Righting America is HARD WORK

A "Blogger Break" is in order!

After having kept this journal faithfully since just after the 2004 Presidential Election, I have decided to take a bit of a holiday from blogging. No, nothing to worry about - the family and I are doing great! But after 18 months of fighting the good fight with this great tool known as the 'blog, I will be taking a well-earned break to spend more time with my family and friends - and recharge my batteries.

Many of you are bloggers and know that it takes devotion and time to to run a good blog and maintain a readership, but it is a labor of love.

I want to thank all of my readers and new friends for making this such a great experience, and know that I will be back in the ring within a few short months. If you haven't already, please feel free to subscribe so that you will be informed via email just as soon as I have returned. In the meantime, please visit those excellent sites on my Blogrolls. These fellow bloggers have much to say about these trying times in our world, and are a talented and intelligent bunch of folks with whom I am proud to be associated.

I will still be maintaining my Righting America Shirts 'n' Trinkets site (http://www.rightingamerica.us/) and, as always, do appreciate your patronage there as well.

BLOG ON MY FRIENDS! I will be back with you again very soon!

Timmer

Hey Kids, It's POLITICAL COMPASS TIME!

Where are YOUR politics?

After the UTTER HORROR of discovering my supposed Secret Liberal Leanings (?) when last I took one of these online political quizzes (see Article Here), I decided that I would never traumatize myself again with them. Well, after the initial shock and disbelief wore off (Liberal? ME!?), I decided to try another one - this quiz is MUCH shorter, widely hailed as more accurate than others and, as you can see by the graphic, this is a result I can live with!

Conservative Libertarian near Centrist? Okay - sounds about right (for once!).

I guess it should come as no surprise that my compass changes with each quiz and, frankly, with each retest of the same quizzes - for I am not a black-and-white kind of guy on most issues. I see many shades of gray (being color-blind and all :), and the fences I straddle are often buttressed well from both sides (one exeption being the fence that should be built along our North and South borders - but don't get me started on that one again!).

As an example, in Timmer's Rant on Abortion from January, I laid out my own brief list of the circumstances that may sometimes, or should never, justify abortion in the legal sense. People who blindly leap onto any extreme position (on either side) tend to turn me off - and sometimes even freak me out.

The snake-oil zealot Pat Robertson is an Ultra-Conservative Asshole, while that stuttering blueblood Robert Kennedy Junior is an Ultra-Liberal Prick (pardon my Gaelic). Neither can see the other side for any merit, and both say and do hurtful and outlandish things.

Two other examples are players in my own litmus test for political extremes: If you can sit and listen to the bag-o'-wind bloviating of Rush Limbaugh, or the vitriolic (unfunny) whining of Al Franken, for a solid hour without leaping for the power button of your sterio (or kicking it), then perhaps "you too are an extremist?"

Here are the breakdowns of all five political philosophies delineated by Advocates for Self-Government:

CONSERVATIVES tend to favor economic freedom, but frequently support laws to restrict personal behavior that violates "traditional values." They oppose excessive government control of business, while endorsing government action to defend morality and the traditional family structure. Conservatives usually support a strong military, oppose bureaucracy and high taxes, favor a free-market economy, and endorse strong law enforcement.

LIBERALS usually embrace freedom of choice in personal matters, but tend to support significant government control of the economy. They generally support a government-funded "safety net"to help the disadvantaged, and advocate strict regulation of business. Liberals tend to favor environmental regulations, defend civil liberties and free expression, support government action to promote equality, and tolerate diverse lifestyles.

CENTRISTS espouse a "middle ground" regarding government control of the economy and personal behavior. Depending on the issue, they sometimes favor government intervention and sometimes support individual freedom of choice. Centrists pride themselves on keeping an open mind, tend to oppose "political extremes," and emphasize what they describe as "practical" solutions to problems.

LIBERTARIANS support maximum liberty in both personal and economic matters. They advocate a much smaller government; one that is limited to protecting individuals from coercion and violence. Libertarians tend to embrace individual responsibility, oppose government bureaucracy and taxes, promote private charity, tolerate diverse lifestyles, support the free market, and defend civil liberties.

