tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101588952011-07-28T03:35:18.551-07:00It is Better to Light a Candle, than Curse the Darkness...Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.comBlogger931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1155397963021774622006-08-12T08:42:00.000-07:002006-08-12T09:07:31.263-07:00

I don't normally get involved in debates for two reasons:1) I don't seem have the 'built-in' judgement to know when to stop, to allow an opponent the opening to retreat.2) A lot of issues boil down to opinion - everyone has one consequently many debates devolve to agreeing to disagree. The problem is most people today aren't willing to leave it at that, instead positing that anyone who disagrees

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1148340058035190162006-05-22T16:02:00.000-07:002006-05-22T16:20:58.053-07:00

Planned to Death is an article on Human Events Online by Mac Johnson.It is a story of our times and some the choices Western Society made. It also is an illustration of the Law of Unintended Consequences - in the case from the advent of the Pill. The Birth Control pill freed us as a species and as Western Civilization from the hard coded link between Sex and reproduction; now we could have it

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1139496251401339052006-02-09T06:41:00.000-08:002006-02-09T06:44:30.296-08:00

Thats right, according to a Washington Times article, a survey/study done between October and December of 2005 found that both Britian and Canda have more crime and more violent crime than the US does (all though Canada leads by only a slim margin).Read more about it here.

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1139495305375819212006-02-09T06:04:00.000-08:002006-02-09T06:28:25.406-08:00

Despite all the whining and crying that went on at time, both from my home state and at the federal level, welfare reform actually worked, and worked rather well. This can't be said of all government programs and their seemingly inevitable reform attempts, but it is so in this case.I'm going to borrow a statement from an old US New & World report article that was about a different subject all

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1138554166540847372006-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:002006-01-29T09:02:46.553-08:00

It has been 20 years since the Challenger disaster. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I first heard the news; I suspect many others can as well.Dr. Sanity tells best - she was there...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1134832870998574812005-12-17T07:18:00.000-08:002005-12-17T07:21:11.013-08:00

NOT!! This report from the Media Research Center details what the Major New outlets aren't telling you.Not that the media is biased - just ask them!

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133825765261990892005-12-05T15:34:00.000-08:002005-12-05T15:36:05.273-08:00

I more than sick and tired of the obvious (and not so obvious) political pandering and anti-Bush sentiment that is now come to be a matter fact state of our major media outlets.I don't want to get off on too much of a rant, but much of what is occurring would have been considered treason in WWII. The picture being presented to the public about Iraq is so far from the reality that our own troops

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133821860994099072005-12-05T14:20:00.000-08:002005-12-05T14:52:23.170-08:00

Much has been said and more will be said in the battle to remove Christianity and Christ from the Christmas season. Watching public media, one could justly come to conclusion that the entire year has been spent in preparation for a gigantic orgy of spending. But this is not the reason for the season...No, the true meaning of Christmas is all together different and really has no dependence on the

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133804164720611152005-12-05T09:11:00.000-08:002005-12-05T09:36:04.750-08:00

Illegal immigration is a topic that Democrats trot out when they want to seem that they really care about minorities and that Republicans not living on the border seem to prefer to ignore.However you may feel about illegal immigration, the inability to control our own borders is a significant threat to our sovereignty. The nature of illegal's has changed significantly since my childhood. When I

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133797644967916422005-12-05T07:27:00.000-08:002005-12-05T07:47:24.983-08:00

When I was growing up, one of the topics that was covered in some detail was the run up to WWII, and social/political changes in Germany that allowed the Nazi party and then Hitler to assume so much power.One of the methods discussed at length was that tactic called the Big Lie. The tactic is simple enough; a politically self serving and/or inflammatory statement is broadcast loudly, forcefully,

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133713845680061932005-12-04T08:14:00.000-08:002005-12-04T08:30:45.696-08:00

I admit to having heard (and even given) some pretty lame explanations/excuses for different things over my life. However, this is ridiculous, just how stupid do they think people are.What am I referning to? (Hat tip to Yea, Right, Whatever) An American Arlines pilot reported an observed missle firing at his aircraft (complete with missle smoke trail) while departing LAX. There has been no

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133710715410333152005-12-04T07:30:00.000-08:002005-12-04T08:01:10.686-08:00

