tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264313692012-01-04T21:55:41.097-06:00Navigating the Treacherous Path Between Sanctimonious Elitism and Populist NonsenseMCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.comBlogger18931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-77476263812487215302012-01-04T21:36:00.004-06:002012-01-04T21:55:41.114-06:00

Before Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers integrated Major League Baseball in 1946, white and black professional ballplayers competed against one another in barnstorming tours in the fall and winter of each year. In "Satch, Dizzy & Rapid Robert," historian Timothy M. Gay provides a history of that era, capturing both the prejudice and discrimination characterizing those times and the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-88787605234912619412012-01-02T14:15:00.003-06:002012-01-02T19:15:39.957-06:00

The age old question of whether a tree falling in an uninhabited forest makes a sound held no relevance to the events of 2011. The nations raged and nature unleashed her fury. Only the coming years will determine the consequence.The year began with the bang of a gavel, as Nancy Pelosi handed over the reins of the House of Representatives to John Boehner. Republicans had taken control of the House

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-36931383916108207042011-11-25T08:29:00.003-06:002011-11-25T08:33:07.741-06:00

If you need a transmission repair in the DFW area, it sounds like you would want to avoid the guy described in this article from the Fort Worth Star Telegram. The shop goes by the name Einstein Transmission Repair. I have never done business with or met the owner, so I can't accuse him of incompetence, fraud or criminal activity, but it sounds like there are a lot of complaints elsewhere on the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-21435521641367262572011-10-19T12:13:00.001-05:002011-10-19T12:17:41.892-05:00

Martin Luther famously said that he would rather be governed by a competent infidel (actually, he said a competent "Turk," but I'm updating the language to convey the thought) than an incompetent Christian. Luther's thought comes to mind as certain Christian evangelicals take to considering the presidential candidacy of Mitt Romney.I should hasten to add that my writing on this subject should

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-18193162894543177522011-06-15T08:55:00.002-05:002011-06-15T09:00:16.964-05:00

In a Facebook status update last week, I made mention of the joy found in reading the Bible covenantally. Since that day, it has been on my mind to write something more at length regarding what is meant by that.Most of the time the term "theology" is used with regard to particular doctrines or teachings of the Christian religion -- the doctrine of God, the doctrine of sin, the doctrine of the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-12700152705566033672011-06-14T07:31:00.004-05:002011-06-14T07:37:32.468-05:00

Airline analysts, serving the interests of the industry, maintain that baggage fees are the only thing that helped airlines make a profit last year. However, I would note that the only airline that is consistently profitable, Southwest, does not charge the fees. Airlines make a mistake by ignoring the customer loss due to anger over the extra fees -- or by assuming that such anger has dissipated

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-76957147871589359912011-04-23T08:59:00.000-05:002011-04-23T09:00:34.685-05:00

One of the worst of frequently sung Christian hymns rises to this rousing, if questionable, conclusion: "You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."The zeal with which these words of old time religion are sung may serve to mask the fact that this idea is thoroughly unbiblical. The New Testament writers did not seek to prove the actuality or the implications of the resurrection of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-317117603663765452011-03-13T18:48:00.000-05:002011-03-13T18:49:49.683-05:00

In the past, I have always thought of Lent as a Catholic tradition, but in recent years I have noticed that an increasing number of Protestant churches and individuals have been observing the season. As a result, I decided to read a little more about both the tradition and why non-Catholics are deciding to observe it. Before I note the reasons for my decision not to observe Lent, I should note

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-90587843334726734112011-02-17T20:29:00.000-06:002011-02-17T20:31:07.978-06:00

Since the 2012 presidential campaign will not be competitive in Texas -- almost any Republican will beat President Obama in the Lone Star State -- the most compelling upcoming statewide race will be for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Kay Bailey Hutcheson. Given that some conservatives in the state consider Ms. Hutcheson a RINO, she almost certainly would have had to fight off a challenge

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-27216323730448770462011-01-23T19:39:00.002-06:002011-01-23T19:42:19.630-06:00

In The House of Morgan, Ron Chernow provides a readable and thorough history of the Morgan bank and its successors from its founding by George Peabody and, shortly thereafter, Junius Morgan up until 1990, which was the time of the book's writing. Mr. Chernow used the most powerful of the great, historic Wall Street and global banks as a microcosm of the world of American finance over a period of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-70721485277535647942010-12-31T10:09:00.003-06:002010-12-31T16:00:45.836-06:00

In December, a group of atheists in Fort Worth, Texas decided to emulate one of the most despised Christian vices, self-righteousness, by purchasing from the city's transit authority ads bragging that they "are good without God." Remarkably, a small group of local ministers protested this invasion of their turf, calling for a boycott and ultimately prompting the transit authority to ban any

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-39271691766174992352010-11-19T22:50:00.003-06:002010-11-19T22:52:24.716-06:00

