Terry Ann Online

Why I'm Supporting Newt

2011-12-13T10:21:00.003-06:00

I'm gonna start my post by saying that no candidate
is perfect. No human is perfect. But I think for
conservatives Newt Gingrich is the best available

option.

There are only two serious candidates. (There

could have been four serious candidates if Jon

Huntsman didn't act so arrogantly and Rick Perry

could actually articulate his message.) The two serious

candidates are Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.

Look, I like some of the other candidates that are

running but let's face it they're not going anywhere

for various reasons. Both Bachmann and Santurom's

records are thin.

Here are the reasons why I support Newt. First,

I believe he's more conservative than Romney. I know

my fellow conservatives say, "But he sat on the couch

with Nancy Pelosi for that global warming PSA!" Yes, I

think global warming is a bunch of nonsense. I

also would prefer my candidates not to be a flip-

flopper on Cap-and-Trade. But at least he flipped

in the right direction. He's also flipped on a individual

mandate in health care. But again at least he

flipped in the right direction. Romney still supports

the individual mandate. And Newt's actual legislative

record is pretty conservative. As Speaker he

passed Welfare Reform and a balanced federal

budget. That's conservative to me!

The main concern for many conservatives is spending.

I trust Newt over Mitt to cut the spending. Mitt used

federal funds when his state was in budget crisis.

I also don't trust Mitt Romney in appointing judges

to the Supreme Court. He's flipped flopped on abortion

and gay marriage. Newt hasn't. The Supreme Court

has four big government liberals, four conservatives

and one that swings both ways. So the next Republican

president is gonna have a battle in his/hers hands!

Who do you trust to fight that battle? Mitt or Newt?

I trust Newt.

There is another reason why I support Newt that

has nothing to do with his record. Newt is charismatic

and that's important going up against President Obama.

I know charisma is superficial but unfortunately

we live in a superficial media world. I have a hard time

sitting through a Mitt Romney interview or speech.

He's just dull. I have no such problem with Newt

Gingrich. You either have charisma or you don't.

President Obama has it. Newt Gingrich has it.

Unfortunately, Mitt Romney doesn't. If we weren't

running against Barack Obama I would say Mitt's

lack of charisma is a non-issue. We can't put up a

bland candidate against President Obama.

I also appreciate that Gingrich is an intellectual and

articulate. The way Gingrich talks about American

history with such passion and a breadth of knowledge

is inspiring. I'm tired of conservatives being portrayed

as a bunch of dimwits by the media. To be fair Romney

is also an intellectual and articulate.

So those are the main reason why I'm supporting

Mr. Gingrich in the Republican primary. I live in Texas

so there is plenty of time till I vote and things can change.

But so far this is who I am backing.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

2011-11-14T10:38:00.003-06:00

I want to write about a very powerful movie I viewed this
weekend. It came out last year but I barely got the

opportunity to see it over the weekend. The movie is

titled "The Joneses." Here's the trailer:

Don't let the trailer fool you. It's not a light, campy movie about

a fake family. In fact, I think has a powerful critic on American

consumerism. And with the economy in shambles I believe it

is a message that needs to be told.

I will give you a quick synopsis. (Warning: Plot spoilers.) The

Joneses are undercover marketers pretending to be a family

so they can sell products to a rich, suburban neighborhood.

And they become quite successful in their marketing. Soon

their neighbors and local businesses are buying what they got.

Each character is hiding something behind the facade of

being the perfect well-to-do family. Kate (the mother, played

by Demi Moore) is an ambitious businesswoman but has

trouble maintaining a serious relationship. Steve (the father,

played by David Duchovny) is a lonely middle-aged man
who wants to marry and have a REAL family. Jenn (the

daughter, played by Amber Heard) is a nymphomaniac.

Mick (the son, played by Ben Hollingsworth) is hiding that

he's homosexual.

Their lies and and hyper-consumerism finally rears its'

ugly head. One of Mick's friend's gets into a car accident

after drinking wine coolers that the Joneses were marketing

to teens. But the ugliest part was when Steve finds his

neighbor and close friend, Larry, dead after committing
suicide. The reason why he committed suicide? He was
about to lose his house because he over-extended his credit.
All Larry's wife cared about was having nice things. The

pressure of keeping up with the Joneses was too much

for him and he killed himself.

The movie is a powerful social critic. While everyone is

discussing the causes of this disastrous economy, I rarely

hear hyper-consumerism enter the discussion. The

recession began with the housing bubble bursting. People

were basically buying homes they couldn't afford.

As a Christian, I simply call this greed. I would like to

hear the American Church to speak more about the

immorality of hyper-consumerism, which is just

greed by another name. It is soul-crushing.

Materialism is rampant in our society and the Church

must be in the forefront in confronting it. Materialism

reduces people to just what they acquire and not

who they are as human beings. God sees our heart

and soul, not our things. You can't take your things

with you once you pass away.

Your Sweetness

2011-09-06T13:21:00.005-05:00

I can bask in your sweetness everyday.

You light me up like the moonlight on a

summer soiree.

An encouraging word from you wipes out a

thousand naysayers.

You taught me to stand tall like a

skyscraper.

I want to hold your hand through

every season of life.

Through love and strife.

Say you'll always be by my side.

Join me for the ride.

So Much For Big Pimpin'

2011-08-29T11:08:00.006-05:00

You know how Christians often get called hypocrites

by the media if they don't live up to their own standards.

Sarah Palin's daughter had a child out-of-wedlock and

she's a Christian! What a scandal! Or if some well-known

pastor (or sometimes a little-known pastor) resigns

because of some sex scandal, perhaps because of infidelity,

it makes national news. He's a hypocrite for not living

up to the values he professes!

Why don't rappers like Jay-Z get called hypocrites? He's

not living up to the values he professes in his music. His

music promotes promiscuity. Why isn't anyone calling him

a hypocrite? He's made millions selling a sick lifestyle of

promiscuity. The song that propelled him to fame was called

"Big Pimpin'". Here are some of the lyrics to the song:

You know I thug 'em, fuck 'em, love 'em, leave 'em
Cause I don't fuckin' need 'em
Take 'em out the hood
Keep 'em looking good
But I don't fuckin' feed em
First time they fuss I'm breezin'
Talking 'bout what's the reasons
I'm a pimp in every sense of the word, bitch
..........
So you can be livin' it up
Shit I part's wit nothin
Y'all be frontin'
Me give my heart to a woman
Not for nothin' never happen'
I'll be forever mackin'
Heart cold as assassins, I got no passion
I got no patience and I hate waitin'
Hoe get your ass in

Yet his wife, Beyonce Knowles, announced last night on MTV's

Video Music Awards that she's having a baby.

The media never calls out people who have no moral standards.

I guess it's better to claim you have no moral standards than

to say you do have standards and occasionally not live up to them.

Well so much for big pimpin'.

I've Got Moves Like Jagger!

2011-08-23T10:30:00.001-05:00

This is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

2011-08-21T16:18:00.011-05:00

I know this feeling all too well.

WASHINGTON Lisa Banks feels hopeless. She's lost an
essential part of her identity: Her status as a proud
full-time employee is gone.

Ever since the 44-year-old Germantown, Md., resident
was laid off from her job as an administrator for a federal
contractor in May 2009, she's sent out hundreds of
resumes, but only had four interviews. She says she's
depressed enough to try to seek out psychological help.
But no luck there either: She doesn't have insurance to pay
for it.

'I feel as if I'm invisible'

"I've worked all my life. I've been a decent person,"
she said. "(But now) I feel as if I'm invisible. Like
I'm not worth anything to society anymore."

I wasn't working for the longest time and it really took a

mental toll on me. I felt worthless. I felt like a complete

utter failure. I felt like a complete useless human being.

I couldn't look people in the because of the shame. It

was truly a humbling experience. Here I was an educated

woman having trouble finding employment.

I also isolated myself because of the shame and plus there

is not much you can do with no money. Isolation makes

everything worst.

I was looking for worth in my employment status instead

of where it really lies: God. I am a worthy creature because

God made me, whether I'm employed or not.

For anyone who is unemployed reading this I want you

to know you are worth so much. Don't give up hope.

Don't let rejection stop you. Wake up in the

morning and keep going. Keep your head up. God loves

You!

Better Than No Job

2011-08-16T12:22:00.003-05:00

Paul Krugman of The New York Times recently dismissed the

job growth in Texas because they are low paying jobs.

Kevin Williamson of National Review Online does an excellent

job of responding to Krugman. Snippet:

How different? Let’s look at the data: In spite of the fact that
Texas did not have a housing crash like the rest of the country,
housing remains quite inexpensive there. The typical
owner-occupied home in Brooklyn costs well over a
half-million dollars. In Suffolk County it’s nearly $400,000.
In Houston? A whopping $130,100. Put another way: In
Houston, the median household income is 39 percent of
the cost of a typical house. In Brooklyn, the median
household income is 8 percent of the cost of the median home,
and in Boston it’s only 14 percent. When it comes to
homeownership, $1 in earnings in Houston is worth a lot more
than $1 in Brooklyn or Boston. But even that doesn’t really
tell the story, because the typical house in Houston doesn’t
look much like the typical house in Brooklyn: Some 64 percent
of the homes in Houston are single-family units, i.e., houses. In
Brooklyn, 85 percent are multi-family units, i.e. apartments and
condos.

