Well, the last candidate I will review is Mike Huckabee. A strong evangelical. Seems like a good person and did a decent job in the State of Arkansas.
However, his slight of hand jabs at Mitt's religion and his constant use of religious tones in his campaign scares me greatly.
He is a great debater, has a lot of skills that make him a good campaigner, and can act quickly on his feet.
Mike does have a lot to offer and would be a good adversary to Clinton or Obama.
The problem is, at least for me, with Mike, he seems not ready for the most important job in the world. Just not enough there. His recent hard stance on immigration after working to ensure in-state tuition for illegal children in his home state is a nullifier for me.
Sure he has chuck norris with him, which is very entertaining. He has lost over 125 pounds and turned around his life. But he is not ready to lead the free world and his use of religion to DIVIDE us, makes me very uncomfortable.
On a side note, what about McCain and Huckabee comapring endorsements - Chuck Norris for Huck, and Syvester Stallone for McCain...honestly, while humorous, who cares? Not I....
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Romney the Man?
Well, Seems the field is dwindling since I started posting my thoughts. Sorry Fred Thompson, hardly even knew 'ya!
So, what about Mitt Romney? If you look at pure credentials, he matches Rudy on that front. A governor who ran a liberal state and was able to cut taxes and create jobs. He took on the complete mess of the Salt Lake City Olympics and turned it around. Mitt ran numerous businesses and done very well with almost all of them - he knows the hardship in making a payroll. Probably even more important in today's climate, he actually got passed a health care reform plan to cover everyone in his state. Now, it isn't perfect, but that is still quite and accomplishment.
I also read a story that during one of his business ventures, he decided to spin off a new company from one he took over. He posted a sheet in the office for those interested in going with him to start this new company. There would be major risks, maybe no salaries for a while until things got up and running. The ENTIRE office signed the sheet to go with Mitt Romney. That tells me this man can instill confidence and knows how to lead and get things done. Just one story, but one that has stuck with me for a while.
No doubt he has issues of being a 'flip-flopper', especially on abortion. He only came around when he was governor. But being as someone who came late to this issue myself in college, sometimes, making a change in your beliefs isn't a bad thing. To me, he made a change in the right direction. Many say it is political expedience to have this 'change' now. Maybe, maybe so. But it doesn't go to diminish his other good works.
I find the attacks on Mitt Romney because he is a Mormon as flat out wrong. This isn't an HBO tv show and they no longer support having multiple wives. Isn't time for us a nation to move past this? His religious beliefs aren't an issue for me, so I wont' even waste any further space on this issue. He believes in the Judo-Christian values, that's good enough for me.
I think the Democrats fear him more than other candidates. The media was in love with Rudy and now McCain. I can't remember any conservative candidate the media wanted to WIN. SO I am suspect of their support of any of the Republican candidates.
Mitt has a great deal to offer. Good record, gets things done, business man, good family man, and has the potential to be a great leader. With tough economic times pending, we could use someone with his real world experience at the helm of our financial ship.
So, what about Mitt Romney? If you look at pure credentials, he matches Rudy on that front. A governor who ran a liberal state and was able to cut taxes and create jobs. He took on the complete mess of the Salt Lake City Olympics and turned it around. Mitt ran numerous businesses and done very well with almost all of them - he knows the hardship in making a payroll. Probably even more important in today's climate, he actually got passed a health care reform plan to cover everyone in his state. Now, it isn't perfect, but that is still quite and accomplishment.
I also read a story that during one of his business ventures, he decided to spin off a new company from one he took over. He posted a sheet in the office for those interested in going with him to start this new company. There would be major risks, maybe no salaries for a while until things got up and running. The ENTIRE office signed the sheet to go with Mitt Romney. That tells me this man can instill confidence and knows how to lead and get things done. Just one story, but one that has stuck with me for a while.
No doubt he has issues of being a 'flip-flopper', especially on abortion. He only came around when he was governor. But being as someone who came late to this issue myself in college, sometimes, making a change in your beliefs isn't a bad thing. To me, he made a change in the right direction. Many say it is political expedience to have this 'change' now. Maybe, maybe so. But it doesn't go to diminish his other good works.
I find the attacks on Mitt Romney because he is a Mormon as flat out wrong. This isn't an HBO tv show and they no longer support having multiple wives. Isn't time for us a nation to move past this? His religious beliefs aren't an issue for me, so I wont' even waste any further space on this issue. He believes in the Judo-Christian values, that's good enough for me.
