Newsbusted: Barrack, Online Polls, Prejudice Democrats

What Caused “Our” Economic Crisis: A Band of Thieves and Liars

Enough is enough! I was hoping that our “so called” leaders in Washington would put their petty squabbles aside in an effort to try and solve our current financial crisis; a crisis that they are directly responsible for! But I must have thought I lived in a country where truth would always prevail, and that regardless of our political affiliations, we could come together when the going was tough. What this crisis has reaffirmed is that it is the American people who are the rightful leaders, and now is the time for us to remind those who serve at the will of “the People” that one of their fundamental duties is to “insure Domestic Tranquility.”

The “posse of idiots” in Washington would rather waste valuable time playing the blame game then actually acting like adults to resolve this potential disaster! Fine, if the 110 Congress of the United States of America would rather we first assign blame, then work at solving the problem, please allow me to chime in………without a doubt, the blame for this mess rest squarely with a group of lying, thieving looters known as the Democratic Party! In particular, those within the “Party of the Donkey” who proudly wear the brand of Liberal. Current attempts to “rewrite” history by the likes of Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, and Barrack Obama (to name just a few) is just downright perverted!

The truth is simple if not disturbing. Many of our representatives tried to use the mortgage industry to build a homeowners “utopia,” which allowed almost everyone to buy a house, but ignored risk factors that had kept the housing market extremely safe, and more importantly, away from Wall Street. Starting with President Carter and the Community Reinvestment Act, followed next by the Clinton Administration allowing further relaxation of mortgage safeguards, which in turn led to the warnings offered by Senator McCain (as well as many others) that foresaw the crisis we are currently in. But if you were to listen to the Democrats, you would be under the impression that “8 years of Bush” have led to this mess. Yet not ONE Democrat can point to a single Bush policy that contributed in anyway to this problem. Yet we can easily find evidence of Democratic incompetence littered across the financial waste land once known as the American economy:

New York Times – 1999: Fannie Mae easing of credit is dangerous

New York Times: Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending (September 1999)

Investor Business Daly: The sub-prime crisis started with President Clinton

Investors Business Daily: Clinton Era Rule Changes Caused Current Sub-Prime Crisis

Wall Street Journal: The Fingerprints of prominent Democrats is all over this financial crisis

Wall Street Journal: Sweetheart Deals Given To Democrats

The frustration felt by the American people is compounded by the ineptitude we are witnessing from our elected officials. Worse yet is this mythical belief that the blame for this mess can somehow be placed with Presidential Candidate McCain. Senator McCain is not only innocent of any wrong doing, he was one of a few in Washington warning of the pending calamity. But alas nobody was listening, and I wonder if anyone is listening now?

Barney Frank: The King Of Blame

There is no escaping the constant barrage of blame coming from the mouths of Washington’s finest regarding our recent financial woes. Take for instance the representative from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barney Frank:

“The private sector got us into this mess…The government has to get us out of it. We do want to do it carefully.”

Not even close Mr. Frank. Representative Frank need only look into the mirror to see who is at least partly to blame. Mr. Frank not only opposed any comprehensive attempt to reform Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae, but time and again encouraged policies that led to this current dilemma:

Wall Street Journal: Fannie Mae's Patron Saint

Mr. Frank’s attempt to walk away from his own record on this matter is troubling, but not surprising. But Representative Frank’s hand in this predicament is clear:

Townhall.com: Rewriting History Is Dangerous

Mr. Frank is not alone regarding this chaos, nor is he the only one trying to falsely shift blame away from Congress, but Mr. Frank does stand alone in his audacity in denying culpability.

The American Financial Crisis: A Tale from Two Senators

A week has passed since America, and in turn the World, found themselves dealing with a major financial crisis. There is plenty of blame to go around, but now is not the time to point fingers. Unfortunately, there are some in Washington that are well aware of where the responsibility rest, and like a magician on a stage, they have spent the last week pulling pigeons from the sleeves , instead of rolling up those sleeves and working with their peers to resolve this matter.

Throughout this crisis neither McCain or Obama, nor their respective parties on a whole, handled themselves well. Cooler heads should always prevail in these types of situations, and to react just for the sake of reacting is ineffective. Kimberly Strassel , in the Wall Street Journal, was spot on when she stated in a recent article that "Voters are intelligent enough to have a serious financial story explained to them, yet Mr. McCain blames Wall Street." To be fair, it seemed like everyone and their mother was blaming Wall Street, not just McCain.

We must move in a timely, but cautious manner, but above all our representatives must be prepared to put aside partisan philosophies, and work together for the good of every one. We as American's should look to those leaders that are proactively working to get to the bottom of this issue, and we should chastise those that are only looking at covering their butts or trying to make others look bad for political gain.

This brings me to Senator Judd Gregg, R-NH, and Senator Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. Both appeared on the floor of the Senate on September 24, to speak on this crisis, but they could not be further apart on their message.

Senator Gregg used his time to explain the crisis and the key points to possible solutions that most Senator's agree on. Senator Gregg's speech was non-partisan, and exactly what "We the People" need to hear from our leaders. Senator Gregg took the higher road suggested by Ms. Strassel.

