Archive for the ‘President Bush’ Category
A “Virus” For Which There Is No Cure
Andrew Brietbart writing for The Washington times explains the extension of BDS far beyond former President Bush, followed by a succinct showing of the methods employed by the Obama Administration to advance the “virus”:
Now that Mr. Bush is quietly going about his retirement, this strain of rage – the GWB43 virus – has spread like wildfire, finding unsuspecting targets, each granting us greater perspective into what not long ago seemed like a mysterious phenomenon isolated only on our 43rd president.
The first person to catch the virus was Sarah Palin, whose family also was infected, including, unforgivably, her children.
Then it was Joe the Plumber, for asking a question.
Next were the Mormons.
Then it was Rush Limbaugh – who hit back.
Next, tax-day “tea party” attendees were “tea bagged.”
Tuesday Tid-Bits
The Anchoress misses former President Bush. Me too.
The man was always true to his word. No double talk, no constant campaigning – just words from the heart. Whether one agreed or disagreed with his policies,you knew where he stood.
We should all expect at least that much from the leader of the free world.
Below is an excerpt from an interview Alan Colmes conducted with Bill Ayers:
On setting bombs as part of the Weather Underground:
“I don’t regret anything I did it to oppose the war. It was — I did it to oppose the war. I don’t regret it.”
“I don’t look back on those things and regret them, but I’m willing to rethink them. And there are many things which I’m going to rethink.”
Ah, the company the current administration in Washington has chosen to keep.
Taking of life or property in acts of domestic terrorism is nothing to regret..not even a cause for remorse. It must be nice to live in that world.
The more I read about this man the more I believe he should have a strong leadership role for the GOP in the Senate:
Jim DeMint’s gentlemanly air and refined tone belie a power and an urgency in his words.
The stately senator from South Carolina sees America’s unique centuries-old system of freedom dying out.
And he thinks we may have to take to the streets to save it.
“I would think it’s time to start thinking about peaceful demonstrations,” he told us last week.
Seriously?
“Seriously.
“The power of the people is there. Freedom is in the people’s hands right now, and it’s about to slip through.”
Of course, the recent “stimulus” debate is what’s fresh on DeMint’s mind. Despite DeMint’s putting 15 aides on it overnight, no one in Washington was able to read the bill, which was the most expensive in American history — as well as being perhaps the most irresponsible.
emphasis-mine
About those demonstrations..the ball is rolling.
How long the momentum lasts or the numbers involved is anyone’s guess, but if things continue in the vein of the past month, one might think it would be a long time and many Americans.
Are the tears of joy turning to a bit of anger? Gee, that didn’t take long.
While reading and posting tonight hubby was watching a special on Fats Domino.
Thought I’d close this post with one of his best.
Friday Fly-By
How about this for picture of the week?
Senator DeMint has shown great courage lately through his actions in the Senate. Calling for a vote on the Fairness Doctrine as early as next week would be another moment worth watching:
Sen. Jim DeMint announced that he will force a vote next week on a bill that prevents the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.
The South Carolina Republican’s bill, the Broadcaster Freedom Act, is cosponsored by John Thune, R-S.D., and 27 others and will be offered as an amendment to the D.C. Voting Rights bill…
Let’s get it out in the open. America should see how each of their elected officials lean on this matter.
Cowards, huh? That’s a heck of a thing for a Attorney General of the United States to say.
Here is the best take down of Holder’s statement I have read to date.
If anyone can tie coffee, the courts and the porkfest legislation into one neat package it is Alfonzo Rachel..just watch:
Have a good weekend all. Hopefully by Monday this bug will have departed altogether. Maybe then this exhausting, exasperating monster will allow me to post something original and intelligent.
Pictures Are Worth Thousands Of Words
“You must love soldiers in order to understand them, and understand them in order to lead them.”
-Henri Turenne
Somehow I missed this tribute to now former President Bush earlier in the week.
Thanks to Greyhawk for sharing the following video:

Our “Cowboy” President Rides Into The Sunset
The Anchoress posted a wonderful tribute to President Bush and has followed up with many, many links worthwhile following.
Here at ~J’s~ we had considered a review of the President’s two terms but with all that has been written, (very well I might add) it would seem repetitive.
We thought we might take a bit of a different approach and begin by asking if former First Lady Barbara Bush ever gave thought to the lyrics of this song when George W. was born:
“And them that don’t know him won’t like him
And them that do sometimes won’t know how to take him.He ain’t wrong, he’s just different
But his pride won’t let him do things to make you think he’s right.”
Now it’s certain Mrs. Bush had no idea that her son would one day become President of the United States.
If she had she might have discouraged him from first becoming the Governor of the Lone Star State in hopes to spare him the “cowboy” image with which he was branded.

