2004-11

Our military is too dang small [John Hay]-2004-11-30 15:51:29 In regard to Iran one point needs to be considered; our military is too small. I like Rummy and Bush, but we do not have enough troops in Iraq, much less enough to push over into Iran if needed. The problem is we don't have that many more troops we can send. Of those we've sent, many are national guard and not regulars; not to mention that of the 138,000 over there, how many are actually combat troops versus support? How did we get into this pickle? Oh right, Clinton. It always comes down to Clinton, doesn't it? The magnitude of the "downsizing" of our military during the Clinton administration has still not fully registered with Americans yet. Sure Bush 41 did some, but Clinton just slashed. Remember Gore's reinventing government and the bragging about all the "downsizing" of government? Well, it was all military. The rest of the government grew like usual. From what I can figure, our military is basically half or less what it was, in basically all branches except the marines (maybe even them, too). All the fancy gadgets and superior training cannot makeup for boots on the ground.

Baby Austin [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-30 14:56:20 We will continue to pray for Austin and the rest of the family Scott. Proverbs 3:5-6

Iran [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-30 14:54:46 Israel won't be doing any bombing in Iran. First, we are talking about much more than a surgeical strike or two...this program is ready to go full blown. Second, the United States will not ruin what little credibility it has by allowing them to use Iraqi (US) Air Space. The problem, as I see it, is that we have wasted a lot of captial on the Iraq project. While I believe the Iraq project is important...it currently runs a distant third in importance behind Iran and N. Korea. We would be in a pretty pickle if we struck Iran and they decided it was all out war and invaded Iraq. In short, I'm afraid we have hogtied ourselves are totally at the mercy of the UN and EU...thus we have outsourced our National Security to the dreaded masses.

Iran [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-30 14:11:27 Samuel: I agree there doesn't seem to be the visible sense of urgency that I would hope and expect. Serious stuff, here. I lived in Iran from '77-'79 (got out about 6 months before the hostages were taken), and was at just the right age to learn to love the country. I remember weeping as we left. So I have a soft spot in my heart for the people, the country, the culture, etc. I was speaking with an Iranian friend a couple of weeks ago, and he was emphasizing how much they hate the government there, and how much they wish the U.S. would help shake off that manic regime. I have harped on this subject repeatedly, but I'll say it again: It wouldn't take much to get a real revolution under way there. The U.S. probably wouldn't have to put a single boot on the ground (though some covert C.I.A. assistance would probably be very helpful). Sanctions against the government, monetary and intelligence assistance for the revolutionaries, communications and propaganda assistance (particularly in the form of radio and television broadcasts into the country), and that's probably the bulk of what it would take. The benefits would be incalculable. Iran is probably the most powerful country in the region -- it's definitely the largest (if you don't count the Arabian Peninsula), and has the most habitable land. It's also one of the most technologically advanced. If we were to help usher in a democratic, or even just friendly, regime there, we would wind up with a pro-America swath across the Middle East that would completely change the complexion of the area (Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan -- not to speak of Turkey and Israel). Why don't we do this? I don't have the foggiest idea. One other thing, Samuel: It is very conceivable that Israel may take matters into their own hands (like they did in Iraq) and bomb any nuclear facilities they find in Iran. I'm not sure I oppose that idea, though it would certainly make things tense.

Good Posts [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-30 14:00:00 John: All three posts were right on (BCS, Rottweiler, Beltway). You are forgiven. As for the rest of you slackers . . .

Baby Austin Update [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-30 13:58:26 Just got back from the hospital. The MRI of Austin's brain looked normal (wish they could say the same about mine), so no obvious problems there. Which leaves us with the obvious problem of what the heck is wrong. Still don't know -- more tests out. Prayers are still heavily solicited and much appreciated. I had a few news-type comments I intended to post, but will probably save those for tomorrow or later tonight. I plan on going home early and starting to tear apart a motorcycle engine with Dad Gosnell. Wanted to go shooting at the range, but it's too wet. Too bad; good therapy.

APOLOGY NOT ACCEPTED [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-30 12:47:24 I thought it was a fine piece of prose myself. So, I won't accept your apology.

Okay, I messed up [John Hay]-2004-11-30 12:24:32 I should have left out the ENTIRE last paragraph of the previous Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler post. Sorry guys.

Repost from the Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler (with select censoring of commentary) [John Hay]-2004-11-30 12:21:33 Annan 'surprised' at son's link to oil-for-food scandal By Anne Penketh Diplomatic Editor 30 November 2004 Please make a note of one of the very rare occurrences of correct usage of sneer quotes by the MSM. "The United Nations has revealed that the son of the secretary general, Kofi Annan, worked for a company being investigated in the Iraqi oil-for-food scandal for four years longer than he first admitted." ...meaning from the year of 1999 to 2003, one might usefully add. "Mr Annan said last night he was "very disappointed and surprised" that his son Kojo had not told him the full story of his links to Cotecna in Geneva." ... [Kofi], You're telling us that your son, your own SON, worked for four years for one of the biggest scams ever perpetrated by your own cosmically inept circus of bumbling bureaucratic baboons and you didn't know? What? Was it his secret identity, perhaps? During the day he was the faithful, tee-totalling Son of Kofi, but when night fell across the land, he jumped into the nearest sewer and changed into his super hero costume, emerging as Cotecna Man™? What in the name of the dangling right test---- of the guardian of the Ninth Gate of Hell do you take us for, you useless ---- on the barren, syphilitic sow that is the UN? One of your employees? Pardon us for saying so, but nowhere outside of Turtle Bay have prokaryotes managed to pose as human beings, much less believe any of the unbelievably, unutterably stupid %$#@ that you try to foist on mankind, so save your "surprise" for the jury - and the firing squad, if ever we have our fondest dreams come true.

Second post to begin erasing the shame of Scott's chastisement [John Hay]-2004-11-30 12:11:27 The BCS stinks to high heaven. Everything that can go against Auburn seems to be dooing so. When Auburn wins convincingly, people don't say "wow, they must be good", instead the writers say "wow, the other team must not be that good" - or at least that is how it seems to me. Is the SEC down this year? Yes, but only a little. What has mostly happened is that we've finally had that dreaded season where everyone beats up on each other and most of the SEC has middling records. Many worried about this when the league expanded and went to a championship game, but it hadn't come to pass yet. Instead, it has mostly produced at least one extremely strong SEC team that has competed for the national championship. It did so again with Auburn, but it appears we will still be outside looking in. Not only that, we will probably end up playing a lesser team in the Sugar Bowl, making it hard for the team to get up to play.

Birmingham specific post [John Hay]-2004-11-30 12:06:49 I'm going to give a preview of an upcoming article here to see what you guys think. Basically, the Birmingham News had a recent article explaining that the state was already looking at cost-cutting measures for the upcoming northern beltline (or bypass if you prefer) for Birmingham. Now, I'm as fiscally conservative as it gets, but I have a couple problems with this. First, the bypass is vital not only to Birmingham, but to all of Alabama. It will increase development on the north side just as 459 did on the southside of Birmingham. It will also make our roads safer by routing many of the trucks having to use the highways and I-65 to the bypass, also saving truckers a good 20-30 minutes in Birmingham. Second, this bypass is LONG OVERDUE! We are one of the few cities our size in the country that still does not have a full beltline road system. Third, the Birmingham area sends massive amounts of gas tax revenues to the state, but only gets back around 33 cents on the dollar. Is it too much to ask that they do this project right and not on the cheap? Well, that's basically the gist of it. Thanks.

Now for this morning's... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-30 09:33:20 perfunctory UGA plug. Indeed.

Chatter [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-30 09:14:13 Scott, we are praying for you, your wife, and of course young Austin. I haven't been parked in front ot the t.v. lately, but I don't seem to see the urgency on the Iran situation that I think is needed. This is the biggest nuclear crisis our country has faced since the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 60's. We don't have many options available either. A. We can fly some B-2's in and take care of things. B. We can wait on the Europeans and the IAEA to get an agreement--this looks real useful about now doesn't it??? I mean, who let IRAN get this far? IAEA C. We can do nothing and let Iran -- IRAN of all nations, acquire nuclear weapons. Folks, it doesn't get worse than Iran. They are the Wal Mart of terrorist nations -- they greet terrorists at the door with a smile and they will sell cheap! Duck and cover won't even be an option because the group they sell to will simply slip it into the middle of Montgomery and blow 'er up.

Wow -- You Guys Are Slack! [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-30 09:01:13 Hello? . . . Hello? . . . Anybody out there? . . . Man, I'm out of the loop for a few days, and things pretty much go to H-E-Double-hockey-sticks in a pagoda. I'm embarrassed! Where's all the insightful news analysis? Where's all the cutting-edge commentary? Where's all the witty reparte? Where's the pumpkin pie? Okay, for those who haven't heard, there's a new stud in the Gosnell household. Austin Roberts Gosnell was born on November 23rd at 3:07 p.m. He is having some issues, and is in the NICU for testing, observations, etc., and we are praying that all is well with him and that he will be able to come home soon. The lovely Donna came home on Thanksgiving, and is doing well. Mom and Dad Gosnell have been in town doing the shopping, cooking, cleaning, fixing leaks, and whatever else I can find for them to do. Will keep you updated as to Baby Austin's condition. In the meantime, READ A NEWSPAPER FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Let's hear some chatter! By the way, how about that BCS, huh?

A Sad Humanity [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-28 21:43:57 This story is as sad as it is revealing. Some observations -- during my time in the Air Force working as a "Law Enforcement Specialist" (hehe) I was stationed at Ankara Air Station, Ankara Turkey -- for my first six months I worked a "checkpoint" on a pretty regular basis. We operated out of the only "Bombproof" gate shack in the world at the time--the day to day fear and reality that terrorists had our "types" on their list was enough to jade the most tender-hearted among us. I can only imagine what it must be like for soldiers in Israel working under the constant stress--never knowing if the supposed violin player is really a bomber in transit to the local pizza parlor. I say, give these guys a break -- play your violin for them and move on. (BTW -- I've enjoyed reading all your posts, and congratulations to Scott and family on their recent addition.)

The elite media... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-28 14:06:04 weights in on three week old news. Interesting that the convenient tidbit that Alabama's constitutional ban on integrated schools was trumped -- then and now -- by federal law isn't mentioned until 800 miles into the 802 mile road trip. Fortunately, the people who actually sit down to read this trash have an insular view of the South to begin with. So, know damage done.

If I worked at ESPN... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-23 17:23:12 I would have a great idea for a new SportsCenter commercial. It was inspired somewhat by the new Burger King ads for their chicken sandwiches. You know, the commercial with those maniacal chickens (Crispy and Spicy) beating the stew out of each other? So, Stuart Scott and some unnamed intern are walking through a corridor between a couple of cubicles. Then, a wall from a cubicle comes flying down and plants fall over with paper scattered all over the place. "Cocky" the Gamecock and the Clemson Tiger are rolling on the floor in a fisticuffs and take out the no-name intern in the process. All of the sudden, Ron Artest runs down the hall and breaks them up. "Fellas, didn't your fans teach you any better?" He says to them, scoldingly. I'm running to Hill & Knowllton with this idea tomorrow. No. Tonight.

David Stern just suspended for the rest of the season for so many typos (in repentance I am re-posting this post with corrections) [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-23 14:05:58 I don't think the world of sports is coming to an end. I think each of these episodes are unrelated--not that they don't need to be taken care of. Ron Artest is a cowardly thug. If you watched the tape (I didn't see the whole game), Ben Wallace (a native of White Hall, Alabama in Lowndes County)pushed him and "got all up in his face." Artest wanted none of Wallace. He backed down quickly and was looking for a place to vent his frustration (anywhere except around Wallace). The thrown beer gave him an "excuse" to go after a much weaker target and he did. Artest got what he deserved. If and when he comes back, and does it again, he should be banned for life. The Clemon-S.C. game I didn't see, but there are flare-ups every couple of years. I don't think it is getting out of hand, and I don't think it was in any way related to the Indiana-Pistons fight. I agree that fans are the "sixth" player or "twelveth man" and that they be loud and hard on the opponents VERBALLY. Throwing things onto the field of play is a different story. Anyone who does that should be arrested and banned for at least a year. The home team should have enough security to enforce this. No player should have to (or be allowed) to self-enforce these rules. I loved going to basketball games as a student at Auburn and bad-mouthing Kentucky's center (Melvin Turpin--all 6'9" of him) and knowing from the look in his eye that he'd heard me and didn't like what I said. I NEVER threw anything. If authorities like David Stern take "stern" actions like he did, throwing out the thugs and arresting the unruly fans, I think this is a non-problem.

My Take on Sports, Violence & the Ron Artest Episode [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-23 14:02:48 I don't think the world of sports is coming to an end. I think each of these episodes are unrelated--not that don't need to be taken care of. Ron Artest is a cowardly thug. If he watched the tape (I didn't see the whole game), Ben Wallace (a native of White Hall, Alabama in Lowndes County)pushed him and "got all up in his face." Artest wanted none of Wallace. He backed down quickly and was looking for a place to vent his frustration (anywhere except around Wallace). The thrown beer gave him an "excuse" to go after a much weaker target and he did. He got what he deserved. If and when he comes back, and does it again, he should be banned for life. The Clemon-S.C. game I didn't see, but there are flare-ups every couple of years. I don't think it is getting out of hand, and I don't think it was in any way related to the Indiana-Pistons fight. I agree that fans are the "sixth" player or "twelveth man" and that they be loud and hard on the opponents VEBALLY. Throwing things onto the field of play is a different story. Anyone who does that should be arrested and banned for at least a year. The home team should have enough security to enforce this. No player should have to (or be allowed) to self-enforce these rules. I loved going to basketball games as a student at Auburn and bad-mouthing Kentucky's center (Melvin Turpin--all 6'9") of him and knowing from the look in his eye that he'd heard me and didn't like what I said. I NEVER threw anything. If authorities like David Stern take "stern" actions like he did, throwing out the thugs and arresting the unruly fans, I think this is a non-problem.

This doesn't strike me as... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-23 13:22:34 news. But, I am holding my breath for the Senekot endorsements to roll in.

Over at the Kerry Spot... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-23 09:08:00 Jim Geraghty uses my much beloved Duke Blue Devils and their admiring Cameron Crazies to point out that we need to return to the days of "fans cheering on their own team instead of trying to humiliate the opposition." Ummm, folks, what are we turning in to? First of all, one of my favorite baseball moviementeries is 61*: an HBO production about Roger Maris's home run season. If you recall, Yankees fans treated him like total scum (that's New York for you.) The United States has always been a tough crowd: we hold our athletes to an unachievable standard, so were always consistently dissappointed. We love our teams. I love UGA, y'all love Auburn, and the Cameron Crazies love Duke Basketball. Honestly, did they pack Wallace Wade stadium for the UNC game last weekend? No. Second, Duke fans are far from mean spirited. And even if they were nasty, that's part of the game. My freshman year in college, I hopped over to Tech to go to the Duke-Tech basketball game. I had a Duke shirt on and was the only guy cheering during a 72-49 rout. I had hot dogs, cokes, all sorts of crap tossed on me: just for being there! Georgia Tech campus police had to escort me out with five minutes left. Their advice: you better start running. AT GEORGIA TECH! Tech! Humiliating the opposition is a part of cheering. It's a part of the "homefield advantage." Obviously, there is a line that shouldn't be crossed. But, Geraghty (a blogger I normally enjoy) sounds like one of those sensitive self-esteem peddlers in our public schools.

Ted Rall on Hannity & Colmes... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-22 22:00:30 I don't understand why anyone would feel compelled to give this guy face time. What a vile, disturbed man. It's as if someone pulled a character out of Office Space, sent him to journalism school, and mixed in at least three liters of estrogen (sorry, ladies). If he is in any way representative of the burgeoning mainstream in the Democrat Party/liberal movement, Bill Frist might as well start raising funds for his Presidential Library at Vanderbilt.

What a gesture! [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-22 17:30:19 USA Today, apparently, snatched up a homeless guy off the streets of Loudon County, VA to write this piece about Friday night basketbrawl in West Fallujah (Detroit). Gannett: our heart is in the "write" place.

3rd try [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-22 17:10:04 It would help to spell the name of the site correctly. Try this. If that doesn't work, go to www.kevinsites.net.

2nd try at link [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-22 17:07:39 Click here. If that doesn't work, try www.kevensite.net.

Read the Photographer's side of the story (re: Marine shooting) [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-22 17:04:32 Go here. Like you guys, I rarely trust a reporter, but something about the way this guys writes has a ring of truth about it.

We're In Control Here [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-22 16:49:09 According to obscure line-of-succession provisions in the PAS constitution, if our fearless leader is incapacitated (even vicariously so), fellow bloggers take charge of the blogsite. Paraphrasing Alexander Haig, "We're in control here." There's a new sheriff in town., boys. One mispelled word, one split infinitive, heck, one split end, and kaput, the death penalty. (And, by the way, Philip Fulmer's word, anonymously spoken, is good enough for me.) So watch yourself. By the way, I've always thought "Bart" is a great name for a male child.

Baby Gosnell [David Null]-2004-11-22 16:05:56 Fellow bloggers, Go home tonight and PRAY that the new Baby Gosnell comes out looking just like the lovely Donna, and not like our friend Scott. (Sorry, Scott, it had to be said.) But seriously Scott, we do share your joy at the impending newest addition to your family. Best of luck to all of you---especially to your lovely wife, as she will do 99% of the hard labor (pun intended) involved. Here's wishing for a happy, healthy baby and a routine, standard birthing experience with no complications. We wish you well, and want to see the photos soon. Be sure to post a link to the hospital's website so we can see the newborn's picture.

On Your Mark, Get Set . . . [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-22 15:57:00 Not that I've been exactly ubiquitous around here lately, but I will be rather out of the loop the next couple of days, as we are expecting to add a member to the Gosnell family tomorrow. I will check in when I can, and let you guys know if it's human, etc. Mom and Dad Gosnell are here to take care of the Heir and his little sister, so we've got some help. I'm collecting donations to the education fund, if anyone's inclined to donate.

More Tough Choices [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-22 15:51:14 Let me clarify what I thought was pretty obvious in my Rant, but might have been as clear as mud: I was not trying to draw situational/factual equivalence between the scenarios I presented at the beginning of the piece and the situation the soldier in Iraq found himself in. In fact, that's kinda' the whole point -- none of us really know what the facts on the ground were over there. Whether his actions were right or wrong depends entirely on the situation in that exact place at that exact moment, and the only ones who know that are the people who were there. Not the media, not you and me, just those guys. Period. I would even venture to say that, unless that cameraman had been with the unit for a while, he probably didn't even have a complete understanding of what the situation was. Bart's right -- there needs to be an investigation to find out what were the immediate facts, that soldier's thought process, etc. The point of the self-defense scenarios I described is simply to point out that the decision to shoot or not to shoot is highly fact-specific, not easily conformable to rigid guidelines and rules of combat. If I had shot someone in any of the domestic scenarios I described, I guarantee there would be an investigation to determine if my actions were justified. That would be right and proper. Having said all that, I'm personally inclined to give the soldier the benefit of the doubt until there's an investigation and some good, hard evidence he screwed up.

Re. Fallujah Marine [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-22 13:58:43 Bart -- I think your domestic analyis has some flaws. I also have a completely different take on what the video showed. However, I also think we agree on all the major points, so I'm not going to belabour the analogous analysis (howz that for poetry?). Actually, I'm not saying the incident should be dismissed out of hand, or that the incident shouldn't be investigated. It absolutely should be investigated. And if the soldier acted inappropriately or illegally, he should be disciplined accordingly. All I said, and am saying, is that I'm not willing to pass judgment based on what I know -- or think I know. I think a military investigator and JAG officer should make those determinations -- certainly not the press, who is looking for any reason to tarnish our presence there in the first place.

