Georgia Sample Ballot

Here's a sample ballot for state-wide and national races in Tuesday's election, and the Bibb County sample ballot is here.

Early Voting Lines

All week, early voting has been taking place across Georgia. Here in Bibb County, lines have run as long as two hours. In Atlanta today, the wait was more than four hours. Call me naive, but I just don't get it. Predictions are for a 72% turnout on election day. Four years ago, the turnout for the Presidential election in Georgia was 70%. Here in Bibb County, that two percent different doesn't amount to much. That year, I only waited about five minutes to vote. Granted, I always go vote in the morning prior to work. Tuesday morning should be interesting. We'll see how it goes. A co-worker and I have a friendly wager on whether I can vote first thing and still be in the office by 8am. Lunch is riding on it, and I feel really good about my chances. We shall see...

Good News For Delta

Have to say congratulations to all the good people at Delta Airlines, especially my friend Scott. If you haven't heard, the pilots union agreed to a wage cut and concession package that could help to keep the airline from filing for bankruptcy. That's good news to the remainder of Delta's employees, who had been waiting to see if the pilots union would work to help save the airline or help kill it like they did Eastern Airlines so long ago.

(The unions didn't actually destroy Eastern, although they helped. If there was any single source of blame for the final ruin of the airline, that would be Frank Lorenzo. Look it up...)

Any Doubts About CBS's Liberal Bias? Hmm?

If you had any doubts about the rampant, blinding liberal bias in control at CBS News, this should pretty much settle the issue.

By now you've heard the reports about the 380 tons of explosives missing from the arms depot in Iraq. The story actually was first published and broadcast almost 18 months ago. The New York Times recycled the story and chose to print it yesterday morning as a kind of "October surprise" aimed at hurting President Bush just days before the election. Thankfully, NBC News had enough journalistic integrity to come forward and say that the weapons were missing when US troops first arrived at the depot on April 10, 2003. They knew this because they had a journalist embedded with those troops.

The missing explosives weren't breaking news as I said, although the NY Times tried to make it seem so. The story came back around because someone, apparently inside the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency, has pushed the story to the media again. The last time the weapons were known to be in the bunkers at the depot was nearly four months before the American troops arrived at the complex. They were officially declared missing a matter of days after the troops left, after they reported significantly fewer explosives than expected. So either 380 tons of explosives, needing more than 100 vehicles and dozens of men to move, either disappeared in the four months prior to the American troops' visit, or did so UNNOTICED in the days following. Common sense, coupled with the facts, tells us it had to be the former.

The NY Times chose to run the story ASAP, without vetting it out. Once refuted, they look extremely partisan. It looks worse for CBS now, though.

According to Drudge, CBS planned to hold the story until election night eve. This would allow for maximum possible effect with zero opportunity for the facts to be examined. Let me repeat that. Instead of reporting this so-called story as soon as possible (like the NY Times), CBS News was planning to sit on the story until Monday night, then hit the President with the charges when he would have no opportunity to respond. What the Ney York Times did was reprehensible, but CBS goes beyond that. The news division of CBS was blatantly, unquestionably, unashamedly trying to sabotage the Bush campaign on the eve of the election. More than reprehensible, that should be criminal.

What's Really Going On In Iraq

The mainstream media doesn't see fit to report all the positive stories coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Remember, bad news is bad for President Bush and good news is good for Bush. Hence you only see bad news on the network newscasts, CNN, MSNBC, and many major newspapers and newswires. The truth is, the good things going on there far, far outwiegh the bad.

Blogger Arthur Chrenkoff reports regularly on all the good news coming out of this part of the world. His blog is fantastic, so I've added a link to it over on the right. I encourage all of you to check it out, and here's the perfect intorduction for you. Read it, then go back and read the previous entries and see what we haven't been hearing about from CNN, Rather, Reuters and the AP.

Poll Numbers

With eight days left until the General Election, let's look at some of the most current poll numbers. The latest Zogby Poll of 1207 likely voters has President Bush leading Kerry 48% to 45%. The current TIPP poll shows Busj up by 6 points, Time Magazine puts Bush up by 5 points, and Fox News puts the President up by seven. The most recent ABC News/Washinton Post poll only gives the President a 1 point lead. The web site RealClearPolitics.com average the seven primary polls, showing the President with an average 3 point lead over Senator Kerry.

