Massive 9/12 Rally To Limit Government Control

Tens of thousands gathered yesterday to protest Obama's full scale attack on capitalism and individual liberty but all the left wants to talk about is that the crowd didn't reach a million. According to The New York Times,

The demonstrators numbered well into the tens of thousands, though the police declined to estimate the size of the crowd. Many came on their own and were not part of an organization or group. But the magnitude of the rally took the authorities by surprise, with throngs of people streaming from the White House to Capitol Hill for more than three hours.

The protesters formed a massive sea of outrage flowing through the streets of D.C., singing patriot songs and displaying their commitment to an America born and bred on individual freedom and limited government intervention.

But rather than address the darkening waters of the Obamanic lust for power, the left wants to talk about how it was mistakenly reported that a million people were at the rally rather than the merely tens of thousands who were actually there. They would love nothing more than to portray this gathering as a backyard BBQ with a few yokels complaining about Uncle Sam over a six pack of PBR.

I'll admit that I never expected a million or even tens of thousands to attend. Historically Republicans have refrained from rallies of this sort because . . . well, we tend to work during the day. But the radical agenda of those currently controlling the democratic party have passionately changed the way Republicans respond, perhaps forever.

Michelle Malkin sums it for us:

Activists were derided as amateurs who couldn’t turn out a crowd. Then they were smeared as corporate shills. They were criticized for not having a coherent message. Then they were mocked for ideological single-mindedness. They are resented by professional strategists who accuse them of organizing empty protests that won’t translate into electoral gains. But the movement has given birth to a new generation of movers and shakers who have rejected establishment partisan politics for nimble, Internet-facilitated, issues-based advocacy.

Amen, sister. Whoa, did that make me part of the "Religious Right"?

The left has made their first predictable attempt to avoid the growing outrage over their policies by ignoring the message to talk about the "poor attendance." So, what's next on their game plan? Just how long before they call the rally racism?

The Secret To Happiness

Yet another poll provides the true secret to happiness: Become a Republican.

Four unbroken decades of "the partisan happiness gap" sure says something about the inherit joy of gun toting, tax paying, Bible reading, bootstrap pulling, clear thinking, handout scoffing self reliance

Signs Of The Tea Party

The main stream media is doing their best to downplay the enormous national turnout for the Tea Party's across the country this week. And when they're not downplaying it, they're doing their best to portray the participants as right-wing radicals who are pimping for the rich . . . or the Klan or fans of Family Circus or virtually any other fringe group they can pull out of the administration's bogus Homeland Security talking points.

But what struck me about the rallies were how different they were from what we typically see from rallies on the left. And since pictures are worth a thousand words and I type rather slowly, I'll let these do the talking:

TEA PARTY PICS:

LEFT-WING RALLY PICS:

Now, I know that some of you will moan that I selected these images specifically to prove a point, but can anyone deny in good conscience the hatred and threats we saw hoisted on placards virtually every time two or more liberals gathered in Bush's name? Besides, I decided not to post any images from some of history's more famous leftest rallies. Well, except this one:

Macho Sauce Update (and a bonus stem cell rant)

The latest Update from a true Bloodbrother, Zo at Macho Sauce Productions.

If you have yet to throw any support his way, don't miss the chance to do it now but checking out this site: Macho Sauce Productions (MSP)



As for Stem Cell research . . . of course, those of you who regularly read The Khaki Elephant know my primary concern with embryonic stem-cell research: when measured with objectivity it is a complete and unnecessary waste of valuable research resources. Not only have adult stem cells produced more effective treatments to date, but the proclaimed object of embryonic stell-cell harvesting (getting to those pesky pluripotent stem cells) has been rendered obsolete by scientific advancements in the manipulation of stem cells. That being the case, there are only three reasons those on the left are still pushing embryonic stem-cell research:

1. They are ignorant
2. The republicans are against it so they must support it
3. They don't care if it's unnecessary, harvesting from embryos for any reason validates that the unborn are not sufficiently human so this research furthers their cause

(Of course, the scientist in the field have a fourth reason -- getting their guilt-repellent greedy hands on millions of dollars in research grants.) For more of my take on the subject, check out: Is Embryonic Stem-cell Research Science Or Social Agenda

Congressman Joe Knollenberg Says Goodbye

For 16 years he served the state of Michigan with honor and honesty. Today Congressman Joe Knollenberg said goodbye to a gathering of supporters as he prepares for life after Washington.

