It’s Spring Fever here in my lovely state of Maryland. The birds are chirping, the sun is oozing like warm syrup through the clouds, and I’m walking outside without a jacket. The first glean of spring and it can produce nothing but a smile. Days like this always bring back the best memories of my childhood and remind me that anything is still possible. Sunshine is happiness to me. And I love it but it makes me homesick. I miss Indiana like an ache, my family I crave, and a childhood that’s impossible to return to, I think on like crazy. Here’s what I think of on days like today:

I grew up on the fiery-leaved outskirts of Bloomington, Indiana University's small town reservoir for knowledge. I spent my time galloping barefoot through uncut, amber fields of weeds, traipsing down patchy roads of damp and dusty soil towards horse barns and forgotten, grave yards grown golden with dandelion snares. My sisters and I sucked down Yoo Hoos while mom braided our hair and in the winter we dripped out of a spotless porcelin tub onto cream-colored linoleum floors to dry, towel-wrapped at the foot of a roaring, old-fashioned woodstove. Dad was Merle Haggard's "Working Man", steel-toed boots crunching out the door before dawn and home, tar-filthy and fingernail-gritty, in the evening after a combatant day atop rooftops scorching his freckly arms to a leathery toast.

It was small town living despite the large, looming university mere minutes away. Sure, we watched IU basketball religiously, sported crimson t-shirts with cream inscriptions, and rallied around that beloved, controversial coach Bobbie Knight. But we were always waiting for those sweet summer days of students long gone and roads unclogged. Basketball made Indiana, a faded backboard and rusty hoop were trademarks of any Midwestern driveway. Adolescent boys sweat and grunt that crux of each dusky day until somebody's parent said to come in.

I'm often asked, what's in Indiana? To so many, it is one of the nameless, shapeless states, from which they know no one and envision nothing but bored cornfields and peeling red farmhouses. But Indiana charms me, an old friend, always resilient and waiting to tuck me into its familiar lands. Smokey firewood on the eve of autumn, swirling gray residue dancing, the husky sweetness of the fire's flaming aroma, brightening our faces and glistening runny noses, warming fingertips with the crackle of the embers turned by walking sticks. This is Indiana, the hollow echoes of an empty, uncut field, hugged by soggy evergreens, happy squirrels scampering the mulchy daytime forest floor, and feathery owls prowling for intruders at night. This is my Indiana, where I drank a hundred cherry slurpees at 7-Eleven, swung across steel monkey bars, and played on cooled tar kettles, half-finished wood porches, and ate nachos in the stands of local baseball games.

High school was classic, as we piled into rusty, pick-up trucks, hitching rides to parties around crackling bonfires so far up foresty hillsides and socked away ravines on lake shores, it was hard to get there or get back. We drank whatever alcohol someone could get their hands on, usually warm cans of Miller light and the cheapest, hangover-inducing vodka ever created, and relished in driving, unaccounted for, down deserted roads blazing thick with cricket dialogue and lightening bug borders. We blasted Skynard and Mellencamp alongside Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre., combining far off lives and authentically ignoring that these 18 years weren't invincibly eternal.

It's nice to remember all the good when writing—deleting the pauses of struggle. A semicolon might counter the best times, and a comma might offset the euphoria of this apple pie life. But focusing on something negative only dims the brightness of the positive. It steals the significance of incredible blessing. So in the temptation of self-pity, I try to step back. I think on this pretty golden childhood, and picture my dad. He is unquestionably a father to be emulated. He owns a simple t-shirt in three different colors. In simple, scrawled handwriting, they say, "This is the good life." And he always smiles. And he always works hard. And he truly believes that shirt. He's given me the insight to believe it too. A lot of people find definition in their misfortune, adorning their futures with ugly ornaments from the past. But that's the wrong way to live. Life in this America is your choice. And my life is the good life. I hope you choose the same.

I’ve been listening to talk radio since I was a kid. As my mom drove my sisters around in our mini-van from one activity to the next, AM radio blared in our ever-irritated ears. It started with Rush Limbaugh, who my sister particularly despised for the miniscule fact that he constantly tapped on papers in his hands to make a point about what he was saying. She hated his jokes and begged my mom to turn the station to something more suited to our liking—such as The Spice Girls on B97.

