It's October, now may be too late for Dems to catch Republicans in New Jersey and Virginia

This year’s Gubernatorial Races:

McDonnell’s re-establishes a solid lead in Virginia

Christie still ahead in New Jersey

By Clifford F. Thies

Republican Bob McDonnell appears to have re-established a solid lead in Virginia. Taking four recent polls into consideration (Rasmussen, SurveyUSA, Insider Advantage and PPP [a Democratic polling organization]), it looks like 51 for McDonnell to 43 for Democrat Creigh Deeds. Unless the Democrats can come up with something more meaningful than a thirty year old masters thesis, this looks like a pick-up for the GOP.

Likewise taking four recent polls into consideration in the New Jersey race (Quinnipiac, Democracy Corps [D], Rasmussen and Strategic Vision [R]), Republican Chris Christie appears to be slightly ahead, 44 to 39 for incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine to 9 for independent Chris Daggert. Although Christie’s lead is narrow, there probably is some “hidden support” for him. With high negatives for Corzine, it is likely that the undecideds are mostly undecided about whether to vote for the Republican or the independent. It is also likely that, as the day of the election nears, some of the initial support enjoyed by the independent will shift to Christie given that it is now clear that the independent does not have a realistic chance of winning.

One Deep Blue, one trending Blue; both go GOP Red 2009.

Ohio Senate passes 10th Amendment Resolution

From Thomas J. Lucente Jr., Light of Liberty blog:

The Ohio Senate on Tuesday struck a victory for states' rights, constitutionalism and federalism.

The Senate passed 19-12 Senate Concurrent Resolution 13: "To claim sovereignty over certain powers pursuant to the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, to notify Congress to limit and end certain mandates, and to insist that federal legislation contravening the Tenth Amendment be prohibited or repealed."

Wow!

Basically, the Ohio Senate just told the U.S. government, in legislative jargon, to "Butt out!"

Even better, our own state Sen. Keith Faber, R-Celina, was the main sponsor of the bill and Steve Buehrer, R-Delta, was a co-sponsor. Karen Gillmor, R-Tiffin, our region's other state senator, voted for the resolution.

Unfortunately, most Ohioans did not hear about it because there was very little media coverage of the vote, probably because most reporters do not understand what it means.

The governor's reaction? He issued a press release praising the selection of Cleveland as the site of the 2014 Gay Games.

Editor's Note - Thomas is a self-described "libertarian," a veteran of the Iraq war and currently a law student at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.

RLC caucuses at California GOP State Convention

MOVEMENT NEWS

Report from Matthew Heath, CA RLC Chairman:

The Republican Liberty Caucus of California successfully held our 2nd Convention Meeting of 2009 in conjunction with the California Republican Party Convention. The CRP Convention was held the weekend of September 25-27, which provided the RLC CA with a unique opportunity to hold a Convention Meeting and build relationships with fellow California Republicans.

The RLC CA Convention Meeting took place on Saturday, September 26th. With several new faces and our growing leadership, comradery and activism filled the room. During the meeting, new bylaw revisions were passed, unanimously.

New to this years convention was the RLC CA Voter Recommendation Guide.

The California Republican Party voted nearly unanimously in support of HR 1207 and S. 604, The Federal Reserve Transparency and Sunshine Acts. The resolution was co sponsored by the Republican Liberty Caucus of California, Congressman Tom McClintock, and US Senate Candidate Chuck DeVore.

All weekend long, members of the Republican Liberty Caucus could be seen at our exhibitor booth, CRP committee meetings, County Chairman and Treasurer meetings, CRP Convention floor and many other party functions and meetings. We certainly made sure the Liberty Movement was active throughout the weekend.

More info California Republican Liberty Caucus

Clove Cigarettes now banned in United States, thanks to bill signed by Obama

NANNY-STATE UPDATE!

by Eric Dondero

Oh, the irony is so sweet. Our past 6 Presidents were all non-smokers. Along comes our first smoker since Nixon, and he bans "flavored cigarettes."

From PipesMagazine.com:

The ban is one of the first visible effects of a new law signed by President Barack Obama in June that gives the Food and Drug Administration wide-ranging authority to regulate tobacco.

Part of the new "Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act" has a ban on flavored cigarettes which went into effect September 22nd. This part of the law has provisions that include a ban on the use of flavors in tobacco, other than menthol. This will include clove cigarettes, a product popular in the US for decades.

Ironically, it's the heart of Obama's constituency - college kids - who are screaming the loudest over the ban. Flavored cigarettes were most popular among the college set.

From The DePauw (Indiana Univ.), Rachel Cheeseman, "Flavored Cigarette Ban, so Ridiculous," Sept. 25:

I hate to burst Obama's and the FDA commissioner's bubble, but flavors are not the addictive substance in cigarettes, and the flavors are not what smokers are looking for when they light up. What they are looking for is, in fact, nicotine. Flavored cigarettes weren't so good that people who never would have smoked otherwise pick up a Camel Spice and have an epiphany that smoking is actually both tasty and enjoyable. Flavored cigarettes offered variety for people who already smoked. They did not, and could not, create smokers.

The Rocky Mountain College News editorial board commented:

What's next if we keep protecting 'the children?' We already see a tax on soda proposed in Congress. We assume Lucky Charms and fast food are next on the chopping block. Since these products can, perhaps, lead children into unhealthy lifestyles, we better ban them just to be safe, right?"

Banning cloves is the ultimate in uncool. Ranks right up there with sending the Feds in to bash up a freshmen kegger, or outlawing wet t-shirt nights in Daytona or Panama City Beach.

If Obama loses the cool, particularly with the college crowd, what does he have left?

Editor's Note - Hat tip to LR Reader for alerting us to this development.

Republican Bob McDonnell jumps to Big Lead in Virginia - Rasmussen: It's all about Taxes

Home stretch, increasingly looking like a Big Republican Win

With just 4 weeks to go, Republican candidate for Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell has opened up a 9 point lead over Democrat Creigh Deeds, according the latest Rasmussen numbers. Additionally, he had what some describe as a "Macaca moment," when he scolded a female reporter at the same forum, calling her "young lady."

From Rasmussen, Sept. 30:

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Virginia voters finds McDonnell attracting 51% of the vote while Deeds picks up 42%.

Over the past two weeks, McDonnell’s support has gone up three percentage points while Deeds has lost four points.

According to the summary, Deeds had closed within 4 points two weeks ago, but has slipped because of his wobbly statements on taxes at a debate forum.

Continuing:

Through the first half of September, McDonnell was on the defensive following news stories about a college thesis paper he wrote in 1989. The thesis reflected very conservative views...

But Deeds in a recent debate said a tax increase was one option for addressing the state's transportation needs, and McDonnell's campaign has seized on the comment, putting his rival on the defensive. By a 51% to 36% margin, voters trust the GOP candidate more on the tax issue.

Obama a drag even in Purple Virginia

Then Rasmussen adds this:

Additionally, the tax issue brings national politics into the race. Recent Virginia polling found that 78% of the state’s voters say passage of the health care plan being considered in Congress is likely to mean higher taxes for the middle class. Beyond that, Virginia was flooded last fall with Obama campaign ads promising tax cuts for 95% of all Americans. National polling shows that hardly anyone believes they will receive tax cuts during the Obama years while more than 40% now expect their own taxes to go up.

Republicans win Special Election for PA Senate crushing Dem two-to-one

BREAKING NEWS!!!

A portend for what's to come in New Jersey, Virginia and 2010?

Headline from the Allenton Morning Call: "Bob Mensch breezes to victory in state Senate's 24th District; The Montco Republican gets more than twice the votes of Democrat Anne Scheuring"

The District includes suburbs north of Philly, Bucks County and Montgomery County.

Early on Democrats with a closely divided legislature, had hoped to pick off this seat. The incumbent Republican resigned to take over the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The District had been trending Democrat Blue in recent years.

