The Tallahassee Sentinel

War Critics are Reversing Course

2007-07-31T15:59:00.000-04:00

Here is the most important thing Americans need to understand: We are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, at least in military terms. As two analysts who have harshly criticized the Bush administration’s miserable handling of Iraq, we were surprised by the gains we saw and the potential to produce not necessarily “victory” but a sustainable stability that both we and the Iraqis could live with.

Ok, so maybe Ken Pollack and Michael O'Hanlon are not completely admitting that they've been wrong all along - but this is a start.

Today, morale is high. The soldiers and marines told us they feel that they now have a superb commander in Gen. David Petraeus; they are confident in his strategy, they see real results, and they feel now they have the numbers needed to make a real difference.

Despite the doom and gloom that one hears through the mainstream media every evening, Pollack and O'Hanlon report the truth about troop morale. It's about time!!

And finally they send a strong message to Congress (emphasis added):

But there is enough good happening on the battlefields of Iraq today that Congress should plan on sustaining the effort at least into 2008.

This just goes to show that if you wait long enough even the naysayers will come around.

Death of an Anti-communist: Mstislav Rostropovich, R.I.P.

2007-04-27T07:05:00.000-04:00

From the BBC

The celebrated Russian cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich has died at the age of 80.

A master musician, Mr Rostropovich was also renowned for his backing for human rights and opposition to Soviet rule.

He spent much of his career abroad, in self-imposed exile from the Soviet Union over his support for Nobel prize writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

But he returned as communism collapsed and performed a Bach suite as the Berlin Wall came down.

A month ago the Kremlin lavished praise on him as he celebrated his 80th birthday.

President Vladimir Putin said then the musician was not only "a brilliant cellist and gifted conductor," but also "a firm defender of human rights".

He died at a Moscow clinic after a long illness, his spokeswoman said.

Exile overseas

Mr Rostropovich studied at the Moscow Conservatoire under composers such as Sergei Prokofiev and Dimitry Shostakovich, rapidly building a reputation for himself.

But his support for dissidents such as Alexander Solzhenitsyn - declared in a letter to state-run newspaper Pravda - made him a target for the Russian authorities.

He left the Soviet Union and spent several years in the West with his wife, soprano Galina Vishnevskaya, and their children, as he continued to build an international career. In November 1989, he gave a spontaneous performance amid the rubble of the Berlin Wall, an image that was shown around the world.

A few years later, the cellist was rehabilitated by then Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and he returned there on several occasions to perform.

He latterly divided his time between Russia, the US and France.

In an interview with the BBC World Service in 2002, he said that the letter to Pravda was the best thing he had done in his life.

"The best step was not found in music, but in one page of this letter," he said. "Since that moment my conscience was clean and clear."

_________________________
Read the BBC obituary here.

Now it's time to focus on property taxes

2007-01-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

Now that the special session on property session is in the history books, it's time to start focusing on property taxes.

Be assured, liberals and the MSM will tell you that cutting property taxes will gut local budgets. They'll tell you that tax cutters are taking valuable education dollars out of the hands of educators. Don't fall for it!

Property tax reform will help ease the burden on homeowners and renters. It will also force local governments to cut the wasteful spending and inject some fiscal discipline into their budgetary processes. This is the thrust of Governor Crist's message:

His new pitch: Property taxes must come down, partly because city and county commissioners spend too much money.

Because state and local taxing power is controlled by the Florida Constitution, and thus requires a voter driven amendment to change, Crist and House Speaker Marco Rubio are advocating a special election as early as this summer.

Holding off until the next regular election in November 2008 would mean reforms
likely could not take effect until the following fiscal year, which would begin
Oct. 1, 2009, for many local governments.

"I always feel patience is a virtue, but on this issue I hope we'll be a little impatient," said Rubio, R-Coral Gables.

Under Rubio's scenario, a special election would be held this summer, followed by a special session in September for lawmakers to pass implementing legislation. That way, the reforms would be in place before city and county budgets take effect Oct. 1.

Senate Finance and Taxation Committee Chairman Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic, had previously advocated a special election.

Florida Senate leaders have also begun to work on the tax issue. Legislators have scheduled a series of public hearings to give citizens an opportunity to ask questions and give opinions. The first meeting was held today in Panama City. See the complete schedule here.

The Florida Senate has also posted a property tax test to help educate taxpayers. They have also setup an email address for citizens to submit comments.

Governor Crist campaigned on doubling the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $50,000. This would be a good start.

We will continue to follow this issue, and we'll also bring you proposals as they come available.

More proof that Donald is right - she's not very bright!

2007-01-25T22:14:00.000-05:00

Thank you Rosie. One more example of Rosie at her best.

FYI Rosie - The United States is a constitution-based federal republic, with a strong democratic tradition. That means we elect people to make the tough decisions, not conduct polls.

FL-13 Saga Continues - now its getting pathetic

2007-01-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since we reported anything on the FL-13 situation, but we thought that you all should see this.

Tomorrow evening, while the President delivers his State of the Union address with Rep. Vern Buchanan in attendance for the first time, Christine Jennings will also be watching from inside the House chamber. U.S. Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher (D-CA) gave her one ticket allotment to Jennings, saying:

“I have invited Christine to attend the State of the Union because she should have a seat in Congress. Period.”

This sad affair has hit a new low.

Related News - Would Jennings be this bad?

Rep. Vern Buchanan is already earning high-praise in D.C., it's just not the kind of praise we would have expected.

Sure the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Americans for Tax Reform aren’t very pleased with Rep. Vern Buchanan’s early voting record. After all, he voted to raise the minimum wage and to repeal tax cuts - cardinal sins for those two groups.

But the Longboat Key Republican is already picking up new (and unexpected) friendship from environmental groups, liberal bloggers and labor unions.

Speaking of Americans for Tax Reform, just a few weeks into his first term Buchanan has already broken the ATR tax pledge that he signed:

January 18 -- Today, the House of Representatives voted to raise taxes nearly $8 billion. This is the first vote to raise taxes in 13 years and the first time a Republican has voted to raise taxes in 16 years. All four of the Democrats who pledged to their constituents not to raise taxes broke their pledge (100%). Of the 192 Republicans who pledged not to raise taxes, 28 members broke their pledge (14.6%).

That's right, Vern was one of those 28 Republicans (Rep. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen also broke the pledge). Not what we would call a great start.

Hillary plays Hardball - not really!! But funny!

2007-01-22T21:37:00.000-05:00

Hat tip Allah at YouTube

Don't expect much more from the MSM once she hits the TV circuit.

Hillary's in....but is she the new Thatcher?

2007-01-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

Attempting to grab the attention of the American people on Saturday morning, which is unusual for this kind of announcement, Hillary Clinton has officially entered the race for 2008. So, why Saturday morning? The Hotline asked the same question:

Simple, says a senior adviser to Clinton.
Announcing today virtually guarantees that Clinton will be the Democratic Party's de-facto foil on Tuesday night, when Pres. Bush gives his State of the Union address.

Hillary chose the now favorite medium for announcing a run for the presidency - online video. Hillary promises to hold online video chats beginning this week. American Idol or Hillary - boy, that's tough.

You'll be particularly interested in the part of the video where she talks about national healthcare. Remember the last time Hillary was excited about healthcare?

Hillary as the new Thatcher?

I know, it sounds crazy. My first tip on this story was over on You Decide 2008. The original story is from today's Sunday Times of London:

HILLARY CLINTON is to be presented as America’s Margaret Thatcher as she tries to become the first woman to win the White House. As she entered the 2008 presidential race yesterday, a senior adviser said that her campaign would emphasise security, defence and personal strengths reminiscent of the Iron Lady.
“Their policies are totally different but they are both perceived as very tough,” said Terry McAuliffe, Clinton’s campaign chairman. “She is strong on foreign policy. People have got to know you are going to keep them safe.”

If your smart enough to be reading this blog, then you probably already know why this is, perhaps, the most ridiculous statement ever made by Terry McAuliffe. And he's made quite a few.

Not even close!!

On the behalf of the people of the United States: We're sorry Lady Thatcher. Terry McAuliffe doesn't know any better.

MKH brings us Da Bears (and the Fridge)

2007-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Now that it's Saturday, just sit back, relax, and enjoy a look back.

And if you get tired of watching some idiot pull out his cell phone after scoring a touchdown this weekend, just come back and watch it again.

Mel sails through - Now it's time to move on

2007-01-19T23:20:00.000-05:00

Well, we expected, perhaps naively, that the opposition to Mel Martinez would prove more strenuous than it was. Martinez sailed through will only a hand-full dissenting in the voice vote. We will now find out if Republicans can move beyond this episode, and come together to face the challenges of '08.

In his speech following the vote, Martinez talked about expanding the Republican base to include more Hispanics and African Americans. Those assembled gave their approval with a standing ovation. Read the entire address here. Will give you the high points:

I want to congratulate Mike Duncan. I know for a fact that without Mike’s hard work and support in running the day-to-day operations of the RNC, it would be impossible for me to take this position as General Chairman. Mike is already a good friend, and I know that our relationship will continue to grow and be a strong one as we strive together to lead our party.
_______________
My life and my experiences are why I share those ideals with you, and why I am so proud to be able to serve this Party.
My story is like so many other American stories. A story of hope, and the promise of the American Dream. A story of trying to create a better life for the next generation, so that they might have opportunities to succeed in ways that their parents and grandparents were not able to succeed.
_______________
The American Dream might take different forms for different people.
To the young families who are the roots of our society, it might mean owning their very first home.
To the single mom who needs medicine for herself and her child, it might mean health care you own and can take with you when you switch jobs.
To the small family business owner who dreams of growing his business, it might mean lower taxes and less regulation.
To our seniors, including members of that Greatest Generation, it might mean knowing that they can control their own retirement.
But to all of them, it means opportunity, and a limitless future. And that is what our Party is all about.
__________________
To be the Party of the future means that we also have to be a party that opens the door wide-open so that all Americans feel welcome. There are too many Americans who do not understand that the principles of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan speak to their hopes, their dreams, and their aspirations. I will take the message of our Party to all Americans.
As a member of the Cuban-American community, it was easy for me to understand that the Republican Party, the party of Ronald Reagan, was a party for us.
I want to make sure that we take that message to the broader Hispanic community, to the African-American community, and to all communities that may never have believed that Republican ideals spoke to them. So they, too, understand that if they care about education for their children, accountability in their schools, if they care about entrepreneurship, about beginning a small business and growing it into a large business, if they care about a Party that stands for less government, but more individual freedom … then we are the party for them and their American Dream.
_________________
It would be tempting today for me to talk to you about our strategies and tactics as we plan to retake the Congress and elect a Republican president in 2008.
But not today. What I am going to do over the next two years is assist our Party in a renewal of the principles that have made us great: lower taxes, limited government, individual responsibility, freedom here and abroad, and the power of faith. I am going to carry those principles to the American people, explaining why the Republican way of doing things is the best way to solve America’s problems.
And if I do my job right, if we all are successful in communicating our message, if we stand for our principles, we will be rewarded with success … and the high responsibility of governing.
I am going to concentrate on talking about a Republican Party that is the party of optimism, the party of the future, the party that stands for solutions to the American people’s problems. I want to describe my passion for a Party that speaks to America’s hopes, aspirations, and dreams. I want to lead the Party of a bright future.

All in all, a good start. I can only hope that my conservative brethren, those that opposed Martinez, can look beyond any differences that they may have with the new chairman. Without a unified party, we will surely repeat the disaster of 2006.

2008 Prez Primary News

2007-01-19T22:54:00.000-05:00

Rep. Feeney Putting His Mouth Where the Money Is

Congressman Tom Feeney has decided to enter the 2008 fray early with his endorsement of Mitt Romney. The addition of Feeney to the Team Romney gives the former Mass. governor a bona fide conservative supporter/defender in Florida. Romney has made some serious financial strides in the state (see this and this), and now he starting to line-up some important political contacts.

In announcing his support for Romney, Feeney focused on fiscal matters:

"With his record of fighting for lower taxes and balanced budgets, Gov. Romney is the right kind of leader to bring fiscal sanity back to Washington,'' Feeney said in a statement.

It will be interesting to see how Feeney, known for his social and fiscal conservative credentials - handles the questions that will surely arise about Romney's past positions on the big social issues. See our post: Potential problem for Romney

McCain spending the weekend in South Florida

Naked Politics reports that Sen. John McCain is heading to Coral Gables this weekend. McCain will be trying to round-up campaign cash and support during a private meeting at the Biltmore.

McCain will follow-up the event with an appearance on Meet the Press via satellite from Miami.

It will be interesting to see who is seen emerging from the Saturday meeting. McCain is playing catch-up in the Sunshine State, following Mitt Romney's early moves in the Florida.

See also:
Peer Review FL's - Romney vs. Brownback

Pick on Hillary day at the Sentinel

2007-01-18T10:03:00.000-05:00

Hillary's Obama Problem

2007-01-18T09:57:00.000-05:00

Bill Garner @ WaTimes

Mel Martinez debate intensifying

2007-01-18T09:29:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, we posed the question, "Is the Martinez RNC chairmanship in Jeopardy?" Just two days later the debate has intensified and the rhetoric is soaring from both sides.

From the WaTimes:

Texas RNC member Denise McNamara said the attempt by Mr. Bush's supporters in the national committee to name Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida as general chairman "is like pouring gas on an already smoldering electorate," citing Mr. Martinez's role in promoting last year's "comprehensive" immigration bill in the Senate.

"Choosing an RNC chairman who supports amnesty [for illegal aliens] is tantamount to telling the conservative majority of Americans that they do not matter."
________
One of Mr. Martinez's supporters, Florida RNC member Paul Senft Jr., told the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper: "With some people, the issue of amnesty is a litmus test and anything short of a concentration camp is amnesty."

The vote is scheduled to take place today, and Republican leaders are bracing for rebellion:

"The question is whether the Martinez fight will be a skirmish or a full-scale rebellion," said New Jersey RNC member David Norcross, a former RNC general counsel who oversaw the 2004 Republican presidential nominating convention in New York. "I think it will be a skirmish, but I am preparing for a full-scale rebellion."

We gave our opinion here on Tuesday. In the interest of the party, during these critical times, we think it best to move beyond this by removing Martinez from consideration. We also expressed a bit of regret, as we feel a Martinez chairmanship would be good for Florida. Now the day has come and we too are bracing for the fallout.

Unfortunately, the situation is not lost on the other side. Daily Kos is relishing the fight:

The proudly bilingual Latino in me cringes at the English First attacks and the embrace of Tom Tancredo-style xenphobia. But the partisan Democrat in me applauds their efforts. Unlike their covert "Southern Strategy", which kept the Dixiecrats' racism hidden from plain view, the anti-brown people hysteria is out in the open and hard to miss.

So I hope they keep it up. I liked winning the 2006 elections. I want to win more. And mass alienation of the largest growing demographic in the country is a fantastic way to making that happen.

Let's hope his optimism is misplaced.

Education: Crist's biggest challenge is before him

2007-01-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

With the resignation of Education Commissioner John Winn last week, Gov. Charlie Crist faces the first big test of his governorship. In what direction will the state education system go? Will Crist, as he vowed in the campaign, continue the course of accountability set by Jeb Bush and John Winn, or will he retreat from accountability and move in a different direction?

As a teacher (that's the first time that I've mentioned that here), I would urge the governor to stay the course. Admittedly - and I think that former-Gov. Bush would be the first to say this - adjustments and improvements can be made to the current policies. But Crist must not submit to the whims of teachers and parents - yes, parents - and scrap testing and high standards. Right now, testing is a major burden for all involved. That is not because testing is inherently bad, but because we have failed for so long at "teaching" and "demanding" a higher level of work from our students.

The St. Pete Times, reporting on Winn's address to the dropout prevention task force, mentioned the dissatisfaction with current policies:

His (Winn's) fingerprints are all over high-stakes use of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test to grade schools, retain third-graders and award teacher bonuses - all policies that polls show are unpopular with most Floridians.

Yes, parents are also a major - if not the major - part of the problem. Higher standards demand more from parents. Parents must take an active role in educating their children. Perhaps Stephen D. Marshall, headmaster of Christ Classical Academy in Tallahassee, put it best when he said that all parents should consider themselves homeschooling parents.

It is hard work to sit down with your child and do homework every night, but it must be done. It is time consuming to institute a summer reading and summer bridge program in your home, but it must be done. Ask a bookseller in your local bookstore about the parents that rush into their store over the last couple weeks of summer to buy summer reading books, because they failed to develop the structure in their homes to get it done earlier. You may be surprised at the answers you'll get.

It is not often that you'll read anything on this blog suggesting that you read Thomas Friedman of the NY Times. But if you doubt anything that I'm saying, read is latest book, The World is Flat. Friedman does an admirable job at explaining just how high the stakes are for our kids.

This is the issue that we at the Sentinel are most passionate about, so look for more as the governor starts answering some of these critical questions and challenges.

