America’s Most Shameful Day, 35 Years Ago, April 30, 1975

Few people today realize that April 30 is a day of remembrance for a minority within our country. A Minority of aging Military Veterans as well as new citizens fortunate enough to made it to our country after escaping the bonds of Communism that remember but not celebrate

April 30, 1975 I was still in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, after three years in Germany and 18 months prior to that in the Central Highlands of South Viet Nam, where American Troops were fighting for the freedoms of the South Vietnamese People.

Americans were treated to nightly news broadcasts of our involvement there, which somehow showed American Troops in the worst light, and ignoring the enemy we were fighting.

On the streets of America, war protestors had fallen silent as American Troops had left the struggling ally earlier in 1973 after an agreement was reached between America and the Communist Forces of North Viet Nam and we strong armed South Viet Nam into accepting against their will.

In South Viet Nam the picture was far from quiet though as North Vietnamese Communist Tanks began rolling into the Capital City of Saigon, having seen that America would not live up to the agreement reached in the Paris Peace Accords to reengage the Communists should they violate the agreement, thanks in large part to the Case-Church Amendment.

Lauren Zanolli of George Mason University’s History News Network wrote in November 2006,

“Historians have directly attributed the fall of Saigon in 1975 to the cessation of American aid. Without the necessary funds, South Vietnam found it logistically and financially impossible to defeat the North Vietnamese army. Moreover, the withdrawal of aid encouraged North Vietnam to begin an effective military offensive against South Vietnam. Given the monetary and military investment in Vietnam, former Assistant Secretary of State Richard Armitage compared the American withdrawal to ‘a pregnant lady, abandoned by her lover to face her fate.’ Historian Lewis Fanning went so far as to say that ‘it was not the Hanoi communists who won the war, but rather the American Congress that lost it’.”

As I previously said, I was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina that evening, sitting on my gear awaiting orders that never came. Orders to redeploy to South Viet Nam to render assistance to keep those people free.

Instead, we stood down where I went home to watch the shameful events unfolding on TV as desperate South Vietnamese tried in vain to board the few helicopters ferrying personnel out Saigon. I watched South Vietnamese helicopters landed on the deck of the USS Midway or ditched alongside her. Most of those that landed on Midways deck were to be pushed overboard, lost forever in the South China Sea.

Those not lucky enough to escape fell under the clutches of a brutal regime of Communists, many dying trying to escape years later in what became known as the Boat People.

Untold numbers simply disappeared in “re-education camps” where they were sent after liberation by the Communists.

Others, who had supported the Communists, became disillusioned and after their escape spoke out, as did DOAN VAN TOAI and Col. Bui Tin, a former colonel in the North Vietnamese Army who received the unconditional surrender of South Vietnam on April 30, 1975.

Perhaps this is why after the Citizens Support Rob McKenna rally held in Olympia, Washington, Saturday March 27, 2010, I felt compelled to extend my hand to Col. Pham Huy Sanh Sr. (Ret), Executive Board Chairman of the Republic Of South Viet Nam Armed Forces Veterans Confederation of Washington State who was also present and to thank him and offer my apologies for America’s abandonment of them 35 years ago.

Maybe that is why the sight of two aging Veterans of the same conflict, who supported freedom so many years ago, drew others to us as we spoke.

On the 30th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, Col Sanh said,

“We consider April 30 like our Holocaust day. It’s a day of sorrow for all the people we left behind.”

Remembering back, it is a sad day. We lost over 58,000 brave Americans, 13 just from my unit while I was there. We not only abandoned the South Vietnamese people when they needed us most, we abandoned the sacrifice made by so many young Americans who never lived to see the shameful way we just turned our backs on South Viet Nam.

We turned our backs on the estimated quarter of a million South Vietnamese Military who gave their lives in their struggle.

Worst of all, we turned our backs on America’s legacy as the beacon of freedom to the rest of the world and the one they could count on when threatened by tyrants.

Jaime Herrera, Allow Me To Introduce You To The “Typical Republican Conservative”

To say it is a disappointment to hear of yet another County GOP endorsing a candidate 5 months before the primary would be a gross understatement. Such early party endorsements are a disservice to voters and a slap towards candidates still campaigning and drawing in support.

Cowlitz County GOP announced their early endorsement of Shannon Barnett and Jaime Herrera and now Pacific County GOP has followed suit with an early endorsement of Jaime Herrera.

