Fans of former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson probably won't have long to wait for an official announcement about his candidacy for President of the United States. Politico is saying today that a source close to Fred confirms that the announcement will be via a webcast next Thursday, September 6. After that will come a post-announcement tour of iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.
Despite all the darts being thrown at his campaign, especially from libs, Fred still holds a very good position in the polls. He also has a good manager in Bill Lacy, who grew up in my town of Cookeville, Tennessee. Lacy is a primary factor in why Fred was able to overcome long odds and win his 1994 Senate race. He trailed then-Congressman Jim Cooper, a Democrat from Nashville, by a large amount in the polls. Lacy helped to turn things around, and Fred won by an almost 60-40% margin.
Go Fred, and God bless ya!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Senator Bob Corker Visits Cookeville...And Hears What's On Everyday People's Minds
Tennessee Senator Bob Corker is spending his recess like I hope and believe other members of Congress are, visiting with his constituents. Today, his journey around Tennessee brought him to Cookeville, my hometown, right smack-in-between Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
He visited at least 60-70 constituents from Cookeville/Putnam County, and the surrounding areas, at the Baymont Inn just off of Interstate 40. He greeted those who were there, who ranged from members of the Tennessee Republican Party to members of the press to everyday citizens, such as myself. I even got my picture with him from campaigning last year autographed. That was exciting! I got to speak with him for a time, not something that everyone gets to do.
After about 15 minutes greeting those who were there, he spoke for maybe twenty minutes. Issues mentioned mostly focused around his experiences in his new job as Senator, health care, the Senate immigration bill that was defeated earlier this year, and the Energy Bill that was recently debated upon on Capitol Hill.
Then, the floor was opened for questions. This is when it got real exciting. I opened it by asking Mr. Corker's position on the "Fairness Doctrine", and what Washington is doing about it. He told us that he opposes anything that messes around with free speech on the radio. He gets points with me on that. He already had points from me, and from the vast majority of the crowd, for helping to defeat the Senate Immigration Proposal. Another question followed, this one from a parent in Jackson County, just to the north of Cookeville. He told of his son's dire education needs, and how the county public school system only made them worse. He wondered why politicians are always trying to throw money at the situation, while schools continue to falter in the quality of education given. Health care questions were later asked. Mr. Corker said he completely opposes a universal health system like the liberal Democrats are proposing, and considers such a proposal dangerous. He scored more points with me there.
However, the most crucial, and exciting, questions came on the subject of China, and of illegal immigration. On China, one woman let her strong concerns on recalled products, from toothpaste to animal food to tires to recently recalled toys, be known. She let her strong concern for American jobs known, as well. At least two men also joined her in expressing their concerns over the quickly growing Chinese threat. Their comments expressing patriotism in American jobs and the seriousness of the Chinese threat drew applause on several occasions. On illegal immigration, a few people spoke on the importance of American culture, and how it is seriously damaged by the culture clash we are now facing. They spoke on the seriousness of becoming a citizen when you come here. One brought up the stat that 24 people a day are killed by illegal aliens in various reasons. I believe he said that amounted to 50,000 DEAD FROM ILLEGAL ALIENS SINCE 9/11! That is way more than this war in Iraq has killed. On illegal immigration, the comments from people in the crowd again drew applause on numerous occasions.
Tonight, I again saw how important illegal immigration is to America's citizens. Not only that, but I saw how important China is to our fellow countrymen as well. My grandmom told us today that some of the toy shelves in her hometown, and my native city, of Reading, Pennsylvania, are becoming bare after the recalls of toys, particularly by Mattel. In the company's major announcement yesterday, they pointed out that more recalls are likely to follow. This on top of the news that an antifreeze ingredient was found in toothpaste earlier this year, and that pet food was poisoned, and that seafood is treated in raw sewage. These are all products from China that I am speaking of, a supposed "ally". I have not considered China a friend for as long as I can remember, and I think it would be insane to do so. Mark my words, China will become on of the premier issues in the not-to-distant future, and will likely become the primary foreign affairs issue, and threat. It is already shaping up to be a 2008 Presidential issue, and with good reason. We have now come to a dire situation with Red China. If we suddenly and completely pull our economic ties, we risk war. However, if we continue to buy Chinese products, not only do we risk harming ourselves, but we risk creating Red China to be the world's supreme superpower. Then, they will see the world as their playground, and we would risk war. China is a more grave threat than many Americans, and other people of the world, realize. If something is not done, and soon, I see dark clouds ahead for this generation, and the ones to follow.