In the aftermath of what is frequently being referred to as “The Great Recession,” many Americans have been asking 1) when does the recovery really get going; and 2) what can be done to jump start the economy? People want to know when things will get back to normal. While pastors and most Christian leaders are not economists, and their message is not fundamentally an economic one, they have an

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-43029130862040334902010-10-31T07:42:00.004-05:002010-10-31T10:02:34.231-05:00

On this date 493 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the front door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany. A couple of years ago, I heard Christopher Hitchens, with some amusement, describe himself as a "Protestant atheist," as he understood the importance of the Reformation in establishing the notion of freedom of conscience in the western world. Unfortunately, he appreciates more

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-65677498885941439982010-10-11T07:23:00.005-05:002010-10-11T18:51:30.262-05:00

Instapundit Glenn Reynolds favorably cites Jim Bennett's explanation that responsibility for American liberal hostility toward Christopher Columbus lies with "the Calvinist Puritan roots of American progressivism." This is ahistorical nonsense. For one thing, the Puritans were not nearly as puritanical as modern progressives, as the former group's reputation was ruined by generations that came

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-91642983481202244692010-10-03T08:07:00.003-05:002010-10-03T08:34:24.059-05:00

Those who will be voting Republican in November as the best practical option in protest of the unprecedented growth in government power that has taken place over the last decade should realize that, while they will have improved the situation, there will still be work to do after that election. Exhibit One in that regard could be Rep. Joe Barton (R-Arlington).The House Republican caucus, in an

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-7425999076671850142010-09-20T19:04:00.001-05:002010-09-20T19:06:45.580-05:00

The Oracle is trying to decide which is more interesting: Christine O'Donnell having said that she "dabbled in witchcraft," or the political left trying to burn her at the stake.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-1036645844780115362010-09-13T07:59:00.003-05:002010-09-13T08:53:12.979-05:00

Richard Dawkins famously praised Darwinism for making it possible for someone to be an "intellectually satisfied atheist." While such satisfaction may be more possible, obstacles remain, and one of the highest hurdles for nonbelievers who wish to be both satisfied and confident would be finding an explanation for the ultimate origin of the universe. Theories positing either the eternal existence

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-39124018799435655122010-09-11T10:47:00.008-05:002010-09-11T12:07:56.542-05:00

Far too much ink and bandwidth has been expended on the threat by Terry Jones to host a church event in which he intended to burn copies of the Koran. However, one question has not received much attention: why did so many people care?In a nation of 300 million people, Mr. Jones has demonstrated sufficient charisma to gather a following of around 50. He lacks any discernible talent or notable

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-2740818725192724322010-08-18T19:03:00.003-05:002010-08-18T19:59:36.712-05:00

President Barack Obama, who began his administration by using the power of the presidency to inject his thoughts on a local police matter in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has now decided that he should make clear his position on local zoning issues in New York. Subsequently, Nancy Pelosi, exercising a combination of paranoia and authoritarian zeal that would warm the heart of Richard Nixon, made the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-3242828319335909472010-08-06T06:53:00.003-05:002010-08-06T07:09:20.234-05:00

Mark Cuban's candidness and passion are among the reasons that he makes a great owner for a local sports franchise. For his own take on his unsuccessful effort to buy the Texas Rangers at this week's bankruptcy auction, see here.Mr. Cuban's remark that the media are "the dumbest guys in the room" is unfortunately more accurate than uncharitable. Indeed, the coverage of the Rangers' bankruptcy

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-28659434521609591512010-07-28T19:48:00.003-05:002010-07-28T20:04:03.293-05:00

Kentucky Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate Rand Paul has been questioned as to whether he would vote for Mitch McConnell as Senate Minority Leader if elected, and some have thought his answers to be ambiguous. Sen. McConnell supported Dr. Paul's opponent in the primary campaign. However, Dr. Paul is not the only candidate for that Senate seat that is having trouble supporting current

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-58921022450813506592010-07-27T19:58:00.005-05:002010-07-28T20:05:34.441-05:00

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush spoke this morning to the National Conference of State Legislatures on the subject of educational reform. While that subject is worthy of attention for its own sake, Republicans in attendance may well have been distracted by thoughts of what might be if his last name were something different.For this writer, who had never seen Mr. Bush in person before, it was

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-32428205343804428372010-07-26T22:49:00.003-05:002010-07-28T20:05:09.803-05:00

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell separately addressed a general session of the National Conference of State Legislatures meeting in Louisville, Kentucky today.Ms. Pelosi presented fiercely partisan remarks in which she angrily denounced Senate Republicans for obstructing Democratic initiatives and encouraged state legislators essentially to become

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-69343187206401883222010-07-25T20:23:00.004-05:002010-07-28T20:04:40.505-05:00

Those wishing for bipartisanship on health care reform could have found it today in Louisville, Kentucky, where several hundred attendees at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures attended a seven hour meeting on "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the States." Legislators of both parties from already cash strapped states worried throughout about how

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-13331070371198279332010-07-22T15:44:00.003-05:002010-07-22T16:13:25.964-05:00

