YouForgotPoland.com - Politics Makes You Stupid

My pop sent me this humorous gem. Even though he's a partisan lib, he has a sense of humor. This is funny, so someone send me a funny one for Kerry.

Bryan

More Whining Over The Poor Terrorists

As I reported in an earlier article, the bleeding hearts of Human Rights Watch condemned the "harsh treatment" used at Guantanamo Bay. Now, the mainstream liberals at the New York Times have also expressed their outrage at the "harsh treatment."
According to the NYT, the worst treatment included subjecting a prisoner to strobe lights, loud music, and a cold environment while in their skivvies. Don't kids pay for this "harsh treatment" at autumn evening concerts? David Sheffer, a Clinton-era State Department weenie, said that the treatment clearly constitutes torture.
I keep trying to feel sympathetic for the poor terrorists, who earned a session of Rage Against the Machine for killing Americans, but it's just not gonna happen.

Bryan

The Meaning Behing the Numbers

This is a cautionary note regarding the usage of statistics in speeches and debates. This issue particularly came to mind while watching the debate last night. When speaking of the increase in the number of uninsured in America, Kerry's clear intent was to place the blame squarely on the President. A few thoughts:
- The President has little to do directly with the number of insured, barring a legislative change in eligibility, which has not taken place.
- Uninsured is not the same as "uninsurable."
- Many things can cause a person to become uninsured. For example, a person that is convered under their spouse's plan and then gets a divorce, becomes an "uninsured" person. As the divorce rate increases, so potentially does the number of uninsured ex-spouses.
- Some may choose not to be insured, for privacy reasons, for flexibility, etc...

So, always consider the basis for a number before accepting it at face value.

Bryan

Voter Fraud Tempest in a Teacup

Allegations of voter fraud are surfacing all over the country. This FOXNews.com story lists many of the complaints from both the right and the left. The DNC today responded to a post on Drudge that claimed the DNC activist "manual" called for pre-emptive claims of voter intimidation on the part of Republicans. Their response claims that the single sheet memo, posted on Drudge's website, was taken out of context.

After having read the memo, the story, and the DNC response, it doesn't seem that the supposed context of the page makes the tactic any more valid. The manual clearly urges activists to notify the press and officials of "historical" GOP voter intimidation, and to utilize minority voices to lend creedence to the claims.

Bryan

An After Debate Mint

At the opening of the debate, Bush was clearly well rested and ready for a serious debate. On the contrary, Kerry came across as tired and not quite ready for what was about to happen. Here are the highlights:

- Bush repeatedly brought up Kerry's voting record: taxes; against the Gulf War, etc.
- Kerry was not on his game until about half way throught the debate.
- Bush was thinking, speaking slowly. He came across as firm, but not overbearing.
- Bush nails Kerry on "a plan is not a litany of complaints."
- Bush pegs the cost of Kerry's healthcare plan at 5 trillion dollars.
- Kerry unbelievably brought up Cheney's daughter again. Cheap shot.
- Bush was very genuine in his answer to the question of the role that faith plays in his life.

Overall, I am more confident in stating that Bush won this debate.

Bryan Taylor

UPDATE: Carl Cameron on Foxnews.com states that Kerry did in fact only have 5 bills that became law. Kerry agrees. Cameron claims that Kerry's 56 number is misleading.

The Final Chapter - Live

Back in time to do the live blog on the debate, which is about to begin (2103)
Kerry look totally haggard, and sounds it as well. (2104)

First question goes to Kerry, open ended. Kerry is placing the blame on Bush for the country not being as safe as it could be. He is not answering the question that was asked of him. Kerry has is pledging to fight terrorism in the manner of Reagan. (2106)

Bush's rebuttal. He is coming across pretty smooth. He once again brought up the 3/4 of Al-Qaeda semi-true fact. He brought up Kerry's comments about terrorism as law. Bush brought up his homeland security bill and that Kerry voted against it. (2107)

Kerry's rebuttal rebuttal, once again brings up that Iraq is a diversion. Bush is funny already he is on the ball.

2nd Question - flu vaccines.

