No Pundit Intended

2009-03-05T17:34:00.001-07:00

Need a little help - I would be grateful if you vote for Angie who wants THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD http://ping.fm/9GOZR

2009-02-22T15:57:00.001-07:00

President Obama angers some of the anti-war left - Live in 3 minutes #tcot http://ping.fm/QZcX5

2009-02-22T15:28:00.001-07:00

Going live in 30 minutes! Watch out, America! Common Sense Conservatism is on the way! #tcot http://ping.fm/QZcX5

2009-02-22T11:57:00.001-07:00

Holder's nation of cowards, Automaker Bailout II, Suze Orman's clash of reality vs ideology - 6PM EST #tcot #tjgs http://ping.fm/QZcX5

2009-02-15T12:40:00.001-07:00

What do green jobs and illegal immigration have in common? Find out today at 6PM EST. #tcot http://ping.fm/sfPrH

2009-02-12T11:14:00.001-07:00

Geithner vague; Axelrod inarticulate and visibly scared. "We think" #tcot Watch the video http://ping.fm/yF0UC

2009-02-12T08:24:00.001-07:00

3 Republicans were used to end Senate debate on Stimulus - now (R) frozen out of all discussions http://ping.fm/n6BtV

2009-02-10T14:41:00.001-07:00

Never have so many owed so much because of so few. #tcot #tjgs

2009-02-10T08:02:00.001-07:00

Arlen Specter has shown a great deal of arrogance. I'll be contributing to his primary race opponent. You can too. #tjgs #tcot #hhrs

2009-02-09T08:43:00.001-07:00

Audio from last night's show - Iran is bungled and Stimulus Breakdown http://ping.fm/fcDmw
#tcot #tjgs

2009-02-09T08:25:00.001-07:00

RT @suzireb:Politicians should be compelled to wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers, so we can identify their corporate sponsors. #tcot #tjgs

2009-02-08T15:53:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Going live in 8 minutes! http://ping.fm/sfPrH

2009-02-06T08:23:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Senate Budget Chairman (D) says >20% of Stimulus should be struck http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=43119

2009-02-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Pres. Obama instigates drop charges against planner of USS Cole attack #tcot #tjgs http://ping.fm/VcuYO

2009-02-04T13:32:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Even Senate Dems don't like the stimulus plan http://ping.fm/HNZ9e

2009-02-03T20:09:00.001-07:00

I am thinking folks might want to look at HR 45 http://ping.fm/qEjgz

2009-02-03T11:20:00.001-07:00

#TCOT #TJGS Daschle Withdraws http://ping.fm/C6ffb

2009-02-03T06:44:00.001-07:00

#TCOT #TJGS Q: How many tax cheats does it take to run an administration? A: TBD

2009-01-30T08:18:00.001-07:00

#tjgs #tcot Our show goes to Tucson, Globe, Douglas in April. I will offer 2 more ad slots at $25 a week - no production fees. Going fast.

2009-01-28T13:54:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Check out the awesome musicians working with The Joel Gaines Show! http://ping.fm/FZ08B

2009-01-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

Pelosi: Election about Dem policy, not Obama. So why the need for "Bi-Partisan" agreement on stimulus? Do it and be accountable! #tcot #tjgs

2009-01-25T22:13:00.001-07:00

Exciting Sponsors on board for Tucson, Douglas, Globe. We can handle more! Check these rates! (pdf) http://ping.fm/jJ6ho

2009-01-25T21:06:00.001-07:00

We had a great show this evening! Thanks everyone! Listen here http://ping.fm/qBnsq

2009-01-25T15:47:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Going live in 15 minutes - listen at http://ping.fm/sfPrH

2009-01-22T10:56:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Applaude 5 Senators - particularly Sen Kyl - for voting against Geitner to Treasury http://ping.fm/K5AL9

2009-01-21T08:10:00.001-07:00

Assuming he's not a tax cheat - we are confirming a Treasury Sec who can't understand memos about how to file your payroll taxes? Really?

2009-01-20T13:01:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Hoping Senator Kennedy is going to be ok! Reports are he has had a convulsion at the luncheon. Hat Tip: Ruffini.

2009-01-18T09:37:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Our guest today will be Teri Christoph - Cofounder of Smart Girl Politics http://ping.fm/sfPrH

2009-01-17T10:14:00.001-07:00

Comtemplating the dichotomy of fruitcake and Amish friendship bread (AKA Cake) as a manifestation of the duality of man.

2009-01-16T20:37:00.001-07:00

Lost Boys fans - G Tom Mac did a show ID for us - how cool is that? http://ping.fm/PDmfZ

2009-01-16T11:26:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Your Circuit City gift cards are no good after the forthcoming liqiudation sale, which begins Saturday and runs through March 31

2009-01-15T09:23:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs I feel so much better now that EJ Dionne has assured us the President Elect is not an ideologue. http://ping.fm/23Bqo

2009-01-14T20:33:00.001-07:00

Today revealed we are go for 3 stations in Arizona starting in April. Sponsorship opportunities are forthcoming.

2009-01-14T11:27:00.001-07:00

Superbowl Menu is set: Pre-game Mufalettas; Game Time Roasted Turkey, BBQ Ribs and appropriate sides. Pie bake-off covers dessert.

2009-01-14T08:25:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs The Leftists are angry with Obama already? http://ping.fm/QI2y3

2009-01-13T12:36:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Burris will be seated as the Jr Senator of Illinois. Washington got backhanded across the teeth by Chicago.

2009-01-13T09:24:00.001-07:00

Planning the menu for the Super Bowl gathering - a pie baking contest is definately in the plan.

