Telephone from Afghanistan

Have you ever heard the song “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyonce Knowles? I’m not a fan, but I can definitely appreciate this reenactment done by U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. It looks like the guys made the video for some friends and family, but it went viral and will likely end up getting millions of hits.

Barack Obama: “I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money”

Barack Obama recently commented on financial reform and said, “I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money”. I wonder at which point enough is enough? Since Mr. Obama thinks he is the arbiter of how much people are entitled to earn, I’d love to hear his response.

Somewhere, Karl Marx is smiling.

Hyphens make you a semi-American

Are you a hypenated-American?

I remember talking to my friend and her son a few years ago, and someone described a person as being “black”. Her son, who was about 11 years old snapped that the term “African-American” should be used. I disagreed then, and I disagree even more strongly now.

As a caucasian white guy, I’m not offended by being referred to as “white”. What really bugs me is when people hyphenate themselves. My great-grandparents came to the United States from Italy in the early 1900′s. I don’t refer to myself as Italian-American, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to place this label on me. I’m tired of hearing about how people are Italian-American, African-American, Mexican-American, Chinese-American, or Irish-American. The common thread in all these atrocious labels is “American”. Unfortunately, many of us seem intent on watering down our American identity by holding onto something from our past that will never compare. » read more

Hypocrisy: Mexico criticized for mistreatment of migrants

Mexico's treatment of migrants has been criticized by Amnesty International

The Mexican government has criticized Arizona for passing a law which would essentially enforce federal immigration laws. Mexico, which often assists its huddled masses in escaping its economic wasteland for the promise to be found in the United States, lacks credibility on the issue. Rather than criticizing its neighbor to the north, it should focus on the serious problems within its own borders.

Amnesty International has referred to Mexico’s treatment of migrants as “a human rights crisis“. According to Amnesty International, many migrants are are beaten, raped or murdered. For those who are victimized, there isn’t much recourse. Here’s an excerpt from Article 67 of Mexico’s population law: » read more

Michael Bloomberg, national suicide, and illegal aliens

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg doesn’t like the immigration law passed by Arizona. Here are some of his comments on the law:

“This is not good for the country. I don’t agree with it,” he said. “We love immigrants here.”

“We have to get real about the 12 million undocumented here,” the mayor said. “We’re not going to deport them. Give them permanent status. Don’t make them citizens unless they can qualify, but give them permanent status and let’s get on with this.”

» read more

Tim James: “This is Alabama, we speak English

Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tim James has a novel idea. Rather than offer the state’s drivers license exam in 12 languages, it should be offered in just one: English. Tim James cites the amount of money that could be saved because of this change. I have no doubt there would be some modest savings in printing costs, but there are even more important reasons to make the change. The most important is to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Road signs are written in English. Some signs are easy to recognize, such as stop signs, but what about those that are seen less frequently, such as those related to road construction? How will someone who can’t read English understand warnings and directions? » read more

Illegal aliens and the 2010 census

Five states poised to add a congressional seat may end up losing out because of poor participation rates in the 2010 census. New York, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California are all lagging, and might have quite a bit to lose. As you probably know, the Census helps determine representation in the House and federal funding.

As I looked at the list, I noticed that 3 of the states are along the Mexican border and have a large number of illegal aliens entering the state. Well, it looks like New York and Florida are in the same boat. It turns out that California (1), Texas (2), New York (3), Florida (5), and Arizona (6) make up five out of the top six states with the most illegal aliens. Is this merely a coincidence? Could some other variable be at work? That’s certainly possible, but you must admit that it is some coincidence. » read more

Thank you Jan Brewer

I’d like to take a moment to thank Arizona Governor Jan Brewer for signing a bill into law which will greatly reduce the number of illegal aliens entering the United States along the Mexican border. The law will make it a crime to be in the United States illegally, and will allow police officers to request individuals to prove citizenship. Of course, there are many detractors with their own agendas who don’t care about the destruction caused by illegal aliens.

