” Obama spokesman Bill Burton tells ABC News.
Hasn’t McCain at least until he ran for president proposed a litany of anti gin proposals?
Paine, there is an UGLY rumor that he prefers vodka martinis.
Dirty, no less!
HEHEHEHEHEH. Sorry. Couldnt resist!
Max, Try harder! You can do better than “an unnamed aide.” Use “the google,” push the buttons more firmly so they’ll bring better results!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Obama’s “Evolving” Position on the 2nd Amendment
http://theeprovocateur.blogspot.com/2008/04/obamas-evolving-position-on-2nd.html
Heheheheheh Linda!
Isnt “an unnamed aide” the same person they wont accept as a cite regarding mcsame and the c word?
IOKIYAAR
DANCE Obama, DANCE!
Obama’s Second-Amendment Dance
By Robert D. Novak
Monday, April 7, 2008; Page A17
Barack Obama, who informs campaign audiences that he taught constitutional law for 10 years, might be expected to weigh in on the historic Second Amendment case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices are pondering whether the 1976 District of Columbia law effectively prohibiting personal gun ownership in the nation’s capital is constitutional. But Obama has not stated his position.
Obama, disagreeing with the D.C. government and gun control advocates, declares that the Second Amendment’s “right of the people to keep and bear arms” applies to individuals, not just the “well regulated militia” in the amendment. In the next breath, he asserts that this constitutional guarantee does not preclude local “common sense” restrictions on firearms. Does the draconian prohibition in Washington fit that description? My attempts to get an answer have proved unavailing. The front-running Democratic presidential candidate is doing the gun dance.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/06/AR2008040601652.html
Yeah, but she won’t understand that so don’t try to point out facts and reasonable thinking. Now she has brought the second blog entry… Busy, busy when she should be celebrating!
DC Gun Ban ruling by the SCOTUS……… totally expected decision…………… wonder why it took 32 years……………. yawn.
Obama, the Constituional Law expert, was not familiar with the facts of the DC case?
Funny, the vast majority of Congress WAS familiar enough with the case to sign an Amicus Brief to the US Supreme Court opposing the DC Gun Ban!
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/4/19/205429/434
Bob Casey: Obama Would Probably Find DC Handgun Bill Constitutional
By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Sat Apr 19, 2008 at 07:54:29 PM EST
At Wednesday’s debate, Barack Obama wouldn’t say what his position is on the DC law banning handguns. He dodged, saying he wasn’t familiar with the facts of the case.
Of course, in November, his campaign told the Chicago Tribune he supporteed the ban. (Chicago Tribune November 20, 2007.)
But the campaign of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said that he “…believes that we can recognize and respect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and the right of local communities to enact common sense laws to combat violence and save lives. Obama believes the D.C. handgun law is constitutional.”
Tonight, Obama surrogate Bob Casey was on Lou Dobbs. Dobbs asked Casey whether Obama would support or oppose the DC handgun ban. (No link, I typed from his answer.)
Bob Casey: He would probably be a supporter, as he has been in the U.S. Senate and the Illinois legislature, for various restrictions on gun ownership. I happen to disagree with him on that, we have our disagreements.
More….
Why didn’t Obama answer the question at the debate instead of weaving and bobbing? Was it because he didn’t want to alienate PA voters, many of whom favor strong gun ownership rights? And, did he fail to tell the truth?
Obama’s answer at the debate:
…and on another subject, WTF is WRONG with pelosi and her merry band of democrats in the HOUSE that they cant get this stuff passed?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080626/pl_politico/11352;_ylt=AgsfEnflHSk7CXSPCPj38Gth24cA
They cant get shit done when they are out of the majority and they cant get it done when they are IN the majority.
WTF?
That is an excellent question, farmgrrl! There are NO answers other than they are a bunch of incompetent nincompoops! Can’t make a silk purse out of this sows ear!
Health Care Round-Table Discussion to be held in Wichita
Wichita, Ks : Affordable health care tops the list as America ’s biggest domestic worry these days. To address this concern, Democracy for America ( Wichita ) has assembled a panel of three speakers to offer concrete suggestions for reducing medical costs while at the same time improving health care.