I was always amazed at the lengthy time slots afforded these hosts. Wasn’t a “show” supposed to be like a sitcom—a half an hour? An hour at most? These guys were on for endless amounts of time, it seemed, and always talking about something completely boring. All I knew is that I was a Republican and my parents didn’t like big government. But I had no idea what big government was. The political leanings of my life were defined without question and I had little concern with this aspect of life. My moral ideas, however, were of more interest. Luckily, talk radio has been dominated by conservatives and so many of my ideas were shaped towards these common sense ideologies.

After Rush signed off, we listened to Paul Harvey tell “the rest of the story” in his distinctive, authoritative voice reminiscent of a 1940’s radio broadcast. I always loved guessing who he could possibly be describing and mimicking his quirky “good day” at the end. Then came the oh-so-dry but delightfully simple news and weather updates. Compared to the sparkly television news, this straightforward delivery was welcomed and easier to understand—less of a show and more of what news once was.

But my favorite part of this choppy radio blitz—plopping in and flailing out of the sliding van doors—was Dr. Laura Schlessinger. When mom started listening to her, we complained out of habit. But then I started listening and by age 12, I was oddly hooked. Dr. Laura was tough but she was rarely wrong. Her answers to most every problem were simple: just do it. Any whiny caller with the gall to utter, “but” or “it’s hard” or “I feel” was severely reprimanded. As if feelings have anything to do with making the right decision. You are entitled to your feelings, but it’s foolish to make life decisions based on them.

I found my own morality strengthened and shaped in the examples of Dr. Laura’s answers. She signed off with “Now, go take on the day” and “Go do the right thing.” These simple but bold statements were enough to get through a tough situation and I adopted them as my mantra in life. Because of Dr. Laura, I developed a clearer picture of courage, honor, character, and strength. The callers represented people from all walks of life. I heard faceless heroes with only first names, giving up things in trade for the joy of a clear conscious and honorable life. I recognized the picture of the kind of man I should marry and the kind of behavior that should never be tolerated. I was able to realize the immense sacrifice and faithful love of my parents and appreciate them for the life they gave me. I came to see how very lucky I was in life when I heard from 10-year-olds calling about their dad’s live-in girlfriends, and 62-year-olds still trying to come to terms with abuse from their childhood. Dr. Laura’s approach to men and women’s relationships was traditional and refreshing and I believe that I won’t settle in large part to her influence.

Her advice is very straightforward and clean cut. Don’t tolerate evil and blood isn’t thicker than anything. Just like my political beliefs had been fashioned, the personal and moral existence demanded informed, common sensical choice. And your choices direct your life. It is freeing and maddening. You must recognize that you are ultimately in control, so blaming someone else or the past or a circumstance really isn’t an option.

I listen to Dr. Laura almost daily now and cherish her no-nonsense advice. I will never need to call her myself because I’ve got her answers down pat. And if I’m having a tough day or need the grit to just do the right thing no matter how hard it is, I sign onto her program. (I subscribe through streamlink online.) There’s no better fulfillment, no greater padding of confidence, or rush of life than doing what’s hard and coming out of it a better person. And knowing it. I thank God for the mentor that doesn’t even know I exist!

Several months back, I was severely convicted after viewing a must-see documentary—Obsession. It is a smoothly made video piecing together various clips from Arab television, including interviews with members of terrorist organizations, crowds screaming about Death to America, schoolchildren screaming about jihad, and even cartoon shows depicting cruel death to Jews. The evidence of Western hatred, extreme threats and graphic scenes were clearly credited to and rooted in unquestioned dedication to Islam.

I sent the preview video clip for the film out to everyone I knew. I published an opinion piece, reviewing the film. I was convinced that every single person needed to see this film in order to process the extent of the hatred many Muslims harbor for America and Israel. It was shocking, scary, and real.

It is easier to live life as “ignorance is bliss” when it comes to terrorism, warfare, and politics in general. Most people I know find the details too hard to comprehend and therefore, pay not attention at all. I feel a certain sense of obligation to continue informing them even when they don’t want to know. That is the journalist in me I suppose. I want people to know the whole story for their own good. Journalism is such a tricky profession, because so much lies behind the sparkle, the angle, the motive, and the overall sentiment of the journalist.

When it comes to terrorists, those in terrorist-associated organizations, and basic television in the Arab world—wouldn’t it benefit the American people to know as much as they could? I think Obsession should have been played on every single television station. Now I hear it’s been banned at some universities. But Obsession is just one example.