Finally, we want to thank Commissioner Winn for beginning to move Florida in the right direction. While there is much work to be done, Winn has made the hard decisions and taken the predictable fire from the education establishment. We urge Governor Crist to appoint an education commissioner as courageous as Commissioner Winn. More importantly, he should select one that will pickup the course set by the Bush/Winn team.

2008 Update

2007-01-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

Here's some video of the Tancredo and Obama announcements:

First, Tancredo:

Here's the TeamTancredo.org

And now, Obama:

You'll also want to take a look at Hot Air's post on Obama's announcement:

Messiah reappears; forms presidential exploratory committee

Is the Martinez RNC chairmanship in jeoperdy?

2007-01-16T23:15:00.000-05:00

President Bush's choice for chairman of the RNC, Sen. Mel Martinez, is coming under serious fire from party conservatives.

(Washington Times) Rebellion is brewing among conservatives on the Republican National Committee over President's Bush's attempt to "impose" Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida as "general chairman" of the party, who favors "amnesty" for illegal aliens.

The WaTimes article documents concerns of some party members that vow to fight the Martinez appointment:

"I will be voting against Senator Martinez if he is nominated for any chairmanship of the RNC," Tina Benkiser, Texas Republican Party chairman, told The Washington Times yesterday.
Bill Crocker, the elected national committeeman from Texas, says that when the RNC convenes here tomorrow, "Absolutely, I will vote against Martinez."

There is also some doubt over whether the post for which Martinez has been tapped - general chairman - is even a legitimate position under party rules:

The conservatives -- one of whom accused the Bush White House of "outsourcing" party leadership -- say the general-chairman post does not exist under RNC rules, which can be changed only at the party's presidential nominating convention.

Organized opposition to Martinez is also picking-up steam. Ads for StopMartinez.com are popping up on conservative sites like National Review Online.

The conservative blogosphere continues to sound-off. We brought you some of the early reaction back in November when the Martinez announcement was made. Florida bloggers, including this one, have been torn between those same concerns that other conservatives are voicing and the prestige a Martinez chairmanship may bring to the state.

In November, we brought to you the endorsement of our friends over at Peer Review FL. Jim Johnson over at State of Sunshine was unsure whether Bush's pick was the right move.

Oak Leaf over at PoliPundit.com is calling on the party to "Toss Martinez!!"

So what do we at the Sentinel think? The Martinez flap is a distraction that will probably cost Republicans over the next two years. Fundraising under ideal situations will be more challenging now that Republicans are in the minority in Congress. Add to that divisions in the party over a Martinez chairmanship and you have a recipe for disaster. For these reasons alone, we call on Sen. Martinez to step aside and help the eventual chairman build for 2008.

GOP Bloggers Straw Poll Results - Romney and Gingrich on top

2007-01-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

The results of the January straw poll are in, and Mitt Romney has come out on top. GOP Bloggers has posted full results, including some interesting cross tab numbers.

Romney pulled in 27.4% of the 12,794 votes cast, followed closely by Newt Gingrich with 24%. Rudolph Giuliani finished 3rd with 20.9%. Full results can be seen by clicking here.

Perhaps more important to Floridians are the state numbers. Of the 622 votes cast by Florida voters, Gingrich took the top spot with 34.1%. Giuliani finished 2nd with 22.5%, and Romney rounds out the top 3 with 21.9%. Full Florida results are here.

On candidate acceptability, Gingrich led both the national and Florida polls.

This leaves only one last detail - and that's for Newt to throw his hat in the ring. We'll keep waiting.

Money well spent

2007-01-16T15:25:00.000-05:00

Florida political blogs are abuzz today over bonuses paid to top campaign staffers for Charlie Crist's gubernatorial campaign.

TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Charlie Crist is proud to call himself "cheap," sharing tales of patching his shoes rather than replacing them and comparison shopping for generic products in drugstores.

But Crist was generous in handing out nearly $600,000 in bonuses to about two dozen employees of his campaign.

That is money well spent. In a year when Republican fortunes around the country came crashing down, the Crist campaign was one of the few GOP bright spots. Campaign staffing is hard, and often thankless, work.

Reports have George LeMieux receiving the largest of these winning bonuses. LeMieux was rewarded for his work with checks of $50,000 for the September primary win, and another $150,000 for the big win in November. More importantly, he is now on the GOP map and will certainly be called on by national candidates in 2008.

"They earned it. I'm grateful to them, and I thought it was appropriate," Crist said Tuesday. He noted the bonuses were "a lot less" than what some other governors paid their campaign workers. (from the Buzz)

Mr. Governor, we agree.

Tom Tancredo forming an exploratory committee

2007-01-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Tom Tancredo announced on Fox and Friends this morning the creation of his 2008 presidential exploratory committee.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Colorado Republican Rep. Tom Tancredo, an outspoken opponent of illegal immigration, said Tuesday he will form an exploratory committee for a possible presidential campaign.
After making a weekend trip to Iowa, home to the first nominating caucus in January 2008, Tancredo said voters told him other presidential candidates don't share their views.
"They believe that there is a void in this race that none of the other candidates are willing or able to fill," he said.

His website is here.

Posting pause over

2007-01-16T08:34:00.000-05:00

We have been under a posting pause over the long MLK weekend. I spent the weekend on a Cub Scout camp-out. It was great, but now we're back to work.

Florida primary may be moving to January

2007-01-12T09:31:00.000-05:00

We have been clear about our support for an earlier primary election in 2008.

Florida was a rare bright spot for the GOP this election year. It should be an obvious place for Republican presidential hopefuls to stake their claim on the nomination. It also makes sense for Florida to move its presidential primary to a date that will put it in play.

Florida Republicans have earned the right to help determine which candidate will head the national ticket. Gov. Crist should get on board and actively support an earlier primary.

It now looks as if Florida lawmakers are moving toward making that a reality. A bipartisan bill has been introduced that would move the Florida presidential primary from early March to lat January. This would position Florida in the same class as South Carolina in terms of primary importance.

The AP is reporting that both the Republican and Democrat national parties may fight the move:

But the national Democratic and Republican parties have consistently opposed the idea to prevent a race between the states to have the earliest primary. And some have said Florida's size makes it impossible for underdog candidates to raise enough money to compete at such an early stage.

The Democratic and Republican parties could punish Florida for moving its primary earlier than Feb. 5 by taking away half their state party's delegates to the nominating convention. The Democratic National Committee could also decide that candidates who campaigned in Florida for a primary earlier than Feb. 5 should not get the state's delegates if they win, according to DNC rules.

This would be a bad move by the national parties, particularly the Republican Party. It is clear from moves by current contenders that Florida is a significant GOP battleground state, both in terms of the grassroots and financial support. Florida Republicans have earned the right to have a greater stake in determining the party's presidential nominee.

We again call on Gov. Crist and the House and Senate leadership to get behind this movement - or better yet, get in front of it and lead.

Yet another Romney post

2007-01-12T01:01:00.000-05:00

I know it must seem as if we've become an "all Romney, all the time" blog. This is, of course, not the case. In fact, the Sentinel has yet to endorse any candidate for '08. The number of posts dealing with the Romney candidacy is a testament to the early work he has done to gain control of the momentum in Florida. In this, Gov. Romney is doing an incredible job. So now we get to the meat of this post.

William March of the Tampa Trib is reporting the addition of two more Florida GOP operatives. He also points out that, like other early Romney recruits in Florida, these two have ties to former Gov. Jeb Bush:

Romney announced that Mandy Fletcher and Marc Reichelderfer will join his exploratory presidential campaign committee.
Fletcher has been executive director of Bush issue advocacy organization, the Foundation for Florida’s Future; and was political director of the Bush-Cheney
‘04 campaign and a field coordinator for the Bush-Brogan ‘02 gubernatorial re-elect campaign.
Reichelderfer, a veteran party operative, was Florida field director for Lamar Alexander’s presidential campaign during Alexander’s all-out effort in the Florida party’s Presidency III presidential primary straw poll.

And the Romney train keeps rolling.

See also: Potential problem for Romney - w/ Update

Potential problem for Romney - Updated Mitt Responds w/video

2007-01-11T18:12:00.000-05:00

**Update**
Mitt Romney used an appearance on Instapundit.com's "Glenn and Helen Show" to respond to the YouTube piece on the 1994 debate (see below). (hat tip to reader Jason)

Hugh Hewitt credits Romney for his rapid response, and warns of things to come:

Romney's push-back at the YouTubing of his '94 debate with ted Kennedy --happening in rapid response fashion-- means an entire news cycle on a somewhat significant story has played out before even one newspaper reported it, with the anti-Romney forces (clearly worried about the big $ Monday and the deMint Tuesday) trying to put a stick in the spokes, and Romney's team finding a way to knock it down in the same cycle.
That's a preview of what it will be like all year.

Here's a clip of the Romney response:

Good job Governor.
___________________________

We've posted a few times over the last week or so (here and here and here) on the early surge that Mitt Romney has enjoyed. Most of what we have had to say has revolved around his early fundraising success. It now looks as if Romney may have to use some of that cash to combat his early record of liberal positions.

We heard the criticism before this - Mitt has recently flipped to the conservative side on some issues - but now the YouTube attacks have begun. Hot Air had this film posted a few days ago, and now it has hit the MSM with its arrival on the FoxNews.com site. The montage video is from Mitt's 1994 Senatorial debate against Ted Kennedy.

Here it is (I apologize to my friends over at Peer Review FL):

This is certainly not an insurmountable obstacle, but it will require the expense of time and funds. With so much good news lately for Mitt, he was bound to have a story like this sooner or later. Sooner is probably better.

GOP Bloggers' 2008 GOP Straw Poll

2007-01-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

GOP Bloggers has a Straw Poll working for the 2008 GOP Primary probables/possibles. You can participate right here.

Much Ado About Nothing

2007-01-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

Special session. Property insurance. New direction in Iraq. Property tax cuts. Gators are national champs. Even Trump vs. Rosie. There is obviously much to talk and write about this week.

So why spend so much hot air on a non-story? I'm, of course, talking about Gov. Crist's decision to make his own appointments in his own administration.

Here's a selection of what was produced yesterday on the topic:

Crist Rejects Roster of Appointments - Orlando Sentinel
Crist rejects all of Bush's picks - Miami Herald
Crist withdraws 283 Jeb appointees - Naked Politics
Crist yanks 283 Bush appointees - The Buzz
Crist makes room for his own team - St. Pete Times
Crist to replace Public Service board members - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Crist nixes Bush appointments - Tallahassee Democrat
Crist rescinds 283 Bush appointments - Palm Beach Post

You get the idea. The overriding tenor of the reporting is of Crist departing from the Bush path. Is there a rift? Is Charlie the anti-Jeb? All silly questions, but you get the idea when reading most of the stories that these are the kind of questions being formulated in the writers' minds.

The real "story" is that Gov. Charlie Crist is doing exactly the same thing that all newly elected governors do. He's putting his own mark on his new administration. Period. Nothing more, nothing less.

Now, can we please get back to Donald and Rosie!

Iraq: Malkin's first report from the field

2007-01-11T09:11:00.000-05:00

Michelle Malkin has posted her first photos and comments from her current embed assignment in Iraq. Michelle is providing us with a view of the challenges operating in Baghdad:

Yes, there is danger and chaos and unspeakable bloodshed in parts of Baghdad. Sectarian violence--compounded by everyday street crime and tribal conflict--is rampant. Corruption, incompetence, and apathy infect the Iraqi government. You've gotten endless news coverage of all that. But there are also pockets of success and signs of hope amid utter despair. (read more)

Michelle, and her Hot Air colleague Bryan Preston, are reporting from the heart of the conflict in and around Baghdad. Brian's report can be found over on Hot Air. Given the current environment concerning last night's "troop surge" speech, I think their reporting and perspective are especially important. Just a bit from Bryan's report:

Without hesitation, I can say that this fight is the most intricate and complicated mission our military has ever faced. Our troops are daily engaging in missions that their military training never prepared them for, but they are performing those missions with amazing thought and skill. (read more)

As new reports are posted, we will let you know.

FL House Leaders Unveil Property Insurance Plan

2007-01-10T23:17:00.000-05:00

The Florida House weighed in today with its plan to reform property insurance laws in the state. The House plan moves away from the free-market environment in which property insurance now exist in favor of move government control.

From the Miami Herald:

Insurance rates would be frozen for Citizens Property customers for one year and private insurance companies could buy state-subsidized back-up insurance as long as they passed on all of their savings to consumers and dropped rates at least 25 percent.
Those are two of the top money-saving ideas included in six sweeping insurance proposals to be unveiled by the Florida House this afternoon. Other ideas include firing the board of directors running Citizens, repealing the Citizens rate increases set to take effect this year and allowing Citizens' policyholders to make insurance payments on an installment plan.
The draft bills are a hybrid of proposals that emerged last fall in the House Republicans' ''100 Ideas'' book, the House Democrats' plan, as well as suggestions pushed by Gov. Charlie Crist or made by the insurance industry.
Absent from the package of ideas is the proposal pushed by Senate leaders to expand Citizens, the state-run insurance company, so it could spread its risk and better compete with the private insurance market by letting it write more than just windstorm insurance.

View the six House bill proposals here.

The House plan is closer, in some ways, to proposals discussed by Gov. Crist than it is to some positions taken in the Senate proposal.

Unlike the Senate, the House embraces two ideas pushed by Crist during his election campaign. They want to require insurance companies to factor in national profits when their Florida subsidiary requests a rate increase and prohibit the creation of future ''pup'' companies, in which national companies create subsidiaries that can isolate their losses to Florida.
The House also embraces Crist's proposal to ban the practice of ''cherry-picking,'' when an insurance company writes homeowners policies in other states but only writes other lines of insurance in Florida.
The House package also includes bills to allow homeowners to receive credits on their insurance bills for strengthening their homes from wind damage, a bill to include the Panhandle in the statewide building code and a bill that asks Congress to consider creating a national catastrophe fund.

Despite some differences between the Senate and House plans, look for the real fight to be between the Legislature and the insurance lobby. Will come that fight as it develops.

Taking resonsibilty and charting a new course

2007-01-10T21:47:00.000-05:00

The principles and specific points of the President's address on strategy adjustments in Iraq are, by now, well known. The White House has posted an exhaustive review on their website - Highlights of the Iraq Strategy Review. The six fundamental elements of the new plan, as enumerated by the White House, are:

Let the Iraqis lead;
Help Iraqis protect the population;
Isolate extremists;
Create space for political progress;
Diversify political and economic efforts; and
Situate the strategy in a regional approach.

The full text of the President's address is here. The following includes some key excerpts of the speech.

The President claimed personal responsibility for mistakes made in Iraq.

When I addressed you just over a year ago, nearly 12 million Iraqis had cast their ballots for a unified and democratic nation. The elections of 2005 were a stunning achievement. We thought that these elections would bring the Iraqis together, and that as we trained Iraqi security forces we could accomplish our mission with fewer American troops.

But in 2006, the opposite happened. The violence in Iraq -- particularly in Baghdad -- overwhelmed the political gains the Iraqis had made. Al Qaeda terrorists and Sunni insurgents recognized the mortal danger that Iraq's elections posed for their cause, and they responded with outrageous acts of murder aimed at innocent Iraqis. They blew up one of the holiest shrines in Shia Islam -- the Golden Mosque of Samarra -- in a calculated effort to provoke Iraq's Shia population to retaliate. Their strategy worked. Radical Shia elements, some supported by Iran, formed death squads. And the result was a vicious cycle of sectarian violence that continues today.

The situation in Iraq is unacceptable to the American people -- and it is unacceptable to me. Our troops in Iraq have fought bravely. They have done everything we have asked them to do. Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me.

The thrust of troop increases and the focus of the new effort are aimed at the Baghdad area:

The most urgent priority for success in Iraq is security, especially in Baghdad. Eighty percent of Iraq's sectarian violence occurs within 30 miles of the capital. This violence is splitting Baghdad into sectarian enclaves, and shaking the confidence of all Iraqis. Only Iraqis can end the sectarian violence and secure their people. And their government has put forward an aggressive plan to do it.

Our past efforts to secure Baghdad failed for two principal reasons: There were not enough Iraqi and American troops to secure neighborhoods that had been cleared of terrorists and insurgents. And there were too many restrictions on the troops we did have. Our military commanders reviewed the new Iraqi plan to ensure that it addressed these mistakes. They report that it does. They also report that this plan can work.

Bush's major steps to confront these problems:

Now let me explain the main elements of this effort: The Iraqi government will appoint a military commander and two deputy commanders for their capital. The Iraqi government will deploy Iraqi Army and National Police brigades across Baghdad's nine districts. When these forces are fully deployed, there will be 18 Iraqi Army and National Police brigades committed to this effort, along with local police. These Iraqi forces will operate from local police stations -- conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints, and going door-to-door to gain the trust of Baghdad residents.