· Walt Chappell, Ph.D. and candidate for State School Board, “How to Reduce the Cost of Health Care”
· Ron Hunninghake, M.D. from The Bright Spot for Health, “Nutritional Supplements and Health Maintenance”
· Jane Byrnes, R.D., Distinguished Kansas Dietician and Personal Trainer, “Wellness, Much Cheaper than Sickness”
This program is free and open to the public at Rockwell Library, 5939 East 9th from 7 to 8:30 pm TODAY, Thursday, June 26.
Read it and weep, Max!
Like most rights, the Second Amendment right is not unlimited.It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose: For example, concealed weapons prohibitions have been upheld under the Amendment or state analogues. The Court’s opinion should not be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms. Miller’s holding that the sorts of weapons protected are those
“in common use at the time” finds support in the historical traditionof prohibiting the carrying of dangerous and unusual weapons.
So banning the average hunting and self-defense weapons as out. Government regulation is (still) in.
Bush is da man! Dow up nearly 700 points since Jan 31 2001!
“Dow gained 179.01 to 10,881.20. The blue chip index is now up 0.8 percent for the year and only 64 points shy from its high for the year, reached when the Fed surprised the market with a half-percentage point rate cut Jan. 3.”
I think if the hand gun industry wanted to boost sales, they could run a spot along the line of :”It’s 3:00 AM and you hear a noise outside your house; you look out and see this person (Fade to a picture of Dick Cheney).
How can that commercial fail?
Yeah, I’m weeping Rage. For your and my Freedom.
For now, the 2nd Amendment is upheld as an Individual Right, though like all rights, they are not unlimited.
48 States for now, support Concealed Carry to some extent, with 40 some states having “Shall Issue” rights to Concealed Carry.
Obama favors a Federal Ban on Concealed Carry. That would entail a battle to determine the scope of the Power of the State vs the Power of the Federal Government.
Y’all gun banners may just get that All Powerful Federal Government you wish for under Obama.
Be careful what you wish for.
And the Assault Weapons ban has been reintroduced by you Democrats.
Democrats, you may still get your ban on 98% of all guns.
Obama would ban everything except for single-shot rifles, shotguns, and handguns even with today’s Supreme Court decision.
Hello? Is anyone out there? Is anyone getting this?
Just one question regarding the decision today….. Perhaps GMC or one of the other rational posters can answer this.
The DC Ban has been in place for 32 years. Of that time, only 12 years were under Democratic Administrations, the balance being under Republican control.
If the Democrats are perceived as “gun banners” why didn’t one of the Republican administrations seek to overturn the ban?
Breaking News: Lopsided vote to cut off debate on FISA bill. This was done, of course, because they know they have to votes to defeat it. And by the way, Saddams had WMDs. /sarcasm off
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/06/25/breaking-fisa-passes-cloture-in-senate/
How did Barack Obama vote? I’ll look for the data and include it in an update — but I think he was out of DC today and on the campaign trail.
Update: Obama was Not Voting, as was McCain. Here are the 15 who tried to block the bill:
Biden (D-DE)
Boxer (D-CA)
Brown (D-OH)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Dodd (D-CT)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Harkin (D-IA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Sanders (I-VT)
Schumer (D-NY)
Wyden (D-OR)
Will the netroots forgive Obama for not rushing back to vote against cloture? If Dodd and Feingold could only muster 13 other votes, probably.
Update II: Hillary Clinton was also Not Voting. The other two who didn’t vote were Byrd and Kennedy, both of whom are (I believe) still out for medical reasons.
So there you have it. Profiles in Courage.
WS- Ther wasn’t enought money on , or under, the table??
Yeah, Pleefer some weird things are going on under Gordon Brown. The House of Commons recently passed a bill to detain people without charge for 7 weeks!
The difference between the US and UK: they pass laws to do crap like that. . .
The Washington DC City Council passed the gun ban.
The DC Council has been Majority Democrat forever.
From Farmie’s link..
“giving the federal government more authority to crack down on price-gouging by oil companies and smaller vendors,”
does anyone believe that the oil companies set the price at which they buy and sell? If so, please review the mountain of regulation already in place on the oil companies.
“a bill requiring energy producers to relinquish any land not currently being tapped for oil or gas production,”
Sounds fair enough to me, as long as they receive the lease fee back. Does this mean the congress is going to open drilling for these locations?
“and a measure creating new restrictions for commodity traders whose speculation has driven up the price of oil.”