My roommate is doing research for a book now. For this project, she must watch endless hours of Arab television footage, transcribing the words of Muslim leaders, sitting front row in our living room at anti-West meetings spewing forth rhetoric of death, anniahlation of America, and the trials of convicted terrorists testifying their acts of murder like rote memorization. I walk past the living room and see white robed fanatics bowing down, burning flags, chanting death to America, and random voices declaring Jews are pigs who want to destroy Islam. I hear people vying together for the destruction of all other religions and praying for a government ruled by Islam, wishing death upon the infidels, and touting the propaganda of holy jihad, honorable death for the sake of Allah.

We sometimes make light of the footage but only to warm the shiver that runs down our spines. This is real. An Imam jokes about the beheading of a Western journalist. A video captures the suicide bombing of a marketplace. Children march in unison—the principles of hateful alliance and sacrifice being injected into their innocent nature. I believe that this Arab television should be broadcast on every American news program. They could name it, provide even one minute of the hatred that thrives over there so that the people could know what they are dealing with. I do not understand why something like this has never been implemented. Is it fear?

Certainly, we have something to fear. Look at Ayaan Hirsi Ali. I read “Infidel” and was mesmerized by the beauty of her storytelling, the intensity of her convictions, and the unabashed courage she shows in rising up against opposition. So few are willing to risk it and that is telling. I guess I’m just writing because I’m prompted to ask why the American media hides this from us? Why don’t we see it? Why am I one of the few people in this country that sees this? It should be everywhere so that no one can say they didn’t know. Everyone should know. Ignorance may be bliss but in terms of our safety, it’s just stupid.

From The Boston Globe: 
Boston woman sues for child-rearing costs after failed abortion

At this headline alone, I was sick to my stomach. I had to read one because I was so appalled....and here are some snippets from the remainder of this audacious case:

"...Raper claimed in the three-page medical malpractice suit that she found out she was pregnant in March 2004 and decided to have an abortion for financial reasons...Dr. Allison Bryant, a physician working for Planned Parenthood at the time, performed the procedure on April 9, 2004, but it "was not done properly, causing the plaintiff to remain pregnant," according to the complaint.

"...She gave birth to a daughter on Dec. 7, 2004. She is seeking damages, including child-rearing costs.

"...Raper's suit has no mentions of medical problems involving her now 2-year-old daughter."

A wrongful birth suit? It sounds made up but it's not. They are calling this medical mal-practice folks and though it hasn't yet went through the system, I'm afraid of the outcome. The real tragedy here is that there is a 2-year-old little girl being raised by this twisted woman. This child should be taken out of her home and given to a family who wants her! Instead, they mention nothing about the morality of a child being raised by the mother who is suing the person who failed to murder her appropriately. I can only imagine the how this little girl will have to grow up. The woman claimed she had an abortion for financial reasons so why didn't she choose the other option when choice one failed? She must be one of those people could "never give my child up for adoption." They'd rather them be good and dead.

My heart breaks for this little girl, now labeled a damage, a cost, a wrongful birth, a burden. It's a miracle she is alive but now must grow up in the house of the woman who never wanted her to be.

I wish I had done more of this kind of writing in college. My college paper, The Indiana Daily Student (www.idsnews.com) from Indiana University featured a column from a promsing student today with comments on Barack Obama:

"...Enter Barack Obama, whose autobiography, “The Audacity of Hope,” has become something of a manifesto for “progressives.” As far as I can tell from a cursory reading, Obama shows a tendency – even eagerness – to take positions not conspicuous, let’s say, for their audacity. Perhaps his most prominent position in this regard is his “stand” against genocide in Darfur – a rather superficial one, as I pointed out last week, given the absence of a pro-genocide movement.

...The testosterone-free “rising star” of the Democrat party is aiming to make the political arena into a nursery. One hopes this puerile attempt will miss its mark, if only because it has little to recommend it in a time when, with actual enemies presenting themselves against democracy itself, politics in the world’s leading democracy should be a more serious business. Obama’s triangulation politics, in contrast, are meant for show, and they ought to be regarded and treated as such."