You would expect to hear about some local groups criticizing the law, but criticism is coming from some unusual places. Namely, the Mexican and Guatemalan governments. I guess they’re afraid their citizens won’t be allowed to trespass into the U.S., steal American jobs, then send remittances back home. What will Mexico do without all the money its citizen invaders send home? They’ll have to actually work on trying to improve their country so their citizens want to stay. » read more

Comedy Central’s decision to censor South Park was cowardly

Have you been following the “South Park” situation? If you haven’t, here’s a quick summary: The creators portrayed the Prophet Muhammad in a bear suit, which angered a Muslim group. On their website, the group posted pictures of Theo Van Gogh, who was murdered after one of his films offended some Muslims. The site hints that a similar fate may await “South Park” creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker.

“South Park” makes jokes about everyone, and they’re usually quite funny while they’re doing it. As a matter of fact, Jesus has a recurring role on the show! As far as I know, no one has threatened the creators over their portrayal of Jesus, and no Christian groups have threatened death. » read more

If Obama wants a VAT, he needs to eliminate the income tax

Barack Obama has suggested that he is open to instituting a VAT (Value Added Tax) in the United States. If you’re not familiar with a VAT, it essentially taxes a product at each level of production as it moves from a raw material to a finished product. Not surprisingly, the VAT has been used in Europe for years.

I’d be open to considering a VAT if it replaced the income tax and capital gains tax. At all levels of government, ways are found to add new taxes and fees to separate citizens from their money in a myriad of ways. Then, we hear about small, almost inconsequential tax increases that we will hardly notice. Of course, we end up enduring a series of tax and fee increases that can add up to substantial amounts. That’s why any talk of adding a VAT would have to at the very least include the elimination of the income tax. Including the capital gains tax would further reduce the burden and simplify the tax code. We don’t need yet another way of spreading our taxation around. Of course, I wouldn’t count on this happening. » read more

No charges brought against Ben Roethlisberger, but he’s still punished

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wasn't charged in a sexual assault case, but was punished anyway.

Ben Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault by a 20 year old woman. Police performed a thorough investigation and decided there wasn’t enough evidence to bring charges against him. Think about this: Not only was there not enough evidence to convict him, but there wasn’t even enough evidence to bring charges. Despite this, Ben Roethlisberger will be punished.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has decided to suspend Roethlisberger for the first 6 games of the season. The suspension will cost Roethlisberger nearly $3 million in salary, and could be even longer if the League isn’t satisfied with the progress of his behavioral evaluation. Goodell readily recognizes that Roethlisberger wasn’t charged, but in a letter, he points out other actions that evening that undermine the “integrity” of the NFL: » read more

Arizona wants to see Barack Obama’s birth certificate

The Arizona House voted 31 to 22 on a bill which would compel Presidential candidates to prove they meet the Constitutional requirements to run for office. If they don’t comply, they will not be allowed on the ballot.

If this bill passes the Senate and is signed by Governor Jan Brewer, it could bring an end to complaints from birthers…or make matters worse. The outcome will be largely determined by Barack Obama. Will he continue his arrogant refusal to release the information, or will he finally permit the press to see the official document? » read more

Who’s better than Sarah Palin? Lots and lots of people…

Sarah Palin in 2012? Let's hope not.

What do Ron Paul, Haley Barbour, Bobby Jindal, Tim Pawlenty, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee, and Mitt Romney all have in common? They are all Republicans who will likely run or consider running for President, and they are all more intelligent and experienced than a certain former Alaskan Governor.

To many people in the Republican Party, it has almost become blasphemous to criticize Sarah Palin. Some consider this darling of the Tea Party movement to be one of the leading contenders for the Presidential nomination in 2012. If you’re one of these people, please get a reality check. Nominating Sarah Palin is the best way to guarantee a second term for Barack Obama. » read more

Arizona allows individuals to carry concealed weapons without a permit

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signs concealed weapon bill into law.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a bill into law which allows adults to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. It’s nice to see that some places still take the 2nd Amendment seriously.