Senator Brown chose to present a partisan speech blaming President Bush and the Republican majority (?..huh) for the financial crisis. Aside form the fact that Senator Brown's statements were false, he demonstrated the type of pettiness that is useless and counterproductive. Senator Brown could learn a great deal from his colleague Senator Gregg. Senator Gregg is prepared to provide leadership, where Senator Brown is only willing to offer "business as usual."

Newsbusted: Bernhard attacks Palin and Al Qaeda releases a tape

Gianna Jessen of bornalivetruth.org

Gianna’s dedication to the sanctity of life requires our attention. Visit www.bornawlivetruth.org for more information.

A Call To Stop The Palin Feeding Frenzy

Jack Jacoby, of the Boston Globe, has publicly chastised his fellow journalist concerning their overzealous "attack" reporting regarding Governor Palin:

Boston Globe: Stop The Palin Feeding Frenzy

The media has seen a backlash from the American public because of the guttural approach that they took against Palin, all under the "guise" of factual reporting. But moreover, many in the bloggershpere helped to erode the public confidence that the "new" media could be trusted.

The 1^st Amendment may grant the author the Freedom of Speech; but it hardly guarantees that the content will be well thought-out, and was written by someone of honor.

The pen is only mightier than the sword if it is dipped in the ink of integrity.

US Embassy In Yemen Attacked: A “Friendly” Reminder That America Is Still At War

The threat of Islamic terrorist has not been a major component of this year's election, especially as of late. Much of the focus has been on the economy and Governor Palin's lipstick, one more deserving than the other.

Probably feeling somewhat slighted that no one was paying attention to their "noble cause in the name of Allah," the US Embassy in Yemen (the ancestral home of Osama bin Laden) was hit:

Voice of America: US Embassy Attacked

This should be the lead story on the news, but it will not be. It is in the best interest of Democrat PR machine (ABC, CBS, NBC, and MSNBC) to downplay the continued attacks on the US, just as they did by under reporting America's success in Iraq. The simple truth is that the terrorist attacks on America continue, and some would prefer to "engage" America in conversations that promote class warfare and partisan politics.

Newsbusted: Obama Vs. McCain, Clinton a Better VP

Obama’s Tax Plan: A Recipe For Disaster

Obama recently made an appearance on ABC Sunday with George Stephanopoulos. Obama’s appearance, and the conversation regarding his latest tax plan, had the Wall Street Journal (as well as others) wondering if Obama knew what his tax plan was, let alone its negative affects on our economy:

Wall Street Journal: Obama Tax Plan 3.0

Mr. Stephanopoulos: “So even if we’re in a recession next January, you come into office, you’ll still go through with your tax increases?”

Senator Obama: “No, no, no, no, no. What I’ve said, George, is that even if we’re still in a recession, I’m going to go through with my tax cuts. That’s my priority.”

Mr. Stephanopoulos: “But not the increases?”

Senator Obama: “I think we’ve got to take a look and see where the economy is. …”

“Look and see where the economy is…” That is not very reassuring, and places Obama in the same spot President Clinton was in 1993. During the entire 1992 Presidential Campaign Clinton promised tax breaks for the middle class (after mocking then-President Bush for raising taxes). He “changed” his mind once he got in office, choosing instead to raise taxes on EVERYONE. Fortunately all the stars aligned for Clinton, but that type of alignment is a once in a lifetime occurrence.

If Obama wins the Whitehouse, and the Democrats hold onto Congress, there is little doubt that we will see the largest tax increase in the history of this country. Obama’s lack of economic understanding, coupled with poor advice from socialist mentors will drive us into a deep recession, and possible even a depression (Barrons: Did Obama Learn Nothing From Hoover). “IT'S HARD TO PIN down the details of Obama's tax proposal because they keep changing.” Is this the time for vagueness and indecision?

I am no economist, just a simple Conservative, but it does take a genius to see that what our economy needs is someone ready to hold the line on federal spending and ensure tax cuts for everyone. Does anyone have faith that the socialist that control the Democratic Party are prepared, and willing, to commit to a disciplined spending plan and limited taxes?

Newsbusted: Palin, Anbar, and LA Bans Fastfood

The Genuis Of Russell Brand

“The genius of Russell Brand.” So proclaimed MTV after Brand did a "bang up job" hosting the 2008 MTV Music Video Awards. I am just guessing, but it would appear that the “genius bar” has been lowered slightly since the day of Albert Einstein.

In a night that had “entertainment reporters” rejoicing in the “comeback of Britney Spears (disregarding the fact that they were the ones that trashed her for the past two-years),” Brand was applauded for his brave “candor.” What the world witnessed from Brand was hardly candor, but more of the same tripe coming from the mouth of another MTV created celebrity.

Brand is no stranger to controversy, most notably appearing on TV the day after 9/11 dressed as Osama Bin Laden. And it was of no surprise that the audience, both in attendance and watching at home, laughed and applauded when he referred to President Bush as “a retarded cowboy,” mocking the United States for electing him. Nor was there any doubt that all the "titans of world conscience" in attendance would applaud in agreement as Brand begged the United States(on behalf of the World no less) not to be racist, and vote for Barrack Obama.

