Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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The Transcendental Politics of the "Natural Law Party" |
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Posted by:
Michael Medved at
4:44 PM |
Dr. John Hagelin, a physicist trained at Dartmouth and Harvard, ran for president three times as the nominee of the Natural Law Party. He reached his political zenith in 1996, appearing on the ballot in 44 states and persuading 113,668 of his fellow citizens to vote for him. The Natural Law Party promoted Transcendtal Meditation as solution to all the world’s problems and, in fact, Dr. Hagelin has been a prominent member of the faculty at Mahirishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa. One of his areas of scientific specialization involves “the Maharishi Effect” that uses “advanced meditation techniques” to solve social problems. Dr. Hagelin once imported 4,000 meditators to Washington, D.C. and then cited crime records to show the beneficial result. Along with Dr. Hagelin’s presidential runs, the NLP offered some 400 local candidates between 1992 and 2002. Though most of the country never embraced the meditation platform, Hagelin nearly carried his home county (Jefferson) in Iowa—drawing 23.94% of the vote against Clinton, Bush and Perot. In 2004, the Natural Law Party endorsed the Democratic presidential juggernaut of leftist firebrand Dennis Kucinich. Dr, Hagelin himself returned to teaching, and to an esteemed position as Minister of Science and Technology of the Global Country of World Peace, a project authorized by the Maharishi before his death in 2008 “for preventive, invincible administration for the whole world.”
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Barack Obama: The "Riskier" Choice |
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Posted by:
Carol Platt Liebau at
3:42 PM |
An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll holds some troubling numbers for Barack Obama.
Who do voters think is the "riskier choice"? Obama - 55% to 35%.
Better "being knowledgeable, experienced"? McCain - 53%-19%
Better "Commander-in-chief"? McCain - 53%-25%
McCain also rates better at being "honest, trustworthy" and being "consistent, standing up for beliefs" and "having leadership qualities." Barack leads in "improving America's standing in the world," "being compassionate," "offering hope" and "being likable, easygoing."
So the question is: Which personality/qualities template will the American people believe is more important when they go to the polls to vote for a President in November of 2008?
We've heard a lot comparing this election to the Reagan/Carter contest in 1980. Then, there was a sense of "wrong-trackness" that some analogize to the current climate, and people waited until the last minute, but then decided to take a chance on Ronald Reagan. In that train of thought, the idea is that perhaps Barack Obama could enjoy a similar, last minute surge of support.
It's possible, but I don't think so -- and here's why. Ironically, it has a lot to do with Democrats' efforts to stir up a crisis atmosphere when it comes to energy, the economy, etc. Obviously, they think it's to their advantage in order to whip up voters' desire for "change." But they may have been too clever by half, and here's why.
When Americans believe there are tough times ahead, my guess is that they're not as likely to go with the "compassionate" or "likable" guy. They want someone "experienced" who can demonstrate "leadership."
In 1980, plenty of people still thought Carter was a "compassionate" guy who was "likable." They just didn't think he was tough enough, a good enough leader, to deal with a faltering economy and a Soviet Union on the march. Ronald Reagan, in contrast, came across as nothing if not a decisive, effective leader who wasn't going to let the US get pushed around anymore. The chance-taking had nothing to do with the kind of qualities where voters see Barack as a disadvantage, e.g. experience, leadership and even consistency of belief (if anything, Reagan's problem was that Carter was arguing that he was too zealous about his beliefs and that those principles constituted a risk).
For Barack, perhaps the relevant "chance taking" year is less 1980 than it is 1992. Wouldn't voters be much likelier to take a chance on a new face, someone who's good at "offering hope" in a year like that one -- when, perhaps, the economy was weaker than it should be, but otherwise, the world was at peace and rolling the dice on a new guy wasn't out of the question?
Now, we live in an age of Islamofascist terrorism. We need to figure out a more effective energy problem. The economy bears careful watching. In short, there is a lot going on. Will Americans figure it's time to make the "riskier choice," go with, perhaps, the least prepared presidential candidate in modern history, and then allow him the space and time he'll need for on-the-job training?
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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A Big Heart without “Big Brother” |
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Posted by:
Townhall.com Staff at
3:30 PM |
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The “Townhall of Fame” department in the August issue of Townhall Magazine features John Croyle, founder of Big Oak Ranch, a home comprised of two separate boys’ and girls’ ranches for neglected and abused children. Croyle’s caring spirit roused him to begin the Ranch that so many call home and he does it all without any government funding. Croyle keeps the Ranch going with donations and refuses to be indebted to the feds. Now, that’s a man to respect! Read more about Big Oak Ranch’s mission in Townhall by subscribing today! Click here to get your 12-month subscription and a free copy of Over a Barrel by Raymond J. Learsy and discover Croyle’s story as well as other’s in the pages on Townhall every month! Do you know someone like Croyle who deserves recognition for putting their conservative beliefs into action? E-mail feedback@townhall.com to nominate someone you know!