This is a strong commitment. But for it to succeed, our commanders say the Iraqis will need our help. So America will change our strategy to help the Iraqis carry out their campaign to put down sectarian violence and bring security to the people of Baghdad. This will require increasing American force levels. So I've committed more than 20,000 additional American troops to Iraq. The vast majority of them -- five brigades -- will be deployed to Baghdad. These troops will work alongside Iraqi units and be embedded in their formations. Our troops will have a well-defined mission: to help Iraqis clear and secure neighborhoods, to help them protect the local population, and to help ensure that the Iraqi forces left behind are capable of providing the security that Baghdad needs.

Bush made clear to Iraqis that it is time to step-up and beginning taking control of their own country:

I've made it clear to the Prime Minister and Iraq's other leaders that America's commitment is not open-ended. If the Iraqi government does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the support of the American people -- and it will lose the support of the Iraqi people. Now is the time to act.

The President also addressed the Syrian and Iranian problems:

Succeeding in Iraq also requires defending its territorial integrity and stabilizing the region in the face of extremist challenges. This begins with addressing Iran and Syria. These two regimes are allowing terrorists and insurgents to use their territory to move in and out of Iraq. Iran is providing material support for attacks on American troops. We will disrupt the attacks on our forces. We'll interrupt the flow of support from Iran and Syria. And we will seek out and destroy the networks providing advanced weaponry and training to our enemies in Iraq.

And he addressed Iraq's neighbors that can help stabilize the region:

We will use America's full diplomatic resources to rally support for Iraq from nations throughout the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf States need to understand that an American defeat in Iraq would create a new sanctuary for extremists and a strategic threat to their survival. These nations have a stake in a successful Iraq that is at peace with its neighbors, and they must step up their support for Iraq's unity government. We endorse the Iraqi government's call to finalize an International Compact that will bring new economic assistance in exchange for greater economic reform. And on Friday, Secretary Rice will leave for the region, to build support for Iraq and continue the urgent diplomacy required to help bring peace to the Middle East.

Though I was among those that did not believe an increase in troops was necessary, I do think that we can succeed in Iraq with this new direction. However, success is contingent upon the Administration allowing the military to do the job on the ground. That means adjusting the cumbersome rules of engagement now in place.

Most importantly, Congress should put aside the ridiculous partisan rhetoric that is poisoning the political well over Iraq. (see Gingrich below)

______________________
Right now on H&C:

Giuliani agrees with Bush plan. He calls for "sincere" bipartisan involvement.
Vilsack disagrees with Bush and Giuliani - big surprise. It's "not the time to escalate in Iraq." He calls Bush's speech the same old plan, dressed up in new language. He believes U.S. troops should leave Southern Iraq and the Baghdada region, redeploy to the north, and prepare to withdrawal completely.
Gingrich believes made some steps in the right direction, including pressure on Maliki and beefing-up security forces around Baghdad. Overall, a solid speech. Gingrich challenges Dems that oppose the war effort to vote to defund the war and admit their position of defeat. Congress should give the President and the military a chance to win the war.

FL-13 Update: No, it's still not over!

2007-01-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

We had hoped to be done with this by now, but, sadly, we have more to report - some good news and some bad news.

First, the good news:

Buchanan gets his commitee assignments (from Sarasota Herald-Trib)
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, finally got his committee assignments
today.

Buchanan has been named to the Transportation Committee and to the
Small Business committee.

Buchanan has been talking about getting on the Transportation Committee, hoping he can change federal funding formulas for highway money. For every dollar Florida sends to Washington, it only gets back 87 cents in funding for roads.
Buchanan signs onto first bill
Buchanan has signed onto his first piece of legislation, a bill sponsored by fellow FL Republican Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (Crystal River). The bill is calls for the creation of federal reinsurance catostrophic fund to assist citizens victimized by natural disasters. (read more)

Now, the bad news:

The ACLU is sticking its nose in the FL-13 mess
Voters represented by the ACLU added their support to Democrat Christine
Jennings' cause this week -- asking an appeals court to allow Jennings to look
at the programming code in the electronic voting machines used in the disputed
congressional election in Sarasota County. A lower court already ruled against
Jennings. (read more at the Buzz) . . .
The ACLU Foundation of Florida, VoterAction, People for the American Way Foundation and the Electronic Frontier Foundation are representing 11 Sarasota voters. The coalition wants a revote and a thorough investigation of the voting machines.

I guess it was onlt a matter of time before the ACLU moonbats began poking around. If nothing else, it should give us something to poke fun at. Stay tuned.

It's Official: FL Legislature Headed for Special Session

2007-01-10T08:22:00.000-05:00

House Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate President Ken Pruitt made it official yesterday - the Florida Legislature will convene in special session. The aim of the week-long session will be to tackle the issue of property insurance.

There are many solid previews of the session that have hit the MSM and blogosphere already, so we will try and give you the best of these. Here goes.

Though Governor Crist has not yet proposed a detailed plan, he has renewed his pledge to bring relief to Florida homeowners.

"Big insurance has a new day coming, and it starts the 16th."

While Crist warns against unreasonable expectations, he says that "people deserve high hopes...and I have them."

Governor Crist from a press release yesterday:

“Finding relief for Floridians burdened with skyrocketing insurance costs is my top priority,” said Governor Crist. “I pledge the full resources of my office to work with the leaders of the House and Senate to solve the insurance crisis.”

The Senate has introduced a draft bill that aims to reduce, or rollback, rate current rate hikes; allow for greater access by insurers to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund; and provide homeowners the right to forgo wind damage coverage and/or coverage for the contents of their homes.

For customers of the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the Senate bill calls for a one-year rate freeze.

For more details on the Senate plan, go over to Q at PBP for a pretty good summary.

A group called The Florida Hurricane Crisis Coalition has also issued its recommendations. The FHCC, while optimistic that a solution can be found, is cautioning against overblown expectations:

“Members of the Florida Hurricane Crisis Coalition applaud the new administration and legislative leaders as they prepare to find long-term solutions to our property insurance crisis. All Floridians must recognize that this crisis did not occur overnight and there is no single silver bullet solution. But with a focused and thoughtful approach, this state can work toward providing a viable, competitive private insurance market to benefit residents and business owners in Florida,” said FHCC co-chair John Sebree.

FHCC is a coalition created by the Associated Industries of Florida, and comprised largely of business groups. In issuing their final recommendations for the special session, they warn against short-term solutions:

The preeminent concern for the business community is that our elected leaders take a long-lasting approach in providing for a viable, competitive, private insurance market. Such a market is essential to ensuring available andaffordable property insurance.

The principles that they have adopted are essentially those of Rep. Don Brown (R), who will oversee insurance legislation in the House. View the final recommendations of FHCC here. Here is a brief overview given to us by the Daytona Beach News-Journal:

A business group known as the Florida Hurricane Crisis Coalition released a plan Thursday for dealing with the state's property-insurance problems. Lawmakers could consider the plan during a special legislative session that starts Jan. 16. Here are some key recommendations:

· Expand a program that provides inspections and grants to residents who want to fix up their homes to better withstand hurricanes. The coalition calls for spending as much as $500 million a year on the program, with much of the money coming from a tax collected on insurance premiums.

· Give homeowners more choices in their insurance coverage, which could help lower premiums. This would include allowing homeowners to choose between a wide range of deductibles.

· Allow insurance companies to buy more reinsurance from a state fund. Reinsurance is a crucial type of backup coverage that insurers use to help pay claims during hurricanes. Buying reinsurance from the state fund would be cheaper for insurers than buying it on the private market, which could lead to savings being passed on to
consumers.

· Require the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to charge "actuarially sound" rates that are designed to cover hurricane losses. Citizens ran up deficits paying claims in 2004 and 2005, which forced property owners throughout the state to help subsidize it.

We will continue to study this issue and report back as news arises.

More good news for Mitt

2007-01-09T14:51:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney held a one day fundraising push yesterday that yielded staggering results:

(AP) Mitt Romney easily surpassed his goal of raising $1 million with a major call-a-thon on Monday, raking in $6.5 million for his presidential campaign.
Just four days after leaving office as Massachusetts governor, Romney flew his national fund-raisers to Boston and had them call their network of friends and colleagues to begin collecting the estimated $100 million he seeks for a run in 2008.

We reported just a few days ago (here and here) Romney's move to secure major GOP fundraisers in Florida. Yesterday's take proves that his financial dominance is really nationwide.

While both Giuliani and McCain lead Romney in early polling, they both know that campaign cash will make the difference as the primaries draw closer. Be assured, neither McCain nor Giuliani is comfortable today.
___________________________
Take a look over at FL Peer Review for their take on how the Mormon issue will play-out. Interesting.

Related story: Ex-Gov. Gilmore Eyes GOP White House Bid

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Jim Gilmore, Virginia's former tax-slashing Republican governor, on Tuesday took the first step in a long-shot bid for the presidency.
Gilmore filed papers with the Federal Election Commission in Washington to form the Jim Gilmore for President Exploratory Committee, said his aide, Matt Williams. (read more)

The Democratic plan to lose in Iraq

2007-01-08T19:48:00.000-05:00

Just as it appears that the President is set to announce plans for an increase in troops in Iraq, Democrats are threatening to force an American withdrawal.

(AP at Breitbart) In a blunt challenge to President Bush, the leader of the Senate's new Democratic majority said Monday he will "look at everything" within his power to wind down the war in Iraq, short of cutting off funding for troops already deployed.
"I think we've got to tell the president what he's doing as wrong. We've got to start bringing our folks home," said Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, in remarks that portend a struggle if, as expected, Bush announces plans later this week for an increase in troop strength of 20,000.
Meanwhile, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy said one option under consideration would be for Congress to vote on denying the use of funds for such an increase in the U.S. deployment. Several officials said the Massachusetts Democrat was hoping lawmakers could register their views before any increase in troops was implemented.
More broadly, Reid signaled that Bush's expected call for an additional $100 billion for the war would receive close scrutiny from newly empowered Democrats.
"We have a platform we didn't have before, Leader Pelosi and I, and we're going to ... focus attention on this war in many different ways," said Reid. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., suggested over the weekend using Congress' power of the purse to restrain any troop buildup.

That should come as good news to those on the far-left, who have been dissatisfied that it has taken the Democratic Congress so long to act on the war. After all, they been in control since last week.

You knew it was coming!

Property tax talks coming to a town near you

2007-01-08T19:28:00.000-05:00

Members of the Florida House are taking the discussion of property tax reform on the road. Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R-Indialantic) and Rep. Frank Attkisson (R-Kissismmee) are heading up the traveling town hall meeting tour.

Those spearheading the effort insisted, "everything is on the table," when it
comes to reviewing Florida's tax system, said Sen. Mike Haridopolos,
R-Indialantic, chairman of the Senate Finance and Tax Committee.

The first meeting will take place later this month in Panama City. And while the idea is to get input from Florida citizens, the organizers certainly have ideas of their own:

Namely, both said that they're not in favor of redoing the Save Our Homes
tax cap, which has shifted more of the tax burden from homeowners to business
and investment property owners over the years. The cap has also created great
disparity in property taxes paid by newer homeowners compared to longtime
homeowners.

We look forward to the feedback that will surely surface.

The Good Side of Celebrity

2007-01-08T12:39:00.000-05:00

That's right, there is a good side. They're not all like Rosie.

Michelle Malkin uses today's Vent to highlight some of the "Patriotic Celebrities."

Check it out.

Florida Preview - Things to look for this week

2007-01-07T17:58:00.000-05:00

Gov. Crist is considering the recall of some Bush appointees:

Florida Times-Union - Crist wants change from utilities group
"That commission has been kind of an industry lapdog," Crist said. "It's supposed to be the Public Service Commission, not the phone or power service commission. ... I'm reviewing the options. Appointments are where I have the most impact."

It looks like the two commissioners that may be on the chopping block - Ken Littlefield and Isilio Arriaga - are both Bush appointees. This will, of course, be played in the MSM as Crist moving away from Bush.

St. Pete Times - Crist may boot some tapped by Bush
By the middle of next week, Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to dismantle a small part of the Bush legacy when he cancels some of Bush's late-term appointments.
Mark it down as the start of cutting the umbilical cord.
Crist won't say exactly how many Bush picks are in peril. "There's quite a number, I think," he said. "We're not sure yet. I have to make that decision over the weekend."

Why the Bush recalls? St. Pete Times' Steve Bousquet asked the same question:

What does Crist have against Bush appointees? The answer is nothing, in most cases. But Crist wants appointees loyal to him, not to the old boss.
He also does not want his administration to look like a warmed-over third Jeb term. People perceived as Jeb Kool-Aid drinkers are particularly vulnerable to being recalled.

See also: The Buzz - Jeb's endangered appointees
____________________________
Is Crist's property tax plan in jeopardy?

It is being reported that Gov. Crist may have trouble getting his way on property tax cuts. Some are worried that deep cuts - or any cuts for that matter - would gut local and county budgets. Property tax revenue is used by local governments for services such as education, police, and fire safety. This is what the papers are saying:

St. Pete Times - Rumble below Crist: Critics of his tax pledge
Crist wants the Legislature to amend the state Constitution to allow each county to double the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $50,000.
But for Crist, this promise will be difficult to keep. In the first week of his term, he already faces strong opposition on a signature issue of his campaign.
Resistance is mounting among counties, cities, school boards, taxing authorities and business groups. Their unified opposition could be formidable in the Legislature.
Counties say doubling the homestead exemption would so sharply cut the flow of revenue that programs would have to be cut. Rural counties are most anxious because many of them already collect property taxes at the highest rate allowed by law.
Businesses say a tax break for homeowners would worsen the inequities built into a property tax system that heavily favors residential property by capping the yearly growth of tax bills at 3 percent for homesteaded properties.
Taken together, the critics of Crist's plan say doubling the homestead exemption would not solve the tax problem but would shift more of the tax burden to renters, snowbirds who own vacation homes and to businesses.

We will keep an eye on this as the week progresses, but we are inclined to side with Crist here. Local governments should be forced to evaluate spending and efficiency.
___________________________
What will Carole Jean do?

As reported here on Friday, there is some question about what current state GOP Chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan will do vis-a-vis Crist nominee for the post. Though Jordan has said that she would not accept the nomination if it comes, she has yet to endorse Crist nominee Jim Greer.

The Tallahassee Sentinel has joined other Republicans in calling on Jordan to throw her support behind Greer. After speaking with a source from within the Party, I've learned that a rift has developed between those that believe it is the prerogative of Crist to choose the party leader - this has traditionally been the case - and those that prefer an open race for the #1 spot.

St. Pete Times - Outgoing GOP chief is leaving, right?
There's Buzz in Republican circles that state Republican Party chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan wants another term as GOP head despite Gov. Charlie Crist tapping a little-known pal, Jim Greer of the Orlando area, as his preferred choice.

Is Carole Jean ready to flip-flop on a run for the top post?

"I'm not," she said on a special inauguration episode of Political Connections airing on Bay News 9 at 11 a.m. today. "It's always exciting to listen to the rumor mill, isn't it."

We'll see. With the race for 2008 already gearing-up, we've got a message for the chairwoman: Stop playing games and get on board!

Florida: Key battleground state in '08

2007-01-06T10:45:00.000-05:00

Florida is shaping up to be one of - if not the - key battleground states in the race for 2008.

As reported here on Thursday, Mitt Romney has picked-up some important early supporters in the state. Beth Reinhard (Miami Herald) is expanding on the list we gave you.

Romney has enlisted several big-name Florida Republicans in record time. In addition to Herberger, Romney has hired Sally Bradshaw, Bush's former campaign manager and chief of staff. Former Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Al Cárdenas and former state House Speaker Allan Bense are members of his steering committee.

This week, Romney announced that two top Florida money men -- Mark Guzzetta and Mel Sembler -- would be national fundraisers.

''Is it impressive? Absolutely,'' said Kirk Wagar, a Democratic fundraiser for former and possibly future presidential contender John Kerry. ``On the Democratic side, we have a lot more people playing footsie.''

Miami businessman Chris Korge, who is committed to New York Sen. Hillary Clinton if she runs for president, said: ``The gun has gone off, and Mitt Romney is a smart guy who is trying to lock down Florida.''

Beth added that McCain is also busy in Florida:

John McCain has signaled he will not let Romney have the run of the place. When Romney was in Miami-Dade County recently for a meeting of the Republican Governors Association, the Arizona senator quietly swept participants away to his own reception. He has hired Melissa Shuffield, a former spokeswoman for Sen. Mel Martinez, and Kathleen Shanahan, Jeb Bush's former chief of staff and campaign manager.

**Related story: (from Americans for Tax Reform)

Romney, Brownback Sign Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Presidential candidates begin new year with resolution to fight tax hikes.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (R) and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R), candidates vying for the 2008 presidential nomination, have jumped out early in the new year and signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR). The Pledge commits signers to “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses … and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates."

Gov. Romney signed on December 31, 2006. Sen. Brownback signed the pledge January 1, 2007.

ATR has offered the Pledge to all candidates for federal office since 1987. To date, President George W. Bush, 43 U.S. senators, and 197 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed the Pledge. Seven Governors and over 1,300 state legislators have signed the Pledge as well.

