Victory For Democracy

They said this day could never come, that you can't spread freedom and democracy in a region that is culturally prohibited from being free. They said the violence will simply be too much, that average Iraqis will be intimidated into cowering in their homes by the terrorist thugs that are at war with democracy. They said that President Bush and the neo-cons were out of touch with reality for believing in an idea so radical as spreading democracy in the Middle-East. They said all these things, and in every way possible they were wrong, stuck once again on the wrong side of history.

They are the liberal establishment, who refused to believe in the power of democracy. Stuck in the cynic stupor of their own condescension, they continue to under-estimate man's desire to be free, incapable of comprehending the great lengths a man thirsting for freedom will go. They see the shots of smiling Iraqis hugging each other and dancing in the streets, and they are unable to do anything but sneer, claiming that no one should "overhype" the momentousness of this election, as if it is possible to "overhype" such a day. Let them continue to wallow in their own defeatism, for it is not their actions that will go down in history, but the radical idealists who risked everything to bring freedom to a land fraught with oppression.

Though many perils still lie ahead, the courageous actions taken by Iraqis today have marked the beginning of the end for terrorism in that country. Zarqawi and his fellow thugs gave everything they had to stop democracy, and still it wasn't enough. It's as if the Iraqis took all the threats and intimidation from Zarqawi and simply gave him the finger in response, refusing to let him or those who enable him to hold their country back.

The election in Iraq today is not just a victory for Iraqis, but for democracy worldwide. Though evil is real, courage and freedom always triumph, and those who fight to spread it will be rewarded by history. There will still be attempts to undo what has been accomplished, but emboldened by freedom we can confidently say BRING IT ON!

UPDATE (Saturday, February 5, 9:25 A.M.): As is always the case, Victor Davis Hanson sums up the left's false predictions here. He also dives into the American and European liberal establishment, summarizing things up with this point: "Red America is to Blue America as America is to Europe itself." That just about says it all really.

Some Thoughts On Tomorrow's Election

With elections in Iraq only a day away, I think it is important to reiterate some points that all of us should keep in mind in the coming days:

• The elections tomorrow are not going to be perfect and they're not going to be without violence, but delaying the elections will only increase the amount of violence the next time around, for the terrorists in Iraq will get the message that the election was delayed because of their actions.
• The fact that some Sunni areas might decide to boycott or just not participate does not mean the elections are illegitimate. In times of war and conflict it is common that not all of the afflicted area participates, including the south during our Civil War. You don't hear people calling Abraham Lincoln's reelection illegitimate, and neither should we call Iraqi elections illegitimate if some Baathist Sunnis decide not to participate.
• The terrorists in Iraq are losing. Zarqawi's network is slowly being rolled up and the noose is tightening around his own neck as well. Though some might say that there are too many casualties being inflicted on innocent Iraqis and American soldiers for us to be winning, the simple fact is that we are killing much more of them than they are killing us. I shudder to think how today's liberal establishment would treat casualties in WWII, for this kind of defeatism would have seriously jeopardized our efforts.
• The elections tomorrow will not mean the end of violence, but it will mark the beginning of the end for those few who are seeking to prevent Iraq from ever realizing the dream of freedom. A popularly elected government in Iraq will send the message once and for all that the days of Saddam and Baathist brutality are over, that a new dawn is rising over Iraq and the greater Middle-East, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it.

To conclude this post, I submit to you some thoughts posted at NRO's "The Corner" from an American soldier stationed in Iraq, who sums up what will happen tomorrow far better than I can:

It is now dusk in Baquba, a city that lies thirty-five miles Northeast of Baghdad, along the edge of the Sunni Triangle. The streets are quiet. Vehicular traffic has been banned today, a curfew is due to come into effect soon after dark. Mothers hurry home from the markets. Children scurry to keep up with them. Election posters cling to the walls and streetlights. The city is filled with expectations. The vast majority of the people realize what is at stake here. They are ready to cast their ballots tomorrow, to elect representatives who will govern them and craft a new constitution for their nation. They are eager to write a new chapter in the history of their country. Meanwhile, the enemies of freedom lurk in the dark alleyways of this city. Domestic and foreign terrorists lie in wait. They fear not only the outcome of the vote, but the very process itself. They want to halt the inexorable march of freedom. They may try to disrupt the voting. No matter what happens tomorrow, they are doomed to failure in the long run. The elections will take place, the citizens of Baquba will cast their ballots. The transformation of Iraq is about to commence. Still, this is not the end of the beginning; nor the beginning of the end; it is the beginning of the beginning. Sunday will mark the first step on the long road to political and moral recovery in Iraq – and in the region. When the sun rises, the people will speak.

What Happened To The Kennedys?

The fine folks over at Blogs For Bush have pointed out something that I have been marveling at for quite some time now, and that is the downfall of the Kennedy name and reputation. Whereas President Kennedy used to stand up for America and democracy, his brother Teddy now gives aid and comfort to those who seek to destroy both. It was President Kennedy that said we will pay any price and bear any burden for the spread of freedom, a sentiment that was reiterated by President Bush in his second inaugural. President Kennedy stood as a great visionary for the power of freedom and democracy, and he confronted evil and tyranny when it reared it's ugly head.

However this Kennedy family legacy has been fretted away by the irresponsible comments of his brother Edward. When President Bush has shown the same vision and courage that President Kennedy did, he has been opposed every step of the way by Senator Kennedy. Senator Kennedy now calls America's efforts to spread democracy in Iraq as "part of the problem, not part of the solution."

The legacy of John F. Kennedy stands for everything that is good and right about America, while the legacy of Edward Kennedy symbolizes everything that is wrong about the modern Democratic Party. Though most regard the untimely deaths of some of it's members as the source of the family's tragic legacy, the true tragedy lies in what the family now stands for.

The Truth Behind The 2004 Election

The MSM media is sure to go into a rabid feeding frenzy with the upcoming release of former New Jersey Governor and EPA Administrator Christie Whitman's new book, It's My Party Too: The Battle for the Heart of the GOP and the Future of America . In it the governor claims that President Bush's reelection last year will prove to be hollow because it failed to broaden the GOP's base. Her main argument is that the red state-blue state ratio barely changed from 2000 to 2004. This is only a limited portion of the 2004 election story, and it is flawed logic in more ways than one.

First of all, the president was able to strengthen his hold on nearly all of the Midwest and every south-western state with his victories in Iowa and New Mexico, states where he narrowly lost to Gore in 2000. The president was able to accomplish this by increasing his vote share by 20% from 2000, gaining among African-Americans, women, north-easterners, Jews, etc. He increased his votes in every north-eastern state except Vermont and New Hampshire (the only red state that turned blue in 2004), and most notably, was able to increase his vote share among Hispanics by nine points from 2000. With a few exceptions, President Bush made gains in nearly every category in 2004. To get a look at the complete array of numbers, click here.

Secondly, President Bush is the first president since FDR to gain reelection while also increasing his party's majorities in congress. The GOP's gains in the House and Senate mark the second consecutive election in which Republicans have increased their majorities in congress. Republicans also control the majority of governorships and state legislators.

All this evidence bluntly refutes the claim that the GOP didn't expand it's base and support, and it is really unclear what Mrs. Whitman is trying to achieve here, except possibly trying to become the Zel Miller of Republicans.

Poor Little Mikey

It has been a rough week for America's favorite disingenuous filmmaker. First, he decided not to enter Fahrenheit 9/11 as a documentary so it would be eligible for nomination to the Oscar for "Best Picture". Much to his dismay, Fahrenheit 9/11 was left off the nomination list. To add insult to injury, Fahrenheit 9/11 was left off the nomination list for the Writer's Guild of America's award for documentary writing in a feature film.