This bill has its detractors, but they clearly aren’t thinking straight. They might be worried about honest citizens carrying guns, but I’m not. What worries me are criminals who carry weapons for the sole purpose of committing crimes. You can pass a law banning people from having guns or carrying them without a permit, but in the end, the only ones who will follow it are honest, responsible citizens. Criminals will continue to carry guns, since someone who regularly assaults or robs people probably won’t care much about breaking another law. » read more

Mayor of Champaign Illinois questions Obama’s citizenship

The Mayor of Champaign Illinois is the latest person to question Barack Obama’s citizenship. I don’t know about you, but I tend to cringe when I hear this brought up. I compare birthers who believe Barack Obama was born in a foreign country, to truthers who are convinced that the 9/11 attacks were engineered by the United States government. Both groups are operating on the fringe of reality, and neither group is playing with a full deck.

You could argue, and I would agree, that Barack Obama could end all this speculation by simply presenting an official copy of his birth certificate. That would end the debate immediately. Some would argue that his reluctance to make the birth certificate available is evidence of his foreign birth, while I feel that it is evidence of his extreme arrogance. » read more

Tiger Woods uses his dead father to sell shoes

Just when you think Tiger Woods couldn’t sink any lower, he does. The father of two children lied to, and cheated on his wife with a myriad of opportunistic women, and now he works on the rest of the family.

Tiger Woods and Nike put out a commercial that appears to show an upset Tiger Woods receiving advice from his dead father, Earl Woods. Woods, who looks like an imbecile in the commercial, essentially used his fathers words to help sell sneakers and athletic apparel. Is nothing sacred? We all knew his wedding vows certainly weren’t, but this takes the cake.

Ron Paul vs Barack Obama?

Can Ron Paul defeat Barack Obama?

I grudgingly voted for John McCain in 2008. He would have done a better job than Barack Obama, but I doubt he would have done a good job. During the Republican primary, we had people like Rudy Giuliani who appeared afraid to disagree with the other candidates, and Mitt Romney who changes his views every time the wind blows. Out of all the candidates, there was only one I could have completely supported: Ron Paul.

Paul is one of the few politicians who actually seems to give thought to his positions. His beliefs and opinions are rooted in the Constitution and are independent of the latest opinion polls and what happens to be politically expedient that day. If Ron Paul were President, I have no doubt the country would be better off today. » read more

Advice for those attending a Tea Party rally on April 15th

If you are a member of the Tea Party, then you’ve probably heard about how liberals are planning to crash rallies across the country. They will likely pose as Tea Party members, while holding misspelled signs, shouting racist comments, or seek out the media to portray the movement in a bad light. The party crashers might not end up executing their plan, but if they do, you should be prepared. Here’s some advice:

1. If someone makes a racist comment, immediately shout them down. Make it known that this person does not represent the cause and that their opinions aren’t welcomed.

2. If you see someone being interviewed by the media, listen to what’s being said. If the person sounds like a liberal plant, then they probably are. Make your voice heard.

3. Be peaceful and respectful. The way you carry yourself is a reflection of the movement. » read more

Arizona legislature passes bill to target illegal aliens

Arizona’s legislature recently passed a bill which would make it a crime for illegal aliens to be present in the state. This is the type of law more states should pass. It treats illegal aliens like the criminals they truly are (trespassing, anyone?), and will encourage them to leave if life gets difficult for them.

Not surprisingly, there are some who think the law is a bad idea. Organizer Joe Rubio says, “Arizona’s economic recovery will lag way behind the country’s if we keep chasing away our workforce. Where do the legislators think business will find workers?” If Joe is really worried, I can answer his question: All those legal residents and citizens standing in the unemployment line can take the jobs. Someone like Joe Rubio might think these are jobs Americans don’t want, but once illegal aliens are pushed out of the state, wages should rise and more opportunities will open up for those here legally. Hey, they might even be able to cut taxes, since money isn’t going to educate their children! » read more

Barack Obama sends the wrong message on nuclear weapons

Barack Obama has decided to put strict limits on the use of nuclear weapons, even in cases of self-defense. Think about this: It’s possible that a country could launch a biological or chemical attack on the United States, kill thousands of people, and this option would be ruled out.

In the event of a severe attack on the United States, more conventional weapons might be the best choice. The problem is that Barack Obama is essentially telling our enemies that if they attack us, they don’t need to worry about the most severe form of retribution. Is this really the message we should be sending?