I mentioned this article on the program today and some of you wanted a link and/or picture. Here it is from the WSJ: 

Less than two years ago, Integrity Funding LLC, a local lender, gave a $103,000 mortgage to the owner, Marvene Halterman, an unemployed woman with a long list of creditors and, by her own account, a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. By the time the house went into foreclosure in August, Integrity had sold that loan to Wells Fargo & Co., which had sold it to a U.S. unit ofHSBC Holdings PLC, which had packaged it with thousands of other risky mortgages and sold it in pieces to scores of investors.

Today, those investors will be lucky to get $15,000 back. That’s only because the neighbors bought the house a few days ago, just to tear it down.

Here’s the picture from Michael Phillips at the Journal:

Yeah, I know.  This has nothing to do with politics.  But right before Christmas I caught a glimpse of a sales pitch special with Barry Manilow singing and performing to sell his CD’s.  As he crooned, I couldn’t help but notice that he looks as if he’s morphing into Clay Aiken.

I mentioned it on the radio program and listener Eric posted some pictures in our chat room.  See what you think.  Is it coincidence or is Barry playing Nip/Tuck American Idol edition?

Last week, we interviewed North Dakota GOP Chairman Gary Emineth on the radio program.  Gary led the charge calling for an open forum for RNC members where members could hear the positions, thoughts and opinions of the candidates seeking the position of RNC Chairman.  

Today kicks off the exchange of ideas and frankly, I’m surprised that no such forum has existed in the past.  I think it’s a great idea.

I called Gary after reading these awesome remarks in an article in the Washington Times:

North Dakota Republican Party Chairman Gary Emineth said it’s time for the RNC to end the disconnect between what the party platform says and what elected Republicans do.

“It is time the party gets involved in policy issues and forces candidates to respond to the platform,” Mr. Emineth said. “Frankly the way we view the platform is a joke. We work hard to drive our principles into the platform, then candidates ignore it.”

Amen to that!  And because the candidates/elected officials ignore principles, we’re all getting our rear ends kicked.  I’m sick and tired of hearing how conservatism is to blame for losses.  For the love of country, how in the heck more ideologically moderate do you get than John McCain?!?  

Battleground polling consistently shows America as a center-right nation.  

When you break down issues, you can see states like Florida and California that delivered victories to Obama while simultaneously voting in favor of traditional marriage.  If GOP repudiation were about social conservatism (of which McCain uttered nary a peep) why the heck did marriage win in Florida and California while McCain lost?

I’m all for Gary’s efforts.  And if you agree or disagree with the issues he’s raising, I suggest you let our own Tennessee State Committeeman and Committeewoman know what you think.  Our TN GOP Chairman Robin Smith also has a say in the direction of our national party.  John Ryder is the committeman, Peggy Lambert is our committeewoman.

Other RNC members are also discussing a public flexin’ o’ the muscle with efforts like this:

Republican Party officials say they will try next month to pass a resolution accusing President Bush and congressional Republican leaders of embracing “socialism,” underscoring deep dissension within the party at the end of Mr. Bush’s administration.

Those pushing the resolution, which will come before the Republican National Committee at its January meeting, say elected leaders need to be reminded of core principles. They said the RNC must take the dramatic step of wading into policy debates, which traditionally have been left to lawmakers.

Smoking hot.  I like it.  But no doubt many running the party in the traditional top-down strategy must be saying, “Eeewwwwww!! This sounds awfully grassroots!!”  Yes, it does sound grassroots.  And that’s why I’m liking it.

By the way, in a press release from our Tennessee Republican Party it is noted that our representatives at the RNC are uncommitted regarding their choice of RNC Chairman.

Tennessee’s Republican Committee Members remain focused on their goal:  cast their votes for the most qualified candidate to serve as Chairman of the Republican National Committee who will effectively communicate our principles, appeal to voters of all ages and heritage and organize for victory. 

John Ryder, RNC Committeeman from Memphis, Peggy Lambert, Committeewoman from Maryville, and State Chairman Robin Smith have been diligent, yet quiet, in meetings, telephone interviews, analysis of written candidate plans and preparing for the January forum in Washington, D.C. with all of the candidates for RNC Chairman. 

The three remain uncommitted during this time of decision-making in reviewing the qualifications, track record and proven ability to lead with conviction and merit.  The Tennessee Republican Party conducted an online survey for three weeks to assist in addressing important issues and to hear from voters about the direction of the state and national parties.  In addition, all three voting members from Tennessee have received emails, phone calls and other correspondence regarding this critical decision.  Republicans are welcome to continue to send their email input to the Tennessee Republican Party.  

To view the forum, click here.  You can log in and ask your own questions today from 12:30-2:30 Eastern Standard Time.

GOP Congressman Foley can’t control sexual self.  Gets beat by Democrat Congressman who says he can. Democrat Congressman Mahoney can’t control sexual self.  Gets beat by Republican Congressman.

Now Democrat Congressman Mahoney’s office space is for rent.   Ahhh, politics…

My aunt was visiting family in Florida over the Thanksgiving holiday and took a moment to snap these photos of former Democratic Congressman Mahoney’s neighborhood office.  If ever there was a case of political back at ya’…

No economic downturn caused this rental vacancy!  Just an old-fashioned rear-end kicking at the ballot box!  60% voted for Rooney over Mahoney.  And the irony of the fountain in front of his office!  It’s too much!

Senator Frist has decided not to seek the office of Governor.  You know, Senator Frist kept his term limit pledge and earned enormous respect for keeping his word.  He then briefly tested the waters of a Presidential run and found the waters too cool.  Then word emerged that he was considering the Governor’s office and to folks like me, it seemed like Tennesseans were going to be a stepping stone on Senator Frist’s road to the Oval office rather than the beneficiaries of his sincere desire to handle our state affairs.

Whether I was on target or not, in politics, perception is reality.

If indeed Senator Frist does ever seek the office of Governor in the future, for now, sitting back, staying involved in policy and not running for office assuages fears that he’s just desperate to be President.  And future efforts will be more warmly received—received with less distrust.  

From WBIR and the AP:

“For 12 years, I had the tremendous honor of representing the interests of more than six million Tennesseans in the U.S. Senate. I pledged in 1994 to serve two terms and then, consistent with being a ‘citizen legislator,’ return to my childhood home in Nashville. After honoring my word, my wife Karyn and I, along with our three boys, returned to private life as active members of Tennessee’s civic and business communities.

“After significant reflection and conversations with loved ones, I have decided to remain a private citizen for the foreseeable future. I will, however, continue serving the people of Tennessee.

As I watch what is going on with the various bailout discussions, I can’t help but step back and look at the bigger picture.  The entire mess is a completely nightmarish GOP public relations debacle.

