Conservative Musings

Where Algore is Today

Tomorrow, at 9pm PDT (Midnight August 2nd EDT), Al Gore's new network Current cranks up.  Should be interesting to see the happenings there (see news about network here). 

At least, if the Nielsen's are low, he has experience in re-counts.

--Colonel Steve

The Honorable being Honored

Marine has farewell dinner with family before shipping off to Iraq.  Stranger picks up the tab.

A Warrior at Rest.

--Colonel Steve

Airhead America Blogstorm

It does seem now the Air America and Gloria Wise money "loan" is getting a lot more press from the blogs.  See Hugh Hewitt's latest of four posts on the subject.  Particularly note that, in the MSM, only the New York Daily News has a story mentioning the incident.

Still no mention of any of this on Al Franken's Blog.  Old Mr. Transparency himself. 

--Colonel Steve

Frist Political Blunder

We've been on the subject recently about politicans, like Mitt Romney, who seem to be changing  their opinions to win votes.  Bill Frist may be doing the same thing here.

However, it looks to me like Frist is moving more left, whereas Romney is moving more right.  Others, who have shared the stage with Frist, look like they are VERY unhappy.  Frist appeared with Dr. James Dobson on the "Justice Sunday" rally at Highview Baptist Church here in Louisville.  Now, Dobson feels betrayed.

My gut feeling is that many on the right also feel betrayed.  I know I do. 

In Patrick Ruffini's straw poll, Frist is currently dead last among the 5 original folks in the list.  Either this move of his is going to gain him votes (very doubtful), or move him even further back.

--Colonel Steve

Err(or) America Correcting Itself?

Recent references on Captain's Quarters suggests that Air America is sort of getting around to correcting itself. 

It seems pressure from blogs, with some really good help from the Washington Times, has the current owners of Air America changing their tune.  See their backtracking comments here.

I end this with the comments put very well by Captain Ed of Captain's Quarters:

I doubt that Franken will ever comment on this story in his role as on-air personality. If he decides to run for office here in Minnesota as rumored, however, we should ask him about this scandal and what he did to correct it once it became known. Voters should shun candidates who manage to demonstrate a callous disregard for spending government money without even being in office.

--Colonel Steve

Straw poll continuing

Continuing thoughts on the straw poll discussions both Red and myself have had recently.

Professor Bainbridge makes reference to a Newsday article about Romney's opinions evolving in time.  I concur with the Prof as he opins that this is suspicious, when considering he's potentially running for a higher office - President.

Again, check out the straw poll at Patrick Ruffini's site.

--Colonel Steve

Err(or) America

Heard the latest on Air America?  Seems like they can't keep financially afloat without "borrowing" the money (wink wink).

The latest news comes from Michelle Malkin and Brian Maloney.  Seems that Air America had $500,000 diverted to them that was intended for the Bronx Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Clubs.

This is the same network that was going to stomp Rush Limbaugh with their star, Al Franken.  And, in their first several months, couldn't pay the health insurance for their employees.

So, have you listened to them lately?  Me neither.  No wonder they're hurting for money.  Found on a whole 67 radio stations!  Plus an XM channel.  Barely a tenth to a fifth of the coverage a Limbaugh or Hannity could muster.

Any bets as to when the network will fold?  Or get prosecuted?

--Colonel Steve

Correction: I said "couldn't pay the health insurance for their employees".  Actually, they deducted health insurance premiums from their employees, but did not purchase insurance for them.  In essence, kept the money.  It's bad, either way.

Thanks to a reference in American Thinker.

Thoughts on Straw Poll

Colonel Steve's post on Patrick Ruffini's straw poll spurred me to take a break from vacation and post my thoughts.  I agree with Colonel Steve on most of his thoughts:

• Bill Frist seems to have the right stance on issues but seems unable to lead.
• I respect Rudi Giuliani for his leadership after 9/11, but his views on social issues would lead us down the path to the dark side.
• John McCain is a Democrat in disguise.
• Mitt Romney's views on abortion are suspect, which makes his views on family questionable.

From everything I have heard about him, George Allen seems to be the best pick from the perspective of issues and experience.  Unfortunately, he is going to have to generate some name recognition if he wants to have a chance to beat McCain or Giuliani in the primaries.  And an unknown will not beat Hillary, despite her stance on the issues that the press will work hard to cover up. 
--Red

Straw poll for 2008 Republican Primary

Patrick Ruffini's is currently running a straw poll on the 2008 GOP nominee (Hat tip to Hugh Hewitt).  As Hugh put it, "Vote Early, But Only Once --the GOP Way".

Honestly, tho, I haven't voted.  The choices in the poll are: George Allen, Bill Frist, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and Mitt Romney.  With these choices, I'm not sure which direction to go.

George Allen - don't know enough about him.
Bill Frist -  Agree with him on practically everything, but if his tenure in the Senate counts, I'm not sure he could get anything thru as President.
Rudy Giuliani - VERY proud of what he has done as Mayor of New York, particularly in the responses following the twin towers falling. However, considering his stand on social issues (particularly abortion), I sometime feel he is a RINO (Republican in Name Only).
Mitt Romney - GREAT as a Republican Governor of Massachusetts.  Love his stands on gay marriage, death penalty, and his current stand on stem cell research.  Real unsure of his current stand on abortion and which direction his stands are leaning.

Think I left out McCain?  Naw, just nothing there to comment about.  I may sometimes feel Rudy is a RINO; McCain really is.

Hint: I'd love some help in figuring out what my choice on this one should be.

--Colonel Steve

Lt. Governor Crashes Marine Funeral

The following is an excerpt from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Saturday, July 23, 2005

By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau

The family of a Marine who was killed in Iraq is furious with Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll for showing up uninvited at his funeral this week, handing out her business card and then saying "our government" is against the war.

Rhonda Goodrich of Indiana, Pa., said yesterday that a funeral was held Tuesday at a church in Carnegie for her brother-in-law, Staff Sgt. Joseph Goodrich, 32. She said he "died bravely and courageously in Iraq on July 10, serving his country.
<...>

"Our family deserves an apology," Rhonda Goodrich said. "Here you have a soldier who was killed -- dying for his country -- in a church full of grieving family members and she shows up uninvited. It made a mockery of Joey's death."

What really upset the family, Goodrich said, is that Knoll said, 'I want you to know our government is against this war,' " Goodrich said.

She said she is going to seek an answer from Gov. Ed Rendell's administration if it opposes the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan...

I am TOO furious to even type a comment on this.  But, if you wish to let the leadership of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvannia know your feelings, you can reach Pennsylvannia Governor Rendell right here.

More information on Staff Sgt. Joseph Goodrich.

Hat tip to blogs BlackFive and Michelle Malkin.

--Colonel Steve