“America needs leaders who are committed to protecting taxpayers, and signing our Pledge demonstrates that kind of leadership,” said Grover Norquist, president of ATR.

“By signing the Pledge, Sam Brownback and Mitt Romney demonstrate allegiance to hard-working taxpayers nationwide. It is now up to the other candidates in the race to stand up to the challenge.”

“I strongly encourage every Presidential candidate to sign the Pledge,” Norquist continued.

Copies of the Pledge are available at www.atr.org or by calling (202) 785-0266.

Cooking with Ham

2007-01-06T00:31:00.000-05:00

Mary Katherine Ham is setting the fiscal record straight - and doing a little cooking:

Crist orders special election to replace Holly Benson

2007-01-05T23:30:00.000-05:00

Gov. Charlie Crist called today for a special election to replace Rep. Holly Benson, who resigned her seat to serve as head of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The governor's order calls for a primary election to be held on February 6, and a general election on February 27.

The Buzz has offered a list of potential candidates:

Possible candidates include Republican George Scarborough, brother of former
U.S. Rep. Joe Scarborough; Democrat Elizabeth Campbell, who was defeated by
Benson in November; and former Democratic state Rep. DeeDee Ritchie, who has
said she's been courted by both parties but would stick to her party.

I spoke with a source from within the Republican Party of Florida this evening who said that Scarborough is the likely GOP nominee.

Pensacola businessmen Lyn Hart , a Republican, has committed to run and says he has already raised $75,000.

Florida Dems are looking at District 3 as an opportunity to get a jump on 2008.

This race needs to be made the top priority for Democrats state wide. All county
party organizations should look to mobilizing support in any way they can. A win
in the District 3 special election is a key to winning in 2008.

Related stories:
Pensacola News Journal - Benson's successor to come next month
Tallahassee Democrat - Crist orders special election

Americans for Tax Reform Calls Paygo a Vote Against Taxpayers

2007-01-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

One of the first House votes under Democratic leadership included the "Paygo" rule, which requires Congress to immediately identify new funds to pay for any new spending. Grover Norquist, president of ATR, calls this a license to raise taxes, as well as a prohibition on future tax cuts.

Simply put, PAYGO is measure designed to stop further tax cuts. Since 2003, more than $600 billion of tax cuts have been implemented which has worked to increase economic growth, job creation, investment, job creation, and household wealth. As a result of this growing economy tax revenues have soared witnessed by the past two fiscal years experiencing the two largest increases in federal tax revenues ever. PAYGO ends these pro-growth tax cuts.

Though Norquist says he supports earmark reform, which included in the same bill as paygo, he believes the two measures should have been voted on separately.

Republican members say that today's action - rules put in place by Democrats to shut Republicans out of the legislative process - signal how the Democratic leadership intends to conduct business. "This solidifies the fact that this is a closed shop," said Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.).

The Democratic version of paygo eliminates the requirement of a 60% supermajority in order to raise taxes. The supermajority measure was adopted by Republicans in 1995.

(The Hill) "On the first day that Republicans took majority control of Congress in 1995, one of their first actions was to establish a protective rule requiring a 60 percent supermajority to approve federal tax increases," Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in a release. "On their first day in control of Congress in 2007, Democrats are blocking efforts to maintain that protection, making it easier to raise taxes."

ATR adds:

Simply put, PAYGO is measure designed to stop further tax cuts. Since 2003, more than $600 billion of tax cuts have been implemented which has worked to increase economic growth, job creation, investment, job creation, and household wealth. As a result of this growing economy tax revenues have soared witnessed by the past two fiscal years experiencing the two largest increases in federal tax revenues ever. PAYGO ends these pro-growth tax cuts.

At the same time, this provision does nothing to slow the growth of spending. PAYGO only applies when spending exceeds the baseline which is already growing due to rising entitlement costs. Pulling this altogether, PAYGO is a mechanism that will finance higher levels of spending with tax increases, while at the same time ending all tax cuts from here on in.

I guess the bright side is that Democrats are showing their colors from day one. Grist for the 2008 election mill.

Gov. Crist faces early political challenge

2007-01-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

The Miami Herald is reporting that Gov. Crist may face a challenge over his selection to lead the state party:

Just days after his inauguration, Gov. Charlie Crist is facing the first challenge to his leadership -- and it's coming from the leader of his own party.
Carole Jean Jordan, chairwoman of the Florida Republican Party, was expected to endorse the governor's choice to replace her: Jim Greer, vice mayor of Oviedo and an energetic leader of Crist's campaign in Central Florida.
Instead, Jordan has distributed a letter extolling her own accomplishments -- and failing to mention Greer's name. A few of her supporters are sending out e-mail missives tearing Greer down.
Though Jordan's letter does not explicitly say she is running for reelection, it notes that the governor's choice to lead the party is only a consideration, not a mandate.

The Sentinel joins Republican officials that are calling for the chairwoman to do the right thing, stand behind the new governor.

The Miami Herald is suggesting that Jordan is hinting at her own run for reelection. This would contradict what the Buzz reported on Tuesday:

"If nominated, I will not accept"

We'll continue to follow this issue.

FL Sen. Mike Bennett Proposes Election Fix

2007-01-05T12:03:00.000-05:00

18,000 undervotes!! That's the basis of Christine Jennings' challenge of the FL-13 election results. The big question remains: Why so many undervotes?

Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton) is proposes a measure to help clear-up the mystery behind this question. Under his proposed bill, all ballots would have to carry the option "I choose not to vote."

Certainly a large number of those 18,000 undervotes in Sarasota would have fallen into this category.

Ah, the beauty of simplicity.

Rep. Duncan Hunter already on TV

2007-01-05T10:54:00.000-05:00

Rep. Duncan Hunter, a 2008 GOP hopeful, is already hitting the airwaves with ads through his Peace Through Strength PAC. Here's the latest:

Cindy going to Gitmo!!

2007-01-05T10:18:00.000-05:00

Rahm Emanuel must be relieved.
HAVANA - American activist Cindy Sheehan will join an international delegation traveling to Cuba next week to protest treatment of terrorism suspects five years after the first prisoners arrived at the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, organizers said Thursday.

Cindy has been busy over the past few days shouting at Democrats. Though I must admit that its been fun watching her turn her rage toward the Dems, it will be nice to get rid of her for a few days.

**Update: Democrats are finally alarmed at Sheehan's behavior. This from Lanny Davis, former Special Consul under Bill Clinton:

I painfully watched TV excerpts of Cindy Sheehan and her anti-Iraq war group’s conduct yesterday at the House Democratic Party Leadership press conference and I could only think of the 1960s, during the best (and worst) days of the anti-Vietnam War movement. . .
If you really want to end U.S. involvement in the Iraq war, then you need to make friends, not enemies, among those who are not 100 percent in agreement with you; you need to be civil and respectful of those who disagree with you; and especially, you need to support your friends and allies who are critical of the war, even if they don’t agree with your call for immediate withdrawal.
That is, if you really want to change policy -— rather than venting anger and steam.
Rahm Emanuel and Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer should be your allies. To act the way you and your colleagues did yesterday is counterproductive and, in the final analysis, assists the very political forces supporting the war and, indeed, supporting the greater U.S. military presence in Iraq that you are dedicated to oppose.

This, of course, leads us to ask - Where have you been for the last two years Lanny? Where was the outrage when Cindy hounded the President's outside of his home in Crawford? Back then she was the poor mother of a soldier killed in Bush's evil war.

What's that about chickens coming home to roost?

FL-13 is not the only contested seat in Florida

2007-01-05T09:17:00.000-05:00

**Update: Bradenton Herald tell Jennings: "Time to move on"

"Christine Jennings has made her point. It's time to accept the outcome and
move on."

*********************
As Congress opened yesterday, three Florida Democratic candidates asked the House administration committee to investigate their losses (one other Democrat from Louisiana is also asking for an investigation). While much has been written - here and elsewhere - about the FL-13 debacle, little has been reported from the other two races.

The three Democrats that are petitioning Congress are: Christine Jennings, who lost to Vern Buchanan; John Russell, who lost to Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Brooksville); and Clint Curtis, who lost to Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo).

Few are giving the appeals any chance of success:

Since 1993, about 105 such cases have been sent to committee but only a
handful have made it to the full House for a vote. Usually the committee
dismisses the case, though it could recommend to the full House that it order a
new recount or new vote. (The Buzz)

Including these three races, a total of six Florida Congressional races are being challanged:

Besides Buchanan, the Nov. 7 triumphs of Republican Reps. Virginia "Ginny"
Brown-Waite, of Brooksville; Ander Crenshaw, of Jacksonville; Gus Bilirakis, of
Tarpon Springs; Lincoln Diaz-Balart, of Miami; and Tom Feeney, of Oviedo are
being disputed in state court by losing Democratic opponents or voters.

Despite news of these other races, Rep. Vern Buchanan and the FL-13 debate remain the most visible - and the prime target of Congressional Dems: Dems put freshman lawmaker on notice (Orlando Sentinel), Buchanan Takes Oath, but Dispute Isn't Over (Tampa Trib), Sarasota congressman is sworn in - but not quietly (Miami Herald), Buchanan seated amid dessent (Bradenton Herald).

See yesterday's post: FL-13 Update: Buchanan takes his seat

Related story: Go to Peer Review FL to catch-up on the Feeney trip payment issue.

More Disgraceful Behavior on Campus

2007-01-05T00:51:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you just have to let them talk. I really believe that these campus crazies are providing a service to us all. The more video they put out, the more obvious it is that they are just plain nuts.

I just stumbled upon this footage - shot by the wacko himself - of an October visit to the University of Texas by Bill Kristol.

This one is complete with 9/11 conspiracy garbage.

Update: Video of Sheehan Clan shouting down Dems

2007-01-04T23:36:00.000-05:00

Here's the video we mentioned earlier today:

Did the Dems really think they'd go away after the election?

(FoxNews.com) "We didn't put you in power to work with the people that have been murdering hundreds of thousands of people since they have been in power," Sheehan said. "We put you in power to be opposition to them finally and we're the ones who put them in power."

When you pander to left-wing wackos, you never get rid of them.

Romney picks-up two of Florida's top GOP money men

2007-01-04T16:45:00.000-05:00

Just a day after announcing his plans for 2008, Mitt Romney issued a press release touting a list of National Finance Co-chairs. The list of nine co-chairs included to high-powered FL fundraisers, Ambassador Mel Sembler and developer Mark Guzzetta.

Today's announcement makes clearer the print be placed on Romney's organization by former FL Gov. Jeb Bush.

Guzzetta has been a big fund-raiser for Bush, who was best man in Guzzetta's wedding. Sembler was a major cash source for Bush's successor, Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, in last fall's campaign. The pair have some company in the Romney camp, which has already drawn Sally Bradshaw, a former Bush campaign manager, Ann Herberger, Bush's finance director, and one-time Florida Republican Chairman Al Cardenas.

This should be seen by Florida Republicans as a major move by Romney. With the movement toward an earlier primary for the Sunshine State in 2008, Florida's money men will certainly play a larger role in determining the eventual presidential nominee.

Tallahassee police chief to head juvenile justice

2007-01-04T15:53:00.000-05:00

Gov. Charlie Crist is set to name Police Chief Walter McNeil to head the Dept. of Juvenile Justice. McNeil will become the second Democrat appointed to a high-level post under Crist.

From the Buzz:

He replaces Anthony Schembri, whose efforts to revamp the agency met various controversy, including the boot camp death of 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson. Tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of the beating incident in Panama City.

“It’s very encouraging news,” said Anderson family attorney Ben Crump. “Walt McNeil is a person who cares deeply about people. I know him to be a good man.”

McNeil, 51, would be the second prominent Democrat in Crist's administration and the highest profile African American. He has been police chief since 1997 and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master's in criminal justice from St. Johns University in Louisiana. He is married and has three children, age 30 to 15.

McNeil had applied to become the head of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He takes a job that was aggressively sought by former state Rep. Gus Barreiro of Miami Beach, who lead the charge to close boot camps.

Though we don't know much about McNeil's politics at this point - we're looking into that now - Democrats seem to be excited about the move. Check out the comments to the Buzz post. He seems to have done a pretty good job at TPD.

McNeil will take over for Anthony Schembi, who Crist announced yesterday would not remain at DJJ. Though juvenile crime has dropped under Schembi, he has not been able to shake the effects of the Martin Lee Anderson death.

FL-13 Update: Buchanan takes his seat

2007-01-04T15:34:00.000-05:00

Rep. Vern Buchanan spoke his first words as a member of Congress today:

Buchanan's first vote

There's no turning back now. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, (R-Longboat Key) is officially a member of Congress.

Sitting about four rows from the front of the chamber, Buchanan registered his first vote as a member of Congress.

Buchanan voted for Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) to be the Speaker of the House.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California) won the vote to be the speaker, but Buchanan joined with all Republicans in voting for Boehner.

Wearing a black suit and red tie, Buchanan rose to his feet and announced his vote: "Mr. John Boehner," his first words on the House floor.

This doesn't mean the Christine Jennings has given up the fight:

Jennings is keeping her fingers crossed that the courts will call for a re-vote, but (political analyst Lars) Hafner is not so sure.

"I think it’s highly unlikely at this point. As time goes on, people begin to want to move on," he said.

Rep. Rush Holt, a New Jersey Democrat, is expected to formally ask House leaders to recognize the court challenge against Buchanan. Jennings also hopes a House committee will launch an independent investigation.

Meanwhile, Vern Buchanan maintains the voting machines were working properly on Election Day.

In a statement sent to Tampa Bay's 10 News, Buchanan said: “I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the concerns of my constituents.”

Despite Jennings' refusal to step aside, it now looks as if this dispute is near its end.

NR's Byron York picked-up the story today. He believes that this may have signaled the end for electronic voting.

Still, for all the problems, experts are coming around to the idea that voting is one of those things — like the wooden baseball bat or the handwritten Post-it note — where the low-tech solution is the best. Yes, Democrats will still protest when they lose elections. But everyone will have more confidence when real, paper ballots determine the winner. Just ask Congressman Buchanan.

I agree.

This should be one of our last posts on the FL-13 debacle - we hope anyway - but we will standby until Christine Jennings stands down.

Now the real fun begins

2007-01-04T15:09:00.000-05:00

Nancy Pelosi took the gavel today as the new speaker of the House of Representatives. Now the real work of governing begins.

WASHINGTON - Jubilant Democrats on Thursday elected Rep. Nancy Pelosi (news, bio, voting record) as the first woman speaker of the House, the crowning celebration of newfound power the party won in the November electoral sweep.

"I accept this gavel in the spirit of partnership, not partisanship, and look forward to working with you on behalf of the American people," Pelosi said. "In this House, we may belong to different parties, but we serve one country." (read more)

Though the day was marked by a spirit of compromise and cooperation, expect that to end just as soon as the legislation and debate start flying.

I have to admit, all the talk of compromise - not only today, but also in the President's op-ed piece yesterday - makes me wonder if Republicans are still willing to compromise on conservative principles, just as they've done over the past few years. That would be playing right into Democratic hands, and ensure that we will not soon see a return to power in Congress.

Republicans must remember that voters did not reject the conservative agenda in November, but rather the corruption and compromise of principles that became the hallmarks of the Republican controlled Congress. I know that I mention it often, but Republicans would do well to reflect on what brought them to power in 1994. I don't recall any talk of compromise back then.

For Democrats, they are beginning to reap what they sowed during the campaign. The groups that they pandered to are now demanding action.

Even as they prepared to take control of Congress, Democrats received a brusque reminder that they face pressure from the political left as well as resistance from Republicans.

At one point during the day, Rep. Rahm Emanuel, a member of the Democratic leadership, was addressing reporters when he was loudly interrupted by Cindy Sheehan and other anti-war activists. "De-escalate, investigate, troops home now!" they shouted, while he smiled gamely.

Boy, it sure is nice to see Wacky Cindy shouting at the other side. Check-out the Cindy video over at Hot Air.

FL Inaugural Poem: A Meeting of the People

2007-01-03T23:41:00.000-05:00

Tampa poet laureate James E. Tokley delivered his poem at the inauguration of Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday. Pretty good stuff.

Read it here.

Bush in the WSJ: Is he all talk?

2007-01-03T21:51:00.001-05:00

President Bush took his message to the pages of the Wall Street Journal today. While it is a message that has been consistent over the last six years, the question remains over how much stands behind the words.

Bush used his article in the Journal to reach-out to Democrats in hopes of salvaging his legacy over the next two years. Justified or not, the President's legacy now rests on war in Iraq. Bush's problem is not with the consistency of his message, but with producing results.

Mr. G (over at Peer Review FL) is correct in challenging Bush on his record over his first term and a half. Though Peer Review takes a little harder stand against Bush than I will, his dismay over the President's desire to hold Democrats to his standards is on target. After all, Republicans managed to carry the party from the Republican Revolution of 1994 to the point of mimicking the big-spending Democratic liberals that collapsed in '94.

