February 10, 2009

Welcome to the Great American Handout

On PJM today:

No one’s arguing about how nice it is to share pizza, toys, and PB&J sandwiches. And Americans as a whole are a generous people. Back in 2007, charitable giving in this nation exceeded $300 billion for the first time. The problem is when a third party — government bureaucracy — takes your pizza, toys, and sandwiches and decides how much you get to keep and how much goes to the people they decide are worthy of enjoying the things you bought and paid for with the money you earned.

That’s not sharing. That’s redistribution. It’s something that had its start with FDR’s New Deal, reemerged during LBJ’s Great Society, and now seems poised to catch up to the socialist states that the American left has long admired in Europe.

Read it all here.

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December 31, 2008

Celebrate New Year's the Right Way

Over at Pajamas Media today, I talk about how I prefer to spend New Year's Eve. Head on over to check it out.

And whatever you choose to do this evening, please be safe and enjoy yourself. See you next year!

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December 10, 2008

Senator Dodd Plays the Pot to GM's Kettle

My latest, up at PJM today, where I take my favorite senator to task:

This recent MSNBC article caught my eye: “Key Lawmaker Calls for Head of GM to Step Down.”

The “key lawmaker” is Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), who imparted this nugget of wisdom on a popular morning news program:

“It is not my job to hire and fire, but what I’m trying to suggest is that you need to have new teams in place,” Dodd told ABC’s Good Morning America show on Monday.

“If you are going to restructure a company you can’t be asking the people frankly, many who were involved in creating the problems we’re in, to be involved in restructuring.”

Pot, meet kettle. Or, as I usually refer to him, “Connecticut’s other senator.” (Full disclosure: he is my senator.) Despite his seniority in Washington, few people outside of Connecticut had heard of Dodd until recently. In fact, so few people had heard of Dodd that his run for the Democratic presidential nomination garnered him a whopping 0% of the vote in Iowa, making him one of the first casualties of the 2008 primary season. His was less of a “dark horse” candidacy than a dime-a-dozen candidacy.

Read it all here.

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November 23, 2008

Clinging to my Guns, Salt and Lightbulbs

I give the nanny staters what for over at PJM today:

I recently, along with my husband, took the class that is required in my state to obtain a handgun permit. According to the instructor where we took the class, business hasn’t been so good since the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Once I file the necessary paperwork, I expect that I’ll be able to purchase my firearm within the next couple of months.

Now I’m not necessarily expecting to have to use my handgun once I obtain it, as I am fortunate to live in an area where violent crime is rare. (The last murder in my town took place almost 25 years ago, and was a shocking anomaly to the norm.) But many people are worried that after he takes office, Obama will do his best to support and ultimately enact legislation that makes it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. It’s more of a statement than anything else. Plus, target shooting is fun.

Read the whole article here.

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November 12, 2008

Call for Post Election 'Unity' Fails the Giggle Test

Over at PJM today:

Speaking of unity: over the past eight years, many on the left made it known that they had no use for unity. For example, “embarrassed” by George Bush, noted political commentator Julia Roberts said, “He’s not my president.” Unflattering comparisons of Bush to chimpanzees and Hitler and claims of his inherent stupidity dotted the blogosphere. While the legacy media couldn’t quite get away with calling Bush the heir to the Third Reich, they did everything they could to discredit the president and his policies, even if it meant printing leaks of sensitive programs designed to keep Americans safe in the wake of 9/11.

Now that The One has emerged victorious, the need for unity is suddenly imperative. During his acceptance speech, Obama said that even if he didn’t win your vote, “I will be your president.” Former Clinton hack and MSNBC “journalist” Chris Matthews wants to “do everything I can to make this thing work, this new presidency work. …Yeah, it’s my job. My job is to help this country.” I thought his job was to impartially report the news of the day with a minimum amount of drooling, but what do I know? And, perhaps even more important, celebrities who built their fabulous careers and made their fabulous fortunes in America can join Michelle Obama in finally being proud of their country.