Now, for most other people I'd feel some sympathy, put for a sleaze-bag like Michael Moore I feel no such thing. For any piece that has so many lies and concoctions in it to receive acclaim would be an injustice to every other documentary writer who did a good and honest job on their work. Michael Moore's rebuke is what he deserves, and in no way does he deserve anything but scorn and ridicule for his lies.

Iraqi Elections

There doesn't seem to be much optimism, either among the punditry or the American public, towards the Iraqi elections on Sunday. Recent polls have shown that over half of Americans do not think it is likely Iraq will develop into a stable democracy, and a similar number no longer believe that removing Saddam was worth it. This is unfortunate, and I have to disagree with the prevailing sentiment.

This is war and war is neither smooth nor bloodless. We face a desperate enemy who will kill anyone and everyone to insure what they need to survive stays in place.

That which they need is tyranny and despotism, for terrorism is able to thrive off oppression by using the discontent of the oppressed to justify it's actions. The only way to beat terrorism in the long run is to plant freedom and democracy in tyranny's place. Without the discontent the terrorism shrivels up and dies, underlining why it is so important that the elections go forward on Sunday.

If you want to gauge just how important these elections are, observe how desperate and deadly the insurgency in Iraq is getting. They know the stakes, and so must we.

Many on the ground who are seeing more than what is being reported keep saying that the world is going to be surprised at what happens on Sunday. The Iraqis themselves are very eager to vote and most are not going to be intimidated by the terror. The yearning for freedom will defeat the terrorism that is desperate to keep Iraq from realizing that freedom.

To those Americans pessimistic about democracy in Iraq, I offer you this: believe in the power of democracy, for in the end it always triumphs over tyranny and oppression.

What Defines A Liberal?

I was reading Cracker's comment on the "Just Imagine" post and it made me think of an interesting question, how would you define a liberal? I encourage all our readers to tell us how they would describe a liberal, and than we will take all your feedback and come out with The Young Conservative's official definition of a liberal.

Go ahead and leave your definition of a liberal in the comments section and the official definition will be posted on Sunday, January 30th.

Just Imagine

As I listen to the Democrats rail against Condi Rice and the Bush Administration in the Senate, I can't help but imagine what the uproar would be if the roles were reversed. Just imagine for a minute that there was a Democrat in office and it was Republicans blocking the nomination of an African-American woman to Secretary of State. Obviously, the media would unleash it's wrath upon Republicans, and no doubt Democrats and their liberal allies would be throwing accusations such as "racists" and "bigots" our way.

Now, you can double that if you had a Republican senator who was a former member of the Ku Klux Klan leading the opposition. The uproar that would ensue would be unimaginable. But of course, the roles aren't reversed and that is why you see no uproar against the Democrats and their ceaseless obstruction. In the eyes of themselves and the media, Democrats simply don't have to live up to the same standards of decency and conduct that Republicans have to.

Don't get me wrong, I don't believe Democrats are in any way racist, I just believe they don't have any idea how to reclaim their majority status. Many including myself have tried to drop hints, but I guess they are simply too blinded by hate to ever do anything other than block and obstruct.

Oh well, bigger GOP majorities for years to come!

UPDATE (9:55 P.M.): In another case of what-if-the-shoe-were-on-the-other-foot, Senator Mark Dayton, D-MN, left the realms of sanity on the Senate Floor today with this bit:

My vote against this nomination is my statement that this administration's lying must stop now. I don't like to impugn anyone's integrity, but I really don't like being lied to repeatedly, flagrantly, intentionally. It's wrong. It's undemocratic, it's un-American, and it's dangerous.

If a Republican had called the actions or beliefs of a Democrat "un-American", he would be gang-tackled in the liberal establishment for questioning Democrats' patriotism. This is just further proof of the double standard that exists.

Hat Tip: Powerline

Stand For Life

With the recent passing of the Roe v. Wade anniversary, the debate over abortion has intensified a bit. I, as most conservatives, am against abortion on the ground that it takes away human life. Whether it be a newly conceived fetus or a four year old child, human life is one of the most precious gifts we have, and as a country we should stand against anything that takes it away.

Though most people who support abortion describe themselves as "pro-choice", a more appropriate description would be "anti-personal responsibility". A woman makes her choice when she chooses to engage in sexual relations. As my parents have always taught me, we all have to take responsibility and face the consequences of our actions. Similarly, a man and a woman who engage in sexual relations have to face the consequences of their choices, they cannot run away from these consequences no matter how inconvenient or unfair they may seem. If you feel like you can't raise the child than give it up for adoption, there is many a couple who would consider themselves blessed at the opportunity to raise that child. Just don't selfishly take away the promise and opportunity that each life brings.

With that said, I would oppose any attempt to outlaw abortion all together, for exceptions must be made in cases of rape and incest. Though I would strongly urge the woman to have the child, and than give it up for adoption, I believe it is unfair that she who had no choice in the conception of the child must also have no choice in the bearing of it.

We as Americans must do more to, as President Bush said, "promote a culture of life". There is no such thing as an insignificant life, and each time an abortion is carried out we forfeit the opportunity of experiencing all the talents and gifts that that life offers. Life is a precious thing, too precious to be wasted, and we as a country should take a stand for that.

Has Iraq Weakened Us?

One of the more popular complaints against the war in Iraq is that it has hurt us more than it has helped us, that we are weaker in the world as a result and support for al-Qaeda is swelling. Personally, I don't see the logic in this, for the fact that we are killing and capturing terrorists everyday weakens al-Qaeda and similar groups, not us. Just today, another one of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's lieutenants was captured. There have even been reports that we have captured Zarqawi himself, and that the only reason we haven't announced his capture is that it would send his henchmen fleeing from their current positions, hampering our abilities to get them.

Liberals also claim that our actions in Iraq have so enraged Arabs that they have rushed to join al-Qaeda's ranks. This too false, for al-Qaeda was able to swell up during the '90's because of a perception of American weakness and indifference, not strength and action. They attacked us on 9/11 without provocation, and they will do so again. The war in Iraq is only an excuse used for their terrorism, and they would be seeking to destroy us whether or not we are over there.

Taking out the world's most brutal dictator and removing another terrorist haven has strengthened us, not weakened us. Liberals would do well to recognize this.

NOTE: Victor Davis Hanson articulates this point far better than I ever could.

And The Pot Calls The Kettle Black

One of the most frustrating things for me throughout this whole governor debacle in Washington has been the Democrats' astounding hypocrisy. They have called Republicans cry-babies, claiming that we need to give up and face the fact that we lost. The following statement is just the latest from State Democratic Party spokeswoman Kirstin Brost:

"The Republicans are in a hopeless situation," Brost said. "What we have seen in the last couple weeks is them floundering and grasping at straws trying to find some way to undo the election results."

Mrs. Brost, what we have seen for the last four years is Democrats "floundering and grasping at straws," whether it be Gore's attempt to steal the 2000 election by cherry-picking votes from heavily Democratic counties or Democrats trying to claim that the president's victory in Ohio is illegitimate.

Now for what you and your Democratic cronies did in this state. You paid for a hand recount even when members of your own party said that it would be inaccurate, you miraculously found ballots in assorted places in heavily Democratic King County, and you raised not a peep as hundreds of military ballots were discounted because state election officials failed to mail the ballots out in time.

These are just a few of the many things you guys did to steal this election, so please don't lecture Republicans about trying to "find some way to undo the election results."

A Challenge To Dean?