Yes, Texas jobs do not pay what other states might pay but

our cost of living is low. Also, I would prefer to have a job than

have no job. A job is a job. Even a sucky, low paying job can

afford you opportunities to move up the economic ladder

if you choose to take advantage of them. So many employers

that I know locally help out with tuition if you want to go

back to school. This might shock some liberals: But some

businesses actually want an educated workforce so they

can promote within the company.

I Respect The Other Candidates But They Totally Suck At What I'm Good At!

2011-08-15T16:04:00.004-05:00

Before you're going to call your opponent unelectable, I guess it's

nice to be polite about it.

Romney:

I respect the other people in this race, but I think the only
other person that has that kind of extensive private sector experience,
besides me, in the Republican race is Herman Cain.

Perry:

I respect all the other candidates in the field but there
is no one that can stand toe-to-toe with us.

Let's remember they all respect each other when they get down

and dirty during the course of the campaign! Let's roll!

I finally feel like this primary has started!

Why Are Atheists So Smug?

2011-08-15T10:24:00.009-05:00

This weekend I was matter-of-factly told by an atheist

on Twitter that I can't be a critical thinker because I'm

a theist. It got me to thinking: Why are atheists

so smug? This Tweeter doesn't know my intelligence

level but according to him I'm a theist so my mind

must not be running on all cylinders. He's probably

surprised I know how to read and write. (We might

not want to inform why the printing press was invented.

Heart-ache will ensue.)

In almost every encounter I've had with an atheist they

automatically think they are more enlightened than me.

If you think of prominent atheists they have something else

in common besides the fact they don't believe in God.

Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins and Bill Maher

are all smug. Note to atheists: If you truly want to have

a discussion about God and belief, it's probably not a

good idea to insult someone's intelligence.

Another thing I don't understand is why atheists value

intelligence so much to begin with? I'm guessing we all

would like to be highly intelligent individuals. But I don't

find any meaningful value in intelligence. Intelligence has

no moral value. Intelligent people have done some incredibly

good things. Intelligent people have also created some

bad things. (See: Atomic Bomb.) To me intelligence is like

beauty. Some people are born beautiful and some aren't

but it's not worth a thing to me.

You see that's the beauty of being a believer of God.

As a believer, God has given me worth. The things

we value as humans (intelligence, beauty) are meaningless

to God. He still loves us.

Purified by Fire

2011-06-30T16:01:00.010-05:00

We are two flawed and broken people

just picking up the messes of our lives.

But together we make tragic sense.

This you can't possibly deny.

A picture perfect scene you can't capture

with a lens.

Like gold our love has been purified by fire.

Burned over again and again.

Perfected by the scars of life.

My confidence in love finally regained.

I have felt the pain of a love not yet fulfilled.

I've waited so long for you to come my way.

I know the yearning for something real.

Nothing else explain us but fate.

Girly Girl Post

2011-06-25T00:55:00.007-05:00

For some reason I've been spending a lot of time on

YouTube watching make-up tutorials. I've never been

a real girly-girl type that likes shopping and

make-up. But I watched a couple of make-up

tutorials on YouTube and now I'm addicted!

I want every color of lipstick and blush now! LOL!

There are two lipsticks I want in particular.

Mac's Russian Red

Maybelline's Color Sensation Coral Crush

I don't have a lipstick in a coral color and would

like to try it out!

Be Grateful For Your Job

2011-06-13T17:44:00.005-05:00

With unemployment still incredibly high be grateful
if you are employed.

If you hate your job, be grateful you have one.

If your boss is mean, be grateful you have a boss.

If you feel you get paid too little for the work you do,
be grateful you get a paycheck because there are
plenty of people who would like to have the job
you have.

Be grateful.

Tonight's CNN GOP Debate

2011-06-13T17:07:00.002-05:00

Before the debate tonight I thought I would give my quick
analysis of the candidates debating tonight.

Mitt Romney - Was for him him before I was against him.
Easy to flip flop on a flip flopper!

Tim Pawleny - Zzzzzzzz. Sorry I fell asleep.

Hermain Cain - Who?

Newt Gingrich - People are fleeing his campaign for a reason.

Michele Bachmann - Flamethrower

I will be live tweeting the debate.... twitter.com/terryannonline

Sarah's Colonoscopy

2011-06-11T15:38:00.003-05:00

I'm of two minds on Sarah Palin's colonoscopy, as Greta van

Susteren puts it. First, news organizations are cutting jobs

like crazy so why not ask for some free help? We now live

in a world where bloggers are breaking stories instead of

traditional news outlets. However, it strikes me as extremely

biased. Would these news outlets be asking for the same

type of help if the subject was President Obama? I think not!

Standing for Something

2011-06-11T14:38:00.007-05:00

It's hard to actually believe in something; to stand for something.

When you believe in something you actually have to be held

accountable for your beliefs. Life is an easy summer breeze

when you don't claim to have a distinct moral system. "Hypocrite!,"

they yell when you fall short of your proclaimed values.

The cry of "Hypocrite!" is the favorite slur of people who

attempt to discredit people of religious beliefs. Example:

This makes no sense to me. Just because people don't always

live up to their beliefs doesn't mean the whole belief system

should be thrown out. People don't always live up to marriage

vows but does that mean we should do away with marriage?

I think not. Christians don't always live up to the example

Christ set for us, but that does not mean Christianity has

been discredited.

We are flawed human beings. We aren't always going to

live up to the standards we set up for ourselves. And

sometimes those standards are incredibly high. Just

because you might fall short doesn't mean you should

aim high. Aim high! And if you don't hit the target. Shoot

again.

Don't fear being called hypocrite. I would rather be

called hypocrite and believe in something than to

never be called hypocrite and believe in nothing.

Let's Talk About Consumerism

2011-06-04T10:27:00.008-05:00

I've been thinking about this question a lot: Where are my

fellow conservatives on American consumerism? Why aren't

more conservatives vocal about the ills of consumerism?

If you were to look up online negative articles on consumerism,
I bet the majority would be written by liberal academics or
writers. Conservatives have no problem delivering the message
that government needs to be more frugal but what about as
a culture as a whole? It's not just government that is in debt.

Consumerism is part of the reason we are in this recession.

People were buying homes they couldn't afford, which led

to the housing crisis. No government regulation is going to

fix a culture that says, "You deserve the very best, new things
in life."

I think being anti-Consumerism is a very conservative idea.

We don't want financial resources being wasted on junk.

However, for some reason liberals have been able to make

conservatives seem pro-Consumerism. They continually say

that Bush said after 9/11 to "go shopping." I don't quite

remember it that way but the image has stuck. We can reverse

this image.

When liberals talk about economy they like to talk in moral

terms. Funny how they can't talk in moral terms when it

comes to abortion or other social issues but I digress. They

talk about the "injustice" of the rich being too rich or something.

We should talk in moral terms too. To put it bluntly: Consumerism

is immoral and we shouldn't be afraid to say so.

While I don't agree with everything in this video, you gotta

admit this very popular YouTube video makes some compelling

moral arguments:

Gruene, TX

2011-05-29T18:03:00.003-05:00

Gruene, TX, originally uploaded by terryarendon.

Gruene, TX

2011-05-29T18:03:00.001-05:00

Gruene, TX, originally uploaded by terryarendon.

Ziplining

2011-05-29T17:48:00.000-05:00

Went ziplining yesterday and it was pretty fun.

Check out the video!

ET

2011-05-21T18:46:00.003-05:00

Eternal Justice

2011-05-02T14:33:00.004-05:00

If there is any event in my lifetime that makes the

case for Hell more than any other, it is Osama bin Laden's

death. Bin Laden was pure evil. Nothing here on Earth

could provide the justice he so rightly deserves, which

is rotting in Hell.

I have read some make the case that believing in Hell

is immoral. How is it moral that a mass murderer like

Osama bin Laden doesn't get to burn in Hell for eternal

life? There has to be more to justice than what we

experience here on Earth. If Earthly justice is all there is
that is the most unfair thing I have ever contemplated.

I believe in a just and fair God.

Where are the Christian thinkers?

2011-04-11T17:54:00.002-05:00

Where are the Christian thinkers of today? Where are the
C.S. Lewis’ and Dietrich Bonheoffer’s of our day? I see few.

I believe God wants us to connect Him in every way, even

intellectually. Imagine having a relationship with someone

you can’t have a deep, intellectual conversation with? I see

it as a huge deficiency in current Christianity that we have
few modern day Christian thinkers.