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Obama Cancels Troop Tour (Has Time for Germans, Not For U.S. Troops ...) |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
2:53 PM |
Spiegel Online reports:
1:42 p.m.: SPIEGEL ONLINE has learned that Obama has cancelled a planned short visit to the Rammstein and Landstuhl US military bases in the southwest German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The visits were planned for Friday. “Barack Obama will not be coming to us,” a spokesperson for the US military hospital in Landstuhl announced. “I don’t know why.” Shortly before the same spokeswoman had announced a planned visit by Obama.
Capt. Ed notes:
I guess this is a question of priorities. Barack Obama apparently ran short on time in his visit to Germany today, and travelers know how schedules can slip during long tours, even without all of the events Obama had planned. Those circumstances force people to prioritize their time, and eliminate less-useful stops.
And Jonathan Martin adds:
The optics here are not good: Obama has time to get in a workout and give a speech to a crowd mostly comprised of Europeans, but can't be bothered to visit American troops wounded in action recovering at a military hospital. Obama's explanation strikes at much of the criticism he's gotten from McCain and the GOP.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Here's a Blank Check; Please Act Responsibly |
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Posted by:
Michele Bachmann at
1:15 PM |
Here is the video of my appearance on Fox Business this morning discussing the fall-out sure to come if the Senate passes and the President does not veto H.R. 3221, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008.
I was extremely disappointed that the House passed the housing bail-out bill. This legislation misses the mark and does nothing to address the foreclosure problems our nation is currently facing. Instead of making it easier for America’s hard working taxpayers to make their monthly mortgage, this bill forces them to pay more to fund a misguided, massive housing program.
At a time when so many families are struggling to pay skyrocketing food and gas costs, the last thing they need is another bill from Washington.
While rewarding irresponsible lenders and borrowers, and propping up the overextended, financially unstable Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it does absolutely nothing to ensure that we don’t get into this situation again sometime down the road.
Washington should be concerned about helping families that can’t pay their mortgages, but increasing government and taxes doesn’t help them – it hurts them. Congress should truly consider the consequences of this action before it makes matters worse.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Defenders of Economic Freedom |
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Posted by:
John Campbell at
12:56 PM |
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Today, I was honored by the Club for Growth with the Defender of Economic Freedom Award. 49 Members of the House and 6 Senators received the award as well.
This award is granted to those members who demonstrate a strong commitment to economic freedom and free-market principals. In order to receive this award, reciepients must have earned at least a 90% rating on the Club for Growth’s most recent scorecard.
For your convenience I have listed the winners below.
|
State |
Dist. |
Party |
Member |
Rank |
Score |
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AZ |
6 |
R |
Flake, Jeff |
1 |
100% |
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CO |
5 |
R |
Lamborn, Doug |
1 |
100% |
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TX |
5 |
R |
Hensarling, Jeb |
1 |
100% |
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IN |
6 |
R |
Pence, Mike |
4 |
99% |
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GA |
10 |
R |
Broun, Paul |
5 |
99% |
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GA |
7 |
R |
Linder, John |
6 |
98% |
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GA |
6 |
R |
Price, Tom |
6 |
98% |
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FL |
24 |
R |
Feeney, Tom |
8 |
98% |
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ID |
1 |
R |
Sali, William |
9 |
98% |
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MN |
6 |
R |
Bachmann, Michele |
9 |
98% |
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NJ |
5 |
R |
Garrett, Scott |
9 |
98% |
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TN |
7 |
R |
Blackburn, Marsha |
12 |
98% |
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IA |
5 |
R |
King, Steve |
13 |
98% |
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AZ |
3 |
R |
Shadegg, John |
14 |
97% |
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UT |
3 |
R |
Cannon, Chris |
14 |
97% |
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CA |
40 |
R |
Royce, Edward |
16 |
96% |
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CA |
48 |
R |
Campbell, John |
17 |
96% |
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OH |
4 |
R |
Jordan, Jim |
18 |
96% |
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MN |
2 |
R |
Kline, John |
19 |
96% |
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TX |
19 |
R |
Neugebauer, Randy |
20 |
95% |
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VA |
7 |
R |
Cantor, Eric |
21 |
95% |
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OK |
1 |
R |
Sullivan, John |
22 |
95% |
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TX |
11 |
R |
Conaway, Mike |
23 |
94% |
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WI |
1 |
R |
Ryan, Paul |
23 |
94% |
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TX |
3 |
R |
Johnson, Sam |
25 |
94% |
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AZ |
2 |
R |
Franks, Trent |
26 |
94% |
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CO |
4 |
R |
Musgrave, Marilyn |
26 |
94% |
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NM |
2 |
R |
Pearce, Steve |
28 |
93% |
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GA |
9 |
R |
Deal, Nathan |