Pacific County GOP has issued a Press Release that says in part,

“After a discussion weighting the pros and cons of pre-primary endorsements and the new Top Two Primary ballot, their attention moved to learning about candidates for U.S. Senate and the 3rd Congressional District. The delegates had the opportunity to hear the candidates speak and meet with candidates one on one the previous Saturday at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Delegates shared their impressions and asked questions of each other about reasons for supporting candidates. A straw poll was conducted for the position being vacated by Brian Baird. State Representative Jaime Herrera won the poll with 95% of the vote. Upon announcement of the poll results, long time South Bend community leader Vince Shaudys placed a motion to endorse Herrera, explaining his desire for the grassroots to ‘get behind one candidate.’ The motion to endorse passed unanimously. Pacific GOP Chair Nansen Malin observed, ‘As county parties we are normally very reluctant to make pre-primary endorsements. Despite my cautions, it’s really exciting to see the grassroots so inspired by a candidate’.”

I question such “grassroots inspired by a candidate.” I recall in 2008 how so called grassroots had ‘politikook’ Ron Paul winning everything in online polls, donations and what have you, except for the actual election.

I am unaware of “grassroots” becoming pro-union, agreeing with Herrera’s co-sponsorship and twice voting to force childcare centers to join unions they had previously declined to or siding with Democrats in raiding the states rainy day fund, supposedly in an effort to prevent their raising more taxes. AS we know, regardless of where they raid funds, Democrats will always seek another way to raise our taxes, as they have once again after Jaime Herrera’s siding with the Democrats and voting to raid $229,000,000 from the rainy day fund.

You got suckered on that one Jaime. Shortly after her joining in with Democrats to raid the rainy day fund, we find in the Seattle PI, Wash. Democratic lawmakers look at new tax options.

If she can be suckered that easily by State Democrats, think how much fun those back in D.C. will have fooling her at our expense? See also,

Jaime “I’m not more of the same” Herrera

A Phone Chat With Jaime Herrera

Did Herrera Even Read HB 1329?

Is It Negative To Speak The Truth?

Why I Question Jaime Herrera’s Judgment

I believe what I find most astonishing about this so-called “grassroots support” is wondering if Jaime Herrera even knows what grassroots is?

I say that as I witnessed her stand before nearly 3,000 everyday, ordinary Patriotic grassroots citizens of Washington State who rallied together at the State Capital steps in Olympia in support of Attorney General Rob McKenna yesterday, March 27, 2010.

She gave her campaign speech and acts as if she too is one of “us,” us being real grassroots Patriots standing up for American freedoms and liberties.

I looked throughout the crowd and mingled with these same people, knowing many drove up in used vehicles, are struggling to pay their rent, feed their children and care for their families due to these tough economic times brought on by politicians.

I heard her invoke her niece in her speech, not the children she and her husband may have in the future.

And then I thought back to the words she spoke to reporters the day she ducked out of legislative session to attend a special interest fund-raiser in Washington D.C. and said, “My husband and I rent. We both drive used cars. We’re not your typical Republican conservative.”

Ms. Herrera, allow me to introduce you to the “typical Republican conservative.” They were those 3,000 people you stood before, many of whom rent, drive used cars and are struggling to care for their families and feed their children.

They are the people you only have time for when it suits your need in campaigning for votes. Yes, Jaime, I have heard from several constituents how you shun their calls and ignore them when they seek to meet with you. I still await the email explanation of your support and vote to force childcare centers into public unions that they had previously declined and you promised to send me on February 9, 2010.

It’s been almost 2 months, Jaime.

I am left to ponder just what Jaime Herrera’s idea of a “typical Republican conservative” is if she considers everyday life, renting and driving used vehicles as not typical. Surely she doesn’t side with her Democrat friends on thinking we are all rich fat cats too?

I also wonder just what sort of “grassroots support” she merits when she doesn’t even recognize “grassroots” in the “typical Republican conservative.”

We don’t need to send another elitist RINO to D.C. to rejoin the party circuit she obviously misses and not really represent us.

We don’t need a candidate who brags on about “grassroots support” yet can’t even recognize those same people when standing before them.

If Cowlitz and Pacific County GOP's desire to see the Democrats retain the Third Congressional District seat, such early endorsements from their parties is the way to accomplish just that.

We deserve a strong representative who has lived in poverty and raised himself up.

We deserve a representative that knows renting and driving used cars is not something to be ashamed of or reluctant to admit.

We deserve someone who will actually work for us, the people and not the Party machine that has groomed her for the fast track into an office she is completely unqualified for.

We need David Castillo.