Have you ever had to spend any time around someone who took themselves (and everything else) too seriously? So seriously that everything was about them, a walking talking, chip on the shoulder, just waiting for an excuse to be insulted, prima donna?Usually, you only see this for a brief (in retrospect) period during adolescence. I've always felt on of the hallmarks of both maturity and the wisdom

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133710161954730232005-12-04T07:25:00.000-08:002005-12-04T07:29:21.973-08:00

Hat tip to Atlas Shrugs:It seems that Marriott Corporation feels that allowing an anti-terrorist symposium to be held at their facilities to just too controversial and risky. However, its just fine for CAIR to hold an event at their facilities. Read all about it here at Atlas Shrugs.Is this the first case of coporate cave-in/intimidation by Islamic groups in the US? This is a dangerous trend

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133539881415680502005-12-02T07:53:00.000-08:002005-12-02T08:11:21.433-08:00

Counterfeiting of another governments money is one method used in wartime to work at undermining the economy of the enemy government. It devalues the currency and undermines the confidence in that currency necessary for successful flow of goods and services. While the value of the currency holds it also gives the counterfeiting government 'free money' to pursue its other agendas.It was a tactic

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1133029003002772842005-11-26T09:55:00.000-08:002005-11-26T10:16:43.016-08:00

I'm disappointed, but not surprised, that the attacks on any link between Christianity and Christmas continue unabated. This year has also featured recent attacks on Thanksgiving, siting it as a homage to gluttony and consumption.I believe the real issue is a desire to attack anything positive that may relate to America, something that the left feels honor bound to participate in. I could comment

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1132686778940272202005-11-22T10:22:00.000-08:002005-11-22T11:13:02.730-08:00

As some may have noticed, the title of this post is an excerpt of part of the lyrics of John Lennon's song, "Imagine". I enjoyed this song as a teen when it was first released, and like most teens, only thought of its message in the most idealistic of terms. Also, like most teens, I didn't think too much (I could just stop right there), about the actual consequences of trying to achieve such a

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1128694995528532912005-10-07T06:49:00.000-07:002005-10-07T10:11:39.580-07:00

It has been a while since I've posted for a couple of reasons. One, I've been trying to relocate with all that entails. And two, I felt that other blogger's were covering most of what I would have wanted to say and/or I didn't feel that it was appropriate to blog on the topic at the time.Be that as it may, it is with a combination of dismay and disgust that I've watched the far right implode over

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1119459378971923962005-06-22T09:32:00.000-07:002005-06-22T10:13:54.616-07:00

I mentioned in the earlier post that Republicans need to be more articulate in presenting their view of where we are and where they believe we need to go. From my perspective, this lack of articulation, is an important leadership failure, and will be the primary cause if George Bush/the GOP, fail in their primary agenda.In my view, leadership has two parts:Lead by example - do what you ask others

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1119457919900217752005-06-22T08:36:00.000-07:002005-06-22T10:12:04.673-07:00

I've been lax posting lately, mainly because I wanted to see where some of the 'hot' issues were going before saying much. There was/is certainly no shortage of other commentators on Sen. Durbin's remarks, so I don't want to re-hash too much of this.If you work in the real world/business very much, then you are likely familiar with the concept of Key Indicators. These can be trends, performance

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1116504363087892122005-05-19T05:03:00.000-07:002005-05-19T05:06:03.093-07:00

This is ludicrous, but also hilarious...Check out this story at the Captains Quarters.CrossWalk is here with the sound track.Here is the direct link to the sound track here.

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1116501442945136802005-05-19T03:58:00.000-07:002005-05-19T04:17:22.960-07:00

The truth is often the first KIA in any political argument, as history shows us over and over again. Hitler's regime made infamous the Big Lie, something that was so outrageoulsy false that people thought it must true, for who would lie is something so obvious?The communist parties of the various communist states following WWII did not hesitate to use this tactic, and we see it again today in

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1116426009479393422005-05-18T07:12:00.000-07:002005-05-18T07:20:09.480-07:00

All right, I admit it. I used to think highly of Sen. McCain and was looking forward to his Presidential run at one point. No Longer!!During the last election, and in the last few months the McCain I thought I knew has disappeared, if he ever really existed. Is it desperation, or is this the real McCain?In his actions, he has sought to subvert the Presidents role and programs, he has pandered

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1116425528365328242005-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:002005-05-18T07:12:08.370-07:00

