Berkeley Approves Resolution Banning Devil Dogs

In the entire world there is only one Berkeley…….thank-god! That’s not to say that there aren’t other communities like Berkeley, but for pure lunacy you can’t beat the original. Berkeley, California is the self-proclaimed kingdom of tie-dyed “hippie wanna be’s,” a klan known as the “Delirusaum Probus Proditororism (DiPPs).”

This self-righteous mob of intellectual elitist believe that they, above everyone else, are the conscious of the American soul. A soul they believe to be tainted, exploitative, and uncaring. To the fine folks of Berkeley there is no better example of America’s corrupt soul than that of the US Military, and in particular, the US Marine Corp.

Berkeley: Pompous, Elitist Idiots

Let me make sure I have this right. Are we talking about same guys who gather every Christmas and give away toys to kids in need (Toys for Tots)…..those guys? The US Marines who have served and died for America so that the “free thinkers” of Berkeley can exercise their “1^st Amendment Rights?” Those are the “wicked” Marines that need to be eradicated from the streets of the “ever so tolerant” Berkeley? What’s the matter Berkeley, the Boy Scouts weren’t evil enough for you (Berkeley Vs. the Boy Scouts)?

Code Pink and the Berkeley City Council will never no the shame of their actions because they are better than the rest of us misguided Americans. The people of Berkeley (along with Code Pink and other neo-progressives hoodlums) know what is best for this country, and they make sure they tell us every single day (usually to the beat of a drum and a hooky chant). If only they were in charge we would not need the US Military because evil would melt away to the singing kumbaya. I guess we should just be thankful that their dissent hasn’t yet denigrated to the “every so popular” nude protest that Berkeley is famous for (not that any of these people need an excuse to walk around naked).

I don’t know whether to throw up or kick something. I do not recall the last time I felt sick to my stomach with disgust. Not just one American, or a group of malcontents, but an entire community not only collectively spit in the face of the noble men and women of the US Marines, but on all that is good and decent about America. I wish I could say that my words would make a difference, but sadly, they fall on deaf ears. The people of Berkeley are too smart to be swayed by a simpleton such as myself. So I will close by saying good job Berkeley, you must be sooooooo proud of yourselves!

"Semper Fidelis!".


Update - Let the Backlash Begin:

This story exploded overnight. Senator Jin DeMint has proposed that federal funding meant for Berkeley be suspended:

Senator Jin DeMint: No Marines, No Money

Other news agencies and bloggers are reporting on this story:

Michelle Malkin: Reactions from Around the Web

Berkeley has brought this on themselves, but they don’t care. In fact this is just the type of reaction they delight in. Berkeley has benefited from the freedoms secured for them by the brave men and women of the US Military. Code Pink and Berkeley fail to realize that their ability to be stupid is the end result of the very same soldiers that they revile and mock. There is more integrity, virtue, and honor in the fingernail of one US Marine than exist in the entire community of Berkeley, and I am glad to see fellow Americans speaking up.


A few links for you:

This is the recorded council meeting where the issue first arose:

Berkeley Council Meeting – 1/29/2008: Berkeley City Circus Video

E-mail addresses and phone numbers should you want to express any thoughts:

Berkeley City Council

Please remember that not all of them supported this, and that unlike Code Pink, we should remain civil when conveying disapproval.

Brett Hume reports:



Military Recruiters - Worse than Porn Shops and Drug Dealers:

Newsbusted: January 28, 2008

News for Dogs: Sheep, Tongues, and Hero Pets

Time for another edition of canine friendly news stories from the slightly odd world that we live in:

Baa Ram You

Without the assistance of that beloved pig Babe, a flock of sheep in Kington, Herefordshire, has taken it upon themselves to organize:

Circle of Friends

Will the “truth” of Orwell’s “Animal Farm” soon be realized?

Captain Sophia, Feline Detective

It has been said that curiosity killed the cat, but in this case a cat’s need to explore helped put a scumbag behind bars. Having just moved into a new apartment with her owner, Sophia the Cat, discovered a stash of child pornography the previous renter had left behind:

Kitty Justice

Should make for an interesting trial when the cat is called as a witness.