I want to close this out on a better note. Mr. Corker has already collected a lot of points from me on his stand on the issues. There is no mistake that he is a general, all-around conservative. I believe we are blessed to have someone in Washington who stands against amnesty to illegals, against universal health care, against the silencing of conservative talk-radio, and for family values. I believe, too, that he will be a voice for America in our relations against our most grave outside threat, Communist Red China.
He visited at least 60-70 constituents from Cookeville/Putnam County, and the surrounding areas, at the Baymont Inn just off of Interstate 40. He greeted those who were there, who ranged from members of the Tennessee Republican Party to members of the press to everyday citizens, such as myself. I even got my picture with him from campaigning last year autographed. That was exciting! I got to speak with him for a time, not something that everyone gets to do.
After about 15 minutes greeting those who were there, he spoke for maybe twenty minutes. Issues mentioned mostly focused around his experiences in his new job as Senator, health care, the Senate immigration bill that was defeated earlier this year, and the Energy Bill that was recently debated upon on Capitol Hill.
Then, the floor was opened for questions. This is when it got real exciting. I opened it by asking Mr. Corker's position on the "Fairness Doctrine", and what Washington is doing about it. He told us that he opposes anything that messes around with free speech on the radio. He gets points with me on that. He already had points from me, and from the vast majority of the crowd, for helping to defeat the Senate Immigration Proposal. Another question followed, this one from a parent in Jackson County, just to the north of Cookeville. He told of his son's dire education needs, and how the county public school system only made them worse. He wondered why politicians are always trying to throw money at the situation, while schools continue to falter in the quality of education given. Health care questions were later asked. Mr. Corker said he completely opposes a universal health system like the liberal Democrats are proposing, and considers such a proposal dangerous. He scored more points with me there.
However, the most crucial, and exciting, questions came on the subject of China, and of illegal immigration. On China, one woman let her strong concerns on recalled products, from toothpaste to animal food to tires to recently recalled toys, be known. She let her strong concern for American jobs known, as well. At least two men also joined her in expressing their concerns over the quickly growing Chinese threat. Their comments expressing patriotism in American jobs and the seriousness of the Chinese threat drew applause on several occasions. On illegal immigration, a few people spoke on the importance of American culture, and how it is seriously damaged by the culture clash we are now facing. They spoke on the seriousness of becoming a citizen when you come here. One brought up the stat that 24 people a day are killed by illegal aliens in various reasons. I believe he said that amounted to 50,000 DEAD FROM ILLEGAL ALIENS SINCE 9/11! That is way more than this war in Iraq has killed. On illegal immigration, the comments from people in the crowd again drew applause on numerous occasions.
Tonight, I again saw how important illegal immigration is to America's citizens. Not only that, but I saw how important China is to our fellow countrymen as well. My grandmom told us today that some of the toy shelves in her hometown, and my native city, of Reading, Pennsylvania, are becoming bare after the recalls of toys, particularly by Mattel. In the company's major announcement yesterday, they pointed out that more recalls are likely to follow. This on top of the news that an antifreeze ingredient was found in toothpaste earlier this year, and that pet food was poisoned, and that seafood is treated in raw sewage. These are all products from China that I am speaking of, a supposed "ally". I have not considered China a friend for as long as I can remember, and I think it would be insane to do so. Mark my words, China will become on of the premier issues in the not-to-distant future, and will likely become the primary foreign affairs issue, and threat. It is already shaping up to be a 2008 Presidential issue, and with good reason. We have now come to a dire situation with Red China. If we suddenly and completely pull our economic ties, we risk war. However, if we continue to buy Chinese products, not only do we risk harming ourselves, but we risk creating Red China to be the world's supreme superpower. Then, they will see the world as their playground, and we would risk war. China is a more grave threat than many Americans, and other people of the world, realize. If something is not done, and soon, I see dark clouds ahead for this generation, and the ones to follow.
I want to close this out on a better note. Mr. Corker has already collected a lot of points from me on his stand on the issues. There is no mistake that he is a general, all-around conservative. I believe we are blessed to have someone in Washington who stands against amnesty to illegals, against universal health care, against the silencing of conservative talk-radio, and for family values. I believe, too, that he will be a voice for America in our relations against our most grave outside threat, Communist Red China.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
MERV GRIFFIN: 1925-2007
Baltimore Sun File PhotoA TV and singing legend passed away Sunday. Merv Griffin, a singer from the big-band era who went on to create some of the best-known TV game shows in history, passed away in Los Angeles from prostate cancer at the age of 82.
