Obama's Speech

Some thoughts on Barack Obama's speech yesterday:

1) I didn't hear him deliver it live. After reading the transcript, I though it actually a good speech, even though I disagree with his positions. Then, I heard the sound bites. Could he have delivered this speech more like somebody addressing a convention of retired insurance adjusters? In reading it, I expected an upbeat presentation. From his tone and cadence, it was clear that the Empty Suit wanted to be doing anything but giving that speech.

2) Senator Obama's reflections on the last 50 years of race relations and the factors that persist in American cities range from laughable to absurd to simply disingenuous. It's the Democrats who prevented the participation of African Americans in unions and opposed desegregation. It's the Democrats who have been running our cities and schools, by and large. It's the Democrats who have created the culture of dependency going back to LBJ's Great Society and before. It's the Democrats etc., etc., etc., so now we - and the minority groups who they claim to stand for - should just keep voting them in office, all the while ignoring the complete failure of all their policies over the last fifty years. Right, got it, keep pouring my glass of Kool-Aid please.

3) I can't see how anybody - except perhaps a spaghetti-spined, "can't we all just get along" moderate - could be pleased with the content of the speech. The left will think he sold out; the right that he completely missed the issue.

Does he now have the creds for the ordination track?

Disgraced former Governor James McGreevey (D-NJ), now a non-ordination track student at the General Theological Seminary of The Episocpal Church in NYC, apparently has no shame.

In this story found at Fox News (and elsewhere), Mr. McGreevey (D-NJ) is apparently confirming the story that his former driver and campaign aide, Theodore Petersen, has stated that he testified to in a deposition; that the two of them engaged in "threesomes" with Mr. McGreevey's (D-NJ) estranged wife, Dina Matos McGreevey, prior to the McGreevey's sham (to him, not her, allegedly) marraige tainted by Mr. McGreevey's (D-NJ) unacknowledged sexual orientation.

Mr. McGreevey (D-NJ) is saying that this information has to be out in the open so they can "move on with their lives" and ostensibly for the sake of their 6 year-old daughter.

How exactly is having this story out going to help the McGreevey's daughter?

Is it just me, or does this play like James McGreevey (D-NJ) is upset that somebody else has been hogging gubenatorial sex scandal headlines?

Given the state of affairs in The Episcopal Church, this new revelation may have just punched Mr. McGreevey's (D-NJ) ticket for ordination, conscecration, and elevation to Presiding Bishop someday. He's certainly met what these days seems to be their threshold...

Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison

TFH 3/17: Vanguard 1 - 50 Years in Orbit!

On March 17, 1958 the United States Naval Research Laboratory succesfully launched Vanguard 1 into orbit. Vanguard 1 was the first solar powered satellite, the second satellite launched successfully by the free world, and the fourth orbiting man-made satellite overall.

Today 50 years on, though its transmitters are long silent, Vanguard 1 continues to orbit the Earth as the oldest man-made object in space.

Read more at the Naval Research Laboratory's Tribute Site.

50 years - ~196,000 orbits - by any count, a finest hour in space exploration!

Congrats to RCR: 1, 2, 3!

Richard Childress Racing sweeps Bristol!

1st: Jeff Burton
2nd: Kevin Harvick
3rd: Clint Bowyer

ROCK ON!

The Awesome Senator from Arizona

No, not John McCain - John Kyl! I just heard him this morning on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, and he was brilliant.

He was responding to surrender/failure pitcher James Webb (D-VA), so for sake of equality, the link to Webb's segment is also included. Kyl was as upbeat and confident as Webb was defeatist.

Audio of the segments should be available by 12:00 ET.

Perhaps the Empty Suit isn't so empty...

...instead, he could be full of hatred, whack-job conspiracy theories, and worse. Senator Barack Obama has, on numerous occasions, called attention to his association with the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Pastor Emeritus of the Trinity United Church of Christ and spoke of him in complimentary terms.