Here's the whole thing.

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October 28, 2008

Even Female Conservative Pundits Embrace Palin Bashing

My latest effort at PJM:

Why beautiful, accomplished women like Parker and Noonan would join the MSM pile-on of the beautiful, accomplished woman from Alaska is, on its face, confusing.

But for anyone who knows anything about how DC works, maybe it’s not so confusing after all.

The whole thing is here.

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October 21, 2008

Joe the Plumber Vetted More Thoroughly than Obama

This actually posted yesterday, but I forgot to post a link. Here ya go:

After a slew of television and radio appearances, where he kept his cool and entranced the nation with his obvious grasp on how bigger government hurts the average American, the media made sure that we began to find out unsavory tidbits about Joe: his given name is Samuel; he has a tax lien; and he calls himself a plumber when he doesn’t have a license — even though his employer has one. And, maybe most egregious of all, didn’t Joe know that the local plumber’s union supports Obama?

Entire article here.

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October 15, 2008

Media Selectively Outraged by Campaign ‘Hate’

My latest at PJM:

The mainstream media scream and shout that the McCain campaign and its supporters have been running a racist and negative campaign. They’ve made much ado about “angry” individuals at McCain campaign rallies and McCain referring to Obama as “that one” in last week’s debate, yet they ignore real ugliness being displayed by the left. Why? The word “inconvenient” comes readily to mind. So does the phrase “double standard.”

Read it all here.

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September 18, 2008

Hey Obama, How’s That ‘Judgment to Lead’ Meme Going?

My latest over at PJM:

Obama is a charismatic speaker when the words are right there in front of him. Heck, I can be too. In fact, I serve as a lay reader at my church and was told by a fellow congregant earlier this year that I should run for office because I read so well. (She also liked my hair.) It was flattering, of course, but made me wonder what this woman looks for in a candidate seeking to lead our country — and how many more there are like her out there.

Read it all here.

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September 02, 2008

Some Parts of the Candidates' Lives are None of Our Business

My take on the brouhaha surrounding Sarah Palin's daughter over at PJM:

The hypocrisy of the far left and its media supporters is stunning. When Bill Clinton was receiving special “favors” from Monica Lewinsky while she was hidden under his desk and he was on the phone conducting the official business of the American people, we were told that it was nobody’s business but theirs. Hey, everyone fools around, right? Why not the president, while he was on duty, with a young woman interning in the White House — therefore, for all intents and purposes, a White House employee? The fact that he lied about it afterward while under oath was no big deal either. He was just trying to protect his privacy. Heck, if he had just admitted it when the information became public there likely would have been no impeachment proceedings and the whole thing would have been over and done with a lot sooner, sparing the American people a lot of unnecessary grief.

Read it all here.

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August 24, 2008

Chinese Gymnasts Investigated for Cheating? Blame the USA!

My latest over at PJM:

To those who think her being underage — per requirements put into place in 1997 in order to ensure the safety of the athletes — should not be an issue because her performances were so outstanding, I pose this question: why have rules at all for any sport? Rules exist for a reason — to give competing athletes common ground from which to start. There are rules against steroid use, for instance, which no one seems to have a problem with — nor should they. Swimmers, runners, and other competitors are tested for these drugs on a daily basis throughout the competition. Age limits in gymnastics might seem unfair, but unless those rules are challenged and subsequently changed, they should be abided by.

Yet in addition to the comments arguing whether age should matter or not, there were a fair number of those that suggested the only reason this investigation has commenced is that the U.S. team took second place. In other words, American sour grapes. Here’s a sampling (all spelling and syntax from the original):

Read it all here.

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August 19, 2008

Will Rank-and-File Democrats Vote for Obama?

My latest at Pajamas Media:

Considering Obama’s inability to get much more of a lead in the polls than the margin of error in a year which, based on historical precedent, the White House should go to the Democrats, perhaps my friends aren’t the only party faithfuls with doubts about the presumptive nominee.