OK, how stupid are we? Or conversely, those paragons of intellect, the occupiers of Senate seats?Only a Democrat would think that a fillibuster was the constitutional definition of Advise and Consent. Going back to a slightly different spin on this, the up and down vote is Advise and Consent. However, the Senate, ever a collegial bunch along the lines of the former Politburo, put into place a

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1116424757732662522005-05-18T06:36:00.000-07:002005-05-18T06:59:17.740-07:00

I wasn't around to see/hear this, but The Anchoress is a livid as ever I've read her blog. And I cannot disagree. MSM/The 'Press' see their role not as a reporter, but now as an advocate of anything anti-US. It is not always overt, but like too much salt in the soup - it is always there.If public backlash builds and results in sometime of outright restraint placed on the press, I believe that

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1116423364603346012005-05-18T06:32:00.000-07:002005-05-18T06:36:04.623-07:00

Looking at the official definition from various sources, I think it fits...trea·son ( P ) Pronunciation Key (trzn)n.Violation of allegiance toward one's country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies.A betrayal of trust or confidence.[Middle English, from Anglo-Norman treson, from Latin trditi,

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112989985073073282005-04-08T12:48:00.000-07:002005-04-08T12:55:46.236-07:00

Hat tip to PoliPundit on this one...Who said judges had to follow the law ( or even be aware of what the law is). This story from Georgia is chilling. A local judge, uneducated in the law, unware of Georgia law in this case and in direct violation of it, has 'ordered' the excecution by starvation/dehydration of a 85 year old woman at the behest of a relative who has no standing in Georgia law to

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112983448215880732005-04-08T10:57:00.000-07:002005-04-08T12:42:16.113-07:00

(Hat tip to The Anchoress for this link)The Exorcist was the most frightening moving I had/have ever seen; I've never been to or watched what passes for horror films since. In the Exorcist, the plot was even more horrifying than the special effects that were used to illustrate the story. I had not realized until today, that there was a factual story behind this movie, even if it was distorted

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112981789387416982005-04-08T10:08:00.001-07:002005-04-08T10:38:00.080-07:00

I'm watching the funeral events on EWTN. It is a moving event, but I could do without the talking heads that even EWTN seems to find. I agree with the Anchoress, there is something within the Liturgy that helps bring a person 'out of themselves' at a time of mourning as see death as just one more step along the road, both for the person who has passed and those left behind.If we truly believe in

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112978405395052902005-04-08T08:57:00.000-07:002005-04-08T09:40:05.396-07:00

To paraphrase a talking point from both the GOP and Dems (Its the economy stupid..). A more accurate phrase might be "Its OUR money stupid...". All this is leading up to the latest information on Social Security and PSA's. The core of the Dems/AARP's message on keeping the status quo based on the following premises:The government knows better how to use your money than you do. This goes right

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112814326724940402005-04-06T10:49:00.000-07:002005-04-06T12:12:14.076-07:00

To slightly misquote a favorite author of mine, David Drake said in the book 'Hammers Slammers', .."that a nation that despises its military soon has a dispicable military".We don't have to look to far back in our History to see this self fulfilling prophesy. Our military in general, and the returning soldiers in specific, were vilified at home and abroad during the Vietnam war. And for what -

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112729578629464702005-04-05T10:54:00.000-07:002005-04-05T12:32:58.636-07:00

There have been three Popes in my lifetime, now soon to be a fourth. Pope John Paul II will undoubtedly be judged as the most influential Pontiff in this century, although time must pass before history can make a more 'unbiased' judgement. His suffering, yet refusal to submit at the end of his days may be a mystery to some, but not I think, to those of faith.So Godspeed and God's Blessings on

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112723640013112692005-04-05T08:39:00.000-07:002005-04-05T10:54:00.020-07:00

The title of this is a deliberate (in case you hadn't noticed) play on the popular "What Would Jesus Do" phrase.I feel that this in an appropriate question, because Terry Schiavo's case raises an uncomfortable question, a personal choice or decision that most of us avoid thinking about. That question - "What if that were me?".This is not going to be a short post, simply because this is a

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112715531177523652005-04-05T08:05:00.000-07:002005-04-05T08:38:51.180-07:00

The motives of Terry's 'husband' should be clear to even the most virulent 'right to death' advocate. It is/was, to put it simply, access to the funds from her malpractice law suit. He had his new life all setup, and no longer had the patience to wait for truly natural events to end her life. He could not allow her parents to take over her care or divorce her, since the funds were for her care

