If you ever talk to an elderly person about what life was like during the Great Depression, try asking if America could survive a real, prolonged downturn now.
The answer is "not a chance."
We are having Congressional hearings because gas is $3 a gallon. I suppose that next year when the price reaches $4 we will have to bring in UN peacekeepers.
This really is a good time to ask ourselves what it means when we think of ourselves as Americans. Are we just a bunch of fat, drunk, stupid, helpless automatons who can't think beyond "there oughta be a law" when everything doesn't go perfectly? What happened to the pioneers who risked life and limb to build this nation from nothing? Well, the truth is there are plenty of them left, but no one with those heroic attributes that makes America great would ever dream of running to elected officials because commodity price fluctuations turned against them in such a small way.
Those who sit around waiting for some kind of official guidance for surviving "high" gas prices would doubtless fall on the floor kicking, screaming, and turning purple if someone were to suggest shutting off the cable television.
That got me thinking about how what we really need is a small dose of perspective on gas prices. Seriously, if you eat out at restaurants -- ever -- your complaints about gas prices are merely about lifestyle, not survival. In fact, if you eat junk food or drink soft drinks, smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, run up credit card balances, or buy new automobiles, the white hot anger about prices at the pump should be embarrassing. The fact that too many Americans aren't embarrassed by this skewed perspective says a lot about how lost we are. That such a minor hit to our lavish lifestyles would be met with ranting and raving rather than belt-tightening or, at the very least, a little shift in spending priorities, is startling and sad.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Rep. Kennedy: I'm Not Drunk, I'm Drugged
Another Kennedy, another car, another scandal.
Rep. Patrick Kennedy insists he wasn't drunk when he crashed his car. He says he was on Ambien.
If you have ever taken Ambien for sleeplessness, you know it is good stuff. But driving isn't a very good idea. Kennedy said at the scene he was late for a vote. If he has been voting on Ambien, that would explain a lot.
Rep. Patrick Kennedy insists he wasn't drunk when he crashed his car. He says he was on Ambien.
If you have ever taken Ambien for sleeplessness, you know it is good stuff. But driving isn't a very good idea. Kennedy said at the scene he was late for a vote. If he has been voting on Ambien, that would explain a lot.
Happy Cinco De Mayo
Today is the day Mexicans celebrate kicking the French invaders out of Mexico. Seems like they had a pretty good solution to illegal immigration back in 1862.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Government To The Rescue; Everybody Run!
Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives stayed stuck on stupid by almost unanimously passing a measure to prevent "gouging" at the gas pump.
There is nothing beneficial for the public in such a bill. It allows legislators to go home and say they are trying to do something about "high" gas prices, but that is all.
This isn't a partisan thing, either. The entire Kentucky delegation voted for this.
What a waste.
There is nothing beneficial for the public in such a bill. It allows legislators to go home and say they are trying to do something about "high" gas prices, but that is all.
This isn't a partisan thing, either. The entire Kentucky delegation voted for this.
What a waste.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Gas Prices and The Economy
It's more fun to blame the evil oil companies, but here is more common sense on gas prices.
Prevent Defense = More Touchdowns
Mexico is about to legalize possession of heroin, cocaine, and other drugs. They hope this allows them to spend less time going after recreational users and more on going after dealers. Sounds like the old prevent defense in football which never seemed to work.
This is another great reason to put up a wall along the border with Mexico.
This is another great reason to put up a wall along the border with Mexico.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
King For A Day: What Would You Do?
Everyone seems to be upset with all that is going on in Washington D.C. these days. Six months out from the midterm elections, what would be your #1 issue if you were in charge?
For me, there isn't a close second. Fair Tax is it. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have all the Democrats locked up against it. All the more reason for Republicans to take a good look.
For me, there isn't a close second. Fair Tax is it. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have all the Democrats locked up against it. All the more reason for Republicans to take a good look.
Ever Wonder How The World Sees Our Oil "Crisis?"
Here is an interesting perspective on the American bellyaching over gas prices, courtesy of an Englishman.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Barrows Out, AG Denies Job Talks
Rep. Joe Barrows (D-Versailles), sponsor of the doomed casino gambling bill in this year's General Assembly session, has withdrawn from what was going to be an uphill re-election campaign.
