NYT Attacks McCain

It didn't take long for the New York Times to turn its slander machine on John McCain. If you will remember the NYT endorsed McCain. This story involves a lobbyist who McCain is accused of giving special favors. The interesting thing about this story is the NYT had this story in December and sat on it until today. They evidently didn't think it important enough to mention when they endorsed McCain. It didn't hold them back from endorsing him. The story mentioned "un-named" sources. There's always a problem when the writer does not reveal his sources. I hope McCain realizes that this is only the beginning of attacks by the MSM. He's had a pass with the MSM for years for being a "maverick" in the Republican party. They have not, however, given a pass to Democrat mavericks. I believe McCain is a man of integrity. He has always had the highest ethics. I may differ with him on many issues, but I have never questioned his honesty. Republicans should take note that MSM attacks on John McCain signify that he really is one of us.

I also think this is the perfect time for McCain to reach out to conservative talk radio. He would have the forum to explain this matter to millions of listeners as well as make the case for his conservatism.

No Place Like Texas

I've been in Texas for the past few days. My father-in-law is in the hospital in Temple, Texas so I've been here with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Being here reminds me of what I've always loved about Texas: The people. I met very friendly people wherever I've traveled, but there's something special about Texans. I think part of it is the soft Texas drawl, but the people are the friendliest people I've ever met. And they are HUGE football fans. There are only 2 seasons in Texas: football and spring football! There's also the food. I had dinner at the Chatterbox Cafe the other night. It was in a small, SMALL town and I had fried catfish. Salad was served in bowls and the dressing in a squeeze bottle. There were all sorts of plaques and banners on the walls. It was your typicall small town cafe. Yesterday I ate at the Cotton Patch Cafe and ate chicken fried steak with cream gravy. It was so good. You can find this kind of food all through the south. I love the people, but I love the food, too! The one thing I haven't indulged in is dessert. No cobbler or pie. I know I wouldn't be able to stop if I ate one dessert! But if you're ever in Texas, please have the warm cobbler with ice cream on top. Even though I'm here under sad circumstances, I'm glad it's Texas. If I stay any longer I'll be as big as a house!

31 Days of Oscar

TCM's is running its annual "31 Days of Oscar" before the Academy Awards are handed out. It's still showing classic movies, but common theme of the movies running this month is they all have some connection with the Oscars. The movies either have won Oscars or have been nominated in different categories. For me it's a great opportunity to see movies I've never seen; mostly from the 30's, 40's and 50's. I also have the pleasure of seeing the movies I love, like "Notorious." Right now I'm watching Doris Day and Rock Hudson in "Lover Come Back." Tonight is "Hello, Dolly" and "Funny Girl." It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Applause, Applause!

It appears as if the writers' strike may be coming to an end. You can read about it here. The bad news is that some networks may not bring back some shows and either cancel them for low viewership or just to start them again in the fall. ABC has talked about filming 7 or 8 new episodes of "Desperate Housewives" and "Gray's Anatomy," but have not mentioned any other shows. That may be because no one watches any of their other shows! According to reports, producers are to start back on Monday to prepare for writer to return on Wednesday. Whatever happens we will not see an extension of this season. I, for one, can't wait for the return of "The Office!"

The Canterbury Tales

I spent an evening reading different blogs which had on opinion on the Archbishop's statements. There was a general consensus that Rowan Williams had, indeed, gone round the bend. A number of the general synod (I guess that's the leadership within the Church of England) and the bishops of the Anglican Church (those of Africa) have called for Williams' resignation. Here are 2 articles from The Times of London; here and here. In googling information, I found that before Christmas he announced the nativity as myth. See the details here.

The Faith

Charles Colson has written a thoughtful article about the protection of all life. He has quotes from Anne Rice who wrote Christ the Lord and Mother Teresa, “We cannot fight credibly against other social and moral evils, including poverty and violence, while we tolerate mass killings by abortion.” He has written a new book The Faith that I can't wait to read. In it he says, “Christians who are pro-choice are denying the Gospel and have to question whether they have not separated themselves from the company of Christian discipleship.” Please take time to read it.

Why I Will Vote for McCain

I realize there are many conservatives who will refuse to vote for McCain and end up not voting at all. This is a huge mistake. Not voting is essentially voting for Hillary or Obama, which would be a disaster. Additionally voting for a third party candidate would lead to a Democrat in the White House. A third party candidate has never and will never win. A third party candidate simply takes votes from one of the two major party candidates. In 1992, Ross Perot ran as an independent and cost George H.W. Bush the election. In 2000, Ralph Nadar syphoned votes from Gore and Bush won by the barest of margins.

McCain's speech today encouraged me. He is conservative on the 2 most important issues for me: The war on Islamic fundamentalism and the Supreme Court. There are 3 Justices who will retire in the next couple of years. Would you rather President McCain appoint new Justices or President Clinton/Obama? He has promised to appoint strict-constructionist Justices like Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito. A Democratic President would appoint left-leaning activist judges like Ginsburg, Stephens and Souter. (Perish the thought!)