I heard Bobby Cremins speak at a conference this morning. Mr. Cremins coached for many years at Georgia Tech, where he led the Yellow Jackets to several ACC championships. After a half a dozen years out of coaching, he returned to the profession to coach at the College of Charlestown. This morning, he provided a simple, yet funny and passionate, presentation, during which he talked about

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-36692803408510551092010-07-03T09:12:00.001-05:002010-07-03T10:17:44.668-05:00

Across the country on this Independence Day weekend, thousands of churches will hold patriotic celebrations while millions of people will declare their love for "God and country." There will even be crosses draped with American flags. This is profoundly wrong, and in some instances it is even idolatrous.That is not to say that it is wrong for Christians to love their country. Indeed, it is right.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-80399515956827558162010-06-23T12:40:00.003-05:002010-06-23T12:56:49.018-05:00

CNN is reporting that President Barack Obama has relieved General Stanley McChrystal of his command in Aghganistan. This is hardly surprising, as it seemed highly unlikely that the President had brought the General back to Washington for a beer summit, a stern talk, or even a come to Jesus meeting. Besides, the kind of insubordinate talk appearing in the article, and never denied by the General

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-1589288991077777212010-06-06T09:31:00.002-05:002010-06-06T09:55:28.301-05:00

As the Obama administration takes a beating over its response, or lack thereof, to the Gulf oil spill, allies of the administration complain about the unfairness of such criticism, arguing that the spill is the problem of BP and that there is little or nothing that the federal government could do about it.There is some truth to that, though the administration clearly could have acted more quickly

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-78538277836456757342010-04-16T13:55:00.002-05:002010-04-16T14:44:37.253-05:00

This meme has been going around the blogosphere for a while, and I thought I would take my own shot at it. These are not my favorite books, but, as the title indicates, they are those that have had the most impact on the way that I view the world. I am putting them in the order that I read them.1. The Bible -- okay, I realize this one is obvious.2. Solzhenitsyn, "One Day in the Life of Ivan

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-21873200652818248272010-04-07T09:00:00.002-05:002010-04-07T09:28:45.585-05:00

For decades, Republicans have consistently pushed the idea of cutting tax rates as a major national campaign issue. While Republicans can continue to insist on holding the line on taxes while working toward spending cuts and meaningful entitlement reform, I fear that cutting taxes no longer exists as a serious policy issue. It was mortally wounded by the Bush administration, in concert with a

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-61892686561865285252010-04-01T19:17:00.003-05:002010-04-01T19:30:21.862-05:00

Putting to rest rumors that Tennessee Senator Bob Corker was responsible, a senior official confirmed today that the Obama administration was responsible for efforts to add special protections for payday loan companies to financial regulation legislation working its way through the Senate. The official explained that due to the burgeoning federal deficit, it was important to maintain the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-40142863478353610542010-03-29T19:54:00.002-05:002010-03-29T21:00:52.413-05:00

Before we can answer that question, we must define the terms. Sloppy moralizing sometimes leads to sloppy morality, and I fear that is the case when it comes to thinking about greed.This has come to my attention since a friend of mine posted on his Facebook page this old video of Milton Friedman explaining to Phil Donahue all that has been accomplished for human good out of a motive of greed.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-82253312655867516132010-03-27T15:18:00.003-05:002010-03-27T16:43:05.193-05:00

In the first chapter of Romans, the Apostle Paul writes that in Creation the "invisible attributes" of God "have been clearly perceived." That being the case, it is sadly ironic that He is so difficult to locate in many churches. Of course, the trouble is not that God is not in the churches. The Psalmist pointed out that even if he descended into Hades, that God was there, so surely He must be

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-62416359264003930912010-03-22T19:15:00.002-05:002010-03-22T19:25:53.825-05:00

Roger Abramson provides an extended quote from Scott Gottlieb that I think gets it right. Read it here. This expensive new health care entitlement will in short order become an example of government finding new and more cumbersome ways to fix problems that it will have first created.The only thing that he leaves out: the trend, already started, of some physicians, particularly primary care

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-87822046192501143422010-03-06T09:53:00.002-06:002010-03-06T09:56:38.578-06:00

The Oracle noted that on March 3, the President brought a group of professionals to Washington and put them in clean white coats so that they would look like sheep.Like lambs, they didn't speak. They were just there as props.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-47573451020328094462010-03-02T14:39:00.004-06:002010-03-02T14:44:33.920-06:00

Not many people can claim to have done work for both Pat Robertson and for corrupt Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, but Ralph Reed can. Perhaps his past association with Mr. Robertson explains why CBN's announcement of his potential candidacy for Congress failed to take note of that other association.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-78981858982085904022010-02-28T12:50:00.002-06:002010-02-28T12:53:50.515-06:00

"From the standpoint of governance, what is at stake is our ability to use the rule of law as an instrument of human redemption."-- Al Gore, former Vice President of the United States, in a New York Times op-ed.Hat Tip: Ann Althouse

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-5636864066437936172010-02-28T07:55:00.002-06:002010-02-28T08:01:32.923-06:00

How can anyone not love Lou Piniella? Besides doing a better, more entertaining job at getting ejected than any baseball manager this side of Earl Weaver, he says things like this:"First of all, I don't know how to Twitter. Second of all, I'm not going to learn how to Twitter.... I've heard of Facebook....But I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy."