I see plenty of well-known Christian authors, pastors who
are great at encouraging and energizing people. We need
encouraging and energizing people in the Church. I have
no issue with this.

I’m not asking for intellectuals to dominate Christianity. I
just want a balanced Church, one that focuses on the soul,
body and mind.

We live in a country where 11.5 million of young adults are
currently enrolled in college. And guess what they are getting
asked tough, thought-provoking questions in their classes.
They are getting loaded up with information. Is the Church
feeding the intellect?

Another trend that is currently happening is the rise of
atheism. About 15 percent of the American population
now reports to have no religious beliefs. However wrong
I think atheists are, they make intellectual arguments. We
can’t counter intellectual arguments with emotions or
encouraging words. It won’t work. A Christian can be as
nice, friendly, encouraging to someone who has made the
intellectual decision not to follow God and it won’t matter
one bit.

Obama is Ultra-Liberal, But Not When It Comes to Race

2011-04-04T16:32:00.002-05:00

I think President Obama is a liberal through and through.

However, I don't think he is very liberal when it comes

to the issue of race. He has an American mainstream view

of race, which is not liberal. In fact, if he had a liberal

view a race he would have never been elected. The liberal

view is that America is a racist country and I don't think

Obama believes that for one second.

I guess one can argue that Obama gives us a polished up

version on his beliefs while campaigning. But I can only go

on what I hear him say. And what he says is good.

I don't agree with Obama on much but when he touches

on the topic of race, he pretty much hits the mark.

Exit question: Since I disagree with Obama on practically

everything except racial issues, am I still a conservative

racist?

I Confess

2011-03-27T16:55:00.004-05:00

For although they knew God, they neither glorified

him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their

thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were

darkened.

Romans 1:21

I don't like confessional blogging. It makes me uncomfortable

when people pour themselves online. But I feel like I have an

important story to tell and I don't know what other format

to tell in. So I am about to do what I don't like.

I have struggled with depression about my whole life but last

year it hit really hard. Harder than any time before. It was

the lowest point of my life so far. I've always wrestled with

depression but the fact that I was also dealing with finding

a job and loneliness. I let negative thoughts control me. This

is a sample of what I wrote in my journal when I hit rock

bottom:

Shame is written all over my face. Every part of me
wants to wither and die. I don't want to live another
day of this sad and pathetic life. I pray to God for
answers but I receive none. Why Lord are you
ignoring my petitions.

I need You more than ever to save me. I'm dying from
the inside out.

I have no more dreams or hopes anymore. They are
all gone.

I was hurting really bad. I wanted to give up. But God didn't

give up on me. I learned from Him that I needed to grateful.

God has given me so much. I never go a day without a meal.

I have supportive family and friends but it wasn't enough.

I was ungrateful. Someone with an ungrateful heart will never

be happy or pleased. I was asking God to change my situation

but I needed to ask Him was to change my heart to a thankful

one. Being thankful literally saved my life.

I thank God everyday now. He is a good God. I have hope

now. I have something to look forward to. There is a reason

why I am alive and it is He.

I know in the Christian community we can oftentimes look down

on melancholy. Christians aren't supposed to be unhappy.

Guess what? Christians suffer from depression and anxiety

too like everyone else.

Waxing Poetic

2011-03-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

Ever notice how whenever one version of conservatism

dominates the Left sings the praises of the type of

conservatism that is out of power?

When social conservatism is front and center, they praise

fiscal conservatives/libertarians. Why can’t conservatives

all be pro-abortion and for marijuana legalization like

those libertarians!!!

When fiscal conservatism is on full display, liberals long

for the days for those big spending social cons that tend

to favor spending money on social programs. Man, where

are those religious conservatives?

Point blank: The Left just doesn’t like any type of

conservatism in power. So do not get fooled when

they are waxing poetic about any type of conservatism.

It is only to demean the current batch of conservatives.

Social conservatism and the foreign policy hawks were

the evil ones when Bush was in power. Fiscal conservatism

and Speaker John Boehner are now the evil ones.

Hot Sins!!!

2011-03-10T14:37:00.003-06:00

Caryn of ThinkChristian.net is not a fan of BYU’s honor

code that recently got a basketball player suspended
because he engaged in pre-marital sex. She calls it

“sin-sniffing.” She goes on to ask, “Do these sorts of
codes that focus on a few ‘hot’ sins really have any
place in our grace-based faith?” Yes, I believe they do.

First, let me state that I believe that BYU as a Mormon
private school should be able to have a code that reflects
their religious beliefs. Now back to Caryn’s non-sequitur.

I always find the argument that we shouldn’t call out
one sin because there are other sins odd. Yes, we are

ALL sinners. Yes, we all have grace available to us.

However, are we not supposed to highlight any sin because
we are imperfect beings? I guess in Caryn’s world the

United States can never, ever take out a dictator because

there are so many other dictators!!! So just let the

oppressed people of one country go on suffering because

our military can’t free all oppressed people in the world.

Heck, maybe we should never engage in war since no

one is perfect and sinless.

I guess the Think Christian blogger doesn’t like the fact

that pre-marital sex gets uneven focus in the Christian

community. Fair enough. It does get uneven focus. Perhaps

the reason why pre-marital sex gets such an uneven focus

is because the vast majority of single adults are having

pre-marital sex. The only reason this story got any news

media attention is because the honor code is so contrary

to our current American mores and customs.

The Pitfalls of Freedom

2011-02-21T14:33:00.003-06:00

God gave us free will. We can choose to believe in God
or reject Him. He does not force His love on us. The
choice is ours. God could have easily made it so we
all choose Him but he gave that responsibility to us.

Because of that freedom we are also free to do good

or evil. The choice is also ours. Freedom is such

a beautiful thing but it has its pitfalls. In freedom we
can also find evil. The Devil uses freedom to entice us.
The Devil tells us, "Come over here where you are free
to satisfy every human desire without any boundaries."

Just remember there is also a choice to do bad or

good. It is up to you. God gave you that freedom.

Don't abuse it.

My Compass

2011-01-27T16:24:00.002-06:00

Breaking out of the rut I'm in.

All that matters now is where I'm headed;

not where I've been.

My worries will have to be gone for the day.

At your feet my burdens lay.

No longer skimming through the pages.

I'm going to be content in all my stages.

Everything and everybody has a purpose.

Life is the wide open sea; God's my compass.

Abundant Life

2011-01-21T19:43:00.002-06:00

Situated at an edge of a cliff.

Will I die or will I live?

Look past the pain and choose an

abundant life.

Rise out of the ashes and you will

strive.

Dry those tears and let go of the

fear.

God will guide when you have no

idea which way to steer.

Pause

2011-01-10T20:11:00.002-06:00

by Terry Ann Rendon

Pause. Breathe. Just trying to be me.

Lost. Realign. Found by the God who I

vehemently need.

Dream. Hope. Rejoice in God's unending

love.

Passion. Zest. Never let apathy take hold.

Cherish. Gratefulness. A thankful heart is

worth more than gold.

Mercy and Consequences

2011-01-04T17:28:00.003-06:00

As Christians we speak of grace often but what about
justice? Our God is a loving and merciful God but He's

also a just God. And sometimes a just God lets us face the

consequences of our sins. Just because we ask for

forgiveness does that mean God should withhold the

consequences of our sins? I think not.

It's easy to talk about how much God loves us. However,

it's not so easy to discuss the narrow path God wants us

take. In order for there to be grace and mercy, there

first has to be an acknowledgement of sin. Ironically,

by singularly focusing on grace and leaving out the

consequences for our sins we are making mercy and

grace harder. If you don't know what you are doing

wrong, how can you ask for grace? Should a convicted

criminal be granted clemency by our legal system without

ever acknowledging what he or she did wrong?

Yes, God loves you immensely. He sent his son, Jesus

Christ, to die on the cross for you. He is a loving and

merciful God. But He's also a God of consequences. Only

an unloving God would let his children do whatever they

want without any sort of consequences.

Is Believing In Hell Immoral?

2011-01-02T11:20:00.003-06:00

I've heard it said a couple of times from different people that

they don't believe in Hell because they believe the thought

of living in eternal damnation is "immoral." Well I believe that

not believing in Hell is immoral. All it takes is a few minutes

of watching the evening news to realize there is a whole lot of

evil in the world. Its also obvious that some of the evil done

in this world will not and can not receive justice here on Earth.

So if you don't believe in Hell but believe in a Heaven, where
do you think the souls of the evil go? Heaven? So if both the
good and evil go to Heaven, what's the point of Heaven? And

if you don't believe in Heaven or Hell, please explain to me the

morality behind an evil person who has wrecked havoc on

Earth but never received Earthly "justice" to be able to die

without ever facing the consequences of his/her deeds?

That to me is immorality!

Shining in the Debris

2010-12-28T18:32:00.002-06:00

by Terry Ann Rendon

You convict me into becoming a better me.

Who says a little guilt and shame is bad?

Lord You just want me to be free.

You pull me away from the worldly things

that won't last.

