Who's the Real Fool?

While Sarah Palin was busy fending off reporters with infamous, often disprovable accusations, Joe Biden was able to skate through the entire election season with his provable gaffes attracting little attention.

Sarah Palin thought Africa was a country, not a continent. She didn't know the countries involved in the NAFTA agreement. Certainly you've heard these claims. Perhaps you've even heard the reports on Fox News. These claims are hearsay. You're never a complete idiot until you've been caught on tape.

Vice President-elect Joe Biden has provided an insurmountable amount of embarrassing blunders and it's doubtful that the average voter could rattle off a single one. Please, allow me to enlighten you.

While on the campaign trail in Missouri, Biden gave a respectful shout-out to State Senator Chuck Graham. "Chuck, stand up, let the people see you," Biden said. Senator Chuck Graham was unable to oblige of course, being that he is handicapped and restricted to a wheelchair. Imagine what the press would've done with that had it been Palin.

While talking to an Indian-American supporter, Biden quipped, "You can not go to a 7-11 or a Dunkin Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent." Way to be politically correct, Mr. Biden.

According to Biden, the number one job facing the middle class...a "3 letter word, J-O-B-S." And, you thought Sarah Palin was a moron.

"Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America," Biden stated at a campaign rally, "Quite frankly, it might've been a better pick then me." Perhaps so.

No politician is above error. But, let's face it...we eat what the media feeds us and, in 2008, they served up a plateful of Obama/Biden.

More Obama/Biden

It Was Only a Matter of Time

The Big Three traveled to Washington today and did something they are not accustomed to doing...they begged. UAW President, Ron Gettelfinger, was particularly amusing to watch as he squirmed in his chair, something he's had the auto industry doing for years.

Gettelfinger has lobbied to get "provisions" for auto workers, all the while sucking the life out of the industry and providing substandard labor. Unfortunately, the UAW is a few decades late in making concessions.

Hard work equals more pay.

This is the only contract that should've been signed. Salary increases should have been given on an individual basis, based on productivity. For decades, blanket increases and bonuses have been awarded to union workers as the quality of their product continued to decline. The one big mistake CEO's made was to allow these absurd contracts to be signed, year after year.

That being said, for the benefit of Michigan, this bailout must come to pass. The state, not just the auto companies, will fail if a bailout is not provided. The government provided a giveaway to Wall Street. The auto companies are only asking for a loan. To deny this request would devastate Americans. So many jobs would be lost that we would finally know what it is to suffer.

Should the Big Three be fortunate enough to be given this loan, the UAW is what really needs to be restructured. Let's face facts, the UAW needs to be eliminated.

Conservative Sports Corner

In the absence of parental guidance today, children often look to sports figures for direction. What they find is a world of corruption, deception and disgrace wrapped up in the illusion of glory and fame.

Major league sports took off in the United States in the early 1900’s and since then, athletes have been idolized by young men and women alike. The difference between then and now is that kids had the benefit of two parent homes. Morals and values were taught in the home and sports were simply a form of entertainment. With a decrease in family values and a lack of guidance at home, children are turning to actors and sports figures as idols to be emulated. Athletes continue to disappoint.

Sports figures have never possessed impeccable conduct. Since the days of Babe Ruth and Joe Jackson, scandal has existed. They are, after all, human. These days however, television and the Internet allow fans to see their idols in ways those athletes were previously able to keep private.
Over the past 15 years, the fall of America’s beloved athletes has been continuous and unrelenting. Beginning with OJ Simpson in the 1990’s, the integrity of modern athletes began a downward spiral, leaving few role models for children to revere.

Since the embarrassment of Simpson’s trial, sports fans have endured the sexual assault investigation of respected basketball player, Kobe Bryant. Though it didn’t result in his conviction, Bryant was forced to admit infidelity. Jose Canseco's book, "Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ’Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big," exposed not only his steroid use, but brought down many in Major League Baseball. Michael Vick’s dog fighting indictment was a shocking and disturbing story that brought further shame to professional sports.
Just last weekend, New York Giants star, Plaxico Burress allegedly brought a loaded gun into a nightclub and accidentally shot himself in the thigh.

This is only a short list of misbehavior on the part of athletes. Stories surface on a weekly basis of sports figures behaving badly.

It could be argued that athletes are only responsible for winning and their personal life should be of no consequence to their fans. However, athletes are much like politicians. Scandal and misconduct may not affect the ability to do their job, but as a public figure, they have a responsibility to the fans. Character is not only important, but imperative for people who position themselves in the public eye. Perhaps it’s even more important that athletes adhere to this ideal. Rarely does a child aspire to be just like Jennifer Granholm. Most children, specifically young boys, aspire to be their favorite sports figure.