Washington Citizens Support AG Rob McKenna

Rob McKenna, Washington State Attorney General, was well supported Saturday, March 27, 2010 on the Washington State Capitol steps as more than 2,000 citizens rallied to express support for his joining in with 13 other states in filing a lawsuit against Barack Obama’s takeover of our Medical Insurance Industry.

KOMO News Seattle described it as Rock star reception for health plan rebel McKenna while the Olympian headlined it as "I represent you," McKenna tells large crowd of supporters on Capitol steps and trying to write off attendance as a mere 850.

Sorry, Olympian, but Washington State Police told us it takes 2,000 people to fill Capitol steps and not only were those steps filled, the crowd spilled over to half fill the street between the Capitol Building and the Temple of Justice.

Obviously referring to governor Gregoire’s words, “I completely disagree with the Attorney General’s decision and he does not represent me,” McKenna opened his 15-minute speech with, “My name is Rob McKenna and I represent you.”

The Capitol steps erupted in loud applause and vocal approval.

His speech centered on individual freedom and opposing mandating citizens to purchase a product as he stated, “We are not bringing this case to defend the state’s rights to impose an individual insurance mandate on us, we are bringing this case to defend your rights of having it imposed upon you.”

At one point, he acknowledged that most gatherings at the Capitol Building usually result in the people assembled standing below the speaker at the top of the steps and how it is more fitting that he stand below at ground level as the citizens filled the steps of “their Capitol” with their backs towards the Legislature, which has been steadily piling more taxes and fees upon Washington taxpayers.

Republican state Senators. Mike Carrell and Val Stevens and Republican state Representative Tom Campbell followed with speeches of their own, supporting McKenna and informing those present of Legislative steps being taken to oppose forcing Washington Citizens being forced to comply with the Healthcare Insurance reform against their will.

Clark County resident Tom Niewulis inspired the crowd as he made an appearance in the guise of Samuel Adams.

A few candidates also made appearances and spoke after talk-radio hosts Kirby Wilbur and David Boze. David Castillo and Jaime Herrera, both seeking to win the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by Democrat Brian Baird spoke, as did David Hedrick, seeking the same seat.

Art Coday, hoping to unseat Democrat Murray also gave a short presentation.

I am sure other candidates spoke as well, but I missed their speeches as I fell back to speak with McKenna and others who had gathered.

McKenna seemed appreciative when I told him that I have not always supported him and probably opposed many of his stances in the past. But, he has my total unwavering support in this.

Milling about as the crowd began dispersing, I was particularly pleased to meet and speak with Col. Pham Huy Sanh Sr. (Ret), Executive Board Chairman of the Republic Of South Viet Nam Armed Forces Veterans Confederation of Washington State.

That South Vietnamese showed up in support of McKenna’s stand speaks for itself, they not wanting to see their adopted country fall to communism as did theirs when our Democrat led Legislature completely abandoned the struggling ally in April 1975.

In all, the rally went well without incident. No anarchists or other liberal/oppressive appeared to make trouble. Speaking with State Troopers afterwards, they acknowledged we conservatives cause them no worries when we gather and are well behaved.

To Governor Christine Gregoire, I hope you heard us from the Governor’s Mansion. The support showed Rob McKenna on this issue greatly minimized the 50 or so of your followers who protested outside of the Attorney General’s office Friday.

Why don’t you open your ears and see that you are the one going against the will of “We The People.”

Facebook Photos

A five part video series of much of the rally;

Video One

Video Two

Video Three

Video Four

Video Five

Violence Promoted By Talk Radio

Only, it isn't right-wing talk radio doing it.

Some In America Are Too Rich?

Redistribute the wealth? When does Baucus, Dodd, any of the Kennedys, Kerry or any one of the socialist Dictacrats begin redistributing their own obscene wealth? Shouldn't they show their sincerity by redistributing their own first?

The 50 Richest Members of Congress

From Roll Call,

"Although Baucus ranks last in the chamber’s tally, District of Columbia property records show he sold his Georgetown home in late April for $2.1 million, shortly after he announced his divorce from his wife, Wanda. D.C. property records also report Baucus purchased a new three-bedroom Capitol Hill home in June, now valued at $907,000. Baucus will not be required to reveal these transactions in next year’s filing."

Is Baucus hiding his wealth while trying to take yours?

Dingell Admits: Obamacare Will Control The People

Washington Governor Gregoire Must Resign or Face Recall

Governor Christine Gregoire, first elected as Washington States governor in 2004 and under some fishy circumstances, is now working against the desires of voters within our state and has led our state to near bankruptcy.

She must resign or be recalled and soon. We can little afford to see her finish her term to 2012.