It's representative of thoughts I've already had on him (Obama). Its sad to me that so many people, especially young people, are going to go out and vote for Obama just because he seems "cool." So far, I've been unimpressed by ANYTHING he's had to say. His speeches and presentations are all dull, full of cliche inspiration and generic opinion. He's black...but oh so VANILLA in my opinion. Bland. Dull. Uncontroversial and weak is what it looks. He plays it so safe but I wonder if he's even playing at all--it seems lik this his real personality. I think we have a lot to fear in Barack Obama because the ignorant, uninformed voters of this country will go for him because he is attractive, charismatic (to some, not really me actually), and of course wants some kind of blissful good that can't possibly be brought. We need a REAL leader and he has not shown that kind of stamina. My vote's with Guiliani heavily so far. At least he's proven himself already.

I got this today in an email forward and felt it worth publishing for the good folks: 

 THIS IS FABULOUS, NO MATTER WHAT POLITICAL PARTY YOU BACK UP,
      SENATOR JOHN GLENN DESERVES A STANDING OVATION !!!!!!

I'm with Newt on this one:

"This is going to be like watching bad reruns of 'Survivor,"' Gingrich said. "People are going to say, 'Get them off the island. I don't want to see this anymore."'

By election day, people will have written books analyzing the campaigns of '08 presidential candidates that are still campaigning. My idea? Use your thoughts and energy for something that actually does take years, like helping build a non-profit, solving national problems, and uniting the American people together for a cause they can really do something about. Let's get inspired with a stage of hope for the future, not tired of political actors putting on a show. 

You know why America is so great? Because it is the PEOPLE, those with the right to pursuit happiness without government interference, that make the difference. Sure I want a Republican candidate to win, but in this great nation, we the people can do more on our own than any program, policy, or law will ever achieve. Let's not forget...this is OUR country.   

We Need a Hero
New Orleans' Wandering Soul
By Ericka Andersen

The wake of Hurricane Katrina literally flooded that nation’s hearts, minds and souls with compassion and question, then responsibility and blame. The enormity of the destruction on land and in American humanity unveiled the roots of a deeper problem: absent, irresponsible fathers and socially victimized mothers. Residents like these and others leaned on the relief efforts of local and federal governments to begin helping put their lives together again.

The Independent Women’s Forum hosted “Katrina: One Year Later,” a panel discussion several months ago in attempt to analyze the effects of this disaster on poverty in the South now, then, and in the future. Three prominent black writers and one white historian joined President Michelle D. Bernard in presenting their version of reality, reason, and resolve for this dire situation.

Victimization became the central theme in Katrina’s aftermath, bringing to light a myriad of issues rooted in crime, poverty, broken families and the Southern black community. In the absence of an effective plan due to time restraint, resident demand, and necessity, the government on either level was unable to reconcile an acceptable emergency recovery.

An outpouring of love from those around the country came in the form of finances, relief teams, and prayers, but the actions were not enough to salvage the loss of, not only home and family, but also the morale and character of many casualties.

The Roots of the Problem

The overall sentiment of the panelists, consisting of Charles Murray, Star Parker, John McWhorter, and Nicole Galinas, was that Katrina simply pulled back the shade of a problem that has festered for decades, even centuries.

The underclass, on which the conversation centered, was defined by Murray as, “people preying directly on other members of the community and not contributing to mainstream America.”

Directly following Katrina, the number of underclass increased significantly for this particular region, therefore upping the consequences of such poverty-stricken circumstances. Murray played on the idea that mainstream America chooses not to recognize poverty for what it is because it, “fundamentally betrays America as an idea.”

Parker echoed Murray’s sentiments, claiming that the government does not belong in charity. She livened the idea of personal responsibility and self-sufficiency as the answer to poverty’s end, accusing sexual promiscuity as the number one root of the epidemic.

Parker claimed that out of wedlock children remain the number one characterization of the poor, such it is an “equal opportunity destroyer.” Katrina’s results proved that the government cannot make up for broken families no matter the genuine effort.

Parker detailed the following as steps out of poverty: reduce labor law and government, increase local community daycare, education and training, saving and investing, and increasing charity opportunities. Local politics and reliance on community members on a small basis is the only way to solve the problem, in her opinion.

Playing Race and Government

Harsh criticism of the federal government surfaced quickly when all needs weren’t met and the race game came into play. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin received some blame but he was just one of many. After commenting that New Orleans should become a “chocolate city” again, the public began to question his motive. Nagin embraced the violence and poverty that previously flourished by, according to an audience member, inviting criminals back to the city when they significantly increased crime rates in overflow cities like Houston.