According to BallotBox.governing.com:

All four of those counties went for President Obama last fall...

Democrat committees from Harrisburg even outspent the State GOP in the race, with Scheuring receiving $118,850 to Mensch's $93,561, though the Republican came out on top with small contributions from individuals.

Continuing from Morning Call:

Republican state Rep. Bob Mensch rode his experience in Harrisburg and a well-funded campaign to an easy victory Tuesday to become the next state senator from the 24th District.

Mensch, a two-term state representative from the 147th District in Montgomery County, defeated Anne Scheuring, a Democrat in her first term on Lansdale Council, by a more than 2-1 margin in a special election, according to unofficial results with all 123 precincts reporting.

Note - Photo is of Mensch signing the ironically named "Yes we Can" petition pledging to vote to balance the budget without raising taxes.

Michael Moore to campaign for Republicans? Oh please, No!

by Eric Dondero

Just as a Senate panel was rejecting a public option for health care, by a vote of 15 - 8 in committee, film maker Michael Moore was across town in Washington, vowing to defeat errant Democrats in 2010 who didn't toe the socialist line.

From The Hill:

The ardent Democrat from Flint, Mich., said that if he can’t find more liberal Democrats to defeat the centrist congressional Democrats in primary elections, he will actively campaign for Republicans in the 2010 general elections.

“You think we’re behind you just because you’re Democrats?” Moore said to cheers from the few dozen supporters packed into the second floor of Public Citizen’s downtown Washington office....

Moore went on to vow that he would find Pro-Socialized health care GOPers. Continuing:

“We’ll find Republicans who are smart enough to realize that the majority of Americans want universal healthcare. That’s right. That’s absolutely right. Don’t take this for granted.”

Happy hunting Michael. Even the most outspoken and strident Centrist Republicans Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, are on record firmly against the public option.

Perhaps Moore is thinking of an infiltration of ex-GOPers back into the Party?

Arlen Specter? Lincoln Chaffee, perhaps?

Another Senate pick-up on the way for GOP 2010 - Arkansas

According to Rasmussen: "Another Democratic senator may be at-risk in 2010. Arkansas' Blanche Lambert Lincoln trails all four of her leading Republican challengers..."

From Rasmussen:

2010 Senate Race

Gilbert Baker (R) 47%
Blanche Lincoln (D) 39%

Of particular interest to libertarian-leaning Republicans, Rasmussen finds:

Just as close is Tom Cox, head of the Arkansas T.E.A. Party, who leads Lincoln 43% to 40%, with six percent (6%) favoring another candidate and 11% undecided.

The emerging Libertarian - Conservative Coalition

From Si Vis Pacem blog, Sept. 29:

Libertarians and Liberty-minded Republicans gather at Eric's

Eric Dondero's Libertarian Republican site is the center of the merging coalition of Libertarians and Conservatives.

Eric and his cohorts at Libertarian Republican deserve our support and interest, especially from those of us concerned about the disaster of a third-Party split on the Right. (Peter Ferrara's TAS article What Conservatives Must Now Do provides a starting place.) The point of Libertarian Republican is about building a coalition that can take the Right over the top, that can begin a generational rebuilding of Liberty.

Note to LR Readers - Please visit this blog often and add it to your Favorites. -- ED

Singer Andy Williams - Obama a "Marxist"

Classic Artist says Obama defaming Classical Ideals of Nation's Founding

Joining a growing list of Hollywood Performers and Actors harshly critical of the Obama agenda, including Actor Jon Voight and Comedian Jackie Mason, 1960s singing sensation Andy Williams accused the Democrat of "following Marxist theory."

From the UK Telegraph, Sept. 28:

"Don't like him at all," he said, "I think he wants to create a socialist country. The people he associates with are very Left-wing. One is registered as a Communist.

"Obama is following Marxist theory. He's taken over the banks and the car industry. He wants the country to fail."

The 81-year old Williams had a string of easy listening hits in the 1950s and '60s, including "Moon River" (video here), the up-tempo "Watch the Girls Go By," "Born Free" and "Speak Softly Love" the theme song from the movie, The Godfather.

Note - Williams is a self-described "Republican."

Hillary-friend Norman Hsu sentenced to 24 Years for Democrat Fundraising Fraud

Just handed down by a Federal Judge in California...

According to the WSJ, Democrat Fundraiser Norman Hsu was sentenced to 24 years in Federal Prison today, for "illegally funneling tens of thousands of dollars to U.S. political candidates and for his role in a Ponzi scheme."

It is estimated that the Hsu's scheme bilked investors out of more than $20 million, out of which he made substantial donations to Democrat officials and entities.

Hsu shuffled more than $850,000 to Hillary Clinton's campaign for president. He became known for having pressured Chinese Restaurant cooks here in the United States illegally to sign their names as donors to Clinton's campaign, even though the funds came from other already maxed out donors and other mostly foreign sources.

In return Clinton praised Hsu saying in a voice message on his machine:

"What am I going to do with you, Norman? You are working so hard for me," Mrs. Clinton said. "I just don't even know what to say anymore. I've never seen anybody who has been more loyal and more effective and really just having greater success supporting someone than you."

Hsu fled West from NYC on an Amtrak train, after his Ponzi scheme was uncovered by Fed authorities. He was discovered at a train stop in Colorado by police, crawled up in a ball between a couple seats on the Amtrak, wimpering and appearing delirious.

But Hillary was not the only "Friend of Norman's." According to The Smoking Gun blog, Dec. 31, 2008, "Obama and the Ponzi Scheme":

Hsu co-hosted a 2005 California fundraiser for Obama's political action committee and introduced the Illinois Democrat to Marc Gorenberg, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist who later joined the Obama campaign's national finance committee.

Senator Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, was a recipient of $4,200 in donations from Hsu. Though some evidence indicated that "cooks" and other Chinese residents of PA may have signed for donations to Casey on behalf of Hsu and his associates. (Source: PAWaterCooler.com)

NeoCon Fareed Zakaria backs Obama's Girlie Man approach to Foreign Policy

by Eric Dondero

Defense Hawks and those of us on the Libertarian Right who are concerned about the rising threat from Islamic Radicalism have repeatedly argued that NeoConservatives are just fair-weather supporters of the War on Terror; that they're more concerned about protecting the interests of international bodies and less concerned about protecting the American homeland and of our Nation's sovereignty. At least one prominent NeoCon is proving Pro-Defense critics right.

The Village Voice described Newsweek Editor Fareed Zakaria in 2005, as a "NeoConservative Muslim Heartthrob Superpundit." He is known as a deeply rooted "multi-lateralist" For example, Zakaria supported the War in Iraq in 2003, but only if it was run by the United Nations.

Now Zakaria is living up to that standard with a decidedly soft on Radical Islam approach.

His latest syndicated column from the Washington Post: "Obama Betting That Machismo Is Not A Foreign Policy." The editorial praises Obama's speech to the United Nations, and harshly criticizes critics of the speech on the Right.

Writes Zakaria:

For Michelle Malkin, the speech was evidence that Obama was "the great appeaser"... For Rush Limbaugh, Obama's speech was "basically a coup against America."

Obama's outreach to the world is an experiment, and not merely to see if the world will respond. He wants to demonstrate at home that engagement does not make America weak. For decades, it's been thought deadly for an American politician to be seen as seeking international cooperation. Denouncing, demeaning and insulting other countries was a cheap and easy way to seem strong. In the battle of images, tough and stupid always seemed to win.

Obama is gambling that America is mature enough to understand that machismo is not foreign policy and that grandstanding on the global stage won't succeed. In a new world, with other countries more powerful and confident, America's success -- its security, its prosperity -- depends on working with others. It's a big, bold gambit. I hope it works.

Of course, Pro-Defense advocates would argue, that it's precisely weakness that the radical Islamic enemy thrives on. The more weakness they sense, particularly in American will to fight and commit to a long struggle such as Afghanistan, the more they will be emboldened to escalate their insurection.