Despite widespread rumors to the contrary, AG spokeswoman Vicki Glass denied that Barrows is about to take a position in the Attorney General's office.
Republican Kevin Locke faces weak Democrat opposition for the 56th district seat this November.
Despite widespread rumors to the contrary, AG spokeswoman Vicki Glass denied that Barrows is about to take a position in the Attorney General's office.
Republican Kevin Locke faces weak Democrat opposition for the 56th district seat this November.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
WTVQ Jumps The Shark On AKAL Security
Lexington's WTVQ ran a Sunday night news story about a new "foreign ownership" scandal.
It is a totally bogus story, and if WTVQ has any journalistic scruples at all they will drop it and hang their heads in shame. I expect, however, they will run this Monday with much fanfare.
AKAL Security is a New Mexico company that provides security services for a long list of companies and the federal government, including the federal courthouse in Lexington, the Bluegrass Army Depot in Richmond, and Fort Campbell.
Their great crime seems to be that the company is owned by the Sikh Dharma Church. You know, the turban-wearing evil Indians. (No doubt it is a George Bush conspiracy.) Mistaking these people for terrorists is way beyond moronic.
Actually, the New York Times had this story almost two years ago. So the WTVQ expose was cute, with its ominous Indian music and its eager investigative reporter knocking on office doors, but it was horrible, lazy journalism.
It is a totally bogus story, and if WTVQ has any journalistic scruples at all they will drop it and hang their heads in shame. I expect, however, they will run this Monday with much fanfare.
AKAL Security is a New Mexico company that provides security services for a long list of companies and the federal government, including the federal courthouse in Lexington, the Bluegrass Army Depot in Richmond, and Fort Campbell.
Their great crime seems to be that the company is owned by the Sikh Dharma Church. You know, the turban-wearing evil Indians. (No doubt it is a George Bush conspiracy.) Mistaking these people for terrorists is way beyond moronic.
Actually, the New York Times had this story almost two years ago. So the WTVQ expose was cute, with its ominous Indian music and its eager investigative reporter knocking on office doors, but it was horrible, lazy journalism.
Stupid Republicans Prop Up Bad Liberal Arguments
The liberal Louisville Courier Journal rarely carries a strong point on its editorial page through to a conclusion. Today is no exception, but pitiful Republican pandering from Capitol Hill gives them every opportunity.
The topic is gas prices and the opportunity comes in the form of a GOP proposal to send out $100 checks to make people feel better about gas prices. Stupid. Then Republicans joined in the call for a soak the rich oil companies tax on profits. One might think that after so many failed soak the rich plans in the past, no one would still be holding out hope for one to not drench the middle class.
The CJ editorial concludes with the requisite call for increased taxes to fund government study of alternative fuels that the oil companies are already doing. Then they jump on ANWR again. They finish by charging political leaders with not leading.
To the extent Congressional Republicans side with Dems in an overly adversarial role against the energy companies, they give left-wing journalists the opportunity they seek to score points against a vital engine of the U.S. economy.
The topic is gas prices and the opportunity comes in the form of a GOP proposal to send out $100 checks to make people feel better about gas prices. Stupid. Then Republicans joined in the call for a soak the rich oil companies tax on profits. One might think that after so many failed soak the rich plans in the past, no one would still be holding out hope for one to not drench the middle class.
The CJ editorial concludes with the requisite call for increased taxes to fund government study of alternative fuels that the oil companies are already doing. Then they jump on ANWR again. They finish by charging political leaders with not leading.
To the extent Congressional Republicans side with Dems in an overly adversarial role against the energy companies, they give left-wing journalists the opportunity they seek to score points against a vital engine of the U.S. economy.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
"Vermont Says No To War"
It is despicable that "tens of thousands" of protesters took to the streets in New York City today to demand an end to the war.
The guy holding the "Vermont Says No To War" sign should leave his cozy spot in Manhattan and take his complaint to the people who actually started the war. And no, I'm not talking about Bush and Cheney.