What could Obama, the politician who has promised to deliver “hope and change,” possibly be hiding? What’s not to like about his experience, competence, and strength of character?

Read it all here.

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August 10, 2008

Bush-Bashers Face Looming Identity Crisis

Better late than never...I was on vacation last week and didn't catch the day Pajamas Media posted my latest article for them. So here it is...enjoy!

George W. Bush will be leaving office in mid-January 2009, leaving professional Bush-bashers up the proverbial creek without a paddle. Once Bush is no longer in office and, one presumes, enjoying his retirement on his ranch in Crawford, Texas, who will Americans blame for all the ills known to plague modern man?

The few days of national unity against an evil force that seeks to destroy America after 9/11 notwithstanding, President Bush has been blamed for just about every problem known to plague humanity. Not only is he responsible for the fact that Europeans think we’re just a bunch of boorish cowboys who don’t know a salad fork from a demitasse spoon — yes, I know they’ve always thought that, but it’s worse now, right? — but he’s also responsible for:

Find out what here.

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July 23, 2008

The Media and Obama: Reporters or Flunkies?

My latest over at Pajamas Media:

If you had any doubt that the mainstream media is gunning for Barack Obama, you need only consider the rush to join him on his sojourn to the Middle East to realize that, yes, they are. I’m not talking about the usual retinue of reporters that tag along with presidential candidates, but the Big ThreeTM: ABC’s Charlie Gibson, CBS’s Katie Couric, and NBC’s Brian Williams are part of Obama’s entourage, each one getting one day’s worth of exclusive coverage. Keep a sharp lookout for Obama’s tour rider to show up on the Smoking Gun. It’s sure to call for plenty of arugula and smelling salts to revive those who faint in his presence.

Read it all here.

UPDATE: And more on the sycophancy we have come to expect from the MSM and Chris Matthews in particular:

Yes...let's look beyond color and look at the man and his abilities while keeping his color in mind because it would be a great thing to do.

Uh, right.

UDATE II:

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July 15, 2008

Lead Us to Post-Oil Nirvana, Sen. Reid!

My latest over at PJM:

And who better to lead the way than the man who made this nationwide epiphany possible? Being a leader in one of the most venerated American institutions today — okay, I fudged that just a little — gives Harry a voice of authority that ordinary Americans are sure to respond to. But it isn’t just his reedy wheeze that will make us sit up and take notice. It’s his firm grip on the tiller of this great ship we call America when he sets the example that we — the humble American electorate, the people he in turn humbly serves — are sure to appreciate. Therefore, I presume that Harry will be helping us to kick the oil habit by incorporating the following strategies into his role as top dog in the Senate:

It's all here.

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July 01, 2008

It's Hard Being a Rich American Celebrity Abroad

My latest at Pajamas:

That dastardly George W. Bush has made life incredibly difficult for the jet set. Imagine having to hide your face in shame every time you travel to Europe just because holier-than-thou Europeans think that since they don’t like your president, you shouldn’t either. It must really put a cramp in your ability to enjoy luxuries like private jet travel, expensive hotels, and fine wines. Oh, the horror.

I too know the burdens of exotic travel: I just came back from a whirlwind trip to the next town over, where I got the window in my car fixed at the dealership.

Full piece here.

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June 19, 2008

The Politics of Friendship

My latest over at Pajamas Media:

An acquaintance with whom I am usually very friendly recently found out that I am personally supporting John McCain for president. Her second shock was that I am a Republican. Upon her reaction to this startling information, I was almost tempted to check my fingers and nose to see if I had suddenly contracted leprosy and should book a room at the nearest leper colony.

This is not the first time I’ve been subjected to such a reaction from a liberal upon learning about my political convictions.

It's all here.

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June 03, 2008

How Volunteerism Became Un-American

My latest over at Pajamas:

It would be interesting to know how much this lack of enthusiasm for volunteerism can be attributed to the increasing insularity of individuals from society. Most of us no longer spend our leisure time on our front porches chatting with neighbors or at community functions, but indoors in front of the television, video game console, or the Internet. In addition, as our society becomes increasingly transient, it’s probably hard for individuals to get excited about putting time and effort into an organization that they may end up leaving in just a few years’ time.

