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No Prayer at Pee Wee Football?

War Against Religion Never Stops

The Left is persistent; don’t forget that. The erosion of liberty does not happen in one fell swoop, just incrementally.

Catholic News Agency “Vernon, Fla., Sep 30, 2010 / 08:17 pm (CNA).- A Florida man has asked a city council to end a Pee Wee football game’s pregame prayer tradition, claiming that the four-year-old custom violates his and his son’s First Amendment rights because the games are played on public land.

On Monday Louie Fromm, an assistant coach for the Holmes County Pee Wee Football Association, formally asked the Vernon, Florida City Council to end the practice, Fox News reports.

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League officials say they are a private organization that takes no government money and so the city council has no right to demand an end to the prayer. Fromm contends that because the field on which the football games are played is public property, the city must order the prayers to stop.

City officials are waiting on the city attorney’s opinion before taking action.

The 400-player league’s president Debbie Gunter has said a petition with nearly 500 signatures has been circulating in support of continuing the prayer.

Gunter told Fox News that the association has been saying prayers for four years and Fromm “started complaining last year.”

"He has a problem with prayer, but while I don't have a problem with his non-beliefs, he shouldn't have a problem with ours."

She said the two-minute prayer stresses good sportsmanship and faith.

Fromm has said his son has been the target of isolation and ridicule from other players because he does not participate in the prayer. Trying to counter the idea the change would “appease a single upset individual,” he told the city council that they had been “grossly misinformed and blinded by a small group of religious fundamentalists.”

According to Fox News, he claimed that the right to religious freedom was endangered by others and had “already been hijacked by that very same group.””

Read More...

Third Party Mood Out There?

America has been immune to a true third party so far, but this is news. How low can the traditional political parties sink? The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) has just been repudiated by a majority of its own primary voters in electing Rick Scott to be the de facto leader of the Party. If Scott wins it will be worth the price of admission to see the sprayed roaches in Tallahassee. If he loses, the RPOF better hope that it can recover before the Democrats field a better presidential candidate that Obama. If the outsiders prevail in taking over the RPOF, the third party movement will die in Florida.

Americans Renew Call for Third Party September 17, 2010 Gallup by Jeffrey M. Jones

Fifty-eight percent of Americans, and 62% of Tea Party supporters, favor third party

“PRINCETON, NJ -- Americans' desires for a third political party are as high as they have been in seven years. Fifty-eight percent of Americans believe a third major political party is needed because the Republican and Democratic Parties do a poor job of representing the American people. That is a significant increase from 2008 and ties the high Gallup has recorded for this measure since 2003. ... “ READ MORE FROM GALLUP Read More...

Crying Bigotry: Last Refuge Of The Liberal

Crying Bigotry: Last Refuge Of The Liberal

By CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER Posted 08/26/2010 07:00 PM ET
ALL OF US ‘GREAT UNWASHED’ SHOULD READ THIS SUMMARY OF JUST WHERE THINGS ARE STANDING. I FOR ONE AM IN FAVOR OF A DEFEAT OF LIBERALISM AND FOR THAT I HAVE BEEN CALLED DIVISIVE. IF THE SHOE FITS WEAR IT. THERE CAN BE NO COMPROMISE WITH SOCIALISM, IT MUST BE DEFEATED AT EVERY TURN IF WE WANT TO PRESERVE THE WAY OF LIFE WE HAVE COME TO LOVE AND BELIEVE IN. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!
“Liberalism under siege is an ugly sight indeed. Just yesterday it was all hope and change and returning power to the people. But the people have proved so disappointing. Their recalcitrance has, in only 19 months, turned the 40-year liberal ascendancy that James Carville predicted into a full retreat.

Ah, the people, the little people, the small-town people, the "bitter" people, as Barack Obama in an unguarded moment once memorably called them, clinging "to guns or religion or" — this part is less remembered — "antipathy toward people who aren't like them."

That's a polite way of saying: clinging to bigotry. And promiscuous charges of bigotry are precisely how our current rulers and their vast media auxiliary react to an obstreperous citizenry that insists on incorrect thinking.

Resistance to the vast expansion of government power, intrusiveness and debt, as represented by the Tea Party? Why, racist resentment toward a black president.

Disgust and alarm with the federal government's unwillingness to curb illegal immigration, as crystallized in the Arizona law? ... “ READ MORE IN INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY Read More...

Do Your Homework: Heritage Foundation "Solutions for America"

A little in-depth thinking goes a long way. As a conservatives, we are duty bound to have ‘answers’ to back up our criticism of the current administration. Reality is not a barrier to Democratic/Socialist thinking, but conservative Republicans must educate themselves in order to influence those around us about the world of social and economic reality. Do your homework!