Rush Limbaugh once wrote this:
It used to tick me off when the Muslim detractors in the Middle East, or the socialist detractors in Europe, Hollywood and others called our President a cowboy, but the more I think about it, the more glad I am that he is.
If cowboy means that we have slept safely in our beds the last seven years due to steadfastness in the face of fury then George Bush was every bit a cowboy.
If “cowboy” defines a man who occasionally wore his heart on his sleeve when dealing with those in times of trauma and trouble then President Bush should wear the title as a badge of honor.
Look at some of the other definitions Rush lays out in his piece:
1. They were never looking for trouble.
2. But when trouble came, they faced it with courage.
3. They were always on the side of right.
4. They defended good people against bad people.
5. They had high morals.
6. They had good manners.
7. They were honest.
8. They spoke their minds and they spoke the truth, regardless of what people thought or “political correctness,” which no one had ever heard of back then.
Each and every one defines this good man who has served his country with honor for the past eight years.
President Bush will be missed, not by everyone, but by those who have stood by him through thick and thin.
Those who accepted his mistakes as ones of a mortal (and while we might have disagreed we understood there is no perfection) and those who believe him when he relays he always did what he felt was right for this country.
President Bush will relinquish the big chair on Tuesday and head home to his beloved Texas.
May he and Mrs. Bush live the balance of their years in peace and surrounded by those they love most.
Just one little word of advice..please, never, ever give up the hat!

~J~ adds: Thank you for this wonderful tribute to a fine man who was hated for no real reason. He did his best and his best wasn’t good enough for some. History will be kind to him.
President Bush’s Final Address To The Nation
For those who may have missed it, below are President Bush’s farewell remarks: HT:Hot Air
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Always The Gentleman
President Bush understands the difficulties and the enormity of the Office he will soon be leaving.
He will depart the same humble, dignified man who took office eight years ago.
In his own words he expresses his desire to allow the new administration to make their own decisions and conduct business in the manner they see fit.
“I believe once a President gets off the stage, you get off the stage and let the next man do the job.”
Thanks, Mr. President. That is exactly how it should be.
Check out the balance of the video. It offers some very interesting facts on life after the Presidency.
President Bush Bids Farewell
Tonight at 8 p.m.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President George W. Bush will give a farewell address to the nation Thursday night, billed by the administration as a chance to reflect on his tenure and welcome Barack Obama without fighting old battles one last time.
Bush will deliver the speech, expected to run 10 to 15 minutes, from the ornate East Room of the White House. He will have a small audience of people in the room, chosen for their stories of personal courage.
Until then, here are a few recent videos, one of the President and Mrs. Bush with Larry King, the other Rush Limbaugh discussing his surprise at the White House:
A Tribute To The President From The Troops
President Bush got it.
Maybe not to those who chose to demean him due to their hatred.
Maybe not to those in Congress who chose to berate him due to their own insecurities or political greed.
But to those who carried out the orders of their Commander-In-Chief..well read for yourself:
On behalf of the 2.2 million uniform men and women of our Armed Forces, I am humbled to be able to formally thank President and Mrs. Bush for all they have done for our military and for our nation. More than 280,000 are walking point right now on the front lines. They stand tallest with us on this day, and it is right to thank them for making this celebration possible. (Applause.)
Truly it is not my privilege alone to tell the story of the Bush name — a story that waits not only to be said in volumes, but one carried in the hearts of those patriots out there; a story which rushes with the oral history of life, warm with gratitude, flush with inspiration; a story best told by the voices of our service members themselves, who recently had an opportunity to place in a journal their thoughts to President and Mrs. Bush. Deborah and I passed that journal to the troops as we recently traveled around the world.
And so if you don’t mind, Mr. President and Madam First Lady, I wanted to share a few handwritten lines from them.
“Mr. President, thank you and your family for your service. I am proud to serve under you, sir. You are awesome, and made a difference in the world.” Staff Sergeant Ward, Queens, New York.
“Sir, nice to see that our President is still quick on his feet after eight years in office.” (Laughter.) “Next time, pick up the shoe and throw it back.” (Laughter and applause.) “We got your back.” Master Sergeant Michael Frazier, United States Air Force.
“Sir, you truly set the standard to uphold the peace and our very way of life so our kids can grow up in a peaceful world. We will always stand tall, one great nation and one great state — Texas.” (Hoo-ah.) Sergeant First Class Claude Corey, Waco, Texas.
“Mrs. Bush, your class and dignity were an inspiration to us all.” Lieutenant Colonel Scott Rainey, United States Army, Baghdad.
“Sir, thank you for your service, example and leadership. We have not faltered, we will not fail. With greatest respect and honor, we serve.” Signed simply, Your Soldiers.