Bush is correct to ask for the line item veto, though he will never get it. But where was the veto pen over the last six years? Rather than waiting to lecture Democrats on the importance of principled leadership, Bush should have been demanding principled leadership from his own party over the last six years.

So, what should he do now?

Like Mr. G, I have appreciated the President's commitment to his tax cuts, and to the fight to make them permanent. From this he should not waver. His promise to deliver a plan to balance the federal budget is admirable, but long over due. Bush is right to demand the same commitment from the new Congress.

On Bush's call to tackle issues like immigration and health care, compromise with this Congress will mean abandoning conservative principles. He should not count on Democrats moving to the right on these issues. So principled leadership here will probably mean pulling out the veto pen.

My biggest problem with the President's article is that it's about two years too late. For now, we'll just have to wait and see if this is just all talk.

To read the President's entire WSJ piece click here.

Guliani Accuses Crist Staffer of Leaking Campaign Plans

2007-01-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

Former NY mayor, and 2008 presidential hopeful, Rudolph Giuliani is accusing a campaign aide of just sworn-in Charlie Crist of stealing and leaking documents which outlined the former mayor's campaign plans.

A White House strategy playbook belonging to Rudolph Giuliani vanished during a campaign swing and was leaked to the press – and Giuliani staffers suspect the leak was the work of an aide to new Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, according to the New York Post.

Both Giuliani and his 2008 rival John McCain made trips to Florida to stump for the Crist campaign. Gov. Crist has been described as a "strong ally" of McCain, and this has certainly factored in to Giuliani's suspicions concerning his campaign play book. Florida is believed to be one of the most important battleground states for 2008. Both candidates - as well as other GOP hopefuls - have begun staking-out their fundraising contacts in Florida. Giuliani's camp views the leak of documents has potentially damaging when it comes to campaign donors.

(NY Post) But the book was potentially damaging for Giuliani among political insiders and uncommitted donors, whom McCain has been moving to lock up on his side.

For his part, McCain is claiming to know nothing about the source of the leak.

The Buzz has obtained a comment from Gov. Crist.

Gov. Crist said today he knew nothing about the matter (Giuliani's folks won't say whether or not the campaign plan disappeared while stumping for Crist), but of Giuiliani's leaked campaign plan he said, "I hope it's a good one." Per the Daily News, the plan called for recruiting Jeb Bush's fundraiser Ann Herberger to put her on retainer for $216,000. Herberger wound up jumping on board with Mitt Romney.

One thing is for sure about the 2008 presidential race and the State of Florida: Both Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist are very popular among Florida Republicans, and whoever each chooses to support will come to the state with an advantage over the rest of the field. Right now Giulani doesn't have the support of either Bush or Crist (Bush has lined-up behind Mitt Romney).

My prediction is that - leak or no leak - Giuliani's hopes in Florida, and among Florida donors, are minimal at best.

Mr. Governor

2007-01-02T17:35:00.000-05:00

Governor Charlie Crist delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 44th Governor of the State of Florida on the east portico of the Old Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida January 2, 2007.

Gov.-elect Charlie Crist became Gov. Charlie Crist at noon today on the steps of the Old Capitol in Tallahassee.

After a upbeat prayer breakfast at Florida A&M University - where gospel star Vicky Winans took center stage - events moved out to the Old Capitol on what turned out to be an overcast day. Despite the lack of sunlight, Gov. Crist focused on sunshine and optimism during his inaugural address.

Crist began by paying tribute to outgoing Gov. Jeb Bush:

"Ladies and gentlemen, for the last eight years this state has been led by a great governor; a man who in my opinion is the greatest governor in America. Gov. Jeb Bush showed us how government can pursue audacious goals with vision and integrity."

"After eight years, our taxes are lower, one million more people are earning paychecks in new jobs, and thousands more of our students are receiving a year’s worth of knowledge in a year’s worth of time."
"Governor, your legacy will be those and other successes — not the least of which was your commitment to our safety. Through eight hurricanes in 15 months, you, my friend, were the beacon of light, our unparalleled leader when times were tough. On behalf of everyone who calls this state home, I thank you for your service. You will be missed, but you will never be forgotten — Gov. Jeb Bush."

Crist then placed Florida at the pinnacle of Reagan's "shining city upon a hill":

President Ronald Reagan described America as a shinning city on a hill. If that is true, and I know that it is, than Florida is the shinning state on the mountain top. Florida is a state more than any other that defines the breathtaking scope of our American experience. It was here that Europeans first ventured into the New World, and it was from here that genius and courage took mankind to the moon. It is Florida where America literally reaches for the stars. And yet, despite these past accomplishments, there is no greater time in our history than right now.

The governor next turned to the key issues facing Floridians: rising property insurance rates and property taxes. Crist pledged to work with the legislature in a special session this month to find a solution to the insurance crisis.

Two weeks from today the Legislature will convene in a special session to address the insurance crisis. I pledge the full resources of my office to work with the leaders of the House and the Senate along with our new chief financial officer to bring our people the relief that they need and deserve.

Crist promised to expand the reach of Florida commerce beginning with a trade mission to Israel.

Like Gov. Bush, Crist promised to make education a central theme of his administration:

But Florida cannot be an economic leader and a jobs producer unless every child is receiving a world-class education. And as a proud product of Florida’s public schools, I know that the essential ingredient in a first class education is our teachers. We must continue to recruit and retain the very best and brightest to teach our children, and we must pay them more.

We have no higher priority, no higher calling, than to make sure our children are prepared, not only to participate, but to lead in the highly competitive global economy. With the Internet, modern travel and transportation, the global economy is at our doorstep. Our children don’t have to look forward to greater opportunities, we need to give them every opportunity. We need to make sure that they’re ready. It is our highest calling, and our most important responsibility. We need to continue on a path of making Florida’s education the gold standard. We can and we will.

Crist wrapped-up his remarks by announcing the creation of the Office of Open Government, which he said will begin by executive order as soon as tomorrow. This has been a major theme of his transition team. Finally, Gov. Crist recalled his grandfather's immigrant beginnings and his rise to the state's highest office:

My grandfather Adam Christodoulos came to this country from his native Cypress as a penniless, 14-year-old boy. He could not speak the language, he didn’t know anyone, but he had a dream. He had a dream about coming to a place called America where he had heard that if you worked hard, lived by the rules, did what was right, that you could do better for yourself and for your family. When my grandfather Adam came here, he worked hard, he shined shoes for a living, he made $5 a month — not a lot but it was good honest work.

And while my grandfather is no longer here today, he is here, he’s in my heart. And
I know, because I believe in God, that he can see this moment and I’m sure he’s
proud that his grandson has just become the governor of the fourth largest state
in the greatest country on the face of the earth.

Now that the formalities of taking office are behind him, the real challenges of governing are before the new governor. If he can follow-up on the commitments enumerated in his inaugural address, Gov. Crist will certainly be off to a great start.

Read the complete text of Crist's inaugural address here.

Changing of the Guard

FL Inauguration Preview

2007-01-01T10:34:00.000-05:00

Alert: Tickets still available for inauguration events:

I just received an email from inauguration hq. There are tickets still available - as of Sunday evening - for both the prayer breakfast and the swearing-in ceremony.
For tickets go to the Residence Inn at 600 W. Gaines Street, Tallahassee.

_______________________
Pre-inauguration Press Coverage:

Crist's open-door inauguration signals shift in governing style (Palm
Beach Post)
TALLAHASSEE — Charlie Crist, soon to become the 44th governor of the fourth-largest state in the nation, considers himself "just a regular guy."
" 'Cause that's kind of what I am," Crist said as he prepared for Tuesday's daylong inaugural fete culminating in a down-home barbecue on the mansion lawn complemented by strains of Florida folk music.
He nixed the fancy inaugural ball. He'll wear an old, off-the-rack suit to the swearing-in ceremony. He has done away with the receiving line at the mansion.
Crist hopes the breaks with tradition demonstrate he's the "people's governor" his campaign promised. (Read more)
______________
'Consensus builder' Crist takes office (Tallahassee Democrat)
Florida's next governor has morphed from a tough guy they called ''Chain-gang Charlie'' into an easy-going executive who calls himself ''the people's governor.''
But while his personal image has changed, Charlie Crist's public demeanor has remained the same. If Gov. Jeb Bush has been the ''e-governor,'' which on different days has stood for ''electronics'' or ''education,'' Crist could probably make the letter stand for ''equanimity.'' (Read more)
______________
In and out of politics, friendship counts for Crist: The governor-elect values loyalty and trust (Sarasota Herald-Tribune)
TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Jeb Bush frequently chose people with strong conservative credentials from out of state to lead state agencies. But Charlie Crist, set to be sworn in as the state's 44th governor on Tuesday, has shown that his affinity for a person is as important as any political litmus test. (Read more)
______________
Crist setting early bipartisan tone: As Florida prepares to swear in its 44th governor this week, Charlie Crist wants his first days in office to be remembered for a populist tone and bipartisan harmony. (Miami Herald)
Tallahassee - When he takes the oath of office on Tuesday, Charlie Crist will become the first Republican governor of Florida since 1874 to succeed a Republican, but he wants his first days on the job to be remembered for the way he treats Democrats -- and the public.
''Reaching across the aisle to work with people regardless of party -- that's the example I want to set and the tone -- because it's clear that's what the people want,'' said Crist, who has had 56 days since Election Day to prepare for his inauguration. (Read more)
______________
For Crist, power comes with problems: The new governor will have to make tough decisions -- and enemies, observers say. (Orlando Sentinel)
TALLAHASSEE -- Charlie Crist has spent most of his 14-year career in state politics making people happy.

Now he has to start making people mad.
It's an inevitable fact of life for Crist, who Tuesday will be sworn in as the 44th governor of Florida.

As the state's chief executive, Crist will become the ultimate arbiter of disputes about education, insurance, taxes and more. He has to decide which laws to sign and which to veto. Amid a cooling economy, he must pick where to spend money and where to cut. (Read more)
______________
Crist a 'people's governor' facing tough challenges (Daytona Beach News-Journal)
TALLAHASSEE -- As Charlie Crist campaigned for governor, he talked about carrying on Jeb Bush's legacy.
But when Crist is sworn into office Jan. 2, he likely will offer a leadership style that is far different from the outgoing governor.
Crist is a self-described populist who likes to call himself the "people's governor."
And while he and Bush agree on big-picture issues like cutting taxes, cracking down on crime and reforming public schools, Crist has already shown that he is more willing than his fellow Republican to work with Democrats and, at times, to challenge big business. (Read more)
______________
This is just a sampling of stories from around the state. We will be at tomorrow's events, and look forward to reporting on everything we see and hear.
Don't forget to check back for all the coverage.
_______________________________
Schedule of events for Tuesday, January 2nd

**The 2007 Florida Inaugural Prayer Breakfast at Florida A&M University's Gaither Gymnasium, Tallahassee, Florida - 7:30 A.M. until 9:00 A.M - Free Ticketed Event – 2 per person
**The Official Swearing in Ceremony at The Old Capitol, East Portico, Tallahassee, Florida - 10:30 A.M. - Free Ticketed Event – 2 per person
**The 2007 Florida Inaugural Parade - Tallahassee, Florida - 1:30 P.M. - Free Event – No Tickets Required
**The Governor's Mansion "The People's House" Tour and Street Festival at The Governor's Mansion - 700 North Adams Street, Tallahassee, Florida - 2:30 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. - Free Event – No Tickets Required

____________________________

Happy New Year!!

2007-01-01T00:59:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year from

The Tallahassee Sentinel

Well, we've only been at this for a couple of months, but we are looking forward to a long 2007 in the blogosphere. Thank you to all of you that have been reading daily - and to those of you that have sent your helpful comments and suggestions.

See our post on Tops Lists for 2006.

2006 Tops Lists are Rolling In

2006-12-31T10:52:00.001-05:00

Update:
NR's Best and Worst of 2006 - A Symposium
A bit of poetry from Bill Reilly - Ode to '06
Human Events: In and Out in 2006 and Top 10 Junk Sci Moments of '06
Times Watch - Top 10 Lowlights of the NY Times of '06

Toby Harnden, of the Telegraph, has posted his "Top 10 American Political Moments of 2006." Dick Cheney gets the top spot.

Here's the Top 5:

Dick Chaney goes hunting.
Bush the Decider.
Mark Foley likes pages.
George Allen calls-out maccaca.
Cynthia McKinney punches a cop.

Read the rest here. Will find and post more lists later.

Update: Uncut Saddam Execution Video

2006-12-30T19:20:00.000-05:00

The Jawa Report has posted this video showing the execution of Saddam Hussein. Though it is a bit shaky - apparently shot with a camera phone - it takes you far beyond what you have seen in the MSM.

I do want to echo what Allah Pundit has said, "I don’t know whose bright idea it was to let three punks in leather jackets and balaclavas take care of business instead of the Iraqi army, but the more I watch it, the more it looks like a hit instead of a state execution."

AP also is correctly troubled by the following:

The room was quiet as everyone began to pray, including Mr. Hussein. “Prayers be upon Mohammed and his holy family.”

Two guards added, “Supporting his son Moktada, Moktada, Moktada.”

Mr. Hussein seemed a bit stunned, swinging his head in their direction.

They were talking about Moktada al-Sadr, the firebrand cleric whose militia is now committing some of the worst violence in the sectarian fighting; he is the son of a revered Shiite cleric, Muhammad Sadiq al-Sadr, who many believe Mr. Hussein had murdered.

“Moktada?” he spat out, a mix between sarcasm and disbelief.

It is a serious concern that those chosen to carry out the execution appear to be supporters of Moktada al-Sadr, himself an impediment to peace in Iraq. Perhaps Moktada day at the gallows will come soon.

Daily Kos mourns the death of Saddam

2006-12-30T14:29:00.000-05:00

How do our friends on the left feel about the execution of Saddam? Here's the Kos take:

I have just read that Saddam Hussein is dead. Hung by the neck until dead – isn’t that the phrase they always use on television? And I feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. Everybody has to start by saying that it isn’t bad that Saddam Hussein is dead – he was an evil man. But what is evil? It is a religious denunciation, a way to set a person apart from humanity. We need to do this I suppose. And if we say that Saddam Hussein is an evil man, don’t we then have to say that other men are good? Who is good I wonder? Where do we find these men of goodness? To say Saddam Hussein was evil is too easy, it lets us off the hook. Saddam Hussein was a cruel man, a selfish man, a desperate man, a sad man. (hat tip LGF)

It is cruel and sad to be that confused!!

Does Saddam's execution set a precedent?

2006-12-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

Mario Loyola of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (for NROnline) thinks so.

There’s plenty to be miserable about where Iraq is concerned these days. Few still think the sacrifices the U.S. and its partners have made during the war worthwhile; and the world watches in horror at the convulsed specter of Baghdad in flames. Of course, the good news does not get reported. But just as important is the fact that the American-led Coalition and its Iraqi partners have established a historic precedent: Dictators had better watch how they treat their people today. They may have to answer for it tomorrow. (Read more)
______________________

Loyola goes on to quote Bush from his "Mission Accomplished" speech:

In defeating Nazi Germany and imperial Japan, Allied Forces destroyed entire cities, while enemy leaders who started the conflict were safe until the final days. Military power was used to end a regime by breaking a nation. Today, we have the greater power to free a nation by breaking a dangerous and aggressive regime. With new tactics and precision weapons, we can achieve military objectives without directing violence against civilians. No device of man can remove the tragedy from war. Yet it is a great advance when the guilty have far more to fear from war than the innocent.

It's a shame that the profound gets lost in the liberal hyperbole about that speech.

The End of a Disgraceful Era

2006-12-30T07:42:00.000-05:00

Sic semper tyrannis

"Now, he is in the garbage of history," said Jawad Abdul-Aziz, who lost his father, three brothers and 22 cousins in the reprisal killings that followed a botched 1982 assassination attempt against Saddam in the Shiite town of Dujail. (from AP)

Not all are happy about the execution. This from Human Rights Watch:

The execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein following a deeply flawed trial for crimes against humanity marks a significant step away from respect for human rights and the rule of law in Iraq, Human Rights Watch said today.

______________________________

The Times has a fitting obituary.

Saddam Hussein was a tyrant whose actions brought down unimaginable catastrophe on Iraq and its peoples. From an early age, he had enjoyed inflicted suffering on those around him and, when he came to positions of political power, those whom he could not force or corrupt into submitting to his will, he maimed, murdered or made to flee. (Read more)

______________________________

An eyewitness lets off some steam. Who could blame them:

“This son of a bitch is lying under my feet. … I can’t talk now because of all the cheers!” a witness said.

______________________________

Hot Air has a lengthy post with video.

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Here's the statement by President Bush from LA Times:

Today, Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial -- the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime.

Fair trials were unimaginable under Saddam Hussein's tyrannical rule. It is a testament to the Iraqi people's resolve to move forward after decades of oppression that, despite his terrible crimes against his own people, Saddam Hussein received a fair trial. This would not have been possible without the Iraqi people's determination to create a society governed by the rule of law.
Saddam Hussein's execution comes at the end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people and for our troops. Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain, and defend itself, and be an ally in the War on Terror.