Read it all, and be sure to scroll down to the comments section for some other interesting perspectives.

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May 23, 2008

Has Public Voyeurism Gone Too Far?

My latest at Pajamas Media:

Most people love gossip. It seems to be an ingrained human trait. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the first intelligible words uttered by cavemen were, “Did you hear that Ogg’s wife is leaving him?” It used to be that gossip was relegated to backyard fences, the office water cooler, and local gossip columns. But as modern society has given us more leisure time and the technology to spread the word, peeking in on the lives of others has gone beyond idle curiosity, becoming fodder for mass consumption entertainment. As I said earlier, it’s one thing when individuals allow themselves to be exploited on reality television. It’s quite another thing, however, when individuals find their personal tragedies in the spotlight through no fault of their own.

Read it all here.

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April 30, 2008

Identity Politics is Bad for America

My latest over at Pajamas Media:

What used to be the Great American Melting Pot has turned into the Not-So-Great American Salad Bowl. Instead of taking the best that different Americans have to offer and adding it to a rich, savory stew that everyone will enjoy, they prefer to toss separate grievance groups into a bowl and drown the resulting mishmash in a mucky house dressing labeled “multiculturalism,” pleasing no one but the one who wields the salad tongs.

It’s no wonder that vegetarians tend to be liberals. (I know; I used to be both.) The holier-than-thou attitude vegetarians often have about telling other people how to eat goes hand in hand with the holier-than-thou attitude liberals in general have regarding telling other people how to live their lives.

Divide and conquer: that’s what identity politics is all about. Encouraging folks with different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, etc., to separate themselves from the larger group and demand special treatment and consideration means it’s easier to gain their vote by promising various and sundry handouts to keep them all happy.

Read it all here.

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April 20, 2008

Investigating CEO Pay? Investigate Others, Too!

Those of you who think that everyone is out to keep you poor will love my suggestions on Pajamas Media today:

This being an election year, don’t expect Congress and presidential candidates to listen to people like Thomas Sowell, who know what they’re talking about. They must do something to look as though they’re appeasing the masses. More bread and circuses! And so, in that light, I’d like to suggest a few other areas of salary inequity they may want to look into. No, it’s none of their business how much these people make, but neither is CEO pay. And it would make some really good press.

You'll have to read it to find out!

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April 07, 2008

Teens Who Hate America

My latest Pajamas Media offering:

My daughter may not want to know why these kids might hate their own country, but I can make a pretty good guess. Think about it: what would you believe if you were raised on a steady diet about the failings of the dullard in the White House (who was nevertheless crafty enough to “steal” the 2000 election); about our “reduced standing” in the world since he took office; how capitalism is causing the earth to go up in a jolly blaze of global warming; how we are a nation of evil “haves” and powerless “have nots”; how our foreign policy is to blame for 9/11 and the Middle East considering America to be the “Great Satan”; and how the majority of Americans are a bunch of bigots and racists? Add to that the constant barrage of anti-war and anti-America rhetoric from groups like Code Pink and World Can’t Wait, and the complicity in these sentiments by the mainstream media and the entertainment industry — what would you think? After all, if the likes of Bill Maher, Michael Moore, Keith Olbermann, Susan Sarandon, and the brain trust on The View say it’s so, why would a teenager argue?

Read it all here.

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March 28, 2008

Feeling a Little Obummed

My latest at Pajamas Media:

So the idol of so many seems to have shown that he has feet of clay after all. But then, all politicians do. After all, they are mere humans — not messiahs — and have the same foibles and failings as the rest of us. The main difference is that theirs are played out on a national stage. So what’s different about Obama’s sudden dive into mortality?

Read it all here.