The respectable face of sports continues to diminish with each scandal that arises. The legacy of athletes like Steve Yzerman and Luther Elliss will be overshadowed by folks like Sean Avery and Terrell Owens unless more stand up sports figures surface in the face of a society of declining morals. Most importantly, young boys need to see that real men have respect for women, animals and themselves.

Tears of Joy and... Sorrow

Inauguration day may be historic and significant for African Americans, but it will be a very sad day for one faction of America...the unborn.

"The first thing I'd do, as president, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do," Barack Obama stated at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event.

Really? With everything going on in the country, the first thing you'd do is make certain that a woman has every right America can offer her to murder her own child (or, if that makes you more comfortable, "evacuate her fetus")?

It isn't just that Obama is pro-choice. It's that he supports partial birth abortion and actually opposed the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act. This legislation was passed after Jill Stanek, an Illinois nurse, discovered live, aborted babies being placed in soiled utility rooms to await death following induced labor abortions. So disturbing is this practice that even Hillary Clinton supported the protection of infants born alive through failed abortion attempts.

Last year, Obama stood before a group of Planned Parenthood advocates, citing his two little girls as the reason for his presence. He claimed to want them to have the ability to "dream without limit, to achieve without constraint and to be absolutely free to seek their own happiness." Apparently, they can't do so without the right to have intercourse and later decide to kill their unborn child at will.

So, as tears of joy and pride are shed for the historic occasion slated for January, the cries of millions of babies will go unheard as he vows to silence them with every bit of power he has.

Packaged, Promoted and Poised to Preside

Democrats have Barack Obama pegged as America's savior and his wife, Michelle, as the next Jackie Onassis. Obama's campaign was possibly the most successful sales pitch to date. Never before has such a well-structured, solid, and powerful facade been built. The truth is...we don't know Barack Obama. Americans liked his slick appearance, cool performance, and her J. Crew getups. But, who are they?

Michelle was proud of America for “the first time” in her adult life as she campaigned for her husband. Barack refused to wear a flag pin or put his hand over his heart during the national anthem as reported by mainstream media.

These are the actions of the folks that will occupy our White House in January. Yet, the honor of our country took a back seat to this smooth talking salesman.

Well, he's all ours now.

I noticed he's sporting a pin these days and has figured out how to respect the flag during our national anthem. But, it's too soon for the parade. He's a man without a record or even much substance. He had one hell of a slogan, though. Here's hoping he loves and respects America as much as you and I do...even if it's only because he finally gets to lead it.

Blame George Bush, Everyone Else Does

Come January 20, 2008, liberals will have to shop for someone new to blame for their economic woes, natural disasters, and hangnails. Since his inauguration in 2001, it seems George W. Bush has become become the perfect scapegoat for liberals and "independents" alike. President Bush may not have been perfect. His public speaking leaves much to be desired. But, the explanation for every problem over the past eight years is not George Bush.

Bush was handed two of the most difficult terms in recent history. Within nine months of his inauguration, he was forced to deal with September 11th, an attack that was years, not months, in the making. While still tangling with Islam extremists, Hurricane Katrina devastated the southern coast of the United States. While shock waves from Katrina started to dispel, the economy began to deteriorate. More recently, the mortgage crisis reared its ugly head. Never mind that Congress went Democrat in 2006 and has a lower approval rating than the president.

Uncharted territory presented itself over and over again during the Bush Administration. Like every administration, his was not without error, but liberals may be surprised when a money tree doesn't sprout up in their backyard come January 20th. Soon enough they may be faced with the truth that one man is neither responsible nor capable of destroying the United States all by himself.

Not "Fair and Balanced," But Necessary

Fox News leans conservative. Okay, it's dripping with conservatism . If you watch Hannity and Colmes, you'll see that Hannity steals the show and Colmes gets stuffed in a dark corner. When he's allowed out to conduct an interview, he's treated like Elizabeth Hasselbeck on The View.

So what? Liberals have the backing of ABC, The Washington Post, MSNBC, The New York Times, CNN, and nearly every loud and obnoxious celebrity with a platform.

If we didn't have Fox News, we'd all be, well...Democrats. Without an opposing viewpoint and information that Fox News takes the time to research and report, I'd think that Democrats were superior and Republicans were wicked too.

A wise man once told me that most people want to hear "news" that supports their beliefs. While this is true, don't assume that watching CNN and reading the New York Times is going to give you the broad overview you seek.

Time to Head Home and Brush Up, Sarah

Okay Sarah, it's time to head back to the "great state of Alaska" and tend to your duties as governor.

We've seen you on the Today Show, CNN, On the Record with Greta and Larry King Live. You are becoming dangerously close to overexposure. If you are interested in 2012, it's not going to happen by repeating the same material over and over...and over again for the next four years.

Using the same rhetoric from your stump speech at the Republican Governors Association and bringing out the ever famous "Joe the Plumber" and "Tito the Builder" must ceased and desist.