Faking death, then attacking, a terrorist tactic? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-22 13:52:52 This kinds of things would certainly play a role in the Marine's investigation. <

Response to Rant: Good Points All, but I'm not sure your analogies fit the Falluah Marine scenario [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-22 13:46:03 Scott, in all your scenarios, I would agree with the draw and fire impulse (anytime you see a weapon--of course). The scenario where you see apparently unarmed thieves and you have a shotgun is a closer call. In the calm of the blogosphere, I would say you would try a "drop-the-duffle-bag-and-raise-your-hands" approach if you can see both suspects well enough and if you felt you could shoot them before they pulled a weapon if they tried. Any false move on their part and you have to take them out--whether you see a weapon or not. To me the Fallujah scenario is more closely akin to your 7-11 set-up, you shoot the two guys, one dies immediately and the second one is one the ground obviously dying and totally immobolized. I don't see you going to his body, quivering in its death throes, and saying, "He's (bleeping) faking he's dead," and then shooting him again in the head. [Now, I know that doesn't account for all the complexities of terrorism warfare, but, hey, you chose the domestic examples, I'm just pushing them to their limits.) Back to the Fallujah incident. I concede that the unconventional (too nice, let's say barbarous and cowardly) tactics of the terrorists make the question a very difficult one. When I first heard the other side of the story (i.e., booby-trapped corpses as an enemy modus operandi) I was willing to give the marine benefit of the doubt. But seeing the tape, the scenario did not, at least in mind, "fit" the defense that the Marine was concerned that the dying terrorist controlled an explosive device. If I had seen the guys running out of the room in fear of bomb being detonated and spraying bullets on the way out--maybe. But, what I saw was the Marines gathering at this building, doing a little after-action reconissance--matter-of-factly seeing a few dead terrorists, noticing one was alive (barely), and releaseing some pent-up frustation against an obviously disabled and dying terrorist. No mention of a booby trap and no actions (which I saw) that were consistent with such a threat--afterall, if a corpse can be rigged, why did the terrorist's death remove the threat? Having said all that, I concede a lot of other things: 1). I wasn't there. I have never been in warfare. I don't know the full context. 2.) The video-tape itself cannot tell the full context. 3.) There certainly is a question of perspective--nitpicking our guys being for being a little over-aggressive in killing people who calmly plan the beheadings of innocent civilians (including a woman in Iraq on humitarian missions). My only point is that if I was in the Marine's chain-of-command, I would investigate the incident. If the Marine is cleared, he's cleared. But I cannot dismiss the incident out-of-hand and say it's nothing. It's something. My faith (and yours) teaches all people are made generally in the image of God, their Creator, and are therefore entitled to a certain respect--even terrorists. If they are bearing arms in battle (or terrorism), I have no problem is them being killed by our soliders (or civilians if they are in a position to, i.e., the Pa. flight)in the heat of battle. If they are captured, I have no problem with them being executed with whatever due process (minimal, not the O.J. jury) the Army or Gov't chooses to provide. But if the investigation reveals that the Marine was just venting some frustation on a wounded and disabled enemy who presented no real threat, I think the Marine needs to be disciplined. That's my only point.

A New Rant Is Up. [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-22 10:15:46 I guess I tend to see things a bit differently than y'all.

From the We've Cornered the Market on Morality Department... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-22 09:25:36 Long Island? I thought this sort of thing only happened in Alabama. The Depeche Mode song People Are People comes to mind. Well, that and Fran Dresher.

The early numbers were wrong: Auburn wins [John Hay]-2004-11-20 23:12:05 Bart, is is just a game. But then again...Auburn did win. War Eagle! I shouldn't complain, but my problem is why we sat on our lead the entire fourth quarter. I mean, 21-6 is nice, but 28-6 or so would have been better. Instead, we let Alabama tack on a late touchdown that soured the win and probably hurt us with the BCS. Also, that touchdown pass Alabama threw was over a 2nd or 3rd string cornerback. Why was he even in the game?

E-mail from Karl Rove on AU-ALA game [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-20 18:10:01 "Don't believe the early numbers." KR

Half-time at the Auburn-Alabama game (from my den) [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-20 17:13:21 It's only a game. It's only a game. It's only a game. I am 42 years old. I have a great wife, five wonderful children. A good job. I blog for "Pros and Cons." And yet, I WANNA WIN. THIS IS OUR YEAR. COME ON GUYS. DIG DEEP.

Upon further review... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-20 01:44:42 I just watched the SportsCenter break down of the "rumble in Motown." Pathetic. Detroit should be embarrassed of their fans. Simply unexcusable. Larry Brown, at a press conference, is saying that it's a bad night for the NBA. Wrong. It's a bad night for your run-down poor excuse of a city. Canada is taking applications. Send Detroit to Canada. Embarrassing. If I were David Stern, I would revoke their franchise. Either that or move it to Portland.

This whole Ron Artest thing... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-20 00:02:56 is the perfect opening for me to rant. Give me an inch and I'll take a mile, but beating up a bunch of fans is more than just an inch. This is, really, the definition of pathetic. The last few years, pro sports has really turned me off. All of you are well aware of my undying devotion to all things Athens, but I would be glad to watch any college team with friends. With the exception of the Braves, I would go to a Georgia Tech game before watching the Falcons. Michael Vick? Whose that? The athletes, especially in the NBA, are out of control. I know there are some exceptions. Sharif Abdur-Rahim is the first one that comes to mind. He's a stand up guy and a credit to the Atlanta community. However, when playes are issuing beat downs to fans (on the road!!!!), then even Sharif's reputation is at stake. I'm all for fan heckling. One of my proudest (and most chilling) moments was being stared down by Randy Johnson at game 6 of the 2001 NLCS after I had rode him all game. I was sitting four rows behind home plate (near Jimmy Carter, Griffin Bell, and Evander Holyfield) and heckling him so loudly that the FOX broadcast picked me up. In the bottom of the 6th, Randy smoked one past Andruw Jones for the third out. He then looked at me with a nasty stair. Not only did it send shivers down my spine, it earned my respect. If I ever meet Randy Johnson, I will give him props for that. I know comparing college to pros is "apples to orangatangs." But, there's a reason for that: the respect for the sport/institution.

Is it just me, or are Demorat talking heads unbelievably self-absorbed? [John Hay]-2004-11-19 17:36:07 The entire blogosphere on main news sites seems taken up with whiny liberals talking about their pain upon Kerry losing the Presidency. The editorial pages contain reams of this pathetic drivel. How they can honestly believe we care or want to hear them complain (again) at length is the only real mystery. Bush won, get over it already.

Context... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-19 15:22:51 I don't think the camera can capture the proper context of what our boys are facing over there. First, I don't think the intensity of battle is carte blanche for us to go in guns-a-blazin'. As a matter of fact, we can avoid situations like this one and achieve the same objective with one detonation of a neutron bomb. The fact that our troops are so carefully sweeping through buildings in an organized manner, despite the heightened risk, speaks volumes about our military and society. Second, were lucky that were talking about a soldier whose been "suspended from active duty" instead of twelve soldiers who were killed by a boobie trapped body. I have no sympathy for heathens who strap explosives to their war dead in the hopes of inflicting more damage. This is the same crowd that straps dynamite to their young and sends them on to buses. Context, folks. Context. Finally, if this incident shocks our public conscience, then I am truly worried about our perception of war. It's not pretty. It doesn't follow the rigors of academia or the scientific method. Some liberals, predictably, will hop on this and make it out to be some sort of example of genocide or cruelty. They don't support our troops. Comparing an isolated (and, if used in other circumstances: wise) incident such as this to war crimes is not "supporting our troops."

Fallujah shooting [John Hay]-2004-11-19 14:17:04 The video shows a relaxed and in control area. The dialogue makes clear the marines already saw these guys yesterday wounded and they were left. It looks very bad. However, I am dismayed this gets more outrage than the beheadings and pornographic snuff films the Islamists have done. That is the difference between us; what the the Marine did a rare abberration, what the Islamists do is common to them.

The Fallujah Shooting--Where do you stand? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-19 14:07:34 Like you, I have read a lot about the Marine shooting the wounded terrorists. I just now saw the video here. As much as I am trying to see it through the eyes of the guys on the front line, I think this was wrong. I have read about the context of the Marine being shot in the head eariler, and how a fellow marine died yesterday as a result of a booby-trapped corpse. But the video does not show any real duress (at that point). I just don't think we can slip the point that it's o.k. to execute wounded enemey soldiers. I would understand if the video show a legitimate concern that the guy was feigning injury or had the capacity to detonate a bomb (i.e., "That's guy's got something in his hand--get out of here." Or "there are wires leading from that guy's body to that box in the corner.") What do you think--if there's anyone out there?

APT Program on Perry County--"Bogus" what is thy name? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-19 12:08:54 Wednesday night I watched a few minutes of an APT program about the "inequities" of school funding in Perry County. Intermingled with shots of decaying buildings and crowded classrooms, were news clips of the Amendment One loss in 2002 and the loss of a local referendum (voted on later) to increase Perry County ad valorem taxes. You know what happenend to Amendment One. The local referendum failed as well--2,700 to 2,000 or something like that. You can guess who made up the usual suspects: White people led the charge against the local referendum--they all go to private schools anyway--they own all the land--they are selfish and don't care about black kids getting a decent education--blah, blah, blah. Well, just now, I looked up the percentage of blacks versus whites in Perry County and yep, I was right, Perry County is 70% black. That means an awful lot of blacks voted against the higher taxes too. I guess that fact just didn't fit very neatly into the pre-conceptions, or downright bias, the makers of the documentary began with.

Re: Cllinton Library [David Null]-2004-11-19 11:37:41 Sorry, I just had to go back and look at that photo again. In the early 1990's, I worked in downtown Little Rock and from my office, I would have been able to see the the library site were it is today. Said this before, but I can't believe how much it looks exactly like a trailer that has been blown into the trees by an Arkansas tornado. And the train tracks beside the building---is that symbolic of Clinton being 'from the wrong side of the tracks'? And the fact that everything is elevated off the ground--symbolic of the way Clinton elevated himself to a position of high power, despite his humble origins? Can't help but laugh at the caption about it raining at the Dedication ceremony. Seems it is always raining on Bill Clinton's parade. I remember well, election night 1992. That afternoon, a cold hard rain came over Little Rock and Bill Clinton stood on the steps of the Old State House (a few blocks from the present-day library site) and gave his victory speech in the freezing rainstorm. That was an omen of things to come in the Clinton presidency, and it's been raining on his parade ever since. But perhaps the most ironic thing about the new library website is the photo of Clinton with the caption "HIV/AIDS" under the picture. And on the next page, a picture of a gaunt, thin, pale, sickly looking Bill Clinton (post-surgery) and the caption "Millions need Life-Savings AIDS Drugs." That one is just too much!!!!

Re: Clinton Library [David Null]-2004-11-19 10:18:43 You weren't kidding. It DOES look like a trailer---and not even a doublewide at that. It looks like a trailer that was blown up into the trees by an Arkansas tornado! Tacky, tacky, tacky....but what would you expect?

"Voluntary" in the sense that the chips are not government mandated (even if parentally mandated); How about chips planted "involuntarily" in criminals? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-19 10:11:56 David, when I used the term "voluntary," I mean that parents have the power to "volunteer" their children (through age 18)to have the chips implanted. This is the same saying that going to the pediatrician is "voluntary" (i.e., not government mandated)even if you have to drag the kid kicking and screaming into the doctor's office for his immunizations. I'm sure you're not for that "children have rights independent of their parents" U.N. treaty-crap. (Of course, children should be protected from abuse, but I mean they should never have the "right" to wear the clothes they want to, watch the TV shows they want, to choose when to have sex or have an abortion.) Now, is that question loaded enough for you? HOW ABOUT CHIPS IMPLANTED IN CROOKS INVOLUNTARILY? The more difficult question, for me, is when the government should be able to implant chips involuntarily. How about in convicted criminals. They have lost their rights to a large extent. What if a convicted bank robber were implanted with a chip that set off an alarm every time he entered a bank. What if a convicted child molester had a chip that set off an alarm every time he went near a school or day-care. What if we planted a chip in every visitor from a terrorist nation as a condition for entry into our country. These are hard questions because we can still legally "shadow" or "tail" suspects--remember when the spies suspected of stealing the laptops with sensitive information were followed everywhere when they made bond. Isn't the chip just a more cost-effective way of doing that. Now, I do foresee the risk of this being used against political enemies and steps would have to be taken to prevent that. I just think that the risk of harm is always there and such activity occurred in the Soviet Union long before the technological advances we have now. In other words, the lack of computer chips and tracking devices did not prevent the USSR from attempts at thought control and political suppression.

What about aliens? [John Hay]-2004-11-19 01:21:15 Bush is protecting us against terrorists, but what about alien abduction? This man has the answer. You have GOT to see this. Stop Alien Abductions

Clinton's Presidential Library looks like double-wide on stilts [John Hay]-2004-11-19 00:27:08 I kid you not. See for yourself. Clinton's Library

Tony Snow at API banquet [John Hay]-2004-11-18 23:42:56 Just got back from the API (Alabama Policy Institute) banquet. A record crowd saw Tony Snow as the speaker do a bang up job. Really nice all around. All I got to say is, yeah, but at the first Alabama Advance banquet we'll have those little finger sandwich things...so there.:-) Seriously, Tony Snow told a great story about that press conference after 9/11 when Bush said (or something similar) "I'm not going to send a $2 million dollar missile through a $10 tent just to hit a camel in the butt." Tony also talked about a new era of politics with Republicans as the majority party and the opportunities it brings. He also mentioned that Bush is planning a "second first term", with big policy ideas like Social Security reform, winning against terrorism, etc. He also said it will take all of us to make good on the opportunities this new era brings. He also called Arlen Spector, Judiciary Chairman and "hostage". Apparently Arlen has even put in writing his promises. Also, they can still can him later if he acts up. Tony is not worried about him.

re: Computer Chips [David Null]-2004-11-18 18:58:29 Bart, Your post seems to contradict itself. You say you think it's OK if it's voluntary, yet we're talking about implanting them in children. How can a child voluntarily consent to something they don't comprehend and understand? Not that I'm against the concept itself. As a society, we do give our kids cell phones, pagers, etc. so they can check in with their parents. And we also have GPS technology that can track a vehicle or a person anywhere in the world. And monitoring cuffs for criminals under house arrest. And we now even have dog collars that can track your pet if it ever runs away. So doing this to our kids is not exactly a quantum leap. I learned recently that cell phones put out a signal constantly, even when the phone is not in use. So just carrying the phone around with you, your location can be tracked even if you never make or take a call. Today's technological slogan should be 'you can run, but you can't hide.' But that doesn't answer the question about kids and implanted chips. I'm inclined to vote yes, let's do it for our own children, and make it like fingerprinting, getting immunized and getting a Social Security Number---just something that is done and accepted. But as people become adults, should they still be tracked? Consent and privacy issues come into play.

"Man on Fire"--Rent it (although your wives may not be thrilled by it--not a chick flick) [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-18 18:51:46 This is PAC's 2nd movie review--I think I did the first one too. MOF a great flick featuring the best action hero out there now, Denzel Washington. I think he has been good in everything he's been in. "Training Day" (3 out of 4--with warnings for violence, language and sex--I think) "Out of Time" (2.5 out of 4 with the same warnings but still a good thriller) "Antwone Fisher" (3.5 out of 4-great theme and great performances) even "The Pelican Brief" (2 of 4--average thriller--like most Gresham-based movies--worth watching but not memorable). In this movie, Denzel's a washed up CIA operative (or some sort of retired assasin) who is hired to protect the daughter of a rich industrialist in Mexico City. He drinks (a lot) to forget all the killing he's done in his life and feels like he is past redemption. The girl he is hired to protect, a precious and precocious seven or eight-year old cutie, takes him out of his despondency and gives him a reason to hope--until, of course, she is kidnapped on his watch. (Don't worry, you could have picked most of this up from the trailer--I won't ruin any surprises for you.) Anyway, all the supporting actors turn in great performances but one of the most interesting things about the movie is the . . . for lack of a better word, texture. The music and cinamentography make you feel like your are deep in Latin American culture much the say way "Black Hawk Down" gave you the feel of Mogadishu. If you have seen BHD, you know what I mean. It was much more than a war movie. IF you haven't seen BHD, well, you need to be kicked off the blogsite. You might as well say you haven't seen Braveheart or "We Were Soliders" or "Saving Private Ryan." Don't even tell me if you haven't. The redemption of Denzel's character is a major theme. In one scene, early in the movie, he drinks with a friend (also former CIA) who asks him, "Do you think God can ever forgive us for what we did?" Later, he finishes a quote from scripture that a Nun has begun, and tells her "I am one of the lambs that can't find his way home." Later, he turns to the Bible and advocates the same for his employer's wife who admits being too wrapped up in material gain and the pursuit of pleasure. [Can you believe this in a mainstream movie?] Now, fair warning, there is a lot of violence (but none too graphic for me--most of it is implied). There is strong language. No nudity (although sex is implied twice--once is marital--from most movies, you would think married people never have sex--and one between a male and female reporter). The only reason Hollie didn't like it was the theme of young children being kidnapped. Having five children at home, that mental image just was too disturbing. I give it 3.5 stars out of 4. Anyone seen anything decent lately? The Incredibles? Sounds good.

How do you guys think about implanting computer chips in children in order to monitor their whereabouts? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-18 18:19:11 My libertarian friend at the office e-mailed a link to this story. He thinks it is Orwellian. I think it's fine as long as it's voluntary. What is the differnce between this and giving my child a cell phone so he can call him if he's in trouble or hiring a security guard to follow him around. (BTW, "Man on Fire" is out on rental now and it is a GREAT action flick). My friend says this is the beginning of a slippery slope leading to big brother. What say you guys?

How long before... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-18 16:57:15 people start calling Jim Carrey a right-wing nut?

There needs to be a post [John Hay]-2004-11-18 13:35:17 It seems to me there's not been even one post in the last 24 hours. So, there needs to be a post and this might as well be it. Well, what do you think? Good, huh?

Maybe Diane McWhorter... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-17 13:01:20 can find time to write a book about this. You know, being so intimately attached to that august New York Times crowd and all. These people are disgusting.

More on Teeth [David Null]-2004-11-16 18:18:07 Here in Alabama, we may not weear shoes, but we do have teeth. They may not be real teeth, but we do have teeth. It's no accident that Pell City, Alabama (just down the road from the Talladega Race Track) is the Discount Dentures Capital of the World.

Teeth [David Null]-2004-11-16 18:15:21 Nobody from Alabama should ever pick on anyone from Tennessee, so I'll change this joke to Mississippi (with apologies to my wife): Q. What's the Number One bar pickup line in Mississippi? A. WOW, NICE TOOTH!!

Re.Gaps [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-16 18:06:48 Bart, easy on the Tennessee teeth jokes. Those in glass houses... Go Vols.

Gap-toothed women theory: Coincidence of characteristics versus a cause and effect relationship [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-16 15:51:57 David, I hate to bring you kicking and screaming into the Scientific Age, but (and I know I am going out on a limb here)I do not believe there is a cause and effect relationship between being gap-toothed (as it were) and intelligence, achievement or beauty in women. If so, gap-enhancing orthodonists would be making millions and Tennessee would be the Mecca of western culture.

Forgive and Forget? Not Egypt. [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-16 15:43:40 I don't blame them -- I probably wouldn't either. "My lack of interest in Arafat's fate does not stem from a lack of humanity toward a poor, sick person, who is suffering the agony of dying, but [stems from the fact] that I have not forgotten, and will not forget, as long as I live, how Arafat jumped for joy, dancing, singing, and praising [the killers] as soon as he learned of the death of the late Egyptian President Anwar Al-Sadat on October 6, 1981." Anwar Wagdi, a columnist for the Egyptian government weekly Akhbar Al-Youm, November 6, 2004

Danforth [David Null]-2004-11-16 11:10:17 John Danforth is over age 70 and officially retired from the Senate several years ago. I'm not guilty of age discrimination, because it is experience that makes a person qualified. However, my suspicion is that Danforth was probably offered the Secretary of State job and turned it down. The schedule, the workload and the constant international are probably more work than a retired gentleman of his stature would want. He's worked hard for 40 years as a statesman, and now he wants to pick and choose his projects and not have to work full-time. Any thoughts?

Gap-Tooth Women [David Null]-2004-11-16 11:04:43 There was a documentary made in the 1980's titled "Gap-Tooth Women". The premise was that women who have a gap in their teeth tend to be intelligent, high-achieving, attractive women. Something about that gap spurred them on to set their sights on lofty goals. The documentary interviewed several high-profile women of that time frame, including actress-model Lauren Hutton; model Jerry Hall (aka Mrs. Mick Jagger); and of course Sandra Day O'Connor. If this film was being made today, Condoleezza Rice would be added to that list. Yet with all her brains and talent, she's one of the most unpretentious and down-to-earth people around. And beautiful too. It's not just my opinion, either. Gen. Ariel Sharon gets distracted and can't concentrate because, he says, "Condi has nice legs". It's really cool to have yet ANOTHER Secretary of State with Birmingham ties. Colin Powell's wife grew up in Birmingham, as did Condi Rice. And don't forget another important State Department official, Margaret Tutwiler. At this rate, someday we'll have an International Peace Summit at Oak Mountain State Park. John, I agree with you about Jack Danforth, I'm a HUGE fan of his, too. He's awesome!!! But in the realm of foreign policy, there is probably no person in the USA more eminently qualified than Dr. Condoleezza Rice. She is THE authority, and her resume' and career cannot be matched by anyone. And she'll get through the confirmation process in a cake walk. Secretary of State Rice will now be in a perfect position for a 2008 prsidential run. If she's interested, all she has to do is ask. The thought of a Republican, female, African-American candidat with her qualifications, is UNSTOPPABLE. She would stomp all over Hillary with her Ferragamo high heels.