2009-01-11T08:24:00.001-07:00

Having a cup of joe and prepping for today's 6PM EST broadcast - http://ping.fm/sfPrH

2009-01-10T09:41:00.001-07:00

Tonight's menu: Mahi Mahi Tacos and Tostadas, Calabasitas, Refritos, Spanish Rice, Banana Cake - Sangria as needed. What did I forget?

2009-01-09T21:55:00.001-07:00

I highly recommend the Rice Clay Pot dish with chicken and shrimp at Miss Saigon in Tucson, Arizona - and the garlic chili wings to start.

2009-01-09T12:22:00.001-07:00

Looking forward to tonight's dinner date with my wife.

2009-01-09T08:42:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Russia cut off natural gas to Ukraine - and in effect 14 European nations. More than contract bickering; it's muscle flexing.

2009-01-08T07:33:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about Maj. Andrew Olmsted - hope you will too. http://ping.fm/jvLFS

2009-01-07T19:47:00.001-07:00

Letterboxing anyone? http://ping.fm/Cal2G

2009-01-07T08:54:00.001-07:00

1999 The impeachment of President William Clinton began in the Senate and in 2006 Tom DeLay stepped down amid corruption charges

2009-01-07T07:57:00.001-07:00

Today: 1999 The impeachment of President William Clinton began in the Senate and in 1953 Truman announced U.S. had hydrogen bomb.

2009-01-06T13:06:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Elections are coming to Iran. What does that mean? Crackdown, baby! http://ping.fm/Gn9GG

2009-01-03T09:21:00.001-07:00

Preparing tomorrow's 1st Anniversary broadcast. http://ping.fm/Th4oB
#tcot #tjgs

2008-12-31T22:15:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year! Bruce Ash, RNC Committeeman, confirmed for the Jan 4 Show. http://ping.fm/Th4oB
#tcot #tjgs

2008-12-28T12:04:00.001-07:00

Would those who no longer identify with the Rep Party please take this poll? - http://ping.fm/VYyPR
#tcot #tjgs

2008-12-26T22:15:00.001-07:00

Pricing swivel arm mic booms for the studio.

2008-12-24T22:35:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!

2008-12-24T08:36:00.001-07:00

Marveling at the "Cough Drop" Mic Mute my dad made out of parts from radio shack. Cool Christmas present! #tcot #tjgs

2008-12-23T11:36:00.001-07:00

Here is the December newsletter. http://ping.fm/KqcyW
joelgainesshow.com to sign up! #tcot #tjgs

2008-12-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

Failed "New Deal" is President Obama's Plan at http://ping.fm/kiHJD
#tcot #tjgs

2008-12-22T07:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's show with Senator Jon Kyl interview is available for download - http://ping.fm/TAYB9

2008-12-22T05:57:00.001-07:00

After the crazy holiday season what everyone needs is - er - a Dachshund Race http://ping.fm/OD2o8
#tcot #tjgs

2008-12-20T11:45:00.001-07:00

A week or so ago, I started writing an article. I am now working on chapter 6 of a book. We'll see.

2008-12-20T10:09:00.001-07:00

Got a fire going this morning because it is - you know - under 50 F. #tcot #tjgs

2008-12-19T22:10:00.001-07:00

I am nibbling cookies baked this evening and hoping they were not meant as a gift basket item for someone else. #tcot #tjgs

2008-12-19T11:32:00.001-07:00

Poll: Why are the Big 3 in trouble? http://ping.fm/se0Gj
#tcot #tjgs

2008-12-19T09:53:00.001-07:00

#tcot #tjgs Check out Perry Nunley's new song - Stinky Freedom Shoes - http://ping.fm/KH5hZ

2008-12-18T08:21:00.001-07:00

Congress has an 18.4% approvale rate - but they get a raise. http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/with-economy-in-shambles-congress-gets-a-raise-2008-12-17.html #tcot #tjgs

2008-12-16T11:59:00.001-07:00

Senator Kyl is confirmed for the Dec 21 broadcast. #tcot #tjgs

2008-12-16T09:13:00.001-07:00

#tjgs Russian warships are visiting Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua for the first time in years. The Bear is projecting power. #tcot

2008-12-15T07:22:00.001-07:00

Freedom is being able to throw a shoe at a visiting head of state without losing your own head. http://ping.fm/THaU7

2008-12-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

#tjgs I am going live in 10 minutes! http://ping.fm/sfPrH

2008-12-13T10:10:00.001-07:00

Listening to a 3 YO in pink western boots and red hat explain why she is old enough for her own "shooty gun".

2008-12-12T12:01:00.001-07:00

No Auto Bailout? We'll just give part of the $700 billion. http://ping.fm/zheKo

2008-12-11T07:08:00.001-07:00

Pew Research finds there are 4 "middle classes". Which one are you? http://ping.fm/ME1uP

2008-12-10T14:33:00.001-07:00

Executing Accused Terrorists May Be Left to Obama - http://ping.fm/vRhbN

2008-12-10T11:54:00.001-07:00

Blago's Candidate #5 is going to be in a bit of trouble. Who do you think it is?

2008-12-10T10:57:00.001-07:00

Larry "Wide stance" Craig does not get to withdraw his guilty plea http://ping.fm/LX1Xm

2008-12-09T13:51:00.001-07:00

President Elect Obama's Senate Seat for sale by Illinois Governor - Developing http://ping.fm/eAuWt

traveling

2007-10-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

this is so scary.

2007-10-29T15:41:00.001-07:00

We don’t really let our kids grow up these days, it seems. We are always trying to do everything for them. This is a test, you know.

How do you do?

2007-10-29T15:39:00.001-07:00

I would just like to know.

You know?

2004-07-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Please Update Bookmarks

I have moved to NoPunditIntended.com

2004-07-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Site Redux - The Story

No Pundit Intended has actually been around for a couple of years, although I have only been on blogspot for a couple of months.