Author McWhorter said, “There is a moral insensitivity on the part of the powers that be and that is why they haven’t done something they should have.”

Playing the race card is not relevant, according to McWhorter, who cited Chinatowns as a primary example that segregation in itself creates poverty.

Now, the government is talking about building neighborhoods around the temporary housing projects built for displaced residents. This would be a critical mistake in government funding and citizen morale.

As the city dried out, many residents decided against a move back to their hometown. New Orleans previously held high crime records and boasted a corrupt justice system. This phenomenon echoed loudly as Houston’s crime rate increased significantly with many acts perpetrated by Katrina casualties removed.

Victimized Beginnings

Galinas provided a backdrop for the origins of New Orleans poverty, referencing sailors from years ago who came down to the ports and had no way of returning home. Her analysis of crime, justice, and corruption in the bottomed city painted a clear picture of why poverty is re-invented generation after generation in certain areas.

Little boys with no fathers create role models in the form of adolescent boys, and are raised by welfare mothers who often have several children by different fathers. The situation cycles, a tragedy like Katrina striking at the heart of this already desperate situation, sets the bar back even further.

Because they are labeled victims, excuses and expectations that government should and will take care of everything leads to laziness, and justification for poverty. When the government fails to supply everything, complaints rise, the media portrays tear-stained, barefoot children in shacks, and the rest of the country never gets the whole story.

“The media conveyed the impression that many women of the women with three or four kids are already going to work and being responsible,” said Parker. “But that is not true; most of these women have never been socialized to the workplace.”

The falsities surrounded the roots of American poverty are alarmingly deceptive and this panel concluded that pushing a sense of personal responsibility, obligation, and character reform is the only way to get back on track.

Murray tracked what’s known as the “mobility theory” to one reason of poverty today: “they took sin and coupled in with a financial benefit” with welfare introduction in the 60’s. A general ending overtone suggested a return to traditional values, localized government, and personal responsibility would surely be steps in the right direction.

A year and a half after Katrina, crime rates and violence have only increased, and that’s with less than half of residents that returned to New Orleans. Reuters reported today, from the New Orleans Times-Picayune, that, “’3,000 arrested suspects were released in 2006 because prosecutors failed to indict them within the required 60 days. In January 2007, 580 were released for the same reason’”

All major tiers of the community—social, economic, education—need serious reformation. This overwhelming task will require dedicated individuals with mindsets to overcome adversity, reject victimization, restructure education, restore traditional family values and embrace personal responsibility. A modern day humanitarian stacked with liberty-minded principles and a rallying endurance is called for. Citizens using Katrina as a breeding ground for government culpability only stagnate the process of victory for this once beloved city. Its one thing to want New Orleans to come out glorious someday, but as often quoted, “People may not believe what you say, but they will always believe what you do.”

And some want a baby like Amillia to be able to be legally killed if her mother feels like it. This is just another blatant example of how abortion is senseless and wrong. Thank God for this little life today.
 

Tiny Baby to Leave the Hospital    
MIAMI (AP) - A premature baby that doctors say spent less time in the womb than any other     surviving infant is to be released from a Florida hospital Tuesday.

Amillia Sonja Taylor was just 9 1/2 inches long and weighed less than 10 ounces when she was born Oct. 24. She was delivered 21 weeks and six days after conception. Full-term births come after 37 to 40 weeks.

"We weren't too optimistic," Dr. William Smalling said Monday. "But she proved us all wrong."

Neonatologists who cared for Amillia say she is the first baby known to survive after a gestation period of fewer than 23 weeks. A database run by the University of Iowa's Department of Pediatrics lists seven babies born at 23 weeks between 1994 and 2003.

Amillia has experienced respiratory problems, a very mild brain hemorrhage and some digestive problems, but none of the health concerns are expected to pose long-term problems, her doctors said.

"We can deal with lungs and things like that but, of course, the brain is the most important," Dr. Paul Fassbach said Monday. "But her prognosis is excellent."

Amillia has been in an incubator since birth and has been receiving oxygen. She will continue getting a small amount of oxygen, and her breathing will be monitored once she leaves Baptist Children's Hospital. She now is between 25 and 26 inches long and weighs 4 1/2 pounds.

"She's going to be in a normal crib, she's going to have normal feedings, she's taking all her feedings from a bottle," Smalling said.