John Danforth for...well...what? [John Hay]-2004-11-15 23:09:48 Now that Condi has Secretary of State, will John Danforth get anything during Bush 2? I have to admit I really like him. I think he should have been Secretary of State, not Condi. Of course, Condi could have been anything else, because well...she's just simply awesome!

Great article about CIA treachery on American Spectator [John Hay]-2004-11-15 17:30:31 Another great Jed Babbin smackdown. CIA Girlie Men

Drone warfare--sending a message to terrorists--sending a message to villages that harbor terrorists--this is what we should have done in Fallujah months ago-but I guess Alawi and the military had its reasons to wait. [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-15 16:15:06 Read details of fighting in Fallujah here--you'll like what you read.

This Bothers The Hell Out Of Me [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-15 13:24:07 This report from the Boston Globe is generally very encouraging. But the following paragraph really pierces my soul: "ABC pool video footage showed Marines blowing the gates off houses with explosives. A bit of bright color stood out on the gray, rubble-strewn streets -- a pink dress on the body of a small child crumpled next to the curb." My heart weeps for that child and her parents. I don't know if the Globe had a particular axe to grind with the statement -- I don't think it necessarily did. But really, who's to blame for snuffing out the life of that poor child? Certainly not the child. Also, not the American soldiers who are trying to liberate a people -- including that child and her parents. Certainly most of the blame rests on the black hearts of the terrorists who have turned that city into a battleground. But -- and I realize this is a bit heartless of me -- I would also lay some of the blame at the feet of the parents, for letting their child remain in the city during the fighting. I know if Birmingham was going to become a battleground, I would send my wife and children somewhere else -- anywhere else -- even if I stayed behind to work, fight, whatever. There's been all sorts of reports about opportunities for women, children and elderly to leave the city even at the height of the operations. Why didn't the parents of that little girl leave, or at least send her away? The world is a hard place.

Game Coverage [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-15 13:18:58 I keep waiting for the obvious next step in the evolution of game coverage, allowing home viewers to select their own camera angles. Wouldn't it be incredible? I think I would watch every play from the end zone cameras, because it allows you to watch the coverage and the plays develop. Then you could combine the view-selection with TiVo, and allow home viewers to control their own instant replay. I'm telling you, it would be awesome, and I have to believe it's not far away.

Re. CBS [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-15 07:44:00 Bart: My problem was the failure of the network to show parts of the game. I have no real objection to the commentary, as long as I can see what's going on on the field. Listening to the local radio station won't help that. I know a lot of people who listen to the game on the radio while they watch it on t.v. I can't do it -- I hate the radio commercials more that I do the t.v. commercials.

Could this be the year? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-13 22:06:55 I remember seeing Pat Sullivan and TerryBeasley play great football (every Auburn fan had a 7 or 88 jersey) but we would always lose one or two games and drop out of national contention. I was there for the renaissance that Pat Dye brought (can you use renaissance and Pat Dye in the same sentence?)but there again, we would stumble on some game and look really bad. I was there for the 11-0 shocker under Terry Bowden. That team pulled off a lot of upsets but never looked dominant (except against Alabama). But this year, this year, could this be the year? Auburn has looked dominant in every game since the L.S.U. game. Scott, about CBS announcers, have you not learned to turn the Auburn network on the radio and the sound down on TV. I thought everyone did that. Now the current guy is not as fun to listen to as Jim Fyfe was--but he was one-of-a-kind. Our guys know a heck of a lot more than the announcers from also any network.

SEC officials are horrible [John Hay]-2004-11-13 18:49:01 Fortunately, the game was not decided by bad calls, but there were two unbelievably bad calls in this game. Auburn still won 24-6 (and it really wasn't that close) so I'm not that upset, but I honestly believe there should be some kind of commission at the end of the year to address the officiating. We're supposed to be the premier football conference; our officiating needs to be at least decent.

CBS Sports [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-13 17:43:08 Am watching the Auburn-Georgia game, and I just gotta' say: CBS Sports is the pitts! While the announcers (I have no idea, nor do I care) tell me a bunch of stuff they think I want to know, I have missed 1 play and a significant penalty call. Color calling during the game is great and all that, but not at the expense of a single second of play time. Maybe I'll see it on ESPN Sprortscenter.

Kerry Joke [John Hay]-2004-11-12 18:26:42 This past week, an old man had approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue, where he'd been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Kerry." The Marine replied, "Sir, Mr. Kerry is not President and doesn't reside here." The old man said, "Okay," and walked away. The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with president Kerry." The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Kerry is not President and doesn't reside here." The man thanked him and again walked away. The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to the very same Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with President Kerry." The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr. Kerry. I've told you already that Mr. Kerry is not the President and doesn't reside here. Don't you understand?" The old man answered, "Oh, I understand. I just love hearing it." The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you tomorrow."

NY Times on Bloggers [John Hay]-2004-11-12 17:07:21 I find it pretty funny that the home of Jayson Blair would do a story on anyone else's reporting accuracy.

NYT on Bloggers [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-12 17:03:07 Little Green Footballs is pretty ticked off about this article on the New York Times about the innacuracies of blogging. Despite the fact that all of the blogs cited by the article are left-leaning sites, I don't really have a beef with the way the NYT handled the story. There's no question that the blogosphere has its share of inaccurate information. That's the nature of public discussion, which is what the First Amendment was originally all about. Also, its clear from the NYT article what political leanings the bloggers interveiewed had. I didn't sense any attempt to paint all bloggers -- or even right-leaning bloggers -- with a conspiracy brush. In fact, the article make it appear to me that the lefty bloggers are some seriously wacko conspiracy theorists.

Re. Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-12 15:52:45 C'mon over, Sean. The (garage) door is always open. I'm off this afternoon to pick up a pair of pliers, some 30-weight ball bearings, some 3-in-1 oil, gauze pads, and 10 quarts of Prestone anti-freeze. No -- better make that Quaker State. Come on guys! It's all ball bearings these days!

Jimmy [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-12 12:11:00 It's important to remember that President Jimmy has done a lot more than say nice things about Arafat. He has been an advisor of sorts over the years, and even helped write speeches for him. I believe Arafat had Clinton's ear in large part because Carter made the old terrorist semi-respectable. I simply can not understand Carter. He is such an odd bird. As a committed Christian, even a Sunday School teacher, he would seem to be part of a broad Southern evangelical tradition. But holy cow the things he says, and the politics he espouses... even worse, the absolute monsters Carter is willing to embrace! In my less generous moments, I wonder if Carter's faith is a sham, if he is one of the "liberation theology" types who see the faith simply as a means to the real goal of socialist egalitarianism. How else to explain the wet kisses Jimmy used to give the Sandinistas? Anybody else have some insights into what makes Carter tick?

Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-12 12:04:23 Scott, I'm hardly the handy type. I can check my car's oil and change burnt-out turning signal bulbs, and not much more. But man, I am suddenly envious of this new project of yours. I would love to spend my weekends figuring out how to service on old motorcycle, sounds like you have a lot of fun ahead of you. I have this dream in the back of my head of becoming skilled enough to build a kit airplane and fly it around. And yeah, it's kind of nice knowing in advance how I'll eventually meet my maker.

My liberal friends... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-12 12:02:58 had a total meltdown. They all hue to this "51% of the country are morons" philosophy. One of the more reasonable ones sent her friends an email and said, "look, calling these people stupid is liberal elitism at its worst." Good for her. I chimed in with this response... tell me if I hit the nail on the head with this one... Well said, Kristy. For obvious reasons, I don’t agree with some of the finer points but I respect them. I guess that’s the point of your email, after all. I wouldn’t deign to believe that I’m going to change anyone’s mind. But, I will go out on a limb and assume that a lot of you are pretty pissed about the election. That’s fine. While I couldn’t be more thrilled about the election, I’m not the least bit surprised by the result. I think most people saw this one from a mile away. I don’t have the number off hand, but I saw a walk-up poll that said some 40% (or some other surprising margin) of Kerry voters believed Bush would win the election. I’m going to offer you a little unsolicited advice and then fade back into obscurity: you shouldn’t be wringing your hands over why you lost. Honestly, you should be examining why Republicans won so comprehensively (yes, 51-48 in modern times is a pretty overwhelming victory). I’ll give you a hint: it has nothing to do with stupidity. I know this is totally anecdotal, but I have four “flaming liberal” friends who all voted for the President. One is a first year associate at Kirkland & Ellis, the other is a 2L at UT-Austin, another is getting his M.Phil at the LSE, and the other is out in Oregon smoking pot. K&E, Texas law school, LSE… these aren’t idiots. But, they’re not supply-siders either. Simply put, all of them were turned off by the foreign policy platform of the modern Democrat party: especially in light of 9/11. I’m not interested in arguing the merits of all that because it’s an exercise in futility: it’s not going to change anyone’s mind. You can take the anecdote or leave it. I think it would do everyone a lot of good to just move on(.org?) and take a deep breath. If you can’t do that and would rather keep calling us stupid, then I’ll concede idiocy as long as you’ll accept this: http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/cfp/db/generosity.php Given the choice, I’d rather be “stupid” than “stingy.”

Palmer on the Unhinged Left [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-12 08:19:59 Gary Palmer, president of the Alabama Policy Institute (formerly the Alabama Family Alliance) and my former boss, has written a column on the deranged ranting of the liberal left (Friedman, Krugman, Blumenthal, Wills) against the religious right. A sample of the column: "The temptation here would be to simply dismiss these statements as the irrational rantings of emotionally distraught liberals or to make fun of them as some conservatives have done. But to do so, in my opinion, is dangerous. These statements must be addressed and refuted not only because they are misguided, but because they are creating a volatile climate in which no meaningful dialogue can take place." In general, I agree with Gary's consternation at the kind of rhetoric we have seen lately out of the liberals, and I further agree that it would be a mistake to "make fun of them." However, I disagree that these types of rantings should be addressed and refuted, for two reasons: 1) I think that the maniacs Gary points to are considered oddities among their own kind. Most Democrats and liberals don't even believe the kind of venomous rhetoric spilled out by Krugman and Dowd. 2) These guys have already passed way beyond the point of rational discourse and meaningful debate. Ever hear of pearls before swine? Sometimes its just not worth the effort, and in some cases can even hurt your position, to answer ridiculous charges. Ignoring such outlandish bile can be an effective tool for neutralizing it. That's not to say we should never answer the Left's accusations and arguments. We absolutely need to engage the liberals in a debate of ideas. But we don't need to answer those accusations that appear on their face to be merely mindless frustration put in print.

Motorcycle Madness [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-12 07:46:33 I have been given a 1997 Suzuki dirt bike (I'm pretty sure it's an RM-250), which is missing a few parts and obviously doesn't run. I intend to tinker with it to try and get it running again, though I have absolutely no knowledge of engines, motors, mechanics, tools, or quantum physics. I do have a hammer and a monkey wrench, which I think should get me through anything I might need to do to make this a well-oiled, monster machine. Oh - I also have an unidentified part off a 1983 Snapper lawnmower which I intend to add to the bike to soup it up. Anyway, any helpful advice, hints, suggestions, or creative curse words and phrases, would all be much appreciated and no doubt useful.

Once again, Carter is an idiot and proves it [John Hay]-2004-11-11 22:26:48 Yes my friends, our most unfavorite exPresident is kissing a murderous dictator's hind parts, even though this time the guy is dead. You got it. Carter is eulogizing Arafat in that smarmy, flowery prose that only Jimmy can write. He is also going to the funeral. Ugh!

Spurrier and South Carolina [John Hay]-2004-11-11 22:13:37 Sean, That makes a lot of sense. Florida ticked Spurrier off by making him wait to "go through the process like everyone else". He wants to coach college again and he's the kind of guy to hold a grudge. This means an SEC team so he can play Florida. So, now that you mention it, South Carolina looks like the place.

Veteran's Day [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-11 18:37:08 Bart, I have to say I appreciate the creative slant you took on the plant there in Montgomery. The forgotten war was a very costly war and there are a lot of men who never got their due still around. I have the honor of serving as pastor to one of those men. He was the last Marine POW to be released from captivity and his story is simply amazing. He was shot down over N. Korea on his first mission and spent a long time in various prisoner of war camps. Over the last few years he has told me various stories which I have recorded in my own file -- like the time he and his mates (British lads he was held with) celebrated the birth of Christ by holding their own informal Christmas Worship Service. When the Chinese guards figured out what was going on they stormed in with their "burp guns at the ready" and ordered the men to stop. Mr. Still says they all bowed their heads and began to pray at which time all of the lower rank Chinese soldiers figured out what was going on and removed their hats and lowered their guns...much to the consternation of their commanding officer. As he ordered his troops to shoot, the British chaplain prayed louder, and the Chinese troops bowed lower -- the officer was humiliated and their worship service proceeded without further interruption. Veteran's come in many shapes and sizes and they have all been instrumental in maintaining our freedom. Obviously, some have been called on to sacrifice a great deal more than others...but they have all played an important role in protecting our country. I am proud to be a veteran and believe that my service during the end of the cold war, stationed in Turkey when the Berlin Wall came down and actually in Germany on the day it did, was part of a great victory even though we didn't fire a shot.

Re. Hyundai [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-11 17:57:36 Bart, I really enjoyed your thoughts about the 40-year war dividend. I think your perspective is right on, and am actually really surprised that more people don't make the connection between winning a war and the economic benefit that (eventually) follows. It also says something really nice about American power that these countries are 1)prosperous enough to build auto plants and 2) freely building them here, rather than following the dictats of some colonial power. America has a tradition of winning wars and expecting nothing in return other than friendship and some good business competition. I don't think the world has ever seen anything else like it. One more reason to say Happy Veterans' Day!

Interesting football rumor [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-11 17:52:04 I have it on reasonable authority that the Spurrier family is giving serious thought to buying a house in Columbia, South Carolina...

Great Jeff Jacoby Column on Arafat: "The Monster" [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-11 17:30:18 Click here.

Veteran's Day: Alabama thanks you for Mercedes, Honda and Hyndai [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-11 17:20:11 I share your sentiments Scott, et al. I never served a day in the military but often wish I had. My dad was in the air national guard and was activated for several months during the 1961-62 Berlin Crisis. He was there when I was born in 1962. Several relatives served in WWII and a favorite uncle in Vietnam. When I published The Mongomery Standard (for that brief and shining moment in 2002-- and, yes, children, someday I will thrill you with that story), my second issue came out right after the ground-breaking for the Hyundai plant in Montgomery. Of course, it was a huge deal for our state and local economy. Big news! Lots of stories focused on the role played by Gov. Siegelman, Mayor Bright, the Chamber of Commerce, etc. in landing this big fish. But I took a different angle: A large measure of gratitude was owed to the Veterans of the Korean War--the boys of the Pusan Perimeter, the Inchon landing, the Yalu River Offensive--those who fought for, bled on or died at places affectionately nick-named "Old Baldy" "Porkchop Hill" or "Heartbreak Ridge." Do you think the Communists would be building in plant in Hope Hull, Alabama if we had not fought them off and perserved South Korea's dream of freedom? At the press conference I asked Siegelman and the Hyndai president if they had anything to say to the Korean War Veterans (many of whom live in Montgomery). Politicians both, they "got it" and expressed thanks although they probably thought I was some sort of a nut. For a related story, I interviewed a dozen Korean War Veterans. Men who had been wounded, seen their friends bleed to death or blown to Kingdom Come, even a veteran of the Republican of South Korean Army who ran a hotel and restraurant downtown, now a proud American citizen. It seems there's a forty-year lag time in the "freedom dividend" we reap after liberating a nation. Forty years after WWII, we start getting Mercedes and Honda plants built in Alabama. Forty years after Korea, we get the Hyndai plant in Montgomery. Who knows, in 2045 we may be welcoming a factory from Afhganistan or Iraq. Let freedom reign!

Another Election 2004 Myth Exploded: Only the Red-State "Jesusland" Republicans Supported the Gay Marriage Ban [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-11 15:50:36 I heard Rush briefly mention some interesting points made by Pat Caddell (Democratic Stategist and Pollster from the Carter years) on Fox News. He says the whole idea that it was the red state-Bible thumpers who voted against gay marriage is balogna (baloney?--it just doesn't look write spelled correctly). Exit polls show that over 60% of blacks voted against gay marriage, near 60% of union members and probably 40% of Kerry voters did too. He went on to say that if you just took the Ohio vote from counties that Kerry won, the gay marriage ban would still have passed comfortably. In other words, a lot of non-Republicans have a problem with gay marriage (and probably abortion too).

Patriotic Moment [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 14:54:37 One of the most moving moments of patriotism I have ever experienced was at an Eagle Forum banquet. Phyllis Schlafely spoke, but what was really memorable was the flag ceremony performed by (I think) the Prattville High School JROTC. I had never seen anything like it, and doubt I shall again. And this from High School students no less. Teenagers. They understood what America stands for far better than the likes of Maureen Dowd, Jimmy Carter and the ACLU, I assure you.

Veterans' Day Parade [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 14:48:56 Filing past my window in downtown Birmingham (5th Avenue North) at this very minute is the Veterans' Day Parade -- one of the largest if the THE largest in the nation. God bless these men and women.

AArrrrghh!!! [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-11 14:04:09 Ok, I used to believe that the ACLU was made up of well-intentioned idealists, who genuinely believe that they are doing something good for America. I don't think that any more. I think they are actively trying to undermine this country. Don't believe it? Read this. And remember, Logan Airport is where most of the 9/11 terrorists walked through security.

Arafat Poisoned [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 11:50:58 This item by Scrappleface is harsh and insulting to Arafat. I would never print such things. But I'm glad they did.

Follow Up to Veteran's Day [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 11:44:24 A couple of years ago I spent 10 days canoeing down the Missouri River with Dad Gosnell and two of his Air Force buddies. They were all three retired pilots, and I had the honor and privilege -- and good fun -- of listening to boatloads (no pun intended) of stories about their exploits, hijinx, and escapades as "Mavericks" in the days when fighter pilots lived up to their stereotype. I learned a lot. I was also introduced to Scotch, but that's another story. Easily one of the top three experiences of my life.

The media... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-11 11:39:09 is trying really hard to spin the Specter dillemna as pro-life vs. pro-choice. This assessment is very narrow: it's a lot bigger than that. In many respects, the Republican Party (not just conservatives... the whole party) will be fighting to right the course for the next two years. Because the modern Democrat party is basically an ad hoc hodgepodge of agitators, the rallying cry of "kill the Republicans" is adequate for comity. On the otherhand, we have policies to implement, laws to pass. With those things comes... debate! By being so publically insouciant, Specter is beginning to sound like someone who is not interested in debate. To be fair, he says his public statements were taken out of context. Unfortunately for him, his track record (i.e interest group ratings) doesn't jive with that. Essentially, the Republicans have the chance to set the debate: to change the cynical tone that has held our political discourse for so long. But now, Arlen is the killjoy. No one's asking him to jump off a bridge: just be agreeable. And if he can't be reasonable, then he sure as hell can't chair one of the most important committees in Congress.

Congratulations to Mississippi! [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-11 11:32:17 The nonprofit Catalogue for Philanthropy has put together an annual report since 1997, comparing charitable giving state-by state. It examined household giving as itemized on tax returns. Then it compared the dollars given against adjusted income to see which states are the most generous (which assumes it's more important to give what you can, rather than compare the total amount given). The number one state, for the eighth consecutive year? Mississippi. Some out there may be saying, "sure, but Mississippi is the poorest state, so it has an advantage when ranking as a percentage of income." But even without adjusting as a percentage of what people earn, Mississippi ranks #5 in giving to charity. The average American family donated (or at least reported in itemized returns) $3,465 in donations. The average Mississippi family gave $4,484. I shouldn't be surprisng to our readers that the Southeast and Midwestern states were the best givers. #2 was Arkansas, followed by Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee. Connecticut is the wealthiest state in the country, but joins New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island at the bottom of the charity list. It was also interesting that while incomes dropped slightly in Mississippi, the giving rate increased. Similar drops in income in New England states resulted in sizable decreases in their charity. Anybody who knows me won't be surprised that I see a political point to this. I think Blue-Staters tend to see their support for government programs as their way of chipping in. And so it is easy for them to assume (a la Madonna) that people who appose government programs are, therefore, selfish. In truth, red-states are generous with their giving, but prefer to do it themselves. Both red and blue state residents think about the down-trodden, but they have distinctly different ways of solving societal problems. And so, it seems to be our job to look at which sort of programs, private or public, do the most good for the needy and public as a whole.