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-41611660235728561832010-02-23T20:42:00.002-06:002010-02-23T20:47:02.214-06:00

With the primary season upon us in Texas, a radio advertisement for a candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner informs us that he is a "pro-life conservative." While that is a good thing, I am not sure what that has to do with the office that he is seeking.Perhaps even worse, a candidate for the state supreme court is promising to "enforce" the Constitution. Perhaps she skipped high school

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-31545030714790330872010-02-22T19:22:00.003-06:002010-02-22T19:37:27.702-06:00

With the American people clamoring for legislation to do something about jobs and the economy, the decision by Obama, Pelosi, and Reid again to move health care to the front pages is utterly baffling. Prudence would have dictated, at the very least, doing something on the jobs front and claiming victory before moving back to health care. Instead, holding a hand of 15 and seeing the dealer's

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-33928695452385792992010-02-20T10:18:00.001-06:002010-02-20T10:25:40.238-06:00

This is the best political speech that I have heard in a very long time. It is well worth the time it takes to view it.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-21512225943733916102010-02-19T19:57:00.003-06:002010-02-19T20:01:42.584-06:00

Up until now, HOV lanes have been justified by the notion that people could be encouraged to carpool by permitting them to use lanes bearing less traffic during rush hour.However, the state of Texas is now using taxpayer funds to build extra lanes for use only by those who agree to pay tolls.One supposes that the message is that traffic, like taxes, is for little people.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-22133861724887383442010-02-17T22:14:00.002-06:002010-02-17T22:49:38.747-06:00

Michael Horton opens his provocative new book, The Gospel Driven Life, by explaining his intention in writing it: "The goal of this book is to reorient our faith and practice as Christians and churches toward the gospel: that is, the announcement of God's victory over sin and death in his Son, Jesus Christ."The stated need "to reorient" implies that Dr. Horton believes that the church has

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-15795560767068907942010-02-16T09:45:00.006-06:002010-02-16T11:15:27.607-06:00

Sally Reiser is a broken woman. The abuse she has suffered has made her hard, and before she met a doctoral student, the one great love of her life has been her retarded and adorable son, Eulie. But neither her life nor the effects of her abuse stop there. Everything that she has been through and has been shown to her has carefully molded her into the ingenious researcher she needed to be in

Lanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250426387059799179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-44984615611886164902010-02-15T19:00:00.003-06:002010-02-15T19:24:05.669-06:00

In the wake of the election of Scott Brown as the junior Senator from Massachusetts, President Barack Obama elicited laughter by saying, with a straight face, that Mr. Brown's election resulted from the same cause as his own: dissatisfaction with business as usual in Washington. While that bit of gymnastical punditry deserved the mirth that it received -- Mr. Brown's surprising election was, of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-80040916118469949422010-02-14T14:52:00.002-06:002010-02-14T14:57:23.703-06:00

For an excellent, balanced piece on the role of Christianity in America's founding, placed in the context of some of the excesses of the Texas State Board of Education, see The New York Times Magazine here.I am sure that the fact that it comes from The NYT will cause some to approach the essay in a jaded way, but it is done about as well as anything I have seen lately.Hat Tip: DMN Blog

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-53680170612372565822010-02-13T10:49:00.003-06:002010-02-13T11:11:20.435-06:00

Reports about a 5% increase in spending on federal lobbying last year will doubtless result in endless jeremiads about the amount of money in politics. Certainly, the question of whether this or that group has undue political influence is a matter worthy of public debate. However, such debate should include the following consideration:In no year in American history has the federal government,

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-18323199550252846412010-02-12T18:15:00.003-06:002010-02-12T18:23:04.980-06:00

In one of those columns one might wish for every American to read, Washington Post columnist Robert Samuelson argues that neither Democrats nor Republicans are acquitting themselves well on a great issue of apocalyptic import -- runaway deficits. One exception to the lack of seriousness about that serious issue is Republican congressman Paul Ryan. While Mr. Samuelson does not agree with all of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-60196578078434397972010-02-11T16:58:00.003-06:002010-02-11T17:19:30.673-06:00

David Broder has a long record of viewing politicians and the Washington scene, so he should not be quickly dismissed. This morning, he writes in the Post that Democrats are mistaken in being so dismissive of Sarah Palin. He cites her political skills, particularly an ability to connect to a populist crowd, as sufficient reason to take her more seriously than many on the ridiculing left

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-7199524545714694612010-02-10T19:11:00.005-06:002010-02-11T07:21:48.443-06:00

