News and Views from Around the Web

It’s nice to know our government is not alone when it comes to wasteful spending, China has spent earthquake donation funds on luxury vehicles.

It seems a lot of Americans are turning to the golden arches in these hard economical times. McDonalds reports 80% rise in profits for 2008.

Here is some good news; retail sales were up last month after a six-months of decline. Another sign the economy may be improving without the help of the stimulus bill.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) warns that America is heading towards a looming entitlement crisis… Gee, I wonder what his first clue was?

Almost 70% of Americans feel that they could do a better job on the economy than Congress…Well, they couldn’t do any worse.

When Michael Moore wants to make a film about the financial crisis, where does he turn to for expert advice? How about the The Daily Kos! I guess economist were too hard to find.

Times are tough for government budgets. So tough that Berkeley's public arts program is going to pay an artist $196,000 to create dog statues.

Arkansas is considering a bill that would allow people to carry concealed handguns into churches. No problems here. I think law-abiding citizens should be able to carry handguns wherever they want.

Mark Cuban has come up with his own version of an economic stimulus that relies on entrepreneurs, hard work and ingenuity, rather than government. What a concept! Genius!

How many jobs will the stimulus bill have to create to be successful? Seems like a fair question, but no one seems to be able to answer it.

Dick Morris has some useful information on our “culture of debt” and how dangerous it is. I have been telling you this stuff for years!

It looks like Meg Whitman, former CEO of E-bay, is going to put her name in the hat to run for Governor of California. Perhaps she can take the liquidity out of that mess and sell it on E-bay!

One of the brilliant senator’s from Massachusetts John Kerry is concerned about tax cuts because people would be "free to invest anywhere that they want if they choose to invest." Yeah John, I know this is hard for you to grasp, but it is called freedom!

Big T's Pic of the Day

Bambi II

now out on DVD...definately looks better

than the first one!

Happy New Year

Well, I have survived another year and another New Years Eve bash. I am in recovery mode today, but here is some reading for you…Happy New Year!

Strange Christmas Play Station 3 Offer...

This came in my e-mail yesterday. Apparently this was a Christmas posting for a Play Station 3 on Craigslist. I am not sure if it was real or not, but wouldn’t be all that surprised I guess if it were real. Here is the posting:

PlayStation 3 (the city)
Reply to: XXXXXXXXX@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-12-07, 10:54AM EST

I have a Brand new in-box PlayStation 3 gaming system that you can obtain for a special price. It is the 80gb model and includes 2 brand new dualshock 3 wireless controllers.

I do not want your money or thanks. To obtain this top of line gaming system, you must let me punch you in the face three times and your child must be present. If you have multiple children, I would prefer you bring your youngest child.

This is not a joke. If you want to be your children's hero on Christmas, we will meet at a location that I will specify to you, and I will proceed to punch you in the face in front of your child. You may brace yourself if you want before I begin to punch you, for I am a man of large stature (6'6, 275lbs) In between each punch, I want you to instruct your child not cry. If your child so much as whimpers, the deal is off.

Don't think I am a man to be trifled with or that you and a friend can ambush me. I am a former NAVY SEAL and a veteran of the Irag War.

This is the best deal you will ever find on a PlayStation 3. A truly unique offer. You are welcome to inspect the product for authenticity before the deal is done.

Email me for more specific details and we can arrange a rendevous.

Merry Christmas.

I do not believe this guy to be a NAVY SEAL; the Internet is filled with fake 6’6”, 275-pound former Seals. My guess is this guy is either 5’8” or a 6’6” tub of waste living in his mom’s basement playing “Call of Duty 4” which is the closest thing he will ever see to becoming a Seal or a veteran of the Iraq war.

My response to his add: I am not an inch over 6’ and weigh about 180-pounds. I am an Army paratrooper and former member of the 82nd Airborne Division and a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan. I would like to meet you to discuss and deal with your attempt to give Seals and Iraq war veterans a bad name. You won’t hit me, unless your lucky, I don’t have a son and I will be giving your Play Station 3 to some unfortunate kids who lost their father in Iraq.

Merry Christmas A*! Hole…and a Happy New Year

News and Views from Around the Web

More like entertainment and useless knowledge from around the web. Hey you didn’t expect anything serious this week did you?

This was strangely interesting and disturbing…Dan Akroyd has webbed toes! Gotta love You Tube.

Age catches up with all of us, even the Hollywood stars. Some of them have not aged so gracefully.

Here is a great photo list of the 50 hottest Victoria's Secret models of all time. Probably not safe for the office, if anyone is actually there besides you today, or home, if your wife is there. There is no nude shots, but use your discretion.

Here is something to look at during these rough economical times, 65 famous people who lost it all and went bankrupt.

Try an all-new and refreshing Tentacle Grape soda. Available now…watch out you gonna get graped!

Are you unhappy with your Christmas presents? Check out what Dave got for Christmas, that last gift is pretty nice though.

Big T's Pic of the Day

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my faithful readers…

I am enjoying Christmas with my family on the farm in Illinois. My parents and two brothers are here and we are just having a great time. It is the first time we have all been together for Christmas in several years.

What I am not enjoying is those frigid cold temperatures, snow and ice, but I am making the best of it!

I have been slacking big time this month on the blog. My apologies…I won’t be blogging much until the first of the year, I will try to throw in some news and views between now and then, but how about we get caught up with some random thoughts.

Big T's Random Thoughts of Wisdom

*It has been pretty cold in Illinois this week…Maybe we could get Al Gore up here to talk about global warming. I am sure his hot air could warm things up a degree or two.

*The majority of the problems facing America today are not nearly as bad as the so-called “solutions” politicians come up with…especially during an election year.