Quote from AU cornerback Junior Rosegreen [John Hay]-2004-11-11 11:31:38 Taken from an article on AL.com before the Georgia game. "Can't' should never be in a man's vocabulary," Rosegreen said.

Alan Colmes [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-11 11:29:31 David, My wife and I have been saying the same thing about Alan's health. He looks TERRIBLE, like a cross between a skeleton and a sick turtle. I truly hope it's not a disease; hopefully old age is just making him ugly. On the flip side, Brit Hume has been looking a lot less ogre-ish lately. I think a producer finally coached him to stop trying to stare at the camera through his eyebrows.

Happy Veterans Day [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 11:19:02 On the same note, a new Rant is up. Dad's gonna' kill me.

Left-Handed [David Null]-2004-11-11 11:00:11 Scott, I must take exception to your left-handed comment about Alan Colmes. There are many of us left-handed conservatives out there, we may write left-handed but everything else about us is right-wing. While we're talking about Colmes though, he seems to look gaunt and haggard on TV lately. Has anyone else noticed this? He almost looks like an AIDS patient. the guy has always been thin, but he looks unhealthy. As for Arafat, the guy lived to be 75. We should pray that in the last week, on his deathbed, he had a penitent heart and turned to Christ---doubtful, but there is hope for everyone. In any event, he lived longer at 75 than the children murded by his suicide bombs. And since Palestinians consider themselves technically "homeless", at least he has finally found a home SOMEWHERE. Although, I wouldn't want to go there--the climate is a bit too warm.

Nu'man ibn 'Uthman on the Iraqi Resistance [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 09:02:07 Nu'man ibn 'Uthman is a former jihad fighter in Afghanistan who had fought beside Al-Zarqawi. Inteview courtesy of MEMRI. Al-Hayat: "What is the role of Arab Jihad fighters in the Iraqi resistance?" Nu'man ibn 'Uthman: "I believe that the main fighting effort in Iraq is being carried out by cells affiliated with the Ba'ath party. No less than 80% of the resistance effort is carried out by the Ba'ath regime, which before the American invasion had established cells and units on Saddam Hussein's orders and had distributed weapons to prepare to resist the invasion."

Poor Yassir is Dead [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 08:55:13 I keep trying to come up with something insightful to say about Arafat's death, but can't dredge up anything that wouldn't come across as callous and mean-spirited. I don't wish on him the kind of experience I suspect he's in for at this point (and I'm pretty sure it's not 72 virgins). But I can't help but feel hope for the Palestinian people now that Yassir has moved on. Jed Babbin has written an article which posits that Araft's death at this juncture may prompt chaos in the Middle East. I suspect he could be right, though I can't imagine at what point Arafat's death would not potentially result in regional chaos. In any case, I think a little chaos over there could be a good thing -- it's the troubled waters that support life. Stagnant waters (Palestine, Egypt, Saudia Arabia until recently, etc.) merely stagnate, eutrophy, and kill.

Alan Colms [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 08:08:42 Noticed this a couple of nights ago -- Alan Colms is left handed. Seems fitting that he's a lefty.

That's All I'm Saying [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-11 08:08:04 Andrew McCarthy has a great essay in yesterday's National Review Online which makes a point I have been arguing for a long time now, specifically that the judicial problem is not so much partial birth abortion, abortion in general, or gay marriage per se, but decreasing judicial restraint and ever-more-rapidly eroding federalism. That's why I don't really support the FMA (though I'll take what we can get) so much as I support a constitutional amendment addressing judicial activism in general. If we curb judicial overreach and let the states work out these major issues, as Andrew argues, we will see many of the important issues work themselves out. Judicial fiat is bad for the country. A thought just occurred to me: Democrats complain about "two Americas" and the divided nation and all that. But I submit that much (not all) of the cause of this divisiveness is the judicial imposition of non-mainstream approaches to social issues. In other words, if the libs would quit using the courts to impose their social agendas on the nation as a whole, the states would work those issues out on their own, and the nation would be a lot less divided in rhetoric, attitude, etc. (but, interestingly, probably more diverse legally). This is a pipe dream, though, inasmuch as the left knows that the courts are their only hope of advancing their agenda, and they won't give that up for the sake of mere national unity.

Every Wednesday morning... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-10 17:08:18 Grover Norquist hosts a conservative breakfast where people network and talk about reports they're putting out. There was a little mini-debate between someone and a staffer from Specter's office over his place on the Judiciary Committee. I'm going to talk the guy from my office who went and try to flesh out what happened. Apparently, it took about an hour and a half before questions abated and normal business resumed.

What a nice surprise! [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-10 10:55:42 No way, get outta here. You trying to tell me that, right after the election, all of a sudden, the press figures out the economy is GOOD?!? No Way! I’m shocked. 300,000 jobs added last month. They also revised up the numbers added in previous months, so the latest jobs report shows 500,000+ increase in employment. Then today there’s this about record American exports. Exports should continue to increase as the dollar is falling. China is selling off their dollars, so this trend may continue for some time.

"I can take them out . . . . I'm from Alabama." [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-10 10:36:15 I agree with Jonah: this was probably not meant to be a complimentary article. But I think it reflects exactly the kind of folks we want defending our nation. It's also exaclty the kind of attitude and soldier that pulled Britains bacon out of the fire about 60 years ago.

The Parker Link (Below) Is Fixed [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-10 09:21:43 That's right, I'm an idiot. But a loveable one. Read the article -- it's really good.

Specter... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-10 08:34:55 the simple fact that he felt compelled to write this speaks volumes.

I like this [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-09 17:13:50 Just received one of those annoying chain e-mails (if you pass this on to ten people, you will have good luck and your hair will grow back, if not, you will drink sour milk, etc.). I, of course, promptly deleted it (though the hair growth thing made me hesitate), but not before copying this, which was at the end of the e-mail and which I really like: "A good friend will come bail you out of jail.... But a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "Damn... WE screwed up!"

Beth Chapman on Veterans' Day [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-09 17:08:36 The following is an e-mail I received from Beth (as part of her mailing list). I've met her on a couple of occasions, and she is an absolutely lovely lady. She is also very smart, and has a way of cutting to the meat of things. The following is her most recent statement: Veterans, Not Draft Dodgers, Deserve Honor By: Beth Chapman The news came last month of a group of citizens in Nelson, Canada proposing to host a celebration in honor of thousands of Americans who were known draft dodgers that fled to their country during the Vietnam War. They are even considering erecting a monument "Our Way Home" to honor them. Our country barely honors the men and women who died in that war or any other war, and now another country is honoring (which is hardly the appropriate word), the people who intentionally fled our country in our time of need to intentionally dodge the draft. One can argue that it was their right. Of course, this is America and we have a plethora of freedoms and "rights." But we should be busy at work honoring the 58,245 American soldiers whose names are listed on the Vietnam Wall who didn't dodge the draft or flee to Canada - the 39,940 lives who were casualties of the Korean War, the thousands who lost their lives in World War I and World War II. Our time should be consumed in honoring all veterans who have defended our great country, regardless of which war or branch of service - not those who did not. It doesn't bother me as much that the draft dodgers fled to Canada as it does that they returned to America. They came back to a country to enjoy the freedoms that thousands died to protect. They came back to enjoy something they didn't even consider important enough to fight for, defend or protect - our country, the freedoms it holds dear and the opportunities it presents daily. When the draft dodgers returned to America, they ate from the foods of freedom that our soldiers provided - as we all do. American Veterans planted, watered, harvested, cleaned, cooked and prepared the foods of freedom and sat them on the table. Then the draft dodgers came home without helping grow or prepare the food in any way and sat down at the table to eat it. Then when their bellies were full, they left the dishes unwashed, the floors upswept, took the leftovers home, and never even said thank you. Canadians can honor American draft dodgers all they want, but as for our country, I hope we never see that day. To honor men who abandoned their country would be the equivalency of honoring mothers and fathers who have abandoned their children. It happens, and indeed it is their legal "right," but it is nothing to honor. Many things are legal that are not ethical or moral. God bless all the Veterans of this great country for their valor, loyalty, courage, bravery and the honor they have earned and so rightfully deserve. They are heroes and saints and the very fiber of this great country's strength, pride and perseverance that has lasted for decades and will keep America great, free and safe. So when you sit down to eat a meal this Veterans Day, thank God for all the United States Veterans who gave us our many foods of freedom. Without them, there might not be any "food" on the table.

But where's Arafat's money? [John Hay]-2004-11-09 00:24:47 Inquiring minds want to know.

Rove on Specter [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-08 17:10:00 On Fox News Sunday, Karl Rove responded to a question concerning Specter's potential for obstructing judicial nominations as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee by saying, "We'll take him at his word." Presumably his "word" is Specter's press release in which he tried to backtrack on his previous warnings to President Bush regarding "extremist" candidates, as follows: "Contrary to press accounts, I did not warn the President about anything and was very respectful of his Constitutional authority on the appointment of federal judges. "As the record shows, I have supported every one of President Bush’s nominees in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor. I have never and would never apply any litmus test on the abortion issue and, as the record shows, I have voted to confirm Chief Justice Rehnquist, Justice O’Connor, and Justice Kennedy and led the fight to confirm Justice Thomas. "I have already sponsored a protocol calling for a Judiciary Committee hearing within thirty days of a nomination, a vote out of Committee thirty days later, and floor action thirty days after that. I am committed to such prompt action by the Committee on all of President Bush’s nominees. "In light of the repeated filibusters by the Democrats in the last Senate session, I am concerned about a potential repetition of such filibusters. I expect to work well with President Bush in the judicial confirmation process in the years ahead." I think this "word" is worth the paper it is written on, and as I'm typing this on a computer . . . However, I'm not real worried about Rove's statement, because a) I trust Rove to know better than to trust Specter, and b) I think Rove is simply keeping the White House officially out of the issue, which is not a bad idea. If the Senate Republicans handle this bit of house cleaning on their own, the President can make his nominations without any accusations that he tainted the Senate committee by weighing in on Specter's potential chairmanship. I have no doubt President Bush is making a couple of private phone calls to Frist, et al., but he is doing the right thing by staying above what is really a Senate matter, not a White House matter.

Re: Rove and Hay [David Null]-2004-11-08 16:58:56 John, As someone with a face made for radio myself, and thinning hair too, I'm allowed to comment. Real men don't waste their testosterone growing hair on their heads, right? Thought so. Have you ever noticed that Rove and Hay have never been seen at the same time in the same place? There may be something to this myth after all.....hmmmmmm Karl Rove is proof that you should be nice to nerds in high school, because they will indeed RULE THE WORLD someday.

Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi is just awesome [John Hay]-2004-11-08 16:34:26 From AL.com "The people of Fallujah have been taken hostage ... and you need to free them from their grip," he told Iraqi soldiers who swarmed around him during a visit to the main U.S. base outside Fallujah just before the attack began. "May they go to hell!" the soldiers shouted, and Allawi replied: "To hell they will go."

Re. Rove and Hay [John Hay]-2004-11-08 16:24:22 David, Regarding similarities, is it the exposed forehead caused by the large brain pushing against the skull and causing hair loss, or the "made for radio" good looks?

Need a Valium [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-08 13:20:13 Charles: Getting a little nervous here. Is your Senate staffer still telling you that Specter isn't going to be chair of the SJC? The MSM reports are not encouraging.

Proud to be a native Mobilian... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-08 13:01:45 today. This kind of makes up for their Sept. 9 initiative kool-aid consumption.

Re. Rove and Hay [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-08 12:50:58 [shudder] David, Halloween is over. No need to scare the little ones.

Parker Spells It Out [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-08 12:48:35 Dad Gosnell phoned me this morning to direct my attention to the latest editorial from Kathleen Parker (registration required). She really sums it up, though I doubt anyone will listen who doesn't already know these things. A teaser: "As stunned Democrats scratch the dry earth for signs and glance heavenward for clues to the strange universe that re-elected George W. Bush, it seems unduly cruel to withhold what Ordinary Americans have known all along. Herewith a few hints: Michael Moore, Bruce Springsteen, P. Diddy, Paris Hilton, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Barbra Streisand, Jon Bon Jovi, Uma Thurman, Kirsten Dunst, Leonardo DiCaprio, Teresa Heinz Kerry, Ron Reagan, MoveOn.org, Dan Rather, the French -- and everyone else who would be speaking German today if not for the bravery and sacrifice of Ordinary Americans who are today held in such contempt by all of the above. It's the elitism, mes frères. Here's another clue: When courting voters in flyover states, one does not say: "I love you, stupid redneck morons." Especially not when sporting biking tights and straddling an $8,000 two-wheeler -- a dollar amount, incidentally, that many Ordinary Americans consider a life's savings." There's more good stuff, but I'll let you read it for youself. Update: The link has been fixed.

Rove and Hay: Twins Separated at Birth? [David Null]-2004-11-08 12:41:36 Has anyone else noticed that John Hay and Karl Rove look a whole lot alike? Now John, we didn't say you were as SMART as ol' Karl. You might actually be smarter, but we don't want to inflate your ego..... (smile)

Great Link [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-08 10:00:44 The Wall Street Journal performs a great service with these regular articles on Iraq. It's a regular summary of what has been accomplished there. Not the sort of blood-and-bombs stories that usually make the headlines, but the sort of quiet success stories that requires disciplined journalism and principled editors. Kudos.

Classic Scrappleface [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-08 08:20:46 "Chairman Arafat will be placed in a Tel Aviv city bus and driven to a crowded market," said an unnamed spokesman for the Hamas social services agency. "There we will conduct the traditional scattering of his fragments. According to protocol, no friends or family will attend this ceremony."

He still doesn't get it [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-08 08:12:42 "More people tend to agree with Democratic positions pretty much down the line, but voters tend to vote on a broader sense of who shares their values." Doug Hattaway, spokesman for the Gore-Leiberman 2000 campaign. This type of statement continues to baffle me, and underscores how the Dems aren't going to fix anything until they radically change the way they think altogether. Actually, more people tend to agree with the Republican positions down the line -- strong on defense, no gay marriage, school choice, restricted abortion, gun rights, lower taxes, etc. And those positions stem from their values. Hattaway -- and much of the Democratic left -- tends to divorce values and policy, as if they're two totally seperate creatures. In reality, policy springs from a value judgment. And the majority of Americans still operate on a basic Judeo-Christian value system, whether they know it or not. What's it going to take to make the Democratic leadership wake up and smell the coffee?

Arafat's Burial [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-08 08:02:00 It occurs to me that the PLO (okay, now it's the PA, but they're still terrorists) would really like Arafat to be buried in Jerusalem as a means of reinforcing their claim to that city as a holy site, etc. If they bury Arafat in Jerusalem on Friday, by Monday the PA leadership will be claiming Jerusalem as an "historically Palestinian" city, etc. In other words, a political maneuver, which I'm sure the Israelis see right through. I doubt it's going to happen.

Prayer Requests [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-08 07:11:50 Bart -- NEVER against the rules. Never.

Pray for the soldiers in Fallujah--especially one named Stephen Howell [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-08 00:04:00 The fellow I went camping with at Cheaha has three sons. The youngest one (Jake,16) was with us on the trip. Two others are in the Marines--one preparing to go to Afghanistan, the other (Stephen) is fighting in Fallujah even as I write this. I have never posted a prayer request and it may be against the rules, but I just know that his father is very concerned (what father wouldn't be?).

re: another LATE night [David Null]-2004-11-07 16:23:21 Charles, I am blessed to live in Birmingham---an undiscovered gold mine and one of the South's best-kep secrets. And as someone who has spent the last 10 years traveling back-and-forth, shuttling between B'ham, Atlanta, Wash DC and NYC---I understood EXACTLY what you meant in your last post. Well said, even if you weren't sure.

Arafat... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-07 13:47:32 a good article here. I can't even imagine the tumult if this is publicly acknowledged.

Re. Arafat [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-07 11:42:35 I don't think there's much doubt, even amont the MSM, that Arafat is essentially dead, and being kept alive by machines. I'm fine with that -- what's a couple more days or weeks? John -- what makes you say that he died of AIDS? I've heard the rumors, of course, and I suppose it's a possiblity. But he could also have died of any number of other diseases, i.e. lukemia, or even simply old age (the old ticker finally gave out). I mean, the guys really old! What makes you so sure it's AIDS?

Another LATE night... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-07 04:27:38 and another guy from Mountain Brook who thinks he's going to return to Alabama like Lee on his horse and run for Governor. That, in a nutshell, is Washington D.C. I love this place. I really do. But, D.C. is a stopover and not a destination. I love Birmingham because I see it as being the "it" place to raise a family without confiscatory tax rates and five million crazy people (i.e. Atlanta). I'm especially wistful for Alabama tonight because I spent a late evening in Georgetown with a bunch native Alabamians. Fortunately, I think I've figured out the most basic difference between northerners and southerners. How 'bout I enlighten all of you and then go to bed? Southerners love not only the South, but their state. I LOVE Alabama. Strange, because I'm almost certainly going to UGA for law school. But only with the ultimate goal of returning to Bama. The rational question is, 'why not go to Alabama?' The answer: because I love UGA. I can't explain it; I just do. It's like I'm having the best of both worlds: UGA and Alabama. It seems like such a contrarian thing, but maybe it's an indemnification of the primacy of individuality. I just like the thought of settling down in Birmingham with a family and raising kids. Northerners, liberals, etc. seem to want to live on the edge of all things trendy and impressive. They want to live in NYC, go to wine tastings, send their kids to Exeter, and endow a scholarship to Barnard. Those are grand accomplishments that add value to the community. However, Maureen Dowd would never be caught dead in Forest Park. I, on the otherhand, would love live there. I could probably develop this better if it weren't 4:18. But, if you're from the south, then you probably understand exactly what I'm saying: without development or context. A conservative can take the quaint and make it grandiose. While a liberal... well, they need the grandiose to obscure their quaintness. Makes sense?

Hiking and camping in Cheaha [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-06 22:07:52 We not only survived, we prevailed. The weather Friday and today was perfect for hiking and camping--cool enough for the hike, not too cold for sleeping in a tent. After I finished up some work Friday and got to Cheaha about 2:00 pm. We hiked three miles along some gorgeous overlooks and camped right on the ledge of McDill's point--the primo of primo campsites. I can't believe we claimed it before someone else did. But we saw only one other couple on the trial Friday--today, a different story entirely. If you haven't been to McDill's point, my advice is simple. GO!--it's most likely the most picturesque spot in Alabama. After carrying a 35 pound pack three miles--mostly uphill (both ways, at least it felt that way), I am feeling the rigors of my 42 years, many of those carrying around 185 pounds (o.k. 195 but I am planning on losing it soon) and a recent basketball sprain. I'm hurting. But the views, the fellowship with the other man and his son, and seeing my sons really enjoy the trip was well worth it.

Arafat [John Hay]-2004-11-06 17:31:10 It is kind of interesting watching the hospital and Palestinian spokemen weasel this one out when he's probably already dead. When are they going to end the saga and announce it? Also, when is someone going to admit Arafat died of AIDS?

A quote in honor of our Democrat friends [John Hay]-2004-11-05 21:28:59 "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." - Philip K. Dick

MY FOUR FAVORITE WORDS... [David Null]-2004-11-05 21:19:43 ...(according to my wife) are "I TOLD YOU SO." so OK, I told you so. Well, I was wrong about the election being called so quickly. However, looking at my previous post in quotes below, it does appear I was right about most else. The final total was 31 states for Bush, for a total of 286 electoral votes. SO SCOTT, WHAT DO I WIN? ______ posted Nov 2nd: "....... I still think we can carry as few as 27 states, and as many as 31. The race is not as close as the mainstream media wants you to believe. I just don't know WHICH states will close the gap, or what the total electoral college will be. I'll guess here, since we have to----285 electoral votes for Bush. And.....the networks will call the country for Bush about 90 minutes after the polls close in Hawaii. Fox, of course, will be first.":

Greta von OOPS! [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 15:52:57 Just came back to me: The lovely wife and I were watching Greta last night on Fox -- about the Scott Peterson trial, which I really have very little interest in -- when the funniest thing transpired. During the course of discussing various juror profiles and such, Greta began to say that lawyers develop "crazy-ass" ideas about how the jurors will vote. Now, she just barely got the words out of her mouth ("crazy-ass") when she corrected herself to say "craziest", and went on to say "craziest" a couple more times just to make sure we knew that's what she originally said. But she didn't -- I know it, she knows it, we all know it. Means nothing to me, except that I like Greta a little bit more now; my wife and I simply thought it was hysterical. You won't find Dan Rathe making those kinds of mistakes, I'd wager. Brings to mind another Fox blooper by Shep during a story on Jennifer Lopez, but we'll not go into that.