Brand would spend the rest of the evening mocking the Jonas Brothers and Jordin Sparks for their dedication to their principles, and going for cheap laughs directed at the Palin Family. Yes indeed, Brand is one class act, and deserving of the success that will no doubt come his way in America. This is what “free-thinking” liberals present as “tolerant.” A foul mouthed European lecturing America on their shortcomings. Excuse me for asking Mr. Brand, but if England is "so enlightened" would you please tell me the name of your first Black Prime Minister? Better yet, how about the name of your country's first female Prime Minister?


And for those laughing and applauding as Brand insulted your country and our leaders in front of the whole world. When did you first realize that the opinion of a foulmouthed, drug addict was more important than your country?

Palin Vs. Obama: Who Is More Qualified?

Much is being made about the qualifications of Governor Palin, but what about the lack of a resume on the part of Obama. Lets find out what you think by answering this weeks poll question - "Who is most qualified for the job they are seeking?"

RNC ’08: John McCain Acceptance Speech

Senator McCain’s strength has never been, nor will it ever be, talking from a teleprompter. But that does not matter, because that is not who McCain is. The speech was an outstanding speech, and hit the points that will resonate with voters come Election Day.

Critics have claimed that both Palin’s and McCain’ s speech “lack substance,” or were “snide.” Obviously these same critics did not listen to Obama's or Biden’s speech, or for that matter, most acceptance speeches. Acceptance speeches are not meant to regurgitate platform facts; they are meant to serve as an introduction of the Party victor.

The conventions are over and it is “crunch time.” This is when most Americans start to pay attention to the election. This is the time each candidate will face extensive scrutiny. This is the time when the character of each the candidates is revealed and fully tested. When all is said and done, all American's must be prepared to stand up and put "country first," and not submit to party loyalities when selecting the next person to lead this country.