At first there was a tiny little PHP driven site with a mySQL database and I posted articles in raw form to the db. Then I had host problems and had to switch hosts... and waited. I could not get the site back up and the folks who help me were bogged down with more important things, like making a living.

I was writing articles and sending them out to an email distribution for a while and then discovered blogspot. So, I took the text files from some old articles, some of the email articles and built up my archive, then I started posting like crazy!

Blogspot has been great and they have a good product for people like me who can't or don't want to spend a lot of time in development. I have missed messing with things though and you can only do so much of that on blogger.

With a lot of help from a friend, my domain now has something more than a redirect and some meta tags on it.

The new site solution is robust - there are a couple of limitations, but also a couple of very neat features. I'll be introducing those over time.

Although it is going to take some time, I will be moving things over to nopunditintended.com - so please update your bookmarks.

Thank you and God Bless,

Joel Gaines

2004-07-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

Al-Jazeera May Lose Baghdad Bureau

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari accused Al - Jazeera, and other Arabic language media outlets, of "incitement" while hiding behind the freedoms afforded to the media.

Aljazeera has expressed outrage after the Iraqi foreign minister attacked its coverage of events in Iraq and said he was considering closing down the channel's Baghdad bureau.

This raises a chuckle from me. Not so much that Zibari is right on - but that he made the accusation to an Al-Jazeera reporter during an interview!

2004-07-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Jim Rassman: Kerry Should Be CINC

Democrats rallied in Tucson, Arizona last Friday. They came to hear a speech by Jim Rassman about why John Kerry should be the Commander-in-Chief. Jim is one of the two Swiftboat Vets Kerry served with, who support his bid for President.

Let's sum up Jim's reasons: "John Kerry saved my life."

Here is a report from Benny White, Chairman of the Pima County Veteran's Coalition:

We initially had more supporters of the President than the Democrats could muster for Kerry. They called in all of the party loyalists and they eventually outnumbered us.

They even called the police to complain about our parking in the parking lot, blocking the entrances, causing a disturbance, etc. Of course we were obeying the law and the police (4 or 5 cars with 2 officers each) got a pretty good chuckle out of seeing a bunch of gray headed veterans standing out by the street supporting the President.

All of the Bush supporters were pleasantly surprised at the number of people driving down the street honking their horns, giving us a thumbs up, flashing their lights, in short showing their support of the President. We were in the heart of the Democrat stronghold of Raul Grijalva and out troops stood tall.

The Kerry campaign brought in Jim Rassman to tell the Democrats that John Kerry should be Commander-in-Chief because he saved his life. I am real glad Kerry pulled Jim out, that was a decent thing to do. But that doesn't qualify him to be the Commander-in-chief.

One of our volunteers attended the question and answer part of the event. He asked if Jim Rassman could name one legislative measure that Sen. Kerry had sponsored in his 20 years in the Senate. After a thoughtful pause, the considered answer came back, "No." (emphasis mine)

After the event a few of us went to lunch. A couple of different police officers came in to eat. When they saw our "Pima County is Bush Country" T-Shirts and Bush-Cheney '04 stickers they asked if we had any more stickers. I happily provided some of our finest "Vets for Bush" bumper stickers.

You'll note Benny's mention of Raul Grijalva. He is one of the yahoos who petitioned the UN to monitor the November elections.

2004-07-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Palestinian Business is Booming

Via USS Neverdock

Palestinian businessmen have made millions of pounds supplying cement for Israel's "security barrier" in the full knowledge of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader and one of the wall's most vocal critics.

A damning report by Palestinian legislators, which has been seen by the Telegraph, concludes that Mr Arafat did nothing to stop the deals although he publicly condemned the structure as a "crime against humanity".

Why, when I read this, do I think - China?

2004-07-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Ronstadt

There are many outstanding bloggers talking about Linda Ronstadt and I agree with them. The fact is, though, this isn't really anything new for Linda and I think she is slipping into what she might think as a cool, "Joan Beaz" kind of thing. She doesn't realize she's being ridiculous.

There is another Ronstadt I'd like to talk about - Fred Ronstadt - Linda's cousin.

Fred is the Republican Vice Mayor of Tucson, the city Ronstadts have called home for several generations. Fred attended and taught in Salpointe Catholic High School. He has a master's degree in public administration and has served on Tucson's city council for going on eight years.

Fred has worked hard on water, transportation, and community development, among other projects. He's fought against a hugh city bond issue, when it was discovered that there was nothing legally binding the bond monies to specific projects. Fred has protected Tucsonan's gun rights.

Fred Ronstadt is a staunch conservative - the antithesis of cousin Linda - and I like talking about him a lot more.

2004-07-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

Rivrdog's Idea on Gun Rights and '04 Elections

Hat tip and piped aboard: Smoke on the Water

Rivrdog says:

Prior military service members may remember hearing an old military parable that went like this: A base commander of an Army post somewhere here in the US got tired of his troops being considered second-class citizens in the local area, so he devised an idea of how to raise the consciousness of the local citizens to the fact that the troops had a real and positive impact in their lives.

Read the rest! This idea is brilliant in its simplicity and potential impact.

2004-07-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

Overlooked Audience

I have been accused of not appealing to a particular audience on my blog. This is an attempt to remedy the situation.

IIF(IsNull([common sense]), "Yes to John Kerry", "Vote Bush"))

There now back to your cubicles and please stop wardialing my home phone. Oh, can I have my social security number back?

2004-07-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

Two Speeches for Two Americas

The entire Kerry speech can be found here.
The President's speech can be found here.

Both John Kerry and President Bush spoke recently at the National Urban League Convention. I wanted to get a comparison between the President's speech and John Kerry's. From the start the speeches were very different.