Bush seemsed to be caught off guard by this one, surprisingly. He matter of factly mentioned the cause of the shortage, and said he is not getting one. He is tying it into legal reform in the healthcare field. (2110)

Kerry's rebuttal, claiming the healthcare system is getting worse under Bush. (Note their will be an upcoming article on this blog about the "loss" of healthcare). Now here is Kerry naming figures of people that have lost their coverage in all of the swing states, Ohio, Wisconsin, etc... Kerry compares us to the rest of the industrialized world. (2112)

Bush says "a plan is not a litany of complaints." That is...wow...Bush cited the figure that it would cost 5 trillion to go with Kerry's "plan" to provide the Senator's plan to all. (2113)

3 Question - Taxes, Kerry's pledge not to raise taxes

Kerry says he will reinstate "pay as you go." He is saying that he has a specific plan, and mentions all his other plans, and he claims he has already shown how he is going to pay for these plans. So he has avoided actually answering the question again. He is claiming to "close the loophole." (2116)

Bush's rebuttal makes Kerry laugh. Kerry just laughed out loud right into the microphone. He is very strong on this answer as well. (2117)

4 Question - Jobs, outsourcing

Kerry's rebuttal went back to Bush's last answer. He really just sounds like he is making every promise imaginable, just pandering.

5 Question - Jobs, fair to blame administration

Kerry brought up fair trade. Bush's administration has tried to pass a fair trade bill.

Bush's rebuttal - BUsh claims that Kerry misspoke about Pell. He points out that the tax cut put money back in your pocket.

Kerry says that anyone can play with the votes and that we all know that.

Bush re-rebuttal clearly states that Kerry's record is what he should be judged by.

6 Question - Is being gay a choice

Bush answers by saying he doesn't know but it is important to respect equal rights and tolerance but that the majority should not have to change their views of marraige. Bush also says that he brought up the amendment in order to encourage states to participate in the process since they would have to ratify it.

Kerry's rebuttal, he brings up Dick Cheney's daughter again. He answers the Bob's question directly by stating that they are born that way. Way out of line to being up his daughter.

7 Question - Church's position on sanctity of life

Kerry claims that he disagrees with the church despite being a Catholic. He states that it is not a legislatible issue. Kerry says he will continue to defend Roe v Wade. He was an altar boy. (Not touchin' it). Kerry compares himself to JFK as a "catholic president" who shouldn't be labelled as such. (2131)

Bush's rebuttal begins with the usual line, to embrace a culture of life. He identifies himself as a unifier, talking about the partial birth ban, and how Kerry voted against it. He believes there are ways to reduce the number of abortions, such as increasing the availability of adoption. (2133)

8 Question - WaPo quote on increased health costs

Bush responds with a joke, and says it is a systemic problem, and that the consumer is out of the loop, and therefore no market forces are at work in the healthcare industry. Healthcare savings plans, tax free. Tort reform. (2135)

Kerry's rebuttal. By the way, Bush came up with 4 positive things, Kerry's rebuttal opens with criticism, such as the defeat of the Canada prescription bill.

Bush came back with the Senate record. Kerry comes back with "Bush is misrepresenting and the President is wrong." (2138)

9 Question - Kerry's healthcare plan/cost

Kerry has somewhat skirted the issue of paying but he is describing his plan. He is speaking of the many benefits, and saying increased competition will lower prices. Isn't that what Bush said, about market forces? (2141)

Bush said a non-partisan Llewlyn report claims Kerry's plan costs 1.6 trillion. And the plan shows that with government plans private companies will stop offering their plans. (2143)

Kerry's rebuttal basically said he is not proposing a government controlled healthcare plan. (2143)

10 Question - private SS accounts

The question asked about how to pay for SS if the transition is made to private savings accounts. Bush is avoiding the question a bit, like he is searching. Though he has not spoken about the cost, he is saying that the cost of doing nothing is more expensive. (2146)

Kerry says that private accounts would be a disaster. Now Kerry is being the repetative one.

11 Question - Greenspan's opinion on SS

Kerry says to pay for SS by raising taxes on the rich. Repeating the net loss of jobs factoid. (2150)

Bush's rebuttal goes back to Kerry's record, and his votes against the tax cut (which Kerry admits that Greenspan supports). He also brings up the recession before his administration and how his tax cuts have recovered the economy. (2151)

12 Question - Immigration (illegal)

Bush asnwers the question by bringing up the temp worker card. This is a hot button issue. Not a big one with conservatives. Bush says he does not support amnesty. (2153)

Kerry's rebuttal goes back to taxes again instead of immigration. Kerry claims the borders are more porous now than before 9/11. He says he will enforce existing laws. He also said he supports amnesty (in different words).

Kerry got a re-rebuttal which was ridiculous, saying we have biometrics...not realizing that the question was on illegal immigration. (2156)

13 Question - Minimum wage

Kerry wants to raise minimum wage but he claims that the Republicans made it impossible to even bring it up to a vote. He says he will raise it $7/hr. Kerry brings up the claim that has been widely myth-busted that women earn $.76 to the male dollar. (Statistics bears out that there are many ways to come to numbers like this but none are supportive if "unequal pay").