Her arrogance has gotten out of hand and she has shown that the will of the people does not matter to her. She no longer represents the people of Washington State, but represents the interests of her party and the deep pockets that have elected her twice now.

Under her domination, state spending has drastically increased, taxes have increased and we voters have had our voices ignored.

She has lied on not wanting to implement an income tax, unconstitutional in our state.

We are bankrupt and in deeper debt than ever and her answer is to stick it to voters, the taxpayers, and us with no regard to our well being or desires.

She was all to happy to sign away the will of the people of Washington state and to deny us our right to know how our elected officials voted on more tax increases when she signed the suspension of I-960.

And now, she has even gone beyond that! Seattle Times.

As I touched on earlier today, Attorney General Rob McKenna has announced he intends to join in with other states in filing lawsuits in opposition the recent unconstitutional seizure of our healthcare system voted in by House Democrats March 21, 2010.

Several states see this seizure as usurpation of states right, violation of the Tenth Amendment and places an even larger burden on our already over stretched budget. Every poll I have seen on this vote clearly shows the overwhelming majority of American Citizens and Washington State citizens are angry and opposed at the Democrats seizure of our healthcare system in this manner.

Governor Gregoire, totally ignoring the will of the very people she has sworn an oath to

“support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington, and [to] faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Governor to the best of [her] ability.”

She has violated that oath by her actions listed above and now, she once again violates our trust by attacking Attorney General Rob McKenna over his standing up for the people of Washington State in fighting this unconstitutional seizure of our healthcare system.

Gregoire has said,

“I don't know who he represents. He doesn’t represent me. I don’t think he represents a million and a half Washingtonians that will be helped by this. I don’t think he represents small business that will be helped by this. I don’t think he represents Medicare people who will be helped by this.”

Can she be that out of touch with her constituents?

AG McKenna represents me, Governor. He represents the approximately 650,000 taxpayers seeking jobs. He represents every taxpayer that sees their tax bill keeping them from providing properly for their families. He represents those who can ill afford to pay the federal fine for not having government approve and mandated health insurance. He represents every single person in our state that is tired of the budget deficits and rising taxes and tired of being raped by spend happy Democrats who pass oppressive taxes, fees and charges that you sign into law.

That’s who he represents, Governor.

Who do you represent, Governor Gregoire? Surely not the people of Washington State who must bow before your gilded throne of power.

In her arrogance, Gregoire adds,

“[I] told him to ‘get ready to represent me’ because [I] intend to file a legal brief opposing McKenna's action.”

Gregoire then said she believes he had a ‘duty’ to consult with other top state officials before agreeing to sue the U.S. government.

The unmitigated gall of this woman to speak about “duty” after her treatment of Washington citizens and violating our trust. When has she shown any sense of “duty” towards us?

The very first section of the Washington State Constitution says,

“All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.”

Our constitution also says at

SECTION 33 RECALL OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. Every elective public officer of the state of Washington expect [except] judges of courts of record is subject to recall and discharge by the legal voters of the state, or of the political subdivision of the state, from which he was elected whenever a petition demanding his recall, reciting that such officer has committed some act or acts of malfeasance or misfeasance while in office, or who has violated his oath of office, stating the matters complained of, signed by the percentages of the qualified electors thereof, hereinafter provided, the percentage required to be computed from the total number of votes cast for all candidates for his said office to which he was elected at the preceding election, is filed with the officer with whom a petition for nomination, or certificate for nomination, to such office must be filed under the laws of this state, and the same officer shall call a special election as provided by the general election laws of this state, and the result determined as therein provided. [AMENDMENT 8, 1911 p 504 Section 1. Approved November 1912.]

My fellow citizens, we not only have the right, we have the duty to stand up to these tyrannical politicians who continue to tax and spend the state, and us, into bankruptcy.

We must stand together and in a loud voice demand that Governor Gregoire resign her office. If she will not voluntarily step aside due to her egregious conduct, we must begin legal proceedings to remove her by recall,

Breakdown of Medicare Expenditures

Pelosi and Obama say this seizure of the healthcare system will reduce deficits?

Not according to Mercatus Center of George Mason University.

"This chart by Mercatus Center senior research fellow Veronique de Rugy uses data from the Social Security Administration to illustrate long-term projections of Medicare revenues from premiums and payroll taxes (blue) along with projected transfers into Medicare from the federal government (red) and the projected deficits in Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Fund (orange); when summed these components add up to total long-term Medicare expenditures."

How do you spell R-A-T-I-O-N-I-N-G?