I am not trying to emulate Michael Moore here, but there are portions of the speeches, which I have placed together that are not contiguous in the original. I hope to have not changed the meaning of any of the passages - I apologize in advance if this has happened.

This is by no means an objective view of the speeches -though I have tried to place the portions of each speech in as much of a side-by-side manner as possible.

Kerry's Opening:

Thank you, Vernon, for that wonderful introduction. He has been enormously helpful in my campaign. I am grateful for Vernon’s common sense and experience – and for his leadership as head of my presidential debate team. The issues we’re grappling with today are especially important, and I’m happy to discuss them anywhere, any time, with any American.

John Kerry opens with "Thank you", "my campaign", "my debate team".

President's Opening:

Thanks for the warm introduction. It's really good to be here. You know, Marc, you're right, the National Urban League is a vital and important part of the American scene. And I think the reason why is, not only is the mission important, but the people involved in the Urban League are dignified, decent American citizens. And I am honored to be in your presence.

The President opens with 'Thank you", "NUL is important", "people are dignified".

We'll skip the rest of the platitudes by each speaker.

John Kerry:

Now, more than ever, when it comes to civil rights, social justice, and empowerment, we need to listen to every voice that stands up and speaks truth to power. I also want to say that for me, this is not just a check-the-box campaign stop.

I don't know what this means, but why is it necessary to underscore that this isn't simply a "ticket punch" speech?

The President:

I believe this country can and will be a place of opportunity and hope for every single citizen. It's not a given; there's work to be done. But it's a goal, and it's an important goal.
I don't care what party you're in, what city you live in, or what state you're from, the goal has got to be -- America has got to be an hospitable, hopeful place for every single citizen.

John Kerry:

When I look around this city – when I look around neighborhoods and towns and cities across this nation, I see what so many of you see everyday.
We see jobs to be created.
We see families to house.
We see violence to stop.
We see children to teach – and children to care for.
We see too many people without health care and too many people of color suffering and dying from preventable diseases like cancer and AIDS and diabetes.
In too many places, we see freedom standing still.

So much is wrong with America

The President:

That's kind of the heart of what they call compassionate conservatism, that the American experience must be alive and viable for everyone, and that government has a role to help people have the tools so they can help themselves. See, I believe in the human spirit; I believe if people have the opportunity and the ability, they will achieve their God-given talents. That's what I believe. And I think that's a proper role for the federal government, to help people.
The last three-and-a-half years, we've worked on that. We've worked hard to make opportunity available and prosperity real and justice not a word. And I'm here to tell you, we're making good progress.

Things are not perfect in America, but they're getting better.

John Kerry:

When we look at what is happening in America today we must ask ourselves, where are the deeds? The Bible teaches us: “It is not enough, my brother, to say you have faith, when there are no deeds…Faith without deeds is dead.”

The deeds are in the faith-based initiatives Democrats keep voting against. the deeds are in the tax cuts the Democrats voted against.

Today we have an administration in Washington that looks at the challenges we face here and around the world and says this is the best we can do. They say what we have now is the best economy of our lifetimes. They have even called us pessimists for speaking truth to power. Well, I say the most pessimistic thing you can say is that America can’t do better.

The only people who have been saying America can't do better are John Kerry supporters.

The President:

So the economy went through a lot. But we acted. See, I happen to believe if people have more of their own money in their pocket, they're going to spend, save, or invest, and when they do, that revitalizes economic growth and entrepreneurship. That's what the tax cuts were all about. That's why we raised the child credit. If you happen to have a two-year-old son like Mark does, it enables you to be -- have more money in your pocket. We reduced the marriage penalty. What kind of tax code is it, by the way, that penalizes marriage? We ought to be encouraging marriage in the United States of America. (Applause.)

We reduced the 10 percent bracket; we reduced taxes on everybody. I think that's the fair way to do things. And as a result, the economy is growing. The economy, since last summer, has been growing at the fastest rate in nearly 20 years. That's the truth, and that's positive news. If people are looking for work, you've got to have an economy which is vibrant and growing.

Republicans put money in your pockets, Democrats voted against it.

John Kerry:

Don’t tell us 1.8 million lost jobs is the best we can do, when we can create millions of new jobs. We can change that…and we will.

The President:

And that's the case. We've added 1.5 million new jobs since August. There's more work to do, of course. Job opportunity isn't in every neighborhood and every corner of the country, I fully recognize that. But the economy today is strong, and it's growing stronger. And we've always got to remember why. I mean, inherent in the -- in new job creation is small businesses. That's the most important part of new job creation. See, most new jobs are created by the small business owners of America. And therefore, policy has got to recognize that. That's why we've got to have fair -- a fair legal system that doesn't -- these frivolous lawsuits make it awfully difficult for a small business owner to thrive.

The economy improved, I helped that, but small business made it happen.

John Kerry:

Don’t tell us unemployment is not a problem, when we see that African American unemployment is now above 10 percent – double the rate for whites. It is unacceptable in the wealthiest nation on earth that we tolerate vast and growing pockets of poverty – from the hills of Appalachia to the streets of Detroit. Raising the minimum wage and making life better for the working poor is part of my vision for a stronger America. We can change that…and we will.

During the course of this campaign I’ve met young people who want nothing more than to be able to find a job in the place they were raised. I’ve met steelworkers and mineworkers and autoworkers who have seen their jobs and equipment unbolted before their eyes and shipped overseas.

As president, I will create a small business opportunity fund to ensure that small businesses have all the support they need to grow and thrive – expanding loans to micro-enterprises, increasing the federal government’s venture capital investments and expanding loan programs for small businesses.

You're different and you should be angry about it! Demand more from your employers!
I will create incentives for small business in your communities.