He was born on July 6, 1925 in California. At a young age, he was interested in singing, and landed a job on the radio, and even recorded an album.
He left his radio job in 1948 to become a member of the Freddy Martin band. Afterward he recorded his best-known song, "I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts". Later, he would find himself in stage and film acting roles.
Then came TV, and Griffin dabbled in the talk-show business. He was a guest numerous times on The Jack Paar Show in the 1950s. Paar moved on to NBC, and Griffin was a substitute host on numerous occasions.
Even with all of his roles on the radio and on TV, Griffin will be remembered most for something else, TV game shows. He was the creator of the Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune shows, two of the most popular TV game shows in history. Even the theme songs to these shows were his creations.
Griffin even dabbled in business ventures, buying and selling hotels, casinos and radio stations through his prolific life. He was close friends with Ronald and Nancy Reagan, and visited the White House on numerous occasions during the Reagan Administration in the 1980s.
He married Julann Elizabeth Wright in 1958. They had a son, Tony. He survives his father along with the elder Griffin's two grandchildren. Merv and Julann were divorced in 1976.
He will be missed by all who knew him and by the millions who saw him as one of the most prolific of the entertainers of the latter half of the 20th century.
Rest in peace, Merv Griffin and God bless you!
NOW IT'S EIGHT: TOMMY THOMPSON BOWS OUT
Getty ImagesNow there are no longer two Thompsons in the GOP race for President. After a poor showing in Saturday's Ames, Iowa GOP Straw Poll, former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson dropped out of his long-shot bid for the Presidency. A conservative, who is known for drastically cutting the welfare rolls in Wisconsin during his administration there, Thompson added to the early stages of the GOP Presidential race with his time in the TV debates held thus far. He said last week that he would drop out if he did not place first or second in the Ames Straw Poll. He now plans to return to the private sector.
He was Governor of Wisconsin from 1987 to 2001, when he was tapped by incoming President George W. Bush to serve as the new Health and Human Services secretary. He served in that post until January 2005, when he resigned from serving in the second Bush Administration.
In leaving the race, Thompson leaves eight candidates for the GOP Presidential nomination. It soon will grow to nine again with the likely entry of the other Thompson, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, who could enter at any time.
With that said, I would like to rank the GOP race as I believe it stands now. Here it goes:
TOP TIER
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson
MID-TIER
Kansas Senator Sam Brownback
Arizona Senator John McCain
Texas Congressman Ron Paul
Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo
BOTTOM TIER
Wealthy Illinois CPA John Cox
California Congressman Duncan Hunter
Results From The Ames Straw Poll
As expected, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won Saturday's GOP Straw Poll in Ames, Iowa. Romney, the son of the late former Michigan Governor and 1968 GOP Presidential candidate George W. Romney, spent truckloads of money and spent a lot of time in the state, and it obviously paid off.
In my opinion, the one who benefited most from this poll is the one who fell in second, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Huckabee did not have much money, and no buses to transport those who are his supporters to the poll to vote, a crucial part of the straw vote. He "did it with so few resources this really was feeding the 5,000 with two fish and five loaves", as he said in his own words after a strong second place showing. He now considers himself up in the top tier, and I see no reason to argue with him.
Another strong showing was that of Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo. He placed in fourth, but he is considered on the lower tier by many pundits and does not really have a lot of money, so this showing certainly could be considered strong. His fourth place tally reflects how strong his conservative message is, not just on illegal immigration and culture change, but on a wide variety of issues.
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson polled the highest of those that did not actively participate. It might be a reflection that he would likely be the strongest of the three who were not involved, himself, Giuliani, and McCain, who should now be considered a mid-tier candidate.
Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and California Congressman Duncan Hunter both had mediocre showings. Afterward, Tommy Thompson withdrew from the race (story upcoming). However, Hunter said he would continue in the race. He may be jockeying for a Cabinet post. He is another great candidate, tough on illegal immigration and amnesty, strong on national defense, and knows the dangers lurking with China, as well as supportive of American jobs. He is a good, all-around conservative. I hope to see him in a future Cabinet.