The movie "Pearl Harbor" was on tonight. It's noteworthy that the FDR administration which was full of real live communists and socialists was able to put foolishness aside when the need to "awaken the sleeping giant" slapped them in the face. That so many in today's Democratic Party and their loyal soldiers in the mainstream media prefer to play politics and march in the streets for "peace" hasn't escaped the notice of those who might otherwise be disaffected Republican voters in November.
The guy holding the "Vermont Says No To War" sign should leave his cozy spot in Manhattan and take his complaint to the people who actually started the war. And no, I'm not talking about Bush and Cheney.
The movie "Pearl Harbor" was on tonight. It's noteworthy that the FDR administration which was full of real live communists and socialists was able to put foolishness aside when the need to "awaken the sleeping giant" slapped them in the face. That so many in today's Democratic Party and their loyal soldiers in the mainstream media prefer to play politics and march in the streets for "peace" hasn't escaped the notice of those who might otherwise be disaffected Republican voters in November.
Who Is This Guy, An Illegal Alien?
We all know there is no penalty for breaking our nation's immigration laws. Now we see that Kentucky criminals who scalp event tickets need not worry about the alleged illegality of their activities either.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Copy Cat Vandals Caught
Less than three weeks after Abortion Sally was caught pillaging the NKU campus, two copy cat vandals struck Lawrence County High School.
Yesterday, they were caught as well. Fortunately for them, they couldn't afford a nitwit liberal defense attorney like Abortion Sally hired to spin mayhem as free speech.
Stupid kids, but at least they didn't out themselves as pro-abortion fanatics.
Yesterday, they were caught as well. Fortunately for them, they couldn't afford a nitwit liberal defense attorney like Abortion Sally hired to spin mayhem as free speech.
Stupid kids, but at least they didn't out themselves as pro-abortion fanatics.
Day of Shame: Jane Fonda Visits Lexington, KY
Saturday morning loads of liberals will be bussed in to red states like Kentucky for a door-to-door complain-athon. And Jane Fonda will be in town to sell her book to war protesters at Lexington Center.
It is a big day for the Kentucky Democratic Party. I wonder which one excites them more, Hillary Clinton or Jane Fonda?
It is a big day for the Kentucky Democratic Party. I wonder which one excites them more, Hillary Clinton or Jane Fonda?
Hyperventilating Over Gas Prices?
Here is a little sanity from Thomas Sowell.
Not that sanity will help the people clamoring for a windfall profits tax to "get" the oil companies. As Sowell points out, taxing windfall profits without making corresponding allowances for windfall losses will cause damage to the oil industry we really can't afford.
Not that sanity will help the people clamoring for a windfall profits tax to "get" the oil companies. As Sowell points out, taxing windfall profits without making corresponding allowances for windfall losses will cause damage to the oil industry we really can't afford.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Ben Sticks It To The Taxpayer
House Democrats have voted three times in the last month to kill the extension of the Bush tax cuts.
Fortunately, they failed all three times.
Predictably, Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Versailles) voted (today for the third time) to increase your taxes with his liberal buddies.
Sheesh!
Fortunately, they failed all three times.
Predictably, Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Versailles) voted (today for the third time) to increase your taxes with his liberal buddies.
Sheesh!
"Abortion Sally" Charged With Theft
NKU professor Sally Jacobsen has been charged with vandalizing and stealing part of a pro-life display on the college's campus.
Her nitwit attorney's quote in this AP story suggests Sally is in for rough sailing when she goes in front of the judge. Margo Grubbs is the attorney's name.
"The intent was just an expression of freedom of speech," Grubbs said. "She saw harm coming from it, and she was just expressing her attitude toward the harm."
Even in your upside-down worldview, Ms. Grubbs, stealing and destroying personal property is a lot worse than a peaceful demonstration against killing babies.
Her nitwit attorney's quote in this AP story suggests Sally is in for rough sailing when she goes in front of the judge. Margo Grubbs is the attorney's name.
"The intent was just an expression of freedom of speech," Grubbs said. "She saw harm coming from it, and she was just expressing her attitude toward the harm."
Even in your upside-down worldview, Ms. Grubbs, stealing and destroying personal property is a lot worse than a peaceful demonstration against killing babies.
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