This ad is creeping me out!

Much more than She-Bubba’s phone-call at 3 a.m. commercial. For someone who thinks it’s a sad reflection on today’s political discourse when someone dares to stoop so low as to say his middle name, Barrack Hussein Obama (oops! I gone and dood it!) doesn’t shy away from a commercial that is essentially just his last name. As Mark Steyn aptly observed of Stevie Wonder’s lyrically challenged ditty:

It would be hard to believe you could come up with a Barack Obama campaign song thinner in content than a Barack Obama campaign speech, but Mr. Wonder has apparently accomplished it.

This isn't that very same song, but it fits in the same Obama hymnal.

In the spirit of separation of church and state, isn’t it a bad idea to vote the messiah of his own religion into the White House?

Several pundits on the Left have bemoaned the passing of civil discourse with the death of William F. Buckley (as Joe Gillis posthumously said: "Funny how gentle people are with you once you’re dead"), leaving them with only racist scat-flinging barbarians like Rush Limbaugh. I think that assessment is horse-hockey. But what threat there is to free speech and wholesome debate can be found in the holier-than-thou attitude on behalf of the Obama campaign that paints every criticism or slight as below the belt politics. If Obama’s got a problem with his middle name, he should take it up with his parents. Couple that with his supporters that are seemingly infatuated with his last name and it's enough for alarm. I like to think that voters will expect more than vapid arguments that cover up a far left post-nationalist worldview – but who knows. When I see the glossed over eyes of his believers that seem to say "Why vote for Obama? Because Obama!" I get nervous.

A Conservative’s Guide: How to Vote for McCain and Know It’s the Right Thing To Do

A lot of conservatives are choking with rage over the prospect of a McCain candidacy and, after so many years of his fingers poking the eyes of the conservative movement, it’s easy to see why. But now he’s pretty much got the nomination sewn up, and it’s time to swallow all the personal animosity generated over the past several years and get on board the “Straight Talk Express”. That doesn’t mean that McCain should have a free pass, or that the man won’t drive conservatives batty over borders or daffy over global warming (less than 8 years left!) – if elected, there will be plenty of opportunities to give McCain hell. But as it stands now, there are reasons to appreciate that alternative McCain provides to the Obamessiah or H. Clinton and reasons why a vote for the man will be the right thing to do:

1) The War. This alone is sufficient reason to support McCain and the rest is gravy. It isn’t so much about Iraq these days. By the time a Democrat can get in the White House to snatch defeat from victory, the road to success might already be irreversible. Plus, there’s the possibility that the Obamessiah or H. Clinton, won’t be so anxious to lose Iraq on his/her watch (not a prudent assumption to make). But nothing is certain and it is still important to support the fledgling democracy. But what about the next central front on the War? Whether it’s Iran or Pakistan or somewhere else, we need a president that is not hesitant about defending our interests – and it is relatively safe to think that McCain will be that type of president. The inexperience of the Obamessiah and H. Clinton would invite unwanted testing by American enemies that are licking their chops at the prospect of a dovish Democrat who thinks the worst blunder in American history was the liberation of Iraqis.

2) Supreme Court appointees – McCain may not be as reliable as Rudy, Romney or Thompson – and he probably won’t appoint the likes of Thomas or Alito – but, at the very least, he should be able to hold the court steady with center right appointees, which is preferable to taking anywhere from 1 to 6 steps back.

3) Pork & Earmarks – McCain is against both. As a Bush Republican, I’ve always felt that Bush was unfairly criticized for “spending like a drunken sailor” – but I have to acknowledge that he has been largely absent (until this year) on the battle against ear-marks. This seems to be a fight that McCain is passionate about and, if effective, he can really advance the conservative cause.

4) Tax Cuts – Despite being against the Bush tax cuts initially, he’s pledged his support to make them permanent. Whether he will or not….who knows.

If McCain is successful in these four areas, then conservatives should be singing his praises. The decision to vote for him is as simple as pie.

President Clinton says he personally saw voter intimidation in Las Vegas

Unfortunately, a credible witness could not be found.I'm torn on who not to believe. Unions and non-secret ballots are a bad mix - yet, every time you see Slick Willy pointing his finger, he's usually got on the triangulation grease. He needs to holster that thing or else it's going to go off.

