Indictment of Tom Delay

This editorial from the Editors at National Review shines a bright light on the indictment of Tom Delay. The editors provide details I hadn't heard before and demonstrate to me that this indictment is a sham.

Media bias 101

This article in the L.A. Times is a textbook case of slanted coverage on an issue. It's an article on proposed legislation that would reform aspects of the Endangered Species Act. Reform is generally expected on such laws, but it appears that the article's author doesn't think so.

Read for yourself, but here are a couple highlights: The writer is careful to give various special-interest-sounding groups which are members of the lone Conservative, yet environmentally-sensitive-sounding organization ("Coalition for Habitat Conservation") cited in the article. We aren't given the benefit of information about the likely suspicion-spawning special interest groups that make up the Environmentalistic group cited in opposition to the proposed changes.

Also, the writer attempts to paint a picture of the bill's sponsor, Rep. Pombo (great name, I think) by listing any and every "controversial" position he's ever taken on such matters. We aren't given a similar overview of the people who are opposing his bill. It'd be equally-relevant for the reader to know that opponents of the bill have supported people-hating, tree-hugging legislation that is at least arguably "outside the mainstream" on the issue.

I have to say that it is pretty impressive that this legislation has bi-partisan support.

Go Big Orange . . .

Maybe I'm just a little misty-eyed after watching the Vols' come back from a 21-point deficit to win at LSU in overtime, but this article by former NCAA coach Bill Curry is great reading. It reminds me of the principles in The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard. The principle is that you can't expect to rise to the occasion on cue if you haven't prepared yourself physically, emotionally, psychologically, etc. to rise to the occasion. But such thinking is so counter to modern conventional wisdom.

After reading the following story, I'm really glad that, "Tennessee refused to be part of LSU's feel-good story." (AP) This story somewhat off-handedly reports that LSU fans broke windows on the UT team busses as they made their way into the stadium prior to the game--yikes, it kind of makes you wonder what these butt-heads would have done after the game . . . I'm also a little bothered by the LSU university official's attituded about the whole thing. Read for yourself.

Surprise, surprise . . . N.O. mayhem greatly exaggerated

The Times-Picayune (New Orleans' major periodical) is reporting that the stories coming out of N.O. about death and mayhem were greatly exaggerated. Watch and see how much coverage this information gets from the so-called mainstream media . . . (hat tip, Drudgereport.com)

The L.A. Times story on the same subject. In particular, note how the linchpin to the exaggerated reports becoming mainstream was their "confirmation" by the N.O. mayor and police chief . . . in an appearance on Oprah. Those fellas were enjoying the limelight.

Election reform proposals

This Cincinnati Post editorial criticizing the bi-partisan, blue ribbon commission headed by Jimmy Carter and James Baker on the issue of election reform. The Post article makes this obvious assertion about the durability of the issue:

But the 2004 presidential election, particularly as it played out in Ohio,
resurrected the issue. Even though, in the end, there was no credible proof of
significant partisan shenanigans - nor, even, of systemic, genuine problems -
the issue of election reform has stayed alive.

This statement is true, because as long as the Dems are losing elections, they will claim that the elections are somehow unfair. I believe I've stated it before, but the 2004 election was the most scrutinized--and thereby most reliable, election IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. Dems, you lost (and are losing), stop whining and start thinking of honest means to success.

New Details on Katrina response

This op/ed provides a number of details I had not heard concerning the Katrina response. To put it bluntly, I doubt the Dems are going to want any type of credible commission to look into the gov't's response, because most of the culprits are big gov't Dems.

Federal response is not much different...

This article declares that all levels of government are drastically changing their emergency preparedness due to the Katrina disaster, but if you read the details, there is not much different on the Federal side of things. I would argue that the drastic difference after Katrina is in state and local leadership.

