USA Today "cannot confirm" their story

Back in May, I posted about Leslie Cauley and her work to become the next Mary Mapes. Sure enough, just as CBS did with Ms. Mapes screed, USA Today has issued a correction to its readers. Here's the substantive paragraph:

Based on its reporting after the May 11 article, USA TODAY has now concluded that while the NSA has built a massive domestic calls record database involving the domestic call records of telecommunications companies, the newspaper cannot confirm that BellSouth or Verizon contracted with the NSA to provide bulk calling records to that database.

Can you imagine being so blinded with hatred that you'll do anything and say anything just to make your President and your Government look bad?

But Mr. Light Bulb, you right-wingers did the same thing with Clinton!

No, no, no. We simply pointed out the truth, snickered at his incompetence, and sneered at his vileness. He did the rest for us.

Happy Birthday, Thomas Sowell

Another day, another birthday. This time for Thomas Sowell. Dr. Sowell is one of our nation's most sound thinkers. His writings on culture, economics, race, and children are among the best you will read. They include numerous books and a regular column.

Here's a couple of paragraphs from one of my favorites of his books, The Vision of the Anointed:

To those with the vision of the anointed, the public serves not only as a general object of disdain, but as a baseline from which to measure their own lofty heights, whether in art, politics, or other fields. Systemic processes which offer channels of expression of the public's views and values are to be circumscribed and circumvented. Art, music, and ballet are to be financed by compulsory exactions from the public, while ignoring or disdaining what the public itself wants or does not want. Similarly, so-called "public television"—taxpayer-subsidized television—is in fact the least responsive to the public's desires and most reflective of the vision of the anointed. Shamelessly one-sided propaganda for the environmentalist movement, for example, has become a staple of so-called "nature" programs on "public television" for years.

Failure to use tax money to finance things not liked by the taxpaying public is routinely called "censorship." If such terminology were used consistently, virtually all of life would be just one long, unending censorship, as individuals choose whether to buy apples rather than oranges, vacations rather than violins, furniture rather than mutual funds. But of course no such consistency is intended. This strained usage of the word "censorship" appears only selectively, to describe public choices and values at variance with the choices and values of the anointed. If a public library declines to buy some avant-garde book approved by the anointed, because either the librarian of the taxpaying public does not like it, that is called "censorship"—even though the book remains freely available to all who wish to buy it and no library can possibly purchase even a tenth of all the books published, so that discretionary preferences are inevitable and the First Amendment does not guarantee either an audience of money.

There's lots more where that came from. Happy Birthday, Dr. Sowell.

Happy 50th Birthday, Interstate Highway System

Today is the (generally accepted) 50th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System. I say "generally accepted" beacause — and this is how we know that it's a creature of government — June 29, 1956 is the date that President Eisenhower signed the legislation that created the system. And that's the date we celebrate as its birthday. Ah, Government!

In case you couldn't tell, I'm a "Limited Government" man. I think our governments (all levels) do far too many things. (For a list of the things our Federal government is supposed to do, please see Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution.) National highways, however, are indeed a Federal responsibility. And while few things governments do are done well, the Interstate Highway System is pretty decent; a standardized system of highways allowing us to travel between states without difficulty. Just by the numerical designation of the road you can tell if it runs North-South or East-West, if it's a loop, or if it's a spur. It's a commonly accepted infrastructure element now, but a radical idea at it's start.

Here's an "Interstate Density Map", or a map of interstate highways over time. And here's an analysis of what the system has meant to the country (written back in 1996, for the 40th birthday).

The English are drinking Germany dry

Never would I have believed I would read a story about too little beer . . . in Germany!

In Nuremberg, organisers revealed 70,000 England fans who flooded the city drank 1.2 MILLION pints of beer - an average of 17 pints each.

Astonished bar keeper Herrmann Murr said: "Never have I seen so many drink so much in such little time."

His bar at a fans' tent in the city ran out after they drained all 32 of his 50-litre (11 gallon) barrels.

You gotta read the rest. If beer drinking were the measure of might, the English would rule us all!

Another bad week for the Lefties

Can you believe it? Two bad weeks in a row for the moral relativists. Consider:

• The Immigration compromise bill seems doomed.
  
• The House voted FOR America.
  
• The Senate voted AGAINST a troop withdrawal plan.
  
• A European leader spoke well of America.
  
• The FBI arrested seven Al-Qaeda allies in Miami who wanted to bomb the Sears Tower in Chicago.
  
• The New York Times exposed a financial monitoring system we use to catch terrorists.