The Obammassiah & Iraq

Don't get me wrong, I'm legally obligated to point out that I think the man is likable & has some dignity about him, but I think he's infinitely and dangerously naive. In the debate last night when he asserted that the Democrat victory in 2006 is what sparked the Sunni tribes in Anbar to turn against the terrorists, it reminded me (well, 'remind' is not an accurate word since I'd never forgotten) what worries me so much about the Democrats....virtually all of them. In contrast, I found this analysis of the war, which is the best macro take I've seen in a long long time. It elaborates on the flypaper theory and describes the box al Qaeda and its affiliates found themselves in concerning Iraq. It defies the "conventional wisdom" the MSM and the Left have been defining for the past several years, but then again, so does reason. Defending and praising Rumsfeld these days is a bit tough, even to conservatives - that's how successful the scat flinging and accusations have been in tarnishing him - but the above piece does so admirably.

What on earth did I think about Charlie Wilson's War?

beyond that it was worth waging?....Go to the House Next Door to find out.

Farewell to John Howard

He's been one of the finest leaders on the world stage, as far as I can tell, and while he was in power, nobody had our back more than the Aussies, on a variety of issues. He leaves behind a strong stance against terror, a sober stance on global warming/destruction, and a booming economy. Conservatives will miss him. Good luck to the victorious Kevin Rudd and his Labor Party.

"The answer is simple: Since this controversy began, The New Republic’s sole objective has been to uncover the truth."

They are Rather-like in their quest for the truth. I'm sure Brian DePalma read Beauchamp's piece & knew he had his story.

"Faced with the fact that Beauchamp stood by his story and the fact that the Army investigation had serious gaps - as well as the fact that our earlier reporting had uncovered significant evidence corroborating Beauchamp’s accounts - The New Republic decided to continue its investigation."

Thank you, ladies & gentlemen. TNR will be here all week.

2 for 1 Friday

Kudos to Rush Limbaugh for doing more for our troops in a week than Sen. Reid has done all year.
Nancy Pelosi backs off on trying to shoot America's war effort in the foot.No patriotism was questioned during this post.

Protesting Amadedjinahddhahahlhlh at Columbia

Now that the righteous fury over Columbia's seemingly permanently reinstated invitation to Iran's nut-case president has abated a bit, the focus has shifted to how to effectively protest the man's speech. The suggestions have ranged from polite to polite, as it is mostly the right who are incensed by the invite. (nice little internal rhyming, what?)

I however would suggest to the Gay-Lesbian Transgender Bisexual Alliance (or whatever they're called this week) that it is up to them, as the most prominent aspect of western "decadism" so oft condemned by the terrorists and their politician handlers, to provide the principle response to this joker's appearance. Remember that this is a man who has had publicly hanged several teenage boys in the last few years for being caught in homosexual activities. There would be no more threatened social group in the West than gays and lesbians, if Sharia came to town...as is the stated goal of Jihad. Or one of them.

I suggest a massive kiss-in the auditorium during Amadenijihad's talk. Don't shout, don't drown out, just kiss. Boys with Boys, Girls with Girls, Boys with Girls with Boys, etc... And wear as little as is legally possible. See if you can make the shabby little dictator lose his cool. If he wants decadism, let's give him decadism.

Affectionately yours,

Escutcheon Blot

Adios Abe

Shinzo Abe never did seem to get his sea legs for Prime Minister and now he's stepping down. The LDP seems rudderless of late after recent losses at the polls and various instances of kowtowing to public pressure. Koizumi was ever bit as embattled as Abe was (not sure about the tax scandal the story hinted at), but was, nevertheless, more inspired in his leadership. While the neighborhood is dangerous enough that the vaccuum left by Abe's departure won't change the direction of Japan's foreign policy, it could cause some migraine inducing setbacks. Such is the way of democracies, two steps forward, one step back....Ah well, good-bye Abe, best of luck for your future.

Sean Penn is a hero

I wish I had his courage to speak truth to power and befriend righteous freedom lovers with a sensitive proboscis like Hugo Chavez. He is one cool dude.