Joe's voice of reason will be missed in the D.C. halls where his work for Michigan and the rest of the country have always been a welcome respite from typical Congressional cop outs.

Thanks for everything, Joe.

May the best in life come to you.

And as my farewell gift to you, please accept this majestic image of Kimba the White Lion leading his faithful followers as you led the way for us all those years (and we can just ignore the creepy fact that Kimba used to sleep on his dead father's skin . . . a detail that always gave me the willies, even as a kid).

Senate Republican Tells Detroit, DROP DEAD

I'm a Republican. I struggle to be right handed, sleep in little elephant jammies, and say "Bully" when the mood strikes me. But right now I've just got to be honest and admit that I'd love to stick a tusk up Tennessee Republican Bob Corker's grandstanding ass. Corker (who's state benefits greatly from foreign auto manufacturing so has nothing parochially to gain from a successful GM) claimed that the UAW's failure to take pay cuts was the sole reason the bridge loan failed. He then . . . this guy who allowed billions of unfettered dollars to be doled to incompetent banks . . . said that America could not afford to give additional money to the auto companies without his bullet points of restriction.

Well first of all, Bob, the UAW did not fail to take pay cuts. In fact, they agreed to set up a process for wage regulation that included federal representation; they just didn't want the specifics determined before the process began. Beyond that, Bob, this is not a "bailout" but a bridge loan. Finally, Bob, the money is not a slop bucket of new funds for the industry, but providing liquidity for support from funds that were already intended for transportation technology.

I don't mind somebody standing up for the integrity of their beliefs even when I disagree with them. But I hate when somebody I usually agree with takes a stand by twisting the truth for integrity's appearance. I never fear the attacks of an opponent, but I do fear the ignorance of a friend.

Of course, I will give Corker this much, his daughter knows how to party.

Oh, and thanks to Paul W. Smith for the title idea.

Sniveling Cowards Attack Sarah Palin

Trying to redirect criticism of the failed campaign they coordinated, anonymous voices within the McCain . . . make that former McCain campaign staff launched a series of cowardly attacks against Sarah Palin reminiscent of, well, cowardly anonymous attacks from trolls across the blogosphere.

These Benedict A-holes shot gossip to Newsweek and FoxNews claiming that Palin is an ignorant, harsh-tempered, fashion obsessed Diva who answers the door wearing nothing but a towel and a smile. Naturally Palin blasted the rumors. And those who actually know her call the accusations absolutely ludicrous. The Alaskan governor even went so far as to invite journalists to check out her Alaskan home and closet to measure her Diva-osity. No word as to whether she offered to greet them with naught but a towel.

But the question that keeps bothering me is where is John McCain in all of this? Some in his staff are attempting to salvage their careers by throwing Saracuda under the blue wave of Obama's election . . . a vain effort if you ask me since Palin's place in the GOP is secure while they (once we find out who "they" are) will now become caribou in season. That said, isn't it time for John McCain to step forward and defend his Veep choice?

Where are you Senator McCain?

Check out Michelle Malkin's take on this (you won't be sorry): "Cowards: The character assassination of Sarah Palin"

Mo' Zo

The latest from Zo and Macho Sauce Productions

Palin Delivers At The Convention

WOW!

The mainstream media has spent days trying to destroy her. Pundits questioned whether she would whither of deliver with her convention speech. And unless you are an O-drenched MSNBC political correspondent it's hard to argue with the fact that Palin delivered.

Sarah Palin delivered a powerful speech that provided personal bio and political barrages. She kept it real, embracing her small-town heritage while confessing the big-time successes she has had as a reformer. Her are some nuggets from the speech for you to enjoy.

"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."

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

"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."

"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."

"This is a man [Obama] 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 … when that happens, 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?"

"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."

"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."

Who Will Be John McCain's Choice For Vice President?