Yes, I know. The lefties don't really consider that last one a bad thing. But — and this is the bad part for the lefties, the part they don't understand — most Americans do consider it "a bad thing" when you sell-out your own country. Telling our enemies, the lunatics who want to destroy our civilization, exactly how their financial transactions are being monitored is "a bad thing." Telling our enemies that previously-thought-unmonitorable communications can indeed be monitored is "a bad thing."

A few weeks ago, I was having doubts that the Republicans would retain control of either the House or the Senate in November. Now it seems like the Lefties want to help us keep both. Of course, it's only June.

FOUND: European leader speaking well of America

I couldn't believe it. Today I watched the Chancellor of Austria say this:

I think Austria is really a good example to show that America has something to do with freedom, democracy, prosperity, development. Don't forget I was born in '45. At that time, Vienna and half of Austria laid in ruins. And without the participation of America, what fate would have Europe? Where would be Europe today? Not the peaceful, prosperous Europe like we love it and where we live.

Nothing -- I will never forget that America fed us with food, with economic support. The Marshall Plan was an immense aid and incentive to develop industry, agriculture, tourism. And by the way, I said it to the President, the Marshall Fund is still working in Austria. It's now transformed into a kind -- in a fund for research and development -- still working.

The American people, at that time, the American government invested billions of dollars in Europe to develop the former enemy. And now we are a partner. So I think it's grotesque to say that America is a threat to the peace in the world compared with North Korea, Iran, other countries.

Here’s the entire transcript. How refreshing to hear a European leader saying good things about our country. His answer was in response to a line of questioning that began with this gem of ridiculousness:

…if I may, to President Bush, you've got Iran's nuclear program, you've got North Korea, yet, most Europeans consider the United States the biggest threat to global stability. Do you have any regrets about that?

Our President’s answer was appropriately direct:

That's absurd. The United States is -- we'll defend ourselves, but at the same time, we're actively working with our partners to spread peace and democracy. So whoever says that is -- it's an absurd statement.

That’s the kind of thing a true leader says.

No Immigration Bill This Year

Success! With a hat tip to the Power Line guys, the Associated Press is reporting that the immigration bill is "all but doomed for the year." Rock on House Republicans! Thank you for standing up for what's right.

Social Security for Illegal Aliens

My Congressman is a wonderful guy. He is the Honorable John Culberson (R-TX). Being a conservative and being from Houston, illegal immigration is one of his key areas of interest. And my Congressman is on the correct side of the issue. He recently made an alarming discovery. Did you know that the Bush Administration signed a Totalization Agreement with Mexico on June 29, 2004. What does this "Totalization Agreement" do? Are you sitting down?

...the White House will not let Congress see it [the agreement], which makes me very suspicious. Reliable reports tell me that this agreement will put every illegal alien from Mexico and their entire extended family anywhere in the world on our overburdened Social Security system.

Here's the rest of Rep. Culberson's statement. (Don't worry. John is on the case. He was even on Your World with Cavuto today discussing the issue!)

Now that I have your attention...The United States Social Security System is already the largest legalized Ponzi Scheme in the universe. Why in the world are people trying to make it even bigger and even more of a scheme?

"Is it Al-Qaeda or is it America?"

That's the question, isn't it? And, given how disappointed the left seems to be at the progress of freedom and democracy in Iraq, it's a valid question. And thankfully, it's a question the Republicans are asking in the House of Representatives. Rep. Charles Norwood of Georgia asked this specific question today.

Finally, we see some conservative backbone. God bless the House Republicans. "Keep at it!" Make the liberals answer this question and others. Force them to choose between standing up for what is right or aiding an avowed enemy of freedom and democracy. Make them cast a vote so that they can explain it to their potential voters in November. I look forward to posting the vote results later today.

UPDATE - America wins, 256-153.

It's been a tough week for the liberals

First, Zarqawi was killed, along with seven of his aides. On that same day, Israel killed a Hamas commander. Iraqi Security Minister appointments were completed. Then Karl Rove was cleared. Then President Bush showed up in Iraq. Hillary got booed. President Bush said he was "upbeat" about Iraq at his press conference. Speaker Hastert said that he wanted to "take a long look" at the Senate Amnesty Bill before convening a Conference Committee on the matter.

Now we find out that a treasure chest of Al-Qaeda information has been found. Furthermore, over 400 raids have been carried out since Zarqawi's death. And Ann Coulter's new book, Godless, will debut at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Pray for your liberal friends. They need it.

Chance or Design?

You be the judge.


As for me and my house, we've made our decision.

Talking points for al-Zarqawi's death

It seems many in the media want to create their own spin on al-Zarqawi's death. The vile left (sorry, redundant) are creating and using their own talking points on the event. So I thought I'd take a shot. No, I don't expect anyone to notice or even use them. But you gotta be prepared.

