After months and months of relentless pounding by the Democrats, the Bush administration has taken the gloves off and decided to fight back. "The party of FDR and the party of Harry Truman has become the party of cut and run," Bush told a convention-center audience of over 2,000 people. It's about time somebody started calling this obstructionist, anti-American, pro-appeasement, pro-defeat party out. Now that there are two sides of the debate on display, the American people will have a clear choice in the impending election. To cut and run, emboldening the terrorists, or to continue the fight in Iraq and beyond, and to ultimately eliminate the threat once and for all. Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton have no shame. Update (Same Day): Hugh has a great summary of Campaign 2006 here.

The insane members of the Westboro Baptist Church (Topeka, KS) are going to continue their protest of American military funerals this Saturday in London, KY. Of the many vile things I have seen/experienced in my life, this has to be right up there near the top. It makes about as much sense to protest a military funeral as it does to protest in front of a military hospital, even if they are for different reasons. I'm debating making the drive down so I can let these imbeciles know exactly how I feel, but I'm a bit under the weather at the moment so we'll see. Westboro Baptist issued a statement Tuesday night saying members would be in the southeastern town of London on Saturday to picket the funeral of a Kentucky National Guard soldier who died last week in Iraq.

Either conservative bloggers are getting funnier, or I've just been missing some of this stuff (most likely the latter). Iowahawk has found the first draft of phrases to be placed within the Arizona 9/11 Memorial. My favorite, "WORLD TO U.S.: PWNED BITCHEZ."

Frank at IMAO does a great job of defining BDS and the Bushcentric universe theory here. It's amazing how simple stick figures can convey so much.

A quick thought... in a recent post, someone responded in the comments and referred to me as a "fascist." I'll direct my readers to this post. I was also called a fascist in college, simply because I was a member of the College Republicans at Wright State and happened to be wearing a shirt that pointed it out. It's hard, in today's world of extreme moral relativism, for some people to understand exactly what it means to refer to another as a fascist, national socialist, or communist. The comment, only a few posts below, was as follows: I wish you the poorest of fortunes in your fascist crusade. Hail victory comrade. Remember your betrayal of him that loved all of us the next time you kiss his effigy of suffering. Cheers. This gentleman is referring to a comment I made on Fr. Fox's blog, Bonfire of the Vanities. It's true. I did not have much time, the post was short and overbroad, and I made a spelling error. This resulted in my "fascist" label, and a mocking over at BotV from another pacifist. It seems that many of those on the so called pacifist side seem to have similar views to the Islamists that seek to control the world. If someone disagrees with you, shout them down. Should they respond or shout back, label them. The only step they're missing as the two belief systems appear to merge is violent reaction, but then they probably wouldn't want to lose that pacifist label. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, once again, the best of the pacifists. I'd not recommend bringing this page up if children are present.

Once again, Charles Krauthammer seems to be reading my mind. Fortunately for the rest of us, he has the energy to put it all together in a well structured, readable article. Today's Islamists seem to have not even a sense of irony. They fail to see the richness of the following sequence. The pope makes a reference to a 14th-century Byzantine emperor's remark about Islam imposing itself by the sword, and to protest this linking of Islam and violence: · In the West Bank and Gaza, Muslims attack seven churches. · In London, the ever-dependable radical Anjem Choudary tells demonstrators at Westminster Cathedral that the pope is now condemned to death. · In Mogadishu, Somali religious leader Abubukar Hassan Malin calls on Muslims to "hunt down" the pope. The pope not being quite at hand, they do the next best thing: shoot dead, execution-style, an Italian nun who worked in a children's hospital. "How dare you say Islam is a violent religion? I'll kill you for it" is not exactly the best way to go about refuting the charge. But of course, refuting is not the point here. The point is intimidation. ...The pope gives offense and the Mujaheddin al-Shura Council in Iraq declares that it "will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose the 'jizya' [head] tax; then the only thing acceptable is conversion or the sword." This to protest the accusation that Islam might be spread by the sword. That so many in the world back civilization's demise is truly disheartening. I thank all that keep up the good fight, on the battlefield, in the alternative press. You are all heroes, thank you for keeping my spirits up.