Heard that if we place more restrictions on futures trading, it will only move over seas. There are several mutual fund holders that will be hurt by this. Iran is already trying to open an ‘energy exchange’. More regulation may assist in this. This is a problem because Iran wants to trade in the more stable Euro. That would further devaluate the dollar.
“The DC Council has been Majority Democrat forever.”
I was looking for a response from a rational poster.
WS -
The simple answer, of course, is that the federal administrations take little interest in municipal affairs. DC, while a federal district, is a home-ruled district with its own municipal elected body, mayor, etc. While Congress CAN interfere with that administration, it DOES not, for lots of reasons. And the ban was overturned by Court decision, not legislative action, of course.
I note that KFG has, perhaps termed this as “activist.” It boggles the mind that affirming that the Constitution means what it says, and forecloses gov’t actions in some areas, is seen as “activist.” Limiting gov’t is exactly what constitutions are supposed to do.
That such a plain reading is rejected by four dissenting members tells us that our liberties are always at risk from those who would take them. The price of liberty indeed is always vigilence. Obama, given the opportunty, would not doubt appoint judges who would overturn this decision, as would much of the leadership of the Democratic Party, their denials notwithstanding. What they do speaks far louder than what they say.
The money quote from the decision, at least on my first read:
The very enumeration of the right takes out of the hands of government—even the Third Branch of Government—the power to decide on a case-by-case basis whether the right is really worth insisting upon. A constitutional guarantee subject to future judges’ assessments of its usefulness is no constitutional guarantee at all. Constitutional rights are enshrined with the scope they were understood to have when the people adopted them, whether or not future legislatures or (yes) even future judges think that scope too broad.
Exactly.
How I am a “gun banner” when I’ve never argued for banning guns?
Only in the mind of Max Grobnik, hiding under the bed with his finger on the trigger.
Some of us actually prefer to fight government abuses of power in the concrete (e.g. the fascist FISA bill) rather fight an abstract (and largely imaginary) threat of unilateral disarmament.
If it comes down to a bloody battle between the people and the military, we’ve already lost.
“Why didn’t Obama answer the question at the debate instead of weaving and bobbing?” -Max
Because Obama is a “Once-In-A-Lifetime-Leader”.
Except, this particular brand of the leader is full of ideas of how to avoid answering basic questions.
How is he:
1) Going to get us out of Iraq?
He says that he will set a timetable WHEN he becomes president. Not now, but after he is safely sitting in the Oval office a brilliant plan will gush forth.
2) Bring down energy prices (is he for Nuclear power or is he against it?)
“Barack Obama said Tuesday that he would not take nuclear power “off the table” as a possible energy option, but blasted John McCain’s proposal to build dozens of new reactors in the U.S.”
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/24/obama-says-nuclear-power-is-an-energy-option/
2) Resucitate the US Dollar (by raising taxes, eh?) Obama criticizes the Bush policies for the falling dollar but he will not criticize the federal reserve which independently sets the interest rates which determines the value of the currency!
3) Correct the trend towards declining moral values hurting the American family. (By being pro-choice he is against it)
4) Bring Jobs back to the US (is he for free trade (read NAFTA) or against it?)
“Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama assured U.S. trading partners on Sunday that he did not oppose free trade despite making increasingly critical comments about multilateral deals such as NAFTA”
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2414727720080225
Leadership RE-defined.
The D.C. gun ban was a local law, not something Congress passed. Otherwise they likely would not have banned guns solely in D.C.
From Wikipedia, the mayors of Washington D.C. have been Democrats since 1975.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayor_of_Washington,_D.C.#Mayors_of_Washington.2C_D.C._.281975_-_present_day.29
I have no idea about the rest of the city council.
That such a plain reading is rejected by four dissenting members tells us that our liberties are always at risk from those who would take them.
Yeah, I know what you mean: plain language like “habeas corpus shall not be suspended.”
Go figure.
I should also note that the decision affirms that no right is unlimited. Exactly what limitations may be imposed, under what standard of review, and whether the right is incorporated as applying against state governments is left for another day, as it should be.
The decision says only that complete bans of working firearms are unconstitutional under any review scheme. It also permits the licensing and regulation of carrying concealed weapons (permitted by 40+ states) and licensing schemes in general, as long as they are not arbitrary or capricious (as in practice they usually are), though much of that is little more than dicta. Beyond that, the specifics of just how much regulation is permitted is left for another day.