With clear vision I now see Your will shining

in the debris.

All you want from me is to follow You!

So I will follow and let You lead.

I marvel in everything You do.

Raise Your Glass

2010-11-27T17:23:00.002-06:00

Me and You

2010-11-22T21:21:00.002-06:00

Skeptical Me.

Improbable circumstance.

Faithful You pulls me through.

Blind Me.

Walking through life with no vision.

All foreseeing You holds my hand and leads the way.

Foolish Me.

Never saying or doing the right thing.

Wise You teaches me to watch my words and deeds.

Broken Me.

Falls apart so easily.

Comforting You gives me peace of mind.

Hurt Me.

Pain consumes the senses.

Healing You wipes away the tears.

Struggling Me.

As I try to pick up my head above the water.

Life saving You brings me to dry land.

Immobilized

2010-09-03T12:48:00.004-05:00

Immobilized. She stood there listless by all
the pain. All she can do is refrain.

Crushed. She can't move or speak.
She doesn't know what it is she seeks.

Humiliated. Embarrassed by all her
missteps and failures. Success is hard
to remember.

Longing. She wants something more.
Something she can't have. Will she ever
get the chance?

Connect. Reaching out and reaching in.
Wondering if she will ever fit in?

Is Doug McKelway Anchorman?

2010-08-10T12:14:00.003-05:00

A few months ago I was riveted by a column written
under the pseudonym "A nchorman" at The Daily Caller.
While reading the column I surmised three things about
Anchorman, which are:

1) He has been in the business for a long time
2) He is an anchor in the Washington D.C. area
3) And, obviously, he has a conservative bent

Well this profile fits Doug McKelway. McKelway has
been in the business since the 1980s, according to his
Wiki page. He's an anchor in D.C. (where The Daily Caller
is operated from). And he is now suspended for slanting
his reporting against Democrats (although that is not
what the station is claiming).

So if I were take an educated guess I think this is the
face of Anchorman:

My Issues with Talk Radio

2010-08-05T15:16:00.006-05:00

I love conservative media. I read conservative blogs and
I often visit the websites of National Review and Weekly
Standard. I watch Fox News. But I must confess conservative
talk radio is sometimes grating to listen to. I do think there
are some excellent shows on air but the bad outweighs
the good.

Talk show radio hosts are often mean-spirited. For example,
Rush Limbaigh, Mark Levin and Laura Ingraham. Or they
sound paranoid. For example, Glenn Beck and Michael
Savage.

Another issue I have with talk radio is that it's often
repetitive. If you listen to a full day's worth of talk radio
I'm sure you would hear the same themes. There truly
is a lack of originality.

Talk radio is such a wonderful medium to engage in
discussions, especially about politics. But so much of
what I hear on the radio dial is not discussion but
radio personalities that are so full of themselves. We
can do better.

Where to Stand

2010-07-24T19:21:00.004-05:00

Forever scares me but what scares me more
is the thought of a forever without You, Jesus.
Without You I just can't breathe.
You pick me up when I'm in pieces.
Sin is my disease.

I apologize for making a mess of the life You gave.
I was just so ungrateful.
I have to remember only You save.
You've always been so faithful.

Give meaning to this meaningless life.
Rehydrate me in this barren land.
Hold my hand while I face strife.
Show me where to stand.

Everything in me screams empty vessel waiting
to be filled by Your glory.
I'm letting go of the world and focusing on You.
Every life is a book, tell me my story.
Change me and make new.

Special Relationship

2010-05-25T15:41:00.004-05:00

After years of whining from the Left about the "special
relationship" between Presdient George W. Bush
and Tony Blair, HBO has decided to do a movie about the
"special relationship" between Tony Blair and.......Bill Clinton.
Say what?!?

Remember when the Left posted stuff like this on YouTube:

The Comedy Central show "Lil' Bush" even portrayed Blair
as having a crush on Bush. From Wikipedia:

Lil' Tony Blair, voiced by Dave B. Mitchell; an effeminate
British boy who is on the same cheerleading squad as Lil'
George. The two become friends, much to the consternation
of both boys' families (Tony's mother is portrayed as the
Queen). Barbara Bush uses "being British" as a euphemism
for homosexuality, and she is alarmed at the possibility of
Lil' George "applying for dual citizenship" and "driving on
the wrong side of the road".

So I guess when Tony Blair was a friend to George Bush there
was obviously some hidden ulterior motive but his friendship
with Bill Clinton was pure awesomeness! Got it!

HBO also has a poll asking, "Which of the following partnerships have
had the most impact on foreign policy?" The three options are:
Churchill/Roosevelt, Thatcher/Reagan, and Blair/Clinton. I didn't
even know the Blair/Clinton partnership had any sort of impact
but to even compare it to Churchill and Roosevelt is pure comedy.

Preview:

Extended Preview

Why the Pro-Life Position Is Gaining Traction

2010-05-17T14:19:00.005-05:00

Quote from the season finale of Grey's Anatomy when one
of the characters (Meredith Grey) informs her best friend
(Cristina) she's pregnant this is her response:

"Are we happy about this or are we exercising our legal
right to choose?"

The character, Meredith Grey, is married and is obviously
well-off since she and her husband are both surgeons and
her best friend asks her if she's keeping the baby? What?
Why would a healthy married surgeon in her late thirties
even consider abortion? That's idiotic. And this is why the
pro-life position has gained traction over the decades! It's
the perception that abortion is being used by women who
aren't in need.

The moral vacuousness of the show Grey's Anatomy continues:

Nurture

2010-05-07T11:03:00.004-05:00

Be in rest barren woman and
nurture those around you.
Life can be full even with an empty
womb.
Bear the blessings that God has brought
before you.
Smile while you sleep and dream of
laughter.
Lord Jesus loves you and that is all that
matters.

Maxican

2010-05-02T17:47:00.004-05:00

My brother got this business card at the local
trade market. (I erased the phone number.)

"Real" Women

2010-04-24T11:49:00.007-05:00

From an article on Esquire:

The days of stick thin models and celebrities are
running slim. In the wake of the CFDA’s desire to
resize the sample size in the modeling industry, it
seems that fuller figured women are growing in
popularity. Stars like Kim Kardashian and Crystal
Renn have recently gone nude for Harper’s Bazaar
and French Vogue, respectively, in an undeniable
celebration of real women -– a.k.a. women who
come in different shapes and sizes.

Huh? Kim Kardashian represents a celebration of real women?
Uh no.

A comment over at the Lane Bryant blog covering the
recent controversy over one of their revealing ads:

Once again “mainstream” is trying to keep people from
seeing the REAL America, the big, the beautiful and the
BODacious. But don’t worry we will soon be seeing the
commercial somewhere else.

A Lane Bryant model represents "Real" America? Hardly.

Am I glad that the modeling industry and Hollywood are
getting away from the super-thin models and actresses? Yes,
I am. It seems the recent decades were full of super skinny
models like Kate Moss and hip-less actresses like Gwyneth
Paltrow and Cameron Diaz. It's good that Hollywood and
the modeling business are embracing women with curves.
But let's get real they don't represent "real women" or the
"Real America." Fashion magazines and lingerie commercials
are still selling a shallow and superficial notion of beauty.
The only thing that has changed is that their models and
actresses aren't a size 2 any longer.

What Should Be Conservatives Top Priority?

2010-04-24T10:18:00.003-05:00

I think it's important on a personal level to evaluate our
priorities in life. What matters most? Life is always harder
when one's priorities are out of whack. I want to apply
this notion to the conservative movement and ask:
What should be conservatives top priority?

There three pillars to the conservative movement:
social conservatism, fiscal conservatism and foreign
policy hawks. Of course, not everyone in the conservative
movement falls into all three categories. Which of these
should be the dominate conservative message in the
next few years?

Right now it seems that fiscal conservatism is winning.
There's hardly any talk about social issues or foreign
policy coming out conservatives' mouths. Short term
this might be the right message. Spending has gotten
out of control. But what about the long term?

I believe the social issues get at the heart of who
and what America is. I know the social issues (for example
abortion) are very divisive issues. If the social fabric of our
country is fundamentally changed to where we are
unrecognizable the other areas suffer as well. What's
the use of economic prosperity if America families are
falling apart? How do you fight a war overseas without
moral and social clarity? You can't.

A Conservative Cable Network is a Bad Idea

2010-04-20T14:41:00.008-05:00

Apparently there is a new channel that is set to appear
on some on-demand cable offerings that is targeted to
people on the Right side of the political aisle. From the
Daily News article:

Actor Kelsey Grammer is one of the names behind
The RightNetwork, a new operation that is being
targeted at "Americans who are looking for
content that reflects and reinforces their
perspective and world-view."

That's the problem there. We shouldn't insulate ourselves
by seeking content that reinforces our perspective. We
shouldn't insulate ourselves by only hearing one point
of you.