The House has passed a bill to increase election validity by a count of 228-196, with 3 Republicans and 4 Democrats switching sides. While the Democrats may overwhelmingly support open borders and the destruction of our economy, at least most of them had the moxy to put their votes on record. Ted Strickland did not, he must feel that border security is "too controversial" an issue to have an official vote on heading into the election season. Check the list here. Why would the Democrats oppose a photo ID to vote? Why would anyone? It seems painfully obvious to me. The Blackwell camp should broadcast this loudly and repeatedly.

You know... being a devout Catholic, I can deal with a mock crucifixion by a washed up singer like Madonna on network TV... I just won't watch it. She can't sell albums with her body anymore, so she's switched to attacking the largest religion in the world. Big deal, right? Well, the problem here is not her mockery of my faith, it is consistency. NBC explains away murder and violence as a result of publishing cartoons related to the Religion of Peace (TM), yet is ready to consider a broadcast this garbage. They may not, but the fact that it is even being considered is outright ridiculous. Hypocrites, all of you at the alphabet networks. You could be using your gigantic viewer base to support this nation, to actually truly support freedom of speech. Instead you favor Islam over Christianity and lead to further divisiveness within the nation and the world. Shame on you NBC. The media is the enemy.

I'm glad I had the UND/Team Up North game on DVR, because I don't know if I could stand watching that whole game play out. It's taken me 2 days to recover and write about it! After enjoying (despite losses) two absolutely stunningly good high school football games, watching Michigan take apart Notre Dame was nearly intolerable. Either way, I think it would be great if UM and OSU were both undefeated going into The Big One in... what I believe is now week 12 of the college football season. The real capper was the following day when my Titans were destroyed by the San Diego Chargers. Of course, they are rebuilding in Titanland at this time, but c'mon coach Fisher! You are better coach than a 7-40 defeat. A 1-3 weekend overall, with losses by Moeller, Notre Dame, and the Titans. I have a feeling that the pain will subside in the upcoming weekend... at least for one or two of the teams involved. At least the Buckeyes still looked dominant against UC, a team they have habitually had problems with in the past.

So obviously it's time to start getting some stuff done that looks good on your resume, right? I suppose that explains why the Senate has decided to actually attempt to pass token immigration reform, with security placed ahead of legalizing all of Mexico. Of course, as this nears a floor vote, the only thing the Democrats can do is mock themselves: Mr. Frist was for comprehensive reform before he was against it," Mr. Manley (spokesman for Harry Reid) said. I do agree with Manley's point, the Senate Republicans have been abhorrent, and on this issue above all others. Hopefully, this is a turning point, and not a 2 month attempt to gain a few seats... though I think we all know it is. Regardless, the only time we can really get some decent legislation passed is close to an election, so let's do all we can in the limited time available. Though McCain, Warner, and Graham's self aggrandizement previously on this issue to further their presidential ambitions may have been politically expedient, this time is very well may hurt them at the polls. McCain in particular, in recent weeks, has taken it upon himself to vocally oppose the president wherever he can. This may be an attempt to set him up for an independent run in a couple of years, as he is not going to win the Republican nomination. Say what you will about conservative/liberal philosophy, when it comes to party presidential nomination, loyalty goes a long way, and McCain clearly has absolutely no loyalty to his party.

