Dangerous Drought Bill Advances Past Second Reading

This post archived from WNC Citizens Blog.


House Bill 2499 [HTML Version] [PDF Download] has advanced past it's second reading in the General Assembly.

In the following article, all sections in red are direct quotes from the legislation.

The bill has the innocuous-sounding title "AN ACT to improve Drought preparedness and response in North Carolina, as recommended by the Environmental review commission."

Here are just a few of the more egregious items I found with the legislation:
Section 4. (a):
(9) Any member of the Commission or any person authorized by it, shall have the right to enter upon any private or public lands or waters for the purpose of making investigations and studies reasonably necessary in the gathering of facts concerning streams and watersheds, subject to responsibility for any damage done to property entered.

I wonder if this includes posted land. And you can guarantee this will be just another camel nose under the tent that will further threaten our nearly non-existent property rights.





And if you want to have nightmares, just read the amended § 143‑355.2. Water conservation measures for drought, which includes measures for requiring local governments to implement water conservation measures whether they are in a drought condition or not, at the discretion of the Secretary. This includes water source restrictions in multiple counties or municipalities when one are has been declared to be in drought, and the neighboring area is not.

And here is the biggie: SECTION 6. The Environmental Review Commission, as part of its ongoing study of the allocation of water resources in the State required by Section 1 of S.L. 2007‑518, shall study whether and to what extent private groundwater wells and the use of water produced by private groundwater wells should be regulated by the State or units of local government. The Environmental Review Commission shall report its findings and recommendations, including any legislative proposals, to the General Assembly as provided by Section 1 of S.L. 2007‑518, as amended.

Here is the smoking gun that was denied earlier...the regulation of private wells. The State of North Carolina will be investigating whether or not they will regulate your private wells, and that includes putting meters on wells, no matter what Joe Sam Queen said in this Sound Off Buncombe Video. How else will the State of North Carolina determine your water usage unless they put a meter on the wells?

People, this should be the time we pick up our pitch forks, torches, and buckets of tar to let our elected representatives in Raleigh know that we are watching them, and we are not happy.

There is much more that is wrong with this bill, especially in the enforcement section where fines and penalties are spelled out.

Here is how the western delegation of the NC House voted last night on this legislation:

AYES

Bob England (D-112)

Susan Fisher (D-114)

Bruce Goforth (D-115)

Phillip Haire (D-119)

Ray Rapp (D-118)

NOES

Phillip Frye (R-84)

Carolyn Justus (R-117)

Trudi Walend (R-113)

Roger West (R-120)

NOT VOTING

Charles Thomas (R-116)

You can click on the links to find out how to get in touch with the representatives, and be polite with regardless of how they voted. Get your point across politely.

Read More

Time Lapse: The Southern Lights

Time-lapse footage of the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights.
This is the Southern Hemisphere equivalent of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
Filmed during the Antarctic winter in the general vicinity of McMurdo Station and Scott Base, where the sun is below the horizon for 4 months of the year.
Most of the individual clips here were each taken over about a 10 minute period to give you an idea of how much they were moving in real time.

Source: Frostbytes

I have some local time lapse footage to put up, and while I was researching methods of converting my material into a video, I ran across this. One day, I'd like to see aurora in the sky first hand. That would be cool.

Read More

Coming Friday Night: Uncle Abdul’s Madrassa

Powered by Podbean.com

For immediate release. Old Glory Radio Network will begin a programming schedule for children starting July 18th 2008 with a debut on it’s regular live program, the Old Glory Radio Hour. 6:00pm P.S.T.

Speaking from the network headquarters in Northern California, programming Director Tom Fredriksen related: ” there is a growing need to devote time and resources toward the education of our youth. Old Glory is very proud to be able to offer this new programming.”

The complete new children educational line up will be announced later this summer.

Beginning this week will be the educational live studio show “Uncle Abdul’s Madressa” Starring, Uncle Abdul and The Little Sheik. Special guest, country singing star, Six Gun Sally.

For more information, visit Old Glory Radio

I plan on embedding the show here, but if I forget this is the Live Show Page, where you can watch other episodes of the show on demand 24/7.

Read More

Mumpower Interviewed On The Morning Report By Jerri Jameson

The host of WWNC's The Morning Report, Jerri Jameson, interviewed Dr. Carl Mumpower regarding his latest press release. I was able to record the interview and put together a slide show to accompany the audio.

Previously:

Mumpower Challenges District Party Leaders To Stand On Principles,
Puts Campaign On Hold

Read More

Mumpower Challenges District Party Leaders To Stand On Principles, Puts Campaign On Hold

**update** 10.06 AM Mumpower was interviewed on WWNC-AM this morning, and I recorded the interview.

Here are two Press Releases from the Mumpower e-Express:

July 12, 2008

From: Carl Mumpower, 11th District GOP Congressional Candidate
To: Mr. Steve Duncan, 11th District Chair
Subject: Principles First Campaign

Dear Mr. Duncan:

As you know, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has defined the 11th District to be a "frontline race". I am looking forward to an accelerating campaign that finds us earning versus purchasing a seat in Congress. To that end, it is my belief that as Republicans, we must reestablish a foundation of trust and authenticity with the conservative and independent voters of Western North Carolina. There is a keen and widespread belief, that at a local, state, and especially national level, the GOP has betrayed promises made to the American people. I believe that reestablishing our credibility with the voters is and should be Job One and would offer the following observations-

* When you have no party operating from principles, then the party with the least principles will win.
* That is why the Democrats are successfully using an appeal to people's selfish interests as a ticket to power.
* Unless we Republicans return to being Republicans, America's drift toward big government socialism will continue.
* The Republican Party has a defined platform of principles that have been sacrificed to power and other priorities.
* There are many in the 11th District who wish to 'unite and ignite' our party around the core principles of being careful with other people's money, keeping people big and government small, and protecting the sanctity of America.
* It is our responsibility to uphold and ground our own party - not a Democrat party kidnapped by extremists and special interests.
* Job Two, successfully challenging Heath Shuler, requires the foundation of Job One. Without that foundation, I will be just another puppet for a corrupt party - like our current congressman.