Bin Laden Transcript [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 15:34:57 Here's the full transcript of the October 29th speech by Osama Bin Laden, courtesy of MEMRI. Notice the use of the Arabic word "wilaya" for "state," meaning an individual state of the Union (i.e. Alabama, Texas, Wyoming, etc.). I'm cleaning my guns tonight.

Bon Voyage [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 15:18:04 Alec Baldwin Rosie O'Donnell Ed Asner Whoppi Goldberg Cher Phil Donahue Rob Reiner Barbara Streisand Jane Fonda Pierre Salinger

Goodbye Larry Flynt [John Hay]-2004-11-05 15:01:21 David, Larry Flynt has repeatedly stated he would go into exile if Bush won. Now, THAT may be the biggest gain from Bush's win yet.

Canadian Emigration [David Null]-2004-11-05 14:35:40 How about we start a list of people to send to Canada? Let's start with the obvious---people who said if Bush was elected, they promised they would leave: Alec Baldwin Barbra Streisand WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE? Next, how about Whoopi Goldberg, Bruce Springsteen (leave your old albums here, but go away), Bono of U2 (he's not even an American citizen, what's he doing commenting on elections), the Dixie Chicks, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, etc. Anyone else we should add?

On a lighter note... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-05 14:29:51 at a reception last night, my boss was talking to someone from the Canadian Embassy. Apparently, Canada has received a lot of applications for immigration since the election. He was serious. Well, that's ok, I guess. Just don't question their patriotism.

Re: PREDICTIONS [David Null]-2004-11-05 13:32:32 The word is PREDICTIONS. I can COUNT, and can SPELL, but can't TYPE.

Re: Presdictions [David Null]-2004-11-05 13:31:04 It's finally official, as of Friday: Iowa officially goes to Bush. Add this to New Mexico and Ohio since Wednesday morning. By my count, Kerry won 19 states and Wash DC. Hawaii: three in the Pacific Northwest, four in the upper Midwest, and the eleven tiny New England states, that all together comprise less area than Texas or California. Which shows that the vast majority of America is indeed Bush Country. This gives Bush the remaining 31 states, by my count---but please verify. Which one of us came closest in our predictions?

5-4 [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 13:28:55 I hate to harp on a subject -- but I'm going to. I was re-reading the transcript of Specter's press conference, when something he said itched the back of my brain: "When you talk about judges who would change the right of a woman to choose, overturn Roe v Wade, I think that is unlikely. And I have said that bluntly during the course of the campaign and before. When the Inquirer endorsed me, they quoted my statement that Roe v Wade was inviolate. And that 1973 decision, which has been in effect now for 33 years, was buttressed by the 1992 decision, written by three Republican justices-O'Conner, Souter, and Kennedy-and nobody can doubt Anthony Kennedy's conservativism or pro-life position, but that's the fabric of the country. Nobody can be confirmed today who didn't agree with Brown v. Board of Education on integration, and I believe that while you traditionally do not ask a nominee how they're going to decide a specific case, there's a doctorate and a fancy label term, stari decisis [sic], precedent which I think protects that issue. That is my view, now, before, and always." (emphases added) Basically, he's saying that Roe v. Wade is the law of the country, was confirmed by Planned Parenthood v. Casey (the 1992 decision he referenced), and due to stare decisis, that's the law of the land and it can't be changed. That position is arguable in itself. But then I come across this quote of his when confronted with the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court has declared school choice (which Sen. Specter opposes) constitutional: "It was a 5-4 decision. The court may change its mind." So a 5-4 decision is not due deference under stare decisis? Or it's the immutable law of the land when it applies to abortion, but not to school choice? I'll grant you that Roe v. Wade was a 7-2 decision, but anyone want to guess what the court split was on Planned Parenthood v. Casey?

More Random Thoughts [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-05 13:17:43 John, I love the list, and think it's fair and accurate. I would add, Conservative = Saving Private Ryan, Lord of the Rings, Forrest Gump Liberal = Thin Red Line, Eyes Wide Shut, My Own Private Idaho Liberal = Saving up for trip to Paris Conservative = Saving up for trip to Israel Liberal = Volvo Conservative = Jeep

Opposin' Arlen [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-05 12:57:56 I just called Jeff Session's office (he sits on the Judiciary Committee) to add my voice to the opposition to a Specter chairmanship. Anybody else who'd like to do the same can reach his office at (202) 224-4124.

I'm Truly Astounded . . . [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 12:38:08 when I read liberal columns like this and this. When I ask myself why, I can only come up with the word "arrogance." The main thrust of these types of articles is simply "we know what's right, and they [the majority of Americans] don't know their backsides from a hole in the ground." I can't think of any other word but arrogance. Well, I can, but none that are printable on this family-friendly site. What is so interesting to me about this is that the above attitude sucks the liberals into a very discernable class system -- those priveleged few who know what's best for the country versus the ignorant masses -- which is the antithesis of the bedrock of what Liberalism (capital "L") was birthed out of, i.e. a classless society which is ruled by majority democracy. Seems when the liberals get what they ask for, they don't like it.

Some Random Thoughts [John Hay]-2004-11-05 12:09:45 Conservative = Heir of the American Revolution Liberal = Heir of the French Revolution Conservative = Wants Liberty Liberal = Wants Equality Conservative = Settles for the best that can be done in an imperfect world Liberal = Utopia on earth Add your own.

Still More Specter [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 11:47:30 An article worth reading as a primer on the man. Thanks to J.J. Miller and NRO.

Checking out to hike and camp in Cheaha tonight [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-05 11:27:06 Me, my three boys and our assistant pastor and his son. They are hikers, have all the equipment. We had to borrow everything. I know we'll forget something. Its going to be mighty cold but a clear beautiful night. And I will be tired. I stayed up all night (literally) to finish a brief that had to go out. (Don't believe me, check the time of my post on exit polls). Good thing we are only hiking 3 miles in. Hold down the fort while i'm gone. It's been a great week guys. One to remember. I have enjoyed sharing it with you guys and the millions of people who read this humble site.

I love the discipline of Bush--as in party discipline [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-05 11:23:02 Bush: Hey, Arlen, you're a good guy and all, but you're out as party chairman. Got it. Fine. I thought you would. Have a good day. This was the right move. Also, what a message it sends. I have a mandate, I control this party, you check with me and make sure your positions line up with mine or you will face swift and certain retribution. I love the smell of being the majority party in the morning!

Specter [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 09:41:31 Charles: That's great news. Except that I would eliminate the "in the punchbowl" part. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Arlen gets the word. It won't be pretty. Such a bold move by the Rep. Senate will send a message to the Democrats and to the public at large that they're serious about judicial nominations, and are willing to break tradition and offend some of their own in order to do the right thing. This is a very good sign, if indeed it plays out as predicted.

just got off the phone with a Senate staffer... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-05 09:36:24 Specter is done. He's the (his words) "turd in the punchbowl." They'll throw him a bone to placate him, but he's not going to chair the judiciary committee.

Jobs Report [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 09:09:17 The Labor Department is reporting 337,000 new jobs overall in October (much better than expected), but a rise in unemployment to 5.5 percent.

The Better Angel of My Nature [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-05 07:49:32 The major news outlets are reporting that Arafat is in a coma, and his death pronouncement is likely being held up until negotiations regarding his burial arrangements are concluded (Muslim law apparently requires that a person be buried within 24 hours of his death). I don't like Arafat. He is a murderer, a thief, a liar -- basically every bit the monster Sadaam Hussein is. I find it hard to come up with something nice to say about him, so I won't. But . . . he is a human being with a soul. According to reformed theology, that soul will last forever. I am in no position to judge, but I strongly suspect he will not be getting his 72 virgins. I guess what I'm saying (tiptoeing around) is that I find no joy at the prospect of his death, because I fear for what's in store for him afterward. There. Now I've offended every Muslim and liberal Christian out there. My work here is done.

Are we getting all our demographic information from the bogus exit polls? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-05 06:06:24 It just hit me guys-every time I heard someone say (or read) that 11% of blacks voted for BUsh or that 43% of Hispanics voted for Bush or single women went strongly for Kerry and married women heavily for Bush, it is always followed up by the phrase-- "based on the exit polls." Are these the same polls that showed Bush losing Penn. 60 to 40 and that everyone has concluded were so flawed (and/or manipulated)? If so, how can we trust them at all when it comes to drawing conclusions about which demogaphic groups voted for whom? Can they be just as wrong and/or manipulated for this purpose. What if 25% of blacks did vote for Bush--probably not, but it's just an example? Would the MSM want Republicans (or the public) to know that?

Re: Gender Confusion [John Hay]-2004-11-04 19:20:46 Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Gender Confusion [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 19:11:21 Bart -- well, o.k., maybe that didn't quite come out the way I meant it (I'm not going to get in trouble for using the phrase "come out" am I?). What I meant was, and you can take this as a bleg, I'd like to see a couple of educated, knowledgeable, conservative women contributing to this site. I mean, jeez -- I can barely read the posts for all the testosterone dripping off my computer screen. Just reading in NRODT that just 2 percent of women are in the top 5 percent on the political-knowledge scale (it's 10 percent for men). I'm looking for a couple of 2 percenters. By the way, do you think I'd look good in mauve, or would it make me look fat?

Scott, what kind of blogsite have I stumbled into? is there something you haven't told us?? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-04 18:34:01 IN your last post, you described us with these words, AND I QUOTE: "We're just a simple bunch of guys (and, hopefully someday, gals)" " Well, speak for yourself, Scott. I, for one, am very happy being a guy and have no plans for a trip to Scandinavia anytime soon. However, if you need to get something off your chest, we're all ears.

Spectre Press Conference [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 18:32:20 The transcript, as posted and edited by K-Lo on The Corner, is here. A few worries: First, I'm worried about the implication that Rhenquist is a lot sicker than we thought. We may be looking at a Supreme Court vacancy a lot sooner than we originally anticipated. Thank God Bush won. Second, any relief I felt from reading Spectre's released statement is now evaporated like so much beer at a frat house. He clearly does not have the philosophy and temperment to be effective at, arguably, one of the most important and powerful positions in the Senate. He is a megalomaniac, he loves power, he loves exercising power over people, and letting people know that he can exercise power over them, etc. Third, his responses regarding his "inside" knowledge of Rhenquist's health condition make clear that he likes to be on the inside of things, and that the rest of us are just peons. That's a big turn off in my book. I have e-mailed both of my Senators, and Senator Frist. I would encourage all to do the same.

spelling [David Null]-2004-11-04 18:19:15 oops, make that 'blog-meister'. I do have a brain---just can't type worth anything.

Re: Domain Name [David Null]-2004-11-04 18:18:09 I'm just a lowly blowhard that likes having a forum to post my rants. You are the nlog-meister. Thanks for providing this site.

Re. Domain Name [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 17:34:05 David: No way I would want us to be a 527. Too many regulations, restrictions, oversight, etc. We're just a simple bunch of guys (and, hopefully someday, gals) with opinions about politics, football, etc. I don't want the domain name that bad.

The Failed Intifada [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 17:17:56 According to MEMRI, Palestinian columnists and political observers evaluating the intifada of the last four years are concluding that it has been a failure. This conclusion, coming on the cusp of the death of Arafat, may be a further catalyst for meaningful progress for the Palestinian people. Whereas I don't necessarily agree with the Palestinian cause, I would like to see those people in a better situation than they are in now, e.g. destitute, hopeless and dying.

Re: Domain Name [David Null]-2004-11-04 17:08:58 Scott, Actually, that idea is not so far-fecthed. I counted 13 names on our Contacts page, but I know we have more bloggers than that. If we have 18 bloggers, then that's only $205 each. But here's an even better idea: Can we turns Pros and Cons into a 527 group, solicit donations, maybe get some leftover campaign funds from other groups that are now defunct after the election? John Hay, you are the king of non-profit fund-raising. Tell us what our options are.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY [David Null]-2004-11-04 17:02:14 After this election, the Democrats will have to change their mascot----from a donkey, to a DINOSAUR---because they are quickly becoming extinct.

Domain Name [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 16:53:38 Just for kicks and giggles, I looked up prosandcons.com. The good news is that the domain is for sale. The bad news is that the asking price is $3688. Anyone want to write a check?

Supreme Court Nomination [David Null]-2004-11-04 16:36:57 Nominate ORRIN HATCH for Supreme Court.

Specter sunk Bork [John Hay]-2004-11-04 16:19:17 We now have the word "Bork" in our lexicon thanks to Arlen Specter. I don't care what he says, he's a weasel. No one, NO ONE who participated in THE BORKING should be allowed to walk away with clean hands and no negative consequences. Do I feel better? Maybe 1%, meaning I still don't trust him 99%. Hey, hey, Ho! Arlen Specter's got to go! (And yeah, this issue gets me worked up a bit)

Spectre's response [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 16:06:08 Here's Spectre's statement today: Washington, D.C.- Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) made the following comments today on the judicial confirmation process. "Contrary to press accounts, I did not warn the President about anything and was very respectful of his Constitutional authority on the appointment of federal judges. "As the record shows, I have supported every one of President Bush’s nominees in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor. I have never and would never apply any litmus test on the abortion issue and, as the record shows, I have voted to confirm Chief Justice Rehnquist, Justice O’Connor, and Justice Kennedy and led the fight to confirm Justice Thomas. "I have already sponsored a protocol calling for a Judiciary Committee hearing within thirty days of a nomination, a vote out of Committee thirty days later, and floor action thirty days after that. I am committed to such prompt action by the Committee on all of President Bush’s nominees. "In light of the repeated filibusters by the Democrats in the last Senate session, I am concerned about a potential repetition of such filibusters. I expect to work well with President Bush in the judicial confirmation process in the years ahead." This makes me feel a little better, but not a whole heck of a lot. First of all, I really don't trust him to do what he says he's going to do. Second, he still has a lousy track record regarding judicial nominations (holding up the nominations of Robert Bork and Jeff Sessions, and voting to confirm Kennedy). All told, he needs to be somewhere other than the judiciary committee. Let's make him chairman of the committee that picks out artwork for the ladies restroom or something.

Thank you Massacusetts Supremes [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 16:00:38 Geraghty also made another good point that the gay marriage issue originating from the Massachusetts Supreme Court produced ballot initiatives in 11 states that may have helped galvanize the conservative vote and provide a significant margin for President Bush. The Lord works in mysterious ways, huh?

Man Without A Party [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 15:53:47 I mourn for Zell Miller. He loves his country, and loves his party which, much like Hosea's wife Gomer, has become unfaithful to the traditional values of its base and is playing the harlot to extreme leftist special interests. Out of love and faithfulness Zell refuses to leave his party. But his party has left him, and will certainly never let his shadow grace their doorstep ever again. Zell, from a Republican and, more important, a conservative, thank you for your sacrifice and devotion to this country. Though you have made it clear that you will never take us up on it, our hearts, arms and doors are open to you.

Rather [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 15:47:55 Charles: Yesterday afternoon Jim Geraghty posted something about Dan Rather's rather poor showing in the ratings during election night. Do you have any information on this? What's the buzz, what's your take?

Dick Morris "Mr. Polling" hints at foul play in the exit polls [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-04 15:01:14 Go here for interesting Dick Morris column on the exit polling "errors." He says, despite conventional wisdom, exit polls are historically VERY ACCURATE and he suspects some sort of manipulation--or he hints that.

The First Move [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 14:21:50 Re-nominate Miguelle Estrada for a judgeship. A better idea: Wait and nominate him for the first Supreme Court vacancy.

Kerry Headquarters [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 13:48:24 I've had the opportunity/necessity over the last couple of days to pass the Kerry/Edwards headquarters here in Birmingham, located on 20th Street North. The place is all shut down, boarded up, trashed, sadly abandoned and forlorn-looking. Heeheeheeheeheeheeheeheehee. (You're right: I need to grow up. Next week.)

Consumer Confidence Up [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 13:07:20 "Highly unusual" uptick (it has jumped 6 points in a week only six times since 1985). Wonder why . . .

More Spectre [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 13:02:43 Here's that AP article on Spectre's warning to Bush regarding judicial nominations. Some excerpts: The Republican expected to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee next year bluntly warned newly re-elected President Bush today against putting forth Supreme Court nominees who would seek to overturn abortion rights or are otherwise too conservative to win confirmation. "When you talk about judges who would change the right of a woman to choose, overturn Roe v. Wade, I think that is unlikely," Specter said, referring to the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. "The president is well aware of what happened, when a bunch of his nominees were sent up, with the filibuster," Specter added, referring to Senate Democrats' success over the past four years in blocking the confirmation of many of Bush's conservative judicial picks. "... And I would expect the president to be mindful of the considerations which I am mentioning." With at least three Supreme Court justices rumored to be eyeing retirement, including ailing Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Specter, 74, would have broad authority to reshape the nation's highest court. He would have wide latitude to schedule hearings, call for votes and make the process as easy or as hard as he wants. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., expressed confidence Wednesday that Bush will have more success his second term in winning the confirmation of his judicial nominees. "I'm very confident that now we've gone from 51 seats to 55 seats, we will be able to overturn this what has become customary filibuster of judicial nominees," Frist said in Orlando, Fla. When asked Wednesday about Specter's impending chairmanship, another Republican on the panel, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, did not offer a ringing endorsement. "We'll have to see where he stands," said Cornyn, a close friend of Bush who worked to get all of the president's nominees through the Senate. "I'm hoping that he will stand behind the president's nominees. I'm intending to sit down and discuss with him how things are going to work. We want to know what he's going do and how things are going to work." While Specter is a loyal Republican -- Bush endorsed him in a tight Pennsylvania GOP primary -- he routinely crosses party lines to pass legislation and counts a Democrat, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, as one of his closest friends. A self-proclaimed moderate, he helped kill President Reagan's nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court and of Jeff Sessions to a federal judgeship. Specter called both nominees too extreme on civil rights issues. Though he refused to describe the political leanings of the high court, Specter said he "would characterize myself as moderate; I'm in the political swim. I would look for justices who would interpret the Constitution, as Cardozo has said, reflecting the values of the people." I am obviously very worried about Spectre's track record, his opinions on abortion and civil rights, etc. I wouldn't call him a "loyal Republican" except inasmuch as he hasn't switched aisles. I also am not wild about Frist's characterization of the judicial filibusters as "customary." Granted, they are par for the course for the past couple of years, but prior to that they were highly unusual -- in some cases unheard of. I think we need to keep pounding this message at the public -- "This isn't normal!" If we begin to see it as customary, the public will see it as business as usual and there will be no outrage generated (as there damn well should be!).

Arafat in a Coma [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 12:02:26 Fox News is reporting. Apparently it is "irreversible." The implications of Arafat's death are impossible to predict, inasmuch as it could prompt any number of actions/reactions. My hope is that it would provide an opportunity for the Palestinians to turn to leadership which will actually act in their best interests, rather than in the best interests of the disaffected, greedy and megalomaniac. Alternatively, maybe the various factions will turn on themselves and we'll see a little revolution/civil war. I don't hope for that, as it would promote even more misery for the Palestinian people. But it could eventually wind up with a very beneficial outcome for them, the Israelis, and the Middle East as a whole. We'll see . . .

A few thoughts . . . [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-04 11:36:00 I love this post-election admission from liberal Saletan at Slate: "People are voting Republican because they think you're weak. And, let's face it, you are weak. You say you'll defend this country, but then you go on about consulting other governments, cultivating goodwill, and playing well with others. You make a world full of terrorists sound like kindergarten." Of course, in the next paragraph he quantifies his position to the point that the result is still modified weakness. I read somewhere about the possibility that the exit polls have been manipulated by Democratic operatives (I mean, besides the pollsters and the MSM)who found out where the exit polling was being done and sending Demos there to flood the polling. It was an effort to discourage Republicans from voting after mid-day. Is that plausible or just a conspiracy-theorist's musings?

Judicial Nominations [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 11:15:20 I'm still mulling over the whole issue, but here's my preliminary thoughts: I think you're right, John, we probably can muster up enough votes to get the nominations pushed through. Even assuming we lose Lincoln Chaffee to an aisle-switch (not necessarily a bad thing, in my opinion), and assuming Arlene Spectre votes liberal, we still have a pretty solid 53 votes in the Senate. Add to that the Democrats who have been swimming against the party flow on this all along (Zell Miller types -- I don't know who all they are right off the top of my head), and also add in those who have thus far toed the Democrat party line but now see the writing on the wall and don't want to be painted as obstructionists to their constituents, and I think we reach the magical 60-vote mark. However, if Spectre chairs the judiciary committee, candidates may never reach the floor vote stage. In other word, Spectre can accomplish single-handedly what it has taken the vast majority of the Democrats to accomplish for the last three years -- complete obstructionism of judicial confirmations. And, as John has pointed out, he has already threatened the White House along just those lines. Spectre doesn't bow to much political pressure, and especially now that he's in his last term and doesn't have to worry about re-election. This issue needs a lot of heat and light.