Farewell, Mr. Blair

Blair may be a "worm" according to my English history professor (pre-9/11, though I imagine that professor still feels the same way) in regards to his changing various institutions in England, namely the qualifications for the House of Lords - but, no matter how low his approval numbers get in the U.K. or how many times his courage and conviction is mistaken for being poodle-esque, he'll forever be welcome in my humble home - a pallet would be made and he'll get the best possible food in my cupboard, (should he ever need a place to stay) just for being such a loyal Anglosphere ally in the War on Terror. I always felt thankful when watching him in those lively parliament debates and listening to his eloquent and inspired defense for the war. God bless Tony Blair! Civilization owes him plenty.

How to Embolden the Enemy and Not Influence People Terrorists

ETA is calling off the ceasefire despite Zapatero's capitulations. Perhaps if he just bites his lip a little harder they'll make nice. I mean, just look in the puppy dog eyes of these ETA guys. Doesn't it warm the heart?

Mental note: never join a club that requires you to wear a hood.

Tiananmen Square Massacre turns 18

It would be old enough to vote today if it was a person and it was not Chinese. Gateway is on the beat.

Don't expect any activities at the square to remember the dead - except, perhaps, some extra police to see that nothing notable happens.

In related news: No Thanks.

Political Ties

By Charlie Parsley

Hasn’t it been confirmed that it was during the 2000 Presidential hoo-ha when the color Red was assigned to Republicans to represent their Soviet-like bloodthirst for control, and Blue was assigned the Democrats because of their mellow benevolence in passing around money to people that haven’t really earned it. The terms Red State and Blue State have since been in use, and the code has subtly transferred itself into other realms of color-scheming. It will likely be denied, but when a politician is to give a speech most certainly some consideration has been given to the color of his or her tie or power suit.

Notice that politician’s neckties are generally solid colored and not striped or patterned. If there is a pattern it is low-key with a dominant background color. News commentators and reporters are more likely to display ties with bold patterns or strong colors outside of the red/blue code. Everyone knows that a loud tie on a politician effects the same consequences as throwing up on a foreign dignitary, stumbling down some steps, growing a beard or smoking a cigarette.

In discussing current State Of The Union Address, a prediction was (correctly) given that Mr. Bush’s tie of choice on Tuesday would be Light Blue. The message although unstated is clear: considering the problems with Iraq, Mr. Bush will set aside the Red tie he has boldly worn throughout his presidency. He is now looking at the Blue ties. Not a confidently deep Blue, but a lighter, gentle Blueness will send a message that may or may not be in his spoken words.

Red and Blue combined creates Purple which is most Un-American. So it may be that Red and Blue will remain forever separated, a boundary delineated with Neutral White. Even now as discussions build about the 2008 election, there is the same old statement thrown around about the people being Ready For A Change because they are tired of Business As Usual. Yet all that will happen is a switch from Red to Blue to Red to Blue to Red to Blue. A political yin-yang.

Reds and Blues are usually evenly divided 50/50 in U.S. representation. It allows for arguing of both sides which often does result in a stalemate of some sort wherein nothing gets done.

Perhaps this is for the best. Definitive decisions really do not need to be made about teaching things in schools or going back to the moon or marriages or abortions or pornography. Let the discussions about them never end.

If the people are ever truly ready for change, this author suggests the color Green. The politics of Green are admirable and deserving of opportunity. The combination Red-Green-Blue is more lively and invigorating than Red-White-Blue. Stars and Trees forever.

A little encouraging news coming out of China

The People’s Government is searching for ways to improve relations with one of the most pugnacious benevolent nations on earth. The People’s Government, realizing that a hard stance against Japan has not worked, created a team to look at ways to fix the problem with the island neighbor. The conclusions of the team: back off anti-Japanese rhetoric on Yasukuni, VJ day and Koizumi in general right before his replacement is determined. That’s all well and good, but perhaps China should look at their own textbooks if they want to temper Chinese anger. Even better, they can do something truly meaningful such as sitting that massive Chinese buttocks down hard on N. Korea to resolve the nuke and abduction issues. Sure, they may not care a whiff for those things, but it would certainly improve relations 100 fold with the country that has helped make their economic growth possible – and they wouldn’t even have to address territorial or drilling disputes.

Doggone it! I liked him!

He wielded a feeding rod like nobody's business.

Wow! Delay takes a handsome mug shot!