Looking at just Georgia numbers, President Bush is kicking butt and taking names. In the current SurveyUSA poll of Georgia likely voters, the President holds a 57% to 40% lead. The Zogby/AJC poll shows a 10 point lead for the President, while the latest Strategic Vision poll shows Bush up by 21 points (58% to 37%). Strategic Vision is a polling corporation that assists Republican candidates.

In the race to succeed Zell Miller in the U.S. Senate from Georgia, Republican Johnny Isakson has a commanding lead over his democratic challenger Denise Majette. The latest Zogby/AJC poll puts Isakson up by 18 points. The Survey USA poll gives him an 16 point advantage, while Strategic Vision has him up by 15. All those polls show between 6% and 10% undecided.

The Georgia 3rd District Congressional race isn't very tight, according to the latest Mellman poll. That poll, taken in early October, gives incumbant Jim Marshall a huge lead (53% to 24%) over his Republican challenger Calder Clay. The poll was done by the Mellman Group, which works for Democratic candidates.

In other races around the country...

In North Carolina, the race to succeed Senator John Edwards seems to be going the Republican way. Republican Richard Burr holds a slight five point lead in the latest Rasmussen poll over Democrat Erskine Bowles. During the summer, most polls showed Bowles with a double-digit lead. In the fall, Burr's advertising campaign highlighted Bowles' working relationship with former President Bill Clinton.

In South Dakota, Senator Tom Daschle seems in jeopardy of losing his seat to Republican challenger John Thune. This race has gone back and forth, with both candidates leading in various polls at various times. Currently, Rasmussen calls it a tie. The latest Zogby poll gave Daschle a thin 2 point lead.

In Illinois, Barack Obama holds a commanding lead over challenger Alan Keytes for that state's open U.S. Senate seat. The Chicago Tribune/WGN has Obama up 66% to 19%, and Rasmussen Poll puts Obama up 68% to 23%.

In South Carolina, Republican Jim DeMint is holding a small lead over Democrat Inez Tenenbaum in the race to succeed retiring senator Fritz Hollings. The Rasmussen poll gives DeMint a slight six point lead.

In Florida, President Bush and Senator Kerry are neck and neck in virtually all the polls. RealClearPolitics.com averages the main polls, and gives the President only about a one point advantage. Virtually the same cn be said about Ohio and Minnesota.

More Bad Press For Macon

As if there weren't enough negative press coming out of Macon, this story came out late last week... Teacher Katrina Ann Rucker, 30, is charged with battery and cruelty to children for allegedly beating a parent who tried to retrieve her daughter's book bag.

A Presidential Speech

Guess which President delivered the speech these quotes are taken from, and guess what other philosophy he was refering to...

Each period of our national history has had its special challenges. Those that confront us now are as momentous as any in the past... It may be our lot to experience, and in a large measure bring about, a major turning point in the long history of the human race.

The peoples of the earth face the future with grave uncertainty, composed almost equally of great hopes and great fears. In this time of doubt, they look to the United States as never before for good will, strength, and wise leadership.

It is fitting, therefore, that we take this occasion to proclaim to the world the essential principles of the faith by which we live, and to declare our aims to all peoples.

The American people stand firm in the faith which has inspired this Nation from the beginning. We believe that all men have a right to equal justice under law and equal opportunity to share in the common good. We believe that all men have a right to freedom of thought and expression. We believe that all men are created equal because they are created in the image of God.

From this faith we will not be moved.

The American people desire, and are determined to work for, a world in which all nations and all peoples are free to govern themselves as they see fit, and to achieve a decent and satisfying life.

In the pursuit of these aims, the United States and other like-minded nations find themselves directly opposed by a regime with contrary aims and a totally different concept of life.

That regime adheres to a false philosophy which purports to offer freedom, security, and greater opportunity to mankind. Misled by that philosophy, many peoples have sacrificed their liberties only to learn to their sorrow that deceit and mockery, poverty and tyranny, are their reward.

[That philosophy] is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with reason and justice.

[That philosophy] subjects the individual to arrest without lawful cause, punishment without trial, and forced labor as the chattel of the state. It decrees what information he shall receive, what art he shall produce, what leaders he shall follow, and what thoughts he shall think.

Democracy maintains that government is established for the benefit of the individual, and is charged with the responsibility of protecting the rights of the individual and his freedom in the exercise of those abilities of his.

[That philosophy] maintains that social wrongs can be corrected only by violence.