I Triple Dog Dare You

Will kids never learn the valuable lesson so clearly demonstrated in the classic movie "A Christmas Story?" Two young Hoosiers, serving on flag duty for their elementary school, decided to ignore what millions of kids already knew, wet tongues and frozen flag poles should never meet:

Tongue + Frozen Flag Pole = PAIN!

They may grow great basketball players in Indiana, but very few rocket scientists.

Man’s Best Friend and Hero

We often forget that not only are dogs great pets, but they are serving man on the frontlines against crime in our communities:

Jake the K9 Hero

This story demonstrates the sacrifice dogs are willing to make out of friendship and loyalty. No offense to Sophia the Cat, but it is stories such as this one that reminds us why “dogs are man’s best friends.”

Is America Evil?

Is America evil? Interesting question, and one that you would think would immediately illicit a resounding “NO!” But you would be wrong. I have always reserved the marker of evil for the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Bin Laden, serial killers and puppy beaters. But there are many that feel America is the new Evil Empire.

During the 2008 Presidential Campaign some of the candidates have stated that they would work to restore “America’s place in the world.” But wouldn’t it be nice to know what these candidates perceive America’s place in the world should be, or for that matter what our place in the world is now.

In the end, I could really care less what the rest of the world thinks of America, nor should they care what I think of them. For every “evil action” America is accused of committing, there are many more “evil inactions” that can be laid at the feet of many nations around the world.

My bigger concern is how my fellow citizens feel about their own country. The greatest enemy to our free republic is not the “barbarians at the gates,” but the enemies already within our walls. These enemies walk amongst openly, like wolves, but they do not even bother to wear sheep’s clothing. They use the Constitution as their own personal excuse to say and do whatever they want. They look upon freedom as something designed to serve their own personal needs, instead of a divine gift meant to strengthen our resolve against tyranny.

These enemies only see what they perceive to be America’s “faults,” while never seeing our virtues. While I am not asking my fellow Americans to look upon our landscape with “rose colored glasses,” I am asking them to look at all of Americas intrinsic ideals before they arbitrarily (and frankly, carelessly) shack the finger of distain at their own home. Contrary to what many of these people think, wearing ones disgust (hatred, disapproval…whatever you want to call it) on your sleeve is not a badge of honor. Nor does their public odium mark them as “free-thinking intellectuals.” Far from it. It only shows them to be people who do not appreciate the great nation America was, still is, and will always be so long as we stay united.

As I read the news and editorials I am reminded that America can’t “win for losing.” If we do nothing were wrong. If we take action we are warmongers, imperialist, or…EVIL. There are those that laugh when we fall, and find glee when our economy falters. More times than not America stands alone, stumbling over the feet that have been stuck straight out by our own citizens. But for those that would call America evil that is OK, because in the end, when you call for our help we will come without hesitation. Why? Because we are Americans, and that’s who we are.

NOTE:

As I was writing this article, I was reminded of the great Canadian Reporter Gordon Sinclair. In 1973, when American was at one of its lowest points, he felt compelled to speak up for America. This recording was released in the United States and actually climbed into the Top 40. Some of the facts are dated, and some will feel that the music in the background is hooky, but the message is truer today than ever:

The Americans

That Will Do Pig..That Will Do

Citing concerns over the reaction from the Muslim community, a new children’s book based on the classic “Three Little Pigs” was denied the Bett literary award:

I'll Huff, and I'll Puff, and I Will Blow Your Infidel House Down

The books potential to offend Muslims was not the only reason it was denied the Bett award. However, the fact that whether Muslims would be offended by a book called “The Three Little Cowboy Builders” was considered. The issue is that Bett is a government sponsor award, with a panel that features state employed school teachers. This panel, through a need to be politically correct, assumed Muslims would be offended simply because the heroes of the story are swine’s. In the process of making this decision, they offended many more people (including Muslims), and unfortunately the Muslim community (who had no input into this decision) will be blamed.

But why stop there? Why not remove all books and movies that feature pigs as the main characters such as Babe, Piglet (Winnie the Pooh), Pumba (Lion King), Miss Piggy (Muppets), Arnold Ziffle (Green Acres), and of course Wilbur (Charlotte’s Web)? Maybe we can have “pig” burning parties, forcing children to bring all their beloved books, stuff animals, and videos and in the name of political correctness, throw them onto the purging fire.