And while I’ve been for no bailouts in principle, that taxpayers can’t be held responsible for the private failures in the marketplace, the fact that Bush and McCain very publicly supported the financial bailout gave Republicans the black eye.  In other words, though Democrats were all for it, we get all of the ire from a public that was strongly opposed.  

And potential gubernatorial candidates like Congressman Zach Wamp supported the financial bailout because they were “lied to.”  Uh-huh. And he didn’t see the problems with empowering Treasury Secretary Paulson to pick and choose winners?  He couldn’t google Paulson or the Constitution?

Now look to a bailout of the Big Three automakers.  Suddenly we’ve got bailout religion?  No bailout unless the monkeys dance first?  Socialism lite? You’ll get your taxpayer dough if you jump through hoop A and walk under bar B?   It’s easier to take a stand against the autoworker than the banker?

To the average man on the street who is out there working for the capital that our political slime and Wall Street thugs are trying to steal from us, it looks like nothing short of hypocrisy.

GOP to Automakers: Dance for your bailout!

Or perhaps this is the public perception of the entire negotiating process?

Unions: “Give me my bailout, GOP clowns! ”  

GOP: “But we want you to make your wages competitive…”  

Unions: “Whatever!  Just give us our bailout, funny guys!!”

Now I’m not advocating that because you were wrong the first time you need to be wrong the second time.  No bailout.  Sorry. 

But we really missed a chance to speak to larger issues that Americans do understand.  Getting government out of our lives.  Reflecting on the problems like the fact that Washington telling Detroit how to make cars is a failing disaster.  That our Congressional energy policies and Wall Street lawlessness gave us $4.70 a gallon gas that in turn killed not only the SUV business, but many a business across this nation.  That government is part of the problem.  That we’d like to help with any advice or assistance that we can (like encouraging the unions to be competitive), but we’ve got our own entitlement issues to deal with.  That our CAFE standards have hurt Michigan but not the foreign companies.  That the big three need to respond to the market.

Heck, Saturday Night Live did a great job of putting it all in perspective.  Watch the clip here.

But instead, we carry chief negotiator Bob Corker on our shoulders as a hero who is taking it to the unions.

He’s done nothing of the sort.  He only amplified our hypocrisy and furthered a false stereotype that Republicans are the party of the ivory tower when in truth, it is the Democrats and Barack Obama who are the hedge fund candidates of choice.

Why for instance, would someone like national radio host Laura Ingram say Senator Bob Corker is a new face of conservatism as she did on her radio program last week?  We’ve praised Senator Corker on the radio when we like his votes, for instance, his vote against the big housing fiasco bill that passed anyway.

But Corker was for expanding SCHIP, that is, making taxpayers pay health benefits for 25 year old children who may be married and have their own children, who may in some states make up to $86,000 a year.  It’s socialism creep.  And Corker was for the Wall Street bailout, that is, getting $866 million of it for First Horizon in Memphis.

And Corker was quick to join a gang, the Gang of 10 that created a so-called energy plan that allowed only a minutiae of drilling, yet generated new taxes, and gave out pounds and pounds of pork for government intervention in the energy sector in the name of independence.

Suddenly the boys from the Gang of 10 are our heroes?!?!

And now folks are saying they are so proud of Corker for taking it to the unions?   He’s pointed out many of the problems with our American auto industry that our friends at the CATO Institute and the Heritage Foundation have pointed to.  Unions.  Unions.  Unions.  And that discussion is welcome and for that he should be praised.

But let’s be realistic.  Because Senator Corker was negotiating for unions to make concessions, we’re all supposed to get thrills running up our legs?  The reality is, he was still negotiating for a taxpayer surrender.  You and I were still going to be on the hook for kabillions.  And so are our kids.  And grandkids.  Bush is wrong.  The Democrats are wrong.  And though Corker took the opportunity to point out the problem of unions, he’s still wrong.

Senator Corker is emblematic of THE problem with the GOP.  There is no consistency.  No governing principles.  They see government as the answer in some form or fashion, maybe with just a little more flavoring here or there and elephant instead of a donkey.  And the American public sees it.  Witness the ‘06 and ‘08 ass kicking.

He was for the financial bailout.  Then he’s against the auto bailout.  Do you know how damaging all of this has been for the Republican Party?

Many Republicans in this nation have become fans not players.  What is the difference?  A fan can only bring enthusiasm and encouragement to the team and dollars to the star.  But a player affects the game.

Too many Republicans have rested on their hindquarters assuming the clowns in Washington will carry their principles for them.  You have got to get involved and sometimes that means flat out educating your Congressmen or his staff.  You’ve got to not only tell them where you stand and how you hope he/she will vote, you must explain the why.

Trust me.  Most of these politicians aren’t any smarter or well versed or recipients of more than their fair share of common sense than you are.

You have to stop cheering for your team when you know in your heart they are wrong.  You need to take them to the woodshed in love.  Meet with them.  Call them.  Call them out.  Help get them on the right track.  Like it or not, you really are a player in this representative republic.

It’s time for the GOP to go on offense.  A good defense prevents a score, but its main purpose is to give you the opportunity to run your own ball over the goal line.  I’ve got my own ideas about what we should be addressing.   I’ll discuss that tomorrow…

In the meantime, look at Fred Thompson’s video in case you missed it.  We played portions of it on air when it first came out. It’s good stuff.

Here’s a great piece found over at American Thinker.  Amen.  

The GOP needs a Colin-cleansing

Doug Powers

As Jack Nicholson’s “Joker” said in the movie Batman, “This town needs an enema!” So does the Republican Party. Previous tests have proven that the GOP has some, shall we say “matter,” in there that’s poisoning the system. The party won’t win back the White House and Congress without undergoing what could be an uncomfortable purification process.

and this:

If “right wing talk radio” was increasingly responsible for devastating Republican losses, the Democrats would be trying to figure out how to get Rush more air time, not less.

The crux of Colin Powell’s advice to the GOP is this: The Republican tent needs to be bigger and the party should be more inclusive. A bigger tent? Criminy - the Republican Party’s tent was big enough to cover a black man who endorsed and voted for a liberal Democrat, and the tent should be bigger? Sounds to me like the GOP has been too inclusive. When your tent is so big that it shelters shills for the opposition, it needs to shrink a little.

And we also need to note that the media who is all too helpful giving Colin Powell the megaphone to bash the GOP or Palin isn’t quite as inquisitive or demanding of answers when someone like Powell serves as a character witness for a thug like GOP Senator Ted Stevens.

Does Colin Powell realize that he helped Stevens lose the GOP a seat?  Crickets are chirping, aren’t they?

Some folks have said I’m just too hard on Governor Bredesen.  