GOP Leaders Apologize For Racial Slurs That Did Not Happen

If there was ever any wonder as to why the GOP remains a minority party and only held the majority for a short period, this bogus incident and GOP Chair Michael Steele’s willingness to grovel is a prime example of why.

American citizens are incensed over this Democrat seizure of our healthcare system with a majority opposed to what is being done and how it is being done. Since last summer, Patriotic Americans have stood up to politicians at town halls and every meeting voicing our opposition to it.

In return we are called racists, traitors, malcontents and you name it by leftist Democrats.

Efforts to express strong opposition have been ongoing, right up to the last minute as Tea Party activists once again massed in Washington D.C., Saturday, March 20, 2010 to make our voices heard.

It should be no surprise that once again members of the Congressional Black Caucus accuse them of racism.

John Lewis (D-GA) claims that as he walked through the throng of protestors, someone called him a “n----r.”

Emanaul Cleaver (D-MO) claims he was spat upon as he too walked through the middle of the protestors and a protestor was arrested. Capitol Police stated no arrests were made and today Cleaver is showing how kind-hearted he is by not pressing charges against the imaginary person never arrested.

Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN) says he heard the word n----r fifteen times.

Even Barney Frank, openly gay and forever victim, claims someone called him a “faggot.”

Needless to say, leftist media runs with this without any effort at verification at all, the goal being to marginalize American citizens exercising their free speech to speak out against government, as so many leftists have done for decades now.

Disappointing is to hear Republican National Chairman Michael Steele, Amy Kremer who organized the protest and House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio all condemning the racial slurs because they did not happen!

Yes, we condemn such slurs even when directed at us. No one has condemned the lefts use of the sexually provacative word “teabagger” in applying it towards Tea Partiers and some have even used it on the floors of congress in denigrating American citizens.

For years, we have been called ‘white trash,’ ‘honkeys’ and ‘crackers’ with no comdemnation forthcoming from within the ranks of leftist Democrats.

But, a bogus charge by Black Politicans, many racists themselves, of having racial slurs hurled at them is isnatntly accepted as truth and condemned by the GOP, even though it never happened?

See for yourself in this video and pay attention to the Black Politicians walking through the crowd with cell phones raised, recording what went on themselves. Then ask, where are their recordings backing up their charges?

Saying I am disappointed at GOP leadership apologizing for this incident that never happened would be a gross understatement. They should have stood up and exposed the lies and this pitiful use of the race card where nothing racial occurred.

America has moved far beyond the 1960’s when this sort of racial unrest was common. And yes, we are not perfect and racism still exists in pockets.

But shouldn’t we deal with those pockets instead of fabricating incidents of racism?

The weakness of the GOP in apologizing for slurs that did not occur is as reprehensible as falsely claiming they did.

As long as GOP leaders sheepishly remain neutered out of fear of being called a racist, this nonsense and play on white guilt will continue and the GOP will remain in obscurity.

Chairman Steele, Representative Boehner, if you don’t have the balls to stand up to this chicanery, step aside and allow those who will actually fight for American citizens step in.

Shame on the Congressional Black Caucus for fabricating such a claim.

Shame on the GOP for apologizing over something that did not happen and not exposing the lies.

Grow a pair, or step aside.

Caterpillar Says Healthcare Will Cost It $100M

Caterpillar Corporation, still struggling in this economy in spite of Barack Obama’s much-vaunted claim in February 2009 that his stimulus bill will enable the company to rehire laid-off employees, has announced the pending seizure of the healthcare and insurance industries will cost them $100,000,000 once enacted.

In February 2009 Obama said at the Caterpillar plant, “Jim, the head of Caterpillar, said that if Congress passes our plan this company will be able to rehire some of the folks who were just laid off. And that's a story I'm confident will be repeated at companies across the country, companies that are currently struggling to borrow money selling their products, struggling to make payroll, but could find themselves in a different position when we start implementing the plan…”

Well, we all saw how well that worked out as unemployment skyrocketed in to double digits in most states.

Unfortunately, in regards to Obama’s claim, ‘Jim’ said, “I think, realistically, no. The honest reality is we’re probably going to have more layoffs before we start hiring again.”

A year later and facing another of Obama and the Dictacrat cartels brilliant plans, Caterpillars vice president and chief human resources officer, Gregory Folley sent a letter to the Queen bee herself saying, “these provisions would increase [our] insurance costs by at least 20 percent, or more than $100 million, just in the first year of the health-care overhaul program.”

Folley also said, “We can ill-afford cost increases that place us at a disadvantage versus our global competitors.”