In doing so, he joins such all time greats as Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, the Dixie Chicks and Green Day among others. Roger Waters, formerly the influence behind Pink Floyd, has taken it upon himself to personally call for the impeachment of President Bush and for Democrat votes in November. This may not be as blatant an attempt as those mentioned, as Waters has always leaned socialist in his belief system, however I believe a fan at his show put it best: We don't need no thought control, even from Mr. Waters... Pitiful. As a fan who had idolized the band through most of my college career, this was anticipated but truly disappointing. Even more so than David Gilmour's quote, "It's crazy that America gives such a paltry percentage of its GNP to the starving nations." I'm sure it appears to be a paltry sum to you, Mr. Gilmour, perhaps it would not appear as so if you did not live a life that would make a king blush. To those wondering how conservatives manage to keep winning elections with so many famous people opposed to them, do the research. You'll find that in the battle of ideas, there is no competition. Hat Tip: The Drudge Report

Article The Mujahedeen Shura Council, an umbrella organization of Sunni Arab extremist groups that includes al-Qaida in Iraq, issued a statement on a Web forum vowing to continue its holy war against the West. The authenticity of the statement could not be independently verified. The group said Muslims would be victorious and addressed the pope as "the worshipper of the cross" saying "you and the West are doomed as you can see from the defeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere. ... We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion (to Islam) or (killed by) the sword." Any questions? Still awaiting Muslim condemnations of this statement.

Well, there's no way I could avoid posting on this now is there? It has been a very busy morning, so I didn't hear of this until I tuned into Laura Ingraham's show a few minutes ago. Is anyone really surprised? Seriously? It's not the first time Islam has attacked Christianity, nor is it the first time it has assailed the Pope. What should be of note, is that as early as the 14th century educated men were discussing Islamic militancy. This is a militancy that carries over to cartoons, to speech, to anything that offends Muslims. In effect, we are already living under mild self imposed Sharia law. Since I'm feeling lazy, here are links to most of the articles from LGF. What can we do but shake our heads in pity? I suppose we could burn effigies of Mohammed, or any of the other numerous modern day militant leaders of Islam. Could that provoke more violence and outrage than printing cartoons? Who knows. As usual, the Anchoress has some great insight from a Catholic perspective. I am not especially saddened to see the brouhaha that is gaining strength over Benedict’s speech. Whether he is “media savvy” or not, Benedict has managed - in his very scholarly fashion - to apply a very hot drawing poultice to the enormous and festing boils of both radical Islamism and rampant secularism. At the very least, it will cause some Muslims to insist that distinctions be made between them and their more extreme co-religionists, and it may rouse the West to examine how cavalierly it has tossed off the “shackles” of Christianity only to open itself up to the scimitar. Perhaps some will look at the spires of their great cathedrals and wonder if they really want to see them replaced with minarets. Some great links from The Cafeteria is Closed. Fr. Martin Fox has a good point: The more interesting point the holy father raised in his talk dealt precisely with the very possibility of dialogue -- and I think what he said in that regard is really what infuriates those who are stoking the fury of the Muslim faithful. Pro Ecclesia has excellent commentary here. Will update more later today should anything significant happen with this story other than the usual car burnings, effigy burnings, and general rioting.

I am amazed that some journalists are allowed to get away with comments such as these" Has the Republican Party suddenly caught a case of jungle fever? This year Republicans will most likely run three African-Americans in statewide elections: Kenneth Blackwell (for governor in Ohio), former NFL star Lynn Swann (for governor in Pennsylvania) and Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, who is seen as the frontrunner for the Republican Senate nomination there. Jim poses the question, “What do these three distinguished politicians have to do with the ‘jungle’?” Hat Tip: BizzyBlog