Transcript - McCain Acceptance Speech

Thank you. Thank you all very much. Thank you.
Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans: the privilege of
accepting our party's nomination for president of the United States.
(APPLAUSE)
Thank you. Thanks. And I accept it with...
(APPLAUSE)
Thank you. I -- and I accept it with gratitude, humility, and confidence.
In my life, no success has come without a good fight, and this
nomination wasn't any different. That's a tribute to the candidates
who opposed me and their supporters. They're leaders of great ability
who love our country and wish to lead it to better days. Their support
is an honor that I won't forget.
I'm grateful to the president of the United States for leading us in
these dark days following the worst attack in American history.
(APPLAUSE)
The worst attack on American soil in our history and keeping us safe
from another attack that many -- many thought was inevitable.
MCCAIN: And to the first lady...
(APPLAUSE)
And to the first lady, Laura Bush, a model of grace and kindness in
public and in private.
(APPLAUSE)
And I'm grateful to the 41st president and his bride of 63 years for
their outstanding example...
(APPLAUSE)
... for their outstanding example of honorable service to our country.
As always, I'm indebted to my wife, Cindy, and my seven children. You
know, the pleasures of family life can seem like a brief holiday from
the crowded calendar of our nation's business. But I have treasured
them all the more and can't imagine a life without the happiness that
you've given me.
You know, Cindy said a lot of nice things about me tonight. But, in
truth, she's more my inspiration than I am hers.
(APPLAUSE)
Her concern for those less blessed than we are -- victims of land
mines, children born in poverty, with birth defects -- shows the
measure of her humanity. And I know that she will make a great first
lady.
(APPLAUSE)
My friends, when I was growing up, my father was often at sea, and the
job of raising my brother, sister and me would fall to my mother
alone. Roberta McCain gave us her love of life, her deep interest in
the world, her strength, and her belief that we're all meant to use
our opportunities to make ourselves useful to our country.
I wouldn't be here tonight but for the strength of her character.
(APPLAUSE)
MCCAIN: And she doesn't want me to say this, but she's 96 years young.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you who helped me win this nomination
and stood by me when the odds were long. I won't let you down.
(APPLAUSE)
I won't let you down. I won't let you down.
(APPLAUSE)
To Americans who have yet to decide who to vote for, thank you for
your consideration and the opportunity to win your trust. I intend to
earn it.
(APPLAUSE)
And, finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We'll go at
it -- we'll go at it over the next two months -- you know that's the
nature of this business -- and there are big differences between us.
But you have my respect and my admiration.
Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are
fellow Americans, and that's an association that means more to me than
any other.
(APPLAUSE)
We're dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal
and endowed by our creator with inalienable rights. No country -- no
country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn't be an
American worthy of the name if I didn't honor Senator Obama and his
supporters for their achievement.
But let there be no doubt, my friends: We're going to win this election.
(APPLAUSE)
MCCAIN: And after we've won, we're going to reach out our hand to any
willing patriot, make this government start working for you again, and
get this country back on the road to prosperity and peace.
(APPLAUSE)
I know these are tough times for many of you. You're worried about...
(APPLAUSE)
Please, please, please. My friends, my dear friends, please. Please
don't be diverted by the ground noise and the static.
(APPLAUSE)
You know, I'm going to talk about it some more. But Americans want us
to stop yelling at each other, OK?
(APPLAUSE)
These are tough times for many of you. You're worried about keeping
your job or finding a new one, and you're struggling to put food on
the table and stay in your home.
(APPLAUSE)
All you've ever asked of your government is to stand on your side and
not in your way. And that's what I intend to do: stand on your side
and fight for your future.
(APPLAUSE)
MCCAIN: And I've found just the right partner to help me shake up
Washington, Governor Sarah...
(APPLAUSE)
Governor Sarah Palin of the great state of Alaska.
(APPLAUSE)
And I want to thank everyone here and all over America for the
tremendous, wonderful, warm reception you gave her last night. Thank
you so much. She deserves it. What a great beginning.
You know, she has an executive experience and a real record of
accomplishment. She's tackled tough problems, like energy independence
and corruption. She's balanced a budget, cut taxes, and she's taken on
the special interests.
(APPLAUSE)
She's reached across the aisle and asked Republicans, Democrats, and
independents to serve in her administration. She's the wonderful
mother of five children.
(APPLAUSE)
She's -- she's helped run a small business. She's worked with her
hands and knows -- and knows what it's like to worry about mortgage
payments, and health care, and the cost of gasoline and groceries.
She knows where she comes from, and she knows who she works for. She
stands up for what's right, and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit
down.
(APPLAUSE)
I'm very proud to have introduced our next vice president to the
country, but I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington.
(APPLAUSE)
And let me just offer an advance warning to the old, big- spending,
do-nothing, me-first, country-second crowd: Change is coming.
(APPLAUSE)
I'm not -- I'm not in the habit of breaking my promises to my country,
and neither is Governor Palin. And when we tell you we're going to
change Washington and stop leaving our country's problems for some
unluckier generation to fix, you can count on it.
And we've...
(APPLAUSE)
We've got a record of doing just that, and the strength, experience,
judgment, and backbone to keep our word to you.
(APPLAUSE)
You well know I've been called a maverick, someone who...
(APPLAUSE)
... someone who marches to the beat of his own drum. Sometimes it's
meant as a compliment; sometimes it's not. What it really means is I
understand who I work for. I don't work for a party. I don't work for
a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you.
(APPLAUSE)
I've fought corruption, and it didn't matter if the culprits were
Democrats or Republicans. They violated their public trust, and they
had to be held accountable.
MCCAIN: I've fought the big spenders...
(APPLAUSE)
I've fought the big spenders in both parties, who waste your money on
things you neither need nor want, and the first big-spending
pork-barrel earmark bill that comes across my desk, I will veto it. I
will make them famous, and you will know their names. You will know
their names.
(APPLAUSE)
We're not going to allow that while you struggle to buy groceries,
fill your gas tank, and make your mortgage payment. I've fought to get
million-dollar checks out of our elections. I've fought lobbyists who
stole from Indian tribes. I've fought crooked deals in the Pentagon.
I've fought tobacco companies and trial lawyers, drug companies and
union bosses.
(APPLAUSE)
I've fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq when it
wasn't the popular thing to do.
(APPLAUSE)
And when the pundits said -- when the pundits said my campaign was
finished, I said I'd rather lose an election than see my country lose
a war.
(APPLAUSE)
And thanks -- thanks to the leadership of a brilliant general, David
Petraeus, and the brave men and women he has the honor to command...
(APPLAUSE)
... that -- that strategy succeeded, and it rescued us from a defeat
that would have demoralized our military, risked a wider war, and
threatened the security of all Americans.
(APPLAUSE)
I don't mind a good fight. For reasons known only to God, I've had
quite a few tough ones in my life. But I learned an important lesson
along the way: In the end, it matters less that you can fight. What
you fight for is the real test.
(APPLAUSE)
I fight for Americans. I fight for you. I fight for Bill and Sue Nebe
from Farmington Hills, Michigan, who lost...
(APPLAUSE)