Those voices are an answering volley to you for your high regard and great respect for every single man and woman who serves this nation.
For those who sat safely and warmly in your seats in Washington let me say these words render your hatred and vitriol insignificant.
President Bush has admirably carried out his charge under the Constitution and the majority who wear the military attire of this country have a clear understanding of what he has accomplished.
The balance of Admiral Mullen’s remarks are about as sincere as I have heard in acknowledgment of an outgoing President and the remarks of the Commander-In-Chief were warm and genuine in response.
The decisions I made as your Commander-in-Chief have not always been popular. But the cause you have served has always been just and right. The missions you have carried out have always been necessary. And the work you have done has every bit — has been every bit as courageous and idealistic as that of any generation that came before you.
Class, humility and dignity to the end.
One For The History Books
I wonder what was going through the head of each of the men in this video.
Three former Presidents, a sitting President and a President-Elect in the Oval Office together…just think about that.
Imagine the memories those who have gone before must carry. The times of trials and tribulations, the happy times and the days when each must have or will wonder what possessed them to aspire to this Office (yes, I do believe they must have had and in the case of Barack Obama, will have those days.)
In any case, this is a moment for history to record. Who knows how many times in the future so many leaders of the free world will come together in the most revered Office in our country.
Pretty darn awesome no matter your political leaning.
Coverage of the luncheon is available here.
A Photographer’s Gift to History
As a photographer this would be one job you would not soon forget:
“I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it’s an amazing position. Every day, even eight years down the road, it’s still just as interesting.”
What a job…what memories to carry the rest of your life!
Commander-In-Chief
President George W. Bush:
“We are blessed to have defenders of such character and courage.”
“I’m grateful to the families who serve by your side. And I will always be thankful for the honor of having served as the Commander-in-Chief.”
Be Careful With Those Pardons Mr. President….Updated
Not having done enough to attempt to ruin a sitting President of the United States with their malicious words and actions, another member of Congress is now weighing in on exactly how President Bush should use his pardon power:
A departing president probably can’t help thinking about the judgment of history. At the end of eight years, President Bush likely isn’t any different. With the nation’s attention focused on his successor, it may seem as if there is little opportunity left for the current president to affect how he will be viewed. But there is one power left — the power of the pardon — that could, if it’s abused, create a controversy that both the president and the public could live without.
The power of the pardon is close to absolute. Short of interfering with their own impeachment, presidents can pardon whomever they choose. At the end of his term, however, this president should think twice before issuing pardons that call his judgment, and the integrity of the rule of law, into question.
If President Bush were to pardon key individuals involved in the misdeeds of his administration, from warrantless wiretapping to torture to the firing of U.S. attorneys for political reasons, the courts would be unable to address criminality, or pass judgment on the legality of some of the president’s worst abuses. Issuing such pardons now would be particularly egregious, since voters just issued such a strong condemnation of the Bush administration at the ballot box. There is nothing to prevent President Bush from using the pardon in such a short-sighted and self-serving manner — except, perhaps, public pressure that may itself be a window on the judgment of history. Everyone who can exert that pressure, from members of Congress to the press and the public, should express their views on whether it would be appropriate for President Bush to use his pardon power in this way.
I have exactly two words for you Senator Feingold..Marc Rich.
*Update: One other thing..you know that rumor that Eric Holder is in contention for the Attorney General position? Not only was he instrumental in the Marc Rich pardon but also this:
In 1999, over the objections of the FBI, the Bureau of Prisons, and prosecuting attorneys, Holder supported Clinton’s commutation of the sentences of 16 FALN conspirators. These pardons — of terrorists who even Holder has conceded had not expressed any remorse — were issued in the months after al-Qaeda’s 1998 U.S. embassy bombings, when the Clinton administration was pretending to be the scourge of terrorism. The commutations were nakedly political, obviously designed by Clinton to assist his wife’s impending Senate campaign by appealing to New York’s substantial Puerto Rican vote.
The past has a way of coming back to haunt you when you throw too many stones. The Democrats and some Republicans have thrown their fair share at President Bush. We’ll see exactly where it lands them (and us) in the coming four years.
And So The Transition Begins……
When the presidency of George W. Bush draws to its end in January there is one thing which is a safe bet. His successor will have been offered every opportunity for a smooth, seamless transition.
While many have disagreed with his policies from time to time (yes, even Conservatives), President Bush proves once again that what he wants now and has always wanted is what’s best for the country
in its governance:
Bush expressed minimal regret that his chosen successor John McCain lost to Obama, saying “my choice didn’t win,” and saying that the Democrat’s victory was “good for the country” — and that his success was in America’s interest.