Dean Barnett has a great article today on why the "Suitcase Nuke" myth continues to perpetuate through the years. I did some research on this a while back, since being uninformed led to some serious concern. That a former Soviet suitcase nuke would exist in the hands of terrorists today is HIGHLY unlikely, that it would continue to function to this day is nearly impossible. They almost surely require routine maintenance every 6 months. If the missiles haven’t been properly maintained, their yield will be dramatically reduced; most experts think if not properly maintained in accordance with the owner’s manual’s dictates, they won’t work at all. On this point, we certainly have Soviet craftsmanship working in our favor. Let’s face it, the Soviet Union didn’t produce many things known for their quality and reliability. Additionally, maintaining nuclear weapons in a cave on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border would certainly be beyond Al Qaeda’s abilities. This is a serious problem for the terrorists; if Al Qaeda ever acquired these things, the bombs have missed probably 25 maintenance adjustments, or every scheduled trip to the shop since the breakup of the Soviet Union; experts familiar with their American counterparts (the Crockets) feel quite strongly that at this point in time the bombs won’t function at all and if they do somehow function, they’ll achieve only a fraction of their intended yield. This fact has always been the kicker for me. I sincerely doubt there are terrorists in America cracking open nuclear weapons and maintaining them in hotel rooms. The only serious nuclear threat America faces is from rogue states that can actually produce nuclear weapons, maintain them, and land them on our shores via rocket or human. That's not to say this couldn't be a threat in the future... but we don't want to damage or reputation with the U.N. and world further! Better to perish in fiery agony and anarchy than tarnish our international rep! Why stop now with minimal casualties that which can be stopped in 10 years with entire tracts of land blighted and everyone's lives shaken to their very core? Ahhh Neville, your spirit shines so brightly, even today.

The Path to 9/11, which correctly identifies our true enemy (for the deluded, it is the terrorists), was nearly muscled off the air by the Clinton Mafia. This did not come as a surprise to those who have followed the Clintons' career in their true passion, obtaining power by any means necessary. The Democratic National Committee released an official letter sent to Robert Iger, CEO of Disney, in an attempt to pressure him into eliminating the docudrama from public viewing. This letter is signed by Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, Assistant Democratic Leader Dick Durbin, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator Charles Schumer, and Senator Byron Dorgan. They even started a petition! This movie also received criticism from the right, though it was based more on factual content than an all out attempt to preserve nonexistent legacy. This brings us to Death of a President, a new film recently screened in Canada. Mysteriously silent are the Dems, most notably Ted Kennedy, he having lost more than one extremely close relative to assassination. The Anchoress puts it best: I’m appalled…not surprised, but appalled, that Ted Kennedy, who knows what it’s like to lose a beloved family member this way, has not spoken out against this film, if for no other reason than out of decent sympathy for Mrs. Bush and Jenna and Barbara, who cannot rest easy about this, or out of respect for the sensibilities of a former president and former first lady. But no, Ted is silent. He doesn’t want the “compassionate” and “tolerant” folks on the left mad at him. No former co-president is speaking out against this, which would be the decent thing to do, because they need the left, and besides they need to see a poll to know whether this is offensive or not. They only speak out when it is politically expedient to do so and can’t see a Sister Souljah moment unless it’s a “safe” one. The Path to 9/11 enraged them so much they tried to get it censored, pulled, yanked - they threatened ABC’s broadcast license, because a docudrama “wasn’t accurate…” But this docudrama, they don’t mind it. This time, the docudrama is “compelling art.” The press, too - silent as sympathizers. If it's possible, it seems the DNC, the Democratic party in general, and those that make up its leadership have become subtely (and sometimes not so subtely) unhinged. Anything to obtain power, just like the 42nd president. National security is sacrificed with a mentality such as this.

Have we nothing more to occupy our time than protesting a humorous commercial that involves computer editing of a man riding a dog? Seriously oversensitive people... you tried to ruin Beavis and Butthead, you successfully ruined Clone High, can you still leave any humor on the television screen, even if it's in commercial form?