Bush's rebuttal goes back to education and doesn't address the minimum wage.

14 Question - Roe v Wade

Bush was asked directly if he will try to overturn R v W by appointments.

Kerry's rebuttal was equally vague. Kerry says 50% of black males in NYC are unemployed. He also claims that the President underunded "No Child Left Behind" (2202)

Kerry brings up the the tax cut for the rich thing again. (thats a drink)

15 Question - Draft/Military/"Back door draft"

Kerry claims once again that it is all Bush's fault. He says that the problem is a lack of judgement by Bush. Double the number of special forces, and increase by 2 divisions. Kerry says America is strongest when working with "real" alliances.

Bush's rebuttal is to win the war, and that is the best way to relieve the pressure. Bush brought up the global test line. Kerry comes back with not a global test but a "truth standard" in order to gain legitimacy in the world. BUSH voted against the use of force in Gulf War I (finally). (2208)

16 Question - Assualt weapons

Bush claims that there was a lack of bipartisan support for the bill.

Kerry's rebuttal is that he is a hunter and gun owner, and a former law officer (prosecutor). Interesting, Kerry says that terrorists can buy guns at shows. (2211)

17 Question - Afirmative action

Kerry says we have not moved far enough along. Bush has of course served as an obstacle to equality according to Kerry. Bush's rebuttal includes the claim that he did in fact meet with the black caucus, and that he also does not support quotas. Bush is walking on thin ice here by answering the question by saying he is helping low income families. He appears to not be answering the question and/or referring to minorities as poor. (2215)

18 Questions - Faith in policy decisions

Bush includes himself as protected as an American citizen, by reserving his right to pray and worship which he says provides calm. Bush claims his principal is based on his religion and belief, and that God wants everyone to be free. And that you can't separate the man from the faith.

Kerry's rebuttal includes a nice word about Bush. He is drifting now, talking about nothing really. He says there are the "haves" and the "have nots" and therefore there is more "loving" to do in the world. He is a pretty good debater. (2219)

19 Question - Post 9/11 Unity/Polarization

Kerry compliments Bush on his speech to the congress after 9/11, and then turns to blaim the partisanship of the US and the congress on Bush. Kerry pledges to have open government where he is going to restore unity and non/bi-partisanship.

20 Question - Women

Bush is funny, and he says the most important thing he learns from his strong women is to listen to them, to stand up straight and not scowl. Bush says Laura speaks better English than he does. Bush is a very personable guy, relating his story about how he met Laura.

Kerry tries to make a joke and only Bob the moderator is laughing. Kerry tries again with the jokes. This is a very interesting way to end the debate. The lasting impression people will get is that Bush is a real person and Kerry is somehow aloof or nerdy.

Closing statements (2227)





Bryan Taylor

Slight Obstacle

The official Core Values eParty "blogging laptop" has died. :(
Until it is fixed or replaced, posts may be a bit delayed. Thanks to all who have given me positive feedback on this blog offline. Now, time to add those nice comments to the site!

Bryan Taylor

Civil Disobedience

Michael Badnarik, Libertarian candidate for president in the 2004 election, was arrested while trying to enter the 8 Oct presidential debates. A press release from the campaign gives details of the plan before it happened. An AP story broke the news.
According to the stories, aside from the arrest of the third party candidates, numerous students were harrassed by police when they inadvertedly crossed into a protective zone surrounding the building on the St. Louis campus. Badnarik's campaign has aptly dubbed the area the "No Free Speech Zone."

I applaud Badnarik (and also David Cobb, the Green Party candidate) for this small act of civil disobedience. If one reads the details of this incident, the level of resistance demonstrated by the Commission on Presidential Debates to third parties is unacceptable. Badnarik and another local candidate attempted to serve an "Order to Show Cause" to the CPD that day, but their attempts were resisted by security personnel.

I have yet to hear a valid or maningful argument on the legal basis for the exclusion of third parties in the presidential election process. Anyone care to fill me in?

Bryan

Busy Studying

I haven't had the time to post in the last few days. I've been taking advantage of the downtime, and getting some research done. I highly recommend reading the 9/11 Commission Report. It is excellently written. It is a must read if you are looking to get information from a primary source and eliminate the distortions of the media.

Bryan

UN Frozen on Darfur

It should not come as much of a surprise to most of us. The UN once again is choosing inaction. The US is trying to spur UN members to sanction the atrocity regime in Darfur, but some nations are offering resistance. John Danforth, ambassador to the UN, said that inaction is not an option.