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is, or at least was, a political powerhouse in Texas, and a year ago political analysts were salivating at the thought of covering the pending battle between the Senator and incumbent Governor Rick Perry, who announced that he would seek an unprecedented third full term in the governor's mansion. Republican insiders in Austin did not like opining about the race, with

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-20853708792187777922010-02-10T18:54:00.003-06:002010-02-10T19:07:01.598-06:00

U.S Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) has received much well-deserved approbation for his abuse of Senate traditions in placing holds on 70 of President Obama's nominees. Just as cold blooded reptiles are susceptible to trouble in the face of increasing heat, Sen. Shelby has felt the indignation of Americans, including Alabamans, at his stance. However, in relenting, he has threatened to do more of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-3881414227880105592010-01-31T15:27:00.002-06:002010-01-31T15:34:23.694-06:00

The respected Washington political newspaper, The Hill, regularly includes an online blog feature in which they ask for feedback regarding some recent event --here is an example. One of the responses they post is from the head of the John Birch Society. This is not the first time that his reactions have appeared in these kinds of pieces.Why would a respectable publication look to such a fringe

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-22250720059263436322010-01-23T08:40:00.002-06:002010-01-23T09:03:15.432-06:00

This week's U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Citizen's United v. FEC has set off a firestorm of criticism, with a few voices on the political right joining a seeming majority on the left in denouncing the decision. The Court rejected portions of the McCain-Feingold Act that restricted political speech during the times when the majority of people pay attention to politics -- that is,

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-79289764426569685812010-01-19T18:07:00.004-06:002010-01-19T18:21:47.885-06:00

As this post is being written, it is not yet known whether Scott Brown will be the next U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. However, we have known for weeks that it is a much closer, more competitive race than anyone would have ever expected even a couple of months ago.While there is nothing shameful in being surprised, this episode might give rise to some memories from a year ago. Does anyone

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-48205021186842030322010-01-13T12:17:00.003-06:002010-01-13T12:25:17.934-06:00

John Fund writes in the Wall Street Journal that he believes that it is unlikely that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will ultimately run for re-election later this year. The 70 year old Senator is sufficiently far behind in the polls that it is increasingly unlikely that he can win.That is probably correct. Sen. Reid will likely preside over passage of whatever health care reform bill that

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-78987942669792430842010-01-03T18:47:00.004-06:002010-01-03T20:35:42.439-06:00

In the aftermath of the firing of head football coach Mike Leach at Texas Tech University, some sports writers and bloggers have defended the coach, arguing that his dismissal offers proof of the softness of our culture and young athletes. They are wrong, and the university took the only option that it could given the situation.While news accounts have differed to some degree, it is generally

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-83850615556930024612010-01-02T10:07:00.003-06:002010-01-02T10:24:11.888-06:00

That seems to be what is happening in this New York Times report, which begins:Although it is too early to write the obituary for swine flu, medical experts, already assessing how the first pandemic in 40 years has been handled, have found that while luck played a part, a series of rapid but conservative decisions by federal officials worked out better than many had dared hope.It is true that far

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-78850410552425904102009-12-31T14:39:00.003-06:002010-02-08T21:40:48.929-06:00

In the last week of 2009, an Islamic terrorist riding in a plane toward Detroit, Michigan, attempted to obtain access to 72 virgins by setting his genitals on fire. That fortunate failure provided a fitting conclusion to a year in which no one quite seemed to know what they were doing.That is not to say that everything that occurred this year was negative. Most notable for the history books: the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-46363091564575308782009-12-22T20:14:00.002-06:002009-12-22T20:22:39.362-06:00

Much attention has been given to the fact that much of the health care bill that is about to pass out of the Senate, if enacted, won't take effect until 2014. While Republican criticisms of the delayed implementation have focused on the idea that the waiting period was designed to help paper over the fiscal irresponsibility that is taking place, ultimately they may realize that the Democrats

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-24467838003373469162009-12-12T08:13:00.003-06:002009-12-12T08:30:42.957-06:00

In the wake of government takeovers of domestic automobile companies and financial institutions -- and the feared takeover of the healthcare industry -- many Americans scratch their heads and wonder how it could happen. Some blame Barack Obama.I blame Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX). He's the Texas congressman pushing legislation that would regulate the way the NCAA determines its college football

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-27366414175825643912009-12-08T19:18:00.002-06:002009-12-08T19:37:44.669-06:00

A brief review of the utterances and activities of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid might lead one to ask the following: does he really hold views that are incompatible with notions of free speech, or is he temperamentally unqualified to hold office in a country that values the same.The Senate historically has styled itself as a deliberative body, but it is difficult to recall any federal

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-67543475201265806032009-12-05T16:44:00.002-06:002009-12-05T19:02:22.089-06:00

Last night, I watched once again the first movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring. Watching all three of the films in the series has become a tradition for me at this time of year. Of course, the movies have nothing to do with Christmas, but a person can make traditions of whatever one chooses, and my new wife has been kind enough to go along with my choice.In one of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-64860796957133549752009-11-24T19:43:00.003-06:002009-11-24T19:48:23.502-06:00