Here we go.

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and seven aides were sent to eternity when two 500 pound laser-guided bombs were dropped on them by the armed forces of the United States of America.

TALKING POINTS

1. This is good. A bad guy has been removed from the Earth. No more will he perpetrate acts of evil.


2. This is great. Al-Qaeda in Iraq must now find a new leader. We might see increased short-term, random violence, but the snake has had its head cut off. It must now grow a new one. This is not an easy thing to do. Moreover, growing that new head will provide our side an opportunity to gather better intelligence on the evil-doers as they create their new networks.


3. This is outstanding. The Unity Government of Iraq has been given a tremendous boost. What a great day for freedom and democracy in Iraq. (Sorry to offend all the liberals out there with those offensive words, freedom and democracy.)


4. Do it again. Once again, the world has seen the capabilities of the armed forces of the United States of America in action. There is no better military in the world. Let’s see another example.

In summary: al-Zarqawi is dead. Good. Great. Outstanding. Do it again.

END OF TALKING POINTS

God Bless America.

UPDATE - Oil drops below $70 after Zarqawi killed

A great day for freedom

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is dead, along with seven of his aides.



And today, the U.S.S. Cole returns to service.


Let Freedom Reign.

Two years ago today...

Two years ago today, Ronald Wilson Reagan, the greatest president of the 20th century, passed away.

Since he left office in 1988 and told us of his Alzheimer's in 1994, no one has yet to pick up the mantle of conservatism.

Newt Gingrich did well in 1994. The Contract With America was brilliant in its audacity and simplicity. Imagine: Congress being audited for the first time in 42 years. And imagine: Congress actually having to abide by the laws they pass for the rest of us. Sadly, Mr. Gingrich's personal life did not comport with that of a conservative leader.

President Bush has tried and done a decent job. He is firmly committed to tax cuts, and they have worked very well. But President Bush is no Reagan. He has kept our border open for far too long and refuses to close it even in the face of increased border crossings. Reagan would not have put up with this. I believe Reagan might have prosecuted the War on Terror differently as well. Our armed forces have not been allowed to use their full might against the enemy. Reagan would have turned them loose.

I miss you President Reagan.

Who will take your place?

Governor Perry, please visit the real world soon

I received a letter from Governor Perry's office a few days ago. I had previously sent e-mails and logged phone calls with his office asking him to veto HB1 and HB3. (Unfortunately, he signed both of these bills into law in May.) I think this letter was an attempt to mollify the disgust I displayed in my communications with his office. The letter lists several bulleted reasons why his "School Finance Reform" package is a good thing. If you listen to conservative talk radio in Houston you've probably heard a political ad from Rick Perry's campaign with Mr. Perry listing (supposed) accomplishments during the special session (and there's a companion television ad. This letter is the long, drawn-out companion to that ad. Here's the second bullet point from the Governor's letter:

• 33 percent reduction in school taxes: For example, in Harris County, the owner of an average-priced home will see a property tax reduction of more than $2,000 over the next three years.

Boy, that sounds great, doesn't it? I'd certainly like $2,000 back in my pocket. The problem is I'll never see this $2,000 because this claim is (and this is a technical term here) a lie from the pit of hell. Here's Rick Casey in the Houston Chronicle:

In Harris County, the average appraisal of a home is $140,578, says Guy Griscom, assistant chief appraiser for the Harris County Appraisal District. But the latest average sales price for the Houston area is $190,800.

The reason, explained Griscom, is that older houses at the low end of the price spectrum don't tend to sell. New homes, mostly priced between $200,000 and $250,000, make up a large portion of sales, he said.

"They're not building a lot of low-end housing," he said.

You can understand Gov. Perry's unfamiliarity with this notion. He doesn't get together much with people who live in the kind of houses that don't sell.

Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn said at a press conference the governor's numbers are nonsense. The average tax cut the first year will be just $52, or enough "to buy one more Coca-Cola out of a vending machine each week," she predicted at a press conference.

But Strayhorn is running against Perry for governor, so let's look at the figures of a non-candidate: Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt.

He's even more pessimistic.

Bettencourt projects an average savings of a miniscule $23 next year, less than $2 a month, or about the tax increase on two packs of cigarettes.

The next year, Bettencourt predicts an average savings of another $268.

To reach these figures, Bettencourt factors in two real-world factors that Perry does not.

The first is that this year's average appraisal is up nearly 7 percent, which will eat up part of the tax savings. He figures next year's average will rise another 7 percent.

Bettencourt also expects school districts to raise their tax rates 4 cents the first year. It is a reasonable expectation.

The new law not only allows districts to enact that raise, it encourages them to do so.