We are also told “more than 130 economists predicted the legislation would discourage companies from hiring more workers and would cause reduced hours and wages for those already employed.”

Let’s hope that come November, we can finally stop these Dictacrats from “helping” us so much. The country can ill-afford much more of their help.

An Open Message To Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid

New York Times 'Shameless' Attempt To Bolster Obama

The New York Times, long known to be one of fartherest left-leaning pro-socialist propaganda pieces in print has outdone themselves in their attempt today to 'resurrect' both a failed presidency and a piece of legislation the majority of American citizens say they do not want.



As Health Vote Awaits, Future of a Presidency Waits, Too

Will their next photo spread show Obama wearing a white robe, a crown of thorns and nailed to the cross?

Imagine, if you will, the outraged editorials the New York Times would print had Fox News published that same photo with George W. Bush in it.

Brian Baird Death Threats: End Of Story?

Some might recall the disquietude seen in August of last year when Democratic congressman, Brian Baird was refusing to hold face to face town hall meetings with constituents by claiming it was out of concern over the security of attendees due to some alleged death threats issued to Baird.

Here in Washington States Third Congressional District, Baird’s district, it received much attention, as any death threat must be taken seriously. As it turns out, perhaps it was deliberately taken too seriously this time.

For those of you who are not here in Wa. 03, you can read about it at Baird Milks Ryder Truck Comment, Congressman Baird, What Happened To The Death Threats?, and The Columbian: Mouthpiece For Democrats.

After calls from constituents to Baird’s offices and pressure placed on the Columbian’s editorial staff, in November, over 2 months after the claims of the death threats surfaced, we were to discover that they were not considered “credible” by the FBI, case closed.

Or, so one would think.

On February 27, 2010, my friend and fellow blogger on Clark County Politics posted the results he obtained from a Freedom of Information Act query into the so-called death threat that concluded in the heavily redacted report, “Incident close request sent 2009-08-14 19:59:46.0.”

In other words, congressman Baird KNEW at the time he relented to town halls and made the off-color remark at a Rotary Club luncheon on August 19, 2009 that there was no serious death threat made or pending. It had been investigated; contact with the offending person had been made and settled as the untoward frustrated comments from a person in Kansas, not here in Washington State.

Nearly two weeks later, we are treated to articles from our paper of record, the Columbian informing us of much the same. FBI releases details about Baird threat probe.

Managing editor, Lou Brancaccio also penned, One more Baird story saga lamenting the saga and in essence, trying to appear as if they were on top of it all long.

In late October, I had some email exchanges with Lou asking about updates and was told there were none. In comments on the papers website we were told they were making frequent calls back to D.C. asking for updates and were not receiving answers, which I too did not receive when I made calls myself to both of Brian Baird’s offices and to the Capitol Police.

That they were unwilling to answer my inquiry two months after the case was closed strikes me as odd. Of course, I’m not a journalist with press credentials either, which I would think would grant inquiries by the press more leeway to information.

In another email exchange with Lou, after they published in November that the threats were found “not credible,” I asked if writer Kathie Durbin was going to apologize to Clark County GOP Chairman, Ryan Hart for her published indications of his being offended by the August 19 comment at the Rotary Club luncheon as off-base.

After revelation today of the case being close on August 14, I feel Hart is owed a public apology by the Columbian even more as his being offended was right and in order.

Fortunately for Baird, he has announced his retirement this past December or this would definitely be a campaign issue, indicating his dishonesty with constituents.

For the Columbian, I am left to ponder if this was journalistic malfeasance on their part of not wanting to pursue a story shedding light on a Democrat they have long supported and wanting to allow the story to simply die. Or, were they duped by Baird and his staff and not wanting to look further into it.

Perhaps it is a combination of both. If journalists had treated Richard Nixon in similar manner during the Watergate scandal, he might have retired an honored man, instead of being forced to resign in disgrace.

Regardless, the Columbian recently emerged from financial bankruptcy.

Let’s hope they can also emerge from such journalistic bankruptcy as well.

Maryland's Hard Learned Lesson

Much like Oregon and Washington have done, Maryland decided to "stick it to the wealthy" to make up budget shortfalls and increase funds received. As warned, the exact opposite happened. From a Wall Street Journal article;

"We reported in May that after passing a millionaire surtax nearly one-third of Maryland's millionaires had gone missing, thus contributing to a decline in state revenues. The politicians in Annapolis had said they'd collect $106 million by raising its income tax rate on millionaire households to 6.25% from 4.75%. In cities like Baltimore and Bethesda, which apply add-on income taxes, the top tax rate with the surcharge now reaches as high as 9.3%—fifth highest in the nation. Liberals said this was based on incomplete data and that rich Marylanders hadn't fled the state."