Democracy has proved that social justice can be achieved through peaceful change.

[That philosophy] holds that the world is so widely divided into opposing classes that war is inevitable.

Democracy holds that free nations can settle differences justly and maintain a lasting peace.

I state these differences, not to draw issues of belief as such, but because the actions resulting from the [That philosophy] philosophy are a threat to the efforts of free nations to bring about world recovery and lasting peace.

We have consistently advocated and relied upon peaceful settlement of disputes among nations.

We have encouraged, by precept and example, the expansion of world trade on a sound and fair basis.

Our efforts have brought new hope to all mankind. We have beaten back despair and defeatism. We have saved a number of countries from losing their liberty.

We are moving on with other nations to build an even stronger structure of international order and justice. We shall have as our partners countries which, no longer solely concerned with the problem of national survival, are now working to improve the standards of living of all their people. We are ready to undertake new projects to strengthen a free world.

In addition, we must carry out our plans for reducing the barriers to world trade and increasing its volume. Economic recovery and peace itself depend on increased world trade.

We will strengthen freedom-loving nations against the dangers of aggression.

Democracy alone can supply the vitalizing force to stir the peoples of the world into triumphant action, not
only against their human oppressors, but also against their ancient enemies--hunger, misery, and despair.

If we are to be successful in carrying out these policies, it is clear that we must have continued prosperity in this country and we must keep ourselves strong.

Slowly but surely we are weaving a world fabric of international security and growing prosperity.

We are aided by all who wish to live in freedom from fear--even by those who live today in fear under their own governments.

We are aided by all who want relief from lies and propaganda--those who desire truth and sincerity.

We are aided by all who desire self-government and a voice in deciding their own affairs.

We are aided by all who long for economic security--for the security and abundance that men in free societies can enjoy.

We are aided by all who desire freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to live their own lives for useful ends.

Our allies are the millions who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

In due time, as our stability becomes manifest, as more and more nations come to know the benefits of democracy and to participate in growing abundance, I believe that those countries which now oppose us will abandon their delusions and join with the free nations of the world in a just settlement of international differences.

Events have brought our American democracy to new influence and new responsibilities. They will test our courage, our devotion to duty, and our concept of liberty.

But I say to all men, what we have achieved in liberty, we will surpass in greater liberty.

Steadfast in our faith in the Almighty, we will advance toward a world where man's freedom is secure.

To that end we will devote our strength, our resources, and our firmness of resolve. With God's help, the future of mankind will be assured in a world of justice, harmony, and peace.

These quotes are merely part ofthe entire speech. The philosophy alluded to sounds a lot like Islamic extremism, doesn't it? The speech sounds like it could have been delivered yesterday. But, it was actually delivered on January 20, 1949 by President Harry S. Truman. It was his inaugural address. That "philosophy" he mentioned over and over... communism.

Truman was a Democrat, but can you imagine a Democrat delivering that kind of speech today?

Incidentally, the word "freedom" was used in this speech 13 times. The word "liberty" was used 4 times. "Faith" is mentioned 4 times, "God" is named 3 times, and referenced again as "the Almighty." I challenge anyone to show me a speech from a Democratic President or presidential candidate from the past 20 years that includes such references.

Democrats For Bush

ABC News' political journal The Note (on August 11, 2004) stated, "we still can't find a single American who voted for Al Gore in 2000 who is planning to vote for George Bush in 2004. " Now with just 11 days remaining until the Presidential election, and because The Note never followed up on this, allow me to present some Democrats who voted for Gore in 2000 who support President Bush this time around.

Senator Zell Miller - This Georgia Democrat is perhaps the best known non-Republican supporter of President Bush. As he states in his book A National Part No More: The Conscience Of A Conservative Democrat, Miller trusts President Bush with the security of this nation and his family above any of hte Democratic leaders. Zell says the national Democrats have been taken down a road to ultra-liberalism, and it goes against the traditional principles of the Democratic Party he grew up in.

Ed Koch - The former mayor of New York City says, "I intend to vote in 2004 to reelect President Bush... The Democrats have decided that in order to get their party's nomination, they must pander to its radical left wing. As a result, the Democratic candidates, even those who voted to authorize the war in Iraq, have attacked the Bush administration for its successful effort to remove a regime that was a sponsor of terrorism and a threat to world peace.

Randy Kelly - The mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota says, "With just over 90 days left before the election I feel extremely confident that the message, priorities, and policies of President George W. Bush will better serve America and the people of Minnesota over the next four years."

