The RNC

Well, I watched tonights Republican National Convention speech by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, and I must say that I am extremely impressed. Whomever wrote the speech did an exceptional job. But it was Gov. Palin's delivery that impressed me most.

She was calm, relaxed (at least on the outside), and her command of the lecturn really started me thinking about the upcoming Presidential election in a more earnest way.

With every election, we have to think about not only who the next President could be, but also who will take over as President in the (unlikely) event that something happens, and the Vice President must assume the office.

Tonight, I saw just how wise a choice it was of Senator McCain to align himself with Mrs. Palin. She is well-spoken; deliberate in her words; and really has an air of quiet confidence about her that tells me that in a crisis, she would be an outstanding leader.

We all still have much to think about as the election draws near. The Governor's speech tonight was definitely the highlight of the long campaign, thus far.

I encourage all of you to be sure you register to vote, and subsequently, exercise your freedom of choice by casting your ballot. Until then, educate yourselves about the people, the issues, and the future of this country.

What a Pal...

Have you heard the news about the Bush Administration’s plans for how much longer they wanted out soldiers in Iraq? What was supposed to be a 5-year mission has turned into a 6 year conflict, with three more still to go; and possibly more beyond that if the Iraqi Government triggers the option for our armed forces to remain even longer.

First, I read this morning that Bush and Cheney (and Cronies) tried to negotiate our continued military presence there until 2015! Excuse me?!!!! Whatever happened to “Five Years?” Further, who will benefit from our continued presence? Obviously the first thing that comes to mind is Iraq. There still is much to be done.

Secondly, what comes to my mind is Haliburton, the main company providing services and supplies to our forces. When the US first proposed the rebuilding of Iraq {following the “end of the war”) President Bush assured the country that they would perform an open bid on contracting for the goods and services required to rebuild infrastructure, and continue the supplying of what troops remained in Iraq.

Then, before we know it, the Administration (?) gave a no-bid contract to Haliburton, the company our overbearing Vice President ran before he became VP, and in which he holds huge stock options. What the #@&%?!!!! What happened to the “Open Bid process” that we were promised? Why weren’t other companies allowed to get their proverbial foot in the door?

To me, the answer is very simple. This current Presidential Administration was looking out for its own. Dick Cheney, already a millionaire many times over, saw the opportunity to make hundreds of millions more by putting his company in charge of the contracts. President Bush granted the wish of his biggest Crony, and assured his friend Mr. Cheney guaranteed income for years to come. What a pal.

The losers here? Well, I see two…First, the Iraqi people. Haliburton has been raking in billions over the last 6 years, and little has been accomplished in the rebuilding of Iraq. Second, the American taxpayer is footing the bill to pay Haliburton (and vicariously, lining Cheney’s pockets) for their services which to me have already been inadequate.

Where is the accountability this contractor should be having to the American people? Why are they not answerable for the seeming wastage of OUR money? Why is Congress allowing Haliburton to continue their exclusive contracts?

It seems that there is a BIG fox in the henhouse, and it is being allowed to feast on everything inside…for as long as it wants. I sure am glad that our President is watching over the American people as closely as he watches over the bank accounts of his closest friends. It’s comforting to know that my tax dollars are expanding the interests of Mr. Cheney and Cronies.

Thanks Dubya! What a pal…

Mitt Romney as VP?

I'm tired of hearing all of the continuously rehashed rhetoric about Mitt Romney as a possible Vice President. This started when he was a frontrunner in the primaries, and continues every time his name surfaces as a possible VP selection.

Every article I read generally agrees that his qualifications in the business, political, and service world are outstanding. Sure, a few disagree with his stand on certain issues, and that he has changed his mind on a few things--this after he learned more, and made an educated, informed decision regarding his positions.

But the thing that gets me most on Governor Romney is that people, as much as they feel he is best-qualified, constantly refer to his "Mormonism" as the main factor they wouldn't vote for whom they say is the best for the job.

WHAT THE #@&%?! They won't vote for Mitt Romney because of his religious affiliation?! Our Constitution strictly forbids any religious test as a determinent in a race for the Presidency. Let me say that again...

The Constitution of the United States of America FORBIDS ANY RELIGIOUS TEST as a determinent in a race for the Presidency.

It seems very evident that this prohibition has been completely ignored in Mr. Romney's case. Why is that? What makes people so afraid of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that they would ignore the law of the land in order to get him (Romney) out of the race?

If people started attacking Barack Obama's faith, the media would be whipping up a storm of vilification for anyone even mentioning his religion in a negative way. So why the double standard when it comes to Gov. Romney? Why is it not OK to attack Obama's religion, but open hunting season has been declared on Romney's faith? This doesn't make sense.

I actually read an interview with a leader of the Southern Evangelical Association who stated that (and I'm paraphrasing here) "Mr. Romney is perhaps the most qualified candidate in the race; but I just can't get past his Mormonism." Another gentleman being interviewed stated that "Mr. Romney is too good to be true. He's too wholesome (WHAT?!!!). He's got to be hiding something. Besides, he's a Mormon. I'd never vote for him." Lastly, a young man of about 25 I personally know told me "If a Mormon becomes President, I'm moving to Canada." I asked him if Mr. Romney's qualifications mattered to him. His reply, "Not if he's Mormon."

Wow...ignorance, bias, and hate at their ugliest.

When we, as a nation (citizens, media, etc) seek to exclude the man most everyone generally agrees as being the best choice to run this country (now as a possible VP candidate) because of his religious affiliation, we are dangerously attempting to rewrite the very letter and spirit of the law which prohibits such a practice.

The media [in general] should be ashamed that they are perpetuating the anti-Mormon bias because they either personally disagree with the Governor's beliefs, or they choose to continuously dwell in ignorance; reading and rehashing yet another "journalists" article that dwells simply on how bad a leader he would be because Romney is a "Mormon," rather than doing their own research in an effort to educate themselves so they can write fair, balanced stories that will actually leave it to the minds of the readers as to whether he is qualified.

Talk about leading a horse to water...