While there is no question that Howard Dean is the current front-runner for the DNC chairmanship, there is a question whether there will be a viable alternative that distinguishes themself from the rest of the pack. The likeliest possibilities so far seem to be Martin Frost, Tim Roemer, and Simon Rosenberg. Dean clearly has the momentum, so one of these guys is going to have to rise above the pack if they are going to have any chance of challenging him. In short, the centrist wing of the party (if one even exists any more) is going to have to rally around one candidate, or the three candidates mentioned are simply going to split the vote and allow Dean to capture the position.

Right before the Iowa Caucuses a year ago, the Democratic Party came somewhat to their senses and chose Senator Kerry over Dean (Though if they had really come to their senses they would have rallied around Senator Lieberman). Whether there will be the same last minute exodus from Dean this time around remains to be seen. The DNC members meet on February 12, and it is going to be a fun couple weeks seeing where the Democrats go.

The Inaugural Hangover

After what was near universal praise of President Bush's inaugural address Thursday, many conservative pundits have begun to rethink their praise over the last couple days. The new mood seems to be that the president's basic ideas were good, but that he should have taken a more "moderate" tone.

This is absurd.

President Bush was absolutely right in everything he said Thursday. For too long Americans have fallen victim to this cynic realism that dictatorships are tolerable as long as they promote our national interests. Freedom's spread across the world best promotes our nation's interest, not appeasing dictators just because they might be sitting on large oil reserves.

It was exactly the same ideas that President Bush expressed on Thursday that were held by our forefathers during the revolution. It was exactly the same ideals that President Roosevelt held when he committed America to saving the world from Nazism and Fascism. And it was exactly the same ideals that President Reagan held when he confronted the Soviet Union.

America's security and well-being will only be fully secured once every man and woman live in freedom. Though this won't happen in our lifetimes, or probably our children's' lifetimes, every man and woman who thirsts for freedom should always find a friend in the United States. And at least under President Bush we know that that will be the case.

UPDATE (Sunday, 10:16 A.M.): Robert Kagan has some good insight on the president's address.

Mid-East Cease-Fire

It appears that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is close to reaching an agreement with several terrorist organizations to cease actions against Israel. Though this might indicate some progress, these cease-fires are very tenuous and never last long. In the long run you can't negotiate with terrorists, nor can you reason with them. You can only fight and destroy them, or they will destroy you.

Spokesmen from the organizations have said they will stop the violence if Israeli forces stop operating within the occupied territories. This is absurd, for everyone knows that these terrorist organizations aren't doing what they are doing because of Israeli actions within Palestine, they are doing what they are doing because their goal is to destroy Israel, plain and simple. It will only be a matter of time before they find some excuse to resume the terrorism, which will leave Israel no choice but to resume their own operations within Palestine.

Abbas can arrange all the cease-fires he wants, but the true test will be whether he has the backbone to destroy these terrorist organizations, for that is the only way peace can be achieved between the Israelis and Palestinians. Anything less simply isn't good enough.

Thanks

A special thanks to Bushwacker from over at RoadKnight's Ramblings for starting our new blogroll. He has been a great friend to The Young Conservative in our short tenure and we encourage everyone who hasn't already checked out his site to do so.

More Reform

There are whispers that President Bush will include in his 2006 budget a savings plan for Medicaid. Medicaid is the program that provides medical assistance to under-privileged families, the costs of which are shared by both the states and the federal government. Under the rumored plan, states would be allowed more flexibility in spending the $180 billion assistance they receive from the federal government each year, with the tradeoff being that annual per-patient growth in funding would be decreased.

Democrats will no doubt scream bloody murder at this plan, but in reality it makes a lot of sense. It will save the federal government money while forcing the states to find ways to save money themselves. In effect, this plan will force government to live within it's means, something that all levels of government have been neglecting to do of late.

If enacted, this will be an encouraging sign that President Bush is making a serious effort to curb the spending that often got out of control throughout his first term. While more fiscally responsible actions need to be taken, this is a smart move and will hopefully be the first of many new reforms passed over the next couple years. It is important that we shrink the size and scope of government, and this plan is a good step in that direction.

Another Inaugural Democrats Wouldn't Like

Linked here is a very interesting piece that muses over what Senator Kerry's response would have been had he witnessed Lincoln's second inaugural. While it is quite humorous, the fact is that it is completely true, and that is what is so unfortunate about the Democratic Party of today. They have degenerated into nothing but condescending cynics, and it doesn't seem like they plan on changing any time soon.

To The Youth of America

Being that this is a forum for young conservatives, I think it's important that I highlight the call President Bush delivered to the nation's youth today:

I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself - and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character.

The Vision Of George W. Bush

The president's inaugural address was delivered just a short time ago and all I can say about it is wow! Never before have I heard such an ambitious, optimistic speech in my life. The whole speech's theme was centered on freedom and America's role in promoting it both at home and abroad.

Some highlights are the president's declaration that, "our deepest interests and beliefs are now one." This clearly strikes down the old Washington policy of working with dictators as long as they enhance American security. The president made it quite clear that this a false assertion, that America's security interests are best met by the spread of democracy around the world.

The president also correctly pointed out that America has started an "untamed fire of freedom that will reach the darkest corners of the world." This is completely true, and the cause of freedom and democracy is best served with America leading the way.

To gain the true magnitude of the speech everyone will need to hear or read it for themselves, for I am just completely taken aback by the vision and mission that the president laid out today. Words cannot express the admiration, only further cemented by the president's address, that I have for a man who believes so resolutely in the cause of freedom. The president's address today further reminds me of why I fight so hard to defend and support this man who fights so hard for freedom and human justice. President Bush is truly a great president and a great man, and history will reward his courage and vision.

UPDATE (10:21 A.M.) Linked here is the president's address, which I'm still amazed by.

The Next Four Years

The next four years will provide this nation with many challenges and opportunities. Few American political leaders have either the vision or political courage of President Bush, which means we will have a rare opportunity to enact reforms that can succeed in achieving lasting success for ours and future generations. We must not let this opportunity slip away, for opportunities such as this one do not come often. Some of these opportunities and challenges that will shape the president and congress' agenda are:

• The War on Terror: We are at a pivotal point in the War on Terror, with everything hinging on success in Iraq. If we succeed there in establishing a successful democracy than we will strike a mortal blow to the terrorists we face, who need tyranny and destitution for their ways to gain traction. Free societies do not support or export terror, and this is why victory in Iraq is so important.
• Mid-East Peace Process: With the passing of Yaser Arafat the Palestinians have an opportunity of their own, an opportunity to reform their society and gain credibility with both Israel and United States. Both the U.S. and Israel have shown a willingness to work with Abbas, provided he works towards stopping the terror against Israel. If he fails to do this, than he will have blown an opportunity that will not come about again for decades, and he and his fellow Palestinians will continue to suffer in poverty and destitution.
• Social Security Reform: Those on both the left and right who say that there is no crisis in Social Security and that it should be left alone are wrong. Waiting for there to be an actual crisis in anything before acting is both irresponsible and reckless. Reforming the system now will save money in the long run, and it will lessen the burden on a program that is slowly headed for disaster.
• Tax Reform: To achieve greater prosperity in America we must reform our outdated tax code by simplifying it. To encourage more savings and investment we must remove taxes on both, which will spur more pro-growth activities. Changing the system outright would almost certainly mean defeat, which is why an individual should be given the option of sticking with the current code and all it's deductions, or switching to the flat, more simpler rate. As time goes on, more and more will switch to the flat rate, and America will be much more prosperous as a result.
• Tort Reform: Frivolous litigation is driving up not only the costs of health care, but it is driving good doctors away from medicine. This is compromising both the quality and quantity of health care in America, and it is becoming a dangerous pattern. To insure that trial lawyers aren't padding their pockets while Americans have to go to greater lengths to receive decent medical care, we need to cap the amount of damages that can be awarded in a medical liability case. Also, we need to move these lawsuits out of state courts to the federal level, so lawyers can't simply fish around for the biggest payout among states.
• The Federal Judiciary: With all the judicial activism that is springing up in America, it is important that President Bush nominate conservative judges to the bench, judges who will interpret the law as it is, not make law as they want it to be. The obstructionist Democrats in the Senate will fight this all the way, but it is important that the president not back down. With at least two vacancies likely to open up on the Supreme Court, President Bush must especially follow the above criteria, for issues such as gay marriage, the pledge, and detainees' rights in regards to the War on Terror will be dealt with.