29 |
92% |
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MI |
7 |
R |
Walberg, Timothy |
29 |
92% |
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NV |
2 |
R |
Heller, Dean |
29 |
92% |
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PA |
16 |
R |
Pitts, Joseph |
29 |
92% |
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TN |
1 |
R |
Davis, David |
33 |
92% |
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FL |
14 |
R |
Mack, IV, Connie |
34 |
92% |
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TX |
7 |
R |
Culberson, John |
35 |
92% |
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GA |
3 |
R |
Westmoreland, Lynn |
36 |
92% |
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OH |
8 |
R |
Boehner, John |
37 |
92% |
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CA |
50 |
R |
Bilbray, Brian |
38 |
91% |
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MO |
2 |
R |
Akin, Todd |
38 |
91% |
|
WI |
5 |
R |
Sensenbrenner, James |
38 |
91% |
|
CA |
2 |
R |
Herger, Wally |
41 |
91% |
|
CA |
25 |
R |
McKeon, Howard |
42 |
91% |
|
TX |
12 |
R |
Granger, Kay |
42 |
91% |
|
TX |
31 |
R |
Carter, John |
44 |
91% |
|
TX |
8 |
R |
Brady, Kevin |
45 |
90% |
|
CA |
22 |
R |
McCarthy, Kevin |
46 |
90% |
|
GA |
1 |
R |
Kingston, Jack |
47 |
90% |
|
NC |
9 |
R |
Myrick, Sue |
48 |
90% |
|
CA |
19 |
R |
Radanovich, George |
49 |
90% |
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Joe Klein on Why No Obama Poll Bump |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
12:51 PM |
Joe Klein laments the fact that Obama's glowing press attention hasn't given him a bump in the polls. The reason, Klein speculates ... is racism!
"Lots of speculation on the web, and in whispering circles, about why Obama's foreign trip--a slam-dunk success substantively and in photo-op terms (Obama laughing with Petraeus in the helicopter was the best)--hasn't resulted in a polling bump. The emerging conventional wisdom seems to be that the trip is a bit too grand, too...presumptuous and voters are wary of that. (And presumption, of course, always comes with the subterranean tinge of racism.) Maybe so."
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Chalk it up with Guns and Religion |
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Posted by:
Amanda Carpenter at
12:24 PM |
New York Sen. Charles Schumer (D.) says the GOP is "clinging" to drilling.
"Why are they clinging to this?" he's quoted saying in the NYT.
"They are mired in the past." Well, count me as "mired," "clingy" and, you know, "bitter." Just don't tell my boyfriend.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Condemned to Repeat It? |
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Posted by:
Townhall.com Staff at
11:45 AM |
George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Santayana’s quote can be applied to the atrocities that took place at the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the horrific events that took place.
In the August issue of Townhall Magazine, Townhall.com columnist and professional blogger John Hawkins reminds readers of the bloody brawls, drugged hippies and chaotic behavior that memorialized the sordid convention. Hawkins recognizes that radical left-wing groups still exist and have the potential to repeat such dangerous and destructive behavior again. Hawkins explains Obama’s often overlooked far-left policies and how fringe groups of leftist extremists are unnecessary if our country is, ultimately, run by one.
Subscribe today to read more about what the Left has (or has not) planned for their trip to Denver. Visit http://magazine.townhall.com/oil today!
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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McCain Moving in Battlegrounds |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
11:20 AM |
There are some new numbers out from Quinnipiac and the Washington Post:
CO: McCain 46 – Obama 44
MI: Obama 46 - McCain 42
MN: Obama 46 - McCain 44
WI: Obama 50 - McCain 39 As Jonathan Martin describes it:
"Since the last joint Q-WashPost surveys of these four states in June, McCain has moved up in Colorado and Minnesota while Obama has moved down in all four."
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Ntl. Media Missing McCain's Local Coverage |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
11:02 AM |
The media narrative is that Obama has won the week, while McCain has floundered.
While there is no doubt Obama did well in the national media, largely overlooked is the fact that McCain has quietly been garnering very favorable attention in the local media.
For example, Pennsylvania is obviously a very important state. Here's the front page from today's The Times Leader, a Wilkes Barre-based newspaper:
... And here is yesterday's front page from the Manchester Union Leader:
The national media is missing the story of McCain's success in garnering favorable attention in local outlets. Of course, this wouldn't be the first time a "less glamorous" political tactic has flown under their radar ...
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 |
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Obama Attacked In 1st National Political Ad Ever To Air On MTV |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
10:31 AM |
From MTV News:
"There have been a lot of firsts in the 27-year history of MTV, but beginning Wednesday night (July 23), the channel will begin airing something it never has before: a political advertisement. "Both Ways Barack," the attack ad from conservative group Let Freedom Ring, takes aim at presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama for what it calls a history of trying to take opposing positions on the same issue.
The 30-second clip opens with a folksy-voiced narrator claiming, "People are saying that Senator Obama's recent changes of position have made him a flip-flopper." Newspaper headlines appear on the screen, reading, "Obama aide signals shift on Iraq troop withdrawal," "Shift on war hits Obama's liberal base, " "Obama's Enigma" and "Obama's Changes Raise Issue: Can You Believe Him?"
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