"Well, the state comptroller's office now has the final tax return data for 2008, the first year that the higher tax rates applied. The number of millionaire tax returns fell sharply to 5,529 from 7,898 in 2007, a 30% tumble. The taxes paid by rich filers fell by 22%, and instead of their payments increasing by $106 million, they fell by some $257 million."

And, Maryland's unemployment during this time?



Democrats will never learn.

About Sums It Up

Texas Democrat Candidate: "Impeach Obama"

Kesha Rogers, 33-year-old Democrat who won the Democratic Party nomination to run against Republican Pete Olsen in Texas's 22nd Congressional District did so by campaigning on a ticket of "Impeaching Obama."

"Rogers shouted it from a sound truck that cruised the four-county 22nd Congressional District. She posted an 18-foot banner emblazoned with the message “Save NASA. Impeach Obama” on street corners. Her Web site is filled with videos and periodic policy statements documenting her stand."

Losing candidate Doug Blatt says of voters, "I can't believe that most people who voted for her knew that she wants to impeach Obama. I do believe that most of them didn't do any research about the candidates before voting."

Houston Chronicle

What else can be said but, Go Kesha!

"Obama Couldn't Sell Watermelons?"

I can only imagine the uproar and outrage we would have heard the very next day had Rush Limbuagh uttered such a comment on air as did Dan Rather. Yet, 2 months later and I have not heard anything from the media at all on it.

And for all those who will defend Rather, claiming using watermelon isn't racist, may I remind you of Los Alamitos Mayor Dean Grose who forwarded a photo depicting a watermelon patch on the White House lawn last February and was forced to resign after extensive national media coverage.

Cantwell, Others Calls For End To Ban On Gays Donating Blood

Seeking to overturn the 27 year ban on Gays donating blood, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell has added her voice with 17 other Democrats calling for an end to the “lifetime ban on donating blood for any man who has had gay sex since 1977.”

The ban, imposed over concerns of HIV/AIDs being spread through blood transfusions, has come under fire in recent years as Gay Activists label the ban an “injustice” unfairly imposed on them.

Cantwell, senators call to end ban on gays donating blood

John Kerry (who served in Viet Nam), failed 2004 presidential candidate claims, “Not a single piece of scientific evidence supports the ban.”

In 2006, the American Red Cross claimed, “that the ban is medically and scientifically unwarranted.”

In 2007, the FDA Kept The Ban On Gay Men As Blood Donors claiming, “Whatever was presented to us was not sufficient to make us change our minds.”

Other groups, such as those representing hemophiliacs, prefer the ban remain in place.

Undeterred, Gay activists and their supporters come back claiming the, “FDA already tests donated blood twice for HIV and other diseases, limiting the risk of tainted blood entering the blood supply to nearly zero,” as did John Kerry, who is also known for presenting a very false view of the war in Viet Nam.

Supporters of Cantwell and Kerry’s view make claims of, “Gay men tend to protect themselves but many straight people still follow the myth that HIV won't impact them,” “Our health policies must be based on sound science, even if it makes your heads explode with prejudice” and “The point is that the change in policy will add significant amounts of desperately needed blood to our blood banks with virtually NO ADDED RISK.”

We are even told by supporters to check with the Center for Disease Control for HIV/AIDs statistics to see how wrong this “injustice” and “discrimination” against Gays is.

Doing so reveals the chart below.

CDC Basic Statistics, HIV/AIDs

Further checking within the CDC website reveal a small pamphlet they released titled HIV and AIDS among Gay and Bisexual Men that proclaims early on, “MSM is the only risk group in the U.S. in which new HIV infections are increasing. While new infections have declined among both heterosexuals and injection drug users, the annual number of new HIV infections among MSM has been steadily increasing since the early 1990s,” MSM being an abbreviation for “for men who have sex with men.”

Countering claims of discrimination against Gays, an FDA spokesperson said in 2007, “Anyone who’s used intravenous drugs or been paid for sex also is permanently barred from donating blood.”

It should also be noted that while the demand for donated blood is high, modern medicine has been perfecting Bloodless Surgery, due in large part to the questionable religious claims against accepting blood by groups such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

If we are to feel safe in accepting blood donated by known Gays, which will eventually lead to acceptance from prostitutes and others currently barred from donating blood, perhaps Cantwell, Kerry and the other 15 pushing for this change will lead the way and exhibit to us just how safe it really is by publicly accepting small injections of compatible blood donated from known Gays every month for a couple years.