STATISTS want government to have a great deal of power over the economy and individual behavior. They frequently doubt whether economic liberty and individual freedom are practical options in today's world. Statists tend to distrust the free market, support high taxes and centralized planning of the economy, oppose diverse lifestyles, and question the importance of civil liberties.

So, where are YOUR politics? Click HERE to find out!

Open Letter: Dear Illegal Immigrant

Let me address this specifically to the (otherwise) law-abiding, hardworking Mexican who has crossed our border without documentation. That is not to say that I don't want to talk to the Illegal Honduran, Haitian, Irishman or (especially) Arab - not to mention your "visiting" countrymen who are criminals. I've got plenty to say to those folks as well, but since it is the Undocumented Mexican Worker that has flooded the U.S. in the Millions, I will address this to YOU.

Dear Friend,

First of all, let me make some assumptions - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong:

Congratulations! What you did to get to my country was undoubtedly nothing short of death-defying, filled with pitfalls, sacrifice and hardship. You have come to my country with little else than the clothes on your back, and perhaps even had to pay a very shady coyote for passage over the border.

You are in my country for noble reasons, and for that I salute you! Chances are that you are working long hours in a labor-intensive job, making far less money than those with green cards or legal citizenship for the same work. You are using most of the meager wages that you are paid to support family here and back in Mexico.

Although a playground for the tourist gringo, your homeland of Mexico, for the most part (pardon my Portugese), is a shithole. I guess you know this, or you wouldn't have left.

• The official unemployment rate of your country is 3.6% - but with an estimated 25% "underemployment" rate
• The average laborer in Mexico is paid a pittance - $120.00/month. Here in my country, if you are paid minimum wage for 40-hour weeks, you will earn a gross of about $1,000.00/month
• Much of your own government, law-enforcement and judicial officials are completely corrupt
  

Even your detractors here, whether you know it or not, are impressed and sympathetic with your plight.

Since coming to my country, you have discovered that over 90% of the hospital emergency rooms will treat you and your family when you are sick, even though you cannot pay for medical treatment nor insurance. You are also accutely aware that when you have children in my country they have automatic rights to citizenship - and this will help to secure your own residency here. In the area of my country in which you are now residing, you have become very knowledgable of employment opportunities, public facilities, safe areas and law enforcement routines. You live in the shadows - but these shadows are numerous and well known to you.

Although you speak little or no English, you have discovered that, in my country, there are a growing number of Spanish television and radio channels, Spanish-speaking emergency personnel, social workers and even classrooms. You have discovered that regardless of your undocumented and illegal status, there is safety in numbers and an exploding debate about your future. You might have even joined in the "reconquista" movement - claiming that this is your lawful land anyway and that we are the illegal occupants. What do you call it - the mythical land of Aztlan?

But here is a short list of my problems, as a legal, taxpaying United States Citizen, with you and yours swarming into my country.

• Over 300,000 undocumented women, mostly Mexican, sneak into my country pregnant each year. Suddenly, I am expected to pay for food, housing, medical care and schooling for these kids up to age 18 - PLUS subsidize their mothers. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, average annual cost per school-aged child is $7,161.00 and exceeds $109 billion annually per cycle of these "anchor babies."
• Last year, you Illegal Aliens displaced American workers at a cost in excess of $133 billion dollars, according to a Harvard study. Many of our teenaged kids cannot find summer jobs because you and your compadres are willing to work them for less, and often under the table.
• According to the Center for Immigration Studies, your average undocumented head of household costs me and other American taxpayers $2,700.00 each year in welfare money - this over and above any taxes you are contributing. With about 15 million illegal aliens in the USA, that figure exceeds $20 billion in tax dollars.
• According to Carrying Capacity Network, each of you are costing the American taxpayer an average of $55,200.00 after any of your own contributions, while sending most of the hard currency you earn back to Mexico.
• You harbor a desire to reconquer the United States. Although most of the southwestern regions were won from your country in battle and you have no chance of winning it back.
• You have broken our laws, and somehow feel entitled to my taxes and empowered to march in my streets - many of you carrying flags of THE SHITHOLE YOU LEFT!?