Let's hope Republicans who are committed to a Strong on Defense policy, or as Zakaria calls it a "Machismo" approach, win coming elections in 2010, and 2012, and that the Zakarian NeoCons are marginalized in future foreign policy debates.

Otherwise we could see a resurgence in Islamic Radicalism in Afghanistan, Somalia, and maybe even the rise of Muslim terrorist cells here in the United States.

Or perhaps, Obama's Girlie Man approach to foreign policy has already produced that result?

Additional Information: Libertarian Republican article, Oct. 20, 2008 - "Muslim NeoCon Fareed Zakaria, Editor of Newsweek International, endorses Obama for his Globalist perspective."

Rep. Trent Franks: Obama an American, but still Un-American

LR Follow-up - Obama Birth Certificate issue

Arizona Congressman Trent Franks relayed some rather strong words to a Washington Independent reporter, regarding questions surrounding Obama's legitimacy as President. Those who question Obama's birth certificate may not be happy with the new comments from Franks on the matter; but neither will Obama supporters.

From a Video interview at Washington Ind.:

"Even if he acts un-American, and goes against American interests, I still believe he's an American."

See the video at Washington Ind.

Note - Rep. Franks is 1 of 11 co-sponsors of Florida Cong. Bill Posey's bill to require future presidents present an original copy of their birth certificate to voters.

German Elections: Center-Right holds, Socialists crushed

FDP libertarians win key 3rd place finish

The full election results from Germany are now clear. After days of uncertainty, and post-election coalition building, the Center-Right led by Angela Merkel has won a stunning victory. This, despite virtually all pre-election prognostications.

Of particular note, the pro-business Free Democrat Party led by Guido Westerwale, finished 3rd, with their highest vote totals ever. As a result they will now be full partners in Merkel's coalition, giving them key cabinet posts and even the office of Vice-Premiere.

From the NY Times:

Even in the midst of one of the greatest challenges to capitalism in 75 years, involving a breakdown of the financial system... European Socialist parties and their left-wing cousins have not found a compelling response, let alone taken advantage of the right’s failures.

German voters clobbered the Social Democratic Party on Sunday, giving it only 23 percent of the vote, its worst performance since World War II.

Voters also punished left-leaning candidates in the summer’s European Parliament elections and trounced French Socialists in 2007. Where the left holds power, as in Spain and Britain, it is under attack. Where it is out, as in France, Italy and now Germany, it is divided and listless.

The Baltimore Sun describes it as thusly:

In a year when capitalists and bankers are widely reviled, German voters did something strange; they dumped the pro-worker, pro-low-unemployment Social Democrats and chose the centrist, pro-business Free Democrats as Ms. Merkel's coalition partner. The Social Democrats were trounced from the center and the left because of the economy...

Note - Photo is of Guido Westerwelle (L), head of the German Free Democrats (FDP), and Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger (R), leader of Bavaria's Free Democrats (FDP), celebrating during the recent campaign.

The FDP, Merkel's top coalition partner, is often described as "liberal" in the classical sense, and increasingly as "libertarian."

Euro-Blogger Brian Dell (a transplanted Canadian), explains the libertarian-leanings of the FDP:

Although Canada's Globe and Mail describes the FDP as "libertarian", it is rare to see the party described as such in either European or American media. For continentals, "liberal" suffices (the FDP calls themselves "Die Liberalen") and European liberals are understood to be opposed to the political left.

Editor's Note - We are currently running two articles by Dr. Thies analyzing the German election results over at our sister site Worldwide Liberty blogspot.

Libertarian Strip Club owner protests Obama with Giant Joker Banner

Sam Moore an Equal Opportunity offender and all-around Politically Incorrect guy

Drudge is headlining a story from AP: "Activists protest Va. strip club's Obama banner"

NAACP activists held a protest outside Club Velvet denouncing the Club owner as a "Racist," for opposing his policies. Owner Sam Moore believes Obama's policies are "Socialist."

From MyWay.com, Sept. 27:

Dancer Kaitlyn McGee handed out a statement from club owner Sam Moore, who did not appear. The statement described him as a "staunch libertarian" and said the banner was intended to show his displeasure with Obama's policies.

Ms. McGee told a reporter that since the banner was unfurled, not a single customer has complained. And she added this comment: [Socialist?] "You could say a lot worse things about him."

Moore told Richmond 8 News via Bubba Radio: [he's] simply using the sign to make a political statement against big government and that it’s an expression of his 1st Amendment Rights.The report also quoted a passer-by:

“From the Princess Diana picture to the no taxes to this,” says resident Bradley Gallier.

Moore has a history of battling the City of Richmond on local zoning issues, as well as his staunch opposition to a taxpayer-subsidized sports stadium. (Source: Richmond Escort News).

He's also been raided by the IRS, BATF, the Richmond P.D. and the State Beverage & Alcohol Commission on suspicion of "illicit activities," at the club. (Source: River District News).

Note - Photo of the Club with a banner of Princess Di, notably of northern European descent, which created a similar outcry from the community a few years back.

Bad News for Democrat bribe takers; Good News for Republican adulterers

Dems heavy-loaded with Tax Cheaters and Bribe takers: Repubs have the Cads

American Public Overwhelmingly sides with the Wife Cheaters

The AP is reporting on a somewhat quirky poll taken by 60 Minutes and Variety Magazine, that asked a wide range of questions among Americans; everything from what's the Number One American Institution? Walmart, Google and the NFL. To who are the most popular celebrities? Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce.

But it is the following set of answers that many in the political world may find of greatest interest.


From Yahoo News:

A politician taking bribes is considered by far the greater sin (chosen by 37 percent of the respondents) when stacked against extramarital affairs (just 2 percent).

Note - Of course Elliot Spitzer, a Democrat, may be an exception to the rule.

Pennsylvania Gov. Eddie Rendell, according to some accounts, may have crossed both Party lines?

Top Democrat Ponzi scamster Nemazee had his Ski Bum brother-in-law forge the Documents

LR FOLLOW-UP

From Eric Dondero:

The investigation into the huge $300 million investment scheme by top Democrat Party financier Hassan Nemazee has widened.

Shahin Kashanchi, operations manger for eTECH Broadband, has just been nabbed by federal authorities for assisting in what prosecutors call a giant Ponzi Scheme. Nemazee took out loans from government-owned CitiBank to pay off other loans from Bank of America and HSBC, using forged documents which indicated that he had sufficient capital holdings to cover the loans.

Here's a portion of the press release from the FBI, Sept. 25:

KASHANCHI is the brother-in-law of HASSAN NEMAZEE, who was arrested on August 25, 2009, and subsequently indicted for defrauding Citibank, HSBC, and Bank of America, N.A., of more than $290 million in loan proceeds. NEMAZEE's scheme depended on his use of fraudulent documents, including phony account statements and phony correspondence bearing forged signatures. These fraudulent documents were designed, in substance and in part, to convince the various banks to whom he submitted the documents that NEMAZEE had assets totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and that he had placed many millions of dollars of United States Treasury securities in certain specified accounts as collateral for the loans from the various banks.

Kasanchi appears to be quite an interesting character.

According to Investing to Wealth blog, Kasanchi is a "Ski bum" dude who lives in Telluride, Colorado.

And for his participation in a multi-million $$$ scam, his brother-in-law only paid him: "$500 eight times between 2004 and 2008, according to the affidavit."

From Investing to Wealth:

Prosecutors say Kashanchi will appear in court Friday in Grand Junction, Colo. He's charged with two counts of bank fraud, each of which carries a maximum prison term of 30 years and a maximum fine of $1,000,000 or twice the gain or loss resulting from the crime.

That's probably pretty scary for Kashanchi, 46, who appears to be a laid back dude.

And according to the blog, which has done some excellent investigative work:

he appears to be a member of "The No Doubt Int. Fan Club." Very cool.