Well, don’t dare say that I only search for the negative in our Governor!   In fact, at this special time of the year, First Lady Andrea Conte has truly stirred the muses, thus inspiring my artistic and fundraising talents that have been dormant as of late.

At the First Lady’s Shop found online, Ms. Conte embarked on a fundraising and artistic endeavor that honored Tennessee while raising a few dollars.  Brilliant!

Our First Lady began the project by dispatching staffers on a leaf scavenger hunt across the grounds of the Governor’s mansion.  Staffers assembled a fine collection of pine needles, maple leaves, tulip poplar & more—and the bounty was then shipped off to an artist where each leaf and needle was bedazzled by a dunking in authentic 24K gold plate.

The uniqueness is exquisite.  The color enhancement is inspiring.  And all for sale on the State of Tennessee website!

Here’s an example of what you’ll find at her site:

Two American Holly leaves dipped in 24k gold plate. The American Holly is one of many native trees found on the grounds of the Tennessee Residence.

It is said that the highest form of flattery is imitation.

And so, at this charitable time of the year, in nothing short of imitation of our First Lady, I’ve sent my own team out on a Truly Tennessee haul.

Our Tennessee roads rank as the best in the nation.  And in keeping with that heritage, I contracted with local law enforcement officials for DUI offenders to harvest some of our interstate and state route treasures.  Then following an extensive summer-long search  of Tennessee’s own local artisans and craftsmen, I selected Annie of  Annie’s Bling and Things located in the heart of  Marlow as our Truly Tennessee Treasure featured artisan.

Annie dipped, and in most cases sprayed, all of our Truly Tennessee Treasures in 24K Rustoleum Metallic #7 in order that they would truly sparkle on your politically correct winter holiday wreath, your solstice tree, your rearview mirror, or even glisten in the eye of your life partner.

So enjoy browsing through my online shop.  And if you would like to own any of these one of kind original Truly Tennessee Treasures, please send your check to the address on my contact page.  

Your home will sparkle if you grab this rare opportunity to own a one-of-a kind piece of Truly Tennessee Treasure accentuated, enhanced, and perfected by the artistic renderings of Annie’s Bling and Things.

CLICK ON ANY OF THE IMAGES BELOW TO SEE THEM LARGER AND IN BETTER DETAIL!!

CRUSH ON SANTA: Found here locally on State Hwy 61 W.  Usually we send these beer and coke cans off to the recycle center, but Annie was able to create this lovely tabletop treasure to help make your holidays sparkle.  Stand is included.  $75.00

SANTA’S BAG: Santa doesn’t carry the only bag with goodness inside!  This lucky find was located near Dollywood.  Usually the weather breaks these treasures down.  But Annie filled this one to inspire either memories of Santa’s satchel or chargrilled homecomings!  $50.00

MILLER LIGHTS!: This treasure was hauled in from I-40 just miles from the Pilot Travel Center at exit 417. Some would argue this is all too common a find, but indeed, it is a rarity to find such a gem that hasn’t been smashed against one of our Tennessee road signs.  Don’t be fooled!  It’s a treasure indeed.  Candle and garland ring for base included.  $100.00  

Toy Joy: How many times has your little one sobbed over a lost toy or stuffed animal snatched by 70 mile per hour winds from the little fingers holding their toy too close to the window?  It’s happened all too often, but now you can turn those frowns into grins with this jewel.  You can hang it as an ornament or place on the kitchen counter next to a basket of gingerbread for your children or grandchildren.  Guaranteed to bring a smile!  $65.00

Cup of Cheer: This jewel was found at exit 36 on I-81.  Normally found at exits all across Tennessee, most spit cups are too used to be able to decorate. But this barely used cup was in excellent condition and Annie was able to work her magic!  (For sanitary reasons, Annie did replace the paper towel stuffed inside.)  This jewel will be a sure fire winner for the man in your life!  $75.00

Nothing Butt Joy: Cigarettes may offend some, but to smoking fans, they bring nothing butt joy!  This little treasure may seem like picking a daisy when you could choose the rose, but in  commonality and simplicity we often find beauty.  Found just seconds away from our radio headquarters right on Watt Road.  Glass tray included with the butt.  $50.00 for the butt and tray + $50.00 for the cigarette tax (for the kids you know)=$100.00 total.

Flip Your Lid!: Everyone will love the memories associated with this Truly Tennessee Treasure.  Found not far from the Arby’s in West Tennessee on US 78, this treasure will harken one back to sharing milkshakes with the kids, quenching the thirst after a hot football game, or for the frugal, saving a dollar by ordering water instead of coke!  $125.00.  Fragile.  May be hung or used as shelf display.

Holiday Blast!: Found on I-24 not far from Murfreesboro, this gem that once held piping hot tater tots now spills over with miniature gifts!  All ages will love the glistening packages.  Best if used as an ornament.  And be warned!  The kids will be begging you to make a late night run for salty and sweet at your local drive in.  $75.00

Pampered Luv: Reality can be nasty sometimes.  Being trapped in the car with a soiled diaper has led many an otherwise honest traveler to chuck a dirty diaper out the SUV window.  But this absolute rare find appears to be a case of a mistaken toss!  The new diaper was chucked instead of the used one!  This gem is a little wind worn from the sheer number of 18 wheelers traveling I-75, but Annie has masterfully captured her beauty and symbolism.  $100.00.  Firm.

Frosty Bite! This delicate ornament must have been tucked away behind the perfect blades of grass to remain so perfectly intact.  It could have been the spoon for your favorite chili or a chocolate frosty, but the memory of choice is yours to be made!  Located not far from exit 320 at Crossville.  $45.00.  

As these are one of a kind originals, orders will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, that is, first to donate, first to receive basis.  Be sure to include your shipping address.

Power for power’s sake vs. ideology, that’s the battle in the GOP right now.

Allow me to translate what’s going on this particular youtube where Speaker Ramsey endorses Chip Saltsman for RNC Chair.

Bill Frist wants to be President.  

Speaker Ramsey wants to be Governor.

And Chip Saltsman wants to be RNC Chairman.

It’s an orgy with suits on.  Word to all from the grassroots in true southern slang: WE AIN’T NO STEPPIN’ STONES!

How about you fight some ideological battles, some battles of principle, desire to accomplish something, heck, anything!!  When you do that, people will carry you to a higher office.  But this you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours, well, frankly, it’s enough to make you disgusted with the entire lot.

But I’m not walking away.  Don Sundquist sucked as a Governor.  Cronyism was his game.  Selling out principle was his masterpiece. That Ron Ramsey would give a pass to the Sundquist years puts Jason Mumpower’s deal with income tax sponsoring Steve McDaniel to be 2nd in command in the house all into focus now.

Sorry my esteemed brethren in political office, polling shows your big government, tax loving, Dem-lite strategies FAIL!