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1112713521026306852005-04-05T07:57:00.000-07:002005-04-05T08:05:21.026-07:00

I want to apologize to those few who may (or may not) have been visting my blog. I've been silent for a while, during some relatively momentus events. Really, I didn't feel that I could add much more than heat to ongoing blog outpouring. Also, I wanted to watch and see how the events unfolded and try to discern longer term trends that may result from them. To this end, silence is golden, if

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1109347461322742312005-02-25T07:40:00.000-08:002005-02-25T08:04:21.326-08:00

As president, Jimmy Carter presided over the most virulent roll back of democratic and/or US friendly governments seen since the end of WWII. Much of the cause of current problems in the Mid-East can be linked directly back to his disasterous niavete (all right, I am trying to be generous) in foriegn affairs.The problems were even worse in our own hemisphere, with Nicaragua, Cuba, Argentine, and

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1108229592919686322005-02-12T09:11:00.000-08:002005-02-12T09:33:12.923-08:00

According to a report from the Australian Broadcast Co., attacks against Shi'ite religous sites/events continue. It should come as no suprise that foreign backed Sunni extremists are bent on stopping the move toward Democracy in Iraq.However, Iran can have no interest in the success of a Shi'ite majority based democracy in Iraq either. Success of this type puts to question Iran's own theocracy

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1108227401495023552005-02-12T08:39:00.000-08:002005-02-12T08:56:41.496-08:00

It is an interesting thing to note, that in today's MSM environment, and in the way both political parties currently operate, that many of our undeniably greatest Presidents couldn't get elected.It is 'common knowledge' (always a questionable statement) that Richard Nixon's make up and lack of preparedness for the new TV media, cost him the debate and probably the election to JFK. One has only

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1108225282788083522005-02-12T07:37:00.000-08:002005-02-12T08:21:22.793-08:00

Davids Medienkritik puts anti-Americanism in a new perspective, especially since this post is from the European point of view. This posting hits on some unsettling (to the left) points.I believe that the root of much of the European/East coast liberal anit-Americanism springs from two conjoined sources:Despite 'democratic' reforms of the 19th and 20th centuries, much of Western Europe, in

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1108222265720458912005-02-12T07:17:00.000-08:002005-02-12T07:31:05.723-08:00

If you are almost entirely dependent on MSM for your news (and you wouldn't be here if you were), then the story about and behind Eason Jordan's resignation at CNN is going to be something of a mystery to you.To summarize briefly, at a closed conference/workshop of journalists and politicians (in Switzerland), Eason stated as fact that US military forces were deliberately targeting journalist in

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1108221403806025702005-02-12T07:09:00.000-08:002005-02-12T07:16:43.806-08:00

At a San Antonio HEB, an employee heard a girl calling for help from the restroom. As it turns out, she was in labor and gave birth in the restroom. See the story here.The part of this story that strectches credulity/imaginantion to the breaking point is that the girl reports that she didn't know she was pregnant.My Significant Other, says this is impossible, there are just too many changes

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1108220910618074382005-02-12T07:02:00.000-08:002005-02-12T07:08:30.620-08:00

Most of us expect to have some privacy in a restroom, even a public. At least privacy to the extent that there are no cameras or video survelliance. In our place of work, this is probably more true than in 'public' facilities. I imagine all of us at one time or another have wondered if some type of survelliance system might exist to stop shop lifters in some of the larger malls/stores.However,

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1108161697385052152005-02-11T14:38:00.000-08:002005-02-11T14:41:37.386-08:00

I'm really sorry to see this; The Diplomad is leaving his blog. I've enjoyed reading his posts and have learned much of the international scene from blog. Please go by and say hello/goodbye to a great blogger!

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1108149480959218762005-02-11T10:44:00.000-08:002005-02-11T11:18:00.963-08:00

Patrick Ruffini has posted a web based Social Security calculator that compares the performance of your SS contributions in the 'standard' system and with a Personal Savings Account.This calculator is based on the details from President Bush's proposal and position papers, while the 'standard' portion is based, well, on the non Reformed Social Security System.As a point of inquiry, MSM/

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107186284217817612005-01-31T07:38:00.000-08:002005-01-31T07:44:44.216-08:00

Iraqis are joyfully celebrating their first election according to this report from the Washinton Times. Indeed, considering the pain and suffering they went through to get to this point, they have accomplished something worth celebrating. "The street was crowded since 7 a.m. I woke up to the voices of the people on the street -- I did not expect such a number," said Thaer, a Sunni engineer who