I know entertainment now caters to niche markets, especially
when it comes to cable and the internet. But to make a
difference you can't preach to the faithfuls. And when it
comes to entertainment, I think it's better not label yourself
to have a broader appeal. Fox News has a conservative bent
in it's commentary but it never labels itself "conservative."
In fact it's motto is "Fair and Balanced." By not labeling
itself "conservative" it doesn't isolate people from other
political ideologies.

The Right Network is going to attempt to put a spotlight
on conservative comedians. We all know that stand-up
comedy leans to the Left. Funny how no comedian can
come up with jokes about President Obama, isn't it?

Conservatives shouldn't feel the need to answer all the
left-wing comedy. The late night television comics don't
advertise that they're liberal, they just are. Conservative
comics should do the same. Just be funny. Remember
the last time a comedy show tried to label itself
"conservative"?

Dude I think I have Fox News Execs Reading My Blog!

2010-04-15T17:09:00.004-05:00

I write this and then this happens.

I Have To Agree with Media Matters On This One

2010-04-15T09:35:00.007-05:00

Fox News should not be promoting the Tea Party. As Media
Matters points out, many of the anchors of Fox News are
actively promoting the protests. Look at this ad for Cavuto's
show:

I know Cavuto and Hannity fall under category of "opinion"
journalism. However, just because one falls under category of
a opinion doesn't mean it's ethical to actively promote a
protest. How can one trust your opinion if you're entrenched
in a certain movement? How would've conservatives reacted
if MSNBC or CNN actively promoted the Iraq War protests
the way Fox News is promoting the Tea Party protests?

Rupert Murdoch himself said that Fox News should not be promoting
the Tea Party:

Fox News' promotion of the Tea Party protests is activism
journalism. I don't like activism journalism when it comes
from the Right or Left.

Kathleen Parker Wins a Pulitzer, Sarah Palin Makes $12 Million

2010-04-13T10:20:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you but I rather have Sarah Palin's
$12 million than Parkers' Pulitzer.

Fred Davis: Comedic Genius?

2010-04-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

I think Fred Davis, the creator of Carly Fiorina's "demon sheep"
ad and McCain's "Celebrity" ad, missed his true calling: comedy
writer. Here's McCain's new snarky ad:

Kathleen Parker Wins a Pulitzer

2010-04-12T14:31:00.003-05:00

Really, Kathleen Parker? You mean the woman who wrote
a column about Twitter without ever using it before so she
could be trendy and hip? You mean the woman who used
the nonsensical term "oogedy-boogedy" in one her columns?
That is worthy of Pulitzer? It seems bashing Sarah Palin
makes you automatically worthy of an award. Ask Tina Fey.

There Is Hope for American Journalism!

2010-04-12T13:56:00.008-05:00

How can one be pessimistic about the future of journalism
when you hear wonderful news like this:

Three quarters of editors and news directors polled
say they have "serious reservations" about
government funding of journalism, and 78 percent
say the same thing about interest groups, primarily
for fear that independence can be compromised,
according to a study by the Pew Research Center's
Project for Excellence in Journalism.

They know if the government is funding them their paychecks
will dramatically decrease. Liberals talk up government funded
news stations like NPR, PBS, and C-SPAN but given the choice
I think they prefer watching or listening to news programs owned
by private entities.

My favorite quote from the piece:

"One thing they say is that we've got to figure this out
for ourselves," said Tom Rosenstiel, Pew's director.
"We can't wait for Big Brother to help us."

May American journalism live on (online of course)!

I Blame Jon Stewart

2010-04-12T12:23:00.006-05:00

Today it was announced that Conan O'Brien will have his
very own show on TBS. Yes, really, basic cable. He's going
from having a show on network television to basic cable.
Why didn't Fox jump to snap him up? I have no idea.
Alas, my dreams of a Fox late night lineup that includes
Conan followed by Red Eye is shattered.

The landscape of late night of television has completely
changed and I blame Jon Stewart. Now it seems like
every basic channel wants their own late night show.
There's Chelsea Lately, The Daily Show, and Lopez
Tonight. You don't have to be on network television
to have your own late night comedy show. The Daily
Show really proved to basic cable that they can have
a successful late night comedy show.

Another late night feature I attribute to Jon Stewart is
the partisanship in late night comedy. Johnny Carson
would skewer both Republicans and Democrats and Jay
Leno for the most part attempts to keep this mode (which
explains his success with older demographics). Jon Stewart
is a liberal all the way and lets it be known. Yes, sometimes
he pokes fun of Democrats. However, it is nothing like
the way he skewers Republicans. His hate for Bush
was visible in his face and jokes. Now it seems like just
about every late night comedian (with the exception to
some extent of Jay Leno) is obsessively partisan.
Chelsea Handler, George Lopez and David Letterman
make no bones about being liberals.

Here is an interview with Stephen Colbert where he
explains that Jon Stewart asked him to have a political
opinion (It's starts about seven minutes in):

The late night television landscape has changed.
Technology plays a big part in the dramatic change but I
think Jon Stewart is partly responsible. Whether the
transformations in late night comedy are good or bad ,
I'll let you decide.

Our Morally Confused Society

2010-04-11T11:55:00.004-05:00

I was reading this great article over at the Financial Times and it
got me thinking about the mixed messages our media sends
about sexual morality. Excerpt:

Getting rid of the old punitive morality that surrounded
sexuality seemed like it would do no one any harm, and
relieve a lot of unnecessary anguish and guilt. But young
people have not reacted to it as theorised. They will
gladly skip the “morality” part. But in a world as socially
competitive as that of teen dating, the “punitive” part
is simply too useful a tool to do without. So people
proclaim themselves free of moral hang-ups, and yet
throw around words like “slut” and “whore” with an
abandon that no previous generation ever did. It is
unlikely there was any moral disapproval in the
taunts to which Prince was allegedly exposed. It
might have been better if there had been. Moral
pretensions might have led her alleged tormentors
to look at their own conduct, and reined them in. In
place of moralism we have nothing but the will to power
and the desire to ostracize – a values system that differs
from the old one only in its arbitrariness.

Our media perpetuates mixed messages on sexual morality. On
the one hand it teaches don't expect young people to abstain from
sex until marriage, it would be puritanical to do so. It also teaches
society not to make people feel guilty for being sexually "free." On
the other hand it has no problem ridiculing the sexually loose people,
the Paris Hilton's of the world.

For an example of this see late night comedian Chelsea Handler.
She pokes fun of the Jonas Brothers for their purity rings but
she also makes fun of celebrities who sleep around. She's obviously
making a moral judgment on promiscuous celebrities but based
on what? If you believe it is insane for young people to abstain
from sex, why are you making a moral judgment about people
who sleep around? Such morality seems arbitrary.

I don't think it's in our nature to have a libertine sexual morality.
God didn't create us that way. That is why the preachers of this
sexual morality oftentimes find themselves judging others.

HuffPo Columnist: Where's the Left's Sarah Palin?

2010-04-09T23:01:00.004-05:00

Interesting column. She's wondering where is the Sarah Palin
equivalent on the Left. A female who can draw huge crowds
and is charismatic. All I can say is charisma is not something
you can reproduce. You either have it or not. Obviously,
Barack Obama and Sarah Palin have "it." I'm sure John McCain
wished he had "it" when running against Barack Obama.

There is something else I think makes it difficult for the Left
to have their own Sarah Palin. For the longest time the Democrats
have portrayed Republicans as a bunch of white males. So
Sarah Palin immediately sparked interest (even negative)
because she was a female in a supposedly all male club. Why
would a female Democrat spark same interest? The Democrat
Party, as we are told, is inclusive so would why would anyone
be shocked or intrigued by a female Democrat?

Say What?

2010-04-08T13:35:00.002-05:00

No, Sarah Palin, Chairman Steele is not doing a "great job."

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Michael Steele Plays the Race Card

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

I Agree with Senator Coburn

2010-04-08T11:17:00.004-05:00

I agree with Senator Coburn. I like Fox News but I think
some of their hosts like Glenn Beck are hyperbolic and
emotional. Do we really want Fox News to be the conservative
equivalent to MSNBC? I don't. You can be conservative
and continue to like Fox News (as I do) but not agree with
all their choices. I think Fox has some of the best conservative
commentary (see Charles Krauthammer) but it also has
some bombastic voices that make me uneasy.

What World Does Katrina vanden Heuvel Live In?

2010-04-07T09:34:00.005-05:00

What world does Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher
of The Nation, live in? Her commentary is delusional. She once
called Al Gore and Jimmy Carter the "great speakers of our time."
If Al Gore is one of the greatest speakers of our time how was
he defeated by George Bush, whom Democrats continually
characterize as a babbling idiot?

In her latest column Katrina continues in her delusional ways.

One problem is that we live in a center-left country with
a center-right media that consistently misinforms people
about the perils of debts, deficits, and tax increases, and
purveys misinformation about a good but modest health
care bill that rightwing talk radio, tea partiers and
GOPsters would have Americans believe is a "socialist"
power grab.