... lost their real estate investments in the bad housing market. Bill
got a temporary job after he was out of work for seven months. Sue
works three jobs to help pay the bills.
I fight for Jake and Toni Wimmer of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Jake...
(APPLAUSE)
Jake works on a loading dock, coaches Little League, and raises money
for the mentally and physically disabled. Toni is a schoolteacher,
working toward her master's degree. They have two sons. The youngest,
Luke, has been diagnosed with autism. Their lives should matter to the
people they elect to office. And they matter to me. And they matter to
you.
I fight for the family of Matthew Stanley of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
(APPLAUSE)
Matthew died serving our country in Iraq. I wear his bracelet and
think of him every day. I intend to honor their sacrifice by making
sure the country their son loved so well and never returned to remains
safe from its enemies.
(APPLAUSE)
I fight to restore the pride and principles of our party. We were
elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us.
MCCAIN: We lost -- we lost the trust of the American people when some
Republicans gave in to the temptations of corruption. We lost their
trust when rather than reform government, both parties made it bigger.
We lost their trust when instead of freeing ourselves from a dangerous
dependence on foreign oil, both parties -- and Senator Obama -- passed
another corporate welfare bill for oil companies. We lost their trust
when we valued our power over our principles.
We're going to change that.
(APPLAUSE)
We're going to recover the people's trust by standing up again to the
values Americans admire. The party of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan is
going to get back to basics.
(APPLAUSE)
In this country, we believe everyone has something to contribute and
deserves the opportunity to reach their God-given potential, from the
boy whose descendents arrived on the Mayflower to the Latina daughter
of migrant workers. We're all God's children, and we're all Americans.
(APPLAUSE)
We believe -- we believe in low taxes, spending discipline, and open
markets. We believe in rewarding hard work and risk-takers and letting
people keep the fruits of their labor.
We believe...
(APPLAUSE)
We believe -- we believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a
culture of life...
(APPLAUSE)
... personal responsibility, the rule of law, and judges who dispense
justice impartially and don't legislate from the bench.
(APPLAUSE) We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods, and
communities. We believe in a government that unleashes the creativity
and initiative of Americans, government that doesn't make your choices
for you, but works to make sure you have more choices to make for
yourself.
(APPLAUSE)
I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise
them. I will open...
(AUDIENCE BOOS)
I will open new markets to our goods and services. My opponent will close them.
(AUDIENCE BOOS)
I will cut government spending. He will increase it.
(AUDIENCE BOOS)
My tax cuts will create jobs; his tax increases will eliminate them.
(AUDIENCE BOOS)
My health care plan will make it easier for more Americans to find and
keep good health care insurance. His plan will force small businesses
to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government-run
health care system where a bureaucrat...
(AUDIENCE BOOS)
... where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.
(AUDIENCE BOOS)
We all know that keeping taxes low helps small businesses grow and
create new jobs. Cutting the second-highest business tax rate in the
world will help American companies compete and keep jobs from going
overseas.
(APPLAUSE)
Doubling the child tax exemption from $3,500 to $7,000 will improve
the lives of millions of American families.
(APPLAUSE)
MCCAIN: Reducing government spending and getting rid of failed
programs will let you keep more of your own money to save, spend, and
invest as you see fit.
(APPLAUSE)
Opening new markets and preparing workers to compete in the world
economy is essential to our future prosperity.
I know some of you have been left behind in the changing economy, and
it often sees that your government hasn't even noticed. Government
assistance for the unemployed workers was designed for the economy of
the 1950s. That's going to change on my watch.
(APPLAUSE)
Now, my opponent promises to bring back old jobs by wishing away the
global economy. We're going to help workers who've lost a job that
won't come back find a new one that won't go away.
(APPLAUSE)
We will prepare them for the jobs of day -- of today. We will use our
community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their
communities.
(APPLAUSE)
For workers in industries -- for workers in industries that have been
hard-hit, we'll help make up part of the difference in wages between
their old job and a temporary, lower paid one, while they receive
re-training that will help them find secure new employment at a decent
wage.
(APPLAUSE)
Education -- education is the civil rights issue of this century.
(APPLAUSE)
Equal access to public education has been gained, but what is the
value of access to a failing school? We need...
(APPLAUSE) We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with
competition, empower parents with choice.
(APPLAUSE)
Let's remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward
good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work.
(APPLAUSE)
When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parent
-- when it fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve
a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it
to them.
(APPLAUSE)
Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one.
Many will choose a charter school. But they will have the choice, and
their children will have that opportunity.
(APPLAUSE)
Senator Obama wants our schools to answer to unions and entrenched
bureaucrats. I want schools to answer to parents and students.
(APPLAUSE)
And when I'm president, they will.
(APPLAUSE)
My fellow Americans, when I'm president, we're going to embark on the
most ambitious national project in decades.
MCCAIN: We're going to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries
that don't like us very much, and some of that money...
(APPLAUSE)
We'll attack -- we'll attack the problem on every front. We'll produce
more energy at home. We will drill new wells off-shore, and we'll
drill them now. We'll drill them now.
(APPLAUSE)
We'll -- we'll -- my friends, we'll build more nuclear power plants.
We'll develop clean-coal technology. We'll increase the use of wind,
tide, solar, and natural gas. We'll encourage the development and use
of flex-fuel, hybrid and electric automobiles.
(APPLAUSE)
Senator Obama thinks we can achieve energy independence without more
drilling and without more nuclear power. But Americans know better
than that.
(APPLAUSE)
We must use all resources and develop all technologies necessary to
rescue our economy from the damage caused by rising oil prices and
restore the health of our planet.
My friends...
(APPLAUSE)
... it's an ambitious plan, but Americans are ambitious by nature, and
we've faced greater challenges. It's time for us to show the world
again how Americans lead.
(APPLAUSE)
This great national cause will create millions of new jobs, many in
industries that will be the engine of our future prosperity, jobs that
will be there when your children enter the workforce.
Today -- today, the prospect of a better world remains within our
reach. But we must see the threats to peace and liberty in our time
clearly and face them as Americans before us did: with confidence,
wisdom, and resolve. We have dealt...
(APPLAUSE)
We have dealt a serious blow to Al Qaeda in recent years, but they're
not defeated, and they'll strike us again, if they can. Iran remains
the chief state sponsor of terrorism and is on the path to acquiring
nuclear weapons.
Russia's leaders, rich with oil wealth and corrupt with power, have
rejected democratic ideals and the obligations of a responsible power.
They invaded a small, democratic neighbor to gain more control over
the world's oil supply, intimidate other neighbors, and further their
ambitions of re-assembling the Russian empire.
And the brave people of Georgia need our solidarity and our prayers.
(APPLAUSE)
As president, I'll work to establish good relations with Russia so