The President:

The more small businesses there are, the more likely it is people are going to find work.
And there's more we can do to help people start their own businesses. The SBA has got a vital role -- that's the Small Business Administration. Loans to African Americans were up by 75 percent from last year. That's positive. In other words, somebody said, I need some help. They've come to the federal government. They said, I've got an idea, I want to start my own business, I want to say, I'm the owner. And the government says, we want to help you. It's a legitimate role to encourage ownership.
And that's what's happening right now in our society. We've rewarded $6 billion in new markets tax credits. Those are important. They promote economic and community development in low-income areas. And when you do that, the spinoff is more ownership for businesses.

Be an entrepreneur - your own boss. We have already created incentives for entreprenuers, who can then hire others from their community.

John Kerry:

I will also give states and metropolitan areas the flexibility to use transportation dollars the way you see fit. And I will provide providing adequate funding for homeland security and port security so that the people in our metropolitan areas are able move about freely, get to good jobs and live without fear.

We'll tax the rich for one thing and use the money for something else.
I am not sure what Homeland security has to do with being able to get a job or move around freely.

The President:

An interesting project that's going on inside inner cities, which makes life better but also helps the entrepreneurial spirit, is the cleanup of brownfields. Since I've come to office, we've cleaned up more than 1,000 brownfields. Those are old industrial sites which have been abandoned. They're not only eyesores, they're blight in the communities. They've been cleaned up. They're now viable pieces of property. Businesses are springing up -- businesses around, businesses are springing up.

John Kerry:

Values mean helping all Americans lay the cornerstone of the American Dream with the purchase of their own home. The Urban League has a long track record in counseling consumers and fighting to make the dream of homeownership real for millions of people. Yes, it’s true, since the 1990s, homeownership has gone up in America. And that’s a good thing. But it’s not that simple. While homeownership has risen, programs that help hard-pressed families put a roof over their head have been cut.

Actually only the wasteful spending within those programs have been cut.

The President:

So we're providing downpayment assistance, good counseling. Listen, people walk in, first-time home buyers, and they take a look at the contracts and the print's about that big, and they say, forget it. You know? They get driven away by the complexity of the situation. Sometimes they get skinned by loan sharks, you know? And we're doing everything we can to make sure the loan application process is understandable and fair and open. We're proposing tax credits to encourage the building of more affordable housing, particularly in inner-city America. In other words, we want there to be a greater supply of homes. (Applause.)
Let me tell you something hopeful about the country. For the first time in our history, a majority of families and minority groups own their own homes. We're making progress. People are saying, this is my home. And we must continue the progress we're making. (Applause.)

This statement is correct - home ownership has skyrocketed.

John Kerry:

Values also mean giving all our children a first-rate education, with smaller classrooms and better paid teachers. Today, we see two school systems in America: one for the well off and one for the left out. For us and for you, values mean opening the doors of opportunity to all our children.

We believe that educating our children is more important than giving another tax break to the wealthiest Americans. This Administration’s budget falls $27 billion short of its promise to fully fund No Child Left Behind. John Edwards and I have a plan to invest in our future, provide the needed funding and put a good teacher in every classroom – so that finally and truly, no child will be left behind.

But Democrats vote against programs, which give " the left out" parents the ability to send their children to the "well off" schools. They'd rather throw more money at something that is failing than invest in something that is succeeding.
People forget the federal funds come with some milestones that the schools are responsible for.

The President:

When I first came to the Urban League, I vowed to change that attitude in Washington. It was one of the things I said. I said, give me a chance to work the education system. And we have. We passed good law. Listen, the government has got a funding responsibility. We have. We've increased federal funding for K through 12 by 49 percent from 2001. I label that significant. (Applause.)

And I signed a bill into law creating taxpayer-sponsored scholarships for students in Washington, D.C. And let me tell you why. I believe this: If school choice is good for the wealthy, it's good enough for disadvantaged children in America. This is a good piece of legislation. (Applause.) It's a good piece of legislation, which is going to help improve education for all children in the nation's capital.

Give public education what they say they need - more money. At the same time, give parents a choice of where there kids go to school.

John Kerry:

We’ve got a plan to get the waste and greed out of our health care system and help families save up to $1,000 on their premiums.

Ok, two lawyers go into a convention and the first one says - "Law suits don't drive up health care prices." and the other one says, "Yeah, the insurance companies do (under breath) because we sue them."

The President:

See, our most solemn duty is to protect the American people. That's our most solemn duty. It's a duty brought upon us not at our asking, because we were attacked unmercifully by people who hate what we stand for. They hate the fact that we can have free dialogue just like this. They hate the fact that there's open discourse. They hate the fact that we're a free society where people can worship any way they see fit.

It's about terrorism, stupid.

John Kerry:

I know that great things are happening across America to strengthen families, lift up communities and bring opportunity and hope to our young people. Some of these efforts are faith-based, some are community based. They are all making a difference. But for every good thing we’re doing there are millions more in need who are not being reached. We need to do more to help our faith-based institutions that are on the front lines helping our families, and working with community-based organizations to meet this challenge. And we need to do it in a way that values our Constitution and also values the role that churches play in our communities across America.

Give money to faith-based institutions.

The President:

My community and faith-based initiative recognizes the true strength of this country is in the hearts and souls of our citizens; that we recognize that oftentimes there's -- a change of heart will change behavior and governments can't change hearts. That changes when somebody who has heard a universal call to love a neighbor, puts their arm around somebody who hurts and says, I love you brother, I love you sister, what can I do to help you on your walk so your life is improved. (Applause.) This community and faith-based initiative is a vital part of this administration's program to help save lives. We've opened up federal grants to the faith community for the first time. I shouldn't say "for the first time." Most vigorously, let me put it to you that way.

