The Worst Economy Since the Great Depression? Think again. . . . . .

On the other hand, especially if Barack Obama is election, it could happen again. Read more here. . . . .

Liston vs. Clay - Remember?

Or is it Obama vs. McCain? Read here!

The Real McCain

Jack Holmes recommended this article. Thank you Jack!

Obama - All Hat, No Cattle

As they say in Texas when describing someone who is long on words and short on anything else - "he's all hat and no cattle". Pretty good description of Barack Obama and his rhetoric.

How to beat Obama here.

Lest We Forget. . . . . .

I recently discovered a blog on the Grand Haven Tribune website written by Paul Bendient (publisher of the Tribune). Pretty smart guy!

Here is an article Mr. Bendient wrote a while back, but it's worth being reminded of the budget mess the State of Michigan finds itself in.

Remember this when you vote in next November's elections. This is important stuff!

Another Vacation From History

No one can say it better than Pete! So, read on here. . . . . . .

Time To Go?

Let's face it - the New York Times no longer even pretends to be "fair and balanced". They are in a race against themselves to see whether they can lose credibility or money at a faster pace.

The New York Times is at the same level as "The Star" and "The National Enquirer". The only difference is those papers do not pretend to be serious news sources. The times is a joke - or better described as "fish wrap".

Extra! Extra! Read all about it here!

Obamamania. . . . and the end of the Clinton Dynasty

So what? We didn't need the writer's strike settled. . . . . we've got Obamamania and the seeming self-destruction of the Clintons to keep us occupied. And who could have predicted the real-life drama that's playing out every night on the 24-hour news cable channels.

I'll make it easy for you, here are a few links to some of the best articles describing the goings-on over on the "other" side:

It's Over!

Fainting for Obama

Obamamania Verges on Obssession

Hey folks! It's only February. . . . . . just wait until the campaigns really heat up!

Bring On The Potholes!

This guy has it right. When the economy is bad (and it is really really bad here in Michigan), everyone needs to suffer a little pain and inconvenience. So, let's rally for a government that performs basic, essential core services and whatever else it can manage to squeeze in given it's current budget and figure out a way to allow the private sector do the rest.

Read my lips: "No new taxes"!

A Shameless Plug

This is probably the first in a series of shameless plugs as we head into the campaign season. I'm providing a link to Jack Hoogendyk's Senate campaign website. When you get there, click on the link to Jack's blog, "Core Principles". This is what being a conservative is about folks.

More shameless plugs later!

Will The Campaign Ever End?

Nope! We're not even talking about Presidential races here folks. This is a blog from the Jackson (Michigan) Citizen Patriot website. Just thought I would share it with you for fun!

(PS - Check out the date it was written - I wonder how his case of "election fatigue" is doing?)

Michigan Democrats ~ Would-Be Kingmakers?

When Michigan moved their primary date up in the hopes of being a "player" in the game of politics I don't think anyone imagined the scenario that is playing out before us. Especially the Democrats.

Remember when Hillary Clinton's eventual nomination was a foregone conclusion? So what if the other candidates removed their names from Michigan's ballot - Michigan was just play-off game on the way to Hillary's appearance in the World Series of politics - the Presidential campaign. Hillary won Michigan's Democrat delegation because the other team(s) didn't bother to show up for the game. And no one really thought it mattered.

Oh, but it does matter now. Hillary is down one in a tight play-off series. Can Michigan delegates get her back in the game?

Tick Tick Tick. . . . .

I just received the following Press Release from Greg VanWoerkem who is Pete Hoekstra's communications guru (not his official title. . . . . just a good way to remember him):

----- Original Message -----

From: VanWoerkom, Greg
To: VanWoerkom, Greg
Sent: Wed Feb 20 15:52:39 2008
Subject: Hoekstra: Day Four

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact:
Greg VanWoerkom, Deputy Press Secretary
(202) 225-4401 office
greg.vanwoerkom@mail.house.gov

DAY FOUR AFTER THE HOUSE FAILED TO APPROVE
THE BIPARTISAN SENATE FISA BILL:
THE CLOCK IS TICKING!

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On February 14, 2008, the Senate passed legislation to update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) by an overwhelming vote of 68-29. This bill provided a permanent fix to FISA that will allow U.S. intelligence agencies to monitor suspected foreign terrorists before a temporary fix, the Protect America Act, expired at midnight, February 16th.

However, House Nancy Speaker Nancy Pelosi refused to allow the House to vote on this bill and instead adjourned the House for a 12-day vacation on February 15th. Andrew McCarthy noted the folly of the decision of the House to leave town with such urgent legislation pending in a February 15th National Review online article:

"Democrats evidently had no time for national security, having exhausted themselves on such cosmic matters as a baseball pitcher’s alleged steroid use and unenforceable, unconstitutional contempt citations in a stale investigation into something that wasn’t a crime and that no one but MoveOn.org cares about any longer." http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NWU3NmEwNzhmYjVkZDdlNzVmZDhhODVmMmViZTRlODM=

The U.S. became more vulnerable to terrorism when the Protect America Act expired since our intelligence agencies became less capable of tracking terrorists. The more time goes by, the more vulnerable we become. How long will the House Democrat leadership place our national security at risk?