I heard a song on my shower radio just recently that had me doubled over with laughter by the end... I couldn't tell if the band were trying to be funny, or being serious (about writing the most whiny, cliched song ever). After properly hosing off, I was compelled to look the lyrics up. Turns out, it's Seven Mary Three. Painting vivid pictures (the song, and presumably the new album are captured perfectly in this review) with fiery teen angst passion... except not so much with the fiery... and I think they're like, closer to retirement than me... well, you get the picture. A few choice lines: I slept through easter yesterday Right through christmas just the same The priest came up to me all up in arms He said, devil boy what have you done? OK, ok... first off, can anyone tell me the last time their priest "came at you all up in arms" about missing a mass? Maybe he's trying to say he slept for 8 months? Aside from that, Christmas and Easter masses are usually so packed you can barely breathe. Not that I would expect this fellow to have any real idea about that, just setting the premise as the lyrics grow further in humor briefly... and by briefly, I mean the very next stanza: The jesuits rolled in their tanks to my front door While the capuchins held a love-in on my front porch The augustinians kept to themselves, stuck their tongues out in a row They said, devil boy, its off to hell you go! Riiiight... once your career starts flagging, toss a few Catholic order names around and the controversy will start the cash flowing again, right? Well, not if your song/movie/book is laughably pathetic. Sorry guys. Even non-Catholics who are remotely involved in theology or politics would probably be in tears (the funny kind) at the thought of Jesuits in tanks. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Mel Brooks made that the title of his very next movie. What self absorbed tripe. Ohhhh... old boy missed Easter and Christmas, so the entire Catholic Church and all her orders are working against me... boo hooooo. It's important to note it is sung in boo hoo style. Anyway, onward we go. The next couple of stanzas are uninspired, but do an amazingly smooth job of transitioning the song from cliched anti-religion song to cliched love-lost song. He references "her" in one of the lines, which could be interpreted as a classic reference to God as a woman which alt-rockers sometimes use thinking it will make Christians angry (impossible as God is omnipotent and genderless), but clearly is not as he is referring to Jesus Christ, factually male. Our sad, saaaad friend finishes up as follows: For heavens sake Its only been 2000 years And I cant wait any longer for you For heavens sake Id give away eternity If you would come back to me, if would come back to me If you would come back to me, if would come back to me So there you go. If you're feeling down and need a good belly laugh, find this song somewhere online. You may find yourself weeping, but probably not as intended. Update (09/13/06): I have been advised through a kind poster in the comments section that this song is actually about 10 years old. I believe at that time I was typically listening to "music," and thusly am unsurprised that I would have missed this forgettable tune. Either way, I apologize for any inference that this may have been a recent release. It should be noted that this was played between more recent pop tunes on WEBN. This reminds me, why do DJs still exist? Do people actually enjoy their useless banter, devoid of any semblance of sentient thought? In today's digital age, we should be able to automate the entire process. Apologies to DJs who are actually entertaining and informative, it just seems at least here in Cincinnati that there is not one worth 1 second of my time, and WEBN seems to consistently have the worst. I think I need more coffee this morning.