As Salman Rushdie stated during the outcry over his book Satanic Verses – “Atwhay isway eedomfray ofway expressionway? Ithoutway ethay eedomfray otay offendway, itway easescay otay existway.” Oh I forgot, some may find the use of Pig Latin offensive…..oughtay!

Newsbusted: January 22, 2008

Abortion: America’s Holocaust

Today marks the 35th Anniversary of the Roe V. Wade decision, which some feel effectively legalized abortion throughout the United States. But what does Roe V. Wade really say? If you have never read Roe V. Wade you should do some due diligent and study this landmark decision:

Roe V. Wade Court Text

To a lay person it can be very confusing, but basically Justice Blackbum found that the 14th Amendment, piggy backing off the 4th and 9th Amendments, to the US Constitution protected the “right for a woman to choose.” By most accounts, Roe V. Wade was one of the most poorly written decisions offered by the Supreme Court. The 14th Amendment, ratified after the Civil War, was clearly designed to assimilate recently freed slaves as equal citizens into every part of American culture. But the 14th Amendment has been perverted to support abortion, grant automatic citizenship to babies born to illegal immigrants, or to mandating support of the New Deal policies of FDR.

How much American’s do not know about Roe V. Wade far outweighs their knowledge of the decision. There are numerous misconceptions and outright falsehoods that surround Roe V. Wade, so let’s test your understanding:

Roe V. Wade Test: How Much Do You Know?

Did the results surprise you? Did you realize the decision was that broad and far sweeping? When the Supreme Court arbitrarily struck down every abortion law with Roe V. Wade, they opened “Pandora’s Box.” Abortion on demand is now the benchmark in most States, and for those States that have tried to regulate it, they have spent millions of dollars fighting well-funded groups, such as NARAL, Planned Parenthood, and NOW.

Even now we see the issue of abortion being downplayed by the media. Very little coverage will be offered showing the millions of Americans around the country “Marching for Life.” Instead, some in the media will point out a recent report indicating that the number of abortions has declined to a “new modern low” of 1.5 million in the US:

Washington Post: Why Have Abortions Declined?

"Only" 1.5 million babies aborted......how proud we must be as a country. While pundits squabble over the reason for the reduction, the simple argument has been lost. In a country as great as America, how can we let this holocaust continue? Just because a child can not be held does not make them less than human, nor does the lack of a name mean that that child surrenders their rights to life. Histories genocides and holocaust happened because the world could not touch the pain, nor hear the screams, or see the fallacy of their "enlightened inaction."

Our sole purpose in life should be to serve humanity, treating one another with dignity and respect. Our humanity can be found in our compassion and charity, and our greatest strengths are our love and constant need to defy despair. Is the child in the womb any less deserving of these principals, or have we lost room in our hearts to defend the gift of life that each of us was granted?

A Media Lynching

In today's world, there is a thin line between provoking thought and offending people. Two recent incidents illustrated that to “err is human, to forgive is divine.”

Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman, the first female full-time PGA announcer, found herself in deep water when she suggested that Tiger Woods competitors “should lynch “ him in a effort to defeat him. Golf Magazine found themselves in more hot water when they “attempted” to report on the controversy:

Golf Magazine: You Made Your Point

Tiger, in referring to the Tilghman statement, called the comment "a non-issue," stating that Tilghman is a friend,and that "regardless of the choice of words used, we know unequivocally that there was no ill intent in her comments." That should have been the end of the story...right? Wrong!

Golf Magazine, in an effort to demonstrate the impact that the word “lynch” has in the Black community, learned the hard way that a picture is worth a thousand words. But didn't the magazine achieved their intended goal, which was to show the initially gut reaction most of us have when invoking the meaning, and imagery, surrounding the significance that is “lynching.” Mind you, the magazine cover took an innocent comment, made with no hatred or contempt for Tiger, and blew it out of portion, and it backfired.