Listen, you are probably in luck - although I would like nothing more than to ship every last one of you back to your real homes in Mexico, it is simply not practical. But the massive (so-far silent) majority in this country, who DO vote, are watching your activities with keen interest. If you are offered a pathway to legal working status here in my country, I suggest you take it.

Do yourself and your fellow Mexican Illegals a favor too - don't take the Mexican Flag out with you in public here in my country - leave it at home, or (better yet) put it in the trash, where it belongs. Obey our laws (from here on out) and get yourself and your family documented. Work hard, and try to PAY YOUR OWN WAY in my country - it's not fair to expect us to do it for you.

Who knows? In a twist of irony, perhaps you and your family will be employed to build the 1,952-mile wall that will put an end to this mass incursion - and, once a citizen, chances are you will completely agree with my point of view on this subject.

Now, repeat after me - "God Bless America!"

Sincerely, Timmer

Michelle Malkin
Hooah Wife
Liberty Just In Case

Democrats Sell Their Souls for Illegal Immigrant Voters

While the Republican Party wistfully scratches its collective, disoriented head at the massive multi-city reaction to the immigration bill (that never happened), Democrats are practically selling their souls for what they see as a HUGE potential windfall of voters. Pandering and demagoguery by leading Democrats has never been more obvious - nor more offensive to our national intelligence. Do they really think we are buying this idiocy? --Apparently they think these "Reconquistadores" will, anyway.

Check out the chameleon in Hillary Clinton, who seems to have gone from her "tough stance on illegal immigration" just 18 months ago to sucking up at the "Illegal Alien," er, "Immigration" rally in New York:

Hillary November 2004: "I am, you know, adamantly against illegal immigrants...People have to stop employing illegal immigrants. I mean, come up to Westchester, go to Suffolk and Nassau counties, stand on the street corners in Brooklyn or the Bronx. You're going to see loads of people waiting to get picked up to go do yard work and construction work and domestic work."

Hillary April 2006: "I want to thank you for raising your voices and joining with people all over America to ask for fairness. Your faces are the faces of America...Your faces are the faces of those who give us a fair day's work — and often not for a fair day's pay."

Joining "Shrillary" are many of the usual nincompoops: Ted Kennedy, Charles Schumer and others of the same ilk. Just think of stupid things they have said in the past and fill in the blanks.

But one can hardly blame the Republicans for their confusion. Here are some poll results where Americans are asked the big question - "What does Illegal Immigration do to this country?"

87% - Overburdens government programs and services
75% - Leads to an increase in crime
66% - Leads to an increase in terrorism
66% - Takes jobs away from U.S. citizens
54% - Changes the culture of the country

The latest Rasmussen Reports national opinion survey found that 57% of Americans want a wall or fence.... 31% disagree. So I aske again - where are OUR big rallies?

Anyway, I am actually starting to appreciate the massive financial, legal and logistical undertaking of the possible deportation of 11 million illegals - some with kids that have been born here. Although I hate to agree with John McCain, I agree that no one has a clue how we might accomplish this. Find 200,000 buses? Hire tens of thousands more INS agents? Spend tens or even hundreds of billions MORE of taxpaer money?

No - we need to start with the borders FIRST THING, then once that is accomplished we need to figure out how to legitimize and tax the continually employed, law-abiding illegals who deserve to earn the dream -- while rooting out the criminals and terrorists who are here to destroy that dream. That will be hard enough.

Libby Sings: "Bush Leaked Classified Information!"

Must Have Leaked Valerie Plame Too!