It's truly depressing that such a large segment of America's population has already forgotten what happened on that day. That being said, let us remember. I don't have any dramatic stories about where I was, or what I was doing on that day. On the short drive into work, I heard on the radio that a small commuter plane, or a cessna sized plane had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. It was a short blurb, and the rest of the news commenced. Having arrived at work, I was pulled aside to work on a different project and at that time news began circulating about a second plane striking the second tower. As with everyone else, and as I do now, at that time I knew what was at stake. The rest of the day, of course, was wall to wall news coverage. Having grown weary of viewing the carnage, after work I settled down and at the suggestion of my brother rented a comedy to take my mind off of things for a while. While turning away briefly, the war which had just begun would return to my life. My brother was on the first ship over to Afghanistan. I didn't get a chance to see him off prior to his 9 month deployment, but we chatted on the phone. Though my words were choked, I knew this mission was unavoidable and was incredibly proud as his confidence assured me he would return, or would sacrifice himself to assure that his family and the United States may continue to live in freedom. Those in the military, as well as those in service as firefighters and policemen, who give themselves so selflessly for our right to live comfortably and as we choose should recieve the highest honor on this day. If you see a serviceman, policeman, or fireman, buy him or her a cup of joe. Buy their lunch, a pop, or just pat them on the back and thank them for all they have done so that your life may be more whole and fulfilling. Your children, your parents, brothers and sisters all live in this great society by virtue of those who make sure it continues to exist. Michelle has a great link set today: New Zawahiri Statement: Take Revenge on America The 2,996 Project Never Forget: American Airlines Flight 11 Never Forget: American Airlines Flight 175 Never Forget: American Airlines Flight 77 Never Forget: South Tower Collapse Never Forget: United Airlines Flight 93 Never Forget: North Tower Collapse Living Legacy: The Children of 9/11 9/11 Pledge: "I will not submit" - Dean Barnett: 9/11 - A Personal Remembrance - Little Green Footballs: A Poem LGF the Day the Events Unfolded Scroll the whole page for a view of how Charles Johnson changed on that day. I discovered his site not long after that, I cannot remember exactly when, or how. - BizzyBlog has a great linkset as well, with oddly what appear to be no overlapping links (yet!): Five Years After 9/11: Noteworthy Posts and Info - May God bless this great nation of ours, and the fighting men and women who keep it free. Thank you, every single one, for what you have done for us.

I did not realize what a large part this story played in bringing the war against Hizballah to a halt. Now, Zombie has an incredible point by point article on it. On the night of July 23, 2006, an Israeli aircraft intentionally fired missiles at and struck two Lebanese Red Cross ambulances performing rescue operations, causing huge explosions that injured everyone inside the vehicles. Or so says the global media, including Time magazine, the BBC, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and thousands of other outlets around the world. If true, the incident would have been an egregious and indefensible violation of the Geneva Convention, and would constitute a war crime committed by the state of Israel. But there's one problem: It never happened.

Keith Olbermann, a formerly great sports-related TV host and currently terrible news show host, has continued his descent into madness with another delusional rant against the Bush administration. As one of the commenters pointed out, Olbermann had previously worn a Bill O'Reilly mask and given the Nazi salute at an event. It must be a terrifying place in his mind, which apparently provides him with a rather dour alternate view of reality. Hat Tip: Little Green Footballs

I don't have a whole lot of time to elaborate, but Miller Brewing Co. SPONSORS illegal immigration. Read all about it here and here. Thank goodness for the new media, and of course Michelle or this information would have either never made it to notoriety, or would have been slowly reported and glossed over. Next time you feel like having an ice cold Miller Lite, toss back any other non-illegal immigration sponsoring brew. List of Miller products, from Michelle: Miller Lite Miller Genuine Draft Miller Genuine Draft Light Miller High Life Miller High Life Light Sharp's non-alcohol brew Red Dog Icehouse 5.0 Icehouse 5.5 Icehouse Light Southpaw Light Leinenkugel's Original Leinenkugel's Light Leinenkugel's Red Lager Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss Leinenkugel's Apple Spice (seasonal) Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest (seasonal) Leinenkugel's Creamy Dark Leinenkugel's Big Butt Doppelbock (seasonal) Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve Henry Weinhard's Blue Boar Pale Ale Henry Weinhard's Classic Dark Henry Weinhard's Northwest Trail Blonde Lager Henry Weinhard's Hefeweizen Henry Weinhard's Summer Wheat Hamm's Hamm's Draft Hamm's Special Light Olde English 800 Malt Liquor Olde English HG800 Olde English HG800 7.5 Magnum Malt Liquor Mickey's Malt Liquor Mickey's Ice Milwaukee's Best Milwaukee's Best Light Milwaukee's Best Ice Foster's Lager Foster's Special Bitter Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner Urquell Sheaf Stout Sparks Sparks Light Sparks Plus 7% Sparks Plus 6% Steel Reserve Triple Export 8.1% Steel Reserve High Gravity Steel Reserve High Gravity 6.0 Steel Six