These are only a few of the issues that are sure to present themselves over the next four years, with many more unforeseen sure to come. But with the president's strong leadership and conviction, I have no doubt that we will achieve all that we can over the next four years.

MSM Does It Again

Anyone who claims that the MSM is fair and balanced need look no further than this little request put out by ABC News today:

Jan. 19, 2005 — For a possible Inauguration Day story on ABC News, we are trying to find out if there any military funerals for Iraq war casualties scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20. If you know of a funeral and whether the family might be willing to talk to ABC News, please fill out the form below:

The fact that ABC would try to make such a blatantly political statement at all, let alone on the president's inauguration day, is truly astounding. The MSM's manic obsession to bring down the president is despicable, and it insults every notion of good journalism.

Now, ABC will try to claim that they are just trying to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, but this claim is an insult to every American they try and sell this to. If ABC were really concerned with honoring our nation's fallen, they would have expanded that invitation to those who have died in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

It is quite clear that ABC's one and only intention is to tear down the president, and the fact that they are willing to do this by exploiting those who have fallen for our country is truly indicative of their character.

Hat Tip: Powerline

They Just Never Learn, Chapter III

You know, typing these "They Just Never Learn" posts is getting rather old, but Democrats just keep showing a remarkable ability to ceaselessly make the same mistakes that have so plagued them in the past. Now, Democrats in the Senate are holding up the confirmation votes of both Condi Rice and Alberto Gonzales. In more than one post I have discussed the easy to see fact that Americans disapprove of the Democrats' blind obstruction, yet they continue to do it. Only criticizing and opposing will never win an election, and while it may hearten the far left wing of the base, it will turn off all the moderate and conservative voters that Democrats need to bring back to the party to start winning again.

Democrats need a plan, an agenda, that they can take before the American people and say, "This is what we want to do and this is where we want to take the country." The only thing close to any such agenda I've heard lately was Senator Kennedy's call last week for European-style Socialism.

That won't cut it.

Democrats need an agenda that proves that they are A.) strong and resolved to win the War on Terror, B.) tolerant of those who profess a strong belief in God, and C.) intolerant of the politics of personal-destruction that they had previously embraced through Michael Moore and his Hollywood cronies.

If they do these things, and a couple of others, than they will begin to re-attract many of the voters that have gone to the Republicans over the last twenty-five years. As recent actions by the party have shown however, Democrats seem completely unwilling to do this.

New Member

The Young Conservative would like to welcome Andrea to the team!

Realizing The Dream

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

The dream that Martin Luther King Jr. expressed over forty years ago was not just his dream, but it was the American dream. It is the dream of every decent, hard-working American to be judged by their character, given an equal opportunity to make themselves into whatever they want to be. America should never be a place where an individual is judged by something such as skin color or gender. Every individual should be judged on their own merits and accomplishments, not some demographic they might belong to. This is why I and many conservatives have such a hard time accepting Affirmative Action.

Giving something to someone based on their skin color or gender does not alleviate discrimination, it only furthers it. Just as it is wrong to deny something to someone based on their skin color or gender, it is just as wrong to give somebody something on that same basis. You can't fight fire with fire, nor can you fight discrimination with more discrimination. It is insulting to give a minority something on the basis of their minority status, for we tell that person that they cannot obtain that thing through their own merit. This discrimination only makes inequality worse, not better. To get rid of discrimination in America we need a solution that doesn't include discrimination.

To increase the amount of opportunities that minorities have we need to increase the quality of their education, not simply focusing on the poverty that afflicts minorities, but poverty as a whole.

Many families who live in poverty become stuck in poverty because they cannot afford to take their children out of the porous, failing schools they are stuck in. Poor education only furthers the cycle of poverty, as well as making it necessary for those who live in it to require special privileges to get into universities or get jobs. By improving education among those below the poverty line we will give them the chance they deserve to go out and compete for good paying jobs, improving their quality of life. The best way to do this is to give parents with children in failing schools the choice to take their tax dollars and put their child in a school that fits their needs.

By insuring a good education among all classes, we can finally see the day when everyone can be judged by the content of their character instead of the color of their skin or their gender. To do this would be to finally realize the dream that Dr. King expressed decades ago, and it would finally put an end to the hideous practice of discrimination.

Who We Are

One of the most ridiculous arguments I have heard used against President Bush throughout his presidency is that he is too religious. Every time the president makes a remark about The Almighty or the strength that he finds through his faith, the liberal establishment jumps to their feet in indignation. "More and more this country is becoming a theocracy," they say, somehow convinced that the president's faith or openness in talking about God is without precedent. In fact, every U.S. president from Washington to Bush has acknowledged religion in one way or another. President Clinton talked about "our purposes to the Almighty," in the opening sentences of his inaugural speech, while President Franklin Roosevelt was the first to have an invocation at his inaugural.

The argument that President Bush's open expression of faith is slowly breaking down the walls that separate church and state is simply an excuse for fringe elements on the left to further their efforts to remove God from American life. Uncomfortable in their own beliefs, they are trying to take away the rights of the rest of America to express theirs. To do this is wrong, for denying the acknowledgement of a higher being is to deny who we are as Americans altogether. This country was founded on the basis that we are endowed with certain rights by our creator, and as much as they may try, the fringe left can't do anything to change that.

They Just Never Learn, Chapter II

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle lost his majority status following the 2002 mid-term election because of his party's obstruction of the creation of the Homeland Security Department. There is no question that his leadership in the opposition of the department was a mistake. He can be forgiven for this however, for everyone makes mistakes, the important thing is as one of my coaches once told me, that you "not make that same mistake again."

Unfortunately for Senator Daschle, no one shared this bit of wisdom with him. For over the next two years Senator Daschle and Senate Democrats would obstruct over ten judicial nominees from the president, never once providing any rational reasoning for their obstruction. This would go on to cost Senator Daschle once again, this time his seat in the Senate. Senator Daschle and his fellow Democrats have twice now made the mistake of simply blocking anything and everything that has President Bush's name on it, and they now seem headed down a course of making that mistake for a third time.

Daschle's successor, Harry Reid of Nevada, has recently proclaimed that all of the renominated judicial appointees originally filibustered by the Senate Democrats will meet the same fate as they did the first time. Furthermore, Senator Reid has warned his counterpart Senator Frist against using the "nuclear" option (changing Senate rules to abolish filibustering on lower-circuit judges), stating that to do so would be a "short-term victory" and that it would hurt Republicans in the long run. "We're going to be in the majority. That's the way history is. And I think that they would rue the day they did that."

With all due respect Senator Reid, you're never going to be in the majority until you cease the obstruction, so do you and your country a favor by giving every judicial nominee the up or down vote they deserve. Learn from the mistakes of your predecessor and actually come up with an agenda of your own, instead of simply blocking ours'. In short, don't make the same mistake three times in a row.