“It is good for our country that people have hope in the system and feel vested in the future and president-elect Obama has a great opportunity. I really do wish him all the best,” said Bush.
“It is good for our country that the president succeeds. The transition that we are working with him on is a genuine effort to help him be able to deal with the pressures and the complicated issues of the presidency,” he said.
Bush detailed how Obama, after their policy discussion, had raised “his little girls, how would they like the White House” and that during a tour of the residence section of the mansion “he wanted to see where his little girls were going to sleep.”
As President-Elect Obama draws closer to the most cumbersome job he will ever face he is a fortunate man. He has majorities in both Houses to assist him with his agenda. There are factions of the press who may very well allow him a permanent “honeymoon” period.
He also has something else in his corner which President Bush never had. He will have the good wishes and quiet departure of our sitting President.
Mr. Bush will relinquish the reins of power to his duly elected successor with the same dignity and humility with which he assumed the office and like his Dad I sense a silent future with regards to criticism of any current or past president. Anything less given the nature of the man, would be a huge disappointment.
President Bush Addresses Our Veterans
It’s a little late in the day but as this is President Bush’s final Veteran’s Day address (excerpts) I felt it was fitting to post it:
Dear Mr. President
After trashing the President, the administration and the Republican party on the floor of the House yesterday, the Speaker is rethinking her position. She’s decided to play nice:
Dear Mr. President:
Yesterday’s defeat of the Economic Emergency Stabilization Act resulted in additional severe economic impacts both on Wall Street and on Main Street. The consequences of yesterday’s vote – an historic drop in the stock market and the loss of $1.2 trillion in savings, investments, and retirement funds – had a major impact on American families, small businesses, and others that demonstrated the imperative for Congressional action.
We have already made much progress in improving the plan originally sent to Congress. After many days of discussions, we reached bipartisan agreement on key additions, including strong measures to protect taxpayers from the costs of this program; to impose tough accountability on Wall Street through strong oversight and transparency; to limit excessive executive compensation and golden parachutes; to reduce home foreclosures to help families remain in their homes; and to sequence the funding of the program to ensure appropriate cost controls and independent reviews.
Read the rest. Maybe we can guess her next move before she makes it.
Sorry, I have no kind words for the Speaker of the House. She has proven herself arrogant and untrustworthy as the Karl Rove interview of yesterday aptly points out.
If the Democrats remain in control of the House following the November election they should consider a challenge and attempt to replace Ms. Pelosi. Not only Congress but the country would be better for it.
Palin’s Goal Puts Game Into Overtime! Updated
On Friday when I (~J~) heard Sarah Palin was John McCain’s choice for the vice-presidential running mate I knew I was excited and it wasn’t because she was a woman. I just couldn’t put my finger on why this choice excites me.
Wednesday night before her speech it finally dawned on me. It’s so simple I’m surprised it hadn’t hit me before.
Sarah Palin is a small town girl, as I am. She was on the PTA board as I was, was a small-town mayor of a city where everyone knows everyone else and went on to become Governor of a state important to our economy. She simply has never forgotten her roots.
Reflecting upon Governor Palin’s Vice Presidential nomination speech, we seem to have the same impression. It was dynamic, eclectic and electric! She lit up the room and managed to touch the hearts of millions of viewers in a manner unseen on the political stage in many, many years.
From the onset she showed great strength and courage as she proved she will not cower from those who have an agenda against her or her family.
In addressing energy, corruption and budgetary matters Gov. Palin showed a tremendous grasp of the issues facing the ordinary American family.
She spoke of the issues in this election and addressed the positions of Senators Obama and Biden, contrasting them to the positions of Senator John McCain and herself. In addressing these issues she proved she is not an empty suit, but rather a candidate of high ability, experience and judgment.
It is very clear from her speech she has very high regard for John McCain, the man, the POW and the Senator. The warm feelings between the two of them is noticeable.
This was game 7 of the division semi-finals for the treasured Stanley Cup and Gov. Palin scored the tying goal to put Team McCain/Palin into overtime. It now falls to John McCain to put the puck over the line for the win.
Video provided (thanks to Hot Air) for those who may have missed Governor Palin’s speech.
*Update*: The following video was to be shown last evening as an introduction to Governor Palin. Due to time constraints however, it was necessary it be shelved.
When It Rains..Well, You Know The Rest
It’s been a tough couple of days for the Speaker of the House.
Cindy Sheehan has secured the signatures which will qualify her to compete against the Speaker in her upcoming re-election bid.
Now that could be quite interesting to watch. Not that I expect Ms. Sheehan to to a serious threat to Ms. Pelosi, but for the fireworks which might ensue.
George Stephanopoulos on Sunday grilled Ms. Pelosi on her decision to shut down debate and not allow a vote on off shore drilling.