More alarming was the fact that there were some people who were not only upset with both events, but at Tiger's reaction. ESPN's Scoop Jackson took it one step further and decided to put words in Tiger's mouth:

Scoop Jackson: Tiger is the Savior of the World

Scoop Jackson “doth protest too much (I love it when I can use my Shakespearean education in everyday life!).” We should remember that this is the same Scoop Jackson who gave his friend, basketball player Tim Hardaway, a pass after Hardaway made the statement - “I Hate Gays.” Were Hardaway's statements bigoted, homophobic, offensive? Yes, yes and yes. Did Scoop Jackson write a scathing piece to point all of this out.? No, no, and NO! Mr. Jackson should learn a lesson from Golf Magazine, and stop picking and choosing which bigoted statements he is going to promote, especially if his contempt fluctuates based on the color of the skin of the person who made the statements.

Mr. Jackson is way out of line in his criticism of Tiger. I am sure that Tiger knows all to well the significance of his success, and his place in the world. But Mr. Jackson, it is for Tiger to decide his course (pun intended) in life, and not yours. Mr. Jackson should re-read Tiger's one and only statement regard his race:

Tiger Wood's 1997 Media Statement:

The purpose of this statement is to explain my heritage for the benefit of members of the media who may be seeing me play for the first time. It is the final and only comment I will make regarding the issue.

My parents have taught me to always be proud of my ethnic background. Please rest assured that is, and always will be, the case - past, present, and future.

The media has portrayed me as African-America; sometimes, Asian. In fact, I am both.

Yes, I am the product of two great cultures, one African-American and the other Asian.

On my father's side, I am African-American. On my mother's side, I am Thai. Truthfully, I feel very fortunate, and EQUALLY PROUD, to be both African-American and Asian!

The critical and fundamental point is that ethnic background and/or composition should NOT make a difference. It does NOT make a difference to me. The bottom line is that I am an American...and proud of it!

That is who I am and what I am. Now, with your cooperation, I hope I can just be a golfer and a human being.

Signed,

TIGER WOODS

“I am an American.” Tiger Woods is wise beyond his years. His parent's are a role model for what all parents should strive for. Tiger his a living testament to his parent strong moral values and strict upbringing. This incident has caused one reporter to be suspended for two-weeks, and a magazine editor to be fired, both of which were over reactions. In fact, as I was writing this article I found myself being concerned that I might say something that would offend someone.....and that is never a good place to be in a society dedicated to the open exchange of ideas.

Newsbusted: January 15, 2008

New Hampshire: Racist, Sexist Cheaters

Let me first start by saying that I am “slightly” bias towards New Hampshire. It has been my home, off and on, for over 30 years. Each region of the country likes to boost about their brand of hospitality and talk about the unique attributes of the people that live there, and New Hampshire is no exception.

New Hampshirians are fiercely independent and tend to be frugal to a fault (and I don’t just mean about money). Town hall meetings often require a call to the police, and all the worlds problems are solved every morning at anyone of our local coffee shops. Our Yankee independence permeates every part of our lives.

New Hampshire citizens are extremely proud of their place in American history. New Hampshire was the first colony to declare its independence from Great Britain and to establish its own government (Jan., 1776). New Hampshire legislators were the first to vote on the Declaration of Independence. New Hampshire became the ninth and last necessary state to ratify the new Constitution of the United States in 1788. The first colonist to commit an armed insurrection against the tyranny of the British was in New Hampshire. The first war ship commissioned for the new US Navy was built in New Hampshire. The Treaty of Portsmouth that ended the Russo-Japanese War, an event that also helped President Theodore Roosevelt win the Noble Peace Prize, was negotiated and signed in New Hampshire.

The citizens of New Hampshire have always been proud of their role in national politics. The first toll on the Road to the White House passes through New Hampshire, and has been for over 80-years. So you can only imagine my surprise when I read and heard news reports, as well as bloggers commenting, on the results of the 2008 New Hampshire Primary. By most accounts the citizens of New Hampshire are either racist or cheaters:

Racism:

Foreign News Reports: Will Only Vote for Whitey

Blog Critic: The Ugly American Truth

Sexism Vs. Racism: Which is it?



Cheating/Voter Fraud:

The Internet is filled with bloggers throwing out allegations of fraud and cheating during the NH Primary. Everything from the “old Diebold” voting machine garbage, to outright ballot destruction, is being bandied about like a new martini recipe or suggested, alternate endings to the Matrix.