With these concerns in mind, I am formally requesting the following-

* That a majority of counties in the 11th district commit to a renewed dedication to our core principles.
* That each develop a sincere process for challenging local, state, and national Republican elected officials on votes that sidestep or otherwise betray our core guiding principles.
* That these communications be shared with the District Chair, me, and others at each county's discretion.

Effectively immediately, my direct fight against Heath Shuler will be on the back burner until the Republican Party has achieved a rededicated focus in the 11th District. At that point it will no longer be necessary for me to publically challenge my elected colleagues, as there will be a persisting and credible system in place that will help assure accountability by our Republican elected officials. I can then focus my full attention on holding Congressman Shuler accountable for the mismatch between his words and actions and unprincipled efforts to purchase a seat in Congress. I welcome your help and assistance with each of these goals.

With regards,

Carl Mumpower
11th District Republican Congressional Candidate

Copy(s):

----------------------
Principles of the Republican Party

I'm a Republican Because...

I BELIEVE the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person's dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.
I BELIEVE in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability.
I BELIEVE free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.
I BELIEVE government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.
I BELIEVE the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations, and that the best government is that which governs least.
I BELIEVE the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.
I BELIEVE Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.
I BELIEVE Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.
FINALLY, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.

---------------------

"I will always place principle before party, power, or popularity - and take the heat that comes with that position."

Carl Mumpower - 11th District Republican Congressional Candidate
###



Then the second one:

Mumpower Puts Congressional Campaign On Hold

In a Saturday open letter to 11th District GOP officials, Congressional candidate Carl Mumpower has taken the unusual step of putting his campaign on hold, calling a "Principles First" campaign to be Job One. Stepping away from his fight against Shuler in the interest of the betterment of the Republican Party is courageous, considering that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has called this contest "a frontline race".

Mumpower says that Job One has always been to unite and ignite his party around their stated principles - most of which center on being careful with other people's money, keeping people big and government small, and protecting the sanctity of America. "In that there has been no timely action on an earlier call toward principles, it falls on me to press for action," says Mumpower. "Without that foundation, I will be just another puppet for a corrupt party - like our current Congressman."

"When no party is operating from principles, then the party with the least principles will win," notes Mumpower. "The Democrats are successfully appealing to people's selfish interests as a ticket to power. Unless we Republicans return to being Republicans, America's drift toward big government socialism will continue. Republican leaders and elected officials have been sidestepping their principles and courage buttons for years. Hopefully, this will be a refresher course on the good things that can happen when one voice refuses to give into the herd running toward a cliff."

"To this end, I am asking for a majority of counties in the 11th district to commit to our guiding principles and develop their own process for challenging local, state, and national Republican elected officials on votes that ignore those principles," said Mumpower. "Until we get that commitment in place, campaign efforts with Republican organizations are on hold. WNC will know shortly whether the Republican Party of this District is going to stand for something voters can count on or not."

"The fight for 'Principles First' can begin here and now in the 11th District," says Mumpower. "We will unite and get back to our roots, or I will fail knowing that I tried. Not until this fight is out of the way will I focus my full attention on holding Congressman Shuler accountable for the mismatch between his promises and actions."

Carl Mumpower - 11th District Republican Congressional Candidate


Principles before party, power, or popularity - always.

###


Candidate Website

Commentary

Mumpower is correct. The Republican Party nationwide has shirked from standing on principles, and as a result (deservedly so), lost it's majority in Congress. Aside from The Hit Men who are removing RINOs from office by convincing them to "take early retirement", I see little evidence the party leadership has changed.

Locally, some of the party leadership took umbrage at Mumpower's stand that Bush had not fulfilled his oath of office when it came to Illegal Immigration. I am glad these people have exposed themselves so the party members can work on elected new leaders when the time comes in Polk and Jackson Counties.

While I do not agree with Mumpower on every issue, I am assured that he will follow his principles, and not the dictates of corrupt party interests.

Read More

Keep The Change, Obama: FISA

Senator Obama voted against immunity before he voted for it. Priceless!

Read More

The John Batchelor Show For July 13th

It's Sunday night, and that means it's time for John Batchelor!

KFSO has added the show to it's Sunday Night lineup!!! The show will air from 7pm to 10 PM Pacific Time (10 to 1 Eastern).

Here is his website.


New York, WABC-AM 770 7-10PM ET;

Washington DC, WMAL-AM 630 7-9PM ET; 

San Francisco, KSFO-AM 560; 

Los Angeles, KFI-AM 640;

Schedule for Tonight:


First Three Hours

Last Three Hours




Enjoy!