And I’ll be working to drive a stake in the heart of your self-promoting ways. 

A.C. Kleinheider has the info on Saltsman throwing Huckabee under the bus.

And YEAH BABY!!  Here’s Davy Jones singing my theme song for the crew, especially Frist for Governor!

Today on the radio we’ll interview author Humberto Fontova about his new book Che Guevara and the Useful Idiots Who Idolize Him.

Humberto is a lot of fun and is brimming with information on Che.  I was so excited to see his book because of the sheer number of Che bumper stickers, handbags, and t-shirts I see worn by liberals right here in East Tennessee–not to mention Gore events and Obama campaign offices!

Be sure to tune in.  He’ll take a break from deer hunting and plucking duck feathers to  join us at 4 Eastern!

Yesterday on the radio program we had the honor of interviewing Dr. Patrick Byrne, Chairman and CEO of Overstock.com.

As the wise one caller Virgil says, it’s called the New York Stock Exchange because it’s supposed to be about exchanging.  Yet Patrick Byrne has been one of the lone, consistent voices sounding the alarm about naked shorting or failure to deliver the shares.  Where’s the exchange?  It’s not really happening. 

Many of you have emailed about the clip we played in introducing Dr. Byrne.  Well, here it is.  And here’s the website where you can get more info on some of the topics he discussed with us.

Steve Gill has a really good column out on the constitutional questions regarding Hillary Clinton’s appointment as Secretary of State:

The selection of Hillary Clinton for secretary of state reveals that President-elect Barack Obama does not limit his lack of appreciation for the Constitution to just the First and Second Amendments. While there has been plenty of analysis focused on whether or not this is a good political decision, the choice may actually reveal more about Obama’s respect or disrespect for the Constitution than about his political judgment.

The Emoluments Clause in Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution provides: “No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time.” On January 4, 2008, President Bush issued Executive Order 13454, which increased the “Emoluments” (salary) of the secretary of state position. Hillary Clinton, as an elected senator from New York at the time and with a current term of office that runs through the end of 2010, would seem to fall clearly within the definition of a “senator” under this clause.

Click over to read the rest.  And now Senator Robert Byrd is checking into the questions, from CNS News:

(CNSNews.com) - The Senate’s senior member and staunchest constitutional advocate on the Democratic side of the aisle, Robert Byrd of West Virginia, is exploring whether Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) is eligible to become secretary of state in the Obama administration. 

 

From my email inbox, this is pretty darn funny!

For about week now people have been on my case to get my Christmas lights up.

They are up now and for some reason nobody likes it.

Have you got yours up?

I love it!

From a AOL News:

The election may be over, but not the controversy.

Just when you thought the flap over the genuineness of Barack Obama’s birth certificate was all said and done, in comes the We The People Foundation.

The group purchases a full-page ad in The Chicago Tribune - the newspaper of the president-elect’s hometown - today and Wednesday, called “Open Letter to Mr. Obama.” It’s described by the foundation as a “formal Petition for a Redress (Remedy) for the alleged violation of the ‘natural born citizen’ clause of the Constitution of the United States of America.” 

Click here to view the ad

And here’s more on the SCOTUS issue regarding Philip Berg’s challenge.

Tom Humphrey reports today (and he was first on it yesterday, too) that our Republican leaders in the House are all about promoting unity.

NASHVILLE - In their only contested race for a top House leadership position, Republicans on Monday chose the candidate who stressed party unity over one who stressed conservative credentials.

Party unity? My arse.

Unity behind what?  Policy?  Principle? Or Jason Mumpower living out a Tennessee edition of Machiavelli?

The “no deal” deal that was worked out and hammered home by Mumpower and Glen Casada no doubt ensured Mumpower was the official Speaker nominee.  These leaders twisted arms and pressured Republicans to stick with the self-serving McDaniels over State Representative Frank Nicely.

Nicely offered himself as a candidate for the Speaker Pro-Tempore position and bless him for doing so.  

McDaniel symbolizes all that went wrong with Republicans at the national level.  Pro tax increases–you name ‘em, he was for ‘em.  Sales tax, gas tax, cigarette tax, income tax?  He was for raising them all.

Right around this time in 1998 I remember getting together with some of our local elected officials, Chip Saltsman, and Steve McDaniel.  We all met for breakfast to talk politics and roads here in Anderson County. As we were heading in to the restaurant, I begged Representative McDaniel not to go forward with plans for a state income tax.  Sundquist had quickly gone back on his word and talk of the tax had already spread across the state before session had even begun.

Very, very pregnant with my third son, I looked like a tick.  I begged, “please, please don’t push an income tax.”  I lobbied that it was the wrong policy.  It would kill our party.  And more.

McDaniel put his arm around me as we walked in and said something to the effect of,  ”Sweetheart, we’ve just got to.  We’ve got an economic crisis and there’s really no other way.”

And so with Steve McDaniel as the bearer and believer of failing ideas and a horrible and checkered history of supporting Democrats, our GOP leader to be Rep. Mumpower rewards such incompetence and character with the 2nd most powerful position.

Of course, all that depends on officially holding together the votes come the big voting day. 

Now, your naive GOP reps will tell you, “we had to vote for McDaniel to keep the squishies from bailing on us.”

Well allow me to correct them.  Tennessee Chairman Robin Smith made it very clear that if you are Republican and you abandon the party on crucial votes such as leadership votes, then adios amigo.  The Party Structure stands ready and willing to do the heavy lifting.  The enforcing.  (Example:  like the Democrat Party with Kurita!)

Jason Mumpower believes no one cares if the 2nd in command actually sponsored the income tax legislation.  But we do care, Rep. Mumpower.  We do.

But Jason Mumpower wants to be Speaker NOW!!!  He won’t call McDaniel’s bluff and isn’t willing to wait for party action!!

Maybe it will all work out.  Maybe not.  But I’m a Winston Churchill kind of gal.  You stick with what you know is right even if it may not be popular or viewed as correct at the moment.

Shunning the leadership of someone like Frank Nicely who has consistently represented the values and policies of the grassroots Republican in favor of a big government, big taxing, wheeling-dealing Republican like McDaniel is definitely a step in our new Republican majority, but a step forward?  I can’t make that claim.

As a friend of mine said yesterday, “a prostitute only loves you for the hour for which you’ve paid.”  Ayep. If the fear that McDaniel would sell you out led you to twist arms and pressure votes for his role as Speaker Pro Temp, how on earth can you ever afford to keep him faithful?  

It’s going to be an interesting session.  

And who knows if someone will flip.  Jimmy Naifeh is still alive and kicking.  And he plays hardball.  He drinks the hard stuff, not O’Douls.

Republicans made a pledge that they would all vote for a Republican.  Is there one Republican who would run as Speaker and garner all the Democrat votes and maybe one fellow Republican?  I mean come on. John Wilder put together a coalition in the Senate.