I think the Democrats fear him more than other candidates. The media was in love with Rudy and now McCain. I can't remember any conservative candidate the media wanted to WIN. SO I am suspect of their support of any of the Republican candidates.
Mitt has a great deal to offer. Good record, gets things done, business man, good family man, and has the potential to be a great leader. With tough economic times pending, we could use someone with his real world experience at the helm of our financial ship.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Media Coverage
Isn't it a sad state of affairs when the media goes crazy over the death of actor Heath Ledger. While a sad story, there is so many more important things going on that deserve coverage.
How about those who sacrifice for our country? Leaving behind family and friends to worry and wait for their return. Some making the ultimate sacrifice. Where are THEIR stories? It is a rare thing for the media to spend ANY time on these individuals. Here is a link to a story about Sgt Dozier. His family has given back to this country since the Civil War! He was killed in Iraq in early January. Read his story:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/22/AR2008012203333.html
What about the March for Life? Where was the media coverage of this event? People speaking out for the 40-45 MILLION lives aborted since the passage of Roe v Wade. Not much at all actually. The passing of a hollywood actor was 'breaking news' all night long.
Just another sign of the world we live in. It doesn't diminish Mr. Ledger's passing, it is a terrible thing for anyone so young to pass away. But there many stories of sacrifice and REAL service that go unreported. These are the stories that need to be told.
How about those who sacrifice for our country? Leaving behind family and friends to worry and wait for their return. Some making the ultimate sacrifice. Where are THEIR stories? It is a rare thing for the media to spend ANY time on these individuals. Here is a link to a story about Sgt Dozier. His family has given back to this country since the Civil War! He was killed in Iraq in early January. Read his story:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/22/AR2008012203333.html
What about the March for Life? Where was the media coverage of this event? People speaking out for the 40-45 MILLION lives aborted since the passage of Roe v Wade. Not much at all actually. The passing of a hollywood actor was 'breaking news' all night long.
Just another sign of the world we live in. It doesn't diminish Mr. Ledger's passing, it is a terrible thing for anyone so young to pass away. But there many stories of sacrifice and REAL service that go unreported. These are the stories that need to be told.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Does Rudy Have What it Takes?
Next up on my analysis is Rudy. The famed Mayor of New York City.
He is the one candidate that I know pretty well. He was Mayor of one of the largest cities in the world, near to Long Island where I grew up.
I knew the City before Rudy as a kid and I can tell you it was a scary place. It was dirty, seedy, and was not place most people would want to go. There were places in the city where even the police would not respond. Rudy went to work on day one to change image and fundamentally change how the city operated.
There is no doubt, he was a controversial mayor at the time. The city was used to the status quo and decades of democratic rule. He, along with Police Commissioners at the time, instituted the ComStat System to track and analyze crime. It allowed the police to allocate appropriate resources to the areas where it was most needed.
Rudy took on a hostile City Council with only about 2 Republicans as members. He got major tax reform and more importantly welfare reform done. When you think about the Council had to deal with in his eight years as mayor, it really is astounding.
Then came 9/11. A day I for one will never forget, especially being from New York and having most of my family, friends and loved ones on Long Island. No escaped the effects of that day if you were a New Yorker. Rudy lead the city and the country during that time with a steely and calm we needed. He and his staff went about the daunting task before them with determination. He lost a lot of personal friends and yet knew he was the face of the city, and maybe the nation, so he could not let emotions get the better of him.
There is NO doubt Rudy has the executive leadership and crisis leadership that has been tested. He is a great leader. He knows how to get things done. In fact, at first he was my candidate 100%. He has released one the best tax reform plans because it is realistic and has a chance to be reality unlike the Huckabee Fair Tax Plan.
But, he does have weaknesses and the major one is IMMIGRATION. For me that is the second most important issue facing our nation. Rudy has now 'seen' the light and appears strong border security, but his past in allowing New York City to be a sanctuary city does give me some hesitation to pull the lever for him. Will he be quick to join with the likes of McCain to push Immigration reform? This is something I vehemently against.
He is also socially liberal, on abortion. I believe every life is sacred. I owe that to my friend Chris Bruzzi who discussed the issue all night long outside my dorm Fedigan Hall freshman year. Rudy believes in choice. The Presidency has little real influence on the issue other than the bully pulpit and in the judges that are appointed. Again, will he let his views influence his decision on pro-life judges that we desperately need on the bench? A question remains in my mind.