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107109949376361642005-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:002005-01-30T10:32:29.376-08:00

Slightly tongue in cheek... Check this out at Scrapple face... Yea, all those nasty terrorists going vote, overwhelming the insurgents who just wanted to set some bombs... I can feel MSM's pain...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107109694687740202005-01-30T11:18:00.000-08:002005-01-30T10:28:14.686-08:00

Iraq has concluded its first democratic (actually republican) vote. The results are being tabulated and the country is taking its first steps down a road too seldom trod in that part of the world. History tells us that this is the easy part, the hard part of making it work is still before them. This with covert opposition of their neighbors, make progress a true expression of the strength and

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107109097987764602005-01-30T09:45:00.000-08:002005-01-30T10:18:17.986-08:00

Amy Ridenour and Instapundit have been participating in an on going discussion on how the Democrats can regain popular support. However, it begs the basic question - is a relevant opposition to the GOP needed? I say that it is, most emphatically. To understand why, one need look no further than Mexico, where one party dominated its political system for decades. Just like the free market

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107023580570120352005-01-29T11:16:00.000-08:002005-01-29T16:27:31.840-08:00

A great post from the Diplomad on the UN, Kyoto, and the global warming debate. It should be obvious to anyone who has considered the treaty in much detail, that by excluding the third world and China from its restrictions, the real goal of the treaty is to attack the economic foundation of the Western/Industrialized nations in general and the US in particular. About the best one could say, is

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107022101874008042005-01-29T11:07:00.000-08:002005-01-29T10:08:21.873-08:00

Is for there to be an inept, divided, GOP party apparatus. See this insight from Sound Politics, on what may be the best support the Dems can get...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107021958976757702005-01-29T11:04:00.000-08:002005-01-29T10:05:58.976-08:00

Thanks to Sound Politics for this... It seems the Dems think that the military and all the rest of us need more oversight from government, we're just so ignorant...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107021750103784402005-01-29T11:01:00.000-08:002005-01-29T10:02:30.106-08:00

The French PM is proposing a world tax to support 'humane' efforts by the UN. Think this is a joke? Read more at Shaking Spears...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107021529635825312005-01-29T09:57:00.000-08:002005-01-29T09:58:49.636-08:00

Why yes, that just what CBS's internal investigation into Memogate says... Read more here at RatherBiased.com

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107020873989206362005-01-29T09:45:00.000-08:002005-01-29T09:49:34.173-08:00

It appears (depending on the accuracy of the background information), that at least some journalists may be cooperating with the terrorists in Iraq to get 'good' footage. What you say, staged explosions/shooting in Iraq?! Well duh!! Thanks to PoliPundit for this...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107019317297752092005-01-29T09:16:00.000-08:002005-01-29T09:21:57.296-08:00

No, there is no media bias, ignore the man behind the curtain Dorthy... Dave Limbaugh posts this interesting tidbit about a Brit Hume report. I was watching this press conference, and (to me) it was apparent that the phrasing of the question, and the way it was asked were meant to put a particular spin on the issue. I thought President Bush handled it well by truthfully stating that he could

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107016237208346772005-01-29T08:14:00.000-08:002005-01-29T08:30:37.210-08:00

I've only recently discovered Thomas Sowell; you will see him referenced any many blogs across the Internet. I've found his writing to be well thought and informative, even though he is that thing that Democrats are completely horrified by - a conservative minority member. Blackfive quotes his article here and provides some interesting commentary. You can also see Mr. Sowell's article directly

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107015049536732872005-01-29T08:03:00.000-08:002005-01-29T08:10:49.540-08:00

Yes, you heard that right. Thanks to Amy Ridenour's post here, see the DNC blog here. Accoding to the Dems, any attempt to promote government employees, particularly those in the Dept. of Homeland Security, on the basis of performance/merit rather than seniority, is a denial of their bargaining rights. Say again?? I personally, especially since it regards our safety and security, would hope

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107014481306493402005-01-29T07:50:00.000-08:002005-01-29T08:01:21.306-08:00

I've done enough research on my one (long before the election) on materials from the CBO, Heritage Foundation, and Federnal reserve to know that there is abosutely no factual bases for this news release from Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Minority Leader in the House. Ignorace is curable, if the victim is willing and has an open mind. Stupidity is incurable, especially if it is willful. However,