George M. McKelvey - Mayor of Youngstown, Ohio endorsed President Bush fopr re-election, calling him a "friend" and a "kind, caring, God-fearing man."

Many Democrats who will vote for President Bush have alligned on the Internet and prepared websites explaining their rationale. Check out the following:

Democrats For Bush/Cheney 04
Democrats4Bush
Democrats For Bush Blog

Sinclair Backs Off... Some

Now Sinclair Broadcasting has decided that only some of the anti-Kerry video "Stolen Honor" will air on their TV stations prior to the election. Seems liek they're beginning to realize that, should Kerry actually win and become president, he might put them in the crosshairs. Remember, on FoxNews last week a Kerry staffer said, "I think they're going to regret doing this and they better hope we don't win." Sounds like a threat to me.

Remember, free speech is only protected if it's pro-Lib free speech.

What Great Ideas

A restaurant in Bentonville, Arkansas has created a "No Cell Phone " area in therestaurant for patrons who don't want to be subjected to others' phone calls. This on the heels of a story about universities, churches and theaters outside the U.S. using cell phone blockers. What a great trend. The only thing perhaps more annoying than cell phone users in restaurants, churches or theaters is smoking in public places. And no, we aren't going to get into that...

More Zero-Tolerance Idiocy.. This Time In New York

A senior at Pine Bush High School in Pine Bush, NY has been suspended and charged with a crime for having a Civil War replica muskey in the trunk of his car. Here's the kicker... the musket was part of a Civil War re-enactment taken part in by the Pine Bush High School Civil War Club. The school called the cops, and the boy was also handcuffed and arrested.

Once again a public school overreacts, choosing to respond stupidly and thoughtlessly, rather than using common sense. Any sensible, moderately intelligent principal would have investigated the situation before summarily passing judgement and (consequently) looking like a fool. You ask questions, determine that it's a replica for the school's own Civil War Club, and hold it until the end of the day. Then you return it to the student, instructing him to leave it at home. Of course, if it's part of the school's own club, isn't it likely there are more of these around school somewhere?

Ever Read Food Labels?

Check out the labels on the food in your pantry and lok at the suggested serving sizes. Food manufacturers have been tweaking the numbers to make the calorie count (and other info) more appealing. John Stossel of ABC News recently did a story on these manipulations, and it's really surprising.

For example, one blueberry muffin, individually wrapped, was shown as having 215 calories. If you looked a little closer, that muffin also contained three servings. On a jar of pickles, the suggested serving size was three-fourths of a pickle. Eat seventy-five percent, then throw the last quarter of it back in the jar?

This web site gives real information about food labels, and a clear understanding of what to look for and what to avoid. It explains, for example, the difference between "low calorie", "reduced calorie" and "lite".

WTF ?

A moose was found hanging, alive, by its antlers from a power line south of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Had To Be "Steel Magnolias"

Man says sad movie led him to burn down his home
Associated Press

CORDELE, Ga. - A sad movie and a night of heavy drinking led a south Georgia man to set his house on fire, the man told police.

Charles Alton Adams, 32, walked into the Crisp County Law Enforcement Center shortly after midnight Thursday and told deputies he had burned down his mobile home.

He said that after watching the movie, he drank nine or ten beers and decided to set fire to pillows on his bed. Adams did not tell authorities the name of the movie.

"I have asked that question myself," said Crisp County Sheriff Donnie Haralson. "The whole thing just doesn't really make sense."

Haralson said Adams has been charged with arson. He remained in the county jail Friday morning as family members attempted to raise money for his bond.

Haralson said the doublewide home was gutted by the fire.

LATE NOTE: Found out the movie was "The Day After Tomorrow."

A Step Backward For Macon

A judge this morning threw out the recall effort against Macon mayor C. Jack Ellis, when a judge ruled that recall supporters failed to provide enough evidence that the mayor had misappropriated money or violated the city code. This is a shame, and a step in the wrong sirection for the city. Since Ellis took office, the city has gone from a $20+ million surplus to a constant struggle to make ends meet. Mayoral incompetence at best, (alledgedly) criminal activity at worst.

The folks at RecallEllis.com say they will continue the cause, and well they should. This mayor has done nothing for this city except drive it to near solvency. Oh, and make it a laughing stock in the eye of surrounding counties.