We are reminded today of how far the Iraqi people have come since the end of Saddam Hussein's rule - and that the progress they have made would not have been possible without the continued service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.

Many difficult choices and further sacrifices lie ahead. Yet the safety and security of the American people require that we not relent in ensuring that Iraq's young democracy continues to progress.

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More later.

Arlen Specter joins the parade to Syria

2006-12-29T21:34:00.000-05:00

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R) joined the list of American politicians that have made the pilgrimage to Damascus.

DAMASCUS,(SANA)-US Republican Senator Arlen Specter stressed on Tuesday that President Bashar al-Assad is interested in achieving peace, stability and prosperity in the region, calling US Administration to hold a dialogue with Syria as to realize these purposes.

In a press conference held before his departure at Damascus Airport after a two-day visit to Syria, the Senator called the US Administration "to conduct a dialogue with Syria to solve the problems in the region," emphasizing that nothing cannot be reached out without the dialogue with Syria.

He rejected US Administration's refusing stance to hold a dialogue with Syria, describing the current US policy towards Syria as" not successful."

Bryan at Hot Air asks:

Why do we have so many squishes in Washington eager to bow to the whims of Arab and Iranian dictators, while they do nothing but bash and smash the US and its allies in Israel, and often on the soil that the dictators themselves rule?

Covering the Non-events of the Duke Lacrosse Case

2006-12-29T18:39:00.000-05:00

Townhall.com's Mary Katharine Ham gives us the things that "did not happen" in Durham.

FL-13 Update: House must decide next week

2006-12-29T17:43:00.000-05:00

Update: Jennings loses in FL court.

A judge ruled Friday that the Democrat who narrowly lost the race to succeed Rep. Katherine Harris cannot examine the programming code of the electronic voting machines used in the disputed election.
Circuit Judge William Gary ruled that Christine Jennings' arguments about the possibility of lost votes were "conjecture" and did not warrant disclosing the trade secrets of the voting machine company, Election Systems & Software.

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Reuters has just reported that the disputed election for Florida's 13th district will be among the first issues to face the 110th Congress when it convenes next week.

Rep. Rush Holt, a New Jersey Democrat who has pushed for better safeguards on electronic voting machines, said on Friday he would make a procedural point to establish the swearing-in of Florida Republican Vern Buchanan does not prejudice ongoing challenges by his Democratic opponent, Christine Jennings.

"This is a district, Sarasota area in Florida, where there's no way of knowing whether the result presented by Florida's secretary of state is valid. In fact, I think there is significant evidence that it is not," Holt told reporters.
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Kevin Smith, a spokesman for House Republican leader John Boehner, said the matter was settled.
"Florida authorities conducted a thorough audit of the voting machines used in the district and found no system breakdowns or abnormalities." He added: "The election is over. Vern Buchanan won."

Look for a raucous start to the Democratic Congress. We'll keep an eye on it.

Saddam Seeks U.S. Intervention

2006-12-29T17:18:00.000-05:00

Update: A top Iraqi official said Saddam will be executed before 10 p.m. EST Friday.

William F. Buckley, Jr. has given us the go ahead to appreciate the execution.

But this is the point at which we are entitled to a measure of satisfaction precisely over what Saddam is going to experience. Even if it is prideful to take his life, it is something other than sinful to take satisfaction — pleasure, even — at its forfeit.

It was rumored, in 1946, that the hangman in Nuremberg adjusted the nooses of some of the condemned to magnify the pain of suffocation. Such sadism was not called for then and is not called for now. But if fornication is wrong, there is no denying that it can bring pleasure. The death of Saddam Hussein at rope's end brings a pleasure that is undeniable, and absolutely chaste in its provenance.

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Saddam Hussein has asked a U.S. court to block his execution.

Read at Breitbart.com

Cancer or Not, the end is near for Castro

2006-12-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

A Spanish doctor, Jose Luis Garcia, held a press conference in Madrid on Tuesday to issue his findings during a visit to Cuba last week. Here is a summary of his statement:

• For now, no more surgeries are being considered.
• Castro is in stable condition after the very serious surgery.
• His mental condition is ''exceptional and fantastic,'' and he has a surprising ability to recount historical anecdotes.
• His recovery includes nutrition and physical therapy.
• This was the first time he examined Castro, but they had met previously.

The president of the Madrid regional government made the obvious observation:

''If the comandante has to ask for help . . . what happens to the rest of the Cuban citizens, especially the political prisoners?'' Esperanza Aguirre, president of the Madrid regional government, said on Spanish TV.

Even if Garcia is correct, the end is clearly near for the Cuban dictator. The real question: Is the U.S. prepared for this eventuality?

AFP tells us that Cubans were kept in the dark about the doctor's statement. Big surprise!

Tightly controlled state media published no news Tuesday of the Spanish surgeon's health update on the ailing leader.

Good News - FL leaders re-affirm support for embargo:

With Fidel Castro's health waning, Gov. Jeb Bush, Gov.-elect Charlie Crist and other federal and state officials reaffirmed their support of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba in hopes it will lead to the communist government's downfall upon his death.

Business Week looks ahead to post-Castro Cuba:

Castro's illness has generated much debate among Cuban exiles and the Bush Administration over what would happen on the Caribbean island of 11 million people if Castro, the world's longest-reigning leader, were to die in the coming weeks or months. Here's an analysis of possible scenarios: Read here!!

Gov. Bush & Gov.-elect Crist Remember Ford

2006-12-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

The Buzz has comments from Bush and Crist:

Bush: "This morning, Columba and I join Floridians and Americans across the nation in mourning the passing of former President Gerald Ford. President Ford was an honest man with courage and conviction. He provided reassurance during times of uncertainty, and his thoughtful leadership was a guidepost for a nation at war. President Ford will be remembered as an honest steward of the public trust and a beloved family man."

Crist: "Today we mourn the loss of a great statesman who brought our country together at a time when America was challenged with the struggles of the Vietnam War and Watergate. Florida holds President Ford and his family in our prayers as we join in offering the thanks of a grateful nation."

President Gerald Ford, RIP

2006-12-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

Statement by Mrs. Betty Ford:

"My family joins me in sharing the difficult news that Gerald R. Ford, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, has passed away at 93 years of age. His was a life filled with love of God, his family, and his country."

_____________________

From AP:

The nation's 38th president, and the only one neither elected to the office nor the vice presidency, died at his desert home at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.

"His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country," his wife, Betty, said in a statement.

Ford was the longest living former president, surpassing Ronald Reagan, who died in June 2004, by more than a month.

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Bush on Ford:

President Bush on Wednesday remembered former President Gerald Ford as a "man of complete integrity who led our country with common sense and kind instincts" and helped restore faith in the presidency after the Watergate scandal.

"On Aug. 9, 1974, he stepped into the presidency without ever having sought the office," Bush said. "He assumed power in a period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most."

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Martin Schram reflects on Ford in an article just one month ago:

Ford became America's 38th president and, most importantly, America's first never-elected president & the only person whose name never even appeared on a presidential ballot before taking the presidential oath. While his presidency was just two years and five months long, it was no mere historical blip. He was uniquely suited for the challenge he inherited & calming the nation after the implosion of a presidency, vice presidency and administration of criminals.

When Vice President Spiro Agnew was proven to be a crook and resigned, President Richard Nixon appointed Ford as veep. Nixon, already trapped in his Watergate web of lies and deceits, figured that the lightly regarded Ford would be insurance against his own impeachment. (It was neither Nixon's first nor worst miscalculation.)

Just eight months later, Nixon resigned, fleeing sure impeachment and conviction; and Ford became president. In his presidency, Ford traveled to China and to a U.S.-Soviet strategic arms summit in Vladivostok. South Vietnam collapsed on his watch. And, of course, he pardoned Nixon. But Ford may have met his greatest challenge and performed his greatest service to the nation on Aug. 9, 1974, the day he took the oath of office.

In his inaugural address in the East Room, President Ford famously told a shaken nation: "My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works . . ." In his speech, he also spoke a line that I've always liked best & because, in its simplicity, it summed up all that was wrong with the Nixon White House and all that would be needed to make things right: "I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together . . ." It was true that day and it is every bit as true today. It is why we always will appreciate Jerry Ford.

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More links:
White House Bio
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
FoxNews.com has collected some Ford quotes.
Hot Air: "stone cold mack-daddy Prez"
Paul Mirengoff of Power Line (has also posted an old campaign add):

My favorite Ford moment came in his 1975 state of the union address when he declared, "the state of the union is not good." Do you think we'll ever hear another president make a statement like that when his party has controlled the White House for an extended period?

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The Ford family is in our prayers today. God speed President Ford.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T12:54:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from The Tallahassee Sentinel.

Luke: Chapter 2 (New King James Version)
Christ Born of Mary
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold,[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”[c]15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
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Hot Air brings us a Christmas message from Chaplain LTC Jim White in Baghdad.

NR interview with Stanley Weintraub - 11 Days in December: Christmas at the Bulge, 1944
Books by Stanley Weintraub

The Sentinel will resume daily postings tomorrow. Have a wonderful Christmas Day!
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HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Saint Peter's Basilica
Sunday, 24 December 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We have just heard in the Gospel the message given by the angels to the shepherds during that Holy Night, a message which the Church now proclaims to us: "To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger" (Lk 2:11-12). Nothing miraculous, nothing extraordinary, nothing magnificent is given to the shepherds as a sign. All they will see is a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, one who, like all children, needs a mother’s care; a child born in a stable, who therefore lies not in a cradle but in a manger. God ’s sign is the baby in need of help and in poverty. Only in their hearts will the shepherds be able to see that this baby fulfils the promise of the prophet Isaiah, which we heard in the first reading: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder" (Is 9:5). Exactly the same sign has been given to us. We too are invited by the angel of God, through the message of the Gospel, to set out in our hearts to see the child lying in the manger.

God’s sign is simplicity. God’s sign is the baby. God’s sign is that he makes himself small for us. This is how he reigns. He does not come with power and outward splendour. He comes as a baby – defenceless and in need of our help. He does not want to overwhelm us with his strength. He takes away our fear of his greatness. He asks for our love: so he makes himself a child. He wants nothing other from us than our love, through which we spontaneously learn to enter into his feelings, his thoughts and his will – we learn to live with him and to practise with him that humility of renunciation that belongs to the very essence of love. God made himself small so that we could understand him, welcome him, and love him. The Fathers of the Church, in their Greek translation of the Old Testament, found a passage from the prophet Isaiah that Paul also quotes in order to show how God’s new ways had already been foretold in the Old Testament. There we read: "God made his Word short, he abbreviated it" (Is 10:23; Rom 9:28). The Fathers interpreted this in two ways. The Son himself is the Word, the Logos; the eternal Word became small – small enough to fit into a manger. He became a child, so that the Word could be grasped by us. In this way God teaches us to love the little ones. In this way he teaches us to love the weak. In this way he teaches us respect for children. The child of Bethlehem directs our gaze towards all children who suffer and are abused in the world, the born and the unborn. Towards children who are placed as soldiers in a violent world; towards children who have to beg; towards children who suffer deprivation and hunger; towards children who are unloved. In all of these it is the Child of Bethlehem who is crying out to us; it is the God who has become small who appeals to us. Let us pray this night that the brightness of God’s love may enfold all these children. Let us ask God to help us do our part so that the dignity of children may be respected. May they all experience the light of love, which mankind needs so much more than the material necessities of life.

And so we come to the second meaning that the Fathers saw in the phrase: "God made his Word short". The Word which God speaks to us in Sacred Scripture had become long in the course of the centuries. It became long and complex, not just for the simple and unlettered, but even more so for those versed in Sacred Scripture, for the experts who evidently became entangled in details and in particular problems, almost to the extent of losing an overall perspective. Jesus "abbreviated" the Word – he showed us once more its deeper simplicity and unity. Everything taught by the Law and the Prophets is summed up – he says – in the command: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Mt 22:37-40). This is everything – the whole faith is contained in this one act of love which embraces God and humanity. Yet now further questions arise: how are we to love God with all our mind, when our intellect can barely reach him? How are we to love him with all our heart and soul, when our heart can only catch a glimpse of him from afar, when there are so many contradictions in the world that would hide his face from us? This is where the two ways in which God has "abbreviated" his Word come together. He is no longer distant. He is no longer unknown. He is no longer beyond the reach of our heart. He has become a child for us, and in so doing he has dispelled all doubt. He has become our neighbour, restoring in this way the image of man, whom we often find so hard to love. For us, God has become a gift. He has given himself. He has entered time for us. He who is the Eternal One, above time, he has assumed our time and raised it to himself on high. Christmas has become the Feast of gifts in imitation of God who has given himself to us. Let us allow our heart, our soul and our mind to be touched by this fact! Among the many gifts that we buy and receive, let us not forget the true gift: to give each other something of ourselves, to give each other something of our time, to open our time to God. In this way anxiety disappears, joy is born, and the feast is created. During the festive meals of these days let us remember the Lord’s words: "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite those who will invite you in return, but invite those whom no one invites and who are not able to invite you" (cf. Lk 14:12-14). This also means: when you give gifts for Christmas, do not give only to those who will give to you in return, but give to those who receive from no one and who cannot give you anything back. This is what God has done: he invites us to his wedding feast, something which we cannot reciprocate, but can only receive with joy. Let us imitate him! Let us love God and, starting from him, let us also love man, so that, starting from man, we can then rediscover God in a new way!

And so, finally, we find yet a third meaning in the saying that the Word became "brief" and "small". The shepherds were told that they would find the child in a manger for animals, who were the rightful occupants of the stable. Reading Isaiah (1:3), the Fathers concluded that beside the manger of Bethlehem there stood an ox and an ass. At the same time they interpreted the text as symbolizing the Jews and the pagans – and thus all humanity – who each in their own way have need of a Saviour: the God who became a child. Man, in order to live, needs bread, the fruit of the earth and of his labour. But he does not live by bread alone. He needs nourishment for his soul: he needs meaning that can fill his life. Thus, for the Fathers, the manger of the animals became the symbol of the altar, on which lies the Bread which is Christ himself: the true food for our hearts. Once again we see how he became small: in the humble appearance of the host, in a small piece of bread, he gives us himself.

All this is conveyed by the sign that was given to the shepherds and is given also to us: the child born for us, the child in whom God became small for us. Let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace of looking upon the crib this night with the simplicity of the shepherds, so as to receive the joy with which they returned home (cf. Lk 2:20). Let us ask him to give us the humility and the faith with which Saint Joseph looked upon the child that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit. Let us ask the Lord to let us look upon him with that same love with which Mary saw him. And let us pray that in this way the light that the shepherds saw will shine upon us too, and that what the angels sang that night will be accomplished throughout the world: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased." Amen!

With a portrait and a library Bush says farewell

2006-12-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

Bush appeared at his final official public appearance on Thursday. He met with the press and supporters at the governor's mansion to dedicate an addition to its library built in his honor. He also unveiled his official state portrait.

The portrait of Bush was presented by Lt.-gov Toni Jennings:

(St. Pete Times) Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings noted Bush's formal portrait, by Pensacola artist Jeff Bass, includes a bookcase filled with books, including the Bible, Majorie Kinnan Rawlings' Florida memoir Cross Creek, and the 1899 motivational essay A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard. In the portrait Bush stands between a high-backed leather chair and the bookcase, which is topped with a portrait of Bush's immediate family and a Blackberry, a wireless e-mail device, in a nod to his proud prolific e-mail use.

Aides to Bush say that the library will stand as a testament to his focus on reading over the last eight years:

The governor sat just outside one of two doorways into the new library, which adds roughly 20 percent more public space to the 50-year-old mansion. Speakers said it is only fitting that Bush, a fanatical reader who launched a "Just Read, Florida!" literacy initiative, would leave a library behind. Aside from books about Florida and by Florida authors, the library is designed to eventually include Florida artwork. Its $500,000 cost, including the adjacent outdoor 740-square-foot portico, was financed with private donations.

"He believes every child can learn. ... And there will be books in this library some day where authors will chronicle his impact," said former Bush chief of staff Kathleen Shanahan, now CEO of WRS Infrastructure & Environment in Tampa and a fundraiser for the library project.

Bush also reflected on the last eight years:

"It has been an unbelievable, fun job. It's been the best job in the world," Bush said as he closed his remarks. "I had one of those moments where I said, 'Get over it and stop worrying about it and start thinking about what the future holds.'