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107013472888064202005-01-29T07:36:00.000-08:002005-01-29T07:44:32.886-08:00

According to this AIM report by Sherrie Gossett, the CBS Memogate with Rather represent a business as usual practice rather than an exception to the rule. Read her report and come to your own conclusions, but it appears that using discredited, ucorroborated, and questionable sources for sensational stories is a standard practice. It seems obvious that rating and $$ are a primary driving force,

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107012652653245682005-01-29T07:18:00.000-08:002005-01-29T07:30:52.653-08:00

"US Troops foil a kidnap attempt in Baghdad". You would think, given the level of reporting on kidnapping and other violence in Iraq, that news that US Troops had foiled a kidnap attempt would be banner news. That, of course, would suppose that the major media organizations were actually intent on reporting the news factually, and not pursuing another agenda altogether. What is that agenda?

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1107011591602286372005-01-29T07:01:00.000-08:002005-01-29T07:13:11.603-08:00

The results of a year long study of materials provided by the government of Saudi Arabia to mosques in America has revealed some not so suprising results. Many reports about the royal family of Saudi Arabia have accused them of exporting their dissedents and extreme from of Islam abroad in order to deflect unrest at home. This article by Katherine Clad at the Washinton Times reveals that

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106929273472748602005-01-28T08:18:00.000-08:002005-01-28T08:21:13.473-08:00

Read the details of this here... I think you'll find this interesting; it should certainly provoke some thought. I've had differing opinions on this type of thing over the years as I've read more and increased my understanding. Based on the strict language of the Constitution, there is nothing that prevents the display of religious or other material in public places. The Constitution forbids

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106903690669949402005-01-28T01:13:00.000-08:002005-01-28T01:14:50.670-08:00

The Defence of Democracy website has this interesting article on attitudes in Europe.

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106903440954425732005-01-28T01:03:00.000-08:002005-01-28T01:10:40.953-08:00

Alan Reynolds, writing at Human Events, continues his article on grading the various 'debaters' on Social Security reform. If you've been following the debate and trying to verify source documents at all, his results are not going to come as much of a suprise. A consitent theme througout most of this is that the people/organizations that are against PSA's and view raising payroll taxes as

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106901894709612272005-01-28T00:40:00.000-08:002005-01-28T00:44:54.710-08:00

I've enjoyed many of the posts at Villanous Company, beginning back at Jet Noise. These comments today are both entertaining and insightful (IMO). Media Bias UN is UN-Hinged The French Malaise

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106900274495684092005-01-28T00:15:00.000-08:002005-01-28T00:17:54.496-08:00

Its interesting to note that to date the only election problems the Dems are interested in has been those where they lost. They are more than slightly anxious in Washington to sweep this entire incident under the rug even as more issues begin to surface in Wisconsin. Thanks to Sound Politics for his post here.

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106900055894722012005-01-28T00:12:00.000-08:002005-01-28T00:14:15.893-08:00

Well I guess George S. decided not to crawl out from under his rock again. This post from Shaking Spears...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106899382891293512005-01-27T23:59:00.000-08:002005-01-28T00:03:02.890-08:00

Thanks to the Darn Floor for this link to a story about a memo being circulated that appears to have originated with the Democratic leadership in the Senate. You should only be suprised if you think the current Democratic leadership actually believes in Democracy and America.

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106899039588829412005-01-27T23:54:00.000-08:002005-01-27T23:57:19.586-08:00

Didn't you know that blogs are ineffective and not relevant, and are not having any real impact on MSM? Slate says so and they can't be wrong...can they? See this post at Captains Quarters..

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106898203145896862005-01-27T23:41:00.000-08:002005-01-27T23:43:23.146-08:00

Who said that college students are smart? Or that the liberals/left were going to respect our armed forces this time around? Read this post at Blackfive - actions speak louder than words...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106898051723047132005-01-27T23:35:00.000-08:002005-01-27T23:40:51.723-08:00

The US is in action on many fronts and with more positive effect (and appreciation) on the ground that MSM will ever let you see. I want to thank BlackFive and the Diplomad for these excellent posts here about voting prepartion in Iraq, and here and here about our tsunami relief efforts.

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106858262696119142005-01-27T12:36:00.000-08:002005-01-27T12:37:42.696-08:00

The Diplomad takes apart the latest glory grabbing by the UN here. I say it again, stop funding the UN and kick their b*** to France where they will be appreciated.