Blacks "Cheered When 9/11 Happened" Says Rapper

This is sickening, but should be shared. Hard to believe we create idiots like this...

Rapper: Blacks 'cheered when 9-11 happened'

Knight Ridder Newspapers
Oct. 14, 2004 03:08 PM

If Osama bin Laden ever buys a rap album, he'll probably start with a CD by KRS-One.

The hip-hop anarchist has declared his solidarity with al-Qaida by asserting that he and other African-Americans "cheered when 9-11 happened," reports the New York Daily News.

The rapper, real name Kris Parker, defiled the memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks as he spouted off at a recent New Yorker Festival panel discussion.

"I say that proudly," the Boogie Down Productions founder went on, insisting that, before the attack, security guards kept Blacks out of the World Trade Center "because of the way we talk and dress.

"So when the planes hit the building, we were like, 'Mmmm - justice.' "

The atrocity of 9-11 "doesn't affect us the hip-hop community," he said. "9-11 happened to them, not us," he added, explaining that by "them" he meant "the rich ... those who are oppressing us. RCA or BMG, Universal, the radio stations."

Parker also sneered at efforts by other rappers to get young people to vote.

"Voting in a corrupt society adds more corruption," he added. "America has to commit suicide if the world is to be a better place."

FCC Refuses To Block Anti-Kerry Program

FCC Chairman Michael Powell has announced that the broadcast regulatory commission will not prevent Sinclair Broadcasting from airing an anti-John Kerry program on their TV stations in the nights leading up to the presidential election. This victory for free speech had many Democrats spinning on their eyebrows right now. Sweet!

Mount St. Helens Live VolcanoCam

With all the talk about this old volcano blowing her top again, here's a webcam that will let you see the current conditions at the mountain.

Journalistic Goofs

The Houston Chronicle yesterday, in an editorial about the election in Afghanistan, has misspelled the names of both Interin Afghan President Hamid Karzai and some Muslin guy named Osama something something...

See the pictures below, courtesy of blogger Kevin Whited.




Darn spell checkers...

JFKerry - A Close Look

The New York Times Magazine recently featured a very long article on senator Kerry, and brought to light some interesting insights into the man. First, when asked how 9/11 changed him...

When I asked Kerry how Sept. 11 had changed him, either personally or politically, he seemed to freeze for a moment.

"It accelerated--" He paused. "I mean, it didn't change me much at all. It just sort of accelerated, confirmed in me, the urgency of doing the things I thought we needed to be doing. I mean, to me, it wasn't as transformational as it was a kind of anger, a frustration and an urgency that we weren't doing the kinds of things necessary to prevent it and to deal with it."

It didn't really change him much at all? Three thousand Americans murdered in one terrorist action, the evil of Islamic extremism brought right to our shores, and he isn't changed much at all? On September 11th everything changed. The terrorists were in this country, trained and prepared here, and struck here. Kerry says he visited Ground Zero twice in the days following the attack. How could that not fundamentally change someone?

A more telling insight into Kerry's view of terrorism is this comment...

When I asked Kerry what it would take for Americans to feel safe again, he displayed a much less apocalyptic worldview. ''We have to get back to the place we were, where terrorists are not the focus of our lives, but they're a nuisance,'' Kerry said. ''As a former law-enforcement person, I know we're never going to end prostitution. We're never going to end illegal gambling. But we're going to reduce it, organized crime, to a level where it isn't on the rise. It isn't threatening people's lives every day, and fundamentally, it's something that you continue to fight, but it's not threatening the fabric of your life.''

A nuisance? Telemarker calls are a nuisance. Killing three thousand Americans on a Tuesday morning in September is an act of war that needs to be dealt with smartly and decisively. At what point does Kerry think it becomes a nuisance? When only 50 people are killed? Or a hundred? I certainly hope the Republicans make political hay with this comment. Then, he compares terrorism to prostitution and gambling. Huh?

Islamic terrorists want to kill us. They take pride in killing "infidels". Terrorists blow up hotels and restaurants full of innocent people. They suicide-bomb buses. They take over schools, hold hundreds of young children hostage, then shoot them in the back when they try to run away. John Kerry wants these blood-thirsty, uncivilized pigs to leave the public focus and go back to being nuisances.