Surely, they would have no concerns in receiving such an injection, right?

Challengers Blast Ron Paul, Supporters Silent

(Rewritten)

Ron Paul, possibly the kookiest candidate we’ve ever had run for president under the Republican banner, faced some stiff competition in retaining his House seat in Texas, before winning the March 3 primary by a landslide. While I am no fan of Paul’s, reading some of the assaults by his opponents I wonder if maybe they weren’t being a bit too harsh with him. After all, he’s pretty harmless sitting in the House whining about auditing the fed and returning to a policy of isolationalism (masquerading as non-interventionism).

Paul’s small band of outspoken and at times obnoxious supporters were elated that he won a straw poll at CPAC this year, ignoring that those who have won the straw poll rarely ever receive the nomination to run as the Republican candidate for president.

Many even claim it was Ron Paul who gave birth to the current TEA Party movement seen spreading across the country.

I’m sure they are equally as elated to see the results of the Texas Primary as Paul slid into an 80% win.

Strange though, that when he was under assault by challengers, his supporters were largely silent. As anybody can tell you, whoever spoke against Paul in the 2008 campaign was basically committing blasphemy.

That is why I am surprised that they have remained mostly silent as articles such as Ron Paul burned by tea party blowback and Arrogant Ron Paul Angry He’s Facing a Challenge in His “Own Primary” were published

A query put before local Ron Paul adherents prior to the Texas Primary, for what they thought about the articles, has remained ignored all week.

The first article linked told us, “despite his solid anti-establishment credentials and non-conformist views, Paul finds himself under siege from three Republicans who are embracing many of the themes that have defined Paul’s career.”

Challenger John Gay says, “I applaud Dr. Paul for what he’s done and I want him to retire and do the things that he likes to do and run the foundations that he’s started.”

“Where are you Congressman Paul,” askes another challenger, Tim Graney who adds, “He’s not doing the job of the U.S. House. He should be here in the district listening to us.”

Gerald Wall echoes that sentment with, “The problem with Ron Paul is that he doesn’t spend any time representing his people. Everyone knows that if we elect him to Congress he will spend one month in Congress and 18 months running for president.”

To be fair, what congressman actually does spend a lot of time in their district? I know for the past 12 years, my soon to be retired congressman, Brian Baird, spends more time traveling abroad than being here representing us.

Paul’s campaign spokesman Jesse Benton countered, “Charges that he’s gallivanting around the country are silly. Rep. Paul has not made any decision on whether he’s running for president. He’s very focused on his district, and he’s very involved in his district.”

Indeed Paul is very involved in his district since he is said to pack more earmarks into bills than any other Republican, then realizing they will pass anyways, votes against them.

Indicating Republican Party displeasure with Paul, Renew America’s Paul Ibbetson posted Ron Paul and the “Cujo” effect recently where in he states, “Ron Paul, the failed presidential candidate of 2008, has become the Cujo of the Republican Party,” Cujo being the rabid dog that terrorized people in the Steven King classic of the same name.

Ibbetson added, “The rabidly rough ramifications of Ron Paul are that despite his libertarian foundations, he is one more unneeded albatross around the neck of the Republican Party who has enough problems already,” before stating, “As in the case of Cujo, the presidential aspirations, and more importantly the political impacts of Ron Paul, must be ‘euthanized’ in the country before more damage can be done,” a statement even I find a bit over the top.

Like I said, while I find him a kook and would oppose him running for president should he choose to again, I find he has been known to represent his district well over his 6 terms, easily winning reelection.

A Houston Chronicle article, Paul facing unrest at home, credits Paul’s spokesman, Jesse Benton with, “Dr. Paul is actually very encouraged by the anti-incumbent sentiment out there right now,” with little acknowledgement that Ron Paul was the incumbent.

Given the level of assault Paul experienced, expectations were that he be put out to pasture this time. Compared to 2008, their silence is almost as if they were willing to sacrifice Paul’s House Seat, visions of something more important dancing in their heads for the weeks ahead.

Third Graders Sing, "Thank You, Soldiers"

Written by their Third Grade Teacher at Tussing Elementary School in Colonial Heights, Virginia for last Veterans Day.

To my fellow Viet Nam Veterans and all those serving today and anyone who ever served the cause of freedom, Thank you.

Thank you, Michael & Angela Souders of WWW.RESTORED.FAITHWEB.COM