Conservative Musings

Letter to McConnell

I tried to send the following email to Senator McConnell this evening:

To the Honorable Senator McConnell:

  I was greatly disturbed to read in the Courier-Journal yesterday of your support for a public timetable for the "troop surge" to be successful.  Since the Iraq War began, Republicans have argued that setting a timetable for the war would encourage the so-called insurgents.  Have you forgotten this?   I imagine the insurgents are jumping for joy right now expecting that if they redouble their efforts over the next "six to nine months" that they may even be rewarded with our surrender and departure.  (Yes, I know that you didn't say what the consequences would be, but I'm sure the insurgents are thinking that the Democrats' desires to cut and run would hold sway in that eventuality.)
  I believe in accountability.  In war, however, accountability becomes a state secret that can be used by the enemy against you.  If you want timetables, they should be secret.
  I had hoped from some of your initial comments that you and other Republicans would hold the line against these resolutions that are even now demoralizing our troops just by being discussed.  I do not give money to political campaigns so I can not promise to withhold funds if you vote irresponsibly.  However, this will heavily influence my vote when you are up for re-election in 2008.

However, the site seems to be busy.  Imagine that.  Well, I'll keep trying!

--Red

BETRAYAL!

So, Mitch McConnell has decided to set a public timetable for the "surge" to work.  I'm sure the insurgents are elated.  Now, all they have to do is redouble their efforts and kill more people over the next six to nine months and they may have success in pushing us out of Iraq.

I expected the Democrats to betray the troops, but I am shocked, dismayed, and ashamed to see the Republicans in Washington rushing to do the same. 

--Red

40th Anniversary

Below the Beltway and Captain's Quarters both note that today is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 1 fire.  It took the lives of three astronauts: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee.

My first real memories of the space program came later with Apollo 7 and successive launches.  As a 7 -1/2 year old by then, I sat in awe as I watched Apollo's 7 through 11 culminate with a landing on the moon.  Without the bravery and sacrifice of it's predecessors, Apollo 11 would have never have seen it's mission fulfilled.

Captain Ed puts it best: "There were many reasons the Apollo I accident should not have happened, but Grissom, White, and Chaffee knew that the job was dangerous and did it anyway. They should rightly be remembered as American heroes."

-Colonel Steve

Saving Too Much For Retirement?

According to a "loose confederation of well-regarded economists", we generally have enough wealth to handle retirement.  Maybe even saving too much.  They go on to say:

A study last October by another group of economists, including two working for the Federal Reserve Board, found 88 percent of retirees  age 51 and older had adequate wealth.

My own gut feeling, based on folks I've spoken with, is contrary to what these economists believe.  Most of the folks I know are in the same boat that Fidelity has stated: "Fidelity, the nation’s largest provider of workplace retirement savings plans, says the average 401(k) account balance is only $62,000."

But then again, maybe the democrats are wrong (again).  Maybe we're a whole lot better off and wealthier than they think.

(HT: Outside the Beltway)

-Colonel Steve

Keep the Heat On

Keep the heat on any of the resolutions empowering our enemies in Iraq.  Many of the republicans seem to be caving on stopping any of the resolutions from McCain or Biden.

Several things to consider:

1) Call Mitch McConnell's local Louisville number at 502-582-6304 and ask him to filibuster any of the non-binding resolutions against our stay in Iraq.
2) Contact McConnell by email.
3) Consider signing the NRSC pledge.

-Colonel Steve

Representing The Common Man

During the 2004 presidential campaign, John Kerry and John Edwards would have like to have had you believe that they represented the common man better than George Bush and Dick Cheney.  All four men have wealth, that's for sure. 

Today, we have the news of John Edwards 28,200 square foot home that resides on 102 acres.  Not quite up with John Kerry's multiple homes, but I'm sure it'll do. 

-Colonel Steve

Donuts With A Buzz

You might want to think twice about ordering coffee with these donuts.

-Colonel Steve

Take the Pledge

Those listening to Hugh Hewitt this evening have heard his discussions on the NRSC Pledge.  Here is the text of that pledge:

If the United States Senate passes a resolution, non-binding or otherwise, that criticizes the commitment of additional troops to Iraq that General Petraeus has asked for and that the president has pledged, and if the Senate does so after the testimony of General Petraeus on January 23 that such a resolution will be an encouragement to the enemy, I will not contribute to any Republican senator who voted for the resolution. Further, if any Republican senator who votes for such a resolution is a candidate for re-election in 2008, I will not contribute to the National Republican Senatorial Committee unless the Chairman of that Committee, Senator Ensign, commits in writing that none of the funds of the NRSC will go to support the re-election of any senator supporting the non-binding resolution.

As of just a few moments ago, this site now has 1,148 virtual signatures.  One commenter on Hugh's blog post (linked above) states that us conservatives aren't much for the First Amendment when it comes to free speech.  Not so fast.  This is us, practicing our First Amendment rights by putting our money where our mouths are.

-Colonel Steve

What's Next, Mark?

Bluegrassreports.org publisher Mark Nickolas may have many talents, but not high on that talent list are memory and handling of finances.

1) He forgot to pay his 2004, 2005, and 2006 state taxes.  He then pays for those forgotten taxes out of his then non-profit organization.
2) Failure to pay for a month-by-month Avis car rental after his own car broke down.  This was due to his credit card being declined for payment.
3) Now the farm he runs is being sued for non-payment of stallion and boarding fees.

-Colonel Steve

Tom "Christ" Cruise

The leaders of Scientology have dubbed Tom Cruise the Christ of Scientology.  David Miscavige, a leader in Scientology believes that someday Cruise will be worshiped like Jesus.

“Like Christ, he’s been criticised for his views. But future generations will realise he was right."

Count me the skeptic.  Jesus vs. Tom?  Easy choice.  Something tells me that Tom and I will be spending more that three days in our tombs.

(HT: Below the Beltway)

-Colonel Steve