I’ve read the transcript in its entirety at least twice and with all of the incomplete sentences offered by the Speaker, I could not make heads nor tails of her position. Please, if you do, let me know in the comments.
And, GOP members of the House plan to continue their debate on the House floor today:
ABC News’ Viviana Hurtado Reports: House Republicans tell ABC News that at least 30 members of Congress, emboldened by Barack Obama’s “shift” on off shore drilling, are flying back to DC from their Districts today and tomorrow to attend a special debate on energy policy. This “session” is scheduled for Monday, August 4th beginning at 10 am ET. As expected, no Democrats will participate.
One House Republican says, “I’m a 25 year veteran of the U.S. Congress, and I’ve never seen anything like this.”
GOP members say they would not be holding this debate tomorrow, if the Democratic nominee had not modified his position on off shore drilling.
They believe that with Obama and his Republican opponent John McCain, appearing to be in “agreement” about off shore drilling, then Speaker Nancy Pelosi should recall the Congress from recess, and put an energy bill on the floor in August.
We continue to hear that it will be 10 years before we see the benefit of drilling in Anwar and off shore. While there is a great deal of truth to that statement, it escapes me how the Speaker in her interview with Mr. Stephanopoulos blamed President Bush for a failed energy policy.
In 2002 the House and the President had a plan which would have taken at least a first step towards our energy independence.
If Congress had at least passed that legislation, we could then have moved forward towards developing other forms of energy which would begin to free our binds of substantial dependence on foreign oil.
Doing nothing is no longer an option for members of Congress if we hold their feet to the fire. Majority or minority makes no difference. Party affiliation should go out the window and as citizens we should work to make certain that those elected to represent us are earning their paycheck.
There are some very honest, intelligent, upstanding individuals elected to public office at all levels. They take an Oath of Office and do their level best to live up to that charge. But for those who do not, we must hold not only them but also ourselves accountable.
No,we have no say as to a Representative or Senator elected from a state other than our own, but we always have the availability of using email, phone or a letter to make our views known. When our citizens rise up as they have over the recent price at the pump, Washington takes notice.
After the past few days, I would bet Ms. Pelosi would agree.
A Commander In Chief In Waiting and The Man Who Already Is
Obama-mania is in full swing, and between catching up on reading and trying to decipher the real from the fiction, my head is virtually swimming.
Frankly, I don’t give a whit if the Senator visited the wounded troops in Germany as in my mind it is his loss not theirs.
There is nothing new about the DOD regulations in regards to campaigns so I really don’t understand why there was any doubt in the Obama campaign’s mind as to who may attend and how these visits are conducted.
While he may have made a few “important” contacts while touring Europe, the Senator will find relationships may change drastically should he be elected President. Then again, should he be fortunate enough not to be a war time leader, personality and charisma may just carry the day.
In any event, the Senator is not the Commander in Chief at this moment and this whirlwind trip will no doubt be long forgotten by the time November rolls around.
That said, The Anchoress points us to a few pictures (one posted below) which are characteristic of our current President. He has no need for photo-ops this late in his Presidency and yet takes the time to spend a few minutes with these children prior to leaving Illinois:

I already miss the genuineness of this President. It is something we see far too little of these days and while there are those who would strongly disagree with that assessment, I’m one hundred percent with The Anchoress when she writes:
I still like President Bush. And I don’t actually give a crap what anyone thinks about that.
The General and the Journalist
Andrea Mitchell interviews General Petraeus.
The General wastes no time in making his positions crystal clear..now only if the media would listen.
While the Democrats attempt to jockey for position to take credit for us “winning” in Iraq, (we all know it had to be that pressure they put on the President), their steady drumbeat of words fall on deaf ears with me.
This is the party whose leader told us the war was lost. Remember Mrs. Clinton’s “willing suspension of disbelief” of General Petraeus’s report to the Armed Services Committee?
How about the disgraceful actions and words of Congressman John Murtha?
We should not forget the continuous threats on the Left to cut funding for the war, knowing full well the American people would not tolerate our troops being left in further jeopardy.
As for the media, well they have done their level best to turn public opinion against the war and the President perhaps not realizing there are those of us who resent their constant negativity and lack of support and recognition for the successes achieved.
President Bush has remained steadfast in his claim that when Iraq was stable and their government was certain they could maintain the peace, we would leave. His recent conversations with Prime Minister Maliki are the beginning of that process, not some artificial time line the Democrats would prefer our troops and Iraq follow.
Wars are not won or lost by presidential nominees (especially those whose positions change like the wind) or those in Congress, many of whom have never set foot in today’s hostile environments.