You are a fantastic woman; honest, strong, loyal and most importantly, untouched by Washington. That being said, it's time to brush up on national issues, educate yourself on foreign policy and the workings of the national economy, get back out there in 2012, and show 'em how it's done.

Until then, though, please don't pay a visit to Oprah.

A Sign of Things to Come

Alabama's fifth congressional district has voted Democratic for the past 18 years, putting Bud Cramer, an admirable politician, in office.
Cramer has finally stepped down to allow new blood into the position. His endorsement went to Parker Griffith, a doctor with an agenda for what else? Health care.
While his Republican opponent, Wayne Parker, recognized cracks in the current system, he offered tax breaks and deductions to allow health care recipients to purchase health care and have the freedom to choose which kind.
Griffith's plan is to make sure everyone has health care (though he fails to mention the "how " in this scenario) and, get this, he's supporting paying the tuition for med students who enter a specialty in need of doctors. A Democrat who gives handouts to people who will make hundreds of thousands of dollars annually! What kind of a Democrat does that? And, where's all the money going to come from to pay for insurance for 303,824,640 people? Well, Griffith better start thinking about the "how" because he's up to bat.

How Can I Get My Likeness on a Gold Coin?

Okay, I'm willing to accept that the American people have spoken and perhaps they all know something I don't. Perhaps Obama will "change" the American economy and foreign policy for the better. But, are we jumping the gun a touch in creating commemorative coins to honor our 44th president? He hasn't actually done anything yet. He spent little time in the Senate. His record is nearing nonexistent. What are we glorifying?

His association with Reverend Wright is enough to raise some eyebrows. And, how about his terrorist friend, William Ayers? Lingering questions about Ayers were put to rest when he appeared on Good Morning America and confirmed that he is, indeed, a spawn of the devil. Notably, he didn't deny his relationship with Barack Obama.

But hey, let's give Obama the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he was able to lie down with dogs and get up squeaky clean. All I'm asking is that you wait until Obama does something worth honoring before we start selling gold coins with his likeness on them.

Hollywood and Tantrums Won't Turn Back Prop 8

Neither Ellen Degeneres nor Melissa Etheridge made much of an impact on California voters as they decided the fate of gay marriage. Perhaps it's because Americans are not so ignorant as to let out-of-touch celebrities decide the fate of the country. They needn't pat themselves on the back for Barack Obama's pending presidency either. Obama won in spite of celebrities and because of George Bush and a very poorly run McCain campaign.

Republicans are willing to accept an Obama victory and a federal government chock-full of Democrats. Voters opposed to proposal eight in California would do well to follow suit. The majority has spoken. If you throw yourself on the ground and begin kicking and flailing your arms...you still lost. It's called democracy. The government and the media can't help you anymore than they can help Republicans retain John McCain for president.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28055296/

Wal-Mart Is Not The Devil

Despite what you may have heard, Wal-Mart is not evil. They do not hold séances in the meat department, I assure you.

Did they put "mom and pop" stores out of business? Yes. Do they make it difficult for other corporations to compete? Yes. Is this a horrid offense? No.
We are a society founded in the idea of capitalism and we cannot turn our backs on that ideal when it doesn't suit us and hope that we can stand behind it when it helps us thrive. Mom and pop stores do not employ thousands of American workers who may then go home, feed their children, and possibly even spend their hard earned Wal-Mart dollars at your place of business (thus, helping you thrive and continue the cycle).

First, let me speak to an offensive you are likely to put up; the foreign product argument. Ever checked your labels at Target? Not too many are made in the good old US of A. Next, the treatment of Wal-Mart employees here in the states. They seem very happy to me (actually, they're quite polite and pleasant in my town). If dissatisfied, Burger King is always hiring and who wouldn't jump at the chance to eat free whoppers?

So, if you are still irate about Wal-Mart's hold on America, buy stock in the company and make it your next shopping trip. You know the old saying, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." Well, let me save you the suspense...you can't beat 'em.

Women Can Have Rights...and Class Too

People generally identify themselves with what they are most proud of in their life. Veterans may identify with their patriotism, scientists with their intellect, and feminists with their...vaginas?

Yes, it's the 15-year anniversary of the The Vagina Monologues, an award winning play devised to empower women.

For years our female ancestors fought to be heard and acknowledged as equal in intellect and ability. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't all that long ago that it was actually achieved. Women finally have the floor and are a force to be reckoned with.

What have we to show for the blood, sweat and tears of generations of strong women before us? A play that discusses our genitalia, menstruation, orgasms, lesbianism and masturbation. What's more, the show is paraded around the world, reaching college campuses and even churches.

This not to suggest that we should be ashamed of our bodies, but we needn't reduce ourselves to vulgarity to remind the world that we exist.