that we need not fear a return to the Cold War. But we can't turn a
blind eye to aggression and international lawlessness that threatens
the peace and stability of the world and the security of the American
people.
We face many dangerous threats in this dangerous world, but I'm not
afraid of them. I'm prepared for them.
(APPLAUSE)
I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better,
and what it shouldn't do. I know how the world works. I know the good
and the evil in it.
I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer
and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't.
(APPLAUSE)
I know how to secure the peace.
MCCAIN: My friends, when I was 5 years old, a car pulled up in front
of our house. A Navy officer rolled down the window and shouted at my
father that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I rarely saw my
father again for four years.
My grandfather came home from that same war exhausted from the burdens
he had borne and died the next day.
In Vietnam, where I formed the closest friendships of my life, some of
those friends never came home with me.
I hate war. It's terrible beyond imagination.
I'm running for president to keep the country I love safe and prevent
other families from risking their loved ones in war as my family has.
I will draw on all my experience with the world and its leaders, and
all the tools at our disposal -- diplomatic, economic, military, and
the power of our ideals -- to build the foundations for a stable and
enduring peace.
(APPLAUSE)
In America, we change things that need to be changed. Each generation
makes its contribution to our greatness. The work that is ours to do
is plainly before us; we don't need to search for it.
We need to change the way government does almost everything: from the
way we protect our security to the way we compete in the world
economy; from the way we respond to disasters to the way we fuel our
transportation network; from the way we train our workers to the way
we educate our children.
All these functions of government were designed before the rise of the
global economy, the information technology revolution, and the end of
the Cold War. We have to catch up to history, and we have to change
the way we do business in Washington.
(APPLAUSE)
The -- the constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these
problems isn't a cause. It's a symptom. It's what happens when people
go to Washington to work for themselves and not for you.
(APPLAUSE)
Again and again -- again and again, I've worked with members of both
parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will
govern as president. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get
this country moving again.
My friends...
(APPLAUSE)
... I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.
(APPLAUSE)
Instead -- instead of rejecting good ideas because we didn't think of
them first, let's use the best ideas from both sides. Instead of
fighting over who gets the credit, let's try sharing it.
This amazing country...
(APPLAUSE)
This amazing country can do anything we put our minds to. I'll ask
Democrats and Independents to serve with me. And my administration
will set a new standard for transparency and accountability.
We're...
(APPLAUSE)
We're going to finally start getting things done for the people who
are counting on us, and I won't care who gets the credit.
My friends, I've been an imperfect servant of my country for many
years. But I've been her servant first, last, and always. And I've
never...
(APPLAUSE)
I've never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I didn't thank God
for the privilege.
(APPLAUSE)
MCCAIN: Long ago, something unusual happened to me that taught me the
most valuable lesson of my life. I was blessed by misfortune. I mean
that sincerely. I was blessed because I served in the company of
heroes and I witnessed a thousand acts of courage, and compassion, and
love.
On an October morning, in the Gulf of Tonkin, I prepared for my 23rd
mission over North Vietnam. I hadn't any worry I wouldn't come back
safe and sound. I thought I was tougher than anyone. I was pretty
independent then, too.
(LAUGHTER)
I liked to bend a few rules and pick a few fights for the fun of it.
But I did it for my own pleasure, my own pride. I didn't think there
was a cause that was more important than me.
Then I found myself falling toward the middle of a small lake in the
city of Hanoi, with two broken arms, a broken leg, and an angry crowd
waiting to greet me.
(LAUGHTER)
I was dumped in a dark cell and left to die. I didn't feel so tough anymore.
When they discovered my father was an admiral, they took me to a
hospital. They couldn't set my bones properly, so they just slapped a
cast on me. And when I didn't get better and was down to about a
hundred pounds, they put me in a cell with two other Americans.
I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even feed myself. They did it for
me. I was beginning to learn the limits of my selfish independence.
Those men saved my life.
(APPLAUSE)
I was in solitary confinement when my captors offered to release me. I
knew why. If I went home, they would use it as propaganda to
demoralize my fellow prisoners.
Our code said we could only go home in the order of our capture, and
there were men who had been shot down long before me. I thought about
it, though. I wasn't in great shape, and I missed everything about
America, but I turned it down.
A lot of prisoners had it much worse...
(APPLAUSE)
A lot of -- a lot of prisoners had it a lot worse than I did. I'd been
mistreated before, but not as badly as many others. I always liked to
strut a little after I'd been roughed up to show the other guys I was
tough enough to take it.
But after I turned down their offer, they worked me over harder than
they ever had before, for a long time, and they broke me.
When they brought me back to my cell, I was hurt and ashamed, and I
didn't know how I could face my fellow prisoners. The good man in the
cell next door to me, my friend, Bob Craner, saved me.
Through taps on a wall, he told me I had fought as hard as I could. No
man can always stand alone. And then he told me to get back up and
fight again for my country and for the men I had the honor to serve
with, because every day they fought for me.
(APPLAUSE)
I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone
else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I
loved it for its decency, for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and
goodness of its people.
MCCAIN: I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a
cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again; I wasn't my own
man anymore; I was my country's.
(APPLAUSE)
I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such
personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in
its hour of need.
(APPLAUSE)
My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And
I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.
(APPLAUSE)
My friends, if you find faults with our country, make it a better one.
If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks
and work to correct them. Enlist...
(APPLAUSE)
Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run
for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an -- an illiterate
adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the
oppressed.
Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier, because
nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater
than yourself.
(APPLAUSE)
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going
to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as
I thank him, that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest
country on Earth. And with hard work -- with hard word, strong faith,
and a little courage, great things are always within our reach.
Fight with me. Fight with me.
(APPLAUSE)
Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and
character of a free people.
(APPLAUSE)
Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
(APPLAUSE)
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each
other, for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
(APPLAUSE)
Stand up, stand up, stand up, and fight.
(APPLAUSE)
Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up.
(APPLAUSE)
We never quit.
(APPLAUSE)
We never hide from history. We make history.
(APPLAUSE)
Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America.