Under the law, that amount of raise is not covered by "Robin Hood." Property-rich school districts can raise their rates that much without sending money off to poorer districts.

And if poorer districts raise their rates that much, the state will match the raise with state funds.

Most boards will take advantage of this provision, especially since any hike above that will require approval by the voters.

Also, did you notice that the Governor tried to use a Harris County example? And did you notice how the Tax Collector for Harris County, Paul Bettencourt, shot down his argument? People outside of Harris County are beginning to notice.

Governor Perry, the people advising you are morons. Please exit your Austin bubble for a while and see what reality has to offer. One thing's for sure: reality does not have $2,000 waiting for me over the next three years.

The Largest Tax Increase in Texas History

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, our state legislature here in Texas was presented with an $8.2 billion surplus. For me and many others, this represents $8.2 billion of over-taxation. Our legislators didn't see it that way. Instead, in a fit of unadulterated, tax-and-spend liberalism, they decided to pass the largest tax increase in Texas history. Please understand that both houses of the legislature are (supposedly) controlled by the Republican Party in Texas. Furthermore, no small number of Republicans in both houses voted FOR the tax increase. Sadly, this past Wednesday, our (supposedly) Republican governor, Rick Perry, signed this bill into law instituting (just in case I didn't get through) the largest tax increase in Texas history. This is House Bill (HB) 1. Another bill, HB 3, instituted a new franchise tax in our state. It passed and was signed on May 19. (I'll have more later concerning the anticipated effects of these ridiculous pieces of legislature.)

How does this kind of thing happen? How do people, who were sent to Austin to represent their constituents in accordance with a common set of principles and a known party platform, veer so far from that known path? I visited the Republican Party of Texas web site, and found the most recent Republican Party platform. Here's item number four:

We believe that government spending is out of control and needs to be reduced. We support fundamental, immediate tax reform that is simple, fair, and fully disclosed. We commend President George W. Bush’s principled stand to reduce taxes and stimulate the economy.

What's so difficult to understand about that?

This weekend is the state Republican Party convention in San Antonio. To those of you attending, here are some requests. Can someone administer some discipline to our legislators, our Lieutenant Government (although, he may be beyond help), and our Governor? Can someone tell them that this is NOT the way Republicans are supposed to govern? Can someone show them our party platform? Most importantly, can someone please tell them that we will remember this?Tell them that we're the real elephants; we won't forget.

Today is Friday

Make it a RED FRIDAY.

Hurricane Season Starts Today!

Hurricane season starts today. Already, some organizations are predicting "an 80% chance of an above-normal hurricane season" with "4-6 major hurricanes." I'm not making this up. Check out the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) lengthy discussion for yourself. There are others. Here are the 2006 tropical storm names.

So the question is this — are you ready?

Here are FEMA recommendations for your family and your property and businesss. Here is a link to the City of Houston Disaster Preparedness Guide. Here is a link to the Governor's Division of Emergency Management. These plans have been enhanced from last year's plans. (One can hope.) Speaking of enhancement, here are the State of Louisiana's plans and the City of New Orleans' plan, including an impressive (so as to avoid culpability) comprehensive plan.

Isn't it good to know that there are now plans in place for New Orleans and Louisiana? Of course, there were plans in place last year.

The story of buses has become the seminal tale of dereliction in New Orleans. Though the city owned hundreds of buses, it failed to use them to move its most vulnerable citizens — vulnerable either because of poverty or physical infirmity — out of the bowl-shaped city to safe higher ground. Initially it seemed as if the city that knew the levees protecting it would one day break just didn't have a plan to move so many people to safety. But it turns out that emergency-preparedness officials in New Orleans did have a plan, and they did think to use buses to evacuate the city before a major hurricane. They just decided not to fully implement it as Plan A. The plan was developed as a hurricane Georges lesson learned. This appeared in an article that appeared in November 2004 in the Natural Hazards Observer:

Residents who did not have personal transportation were unable to evacuate even if they wanted to. Approximately 120,000 residents (51,000 housing units x 2.4 persons/unit) do not have cars. A proposal made after the evacuation for Hurricane Georges to use public transit buses to assist in their evacuation out of the city was not implemented for Ivan. If Ivan had struck New Orleans directly it is estimated that 40-60,000 residents of the area would have perished.

So the question after dodging the Georges bullet seemed to be, "Do we figure out a way to use buses or do we allow 50,000 people to die for the crime of not having a car?" They chose Plan B.

Yes, as far back as 2004, New Orleans officials knew what to do. They just decided not to do it. Read the entire article on National Review Online to become even more disgusted.

So, as it turns out, the question is not "are you ready?" The question is, "will you follow your plan?"