P.C. Religion

This article reports about a controversy surrounding the Washington Nationals MLB franchise. It appears that a Christian chapel leader, in response to a direct question from a player during a chapel, stated that Jews without Christ would not have salvation. The rabbi quoted in the article (who apparently demanded a meeting with team mgt.) is attempting to make hay about the remark, and calls the rather (in my humble opinion) obvious religious inference "bringing hate into the locker room." The issue about the Christ-rejecting Jews is a complex theological issue, but to say that it is "hate" for a religion to assert that it is correct is laughable relativism.

Wow; excellent article on so-called "Price-gouging"

Econ professor Walter Williams opines about what is commonly known as "price-gouging."

Roberts' is all but in . . .

This article reports that Sen. Arlen Specter has announced he will vote in favor of Roberts' appointment to the SCOTUS. As a result, absent the Dems finding out that the appointee made a crude joke to a female coworker 20 years ago, Roberts' is all but in. The article also has provides insight into how the Dems view this issue . . . they appear to feel entitled to equal political "power sharing" as if the court were a parliament. I'll say it again, Liberals just don't seem capable of comprehending (or willing to accept) rule of law and basic tenets of Federalism.

God bless America...

After reading these details about the German election, all I can say is I'm thankful for the political system we have.

N.O. Mayor Ray Nagin slow to learn

This article highlights the character qualities that N.O. Mayor Ray Nagin evidenced in the run up to and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina . . . he's rash, unwise, duplicitous.

Islamofascist in Memphis?

This article (courtesy of drudgereport.com) details a troubling situation in Memphis: an illegal alien . . . from Egypt . . . inexplicably in possession of a airline captain's uniform.

"Judicial v. Political Philosophy" Soapbox, Part 3

From the Sep. 26, 2005 issue of National Review :
Justice Scalia, in a California speech: "Now the Senate is looking for moderate judges, mainstream judges. What in the world is a moderate interpretation of a constitutional text? Halfway between what it says and what we'd like it to say?"

"Judicial v. Political Philosophy" Soapbox, Part 2

I just read an interesting report from ABC about the Roberts hearings. The hearings excerpts in the article show Sen. Charles Shumer's (D-N.Y.) gross misunderstanding of "judicial philosophy" and John Roberts' sense of humor.

Sen. Lindsey Graham and Roberts Hearings

I am watching re-runs of the Roberts Hearings and after listening to the questioning of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), I can see how he is so often on the muddled side of many issues. He is, you may remember, a member of the Gang of 14 who reached a "compromise" to break the judicial appointments stalemate (more like a "Survivor" alliance than governing). And he often sides with Sen. John McCain, the squishiest "leader" I can think of. But what bothered me today was his assertion that judicial philosophies inherently break down along the same lines as political philosophies. That's wrong, I think (see below 6/26/05 "judicial philosophies"), and it is not "Republican" to respect Federalism or "rule of law."

Sheehan speaks! . . . (on N.O.)

I just read this story about Cindy Sheehan on Drudgereport.com

CINDY SHEEHAN CALLS FOR U.S TO 'PULL OUR TROOPS OUT OF OCCUPIED NEW ORLEANS'Mon Sep 12 2005 12:42:11 ET Celebrity anti-war protester, fresh off inking a lucrative deal with Speaker's Bureau, has demanded at the HUFFINGTON POST and MICHAEL MOORE'S website that the United States military must immediately leave 'occupied' New Orleans. "I don't care if a human being is black, brown, white, yellow or pink. I don't care if a human being is Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, or pagan. I don't care what flag a person salutes: if a human being is hungry, then it is up to another human being to feed him/her. George Bush needs to stop talking, admit the mistakes of his all around failed administration, pull our troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq, and excuse his self from power. The only way America will become more secure is if we have a new administration that cares about Americans even if they don't fall into the top two percent of the wealthiest."Sheehan is in the middle of a bus trip across America in support of her cause. Developing...

I like this story because it demonstrates how crazed Mother Sheehan is. She obviously didn't read the memo from the DNC about Bush's failure to do whatever it took to protect N.O. from Katrina.