Center-right media? Does she not watch CNN, MSNBC, ABC,
or CBS? Does she ever read Time or Newsweek? Has she ever
picked up a copy of the The New York Times or The Washington
Post? And yes, Katrina, there are perils to having huge amounts
of debt.

This is one of my favorite passages from her column:

A public investment deficit--seen in our crumbling
infrastructure, lack of investment in a robust green
economy, and rising tuition costs at public universities,
to name just a few areas--and a concentration of wealth
and power that bought a deregulated casino economy
and subsequent economic collapse that the rest of us
are paying for.

Do you know why tuition costs so much, Katrina? Because
we got the federal government pumping money into the
universities through federal loans.

How Katrina vanden Heuvel is a political commentator is beyond
me. Her analysis is never based on reality.

Conflicting Narratives

2010-04-06T21:30:00.004-05:00

It seems like the Left is creating two conflicting narratives on
Sarah Palin.

One narrative: She's a divisive and unpopular figure.

Second narrative: She's a political celebrity that incites
hate from her fans.

Well which one is it?

Sunday is Here!

2010-04-04T13:01:00.002-05:00

What is Ralph Peters Talking About?

2010-04-02T14:54:00.006-05:00

I usually enjoy Ralph Peters columns but I have no I idea
what he is talking about here:

No individual who broke the law to enter this
country should ever be allowed to decide who
becomes our president, governor, senator—or
town council member. If there is one message
patriotic Americans must act upon during
the remainder of Obama’s reign, it’s this:
No voting rights for illegals.

Can someone give me an example of ONE politician who wants
to give voting rights to people who aren't American citizens?
I can't think of one. I don't think anyone would be dumb
enough to give non-citizens voting rights. Is Ralph Peters
talking about granting amnesty to people who are illegally?
Once they are granted amnesty they are naturalized
citizens. Is Ralph Peters seriously suggesting taking away
voting rights of people who are citizens? If he wants to argue that
illegals shouldn't be granted amnesty, that is one thing, but to
argue that once American citizens they shouldn't be allowed to
vote is crazy talk.

Study: 52 Percent Of Bloggers Consider Themselves Journalists

2010-04-02T14:20:00.001-05:00

Via Tech Crunch. This is interesting:

According to a new study released by PR Week and PR
Newswire, 52% percent of bloggers surveyed consider
themselves journalists. This is an increase from 2009’s
study, when just one in three had the same opinion.
However, despite this, only 20% of bloggers obtain the
majority of their income from their blogs; which is an
4% increase from 2009.

Why Do Nightly News Viewers Prefer Male Anchors?

2010-04-02T11:56:00.008-05:00

It appears another female television news journalist is flopping
when it comes to anchoring the nightly news. I've expressed my
displeasure on how much focus is given to looks when it comes
to women anchors before. But there is something much deeper
than that going on here. The viewers of broadcast nightly news
tend to be older. So perhaps they are just accustomed to having
a male with that Walter Cronkite type voice.

Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer do have different styles
than their male predecessors. They are more conversational
and less formal in their presentation. Perhaps nightly news
viewers aren't looking for conversational and less formal?
That's what morning news is for! Morning news anchors
want to make you feel like your drinking a morning cup
of coffee and having a conversation. Katie Couric and Diane
Sawyer were very successful in that format.

I don't think it's sexism (at least I don't have any evidence at this
moment) because I don't think someone like Matt Lauer
would be a good anchor for a nightly news program. But
maybe that's because I'm used to seeing him in the morning?
Perhaps the secret to success in nightly news is not to do
the morning news first. Brian Williams never anchored the
Today Show.

Posted my resume online

2010-04-01T12:44:00.001-05:00

Here it is.

If The News Media Are Worried About Incendiary Speech, What About Hollywood?

2010-03-30T08:59:00.020-05:00

The news media have been going on and on about how incendiary
Sarah Palin's (and other Republicans) rhetoric is.

If the news media are serious about incendiary speech, why
aren't they lecturing Hollywood? In the video above Ann
Curry complained about Sarah Palin using the word "reload."
There is a movie called "The Matrix Reloaded," does she find
that offensive too? When people complain about violence in
movies or television we usually hear the usual response, "It's
just a movie." In fact, when worry wart Ann Curry interviewed
Brad Pitt for his movie "Inglorious Basterds" she didn't seem
too worried about Quentin Tarantino's violent movies leading
to violence:

She says the film has "a little bit of violence." I've never
heard a Quentin Tarantino movie described as having a
"little bit of violence."

Here is an interview with Quentin Tarantino (whom has
created some of the most violent films of our time) and Ann
Curry doesn't bothered by the violence in the film:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

There have been studies that conclude that television and movie
violence correlating to real life violence. In the U.K. two teenagers
boys killed a 13 year old after watching the movie "Scream."
I don't think anyone really believes that the filmmakers of that
particular film are responsible for the death of that young boy.

The stuff I hear and see on television and film is way more
violent than anything I've heard Sarah Palin say or do but
that is not going to stop them from brandishing her and other
mainstream conservatives as inciting violence. If the talking
heads in the news media are really worried about inciting
violence then they would grill Hollywood filmmakers for the
stuff they produce.

All this talk about incendiary language is out to do one thing:
silence political speech. I'm not for censorship. I don't want
violent movies banned and I certainly don't want to shut up
political speech. It's funny how the liberals in the news media
who are crying foul over Sarah Palin's rhetoric in order to shut
her up would happily defend violence in television and movies.
It also shows how messed up their priorities are. Political speech
is way more important than artistic expression but they
defend the artists and not the politician.

Incendiary Language

2010-03-25T13:33:00.003-05:00

Look I was critical of Glenn Beck's rhetoric earlier today.
Before I continue with this post I want to make it clear
that I don't believe Beck's language is inciting violence or
that he should be censored in any form. He has every right
to say stuff I find unhelpful. Ann Curry doesn't seem to hold
the same beliefs. Here is Ann Curry whining that Sarah
Palin used terms "battleground" and "reload":

Throughout history there has been heated language. This
is nothing new. Let's not be so touchy.

The GOP Version of John Kerry

2010-03-25T13:15:00.002-05:00

If Mitt Romney is the GOP presidential nominee in 2012
I think he would be the Republican version of John Kerry.
"I was for it before I was against it."

How Dangerous Can Glenn Beck Be?

2010-03-25T11:58:00.004-05:00

Jonah Goldberg says in this video ( seven minutes in) about Glenn
Beck:

As long as the guy is arguing for limiting government
and libertarian principles, how dangerous could he possibly
be?

As a conservative, frankly, I don't think Beck is as benign as Mr. Goldberg
does. Yes, he advocates for limited government but he has minuses.
He has a penchant for calling people fascists. He also comes off as
paranoid. I don't see how that helps.

I also think Beck represents a growing movement in the Right towards
a more isolationist foreign policy. I fear a growing consensus between
the Right and Left to focus on America and disengage from the rest of
the world. That is not so benign.

I'm all for a big tent. I realize not everyone in the Right is going to
agree on every issue. Even though Beck is eloquent on limited
government ultimately his rhetoric and paranoia does more harm
than good.

Why Don't We Higher the Age For Collecting Social Security Benefits?

2010-03-25T09:26:00.005-05:00

Social Security payouts now exceed more than it receives in
payroll taxes, according to The New York Times. I read this
today on the Social Security web site:

If we look at life expectancy statistics from the 1930s we
might come to the conclusion that the Social Security
program was designed in such a way that people would
work for many years paying in taxes, but would not live
long enough to collect benefits. Life expectancy at birth
in 1930 was indeed only 58 for men and 62 for women,
and the retirement age was 65. But life expectancy at
birth in the early decades of the 20th century was low
due mainly to high infant mortality, and someone who
died as a child would never have worked and paid into
Social Security. A more appropriate measure is probably
life expectancy after attainment of adulthood.

As Table 1 shows, the majority of Americans who made
it to adulthood could expect to live to 65, and those who
did live to 65 could look forward to collecting benefits for
many years into the future. So we can observe that for
men, for example, almost 54% of the them could expect
to live to age 65 if they survived to age 21, and men who
attained age 65 could expect to collect Social Security
benefits for almost 13 years (and the numbers are even
higher for women).

Why don't we just raise the age of when Americans can receive
Social Security benefits? It makes sense to me.

John Boehner Remixed

2010-03-22T20:53:00.001-05:00

It needed a remix

Insulated

2010-03-16T17:33:00.009-05:00

So this is the third book I have heard about where the writer,
a non-religious liberal, spends a certain amount of time among
conservative Evangelicals. Two of the authors spend time in
Lynchburg, Virginia, one attends Liberty University for a
semester and the other attends the late Jerry Falwell's church
for a year, as if this area solely represents the whole of the
evangelicalism.