Bryan

Bush's Victory Lap

Bush handed Kerry a solid defeat in tonight's debate. As my live notes show, there are numerous seriously strong comments for Bush, and only a few for Kerry. Kerry definitely showed a defeated attitude and body language. Kerry's daughter knows he lost, you could read it on her face as well.

The final count on the questions is as I saw them when they were being asked:
6 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball, 6 open-ended

Bush scored major points by;
-Bringin up Kerry's record of voting, including voting against partial-birth abortion
-Kerry's lack of real accomplishment in the Senate
-Being personable, connecting with the audience.

Kerry lost some points on:
- The "look into the camera" moment
- Said he will raise taxes
- Claims he never changed positions on Iraq
- He started to give up, and it became clear as he lost his ability to articulate his answers.

Bush could have brought up the Gulf War vote, as many pundits are now saying on the news, but he missed it. Regardless, Bush was able to come out of this one the victor, and the polls will show it.

UPDATE: (23:15) Wow. McFluff, the DNC chairman, is grasping. He is talking about how Bush lost his temper and can't put a sentence together. a) what debate did he watch b) so?

UPDATE: (23:18) Allah's roundup is in.

Bryan

Master de Baters Round 'Deux"

Since I really like to pay attention, I'll be quasi-live blogging. (20:43)

UPDATE: I lied. I did minute-by-minute updates.

Carl Cameron us talking about a memo from ABC News that basically reveals their anti-Bush bias. He says it is available on the 'net. I'm looking for it. (20:59)

Drudge has a scan of the memo. (21:01)

OK, Kerry already evading direct answers, and its only the first question. (21:06)

Obviously Bush has gotten some sleep on this one. He is much better at speaking freely then remembering answers. (21:08)

I want to tell the guy in the purple shirt, "Robin," to shut the hell up. (21:09)

Touche, Mr. President. Finally he said that Kerry read the same intelligence, and came to the same conclusion. (21:10)

I wish Bush would just walk over to Kerry and slap the grin off of his face. There goes Kerry, ducking "Robin's" question. WTF? The question was on Iraq jackass. Kerry is actually trying to look tough...you can see him trying to pantomime toughness. If Kerry really had balls, he would say that Iran and North Korea are next. (21:12)

Bush just laughed in Kerry's face. lol (21:14)

Could this be Kerry's position on Iraq? Nope, I guess not. Here is talking about what he thinks is not working, quoting Senators. So what do you suggest Kerry? OK, here he goes, reaching out to Allies, great answer. Bush laughed again. That's great. So so far this windbag has said he is going to train our troops and train Iraqis. Real novel solution there, pansy. (21:16)

YES!!!! Bush finally said that Kerry's "plan" is the Bush plan. SMACK! Oooh, another one, SMACK.!! (21:17)

Bush with the body blow! The uppercut! Saying the war on terror is more than Usama. (21:18)
OK, Bush is playing dodgeball now, on the "unpopular" question. He is slowly getting to a good answer. He said it, POW! The right decision is better than the popular one. He brought up the ICC too, great. "You don't want a President who tries to become popular and does the wrong thing." (21:21)

That was a damn fine answer from Kerry though. I might not agree but that was a great counter. Saying Bush broke the promise. Damn fine rebuttal answer by Kerry too, you can see people nodding in the background. (21:24)

OK, It is 2 anti-Bush, 1 anti-Kerry questions. (21:24)

Kerry lie - Bush did nothing on North Korea. (21:25)

Kerry talking about joining the British and the French, again. (21:26)

Bush just winked lol I think at Laura (21:26)

Bush joked about scowling, nice. (21:27)

3 anti-Bush, 1 anti-Kerry questions (21:28)

Bush, please answer that the draft bill is Democrat sponsored. He is not saying it. He is focusing on transformation in the armed forces. This is not the direct answer. (21:30)

Kerry's rebuttal includes name dropping, with former commanders and what not. Any answer yet? Kerry is calling the stop loss back door draft. More on that later. There he is, Kerry saying he will add 40,000 troops. Oooh, he invoked the name of Reagen! (21:32)

Whoa! Bush just totally cut off the moderator! That was awesome. Kerry is once again saying the coalitiion partners don't matter. (21:33)

3 anti-Bush, 1 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball by some blathering idiot asking Kerry how he will protect the homeland. (21:33)

Kerry brought up intelligence. Please Bush, call him out on his record!! Kerry just called "Ann" "Nicky" i.e. the wrong name. Doofus. (21:35)

KNOCKOUT!!!!!!!!!!! Bush said that Kerry voted to cut the intelligence budget after Kerry said we need better intelligence. (21:36)