Here's the link for the Fan Club list in which his name appears (under Colorado, of course).

The blog also notes:

just like his brother-in-law, he looks like a Democratic booster -- albeit small time -- and was "particularly excited" about the Obama campaign. Nice

Last week Libertarian Republican found that Nemazzee had made contributions to major Democrat Senators and other top political officials, from $1,000 to $5,000 over the course of the last decade.

The list read like a who's who of powerful past and present Senate Democrats: Harry Reid, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Barbara Boxer, Chris Dodd, Max Baucus, Jon Tester, Claire McKaskill, Debbie Stabenow, Dick Durbin and Jon Corzine. Also on the list of "FONs" (Friends of the Naz), New Yorker pols Kirsten Gillibrand, Andrew Cuomo, newly elected Rep. Scott Murphey, and Chuck Schumer.

A total of 91% of all Nemazee's contributions went to Democrats, some $470,000 worth. Only 2% to Republicans, a mere $11,000. Also, Nemazee has served as a Finance Co-Chair for Kerry for President 2004, Hillary Clinton for President 2008, and even for the DNC itself.

Read the original story "Top Democrat fundraiser indicted for Giant Ponzi Scheme," here.

Editor's Note - Unfortunately, no photos are available at this time of the Ski Bum brother-in-law. Headline photo is of Nemazzee.

Political Career in the Works for Aerosmith Guitarist Joe Perry?

A big fan of Senator McCain

The Hill reported Sept. 24, that self-described "Republican" rock star Joe Perry of Aerosmith recently met with AZ Senator John McCain. And the two appear to have hit it off.

From The Hill:

Joe Perry, the legendary rock guitarist and co-founder (with Steven Tyler) of Aerosmith, was on Capitol Hill Thursday, where he met with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and performed onstage at a Rock Stars of Science conference promoting the health sciences and scientific research.

Perry endorsed the Arizona Republican last fall in McCain's failed bid for the presidency, and he was very impressed with the senator when he met him Thursday.

I felt better about politics in general after meeting [McCain]," Perry told The Hill. "He's a war hero, and they're the most genuine heroes. Anyone who does what [soldiers in combat] do, they're amazing heroes. Forget about [popular video game] Guitar Heroes. It's an overused word."

A Senate seat has opened up from Perry's home state of Massachusetts. And an expected potential GOP rival, Baseball Great Curt Schilling recently took himself out of the running. Does Perry have any intentions of going for the seat?

Continuing:

asked whether he would ever consider running for office, the rock star paused before responding.

"Sure, if I ever find myself in that position, I could see changing things up a little. I've been playing rock and roll for a long time now, and if California can have actors for politicians, then maybe the rest of the country can have musicians."

Republican Rep. Aaron Schock, target of Islamic bombing, Strong Supporter of Israel

Potential OKC-style Bombing on Fed Building in downtown Springfield, Illinois

"We’re not sure whether we should be relieved or terrified as we read details of Michael Finton’s alleged plan to blow up the Paul Findley Federal Building in downtown Springfield... relief, obviously, in knowing the FBI took charge... But with that relief comes a shudder.

[It is believed] Finton had every intention of laying waste to the heart of downtown Springfield." -- Editorial Board, Springfield Journal-Register, Sunday, Sept. 27

On the very same day as a major FBI bust of an Islamic terrorist suspect in Dallas last Wednesday, who was planning on blowing up a major downtown skyscraper, Federal officials arrested Michael Finton, an American-born Muslim convert, for allegedly trying to blow up the downtown Springfield, Illinois Federal Building. He was arrested after he attempted to detonate dummy explosives, as part of an ongoing FBI sting operation.

The building houses the offices of Republican Congressman Aaron Schock, the youngest member of the US House of Representatives. Schock is best known for having challenged his fellow Illinois politician Pres. Obama earlier this year, on lack of job growth coming to Central Illinois, through the Stimulus. His District includes the world headquarters for Catepillar Inc.

Schock is a Defense Conservative, strong on Military issues. He's also a staunch defender of Israel.

According to the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Comm (ADC), Rep. Schock has voted 100% of the time against Arab/Muslim interests. From ADC Action Alerts:

Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act 04/29/2009 Nay - Passed

Recognizing Israels right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the United States strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process Yea - Passed

The Congressman has also been a strong critic against the Ahmadinejad regime in Iran. As recently as Sept. 13 he told a crowd of 50 gathered at the Peoria Country Club, "the clock is ticking" on Iran, and that Military option may be required if they don't immediately cease their nuclear weapons program. From the Peoria Journal-Star:

"A nuclear Iran is not an acceptable outcome," Schock said during speech in front of more then 50 people at the Country Club of Peoria. "We'd support Israel's attempts to stop them from acquiring nuclear weapons."

Finton, aka "Talib Islam," ties to the Middle East

According to the British press, Finton is employed as a part-time cook at a "fish and chicken" restaurant in Decatur. He is unmarried. He is also a former convict, and had converted to Islam while in jail. In prison he changed his name to Talib Islam.

From The Daily Mail On-line, Sept. 25:

FBI documents traced two years of Islam's life leading up to the alleged bomb plot and arrest.



It said his parole on a previous conviction was revoked in August 2007 and writings found after included a letter to Lindh, who was captured fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Islam told agents in January 2008 he idolized Lindh, the affidavit said.

Now a stunning revelation: News reports are coming out this morning that Finton, had extensive ties to the Middle East. Continuing:

The affidavit said that in March 2008 Islam received funds from Saudi Arabia and used them to travel to the kingdom for a month-long visit.

Islamwas introduced to the FBI special officer posing as an al Qaeda operative in February, according to the affidavit.

Islam expressed a desire to receive military training and fight in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia or elsewhere, agents said.

In the months that followed, he talked about an attack within the United States and ultimately settled on the Paul Findley courthouse.

He also allegedly took an interest in the nearby office of Republican U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock as well, the affidavit said.

Read more: DailyMail.co.uk/news

Finton's M.O. almost identical to Tim McVeigh

The Editors at the Journal-Register in Springrield ended their opinion piece with this chilling commentary:

For anyone tempted to write off Finton as simply a crackpot or jihadist wannabe, we encourage a quick review of the McVeigh case.

Working with a single primary accomplice in Terry Nichols — and at a time before the Internet was the convenient worldwide communication medium it is today — McVeigh used diesel fuel, fertilizer, sundry explosive components and a rented truck to kill 168 people in an explosion that destroyed its target and damaged buildings in a 16-block radius.

This is how homeland security is supposed to work, and everyone involved in this investigation deserves praise...

Yet it also underscores the need for vigilance. The 9/11 terrorists notwithstanding, terrorism can take root anywhere a person of Michael Finton’s alleged mindset exists. Suppose Finton had been more careful with his possessions and his parole agents hadn’t found the Lindh letter and other materials in his car. Suppose his Saudi contact had continued wiring him money...

We’d prefer to not think of the consequences of those scenarios. We’re grateful for the vigilance of those involved in all phases of this case for keeping them hypothetical.

Additional information: "Islamic Extremist Terorrorists and the Oklahoma City Bombing" by John S. Craig, May 2, 2008 Associated Content News

Social Conservative Past Comes Back to Haunt Bob McDonnell

By Clifford F. Thies

It turns out that the Republican candidate for Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell, and I share some history. We both attended Catholic and public primary and secondary schools. We both then attended Catholic universities, he Notre Dame and me St. John’s. We both were in ROTC and we both served on active duty and in the reserves. Indeed, we both served in the 2d Armored Division in Germany. We both picked up MBAs along the way. And, we both returned to school after active duty, me to Boston College for a PhD in economics and he to Pat Robertson’s school, CBN University (now Regent’s University), for a second masters and a law degree.