Heritage Foundation: Solutions for American


“Washington, D.C., Aug. 17, 2010–The Heritage Foundation today released “Solutions for America,” a comprehensive policy agenda addressing the nation’s most pressing and ingrained problems.

Compiled by experts at Heritage, the leading conservative think tank, the guidebook outlines critical challenges on 23 policy fronts and makes 128 specific recommendations for Congress to confront and overcome these obstacles. Among them:

Trim excessive compensation for federal employees by bringing their salaries and benefits in line with those of private-sector pay.
Exempt those who work beyond the retirement age from paying payroll taxes.

Establish a unified budget governing all 71 federal welfare programs; cap their year-to-year growth at the rate of inflation; expand work requirements and treat a portion of benefits as loans to be repaid, not grants from taxpayers.

Spur investment, job creation and global competition by reducing the top corporate tax rate and allowing firms to deduct immediately all investments in new facilities and equipment.

“All the recommendations in ‘Solutions’ have one thing in common. They would return power to the people. And, collectively, they will put America back on the track to prosperity and greatness,” Heritage President Edwin J. Feulner said.” ... READ MORE AT HERITAGE.ORG Read More...

Republican House in November?

If the Obama regime continues to shove the ‘folks’ noses in the dirt for two more months, I wouldn’t be surprised if the US Senate has a shakeup as well.
AUGUST 20, 2010 Wall Street Journal

Why Political Sage Sees GOP Romp in November



“In the panoply of political prognosticators populating Washington, few have painted a bleaker picture of Democrats' 2010 election prospects than Charlie Cook.

In an interview with WSJ's Jerry Seib, veteran political analyst Charlie Cook said he believes Republicans will re-claim the House in the Fall mid-term elections. He also said Harry Reid may defeat Sharon Angle in Nevada and wondered whether Rand Paul can lose in Kentucky.

And he doesn't see that picture getting any brighter.

To the contrary, Mr. Cook, who is editor and publisher of a newsletter that bears his name, and who stands as perhaps the most respected crystal-ball gazer in politics, now says it more definitively than ever: Republicans are on track to win back control of the House of Representatives, claiming their most coveted prize of 2010.

"I think Republicans are going to get the House back," he said flatly in a conversation taped for WSJ.com's "Big Interview" segment, which will be posted on the site Friday morning.

To be precise, Republicans need to win 39 Democratic seats to get control of the House, and Mr. Cook's current estimate is that they are in line for a 35- to 45-seat gain. "But frankly, I think we're being very conservative with that," he added. "The odds of it being higher than that range are a lot better than lower."

Mr. Cook just this week raised his newsletter's forecast of Republican gains to reflect this new view. The analysis is significant, not only because Mr. Cook has a strong track record—he correctly called the last wave that brought Democrats into power in the House, in 2006—but also because Mr. Cook and his small staff of analysts probably devote more hours and shoe-leather to analyzing individual House and Senate races than anyone outside the political parties.

It's also significant because Mr. Cook has consistently been more bullish on Republicans' prospects this year than many other nonpartisan analystshave been, and events have generally evolved to match his view.

The basis of his analysis is simple: ... “ READ MORE AT THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Read More...

Obama is Self-Destructing over Mosque

Obama Supports Mosque at Ground Zero


More wisdom and elitist attitude from our most liberal president. Even the NY Times is desperately sending smoke signals to its golden boy to stay away from this issue: See,
With Remarks on Mosque, Obama Enters Risky Debate.” I’m reminded of the old political saying, “When you opponent is self-destructing, he doesn’t need your help.” I thing we are at the point where we just need to step back and watch Obama fall.

Here is another article to read featuring none other than Florida Governor Charlie Crist weighing in to support Obama:
Washington Times, “Obama Supports Right to Mosque”

Statements of National Republican Leaders:

Boehner Statement on Construction of Mosque Near Ground Zero


Washington (Aug 14)
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement regarding President Obama's endorsement of the construction of a mosque near the site of the 9/11 attacks in lower Manhattan:

"The decision to build this mosque so close to Ground Zero is deeply troubling, as is the president's decision to endorse it. The American people certainly don't support it.

"The fact that someone has the right to do something doesn't necessarily make it the right thing to do. That is the essence of tolerance, peace and understanding. This is not an issue of law, whether religious freedom or local zoning. This is a basic issue of respect for a tragic moment in our history.