Chicago’s draconian gun ban is likely next on the target list, as putting the issue of incorporation squarely before the court. Chicago will lose, and the 2nd amendment will be incorporated; logically the court can do little else, given this ruling.
ksfarmgrrl
Posted June 26, 2008 at 10:44 am | Permalink
…and on another subject, WTF is WRONG with pelosi and her merry band of democrats in the HOUSE that they cant get this stuff passed?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080626/pl_politico/11352;_ylt=AgsfEnflHSk7CXSPCPj38Gth24cA
They cant get shit done when they are out of the majority and they cant get it done when they are IN the majority.
WTF?”
Because, it is not really about getting stuff done, it is instead about:
“In the meantime, both parties continued their finger-pointing over the gas prices and the policies that might have an effect on them”
Bass Turds all.
“That such a plain reading is rejected by four dissenting members tells us that our liberties are always at risk from those who would take them.”
I was quite surprised to see a 5-4, as I had expected a 7-2 or even a 8-1 decision. I am still surprised that it took 32 years for this to become a SCOTUS issue.
That having been said, a great number of DC residents will not be able to purchase a gun due to their extensive criminal records.
I am speaking of Congress, of course.
wsc, it could be that IF this question had come before the Supremes before the two latest appointments it would have changed the decision? Maybe, as a result of Roberts and Alito being appointed, the time was RIGHT?
I can’t even imagine this is such a big deal to the few who post here while at the same time the abuses of power and trampling of constitutional rights of the current administration are just of NO concern.
I’m with Rage that the FISA bill being reauthorized is at least equally important.
Did you read in this morning’s paper about the border patrol seizing the contents of laptops, cell phones and digital cameras from both U.S. and foreign travelers?? All under the guise of Homeland Security?
Rage:
Tell me when, under the Bush Administration, the right of habeus corpus has been suspended?
You can’t. It hasn’t.
The recent decision did not deal with the suspension of said right, it dealt with whether said right shoud be extended to alien enemy combatants not on US soil. It that respect, it was a significant broadening of our understanding of habeus rights.
am speaking of Congress, of course.
LMFAO. Spot on WS !!!!
…and on another subject, WTF is WRONG with pelosi and her merry band of democrats in the HOUSE that they cant get this stuff passed?
Actually, that’s about the only thing that’s gone wrong in this Congress that I do understand. Anything they pass has to be veto-proof; that means 2/3 margins. The alternative is negotiating with Bush (good luck with that!).
And since Pelosi can’t even get that much support from Dems much of the time (let alone Republicans), the legislation dies.
WS -
I’m surprised as well that it is so close.
a great number of DC residents will not be able to purchase a gun due to their extensive criminal records.
I am speaking of Congress, of course.
Well said.
However, the “Pelosi Anti-Energy Package” would block any attempt to increase domestic oil production by preventing the opening of new areas for drilling, such as the OCS and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Instead, this proposal would institute a “use it or lose it” policy that would punish oil companies for not developing what are known as “non-producing” federal leases. Pelosi and other liberals in Congress justify this position by claiming that the oil companies are allowing the land to sit idle in order to drive up the cost of fuel. However, the truth is that oil companies have invested billions of dollars in exploration of these leases, and the so-called “non-producing” leases sit idle because they do not contain a commercially viable supply of petroleum. In other words, the liberals in Congress are trying to force energy companies to magically produce oil from dry rock while preventing them from drilling in areas where it has been proven that commercially viable reserves exist.
Dick Armey
Chairman
FreedomWorks.org
Rage
Posted June 26, 2008 at 11:33 am | Permalink
Some of us actually prefer to fight government abuses of power in the concrete (e.g. the fascist FISA bill) rather fight an abstract (and largely imaginary) threat of unilateral disarmament.
If it comes down to a bloody battle between the people and the military, we’ve already lost.
——————————————————————
Do you see anyone taking up arms against government today? Of course not. That is the option of LAST resort.
Of course it’s right and proper to work within the laws of Government to enact the appropriate and necessary Ch Ch Changes today.
By offering your opinion on a unilateral plan to use the military against the People, Rage even you then contemplate the possibility. Global History shows one would be foolish to believe otherwise.
The Fight for Freedom is a Daily Never-Ending battle. That’s the Vigilance GMC refers to, and it does not mean that the option of last resort is used first or at all. It means that option of last resort is always defended and maintained.