Read More

Report Says Bush Backs Israeli Plan To Strike Iran, Part LXIV

I think I have heard this report at least 100 times since the summer of 2003:

President George W Bush has told the Israeli government that he may be prepared to approve a future military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiations with Tehran break down, according to a senior Pentagon official.Despite the opposition of his own generals and widespread scepticism that America is ready to risk the military, political and economic consequences of an airborne strike on Iran, the president has given an “amber light” to an Israeli plan to attack Iran’s main nuclear sites with long-range bombing sorties, the official told The Sunday Times.“Amber means get on with your preparations, stand by for immediate attack and tell us when you’re ready,” the official said. But the Israelis have also been told that they can expect no help from American forces and will not be able to use US military bases in Iraq for logistical support.Nor is it certain that Bush’s amber light would ever turn to green without irrefutable evidence of lethal Iranian hostility. Tehran’s test launches of medium-range ballistic missiles last week were seen in Washington as provocative and poorly judged, but both the Pentagon and the CIA concluded that they did not represent an immediate threat of attack against Israeli or US targets.

Source: Times Online

Commentary

I should hope he backs a plan to strike Iran!!!

I support a strike on Iran, and am confident that we and/or Israel will strike when the time is right, and in a way which will minimize our casualties and civilian casualties in Iran. Iran, however, will not. They will seek to kill as many innocent people as possible in a reverse human shield scenario ala the Scud Attacks on Israel in Desert Storm.

Having worked in the field in the past, I believe that part of what is taking us so long in striking Iran is the rolling up of Iranian supported terror cells in the USA like we did in 1990-91 prior to striking Iraq. Someday, these stories will be told. The Democrats, Progressives, and other anti-war types will be exposed for being completely clueless about the threat posed by these groups. My only regret is that it will be decades before they will be declassified.

What will be hard is locating the "leaderless resistance" type of cells formed by Muslim volunteers that operate completely offline from the internet and do not use telephones or mail, only person to person contact.

I expect that the first 24 hours after the strike, the anti-American war protesters will go nuts...and there will be a very short-lived hiccup in the supply chain in America.

I would advise everyone to keep your larder stocked and keep your fuel tanks topped off, and only if you can store fuel safely...a week's worth of fuel for your automobiles and other needs if you have power generators. Although I only expect a 24 to 72 Hour disruption (if at all), I live by the credo of preparation overkill as taught to me by my mother and father.

If you are interested in being prepared, I can suggest the following Websites:

Survival Blog (also on my right-hand sidebar)

Survival Topics

Backwoods Home Magazine

Urban Survival Tools

Ready.gov

It never hurts to be prepared. And with Hurricane season upon us, being prepared may help you coast through the supply chain hiccup and brief uptick in fuel prices.

Read More

John McCain Weekly Radio Address July 11

I have been unable to find the file embedded any where, so I am making it available here:

John McCain Radio 07 11 2008

Download the File.

The text is below:

Good morning. I'm John McCain, and this week I've been on the road in Colorado, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. I've been holding town hall meetings to talk over the subject on most everyone's minds these days -- our slowing economy.

More than 400,000 Americans have lost their jobs since December, and the rate of new job creation has fallen sharply. Americans are worried about the security of their current job, and they're worried that they, their kids and their neighbors may not find good jobs and new opportunities in the future. It's a big problem when gasoline, food, and other necessities of life carry the price tag of luxury goods, and that's what it feels like to millions of Americans.

I have a plan to grow this economy, and it starts with getting a handle on the cost of gasoline and regaining America's energy security. I believe we should immediately suspend the federal gas tax for the remainder of the summer driving season. We also have billions of dollars of oil in the United States, and vast reserves of natural gas as well. So we must commit to producing more of both, to send a message to the market and trigger lower prices for oil and gas.

We will develop more clean energy, and especially zero-emission nuclear energy. We will build at least 45 nuclear plants that will create over 700,000 good jobs to construct and operate them. At the same time, we will develop clean coal technology -- which alone will create tens of thousands of jobs in some of America's most hard-pressed areas.

Under my energy plan -- the Lexington Project -- we will also accelerate the development of wind and solar power and other renewable technologies. And we will help automakers design and sell cars that don't depend on gasoline. Production of hybrid, flex-fuel, and electric cars will bring America closer to energy independence. And it will bring jobs to auto plants, parts manufacturers, and the communities that support them.

My opponent has an answer to the Lexington Project, and it's "no": No to more drilling, no to more nuclear power, no to more use of coal. For a guy whose "official seal" carried the motto, "Yes, we can," Senator Obama's agenda sure has a whole lot of "No, we can't."

We need to think as well about small businesses and the jobs they create. Small businesses are the job engine of America, and I will make it easier for them to grow and hire more workers.

My opponent would make it harder by imposing a healthcare mandate that will add a crushing $12,000 to the cost of employing anyone with a family. My plan attacks the real problems of health care -- cost, availability and portability.

In an economic downturn, the worst of all ideas is to raise taxes. And Senator Obama will do just that. If you are one of the 23 million small business owners who files as an individual rate payer, watch out -- because as your business grows, my opponent proposes to raise your taxes. If you have an investment for your child's education or own a mutual fund or a stock in a retirement plan, watch out -- because Senator Obama intends to nearly double the taxes on capital gains. He will raise estate taxes to 45 percent. I propose to cut them to 15 percent. For those of you with children, I will double the child deduction from $3,500 to $7,000 for every dependent, in every family in America.

To promote job creation, we must also get government's fiscal house in order. Government has grown by 60 percent in the last eight years, because this Congress and this Administration have failed to meet their responsibilities. When I'm president, I will order a stem to stern review of government, and I will veto every single bill with wasteful spending.