Perhaps I should propose a book where I spend a year attending
the University of California - Berkeley? How will the people there
respond to a politically and socially conservative Texan, who's also
pro-military and religious? Any publishers want to take the bait?
(wink, wink)

Doesn't the fact these secular liberal authors have to spend time so
time among conservative Christians in order to better understand
them reveal how insulated they are? I know people who aren't
very religious and liberal, I really don't need to travel across the
country to become more understanding.

Pushing the Envelope

2010-03-15T20:55:00.003-05:00

Lady Gaga likes to be outrageous for the sake of being
outrageous. She's disturbing.

Chief Justice Roberts Too Controversial for Commencement Address?

2010-03-15T18:34:00.003-05:00

This is just sad. What a wonderful opportunity it would have been
for the graduates to hear a speech from a Supreme Court justice.
The Supreme Court is not supposed to be seen as partisan.
Justice is supposed to be blind.

INDIANAPOLIS — When John Roberts' niece graduates
in May from Butler University this May, the Supreme
Court chief justice may attend as a relative — but he has
been deemed too controversial to take the stage as
commencement speaker.

University faculty members scuttled a student-led
drive to invite Roberts to speak at the May 8
ceremony, a decision that has disappointed the
students and some conservatives on the Indianapolis
campus.

"We try to steer clear of political divides if
possible," Butler Faculty Senate President
Jeanne VanTyle told the Indianapolis Star.

It's more evidence that the even the Supreme Court has been
sullied by politics.

Beaten By A Beta!

2010-03-15T11:18:00.005-05:00

LOL! Matt Damon's movie "Green Zone" bombed in the
box office this weekend. His movie even lost out to a
movie about a beta male.

Has Anyone Told Beck He's a Progressive When It Comes To Foreign Policy?

2010-03-15T09:50:00.006-05:00

Glenn Beck rails against "progressives" on a daily basis on his
show. Has anyone told him that he agrees with progressives
when it comes to foreign policy? There is not much of a difference
between Beck and progressives when it comes to foreign policy
views. His views are no different than Markos Moulitsas, Arianna
Huffington, and Dennis Kucinich. I think the only difference
between them is that Beck doesn't want us to have anything
to do with the U.N. and Moulitsas, Huffington and Kucinich would
probably disagree with him on that.

Glenn Beck goes nuclear on Tom Hanks
Uploaded by therightscoop. - Watch the latest news videos.

Divisions and Purity

2010-03-15T09:02:00.004-05:00

After watching this clip over at Newsbusters (which I
think is hilarious by the way) I got me to thinking about
which party really has a purity tests and deep divisions.

Yes, there are some divisions between the moderate and
conservative wings of the Republican Party. There are even
divisions between the conservative and libertarian wings.
Although everyone on the Right right now seems to unified
on economic policy. Moderates, conservatives, libertarians
all agree that spending has gotten out of control. Just like
everyone on the Left and Democrats eventually unified in
their anti-Iraq War stance. But I didn't hear anyone complaining
about purity tests when Joe Lieberman got kicked out of the
Democratic Party by Markos Moulitsas of Daily Kos because
of his stance on the Iraq War.

I would also say that the Democrats are the ones in power
so as of this moment it's the Democrats' divisions that matter
the most. They don't need any Republicans to pass the health
insurance reform in the House.

That's Nutty

2010-03-14T21:49:00.001-05:00

Karl Rove receives nutty call on CSPAN2. They don't
screen the callers on CSPAN, do they?

Social and Economic Justice

2010-03-14T19:08:00.005-05:00

Interesting article over at CNN.com about an evangelical leader
who preaches social justice taking on Glenn Beck, who recently
asked his viewers to boycott churches that preach social justice.
Actually I agree with the minister in the article that the Bible
teaches social and economic justice. However, I don't believe it's
the government role to be the sole proprietor of social and
economic justice.

A Witchhunt

2010-03-14T18:00:00.005-05:00

The caption to this photo reads:

A witchhunt orchestrated by George W. Bush
supporters against government lawyers representing
Guantanamo inmates has backfired, as conservatives
joined the outcry against the McCarthy-like attacks.
Liz Cheney, pictured in 2009, daughter of former vice
president Dick Cheney, has come under fire from left
and right for orchestrating the campaign.

I thought the "al-Qaeda 7" ad (see here) was unfair in the way
it was presented. However, in no way is it a "witchhunt." And if
you want to talk about McCarthy-ism then you might want to
read Marc Thiessen's column on that.

Fair and Balanced

2010-03-14T12:27:00.003-05:00

Tom Brokaw asks Karl Rove if he thinks Fox News' coverage
is fair to President Obama and then Rove throws MSNBC's
primtime line up in his face. Brokaw is not a big fan of Olby.
Magnificent!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Mitch McConnell Should Not Be Trusted

2010-03-13T22:01:00.004-06:00

If what Karl Rove says about Mitch McConnell is true in
his book, Courage and Consequence, Sen. McConnell should
not be any leadership position in the Republican Party.
Rove writes on page 475:

Nervous Republicans members of Congress asked me
if the president would consider a troop withdrawal to
save the 2006 elections. The Republican leader in
the Senate, Mitch McConnell, went so far as to ask the
president directly, and then went public with his
nervousness about his party's midterm prospects.
The president found this offensive.

So it must have been McConnell who Bush was referring to
when he was quoted as saying this in a 2008 article:

Reviewing his decision to implement the surge, Bush
recalled the political pressures on him to retreat: “It
was in this room that a prominent member of my
political party said, ‘You must remove troops from Iraq
because it could cost us elections if you don’t,’” the
president said, gesturing around the Oval Office. “And
it was in this room I looked at him and said, ‘You
must not understand George W. Bush.’”

If this is true, it is disgraceful.

Not What I Meant

2010-03-12T18:16:00.006-06:00

So I'm a weekly watcher of This Week In Blogs on Bloggingheads.tv
and last week Melissa Clouthier subbed for Matt Lewis. I noted to
Melissa Clouthier that she was receiving a lot of hate from the
comments. I speculated on Twitter that might due to her and Matt's
different styles. Perhaps the viewers were accustomed to Matt's
style. I didn't mean anything negative by it. I wasn't saying that
one was more preferable to the other. I tweeted this

@MelissaTweets U did an excellent job Melissa. I think
they are use to Matt Lewis, who is great also but doesn't
really challenge Bill.

I think Melissa did an excellent job and I wouldn't watch in a weekly
basis if I didn't like Matt and Bill's rapport. Apparently, Matt Lewis
took my comment the wrong way:

I just wanted to say that is not what I meant at all. I don't
want This Week In Blogs to become a shouting a match.

Washington Post Columnist: Why don't honest journalists take on Roger Ailes and Fox News?

2010-03-12T11:02:00.003-06:00

Heh. Gotta love this:

One question has tugged at my professional conscience
throughout the year-long congressional debate over
health-care reform, and it has nothing to do with the
public option, portability or medical malpractice. It is
this: Why haven't America's old-school news organizations
blown the whistle on Roger Ailes, chief of Fox News, for
using the network to conduct a propaganda campaign
against the Obama administration -- a campaign without
precedent in our modern political history?

I'm sure a Republican could quickly turn around the question
to read like this:

Why haven't America's news organizations blown the
whistle on NBC, CBS, ABC, The New York Times,
and The Washington Post for using their news outlets
to conduct a propaganda campaign against the Bush
administration--a campaign without precedent in our
modern political history?

Social Awareness

2010-03-12T10:36:00.003-06:00

I'm currently reading Courage and Consequence by Karl Rove.
It's been a good read so far. I have one passage that I wanted
to share which I think epitomizes why I am also a conservative.
Quote:

Bush's experience with Project PULL was one reason
he became convinced that some of the values of the
60's- a rebellion against social and parental authority
that emphasized moral relativism and a frontal assault
on character-forming institutions-had undermined
communities and families. This was not the sum total of
the 1960s, of course; it was a decade of great strides in
civil rights and in social awareness. But there was a
downside to those years, and one that could be measured
in human terms. The '60s resulted in growing
dependence on government through a collapse
of the family, along with it, the habits of
responsibility, initiative, and hard work that
give people dignity and self-worth. Bush was
also interested in the role of "mediating structures"
such as church, neighborhood, and community groups in
fostering a more responsible society.

Social programs have unintended consequences that can lead
to huge social changes that aren't always good.

In Fantasyland

2010-03-12T09:12:00.007-06:00

Leftists live in fantasyland. You only wage war when you know
the outcomes will be perfect. You can get information from
evil terrorists without having to roughing them up a little.
Or how about a war without deaths?
It must be nice living in Utopia!

Enjoy two videos of liberals living in LaLa Land. Example 1:

Example 2:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Marc Thiessen Extended Interview Pt. 3

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Reform

You're Kinda Late In Asking This Question, Associated Press

2010-03-09T17:11:00.003-06:00

Heh. I (and others) have asked the same question.

California vs. Texas

2010-03-09T14:15:00.001-06:00

Interesting. I've covered this topic before. See here or
here.