Hat Tip: Blogs For Bush

Dean For DNC Chair

Howard Dean has promised that if he is elected chairman of the DNC he will not seek the party's nomination in '08. It's almost as if he's putting a gun to the head of the Democrats saying, "Elect me chairman or I'll run! I swear I will, don't make me do it!"

I just hope Democrats lack the sense to reject Dean like they did the first time, for the screaming doctor from Vermont is not going to help the party get out of it's losing streak, he's only going to further the perception (a correct perception) that the party is predominantly northeastern and liberal. A Chairman Dean is good news for Republicans who enjoy being America's majority party.

With that in mind, The Young Conservative now officially endorses Howard Dean to be the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

He May Have Won The People's Choice Award But.....

...He sure isn't getting any love from his old high school. "Disingenuous" filmmaker Michael Moore's nomination to be inducted into the Davison High School Hall of Fame has been rejected for the fourth time now. Here's the little section of the story that got me nodding my head shouting "Heck Yeah!":

"Would you want him as a role model? Would you want your son or daughter to be like him?" asked Don Hammond, a member of the Hall of Fame selection committee. "I haven't talked to anybody yet who's for him. The word to describe Michael Moore is embarrassing. He embarrasses everybody."

Thank you Mr. Hammond, I think you speak for every rational American when you point that out.

Hat Tip: Blogs For Bush

When It Comes To Social Security, A Policy of Preemption Is The Way To Go

Common sense dictates that the least expensive and most practical way to deal with a problem is dealing with it before it is a problem. Democrats oppose President Bush's planned reform of Social Security on the grounds that Social Security is fine, that it will continue being able to pay it's benefits through the mid-point of the century. This is dumbfounding really, for why would anyone want to wait until the system is in crisis before doing anything?

This is becoming a trend within the Democratic Party, not only on Social Security but the War on Terror as well. Just like they claimed that Saddam Hussein was not an imminent threat, they also argue that Social Security is just fine, that we shouldn't mess with it until there's an actual problem. This shortsightedness is very dangerous, and will prove very costly down the road. No Saddam Hussein wasn't a threat to us when we invaded, but down the road he would have been. And if we had waited until Saddam had developed into an imminent threat, we would have had to contend with an enemy that could level one of our own cities or have killed thousands of our own troops on the battlefield.

Similarly, if we wait until Social Security is on the verge of collapse we will have to take quick and overly expensive measures to save it. President Bush is absolutely right in trying to prevent this from ever happening, and anyone with any sense can see that Social Security is heading down a treacherous road. If we deal with these issues that threaten the program now, we will have prevented ourselves from having to deal with a serious problem in the future.

The current generation of seniors is in no peril to lose their benefits. But with the upcoming retirement of the Baby Boomers huge strains will be put on the system. If nothing is done now the system won't be there to provide the benefits our generation has earned. This is why we should be allowed to invest some of our payroll tax money, insuring that we will see the same returns that our parents and grandparents have.

It's Now Or Never

Not even a week has passed since the election of Mahmoud Abbas and already the Middle East peace process is in dire straights. With the recent homicide bombing in Jerusalem, the attack being launched from a Palestinian controlled base, PM Sharon has cut off contact with the new Palestinian leadership until they show an actual effort to stop the militant elements within their authority. This is only reasonable, for Israel should not be expected to work with an authority that will not strive to stop terror against them.

The onus is now on Abbas and his new government, for their actions now will determine the future of the Palestinians for decades to come. If the new Palestinian Authority fails to prove that it is any different than the old one, Israel will never work with them in creating a peaceful Palestinian state. This means the Palestinian people will continue to live in the same poverty and destitution that they have suffered under for so long. Abbas must act decisively now or condemn he and his people to irrelevance for decades to come. It's now or never for the Palestinian cause.

The Shrinking Deficit

A recent Treasury report has shown that the federal deficit in fiscal 2005 is already $11.5 billion less than it was in fiscal '04. This is mainly due to the across the board boost in tax revenues that Uncle Sam is bringing in. For example, business tax revenues have risen 45% due to the 20% increase in corporate profits. With more jobs being created, personal tax revenues are up 9%. Furthermore, even though the tax rates on dividends and capital gains were reduced to 15%, the government is still pulling in 14% more in tax revenues from both dividends and capital gains.

All of these gains are due to one thing, lower taxes. By cutting taxes on multiple occasions, the government gave people more money to spend and invest, which in turn creates more business, with more business comes more jobs to meet the increased demands, and with more jobs comes a larger tax base from which to bring in revenue. The government is now bringing in more than it is sending out, which is why the deficit has been shrinking for the last two years. Once again, as current events and history have shown, the best way to grow the economy is to put more money back into the hands of the people who earned it.

UPDATE (Wednesday, January 19, 4: 48 P.M.): This post was published in my hometown newspaper The Tacoma News Tribune today.

Newdow At It Again

Michael Newdow has continued his crusade to obliterate religion and God from American life, this time suing to have the bible and invocation banned from inauguration ceremonies next week. Mr. Newdow claims that by saying a prayer and having the Bible present at a public function, it somehow is "telling me I'm an outsider at that particular moment."

With all due respect Mr. Newdow, I and the vast majority of Americans are tired of you trying to prevent us from expressing our beliefs just because you are insecure in your own. In no way is the government forcing you to adopt a certain religion, so stop trying to paint yourself as a victim. Maybe you wouldn't feel like such an "outsider" if you ceased trying to deny every American's right to freely express their beliefs.

It's Our Character

There are many reasons for America's greatness, whether it be our belief in free markets, limited government, or in the power of the individual. The biggest reason for our greatness however, is our character. There has never been, or never will be, a nation of peoples so committed to doing what is right and good. When evil shows it's ugly face, either at home or abroad, America is the first one there to confront it and defeat it. For it was America that liberated Western-Europe from Nazism and Fascism, that liberated Eastern-Europe and the lower half of the Korean peninsula from Soviet Communism, that is fighting to liberate the Middle East from radicalism. It was America that stopped genocide in Bosnia and Kosovo, and that is dedicating the services of it's military and millions of dollars in private and public funds to tsunami victims. When anyone in the world needs a helping hand, it is America that is there to do what she can.

Though there are many within our borders and without that enviously trash America, it is America that these same cynics turn to in their time of need. Countries such as France and Germany may stab us in the back, even after we saved them for destruction. Yet we just smile and move forward, knowing that if they ever need a helping hand again, America will be there to lend it. That is just our character, our great American character.

Freedom Is Always The Answer

Natan Sharansky is one of the most prominent and persuasive advocates for spreading freedom and democracy around the world. Having been a political dissident in the former Soviet Union, and having been imprisoned in The Gulag, he has had a first-hand account of the devastating effect tyranny and despotism has. His recent argument in the Wall Street Journal states that the only way to create a successful Palestinian State is to promote freedom and democracy within that region. Newly elected Abbas must turn away from the days of Yasser Arafat, where hatred of Israel was simply used to justify the repression of the Palestinian people and the sponsorship of terrorist organizations.

As is the case with the Palestinians, the only way to ever achieve lasting success in transforming an area into a peaceful and prosperous society is to bring that area freedom and democracy.

Gregoire To Take Office Tomorrow

With Christine Gregoire set to be inaugurated as governor tomorrow, something she does not deserve, I believe it is as important now as ever that the rightful winner, Dino Rossi, and the state GOP do the right thing. Instead of pushing the issue further in court, Mr. Rossi should honorably concede the election, saying that though he believes this election was unfairly taken, it is in the best interest of the state that we move on, preparing to fight another day. Mr. Rossi would be wise to heed these words from the Wall Street Journal:

Then too, there is that democratic virtue known as losing gracefully: that Ms. Gregoire failed to show it at the first and second ballots does not mean Mr. Rossi should fail to show it on the third.