In a revelation that has obviously gutted all remaining vestiges of White House credibility (if there ever was any), Patrick Fitzgerald filed papers with the court yesterday confirming that Scooter Libby has testified that he was authorized by PRESIDENT BUSH HIMSELF to leak the contents of the October 2002 National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to reporter Judy Miller in July 2003. Previously it was known that "Dead-Eye Dick" Cheney had authorized this, but now the PLOT HAS COAGULATED! Anyone can readily see that it must have been Bush himself that revealed the name of CIA SUPER-SPY AND DEEP-COVER-AGENT Valerie Plame to get back at her husband for not "playing ball" with the administration over the existence of Nigerian yellowcake.

Unbelievable in their arrogance, the White House on Friday did not deny that President Bush authorized the leaks of intelligence information to counter administration critics on Iraq. However, Bush’s dough-boy spokesman, Scott "I'm not going there" McClellan, appeared to claim that Bush’s numerous rantings against leaks were somehow different!

"There is a difference between providing declassified information to the public when it’s in the public interest and leaking classified information that involved sensitive national intelligence regarding our security."

Yeah right! Next thing you know, this criminal regime will be telling us that it is LEGAL for the President to actually declassify information! - just like the OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM that he has the legal right and responsibility as President to authorize monitoring of terrorist communications coming into this country!?

Even a stand-up guy like Sen. John Kerry, who has been the epitomy of class and restraint since his presidential victory was stolen from him by hacked voting machines, could keep silent no longer! Citing Bush’s adamant plea two years ago to find the person who leaked the identity of CIA SUPER-SPY AND DEEP-COVER-AGENT Valerie Plame, Kerry said the "latest disclosures means the President needs to go no further than a mirror."

Obviously, Bush has been lying all along - for purely political reasons and to make war on an innocent third-world nation like Iraq that didn't do anything to threaten us. (except for baseless allegations - like an assassination plot on his Dad, messing with the inspectors, harboring and funding terrorists and shooting at U.S. warplanes). Saddam's supposed systematic slaughter - of tens of thousands of Iraqi Shi'ites and Kurds and perhaps hundreds of thousands of Iranians using Chemical WMDs - was none of our business. Broken U.N. sanctions? Let the United Nations handle it - they have done a great job so far and are obviously incorruptible. Just like the ACLU, Amnesty International, PETA and Green-Peace, the United Nations exists simply and solely for the good of all mankind.

President Bush is obviously a sneaky, lazy, stupid, bible thumping little criminal who is only out for himself - it is obviously time for impeachment proceedings and censure hearings before this mad man tries to "free another 50 million people," "further improve our economy" or "lower that 4.7% unemployment rate!"

Senate Compromises - Granting Illegal Immigrants Amnesty?

So there I was, reading over today's Washington Post and Washington Times (to get the balanced picture, ya' know) after having learned that the Senate had a miraculous immigration bill breakthrough today! Of course, the papers were printed WAY before I smacked my alarm clock snooze button the first time (out of half a dozen such smacks) and did not anticipate such divine intervention would come to pass. In fact, the papers had confidently predicted a Republican filibuster on the watered-down Democratic proposal. Guess they inherit some of their (on?) crack reporters from the overcrowded meteorologist staff - who seem to take pride in half-assed predictions, but consistently blow hot air just the same.

Anyhooo, here is the quick-and-dirty (not to be confused with "Dingy" Harry) on the towering achievements of our illustrious Senate:

1. Those here for the last five years or more would be put on a path toward guaranteed citizenship, provided that they remained employed, paid fines and back taxes, and learn to "habla anglais." Senator Frist claims that 60% of all illegals would qualify for this.
   
2. Those here for the last two to five years would have to leave the country before reporting to an American port of entry, where they would be legitimized as temporary workers. They can apply for citizenship, but must leave the U.S. if denied. More-or-less 30% of all illegals come under this category.
   
3. The remaining 10%, here for less than the past two years, would be jettisoned back to their homeland, yet still eligible to apply for a temporary working visa.