Bush just looked down to see if Kerry crossed the line on the stage, lol. (21:38)

Bush, another one on the chin of Kerry. Spread freedom to fight terrorism. (21:38)

4 anti-Bush, 1 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball (21:38) (canada health prescriptions question)

Good answer by President Bush, "what looks like from Canada could be from the 3rd world." OK, now he is bringing up his medicare prescription "win." I don't agree with that, but he brought it up in the right context. (21:40)

Kerry said Bush lied right there, saying Canada import plan was a good idea four years ago. Have to say Kerry is winning this question. Bush is bringing up Kerry's record again! KAZAM! Kerry claims in 1997 that he fixed medicare. He also said Bush doesn't know how to balance a budget. Wow, big one for Kerry (21:43)

4 anti-Bush, 2 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball (21:43)

Kerry avoiding question, one drink. Kerry gives out URL saying there is a tort reform plan. We'll see. (21:44)

A search for the word "tort" on www.johnkerry.com reveals 2 hits, 1 a testimonial, and one hit on a Newsweek article than claims Kerry has a more agressive tort reform plan. So, lie there, no tort reform plan on the website (21:47)

BAM! Bush said Kerry should have shown up to vote for tort reform when it was up in the Senate. (21:48)

5 anti-Bush, 2 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball (21:49)

5 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball (21:55)

Kerry looked into the camera, that was funny. he didn't really promise what the kid asked him to do. Now he is talking out of his ass. (21:56)

Kerry just said he was raising taxes! (21:56)

Bush again bringing up the record of John Kerry! "It's not credible" "Of course he is going to raise your taxes." lol, "battling green eyeshades." Bush is coming across much more personable than last time, and I think he is reaching the studio audience. (21:58)

Kerry says $2.2 billion is not accurate...checking. "Can run but can't hide." That's awesome. (21:59)

5 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball, 1 open-ended (22:00) (environmental question)

Eh. Bush isn't really getting a good grasp on the environmental question. He is saying some good things, but I don't know if anyone is hearing him. He says he is a good steward of the land but the grinch that asked the question is not amused. (22:01)

Kerry is talking about welfare reform and cops in rebuttal to a question on the environment. Kerry just threw out a totally ridiculous statement, saying the air would be cleaner. That's a pretty good damn crystal ball he must have. (22:03)

Oh SNAP! Bush says "to be popular in the halls of Europe." That is good stuff. (22:03)

5 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball, 2 open-ended (22:05) (manufacturing jobs)

This question was intended as a fluffball but the spinster that read it didn't know she was doing it. It was a softball for Kerry to say that Bush is outsourcing jobs. Kerry is saying that he is raising taxes again. Poor guy. (22:06)

Kerry says China and India graduate more tech grads than we are...a big duh. They have a larger population. (22:07)

Bush says that Robert Reuben looked at Kerry's plan and said it won't work. Hm. Well at least he is saying again that Kerry didn't show up for the vote! tee hee Great answer by Bush, saying that S corps will get more taxes (22:08)

Bush asks "I own a timber company?" lol. (22:09)

6 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball, 2 open-ended (10:10) (patriot act)

Bush is kind of avoiding the Patriot Act question. This is something important to me, I wish that he would answer it more directly. (22:12)

Kerry's answer speaks directly (gosh!) to the problem with the Patriot Act. (22:13)

6 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball, 3 open-ended (22:14) (stem cells)

Kerry tries to act human, and fails miserably. Kerry is losing it on this question big time, you can see that he is either not being truthful, or was not prepared for that question at all. "I want the future, and I think we have to grab it." WTF does that mean? (22:16)

Bush is saying that we need to be careul balancing the ethics and science of stem cells. That is why he is a good President. He knows that there is a different between right and wrong. (22:17)

6 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball, 4 open-ended (22:19) (supreme court)

Bush says he would pick a strict constitutionalist. Said he wouldn't pick someone who wouldn't allow the pledge. Right on. Damn Kerry is throwing all kinds of crap in, trying to scare people on this one. Will women's rights be protected? (22:22)

6 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball, 5 open-ended (22:23) (abortion)

Kerry not answering this question at all. The question was, will federal money go to abortions? And Kerry is sharing his personal belief on it. Ah, here he goes, he is saying that a poor person is entitled to an abortion, to a government service they are entitled too. (22:25)

Bush gets up, answers the question, "we are not going to spend federal money on abortion." (22:25)

Good one, he said Kerry voted against partial-birth. (22:26)

6 anti-Bush, 3 anti-Kerry, 1 fluffball, 6 open-ended (22:28) (3 mistakes)