When you no longer have the right to defend your own life, then you are no longer Free.
Tell me when, under the Bush Administration, the right of habeus corpus has been suspended?
On a United States military base under which we have complete control. You can weasel your way around it all you want, but the King doesn’t have the right to throw prisoners in a dark hole for 6 years with no recourse.
That’s about as basic as it gets. So much for your haughty lip-service to freedom.
Damned activist judges!! ROFL!!
Rage -
I personally agree with the habeus decision. but let’s not pretend that the decision was not an extension of current law - it was - nor that it will not have consequences which at this point are unclear - it will.
I personally agree with the habeus decision. but let’s not pretend that the decision was not an extension of current law - it was - nor that it will not have consequences which at this point are unclear - it will.
It was an “extension” to the extent that the Court decided a jurisdictional question that had never come up in the exact form before. That’s about it.
Damned activist judges.The Conservative SC is legislating from the bench again! Strike down another McCain bill. What’s that make him 0 for 3? The one that should be struck down is the one favoring EADS.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080626/pl_nm/usa_politics_court_money_dc_1
On behalf of hundreds of thousands of FreedomWorks members nationwide, I urge you to vote “No” on H.R. 6346: the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act. The bill, a shallow attempt to rein in gas prices, is eerily reminiscent of the very policies that led to shortages and gas lines in the 1970s and early 1980s. That was a time when government tried to tamper with a market not at the source, where Congress could encourage more exploration and utilize the vast resources available, but at the pump where retailers have very little control over the end price.
Gasoline prices vary across the spectrum for dozens of reasons beyond the control of the merchant – state and local taxes, proximity to supply, supply disruption, competition, environmental requirement, and operating costs – not to mention the price of crude oil, refinery costs, and federal taxes that are all out of the hands of anyone trying to make a living by providing much needed gasoline to Americans.
This bill ignores simple economics and instead binds an essential industry with undefined terms like “unconscionably excessive,” “taking unfair advantage,” and “unreasonably” opening the floodgate for trial lawyers to abuse these ambiguous terms.
Currently, far from taking any advantage from current high prices, gas stations are loosing money and more of these small businesses are closing every day. This bill essentially accuses retailers of inflating prices even as business falls and it is harder and harder to stay afloat. This is, in the first place, contrary to basic market principles and insulting to those entrepreneurs. Any profit a gas station sees from selling gas is a razor thin slice of the actual cost of gasoline. Second, this bill little more than an empty shell of big words that makes retailers the scapegoat for energy costs.
Instead of doing the work required to truly increase our energy supplies and bring down costs – expanding refinery capacity, streamlining environmental hurdles, and exploring for more energy – Congress would pin current energy woes on one of the groups suffering most.
http://freedomworks.org/informed/issues_template.php?issue_id=2995
On behalf of hundreds of thousands of FreedomWorks members nationwide, I urge you to VOTE “NO” on the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008. On the way to doing nothing to address the fundamental problem in the housing market, this bill creates a new $300 billion taxpayer liability, creates a trust fund in perpetuity outside of budgetary oversights for political community groups, and greatly expands the Federal Housing Administration, perhaps to the breaking point.
The legislation allows mortgage lenders, including Countrywide Financial, to cherry-pick the worst performing and riskiest loans in their portfolios, turning them over to the FHA and shifting 100 percent of the new liability to taxpayers all over the country who will have to pick up the tab for the few states where foreclosures are concentrated. Because the legislation allows mortgage lenders to shift their highest risk loans to the FHA, CBO estimates that 35 percent of the loans will eventually default even after the balances are reset through the program.
GSE reform is critical to sound housing policy, but should not have to come at the price of a bailout bill for banks on the backs of taxpayers. The new tax in this bill actually undermines the GSEs, requiring them to pay 4.2 cents for every $100 in mortgages purchased or securitized every year.
The bill is the wrong answer to the housing crisis. The immediate new spending and taxpayer risks outweigh the benefits of this legislation. It rewards the least prudent borrowers and their lenders and puts taxpayers on the hook for the riskiest loans.