Doubts About Fraud
Activist Seek Another Cause to Right

So how did the results of the New Hampshire Primary get us to this point? What we are really seeing is a combination of “race baiting (Race Baiting Predicted) from “activist groups (and dare I say, some politicians),” and CYA (Cover Your Arass) on the part of the pollsters. What is lost in all of this are the facts that in the mist of a record voter turnout (which includes an electoral population of 47% undecided), Barrack Obama received over a 100,000 votes in a State with slightly over a million citizens. Obama lost to Clinton by roughly 3% (a virtual statistical tie), and walked out of New Hampshire with an equal number of delegates (nine each).

We should be mindful that polls reflect public sentiment only at the time they're taken; they aren't predictions of a vote, even a few days later. Polls on different dates can yield many different results. It is important to remember that the only poll that counts is the one on Election Day. "It's absolutely a cautionary tale to both the people who do polls and the people who read polls," said Richard Morin, a public-opinion expert at the Pew Research Center. "Pre-primary polling is fraught with dangers. That is particularly the case in New Hampshire, which I have called the graveyard of political pollsters."

It is clear that the timing of the polls missed a late surge of support for Clinton, particularly among women (Hills Angels), influenced by a debate Saturday night, Sunday talk shows, round-the-clock campaigning, and lets not forget that emotional response from Clinton on Monday before the primary to the stress of the campaign:

Andy Smith, a pollster for the University of New Hampshire, noted that previous pre-election polls in New Hampshire have gotten the margins wrong in the past, underestimating, for example, McCain's 18-point defeat over George W. Bush in the 2000 GOP primary. Some pollsters said the record-shattering turnout may have produced a different electorate than the one envisioned in their “models (created by humans)” designed to predict who will vote. Some pointed to the surveys as voters left the polls showing that 17 percent made up their minds on primary day, which was bound to have confounded the pre-election surveys.

The Del Ali's Research 2000 poll turned out to be the most accurate overall in the surveys for the Concord Monitor, correctly predicting McCain's nearly 6-point victory and concluding that Obama was ahead of Clinton by just 1 point — with a 5-point margin of error. "There will be a lot of claims about what happened, about respondents who reputedly lied, about alleged difficulties polling in biracial contests," Gary Langer, the polling director for ABC News stated. "That may be so. It also may be a smoke screen, a convenient foil for pollsters who'd rather fault their respondents than own up to other possibilities — such as their own failings in sampling and 'likely voter' modeling."

Pollster Peter Hart stated that: "The problem with the polling performance in New Hampshire is exactly the same as it was some 60 years ago with the “shocking win” election of Harry S. Truman (Remember the famous headline – “Dewey Defeats Truman”). The pollsters concluded their polling before the voters made up their mind for the final time."

Pollsters: Time to Eat Crow

David Moore, a former senior analyst with the Gallup Organization who now is affiliated with the University of New Hampshire observed that – “Some pollsters push voters to pick candidates when they haven't made up their minds so as to arrive at a more complete prediction of the outcome." “The pollsters don't want to say that 47 percent are undecided, and neither does the news media," said Moore, the author of "The Opinion Makers," a forthcoming book on polling.

The reality is that the pollsters got it wrong because to they forgot one, tiny little detail…the human element. As for the bloggers who live in a world controlled by conspiracies (which happens to exist only in the basement of their parents home)……..your mom is calling. Your grilled cheese sandwich is ready!

For those who would make irresponsible and insulting remarks against an entire State, I feel sorry for you. You reveal yourselves to be either idiots or liars, or both.

The New Hampshire Primary: Democracy is Alive and Well!

The First in the Nation Primary is over. The candidates and the media have moved on to Michigan and South Carolina, and New Hampshire seems suddenly very quiet.

New Hampshirians are very schizophrenic when it comes to our primary. One part of us takes great pride at being the first true test the candidates face, forcing the candidates to get up close and personal before we hand them our vote. We also enjoy not being predictable, as was demonstrated with the “comeback” wins by McCain and Clinton. The other part of us quickly grows tired of the media army that invades our favorite haunts to ask us stupid questions. There is a sense of relief when the phone stops ringing off the hook, our mailboxes stop being flooded with political junk mail, and you can once again visit your favorite small diner to eat without suddenly being part of a “photo opt.” But after all is said and done, we can’t wait to do all over again in another four-years!