For his part, Senator Obama proposes to create sprawling new federal programs that will increase government spending even more. As for earmark spending, I have never asked for a single earmark in my entire career. In his Senate career, Senator Obama has requested some $930 million for earmark projects. That comes to more than a million dollars in pork for every working day since he became a United States Senator.

In America, the most important measure of the economy is the opportunity -- the chance for every man and woman to find a better life, and to make one better still for their children. That is all a part of the promise of our country. And if I am elected president, I will see that promise kept.

We're passing through a very tough time, my fellow Americans. But we've been through worse, and beaten longer odds. And very soon, we're going to get this economy running again at full strength.

Thanks for listening.

What do you think?

Read More

U.S. 4th Fleet Officially Re-established

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead officially re-established U.S. 4th Fleet and named Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan as its commander during a ceremony at Naval Station Mayport July 12.

The ceremony followed the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) change of command, during which Kernan relieved Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr.

Kernan, the dual-hatted NAVSO and 4th Fleet commander, is responsible for U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and submarines assigned from east and west coast fleets to operate in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of focus, which encompasses the Caribbean, Central and South America and surrounding waters.

"Re-establishing the Fourth Fleet affirms our support for, and our desire to, enhance cooperative relationships with the navies and maritime services in the Caribbean and Central and South America. It recognizes the immense importance of maritime security in the region," said Roughead.

"Our maritime strategy raises the importance of forming global maritime partnerships by working with international partners as the basis for global maritime security. Re-establishing Fourth Fleet allows us to more effectively employ naval forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on mutual interests."

Fourth Fleet was first established in 1943 as one of the original numbered fleets. During World War II, the United States needed a command in charge of protecting against raiders, blockade runners and enemy submarines in the South Atlantic. Fourth Fleet fulfilled that mission until it was disestablished in 1950, and U.S. 2nd Fleet took over its responsibilities.

Source: U.S. Navy
Related: Community Participation
Related: Wikipedia
FAS: Numbered Fleets
BBC: Chavez Warns of Invasion

Commentary

My guess is that this fleet will be doing a lot a drug interdiction work, and will be keeping an eye on Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and incursions by Eastern Hemisphere Navies.

The fleet will be headquarters at the Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida.

Read More

Right of Center Bloggers Choose Least Favorite Elected Republicans

Here are a few I cherry-picked from the list:

14th least favorite Libertarian Ron Paul

7th least favorite   Princess Lindsey Graham

5th least favorite  John Kerry's 1st Veep Choice John McCain

Tied for least favorite are Chuck "Hussein" Hagel and Arlen "The Sphincter" Specter.

Check out he rest at Right Wing News

There is also a link to the favorites, which include Bush, McCain and Jindal.

It's funny that McCain made both lists.

Read More

Tony Snow Has Died

Tony Snow, the former White House press secretary and conservative pundit who bedeviled the press corps and charmed millions as a FOX News television and radio host, has died after a long bout with cancer. He was 53.

A syndicated columnist, editor, TV anchor, radio show host and musician, Snow worked in nearly every medium in a career that spanned more than 30 years.

Snow joined FOX in 1996 as the original anchor of FOX News Sunday, and hosted Weekend Live and a radio program, The Tony Snow Show, before departing in 2006. A sometime fill-in host for Rush Limbaugh, Snow said he loved the intimacy of his radio audience.

"It's a tremendous loss for us who knew him, but it's also a loss for the country," Roger Ailes, Chairman of FOX News, said Saturday morning about Snow, calling him a "renaissance man."

Source: Fox News
Related: Wikipedia

Commentary

This is sad. I used to listen to his radio show on XM Radio. He was a good guy, and it is President Bush's loss that he never realized the precious gem he had on his White House Staff.

Another Great Man has gone on to his reward.

**update** 11.03 AM The posts in the blogosphere are rolling in, but I think the best I have seen so far is a post on News Busters replaying Tony Snow's acceptance speech at the 2nd annual MRC awards dinner of the William F. Buckley, Jr. Award For Media Excellence:

That was one of the things I loved about Tony Snow, he could find the humor in most anything.

Read More

Old Glory Radio Live Show

I have been remiss in posting the Old Glory Radio Live Show due to poor time management skills. The show starts at 9 PM Eastern Time.

Read More

The Carolina Stompers Are Back!!!

The heroes of every right-thinking conservative in western North Carolina are back, and they have a new commercial airing in the Durham area:


Carolina Stompers

I especially love their tribute to my favorite Senator, Jesse Helms.

Read More

Old Glory Radio Interviews Imran Raza Maker of Karachi Kids

The above interview is about 14 minutes. Find out more by visiting Old Glory Radio.I will be embedding his live show tonight, which begins at 9 PM Eastern Time. The post will be embedded at 8.30 PM, so come back to check it out. He has some interesting new segments and collaborators on his show.

Read More

Former State Senator Has Questions Regarding Ethics Bill

A letter regarding the North Carolina General Assembly's ability to police itself in ethics investigations has been posted on WNC Citizens Blog.

The letter writer brings up some good points, especially about past unethical behavior, and I provided the links in the letter to provide evidence of the letter writer's varacity.

The key system has been used by the Democratic Party for over thirty years, and it is still in place.

Read More

Foggy Sun

Read More

Memorial Ride and Dinner Planned For Trooper Blanton

I have posted information on upcoming benefits planned for the family of slain Highway Patrolman Shawn Blanton on WNC Citizens Blog.