As with Obama's decision to pick Joe Biden as a running mate, it's hard to steer away from conventional wisdom when it comes to the choice John McCain will make in the next day or so. I fully expect Mac to pull safely from the short list of candidates that pundits swat back and forth like a slow-motion, snooze-inducing shuttlecock. Will it be Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Tom Ridge or Charlie Crist? Sure, it's fun to talk about more dramatic possibilities like Colon Powell, Rudi, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Joe Lieberman or Condoleezza Rice, but I expect McCain to combat B.H. Obama's hollow promise of undefined change with an old-fashioned recipe of two WASPs with stingers.

My prediction: Minnesota Governor, Tim Pawlenty.

Pawlenty is a safe choice who will certainly lock up Minnesota as a red state and probably bring Wisconsin in tow. OK, now that I've taken care of that, let's talk about the choice that I think McCain SHOULD make.

My preference: Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin

In my mind Palin is the perfect choice for a number of reasons.

• She is a woman who may force disenfranchised Hillary supporters to consider punching a chad intentionally for the GOP.
• She is a young, fresh face added to the mix. Talk to me about change!
• Her shocking addition to the ticket would focus the human interest/social barrier angle on the McCain campaign.
• She supports the 2nd amendment.
• She can pull in conservatives with her pro-life stance.
• Like McCain, she is an environmentalist.
• She has a history of fiscal conservatism.
• She is not linked to the "unpopular" Bush administration.
• While she lacks "experience," it is less an issue as V.P.
• She is easy on the eyes.
• And she gets her picture taken with dead bears.

Come on, John. Think outside of the box on this one. You have a chance to make real history! Add Sarah to the ticket and let's take it to the White House . . .

Everybody Is Republican On Tax Day

I suppose it's a bit like St. Patrick's day, when protestants, catholics and atheists gather together to drink green beer, wear distasteful clothes and dance without moving their arms. Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick's Day.

Every time April rolls around the water cooler starts to bubble with the heat of discontented taxpayers. Even the most liberal voices can be heard mumbling, "I thought I'd be getting more back" or "This year I claimed . . . " or "By all that is holy on heaven and earth, I owe." When we fill out our tax forms, deep in our heart of hearts every American knows that we could do a better job managing our money than the government. It's not greed (well, most of the time). It's not arrogance (well, some of the time). It's just common sense.

When we plug in our charitable contributions there is an assured satisfaction that those dollars were more effective than what Uncle Sam may have chipped in for the same cause. When we write off certain items we know that we've earned that right to write. When we file for extensions we know that the red tape forcing us to do so is the same red tape that binds the government's effectiveness. On that one day of the year, everyone who is honest with him or herself knows that they could put their money to better use than Uncle Sam. Oh, some liberals may believe that others can't be trusted so we need the heavy tax burden, but when they look in the mirror they know. They know.

Everybody is a Republican on tax day.

Should Huckabee be?

Should Mike Huckabee drop out of the race? It's the second most frequently asked question at Republican gatherings (the first, of course, is: "How old are these bagels?") My answer is a resounding NO! (As for the bagels, it's best that you don't ask).

We all know that Iron Mike's chance of gaining the nomination is roughly equivalent to Keanu Reeves giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars, but that doesn't mean he couldn't play an important role that might have an impact next November. First of all, his campaign presence keeps McCain in the news after every primary. A winner needs somebody to defeat. If you took away the Washington Generals, the Harlem Globetrotters' "hidden ball trick" would just seem sort of silly . . . or at least sillier. Secondly, Huckabee's identification as the conservative candidate contrasts nicely with McCain as the moderate maverick, which should make the Arizona Senator more appealing to independent voters when the general election rolls around. As long the Campaign ads stay positive, the Republican race that isn't a race should prove more benefit than hindrance to the victor.

So stay in the race as long as you can, Mike. Be there for the troops. Be there for a new Republican party. Be there for Keanu Reeves. Just be.