Is that the kind of person you want running this country? Do you want your next president to be someone who wasn't really changed by what happened on September 11th? The election is three weeks from today. Only three weeks until we determine the course of our nation's future. We can choose the candidate who has dedicated himself and his administration to calling terrorism out and working to kill it. Or, we can choose John Kerry, who seems sick of hearing about it and wants it to go back to just being "a nuisance".

Anti-Kerry Documentary To Air

Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned television stations will broadcast the documentary "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal" during prime-time in the days leading up to the presidential election. The film, funded by Pennsylvania veterans and produced by a veteran and former Washington Times reporter, features former POWs accusing Kerry of worsening their ordeal by prolonging the conflict.

Good for them! Sinclair owns or operates 62 TV stations in 39 markets, reaching about one-fourth of the country. They don't have the reach of CBS and their liberal "news" programs, the CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes, but it's a start. Many of Sinclair's stations are in swing states, like Florida and Ohio. To find the Sinclair station near you, click here.

Of course, the Libs are up in arms over this decision by Sinclair. It's perfectly fair, in their eyes, for 60 Minutes to dedicate four shows to spotlighting Anti-Bush books and hit pieces on Bush's war record, while never once mentioning the Swift Boad Veterans. It's acceptable to use forged documents to build a malicious attack on the President. But Heaven forbid TV stations report anything negative about JFKerry's record in 'Nam.

Apparently, there will be a panel discussion of some type following the documentary, and Sinclair has invited Kerry to take part. Like that will ever happen. Sure wish it would, though. I'd love to see how Kerry would handle a face-to-face confrontation with the Vets who feel he betrayed them.

Liberal Indoctrination In Public Schools

Here's another case of public school students being exposed to blatant liberal, anti-President Bush indoctrination. An English class at a public alternative school in Beaumont, Texas was shown the Michael Moore film "Fahrenheit 9/11". Aside from the fact that the film is rated R, and the fact that parents weren't notified and asked for permission to show the film, how does this film tie in to an English curriculum?

One parent, angered that his child was forced to sit through the film, said of the film: "It is spun to a very liberal viewpoint... It is absolutely wrong for teachers to take a political position with some of these kids at legal voting age."

He's exactly right. The intrepid reporter who penned the story never mentions the teacher by name, or the rationale behind showing it to a high school English class. That's okay, though. It doesn't take a lot of intelligence to see that this is another case of a liberal teacher using their position to try to influence the political views of their students. Reprehensible. The teacher should be reprimanded, if not fired.

The school is Pathways Learning Center in Beaumont, phone number (409)832-5757, and the principal is Michael Ryals.

Peaceful, Compassionate Liberals

It's nice to see the Democrats really getting into this election. And are we all impressed how civil they are acting? Hmmm?

Protestors Ransack Bush/Cheney Headquarters In Orlando

Shots Fired at Knoxville Bush/Cheney Office

Bush-Cheney Campaign Headquarters Burglarized

Maryland Couple Charged With Destroying Bush/Cheney Signs

Vandals Hit GOP Office in North Central Wisconsin

Democrats Accused Of Ripping Bush Signs

Labor Activists Invade Bush's Campaign Sites

CHAMBLISS DISMISSES PESSIMISTS ON IRAQ

This press release was sent out by Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss today.

CHAMBLISS DISMISSES PESSIMISTS ON IRAQ DURING SENATE FLOOR SPEECH

WASHINGTON - Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., member of the Senate Armed Services and the Senate Intelligence Committees, delivered the following statement on the Senate floor.

"For the past several days, I have followed the remarks of the senior Senator from Massachusetts relative to Iraq and the war on terrorism. He likes to talk more about yesterday and not so much about tomorrow. He finds fault in everything that the President and his team have done to protect our lives, our liberties, and our way of life. He interprets facts to fit his dismal view of Iraq.

"What bothers me most about his many public statements condemning the war in Iraq is that he does so while we still have troops engaged in securing that country. These troops know it is vital - absolutely vital - for the long-term security of the United States and our allies that they succeed in helping Iraq become a free and democratic country.

"The most recent edition of the Army Times newspaper contains a very telling survey of active, reserve, and National Guard troops on their views of Iraq and the presidential race, which bears this point out. This is the October 11th edition of the Army Times. I ask unanimous consent that the article, which appears beginning on page 14, be printed in the Record. Mr. President, the caption is: "Troops Sound Off: Who you chose for President and why?"