In a related story: Tennessee's Democrat governor made an interesting comment in a public appearance the other day, as reported in the Knoxville News-Sentinel:

"Yet the Gulf Coast disaster, which spurred widespread criticism for a sluggish and uncoordinated response by federal, state and local officials alike, has underscored the need for workable plans and the leadership to carry them out, Bredesen said in response to the mayor's question about lessons learned.
"If something like that were to happen in Tennessee," he said, "to heck with the law somebody would have to take charge." (emphasis added)

That's what I love about Liberals . . .

Judicial "smearings" not panning out for Dems

Senate Democrats have struggled to lay a glove on SCOTUS nominee John Roberts; unfortunately for them (though not for Americans), they were forced to battle this nominee on issues of relevance because they were unable to uncover something like a p*bic hair on a Coke can. Since Clarence Thomas' appointment, the Left--which has been steadily losing ideological support, has resorted to obfuscation (e.g., "Conservative judicial activism" is an oxymoron because of Conservative judicial philosophy) and personal attacks in their efforts to derail nominations.

Ann Coulter on "judicial activism"

This op/ed calls the Left on their efforts to appear "in the mainstream" on the judiciary by redefining "judicial activism." I think it's a must read.

I think my head is going to explode...

I am watching a replay of the Roberts hearings on C-SPAN2. For the record: Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) is despicably condescending, arrogant, disrespectful and self-absorbed.

Yikes, this sounds like the end times

This article sounds like something you'd read about in the end times--just substitute "the AntiChrist" for "Bill Clinton."
(hat tip: DrudgeReport.com)

Algore, my hero . . .

This fawning article about Algore's wild-eyed, enviro-freak accusations concerning "global warming" and Katrina sounds like a Gore2016! press release (or one of Sidney B.'s wonderful "articles"). Sigh . . . if only Algore had been in charge during Katrina . . .
(tip 'o the hat to www.drudgereport.com)

Moving story of a church's ministry to La. relief workers

This is a fantastic report of a Baton Rouge church's ministry to relief workers . . . it describes the harrowing circumstances for rescuers/workers and the inexplicable stubbornness of some N.O. residents. Aside from the reporter's misinterpretation of God's promise never to wipe out mankind with a flood, it is a great piece of reporting.

Some important questions that ought to be answered regarding the New Orleans disaster

Oliver North poses a number of salient questions that ought to be answered regarding the aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans.

Fact: local and state officials rejected Federal (read: Bush admin.) help until it was too late

This fascinating report chronicles the various Federal overtures that were rejected by state (Blanco) and local (Nagin) officials in Louisiana. Blanco's own words reflect that Bush was doing all he could to avert a disaster.

In an effort to avoid criticism, many Dems are attempting to cast blame on the Fount-of-evil-in-the-Universe (that is, Dubya).

Looks like tree-huggers don't care about black people.

This op/ed at nationalreview.com reports that Environmentalist whackos have long-opposed efforts to shore up the levees and manmade structures which protect New Orleans. The obvious conclusion is that tree-huggers don't care about black people.

Understanding the F.A.I.R. Tax plan

This is a good article about the F.A.I.R. Tax plan, something you should be hearing more about in the coming months. I think it is a swell idea as I think that equal treatment by gov't is a fundamental principle of a nation under rule of law not rule of men.

"Blame Amid the Tragedy"

This is the dispositive (perhaps my favorite legal term) op/ed on the issue of assigning blame for any avoidable problems in New Orleans' response to Katrina. I encourage you to read it and remember it in the coming months when the media machine is shaping public perception on this issue.

Colin Powell's ABC Interview

You're bound to hear A LOT more about Barbara Walters' interview with Colin Powell to be aired tomorrow (Friday) night on ABC. Unfortunately--after reading the above story on the interview, I perceive the reports about the interview will be very misleading. Powell's stated positions on Iraq, Katrina, etc. are very much consistent with Dubya's (read the article yourself, don't trust blurbs to know what his real opinions are). I am thankful that the teasers were not reflective of the interview, and I still have a lot of respect for Powell.