The Power Line crew has a (to this point) four-part rundown of the situation with links to other contributors:

The Audacity of Hate
The Audacity of Hate, Part Two
The Audacity of Hate, Part Three
The Audacity of Hate, Part Four

There is absolutely NO WAY Senator Obama can be allowed to minimize or weasel out of his association with this Preacher of Hate. Jeremiah Wright married Barack and Michelle Obama, baptized their children, blessed their home, and is/was Senator Obama's pastor for twenty-some-odd years.

The Senator's disassociation from his pastor is laughable. If I ever heard such despicable, untrue, vindictive, hateful speech coming from the pulpit of my church, I'd be out of there. I wouldn't be hanging around for years, having the hatemonger baptize my children, or be welcome in my home, much less pronounce a blessing on it.

I can only draw one conclusion, and that is that Senator Obama likely subscribes in full to the Rev. Dr. Wright's scree. That puts them both very close to membership in the category of "enemies domestic."

Prayers needed for the Church; Realignment Ahead!

Stand Firm reports that Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori is planning to depose my Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan, prior to the Lambeth Conference later this year.

Locally, the Coalition for Realignment has launched within the Diocese of Pittsburgh. To quote from their close of the initial letter to the Diocese:

We are convinced that we have a great future as faithful followers of Jesus, and that for the vast majority in our diocese, that future will best be served by realigning with part of that large majority of Anglican Christians around the world who are unashamed of the Gospel. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16

I'm proud that the Rector of my parish is one of the Coalition's steering commitee members.

Please pray for the church, for our Bishops +Robert and +Henry, for all faithful priests and deacons in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and for the parishes - like my own - for whom 2008 will be a year of decision, action, and unabashedly standing for Christ's Gospel.

A sane voice at CNN?

Glenn Beck is certainly one of the few sane voices on CNN's payroll. This commentary available through CNN's website is right on the money.

Remember the kid from that interminable 1980s commercial whose father caught him using drugs? The father incredulously asked, "Who taught you how to do this
stuff?" and the kid responded, "You, alright? I learned it by watching
you."

Well, we are that kid and our government is that drug-using father who
doesn't think that anyone notices his bad habits.

Our government is leading us by example, and I don't mean that in a good way. For years, it has spent us into oblivion, mortgaging our future for programs we can't afford, and Americans have happily followed suit, running up credit card bills and home equity loans for things they never should've bought.

Unfortunately, we're also learning something else from our government: how to avoid taking responsibility for our actions.

From Eliot Spitzer's alleged hooker craze to the revelation that Arnold Schwarzenegger commutes to work in a large private jet even as he preaches the dangers of carbon dioxide emissions, there's never been a shortage of "do what I say, not what I do" hypocrites in politics.

Read it all.

TFH 3/14: LTJG(SEAL) Joseph R. Kerrey, USNR

Most folks out there would better recognize the name "Joseph R. Kerrey" as Bob Kerrey, the former two-term Democratic Senator from Nebraska. I recognize him here as an American hero. From Medal of Honor citiations:

KERREY, JOSEPH R.

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Naval Reserve, Sea, Air, and Land Team (SEAL). place and date: Near Nha Trang Bay, Republic of Vietnam, 14 March 1969. Entered service at: Omaha, Nebr. Born: 27 August 1943, Lincoln, Nebr. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a SEAL team leader during action against enemy aggressor (Viet Cong) forces. Acting in response to reliable intelligence, Lt. (J.G..) Kerrey led his SEAL team on a mission to capture important members of the enemy's area political cadre known to be located on an island in the bay of Nha Trang. In order to surprise the enemy, he and his team scaled a 350-foot sheer cliff to place themselves above the ledge on which the enemy was located. Splitting his team in 2 elements and coordinating both, Lt. (J.G..) Kerrey led his men in the treacherous downward descent to the enemy's camp. Just as they neared the end of their descent, intense enemy fire was directed at them, and Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey received massive injuries from a grenade which exploded at his feet and threw him backward onto the jagged rocks. Although bleeding profusely and suffering great pain, he displayed outstanding courage and presence of mind in immediately directing his element's fire into the heart of the enemy camp. Utilizing his radioman, Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey called in the second element's fire support which caught the confused Viet Cong in a devastating crossfire. After successfully suppressing the enemy's fire, and although immobilized by his multiple wounds, he continued to maintain calm, superlative control as he ordered his team to secure and defend an extraction site. Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey resolutely directed his men, despite his near unconscious state, until he was eventually evacuated by helicopter. The havoc brought to the enemy by this very successful mission cannot be over-estimated. The enemy soldiers who were captured provided critical intelligence to the allied effort. Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey's courageous and inspiring leadership, valiant fighting spirit, and tenacious devotion to duty in the face of almost overwhelming opposition sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