No indeed, they are won by men and women like these:
Something a bit different this week, in keeping with our the war was won theme. This is a video produced by the Third Infantry Division (aka Task Force Marne and MND-C) the surge division in Iraq.
and, those who have stepped up to defend their own country as it struggles (as our nation did) to form a democracy:
Then there are times when the change hits you across the forehead like a 2×4. Yesterday I found inspiration in the tears of joy on hundreds of faces at the graduation for the Iraqi Military Academy at Rustimiyah as 252 young men graduated from the one year course of instruction and were commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants in the Iraqi Army and Air Force.
Never, Ever Misunderestimate the Secret Powers of “The Decider”
Many people are certain El Presidenté Jorgé Arbusto George McChimpy Shrub Bush/Hitler, aka President George W. Bush has great mystical powers.
Just ask them and they’ll tell you with straight faces he’s the world’s biggest criminal, worse than Hitler, Stalin or Saddam Hussein.
Not only is this seemingly friendly, family man with a beautiful and gracious wife and two beautiful daughters the worst man to ever live, but he’s also stupid, as proven by his degrees at Yale and Harvard.
Many will tell you of his great powers to bring about hurricanes that destroy only the poor parts of a city that is below sea level, or his powers to cause tornadoes in the Mid-West, and all the time twisting his moustache and rubbing his hands together in terrible glee.
He even forced people to buy houses they couldn’t afford and thinks the government shouldn’t bail them out for being stupid.
Well, last night while speaking on the telephone to Guss about a family matter, Guss all of a sudden said, “Holy cow!” I asked him what he was talking about and he told me all about this ABC News report, titled Globalization; In Reverse.
He gave me a brief description and I immediately went to the nearest computer to look up the story on the ABC News site.
This wizard has done it again! He has deliberately raised the prices of oil as we all know and now the chickens have come home to roost.
Let me explain:
As the cost of shipping continues to soar along with fuel prices, homegrown manufacturing jobs are making a comeback after decades of decline.
While it once cost $3,000 to ship a container from a city like Shanghai to New York, it now costs $8,000, prompting some businesses to look closer to home for manufacturing needs. [...]
[...]Furniture designer Carol Gregg used to have her signature Chinese chests assembled in China, but such a luxury no longer seems viable, considering that some of her pieces now cost five times more to ship.
So now Gregg is having the chests made in North Carolina, simply because its cheaper.
Some large companies like Crown Battery are cutting expenses by moving jobs from Mexico to Ohio. And hair care company Farouk Systems plans to shift all of its production from China to Houston this summer — bringing with it 1,000 jobs.
The rise in transportation costs are fueling what some economists are calling “reverse globalization.” For instance, DESA, a company that makes heaters to keep football players warm, is moving all its production back to Kentucky after years of having them made in China.
“Cheap labor in China doesn’t help you when you gotta pay so much to bring the goods over,” says economist Jeff Rubin. [...]
[...]“In December, we had three employees here. We were just getting set up. Now it’s 14,” says Casey Hearn, who owns a furniture manufacturing business in North Carolina.
Other sectors of U.S. manufacturing may see a boost in jobs as well. Rubin says the U.S. steel industry is poised to reap benefits.
“It’s not just about labor costs anymore,” says Rubin. “Distance costs money, and when you have to shift iron ore from Brazil to China and then ship it back to Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh is looking pretty good at 40 bucks an hour.”
Just when everyone had been convinced by his bumbling style he makes it look like wizardry. Don’t you see his grand, evil plan?
He deliberately personally ran up the cost of energy so offshore manufacturing jobs would be cheaper to produce here than in other countries.
This news being reported on one of the alphabet networks must have the Democrats pulling their hair out. ~X(
And his timing is just right. Remember in 2004 Madeline Albright speculated in the Green Room of a Sunday show that Bush probably had bin Laden captured and would show him before the election?
Nah, he didn’t need that to get re-selected er elected. He was saving that for the October surprise in this year’s election.
This just proves the theory by some people that he is the anti-Christ himself. Yessir. He causes natural disasters all the way back to the bubonic plague, kills people with impunity and deserves to be impeached this very moment because the energy prices are so high. This according to Lou Dobbs in one of his fits last week.
Seriously, I’ve tried to make this post tongue-in-cheek and have had fun at President Bush’s expense. He is a man I personally admire even with his warts and all.
I do want to say that the jobs coming back home are a wonderful thing to happen for the American workers. I also recognize they are not enough jobs to give all those who want to work a job, but maybe it’s a start, and a darned good one at that.
We can’t let this be a big story though because then Obama will have absolutely nothing to campaign on except his experience and his vision for America’s future. There’s no there, there.
Hillary Suspends Campaign
Link: sevenload.com
By now everyone knows Hillary Clinton has suspended her campaign and no link is necessary, although I’ve provided clips of her speech.