Or is there a Republican willing to flip and vote for a Democrat Speaker for risk of his wife getting the infamous manilla envelope?

Oh politics on the Hill isn’t just as easy as getting there and arguing for your legislation.  It’s often nasty and brutish and unfortunately, our Republicans often bring knives to gunfights.

Here’s hoping for the best, for I’m really looking forward to seeing some actual CONSERVATIVE legislation finally get a fair hearing.

But the first steps have already begun from a position of weakness, that is, principles have already been compromised.

In the movie the Godfather, a message is sent to the Corleone family when their most loyal and vicious enforcer Luca Brasi is killed:

…a fish wrapped in Brasi’s bulletproof vest. The meaning is made clear to the Corleones. As Corleone’s consigliere Tom Hagen explains: “The fish means that Luca Brasi is sleeping on the bottom of the ocean… It’s an old Sicilian message”.

Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes…

Now while ignoring the Gaffe-Master Joe Biden, the media elite, believing turkeys only come from their illegal immigrant maids who serve them, are all in a tither and are accusing Palin of the ULTIMATE GAFFE!  

Attention Pinch Sulzberger: it was no gaffe.  It was a message.

As the media spread the infamous video around, all are asking what it means.  Why a press interview in front of a turkey slaughter?  The New York Times has foolishly ignored the meaning and instead decries the turkey “executions!”

With no street smarts or even common sense in many of those hallowed newsrooms, allow me to help my media friends with a little Alaskan interpretation.  Governor Palin is sending word: the New York Times will go the way of the Thanksgiving turkey, as will most of the turkeys running together in the print media.

Governor Palin sends word: Pinch Sulzberger dines with the turkeys. (Photo from New York Post)

from the Post:

Chairman Pinch Sulzberger alone will see his nearly $441,000 personal dividend check from last year shrink to about $115,000, according to filings.

How often do you stop and consider the importance of accessible and affordable energy?  In our wonderful nation, we probably all take it for granted.  Please be aware that many efforts are underway to control, limit, and increase the cost of energy.

Here is an opportunity for you to make a difference.  I encourage to click on the link and submit your comments.  From the American Energy Alliance:

Don’t Let EPA Control Our Energy Future

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to regulate your lawnmower’s gas mileage, your car, the light bulbs in your house, the heating and cooling system in your children’s school and even the electricity you use. These are just a few of the likely outcomes if EPA decides to regulate greenhouse gases using the Clean Air Act.

AEA believes the Clean Air Act is not the appropriate tool to regulate greenhouse gases. If Congress wants to regulate greenhouse gases, it should explicitly authorize any regulation instead of allowing EPA to do so.

EPA is currently soliciting public comments about whether to regulate greenhouse gases using the Clean Air Act. Fill out the form below and let your voice be heard.

On the radio today:

Our Canadian friends Pete Vere and Kathy Shaidle, authors of the Tyranny of Nice.

We’ll talk about their hard work on behalf on free speech and the latest stunner from our northern neighbors:

Students at Queen’s University who sprinkle their dialogue with an assortment of “homo” or “retarded” could find out the hard way that not everyone finds their remarks acceptable.

The Kingston university has hired student facilitators to step in when they overhear homophobic slurs, remarks bashing women or racially tinged insults, along with an array of other language that could be deemed offensive…

“If people are having a conversation with offensive content and they’re doing it loud enough for a third person to hear it … it’s not private,” said Jason Laker, dean of student affairs at Queen’s…

“Having a program like this in place could stifle public discussion if people are worried their private conversations are being monitored,” said Angela Hickman, managing editor of the Queen’s Journal, a campus newspaper. “For a lot of people, their opinions get formed in conversations and so stifling that is dangerous.”

We’ll also interview State Representative Frank Nicely (R) who has thrown his hat in the ring as Speaker Pro Temp.  Nicely will face State Representative Steve McDaniel in the upcoming leadership elections.  Nicely is garnering the support of many Republicans who are worried about the message grassroots Republicans, independents, and some anti-income-tax Tennesseans will receive if the pro-income tax McDaniel is elected to the 2nd most powerful position in the State House.

State Representative Frank Nicely

If you are worried about the symbolism of placing a Republican Representative who was actively supporting a state income tax alongside Don Sundquist, then it would be in your best interest to immediately contact your own State Representative and express your concerns and ask them to vote for Rep. Nicely.  

REMEMBER: Just 5 legitimate, concerned constituent phone calls can have a major influence on your state representative. 

From Senator Corker’s website, here’s the transcript of his questions and statements during the hearing yesterday with the big three automaker CEO’s.  Senator Corker is on the Banking Committee chaired by Senator Dodd.

CORKER:
Mr. Chairman, thank you for this great hearing.
    And I appreciate all of you being here. And I understand the tremendous problems this is creating in all of our states. We have one of our most respected business people here tonight, that’s one of your dealers, has 300 employees and we understand about all the — the many workers and much employment.
    So I do have some tough questions, but I want you to know I do — I do understand the turmoil that this is creating throughout our country.
    We’ve talked a lot about the TARP program. And we’ve talked about the fact that we were willing to, quote, “bail out” the financial institutions.
    But one of the things that’s occurring in the TARP program that’s not happening here is that the OCC that regulates these banks or the FDIC, if that’s the case, has to certify to Treasury that these are strong institutions. And they actually make recommendations to Treasury as to which institutions are the strong banks, the good banks, and should succeed.
    I find it really interesting that we, quote, “have the big three here,” if you will, because I know that all three of you are in different circumstances.
    And my sense is, if the OCC was performing the same ordeal, if you will, on y’all, some of you would not be recommended to get credit. My sense is that Ford has done a better job and is in slightly stronger position, that G.M. has made some changes, but is spiraling downward and in serious trouble.
    And my sense is — and I could be wrong. I know it’s a private company and results aren’t available, but that Chrysler is just — barely has a heartbeat.
    And so I do wonder why we’re talking to three companies in very different situations about all being treated the same way. It seems to me that that premise to begin with is — is very flawed.
    Now, obviously, you all have created a pact. You wouldn’t share with Senator Menendez how much each of you have asked. I know that one of you shared with us that you’ve given those numbers to Levin.
    But I would like to know exactly what each of you has asked for. And I think that’s only fair. And I think dancing around that is incorrect.
    And then I’d like Mr. Gettelfinger, if he would, since he says he went in and looked at these companies, to tell us which of these three should survive and which shouldn’t.
    But I’d like to have the numbers first.
(UNKNOWN)
    I’d be happy, again, to say…
CORKER:
    I just want the numbers. Just give us the numbers that you gave to Mr. Levin to create the…
(UNKNOWN)
    Seven billion dollars.
CORKER:
    Seven billion dollars. What’s — what’s the number from G.M.?
NARDELLI:
    Seven billion dollars.
CORKER:
    And the number from G.M.?