An alternate rendering of his citation can be found at the Home of Heroes

Senator Kerrey, I honor your bravery, determination, and sacrifices for the cause of Freedom. While I disagree with many if not most of your political stances, I thank you for your honorable service to our Nation, both in uniform and out.

No doubt in my mind though that March 14, 1969 was your finest hour!

In Rememberance: Laurie Beechman - March 8, 1998

My family and I are planning to take our summer vacation in the NY/NJ area. We're planning to take my very artistic, 6-year old daughter Penny to the Broadway production of The Lion King as one of our activities.

This sparked me to go back and listen to some of my original Broadway cast recordings of many of the shows I saw years ago. I then started thinking about some of the performances I saw (Lea Salonga as Eponine in Les Miserables, for example) and how fortunate I had been to see them live.

Well, one wonderful voice I remember from those shows was that of Laurie Beechman, the original Narrator in the NY production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (which I saw both on and off-Broadway), and who I also saw performing Grizabella in Cats (also an ALW show).

After doing some "what are they up to now" searching via Google, I was saddened to learn that Laurie Beechman lost her life after a protracted battle with ovarian cancer on March 8, 1998 - just over 10 years ago. She was about one month short of her 45th birthday.

The only recording I have of Laurie's music is my Joseph original cast recording, but I'm going to be getting some of her solo recordings.

There's a tribute site to the life and music of Laurie Beechman here. Please visit.

Washington DC: Business as Usual

The Congress has rejected a one-year moratorium on earmark spending - that is, pork-barrel spending (let's call a spade a spade, shall we) - and has also announced their intentions to impose what I believe would be the largest tax increase in US history by not affirming the tax cuts enacted under President Bush.

If you haven't filled out your Form 1040 for 2007 yet, remember these actions with each digit you enter.

Remember that the Congress cares not about your money; they care only for their power.

Remember that the Congress cares not about the constitutionality of the programs they fund; they care only for their power.

Of everybody in America, why is it the Congress that is never asked to do with less?

What the French Foreign Minister Really Meant

If he was speaking in his native tounge, Monsieur Bernard Kouchner of France was misquoted - I think - in this English translation:

PARIS — Bernard Kouchner, the foreign minister of France, said Tuesday that
whoever succeeds Bush in the White House will have to restore the United States'
battered image and standing overseas...Kouchner said the United States will
never be the country it was before the Bush presidency and would have to work to
repair its reputation, especially since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq..."I
think the magic is over," Kouchner told the International Herald Tribune. "It
will never be as it was before"...although it will take time, the new president
will have “many means to re-establish the image” of a country whose reputation
is suffering. Kouchner also discussed holding out hope of talking with Hamas,
the Palestinian faction that rules the Gaza Strip but has been ostracized by the
West and by its Palestinian rival, Fatah.
"We have to talk with our
enemies," he said.

What he really said is:

SURRENDER, SURRENDER, SURRENDER! Really, Islamofascists just want to peacefully coexist with us!

What I say is:

TFH 3/12: PFC Bryant E. Womack, USA

The medics who serve along side our front line soldiers - and their brethren Navy corpsmen who care for the Marines - are often unsung heroes. However, their selflessness under fire to care for the wounded in combat must be recognized.