Acting gracefully and with dignity and honor at a time when the opposition hasn't will go a long ways towards elevating the Republican Party to it's rightful place above the Democrats in the eyes of many Washington voters. As a recent poll shows, a majority of Washingtonians believe that Mr. Rossi is the rightful winner, and these same Washingtonians will remember how Rossi and Republicans act four years from now, with Mrs. Gregoire and Democrats having to answer for their actions.

Republicans will also be held accountable for their actions, and if we take the proper course now we will be rewarded in the long run, just as long as we always look out for what is best for the state and not our own partisan interests.

They Just Never Learn

Democrats on the Hill are now united in fighting against President Bush's major legislative initiatives in the coming year, supposedly emboldened by the lack of an opinion poll bounce in the president's numbers following the election. It seems that as their numbers dwindle, they become more and more angry and desperate, obstructing anything and everything that is put forth by the president and Republicans. You'd think Democrats would have learned their lesson by now, but I guess not.

Democrats suffered widespread defeat in last year's elections because all they did was criticize and attack, never once providing any vision to the American people. Now they are declaring their resolution in being even more obstructionist than before. You'd think that Democrats would be trying to correct their problem by laying out where they want to go and what they can offer the American people. Instead they are simply telling all of us, "We don't have a vision or a plan for America, so we're just going to stand in the way of everything the Republicans are trying to accomplish."

Usually parties and candidates take electoral defeats and learn from them, however it is readily apparent that the Democratic Party just never learns.

The Opportunity Of A Lifetime

With the recent victory of Mahmoud Abbas in the Palestinian presidential elections official, the major question now is whether Abbas will work with Israel and the U.S. in working towards a peaceful, two state solution. This means that Abbas must stop the terror against Israel. Recent comments he has made have led me to doubt if he is willing to do this, for he has declared support for Arafat's old group, Fatah, among other things.

Positions like these are identical to those of his predecessor. Mr. Abbas cannot afford to be another Arafat, he must be strong and willing to defeat the terrorist elements within the Palestinian territories. Both President Bush and PM Sharon have expressed a willingness to work with Abbas, and he must take this opportunity to make inroads in creating a peaceful Palestine that doesn't threaten the security of Israel. With Arafat out of the way, Mr. Abbas and the Palestinians have the opportunity of a lifetime to finally realize their dream of statehood, and if they are to squander this opportunity, they will condemn themselves for generations to the same poverty and destitution the current intifada has brought them.

Heads Roll At CBS

The independent investigation of the infamous "memogate" scandal over at CBS was released today, and as a result four of those involved in running and producing the story were let go, including the piece's producer Mary Mapes. The investigative panel also recommended CBS take further steps to prevent open partisan hackery such as the forged memo scandal in the future, one of the suggestions being the creation of a "senior standards and practices" director responsible with making sure reporting is accurate and unbiased.

This would be a good start, but it is going to take a lot more than a standards director to change the overt liberal bias that exists not only over at CBS, but throughout the MSM. The rabid attempts to destroy the president throughout the '04 campaign was one of the most disgraceful spectacles I have ever witnessed, and everyone over at CBS, The New York Times, CNN, etc. should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. Not only were their actions unprofessional, they were an insult to every standard of fairness, truth, and responsibility that we Americans pride ourselves in. If the MSM wants to gain back the audience they have been losing over the years, they need to stop the character assassination of those they don't like and return to reporting the news as it happens, leaving their biases at the door.

Arrogant GOP Leaders

There is a growing pattern of arrogance among some in the House GOP leadership that is beginning to worry me. First it was the attempt to lower ethics guidelines to protect Majority Leader Delay, now it is the dismissal of Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey from his post as chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The dismissal stems from what seems to be a refusal to follow the orders of the GOP hierarchy. Rep. Smith was supposedly a rather independent committee leader, and this rankled many in the hierarchy who like decisions to be made from the top down.

Lamenting the dismissal, one committee chairman stated, " We are looking more and more like the Democrats we replaced", and he is absolutely right. In 1994 the GOP was able to retake the House and Senate because they correctly pointed out that the Democrats longstanding control had corrupted them, and that they had taken their position for granted. By not only trying to lower our ethical standards, as well as shunning those who do not follow orders, we are acting in the exact same manner that we decried over ten years ago. The GOP hierarchy within the House seems to be convinced that they will have control forever, thus allowing them to do what they want without consequence. This complete arrogance will not go unnoticed forever, and one of these days we risk putting the Democrats back in a position to take everything away from us, just like we did to them.

It's time for the majority of Republicans in the House who are troubled by what is taking place to stand up for the principles we swept the House with, and I especially think it's time for someone other than Tom Delay to be leading the party.

Moore To 'Make More Fahrenheit 9/11's'

After winning the People's Choice Award for the "Favorite Movie" category, Michael Moore victoriously declared, "I love making movies and I'll take this as an invitation to make more 'Fahrenheit 9/11s'".

Well I certainly encourage him to, for every time he makes a "documentary" the GOP wins another election. It's a win-win situation for us all. He continues to pad his bank account while we pad our hold on every major branch of American Government. You go Michael!

A Pro-Life DNC Chair?

Former congressman Tim Roemer has announced his candidacy for the soon to be open DNC Chairmanship. Mr. Roemer is a pro-life catholic, and if he were to win the position it could conceivably signal a long overdue march to the middle by the party, which would put them in a strong position to start winning some elections again. That is why it is unlikely to happen, Democrats simply haven't shown the willingness to accept leaders and candidates who stand apart from the party's platform, especially on the issue of abortion.

Heck, if Democrats weren't willing to let a pro-life Catholic, William Pryor, receive an up or down vote in the Senate, than who's to believe they will let one lead their party?

Discounted Democrats

Well every other blog has linked to Mark Steyn's column today, so I figured I'd join the club by doing so as well. There is a reason it has received this amount of coverage today, it is an excellent article. Democrats just don't seem to realize how much they relegate themselves to irrelevance every time they spout off on one of their liberal fantasies. Oh well, their loss is our gain.

Supreme Court Faces Eventful '05

With the ill-health of Chief Justice Rehnquist as well as the 84 year old Justice Stevens and 74 year old Justice O'Connor, the Supreme Court is likely to face at least some turnover in '05. The ensuing confirmation battle will likely be one of the largest and most bitter battles between the president and Senate Democrats in the second term. Democrats have already gone to exorbitant lengths to obstruct President Bush's lower court nominees, and there is no doubt that they will go at least this far, probably farther, in trying to stop any potential Supreme Court nominee.

Our Friends The Japanese

I have posted earlier on our special and important relationship with Britain, especially with Prime Minister Tony Blair. But another special, if not equally important relationship is the one that we enjoy with Japan and their Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi. Describing himself as "diehard pro-American", PM Koizumi and Japan have been key allies in the War on Terror, having provided assistance in both Afghanistan and Iraq, with Tokyo extending it's mission in Iraq for another year. While other countries have buckled to terrorist beheadings of their citizens there, Japan has extended their stay and commitment to seeing democracy through there. Not too long ago Japan had to build a democracy in their own country when critics said it was impossible, which has to be a huge reason for their commitment to building democracy in the Middle East.

If nothing I have written so far convinces you of the special relationship we have with Japan, let PM Koizumi's own words when explaining his decision to send 500 Japanese troops to Iraq convince you:

"The U.S. is Japan's only ally, Japan must also be a trustworthy ally to the U.S."