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 11:00:08 CNN is reporting on its web site that 51 percent of respondents state that they were pleased with the election result. Well . . . duh! Let's see, what was that popular vote percentage again? Oh, yes -- 51%. Hmmmmm . . . do you think there's a correlation? However, here's the interesting thing: 38% of respondents state that they were upset with the result. Without being a poll analysis person (I think I've made my opinion on polls very clear), I interpret this to mean that the remaining 11% of people who voted for Kerry really aren't all that upset that Bush won. Hardly a ringing endoresement of Kerry, and supports the common wisdom that many people who voted for Kerry did so more as the lesser of two evils rather than as a candidate of choice.

Specter must go! [John Hay]-2004-11-04 10:57:48 Scott, Can't wait to see your article. Yesterday Specter already threatened the President on judicial nominations. The Republicans need to buck up and change whatever rules they have to to deny Specter the opportunity. With our pickups, I believe we still have a Senate majority even excluding the RINOs; now is the time.

Bush is a better politician than Clinton [John Hay]-2004-11-04 10:21:41 I'm not even talking about morals or ethics here, I'm just talking about getting the job done and reaching your goals. I think its time to puncture the myth of Clinton's great skill as a politician. Clinton is a good speaker and empathizer, but the fact is he won because of Ross Perot; heck the first run I think he only got 43%. Clinton even had the press on his side until his SELF-INFLICTED wounds became too great to ignore. The positives Clinton had were almost all the result of a Republican congress, including but not limited to, a great economy and welfare reform. George Bush this time ran against the MSM, who were even willing to use forged documents and repackage 18 month-old stories to beat him with. W also had the UN out to get him and most of Europe. Not to mention the half-insane Demorat activists, 527s and George Soros. So, what did W do? He kicked @#$ baby! Bush received the most popular votes ever and the Republicans even expanded their majorities in the House and Senate. Especially when you combine this election with the midterms two years ago, Bush looks even better - if thats possible. I'd love anyone's comments on this subject. Thanks.

The most insightful political analysis available regarding why Kerry lost the election. [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 09:57:53 Here.

Judicial nominations and the effect of this election [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-04 08:57:30 Scott, I look forward to your column. I have been saying this election means the end of judicial nominees being filibustered--55 Republicans, loss of Dascle, surely we can get five Democrats to agree that the nominees should at least get an up or down vote on the floor. My friends say, not so fast, Blue state senators will not be in a compromising mood, do not see Bush's victory as threatening to them, their base loves confrontation like this. I know Reid from Nevada (who wants Dascle'b job as dones Dodd from Connecticut) is from a red state--how many more of the Democratic senators are from red states? Can we get five guys to at least oppose filibustering?

An Ominous Spectre [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-04 08:02:49 Can somebody point me to where it says that Arlene Spectre gets to be chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee? I know this to be the case, and it concerns me greatly, but I don't know how such appointments are made. It's not in the Constitution, or in the Federalist Papers, and I don't think it's in the U.S. Code, so I'm guessing it's some Senate rule or other. Where do I find those? Where, specifically, do I find the rules on committee chairmanships? Much more on this later, especially if someone can give me a good answer to this question. I'm working on a new Rant, the hardest part of which is trying to pick which of many topics need to be discussed. Judicial confirmations (and Spectre's new role in them) are at the top of the list.

This guy, Jay Cost--whoever he is--is great, his analysis of the election is spot on. [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 22:29:25 Click here to go to his latest column on horserace blog. If you are into political "inside baseball" strategy--and let's face it, who isn't?, he needs to be a regular read. Who is that guy?

RE: Bart's last post [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-03 17:26:51 George Bush: When you CARE enough to elect the very best.

This may sound like gloating...but I love reading the liberal misery...Here's Eric Alterman from MSNBC and my response [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 17:17:59 Here's Eric Alterman from MSNBC website: go here. Alterman: "They don’t care that Iraq is turning into murderous quicksand and a killing field for our children. They don’t care that the Bush presidency has made us less safe by creating more terrorists, inspiring more anti-American hatred and refusing to engage in the hard work that would be necessary to make a meaningful dent in our myriad vulnerabilities at home. They don’t care that he has mortgaged our children’s future to give trillions to the wealthiest among us. They don’t care that the economy continues to hemorrhage well-paying jobs and replace them with Wal-Mart; that the number without health insurance is over forty million and rising. They don’t care that Medicare premiums are rising to fund the coffers of pharmaceutical companies. They don’t care that the air they breathe and the water they drink is being slowly poisoned and though they call themselves conservatives, they even don’t care that the size of the government and its share of our national income has increased by roughly a quarter in just four years. This is not a world of rational debate and issue preference." Me: Hey, Eric, its not that we don't care--it's that we don't believer what you are saying because the evidence totally conflicts what you are saying. This is a rational world--you, Eric, just don't choose to be part of it. When radical Muslim invade our country, kill 3,000 innocent people, and promise that that's just a warm-up, I think it's rational to do something about it.

RE: Whoopi [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-03 16:48:51 John, great article laying out the woes of WhIpeeee G. The best part, however, was the SPECULATION that her "vulgar political tirades" MAY have damaged her reputation. GEEEEEE, DO YA THINK?

It gets even better [John Hay]-2004-11-03 16:39:19 Whoopi struggles at box office.

The New Mantra [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-03 16:33:40 The following is a quote that I have heard several times since early this morning...I think it is fast becoming the new Mantra of the Democratic Party. "The exit polls were mostly wrong in states with electronic voting machines. But the exit polls were wrong. Hmmmm" What they should really be humming is; Karl Rove's Mind Machine, Karl Rove's Mind Machine, Karl Rove's Mind Machine, Karl Rove's Mind Maching, Karl Rove's Mind Machine. Dems -- more people voted for Bush than Kerry -- now live with it.

Fisking of Josh Marshall's crying (in Talking Point Memos) . . . [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 16:21:36 To see the original of Josh Marshall's column, go here. BUSH IS DANGEROUS JM: And I fear that this result will set in motion dangerous dynamics that even the relatively young among us will be wrestling with and contending with for the rest of our lives. ME: Translation: Life is over as we know it. Come on Josh, you survived four years of his administation, and four years of his father's. Where is the apocalypse? VALIDATION OF BUSH'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION JM: This was a referendum on what's happened in the last three years. And it's been validated. ME: I agree--GAINING four million voters since 2000 and gaining voters (and percentages) in nearly every state is a validation--a mandate if you will. Without the 15 point headstart Kerry had (see Newsweek article) by being the media's darling, it would have been a landslide. KERRY SHOULDN'T CONCEDE--HOW ABOUT THE VOTER SUPPRESSION (Oh yea, it didn't happen, darn) JM: The situation in Ohio....I can see that President Bush is trying to force the process and wring some de facto concession out of Sen. Kerry -- a typical Bush/Rove maneuver on many levels.... I see no reason that Kerry should concede anything so long as uncounted votes remain outstanding that could conceivably decide the contest in his favor....this whole contest has been too dirty, too marred with voter suppression, dirty tricks and other unspeakable antics not to press every last possibility. So, not that my views matter in this, but I would say do nothing premature. Make sure every last vote is counted. The fact that the president is "convinced" that he won, is not only meaningless but offensive. We have a system of rules for counting votes. That's how we decide. Me: Josh, I have no problem with Kerry waiting until this morning to concede, but these claims about voter suppression is not supported by evidence, belied by the leaked Demo memo calling for "preemptive" charges even where there is no "intimidation" and is stupid given the fact that Bush is ahead by 3.5 MILLION VOTES. Kerry knows he lost, Bush knows he won. (To be fair, JM concedes the last part a few paragraphs later). HECK NO WE DEMOCRATS DON'T NEED TO CHANGE JM: Yesterday evening I heard various commentators say that Kerry's defeat would usher in a civil war among Democrats. Tucker Carlson said it would or should lead to a 'Goldwater moment' for the Democrats. As I've noted above, I don't want to diminish the scope of what's happened. But a civil war over what exactly? Yes, some consultants will get a hard shake. And I'm certain there will be backbiting against Kerry (which I for one will very much disagree with.) But a civil war over what? The right and the left of the party were remarkably united in this cycle and managed to find points of compromise on key issues. ME: What do you mean "civil war over what?" How about a civil war over who controls your party and whether their control GUARANTEES losing the South and West EVERY SINGLE ELECTION and therefore ultimately losing every election for President and seats in Congress...a civil war to oust the fruits, nuts and flakes in the party who drive away every normal American...a civil war that kicks out those who blame America first EVEN IN WAR TIME. That's what Josh. CHANGE MY MIND; NO VALIDATION JM: But when I look at the results from last night what I see is that they are virtually identical to four years ago. Pretty much the same states going each way and a very close to even race -- though of course the president's 51% makes all the difference in the world. As I said, if the Dems had been crushed, that would be one thing. If the American people were coalescing away from them, etc. But that's not what has happened here. In 2000 the country was divided into two (increasingly hostile) camps. And it's still exactly the same way. If anything it seems only more entrenched -- perhaps symbolically and geographically captured by the flip between New Hampshire and New Mexico from 2000. The country is bitterly divided. And as much as anyone President Bush has divided it. But president Bush got 51% and if there's anything I've learned from watching him for the last four years-plus, it is that his team will take this as a popular mandate for an aggressive push for their agenda -- notwithstanding the profound division in the country or what has happened over the previous four years. Me: The states were largley identical but Bush gained VOTERS in almost every state--there is division, yes, but that does not mean ONLY that Republicans/Conservatives must compromise. Often, the loser must recognize his losing position and sue for peace. Democrats must move to the center--get reasonable--be more open to the values of fly-over country--not just NY and LA. JM: Well, here we are. And this is the test for people who care about this kind of politics and these sorts of values -- making sure that what has been started is not allowed to falter. This isn't 1964 or 1972 or 1980. This wans't a blow-out or a repudiation. It was close to a tie -- unfortunately, on the other guy's side. Let's not put our heads in the sand but let's also not get knocked of our game. BH: Keep thinking that way--its not that bad, we just need a little tweaking--why be discourged just because the other team holds the presidency, a house majority, a senate majority (near filibuster-proof levels), most governors and most state legislatures (I'm not sure about that last one). Remember the ostrich in the sand ad--who does that apply to now, Josh-y buddy? BOO-HOO JM: Take time to feel the desolation and disappointment. BH: O.k. I can't disagree with that one. WE WILL WIN IN THE LONG RUN, GUYS! JM: Remain confident that time is not on the side of the kind of values and politics that President Bush represents. It took conservatives two decades to build up the institutional muscle they have today. ME: Yea, the imminent signs of Republican death are everywhere.

The moment I moved here... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-03 14:58:44 Metro just declined immediately. It's almost as if the system is falling apart. The roof caved in at Farragut North awhile back. And now, well, I'm glad I drive. Woodley Park is "my" station. Right across the Ellington Bridge from Adams-Morgan.

Election platitudes destroyed in this election [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 14:48:09 "It's the economy stupid." No, in war-time, its the future of western civilization, Stupid. (Although we have a strong economy--but it looks like many parts of Ohio which a struggling economy supported Bush or Bush increased his 2000 numbers--same for Pa--even though Bush lost Pa.--he made it fairly close losing only four states.) Undecideds break for the challenger--No, look at Florida. Bush ended up with a larger share of the vote in Florida than any final poll was giving him. Large turn-outs favor Democrats. Evidently not. Democrats have a better ground game (i.e., GOTV) than Republicans. Not yesterday. Democrats would win if they had the same money as Republicans--they did this season and still didn't get it done.

For map showing Bush's win--county by county-- [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 14:25:53 Go here.

The Guardian and Ohio voters [John Hay]-2004-11-03 14:21:33 I read on a blog, can't remember where, that although Bush outperformed in Ohio over his 2000 performance by about 1%, in Clarke County where the Guardian newspaper had its readers write condenscending emails to voters about how to vote, Bush outperformed by about 3.5%, sealing his victory. Does anybody have any data on this?

Want to read something rich? See Saletan's column in Slate . . .bottom line: The people must want someone stupid. [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 14:00:24 Saletan sure has a bitter tone—the voters are stupid and want a stupid candidate—that’s where we screwed up—we need a stupid democrat next time to run. As long as they think that, they will never win. Do you agree? They should just realize the truth—we cannot nominate a Yankee snob—write off the entire south and west—and think we can win. We need to go back to a centrist (at least Clinton could pull off such a ruse—a Mass. Liberal will never succeed in doing it).

Re.Estrich [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-03 13:39:33 Yeah, Estrich was looking a little more bug-eyed and screechy than usual. Brit seemed surprised at what she was saying, but kept reminding viewers that she had a strong track record of good predictions. That was news to me, and she was certainly off last night. Just read on NRO that John Miller expects Harry reid of NV to be the next Senate minority leader. I know *nothing* about the guy, and can't even think of what he looks like. Anybody have some insights on the character? Is he a Pelosi-lefty or a Ford,Jr-moderate?

Susan Estrich's Display [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-03 13:06:41 Did anyone else see Susan E.'s paranoid screeching when Fla. and other states were not looking good for Kerry? If I had to have a highlight of the night that would be mine. Brit Hume didn't know what to say when she had finished her 2 year old tantrum.

When will Democrats learn--maybe I don't want them to. . . [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 13:04:01 If the Democrats would just have nominated a moderate, they might be in the Whitehouse, say, Evan Buyh of Indiana--low tax, support the war--guy. Of course, they never will--their rank and file is far too leftist. When will Southern Democrats finally declare independence from the Nat'l party? I don't mean just behind-the-scenes (not inviting the Nat'l candidate down here) but openly saying, a la Zeb Miller, vote for our state Democratic guys--they are God-loving, tax-hating conservatives but we are supporting Bush (or whomever) and not the liberal national candidate--raising money for Bush and campaigning for him because he will defeat the terrorists, Kerry is weak, effete and a Yankee snob.

Good Analysis from K-Lo [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 13:02:26 Kathryn: "President Bush: *** Became the first President to be re-elected while gaining seats in the House and Senate since 1936 and the first Republican President since 1924 to be re-elected while re-electing Republican House and Senate majorities. *** Became the first President to win a majority of the popular vote since 1988. *** Received 57.4 million votes - more than any other candidate in history. He broke President Reagan's 1984 mark of 54.5 million. (96% reporting) ***Increased the popular vote by seven million votes since 2000 - more than twice Clinton's increase from 1992 to 1996. ***Improved his percentage in every state except four (MD, OR, VT and WY). This includes a four percent increase in John Kerry's home state, Massachusetts" ME: This is a big point, Bush accomplished something that Clinton NEVER DID EVEN ONCE--won the support of a majority of Americans. The last President before Bush to win a majority was. . .er. . . Bush (41). The last Democratic candidate to actually win a majority was. . . Jimmy Carter in 1976--in the wake of Watergate or at least Ford's pardon of Nixon.

SHUT 'ER DOWN! [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-03 12:37:56 Karl Rove has apparently shut down his Mind Machine. His final act before pulling the plug was to make Kerry call Bush. This man is a master politician who knew where to sqeeze the turnip so as to get the maximum amount of blood out. He is clearly the hottest ticket in politics right now and for as far as the eye can see.

Kery did the right thing [John Hay]-2004-11-03 12:32:15 I really didn't believe Kerry would concede this early. I was wrong. Kerry did the right thing; let's hope he doesn't spoil it with petulant remarks.

Even the Euro is up [John Hay]-2004-11-03 12:30:04 Looks like Bush's win also helped the European markets. Can't help but laugh.

The Market [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-03 11:49:59 It's no surprise that the Dow is surging this morning on news of Bush's win. I'm betting that the market's nervous performance of the past few months has been due, in large part, to election uncertainty. Sure, oil prices and Iraq had a big affect too. But it would not surprise me to see a nice, solid economic surge during November. Especially since 1) oil prices are dropping, 2) Fallujah seems to be coming to a conclusion, and most importantly 3) we will apparently avoid an extended legal brawl over the votes.

Looking ahead... [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-03 11:34:24 ...at the next steps for the Democratic party. First, I'm guessing Terry McAuliffe will lose his job by the end of the week. I'm amazed he's lasted as long as he has. His track record, measured by how his party performed in elections, has the be one of the worst in history. He must have incredible connections to money-men to have lasted as long as he has. So Daschle is gone... (if you could only see my grin as I write). Who will replace him as minority leader? An obvious candidate should be John Kerry, right? He was the Democratic nominee, clearly a leader of his party. But I think he now has the stench of a loser, and won't be chosen. I'm betting Joe Biden has a good shot, especially now that he has to abondon his dreams of being Secretary of State. Would they choose Hillary? I don't think there's anybody else with her star power, despite her relative lack of seniority. I guess Nancy Pelosi will remain as Minority Leader in the House, unless the Democrats are in a mood to clean house. Now that I think about it, I am struck by the lack of candidates to lead the Democratic Party. There may be a real power vacuum for a while as the party tries to decide if it reverts back to the Clintonistas or tries to go in a new (liberal or moderate?) direction. Should be very, very interesting to watch. I've written before, I think it is healthy for the entire country - including the Republican Party - to have a legitimate, responsible minority party. I am hoping the Democrats come to their senses and drop their Michael Moore tendencies. I really don't know if that will happen, but I'm hoping.

BUSH WINS! [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-03 11:21:41 Period.

HE MADE THE CALL [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-03 11:17:25 Reports are coming in that Kerry has called the President to concede.

Good point indeed... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-03 10:45:50 what idiot whips up support among people who, when you think about it, have to exert a lot of effort just to vote. Just because you're an instate student at a large state school doesn't mean you live down the road. Sure you can vote absentee: but it takes a little bit of effort (moreso for "slackers").

Michael Moore's self-described "Slacker" tour of college campuses [John Hay]-2004-11-03 10:33:29 Hey Michael, The reason people are slackers is because they don't come through in a pinch. Nice tour whipping up support among nonvoters, you idiot. Say "hi" to Chirac for me.

Zogby wrong again [John Hay]-2004-11-03 10:01:43 From their website AS OF WEDNESDAY, NOV. 3rd Our Call Zogby International's 2004 Predictions (as of Nov. 2, 2004 5:00pm EST) 2004 Presidential Election Electoral Votes: Bush 213 Kerry 311 Too Close To Call Nevada (5) Too Close To Call Colorado (9)

Mandate [John Hay]-2004-11-03 09:44:17 Bart, I believe you're correct that W is the last president to get over 50% of the vote since his dad did it. Nader is nothing compared to Perot. While the Dems are already trying to spin it that Bush faces a deeply divided nation and therefore he must be a "uniter not a divider" and run from the center, the fact is the Dems are the ones that must adjust. They are the minority party and need to come to grips with that fact. The so-called acrimony and divide stems not from Bush, but from their inability to grasp reality. Not only did Bush win over 50% for the first time since his dad, he also beat Kerry by approx. 4 million votes and got the hightest vote total since Reagan (even beating him I think). Tom Daschle, Democratic party leader, lost. The Republicans picked up 4 Senate seats and 9 House seats. To top it off, gay marriage bans passed in all 11 states they were on the ballot for. This was a huge win and a MANDATE. Let the Democratice recriminations and backstabbing begin as they turn on each other. It doesn't get much better than this.

VERY quiet... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-03 09:31:55 this morning in Adams-Morgan. Except for the sound of the Moveon crowd crying in their wheatgrass juice. Heh.

Only 130 to 135K provisional ballots in Ohio? [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 08:46:13 That's what NBC just said...if that's right--what's the likelihood of them ALL being valid and ALL going to Kerry? ZERO---come on Kerry, be a man, CONCEDE!

Katie Couric is actually wearing black again (gotta love it)/Summary of where we are now [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 08:31:41 As you recall, she famously wore black the morning after it became clear that Bush would beat Gore (I forgot which day exactly). Well, she did it again. I don't mind, actually. Its a sign that Bush really did win and they know it. Here's how I see it. Bush is ahead by about 140k votes in Ohio with all precincts reporting. There are about 170k provisional ballots not yet counted (or even validated)--but that process could take up to ELEVEN DAYS. The chances of enough of them being valid and going to Kerry to make a difference is statistically irrelevant--so far only about 5 to 15% of them end up being valid. (But I don't know how Andy Card knows this, he's the one that said it--if it takes 11 days to count and validate.) Bush, through Andy Card, has declared victory, but is giving Kerry some time "to reflect on the numbers" before he personally declares victory--but don't expect him to go past today before declaring victory. NRO surmises that Kerry cannot stand the pressure of waiting if it appears futile. I also read on the Corner--somewhere--that if Bush wins three states (I forget which ones), Bush is at 269 even WITHOUT OHIO and we all know what that means to the House where each state delegation gets one vote and Republicans hold the majority in 30 states. Do you guys know which states could get Bush to 269 without Ohio and where those states now stand? Have any networks called those states? Oh yea, very importantly, Bush wins a big (relatively) victory in popular vote. 51 to 48%. Bush is the first president in 12 years to actually win a MAJORITY of the popular vote (am I right, Clinton won 43%, 48%, Gore won less than 50% didn't he). This is LEGITIMACY and takes a lot of argument out of the liberals (although they of course will find something else to harp on).