How nice! Could Nancy Pelosi's priorities be any more skewed? While she's playing "Chicken" with our national security our enemies could (and probably are) busy plotting against us. Ms. Pelosi - this IS NOT a game. It's serious and we need you to start acting like an adult.

The Power to Tax. . . . . and the Power to Destroy

This article explains better than I ever could the reason conservatives cherish the Constitution and why "change" is not a direction we want America to take. Next time you hear Barak Obama talk about the power of change. . . . take a few minutes to ask yourself just what change he will bring and the impact of change on America as we know (and love) it.

If you believe in slippery slopes, as I do, then I'm afraid we have been sliding down one and are nearing a dangerous precipice.

A Tale of Two Americas. . . . and Two Michelles

This article speaks for itself

America's Worst Presidents

Pay particular attention to President Lyndon Baines Johnson. . . . . named in this article as our third worst President. While I agree with all three picks, something about President Johnson really really bothers me. I guess maybe it's that I've often felt that Jimmy Carter was oblivious (or not smart enough to be aware) of the damage he was doing, whereas Johnson gives me the impression he knew exactly what he was doing.

What A Difference A Party Makes!

I can't improve on what Nick DeLeeuw over at RightMichigan has already said, so. . . . . here's the link to his article.

That's Saul Folks!!!

Michigan Republicans are fortunate to have Saul Anuzis as our Chair. My personal experience with Saul has been surprisingly positive. In addition to what this article has to say about Saul, he is a stand-up guy who will go to bat for the counties that get the job done. And from where I'm sitting, that's the most important attribute of all.

Fight Night with the Super Delegates

Hmmmm. . . . . . think back to Election Night, 2000. Remember Florida? My how the times have changed. Remember "Let every vote count"? Well, seems like not all Democrat candidates want to repeat that mantra. Hillary Clinton will insist on including Michigan and Florida results (i.e., delegates) at the Democratic National Convention. Barak will argue what President Bush and his team argued: "You can't change the rules after the game's been played".

But, don't feel too sorry for Hillary yet. If her "count every vote" ploy doesn't work she'll just have another trick up her sleeve - the Super Delegates. It looks like the so-called Super Delegates will have the power (and inclination) to give the nomination to Hillary even if she loses.

I say let them have at it. The more the Democrats tear into each other the better off our party will be. Ding Ding Ding! Ladies and Gentlemen, in this corner. . . . . . .

Oh what a fight night it will be!

Read a little more here!

Just a Spoonful of Sugar. . . . .

It's the Monday morning after Michigan's Republican State Convention. . . . . and I'm concerned. It's time to face reality - Senator McCain is going to be our party's Presidential nominee for 2008 and if our grassroots activists don't hop on the bandwagon it's going to be a long uphill climb.

Loyalty to your personal pick is a wonderful thing. . . . . until that candidate is no longer a viable candidate. Either Barak or Hillary can be beaten, but only if we gather around our nominee and embrace his candidacy. Go ahead and take a little time to mourn for failed candidacy of your favorite. If you candidate is still in the race (and yes, I'm talking to you Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul fans out there), encourage your candidate to step down now for the sake of party unity.

If John McCain isn't "conservative" enough for you (and he isn't for a lot of people) then send him a letter, sign an on-line petition, or encourage Senator McCain to support your preference for Vice-President. This is not the time to dig in your heels or bury your head in the sand. Your party needs you now.

More here. . . . . .

Hoekstra to Shadegg: Please Don't Go!

I've always known that Pete holds Representative Shadegg in high regard. It's great to know that other members of Congress are beginning to value and appreciate their conservative members.

Great letter Pete!

You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up!

Or. . . . . . . real life trumps fiction.

Okay - I realize West Michigan isn't exactly a suburb of Detroit, but this is just too interesting to pass up.

Betty Boop and the Early Ages of Class Warfare

Think class warfare is a new phenomenon? Nope! Class warfare has been around since before John Edwards and Barack Obama were even born!

Check out this newly discovered but old Betty Boop cartoon from 1932. . . . . I guess it really is true. The more things change the more they stay the same. Even class warfare.

Julian Bond to DNC: Seat Michigan's Delegates

At first glance I thought this article would confirm what I've felt for a long time - do not punish Michigan and Florida voters for daring to want to have an influence in the selection of our Presidential candidates. Well, Julian Bond and I agree on one thing - seat our delegates.

Unfortunately, our reasons couldn't be further apart. Disenfranchisement of minority voters? Please. . . . . . . are minority voters being more disenfranchised than others? I don't think so.