On the flip side, I know Rudy will appoint judges who will follow the law and NO create it. He has said he would select judges in the mold of Alito and Roberts. Both of these Bush appointees are great Justices.
He does have a lot of personal baggage that the other side will use against him. Three wives. This could depress the conservative turn out in the heartland and that is a big issue. But he also does put some states Republicans have not even had a chance in (i.e. Pennsylvania) in play.
Rudy - fiscally conservative, tested leadership, and strong on national defense, but socially moderate. He is at the top of my selection list. Flawed is some ways, great in other ways. But then again, no candidate can be 100%, Ronald Reagan was a once in a lifetime President. Rudy is formidable. Someone you should seriously consider. The positives do outweigh the negatives...but there are enough negatives to be concerned.
He is the one candidate that I know pretty well. He was Mayor of one of the largest cities in the world, near to Long Island where I grew up.
I knew the City before Rudy as a kid and I can tell you it was a scary place. It was dirty, seedy, and was not place most people would want to go. There were places in the city where even the police would not respond. Rudy went to work on day one to change image and fundamentally change how the city operated.
There is no doubt, he was a controversial mayor at the time. The city was used to the status quo and decades of democratic rule. He, along with Police Commissioners at the time, instituted the ComStat System to track and analyze crime. It allowed the police to allocate appropriate resources to the areas where it was most needed.
Rudy took on a hostile City Council with only about 2 Republicans as members. He got major tax reform and more importantly welfare reform done. When you think about the Council had to deal with in his eight years as mayor, it really is astounding.
Then came 9/11. A day I for one will never forget, especially being from New York and having most of my family, friends and loved ones on Long Island. No escaped the effects of that day if you were a New Yorker. Rudy lead the city and the country during that time with a steely and calm we needed. He and his staff went about the daunting task before them with determination. He lost a lot of personal friends and yet knew he was the face of the city, and maybe the nation, so he could not let emotions get the better of him.
There is NO doubt Rudy has the executive leadership and crisis leadership that has been tested. He is a great leader. He knows how to get things done. In fact, at first he was my candidate 100%. He has released one the best tax reform plans because it is realistic and has a chance to be reality unlike the Huckabee Fair Tax Plan.
But, he does have weaknesses and the major one is IMMIGRATION. For me that is the second most important issue facing our nation. Rudy has now 'seen' the light and appears strong border security, but his past in allowing New York City to be a sanctuary city does give me some hesitation to pull the lever for him. Will he be quick to join with the likes of McCain to push Immigration reform? This is something I vehemently against.
He is also socially liberal, on abortion. I believe every life is sacred. I owe that to my friend Chris Bruzzi who discussed the issue all night long outside my dorm Fedigan Hall freshman year. Rudy believes in choice. The Presidency has little real influence on the issue other than the bully pulpit and in the judges that are appointed. Again, will he let his views influence his decision on pro-life judges that we desperately need on the bench? A question remains in my mind.
On the flip side, I know Rudy will appoint judges who will follow the law and NO create it. He has said he would select judges in the mold of Alito and Roberts. Both of these Bush appointees are great Justices.
He does have a lot of personal baggage that the other side will use against him. Three wives. This could depress the conservative turn out in the heartland and that is a big issue. But he also does put some states Republicans have not even had a chance in (i.e. Pennsylvania) in play.
Rudy - fiscally conservative, tested leadership, and strong on national defense, but socially moderate. He is at the top of my selection list. Flawed is some ways, great in other ways. But then again, no candidate can be 100%, Ronald Reagan was a once in a lifetime President. Rudy is formidable. Someone you should seriously consider. The positives do outweigh the negatives...but there are enough negatives to be concerned.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Illegal Immigration Update
Perhaps the Presidential candidates of both parties will address this issue that is coming out today: Mexican troops crossing into US terrority and engaging in operations. Doubtful, they are too busy like Mike Huckabee talking about Huckaburgers on the Colbert Show.
Here is a link to an article about the story or government doesn't want you to know:
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59611
Illegal immigration is the issue of our time. But the candidates continue to duck it and media doesn't want to bring it up. Well, we the people will not let this issue die.
Here is a link to an article about the story or government doesn't want you to know:
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59611
Illegal immigration is the issue of our time. But the candidates continue to duck it and media doesn't want to bring it up. Well, we the people will not let this issue die.
Presidential Race
Here we are, in 2008. Another Presidential race is upon us. Who do you support? Why even care?
