No "Tricks" Here!

'OK' We had to do it. If for no other reason than to "scare" a few Democrats. What's been interesting though is what I've learned by watching children and parents react to it.

Children LOVE elephants! We got more compliments from kids on our pumpkin than we've ever gotten before. I wonder if it would have been the same with a donkey?

Many parents find it all to easy to ruin a night's fun and confuse their children with adult concepts. I heard more than one parent say either to their child or within their child's hearing something like "Bush is terrible. Why would anyone support him."

Watching these two different responses to the same object made me wonder how the children would eventually process this information. Would the children associate elephants with something "terrible?" Would they ask their parents why Bush was "terrible?" If they did, how would parents "educate" their children? What "scary stories" would they tell about the President of the United States, leader of the Free World, Commander & Chief, defender of the unborn, liberator of millions and protector of our homeland and way of life?

The probable answers to this last question are what "scare" me the most!

Politics "Eclipse" Reason

Wednesday's eclipse.. a sign?

The primitave part of my soul watched last night's the lunar eclipse in awe. As I reflected on this event, I couldn't help but draw an analogy to the current political atmosphere, where reason is being eclipsed by the lies, fear and even intimidation, of those who seek to "win at all costs."

Just as my ancestors quaked at the implications of their moon turning to "blood," I too shiver in fear as the "bloody" accusations of betrayal, incompetence, curruption and injustice overshadow the light of all that has been accomplished by our current administration. Not only the administration, but all those who bravely defend the ideals of freedom, democracy and the values our country was founded to preserve.

Eclipses have frequently played a dark and prophetic role in history. Many battles and wars have been fought in conjunction with eclipses. The red of a lunar eclipse was often connected with the shedding of human blood, plagues or as a prophetic symbol of God's approaching judgment.

Perhaps the methods employed by those who seek to "win at all costs" are a "sign" of the times and a herald and invitation for the destruction of our democracy and western civilization. I myself hope that this "eclipse of reason" is only temporary and regardless of the outcome of the election, we will survive this "night" of political uncertainty and terror.

Veterans and Flag Deserve Respect, Governor Granholm Doesn't

As a Veteran who has lost friends in war, I am always saddened by the death of a fellow soldier, but gladdened when I hear that their life and service was one of honor. We should respect all those who make the "ultimate sacrifice" for our freedom.

Governor Granholm on the other hand deserves no such respect. Her order to have flags lowered to half staff upon the death of any Michigan soldier is purely political and ill-conceived. Not only are her motives selfish, the order itself is impractical and has the potential to generate further anxiety and disrespect for the flag.

How many soldiers from Michigan have died for their country? Here are some answers:

During the Civil War - 90,747 Michigan soldiers gave their life to preserve the Republic.

In WWI - 14,000 Men of the combined Michigan and Wisconsin 32 Division never made it home.

WWII - Another 19,179 Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines joined the ranks of those who died defending freedom from dictators, facists and "false gods."

Korean War - Our first open war against Communism required the lives of 1,242 Michigan soldiers.

Vietnam - The War "so many" would like to forget, claimed another 1,844 of our own.

If we had flown the flag at half staff for each of these brave men and women, our flag would have been at half staff during the entire duration of each war we have fought. Although we grieve for our dead, it is not acceptable to sacrifice our fighting spirit on the altar of political correctness/pandering.

Beyond the political implications, this misguided policy is also impossible to implement fairly. Who is responsible for informing every person flying the flag that it should be flown at half staff on a particular day? Unlike the deaths of Presidents, Vice Presidents and other National Figures, the death of a single soldier will sometimes go unnoticed in the news. Under Granholms directive, how does it make the survivors of these soldiers feel to see only some flags dipped in remembrance for their loved ones?

Governor Granholm should rescind this flawed order and with the rest of her party, cease the attempt to politicize and divide us in our Nations time of struggle. If she is truly concerned about honoring our war heroes and the flag, she should ensure each Michigan veteran who dies in service to their country receives a proper burial and provide a "Gold Star Flag" to each soldier's family. She should also make flag etiquette and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance (including "under God") a mandatory part of each Michigan children's school day!

Invasion of Campaign Headquarters = Terrorist Act

Democrats Invade Republican Campaign Center

The recent coordinated invasion of Republican campaign centers across the country is part of a disturbing political trend. There is NO excuse for this type of behavior in civil society.

One of the reasons our country is great is because we have the right to express ourselves freely. Tresspassing, extortion, vandalism and assault are NOT part of either the rights of "Free Speach or Association" guaranteed by our constitution.

Threats, intimidation and violence are the tools of terrorists. For any party to use or condone this type of behavior is not only unacceptable but criminal. but should eliminate them as a viable choice for any American who is committed to justice, liberty and truly free speach.

The path to terrorism is a slippery slope. If it's wrong to steal a car or paint graffiti on a building, what makes it 'ok' to steal or spray paint a political yard sign?

We must ALL, regardless of our party, stand against the use of terrorist tactics in politics. If we do not, I fear we are destined for no less than another Civil War.

2004 Vice Presidential Debate "Winner"

It's fascinating to see MSNBC's results indicating "the percentage of people who think John Edwards won tonight's debate." It is obvious that either:

• A) These people were not watching the same debate I did
• B) The liberals are much better hackers than their conservative counterparts
• C) The people at MSNBC have taken over for CBS!

Vice President Cheney clearly dominated the debate. While Sen. John Edwards repeated the same rhetorical comments for multiple questions, Vice President Cheney provided clear, concise answers. Vice President Cheney also challenged his opponent on a number of issues, especially the Jr. Senator's and John Kerry's voting and attendance records. These were challenges for which Sen. Edwards had no satisfactory answers.

Not only did Senator Edwards lose on substance, he also lost on form. On multiple occasions he interrupted his opponent, a clear violation of the rules set for the debate. He also repeated the name of his running mate John Kerry twice, in response to a question where the moderator gave explicit instructions to NOT do so.

The "cutaways" of Sen. Edwards showed him as clearly nervous while Vice President Cheney pointed out his horrible record in the Senate and the equally poor record of John Kerry. By comparison, Vice President Cheney remained cool and poised during his opponents remarks.

Vice President Cheney was the obvious winner of this debate!