While I think that some of this is plausible, and may actually motivate illegals to come clean (if employers are squeezed hard enough on their hiring practices), I have just a couple of basic problems with this bill:

• It basically grants amnesty to those who have been here for over five years - effectively sanctioning and rewarding their crimes, and
  
• This is all completely premature, because we are putting the CART before the DONKEY (sorry, couldn't resist!). The very first thing, before struggling with the 10 million-plus already here, should be to SECURE THE FRIGGIN' BORDERS ALREADY!!!

Any and all fancy or clever solutions for sorting out illegals already here are doomed to failure, because when someone says "guest worker permit," your average illegal is actually hearing "here is another chance to cheat the system!"

As a fan of President Bush and most of his policies/decisions, I gotta say that he is missing a HUGE opportunity to shine one more time for the massive silent majority - whom I define as those who may not swarm in a lustful frenzy to street demonstrations, but DO in fact vote. Just look at the arrogant Democrats and their planned rock concert for John Kerry's widely anticipated victory in 2004 -- which ended not in song, but their having to settle for off-key laments of woe, disbelief and self pity.

Speaking for myself (and I think at least tens of millions), I am asking YOU, GEORGE, to grab this monkey off of our collective backs and drop it straight down the hopper. Stop this nonsense at the borders NOW, then let's tackle the implications and logisitics for getting rid of, or legitimizing, those already here.

*UPDATE April 7: Apparently, the newspapers were right after all - this compromise imploded in less than a day, and there may be no agreement in sight until after the November elections. So, that leaves us EIGHT MONTHS to do what it takes in sealing our borders. It could be done, if only our elected officials would realize how many of us want it - and how badly. If you haven't done so, consider writing to your, Senators and Representatives - if you live in the Southwest, include your Governor and other state leaders.

Chazz Updates Congresswoman McKinney Debacle

...and awards her with the illustrious DOTW!

Apparently "Boom Boom" Cynthia McKinney has got a bit of a track record. She has also earned the distinction of "DUMBASS Of The Week" over at Chazz's site. Even though I OBVIOUSLY DISAGREE with the continued "racial profiling and victmization" of this poor woman, you should check out his rant just the same. You'll be glad you did!

Dixie Chicks About to Step In It ~ Again

So, the Texas Trio (artists formerly known as country musicians) has decided to try and make a comeback to country music - but with their first comeback release, they don't seem to have learned anything about their core audience and are apparently still stuck-on-stupid. In their new release "Not ready to make nice," Natalie Maines, Martie McGuire and Emily Robison try to win back their audience by thumbing their noses and whining about how hard life has been for them (Ahhhhh!?). I'll get to this supposed-to-be-brave "anthem" in a minute.

First, a recap from 2003:

March 10th Blunder: The Chicks were riding high on the success of their last album "Home" which had just weeks earlier swept the Grammy awards in four categories, including Best Country Album, and their concert tickets were suddenly next to impossible to get before they would be sold out.

This night, while playing to a sell-out audience at Shepherd Bush Empire Theatre in London, lead singer Natalie Maines was feeling mighty self-important. After thunderous applause for one of their numbers, she just couldn't help herself. "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."

Those fifteen words, thoughtlessly spoken on foreign soil against a Commander-in-Chief in a runup to war (which started ten days later) were heard around the world - and did not go over very well with a mostly conservative country music base in the States. Then the Damage Control and Kerry-like flip-flopping ensued:

March 12th appeasement: Recognizing that folks back home were angry, "I feel the President is ignoring the opinions of many in the U.S. and alienating the rest of the world."

March 14th apology: In response to continued outrage and sudden calls to boycott their records, "As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."

April 24th retraction: Obviously confused by continued rage by some former fans, country radio pariah status, and anger from die-hards over the apology, Maines said in a televised interview that she was "proud of (her) original statement."

September 15th bitterness: Maguire told Der Spiegel magazine: "We don't feel a part of the country scene any longer, it can't be our home any more." Noting a lack of support from country stars and being booed at the 2003 ACM awards. "Instead, we won three (sic) Grammys against much stronger competition. So we now consider ourselves part of the big rock 'n' roll family."