We should consider ourselves lucky to have such friends by our side.

Palestinians Go To Polls Today

With Palestinians set to choose a successor to terrorist-in-chief Yasser Arafat today, it remains very dubious whether the new guy, likely Mahmoud Abbas, will do any better. Abbas' has recently declared that he will not try to curb or stop terrorist groups like Hamas and that Palestinians have a right of return to Jerusalem. Some say that this rhetoric is simply intended not stir the pot within the Palestinian territories. Regardless, if Abbas or whomever the new guy is is unable to stop the terror against Israel than he will be no more successful in creating a sovereign Palestinian state than Arafat. The only way that Palestinians will ever receive that state is to defeat the extremist elements within their society dedicated to destroying Israel.

UPDATE (11:52 A.M.): Mahmoud Abbas appears to have won with exit polls showing him with about 66% of the vote.

Newt For Prez?

Supposedly Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is considering a run for the Oval Office in '08. Whether this is pure speculation meant to drive up interest in his upcoming book or valid consideration on Mr. Gingrich's part is unclear. But if the former Speaker is considering a run, I hope he understands the odds that are stacked against him. For one, he is a rather unsympathetic figure, and he personifies the compassionless Republican image that the current President tried to fight when he first ran for president in 2000, i.e. "compassionate conservatism". Secondly, he'll have been out of public office for about ten years when '08 comes around, meaning Mr. Gingrich will have to beat more current public figures in both the primary and general election.

Mr. Gingrich is a very intelligent man and I'm sure he understands these challenges, which is why I doubt that he is seriously considering a run for the presidency. When choosing a nominee, Republicans should first look at the governor pool, and Mitt Romney is a guy who strikes me as an intriguing possibility at this early juncture.

UPDATE (1:15 P.M.) Mr. Gingrich addresses the presidential speculation surrounding him on FOX News Sunday.

A Challenge Is Just Another Word For Opportunity

Laid out here are several opportunities that the president and Republicans have for achieving great, lasting accomplishments.

Rossi To Challenge Election Results

Dino Rossi announced today that he would file a lawsuit asking the court to order a new election. The Rossi Campaign and the state GOP cited the discovery of instances in which felons and dead people voted, as well as a handful of double votes that took place. These are only a few of the many irregularities that have taken place in this election, most of which having occurred in King County.

While there is no question that we need a new election to determine the legitimate winner of this race, I believe the Rossi Campaign is going about this the wrong way. Instead of taking the issue to court, it would be more prudent to take the issue before the legislature, which can also order a new election. While the state legislature is controlled by Democrats, it is still a popularly elected body representative of the state and should be the one to decide the issue. If Democrats were to block a new election from taking place, than they and their party would have to face the consequences in the future. The right place to go to ask for a new election is the legislature, not the courts, even though there is little chance that Democrats there would authorize a new election. Sometimes doing the right thing means doing something that doesn't favor your own personal interest.

More Jobs Added

The December job numbers came out today, with several interesting numbers to report:

• There were 157, 000 jobs added to the economy in December '04.
• There were 2.2 million total jobs created in '04.
• According to Household Survey, which interviews households instead of businesses, 2.4 million jobs were added in 2004.
• Contradicting the claim that George Bush will be the first president since Herbert Hoover to have a net loss of jobs in his term, which was constantly used by John Kerry throughout the campaign, the economy has added a net of 114, 000 jobs since January 2001.

Considering all that the economy and the nation has been through over the last four years, the fact that we have added more jobs than we have lost in that span is pretty remarkable. It's amazing what will happen when you give the people back more of their own money during a rough patch.

If It's A Fight They Want It's A Fight They'll Get

Attorney General nominee Alberto Gonzales has faced some tough questions from Democrats throughout his nomination hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, most dealing with his "torture" memo, which stated that Geneva Convention guidelines dictating POW's had to receive things that would enhance their comfort did not apply to terrorists captured on the battlefield or elsewhere. According to Democrats such as Ted Kennedy, this authorizes torture and led to abuses at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. What the memo did in reality is allow interrogators to do such things as put terrorists in cramped rooms or to sit in uncomfortable positions to get them to provide intelligence. This intelligence is than used to capture other known terrorists and/or foil terrorist plots.

If it were up to Democrats however, we would deny interrogators the techniques necessary to gather this information. Democrats seem to believe that providing comfort to detainees will encourage them to give valuable intelligence. This belief shows the lack of seriousness by the Democratic Party in fighting the War on Terror, and if they want to take this rationale before the American people they are more than welcome to. And when they do, Republicans will once again show that we are the ones that are serious about winning the War on Terror, while our counterparts are more concerned with protecting the quality of life of those who seek to destroy us.

Where would we be without America?

With each new article from Victor Davis Hanson, I grow more and more convinced that he is one of the most brilliant minds in the world. His latest article aptly points out the hypocrisy behind the world's anti-Americanism. I'm really not going to describe it here, because nothing I could say about this article would do it the justice it deserves.

UPDATE (3:37 P.M.): In another article by VDH, he points out what Americans have accomplished since the collapse of the twin towers over three years ago. Here is the best line of the article, which sums up the true meaning of each and every terrorist attack in Iraq:

"The suicide bombs and explosions that go off daily in Iraq are not proof that Americans are losing the Sunni Triangle, but rather that thousands of secular and religious fascists are desperate not to lose their entire Middle East."

Crocodile Tears

Nothing the Democrats seem to do or say seems to surprise me any more. However, after watching and listening to Senator Boxer and Representative Tubbs today claim that objecting to the electoral certification today was intended to raise awareness about supposed voter irregularities and fraud and all that liberal pander, I couldn't help but ask myself this: Where is all the uproar from these Democrats who claim to be so concerned with the state of our democracy over what is happening here in Washington, where it is now coming to light that we have dead people voting in our elections? Where is the uproar over the disqualification of ballots from our uniformed men and women in Florida in 2000 and Pennsylvania in 2004? Why is it that wherever Democrats seem to claim that we need to take second and third looks are in Democratic areas, with elections run by Democrats?

These are all interesting questions, and I would like to hear some of these outraged Democrats answer them.

A Tax System That Works

Before trying to identify a new tax system, you have to pinpoint the problems with the current one. Our current tax system has become too large and complex to be practical, with the pages of the actual code nearly doubling in the last thirty years. The tax code is so large and complex that Americans now spend over six billion hours a year simply trying to discern what they owe Uncle Sam. To be blunt, our current tax code no longer makes sense and it is preventing our nation from realizing even greater economic growth and prosperity than we currently enjoy.

In looking to devise a tax system that is more prosperity-friendly, two goals should be kept in mind:

1.) Position tax rates so they don't discourage productive and wealth-enhancing activities.

2.) Eliminate over taxation of investment and savings, so more of both will occur.

To achieve these goals, the most rational direction to move in is towards a flat-tax rate. This would move the focus of taxation from savings and investment towards consumption. For example, this would end the taxation of dividend profits, instead taxing those profits when they are spent on goods. By not directly taxing dividends we would encourage more people to invest in the economy, which in turn would grow the economy.

We should also refrain from taxing savings, which would encourage more people to put away money for their later years, subsequently easing some of the stress that is being put on Social Security.

Moving away from our over complicated, loophole ridden system towards a flat tax rate of around 15-18% would increase national income by 5-10% estimates Harvard Economist Dale Jorgenson. While this may seem overly ambitious on the face of it, it seems less so when you look at real life examples of flat tax rates being implemented. For example, a 15% rate is currently being used in Hong Kong, which has enjoyed robust growth for the last forty years and is one of the economic powers in the world. In Russia, the government now collects more with it's 13% rate than it did when it had a 70% rate.