And so now we've had over a billion dollars go out the door to faith-based programs, programs all aimed at serving America by saving lives. (Applause.) And it makes sense. It just makes sense. It makes sense to tap into the great strength and spirit of the country.

That was 1 billion with a B.

John Kerry:

We can provide a new direction for America if we remember that in all the great movements for civil rights and equal rights, the environment and economic justice for all, we have come together as one America to give life to our highest ideals.

If you don't count Democrats filibustering civil rights, blocking judicial nominations and maintaining the welfare state.

The President:

And I believe in my heart that the policies and actions of this administration, policies that empower individuals and help communities, that lift up free enterprise and respect and honor the family, those policies are good for the nation as a whole. That's what I believe. And I'm here to thank you for giving me a chance to come and express those beliefs.

John Kerry:

The great poet Langston Hughes put it this way:
Let America be America again…Let it be the dream it used to be…for those whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain, whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain must bring back our mighty dream again.
With your help, in 2004, we can…we must…we will…bring back our mighty dream again.
Thank you and God bless you all.

The President:

I'm proud to be with an organization that does so good, so much good for the American people. I'm honored that your Chairman would extend an invitation to me. Thanks for coming, and may God bless you and may God continue to bless the country. (Applause.)

The President spoke a great deal about his cabinet and about the war on terror. He spoke about helping reintroduce convicted felons into society.

John Kerry spoke about the President stealing the 2000 election by not counting black votes.

Based on what I am seeing in these speeches, I cannot wait until the debates. I think you are going to see a very different Bush campaign around that time.

I agree, there are two Americas. One is the "everything is broken and I can fix it" America. The other is the "we're doing good things in tough times" America. John Kerry accuses the Republicans of pessimism - I'm seeing it the other way around.

2004-07-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

John the Bandaid

He will annoint you with his tales of being thrice wounded in Vietnam (Did you know he was in Vietnam?) - washing you in the holy waters of the Potomac. He will show you his medals, which he apparently did NOT throw over a wall. He will regale you with his feats of daring-do! He is John the Bandaid! The swiftest Swiftboater ever to order a deck swabbed!

Don Bendell, a former SF soldier, reaches out to John Kerry the way SF soldiers generally do, when they have something on their minds.

Hat tip: A Collection of Thoughts

JOHN KERRY, I AM TALKING TO YOU!

The latest from former SF Soldier Don Bendell:

A few months ago on TV, Senator John Kerry, you angrily asked a detractor “Are you questioning my patriotism?” He responded that he was not, but I sure am. Rather than deciding which power tie you should wear each day, I feel you should be in an orange jumpsuit in a federal penitentiary for treason. You betrayed all my fellow Vietnam veterans, our POW’s, our loyal Montagnard allies (at the cost of many of their lives), and you betrayed me. Your entire political career was launched when you spoke before Congress in 1971, using eloquent testimony written by Bobby Kennedy’s head speechwriter, but based on outright lies from 7 men from the Detroit Winter Soldier Rally, who all claimed to be Vietnam veterans that committed atrocities such as those you described. As you well know, only 2 of those men were even in the military, and they were never in combat, and the other 5 all claimed to be Navy SEALS in the Top Secret Phoenix Program, but they were never even in the military. It did not matter to you. In fact, Congress investigated and discovered that most of the so-called highly-decorated veterans at the Detroit Rally were also not even in the military. You did not care. You were on your way towards the Presidency then, with no regards to who got hurt along the way, including all of us Vietnam veterans. John Kerry, like a chameleon, you change your appearance to fit the environment you are in at the time. You do only what is politically-expedient for you, no matter who gets hurt. You always have. You always will.

Read the rest!

2004-07-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Britain Steps Up - Again

Britain is the first nation to pop smoke and suggest using troops to end the genocide in Sudan.

"If need be, we will be able to go to Sudan. I suspect we could put a brigade together very quickly indeed," General Mike Jackson, Chief of General Staff told BBC television.

Everyone else, including the US, is pushing talks, sanctions, and stern words to the Sudanese government. Tony Blair underscored the moral responsibility we have to end the violence. In Darfur, tens of thousands have been killed, scores of women raped and more than a million are displaced by Arab militias, armed by the Sudanese government. The humanitarian crisis created by this violence will see thousands more dead before this is over.

Only Britain seems to get it - so far. Britain has promised to take this to the EU on Monday. I don't anticipate much support there.

2004-07-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

The End is Near for North Korea

US forces are realigning over the next several years in South Korea. They're moving South - away from the forward bases they've occupied since the cease fire in 1953. As North Korea has had upwards of a million soldiers stationed along the DMZ, the realignment of US forces is telling. North Korea is not being seen as such a large threat these days. This takes nothing away from ROK forces, they are fierce and formidable - but not nearly as well equipped as their US counterparts.

North and South Korea are talking more than ever before and South Korea's Unification Ministry is busier than ever in its history.

North Korea is impoverished. Famine is rampant and consistent, impacting up to 85% of North Korean children. South Korea is more open in accepting refugees from the North, who have traveled through a circuitous route in Asia, seeking asylum. South Korea could never have done this in the past without losing contact completely with the stubborn North.

All the while, North Korea has been quite vocal about its nuclear programs - maybe too vocal. The North Korean nukes have been a bargaining chip for many years now. One which has kept them fed in lean years. This time, however, the US is not giving in to demands so easily. The negotiations have been only enough to keep the North interested in talks, but not enough to be called "concessions".

North Korea has no economy, relying almost entirely on petro-chemicals and arms sales for income. Agriculture in the communist state is a shambles. North Korea doesn't have the ability China does to produce, so simply opening up the economy to world trade will not work for them.

The end is near. If the US does not capitulate.