Kerry called that lady out on her question,. He said that the question was really trying to ask if he made a mistake on Iraq. You know, I can't help but laugh when I know Bush is going to pull ahead from this debate. (22:30)

Kerry has a defeated kind of look now, I think he knows how this one went. (22:31)


Bryan

At Least Someone is Getting Some

This was linked off of Allahpundit, who as usual, has the scoop. What Ace did here is just too funny. Read the comments too, it is half the fun. Allah's second link is funny too, here's my favorite quote from that Washington Post article: (regarding the Allies victory of the Axis powers) "Evil, Kerry has said he learned, was defeated by an international alliance." Bullshit! Evil was defeated by the US.

Bryan

Dear Bleeding Hearts, Would You Like Some Cheese with that Whine?

Wow. In the course of research on NGO involvement in conflict resolution, I came across Human Rights Watch's list of "Table of Interrogation Techniques" in use at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Cry me a stinkin river.

The first comment is that our government has lost its mind. Approval was needed, and this is no joke, on interrogation techniques including:

• "Direct, straightforward questions"
• "Yelling at detainee"
• "Deception: multiple interrogators"

And the list goes on and on. Seriously. The HRW article is linked under the section "Torture and Abuse." So here are some of the real harsh interrogation techniques noted in the table, along with whether or not they were approved for use Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

• "Use of stress positions (e.g. prolonged standing)" - Not approved
• "Sensory deprivation (light and auditory stimuli)" - Not approved
• "Using detainee phobias (e.g. fear of dogs) to induce stress" - Not approved
• "Use of mild, non-injurious physical contact such as grabbing, poking in the chest, and light pushing" - Approved

Those poor terrorists. Imagine being made to stand up for a long period of time, or being in the dark for awhile. I'm sure they didn't do any of that while they spent time in the training camps of Afghanistan.

SO my first point is to the terrorists - the bleeding hearts of the world at HRW have your back guys.

Second, what the hell is wrong with us? Have we lost all common sense. These terrorists are people who, according to the 9/11 Commission Report, "desire death more than you [Americans] desire life" (52). A little slapping, a little pushing...WHO CARES? They sliced an innocent man's head off. For those of you did not see the so-called "beheading" video, it is worse than 9/11. After finishing a "prayer," the terrorists, with a 6" knife, SLICE a handcuffed man's head while he is laying on his side, squirming and squealing.

I think, having absorbed this information, the latest information on Iraq and Afghanistan, my recommendation is for the US to get some stones. Sometimes foreign policy decisions are complicated, Israel and Palestine for example, but the war on terror is simple. They WILL continue their fatwa until they are DEAD or securely imprisoned.

* I did not post the name of the American who was beheaded because I do not want page hits from search results on his name.

Bryan Taylor

Now in Vindication

I feel vindicated after hearing Bill Bennett last night on Hannity and Colmes. Bennett said that despite a lack of WMD stockpiles, Iraq's hostile intentions were clear. If the OFF scandal had continued, Iraq would have amassed a great wealth and it might have involved even more UN members. The level of involvement by France astounds me.

Bryan Taylor

Key Findings Show Strategy of Agression

I just glanced over the report of the Iraq Security Group's Key Finding's Report. It very clearly shows that Saddam was definitely a threat. There were two courses of action that could have taken place in 2003 with regards to UNMOVIC and Iraq. The first course of action would have been continued weapons inspections. After having failed to find any weapons, international pressure to lift sanctions on Iraq would have continued to increase , making military intervention of any kind more difficult. The report shows that Iraq was working to pressure China, Russia and France (three permanent members of UNSC).

The second course of action is the one that was taken. With the former, it is clear that Saddam's intention was to rebuild the programs and pursue militarily agressive strategies against the US, Israel and particularly Iran. Given the course of Saddam's covert economic recovery under the OFF and rampant illicit assistance on the part of Russia, France, Syria, UAE, and numerous others, his entire special weapons military structure would have been back to pre-1991 levels.

Bryan Taylor

An Veteran from Iraq Speaks Out

I contacted DC101 a local station serving the Washington DC area regarding an interview conducted on the air with a veteran returning from Iraq. The show's producer, Joe Bevelacua, indicated that the shows are neither taped nor transcribed in any way, so I would not be able to reproduce its contents here.

The gist of the interview was that indeed, things on the ground in Iraq are not as they are portrayed on our media here. Iraqis are friendly and thankful for our assistance. I am working on getting the contact information for said vet, to conduct an interview exclusive here on this site.

Bryan Taylor

Premise - What if Kerry Wins?