Democracy in New Hampshire is our preferred past time, and politics is our favorite sport. New Hampshire has the fourth largest, freely elected, government in the World; which means your neighbor is probably your State Representative. The flow of discontent or pleasure is as simply as walking next-door, as if you were borrowing a cup of sugar. Being spoiled like we are, we expect the same from our Presidential Candidates. Without a doubt, America is served well by having the First in the Nation Primary occur in New Hampshire.

Democracy doesn’t care who you vote for, it only cares that you cast your ballot with conviction. How great is our country that we have the ability to pick our leaders, and if need be, to replace them when/if the time comes. We should always remember that bad politicians are elected by good people who do not vote. Unlike many countries around the world, New Hampshire demonstrated that the ballot is mightier than the bullet. In a State with little more than 1 million citizens, an estimated 500,000 participated in the First in the Nation primary….outstanding! The hope is that the record number of voters seen in New Hampshire will continue throughout the primaries and the general election.

In America the integrity of the voting booth is singular, but will only remain strong if “WE the People” exercise our God given right to choose our providence. However, we should remember that we are Americans first, and that within a democracy the political parties will always devote their energies in trying to prove that the other party is unfit to govern, and they usually succeed. The Democratic and Republican Parties talk about winning or losing elections, but as long as the everyday citizen has the right to walk freely into a voting booth, and cast their ballot without interferences, democracy and America will always be the winner.

And what about the candidates running for President? Whether you agree with them or not, they are shining examples of what makes America so great. We have a candidate whose grandmother was Kenyan (Obama), another whose parents were Italian immigrants (Giuliani), and another whose first real job was a milkman and whose father was a German immigrant (Paul). One candidate spent his early years in a shack with a dirt floor and later served as the Governor of Arkansas (Huckabee), while others enjoyed suburban America (Romney and Clinton). Still another candidate married and had children right out of high school, yet managed to get a college education and eventually become a US Senator (Thompson). There’s the son of a textile worker, and the first in his family to attend college (Edwards) running for the leader of the Free World along side a former Navy Admiral and third generation Naval Officer – War Hero turned Senator (McCain).

God, I love America and everything it stand for!

Newsbusted: January 8, 2008

News for Dogs: Star Wars, Asian Punkboy, and Streetracing Canadians

News for Dogs

The world has been a very busy and interesting place during the holidays:

May The Force Be With You

Little did a would-be theft, and full-time scumbag, realize what was awaiting him as he approached a mother with two children. As the scumbag was verbally abusing and punching the mother, her 11-tear-old son came to the rescue. The weapon of choice, a toy Star Wars Lightsaber:

The Force is Strong with this One

Kudos to the young Jedi, my only wish is that it was a real Lightsaber.

Art Is In The Eye Of The Beholder – “Rubbish!”

Buried deep by many media outlets, or just not reported on, is the story of the latest work by Chinese (actually Canadian) Artist Terence Koh, (also known as “asianpunkboy”):

But Art Should Invoke Deep Feelings!

Imagine the outrage if the statue was of Muhammad? But lets face it, Koh is a capitalist whose “art” has been described as “diverse works that involve queer, punk, and pornographic sensibilities (HUH?!?).” Koh knew exactly what he was doing and will surely reap the benefits of all the free publicity. I suspect however that the same people who would welcome Koh to their “novo, elitist” dinner parties would be the first ones to scream bloody outrage if the statue depicted Muhammad, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, or Hillary in the same fashion.

Warning: Be careful if you search on the name Terence Koh. Pornographic images will be returned.

The Fast and the Senile

An 85 year-old Canadian has been charged with street racing under a new law that was meant to help curve "want to be" racers.

I Can't Drive 85

What the story didn't report was while the driver was racing along at 100 mph, his left turn-signal was on the whole time!

Iowa in the Rearview Mirror

The caucus results are in and there are very few surprises. Losers are downplaying the results, and winners are proclaiming that the “people have spoken.” Republicans “braved the bitter cold (media lingo),” while “embolden Democrats (once again, media speak)" were energized to participate in the caucus.

The media did their best to make Iowa a bigger story than it really was. Obama was addressed as Senator, not as a former activist. Huckabee was referred to as “the former Baptist Ministry,” not as the former-long serving Governor of Arkansas. One reporter was even surprised "that in a state with less than a 2% minor population,” that an African-American won. The reason why the media was taken aback was, because as usually, they underestimated the American people.