(more…)

Do you want to puke your guts out as you watch the political class standing around at their press conferences playing God and Kingmaker and Business Boy with the money YOU worked hard for and YOU earned and YOU were told to send to Washington?!

Our grand experiment called America began with the very core and noble idea of equal opportunity.  Life, liberty, the PURSUIT of happiness—not a guarantee of success or a job for life or temporary unemployment.

The national bird has been our American eagle—a rugged bird soaring to new heights.  Sadly we’ve kicked her to the curb, or perhaps locked her in a Dollywood preserve, and have tried to gloss up your average roadside turkey vulture.  At first glance she may look regal–almost like an eagle, but closer inspection reveals she’s a scavenger picking at the bones of the taxpayer.  (But it’s all in order to save the taxpayer, right?)

Pandora’s Box has nothing on the bailout.  The line at the buffet is getting long.  And today Senator Bob Corker will be hearing testimony from the Big Three Automakers.  While not stating his position definitively, he’s indicated he’s not too hip on the idea. 

“I can’t see how injecting capital with all the legacy issues that each of these companies has is better than reorganization,” said Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. 

(Terry’s editorial note: Speak english, man.  No wonder the average guy can’t relate to Republicans.  ”Injecting capital” into “legacy issues”…oh, and bring the cahr around, jeeves…)

The $25 billion for the UAW–er, the Automakers–has grown to talk of $50 billion and then who knows…

Corker is pretty darn proud of his role in bringing VW to the state of Tennessee.  Would he be so sad if the Big Three had to file Chapter 11 and restructure with a little pressure relieved from union bosses?  I doubt it.  VW can pick up the slack.  But will he speak up about it? 

You can bet that Senator Shelby will.  

You know companies like Ford have been playing the game of good corporate liberal for quite some time. They could have stayed NEUTRAL on issues like various marriage battles taking place, but they had to stick their noses in it.  Groups like American Family Association has not even asked Ford to pick A SIDE on some of these issues, just to stay OUT and remain NEUTRAL.  But they couldn’t do that.  Nope.

Ford for instance, has given corporate and CEO dollars to liberal causes, such as:

• Ford Fund pledges $250,000 to the construction of a new Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center in Ferndale, Mich.

The organization plans to break ground on the estimated $5.3 million facility in the spring of this year. Spokespeople for Affirmations organization say the new center will be open to the public in early 2006.

“Ford is proud to support Affirmations and its partners,” said Ford Motor Company Fund President Sandra Ulsh. “The new center will serve as a cornerstone for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the state of Michigan. It will be a place to build and nurture a more inclusive and respectful society.” The campaign’s top gift of $500,000 came from Allan Gilmour, former vice chairman of Ford Motor Company, and Eric Jirgens head of Eric Charles Designs, of Birmingham, Michigan. As top donors they will also serve as co-chairs for the campaign.

FERNDALE, Mich., Feb. 1 - Ford Motor Company Fund today pledged $250,000 to the Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center. The campaign will finance a new community center in downtown Ferndale, Mich.

Ford’s grant is among the largest donations ever made from a Fortune 500 company to a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) organization. This donation represents another part of Ford Fund’s tireless commitment to support organizations that improve opportunities for those who live in the communities where Ford Motor Company does business. The gift, along with similar contributions from other automotive manufacturers, will bolster Affirmations‘ efforts to raise $5.3 million to complete the facility.

Why should I as a taxpayer finance the bailout of their politics and advertising practices?  I’m sorry, I’m just not for it.

For years I’ve heard from Democrats on the TV or radio program their concerns about deficit spending and national debt.  Tax cuts?  How are we going to “pay for them” they constantly asked. Where are they now? Busy in the handout line?

No, IBD has the answer to the auto industry, and it’s worked before and it’s the right thing to do.  From their pages yesterday:

Filing for Chapter 11 protection under bankruptcy law is the normal way a company stays in business when facing an unmanageable financial situation. It keeps creditors at bay while the company reorganizes under court supervision and settles its debts. In recent years it has served as a refuge for major airlines (Delta and United) which, you may notice, continued to fly while in Chapter 11 and, post-bankruptcy, fly today.

Bankruptcy protection also frees companies from union contracts. Could this be why it seems to have been taken off the table as an option, at least among Democrats? We can only surmise, but it’s clear that a bankruptcy process would be rough going for the United Auto Workers.

The Big Three’s high labor expenses would no doubt need a trim. During the last round of contract talks in 2007, the average hourly costs were over $70 at all three of the domestic automakers, compared to about $48 for Toyota.

Big Three CEO’s: Will build green cars to keep unions afloat.

Great find by Edmund Wright over at American Thinker:

Bonior and the auto bailout: explosive video

C. Edmund Wright

The Big Three Auto Maker bail out, or more to the point, the United Auto Workers bail out, is the first explosive issue for the new Obama Administration. Never mind that his administration has not even started yet, this issue is being debated in terms of a big Democrat win in the recent elections.

 

Need proof? How about the fact that on CNBC this morning, former Michigan Congressman — and now Obama economic advisor — David Bonior was supposed to be debating the bail out of the big three auto makers. Even in light of these companies being bankrupted by their unions, Bonior is using the opportunity to try and strengthen the union influence even more.  (Video here)

Where are our Senators on the issue?

I don’t know.

Here’s what I’ve got on Lamar:

“This economic crunch is difficult for the auto industry just as it is for most Americans, and the auto industry is especially important to Tennessee,” U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said Friday.

“I am closely monitoring proposals that affect auto jobs, and will be ready to go to work on those proposals Monday when the Senate reconvenes,” he said, although he did not indicate whether he was leaning toward or against a bailout.

And Czar Paulson’s Telebuddy Corker:

Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker shared one example with a crowd of business leaders at the University of Memphis Monday a few hours after a private conversation earlier that morning with U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

Corker had groused to Paulson about an article he read in Monday’s Wall Street Journal that reported cash-strapped automakers General Motors and Chrysler were interested in seeking help via the federal government’s recent financial bailout package. The former Tennessee state commissioner of finance usually talks to Paulson by phone on the weekend, but this week did not get to do so until Monday.

Corker mentioned that conversation this week in response to a question about the possibility of rescue plans for other U.S. industries besides the financial services sector.

“I’m going to show some cards here: I hope they’re way, way on the back burner some place,” Corker said of any other rescue ideas. “That may disappoint you. I read an article this morning where there was some discussion about an injection into GM and Chrysler.