By suspending her campaign she can continue to raise money to replenish the Clintons’ private coffers. After all, he didn’t make all those speeches just to throw away the money.
As I see it Hillary has cried “Un” but will not cry “cle” until January 21, 2009, a full day after the next president is sworn in. Then she will begin to plot her next run.
Never, ever underestimate the Clintons. She is still officially in this race hoping there will be buyer’s remorse on Obama and she can jump right in and fill the top of the ticket. The wheels are always spinning in the heads of the Clintons.
Oh, she said all the right words with her arms spread as though she were going to take flight at any moment, but if Barack or anyone else believes her they are naive. She has probably negotiated a big speech in prime time at the convention for herself and her husband.
She’ll put on the act of support for Barack Obama, but it is only an act. She really wants him to lose so she can say, “I told you so.”
She has made history by being the first woman to seriously be considered as a candidate for President of the United States. I’ll give her that much credit, and one day a woman will be elected, but hopefully one who is not so self-consumed and has the interest of the country at heart.
If I were Barack Obama I would stay as far away from her as John McCain is staying from President Bush, and I like President Bush. Harry Truman once said “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” It seems that President Bush is learning that the hard way, but then again he’s doing what he feels is right and not what the polls tell him he should be doing. Love him or hate him or his policies, you have to admire the fact he doesn’t look to polls to make policy.
It appears the country has been spared another Clinton presidency; at least for four more years, but don’t count on it until noon on January 20,2009. And if Barack is smart he won’t have her as his VP or as a cabinet secretary.
Her sore loser attitude has soured her reputation in the Senate, but hey, why should she care? Over half the voters in the two elections her husband won voted for someone else and they still acted as though they had been coronated.
Hillary spent money like a drunken sailor during the first part of her campaign, until she realized it was running out faster than she could replenish it. Now bills are unpaid and she’ll keep trying to raise money to pay them; the biggest creditor being herself.
And why shouldn’t she have spent like it was going out of style? She was supposed to just have her name in the race and the presidency would be served to her on a diamond-studded gold platter.
It’s funny how things work in the real world, but I have a hunch she’s still thinking she can pull this off someway to her benefit, so she won’t say “cle” until she goes to her grave.
We have in Barack Obama a candidate as slick as Bill Clinton and one who thinks he’s the next JFK. He’s still a socialist and people not blinded by rose-colored glasses will see he is a charming man but still an empty suit.
He has spent two of his three years as a Senator campaigning for president and it won’t stop until November when the election is held.
Now I have my problems with John McCain too, the most recent one being the fact he is buying into the global warming thing going to ruin the planet. I’ll not touch on Bible prophecy to explain why I think this is all as it is supposed to be, but suffice it to say I don’t believe it is our biggest problem.
Now we have two men who have promised clean campaigns. Judging from McCain’s first ad talking about his family and military history and the DNC’s ad twisting his words I would say we shall see what we shall see.
Anyway, if you supported Hillary, don’t give up hope yet. She’s still trying to figure out her next step.
Will History Be As Kind To The President As This Professor?
President Bush has not been Conservative enough for some.
For others he has been nothing more than a man who stole an election with the assistance of the United States Supreme Court.
He has been vilified for his handling of the Iraq war, sometimes deservedly so, but it you read, really read the words of those who have served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, most seem to have a clear sense of exactly what their mission has been. I’m not speaking of the arm chair Generals who conduct war from a television studio, but those who have seen the horrors and triumphs.
Through it all and with all his mortal faults (show me any President who does not have them, or any man or woman for that matter), I have remained a supporter of Mr. Bush and there has always remained one central reason why..National Security. My position has never wavered on this and no doubt never will..it is not a matter of fear, it is a matter of this country’s survival.
It came as quite a surprise to run across this article penned by a New York City resident who did not vote for the President in either 2000 or 2004:
With President Bush-bashing still a national pastime, it’s notable how much international terrorism has been forgotten, and how little credit the president has received for keeping Americans safe.
This is a difficult issue for me. I didn’t vote for President Bush – twice. And as a human-rights law professor, the events at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay, along with various elements of the Patriot Act and the National Security Agency’s wiretapping of Americans, are all greatly troubling to me.
Yet I live in Manhattan and I was present on Sept. 11, 2001 – admittedly 100 blocks from the murder scene, but I was here, trembling along with the rest of America. Remember those days?
Mr. Rosenbaum gets it. Very few speak of the President and his determination to carry out his primary responsibility. Does anyone honestly believe that if not for his steadfastness in the fight against terrorism we would not have been attacked again, possibly more than once?