To Cross The Aisle With John McCain

I always thought that I had a pretty good sense of direction. It's in my blood. After all, my Viking ancestors crossed the ocean in rowboats and somehow found the Vinland they sought on crisp Canadian shores. But apparently my Scandinavian senses are underdeveloped . . . which explains why I miss the melodic mark whenever I belt out Varjojen Virta on a Ram's Horn. You see, some time during the past few years some heavy hitters in the GOP changed direction and, unlike Leif Erikson, I'm still paddling around trying to figure out what happened.

It was only 8 years ago (that's 56 years to any clever blogging Border Collies reading this post) when I heard my friends on talk radio promise an end to the divisive politics that sustained the Clinton White House. And while I hadn't supported Dubya during the primaries, I believed that he could reach across the aisle and get things done. He had strong bloodlines, he was a man of action, and he had that endearing thing that he does to the English language. What's not to love? Then there was the way he corralled both Republicans and Democrats while he was Governor of Texas. If he could get those self-determined Cowboys and girls working together, how hard would it be for him to reach across the aisle in Washington after 8 years of Clinton conflict?

We all know now that, beyond the wake of 9/11, Bush failed to deliver the unity promised by his "compassionate conservatism." We all accept that. We all move on.

What troubles me now is the reaction from ultra-conservatives to the fact that John McCain actually has reached across to "the enemy." Some of the same people who touted Dubya's ability to unify now criticize the fact that McCain has actually done it. He's considered a traitor to the cause because of McCain-Kennedy, as if he didn't wash his hands afterward. His participation in the bipartisan Gang of Fourteen is thought more shocking than Tony dancing with Maria in West Side Story. Come on, John! When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way, from your first cigarette to your last dyin’ day.

I obviously missed the turn so somebody tell me, when did finding common ground become so distasteful to us? Of the three remaining Presidential frontrunners (McCain, Clinton and Obama . . . sorry, Mike) only John McCain has a chance to break down some of the walls of Washington. Only McCain has the moderate appeal and collegial respect to successfully cross the aisle when necessary. Is that really such a bad thing?

Why I'm A Moderate Republican

I like rhinos. If I were in a scrap and needed somebody to have my back, well I feel pretty confident a rhino could cover me. But you drop that "H" and confidence drops along side it. And when my more conservative Republican friends call me a "RINO" I know what they're saying: "You're a Republican In Name Only and you don't have my back."

The problem with being a moderate Republican is that we come in all flavors with the possible exception of non-fat French vanilla. There are moderates who are conservative on fiscal issues, security/defense and education but moderate on social issues (hand in the air). There are moderates who are a tad liberal when is comes to spending but staunchly conservative everywhere else (Hello, Mr. President). In fact, you could look at virtually any issue and find Republicans with a moderate leaning on that specific topic while maintaining mostly core conservative roots. Yes, of course, there are also some real RINOs who lean to the liberal every chance they get.

Now, I happen to be a social moderate because I think the GOP was founded on reduced government intervention, which means that we don't send Uncle Sam peeking into wombs or bedrooms . . . kind of a creepy image if Uncle Sam is still sporting a goatee and that star spangled top hat. It's not about morality. It's about the government's role in our lives. But regardless of where you're moderate, the beauty of Republicanism is that there's room for all of us.

The Dems claim to be the party of diversity and will happily point to their current Presidential nominees as proof -- a woman and an African American man. Oh, sure they look different; she resembles a rabid warthog suffering from anal seepage and he's, well, sort of cute once you get past the ears (um, at least that's what my wife says). But when judging true diversity we need to peel away the shallow measurements of skin and gender. (Please, as tempting as it is, no comments that we should try it literally with these two. That would be wrong.) What are they like on the inside? How ideologically diverse are they? I have little doubt that if anybody could figure out what Obama actually stands for, the answer would be clear. They both want to turn this country into the People's Republic of America. Not a very diverse party when it comes down to it. I mean, when is the last time we saw a prominent Democrat who was pro-life? Who wanted to lower taxes? Who didn't champion excessive gun control?

Now look at the crop of Republicans who recently took a run at the nomination. Ron Paul is against the war, Rudi Giuliani is pro-choice and supports gay marriage, John McCain has his campaign finance reform, Mit Romney raised taxes and Mike Huckabee has a really funny name. Now THAT is diversity! THAT is the Republican Party. THAT is America.