Bush and the Mandate [John Hay]-2004-11-03 04:21:06 Just got home and am about to hit the sack. Great, great night. Of course, the Dems are going to drag things out, but with Bush up approx 140,000 in Ohio and maybe 140,000 provisional ballots left, do the math. All would have to be good, and all would have to be for Kerry. Bush and the Republicans won big. How big? Bush is up approximately 4 million over Kerry in the popular vote. He should break 280 in the electoral college after Iowa, Nevada and New Mexico pile on. The Republicans look to pick up 4 net Senate seats to get to 55 senators. And Tom Daschle lost! Thune's margin is now higher than the remaining votes left on the Indian reservations. The Republicans should also at least keep their edge in the House, maybe even picking up a couple. I'm too tired to check the Governors' races. Can you say MANDATE? I can. Now the fun begins as the Democrats turn on each other and the recriminations fly. Oh frabjous joy! On the local Alabama front the Republicans absolutely mopped up. Bush's coattails, combined with some very good high profile candidates, extended way down the ticket. We have some local Republican officeholders now in counties we've never really had before. We retained the Jefferson County treasurer, which is huge. It was simply a great election cycle for Republicans.

"Turn out the lights, the party's over [For Kerry]"--where's Dandy Don when you need him? (do y'all get that?) [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-03 01:22:15 Carville concedes defeat on CNN Drudge says Bush wins NBC (and FOX) calls Ohio for Bush CBS and ABC are dragging their feet on Ohio WE WON!! I told you guys not to be afraid--over I had Bush winning bigger on the electoral college but was close to what I expect the popular vote to be. Well, I did have my moments. NBC is all but playing hail to chief for Bush. I'm going to bed, guys. Y'all take it from here. My job here is done, ma'am.

It's All But Won [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-03 00:53:55 Fox just projected Ohio for Bush! Woo-Hooo!

I love the E.C. [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-02 23:19:32 Hurrah for the Electoral College system. Right now I am glued to news about about a few hundred voters differ from counties in Eastern and Western New Hampshire. If we chose Presidents by a popular vote, these small places would be ignored and forgotten. Instead we get lessons about our American cousins in parts of the country that suddenly carry unusual power. I think this stuff is great. Now, these doses of Americana don't autmoatically mean our system is good for democracy - I think it is, but for other reasons. And it's also a heckova lot of fun on a night like this. And you can probably tell from my tone that I am mighty confident about Bush's chances...

The boys at 310 First Street, SE [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-02 22:05:19 are riding high right now. Florida is going great. Martinez is up, the turnout was excellent, and it looks like it's going to be called for Bush soon. Ohio, as you probably already know, is a cluster-flip. I'll relate stuff to y'all as I get ahold of it. Daschle is in BIG trouble in SD.

Exit Polls Are Crap [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-02 21:00:19 Sounds like the reason for this afternoon's pessimism - those early exit polls - was nothing worth fretting over. Apparently the methodology behind those "scientific" polls (we can rant about how they poll tomorrow) has a huge problem. They severely undnerestimated the Catholic vote, overestimated the female vote, on and on. Maybe it's coincidence that the polling errors happen to favor Kerry. Uh-huh. And maybe there's no cultural significance that it's Republican offices getting shot at and Republican cars getting their tires slashed. I feel quite optimistic about tonight. And I think the people who resent Gore's loss will absolutely lose their minds about this election.

Good stats on Alabama [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-02 20:42:03 Here's a good link from CNN to see the election results county-by-county. Alabama Results Here

FOX, MSNBC [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-02 20:31:21 Those are the big portions on my plate...I nibble around everyone else.

Re.CNN [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-02 20:29:36 Samuel, good observation. Jeff Greenfield is the only reason I spend any time tonight on CNN. What channels you gents whatching?

The Small Stuff [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-02 20:20:33 Anyone notice the CNN desk? They have Larry King, Jeff Greenfield, and some other guy all crammed behind this 'tiny' glass desk...looks awful cheesy...kinda like their news.

I'm feeling good... [Sean Farrell]-2004-11-02 20:09:45 ... and it's not just because I am sipping on a fresh whiskey. Nor is it because I am finally back home after driving all over the Mississippi Delta. It's in part because this afternoon I was feeling pessimistic. I listened to Sean Hannity et al and was getting the vibe that for whatever reason Kerry is picking up steam. But now, watching the very early returns coming in, I feel good. I took a look at the last polls for the swing states, and it looks like Bush has done much, much better than expected. I think he won IN and WV by at least 5 points more than expected. Aw, crap, they just called New Jersey for Kerry. I guess that one was too much to hope for. Shelby won, no surprise there.

EARLY STUFF [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-02 19:50:13 SC and VA haven't been called for Bush yet...I'm sure there is something funny in the numbers...but Bush should have it easy here. Everything else is going as planned...Rove called me a little bit ago and said he had turned on his mind machine at around 10pm and it was working just fine.

ODDS [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-02 17:20:21 Again, I'm not a betting man, but I have been watching tradesports to see how things are shaping up in the betting world. Huge swing since noon -- the bookies have Bush chances WAYYYYYY down and Kerry chances WAAAAAAAY up. I hope they lose a ton of cash!

Jabberwocky [John Hay]-2004-11-02 16:29:53 I'm posting this because I like it and its a break from politics. JABBERWOCKY by Lewis Carroll ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe. “Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!” He took his vorpal sword in hand: Long time the manxome foe he sought— So rested he by the Tumtum tree, And stood awhile in thought. And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came! One, two! One, two! And through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead, and with its head He went galumphing back. “And, hast thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” He chortled in his joy. ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.

Catching Up [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-02 16:09:23 Have been out most of the day. Pregnancy appointment with the missus (everything looks good -- new baby scheduled for Nov. 23rd. Hope the stork gets the word); pick up the heir from school; go vote with the heir, all the time explaining our wonderful democracy at work (he has been praying for many weeks that President Bush has wisdom, courage and guidance, and gets re-elected); then home to drop the heir off and back to the office. I didn't have the presence of mind to look at the ballot numbers, but my polling place was relatively quiet. Then again, it was 1:30, and most people vote before work, at lunch, or after work. Had the privilege of voting right next to one of our soldiers, and explained to the heir that I was voting for President Bush because I thought he would do a better job than the other guy of keeping our soldiers and ourselves safe. The heir informed me that he voted yesterday at school -- for strawberry. Chocolate won. I explained that he lost his election, but he will come out ahead anyway, since he will be getting chocolate ice cream in school tomorrow. If we lose our election -- well, we'll be getting creamed, all right. Bart: your post gave me chills. I love that line. Aragorn is da' bomb. John: I'm not surprised about the judge in South Dakota, though I think he absolutely should recuse himself. In the end it didn't make any difference -- no harm no foul, so to speak. Charles: I, too, was convinced there'd be an attack. I don't know if this is a tribute to our fine folk in uniform, and our law enforcement guys, or what. But I'm surprised that there's been no surprise. Also, come on down. I'd love to have you for a neighbor. David: I think the standard wisdom is a forecast of heavy turnout, but at the end of the day the numbers stay relatively consistent with previous elections. However, I don't think the standard wisdom will apply to this election (or, arguably, to any presidential election from here on out). The political culture has changed, folks, and I'm not sure it's for the better. Samuel: another great quote. I think that gets everybody.

60% Voter Turnout [David Null]-2004-11-02 15:40:01 I've heard the same number used today by several various news sources. Has anyone else heard this, or are you hearing different numbers? Took a late lunch from 1 PM to 2 PM and was pleasantly surprised to find several polling places jammed with cars as I drove past.

What's noteworthy about all of this... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-02 14:37:18 is that, despite my worst fears, there hasn't been a single terrorist attack. I was expecting one. I just knew it was going to happen. But, everything is as safe as can be. No comment from the media, of course.

LIVE! [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-02 14:14:21 Every man dies, not every man really lives.

This is great pick-me-up if you are discouraged. . . A Johnny Cash Tribute to Bush [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-02 13:42:06 This will make your day, click here. Caveat: Of course, I don't think Bush is ultimately, "The Man" [Who Will] Come Around" but he is certainly "a" man who comes around and is doing a lot of good although while coming around. In the end, our course, we all know we should not put our trust in "princes."

Unsurprisingly, turnout extremely heavy [John Hay]-2004-11-02 12:55:57 Just finished voting in Vestavia. As of 11:20 am today, 1228 people had already voted in my precinct. This is a huge turnout in a majority Republican precinct. Expected it to be heavy, but this still passes my expectations.

This day we fight! [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-02 12:02:21 "I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come that the courage of man fails, that we forsake our friends and break all bands of fellowship, But it is not this day. This day we fight!"

Thanks for the update... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-02 11:40:14 I'm originally from Mobile but am counting the days until I am a new Birminghamian. I love the place. Greatest place to live in the country, in my humble opinion! For a long time I was an Atlanta snob, but had a good friend spend a summer in Birmingham and wisened up from there. I was down in Birmingham three weeks ago for a wedding and drove around a bit. The first thing that hit me was all the "W" stickers on I-20 heading from the airport into downtown. But, when driving around Highland Park, I was a little dismayed at the row-after-row of Kedwards yard signs. Things went pretty Red-state once I got back on 280. Indeed.

Brain imaging and political affiliation [John Hay]-2004-11-02 11:14:58 I just ran across some intriguing stuff over the last week about new research into brain imaging and politics. Just google the words "brain imaging politics" or similar. Basically, they've found two differences between Democrats and Republicans, although they state them more scientifically and neutrally than I will. First, ON AVERAGE, Democrats appear more empathetic than Republicans due to varying degrees of activity in certain parts of the brain. The flip side of this that they don't appear willing to address is that Republicans appear more rational. Second, ON AVERAGE, Democrats have higher levels of amygdala activity than Republicans when viewing destructive or violent images such as 9/11 or Johnson's famous "Daisy" commercial. This is fascinating because this part of the brain is unconcious and primal, if you will. The researchers try to theorize nicely, but basically the data's implying Democrats are physical cowards, something we've all pretty much figured out. So, while they try to spin Demos as sweet, caring, nonviolent people, the data can also read that they are emotionally-manipulated cowards. By the way, who would you want leading during a war?

For Charles [David Null]-2004-11-02 11:11:23 It's a dreary, overcast day here in Birmingham--warm temperatures but a bit windy. It was raining earlier this morning but has stopped as of 10 AM. Why the weather report? Because it may affect voter turnout. I went to vote at 7:30 AM this morning as I took my kids to school. Which makes sense because my polling place is the gym at my kids' school. I'm in Homewood, and the intersection around the school is chaotic on school days anyway. Today was extra chaos and congestion as voters and school moms competed for parking spots. About a third of the cars were parked illegally, which created confustion for parents dropping off their kids. All this to say that turnout was heavy, even this early in the morning. We stood outside in the rain for a few minutes before the line moved into the hallway and finally the gym. I cast my vote at about 8 AM, and was #873 as I put my ballot into the box. 873 votes in the first hour alone. For Homewood, that's heavy turnout. Got to the office and found similar stories from others who live in Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Highway 280 in Shelby County, and Trussville. Hope this helps with the homesickness. Where exactly are you from, and we'll try to get a pinpoint local report for you.

I'm homesick... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-02 10:50:49 keep me posted about things down in Alabama. I'm really homesick today for some reason. Blog away, folks.

Daschle's legal complaint [John Hay]-2004-11-02 10:09:06 Scott,, I find it astounding, but not unexpected, that the judge, Larry Piersol, hearing Daschle's emergency complaint was actually appointed by Daschle and used to be his legal counsel. Have there never heard of a judge stepping down up there? Oh, I forgot, this is the Democrats and power is EVERYTHING. P.S. I'll try to blog some during the election returns.

Cheating bastards... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-02 09:38:42 I'm so tired of this crap. Why cheat? In Philadelphia of all places? Really? I suppose that 700 might put a close race over the top in Philadelphia... unless there are ten precints with more stuffed ballots. Follow the story here.

Wayne Simmons [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-02 09:21:36 An interesting post by Jed Babbin in The Corner. This guy sounds like a tough customer.

Possibly the most important Senate race in the country [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-02 08:13:01 Daschle v. Thune. Apparently, while we all slumbered, Daschle took Thune to court before the polls even opened. Here's a copy of the first page of the complaint. Is Daschle self-destructing?

Don't forget guys! [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-02 08:02:45 Ay, fight, and you may die, run, and you'll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now. Would you be willing to trade ALL the days from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom.

Be of good cheer guys, we're gonna win this one [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-02 07:43:57 On the way to vote at the Y, I have to get this done early. Semper Fi!

First Post . . . [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-02 07:12:12 . . . because I didn't sleep well last night. Kept waking up, thinking about the election. I think I'm most nervous about the possibility of this dragging on another six weeks or more. Hope it's all over tonight. On that note, I will be blogging the election returns tonight, as well as periodically during the day. Any other takers?

Horserace blog, linked below, has some very interesting analysis of the so-called indys-break-for-challenger "rule" [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 23:52:30 He also picks Bush to win 305 to 232 and win the popular vote 51 to 47 to 2. Go herehere for a good read.

I will say this... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-01 22:39:40 will the Mobile Register, Birmingham News, and Montgomery Advertiser treat this issue as deliberately as y'all have? Where are the intrepid journalists who search for the abject truth: regardless of the political implications?

Good God... [Charles Simpson]-2004-11-01 22:35:00 I just emerged from the MRC and wasn't afraid of my shadow, so instead of six more weeks of this crap, it all ends tomorrow. (In the interest of full disclosure, the sun went down hours ago... but, I digress) I'm not even going to bother with weighing in on any argument about the Alabama constitution. All I know is, toss it out. Rewrite it. Please. While I'm an Alabama native and will probably be returning after a three year sojourn in Athens, I'm a Georgia resident and voted absentee a while ago. I'm one of those 50%+ who voted for the President. I voted for Isakson, but really wished that Herman Cain was on the ballot instead. I don't have any state-by-state predictions. But, in my lukewarm hands I have an internal memo from Matthew Dowd to staff that states things are looking good for President rolling into tomorrow: he has a composite lead of 2% in the popular vote. If this old news, my apologies. We could be amidst nuclear winter and I wouldn't know it nowadays. I will say that I think both Ohio and Minnesota are trending towards Bush. Penna? We'll see.

Amendment Two Revisited [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 21:15:31 Bart: You have essentially made my point for me. Judge Reese's order remains the law of the case, and the law of Alabama. Despite the obvious reservations of certain members of the Supreme Court, they have explicitly held so. Further, there is a constitutional amendment barring the way for further equity cases. As you so aptly pointed out, the Supreme Court has essentially closed the door on this issue -- kaput, finished, disposed of and put away. It is no argument to say that an ethically-challenged legislator slipped in the language in question (it is undeniable that he did), if the legislative sleight-of-hand doesn't have a negative effect. As I've stated, I see no unintended consequences to passing the amendment. I don't like the shenanigans any more than you do, but I can't justify a "no" vote without a more rational explanation than "if a unscrupulous person slipped it in, it must be bad." All of that being said, I really don't have much invested in this issue, other than a few minutes blogging time. I see no real harmful effects if it doesn't pass, just as I see little real benefit if it passes (other than a warm and fuzzy feeling). So, this is my last post on the subject.

You may have got me with that last post [John Hay]-2004-11-01 20:49:34 Bart, Your last post may have been the most persuasive of several persuasive posts. Your logic is compelling. If a proponent of equity funding slipped in a change at the last minute then it only stands to reason he did it to help his cause. Ergo, this should poison Amendment 2 to those who are against equity funding lawsuits, which includes myself. Hmmm... I'm on the fence now.

Why? Why? Why?---my final three words on Amendment Two (I promise) [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 19:50:19 Someone in the legislature (not one of our friends)-- someone who was disappointed that Amendment One (last election) failed--put the new language in Amendment Two--otherwise an innoculous piece of legislation--THINKING it would help them. Maybe they are wrong, but why encourge them? Why risk it? Why reward them for chicanery? Tell me why?

Let's beat this horse called Amendment 2 [John Hay]-2004-11-01 19:44:45 Bart, My reasoning (such as it is after being in Children's Hospital emergency room for hours - everyone's okay), is that even without Amendment 2 we have had equity funding lawsuits. I don't believe Amendment 2 will increase that fact. Since Gene Reese ruled for the plaintiffs the people have passed Amendment 585? (check this) that states no judge's order requiring tax increases or state expenditures shall have effect unless a majority of the legislature approves. I guess my point is that liberal judges are going to do whatever they damn well please regardless of the law. There is as much law against equity funding as for, even if Amendment 2 passes. I'm not a lawyer, so that is kind of my "weighing the scales" reasoning. I do understand where you're coming from, and you may be correct. As for CNN, I couldn't care less.

Stuff that can deleted from my last post re: Amendment Two (as if it wasn't long or technical enough) [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 19:28:13 • Justice Houston’s Concurring Opinion: If the State of Alabama had requested that this Court set aside the Liability Order in this litigation“, I would have voted to do so . . . . “ (emphasis added) My Translation: No one asked to the Court to set aside the Liability Order. If they had asked (or if they ask in the future), we could and would do so. Final points 1. West’s annotations to the Alabama Code do NOT show that the “no right to education” language has already been ruled unconstitutional, nor does the Westlaw computer database show that language to have been judicially repealed. 2. No Alabama appellate court in a reported decisions has cited the Alabama Supreme Court’s opinion in Ex Parte James (I) (1997) as having affirmed the viability of the March 31, 1993 liability order (which struck the “no right to an education” language of sec. 256. 3. No federal court, I can find, has reported a decision acknowledging repeal of the “no right to an education” language from Amendment 111, sec. 256.

Think prior lawsuits have repealed the "no right to education" language? Not so fast, school equity boy! [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 19:15:40 What follows may be too much "inside baseball" for a lot of you guys. I hate to pull rank, Scott, put please pull up Ex Parte James on Westlaw and see if you don't see the name of certain lawyer who is a frequent poster on this blogsite and who represented the intervenors (read: the only party opposing the lawsuit during the lost years of the Folsom Administration)! Frankly, the question of whether the language in Amendment 111, Section 256 is still viable after the “Equity Funding” Case was dismissed in the Alabama Supreme Court’s last order is not as cut and dry as you seem to think. Here’s why: Technically, Judge Gene Reese’s March 11, 2001 “Liability Order” still stands. That order struck the “no right to an education” language from Section 256. HOWEVER, the Alabama Supreme Court’s last “equity funding” opinion, issued in Ex parte James in 2002, contained many caveats. Unless indicated otherwise, the following quotations are all taken directly from the majority “per curiam”opinion (i.e., not from the concurring opinions drafted by Houston and Moore which are much MORE critical of the March 31, 1993 “Liability Order.”). The last quote is from Justice Houston’s concurrence: • Alabama Supreme Court: “As the various opinions attached to this and other decisions of this Court stemming from the Equity Funding Case demonstrate, members of this Court have expressed serious concerns regarding the underlying foundations of this case and the trial court's actions and legal conclusions leading up to and included in its March 31, 1993, "Liability Order .” (emphasis added). My Translation: Many of the members of the Court still have serious problems with the Liability Order. • Alabama Supreme Court: “[T]he Liability Order having been purportedly made "final" by the trial court pursuant to Rule 54(b), Ala. R. Civ. P., and never appealed, this Court has, rightly or wrongly, so far refused to review the merits of the Liability Order. Given our ultimate holding in this opinion, we deem it judicially imprudent now--after issuing four decisions in this case over the past nine years--to test the bounds of judicial restraint in such a manner” (emphasis added). My Translation: We have “so far” refused to review the March 31, 1993 Liability Order—but we could, if necessary, revisit the question in the future (i.e., if anyone tried to build a liberal educational system around it). • Alabama Supreme Court: “Our conclusion that the time has come to return the Equity Funding Case in toto to its proper forum seems a proper and inevitable end, foreshadowed not only by the obvious impracticalities of judicial oversight, but also by the Court's own actions in Ex parte James.” (emphasis in original, footnote omitted). My Translation: We are tired of this case. We’re sending it packing “in toto” (liability order, remedy order—everything)--back to where it belongs: the Board of Education and the legislature. Good riddance! Therefore, it is unnecessary to waste our time on whether the liability order is still valid. Bottom Line: There is a strong argument to be made that the "no right to education" language is still viable and that Reese's order is practically worthless in terms of precedent--that the Court was just saying that, practically speaking, there is no need to get into the school equity liability order if our ultimate ruling is that this should be a legislative matter anyway. However, if guys like you vote to pass this Amendment because it feels good to be anti-racist right now (even though we can pass the original legislation next session without this risk), you are undercutting all of these defenses. Gone. Poof! TRUST ME ON THIS ONE: IF THE SCHOOL EQUITY CROWD WILL LOOK FOR ONE FRIENDLY CIRCUIT JUDGE TO SIGN AN ORDER AS SOON AS ONE GOVERNOR LEAVES OFFICE (HUNT) AND AS THE FORMER LT. GOV. (FOLSOM) SWITCH SIDES TO BE THE ONLY "DEFENDANT" AND THEN GET THAT JUDGE TO MAKE THE ORDER FINAL, SO THE 30 DAYS FOR APPEAL CAN EXPIRE AND THEN CLAIM THAT SUCH AN ACTION EFFECTIVELY AMENDS OUR CONSTITUTION--THEY WILL DO ANYTHING. ANY CRACK IN THE DOOR AND JASON IS BACK. I was never paid a dime for all the work opposing school equity but at least I could feel that it accomplished something. Don't take this away from an old man--his only joy in life--his last memories. (o.k. I'm getting a little melodramatic now). Seriously, Kill the beast. Vote no.