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106858075504670832005-01-27T12:23:00.000-08:002005-01-28T00:54:38.046-08:00

Thanks to the Anchoress for pointing out this story from George Will. What is interesting about this is its applicability to most of the liberal/left reaction to any 'questioning' of the rightness of their views and vilification of anyone who seeks meaningful debate or discussion. I believe it is this inherent paternalism, the view that the view elites must decide for the peasant majority, that

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106855992206916212005-01-27T11:50:00.000-08:002005-01-27T11:59:52.206-08:00

See this story at Everything I know is Wrong. I wish I could say this is an isolated incident, but we are seeing more criminilaztion of children's 'normal' behavior everywhere. Everyone is so frightened of another Columbine, that children are now seen automatically as potential mass murders for exhibiting normal childish behavior. What is horribly frightening in these incidents is the absolute

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106853396876960852005-01-27T11:35:00.000-08:002005-01-28T00:57:21.610-08:00

See this article from Human Events by Phyllis Schlafly. The one point she fails to mention is that the quality of education by most students today is far less than that experienced by myself from 30 years ago. There has been a 'dumbing' down of our K-12 system to such an extent that even honors students are having problems with anything other than remedial classes their first years in college (

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106850593401989802005-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:002005-01-28T00:58:50.666-08:00

Back before the pro-life/pro-abortion 'debate' was co-opted by the gender aligned (all men are bad) feminist movement, there was actually some real debate and discussion of the issue going on the news magazines and other 'news' sources in America. As a member of a in-class debate team in the early/mid 70's, I had the fortune/misfortune to have to argue both sides of this issue. The one point

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106849096195015772005-01-27T09:58:00.000-08:002005-01-29T09:55:19.173-08:00

Another belch from the harbor in Massachussets...by Senator Kennedy. FYI, in case the media missed it, OJ was not the most prominent 'rich' citizen to use his position and fortune to avoid murder/manslaughter charges. It is interesting, in sick and pathetic sort way, to hear both Kennedy and Kerry carry on about the war in Iraq. Yet their statements in the public record leave no doubt that they

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106848513471476712005-01-27T09:46:00.000-08:002005-01-27T09:55:13.470-08:00

Cliff Kincaid writes an interesting article on Media Bias for the Media Monitor column at AIM. One interesting statement he makes concerns Susan Songtag: " Srdja Trifkovic of Chronicles magazine pointed out that Sontag had a strange definition of courage. She was paying tribute to those willing to sacrifice their lives in order to kill others. But real courage, he points out, means doing the

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106847626034668242005-01-27T09:02:00.000-08:002005-01-27T09:44:04.730-08:00

It has been postulated on several blogs and in some think tanks that the US and Western civilization has been in an almost continuous state of World War since the end of WWII. WWII marks the last of the 'classic' wars, focused on direct confrontation on a world wide level. The lessons that both sides learned is unrestrained military warfare in modern times is so devestating to the infrastructure

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1106845095284357962005-01-27T08:45:00.000-08:002005-01-27T08:58:15.283-08:00

I've read and exchanged correspondence with the AARP on the Social Security Reform issue. The best I can say about their stance is that they think that PSA's are fine for AARP management and bad for everyone else. Based on their information, no one should ever invest in a 401K or Keogh retirement account. I have previously pointed out links directly to Federal Reserve studies and other

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105979707318695912005-01-17T07:54:00.000-08:002005-01-17T09:28:30.726-08:00

This article for AIM by Marion Edwyn Harrison, points out that overtime has wandered far from its origins. Many hourly paid workers now consider it an entitlement as part of their job. This is far different than its original purpose, which was to encourage employers to hire more workers instead of working their existing workforce longer hours. Mr. Harrison make some valid points about general

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105976217444425312005-01-17T06:59:00.000-08:002005-01-17T09:22:33.803-08:00

Amy Ridenour has some analysis and links to a new study on Social Security reform. It appears the problem may actually be worse than even President Bush is alluding to. It seems that most of the recent analyses used in discussing Social Security reform may have excluded Medicare. The prognosis for these entitlement programs growth as a proportion of the federal budget is not new. I remember

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105898056278704452005-01-16T09:45:00.000-08:002005-01-16T19:05:48.023-08:00