That’s not real definitive.  He just hopes it’s on the back burner.  Front burner? Bailout for the Memphis team:

Prior to the forum in Memphis, Corker also met privately with Memphis-area bankers including First Horizon CEO Bryan Jordan. Memphis-based First Horizon National Corp., the parent company of First Tennessee, announced late Friday afternoon that it’s set to get an infusion of $866 million in capital from the Treasury, money that’s part of the federal government’s plan to put $250 billion directly into banks across the country.

Corker and Paulson telebuddies?  Yes, indeed.  Awwwwww. How cute.

Corker, who said he speaks with Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson “four or five times a week,” said his support for the “tremendous activism” of the government’s financial rescue plan is rooted in concern for ordinary Tennesseans.

Last night while I was looking for the article I pasted below, I ran across this ad that I had clipped and saved.  Why?  Who knows.  Maybe just for a day like today.

Of course with a little Sharpie marker touch-up, I’ve made it relevant to 2008.

I wish over and over that I didn’t have to sleep.  With more time, I’d already have written a proof-in-the pudding response to the silliness that is bubbling up in Republican circles that it’s those right-wing-nuts that cost us seats time and time again.

I’ll get’r done because I feel I must.  The criticisms by Christine Todd Whitman et al are simply without any evidence to back them up.  I mean really, how much more left can we really move, Christine?  We move more and more to the left and its viewed (and received at the ballot box) as a once respectable lady getting looser and looser.  

Pretty soon no one thinks you’re pretty anymore–just a whore for the taking.  And isn’t that so many of our GOP brethren’s political platforms look like?

I’ll get to a response, but for now, here’s a GREAT article that I think you’ll enjoy.  I clipped it and saved it years ago and went rifling through papers last night in search of it.  Fortunately I found it archived on the web so you don’t have to suffer through a scanned version.

And read up and start thinking about where we are headed.  With some stinging losses, I think we’re going to see some warriors—not wimps—move to the front lines of our leadership.

Here’s a couple of great highlights from the June 8, 2004 article by JOHN MICKLETHWAIT AND ADRIAN WOOLDRIDGE:

 

Traditional conservatism was based on six principles: a suspicion of the power of the state; a preference for liberty over equality; unashamed patriotism; a belief in established institutions and hierarchies; a pessimistic, backward-looking pragmatism; and elitism. This was the creed that Burke shaped into a philosophy in the 18th century–and that most famous conservatives, from Prince Metternich to Winston Churchill, understood in their bones. Mr. Reagan’s conservatism exaggerated the first three of Burke’s principles and contradicted the last three.

The exaggerations are the easiest to spot. Ronald Reagan did not merely dislike taxation in the manner of the East Coast Rockefeller Republicans who ran his party in the 1950s; he saw government as the enemy. An early patron of Freedom Forum bookshops in California (where they sold books with titles like “The Naked Communist”), he also took a Western approach to individual freedom, whether it was allowing people to carry guns or tolerating a high level of inequality. As for patriotism, conservatives are a nationalistic bunch, but Mr. Reagan celebrated his country in religious terms–as “the city on the hill” that God had chosen as the special agent of His purpose on earth.

and 

If Reaganism had been merely a more vigorous form of old-style conservatism, then it would have been more predictable. In fact, Mr. Reagan– who began his political life as a New Deal Democrat–took a resolutely liberal approach to Burke’s last three principles: hierarchy, pessimism and elitism.

The heroes of Burke’s conservatism were paternalist squires, who knew their place in society and made sure everybody else did as well. Mr. Reagan’s heroes were rugged individualists, defined by the fact that they do not know their place. He packed his kitchen cabinet with entrepreneurs who built up businesses out of nothing and he worshipped the cowboy. He kept a bronze saddle in the Oval Office and–rather magnificently–rushed to appoint Malcolm Baldridge as commerce secretary when he discovered that he liked going to rodeos.

Mr. Reagan took an equally heretical attitude to the fifth attribute, pessimism. Churchill famously “preferred the past to the present and the present to the future.” By contrast, Mr. Reagan was fond of Tom Paine’s adage that “we have it in our power to begin the world over again.” When Walter Mondale questioned the cost of America’s space program, Mr. Reagan proclaimed that “the American people would rather reach for the stars than reach for excuses why we shouldn’t.”

As for the sixth characteristic, elitism, instead of dreaming about creating an educated “clerisy” (as Coleridge and T.S. Eliot did) Mr. Reagan was a populist who argued that “Bedtime for Bonzo made more sense than what they were doing in Washington.” His was the conservatism not of country clubs and boardrooms, but of talk radio, precinct meetings and tax revolts.

 

Maybe we’ll be able to finally put this to rest once and for all.  From Texasdarlin:

A Plaintiff with “Standing” Sues Obama

November 14, 2008 by texasdarlin

These plaintiffs should have standing.

Alan Keyes, Presidential candidate of the American Independent Party, Wiley S. Drake, V.P. candidate of the Independent Party and California elector, and Markham Robinson, California elector, filed suit in California on Nov. 12, 2008 against Barack Hussein Obama and others.

The Plaintiffs are seeking a Court Order barring the California Secretary of State from certifying the California electors until documentary proof that Senator Obama is a “natural born” citizen is received by the Secretary. Their complaint states in part:

Click over to read more.

In my home county of Anderson, the brilliant people think little children are adults capable of understanding the policy manuals and repercussions of zero tolerance policies.  In the incestuous vein of Anderson County politics, school spokesman Karen Bridgeman is the wife of our local newspaper editor Ron Bridgeman.  She holds the line on the rogue tot!  From Bob Fowler at the Sentinel:

The Andersonville Elementary School kindergarten student brought a toy gun to school in his backpack Thursday and was expelled Friday. “There’s no tolerance for kids with weapons of any kind,” school system spokeswoman Karen Bridgeman said.

Got get ‘em, Karen!!  

And here’s the Head Honcho of Schools:

“We take all these incidents very seriously,” Director V.L. Stonecipher said. “Our code of conduct clearly spells out unacceptable behavior and the consequences.

Until every parent either home schools, demands vouchers, or places their children in private schools, you’re going to continue to see this kind of utter foolishness and insanity.  

These liberals who actively promote their liberalism are quite often revealed for the heavy-handed-power brokers that they are.  They do their best to stomp out the flame of religious or moral self-governance and foolishly believe they can control the heart of man with their iron-handed-rules.

As this young kindergartner was being expelled, my own little 3rd grader was carrying his wooden rifle replica to his class project as part of his re-enactment of Daniel Boone.  

Had he appeared at one of our bureaucratic institutions, he would have needed to convert Daniel Boone’s gun to ploughshares. 

***And speaking of stupid, how is a toy gun a weapon?  Is a picture of a gun a weapon?  A toy gun is not a weapon.  Not at all.  A fork in the cafeteria is more of a so-called weapon than a toy gun. 