While McConnell was at CBN U., he wrote a masters thesis in which he developed the social conservative agenda of thirty years ago. It was an agenda that I, a libertarian, have never been comfortable with. That agenda sought to use the coercive, regulatory, tax and fiscal powers of the state to promote what social conservatives viewed to be the correct life-style. The Democrats have used this thesis to hit McDonnell hard, narrowing his lead from 15 points to 4.

Bob McDonnell says that his views on social policy have changed over the past thirty years, and he cites, as proof, certain decisions he has made while a member of the state legislature and as Attorney General. But, I do not know that he has articulated his current view. Is he simply acting like a front runner and avoiding things that are controversial? It might be helpful, just a tad, if he would address the issue forthrightly and say he has come over to the libertarian side on social policy.

As for me, I have never thought the correct life-style (or, set of life-styles) would need to be supported by the coercive powers of the state. Rather, I believe that the correct life-style will flourish simply if it is allowed to compete with other life-styles on a level playing field. In deed, in my own little mind, I wonder how we would even know what is the correct life-style if not for the consequences of the choices we make. God does not make things into sins in order to vex us or to prevent us from having fun. Rather, things are sinful because they lead to bad consequences. So, if the government would merely have us sow where we reap, we will discover and learn to avoid that which is sinful, and we will affirm the wisdom we have received from the past in the context of the fast-changing world in which we find ourselves.

Ronald Reagan forged a political majority by melding libertarian, social and national defense-conservatives into a viable coalition. But, his successor, George H.W. Bush, squandered that majority because he did not have a vision that encompassed these several views. Similarly, Newt Gingrich forged a new political majority by making out of these views a coherent set of proposals. But this political majority dissipated following the response of his successor, George W. Bush, to a terrorist attack.

We need new leadership in the party to articulate a revived libertarian/conservative agenda, because if the Democrats portray elections as deciding whether liberal social engineers will be running our lives or social conservatives, our country will be in real trouble.

Note - Dr. Thies is a professor of economics at Shenandoah Univ. in Winchester, VA.

Stunning Reversal! Young GOP Social Moderate, harsh Palin critic, now one of her biggest Fans

Hong Kong speech turns him around

"How Sarah Palin made me a Fan"
From Alex Knepper, Race42012.com, Sept. 24:

Again I come to you with an article about Sarah Palin. My turnaround regarding the former governor is perhaps as perplexing to you as it is to me. It is certainly so that the paradigm shift in the national dialogue and the sudden urgency that has arisen in the conservative base about the proper role of government has produced something of a change in what I perceive as a proper strategy. It has forced me to reassess what the practical should and could be — and the question of ends and means. But it is more than this, I think. It was certainly Palin’s Hong Kong speech that served as the catalyst for my soul-searching, but it is not that speech alone that has swayed my opinion. Upon evaluating her actions in the calendar year of 2009, I have come to the conclusion that I was honestly wrong about certain aspects of Palin.

Her newfound status as a national lightning rod made her a chief target for Alaska Democrats who wanted to earn a killing by taking her down. The maverick politician who once boasted a 90% approval rating was no more — and she could never come back in such an atmosphere.

I have no reason to believe that Palin desired to govern as anything other than a pragmatic center-right Republican, and it’s rather, well, refreshing, in hindsight, to realize that there is actually a politician out there who would rather just get out of a system in which she can’t do anything productive.

She seems to have been vindicated. Her decision to leave certainly wasn’t nonsensical, in hindsight: she’s had a lot more of an impact on the national debate from behind her computer chair than she would have from the governor’s mansion. From Facebook to Hong Kong, Palin’s words have echoed with force matched only by the president himself.

For a while now, I have judged the former governor as much by the words of her supporters as by her own words. In an article — which, by the way, I still think has some merit — I contended that Palin was America’s new victim-in-chief. I attacked the role her supporters...

[In Hong Kong] when she simultaneously condemns protectionism and the human rights record of China, I can’t help but clap my hands.

Now, I’m not turning into John Ziegler or Kristofer Lorelli, here, but my opinion of Sarah Palin is now officially positive. Freed of the McCain campaign’s fumbling and often bizarre calculations, Sarah, I believe, can be set loose to do what she really wants to do. I eagerly await her next speech and her upcoming book. If she can sway me, she can sway others.

Go get ‘em, Sarah!

Note - Alex Knepper is a longtime Associate Editor of Race42012.com, one of the most popular GOP Politics sites on the Web.

Read the article in full at Race42012

Revenge of the RINOs: Compassionate Conservative complains about libertarians in the GOP, most especially Palin and Beck

Says Palin now just a tool of the Libertarian Party

Nikki Richards of According to Nikki blog penned the following article on Sept. 24: "Lose the Libertarian Love." Richards writes (excerpt):

I don't like radicals from either party. I find the state of the republican party with the uber-crazy fiscal conservative quasi-libertarians hijacking it, to be so disappointing and depressing. I feel abandoned by the Glenn Beck fiscally crazy crowd. Sean Hannity is no longer a republican, he considers himself a fiscal conservative independent. Sarah Palin identifies with the libertarian party and many are listening to too much television and lusting after Sarah for their own freaking good...

I just think some room to disagree with the fiscal crazies would be nice. Some acquiescence of so called "compassionate conservatives" who think some governmental intervention in society is at times necessary and tax revenue kicked back into the community, is not always a bad thing.

I do feel there is a radical right-wing take over coming to the republican party. Many are pitch forking the "change" of the party to further itself to the right and to mimic aspects of the libertarian party.

I am strongly opposed to this strong embrace coming from conservatives of laissez-faire libertarianism. It is getting more and more radical in its ideology... the losertarian party who will make life more difficult for the republicans

Yea I am a RINO. Screw you.

Editor's Note - unclear as to why Ms. Richards lowercases Libertarian Party?

LR Blog Update

From The Editor:

I've got a bit of exciting news to relay to you all. On Friday I received an email from a gentleman from Washington,DC very high up in the Republican Party. He wrote to express his compliments and to let me know that he was a regular reader.

(I don't want to disclose the guy's name, but Clifford, and also top LR associates "Right Guy" Jim, and "Left Coast Rebel" Tim, have also seen the note.)

Cliff suggested that I take this opportunity to reiterate to our readers how important it is to assist us with breaking news. Very important people are listening in here. Besides the gentleman mentioned above, I know for a fact, that a Communications Director for a Republican Party in a very large State is also a daily reader of this Blog. So, if you want to get something out to an influential crowd, this is the place.

If you have a hot tip, or a unique angle on a political news story, or even a YouTube video that you recorded at an event, please send it along to us right away. We are getting closer and closer to being a first tier political blog. It's breaking news that will put us over the top.

Send in your submissions. And remember feel free to call me direct on my cell (early morning, afternoon and evening) if something is really "hot" at 979-583-6875.

Najibullah Zazi was planning London 7/7 type attacks in New York for 9/11 Anniversary

Just Breaking...

The lead Prosecutor in the federal case against suspected Terrorist Najibullah Zazi is now stating that the Afghani was planning to attack Subway and Metro Stations in the New York area with Weapoons of Mass Destruction.

He is quoted by the AP via Google News:

"The evidence suggests a chilling, disturbing sequence of events showing the defendant was intent on making a bomb and being in New York on 9/11, for purposes of perhaps using such items," prosecutor Tim Neff told [Judge] Schaffer.

Even more disturbing, evidence now indicates that at least 3 of his alleged accomplices in the New York area have escaped. Continuing:

At least three and possibly more of his accomplices remain at large, and investigators have fanned out across New York in pursuit of suspects. Authorities also issued a flurry of terrorism warnings for sports complexes, hotels and transit systems.

Court papers say that during the summer, Zazi and three unidentified associates bought "unusually large quantities" of hydrogen peroxide and acetone — a flammable solvent found in nail-polish remover — from Denver-area beauty supply stores.

Court records also show that Zazi checked himself into a Colorado hotel suite 4 days before his cross-country trip to NYC, and spent those days attempting to concoct a lethal mixture of a bomb-making material known as TATP (triacetone triperoxide). This is the same substance used by 2002 shoe bomber Richard Reid (photo).