Truthmonger's Day Off (hurricane relief trip to Biloxi, MS)

I returned early this morning from a last-minute mission trip to Biloxi, MS for Katrina relief work. It was a great experience, and I am thankful my wife made it possible for me to make the trip. Naturally, I thought a lot about relief work and the challenges in responding to such a disaster while I was away, but this op/ed (written by the guy who played Ferris Bueller's monotoned teacher, "Anyone? Anyone?") is an excellent rebuttal to the partisan idiots trying to blame the disaster on the President.

And Kanye, if you're reading, I would bet my IRA that every one of the 26 people on our trip voted for George W. Bush. Dude, it ain't all about race. Quit the hatin'.

New Orleans catastrophe was foreseen . . .

This National Geographic article ominously foreshadows a Katrina-like catastrophe for the city of New Orleans. Aside from some reckless (but predictable) assertions about global warming, etc., it fairly lays out the challenges posed by a storm such as Katrina.

Were National Guard troops late in coming?

Some people (it seems like ALL people because the so-called MSM is pounding its message home) are charging the Federal gov't failed to adequately deploy National Guard troops to New Orleans after Katrina, but was the Federal Gov't (or anyone, for that matter) at fault? In a word, No.

"Why we homeschool"

I and my wife (mainly my wife) homeschool our oldest, who is starting first grade this year. We have various reasons for this choice, but I thought this list of reasons--from a homeschooling dad who is the news editor of his local paper, was thought-provoking and humorous (e.g., "no one, and I mean no one, has the right to teach my son to square dance.")

P.S. I actually enjoy square dancing, but appreciate his point.
(tip o' the hat to www.TNHomeEd.com )

Moving story of refugee family

Here is an inspiring story of a black family refugeed from New Orleans. I mention the family's race because race is a theme of the report. (tip 'o the hat to Drudge Report).

Racist reporting from New Orleans?

I just read this interesting article about alleged racist reporting about looting in New Orleans. You have probably seen both of these photos (with the alleged captions). I noticed this problem when I first saw the photo of the "lighter-skinned" couple, I guess because it was linked on Drudge's front page at one point. But, ironically, my first thought was, "they didn't 'find' something in a grocery store and have any more right to it than someone who 'looted' it from a grocery store."

I also heard G. Gordon Liddy yesterday opining that reporting from N.O. might be racist, but I'm not sure I want reporters trying to "report" with self-determined or self-perceived representative samples. The reality is that 2/3 of the people--from what I've heard, that lived in downtown N.O. were black. Unfortunately, that statistically means that 2/3 of the images coming out of there will contain photos of blacks. When a photographer takes 300 pictures and tries to pare it down to three focused, poignant, "good" photos, the likelihood that the three shots will contain blacks is VERY high.

My main observation, though, is that I seriously doubt that the major-league PC-types at AP and the French AFP intended anything racist.

Economic principles front and center

I just read this in an article about Katrina's impact: "A few [gas] stations turned off their pumps because wholesale prices were rising so fast that they were selling fuel at a loss -- even as prices spiked overnight to levels well above $3 a gallon."

This is the irony of interfering with the free market. Gas is more valuable now than it was on Saturday morning; there's less of it; there's a perception that it is going to be even more scarce as time goes on, so people are buying up more of it, and so on, and so on . . . When politicians order a business to only sell it at a loss, then business owners will likely opt not to sell it at all, and so on . . . and so on . . . The higher price of gas in my area has caused me to (a) drive the speed limit, (b) drive without a/c today (temp. 97 degrees), and (c) put off piddly/unnecessary errands til later or combine all my errands in one trip. That is a valuable change in behavior, and it wouldn't have happened if I could buy gas for cheap.

Here is an excellent op/ed explaining why letting the market set the price of gas does not deserve the label "gouging."

Amazing tragedy in Iraq

This is an amazing story (hat tip, Drudgereport) about the tragedy in Iraq . . . a procession of Shiite Muslims reacted to a rumored suicide bomber in their midst while walking across a bridge and 800 people were either trampled or killed from falling off the bridge.