Something tells me that the women who fought so hard for our rights would scratch their heads and wonder what in the world we did with them.

Keep Your Laws off MY Body

Americans are fat. We get it.

In fact, New York City went as far as to ban trans fats from their restaurant menus back in 2006. Since then, other large cities such as Boston and San Francisco are proposing legislation to join the big crusade.

What's curious is that the very same people shouting "keep your laws off my body" when it comes to abortion appear to be completely comfortable with the government telling them what to do with their actual bodies.

I couldn't help but notice the hypocrisy of the situation and how people hide behind laws only when it suits them. If they genuinely wanted to make decisions about their body, this legislation would've thrown pro-choice Americans into a fit of rage.

So, this begs the question-is it freedom over their bodies that they are after or is Roe v. Wade just something pro-choicers hide behind so they can feel justified in killing their unborn?

The Rich get Richer...What's your Point?

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Well, that seems to be relatively true, but let's not be too hasty in assigning blame.

The press reports in depth on tax breaks the upper class have collected under the Bush Administration. How dare the government favor the upper class while the lower class struggles to make ends meet. We should all be treated the same. Equality for all men, right? Wrong.

The Internal Revenue Service's outline of the 2007 Federal Tax Rate Schedule reveals what many choose to ignore. Equality doesn't exist in our tax system, but it isn't the lower class that gets slighted. The rich is pulling the weight of the country. Not only do they pay dollar for dollar more than the middle or lower-class Americans, but more importantly they pay a higher percentage.

In essence, this means we financially punish the wealthy for their success. If America ever implemented a flat income tax, the economy would crumble faster than you can say...quit whining.

The wealthy not only own businesses that create jobs for the lower classes, but they hold the country above water economically.

So, the next time you want to scoff at a millionaire, shake their hand instead and thank them for their contribution to America.

Celebs in Politics-Thanks, but No Thanks

Celebrity endorsements didn't work for John Kerry and they're certainly not going to work for Barack Obama.

As you may recall, red carpet regulars turned out in droves to support Kerry in 2004. Celebs ranging from Ben Affleck to the Black Eyed Peas stood behind Kerry in the battle for presidency. Though very talented, these folks are hardly qualified to advise Americans on serious decisions involving the economy, war and social issues.

As many know, Will.i.am has created a sensational video promoting Barack Obama. It is creative and inspiring by any standards, but celebrities walk a fine line when it comes to endorsements.

Who votes? According to the US Census Bureau, probably not the same people that are singing along about Fergie's "lovely lady lumps" as indicated in the Black Eyed Pea's hit song, "My Humps."

There is such a thing as bad press when you aren't paying attention to demographics. Certainly, political candidates appreciate donations from any and all supporters, but if celebrities are genuinely rooting for a candidate, perhaps they should just send a check.

GM Suffers Another Huge Loss-No Thanks to UAW

Last week GM announced yet another round of buyouts due to a reported $38.7 billion loss.

Greed has put American automakers in a compromising position. You can point to disloyal Americans buying foreign cars, but it boils down to the very foundation of this country.

Competition is good for the economy and the consumer. America is country that prides itself in a "free market". Consequently, you cannot wish away foreign companies simply because it may force Americans out of a job. There is only one thing we can do...compete.

Many blue-collar workers were pulling in $58 thousand per year. While providing this generous income, GM created a product that foreign car companies have all but eclipsed in quality and safety. Had they been able to compensate their employees based on work quality, as non-union companies do, they could've paid their workers a reasonable wage and put the remaining funds into building a more competitive product.

There is plenty of blame to go around for the decline of General Motors, but the UAW could've gone a long way to help the situation and the future of the company. Instead of holding out a hand and demanding more and more money, the UAW should have realized that the money tree would eventually die if no one watered it.

Ann Coulter-Someone Shut Her Up

At 47-years-old Ann Coulter has the attitude of a 90-year-old man in a nursing home saying inappropriate things because he's lost all of his inhibitions.

The problem is that she probably has 40 more years to bombard us with her painful quotes that make any good Republican cringe and any Democrat delight in her idiocy.

If you can weed through the garbage that is her rhetoric, you may actually find some validity in her ideas. Let me rephrase, you may actually find some validity in her ideas if you are a Republican. Either way, she's liable to make your blood boil.

More recently, she's given us cause to wonder whether she's a actually a conservative at all. Why else would she endorse Hillary Clinton and make so many ill-considered remarks while sporting a big sign on her forehead that claims she hates liberals?

Coulter is a crude woman who openly and immaturely offends all social groups that don't agree with her own. True, many conservatives share her views in that respect, however there is a necessary level of tolerance towards others that Coulter clearly lacks.

If Coulter truly wants to be of service to her political party, she'll change her ways or...just go away.