"Among active duty forces, 66% in this poll said the most important issue for them in deciding for whom to vote is the war in Iraq. In the same poll, 60% said they approve of the way President Bush is handling the situation in Iraq and 72% said if the presidential election were held today they would vote for President Bush. That is quite a statement of support for the Commander-in-Chief, and his policies in Iraq, from those who are actually doing the fighting and dirty work to bring security and prosperity to that country.

"Even more significant are the results from the reserve and National Guard troops who have been called to active duty and deployed to Iraq. Among this group, 72% said the most important issue for them is the war in Iraq, 63% approve of the President's policies in Iraq, and a full 76% of the reserve and National Guard soldiers who have actually been deployed to a combat zone said they are planning on voting for President Bush. These are amazing figures from both our active and reserve forces that tell us much more about what is going on in Iraq than just the reports of bombings and kidnappings.

"Listening to the assessments from my colleague from Massachusetts begs the question: Why do the vast majority of our soldiers and Marines engaged in ground operations in Iraq appreciate the importance of our mission there and believe they are engaged in an historical struggle that will lead to a better world and a safer America when a senior senator cannot see the same thing? Are they right or is he right?

"As I reflect on the words of the Senator from Massachusetts, I am reminded of that famous quotation made by McLandburgh Wilson:

Twixt the optimist and pessimist,
The difference is droll:
The optimist sees the doughnut,
But the pessimist sees the hole.

"When it comes to Iraq and our war on terrorism, my colleague from Massachusetts sees the hole when he should be seeing the doughnut.

"I suspect that nothing we say in this Chamber will change his views on the issue. Nonetheless, I feel obligated to make some remarks about why our troops are fighting in Iraq, and why some are giving the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is important for our troops and their families to know that not all Senators see only the "hole."

"Our policy in Iraq should not be viewed in isolation; the issue is far more complex than that. It is important to understand the linkage between the Islamic terrorists who want to destroy us and the totalitarian regimes under which so many of them were raised. People who have such a deranged view of a Supreme Being that they believe their religion sanctions their own suicide while killing innocent people do not come from free, open, and democratic countries and societies.

"Let me explain how I look at Iraq and the war on terrorism. If we look at each incident individually, each bombing, each hostage-taking, each killing, etc. we get one impression of these events. What we should do instead is put ourselves in the place of an eagle that is soaring high and looking down on everything that is going on inside of Iraq.

"When we take the eagle's view this is what we see: Iraq is no longer a sanctuary for terrorists, it is no longer a country that threatens its neighbors, and it is no longer a threat to world peace and order.

"The insurgency in Iraq is confined to 3 of the 18 provinces, and the country is preparing for its first democratic election in only 4 months from now.

"Iraqi leaders, Iraqi soldiers, and Iraqi policemen are stepping forward in the thousands to take back their country from the terrorists.

"All we have to do to see what progress is being made in this area is to look at the success we have had just over this weekend. It was not just American troops who had success in Samarra, one of the most violent places inside of Iraq; it was the now-trained Iraqi security police, who fought side by side with the American troops, who received the praise of the American troops for the training, the preparation and the great job they did in not just helping secure the peace but driving the insurgents out of that town and providing a safer and more secure community in which people could live.

"America, along with many other countries, remains firm and will not be deterred from achieving the goal of seeing a democracy in Iraq; and there is a realistic understanding of the difficulties and dangers in Iraq.

"There are also visionary, optimistic leaders in Iraq and in the many countries that make up the multinational force who are determined to see the insurgency fail.

"There have been many references to the July 2004 National Intelligence Estimate, or the NIE. In fact, Senator Kennedy said in this Chamber on 29 September 2004 that the best case scenario in that NIE was that violence in Iraq would continue at current levels, with tenuous political and economic stability. Regardless of what this classified NIE actually said, I do know that it was based on information that is but a snapshot in time and that time continues to move on.

"There are many things visible today that were not clear when that NIE was written. The character of the Iraqi leadership was unknown last June. But, no one who heard Prime Minister Allawi speak to a Joint Session of Congress recently could be anything but impressed with his enthusiasm, his intellect, and, most importantly his determination to see a free and safe democratic Iraq.

"Lieutenant General Petraeus has been working assiduously to build up the Iraqi security forces. Last June, when the NIE was written, very few of those forces had completed their training. Now trained and competent Iraqi army and police units are "on-duty" and are assuming the major role in restoring security in their own country, and the training continues, so we can expect even more Iraqi security forces to assume their duties every month, just as they did in Samarra this past weekend.