"The bigger problem here is that we like watching football players land on their heads on Sundays more than it bothers us to see them unable to tie their own shoes later in life."Michael Lindauer, editor, Dallas Morning News, on the NFL's new requirement that teams work with independent neurologists. Mr. Lindauer praises the policy while wondering whether it is enough given the medical issues

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-63456254212325130892009-11-20T19:38:00.003-06:002009-11-20T19:59:31.158-06:00

Two years ago, I nearly did not live to see Thanksgiving. After leaving the hospital and flying back to Dallas, I wrote the following:A Mist -- Extended "[Y]et you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." James 4:14 (ESV)Sometimes at this holiday season, generic expressions of thanks may indicate a lack of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-88175484071106350092009-11-10T19:25:00.003-06:002009-11-10T19:59:15.282-06:00

In the wake of the shootings at Fort Hood last week, President Barack Obama urged the nation not to "jump to conclusions." However, two local doctors have ignored the President's admonition and rushed to explain that Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan committed these heinous acts because he is a -- stressed out psychiatrist.In words that would be difficult to caricature, Dr. Alina Suris, clinical director of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-66104343076919536942009-11-08T17:33:00.006-06:002009-11-09T07:45:32.349-06:00

"The number of little acts of thoughtless expenditure which Richard justified by the recovery of his ten pounds, and the number of times he talked to me as if he had saved or realized that amount, would form a sum in simple addition."-- Ada, in Bleak House, by Charles Dickens.The U.S. House of Representatives, promising savings of $120 billion over 10 years, yesterday passed a new entitlement

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-26075065986671386492009-11-03T19:39:00.003-06:002009-11-03T19:52:53.706-06:00

As emulators of the world's oldest profession, paid political pundits -- and amateurs naive enough to follow them -- will spend this election night saying things that they don't really mean. If Republicans win the governorships in both Virginia and New Jersey, GOP spokesmen will declare that the electorate is passing judgment on all things Obama. On the other hand, Democrats will proclaim these

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-80089591455155776912009-11-01T19:33:00.003-06:002009-11-01T19:39:01.874-06:00

Neither Joe Buck nor Tim McCarver pointed it out, but Alex Rodriguez effectively tossed his pitcher under the bus by his extended, self-serving stare toward his dugout after being hit by a pitch in the first inning tonight.It is difficult to interpret Mr. Rodriguez' actions as anything other than a call for his pitcher to protect him by responding in kind to a Phillies hitter. The action

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-62624003921382423542009-10-27T16:08:00.003-05:002009-10-27T16:28:36.574-05:00

With the World Series commencing tomorrow night, Major League Baseball faces for the first time the strong possibility that at least half of the championship games for this summer sport will be played in November. This has come about because of the combination of 1) the additional round of playoffs that was instituted with realignment a few years ago; 2) the calendar falling in such a way that

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-57056916770336121782009-10-26T20:14:00.001-05:002009-10-26T20:15:50.253-05:00

It appears that the Texas Transportation Commission will finally approve the removal of phone numbers from crash reports.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-58131192048499508552009-10-26T17:29:00.003-05:002009-10-26T17:57:59.481-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I got in my rental car at the airport and turned the radio on. Recognizing the voice of the Rev. Charles Stanley, who is the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, I reached to change the station. However, I changed my mind and decided to listen for a while. He was preaching from a passage in the Gospels in which Jesus told Peter that Satan desired to sift him as

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-32441634422308908922009-10-16T07:14:00.003-05:002009-10-16T07:20:37.820-05:00

"I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way."Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, explaining his refusal to marry an interacial couple, as quoted in an AP article. One hopes that Mr. Bardwell, who supports his claim that he is not a racist by saying that he lets "black friends...use my bathroom," will lose his position immediately. In fact, if this

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-63827814792780443032009-10-14T16:52:00.002-05:002009-10-14T17:02:47.078-05:00

The report, commissioned by America's Health Insurance Plans and released the day before the Senate Finance Committee voted out the Baucus bill, provides a devastating analysis of the impact of the legislation on health insurance costs. As a result, proponents of the bill have lashed out the report, claiming that it is biased based on who paid for it.In fact, the report may underestimate the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-52614681526519532532009-10-12T19:34:00.001-05:002009-10-12T19:36:12.804-05:00

From Marketwatch.com:Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-37434114515700331352009-10-11T17:33:00.002-05:002009-10-11T17:37:31.652-05:00

The Dallas Morning News has an investigative report detailing the disturbing laxity of the Texas State Board of Medicine in disciplining doctors. A doctor who gave his drug addicted patient a gun and drugs lost his license. However, others who molested children who were patients or who endangered patient safety did not.The lack of oversight of these licensed professionals is disturbing.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-5974270211688890672009-10-11T16:28:00.004-05:002009-10-11T16:49:28.184-05:00

An analysis in today's Fort Worth Star-Telegram asks whether what is thought to be an increasingly virulent talk radio environment runs the risk of inciting people to violence. While the article focuses on talk radio, others express similar concerns about bloggers.Jon Meacham's recent biography of Andrew Jackson provides a helpful reminder that over-the-top negativity in politics is nothing new.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-29585725116017036272009-10-10T15:13:00.002-05:002009-10-10T15:16:26.722-05:00

Oddly enough, in Dallas, Texas, it is legal for an adult to ride a motorcycle without a helmet (due to state law), but it is illegal to ride a bicycle without one (due a city ordinance).