If you cannot attend any of these events, please visit this memorial website, which has information on how you may contribute to the family.

Read More

Congressional Candidate Dr. Carl Mumpower: Taking A Stand On Principle

This is a video of Dr. Carl Mumpower, who is challenging Congressman Heath Shuler for the US House Seat representing the North Carolina 11th Congressional District, speaking and taking questions at the monthly meeting of Citizens For Change in Buncombe County.

He goes over some of his principles, and discusses recent activity and controversy in his campaign, and takes a few questions from attendees.

What makes this video different is that it is the work of longtime conservative activist, Kathy Rhodarmer. She will be another set of of eyes and ears on the ground for the people of North Carolina, and Buncombe County. Another Citizen Journalist is being born!

I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future, and collaborating with her, and others in Buncombe County on event coverage.

Read More

Ithaca by C.P.Cavafy

I am in a weird mood, and to convey it to you, here is the poem Ithaca by C.P. Cavafy as recited by Sean Connery with music composed by Vangelis:

As you set out for Ithaca
hope that your journey is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.
Laistrygonians and Cyclops,
angry Poseidon-don't be afraid of them:
you'll never find things like that on your way
as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,
as long as a rare sensasion
touches your spirit and your body.
Laistrygonians and Cyclops,
wild Poseidon-you won't encounter them
unless you bring them along inside your soul,
unless your soul sets them up in front of you.

Hope that your journey is a long one.
May there be many summer mornings when,
with what pleasure, what joy,
you come into harbors you're seeing for the first time;
may you stop at Phoenician trading stations
to buy fine things,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
sensual perfume of every kind-
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
and may you visit many Egyptian cities
to learn and learn again from those who know.

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you're destined for.
But don't hurry the journey at all.
Better if it lasts for years,
so that you're old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you've gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaca to make you rich.
Ithaca gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her you would have not set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca won't have fooled you.
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you'll have understood by then what these Ithacas mean.

Read More

The Yellow Daisy Diner

Nothing could "Bee" finer than a diner in Caroliner.

Read More

Hate-Filled Lefty Refuses To Lower Flag For Helms, Retires Instead

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A longtime state employee has chosen to retire instead of lowering flags to half-staff to honor former Republican Sen. Jesse Helms.

Gov. Mike Easley had ordered all U.S. and state flags lowered after Helms died July 4. But L.F. Eason III told his staff to ignore the directive at the state Standards Laboratory in Raleigh.

Source: Hendersonville Times-News
Related: Half-Mast Dates & Flag Rules

Commentary

I note that the US Flag was not lowered at WCU. That may be due to a simple misunderstanding.

While I was taking the above photo at Western Carolina University, two employees asked me who died, and they expressed disgust (cursed, actually) when I told them it was for Senator Jesse Helms. At least the Helms funeral didn't turn into a hatefest like Senator Paul Wellstone's funeral.

**update** 12.17 PM

Jon Ham has a pretty good take on the incident.

**update** 3.38 PM

Now, the spinning has started, and Under The Dome has it.

In short, the Agriculture Dept is denying an ultimatum was delivered.

Read More

The Pickens Plan

From T. Boone Pickens:

America is in a hole and it's getting deeper every day. We import 70% of our oil at a cost of $700 billion a year - four times the annual cost of the Iraq war.

I've been an oil man all my life, but this is one emergency we can't drill our way out of. But if we create a new renewable energy network, we can break our addiction to foreign oil.

On January 20, 2009, a new President gets sworn in. If we're organized, we can convince Congress to make major changes towards cleaner, cheaper and domestic energy resources.

To get this done, I need your help. Check out the plan. If you think it's worth fighting for, please join our effort.

Source: Pickens Plan

Commentary

This is something I can get behind. Check it out, and help spread the word.

Read More

Mumpower: A Conspiracy of Complacency on Illegal Immigration

~PRESS RELEASE~


Two of the largest public works projects in Asheville, the county parking garage and city water system upgrade, are playing a big role in the widespread conspiracy on illegal immigration in WNC. In both cases a majority of the hands on workers do not speak English - a pointed indication of extraordinary success in hiring disadvantaged legal immigrants or patterned indifference to the illegal status of a large group of employees. Though the use of public dollars to fund law breakers is especially galling, our city and county governments are certainly not alone in sidestepping the rule of law.

Throughout WNC, industries, restaurants, and small businesses dodge the law and wink at the false documents routinely used by people who are here illegally. The Catholic Church of North Carolina recently took the veil off their internal policy of appeasement with a formal position paper that included statements such as, "We are particularly distressed by the recent tragedies of our brothers and sisters who are faced with the escalation in deportation enforcement in our states." What about the fact that most of those deported have repeatedly violated our borders or engaged in criminal activities within our borders? The Catholic Church, along with many other denominations, is apparently no less self-serving in their efforts to recruit new Hispanic members than our President and Congressional leaders are at recruiting new Hispanic voters.

Affirming the legal status of an employee is not difficult. Through a Federal program called E-Verify (www.vis-dhs.com/EmployerRegistration), any registered employer can obey the law and support the sanctity of our borders by assuring that a worker is also playing it by the rules.

Reversing the flow of illegal immigrants overloading our social service, school, health care, and criminal justice systems is not impossible or even complicated. It all begins with the word accountability - most specifically for those employers who are providing the money and jobs that are funding the flood at the expense of the rest of us. Enthusiastic federal, state, and local enforcement with fines and other consequences will quickly motivate employers to stop side stepping their competition, shifting real costs to tax payers, and ignoring the law.