Cornyn: Voters Will 'Render Verdict' On Obama's Mosque Comments


By CQ-Roll Call Staff | August 15, 2010 9:30 AM
"We can never forget that terrible day, and the heroes who lost their lives - often in the hope that others might live. We honor their memory and their sacrifice, always."“Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) suggested today that President Barack Obama's comments about a proposed mosque near ground zero in New York will be a campaign issue this fall.

Cornyn, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said on Fox News Sunday that Obama's comments showed a disconnect with average Americans who want to be listened to, not lectured to.

"The American people will render their verdict," Cornyn said.

Obama said Friday night that Muslims have the right to build a mosque in lower Manhattan, a few blocks from ground zero. Obama said America's "commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable."

Cornyn said the decision on whether to allow a mosque on the site was, as Obama stated, a local issue. But Cornyn suggested Obama's comments went to far.

Cornyn also said he wanted to hear from New York's two Democratic Senators on the issue.” Read More...

Out of Thin Air

Out of Thin Air

Inverstors Business Daily August 5, 2010

This is the top story of the week. As a freshman Florida State Representative in 1997, I sponsored the Florida Defense of Marriage Act in order pre-empt an attack on traditional marriage by the liberal majority on the Florida Supreme Court. Now, traditional marriage is under the final assault with the Supreme Court showdown in the not too distant future. Over the years I spent in the Florida House it was enlightening to see the natural tension between the three branches of government that our brilliant forefathers conceived. I learned along the way that liberal judges get as far as they do because these judges know that conservative lawmakers are afraid to use the checks and balances against the judiciary for fear of being called anti-law and order. I recently listened to Newt Gingrich giving a talk at the David Horowitz Restoration Weekend about President Jefferson firing about half of the federal judges in his day. It was truly insightful to hear that one of our founding fathers actually knew when to exercise the constitutional powers necessary to discipline another out of control branch in our inspired, but precarious, constitutional framework. Don’t our modern day conservatives legislators or executives believe in the same checks and balances?

From Investor’s Business Daily:

“Same-Sex Marriage: A federal judge decides marriage is a constitutional right and overturns California's Proposition 8 forbidding such unions. The issue is headed to a Supreme Court that Elena Kagan will be sitting on.

The imperial judiciary has struck again, with Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker striking down California's Proposition 8, passed in November 2008 with 52% of the vote, on the grounds that the voter-approved law was a violation of gay couples' civil rights.

Walker's ruling follows a Massachusetts federal judge's ruling last month that the state's married gay couples, also established by judicial fiat, were being wrongly denied the financial benefits of marriage because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

In his decision, Judge Walker argues: "Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license." Except that Walker provides no rational basis for identifying marriage as a constitutional right.” ...
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How the Expiring Bush Tax Cuts Affect You

How the Expiring Bush Tax Cuts Affect You Smartmoney.com by Bill Bischoff Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Read my lips. The tax bill of EVERY taxpayer is going UP!

“The so-called Bush tax cuts are scheduled to expire at the end of the year. Although some of the cuts retain bipartisan support in Congress and may yet be extended, as of now, Washington has some severe changes in store for you and your family.

Higher Tax Rates for All

You may have been led to believe that only individuals in the top two brackets will face higher federal income taxes when the Bush cuts go bye-bye. Not true! Unless Congress takes action and President Obama goes along, rates will go up for everyone -- not just a sliver of the wealthiest Americans. The current six rate brackets of 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33% and 35% will be replaced by five new brackets with the higher rates of 15%, 28%, 31%, 36% and 39.6%. Just a few months ago, it seemed like a safe bet that Congress would make a fix to keep the existing 10%, 15%, 25% and 28% rate brackets to help out lower and middle-income folks. That bet is now looking iffy.

Higher Capital Gains and Dividends Taxes for All

Right now, the maximum federal rate on long-term capital gains and dividends is only 15%. Starting next year, the maximum rate on long-term gains will increase to 20%. The maximum rate on dividends will skyrocket to 39.6% unless action is taken to limit the rate to 20%, as the president has repeatedly promised. Plan on 39.6%, and hope I'm wrong.
Right now, an unbeatable 0% rate applies to long-term gains and dividends collected by folks in lowest two rate brackets of 10% and 15%. Starting next year, those folks will pay 10% on long-term gains and 15% and 28% on dividends (compared with 0% now) unless a change is made. Otherwise, taxes on long-term gains and dividends will go up for everyone.
[Snip}

The Bottom Line

The Bush tax cuts don't just offer tax relief to the wealthiest Americans. They offer it to just about anyone who pays federal income taxes. Their scheduled demise next year will raise the tax bill of nearly every taxpayer, unless Congress makes changes and the president jumps on board.” Read More Read More...