Amillia is the first child for Eddie and Sonja Taylor of Homestead. She was conceived by in vitro fertilization, which made it possible to pinpoint her exact time in the womb, and was delivered by Caesarean section.

 When I asked Jessica about the status of her relationship with the father of her unborn baby, she laughed in mock embarrassment. She told me he was 18, four years younger than her 22, and that they’d been together less than six months. Fifteen minutes earlier she’d been in angry tears on the phone, yelling at him for making her walk to work in the cold (bitterly icy winds) and threatening to move back home to Nebraska where she could use her father’s car and get rides whenever she needed them.

After the phone call, her sentences were interspersed with “f**k” to describe her life, her job, her transportation, and her boyfriend in every grammatical sense. Earlier, as I lunched between double shifts at the restaurant, I overheard her speaking with another co-worker about her relationship. She mentioned he had cheated on her and that because of this, of course, she reciprocated by “f***ing everything.”

After the drama, she plopped down in the booth, cradled her slightly swollen, three-months pregnant belly, and sighed. She’d been waiting tables at *****’s for four years, cashing in her tips for rent and frivolous partying, and living the falsely invincible lifestyle of adolescent ignorance. She asked about me. How old was I? Was I married? Did I have kids? Did I have a boyfriend? These are the questions from a 22-year-old girl, already divorced, and also just joking about cocaine for pregnant women. She lamented the long refrain from partying on which she embarked in sacrifice for the life growing inside her. I was glad to hear that, at least. Two years ago, I worked in a similar style restaurant only to be involved in a conversation where the average speaker was a single parent at 19. The topic was—in short--smoking weed during pregnancy.

I was purely and maddeningly sad at Jessica’s story. She’s having a baby because there is nothing better to do. Lacking any real aspirations for life’s under-rated remainder, having kids certainly brings some purpose and fills in at least the next 18 years. Most of the time, these directionless youth barely have a chance to identify concrete possibilities before babies replace dreams. No, I don’t mean having a child eliminates personal hope, but the energy and sacrifice required for mommyhood, especially singular, makes already-difficult objectives that much more so to attain when they finally become clear.

My heartache over this stems from an overwhelming helplessness to end this cycle. I can’t bring Jessica and others like her to a realization of something greater for their lives before settling for--whatever. A child born into these circumstances is already destined for an absent father and rocky foundation for their future relationships and ambitions. That being said, motherhood itself is a sanctified and utterly noble duty. In fact, the most important and critical vocation of them all, which is why it is so sad that such a job isn’t undertaken with more precision, decision, and in the finest conditions possible.

Unmarried parenthood is standard these days, and less than socially taboo. It isn’t PC to question the latter effects an untraditional family might produce. But stepping around these obvious, foundational issues only perpetuates a serious problem. Having a baby has become just another option in life, not the result of a loving commitment between two people. That ideal situation should be the initial pursuit and hope of all. And though life is often un-ideal, simply accepting things laissez-faire is unacceptable.

A disease of futility threatens and corrupts American youth. Lack of passion contributes to the concave spirits of this generation and these attitudes must be restored. Purpose and conviction are necessary vices in the quest to live significantly and honorably. Ronald Reagan embodied these traits and wisely told us, “Don’t be afraid to see what you see.”

And after you see it, do something about it. No one wants to point a finger at the Jessica’s of this world, but you’ve seen it and you know something isn’t right. Let that gnawing sense of passion erupt and see what happens. Maybe futility has a remedy. Maybe I’ll be able to find it. Maybe passion can become unstoppably contagious.

 

HOUSE HEARING ON 'WARMING OF THE PLANET' CANCELED AFTER ICE STORM HEARING NOTICE

http://www.drudgereport.com/flash8.htm

Hmmm...

November 2008 is 21 months away. The media doesn’t seem to understand what a lengthy amount of time that actually is. Why must we live as if the polls open next week? These news publications, opinion columns, and meticulous critical analyses’ of potential candidates are exhausting. Everyday the predictions change, either slightly or dramatically, depending on the national mood or accidental use of a particular word or phrase. So many factors will arise between now and then that it’s a waste of time and intelligence to continue the layered conversations the bulk up the hype. Living in the DC bubble accentuates the propaganda but I really enjoy politics and still think this is overkill.