Here are the final results:
Mitt Romney
4516 31.5%
Mike Huckabee
2587 18.1%
Sam Brownback
2192 15.3%
Tom Tancredo
1961 13.7%
Ron Paul
1305 9.1%
Tommy Thompson
1039 7.3%
Fred Thompson
203 1.4%
Rudy Giuliani
183 1.3%
Duncan Hunter
174 1.2%
John McCain
101 1.0%
John Cox
41 0.1%
14,302 Total Votes
26,000 Total Tickets Sold
In my opinion, the one who benefited most from this poll is the one who fell in second, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Huckabee did not have much money, and no buses to transport those who are his supporters to the poll to vote, a crucial part of the straw vote. He "did it with so few resources this really was feeding the 5,000 with two fish and five loaves", as he said in his own words after a strong second place showing. He now considers himself up in the top tier, and I see no reason to argue with him.
Another strong showing was that of Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo. He placed in fourth, but he is considered on the lower tier by many pundits and does not really have a lot of money, so this showing certainly could be considered strong. His fourth place tally reflects how strong his conservative message is, not just on illegal immigration and culture change, but on a wide variety of issues.
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson polled the highest of those that did not actively participate. It might be a reflection that he would likely be the strongest of the three who were not involved, himself, Giuliani, and McCain, who should now be considered a mid-tier candidate.
Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and California Congressman Duncan Hunter both had mediocre showings. Afterward, Tommy Thompson withdrew from the race (story upcoming). However, Hunter said he would continue in the race. He may be jockeying for a Cabinet post. He is another great candidate, tough on illegal immigration and amnesty, strong on national defense, and knows the dangers lurking with China, as well as supportive of American jobs. He is a good, all-around conservative. I hope to see him in a future Cabinet.
Here are the final results:
Mitt Romney
4516 31.5%
Mike Huckabee
2587 18.1%
Sam Brownback
2192 15.3%
Tom Tancredo
1961 13.7%
Ron Paul
1305 9.1%
Tommy Thompson
1039 7.3%
Fred Thompson
203 1.4%
Rudy Giuliani
183 1.3%
Duncan Hunter
174 1.2%
John McCain
101 1.0%
John Cox
41 0.1%
14,302 Total Votes
26,000 Total Tickets Sold
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The New Congressman From Georgia CD-10
I have not posted on Georgia's CD-10 Congressional election since the first set of voting was reported. Since then, we have had a run-off on Tuesday, July 17.
When the voting for the run-off was complete and the results came in, an exciting and unexpected upset appeared to have taken place. Republican State Senator Jim Whitehead was the heavy favorite going into the election, and even into the run-off. However, a candidate not even holding office turned out to be the winner. Physician Paul Broun Jr., a frequent candidate and also a Republican, stunned many by grabbing a 394-vote victory in the race. The final tally showed Broun with 23,529 votes, and Whitehead with 23,135. Both are considered conservatives. However, Broun looks to be more of a trusted conservative, rather than Whitehead, who was backed by the GOP establishment. It has been said that Broun may be like another Ron Paul, the Texas congressman, who often votes no on bills that are unconstitutional.
Broun was actually my second choice in this election, as I had endorsed Bill Greene, who lost badly in the first set of voting. Broun's election is exciting to me as I believe he will be a conservative leader in the House.
Georgia Secretary of State's Office voting returns
Congressman Paul Broun's official site
Broun's campaign site
When the voting for the run-off was complete and the results came in, an exciting and unexpected upset appeared to have taken place. Republican State Senator Jim Whitehead was the heavy favorite going into the election, and even into the run-off. However, a candidate not even holding office turned out to be the winner. Physician Paul Broun Jr., a frequent candidate and also a Republican, stunned many by grabbing a 394-vote victory in the race. The final tally showed Broun with 23,529 votes, and Whitehead with 23,135. Both are considered conservatives. However, Broun looks to be more of a trusted conservative, rather than Whitehead, who was backed by the GOP establishment. It has been said that Broun may be like another Ron Paul, the Texas congressman, who often votes no on bills that are unconstitutional.
Broun was actually my second choice in this election, as I had endorsed Bill Greene, who lost badly in the first set of voting. Broun's election is exciting to me as I believe he will be a conservative leader in the House.
Georgia Secretary of State's Office voting returns
Congressman Paul Broun's official site
Broun's campaign site
Ames Prediction
I have just heard word that balloting is under way in Ames, Iowa for the closely watched GOP Straw Poll. I want to give my predictions on the order I believe the candidates will finish. I have no inside information, so these are only predictions. I believe the ones who will benefit most are Tancredo and Huckabee. Romney should have no problem winning, but he is expected to do so. Meanwhile a strong showing by Tancredo and Huckabee could cast them further into the national spotlight. I believe those two will perform fairly strong.