Well, we all BETTER care. We are entering a new era where the foundation of American supremacy in the world is under constant challenge - militarily, economically, and socially.
Oil is at an all time high. The dollar is at an all time LOW. Home prices are dipping and many Americans used their homes as credit cards to go out and purchase all the toys they had to have.
With all that in mind, we have a pretty weak field of 'leaders' to choose from. I consider myself American first, Conservative second, Republican third (and only because the Democrats are SO far left, they forced Joe Lieberman out of their party).
We have so much at stake this election. Our troops overseas will be tremendously affected by the decision the country makes in November.
For me, national security is the #1 issue, followed by immigration and then addressing our sagging economy and awful tax system. I have gone back and forth between who I would support.
If I had my choice, I would take a part or program from each candidate to make the ideal president. Unfortunately, that is not possible. John McCain has the recent momentum after New Hampshire. He is not a true conservative. He sided with Ted Kennedy of all people to push through am Immigration Reform Act that would have given virtual Amnesty to 12 million illegals. He did this against what he and Lindsay Graham (SC) called the 'angry people'. You may know them, they are you and me who are TIRED of the government not meeting their responsibilities to secure our borders. Forget the immigration issue with border security, how about the national security issue? Terrorist could get to Mexico and WALK across the border into the United States. John McCain still believes in his plan and now 'says' he is for border security first, then amnesty.
Let's talk economics and McCain. He voted against the Bush tax cuts which has lead to increased revenues. Sure John has fought government spending during his years in the Senate. That is good, and we support that. But to still support his decision to vote against the tax cuts would worry any conservative. What happens when he becomes President and the tax cuts are set to expire? You and I would be hit with a MAJOR tax increase by default and President McCain probably would do nothing and claim it isn't a tax increase. VERY worrisome.
As much as I believe John McCain in his patriotism and support of the military, especially the 'surge', there is much that brings great concern and hesitation to mind. He was indeed the only one who went out on a limb to support the surge and we are seeing some good things as a result. No one can question is passion and love of Country. NO one. While noble and his service to the country as a POW and in Congress should be praised, I will have a hard time being an active supporter should he win the nomination. I think his nomination will depress a lot of conservatives across the country.
Next time I will analyze Mitt Romney the former governor of MA.
Well, we all BETTER care. We are entering a new era where the foundation of American supremacy in the world is under constant challenge - militarily, economically, and socially.
Oil is at an all time high. The dollar is at an all time LOW. Home prices are dipping and many Americans used their homes as credit cards to go out and purchase all the toys they had to have.
With all that in mind, we have a pretty weak field of 'leaders' to choose from. I consider myself American first, Conservative second, Republican third (and only because the Democrats are SO far left, they forced Joe Lieberman out of their party).
We have so much at stake this election. Our troops overseas will be tremendously affected by the decision the country makes in November.
For me, national security is the #1 issue, followed by immigration and then addressing our sagging economy and awful tax system. I have gone back and forth between who I would support.
If I had my choice, I would take a part or program from each candidate to make the ideal president. Unfortunately, that is not possible. John McCain has the recent momentum after New Hampshire. He is not a true conservative. He sided with Ted Kennedy of all people to push through am Immigration Reform Act that would have given virtual Amnesty to 12 million illegals. He did this against what he and Lindsay Graham (SC) called the 'angry people'. You may know them, they are you and me who are TIRED of the government not meeting their responsibilities to secure our borders. Forget the immigration issue with border security, how about the national security issue? Terrorist could get to Mexico and WALK across the border into the United States. John McCain still believes in his plan and now 'says' he is for border security first, then amnesty.
Let's talk economics and McCain. He voted against the Bush tax cuts which has lead to increased revenues. Sure John has fought government spending during his years in the Senate. That is good, and we support that. But to still support his decision to vote against the tax cuts would worry any conservative. What happens when he becomes President and the tax cuts are set to expire? You and I would be hit with a MAJOR tax increase by default and President McCain probably would do nothing and claim it isn't a tax increase. VERY worrisome.
As much as I believe John McCain in his patriotism and support of the military, especially the 'surge', there is much that brings great concern and hesitation to mind. He was indeed the only one who went out on a limb to support the surge and we are seeing some good things as a result. No one can question is passion and love of Country. NO one. While noble and his service to the country as a POW and in Congress should be praised, I will have a hard time being an active supporter should he win the nomination. I think his nomination will depress a lot of conservatives across the country.
Next time I will analyze Mitt Romney the former governor of MA.
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