I check my favorite sites daily, eavesdrop on my favorite columnists, glance at a sprinkling of news pages, and pop in for an earful of TV reports. What do I get? Another dozen opinion columns and talk shows about Hillary, Obama, McCain, Guiliani, Romney, Edwards, and others trying to get in on the glory. I enjoyed the days when the boards, papers, and newscasts covered more than one topic. Pause for an in-depth, inside look at Anna Nicole Smith, and its back to the presidential forecast in the impossibly far away future. But how do you reign in the haranguing scrutiny? The painstaking criticism with which the media pulps candidates to their public deaths is out of control. I’m no Joe Biden fan, but COME ON. God forbid anyone be politically incorrect.

It’s sadly unfunny that comments like Biden’s garner hours of coverage while Barack Obama’s first book illustrates him as harboring extreme bitterness towards white people. Where are the passages highlighted from that book? I certainly don’t want that kind of attitude as the head of my country. If he was white, or conservative, and had such questionable material published, it would be everywhere. Why are black people exempt from criticism in regards to racial sensitivity? Barack’s wife Michelle made the ignorant comment that, “as a black man, Barack can get shot going to the gas station.” Huh? Haven’t heard much about that one on the news. I guess white men can’t get shot going to the gas station. In the rush to attain the black President milestone, is the public overlooking the critical details behind that charismatic smile? Someday there will be a black President, but neglecting key issues in order to fulfill that prophecy is foolish.

I see headlines, stories, and editorials that demoralize America, our troops, our foundation, and our hope. CNN usually plays in front of me at the gym on the treadmill. I don’t wear headphones but I usually read the screen, which blares death tolls, exacerbated suffering, stories promoting the negative. Reality should not be excused but an effort to accentuate positive aspects is vital in this struggle for a success. Just like celebrated self-help books direct one’s personal life, such advice should be adopted for our national identity. Think positive. Attitude is everything. Believe in yourself. Have confidence. Overcome adversity. Reach for the stars. These are the principles we want to instill in our children, in our students, in ourselves. Why are we not employing them as a nation?

It’s too bad some of our national leaders are wasting our breath and our thoughts, in a time of war no less, on petty demands. Nancy Pelosi’s airplane issue, then turned gender discrimination, was disgraceful and classless. She’s already rich and we have to call her freakin’ madame, isn’t that enough? To cry gender bias in this case was just about as tacky and baseless as you can get. Thanks to her, editorial print and opinion space was wasted on that airplane debacle. With the first wave of opposition, she should have dropped it and moved on. She showed her true colors but then again, some of us already knew what those looked like.

Adding to the recent irritation in politico world, I can’t NOT mention the Democratic National Convention, which featured a Hezbollah-supporting Iman for an opening prayer. Top Democrats defended this decision all over the place but when the Iman was interviewed on Hannity and Colmes, he was a bad liar whose only defense was to act confused in response to simple yes and no questions, like, Is Hezbollah a terrorist organization? They never got that one out of him. Leave it to the Democrats to let “tolerance” and “diversity” topple common sense and decency.

The Grammy’s are supposed to be about music right? The Dixie Chicks really will not let it die. Having cashed in on five grammys last night, you’d wish they would have the decency and humility to leave IT alone. The two-second comment that spurred the rejection of the Chicks from the country music industry four years still makes the stage when they win four years later? Not only is it utterly immature and annoying to keep hearing about it, but it completely diminishes their accomplishment. Wow, you really stuck it to us, Chicks. They cried. They smirked. They gloated. Gag.

Essentially, they would not have walked home with five awards last night without their ignorant political stance. Labeled “brave” by Joan Baez, getting shoutouts from Don Henley, and smugly accepting their trophies, the Chicks reveled in their cushion of comfort. The entertainment world is of course a bubble of congealed opinion, rarely wavering in political views and readily embracing—or laying out red carpets—for those who proclaim their uneducated sentiment loudly. The Chicks were certainly in their element of Hollywood idolization, little loudmouthed Natalie going so far as to quote Bart Simpson, with an obnoxious “ha ha.” She was also really good at demonstrating her immaturity in their self-pitying, self-glorifying documentary, “Shut up and Sing.”