I read in the summaries of the debate that Kerry intends to double the size of "special forces" (I assume he means in general, as opposed to Army Special Forces a.k.a. The Green Berets). Kerry's plan also includes adding more troops (two more divisions) to our standing troop count. So what if he won, how would this be accomplished?

I can tell you, and this is subjective but backed by personal experience, that under a John Kerry administration, the three non-Marine Corps branches of the military will have difficulty meeting recruitment goals (The Marine Corps consistently meets recruiting goals because of that branch's unique attraction and culture). The contempt for politicians who disrespect the military, either by words or by deed, is very real. (Here, here, here and presently: "The active Army recruited 77,587 soldiers in fiscal year 2004, surpassing its goal of 77,000, Douglas Smith, spokesman for the Army Recruiting Command based at Fort Knox, Ky., said Wednesday. The Army Reserves brought in 21,278, just over the goal of 21,200." (The Leader Online 6 Oct 2004).

While I was serving in the United States Marine Corps, under Clinton, the off-the-record discussions by almost all were that no one wanted to be serving under William J. Clinton. Even more palpable, was the excitement when George W. Bush was running, and won the presidency.

Stories (later shown to be this photo show a continued resistance to Clinton's leadership and legacy. (Though Snopes has declared it incomplete, former Special Forces soldiers and colleagues of mine, have confirmed the gesture, though not necessarily the motive of the soldier in the picture).

If Kerry wins, will he even be able to muster the young men and women of this country to serve with him, as he promises?

Bryan Taylor

UPDATE: Democrat-sponsored Draft Bill Killed

Veep Showdown

I didn't watch the Vice-presidential debate last night. I actually have a good excuse -- I was on a date. Therefore, I cannot reasonably comment on the actual content of the debate, only on the post-debate news. The CNN
and the Foxnews roundup show a similar viewing of the debate. The CNN article focuses on flash poll results, revealing a mix of Cheney as the winner, Edwards as the winner, or the debate being a draw.
The watercooler crowd here basically agrees it was a draw, or possibly a Cheney victory.
I for one am not too regretful that I missed it.

UPDATE: The blog trolling is leaning towards a Cheney win. Allahpundit has, as usual, an excellent roundup.

Bryan Taylor

I Heard If You Vote Third Party You Will Have 4 Years Bad Luck

This has to be said. I seem to attract political discussions at work, or anywhere I go. Constantly, what I am hearing from friends, family and associates, is that they are not happy with either candidate. They are weary of the 2 party process in this country. They wish there were a viable 3rd party. When I ask these people why they don't vote for a third party candidate, they reply that they do not want to "throw their vote away."

This I cannot understand. Stop right there -- I understand the explanation you were about to offer, in terms of a vote for Badnarik, for example is a lost Bush vote. A Nader vote is a lost Kerry vote. I understand on this level but I do not understand why people that think this way cannot see past this misconception. Now don't get me wrong, I do know what impact on THIS election a third party vote would have. But can we not collectively look past the tips of our noses and see the long term impact that massive third party voting would have?

Want to see a 3rd party candidate in the debates next election? Vote for one now. A 3rd party that gets 20% will be included in debates, media coverage, etc... The only way to really "throw your vote away" is by not using it. Not voting is truly a misguided protest effort.

So, if you are disatisfied with the current state of affairs, the current political processes, and the current selection of the 2 party candidates, then do something about it. Vote for someone.

Bryan Taylor

Is this the Iraq-Al Qaeda Smoking Gun?

This is an exclusive being reported by CNSNews.com regarding Iraqi ties to terrorism. [CORRECTION: A single lo-res scan of the 1st page is included] . See it now. Exclusive: Saddam Possessed WMD, Had Extensive Terror Ties -- 10/04/2004 Original link from INDC

Bryan Taylor

Bush Still Leads

Sometimes it's great to be right (pun intended). Anyway, a Washington Post poll shows Bush retaining the lead. The poll, conducted Friday through Sunday and averaged, shows Bush with a 5 point lead over Kerry. I believe earlier I said that the Kerry debate performance, while impressive interms of comparing Kerry to Kerry, would not amount to much. Think about it...most of us have accepted the reality that Kerry more or less won, that Bush could have done better, and yet, Bush is still ahead. Granted there are other polls (such as the CNNUSATodayGallopFooBarWhatever) which show the two candidates in a statistical dead heat. Keep watching the polls, and remember, Dick Morris once said (paraphrasing here) that an incumbent doing 50/50 with the opponent is doing better than the opponent at 50/50.