Stacking the Deck

2010-03-09T10:35:00.003-06:00

An interesting piece from the AP about how home schooling science
textbooks lean towards creationism:

Those who don't, however, often feel isolated and frustrated
from trying to find a textbook that fits their beliefs.

Two of the best-selling biology textbooks stack the deck
against evolution, said some science educators who reviewed
sections of the books at the request of The Associated Press.

Geez I wonder how the parents of children who attend public schools
but have questions about evolution feel when they find out the public
school system has stacked the deck against teaching any flaws in
evolution? I wonder if they feel isolated and frustrated?

Palin Working On Second Book

2010-03-04T14:06:00.004-06:00

Apparently Sarah Palin is working on another book. It is currently
untitled. My guess this will not be the title:

Presidential Decision-making and the Future of American Foreign
Policy and Diplomacy in the Middle East: The Way Forward in
Iraq and Afghanistan

The New Nerdy GOP

2010-03-04T08:26:00.004-06:00

I read this funny op-ed piece this morning about how the nerds in the
GOP are shining. Snort:

Today's anti-Washington spirit is a factor. Outsiders
have an advantage. Republicans have always fallen
hard for businessmen. And the jock-GOP culture
certainly remains strong (e.g – the popular moose
killing, basketball star, beauty queen gone governor,
Sarah Palin). As the president of the Michigan firm,
Bernie Porn, said: "The folks who are passionate
NRA members, I just don't see them partying with nerds."

But increasingly, nerds appear to be the life of the party.

Paul Ryan, the top Republican on the Budget Committee,
used his nerd skills last week to "unpack" the Senate
health care bill numbers. No less than George Will
has imagined Ryan as a future vice president.

Here is the ad mentioned in the op-ed:

I'm a little bit of a wonk myself so I'm going to naturally like this
trend in the GOP. I want people who can intellectually explain
why the policies of the Democratic party are problematic. Here's
Congressman Paul Ryan schooling President Barack Obama on
how the Democrats' health care bill will increase the deficit:

Who wouldn't want more of this?

Bring in the nerds!

John Ziegler: Palin Not Heading Towards A Path That Leads to the Presidency

2010-03-03T12:01:00.004-06:00

Like I wrote the other day: She's becoming a political celebrity
and not a real contender. But maybe she doesn't want to become
a contender for 2012, which is plausible. And now even the guy
who won my poll as Palin's biggest fan boy agrees:

Palin: The Mainstream Media Is Quite Broken

2010-03-03T11:08:00.005-06:00

Last night on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Sarah Palin
declared the mainstream media broken. I agree. Transcript
via Newsbusters:

SARAH PALIN: It's kind of full circle for me. I studied
journalism. My college degree there in communications.
And now I am back there wanting to build some trust
back in our media. I think that the mainstream
media is quite broken. And I think that there needs
to be the
fairness, the balance in there. That's why I joined Fox.

[ Cheers and
applause ]

LENO: Oh, fair and balanced.

PALIN: Fair and balanced, yes. You know because,
Jay, those years ago that I studied journalism,
it was all about the who, what, when, where and
why. It was not so much the opinion interjected in hard
news stories. So, I would like to see, well, in order to build
trust in the media because it is a corner stone of our
democracy, Americans deserve to have more of that
factual fairness.

LENO: You know, I watch, I'm always amazed -- [ applause ]
I think it's fair to say MSNBC, a lot of people feel has one opinion
and Fox has another opinion. But you know what it is, I watch
both. I mean, I switch around. And I like to get all sides of
all stories.

[ Applause ]
I mean, I'm always amazed that people feel, "Oh, you only want --"
if you like -- I just don't watch what I like. I like to watch
what other people like just to get a feel for it.

PALIN: That is healthy and that's helpful. As long as there is
not the opinion under the guise of hard news story
though. I think that there needs to be clear differentiation.

Leno and Palin hit on many of the big issues facing our media. One is
that people are becoming partisan in their media habits. Mr. Leno says,
"I don't watch what I like. I like to watch what other people like other
people like just to get a feel for it." Too many are getting their news
from outlets that confirm their perspective and not challenge it.

Another issue that is touched on is the lack of differentiation between
opinion and hard news. When a network has a television pundit like
Keith Olbermann doing election night coverage, it's a problem.

So what do you think: Is the mainstream broken? And if so, how shall
it be fixed?

Video of the interview:

Top 10 Most Disgusting Attacks on Conservative Women

2010-03-03T10:06:00.002-06:00

Warning: There is some pretty disgusting stuff at this link.
Feel the hate!

Presidential Reunion

2010-03-03T09:42:00.005-06:00

Uh, is Funny or Die actually suppose to be funny or is it
a politcal advocacy Web site? Much like Saturday Night Live's
stuff it is way too long:

Funny or Die's Presidential Reunion from Will Ferrell

Tik Tok

2010-03-02T19:39:00.002-06:00

Just having a little bit of fun with my new web
cam and doing some dancing:

Congressman Says Obama's Health Care Offer Has Less Substance Than Snooki from Jersey Shore

2010-03-02T17:34:00.006-06:00

Snooki-licious

What do Barack Obama and Snooki from MTV's "Jersey Shore"
have in common?

Not a whole lot. But a Georgia congressman actually found a way
to draw the comparison, taking the rhetoric on Capitol Hill --
incredibly -- to a whole new low.

Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), a medical doctor who Republicans
have continually put forward to discuss health care, said in
a press release today, "Snookie, from the Jersey Shore,
has more substance than President Obama's offer."

Obviously it is insulting and demeaning to compare the president's offer
to a reality show star. Maybe the congressman should spend less time
watching reality television, eh?

Tumblr Blog

2010-03-02T13:46:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder that if you want to comment on
the headlines that I put on the sidebar of my
blog, you can do that here.

Mitt Romney Speaks Out Against the "Temptations of Populism"

2010-03-02T11:26:00.003-06:00

Well said Gov. Romney:

LEXINGTON - As Mitt Romney sets out this week to promote
his new book, “No Apology,’’ he is also auditioning for a rapidly
disappearing role in American politics: a politician who is
speaking out against the “temptations of populism.’’

“The populism I’m referring to is, if you will, demonizing
certain members of society: going after businesspeople,
going after Wall Street, going after people who are highly
educated, people who are CEOs,’’ Romney said in an
interview. “That kind of ‘All of our problems are due to
that group’ is something that is unproductive.’’

The former Massachusetts governor and highly successful
businessman says his critique of populist politics applies to
both President Obama, who is battling bankers over Wall
Street rules, and Republican leaders who have courted the
“tea party’’ movement by turning their anger on corporate
leaders along with government.

This is basically a critique of Gov. Sarah Palin. She's always talking
about those Washington "elitists." To me it is a form of class warfare,
which I absolutely detest. Eventhough the Republican primary for
president is years away it looks like it maybe already shaking up.

Good News: MSNBC.com Is Looking For An Editor That Knows America!

2010-03-01T16:17:00.005-06:00

Ok, I can't help myself. I saw this job posting and I have to
take a few silly shots at MSNBC. From the job description:

We want the highest ethics and a sense of fairness. We
want someone who knows America, not just D.C.

I guess they are looking for someone with ethics and fairness
to balance out their primetime line up. Ok, my cheap shot of the
day! Uh, and the "knows America" part is odd. What does that
mean? If you live in America, you should "know America," right?

The Dems and Truthiness

2010-03-01T11:10:00.020-06:00

Remember truthiness? Well it has been four years since the word
was created and it still applies. Take for example the Obama
administration and the Democrats. The Democrats are all about
shooting from the gut. Who cares about the facts and figures
about their health care bill or how much the Democrats' health care
will cost? Who cares if the public doesn't support it! Doesn't it feel
good to say you're going to insure everyone! I mean who wants
to wear a dead persons' dentures? No one!

The Dems tell us that they can preserve the quality of health care
and contain costs. Never mind that has never been done in the
history of the planet. Doesn't it feel good to say everything is going
to say the same while saying everything is going to change?

Or take global warming. If you think about global warming sure it
seems ridiculous to believe we're all going to die from melting glaciers.

But doesn't it to feel good in your gut to recycle or drive a hybrid
car. It makes you feel like your saving planet Earth, eventhough you
actually aren't. It also means that the folks in Hollywood are actually
caring people.

The queen of truthiness is Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She believes her
Congress is the most ethical one in history. Sure there have been
scandals involving Charlie Rangel and Barney Frank but doesn't
calling your Congress the most ethical ever have a certain truthiness
to it? Pelosi also thinks she shares some the views of the Tea Party
activists. Never mind that Pelosi is a big government liberal and
the Tea Partiers are for limited government and fiscal restraint.
I'm sure there is some truthiness to the fact she shares some of
their values. The actual definition of bipartisanship is something
that gathers support by both parties but not when look at it
with truthiness. According to Pelosi a bill doesn't need to be
supported by both sides of the aisle to be partisanship. The woman
speaks from her gut.

Truthiness still exists! And don't look that up in a book.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

The Word - Truthiness

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Skate Expectations