When Bush finally stood to address the crowd, he cracked a joke about his first lieutenant governor, Frank Brogan, who left office in 2003 "for a cushy job in South Florida" as Florida Atlantic University's president. "That's something I'm looking for, by the way. Jeb@Jeb.org," he quipped, rattling off his well known e-mail address.
Bush's comments were brief, personal and philosophical. He appeared to briefly fight back tears as he thanked his wife, sitting in the front row, for her support.
"I think when an anthropologist looks at my life down the road when I'm a skeleton that's dug up, they would probably have to categorize it as BC and AC: Before Columba and After Columba.
"You guys didn't know me Before Columba, I'll just leave it at that," Bush said.
The governor told the crowd he would miss the mansion, its staff and its chef Joshua Butler - "I don't think a guy could survive his good food a third term."
And he thanked his supporters, "for making it possible for me to serve," singling out U.S. Ambassador to Portugal Al Hoffman. The southwest Florida developer and founder of WCI Communities was instrumental in Bush's campaign financing, and headed the committee that raised money for the library.
"I really, honestly believe we have made a difference," Bush said. "My core belief at the end of the day is that if we can just build the field of dreams, just build the fertile ground if you will that allows people, individuals and families to pursue their own dreams there will be more prosperity, more innovation and more good things happening than any government program ever created.
"I believed that when I got here. And I believe it just as much as I leave."

We believe that Bush made a big difference in Florida over the past eight years, and we hope the Crist will carry forward that legacy.

God speed Governor Bush.

What is the Christams terror threat?

2006-12-21T10:18:00.000-05:00

Robert Spencer weighs the possibility of Christmas terror attacks.

Watch Jihad Watch here.

It's Baracksmas Time!!

2006-12-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

Saint Kansas has put together a great Baracksmas video (hat tip Allah).

It's must see holiday fun.

Rosie vs. The Donald

2006-12-20T22:52:00.000-05:00

Allah Pundit at Hot Air has put together a post - with video - chronicling the Rosie vs. Trump war. I guess this is video day at the Sentinel.

Rosie: "Donald, sit and spin my friend"

Donald: "Rosie is a loser"

See: Trump and Rosie go nuclear on each other

Gay Nativity in Italy

2006-12-20T22:33:00.000-05:00

And you thought we had Nativity problems in America.

(AP) ROME — Two deputies with Italy's small but vocal Radical Party caused an uproar among legislators in this predominantly Catholic country on Wednesday when they placed dolls representing two gay couples in Parliament's nativity scene.
The gesture by deputies Bruno Mellano and Donatella Porretti was intended as a show of support for a law that would give unmarried couples, including gays, some of the same rights as married couples. However, it prompted swift and stern condemnation from shocked legislators on all sides.

Well, at least they're outraged.

Former VA Governor Looks to Fill Conservative Void in '08 Field

2006-12-20T22:20:00.000-05:00

Former VA Gov. Jim Gilmore is considering a 2008 presidential run. Gilmore says that he is motivated by the lack of a true conservative candidate in the GOP field.

(AP) Citing what he said was the lack of a true conservative in the field of GOP White House prospects, Gilmore said Tuesday he will charter a federal committee in January that would allow him to assess his chances for the race himself.
"There is not a committed conservative in the field who can put together a national campaign. I am and I can. I have people on the ground right now in Iowa and in South Carolina," Gilmore, 57, said in a telephone interview from New York.
His comments were directed not only at others preparing for a GOP presidential run, including Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and departing Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. It's also yet another of his many slaps at lavish federal spending by the current Republican administration and Congress.
"I am not someone who has to evolve as a conservative. I don't have to evolve my position," he said.

Everyone that I talk to on the street expresses the need for a conservative in the race. The Sentry welcomes the entry of a true conservative. We now look forward to Newt's kick-off.

Another good holiday video!

2006-12-20T22:14:00.000-05:00

Check it out here!! (hat tip Hugh Hewitt)

Zawahiri Christmas Message

2006-12-20T21:53:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Scrappleface:

If only he meant it - Merry Christmas.

The Pilgrimage to Assad Continues

2006-12-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

Two more U.S. senators visit Syrian President Bashir Assad. That's John Kerry, on the far right, and Chris Dodd, second from left.

What do conservatives believe?

2006-12-20T21:17:00.000-05:00

Terence Jeffrey, editor of Human Events, helps us out by listing the ten core principles of conservatism.

As a very political year approaches an end, and a new presidential election cycle looms, it’s a good time for conservatives to step back from partisan politics and reflect on their cause.

What do conservatives believe? Here are 10 principles worth pondering.

Go there and keep this list in mind as you consider who deserves your support over the next year as the presidential race moves forward.

Update: It looks like Ros-Lehtinen did say it! But does anyone care?

2006-12-20T20:59:00.000-05:00

Back on December 11, we reported on the Ros-Lehtinen YouTube assassination video. The congresswoman claimed that the film must have been tampered with because she had not called for Castro assassination.

Well it now looks as if she may have after all. As we asked in our earlier post: Does it matter?

The YouTube contributor has now provided the Miami Herald with a copy of the entire video. Click on the photo and follow the link on the Herald site to see the extended clip.

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen has declined to comment on this latest tape. We stand by the point we made a couple of weeks ago. Who could blame her if she did go that far? We don't!!

Faith-based Job Training Program is Making an Impact in Tampa Bay

2006-12-20T11:35:00.000-05:00

This is just one more example of how private charities - and faith-based charities in particular - are more effective at solving problems. The St. Vincent de Paul center in St. Petersburg has taken a $248,000 grant from the Labor Department and used it to turn around lives.

ST. PETERSBURG - Rodnick Moore is no stranger to sensory gratification, though he's paid for it along the way.

Early in life he developed a taste for drink. Later, crack cocaine provided a virtual vacation from the mind-stripping monotony of prison.

But that was several surrenders to God ago, and now the Vietnam War veteran has abandoned illicit pursuits in favor of a single savory one: food.

"My biggest joy, besides my children, is my cooking," said Moore, 55. "I like the expressions on the faces of people when they eat my food."

Moore graduated Tuesday evening with nine classmates from an 18-week employment training program at the St. Vincent de Paul center, the only one of its kind in Pinellas County that focuses exclusively on helping the homeless develop skills to get the jobs they need to keep them off the streets.

While it's probably far too early to pass final judgement on the program at St. Vincent de Paul, they seem to be off to a great start.

The program aims to help the homeless who, like Moore, are in transition. Because he is a veteran, Moore qualifies for a bed in the homeless veterans dormitory at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center. Moore said he hopes to save up enough money to get his own apartment in a few weeks.

He says he owes his newfound success to St. Vincent de Paul and to God.

"This is my greatest moment, next to my children," said the father of five daughters.

"If it weren't for God, I wouldn't have made it."

Just a bit of good news to start your Wednesday.

St. Vincent de Paul of St. Pete

Eldridge Questions Bush's Conservatism

2006-12-19T23:57:00.000-05:00

Washington Times managing editor David Eldridge is questioning the President's conservatism.

Unchecked spending and unprecedented expansions of federal power, squishy policies on protecting our borders, and now the specter of tax increases, too?

Is there anyone who still thinks George W. Bush is guided by any conservative principles at all?

Bush the Son once said he’d learned a valuable lesson when Bush the Father lost his base by reneging on his “Read my lips: No new taxes” pledge. The lesson didn’t stick, obviously.

Though he has not yet convinced the Sentinel, he does make some good points. Let's hope he's wrong.

David Zucker Compares Baker with Chamberlain

2006-12-19T23:32:00.000-05:00

Director David Zucker - known for classics like Airplane! and Naked Gun - has put together a response to the Iraq Study Group report. This is a must see. And it's funny!

David Harnden of the Daily Telegraph gives us a little more on Zucker (hat tip Harnden):

Zucker was a campaign adviser to Bill Clinton but saw the light - to use the parlance of his new Republican friends - after the 9/11 attacks. He told The Washington Times recently that he was sick of the "talk, talk, talk" of Democrats and their beloved United Nations.

Hollywood happily forgives drug-addled or drunken directors "but I don't think a Republican can be rehabbed", he said.

He sees himself as the anti-Michael Moore. "You have people like Michael Moore going into foreign countries saying Americans are the stupidest people in the world. I want to tell the real America story, that America is a force for good."

In 2004 he produced the "taxman" ad attacking Democrats.

The RNC - not known for its squeamishness - rejected a second Zucker spot that mocked the Democrats as weak on defense and "making nice" by singing kumbaya with America's enemies.

The ad, leaked to YouTube, featured a Madeleine Albright lookalike handing a basketball signed by Michael Jordan to Kim Jong-il, the North Korean leader - an event that actually took place in 2000.

Zucker's new ad on the "appeaser" Baker and the ISG report is even more far out, comparing Baker to Neville Chamberlain. It also portrays President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Adolf Hitler - which is certainly how the Iranian leader is viewed within the White House.

The ad contains a serious point: Is the approach of Baker, the ultimate Washington dealmaker and political horse trader, really one that can yield dividends with the likes of Iran?

Certainly, the White House thinks not. But it is trying very hard to be terribly polite about the Baker report while doing everything it can to ignore it and is thus unlikely to endorse Zucker's latest biting effort.

Make sure you click on the YouTube links in the text - more funny stuff.

Are British Air Carriers Caving to Radical Islam?

2006-12-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

Pulling imams off of planes for displaying suspicious behavior - such as requesting seat-belt extenders, spewing anti-American rhetoric, and chanting Allah loudly in an American airline terminal - is a rational response.

Prohibiting British airline employees from traveling with a Bible or wearing a cross on a necklace is far from rational. Unfortunately, this is the point at which we find ourselves. And why has British Airways (also see this) and British Midland taken these steps?

In the case of British Airways, the cross violates uniform codes. You can see from the picture of the BA employee below how this could be considered offensive or threatening. Maybe not.

For Midland, the stewardess in question was known for always traveling with her Bible. Not wanting to upset Saudi Arabia, Midland instead adopts the Islamic country's discriminatory policies.

The Foreign Office website informs travellers to Saudi Arabia: "The importation and use of narcotics, alcohol, pork products and religious books, apart from the Koran, and artifacts are forbidden."

A spokesman said last night that the Saudi authorities would automatically confiscate a Bible from anybody trying to bring one into the country and it would not be returned.

A spokesman for Christian Solidarity Worldwide said: "It is worrying that a British company should be instructing its staff to conform to practices which are in violation of international standards on religious freedom.

"The Saudi government prohibits the public practice of other religions and the possession of non-Islamic religious objects has often led to arrests."

I guess the Brits figure - If you can't beat 'em, you might as well join 'em.

(hat tip Michelle Malkin)

Ed Gamble looks forward to new Congress

2006-12-19T20:02:00.000-05:00

A little holiday humor in anticipation of the new Congress. Thanks Ed Gamble.

Update: Tsunami Relief Outrage

2006-12-19T19:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we reported on the misuse of tsunami relief funds by the Sharia police force in Indonesia.

Michelle Malkin has devoted today's Vent to the subject. Have a look.

Will Democratic Congress Bring Us Closer to Cuba?

2006-12-19T00:21:00.000-05:00

The move to break down barriers between the United States and Cuba may get a boost from the new Democratic Congress. At least that's the hope of Reps. like William Delahunt of Massachusetts.

U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, a leader in the fight to end sanctions against
Cuba, says the push to end the U.S. travel ban to the island nation will get a
boost in the new Democratic-controlled Congress.

The Massachusetts Democrat, fresh from a weekend visit to Cuba as part of a
congressional delegation, said Monday he and other House members planned
hearings early next year to spotlight the issue and to build momentum for their
cause.

"If we have hearings, we can increase the pressure for ending the ban,"
said Delahunt, a member of the House International Relations Committee. "These
will be important hearings."

This will provide Republicans with an opportunity to draw a stark distinction between themselves and Dems. Look for Reps. Diaz-Balart and Ros-Lehtinen to lead the opposition to the Closer-to-Castro group.

"You have a group of members of Congress who want to unilaterally give the
regime what it wants, which is billions of dollars in U.S. trade and tourism,"
said Diaz-Balart, a longtime supporter of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. "Every year
we fight."

Delahunt was one of a group of members of Congress that traveled to Cuba this weekend. Like the U.S. Senators that traveled to Syria, the visitors to Cuba were used by the despotic government to sell the party line - Castro is not dying and will return to power. Our Congress is beginning to look like the office of public relations to despots everywhere.

O'Reilly Reminds Us to Support Wounded Warrior Project

2006-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

O'Reilly reminded us on Monday evening to support the Wounded Warrior Project. You've seen the logo in our right column for several weeks now. If you haven't clicked on it, do so now.

Here's what the WWP is doing:

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was founded on the principle that veterans are our nation's greatest citizens. The WWP seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.

O'Reilly reports that since NY Yankee star Johnny Damon appeared of The Factor, WWP has raised over $200,000. Let's help drive that number up!!

Will FL-13 Bring Trouble for Pelosi

2006-12-18T23:48:00.000-05:00

Speaker-elect Pelosi's pledge of bipartisanship may get an early challenge when Congress convenes next month. That's when she'll have decide whether or not to intervene in the Florida District 13 election mess.

(Bradenton Herald) When the Democratic-controlled Congress convenes in January, Pelosi might be faced with a decision on whether to seek to deny certified Republican winner Vern Buchanan from taking his seat.

Buchanan was declared the winner by 369 votes. But Democrat Christine Jennings has gone to court seeking a new election, asserting that the electronic voting machines malfunctioned. A court hearing is set for Tuesday. And Jennings plans to file papers with the House by Wednesday's deadline contesting the election results and seeking to block Buchanan from taking the oath of office in early January.

Republicans are preparing for battle.

Republicans have made clear they would view a Pelosi embrace of Jennings' challenge as a call to arms.

Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., said Friday that if Democrats attempt to prevent Buchanan from taking the seat, it would be a "poisoning of the well by depth charge."

"This is a first major test for Nancy Pelosi," added Ed Patru, a spokesman for the House Republican Conference. "Will she side with the voters of the 13th district? . . . Or will she make a blatant partisan power grab?"

As usual, we'll keep our eye on this issue and keep you up-to-date with any developments.

Tsunami Donations Used to Enforce Sharia

2006-12-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

Did you send in your Tsunami relief dollars back in 2004? Millions did and now the Sunday Times is telling us that those dollars (or pounds) are being used to enforce Islamic Sharia. (hat tip Little Green Footballs)

WHEN people around the world sent millions of pounds to help the stricken Indonesian province of Aceh after the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, few could have
imagined that their money would end up subsidising the lashing of women in public.

But militant Islamists have since imposed sharia law in Aceh and have cornered Indonesian government funds to organise a moral vigilante force that harasses women and stages frequent displays of humiliation and state-sanctioned violence.

Sharia policemen have largely supplanted regular police. These Muslim radicals are bent on imposing their strict brand of Islamic law.

The transgressor can be a man accused of gambling or drinking alcohol. But if it is a woman guilty of wearing “improper” clothing or being caught in proximity to a man, there is a particular ritual to the punishment.

She is dressed in white robes and veiled. Policemen escort her up on to a stage erected before a jeering crowd, which, witnesses say, is usually almost exclusively male.

Forced to kneel, the woman waits while a masked man ascends the platform. He is carrying a cane with a curved handle designed to give the inflictor of God’s punishment a better grip. From the loudspeakers, a man’s voice sonorously recites the appropriate religious chastisement. Then he begins to count. With each number, the cane descends with a vicious lash.

According to witnesses, male onlookers often roar in delight and hurl pious imprecations at the victims, working themselves up to a pitch of excitement.

In one collective punishment last summer, four women denounced for gambling were given between six and 10 lashes. One passed out as she was dragged off the stage.

This is just one more example of the savagery that is radical Islam. When will those practitioners of the "peaceful religion" that we keep hearing about begin to stand up to savages that bring shame upon their faith? We'll keep waiting.

Wackos Strike in Chapel Hill

2006-12-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the long break......but, we're finally back.

This is not exactly the kind of story that we want to get back rolling on, but here goes.

Support the troops. Not exactly - not in Chapel Hill. Mary Katherine Ham alerts us to the anti-military welcoming of an Army recruiting station.

"Go home," troops that we totally support. You're "not welcome," good men and women of the armed services, whose service we appreciate so sincerely even though we don't necessarily support your mission in Iraq. Riiight. Tell me more about it.

From the News & Observer:

"We thought it was important to not have this recruiting station open quietly," said Emily McFarlane, a UNC-Chapel Hill junior who helped organize the protest at the Army Career Center, 1502 E. Franklin St.

About 30 protesters -- members of Students for a Democratic Society, The Raging Grannies and others -- held signs, walked in a circle and shouted, "Out of Iraq, out of our schools! Out of town, shut the war down!"

They also spray painted their rantings on two government cars parked outside the station.

In addition to the protests, two government cars parked outside the recruiting station were vandalized with spray painted messages, "Go home!" on one and "Not welcome!" on the other.

Well, surely the local Chamber of Commerce showed their support. Not so much.

About 4 p.m., just before the ribbon cutting, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce pulled out of the ceremony. "Because these planned disruptions undermine the purpose of the Chamber's ribbon cuttings and threaten the safety of Chamber staff and volunteers, the Chamber has decided not to participate in this afternoon's ribbon cutting," Executive Director Aaron Nelson wrote.

This is not the first time moonbat artists have struck in Chapel Hill. MKH points us toward a Michelle Malkin flashback.