The UK Daily Mirror is suggesting that Zazi was planning a similar attack to the 7/7 attacks on London 4 years ago:

He allegedly bought large amounts of hydrogen peroxide and nail-polish remover - items that were used to make explosives in the 2005 London bombingsInvestigators say they found bomb-making instructions on his computer and believe Zazi received explosives training from al-Qaeda...

Additionally, the Ottawa Citizen is now confirming that Zazi traveled to Canada on at least 2 occasions:

Experts call alleged conspiracy one of the biggest threats since 9/11... An Afghan immigrant living in Colorado who is suspected of being linked to al-Qaeda and a plot to bomb targets in the United States travelled to Canada twice in the last decade, according to the prosecution... U.S. Attorney David Gaouette confirmed Friday that Zazi had crossed the border...

Meanwhile, other reports are suggesting that Zazi may have sought refuge within the "Afghan-Muslim" community in Queens during the final phase of the plot. From CNN:

The arrest of a local imam for allegedly lying to the FBI about tipping off a suspected terrorist sent shock waves through the Afghan community in New York... Prosecutors said Zazi received explosives training with the intent to bomb a high density target in the United States, and that Afzali jeopardized their investigation by telling Zazi that federal investigators were on to him.

The imam (mullah) is affiliated with the Masjid Al-Saaliheen (mosque) located in the Flushing section of Queens.

Middle Eastern expert Walid Phrares warns home grown Jihadist attacks of last week just the beginning

NYC, Dallas, Springfield and Quantico Marine Base in VA - No coincidence

Within the last two weeks, no less than four radical Islamic plots have been uncovered by the FBI and other law enforcement to bomb transportaion centers, downtown buildings and one US Military base in four separate states.

Now comes a dire prediction from Islamic Terrorist expert Dr. Walid Phares on WND TV yesterday: The Jihadist threat to urban centers in America is "Mushrooming."

Excerpts from WND TV interview Sept. 25:

"There are no strategic coincidences... the FBI began their investigations into these plots at different times. In 1 day in 1 business day, the American public learned that 3, 3! Jihadist conspiracies were taking place almost at the same time in 3 states.

Continuing later in the interview:

Between the end of '01 since 9/11, til the end of 2008 we had statistically speaking almost 2 cases of homegrown Jihadist plots against national security a year... Since the beginning of this year til today, every month we've had 1. So the number of these cases have been rising in an escalating way... and the Jihadi mushrooming we're dealing with is urban... like Mumbai."

"By statistical analysis if we have stopped 5 that means another 15 are potentially in the works... we have not stopped all of these conspiracies, which means that at some point in the future we, unfortunately, may see the succesful operation. Up til now we've been extremely lucky thanks to law enforcement, but the 1 potential success may be multiple [targets], may be what Al Qaeda wanted to see happen to us."

Conservative Pin-up Gals: Phyllis Schlafly & Co. showing libertarian streak?

Stuffy Conservatives do let the Hair down once in a while

From Eric Dondero:

Even the furthest reaches of the Social Conservative Right are starting to show a bit of a libertarian streak. Goes along with the old joke heard at YR, and other GOP events; "Every conservative gets more libertarian as the night goes on, and the booze gets poured..."

From our Conservative Cousins comes the Annual "Hot Conservative Women" Pin-Up Calendar. It's the work of the ultimate "stuffy conservative" Phyllis Schlafly and Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute.

You'll no doubt recognize some familiar faces: Ann Coulter, Michele Bachmann, Bay Buchanan, Starr Parker, Michelle Malkin and this year's new addition Carrie Prejean. Note the - ahem - "with child" status of Mrs. Kellyanne Conway.

Order yours today at http://www.cblpi.org/calendar/

Ohio: Kasich takes the lead

Yet another Republican pick-up for Governor 2010 on the way

From Rasumussen, Sept. 25:

2010 Gubernatorial Race

John Kasich 46%
Ted Strickland 45%
Other 3%
Not sure 7%

CONFIRMED! Jail time for Individuals who refuse Obama Care

Sen. Ensign gets confirmation: Up to 1 year for not purchasing Health Insurance

Just breaking from ABC News, Politico and other media...

Joint Committee on Taxation Chief of Staff Tom Barthold sent a handwritten note to Nevada Sen. John Ensign confirming that Americans who refuse to comply with Health Care regulations as outlined by current legislation, could face jail time in addition to fines. Ensign pushed Barthold for weeks to confirm the provision.

From Politico:

Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to a year in jail or a $25,000 penalty, Barthold wrote on JCT letterhead. He signed it "Sincerely, Thomas A. Barthold."

The letter can be seen here: http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/Barthold_letter.pdf

Meanwhile Teddy Davis of ABC News is suggesting that this mandate could cause a backlash. From ABC The Note, "Buy Insurance or Go to Jail?":

Despite the fact that there is broad support for an individual mandate among Democratic politicians, the insurance industry, many experts, and even a few Republicans, Barthold's letter potentially hands the GOP a big new weapon in the fight against Democratic efforts to overhaul the nation's health-care system.

LINKS

This article featured at Catholics Against Obama Care website.

Giuliani hammers Ahmadinejad at rally in front of United Nations

STAND FOR FREEDOM IN IRAN

America's Mayor Rudy Giuliani attacked the killer Iranian regime outside the United Nations today. Giuliani challenged the UN and Obama Administration to refuse to allow the Iranians develop nuclear weapons. He also expressed support for the Iranian Freedom Movement fighting on the Streets of Tehran.

Side note - On Wed. Giuliani definitively ruled out any plans for a run for US Senate, even though recent polls have suggested that he's ahead of Gillibrand. Most pundits suggest, this is a clear signal that he plans to run for Governor. -- ED

Conservative anger over libertarian Glenn Beck's remarks on John McCain, a distraction

"I think John McCain is a weird progressive, like Theodore Roosevelt... [pause] Here's one for ya. I think John McCain would have been worse for the country than Barack Obama. Ha! How's that?" -- Glenn Beck interview with Katie Couric, CBS News

by Joshua Painter

The flap over Glenn Beck's remarks is a distraction, one those who love liberty can ill afford at the precise time when we have the Obamunists outflanked.

Beck is more libertarian than conservative. We can't believe how riled up that simple fact has made some conservatives. It's not like we didn't already know that about the guy. Have they forgotten that libertarians and conservatives are natural allies when the enemy -- whether one chooses to call it socialist, corporatist, or whatever -- threatens our liberty?

As for Beck's remark that McCain would have been much worse for the country than Obama, we think we know where Beck is coming from. Under McCain, the republic would have continued its drift toward socialism that began after Reagan's second term ended. It would have been a much more incremental drift than Obama's "pedal to the metal" towing of our nation to the left, and therefore the opposition to it would not have mobilized as quickly or as fully as it has under Obama. At least that's what we think he meant by it, as we're not mind readers.

Here's what we are sure of - he likes Sarah Palin, and she likes him. Sarah told her Facebook friends to tune in to Beck's expose of Obama's Marxist czars, so she thought that his efforts in that regard were worthy and very important. The two share more than the common bond of having children with special needs. They both love the Constitution, and they see Obama and his Obamunists as clear and present dangers to the Constitution and the republic. We are having a difficult time getting upset with anyone whom Sarah Palin considers is doing good things for the country.

We know Mark Levin was very upset over Beck's remarks. Levin and Sarah Palin also have a relationship based on mutual admiration, much like the relationship between Beck and Sarah. So where does that leave us? We find ourselves in the position of some other libertarian-leaning conservatives who are pleading, "Can't we all just get along?"