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-59821444328206897112009-10-06T18:52:00.006-05:002009-10-07T21:08:39.896-05:00

While reading Atlas Shrugged, I could not help but think of the stark contrast between this novel and the writing of my favorite 20th century author, J.R.R. Tolkien. Although Mr. Tolkien's philosophical convictions are not so much on the surface as Ms. Rand's, both of these authors manifest ideologies representing forms of conservatism -- Ms. Rand is described as a libertarian, to be more precise

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-70948372290783546902009-10-03T15:05:00.002-05:002009-10-03T15:27:23.948-05:00

There has already been more than enough gloating by conservative and Republican pundits over the failure of the President and First Lady to secure the selection of Chicago as the host city for the 2016 Summer Olympics, and I have no interest in adding to it. However, the incident is useful in highlighting a weakness of the current administration.The last minute effort by the President frankly

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-49468206008583990112009-09-12T09:52:00.002-05:002009-09-12T10:26:57.157-05:00

The above headline does not describe your humble correspondent; rather, it quotes the self-description of a 7th grade teacher who was in the process of introducing herself to the parents of the second period English class that she will be teaching this year. Attending that open house with my co-blogger, whose daughter is a student there, provided a depressing snapshot of the current state of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-28870210905666476502009-08-28T18:39:00.002-05:002009-08-28T18:46:49.976-05:00

This week, Senator Edward Kennedy died. His death provided a circumstance for some conservatives to do the same thing that some liberals do when a right winger dies. It seems to be inherent in the thought of some people that no one should be allowed to get away with being praised, even at the time of death. Thus, when Ted Kennedy dies, one group lashes out. When William F. Buckley died last year,

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-12176855115046667542009-08-24T09:53:00.002-05:002009-08-24T09:59:38.857-05:00

A.C. Kleinheider penned a compelling piece under the title: "Why conservative blacks seldom become conservatives."However, the article might have just as easily appeared under this headline: Why conservative whites often are not really all that conservative.Mr. Kleinheider exposes a significant defect in the approach of many contemporary conservatives -- their's is a conservatism strictly of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-518068771186993532009-08-23T17:46:00.003-05:002009-08-23T19:33:50.949-05:00

After a month of town hall discontent, some pundits are beginning to write post-mortems on Obamacare, with some health care experts blaming the worst of the fear-mongering for the death of health care reform. Not only do these rumors of the death of Obamacare seem greatly exaggerated, but the credit being given to those fulminating about the mythical death panels gives too much credit to the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-83745055220246604212009-08-15T08:52:00.002-05:002009-08-15T08:57:23.397-05:00

"We live in a world where people care about what Paris Hilton's having for lunch, versus how many guys are getting killed in Iraq, and that's the truth."-- Bronson Arroyo, pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-21369398410960356962009-08-13T19:22:00.003-05:002009-08-13T19:35:19.211-05:00

Michael Chabon writes compellingly about generational changes in the ways children are raised and the regrettable price to be paid for those changes:The sandlots and creek beds, the alleys and woodlands have been abandoned in favor of a system of reservations -- Chuck E. Cheese, the Jungle, the Discovery Zone: jolly internment centers mapped and planned by adults with no blank spots aside from

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-71911672443998523342009-08-12T08:16:00.005-05:002009-08-12T19:21:13.357-05:00

A while back, a friend asked what I thought of the movie The Other Boleyn Girl. "I didn't like it," I replied. "Every single character was ultimately unlikeable."That thought brings us to the current debate over the Obamacrats version of health care reform. Democrats dismiss the unruly crowds of town hall gatherers as rubes. Republicans accuse those Democrats of taking the posture of

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-75439443540501806532009-08-07T09:06:00.003-05:002009-08-07T09:12:58.909-05:00

An editorial in USA Today appropriately criticizes U.S. Representatives John Murtha (D-PA), Bill Young (R-FL), and Jim Moran (D-VA) for adding earmarks to a defense appropriation bill. These are items that Congress, through the efforts of these representatives, would force the Pentagon to pay for even though the Pentagon does not want them.As they normally do, USA Today invited the three

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-64097754795627146072009-08-02T20:31:00.003-05:002009-08-02T20:39:00.890-05:00

As Congress prepares to recess at the end of this week, the left wing of the Democratic Party is making plans to vilify those blue dog Democrats who have stood in the way of the steamroller on national health care. One hopes that the majority of people will make known that those Congressmen are, to this point, at least, American heroes.There is room to disagree over the extent to which