We our, of course, not surprised when stories like this pop-up. Even so, we are always disgusted when these moonbat wackos arise.

Legal Abortion in America

2006-12-14T00:05:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it on O'Reilly......take a look.

Everyone in America should see this clip - post it, pass it, email it.

Is Sen. Bill Nelson Sleeping with the Enemy?

2006-12-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

OK - I know that I'm under a blogging pause, but this is too important to wait.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson - that's right Floridians, your Sen. Nelson - took it upon himself to meet today with Syrian President Bashar Assad. I'm aware that the Baker-Hamilton group urged talks with Syria, but I do not recall it mentioning that those talks should be initiated by a rogue U.S. senator.

Here's the AP story:

In a direct affront to the Bush administration, a Democratic senator spent an hour Wednesday with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus, emerging from the meeting to say Assad was willing to help control the Iraq-Syrian border.

Sen. Bill Nelson (news, bio, voting record) of Florida, a member of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, met with Assad after the State Department said that it disapproved of his trip. The United States has limited
diplomatic ties with Syria because of its support of Hezbollah and Hamas, which
the U.S. deems terrorist organizations, and President Bush has expressed
reluctance to seek help from Damascus on Iraq until the Syrians curb that support and reduce their influence in Lebanon.
________
"We don't think that members of Congress ought to be going there," White House press secretary Tony Snow said, adding that the United States continues to denounce Syria's meddling in Lebanon and its ties to terrorist groups.
Snow noted the existing diplomatic ties between U.S. and Syria. "I think it's a real stretch to think the Syrians don't know where we stand or what we think," he said.
________
The senator shrugged off suggestions he was challenging Bush's authority by sidestepping administration policy that the U.S. have no contact with Syrian officials.
"I have a constitutional role as a member of Congress," Nelson said.
Meanwhile, Bush criticized Damascus anew and called on it to free all political prisoners.
In a statement, the president expressed support for the Syrian people, and said they "deserve a government whose legitimacy is grounded in the consent of the people, not brute force."
The U.S.-backed government in Lebanon led by Prime Minister Fuad Saniora is being challenged by the Hezbollah-led, pro-Syrian opposition. Bush said Syria should disclose the fate of the many missing Lebanese citizens who disappeared following their arrest in Lebanon during decades of Syrian military occupation.
"The Syrian regime should immediately free all political prisoners, including Aref Dalila, Michel Kilo, Anwar al-Bunni, Mahmoud Issa, and Kamal Labwani," Bush said. "I am deeply troubled by reports that some ailing political prisoners are denied health care while others are held in cells with violent criminals."

Doesn't Nelson know when he being used as a public relations tool?
___________________

Yes, it's the same Bill Nelson (hat tip Hot Air).

Little Green Footballs has been following the story all day and has some good stuff.
____________________
From Blogmiester USA: Dodd and Kerry will be meeting with Middle East leaders.

The idea that Dodd and Kerry are going to talk to leaders in Iran and Syria
when the administration is reluctant to do so (and hoping to pass on messages
from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice) does nothing for our nation. It shows
those countries that we continue to be divided on key policy issues such as
national security. All these two are doing is stroking their own egos.

____________________
We'll keep following this story. For now the pause is back on!!

Blogging Pause

2006-12-13T18:48:00.000-05:00

The Tallahassee Sentinel is in the midst of a short blogging pause. As soon as we get the Fall semester wrapped-up here in Tallahassee, we'll be back and posting.

Look for new posts by this Friday. Thanks for reading the Sentinel.

Kofi Update: O'Reilly and Malkin Tee Off

2006-12-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

Bill O'Reilly had Michelle Malkin on to discuss Kofi's departure and legacy.

Hot Air has the video here.

You'll also get a little Obama thrown in for good measure.
_________________
Here's our post from earlier today.

Again, good riddance!!

What did Ros-Lehtinen say? Does it matter?

2006-12-11T20:47:00.000-05:00

(hat tip Allah Pundit)
A YouTube video is circulating that shows a clip of Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, apparently welcoming any assassination attempt on Fidel Castro. Here is the clip:

The controversial line is this:

I welcome the opportunity of having anyone assassinate Fidel Castro and any
leader who is oppressing the people.

Over on Kokonut Pundits, Mike McConnell has closely analyzed the clip and believes that it has been altered:

If you listen closely she says "I" twice as if she was stuttering right
before she says "welcome." This is where I believe the audio splice took place
to cover up the word "won't" if you lip read it closely without the sound.

Give it a try. I think Mike may have it right. For her part, Ileana is claiming that the tape was altered to give the wrong impression:

Ros-Lehtinen, who has never hid her loathing for Castro, says the clip was spliced together.
Watch the video closely, she says. She says her lips aren't saying what the audio says she is. At one point in the clip, a sharp-eyed viewer can see what appears to be a skip in the filming.
''It's twisted in a way that gives the viewer a totally wrong impression,'' Ros-Lehtinen said Friday. ``I've said the community has moved on, that those strategies are not being used today, but apparently the filmmakers think we're still in a '60s
mentality.''
That said, Ros-Lehtinen, born in Havana, says she will celebrate Castro's death -- whether by old age, illness or at the hands of an assassin.
''The day that Fidel Castro dies is a day that all freedom-loving Cubans will celebrate,'' Ros-Lehtinen said. ``I've been saying that for many years and I'm not shy about saying it.''

Anyone who has paid attention to politics in Florida - especially South Florida - knows that both Ileana and her colleague Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Belart have long said many unflattering things about Fidel. For someone who has represented the Cuban-exile community for so long and witnessed the results of Fidel's brutality, we can certainly understand if Rep. Ros-Lehtinen had gone as far as calling for the Evil Dictator's assassination.

We have known the Congresswomen to be honest in the past, so will trust her here.

National Review Pays Tribute to Jeane Kirkpatrick

2006-12-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

Click over to the Symposium put together by NR. A fitting tribute to the "Iron Lady" of America.
_______________
Also, see our tribute - posted Friday.

Good Bye and Good Riddance

2006-12-11T14:28:00.000-05:00

UN Sec. Gen. Kofi Annan is set to make his farewell address today. The USA Today reports that Annan will "blast" the United States in the major thrust of his speech. Having led a scandal ridden administration - remember the oil-for-food program - Annan will have few, if any, real accomplishments to speak about. He will instead follow what has been his line for years - blame the U.S. for all of the world's problems.

From the USA Today:

In a farewell speech on U.S. soil today, retiring United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan plans to deliver a tough critique of President Bush's policies. He will accuse the administration of trying to secure the United States from terrorism in part by dominating other nations through force, committing what he termed human rights abuses and taking military action without broad international support.

__________

These ideas can be advanced only "if America remains true to its principles, including in the struggle against terrorism," the speech says.

Response from Malkin:

Like Kofi Annan knows anything about remaining true to principles? He leaves behind a feckless, corrupted, global bureaucracy incapable of policing the predators in its ranks, unwilling to stand up to evil, and useless in the struggle against terrorism--or any other global threat.

__________(more from USA Today)

In the 61-year history of the U.N., no secretary-general has ended his tenure by criticizing U.S. policies so sharply, said Stanley Meisler, a historian of the United Nations and author of a new biography of Annan.

__________

The speech, to be delivered at the presidential library of the late Harry Truman in Independence, Mo., contrasts Truman's support for the United Nations with the Bush administration's unilateral actions.

Annan acknowledges terrorism and other global threats but cautions against nations acting alone. "Against such threats as these, no nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others," the speech says.

__________
Why not speak about accomplishments?

Critics of Annan in Congress, including Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., faulted the Ghana-born, U.S.-educated diplomat for lax management of the $64 billion U.N. oil-for-food program. The 1996-2003 effort was tainted by $1.5 billion in kickbacks to the regime of Saddam Hussein.

"Annan's legacy will be one of missed opportunity and failed leadership," said Coleman, who urged Annan to resign last year.

__________
From Redstate:

Kofi Annan has never done anything well, unless you count marrying his wife. His family has benefitted from the corrupt culture of the United Nations, he has personally benefited from that same corruption, and his tenure at the United Nations has seen scandal, rape, and failure. Yet, today, he will feel so bold as to go to the Truman Library and attack American foreign policy.

From AllahPundit:

Rwanda, Kosovo, Darfur, Oil for Food, child-sex scandals, twelve years of unenforced resolutions against Saddam, paralysis in the face of an accelerating Iranian nuclear program, a North Korean bomb test this summer, and an antagonism towards Israel so relentless as to border on the persecutional.

From Captain Ed:

Kofi Annan has an op-ed column in today's Washington Post that must be read to be believed. The column, which serves as a valediction of sorts, talks about what Annan has learned from his time at the United Nations. If his rule hadn't resulted in such worldwide misery and despair, it would be one of the funniest pieces of opinion journalism so far this year.

_________
Some gems from the WaPo piece:

First, in today's world we are all responsible for each other's security. Against such threats as nuclear proliferation, climate change, global pandemics or terrorists operating from safe havens in failed states, no nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others.

Second, we are also responsible for each other's welfare.

Third, both security and prosperity depend on respect for human rights and the rule of law.

My fourth lesson, therefore, is that governments must be accountable for their actions, in the international as well as the domestic arena. Every state owes some account to other states on which its actions have a decisive impact. As things stand, poor and weak states are easily held to account, because they need foreign aid. But large and powerful states, whose actions have the greatest impact on others, can be constrained only by their own people.

Kofi must of just learned the lesson on accountability this week.
___________
Check out this Times (UK) article - a ringing indictment of Kofi's term. (hat tip Betsy Newmark) Here is a taste:

The bodies were still warm when Lieutenant Ron Rutten found them: nine corpses in civilian clothes lying crumpled by a stream, each shot in the back at close range. It was July 12, 1995, and the UN-declared “safe area” of Srebrenica had fallen the previous day. The lush pastures of eastern Bosnia were about to become Europe’s bloodiest killing fields since 1945.
____
Annan’s term has also been marked by scandal: from the sexual abuse of women and children in the Congo by UN peacekeepers to the greatest financial scam in history, the UN-administered oil-for-food programme. Arguably, a trial of the UN would be more apt than a leaving party.
____

Charge one: Rwanda

That in 1994, Annan and the DPKO refused the UN commander General Romeo Dallaire (below) permission to raid Hutu arms caches, despite his warning mass slaughter was planned, that they failed to inform the security council, and failed to clarify the extent of the genocide
Charge two: Srebrenica
That from July 6 to July 11, 1995, Unprofor, the UN mission in Bosnia, repeatedly failed to authorise air strikes to save the town, despite having the means to do so, and was in grievous breach of its obligations to protect civilians

Charge three: Darfur

That the UN, in particular the Department of Political Affairs (DPA), repeatedly ignored reports from humanitarian officials of atrocities because they were politically inconvenient, and that the UN still refuses to take action to stop the slaughter.

After reading that, one can not argue with the tone of Kofi's speech today. After all, it is easier to wag the finger at someone else than to face a record like his.

FL-13 Update: St. Times Urges Jennings to "Bow Out"

2006-12-10T14:53:00.000-05:00

Yet another major Florida newspaper has added its voice to the call for Christine Jennings to end her partisan fight over the FL-13 seat. The St. Petersburg Times is telling Howard Dean to "Butt Out" and Jennings to "bow out".

The race's troubling aspects have morphed into absurdity. It is time to bring finality. Jennings should concede defeat and the Democratic Party should butt out.

Jennings accomplished what she set out to do with her initial protest. The state Division of Elections did a thorough audit of touch-screen voting machines used in Sarasota and found no system breakdowns or abnormalities. While that doesn't resolve the mystery, analysis by the media and election experts indicates what likely happened. It appears ballot design played a key role in the undervote. The District 13 candidates were listed on a screen dominated by the governor's race, so voters who hurried could have overlooked them. Many voters reported spotting the mistake on the review screen and correcting it.
Unfortunately, Jennings is still blaming voting machine malfunction for the outcome despite contrary evidence. Perhaps that's because the only reason a court would consider ordering a new election is proof of widespread fraud or machine error. While Floridians should be concerned and election officials more careful about ballot design, there isn't sufficient reason to throw out the results.
It would be a big mistake for House Democrats to heed Dean's advice. No election is perfect, and Americans likely would resent a partisan political effort to interfere in the will of voters, no matter how misguided or inattentive they were in casting their ballots.
-----------
It's time for Jennings to bow out and for Democrats to stop fanning fears about electronic voting machines without much more than suspicions.

The SP Times is but the most recent in a string of editorials calling on Jennings to call it quits:

The Tampa Trib: "Time for Jennings to throw in the towel"
The Tampa Trib: "Jennings wants to count until she wins"
Bradenton Herald: "Give it up"

We just wonder when Jennings will get the message.

FL-13 Update: A Partisan War in the Making

2006-12-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

Both sides are preparing for battle as the fight over FL-13 heads toward Congress. Republicans are bracing for the possibility that the now Democrat speaker will refuse to seat the winner of the FL-13 race, Republican Vern Buchanan.

Republicans are warning Dems not to bring the FL-13 fight to Washington, which they say will "poisen (the political) well".
_______________
From SP Times:

"If that happens ... forget about any possibility of pretending to be civil," said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami. "That would be an affront to democracy."
_______________

Rep. Jeff Miller, a Panhandle Republican, predicted Friday that Democratic
leaders, including incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, would do just
that.
"Nancy Pelosi will not seat Vern Buchanan. I expect that," he said. "I expect the Democrats to try to take that seat."
______________
"Clearly if the speaker and the House Administration Committee do not seat Buchanan it will be a slap in the face to voters in the 13th District," said Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville.

_________________
For there part, FL Dems say that niether Buchanan nor Jennings should be sworn-in. This despite test that prove bad ballot design and voter error were to blame for the undervote.

More later.

The Tallahassee Sentinel

War Critics are Reversing Course

Death of an Anti-communist: Mstislav Rostropovich, R.I.P.

Now it's time to focus on property taxes

More proof that Donald is right - she's not very bright!

FL-13 Saga Continues - now its getting pathetic

Hillary plays Hardball - not really!! But funny!

Hillary's in....but is she the new Thatcher?

MKH brings us Da Bears (and the Fridge)

Mel sails through - Now it's time to move on

2008 Prez Primary News

Pick on Hillary day at the Sentinel

Hillary's Obama Problem

Mel Martinez debate intensifying

Education: Crist's biggest challenge is before him

2008 Update

Is the Martinez RNC chairmanship in jeoperdy?

GOP Bloggers Straw Poll Results - Romney and Gingrich on top

Money well spent

Tom Tancredo forming an exploratory committee

Posting pause over

Florida primary may be moving to January

Yet another Romney post

Potential problem for Romney - **Updated** Mitt Responds w/video

GOP Bloggers' 2008 GOP Straw Poll

Much Ado About Nothing

Iraq: Malkin's first report from the field

FL House Leaders Unveil Property Insurance Plan

Taking resonsibilty and charting a new course

FL-13 Update: No, it's still not over!

It's Official: FL Legislature Headed for Special Session

More good news for Mitt

The Democratic plan to lose in Iraq

Property tax talks coming to a town near you

The Good Side of Celebrity

Florida Preview - Things to look for this week

Florida: Key battleground state in '08

Cooking with Ham

Crist orders special election to replace Holly Benson

Americans for Tax Reform Calls Paygo a Vote Against Taxpayers

Gov. Crist faces early political challenge

FL Sen. Mike Bennett Proposes Election Fix

Rep. Duncan Hunter already on TV

Cindy going to Gitmo!!

FL-13 is not the only contested seat in Florida

More Disgraceful Behavior on Campus

Update: Video of Sheehan Clan shouting down Dems

Romney picks-up two of Florida's top GOP money men

Tallahassee police chief to head juvenile justice

FL-13 Update: Buchanan takes his seat

Now the real fun begins

FL Inaugural Poem: A Meeting of the People

Bush in the WSJ: Is he all talk?

Guliani Accuses Crist Staffer of Leaking Campaign Plans

Mr. Governor

FL Inauguration Preview

Happy New Year!!

2006 Tops Lists are Rolling In

Update: Uncut Saddam Execution Video

Daily Kos mourns the death of Saddam

Does Saddam's execution set a precedent?

The End of a Disgraceful Era

Arlen Specter joins the parade to Syria

Covering the Non-events of the Duke Lacrosse Case

FL-13 Update: House must decide next week

Saddam Seeks U.S. Intervention

Cancer or Not, the end is near for Castro

Gov. Bush & Gov.-elect Crist Remember Ford

President Gerald Ford, RIP

Merry Christmas

With a portrait and a library Bush says farewell

What is the Christams terror threat?

It's Baracksmas Time!!

Rosie vs. The Donald

Gay Nativity in Italy

Former VA Governor Looks to Fill Conservative Void in '08 Field

Another good holiday video!

Zawahiri Christmas Message

The Pilgrimage to Assad Continues

What do conservatives believe?

Potential problem for Romney - Updated Mitt Responds w/video

Blogging Pause