Really. Some of us need to go back to enemy identification class. It's easy to tell who the enemies are among us. Listen to what they say and write for the recurring use of DNC talking points. The enemy among us sound just like Leftist Democrats, however not based one just one remark. They parrot the liberal line early and often. As Stacy McCain has already pointed out, Glenn Beck is not the enemy. He's done invaluable work for the cause of liberty by calling out these audacious Obama czars (actually, commissars is a more descriptive term) to millions on the Fox News Channel. Mark Levin has also done invaluable work for the same cause by virtue of his excellent book, Liberty and Tyranny (the audio version of which we're currently enjoying on all six CDs), his radio show and his all too-infrequent posts on NRO's The Corner blog, which together are reaching more millions of Americans.

What is it about conservatives that compels some of them to deploy into circular firing squads at the drop of a hat? We're really getting sick and tired of it. The enemy -- our true mutual enemy -- is not found in our own ranks of conservatives and libertarian conservatives. We're not including people who fancy themselves conservatives but actually voted for or promoted Obama for the presidency when the chips were down. Regardless of what he said to Katie Couric, Beck has never made excuses for Obama, as have the likes of Peggy Noonan. He has not blamed Christians for the problems of the Republican Party, as have the likes of Kathleen Parker. He has not attacked Sarah Palin, as have the likes of David Frum.

In our opinion, conservatives and libertarians would be well advised to forget this small stuff and focus on the real tasks at hand. Mark Levin has given us an excellent conservative manifesto which we can use to attract others to our cause. Glenn Beck has identified some prime targets of opportunity which show how far to the left and authoritarian the true enemy is. Sarah Palin has shown what can be done with no more tools than a laptop and a Facebook account plus some basic research and a lot of determination. Hannah Giles and James O'Keefe have demonstrated what two energized young folks with $1300 and a camcorder can accomplish, and Andrew Breitbart has shown us how to support and promote their efforts. All of these people are fighters, and our cause needs all of its fighters.

Aren't the Obamunists more deserving of our time, energy and resources than those who are our own natural allies? Let's get over this petty bickering and take the fight to the real enemies of liberty.

Editor's Note - Josh is editor of Texas for Palin blogspot. He's also a contributing editor to RedState.com

Advice for 2010 GOP candidates: Hold Town Halls in Democrat districts

From Stephen Maloney, Pennsylvania:

As you know, left-wing Democrats have been refusing to hold Town Hall meetings because the last people they want to hear from are their constituents.

The best thing challengers can do is to hold many Town meetings, starting now . . . and continuing through the election a year from November.

Tim Burns, who's running against John Murtha, held a Town meeting in Johnstown, PA, Murtha's home town, and drew 200 people. He had a chair for Murtha, but it remained empty. Two hundred people this early in the game is a great draw.

Such TH meetings can serve many purposes, but a major one is that they show the challengers care about constituents and their views, while the incumbents don't. The challenger meetings should be heavily publicized . . . and those who attend should be informed about what they can do to help the challenger win.

I hope the challengers invite everyone, including people outside the particular district, to attend. A congressional representative acts on legislation that affects everyone in America.

TimBurnsforCongress.com

Editor's Note - Stephen is a board member of Draft Sarah Palin 2012.

Muslim Terrorism comes to Texas: Jihadist sought to bring down Dallas Skyscraper with Car Bomb

From Eric Dondero, Houston:

In what may be the first attempted Islamic Terrorist attack in the State of Texas, self-proclaimed Jihadist Hosam Maher Husein Smadi was arrested by the FBI today in downtown Dallas. According to various sources, Smadi was "attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction." His target was the Fountain Place skyscraper, headquarters for Wells Fargo Bank.

The arrest comes amid increased threat levels for a possible terrorist attack issued by DHS for New York City and other major US cities. It also comes one week after a major bust of a suspected Terrorist ring out of Denver, headed by Afghani Najibullah Zazi. The Denver suspect, an airport worker, had traveled to New York City the day before 9/11 2009.

From the Dallas Morning News:

Hosam Maher Husein Smadi was arrested in Dallas after authorities said he planned to commit "violent Jihad" in support of Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Federal authorities confirmed that Smadi had been under surveillance, after voicing his interest in "self Jihad" activities.

The FBI had been in communication with Smadi through extremist chat rooms, and police officials said in statements that Smadi had scoped numerous targets throughout Dallas.

“In the name of God, the Gracious and the Merciful, this is my vow to you, my brother, that I am ready,” Smadi allegedly told undercover FBI agents, according to The Dallas Morning News. “And if you were a lover of Jihad as I am, then, by God, I am ready for the Jihadi life.”

Smadi lived in the small town of Italy, Texas, 40 miles directly south of Dallas.

More information From WFAA Dallas:

Smadi planned on using a vehicle improvised explosive device (VBIED) to bomb Fountain Place at the end of Ramadan, which is September 20, authorities said.

With 60 floors, Fountain Place is the fifth tallest building in Dallas and the 15th tallest building in Texas.

Developing...

Beck & Breitbart claim another one: NEA's Yosi resigns

Second Top Administration official Out! thanks to libertarians

It started with the resignation of Green Jobs Czar Van Jones. After Jones, libertarian media mavens Glenn Beck and Andrew Breitbart targetted the Communications Director for the National Endowment for the Arts.

Now, Jonah Goldberg at National Review On-line is reporting that the embattled NEA Director Yose Sergant has just resigned. From NR's The Corner:

Following is a statement from the National Endowment for the Arts. Please let me know if you have further questions.

This afternoon Yosi Sergant submitted his resignation from the National Endowment for the Arts. His resignation has been accepted and is effective immediately.

Sergant has been under fire for suggesting to conference call participants in early August, that they would receive increased subsidies for their works, if they also produced Pro-Obama art, and participated in other Pro-Obama projects.

Conservatives should meet their Libertarian cousins halfway at least, on Civil Liberties issues

by Eric Dondero

I was interviewed by a conservative blog yesterday, called Jumping in Pools. The mainline conservative "McCain/Bush-oriented" blog has been running a series of articles on unifying the Republican Party.

Here's the opening excerpt:

Eric Dondero, is the founder & editor of the "Libertarian Republican", a blog which features a Libertarian view, but is strong on national defense and on other issues which Conservatives can agree on, Mr.Dondero had the time to answer some questions for the twentieth interview in the Jumping in Pools series.

Tim K - Mr.Dondero, you are a self proclaimed Libertarian Republican, while I am a self avowed Conservative Republican, how can we work together to build a stronger Republican party?

Eric Dondero - We need to start by recognizing that we are ideological cousins and have far more in common than we have that separates us.

That said, Conservatives have to give a little. What we Libertarians mostly ask, is throw us some bones on some civil liberties issues. And no, I'm not talking tough issues like Abortion or Gay Marriage (actually we Libertarians ourselves are divided on these two issues.) I'm talking easy civil liberties issues that Conservatives can support like: Repeal of Seat Belt Laws!, Stopping Smoking Bans, Lowering the Drinking Age to 18, Gambling, Medical Marijuana and maybe even limited Decriminalization of Prostitution.

If Conservatives recognize that these issues are fundamentally important to us Libertarians, and stop pooh-poohing them as "extreme" or "out of the mainstream," than maybe we Libertarians will be much more motivated to assist Conservatives with their efforts.

Read the full interview, including questions on the Pro-Defense Libertarian view, at Jumping in Pools

Milton Friedman explains the stunning Free Market success of Hong Kong

A Libertarian Classic from 1980, 10 minute intro clip from the original PBS Series

See it in full at http://miltonfriedman.blogspot.com/

Editor's Note - Sarah Palin speaking in Hong Kong has sparked a deeply emotional response in me. My very first exposure to libertarianism was through Milton Friedman's Free To Choose. I remember it hit at nearly the same time, Ed Clark was running for President as a Libertarian. At the time I was preparing to join the Navy. Between Friedman's video, and Clark's run, I proudly became a Libertarian in 1980. And ironically, a year later I found myself in Hong Kong on Liberty Call as a young Sailor aboard the USS Kittyhawk.