Read this AIM report on our troops response during a recent celebrity tour. It raises some interesting points I think... One can make the point that today's journalists don't have the background and training that WWII era reporters did, which is one reason that may explain their 'slant' on what and how they report. However, Walter Conkrite doesn't have that excuse, which would indicate his

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105897351925886222005-01-16T09:29:00.000-08:002005-01-16T09:42:31.926-08:00

As usual, MSM has done it normal outstanding job of not reporting who is actually conducting most of the attacks/desecration on Islamic historic and religous sites. Read more here from Sherri Gosset at AIM...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105896450459901112005-01-16T09:18:00.000-08:002005-01-16T09:27:30.460-08:00

Paul M. Weyrich from AIM posts these observations and comparisons of the new 109th Congress. He is succint as always and very much on point. I will add one other observation about todays politicians that has also been noted elsewhere. Whether or not you agreed with the older generation of politicians that Paul discusses, for the most part you find that many went into public service out of a

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105895800426701912005-01-16T09:07:00.000-08:002005-01-16T09:16:40.426-08:00

Michelle Malkin posts this story about continuing (but unreported by MSM) probes/attempted attacks in our transport system. What is more compelling, is the pattern that appears to be growing from the ancedotal stories that seems to indicate inside help by service company employees. Read the whole thing...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105814512559225192005-01-15T11:09:00.000-08:002005-01-15T11:18:45.103-08:00

The debate on Social Security reform is something that the Democrats have never been overly fond of. Its not that they don't like the Social Security Program, after all it is a government entitlement program and thus synonymous with Big Government, a core Democratic platform. No, the problem is that when there is an attempt at true discussion, it appears the Democrats idea is more of an

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105770134170119552005-01-14T23:19:00.000-08:002005-01-15T11:22:57.780-08:00

Please pray for The Anchoress and her family at this hour of sorrow for them. Her brother's long struggle is over...

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105764808822429632005-01-14T20:50:00.000-08:002005-01-14T21:04:27.996-08:00

Hat tip to the Darn Floor for this one... This story is so factually inaccurate that I'm surprised that it made it past any editorial review. Or perhaps that is because it didn't get any editorial review. It takes only a minimal amount of research to learn the US (in the form of USAID and the US Navy), along with the Australians, Indians, and Japanese were the first to be on-site in the region

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105761225834994822005-01-14T19:39:00.000-08:002005-01-15T11:05:56.990-08:00

I found this article today and it got me to remembering/thinking. I know that perceptions shape our 'reality' to a greater degree than most realize or imagine. Think on this, haven't you had a day you started out with a negative attitude and the whole day seemed to reflect the same until 'something' caused you to do an about face? Then looking at the same 'scenery', you saw it wasn't so bad

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105760104199797782005-01-14T19:15:00.000-08:002005-01-14T21:11:16.313-08:00

And what it deserves, in my opinion, is the invitation to move it useless bureacratic 'appendages', lock stock and barrel to somewhere that it will be properly appreciated. Say Paris for example... If you didn't notice, I can't seem to rouse much enthusiasm for the UN. The Oil for Food scandal, and the general lack of accountability, plus the overt anti-US stance of most of its representatives

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105756441812150672005-01-14T18:34:00.000-08:002005-01-15T06:58:41.886-08:00

There appear to be two initiatives in progress that have the potential to have significant negative impacts on the primacy of US sovereignty. The first, and possibly more serious threat, appears to be judicial activism by members of the US Supreme court that would usurpt the legislative authority of Congress and at the same time place the intentions of the Founding Fathers and Consitution in a

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105750891761089502005-01-14T16:40:00.000-08:002005-01-14T17:01:31.760-08:00

According to this article from the Heritage Founation here: In the Heritage Foundations Index of Economic Freedom, the United States, for the first time since in the index began publication in 1995, is no longer among the top 10 freest economies in the World. Why is this important? Economic Freedom, key to the ability of everyman to realize his/her dreams through work and effort, has been the

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158895.post-1105734516210383632005-01-14T12:23:00.000-08:002005-01-14T14:49:59.783-08:00

Hello and welcome to the start of my personal Blog. I don't pretend to be a particular expert on anything. However I do value civil open discourse (some would say argument) and I feel strongly about many issues facing America today. As time permits, I will share my thoughts and opinions with you and point you toward sources that I find helpful or otherwise improtant and informative. At the same

Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951023459863049806noreply@blogger.com0