RNC ’08 - Newt Gingrich: Palin More Experienced Than Obama

Newt Gingrich was approached on the second night of the Republican Convention and asked to provide an assessment of Senator Lieberman’s speech. Near the end of the interview, the reporter challenged Governor Palin’s experience. That proved to be a mistake:



“It's stronger than -- stronger than Barack Obama's. I don't know why you guys walk around saying this bologna. She has a stronger resume than Obama. She's been a real mayor. He hasn't. She has been a real Governor. He hasn't. She's been in charge of the Alaska National Guard. He hasn't. She was a whistle blower who defeated an incumbent mayor. He has never once shown that kind of courage.”

Toshay!

RNC '08: American is not just about the freedom we have; it is about those who gave it to us.

Day Three of the Republican National Convention was Conservative nirvana. Palin was brilliant, and Romney and Giuliani did an outstanding job illustrating the philosophical differences between McCain and Obama.

I enjoyed all the speeches, but I was particularly moved by one part of Governor Huckabee’s speech:

(excepts form Huckabee’s RNC speech)

“Let me tell you about someone I know who understands this type of sacrifice.

On the first day of school in 2005, Martha Cothren, a teacher at the Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, was determined that her students would not take their education or their privileges as American for granted. And with the principal of her school’s permission, she removed all the desks from her classroom on that first day of school, 2005.

Now, the students walked into an empty classroom and they said, “Ms. Cothren, where’s our desk?” She said, “You get a desk in my classroom when you tell me how you earn it.”

Well, some of them said, “Making good grades.” She said, “Well, you ought to make good grades in my class, but that won’t earn you a desk.” Another student said, “I guess we get a desk when we behave.” Martha said, “You will behave in my classroom.”

But that won’t get you a desk either. No one in first period guessed right. Same for second period. By lunch, the buzz was all over the campus. Ms. Cothren had flipped out, wouldn’t let her students had a desk.

Kids started using their cell phones. They called their parents. And by early afternoon, all four of the local network TV affiliates had camera crews out at the school to report on this teacher who wouldn’t let her students have a desk unless they could tell her how to earn it.

By the final period, no one had guessed correctly, so the students filed in. Martha said, “Well, I didn’t think you would figure it out, so I’m going to tell you.”
And with that, she went to the door of her classroom and motioned, and in walked over 20 veterans, some of them still wearing the uniforms from days gone by, every one of them carrying a school desk. And as they carefully and quietly arranged those desks in neat rows, Martha said, “You don’t have to earn your desk, because these guys, they already did.”

These — these brave veterans had gone halfway around the world, giving up their education, interrupting their careers and families so that we could have the freedom that we have. Martha told them, “No one charged you for your desk, but it wasn’t really free. These guys bought it for you. And I hope you never, ever forget it.”

And I wish, ladies and gentlemen…I wish we would all remember that being American is not just about the freedom we have; it is about those who gave it to us.

And let me remind you of something. John McCain is one of those people who helped buy the freedom and the school desk that we had. John McCain helped me have a school desk.”

Sarah “Barracuda” Palin: America’s Next Vice President

I just finished watching Governor Palin’s acceptance speech, and all I can say is wow! It was the finest Vice-Presidential speech I have every witnessed. It is clear that Governor Palin was selected not because of her gender, but because of the “content of her character!”

Full of compassion, integrity, humble, principled, witty, and honest. That is what we need in our leaders; that is what we have in Governor Palin. Governor Palin is exactly the type of leader that America needs now, and for our future.