As Housing Commissioner Montgomery noted, “But some in Congress are advancing legislation that, while well intentioned, could be problematic for the economy and the country. Some of the proposed congressional actions could actually weaken the FHA and endanger the housing market by turning FHA into a less stable, less solvent, more bureaucratic entity.”
http://freedomworks.org/informed/issues_template.php?issue_id=2992
The word “attorney” comes from the old middle english word “attorn” which means, to turn over to another; transfer. Robin Hood (only reversed).
Real good people. Sometimes they even strive to become “Judges”, which that word comes from Justinian…read up on him.
Internal Probe Faults Security Gaps at U.S. Nuclear Sites
A leaked U.S. Air Force review has found major security flaws at most U.S. bases storing nuclear weapons in Europe. The probe was launched after an incident last August in which a B-52 bomber inadvertently carried nuclear warheads on a cross-country flight. According to the report, security infrastructure is in need of major repair at several sites. At some bases, nuclear weapons were found to be guarded by private security guards and U.S. soldiers with just months of experience. The report calls for reducing the number of nuclear weapons in Europe to “reduce vulnerabilities at overseas locations.” The report was leaked to the Federation of American Scientists and published on its website. Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists said: “The main implication of the … report is that the nuclear weapons deployment in Europe is, and has been for the past decade, a security risk.”
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/6/26/headlines#1
Bring home all the nukes. Bring the troops with them :-b
Canadian Judge: U.S. Treatment of Khadr Amounts to Torture
Meanwhile a Canadian judge has issued a harsh rebuke of the U.S. imprisonment of the Canadian prisoner Omar Khadr. On Wednesday, federal court judge Richard Mosley said Khadr’s treatement has violated international laws against torture. Mosley cited a document detailing a technique used against Kadr during his interrogation. Mosley did not reveal the technique but said it should be publicly exposed. Khadr was fifteen years old when he was arrested by U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/6/26/headlines#1
Judge: NSA Not Compelled to Disclose Spying on Gitmo Attorneys
In other Guantanamo news, a federal judge has rejected a suit that would have forced the National Security Agency to disclose whether it spied on the lawyers of Guantanamo prisoners. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote said the NSA does not need to tell lawyers whether they were spied on. Attorneys have claimed they’ve avoided international phone calls out of fear their phones are tapped.
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/6/26/headlines#1
GM stock at a 53 yr. low. As GM has gone, so has gone the Nation.
Phantom - I think we have decoupled from GM. They are one on the worst managed corporations in the universe.
Michigan hasn’t de-coupled. anyone got a life raft? We’re drowning. That awesome liberal leadership here and all.
There’s a lot of Michigan license tags showing up in Wichita lately.
Perhaps the Republican inbreeding will be abated somewhat.
For the Michigan insiders…
“And in the FIFTH year… (dramatic pause) … you’ll be bloooooown away.”
News flash, it’s the 6th year and we are the worst economy in the nation. Guess that is what she ment by “bloooown away”
“bth” notes –
“…GM [is] …one on the worst managed corporations in the universe.”
Just as the United States of America under Shrub is the worst-managed nation in the history of civilization.
Funny you mention – foreign – tags. There are a lot of Texas, Georgia, and Florida tags up here. I know they didn’t come here for the weather (tags witnessed in winter) and damn sure didn’t come for the job opportunities (non-existant).
Just as the United States of America under Shrub is the worst-managed nation in the history of civilization.
Darfur comes to mind…
Hank Price posted June 26, 2008 at 6:48 am
“Mr. Svec is a senior vice president for Peabody…
It would include … the likes of the president of the Czech Republic, a former founder of Greenpeace and the former founder of The Weather Channel.”
————-
Dear Hank,
Please explain why you believe that an “economist”,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaclav_Klaus
a PhD in ecology on the administration of environmental law relating to the mining industry,
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Patrick_Moore
and a news “weathercaster”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Coleman_%28news_weathercaster%29
know more about climate than climate scientists who have dedicated much of their lives to researching climate.
Like Dr. Hansen,
http://www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/
Hank, convince us that your 6:48 am post does not prove Dr. Hansen’s point — coal executives try to deceive Americans re the AGW issue.
“SolDevVB” responds to my –
“…the United States of America under Shrub is the worst-managed nation in the history of civilization.”
– with –
“Darfur comes to mind…”
I’d be too picky if I pointed out Darfur isn’t a “nation,” per se.
And I guess the nation involved is Sudan.
And, I’ll acknowledge that Sudan is almost as badly managed as the United States of America under George WMD Bush.