I like their music. But it’s hard for me to stomach them. The “comment” elevated their status in deeper sense among Hollywood and some fans. However, it’s clear now that whatever seriousness they have about the war, the President, and all things political have been used as a façade to propel them to a different kind of stardom. It’s not about the politics and it never really was. They are the kind that hoped the President would be wrong and in their documentary, laughed arrogantly when a clip showed Donald Rumsfield and President Bush declaring that their were no weapons of mass destruction.

Anyone who would call the President of the United States a “dumbf**ck” in a documentary chronicling their life’s work can’t expect to be taken seriously by American citizens. In Hollywood, it’s a different story. I almost feel sorry for the jaded famous people who throw bags of money at Al Gore’s global warming campaign and spew anti-war rhetoric in their happy-feely interviews. Have any of them noticed that like 99% of Hollywood leans to the left, votes Democrat, and supports all the same political candidates and sides of important issues? It’s a good thing there are limits on how much one person can contribute to a campaign. I’ve heard most of the Hollybots are supporting the dashing Barack Obama for 2008. Oooh, big surprise there.

“The Enemy At Home,” by Dinesh D’Souza

Dinesh D’Souza’s book, “The Enemy at Home,” emphasizes a tempestuous cultural civil war in America, unleashing harsh, and innovative judgment on the left’s well-intentioned, but dangerously misguided ideals and attitudes about the war on terror and their inherent blame for the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

In simple articulacy, the book weaves political de facto and history with the anti-traditional rhetoric of the American left that Muslim nations fear threatens their sacred way of life, and therefore, seek ways to overpower the danger.

D’Souza defines two key conflicts that exist within the frame of the current war. The first is that of traditional Islam versus radical Islam; the second is the left’s war against President Bush’s red America. Eerie references cite the words of prominent liberal figures mimicked almost precisely by key leaders in the Islamic fundamentalist segment. The ironic examples support D’Souza’s critical observation that the left is aligned with Islamic fundamentalists on foreign policy, while the right is aligned with them on social issues. He claims that neither side wants to admit to this reality.

He cites the left’s moral depravity and progressive sovereignty as a magnifier of corrupt priorities that sicken the traditional world; thus, a “fear that freedom in the West means moral corruption and liberals are the ones who are proving them right.” Furthermore, he quips that the left’s relentless campaigns against the Bush administration’s foreign policy decisions, weakens America’s overall vitality and slows the ultimate goal of securing individually unique democracies globally and defeating the rapid spread of terrorism.

D’Souza exposes a liberal agenda intent on Westernizing the world, exemplifying with the left’s obsession with women’s rights, declaring that women’s liberation in America is“decadence” that the cultural left assumes is good and hopes to impose.”

He says one reason so many moderate Muslims stay silent is because, though they disagree with the violence, radical Muslims do as much in the name of Islam and represent many revered traditional values in their plight. These deeply religious people find American disregard of spiritual principles, most obviously exemplified with our “separation of church and state,” which traditional cultures find “weird.” He says, “The US is viewed as establishing and official posture of state hostility to religion.”

D’Souza writes, “What traditional cultures and specifically Muslims consider deviant and disgusting, many liberals consider progressive and liberating.” Whereas, the cultural left stands for an abundance of sexual freedom and disregard for religion in public life, these faith-based countries are appalled and fear America’s immoral irresponsibility will desecrate the very foundations of their way of life.

Traditional Muslims usually disagree with Osama bin Laden’s choices but have a hard time criticizing. According to D’Souza, bin Laden is a very wealthy individual who has chosen to give up all material possessions and normal life to take refuge in a cave, claiming it all in the name of Islam. D’Souza says bin Laden and others aren’t so much terrorists as “religious ideologue[s] who chose terrorism to accomplish [their] goals.” He argues that the cultural left’s promotion of secular values prompts radicals to defend an assault on their core belief systems. “Bin Laden seeks to stop the war on terror and the left too consistently demeans our foreign policy efforts, without solid reason, other ideas, or consideration of potential consequences.”

D’Souza’s conclusions are supported by researched convictions that consistently represent his underlying theme: the war on terror really a war for the spirits and cooperation of traditional Muslims. His unwavering accusation of the cultural left’s fault for 9/11 and other coming atrocities is one to consider when casting your blame and your hope.

After the big "peace" march this weekend, I was happy to read The Washington Examiner's editorial this morning. It's a must-read for those of of us who are realists, hence the name of my blog. Check out the link below:

 http://www.examiner.com/a-534532~Editorial__Next_come_the_killing_fields.html