The cost has been high - maintaining an infantry division, and air force, naval support for more than five decades, while watching a country starve itself shows us containment is not the answer. Allowing a tyrannical dynasty to remain a threat, always on the edge of war, while watching it arm itself with consistently more powerful weapons is not responsible foreign policy. Many have died since the end of the Korean hostilities and the North Korean population remains still under the thumb of tyranny.

I am glad we did not make the same mistake in Iraq that we made in Korea. Korea has been far more costly - for everyone.

However, the end is near for North Korea - I can feel it.

2004-07-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Agreement Reached in Repositioning of Korea Forces

The agreement was reached during the 10th round of the Future of the Alliance talks.

The most significant item I could find was:

U.S. and ROK representatives also finalized amendments to the Land Partnership Plan that allow for the eventual relocation of 2nd Infantry Division from its existing camps north of Seoul to enduring facilities in the Pyongtaek area, approximately 50 miles south of Seoul. A final decision on the timing of the 2nd Infantry Division relocation will be decided by the respective national leaders at a later date, taking careful account of the political, economic and security situation on the peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

2ID has its HQ at Camp Casey in Tongduchon, with elements spread out among many camps. Moving these forces indicates the South Korean forces will be taking on a considerable share, if not virtually all, of the northern defenses and securing the border with North Korea. This is a big change in US and S. Korean policy and signals the possibility of drastic force reductions in Korea even after 2008.

2004-07-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

President Bush Speaks to National Urban League

The full transcript of his speech is found here.

President Bush spoke in his usual, conversational manner. His speech wasn't spit shined to a high state of police - it was President Bush speaking to people, not at them. What I found most appealing was the manner in which the President spoke of African American issues being mostly the same issues concerning all Americans. He didn't pander, he laid out his campaign and asked Americans whether they were being served by voting for the other guy.

The President stressed the reasons for the economic downturn and the reasons for the recovery. He spoke about his administration holding CEOs to task for the crimes they commit.

President Bush spoke a great deal about entrepreneurship. A large Democrat contention about tax cuts is that they only benefit the wealthy and big businesses - President Bush explained why that is a myth. He also announced a joint initiative between his administration and the National Urban League to help entrepreneurs.

The President laid out what he has done for education and what he plans to do in the future to improve upon it - namely ensuring local control of the schools and how education money is spent. He stressed the need for more reading intervention programs and setting more money aside for community colleges.

The President said that part of the American dream is to own a home - he talked about downpayment assistance programs, and tax-assisted building programs.

President Bush talked about specific issues he has addressed to deter and punish criminals and the downturn of crime because of those efforts.

President Bush underscored why faith-based initiatives are important.

President Bush demonstrated the difference between a talking about including people from all walks of life in the governing of the nation and doing it. His examples were the people of different races, creeds and colors that were members of his administration.

The President talked about terrorism, fighting AIDS, trade, and compassionate conservatism.

President Bush was funny at times, but his jokes all had a point.

Do you remember a guy named Charlie Gaines? Somebody gave me a quote he said, which I think kind of describes the environment we're in today. I think he's a friend of Jesse's. He said, "Blacks are gagging on the donkey but not yet ready to swallow the elephant." (Laughter and applause.)

Further on, President Bush asked some important questions:

Does the Democrat party take African American voters for granted? (Applause.) It's a fair question. I know plenty of politicians assume they have your vote. But do they earn it and do they deserve it? (Applause.)

Is it a good thing for the African American community to be represented mainly by one political party? That's a legitimate question. (Applause.)

How is it possible to gain political leverage if the party is never forced to compete? (Applause.)

Have the traditional solutions of the Democrat party truly served the African American community? That's what I hope people ask when they go to the community centers and places, as we all should do our duty and vote. People need to be asking these very serious questions.

Does blocking the faith-based initiative help neighborhoods where the only social service provider could be a church? Does the status quo in education really, really help the children of this country? (Applause.)

Does class warfare -- has class warfare or higher taxes ever created decent jobs in the inner city? Are you satisfied with the same answers on crime, excuses for drugs and blindness to the problem of the family? (Applause.)

He closed with this:

You see, I believe in my heart that the Republican party, the party of Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, is not complete without the perspective and support and contribution of African Americans. (Applause.)

And I believe in my heart that the policies and actions of this administration, policies that empower individuals and help communities, that lift up free enterprise and respect and honor the family, those policies are good for the nation as a whole. That's what I believe. And I'm here to thank you for giving me a chance to come and express those beliefs.

I'm proud to be with an organization that does so good, so much good for the American people. I'm honored that your Chairman would extend an invitation to me. Thanks for coming, and may God bless you and may God continue to bless the country. (Applause.)

2004-07-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Egyptian Diplomat Kidnapped in Iraq

The Egyptian embassy has confirmed that their third most senior dimplomat has been kidnapped by a group calling itself "Lions of God Brigades in Iraq". The kidnappers are demanding the Egyptian government not support US forces in Iraq.

Amid the rising number of foreigners kidnapped in the post-war country, this is the first case when a diplomatic official has been taken hostage.

2004-07-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Iraq Asking Arab Nations for Troops

Iraq is asking non-neighboring Arab countries to provide troops to protect the UN mission - Egypt being a prime example.

"We asked Egypt to make the necessary contacts with leaders of some Arab and Islamic countries to contribute forces to protect the UN mission," Prime Minister Iyad Allawi told reporters after meeting Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

This is quite an astute move on the part of PM Allawi. This bolsters support of the Iraqi government by other Arab nations' people and government, while creating an impression that the UN mission is not an American protected entity, but an Arab protected entity. Any attacks on the mission will be seen as attacks on other Arabs - or as attacks against other Arab nations.