SCOTUS left sooo much room for “regulation”, this is NOT a “victory”. for gun rights. Will they soon have to hear a case as to whether or not we should be able to breathe without a tax on it?
An Arizona home invasion allegedly orchestrated by Mexican citizens wearing tactical gear sparked fears that members of the Mexican military were involved in a wave of violent crime in the Phoenix area, according to local reports.
Police followed the sound of gunshots early Monday morning to the home of 30-year-old Andrew Williams, whose bullet-riddled body was found inside, the Arizona Republic reported. Officers then pursued a report of a suspicious Chevrolet Tahoe in the vehicle and arrested three suspects, all wearing body armor and carrying assault-style rifles.
A statement by one of the suspects that he had received prior military training fueled speculation into the fact that they were members of the Mexican military. Phoenix police said Wednesday that none of them were active members.
However, in a radio interview this week, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Mark Spencer said the men involved were hired by drug cartels to carry out home invasions and assassinations.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,372202,00.html
Gun license…sheesh.
And they know for sure that it wasn’t Mexican soldiers hired by the cartels?
I’m not Hank but if I were I would tell you that as soon as you show me algore is anything but a long winded politician pretending to be an expert on GW I would compare creds with you.
By the way I have never said I built houses. don’t know where you got that. But I did build my own home as energy efficient as possible and pay half the energy bills that others do for a house the size of mine. I didn’t wait to get permission for 20 years either.
You cosmos until you show me differently have zilch credibility. What are you? What makes you the expert on experts. They are many fine scientist that have studies that contradict yours. More and more are coming aboard.
You guys have won some battles but you will lose the war I think.
Alas, we’ve decoupled from GM but have coupled with idiot bush.
okobserver,
Another typical post from you…
1) You attack Al Gore, and me, because you can’t answer my question to Hank.
2) You imply that Gore should’ve renovated his house about 14 years BEFORE he bought it.
3) You lie when you claim that there “are many fine scientist that have studies that contradict yours”.
You only have unsubstantiated “opinions” from people like those on Hank’s Peabody Coal list — an economist, an ecologist, and a TV weathercaster.
Science is not based on unsubstantiated “opinions”.
Glen Beck. Great read. More at link.
“NEW YORK (CNN) — A lot of people don’t believe it, but the truth is that I really don’t know whom I’m going to vote for this November. It won’t be Barack Obama — he and I simply disagree on too many fundamental issues — but it also may not be John McCain.
As much as the media and the analysts try to pigeon-hole people as having only one political ideology, the fact is that most people (at least, most “real” people), don’t fit neatly into one predetermined set of political beliefs.
I’m no exception. Although I am a “conservative,” I’m not a “Republican,” and there’s a big difference. A true Republican, or a true Democrat, is someone who puts their party above their principles and their candidate above their conscience.
But most of us (or at least those of us who live outside the Beltway) aren’t like that. We’re more like the mad scientist Frankenstein: We’d like to take a piece of this candidate, a touch of that one and a little slice of the one over there, mash it all together and create someone who’s lines up perfectly with our values and beliefs.
Which brings me back to John McCain. Like Obama, McCain and I have fundamental differences on a host of important issues. Sure, I disagree with him less than I do with Obama, but is that really the standard we should use in choosing their candidate? Our country isn’t a reality show where we simply elect whoever’s left after all the backstabbing and lying is finished.”
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/25/beck.conservatives/index.html
OK, one more part from that link.
A conservative believes that our inalienable rights do not include housing, healthcare or Hummers.
A conservative believes that our inalienable rights DO include the pursuit of happiness. That means it is guaranteed to no one.
A conservative believes that those who pursue happiness and find it have a right to not be penalized for that success.
A conservative believes that there are no protections against the hardship and heartache of failure. We believe that the right to fail is just as important as the chance to succeed and that those who do fail learn essential lessons that will help them the next time around.
A conservative believes in personal responsibility and accepts the consequences for his or her words and actions.
A conservative believes that real compassion can’t be found in any government program.
A conservative believes that each of us has a duty to take care of our neighbors. It was private individuals, companies and congregations that sent water, blankets and supplies to New Orleans far before the government ever set foot there.
A conservative believes that family is the cornerstone of our society and that people have a right to manage their family any way they see fit, so long as it’s not criminal. We are far more attuned to our family’s needs than some faceless, soulless government program.