The result didn’t surprise me, nor did the tired, divisive, rhetoric that cluttered each of Obama’s, Clinton’s, and Edward’s “victory” speeches. Regardless of what the Democrats believe, we live in one America. And although we have our differences, our strength has always been in our common unity. It is time for every candidate to stop pandering to the fringe elements of their parties, and start talking like an American.

Most Americans are disgusted with negative attitude that has permeated the Democratic Party. That is why candidates such as Obama is doing so well with independents. We have problems in this country, but to listen to most Democrats, America is on the brink of disaster. There are no issues currently facing America today that cannot be solved by a united America, concerned more about this free republic than our own selfish motivations.

The President is but one person, employed by all Americans. Yet some Americans refuse to support anyone who doesn’t have the same party affiliation as them. And this will not change when the next person moves into the White House if we don’t stop our petty bickering.

Many Democrats feel "disenfranchised," wrongly blaming President Bush and the Republican Party. The reality is that like a spoiled child, that does not get their way, they have chosen instead to sulk in the corner and not participate in the democratic process. The Democratic Party has become a party of blame. Sadly, an observation lost on many Democrats; but then again, a spoiled child very seldom admits blame.

Let the Voting Fraud Begin!

New Hampshire’s first in the nation primary will be happening early than it ever has in the past, and this has caused a quagmire for many college campuses:

Home for the Holidays

Many of New Hampshire’s campuses will be empty because students will be away for Winter Break. The question begs to be asked - “Where will many of the students be?” The answer, they will be “home” for the holidays. Granted many of these students are in fact year round residents of New Hampshire, but what about the thousands that aren’t New Hampshire residents, nor have any real indention at remaining in New Hampshire upon their graduation?

Many of these out of state students are being told that they have the right to vote in the upcoming primary. This statement couldn’t be further from the truth, and frankly is an on-going fraud that is not just perpetrated against the citizens of New Hampshire, but all Americans. There are several NH laws that intersect when determining New Hampshire residency:

RSA 654 states: (NH Voting Laws)

(a) Any one of the following documents is presumptive evidence that the individual seeking to vote meets the domicile requirement, provided the document is currently valid, was issued to or in the name of the applicant, and shows the address the applicant claims as a domicile:
(1)New Hampshire driver’s license.
(2) New Hampshire vehicle registration
(3) Armed services identification, or other photo identification issued by the United States government.
(b) Any one of the following is presumptive evidence of the identity of an applicant sufficient to satisfy the identity requirement for an official authorized by RSA 659:30 to take the oath of an applicant swearing to a citizenship, domicile, or election day affidavit:
(1) Photo driver’s license issued by any state or the federal government.
(2) United States passport, armed services identification, or other photo- identification issued by the United States government.
(3) Photo identification issued by local or state government.
Addendum A grants voting rights without requiring any further affirmation. Addendum B requires the person to swear to their Citizenship of the United States and declaring their domicile as NH.

But there is another factor involved in this matter. NH Law requires that everyone claiming NH to be their domicile has 60 days from the time of moving into the State of obtaining a NH license. The same amount of time is granted to register and inspect your vehicle. Additionally, the requirements for Addendum B cannot be used when trying to reduce your tuition to “in-state” status. Why is that? Is it because the State University System realizes that suddenly everyone would declare themselves to be New Hampshire Citizens in an effort to save money?

But why would anyone commit fraud during the primary? It is not like they are actual voting for the next president….right? Wrong! The winners of the New Hampshire Primary have historically gone on to win their parties nomination (NH has correctly picked the Democratic and Republican nominee with over 90% accuracy). Winning the first primary gives that candidate momentum going into the other primaries.

The stakes are high and the first in the nation primary holds a great deal of importance. Important enough for some to commit fraud. America is rare in its ability to maintain the integrity of the voting booth, but no system is perfect. Voting is not just a right, but also an essential civic duty, one that requires us to be vigilant. We should do everything possible to make voting registration and casting a ballot as easy as possible. But we must put more emphasis on the personal responsibility of the voter to ensure that they properly register and can prove their identity before receiving a ballot. Voting fraud, whether in a primary or the general election, is a danger to democracy because it takes a process dedicated to equality and reduces it mob rule.