Bryan Taylor

New Jersey Joins California on the Planet Liberal

I grew up about a mile or so from the school in this piece. I have to say, I can't believe it. A picture of the president on an American History bulletin board, and they fire the teacher (or "ask her to leave") for practicing "disruptive politics." More on this when I am done counting backwards from 10. Original story from Drudge.

Bryan Taylor

The Pen is Soundbitier than the Word

Giving fair credit to the correct source, on an interesting but minor development in the post-debate pillow talk.   I originally said the first link was from Drudge, but I had it wrong.   The story originated with, and can be followed, at INDC Journal  I'm not writing any more about the content of the story, either ever or until I have more information from various sources.   However, I think it is fair to credit the correct source.

Bryan Taylor

Illegal Immigration Gets Nod From President

According to an article from The Washington Times, the Bush administration has asked House Republicans to axe parts of the intelligence reform bill which would eliminate or restrict some of the loopholes to immigration that were exploited by the 9/11 hijackers. The senate bill, which the White House does endorse, does not contain the immigration restrictions.
What motivation could President Bush have for rejecting sound recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and restrict illegal immigration? These are the kinds of moves that make real conservatives cringe.

Bryan Taylor

Outsourcing

This is funny and relevent. WARNING: bad language

Mile High Club Cabanas

Oh, Hell Yeah! I don't know if there is anything else I can say about that.

US Continues Liberal Economics Foreign Policy

Great! Some might wonder why a centrist-libertarian-conservative type blogger would be posting this link (Latest Business News and Financial Information | Reuters.com) Well, it's not officially a conservative platform to support debt relief to poor states. However, it: costs the US very little; alleviates burden in states where capital is needed; increases goodwill; furthers the US foreign policy of spreading liberal economic development. N.B. Liberal economic development != liberal domestic US policy. Places where this kind of debt relief will take place are the same kinds of places where radicalism has a good chance of developing due to mass poverty and anti-US sentiment. So, hooray for the Bush administration!

Bryan Taylor

The Daily Recycler: Winners Never Cheat

Oh, this is rich. It's more distraction from real issues as far as I am concerned, but it is still good. Even better, it is set to cool music. You MUST see this. The Daily Recycler: Winners Never Cheat Original link from Drudge

Bryan Taylor

Kerry's "Position" on Iraq

Here is a very succint summary of Kerry's supposed position on Iraq, a.k.a. the four points. Thanks to blogsforbush.com for this piece.

Bryan Taylor

Debate Data

There was a lot of talk before the debate began last night that the impetus was on John Kerry to give a strong showing in order to stay in this presidential race. I think he did just that. Various "quickie" polls have showed Kerry as the winner by a slight majority.

"The CBS survey of 200 "fence sitters" showed 44 percent said Kerry won, 26 percent said Bush won and 30 percent said it was a tie. The ABC numbers were similar in that 45 percent gave the edge to Kerry while 36 chose Bush and 17 percent said it was a tie." -- source http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,134165,00.html)

Why do others feel Kerry "won" the debate?

Content - A draw. President Bush and Senator Kerry both stayed away from sepcifics and relied on generalizations and simplifications. The few details of both of their arguments were a mix of fact and fiction. Kerry used the Democratic favorite, that only the rich got a tax cut. We know this is false. (See for yourself Note that I linked to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. For partisan info, try The Cato Institute or Factcheck.org). Bush said that 75% of Al-Qaeda leadershp has been destroyed. This is an example of over-simplification. It would be both hard to know this, and naive to think that there are no new leaders filling the void.

Style - Kerry. I am not one to be swayed or impressed by images or perceptions, as best as I am able to be objective. One must concede the point however, that Kerry's confidence and determination were striking. The President was put on the defensive. I for one have never subscribed to the belief that President Bush is "dumb" simply because he speaks slowly, makes faces, or any of the other reasons non-thinking people cite. His actions speak far louder than his words. However, Kerry saying that Osama attacked the US, not Saddam (and therefore we should not be in Iraq) was a setup. What possible response could the President have? The only thing he could have said was what he did say: "I know Osama bin Laden attacked us. I know that."

Attitude - Bush. So typically Kerry - wagging the finger, disrespecting the President...the disdain was overwhelming. Even better was Bush's attitude: I'm the boss, I'm the leader, you wouldn't know. The combination of Kerry coming across as arrogant, and Bush coming across as experienced was definitely positive for Bush.

Overall, this debate doesn't hurt Bush, but it does help Kerry slightly. Expect the polls to even up a bit over the next week or so, as people react to hearing Kerry for the first time. Bush will surge again before the next debate.

Bryan Taylor