I encourage everyone to read the speech he made today at CPAC '08 as well as an excellent editorial at Opinion Journal about voting for McCain or suffering the consequences. I hope this will encourage you to at least be open about voting for McCain.

The Queen

If you haven't seen The Queen I highly recommend that you see it. Helen Mirren gives an Oscar-winning performance as Queen Elizabeth II. The movie takes place during the week between Diana's death and her funeral. Rather than focusing on Diana's life, the emphasis is on the Queen's reaction to Diana's death; her defiance to Tony Blair's pleas to come back to London from Scotland and her own pain and lack of understanding about the public's outrage towards her, the Royal Family and the Monarchy. Be sure to see it!

Any Republican in '08

Mitt Romney has pulled out of the race for the White House. I watched his speech to the Conservative PAC this morning and it confirmed why I voted for this man. He was eloquent and gracious. If you want to read a great review of the speech and the man go to Hugh Hewitt's blog here. Romney made clear that now is the time to unite and support John McCain. I agree. Our country simply afford a Democratic administration. (If you want to know why, listen to what Hillary and Obama are saying; higher taxes, more federal intrusions into our personal lives, more entitlements.)

Whatever feelings you have about McCain, whatever the disagreements, we must support him. We must have a united party so we can defeat the Democrats in November. McCain needs our support now.

Ignore the negative posts below. I take it all back!

Rally to Romney!

My last post said that I would support McCain if he is the nominee, but I will not go quietly into the night. The battle cry is "Rally to Romney" and conservative talk radio and blogs are coming out and talking Romney up. It is not a lost cause yet. On Thursday I began questioning myself about voting for McCain if he is the nominee after watching the debate the night before. Seeing McCain sit back and arrogantly smirk while Romney was speaking made me angry. It was not presidential behavior. Not only was he arrogant he was condescending to Romney. His arrogance and his age will be his downfall against Obama should he be the Democrat nominee. Perhaps it won't be so bad if the nominee is Hillary, but there's no saying that McCain won't implode. Rally to Romney before it's too late!

It Looks Like McCain

Rudy's out and will endorse McCain. Fred will probably endorse McCain. In Florida yesterday McCain not only won moderate Republicans but won a majority of conservative Republicans. He will probably do very well on Super Tuesday next week. I don't see how Romney can catch him especially with Huckabee still in the race. It's obvious that Huckabee and Romney are splitting the conservative vote. The one thing that's in Romney's favor is that he has the funds to continue to the end of the primary process and McCain is out of money according to news reports. After the returns were in last night I decided that I would enthusiastically support McCain if he wins the nomination. I'm a Republican through and through and I will always support that party's nominee even if he isn't my #1 choice. By the time November rolls around, though, that nominee will be my #1 choice.

Random

Random question: All of the numbers have fallen out of your phone book. Which number do you look for first?

My answer: QVC

What's your answer?

Florida

Today's the day we find out who is the front-runner in the Republican race for the nomination. Rudy believes he has the majority of Florida's early ballots, but polls show Romney and McCain neck and neck. I'm looking forward to finding out the results. If Rudy wins I'm going to regret voting for Romney.

Miss America

I watched the so-called "new and improved" Miss America pageant last night. Actually I only caught the second hour. I thought since TLC was now televising the event it would be different. There were some welcomed changes: Contestants looked more natural - the over-sprayed pageant hair hair is gone as is the pageant make-up and smile. The hair and make-up were very natural. That was nice to see. However, it's still the same bathing suit and talent competition - skinny girls and a disappointing talent competition. The emcee apparently had the worst memory. He forgot names and states. At one point he looked at the wrong contestant when announcing which one was being eliminated. All in all I was disappointed with this new and improved pageant. Maybe it's time to let Miss America go.

Who I Am and Why I'm Blogging

My first blog! I am excited to write about things that matter to me and things I think might matter to you. I plan on posting significant personal happenings - you will not hear about the time I had the flu! I also plan on commenting on current events. There will probably be quite a few posts about presidential politics. I hope to include bits about books and movies and, well, anything else that may come up.

I hope whoever happens by my blog will enjoy it.

It's Decision Time

I just sent in my early ballot for the Arizona Republican Primary. It wasn't easy to mark my ballot because I was pulled in several directions. I cannot bring myself to vote for John McCain, although I will support him if he wins the Republican primary. Oh, perish the thought!

My problem with Senator McCain is although he says he's conservative, his record says quite the opposite. From the McCain-Feingold assault on free speech to the Gang of 14 to the McCain-Kennedy amnesty bill he has demonstrated an arrogance that is startling. I once heard him say he "always does the right thing." Really? He doesn't make mistakes? That's the arrogance talking.

I was originally for Rudy, but he's not been aggressive enough and is on his way out. I was for Fred, but you know where he is now.

I marked my ballot for Mitt Romney because I think the primary race will be between him and McCain. I will support anybody but McCain unless it's a liberal of the Obama-Clinton persuasion. Romney, I hope, will start showing a passion for this race. I guess he is passionate, but he stands a bit distant from the crowd. He doesn't inspire me and I need to be inspired. I voted with my head and no heart when I like to vote with both. Let's hope he begins to inspire or we may end up with McCain.