Obama vs. Arizona: The President is fighting a reckless war that will backfire politically

Obama vs. Arizona: The President is fighting a reckless war that will backfire politically

New York Daily News ANDREA TANTAROS Thursday, July 8th 2010, 4:00 AM

By filing this arrogant lawsuit the Obama regime has only given the supporters of the AZ law greater public forum and only serves as an invitation for other states to follow suit with AZ. If a sizable number of states pass similar legislation, the immigration issue could mobilize more conservatives than the Tea Party movement ever dreamed of.


“The Obama administration is getting quite the reputation for bucking the wishes of the people. From pushing through an unpopular health care bill to imposing a moratorium on offshore drilling that's costing the already-suffering gulf region precious jobs, it has refused to back down when it comes to the will of the masses.

Now, President Obama's Justice Department has decided to sue the State of Arizona over its new law targeting illegal aliens, when a majority of the public favors the legislation, leaving many to wonder if the increasingly detached White House has gone too far.

The administration says its lawsuit is all about the law; Arizona, it says, is trying to enforce immigration statutes - which is the federal government's job alone.

It's hard to believe from a President who has already shaken the finger of moral disapproval at the bill.

Rather, anyone with basic political sense can see the move for what it is: a purely political maneuver intended to invigorate Hispanic voters - a key piece of the Democratic base - in time for the November elections. Obama is hoping that a bloody judicial showdown on immigration will translate into high turnout for Democrats. And that could be enough to sustain Democratic majorities in Congress.

Don't count on it. For the strategy to work, registered Hispanic voters would need to turn out in droves over what essentially boils down to a nuanced debate between federal versus states’ rights. ... [Snip] ... Declaring war on the State of Arizona is one thing. Declaring war on the State of Arizona while the economy is on the verge of bankruptcy and a double-dip recession is another. Restoring jobs and economic and national security should be the President's top concerns. If he doesn't change course, it'll be him who is on trial next in the court of public opinion.” Read more Read More...

Romney: We need a leader...

This may be self-serving, but Romney is on target. Jeb Bush may not have been able to do a lot about the destruction in the aftermath of hurricane after hurricane, but Floridians saw that he was ‘on the ground’ day after day after day, and that is what it’s all about. George W. Bush messed up big time by just doing a ‘fly over’ of New Orleans after Katrina and Obama just doesn’t have a clue. As opposed to statesmen, politicians instinctively try to take credit when they least deserve it and ‘pass the buck’ when something smelly might stick to them. Fortunately, most Americans are not letting Obama avoid the mud.

Romney: We need a leader, not a politician

by Mitt Romney USA Today

“The first rule of turnarounds is to focus time, energy and resources on what matters most. The president simply cannot treat this crisis like another of his many problems. The oil disaster could hurt millions of families, slam the regional economy, kill untold numbers of non-human lives and irreparably damage the planet. Among other things, he must not hold more rock concerts at the White House — I understand James Carville's venting: His hero fiddled as oil churned.



Has it come to this again? The president is meeting with his oil spill experts, he crudely tells us, so that he knows "whose ass to kick." We have become accustomed to his management style — target a scapegoat, assign blame and go on the attack. To win health care legislation, he vilified insurance executives; to escape bankruptcy law for General Motors, he demonized senior lenders; to take the focus from the excesses of government, he castigated business meetings in Las Vegas; and to deflect responsibility for the deepening and lengthening downturn, he blames Wall Street and George W. Bush. But what may make good politics does not make good leadership. And when a crisis is upon us, America wants a leader, not a politician.

We saw leadership on Sept. 11, 2001. Then as now, black billows seemed to come from the center of the earth. Lives had been lost. The environmental impact was immeasurable. The looming economic impact from lost tourism was incalculable. Into the crisis walked Rudy Giuliani. While that was an incomparable human tragedy, how the mayor led New York City to recover is a useful model for the president.

Rudy camped out at Ground Zero — he didn't hole up in his office or retreat to his residence. His presence not only reassured the people of New York that someone was in charge, it also enabled the mayor to assess the situation firsthand, to take the measure of the people he had on the ground, and to understand the scope of the crisis.

The president has many critical matters that demand his attention, but brief and tardy tours and being photographed with a smudge of oil on a sandy beach don't work on any level. There is no substitute for being there.

In a crisis, the leader must gather the experts — federal, state, local, public and private — not to discover who is to blame but ...”
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