Re. Amendment Two [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 18:30:01 Bart: The objection one hears from the naysayers to Amendment Two is that it would open the door to judicially mandated tax schemes to provide equitable funding for the educational right of Alabama children. In other words, if there's a right to an education, equal protection mandates that the education be equitable, and be funded equitably. Ergo, a court could order the legislature to implement a certain tax scheme -- or even raise taxes -- to equitably fund education in Alabama. In point of fact, an Alabama court has already found the education language, which is sought to be removed by Amendment Two, unconstitutional -- a holding which the Alabama Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed. Therefore, the amendment makes no substantive change in this regard, and your argument that the language already there in the constitution doesn't hold up. Yes, the language is there, but it may as well not be, because it has been held unconstitutional. I'm not convinced that any language would deter a federal lawsuit, much less language which has been judicially held void. Although I recognize and sympathize with the fears that the courts could seize upon a right to education to legislate a tax plan from the bench, the Alabama Supreme Court has already determined definitively that an Alabama court cannot intrude upon the province of the legislature in this respect. See, Ex parte James, 836 So. 2d 813 (Ala. 2002). As you so aptly point out, there is even a Constitutional Amendment (582) which prohibits judicial mandates of this sort. In point of fact, the James court held that the courts cannot delve into this arena precisely on conservative grounds (they even use the word "conservatism" -- be still my beating heart). If you compare the Alabama Supreme Court of ten years ago (9 Democratic justices) and today (8 Republican justices, 1 Democratic justice), you will see that the court is trending even more conservative. There's no reason to believe that the Ala. Supreme Court will overrule its decisions in this matter any time soon. A federal court challenge is another matter, but there's nothing to stop that whichever way this Amendment comes down. I'm not suggesting a "yes" vote based on CNN -- you're right, they're gonna' make fun of us regardless of what we do. I'm suggesting a "yes" vote based on the state of the law as it stands now. I repeat: I see no unintended consequences, and we should get the racist language out of the state constitution.

Finally, a disagreement on "Prosandcons"--Vote NO on Amendment Two--and tell your friends [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 17:49:44 While it pains me to say it my brothers Scott and John, YOU ARE WRONG on Amendment Two. OF COURSE, I would vote yes on Amendment Two as it was originally drafted by Ken Ciamarra. Who's for racist language? But then it was hijacked by our school equity friends in the Alabama legislature. Here's my "fisk" of John's reasoning: JOHN: "hey, we've already had equity funding lawsuits with that language in there, plus recent amendments have strengthened the blocking language. The original goal of this amendment still stands, to totally cut out racist language. I'm voting yes." ME: True, the prior lawsuits were tried and they failed. Why? At least in part BECAUSE THE "NO RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION" LANGUAGE WAS IN THERE. Plus, the Alabama Supreme Court will be very different than it was before. Finally, will Gov. Riley defend a new lawsuit like Fob did the old one? Removal of this language also opens the door to federal lawsuits which have been discouraged, so far, BECAUSE THE "NO RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION" LANGUAGE WAS IN THERE. If there is a right to education, then can it be "denied" without violating the due process of a protected class of (fill in the blank)? Yes, there are amendments designed to help, but how will the court interpret them?. . . and, clearly, a federal court can flat override them. Even if the suits are not ultimately successful, passage of Amendment Two could encourage that they be filed--costing the state millions in legal fees to defend. Plus, do you think the educaition department will ever agree to accountability measures if this jackpot is considered a possibility? You guys are like the last two victim in a Jason movie. "Hey, I think we're safe now. . . Jason was wounded and is probably very tired--what with all that killing and everything . . .Let's let our guard down, leave our weapons in this secure house and go take a nap in that abandoned boathouse--he'd never look there. . .heck, even that "morning after" soothing music is playing in the background and I bet the credits were soon began to roll down the screen--this flick is history dude, we survived. . . EIEIEIEEEEEEIIIIEEEEE. You get the picture. My Question is WHY RISK THIS?? Just because you are afraid CNN saying bad things about us? Wake up guys, they already say bad things about us. Plus,we can offer Ciamarra's original bill next session and pass it overwhelming (of course, we'll get no credit--but it's still worth doing). Please vote no! Keep Jason in the grave.

Ohio not needed [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-01 17:49:32 I have been toying around with the LA Times electoral map deally...and think all this talk about Ohio being a must win for Bush is total nonsense. If he can pick up Wisconsin and New Mexico and hold everything else...(except for Ohio) he wins. And if the polls are even close to correct Wisconsin is really within reach...as is New Mexico.

STOP THE MADNESS [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-01 17:42:06 My internet addiction the day before the election goes like this -- Visit the Kerry Spot, back to the Drudgereport, over to Powerline, over to Prosandcons, back to the Kerry Spot, on the Corner, quick peek at the Battlegrounders, then over the Drudgereport, then back to the Kerry Spot, then I hop over to Real Clear Politics, then to MSNBC (just to check out the enemy), then CBS NEWS (to see how Pravda is covering things), then back to the Kerry Spot, then to ProsandCons. Fatigued, I grab Root Bear and go to College Fanatics and read the Auburn Board - then I look at the Georgia Dome seating chart and dream of what it would be like on December 4th to root the Tigers on to a victory -- Then....I start all over. Anyone else going through this today?

You don't want to tick this guy off [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-01 17:31:48 Kerry better watch out -- Stormin Norman is on the prowl.

About speel checknig... [Laslow Hollyfeld]-2004-11-01 17:15:14 I noticed you guys talking ablout the need for speel cheking. You mite try this site: www.iespell.com The produc seams to have goten prety good reveiws.

Alabama Amendments [John Hay]-2004-11-01 16:36:06 I second Scott's take on Amendment Two. There were some last minute shenanigans adding language to repeal other language that blocks equity funding lawsuits. But hey, we've already had equity funding lawsuits with that language in there, plus recent amendments have strengthened the blocking language. The original goal of this amendment still stands, to totally cut out racist language. I'm voting yet. Amendment 8 was put in to help the trucking industry. I'm not sure how it will shake out for car owners, but I thought the original amendment language only applied to commercial vehicles over 13 tons, excluding timber trucks (of course). Who knows?

Bin Laden's States [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 16:32:58 John: I just had a chance to look at the news reports regarding Bin Laden's challenge to the states -- vote for Bush, al Queda will get you, vote for Kerry, we'll leave you alone. Such a statement strikes me as truly incredible, and if it doesn't show the American people exactly what the situation is, nothing will. To put it bluntly, Bin Laden has endorsed Kerry. That should be the kiss of death to the Kerry campaign, and will be if the MSM get's the accurate translation out to the public before they vote tomorrow. But I'm not holding my breath.

"Preemptory" election challenge just filed in Miami [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 16:18:13 Suit claims that since many polling places are in YMCA or school gyms, many Kerry voters may be discouraged from voting because of the signs on the wall that read "No black-soled shoes on court, gyms shoes only." This could be big.

Archives [David Null]-2004-11-01 16:07:53 Scott, Nobody's complaining about it, just curious. Heck, I'm just glad that my fellow blowhards and I have a forum to post our rants. Thanks Scott for making this possible. When this site does get advanced and we all become rich and famous, a spell check would be nice. I'm a former spelling bee champion, but when I get to typing, the fingers go faster than the brain and as soon as I hit "Post" I notice the errors, but then it's too late.

Alabama Amendments [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 15:59:02 I've had several people ask about the various constitutional amendments on the Alabama ballot. Here's my take: Amendment 1: If you don't live in Baldwin county, don't vote on this. As I do not live in Baldwin county, I have no opinion as to how they should vote, except to say that I generally disfavor giving any government more power, especially power to tamper with the market. Amendment 2: This one's tricky, but I suggest a yes vote. Despite the despicable shenanigans which accompanied its introduction to the legislature, this amendment will do a good thing (remove racist language from an outdated constitution), and I don't see any unintended consequences. Also, anything which removes language from an already over-bloated constitution has my vote. Amendment 3: Vote no, for the same reasons given to Amendment 1 above. Amendment 4: Vote no. I don't want my constitution promoting shrimp and seafood (for any out-of-staters reading this, yes, I'm embarrassed we even have such a proposed amendment). Amendment 5: If you don't live in Jefferson or St. Clair counties, don't vote on this. If you do, vote yes. Trussville is a growing area, and they need to be able to govern effectively. Though I hate that we have to deal with such an issue in the Constitution, until we fix the system, we shouldn't punish Trussville. Amendment 6: If you don't live in Crenshaw County, don't vote on this. If you do, I have absolutely no idea how you should vote. Amendment 7: If you don't live in Macon County, don't vote on this. Since I don't live in Macon County, I can't really speak to this, but if they were proposing a tax on tobacco and alcohol in Jefferson County, I'd vote "Hell, no!" Amendment 8: I can't figure this one out. I'm all for changing the motor vehicle tax from an ad valorem tax to an excise tax, particularly if it lowers the already obscene amount I pay yearly for the privilege of driving a car I paid for. But I read the proposed amendment, and I can't make heads or tails of whether that's what it does or not. I'm probably going to flip a coin. Heads, yes; tails, no; stand on edge, get a beer (before it's taxed). Folks, we need to fix this constitution situation.

Archives [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 15:45:14 David -- the Archive section is being worked on as we speak (blog). It should be up and running in the next few days. No one's getting paid for this, you know . . .

Re. Predictions [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 15:43:18 I predict that I will have a massive heart attack before the polls even close in California. From my hospital bed, I will watch Bush win with at least 10 electoral votes to spare. He will also win the popular vote, somewhat narrowly. Fox will not call it first -- remember, they were the slowest to call anything in 2000. CBS will call it first -- for Kerry, regardless of how the actual vote goes. Oh, you mean call it accurately. Probably MSNBC.

Predictions, cont'd. [David Null]-2004-11-01 15:37:23 I was looking for my previous post from a while back where I predicted Bush would win in 33 states and perhaps as many as 37, while Kerry would be ahead in 11 states and the remaining states on the fence. (What's the deal with our Archives section---it doesn't work). That seems overly optimistic now, but I still think we can carry as few as 27 statres, and as many as 31. The race is not as close as the mainstream media wants you to believe. I just don't know WHICH states will close the gap, or what the total electoral college will be. I'll guess here, since we have to----285 electoral votes for Bush. And.....the networks will call the country for Bush about 90 minutes after the polls close in Hawaii. Fox, of course, will be first. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Free cigars if I'm not even close.

Pictures [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 15:29:15 Samuel -- we can't post pictures yet. But, we're working on it (as with so much else).

New try, Bin Laden tape [John Hay]-2004-11-01 15:25:41 Just copy and paste this time http://www.nationalreview.com/document/carmon200410311937.asp

Excellent translation of Osama's tape [John Hay]-2004-11-01 15:24:48 Bin Laden tape

Remember, you read it here first! [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 15:00:32 I admit that I am a hopeless optimist and these numbers reflect that:. Bush wins big electorally 350-188. Swing states FL, OH, PA, AK, IA, WI, MN, NJ, CO, NM, NH, NV break his way big time. Kerry only swings Michigan. Popular vote is fairly big for Bush---given recent history. 52 to 46--Nader 2%. In this era, that’s a mandate. Dascle loses, Martinez wins. Republicans gain two seats in the seat. They gain three seats in the house. All states with gay marriage ban on ballot pass it. Kerry concedes by midnight Tuesday. While I am on the Fantasyland 2004 tour anyway.. . . OBL turns himself in to ATF authorities in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Wednesday at 1 p.m., admits that he is the homosexual lover of Jacques Chirac and also committed the OJ murders—what the heck, he is already looking at serving 3000 life sentences—what’s two more. Al qaida requests a peace conference, withdraws all terrorists from Iraq. Vietnam, sensing that the tide of American public opinion has finally freed itself of the Vietnam-quagmire syndrome that long-dominated it, declares unconditional surrender and requests aid in building a modern democracy and economy there. Oklahoma stumbles, Auburn plays USC in BCS championship, Auburn gets revenge for last year humiliating loss, wins national title, TT coach of the year, Carnell wins Heisman. Bush calls me Thursday, wants to talk to kick around idea of me replacing the ailing Rehnquist. Edwards actually signs contact with Breck for new ad campaign. (Hey, could be worse, remember what kind of ads Dole had to do after 1996.) Edwards declines offer to become faith healer. Stock market hits the roof, 13,000 by Friday. Oil prices drop to historic low. I discover than I am distantly related to Walton family and in line to inherit billions. Time calls, I am in line to be named Man of the Year (for literary-quality contributions to this blog). Have already been listed above Billy Graham and Pope for “most admired.” I am momentarily named “World’s most sexy man” in on-line poll until it is discovered that my dear wife Hollie had exceeded the limit of votes from one computer. Thanks Hollie.

My predictions [Craig Linton]-2004-11-01 10:59:35 Sorry, folks, I predict a Bush loss. Bush: 253 / 47% Kerry: 285 / 50% Turnout: 55%

PREDICTIONS.... [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-01 10:43:39 You can go here, http://realclearpolitics.com/commentary.html, for more predictions. Looks like Bill Kristol and I are the only ones who see the trends as they actually are -- Bill more so than I.

REMEDIAL TRAINING NEEDED [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-01 10:22:52 I give up: www.latimes.com/news/politics/election-test-fl,0,1851284.flash. If you want to use the fancy map you will have to cut and paste.

LINK FAIRY--- HELP! [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-01 10:19:29 Ok, one more try then it is up to the Link Fairy: Here is the interactive map. The link has been fixed again. The Link Ogre -- NOT Fairy.

PREDICTIONS [Samuel Smith]-2004-11-01 10:15:52 This is a good time to throw up some election predictions. If you need an interactive map to help you with the electoral college vote count you can go here. I'm goint to say: Bush 318 Kerry 220 Bush will carry Fla, Maine, Wisconsin, Minn, Iowa, New Mexico, and Hawaii. I am amazed (not really) that so many blue states are in "play" and the media still acts like this is a "tight" race. What do ya'll think? (NOTE: Scott is it possible to post pictures with our post?) Samuel The link has been fixed -- The Link Ogre

Just for Fun [David Null]-2004-11-01 10:09:06 Our church had its Fall Festival on Sunday night, as alternative to Halloween trick-or-treating. My (almost0 10-year-old son dressed at "President George W. Bush", complete with hair dyed silver/grey, and campaign buttons on his suit and tie. But the clincher was that he talked me into dressing up as a Secret Service agent, with an earpiece, walkie-walkie talkie, and security badge. I followed him around the entire time, giving the stern look of an imposing bodyguard. It was classic. We took photos, which I'll post if I can figure out how to do it. This was even better than 2002, when he dressed as "Bob Riley for Governor" and we went down to Riley's campaign headquarters to take photos. I do have a budding politician on my hands....

Uh Oh -- [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 09:58:46 Bart: And here I am sitting in a tower building right smack in downtown Birmingham, with Alabama as red as a state can be. Maybe I'll work from home on Wednesday. . .

About the video. . . nations verus individual U.S. states. . . [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 09:52:41 Somewhere this morning (the Corner or Kerryspot) I read that the term "states" the media took to mean countries or nations is actually better translated as U.S. States. In other words, OBL is saying, "Maine, if you go Kerry, no need to defend Bangor. Arkansas, vote for Bush and you could say goodbye to Hot Springs--plus we might even level the Ozarks.". This translation is far "better" for Bush. Maybe that's why the media ignored it.

A suggestion for our predictions. . . [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 09:42:29 Scott, why don't your (in your spare time)organize a mandatory prediction template. "Mandatory" in the sense, no prediction, no paycheck this month. I humbly suggest the following: Each poster must call the electoral college totals, the popular vote percentages, who wins each of the swing states (as currently listed on realclearpolitics.com--Fla. Ohio PA IA Wisconsin MN NH NM, etc.) plus any upsets, i.e., any states "called" for Kerry which flip to Bush or visa versa. Also, final house results, final senate results, the Dascle-Thune winner and the Martinez-challenger winner. Finally, the date and approx. time someone actually concedes. Am I missing anything. How about a call on the number of states (out of 7? 9?) which have a gay marriage ban on the ballot. We also need a prize? Any ideas?

Bin Laden Video -- transcript here [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 09:41:28 John: You're right -- it does seem rather out of character with his previous statements, which were all piss and vinegar about destroying the infidel and all. Several things strike me as odd: 1. "We never had the intentions to destroy the towers." Hmmmm . . . yet they tried twice (and succeeded on the second attempt). What were they trying to do, force a new paint job? Sounds pretty weak to me. Further, he goes on to say later in the video that "it occured to me . . . that we had to destroy the towers in America . . . ." 2. He references the 1982 "invasion" of Lebanon by Israel. Why attack the U.S. when Israel was the one attacking? Seems to me that they should have flown some airplains into downtown Tel Aviv. I'm not saying that is preferable, I'm just saying that the statement doesn't hold up. Why attack us when Israel, a sovereign country that has a track record of doing what it wants for the good of its own national security (good for it!), is the one that invaded Lebanon? No logic here, but another weak excuse. "I hit Sam because Sam encouraged George to hit me." What?!?! 3. Ridiculous statements galore. Bush Sr. didn't institute the Patriot Act -- W. did. He didn't, and couldn't "install his children as governors and leaders" (does the learned Bin Laden not know anything about elections and popular governance?). The comparison between America and the Middle Eastern dictatorships is way too stretched. 4. The comment about Bush being more interested in the children's goat story than the twin towers is laughable. You've got to admire Bin Laden; he knows how to release the tension with a well-placed laugh line. 5. "Any nation that does not attack us will not be attacked." Probably the most revealing statement in the whole thing, both for its facial untruth and what it reveals about Bin Laden's motive for making this statement. Sounds like he's essentially saying "we'll quit if you'll quit." Of course, we know he won't quit, no matter what we do. And Bush won't quit. Kerry -- well . . . . Praying for tomorrow. I don't know if my blood pressure can take it.

The importance of Alabamians voting (even if our state is a gimme for W) in order to "pad" ( I hope) the popular vote for W [Bart Harmon]-2004-11-01 09:32:31 Duh. I got a call Saturday from local Repub. GOTV urging me to vote Tuesday. Of course, I was planning on it. I actually enjoy it. In 2000 I went to polls and kept repeating (audibly) Cheney's lines "The wheels are turning. . .the tides are changing (or whatever) ... help is on the way." I'm sure people thought I was nuts. I told the guy on the phone that he could count on our voting straight ticket this year (not always, but often), but, it was clear that Bush would win Alabama, we need to worry about Florida, Ohio and Pennslyvania. (I had to show him I was so smart.) Then, he hit me with the the obvious conclusion I had missed. The more red states which pile on the popular vote totals for Bush, the more "legitimacy" if Bush wins a close electoral victory. So, get all your friends and relatives to the polls. Lets make it 60-40 Bush in Alabama. My name is Bart Harmon and I approved this message.

Hat Tip [Scott Gosnell]-2004-11-01 08:55:43 to Scrappleface for the very kind link. Coming soon: Scrappleface headlines here at The View.

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