Gambling on Muskegon

Muskegon city officials voted to give the casino pact to a tribe from the Upper Peninsula despite having what was described as a "larger" proposal in hand from the Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians. Do we need a casino in Muskegon? Or more importantly, do we want a casino in Muskegon?

There are clearly economic benefits to the City of Muskegon. Are they worth it?

Read more here and let us know how you feel.

Obama's Spend-O-Meter

Wow - and we thought Jennifer Granholm was a big spender. Obama makes Governor Granholm look like a Little Leaguer. If Obama gets his hands on the national treasury he'll make Jennifer Granholm look positively frugal. And, of course, Obama's spending won't be reined in by an inconvenient requirement for a balanced budget the way Granholm has.

Anyone want to take a guess where Obama plans to get all this money? Hang on to your wallets and pocketbooks. . . . .

Take a peek (if you dare) at Obama's spend-o-meter here. . . .

S'more Hot Picks

So, most pundits claim it is too early to speculate on a running mate for John McCain. I don't agree. Now is the time for all Republicans to pick up our toys and head for our shared sandbox. And it isn't too early to know who we are going to be playing with.

It seems to me that instead of wasting time speculating about what could have been or perhaps should have been is unproductive. Our time and energy is much better spent promoting our candidate. . . . . . . and that's much easier to do when we know who he's taking to the prom.

Let's stop looking back and start looking forward. We can (and must) shape the future - but it'll be easier if we know whose hands we're entrusting our future to.

Another link to another speculative and analytical Veep article!

24 Hot Picks

With John McCain as the presumptive Republican nominee for President it's time to start taking bets on who he'll choose as his running mate.

This isn't exactly science here folks. . . . . . so what does a Presidential nominee look for in his choice of running mate? Some say location is everything. . . . . and conventional wisdom holds that you need a candidate from the south. How about business experience? Or youth? Or gender? Or ethnicity? Or. . . . . . oh well, you get the gist of this.

Here's one guy's take on the 24 "Hot Picks" for VEEP!

A Long March for Conservatives

The Long March Begins For Conservatives

Rick Moran

If, as expected, John McCain wins a smashing victory and takes an insurmountable lead in delegates, most conservatives will have to face the fact that our influence in Republican party has diminished significantly and that a re-assessment of our relationship with the party is in order. I daresay the most immediate fallout – and most superficial – will be a reduction in donations to the party from conservatives as well as fewer volunteers to fill out the staffs of Republican campaigns.

Very interesting. . . . . . read more here

A "Mulligan" for Michigan?

Apparently, that's what some Democrats want. Come one folks - this is the big leagues, not a friendly afternoon on the golf course. Unlike a friendly pick-up game or an afternoon spent relaxing with friends or business acquaintances on the links, there is something fundamental at stake here.

There is no "do over" in political campaigns. And there shouldn't be. All of the players knew the rules of the game before it began. If some players don't like the outcome they need to suck it up and play better next time. The voters did their part - even if their "scorecard" was imperfect. Now it's time for the pros to deal with the final score.

For more information read this.

Relying on False Prosperity?

The false prosperity that Michigan enjoyed for many years has ended. High wage jobs that require low (or no) skills are disappearing and will soon be obsolete.

Is prosperity in Michigan's past? Will it come back? No one can polish the crystal ball and gaze into the future, but studies make it increasingly clear that education is the key to a vibrant economy. And we are not talking about a high school diploma here folks.

In the Grand Rapids/Holland area, 24.3% of adults have attained a bachelor's degree. That is simply not good enough. Michigan's rate if 24.5% - or .2% higher than West Michigan.

I don't know what the answer to this problem is, but I'm fairly certain that throwing more money into education isn't going to be a significant help. I'd also like to know how many local students obtain bachelor's degrees and then move out of the state?

In other words, is this an education problem? Or a job availability problem? By spending more and more money on education are we just educating future workers for the rest of the 49 states?

Makes you wonder doesn't it?

More statistics available here. . . . .

Those Who Will Fight

We ALL love peace - Code Pink, SanFranciscans and Berkleyites do not have an exclusive claim on loving, wanting and praying for peace. The difference, of course, is the reality that we live in a world inhabited by some who do not love peace and seek to do us harm. No one loves war, but most of us realize the necessity of war.

I read this article this week-end. We need to think about our freedom and those who defend our freedom more often - not just on The Fourth of July and Veteran's Day. Comments anyone?

Bringing Back Michigan's Jobs

It's time we take an honest look at what is happening to jobs in Michigan. Where have all the jobs gone? True - many of them have gone overseas and may never come back. But a large share of Michigan's jobs are still right here in the good ole USA. That's right - they haven't moved offshore to India - they're in Indiana. Or Tennessee or any one of the other 49 states that isn't governed by Governor Granholm.

Congressman Tim Walberg, in an interview with RightMichigan.com discusses Michigan's job(less) situation here.

How to Link

Hmm. . . . . let's see if I can do this!

Here's a link

Hi Jack

Jack - Here is an example of a blog you can set-up at blogspot.com.