Well, I guess that didn't work out too well - as they DON'T PLAY ROCK. To seal the deal, these "chicks" hooked up with the doomed Kerry campaign of 2004. Then, relative radio silence....until now.

Here is the much-repeated refrain from this self-indulgent ditty just released:

"I'm not ready to make nice
I'm not ready to back down
I'm still mad as hell and don't have time
to go round and round and round"

"It's too late to make it right
I prob'ly wouldn't if I could
Cuz I'm mad as hell, can't bring myself to do
what it is you think I should"

(Watch Video Here)

Yada yada yada. Wanna know what "I think you should?" Here's a thought, you brainless bimbos: STICK TO DOING MUSIC! Leave the politics to the politicians, pundits, media and bloggers. What you should have learned from all of this is that folks DO NOT LIKE IT when celebrities cross this line - and when it comes to Country Music audiences, if you ain't waving the flag (like your nemesis Toby Keith) then shut the hell up and play your damned banjo!

Black Congresswoman McKinney Manhandled By Racist Cop

Once again, the cops react to skin color

In an obvious case of racial profiling (if not gender profiling), a Capitol Police Officer - who is tasked with the safety of 535 members of the House of Representatives and Senate plus the security of all Capitol Hill facilities - took it upon himself to challenge Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) to show her identification as she rushed past a security checkpoint and into a House office building on urgent HOR business last week. Understandably, the Congresswoman ignored the impudent cop and continued on her way. After two more of these brazen demands from the officer, which she also ignored (as she was on OFFICIAL business and he was basically just a beat cop anyway), the man had the audacity to physically stand in front of her and bar her progress with his arm - which actually touched her as she tried to keep walking.

Immediately seeing this outrage for what it was, in what can only be described as an adrenalin-charged defensive reflex, McKinney let this common SS Uniform Thug know exactly how she felt - slapping him right in his insolent face - HOW DARE this racist pig lay hands on a Black Congresswoman!

Soon afterward the Congresswoman, willing to extend the hand of compromise, issued a statement of "deep regret" for the incident - only to learn that, unbelievably, the Capitol Police Department is planning to issue an arrest warrant! This entails possible charges ranging from assault on a police officer, which is a felony carrying a possible five year prison term, to simple assault, which is a misdeamenor. Understandably indignant, McKinney has come forward with the facts on this racially charged incident. (See the VIDEO HERE).

Congresswoman McKinney's lawyer, James W. Myart Jr., told it like it is:

“Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, like thousands of average Americans across this country, is, too, a victim of the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials because of how she looks and the color of her skin. Ms. McKinney is just a victim of being in Congress while black...Congresswoman McKinney will be exonerated.”

Rallying to this brave Congresswoman's distress were none other than the vanguard of modern civil rights in America and beyond - the redoubtable Superstars of screen, stage and podium - Danny Glover and Harry Belefonte. (See the VIDEO HERE).

Naturally, racist Neocons and Republicans are quick to ridicule, with unbelievably disrespectful statements like "Congresswoman needs to call on Minor Celebrities for Aid" and "She shouldn't be exempt from the law." As pointed out by Mr. Glover, they have come to "help her retain her elected position" - which would be in jeapordy if she were to be charged with this trumped up crime!

As there are security cameras covering all angles of entrance to House Offices, upon the release of these tapes the world will see that the Congresswoman was in fact harrassed and assaulted for no good reason - then simply defended herself from this common brute - who apparently needs an I.D. badge or card to identify one out of just 435 Congresspersons, 100 Senators and a few thousand staffers. Don't these people have memories? Is THIS the well-trained elite police force of Capitol Hill? Or, more likely, are these white pseudo Neo-Nazis who actively stalk, harrass and assault their betters who happen to be of color? Sadly, the latter will be shown to be the case.

* UPDATE 4 April: House GOP Pushes Resolution Praising Capitol Police
** UPDATE 6 April: Grand Jury Probes McKinney Incident
*** UPDATE 6 April (later): McKinney Apologizes on House Floor

Hat Tips:

Michelle Malkin

Bareknuckle Politics