Transcript: Governor Palin's RNC Speech

Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens: I am honored to be considered for the nomination for Vice President of the United States...

I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.

I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election... against confident opponents ... at a crucial hour for our country.

And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions ... and met far graver challenges ... and knows how tough fights are won - the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.

It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.

With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost - there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.

But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.

They overlooked the caliber of the man himself - the determination, resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better.

And maybe that's because they realize there is a time for politics and a time for leadership ... a time to campaign and a time to put our country first.

Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by.

He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight.

And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way.

Our son Track is 19.

And one week from tomorrow - September 11th - he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.

My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.

My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.

In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between - my strong and kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.

And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.

That's how it is with us.

Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys.

Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.

And children with special needs inspire a special love.

To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.

I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House. Todd is a story all by himself.

He's a lifelong commercial fisherman ... a production operator in the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope ... a proud member of the United Steel Workers' Union ... and world champion snow machine racer.

Throw in his Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry, and it all makes for quite a package.

We met in high school, and two decades and five children later he's still my guy. My Mom and Dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town.

And among the many things I owe them is one simple lesson: that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.

My parents are here tonight, and I am so proud to be the daughter of Chuck and Sally Heath. Long ago, a young farmer and habber-dasher from Missouri followed an unlikely path to the vice presidency.

A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.

I grew up with those people.

They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.

They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town.

I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better.

When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.

Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.

And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves.

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.

We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.

As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment.<> And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.

But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.

Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.

The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.

No one expects us to agree on everything.

But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart.

I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network.

Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.

But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up.

And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.

I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.

While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.

That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.

I also drive myself to work.

And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef - although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her. I came to office promising to control spending - by request if possible and by veto if necessary.

Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.

Our state budget is under control.

We have a surplus.

And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes.

I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.

I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.

If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged - directly to the people of Alaska.

And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.

As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.

I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history.

And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.

That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.

The stakes for our nation could not be higher.

When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.

With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.

To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas.

And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we've got lots of both.

Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already.

But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.

Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more nuclear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources.

We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers. I've noticed a pattern with our opponent.

Maybe you have, too.

We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers.

And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.

But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate.

This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it.

Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit.

Terrorist states are seeking nuclear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions.

Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights? Government is too big ... he wants to grow it.

Congress spends too much ... he promises more.

Taxes are too high ... he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific.

The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes ... raise payroll taxes ... raise investment income taxes ... raise the death tax ... raise business taxes ... and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars. My sister Heather and her husband have just built a service station that's now opened for business - like millions of others who run small businesses.

How are they going to be any better off if taxes go up? Or maybe you're trying to keep your job at a plant in Michigan or Ohio ... or create jobs with clean coal from Pennsylvania or West Virginia ... or keep a small farm in the family right here in Minnesota.

How are you going to be better off if our opponent adds a massive tax burden to the American economy? Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election.

In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers.

And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.

They're the ones whose names appear on laws and landmark reforms, not just on buttons and banners, or on self-designed presidential seals.

Among politicians, there is the idealism of high-flown speechmaking, in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things.

And then there is the idealism of those leaders, like John McCain, who actually do great things. They're the ones who are good for more than talk ... the ones we have always been able to count on to serve and defend America. Senator McCain's record of actual achievement and reform helps explain why so many special interests, lobbyists, and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency - from the primary election of 2000 to this very day.

Our nominee doesn't run with the Washington herd.

He's a man who's there to serve his country, and not just his party.

A leader who's not looking for a fight, but is not afraid of one either. Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the current do-nothing Senate, not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee.

He said, quote, "I can't stand John McCain." Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps no accolade we hear this week is better proof that we've chosen the right man. Clearly what the Majority Leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain. That is only one more reason to take the maverick of the Senate and put him in the White House. My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of "personal discovery." This world of threats and dangers is not just a community, and it doesn't just need an organizer.

And though both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have been going on lately about how they are always, quote, "fighting for you," let us face the matter squarely.

There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you ... in places where winning means survival and defeat means death ... and that man is John McCain. In our day, politicians have readily shared much lesser tales of adversity than the nightmare world in which this man, and others equally brave, served and suffered for their country.

It's a long way from the fear and pain and squalor of a six-by-four cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.

But if Senator McCain is elected president, that is the journey he will have made.

It's the journey of an upright and honorable man - the kind of fellow whose name you will find on war memorials in small towns across this country, only he was among those who came home.

To the most powerful office on earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless ... the wisdom that comes even to the captives, by the grace of God ... the special confidence of those who have seen evil, and seen how evil is overcome. A fellow prisoner of war, a man named Tom Moe of Lancaster, Ohio, recalls looking through a pin-hole in his cell door as Lieutenant Commander John McCain was led down the hallway, by the guards, day after day.

As the story is told, "When McCain shuffled back from torturous interrogations, he would turn toward Moe's door and flash a grin and thumbs up" - as if to say, "We're going to pull through this." My fellow Americans, that is the kind of man America needs to see us through these next four years.

For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words.

For a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds.

If character is the measure in this election ... and hope the theme ... and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause. Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States.

Thank you all, and may God bless America.