For any of the above to come to fruition, the majority of Americans who believe that illegal immigration is wrong are going to have to hold our politicians accountable for their complacency. Democrats and members of my own party alike are co-conspirators in dodging this issue and allowing employers and enablers to conspire to break the law. What started as a wink and a surrender to self-service has evolved into the greatest law breaking scheme in America's history. That is not something that any of us should be complacent about.

Carl Mumpower
11th District Congressional Candidate

Principles before party, power, or popularity - always.

###

Campaign Website

Commentary

I notice that on the construction projects on the campus of Western Carolina University, there are a lot of Spanish-speaking people as well. I wonder how many of them are illegal aliens, and how many local people would love the opportunity to work on these projects.

I think I'll note the numbers of the construction companies and ask if they use eVerify, and I'll ask the college as well about their policy on this matter.

This is something we can all do, you would be surprised at how effective a few phone calls can be in bringing about policy changes.

Read More

Round And Round We Go

Well, my Verizon DSL is back up and running again. Here's hoping it stays up.

I'm too tired to take advantage of it today, but will be up before dawn, posting away.

Read More

Live Coverage of Helms Funeral

If you wish, you may watch live the funeral of Senator Jesse Helms from 2 PM to 3.30 PM today via the embedded player below, which requires Real Player to watch. [Download]



THE EVENT IS OVER
Or, you may watch it on C-SPAN 3 via your television or online.

I will remove the player upon conclusion of the event.

Senator Jesse Helms was one of those men whom history pivoted around.

Without him, Ronald Reagan would probably not have been President, and the triumvirate of American President Ronald Reagan, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and the Polish Pope John Paul II would not have brought The Cold War (World War III) to a successful conclusion. We owe this man a great debt of gratitude that we shall never be able to repay.

Read More

NC General Assembly Moves To Block State Auditor

The NC General Assembly, tired of having a Republican who might expose the unethical activities of legislators, is pushing forward legislation that will limit the state auditor's investigative authority. I blogged about it on WNC Citizens Blog.

Read More

Green Eyed Bumble Bee

I've never seen a Bumble Bee with green eyes before. Even though this fellow didn't seem interested in stinging, it still looked mad to me with those eerie green eyes.

Read More

Technical Review Committee Approves Parkside Project In Asheville

An embedded Thunder Pig Reporter has just phoned me to say that the Parkside Project met with unanimous approval from the TRC in Asheville.

I will have more details as they become available.

This is a victory for reasonable and law-abiding citizens everywhere, and a defeat for the unreasonable sort of people who oppose capitalism!



BubbleShare: Share photos - Powered by BubbleShare

This photo album is owned by Tim Peck.

**update** 3.23 PM

I forgot that there was going to be live coverage in the comments section of Scrutiny Hooligans, and will direct you there for a blow-by-blow account from the Hooligans in the room.

**update** 3.44 PM

I couldn't find any of my videos where I cut down trees, so I'll let this guy give tips on how to cut down a tree:


I'll volunteer my services to cut down the Magnolia Tree for Coleman, if he will accept it.

Oh, and make sure these people are not nearby when the deed is done:

Read More

Elite Chinese Anti-Terror Cops Use Segways

I'm not lying...Danger Room has the story and links. This was too good not to share.

These guys have no idea how silly and inappropriate this looks, at least to my eyes.

Read More

2008 Sylva Fireworks

I recorded the above on Main Street in Sylva, North Carolina on Friday night.

I had a great time at all the events I went to, and will be getting video and photos of the other stuff up today and tomorrow (I hope).

I am editing the dedication of the flag pole at the Veteran's Memorial Park. There was no sound system at the ceremony, and none of the words are understandable from any of the participants, so I will have to do a voice over...and I hate doing that, and will put it off as long as I can.

My internet service was down all weekend, and my email box is full. So, if you sent me an email, please be patient. I will be answering them in the order I received them.

Also, Senator Jesse Helms has died, and I will have a tribute to him Wednesday or Thursday. Three Presidents (John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe) and one Vice-President (Hannibal Hamlin) also died on the 4th of July. Jesse lived a good life, served this nation well, and we could use a few more like him.

Read More

Sylva Fireworks Preview

I'm beat. I spent all day in the sun (minus sunscreen), and have been up since 4 am...so this is the only photo I'm posting here tonight of the fireworks in Sylva.

Read More

Martina McBride Sings God Bless America

This is from the 2002 Rose Bowl.

Read More

Holiday Movie: The Longest Day

In honor of Independence Day, here is a movie about where Americans traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to free the French from the Nazis during World War II:


It is my prayer that America will always have such heroes when she needs them.

Read More

The Untold Story of The National Anthem

I have posted on the untold story of the National Anthem on WNC Citizens Blog, and it is a story few have heard.

Read More

Graphing Temperatures and Counting Sunspots

There are many people tracking what may be the beginning of a new temperture trend...downward. Among them, comes this report:

The latest UAH anomaly is -0.114. On the heels of a -0.183 reading for May, this is the steppest 2-month negative anomaly since Sept/Oct 1993. It’s the lowest 3-month anomaly since 1997. The latest reading gives 10 consecutive year-over-year anomalies that are lower than previous year. The last such stretch was in the period beginning May 1999. The negative trend line goes back to July 1997 - exactly 11 years.

 That comes from Digital Diatribes, who does yeoman's work on tracking numbers, building spreadsheets and graphs.