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March 16, 2008

NPR = National Progressive Radio

My latest is posted at Pajamas Media:

The problem with many liberals is that while they say they espouse tolerance, love for your fellow man, and discussing problems instead of resorting to fisticuffs, when they’re actually expected to “walk the walk,” things get ugly. To them, just listening to conservative ideas is akin to Dracula finding out about a nationwide tainted blood supply. It’s painful when liberals realize that not everyone thinks the way that they do: that there are unenlightened souls out there who don’t recycle, who go to church once in a while, who respect our military, and who don’t think that the sun shines out of Barack Obama’s nether regions. So, being the enlightened, progressive types that they are, instead of listening respectfully to what the other side has to say — and possibly learning something new — they stick their fingers in their ears, chant “I can’t hear you,” and complain to the person in charge about how awful the experience was.

Read the rest here.

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March 06, 2008

So What's In A (Politician's Middle) Name?

My take on the whole Barack Hussein Obama flap over at PJM today:

What also isn’t new is making fun of politicians’ names in a derogatory fashion. Here are just a few recent examples: John McLame, John François Kerry, Shrillary Rotten Clinton, Billy Jeff Clinton, Arlen Sphincter, Chris Dudd, Bob Dull, and Nancy Pelousy. I’m sure there are plenty more that can be added to the list. When you enter public life, it’s simply one of the crosses you have to bear, along with unflattering photos and cartoons making the rounds.

Read it all here.

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February 28, 2008

Freedom's Ring Hard to Hear in Nanny State America

My article over at Pajamas Media today:

Let’s face it: government employ is the perfect haven for liberal know-it-all busybodies who believe that they know better than you do how you should live your life. This is how we end up with legislators who think they can tell fat people where and when they can eat. Our founders realized that humanity is not a “one size fits all” condition. Everyone has different needs, experiences, resources, and talents — and so cannot be categorized as neatly as the bean counters would like.

Read it all here.

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February 16, 2008

Conservatives: Licking Their Wounds or Looking Ahead?

My article on Pajamas Media today:

Will Republicans en masse put principle over party in November? It’s a valid question, seeing as on Super Tuesday there were 14 million votes cast by Democrats, compared to only 8 million by Republicans, indicating a crisis of conscience among the GOP. And core Republicans pride themselves on their support of certain principles, including limited government, pro-life, strong national defense, and the Second Amendment. While John McCain falls into line with many of these, a good number of conservatives think his willingness to “reach across the aisle” means more than simply working with Democrats on key issues — it’s working against Republicans. Charges of RINO (Republican in Name Only) are frequently uttered in the same sentence as McCain’s name. The old “maverick” meme rears its ugly head yet again.

Read it all here.

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February 09, 2008

Online Discourse: Tact and Fact vs. Getting Smacked

My latest at Pajamas Media today:

It’s amazing what can come out of people’s mouths (via their keyboards) behind the cloak of anonymity the internet provides — although it must be remembered that not everyone is afraid to be identified when it comes to either comment forums or sending email. But it’s so easy to type out a quick response to something and click “send” or “submit” before really absorbing what you might be reacting to. (The fact that you don’t actually have a face-to-face encounter with the person you’re belittling is another favorable aspect of this kind of attack.)

What’s key in this discussion is “what you might be reacting to.” Are you giving yourself time to think about what the other person has said before spouting off in indignation?

Is civility and reason dead in American discourse?

Read it all here.

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January 30, 2008

This Little Piggy was Banned from Market

Recently I was invited to write for Pajamas Media...and of course, I said yes! Although the actual day will fluctuate, I'll be contributing weekly at PJM. My first article is up today:

Taking the high road to sensitivity may make these culture judges feel good about themselves. But when the self-proclaimed gatekeepers of Western civilization bow and scrape to keep from “offending” every Johnny-come-lately who makes demands of the native population regarding tradition and values - and even when they don’t - what exactly is there to recommend said Western culture? Banks in Britain have already stopped handing out piggy banks to children who open savings accounts, and some British schools are not teaching students about the Holocaust because some in their Muslim population are taking the line from Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and claiming the Holocaust never happened.

It's all here.

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