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-29256478230963521952009-08-01T15:58:00.004-05:002009-08-01T17:07:20.576-05:00

A personal email delivered to me this past week from a highly esteemed member of the alternative media referred to me using an 8-letter word -- lobbyist. As an 8-letter word might be thought of as a 4-letter word doubled, this struck me as an allegation that should be taken with the utmost seriousness. As a result, I made the decision to submit to a no holds barred interview with myself.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-26744306126189056722009-07-19T09:10:00.002-05:002009-07-19T09:15:05.817-05:00

As I entered the ballroom where the National Governor Association's "Gospel Brunch" was being held, Shania Twain's grammatical atrocity, "That Don't Impress Me Much," was blaring over the sound system. While that was likely unintentional, I found it strangely appropriate. The god worshipped in many contemporary church settings doesn't really impress me all that much, either.By the way, I ate

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-86607323952509277222009-07-18T18:24:00.003-05:002009-07-18T18:33:35.953-05:00

Biloxi, Mississippi -- Evangelical Christians tend to get excited over the civil embrace of religion. Today's promotion of a "gospel brunch" Sunday morning at the meeting of the National Governors Association provided a reminder as to why they should reconsider.Encouraging attendance at the event, Mississippi governor and NGA host Haley Barber declared, "Tomorrow there's going to be a gospel

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-8437465932892309982009-07-18T18:06:00.003-05:002009-07-18T18:23:58.646-05:00

Biloxi, Mississippi -- Declaring that "the green shoots are real," Dr. David Altig, Senior Vice-President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, argued that the current recession will end sometime during the third quarter of this year. However, speaking before the Economic Development and Commerce Committee of the National Governors Association, Dr. Altig said that

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-27685344688861577992009-07-18T07:15:00.004-05:002009-07-18T07:29:14.175-05:00

Biloxi, Mississippi -- The National Governors' Association annual meeting has traditionally been a high profile event offering its members with presidential aspirations an opportunity to shine before their peers, but this year fewer than half of the governors are expected to show up. Even this year's chairman of the group -- Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell -- will be a no show. He is stuck in

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-22702715428981481552009-07-12T20:28:00.003-05:002009-07-12T21:22:18.219-05:00

Noting the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, an article in The Tennessean reports on a resurgence of interest in Calvinism, also known as "Reformed theology," among American Christians. One hopes that is the case.Calvinism emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. People who become believers choose God because He first chose them. Only because of divine election will people

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-76877530754055729792009-07-12T20:12:00.002-05:002009-07-12T20:27:15.680-05:00

When President Barack Obama writes for the Washington Post that the massive spending package, labelled a stimulus, that passed in the opening weeks of his administration was "from the start, a two-year program," he is counting on the collective amnesia of the American people. In fact, a friend in Washington tells me that Democrats have been urged to avoid using the phrase used repeatedly in the

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-9301103170957221502009-07-03T17:58:00.003-05:002009-07-03T18:07:14.539-05:00

Sarah Palin today announced her resignation as governor of Alaska. Her political stature has steadily declined since last August, when she wowed much of the nation with an impressive performance at the Republican National Convention. With this announcement, she has virtually guaranteed that the zenith of her political career is in the past.Undoubtedly, Ms. Palin believes that leaving office

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-78415391175964795272009-06-30T20:36:00.002-05:002009-06-30T20:45:42.821-05:00

Given his inability to be discreet about his indiscretions, one must wonder if there is an appearance on Springer in Mark Sanford's future?One suspects that he is more likely to do Springer than to remain married.

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-11899554439070068902009-06-28T17:40:00.002-05:002009-06-28T17:46:37.992-05:00

Now, of course, I understand the concept of innocent until proven guilty. I do. But I thought that we all had come to the conclusion that Jacko was about as innocent of child molestation as O.J. was of killing Nicole.Was I wrong?Because if O.J. dies and I have to watch film of him playing football and people honoring and mourning his death, I’ll lose it. I’m gonna need a heads up on that one, so

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-69044786141126316782009-06-27T19:36:00.003-05:002009-06-27T19:40:27.162-05:00

"I know my childhood home church made an investment in VBS, and I know the message was worthwhile. But as the Gospel seems to have taken a back seat to Glitz it has become harder and harder for me to see VBS as a net gain for any local church. While the Gospel message is of paramount importance I no longer see that as the primary driver for modern VBS."--Katherine Coble, who is absolutely correct

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26431369.post-59078798702590516852009-06-27T18:47:00.002-05:002009-06-27T18:59:38.236-05:00

Peggy Noonan argues that by attempting to do everything, the Obama administration runs the risk of accomplishing nothing. She suggests that successful Presidents have focused priorities that can be summarized in a single sentence.In making that case, she refers to a problem that is related to one that this correspondent has noted in the Obama style. By his incessant presence in press

MCOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04378400627152580744noreply@blogger.com1