From Medal of Honor Citiations:

*WOMACK, BRYANT E.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Medical Company, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Sokso-ri, Korea, 12 March 1952. Entered service at: Mill Springs, N.C. Birth: Mill Springs, N.C. G.O. No.: 5, 12 January 1953. Citation: Pfc. Womack distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Pfc. Womack was the only medical aid man attached to a night combat patrol when sudden contact with a numerically superior enemy produced numerous casualties. Pfc. Womack went immediately to their aid, although this necessitated exposing himself to a devastating hail of enemy fire, during which he was seriously wounded. Refusing medical aid for himself, he continued moving among his comrades to administer aid. While he was aiding 1 man, he was again struck by enemy mortar fire, this time suffering the loss of his right arm. Although he knew the consequences should immediate aid not be administered, he still refused aid and insisted that all efforts be made for the benefit of others that were wounded. Although unable to perform the task himself, he remained on the scene and directed others in first aid techniques. The last man to withdraw, he walked until he collapsed from loss of blood, and died a few minutes later while being carried by his comrades. The extraordinary heroism, outstanding courage, and unswerving devotion to his duties displayed by Pfc. Womack reflect the utmost distinction upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

Bryant Womack, thank you for your service and sacrifice for the cause of Freedom. March 12, 1952 was your finest hour!

He's Gone

Spitzer resigns. Good riddance.

This morning though, I was somewhat bewildered by reports that Mr. Spitzer's wife, Silda (ed. comment - look at her, why would you cheat on that? Yes, there's a babe factor there.), was encouraging her unfaithful husband to not resign the Governorship.

That only makes sense on Silda Spitzer's part if she intended to let her soon to be ex-husband to get dragged through the mud even more, impeached, removed from office, indicted, tried, convicted, and imprisioned with as much embarrasment to him as possible, so that she can clean up even more in the divorce.

I'm praying for Silda and her three daughters that they find some comfort and shelter from the disgrace of their husband/father. I'm praying for Mr. Spitzer too, that he find some redemption of his brokenness.

For those out there who say prostitution is a victimless crime, here are the victims: Elyssa (Age 18), Sarabeth (15), and Jenna (13). May He bring them peace.

A Liberal Sees the Light!

Drudge linked to this article in the Village Voice by playwright/screen writer David Mamet entitled, Why I Am No Longer a "Brain-Dead Liberal".

Of course, I think the "brain-dead" qualification is a bit redundant, but what a refreshing read. Yes, they can be taught! Just one excerpt:

[C]lasses in the United States are mobile, not static, which is the Marxist
view. That is: Immigrants came and continue to come here penniless and can (and
do) become rich; the nerd makes a trillion dollars; the single mother, penniless
and ignorant of English, sends her two sons to college (my grandmother). On the
other hand, the rich and the children of the rich can go belly-up; the hegemony
of the railroads is appropriated by the airlines, that of the networks by the
Internet; and the individual may and probably will change status more than once
within his lifetime.

Amen, brother, and welcome home! I've always admired and enjoyed Mr. Mamet's work; it's icing on the cake to have him in the fold.

Read the whole thing...

Oh, barf

Couldn't the GOP have found somebody better than ex-HP CEO Carly Fiorina - fired and shoved out the door (not soon enough) by the company - to be their "Victory Chairman"?

Yoo hoo, GOP, it's the Democrats for whom failure equals success and promotion.

When in doubt, use a blender

The world is a dangerous place; it's full of bad guys. And the two greatest forces for good in the world are the Blendtec Total Blender and Chuck Norris.

See that video, and the rest of the capabilities of the Blendtec Total Blender at Will it Blend?

And as they say, "don't try it at home".

Who are the racists?

Another example of how the mainline, Cackler-supporting Democrats - in this case Geraldine Ferraro - view The Empty Suit.

Is it just me, or do you "hear" in Ms. Ferraro's words: "Barack Obama just needs to get back in his place"?

Hat tip: Drudge

TFH 3/10: Almon Brown Strowger

Almon Brown Strowger received his patent for designing the first electromechanical telephone switching device on this day in 1891. His invention is the forerunner of today's networking equipment and furthered the communications revolution, which lead ultimately to the cybernetic revolution and the Internet.

Inventing direct dial, operator-less, automatic telephone switching? Sounds like a finest hour to me!

Culture of Corruption?

Isn't this the kind of story that is supposed - according to Nancy Pelosi anyway - to only be about a Republican? It's about the Democratic "Mr. Clean" too...

UPDATE (3/10 @ 1613): This is a very funny take, found via Google Search...