2004-07-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

And Some Think MREs Are Bad

Hat tip: A.E. Brain

What will they come up with next to torture soldiers with?

US food technologists have invented dried rations that a soldier can rehydrate by using dirty water or even his own urine, the British weekly New Scientist reports.

So, instead of a small after-dinner mint, do you get a big pink mint?

2004-07-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

Iraq - Jordan Anti-Terror Agreement

Iraq and Jordan signed a strategic agreement meant to enhance cooperation in fighting terror.

"We reached a security agreement with our brothers in Jordan," said Allawi..."

Jordan was the first stop on his first Middle East tour.

2004-07-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Kerry Shifts Intelligence, War Stances

Sen. Kerry has consistently voted to cut spending on intelligence activities. He has been on the Senate Intelligence Committee for eight years. Now he advocates increasing intelligence spending and hiring more intelligence agents. The intelligence community has been telling everyone for 30 years it didn't have enough agents. Why didn't Kerry do something about the problems as a senator who had oversight responsibility for our intelligence agencies?

Sen. Kerry stood on the floor of the Senate and said Iraq was a threat to our national security. Then he voted to authorize the president to send our troops to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Then, on the campaign trail, Sen. Kerry said he didn't vote for war, he only voted for "the process." He says we should have had more debate in the United Nations. Now he says he would take action if he had enough good intelligence.

He was on the Intelligence Committee when he made speeches saying Iraq was a threat. Why didn't he complain about the quality of intelligence then? Could the difference possibly be because he is now a candidate for president and he wants everyone to forget that as a senator he is responsible for the intelligence mess? Could it possibly be that he is desperate to find a position that resonates with the voters and will say anything to get their vote?

Benny White, Chairman
Pima County Veteran's Coalition
Bush-Cheney '04

I agree with Benny - but furthermore, John Kerry is managing to let his "No War" supporters forget that we would still be at war with Iraq, if Kerry was POTUS. The only difference is France, Russia, Germany and China would be there with us.

2004-07-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

Differences

Tony at the Vegblog and I are probably exact opposites in almost everything. He is a vegetarian, atheist, liberal who listens to Michael Savage (go figure). I am a meat-eating, Christian, conservative who listens to Medved and Hewitt (Buy his new book, featured in the sidebar!)

One thing we have in common is a passion to express our views. Like myself, Tony uses facts to back up his position. We may get our "facts" from disagreeing sources, but neither one of us pretends to be objective or unbiased in our views.

I don't know Tony, other than through blogging, but I respect him for the way he addresses issues we are finding important today. I strongly believe our future depends upon our ability to exchange very different ideas, even if they go against everything we believe in. It is not to say you must accept notions opposite from your own, but we must be willing to listen.

Realize a simple truth - America is great in spite of our diverse citizenry - not so much because of it.

Every four years, we engage in our form of tribal warfare; only no one gets killed, martial law is not declared, and we go on with our lives without much change from the day before.

Tony and I disagree on much, but I also learn things by reading his views. Bloggers like me spend the vast majority of our time preaching to the choir. On the other hand, Tony may learn something from you too. There are a lot of reformed liberals doing conservative talk radio these days. :)

I encourage you to visit Tony's site. Take off your shoes before you go in and respect his house.

2004-07-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

I Won the Arizona Lottery

In our state, all big game hunts are done by lottery. Pulling numbers out of thin air, the game management plan for elk may be to reduce the herd by 1000 cows and 250 bulls, for example. They list those as hunt tags, with so many hunts during certain times and in certain game management units. So, a million hunters put in for elk hunts.

Well, last year I drew nothing except javelina. this year, I hit the jackpot!

I was drawn for December Whitetail Deer, December Bull Elk, and September Pronghorn Antelope.

My brother-in-law has my training regimen, our scouting and rancher contact trips, and the various hunt camps scheduled already. He's excited and pissed off at the same time - he's been putting in for Bull Elk and Pronghorn for like 10 years. He has always been very helpful though and he knows what he's doing.

I will be using a .308 I built from an old large ring mauser as my primary and a Sears Model 54 in .270 (which is a post-64 Winchester model 70) as backup. We reload our own rounds and I have nice loads for both guns. I used the .308 to take a cow elk two years ago.

To get a cow elk tag is wild luck. Bull Elk and Antelope in the same year is extremely lucky - I think there were 25 tags for the antelope hunt.

I hope to be putting a couple - four hundred pounds of meat in the freezer this winter - getting kind of tired of that "grey tasting" store-bought beef.

And yes, I am running out to buy a lottery ticket this week.

2004-07-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Sudan Can't Control the Janjaweed - Canada Can't Control the Ganja Weed

Violence continues in Sudan, (subscription required) despite US and UN pressure.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said yesterday that he warned senior Sudanese officials on Sunday that President Bush and other foreign leaders "remain completely dissatisfied" with Khartoum's efforts to end the violent campaign by Arab militias in the Darfur region of Sudan.

In a (barely) related story, more people are doing drugs in Canada than ever before

The number of Canadians aged 15 or older who admit to getting high on marijuana or hashish nearly doubled in 13 years, with the highest rates among teenagers, figures released Wednesday by Statistics Canada say.

- which explains quite a bit, actually.

2004-07-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Raitt Dedicates Song to President Bush

In Sweden, Bonnie Raitt dedicated the song Your Good Thing (Is About to End) to President Bush.

"We're gonna sing this for George Bush because he's out of here, people!" Raitt crowed Tuesday night before she launched into the opening licks of "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)," a cover that was featured on her 1979 album, "The Glow."

I guess Bonnie didn't realize she was in Sweden - George Bush doesn't live there.

We need more like Toby Keith and Darryl Worley and Charlie Daniels. These are people who realize that we have it damn good and need to survive as a nation to enjoy it.