http://www.redstate.com/reddog53 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:24:18 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en No, it's not what you think... I admit that I'm somewhat new to commenting on politics, so bear with me if you've heard this one before...but I think this needs some serious (re)consideration. We all know the aphorisms that lawmaking and sausage making are best left unwitnessed, but we have been actively ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/09/20/intelligent-design/ Instapundit highlights a WP article by Robin Givhans that sneers at the Town Hall attendees because of their casual dress.  I'm fascinated that the WP has to bring in its fashionistas to the fray on health care to point their fingers at ordinary Americans exercising their rights--I take this to ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/08/16/town-hall-dress-code/ When Erick put out the invite to the Red State gathering on August 1, I figured it would be a great way to connect with folks who have similar interests and gain more insight about them.  Since it would be in my own metro area, it would be easy to ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/08/02/the-best-30-ive-spent-all-year/ We have a Congress and Senate that is made up of lawyers -- at least 90% have a legal background.  We have a handful of doctors and a sprinkling of engineers and business owners. So it can't be a surprise that what they're coming up with in health care is a ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/07/10/imagine-having-a-cardiologist-prepare-your-will/ Since the news yesterday that the House members voted on a bill that did not exist and could not be read in its entirety, why can't someone or some group that is affected by the law bring suit in federal court to have the law struck down? http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/06/28/why-cant-someone-take-hr-2454-to-the-supreme-court/ Watching the Markey-Waxman Bill lurching through the charade the Democrats have made of the legislative process, I can only ask:  is it time for the Republicans to walk out?   It is clear that the Democrats want no true give-and-take.  In spite of all their words of 'bi-partisan' efforts and support, ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/06/26/time-for-a-walk-out/ The breaking news this morning is a report that representatives from 'the health care industry' have developed a plan to save $2Trillion dollars over the next decade so that the President can get his universal health care plan. This bit of news should send warning signals to everyone involved.  The gist ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/05/11/bring-healthcare-home-where-it-belongs/ I'm a bit surprised that none of the RedState wits have failed to notice the hopefully unintended connection between the Chrysler bailout and the President's leadership style...  A fiat is an arbitrary decree made by someone with ultimate authority (and no accountability). I've been laughing on several levels at the feds' combination ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/05/02/freudian-slip/ A Red State post earlier this week on the impact of the Iowa Supreme Court ruling on the 2012 primaries prompted me to think once again about the election process.  I've been troubled by the way that small states have had unusual sway in the process and how the tortuous ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/04/05/a-true-fifty-state-strategy/ News reports that Representative Pete Stark of California has been claiming his residence in Maryland as his primary residence for tax purposes shows another example of outsourcing.  This time, the folks in his district have decided to outsource their legislative seat to a man who makes two trips a month ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/03/24/outsourcing-congress/ This past week, the President launched his Health Care Summit and named his nominee to serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Governor Sebelius.  During these events he spoke eloquently of 'shared responsibility,' and like a lot of his speeches, this seemed to be something both profound and ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/03/08/shared-responsibility/ For months now, we've been treated to variations of assertions that "a time of crisis is a great opportunity." First it was Rahm Emmanuel, then the President and now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  The endless repetition of the phrase is making it the first catch phrase of the new ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/03/07/crisis-and-opportunity/ We've heard since the financial crisis came to a head last September that it was essential to bailout the banks and the automakers because they 'were too big to fail.'  We were assured that if we acted quickly and massively with financial aid, things would get back on track and ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/03/06/saving-a-few-too-big-to-fail-creates-millions-too-small-to-succeed/ The news this  morning indicates that AIG, one of the companies that started the bailout mania, is asking for $30B more in government aid, and the Obama administration seems inclined to provide it.  Both GM and Chrysler have indicated that they need more, but have a less enthusiastic response for ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/03/02/wheres-the-exit-strategyor-even-the-initial-strategy/ Mr. President, I ask you to reflect on the history of America and trust in 'We the People' instead of 'the government.'  We are Americans, and we have a rich and lasting history of doing what others do not.  We tamed rivers, built railroads, industry, cities and farms because we ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/02/24/we-dont-need-to-be-stimulated-only-empowered/ The White House has their recovery website (http://www.recovery.gov)up and it promises transparency and accountability because 'its your money.'  I am glad that they realize that simple fact. Their promise of transparency and accountability stumbles out of the gate like much else they've done in the past several weeks.  When you click ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/02/21/recoverygov-a-great-example-of-government-transparency/ Fox News is reporting that the Porkulus bill passed in such a rush last week includes caps on executive pay that were much more restrictive than the President or the Treasury Secretary wanted.  Senator Chris Dodd is credited with inserting language for the tougher restrictions. The President was all over the ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/02/15/whose-bill-was-this-anyhow/ The posts here at Red State are forceful expressions of the anger and frustration caused by Congress and the President for their part in the 'stimulus' bill.  Everyone who has written understands the implications and impact of this horrendous and flawed legislation.  Everyone is rightfully angry, and many have come ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/02/14/anger-and-action/ President Obama went to great lengths to associate himself with the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, going so far as to use the same Bible as Lincoln used for the oath of office.  The media chimed in with lots of fluffy comparisons about the two and we all waited with eagerness ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/02/13/contrasting-presidential-styles/ The swiftness and complete audacity of the President’s actions in the last three weeks perplexed and shocked many of us. We were all lulled by decency and ‘hope’ to allow a little bit of time before becoming openly antagonistic to the President and his staff as part of our tradition ... http://www.redstate.com/reddog53/2009/02/11/what-now/