A conservative believes that people have a right to worship the God of their understanding. We also believe that people do not have the right to jam their version of God (or no God) down anybody else’s throat.
A conservative believes that people go to the movies to be entertained and to church to be preached to, not the other way around.
A conservative believes that debt creates unhealthy relationships. Everyone, from the government on down, should live within their means and strive for financial independence.
A conservative believes that a child’s education is the responsibility of the parents, not the government.
A conservative believes that every human being has a right to life, from conception to death.
A conservative believes in the smallest government you can get without anarchy. We know our history: The larger a government gets, the harder it will fall.
Yo cosmos!
A clue: Dr. Hansen is not a Climatologist. He is a physicist.
Our country isn’t a reality show …
Wanna bet?
I still think “Survivor: The White House” could be a money-maker. After all, there are stunts so disgusting that they can’t get people to do them … but not in this case. And hour-long show every night from now until November. Think of the advertising revenues!
Ben, congratulations and happy anniversary to you and your bride! Good work, you two!
Regular: I also see that Dr. Hansen is Al Gores’s science adviser. And he isn’t even a climatologist?
But hasn’t cosmos for sure and I think others, been denigrating anyone’s scientific opinion on climate change who isn’t a trained climatologist?
So is Al Gore’s science adviser on global warming not qualified?
Lawmakers vow to execute child rapists
(AP) — Angry politicians vowed to keep writing laws that condemn child rapists to death, despite a Supreme Court decision saying such punishment is unconstitutional.
Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst supported that state’s get-tough Jessica’s Law.
“Anybody in the country who cares about children should be outraged that we have a Supreme Court that would issue a decision like this,” said Alabama Attorney General Troy King, a Republican. The justices, he said, are “creating a situation where the country is a less safe place to grow up.”
The court’s 5-4 decision Wednesday derailed the efforts of nearly a dozen states supporting the right to kill those convicted of raping a child and said execution was confined to attacks that take a life and to other crimes including treason and espionage.
At issue before the high court was a Louisiana case involving Patrick Kennedy, sentenced to die for raping his 8-year-old daughter in her bed, an assault so severe she required surgery.
In his majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that “the death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child,” despite the horrendous nature of the crime.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/26/scotus.child.rape.ap/index.html
Sol, Numbers 1-4, 6-8, 12 and 14 are true. 5, 9, 10, 11 and 13 havent’ been true about conservatives since I was a teenager.
#5. Five words: You read the same intelligence
#9. Three words: Faith Based Initiative
#10. Four words: Passion of the Christ.
#11. Three words: Bridge to Nowhere.
#13. Two words: Death Penalty.
But 9 / 14 64% isn’t too bad.
Pastor Who Officiated at Jenna Bush Wedding Launches Pro-Obama Website
The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, leader of the largest Methodist congregation in the country, launched a website yesterday titled “James Dobson Does Not Speak For Me.”
http://tinyurl.com/52z8tu
Dr. James E. Hansen
http://www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/
Jenna Bush is for Obama as well.
Like I said cosmos, Hansen is not a Climatologist.
Obama leads in four battleground states: poll
The poll found Obama leads 49 to 44 percent in Colorado, 48 to 42 percent in Michigan, 52 to 39 percent in Wisconsin and 54 to 37 percent in Minnesota. The margin of error in each state was around 2.6 percentage points.
http://tinyurl.com/4mvuu7
Today is STILL the best day ever!!!
President lifts trade sanctions with North Korea. Also removes them from Terror List.
Very Curious.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080626/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_nkorea
The lame duck has to quack while he can.
Sol the Glen Beck column was great. It’s like he is reading my mind. So many of my friends share the same thoughts. Everyone wonders why we have so few choices and why none of them are good ones.
Oh well.
I think you took it wrong LLT, Beck is talking about conservatives not the republican party.
Read his artlicle. Kind of points that (and some other good stuff) out.
I calim Libertarian, but I don’t go 100% with what they stand for.
“President lifts trade sanctions with North Korea. Also removes them from Terror List.”
It’s probably because he wants to point to one foreign relations success during his time as pResident.
Same here OKObs. In fact, I have noticed a lot more ‘Libertarian’ converts. Like me, they don’t go 100% libertarian, but anymore, the Libertarian party has more Conservative platforms than any other current party.