Here are my predictions:
1. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
2. Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo
3. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
4. Kansas Senator Sam Brownback
5. Texas Congressman Ron Paul
6. California Congressman Duncan Hunter
7. Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson
Here are my predictions:
1. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
2. Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo
3. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
4. Kansas Senator Sam Brownback
5. Texas Congressman Ron Paul
6. California Congressman Duncan Hunter
7. Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson
Monday, August 6, 2007
MINNEAPOLIS BRIDGE TRAGEDY UPDATE
The number of dead in my earlier writing was found to be higher than the actual number. Although the death toll was reported to be as high as nine on the evening of the tragedy, the toll was revised downward through the morning. Now the toll is five dead, and over 100 were reported injured after Wednesday night's tragedy. Eight are still reported missing.
As for the cause, that has yet to be determined. Bridge fatigue seems to be the likely answer. Why was the bridge fatigued? We have yet to find that out, but WorldNetDaily is running an interesting article on that side of the story. According to the article, NAFTA Superhighway traffic could be the cause. It is an article certainly worth reading, and you can read it by clicking this link.
Good has come out of this, as well. For one thing, not as many died as could have if the other lanes of the bridge were open. Also, a lot of lives were save by good samaritans who were on a more stable part of the bridge, but went into harms way to rescue those whose lives were in danger. America is still a compassionate nation who puts a high value on life. Those are some positives to take away from this shocking and tragic event.
As for the cause, that has yet to be determined. Bridge fatigue seems to be the likely answer. Why was the bridge fatigued? We have yet to find that out, but WorldNetDaily is running an interesting article on that side of the story. According to the article, NAFTA Superhighway traffic could be the cause. It is an article certainly worth reading, and you can read it by clicking this link.
Good has come out of this, as well. For one thing, not as many died as could have if the other lanes of the bridge were open. Also, a lot of lives were save by good samaritans who were on a more stable part of the bridge, but went into harms way to rescue those whose lives were in danger. America is still a compassionate nation who puts a high value on life. Those are some positives to take away from this shocking and tragic event.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
DEVELOPING STORY
AP/Pioneer Press Photo
"CATASTROPHE OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS"
Interstate bridge in Minneapolis collapses during evening rush hour. Seven are known dead, 58 others known injured after more than 50 cars tumble into the Mississippi River.
CBS Photo
AP Photo
12:07 AM CST, Thursday, August 2
Tragedy struck in Minnesota's Twin Cities Wednesday night when the Interstate 35 west-bound bridge between Minneapolis and St. Paul suddenly collapsed into the Mississippi River during the evening rush hour. The result was 50 or more cars tumbling into the river, along with steel and chunks of concrete, in a cloud of dust, creating multiple car fires and shooting smoke into the air. At this hour, seven are known dead, along with 58 injuries with some in critical condition. The death toll is expected to rise, and divers are reportedly in the river searching for possible survivors. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty called the event a "catastrophe of historic proportions".
The cause is not fully known. Terrorism is not expected. Strong storms were in the area, but they are not yet believed to be at fault. Workmen were working on the bridge, but resurfacing was reported to be what was being done, hardly the kind of thing that brings down bridges. We can certainly expect a full investigation into what brought down the 40-year-old bridge.
According to Minneapolis Police Lt. Amelia Huffman, the bridge was busy at the time of collapse. "There were two lanes of traffic, bumper to bumper, at the point of the collapse. Those cars did go into the river. At this point there is nothing to suggest that this was anything other than a structural collapse."
Eyewitnesses said the collapse happened suddenly and without warning. Houston, Texas resident Jamie Winegar gave her account. She said she heard "boom, boom, boom and we were just dropping, dropping, dropping, dropping." Truck driver Gary Bavanaugh said, "The bridge started shaking and it went down fast."
This is a developing story, and as such, not a whole lot is certain about this event. I am getting late word now at 12:04 AM as I get ready to publish this, that twenty people are still missing. Also, the number of 50 cars is only that which have actually fallen into the river. Scores more cars remained on those parts of the expressway that remained above the water's reach.
Updates will be posted here as events warrant. May God grant mercy to those involved in this catastrophe. My prayers are with everyone involved.
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