And from another Digital Warrior, comes this graph:






The graph plots the long term trend [1st order curve in blue] against the short term trend [5th order curve in red].

Source: Watts Up With That?

The long term trend line is simply a first-order curve [line] from the beginning temperature to the ending temperature, and it treats all the ups and downs in between as random noise, and the short term trend takes into account more of the data using a fifth-order curve; and is one of the form fx⁵ + ex⁴ + dx³ + cx² + bx + a, and is much more robust for fitting temperature trends.

The fifth-order curve is a leading indicator that can indicate the future direction of the first-order curve. Of course, my bet is that the Global Warming Religionists will simply move their beginning plot back to the Little Ice Age like some of the commenters have suggested.

Since no one seems to be plotting the moving averages of the data like I do for stock prices, I wonder if there would be any utility in doing that.

I still remember the predictions by NASA that Solar Cycle 24 was going to be "one of the most intense cycles since record-keeping began almost 400 years ago" and here we are, two years late for the solar minimum, and the sun the most quiescent in a very long time. A few Solar Cycle 24 sunspots appeared in January, but their number has been few and far between, with Solar Cycle 23 sunspots still appearing at a greater frequency than the 24 spots. The solar minimum is measured at the point in time where the spots of the new cycle out number the spots of the old cycle. It has been two months since the last Cycle 24 spot.


NASA is still standing by their already outdated April 2007 forecast.

The current sunspot number is 0.

I wonder when the Legacy Media will start to notice that the predictions of the Global Warming Religionists are not coming to pass?

Read More

Where Have The Conservative Democrats Gone?

When I was in the Democrat Party, I was a Democrat like Zell Miller. My father was a leader in the local party and in a union.


Now, I am a Republican, and my father has admitted to me he hasn't voted for a Democrat on the state level since 1992 (he still votes Democrat on the county level).

Here is a three video playlist of Zell Miller addressing the Republican National Convention in 2004. It is dedicated to everyone who used to be a Democrat, and had their eyes opened:

Read More

Ashes To Ice

Here is a movie about the effort to reach Mars, culminating with the recent Phoenix Mission:


For more information, please visit the following websites:

Home page of the Phoenix Mars Mission

NASA's Phoenix page

And here is the live coverage of the Phoenix Landing as broadcast by space enthusiasts at Space Vid Cast:

Read More

The Faith Of My Fathers

Here is the story of John McCain's imprisonment by the Noerth Viet Nemese, but I will let Conservative Voice USA provide the introduction, and paint the picture in broad strokes he made on the 35th Anniversary of his release from the Hanoi Hilton:



The video is in ten parts, and should advance automatically:

Say what you will about John McCain's policies. You cannot deny that he is a hero.

Read More

Mccain vs Obama: It's Character, Stupid!

The recent allegation by General Wesley Clark that John McCain's service means little in leadership experience compared to Obama rings very false.

What? Since when does being a street organizer for the corrupt Marxist ACORN count as a prerequisite to become Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America?

I say that it all comes down to character, or in Obama's case...the lack therof.

When John McCain was captured, he underwent severe hardship and nearly died from his wounds from his crash in a lake, and the beating he took after he extricated himself from the lake.

When he was offered early release by his captors (who had intended it as a cynical ploy to show the rest of the POWS that the elites always received better treatment at the expense of everyone around them), he refused...saying that he would not accept an offer of release until everyone who had been captured ahead of him was released first.

He was beaten again and again for that decision. He endured beatings and torture for his men, for those who served around him, and for the United States of America.

That takes character. That takes Honor. John McCain did his duty, and more. He bled for his men, he bled for his country.

Now, on to the character of Barack Obama.

Throughout his life...there is one common denominator. He has associated with people who could help him get ahead, and when he was done with them, he threw them every last one under the bus of his ambition.

And no one had to beat Obama to get him to abandon his associates.

That tells me all I need to know about the differences between the two men.

Read More

Wednesday Hero ~ LCpl Julie Martinez

Lance Cpl. Julie Martinez


Lance Cpl. Julie Martinez, a radio operator with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks the communication capabilities during a backload of Marines from Combat Logistics Regiment 3 to the USS Essex June 9.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes,
Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Read More

Three Ways To Lower Gas Prices

After you watch the video, take action...goodness knows the Democratic Congress won't.

1. Dump a significant amount of the Strategic Reserve on the market. Lowers prices by around $50 a bbl.

2. We have three times the amount of proven Saudi Arabian Reserves in the Rocky Mountain Shale alone. Drill Here, Drill Now.

3. Maximize usage of alternative fuels.

Read More

Island in the Fog

Looking west into Macon County at sunrise.

Read More

Democrat Party Leader Involved In Satanic Rituals

DURHAM - Allegations that a local Democratic official and her husband were involved in satanic rituals that included shackling people to beds, caging them and depriving them of food and water have horrified county party leaders.

Joy Johnson, 30, a third vice chairwoman of the Durham County Democratic Party and vice chairwoman of the Young Democrats, was charged Friday with two counts of aiding and abetting.

Her husband, Joseph Scott Craig, 25, was charged with second-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon for an incident in January and another in May.

The two made an appearance in court Monday morning after spending the weekend in the Durham County jail.

Mark McCullough, an assistant district attorney, urged Judge Nancy Gordon to increase Johnson's bail to $500,000 from the $270,000 set by a magistrate. "Part of the allegations are that satanic worship is part of this case," McCullough said.