As liberalism in all its glory will rest comfortably in the White House and with conservative Republicans now free to say that the Democrat-lite strategy of appeasement (RINO Policy) was a pitiful disaster at the ballot box, we now move to surveying the battlefield and inspecting the warriors we have who will attack liberalism at its core.  

This analysis starts with the home team first and we start with Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker. Today we start with Senator Alexander.

In the very well thought out post-election analysis, I’ve researched, crunched numbers, and pondered…

Winning the very esteemed position in our Senatorial Leadership Team in Washington, D.C., our very own Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander was elected to serve as Republican Conference Chairman.  Alexander beat back a challenge from Richard Burr to win the coveted position of Conference Chairman–the position that finds as its central charge the task of crafting our Republican message.

After much thought and calculation, we’ve been able to boil down Alexander’s message for our Party to a core slogan taught by firemen all over the nation:

GOP Conference Chairman Message for National Delivery: Stop. Drop. And Roll!  (As in stop, drop, and roll over!!)

Of course, in most press releases and for background props at press conferences, the softer, less partisan imagery is preferred:

From a student a the University of Tennessee here in Knoxville, I have received a letter that she received in her University in-box:

“November 5, 2008

 

To: UT Knoxville Faculty, Staff and Students

From: Interim Chancellor Jan Simek

Subject: Respect and Civility After the Election

 

For the last two years, our country has been engaged in a historic

election that culminated yesterday in a victory by President-elect

Barack Obama. Over the course of that election, many of us, both here at

UT Knoxville and around the country, have been engaged in passionate

debate. We are proud of the UT community’s active involvement in this

process.

As a nation, we take great pride in our peaceful transfer of power, and

our ability as a people to come together as we acknowledge our diverse

perspectives. I know that each of us here at UT Knoxville will respect

the decisions made by our fellow citizens in this election, and reflect

civility in both discourse and conduct.

Thanks for all you do as students, faculty and staff to make UT

Knoxville a diverse, vibrant place to live, learn and work.”

What the heck?  Is the University implying that if you didn’t vote Obama you’re prone to torching the university or assaulting fellow students?  Or is this speech code intimidation?  What’s up? 

I ran across this photo while going through some papers.  I can’t remember if this was from the Bush/Kerry or Bush/Gore match-up, but I’m pretty sure it was from Bush/Gore because I was the chair for both the county and the Bush campaign in our county.  We had a horrible time of keeping the graffiti off our signs and were constantly having to fix them or paint over the remarks that often included colorful expletives like “f***” Bush.  I remember early one Sunday morning seeing mega-fundraiser for Al Gore, local attorney Warren Gooch, even painting over one of the more vulgar remarks for us.  It was a class act by Mr. Gooch and I’ll never forget his gracious manners.

I took a picture of this 4′x8′ graffiti because we got such a laugh out of the spelling.  At our GOP events I put out the photo with a fundraising jar for our Democrat literacy campaign.  Just having a little fun.

Spray paint doesn’t come with spellchecker.  Maybe Obama can fix that.

They painted “assinate.”  huh huh huh huh huh

Congratulations to big media!  They picked our GOP nominee back in the spring and then carried the ultra-liberal Dem over the finish line in the fall!  And with McCain as our nominee, we were doomed.  No contrast. No message.  No communication skills. A national party that tried its best but made a fatal mistake of attaching the GOP message to a guy who doesn’t believe in a GOP message.

There is no heart or soul in being a consensus seeker.

And Senator Lamar Alexander: you won your seat last night.  But don’t think we have forgotten that you are sitting at the NUMBER 3 SEAT IN LEADERSHIP for the GOP.  Senator Alexander is charged with crafting the GOP message.  Attention gentle readers: what we’d get with that message?  An arse whooping!  Whoo boy!

Umm, consensus seeking is just one of those big ideas that really doesn’t inspire the heartland voter. Do you think McCain will get that now?

As I wrote back in February:

Please, you want to know why we lose elections? Republicans like Lamar and McCain who won’t dare to stand and confront liberalism at its core. They play a game of Dem-lite, agreeing to the premises of the Democratic Party, the liberal establishment, but trying to throw a GOP wig on it. For example, we’ll agree to expanding SCHIP to the middle class, but we’ll give it a GOP gloss by not going all the way up to earners making a $90 K a year. Oh, that’s Republican! Underbidding Democrats!

It’s a failing strategy.

Ms. Robin Smith has good instincts. If she continues to use them, she’ll rebuild the grassroots.

And speaking of Robin Smith… THE big story of the night is the big win in Tennessee by Republicans. Mumbling on the floor of the state legislature during session this year, many a squishy Republican whined and groaned that Robin Smith was “killing them!”

No, she wasn’t killing you, squishy.  She was articulating a message.  She was communicating passion, heart, belief, contrast.  She stayed out there with it–appearing on talk shows and meeting with people. Hobbs kept the press releases firing round the clock.

Robin Smith deserves the biggest praise of the day.  She went with her instincts.  She stuck with her gut. She spoke from the heart. And it paid off.  And don’t think the national media doesn’t fear a message like Robin’s.  They went into media meltdown over Fred Thompson.  And they wisely eviscerated two of our best communicators early on in the political game.  I’m talking about Rick Santorum and George Allen.

No, Robin, you go girl.  I’m proud of you.  We’re all really, really proud.  It’s a new day in Tennessee.

From the TRP press machine:

HISTORY!
Tennessee Turns a Deeper Shade of Red
Republicans Win Majority in State House for First Time 1968

NASHVILLE, TN - Tennessee turned a deeper shade of red Tuesday as Republican victories in state legislative races increased the party’s majority in the state Senate and gave Republicans a majority in the state House for the first time since 1968.

For the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans hold a majority in both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly.

“The election of a Republican majority in the General Assembly is historic in its own right, and even more so given the strong Democratic tide across much of the country,” said Robin Smith, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. “Our victories send a national message that Republican values still resonate with mainstream America. The power of a consistent conservative Republican message - low taxes, small government and respect for life - once again demonstrated its power to attract a majority.”

Republicans held a majority in the state House for two years after the 1968 election, but had not held a majority in the state Senate since Reconstruction until the 2006 election.

“We are indebted to our great volunteers across Tennessee and to the people of Tennessee for this historic achievement,” Smith said.

Colin Powell, you know the guy who tells us Obama is THE GUY for the Presidential job, also vouched for the just found guilty Ted Stevens.  Foreboding for team Obama?

From the Associated Press:

(AP) Former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday praised Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens’ sense of honor at his trial on corruption charges, calling his reputation for honesty and integrity “sterling” in the quarter-century they’ve known each other. 

“As we say in the infantry, this is a guy you take on a long patrol,” said the retired four-star Army general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.