Reforming the tax code won't be easy, for there are many interests out there who have a loop hole or benefit somewhere in the code that would make it in their interests to stand for the status quo. However, if we as a nation want to secure prosperity for ourselves and our children, than adopting a flat-tax rate simply makes too much sense. As history has taught us, the best way to have a healthy economy that is full of growth is to lessen the role and influence of government. Simplifying our tax code would do just that.

For a more expert and in depth analysis of simplifying the tax code, check out this article, which is the most common-sense set of proposals I have seen.

Some Dem's Want McAuliffe Back As DNC Chair

You'd think that two disastrous elections would cause Democrats to want a new guy leading their party, but not so according to this report. Why any Democrat would want McAuliffe back is beyond me. Not only have Democrats lost every election in his tenure, but he has had every one of his arrogant predictions shot down by reality; i.e. his predictions that Jeb Bush would be defeated in '02, Grey Davis would survive the recall in '03, and most obviously- that John Kerry would defeat President Bush in '04. That coupled with the fact that Mr. McAuliffe is an antagonistic, partisan hack have left me dumbfounded as to why any Democrat would want him to lead their party forward.

The Intolerant Left

Linked here is an appalling story in which a Kuwaiti national studying at a California university was told he needed psychiatric treatment for, get this..............writing a pro-American essay. According to the student, Ahmad Al-Qloushi, he was verbally attacked and put down for holding such pro-American beliefs. This is truly astounding, and serves as further proof that those who like to preach tolerance and diversity are really the most intolerant of us all.

Hat Tip: Powerline

FOUR MORE YEARS!

It's official:

George W. Bush reelected President of the United States!

Boxer To Challenge Ohio Results?

There have been multiple news reports today that Senator Barbara Boxer, D-CA, is considering joining a handful of House Democrats in challenging the certification of the electoral vote from Ohio. Understandably, new Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, is very upset that Sen. Boxer would even consider this, for it makes the Democrats look like what they really are, sore losers. It is really preposterous for anyone to claim the president's 118, 000 vote victory in Ohio is a result of massive fraud. If Democrats want to see an example of fraud, they should come here to Washington State.

The 109th Congress

With the 109th Congress starting today, the major question is whether or not Senate Democrats will follow the practices of the 108th and prevent certain judicial nominees from receiving an up or down vote. If they learned their lesson from the previous two elections, they will allow each nominee what they fairly deserve, an up or down vote on the Senate floor, refraining from the practices that cost their leader his job. The stakes will be even higher in this congress, for their is very likely to be at least one or two vacancies to fill on the Supreme Court, and it is important that the President's nominees receive Senate confirmation.

Another big question is whether Congressional Republicans can get the big reforms that will be put forth by the Bush Administration through congress, i.e. Social Security, tax, and tort reform. Though there are increased majorities in both houses for the GOP, they will still need to gain some cooperation from at least a handful of Democrats on each of these issues, especially in the Senate, where 60 votes are need to end debate and bring about a vote on a certain measure (Republicans hold 55 seats, making it necessary for at least 5 Democrats to join the GOP to remove the threat of a filibuster). This they should be able to do, for there are a handful of moderate Democrats who come from red states that will be willing to at least listen to the entreaties of the President and Republican Leadership, especially those up for reelection in '06.

The 109th Congress will be required to deal with some very big issues over the next two years, and it is vital that Congress successfully adopt some much needed reforms, as well as confirm what is likely to be at least one or two Supreme Court nominees.

House Republicans Retain Ethics Guidelines

The House GOP caucus reversed their plan today to loosen ethics guidelines that would have allowed a committee chairman or party leader to retain their leadership position if indicted. Now, those in leadership positions will be required to give up that position at least temporarily if indicted, as had been the rules previously.

This is a relief, for by relaxing their ethical standards, House Republicans were beginning to conduct themselves in the exact same manner of the Democratic majority they had replaced in 1994. It is never good for a party to relax their ethical standards, and it sends a bad message to the constituents in which they represent. Today's move was an important step, and I'm very glad to see that the House Republicans are not going to go down with their leader, Tom Delay, who has always seemed to me to be overly partisan and antagonistic.

Washington State Needs a Re-Vote

Former Washington State Governor Dan Evans has written a persuasive op-ed for why we need to have a re-vote in this state. Governor Evans main argument is that we should always follow the will of the people, whether it favors your political preferences or not.

This should be the approach of the state GOP. We shouldn't try and overturn this result in the courts, we should lobby for a re-vote to the legislature. If the Democratic led legislature chooses partisan politics over principle, than we can run on that in the upcoming elections in '06 and '08. The place to make our case is to the people, not the courts.

Iraqis Determined to Defeat Insurgents

Despite what the MSM might have you believe, a large amount of Iraqis support U.S. military action to rid their country of terrorism and are also determined to vote on January 30, despite the violence.

Hat Tip: Powerline

Seahawks Fans More Benevolent Than France

At the Seahawks game today, people were posted throughout the stadium to collect donations for the victims of the South Asian tsunami. Towards the game it was announced that over $160, 000 had been collected, and that they were still counting. What's so interesting about this is that this amount is larger than the amount of money the entire country of France divvied up in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami. Now granted, France has probably since upped their donations, but I still think it says something that a few thousand people were able to generate more money for those in need than the country that is supposed to serve as the counter to American power could.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

In the Democratic Radio Address today, Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina had this to say:

"First, President Bush and this new Congress must resolve to adequately equip our fighting men and women. Our soldiers should never want for proper equipment and accurate intelligence. Their patriotism and sacrifice should never be doubted or compromised. And they and their families should always be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness."

Now on this alone I would absolutely agree with him, as would the vast majority of Americans. But while Mr. Clyburn and his fellow Democrats might try and take the high ground on supporting our troops with their rhetoric, his and so many of his Democratic counterparts actions do not back up their words. If Rep. Clyburn was really serious about properly equipping the troops, than why did he vote against the $87 billion supplemental that did just that?

Senator Kerry had the same problem throughout the campaign. While he criticized the president for not supplying enough body armor, he opened himself up to the fact that he voted against the bill that provided that body armor.

The American people, especially those serving in the military, saw this and understandably didn't trust a man or a party that didn't back up it's words with the appropriate actions. This kind of double speak from Democrats on Capitol Hill is probably why most troops blame congress for the lack of armor (Refer back to my post on the Military Times Poll) and why the military is reliably Republican at the polls. When it comes to supporting our troops, as with everything in life, actions always speak louder than words.

Inauguration Countdown

While this might not be the most exciting thing for most people, there are only twenty days now until George W. Bush is re-inaugurated as President of the United States!

Europe Re-thinking Bush Hatred?

An interesting article here provides some interesting thoughts on if and why there is a change in sentiment towards George W. Bush in Europe. The true test of this will be when President Bush visits Europe in February.

The Truth About Iraq

Despite the doom and gloom naysayers here in America, one U.S. soldier provides the truth about what is really happening on the ground in Iraq here. There are a lot more good things happening than the MSM is willing to report or acknowledge.

Hat Tip: Powerline

More Votes Than Voters

In what has already been a long line of embarrassing moments in this Washington Recount saga, it has now been discovered that there were more votes cast in King County than there were actual voters. With all the vote-mining that the county's Democratic employees were doing for Gregoire, this comes as no surprise. Even if it fails to lead to a new election, this discovery will only further Gregoire's illegitimacy in the eyes of Washingtonians.