Source: Raleigh News & Observer

Commentary

At least it fits...most of the local Pagans are allied with the Democrats. Don't believe me? Just check out the local Magnolia Tree worship-fest:


And the vigil that is ongoing every afternoon.

**update** Gateway Pundit has picked up on the story.

Read More

Obama Birth Certificate Shenanigans?

The Birth Certificate supplied by Barack Obama is not a Certified Copy. More on this:

“That strongly suggests that Daily Kos obtained the image from Photobucket, not the State of Hawaii, the Obama family, or the Obama campaign. Photobucket is not generally known as a credible supplier of official vital records for any of the fifty states, and the liberties that other Photoshoppers took with the certificates confirms this.

“Some of these oddities surfaced in Israel Insider’s previous article on the subject, but new comparative documentary evidence presented below, and official verification obtained by Israel Insider from a senior Hawaiian official, provides the strongest confirmation yet.

“An authentic Hawaiian birth certificate for another Hawaiian individual has since surfaced which, using the same official form as the presumptive Obama certificate, includes an embossed official seal and an authoritative signature, coming through from the back. Obama’s alleged certificate lacks those features, and the certificate number referencing the birth year has been blacked out, making it untraceable.

”Janice Okubo, Director of Communications of the State of Hawaii Department of Health, told Israel Insider: “At this time there are no circumstances in which the State of Hawaii Department of Health would issue a birth certification or certification of live birth only electronically.” And, she added, “In the State of Hawaii all certified copies of certificates of live birth have the embossed seal and registrar signature on the back of the document.”

--==SNIP==--

Research has since uncovered the law, in force at the time of Obama's birth, that were he to have been born in another country, his young American mother's youth extended time abroad would not suffice to make him a "natural born citizen." Even if he were naturalized later -- and there is no evidence that he was -- he would not be eligible to run for the office of president and -- if forgery or misrepresentation were involved -- he and his staffers might find themselves facing stiff federal and state charges.

Source: Israel Insider (go take a look at the photos on that website)
Hat Tip: Quinn & Rose

Commentary

This could just be a case of extreme incompetence on the part of Obama's staff. There could also be other reasons for the cover up. Obama's out of wedlock birth could have resulted in the father's name being left out due to uncertainty who the father was, or he could have been listed as an Arab or Muslim, or may not be listed as Barack Obama, Sr.

If Obama was born outside the USA, according to laws in effect at the time of his birth, he would not be a natural born citizen andhe would be ineligible to be President due to his mother's extended time abroad prior to his birth.

My chief suspicion is that it may be either extreme incompetence on Obama's staff or to cover up embarrasing information on the Birth Certificate. Just like in Nixon's case, the cover up becomes a greater crime than any actual crimes committed.

This would also be quite revealing about the character of Barack Obama.

I also note that Hillary Clinton is technically still in the race...for those of us who were involved in situations in Arkansas in the 1980's...we remember that the Clintons have returned from the dead before... (cue spooky music)

Read More

35 Years of a Volunteer Force

July 1, 1973 the United States Military became an all volunteer force. Gone were the days of the conscription 0r 'The Draft'. For 35 years, through much of the Cold War, Panama, Greneda, Bosnia, Kosovo, Desert Storm, Somalia, and the Great War on Terror, every member of the military has been a volunteer. They stood up and said "Take Me." They raised their hands to take the oath and said "I mean it."

I remember July 1, 1973 vividly. There were many celebrations by the anti-war crowds, just as there were celebrations by the military crowds, though for quite different reasons. What started as a political victory for the anti Vietnam war crowd, has become the backbone and strength of our current military. I remember people believing that an all volunteer force would cause the disappearance of the military. What has happened has been quite different. It has created a strength of people that begins with them wanting to be where they are, united for a common goal. It has created a higher rate of re-enlistments and career soldiers.

Source: Gazing At The Flag (Go read the whole thing)

Commentary

Well, since this was a liberal attempt to destroy the military of the United States by Liberals, it failed...as dictated by Quinn's Fist Law:

"Liberalism always generates the exact opposite of its stated intent. "

And I cannot help but notice that the Liberals have noticed their mistake, and are trying to correct that by bringing back the draft. They will, of course, fail in that effort because Americans have seen how successful an all-volunteer force is, and the high caliber of people it attracts.

I salute the young men and women who volunteer for national service, and serve our nation in the military. These men and women leave the service with a great love for our nation, and pass it along to their children, and they add so much to our communities by their fine example.

The very existence of an all volunteer force has transformed this nation into something even greater than it has been. At the end of the Battle of Viet Nam...our morale was low, and the evil forces of Socialism were on the march everywhere. We appeared to be in decline. Then, the draft was removed...and the Citizen-Soldier was reborn...like the Minute Men of Old.

Our national fortunes changed. By the time Reagan became President...he had something to work with, and he was able to win the Cold War [World War III] using the professional military force as part of his toolkit.

And now, 35 years later, our military has achieved some of the most breath-taking military victories in the history of the world, among the latest was the Desert Shield/Desert Storm Operations which liberated a nation (which is what we do best, as Americans) and were in the process of removing the dictator responsible when (like in Viet Nam) the political leadership halted the advance...and allowed evil to live to fight another day.

Now, our all volunteer force have liberated two nations (Afghanistan and Iraq), and are working on a third (the Philippines) as we fight a Global War on Terrorism (World War IV) against those Islamists who would establish a Global Caliphate, and plunge the world into a truly Dark Age.

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"
--Winston Churchill

Read More