"We are engaged in an enormous struggle of historic proportions to see freedom and democracy spread throughout the Islamic world, and, this will set the foundation for a final, peaceful solution between Israel and Palestine. It will also, in the long-term, eliminate the politically oppressive environment and poor economic conditions that have been the breeding grounds for terrorists to find new recruits.

"I want to say to our military personnel and their families that your role in this historic and important struggle is key to its success. You will look back on your contributions and your sacrifices in making our country and the world safer. When you see what you have accomplished from an eagle's view, you will not see the hole that a pessimist sees."

Conservatives In Hollywood Coming Out

That most affluent and (sadly) influential bastion of extreme liberalism, Hollywood, is beginning to feel a little more balanced. Actors and writers and producers are coming forward to pledge their support for... gasp... Republicans. The first annual Liberty Film Festival took place last weekend in Hollywood, and the usually unseen Conservatives came out en masse. The event was dominated by films with a conservative perspective.

The film getting the most attention is "Celsius 41.1, the Temperature at Which the Brain Begins to Die", which is a response to Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11. Other films in the festival:

"In the Face of Evil", which celebrates Ronald Reagan for defeating Soviet Communism.

"WMD: The Murderous Reign" of Saddam Hussein.

"Is It True What They Say About Ann?" which defends conservative author and pundit Ann Coulter.

"Republicans In Hollywood".

"Impact: The Passion of the Christ", which defends Mel Gibson and his film, The Passion of the Christ.

"Michael Moore Hates America", one of three films in the program that attacks the Oscar-winning subversive from Michigan.

This festival is a sign of changing attitudes among the Hollywood conservatives. There seems to be more passion and conviction among them, especially the younger conservatives. Many are speaking out, though still afraid of the consequences of being Republican in Lala-land.

Perhaps it was Governor Schwarzenegger's election, or perhaps the right side of Hollywood finally got fed up enough. Whatever the cause, the acting world's conservatives aren't all in hiding anymore. Clint Eastwood and Patricia Hinton (from "Everybody Loves Raymond") are openly conservative, as are Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Pat Sajak, Roseanne, Drew Carey and Meat Loaf. In the "Republicans in Hollywood" documentary, Heaton says that at a recent dinner party she casually mentioned that she supports President Bush. The reaction, she said, was as if she had just defecated at the table. It's a great sign that these and others aren't afraid to speak their minds and be noticed.

No Debate Talk Here

If you want to read about last night's debate and responses to it, check out these links...
Kerry Lied About Lying
Harsh Questions For Bush, Softballs For Kerry
Bush Rips Iraq Flip-Flops
Complete Transcript Of Debate

I'm taking a different path today by avoiding any further discussion of the debate. That's not to say I won't mention something political or debatable. I just choose to go elsewhere...

News Outlets Snookered By ACLU
From CNN to USA Today to The New York Times have been reporting on a U.S. District Judge ruling that an entire section of the Patriot Act has been ruled unconstitutional. Big news, and a big blow to President Bush. But wait... IT WASN'T TRUE! The ruling actually had to do with federal government subpoenas of telephone comapny records and dates back to 1986. That's fifteen years prior to the Patriot Act. The ACLU issued a press release (erroneously) praising the Patriot Act ruling, and the media piciked up on it. Most of them just never bothered to check the facts. Doh!

More Zero-Tolerance Stupidity Right Here In Georgia
A 17 year-old student at Salem High School in Rockdale County, Georgia has been given suspension for smelling like smoke. No one actually caught her smoking. Her family says that she doesn't smoke. She could have been around other students who were smoking, or walked into a bathroom where kids were smoking. Dad is seeking an apology from the school.

I'm A Court Reporper... Recorfer... Resorter...
In Muskogee, Oklahoma, a court reporter is arrested after being caught drunk in court. Among the evidence: her glass of vodka at her station in the court room.

Be Careful What You Tell Your Doctor
A Pennsylvania man had his driver's license revoked after his doctor informed police that the man admitted to drinking a six-pack of beer a day. The license was revoked without any type of citation or conviction.

Booze... It's Good For The Brain
University of Texas researchers say that one or two drinks a day help preserve memory functions, improve self-reported health and performance on everyday tasks, reduce depression and increade confidence.

Unluckiest Man In South Carolina
First, he survives fall from interstate bridge into river in a concrete truck last month. Now, he escapes firethat destroys his home.