Perhaps historians will understand the perils we faced over the past decades. It is my belief the terrorists understand that this time they chose the wrong man to “take on,” and the Professor appears to agree:
Yes, there are those who maintain that our promiscuous misadventures in Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel have rendered America even less safe. That the president has further radicalized our enemies and alienated our nation. That the animosity for America now, improbably, runs even deeper. Whatever resentments and aspirations gave rise to 9/11 have grown and will not be easily dissipated. For this reason, no one should draw comfort in the relative safety of our shores.
Maybe so. But when a professed enemy succeeds as wildly as al Qaeda did on 9/11, and seven years pass without an incident, there are two reasonable conclusions: Either, despite all the trash-talking videos, they have been taking a long, leisurely breather; or, something serious has been done to thwart and disable their operations. Whatever combination of psychology and insanity motivates a terrorist to blow himself up is not within my range of experience, but I’m betting the aggressive measures the president took, and the unequivocal message he sent, might have had something to do with it.
Americans, admittedly, have short time horizons and, perhaps, even shorter attention spans. Our collective memory has historically been poor. But had there been another terrorist attack or, even worse, a dozen more in cities all over America – a fear that would not have been exaggerated on 9/12 – would we have allowed ourselves the luxury of quarreling over legally suspect counterterrorism measures, even though such internal debates are credits to our liberal democracy and constitutional freedoms?
More at the link above.
Truth vs. An Agenda
If there are lingering questions about that “Mission Accomplished” banner aboard the USS Lincoln the day of President Bush’s speech for which it was a backdrop, this may help clear up the confusion:
Via Seamus, comes this email from a Navy Lieutenant who was aboard the USS Lincoln during the visit from President Bush. Yesterday was the anniversary of President Bush’s speech about the end of major combat operations, and it was covered by some the media as the infamous “Mission Accomplished” speech.
Check out the complete email from the Lieutenant. It speaks volumes as to the media coverage of this important moment in history. Here’s just a bit of what he has to say:
The media stationed aboard our vessel clearly understood the truth behind the banner yet fed the public a twisted version of this truth. I honestly believe that those opposed to the war saw an opportunity to spin the truth about the banner in order to attack the President. As an officer aboard the ship at that time, I found it to be hurtful and insulting that the media would use our specific accomplishments as a platform to attack our Commander-in-Chief. The President’s visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln was a great honor to those of us serving aboard her at the time. It is shameful and reprehensible to see the tremendous spin that has been placed on this great event. I was proud to serve my country and I will always support my Commander-in-Chief. God bless America.
But That It Would Have Happened Sooner Mr. President
If wishes could make it so, then I would wish that President Bush had taken this tone and command in relation to the press throughout his two terms.
His remarks on the terrorists and terrorism lay out the best argument he has articulated in quite some time as to why we cannot abandon our fight in the War on Terrorism.
As an aside, some might call the behavior of this reporter tenacious, what’s needed to get the real story. I call it rude and obnoxious.
This man, no matter what your personal feelings is the President of the United States and when he says no, it should mean no. The lack of respect that some journalists show toward not only the man but the office itself is disturbing at the very least.
Video courtesy of Eyeblast
The President and His Band
President Bush’s final appearance at the White House Correspondents Dinner allows him to fulfill a personal ambition (mid-point of video):
What a great surprise for those in attendance. Well done Mr. President.
If you would like to view the first video of the Presidents remarks it is available here.
HT: Hot Air
President Bush in Rare Form
Give a listen to President Bush perform his own rendition of the “Green, Green, Grass of Home.”
I only wish we could see him clearly (more than that I would have loved to have been there.)
Sure to make you laugh (or at least smile) regardless of your political preference.
Enjoy!
HT: Macsmind where I first viewed a similiar video which prompted me to check if there was a longer version.
As the sun sets……….

Photo Credit:US Fish and Wildlife Service
Photo Copyright-Free
Mark Noonan:
Future generations will marvel, I think, over the amount of invective directed towards a center/right American politcian who bent over backwards – some times to the great dismay of his core supporters – to be kind to his opponents. President Bush is a man of first principles, but also a man who is willing to work with just about anybody in order to get the business of America done. A Chrsitian in fact as well as name, he’s treated by his opponents as a spawn of perdition. And the oddest thing of it is that all of the invective – like Savage’s rant – has been pointless. President Bush is of that moral belief (so am I) that abuse by others – if suffered patiently and for the glory of God – is a thing to be thankful for. President Bush, courtesy of his opponents, has had 7 years of intense schooling in how to be patient – and, I’ll bet, also in how to pray for those who hate you. The only people harmed by all the lies and slanders against President Bush have been those who launched them – who have poisoned their own souls, and made themselves into worse people, day by day.
Read “Sunset for the Bush Era.”