Sarah Palin loves Hong Kong: Says in Speech "We're both independent and libertarian"

Excerpted from Sarah Palin's speech to a Finance Conference audience in Hong Kong, Sept. 23, as reported by Alex Frangos, of WSJ's Washington Wire:

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin opened her big speech in Hong Kong by drawing connections between her home state and Asia. She talked trade, the old land bridge between Asia and Alaska, seafood, shared bloodlines and shared values. “We’re both young and transient, independent and libertarian,” she said.

Here’s more in her own words:

“We have a special place in our hearts in Alaska for the Pacific Rim. You are Alaska’s neighbors and partners. Alaska is one of America’s most trade-oriented states and by providing more than 60% of Alaska’s top ten export markets, Asia plays a key role in sustaining Alaska’s economy.

“We have much in common with Hong Kong. We’re both young and transient, independent and libertarian. Places that continue to show the world, the power and the resilience of the free market system at a time when too many are questioning it. So for Alaska, which is the air crossroads of the world, to this prosperous dynamic force in the world, Hong Kong, I bring good tidings, wishes for more blessing and vibrant life and even more freedom.”

It's official: Palin IS a "libertarian"

Two huge media outlets bestow the "libertarian" label on the former Alaska Governor.


From Drudge, Sept. 23, near top headline with photo:

Palin slams Obama spending in debut speech in Asia...

Positioning herself as a libertarian?

From the New York Times, Mark McDonald, Sept. 23:

“She didn’t sound at all like a far-right-wing conservative. She seemed to be positioning herself as a libertarian or a small-c conservative,” he said, adding that she mentioned both Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. “She brought up both those names.”

Editor's Note - Of course, Libertarian Republican was the very first media to suggest that Sarah Palin was a "libertarian," way back in early 2006 during her run for Governor. Nice to see the mainstream media finally catching on.

Plaxico Burris 2-Year Sentence excessive

MAN TALK CONCERNING PLAX’ 2-YEAR SENTENCE

Focus on New York’s gun laws, excessiveness of penalty for mere possession
Many conservatives think he was made an example and is a victim of racism

By Clifford F. Thies

There’s a lot of “man talk” on the internet concerning the two-year prison sentence handed down to Giant’s wide receiver Plaxico Burris for accidentally discharging an unlicensed gun into his own leg at a New York City night club. Plax was a hero of the Giant’s 2007-2008 Super Bowl-winning season. Playing hurt much of the time, he was nevertheless able to get open against defenses stacked against him. After each playoff win, in post-game interviews, he thanked Jesus for enabling him to not let down his teammates. Of course, such stories of physical courage and comradery are not unusual in the brutal sport of American-style football. But, soon following the heights of being part of a championship team, came his bone-headed mistake.

The man talk concerning this incident is a good indication of where we are, today, on the race issue. The following are somewhat random excerpts I have taken from the Free Republic website:

He must have an extensive criminal past for that heavy of a sentence OR he is being setup as an example.

This is a travesty of justice. But I must be saying that just because I’m a racist.

This is absurd. Two years for what?.. having a gun for self protection and shooting himself by 'accidental discharge'. Armed Robbers and Gang Bangers with a rap sheet a mile long who intentionally shoot the victim prolly get the same sentence, or LESS. NYC can go to hell.

I’m a diehard hard core Dallas Cowboys fan and I hate the NY Giants. But I think this prison sentence of 2 years is a load of crap ... I still hate the Giants.

New York City law specifies mandatory jail time for someone convicted of carrying an unlicensed firearm. No wiggle room. The only question here was: "Would his celebrity status allow him to skirt the law?" We now have the answer: "No". Good for NYC. We may believe the law is wrong but that's up to the (dysfunctional) legislature to change. This was a question of enforcement.

Frankly, I think it’s horrid. Wonder what NYC would have done if, say, John Lennon had been armed to protect himself. These celebrities, whether we like them or not, are always at risk from someone seeking fame and notoriety. Ruining his career and two years in the slammer? Just terrible.

Meanwhile, NFL wide receiver Donte Stallworth just killed someone in a drunken driving accident and got 30 days in jail. Defensive end Leonard Little got 90 days for doing the same and running back Jamaal Lewis got four months for dealing drugs.

So, instead of him making millions and paying taxes, the taxpayers of New York will get to support him at $30k+ per year. Brilliant.

Seems extremely stiff. But we are talking about guns in a lost Blue state after all....

Seems extremely stiff. Not nearly as stiff as what his cellmate may surprise him with

And all of that for doing nothing illegal (although shooting yourself in the leg is pretty stupid. . .)

What crap, I don’t like the guy, I’m an Eagles fan too, but what crap. Two years for shooting yourself!

This smacks of racism....arresting Plaxico Burress for exercising his 2nd amendment rights? Didn’t Democrats create anti-firearm possession laws to prevent blacks from possessing firearms?

Yes, that was the way in much of the Old South, but as I understand it, in places like New York, it was done to keep the guns out of the hands of any who opposed outfits like Boss Tweed and his Tammany Hall bunch.

The Sullivan Act (the current handgun permitting system) was passed in 1921, as a time when the (largely Irish) NYC machine feared Jewish and Italian racketeers AND the largely upstate (WASP) State Senate feared “political radicalism and assassinations.” It was a perfect storm of cultural and political fears.

Each NFL team has a program which teaches new players what the local gun laws are. Plaxico is a bad actor and ran into a gun-control crazed mayor in Bloomberg who sent a clear message to the DA to prosecute this guy to the hilt. Two years is crazy; they should have given him 2 years probation, or at worst 30 days in the clink and the rest as community service. I believe his boneheadedness cost my Giants another Super Bowl last year, but with the way Manningham is playing, we don't miss him as much this season

It also shows New York's disloyalty. Plax catches the game winning TD catch in the Giants' first SB win in 17 years and they deny him a permit. Meanwhile they give David Wright of the 3-time choker New York Mets a permit.

60 Minutes did a story a year or two ago that admitted both NYC and Washington DC don't prosecute even half of the cases where handguns are removed from individuals, who are usually committing other crimes, usually drug possession or even low-volume dealing. Buris was/is an idiot for shooting himself. But, he wasn't engaging in illegal activity nor was he about to engage in illegal activity. Bloomberg made an example of him, while presiding over a city that almost never prosecutes real criminals for "illegal" gun possession

Yes, Heaven forbid someone exercise their inalienable right to keep and bear arms.

We can't arm the peasants, you know. It might give them silly, dangerous ideas, like liberty...equality...self-empowerment.

I’m sure every street thug in NY receives the same sentence, right?

Maybe the answer is “yes,” but that’s after the other charges of armed robbery, battery with deadly weapon and habitual offender are dismissed.

Disgraceful. why didn’t he hire NRA lawyers with the stated aim of invalidating NYC’s gun law? I bet that would have gotten Bloomberg & Co. to give him probation.

“Justice” served in LibVille, where child molesters do less time than this

I think this is a little over the top. We have far worst criminals to worry about in this country then this. It's obvious the State wanted to make an example out of Plax.

Ridiculous waste of two years of a man's life and hundreds of thousands of tax dollars. If you're going to shoot yourself in the leg, do it in some other state, where being a dumbass is legal

20 months in the slammer for carrying a gun is way too harsh. If Plaxico Burress had been caught with an illegal concealed weapon here in Texas, it would be a misdemeanor and with no prior record, he would be a cinch for probation. Blue state stupidity if you ask me

I think putting a man in jail for two years over a stupid gun accident is absurd. Is he a danger to anyone now?

Statist bullcr@p coupled with racist sentencing; the Leftist idiots in charge of New York got a twofer off this guy.

This is outrageous! I could see fining him a large amount of money, but two years for this? The guy is obviously not a criminal. An idiot maybe, but then, that’s 90% of the citizenry. Seriously, this is dumb. We ought to have a "Free Plaxico" movement.

And of course, some enterprising sports fan have just created one: http://freeplaxico.blogspot.com/