*Instead of a 750 billion bailout to banks and more money for the auto industry, why not a 350-400 million dollar bailout for everyone. The U.S. population is 350-400 million. Everyone gets a million dollars with the stipulation they must pay off debt. Mortgages are paid off with money left over for to buy cars. I call it the bail everyone out bill. Hey, it may not work, but it is a hell of a lot cheaper than the current bailout that has not worked.

*Last time I checked the qualifications to be a U.S. Senator is outlined in Article 1, Section 3, of the United States Constitution. It states a person must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen of 9 years and a resident of the state at the time of election…that is it…there is nothing about experience. This makes Caroline Kennedy completely qualified for the Senate seat in New York, and if that is whom the governor wants to appoint to the seat, then so be it.

Republicans should back off, because they are really starting to look like the Jack Asses on this one. Oh, by the way, Barack Obama is completely qualified to be president and Sarah Palin vice president as determined by the constitution.

*Why is it sports analyst and weathermen can be wrong everyday and people still tune in to listen to their wisdom? And football players can throw interceptions, drop catches, fumble the ball, miss tackles and miss field goals, but still make millions…

*President George W. Bush has some great reflexes when it comes to dodging shoes. I haven’t seen moves like that since Keanu Reeves in the movie “The Matrix.” I wonder if Bush has any experience in the dodging shoes department. Laura Bush seems to be the type of gal that would probably throw some shoes if you made her mad enough.

In fact I had flashbacks to the time shoes were thrown at me. They were not thrown by an Iraqi and definitely not a size 10, but she did call me a dog with some other choice words as she threw her 2inch stiletto high heels at me!

*It was not surprising to me to see the governor of Illinois indicted on charges of corruption. This is the same thug style Chicago politics that have ruled the Socialist Republic of Illinois for more than 60 years!

*As expected, Time magazine has named Barrak Obama Person of the Year in 2008. Other finalist on the list included U.S. Treasury Sec. Henry Paulson, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Chinese director Zhang Yimou.

I personally think that is a weak list. I haven’t decided who should be Person of the Year, but my short list looks a bit different. My nominees for Person of the Year go to: Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps, General David Patraeus, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamel al Maliki.

*A severe winter storm swept through Nevada last week dumping the most snow Las Vegas has seen in nearly 30 years! 40-degree temperatures plagued Texas and Tampa Bay, Fla. saw temperatures 20 degrees below normal. This global warming mess looks more and more like the hoax that it is everyday. Of course the warmers claim the cold weather pattern is the proof of global warming…say what? But then all the little warmer followers nod their heads and say, “yeah, that’s right…told you global warming is a problem.”

*After thinking about this for a while, I understand why all these CEOs keep running to the government for a bailout. Government schools educated most of these CEOs, and one of the first things they were taught was government can solve your problems. So, now they have a huge problem, so they turn to the government for the solution.

*Fox News anchor Brit Hume has left Special Report. Last night, Christmas Eve was his last show. This is unfortunate…there was not a better news program on the air. It will be interesting to see who takes his place.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web

I would give President Bush a C- on his overall presidency, but he gets an A+ on his policies keeping America safe from terrorism. Here is how some of those policies that kept us safe, policies the democrats opposed I may add.

Thomas Sowell may be the brightest economist on Earth! He writes about-facing reality and the bailout of the Big Three.

Phillip Howard thinks while Congress dishes out tough advise to the Big Three about restructuring, perhaps they should look in the mirror and restructure themselves…I couldn’t agree more…

You know that “card check” bill I keep mentioning, otherwise known as the Employee Free Choice Act, which would eliminate secret ballots when workers vote to unionize. Well it turns out it is unconstitutional. Yeah...like Obama and friends are going to let that little piece of out dated paper stop them.

Earlier this year I said this election was about “What can my country do for me, without me having to do anything for my country.” Here….read this.

He is the King of Rock and the King of Christmas music??? Elvis Presley’s 1957 debut Christmas album remains the most popular with more than 12 million copies sold.

Here are some amazing photographs from 2008.

Big T's Pic of the day

Here is a look at one of the ballots Al Franken is trying to get thrown out in Minnesota!

Big T Has Now Roamed the Earth for 32 Years.

As of yesterday I have now roamed the Earth for 32 years! I remember when I thought that was a long time, but now I realize it isn’t that long at all.

Anyhow, I hope to accomplish a lot more in the next 32 years than what I did in my first 32…lots of time a wasted, but damn did I have some fun!

All Eyes on Georgia

It’s Election Day in Georgia. Today the people of Georgia may well decide how Obama will “rule” (his words, not mine) for the next two years. A democrat win at the polls today could allow these socialist to roll on with their polices of universal healthcare, federalizing pension plans and wealth distribution.

A vote for Jim Martin, who was campaigning with Ludacris yesterday, is more than the ousting of a Republican from the Senate. It’s a mandate for the liberal agenda.

Big T’s Book of the Month

Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. It is an old one, but a good one. Atlas Shrugged was published in 1957. I read the book about seven years ago, but never has it been more relevant than today. This book has been praised and criticized by both conservatives and liberals and no matter which side of the political fence you reside on, this book will more than likely make you feel very uncomfortable about our current economic and government situation, but that is good for you…

It is unclear what time period the book is supposed to represent. There are several early 20th century technologies, but the political and economical situations are completely different than actual history of that time period.

It centers around the American industrial sector, in a time the U.S. is the only nation that has not become a people’s state. Times are hard and getting harder, as the nation is in a deep recession. One of the capitalist characters, Hank Reardon, a self-made man who started as an ordinary steel mill worker, showed talent and later founded Reardon Steel. It is up to Rearden and others like him to save the country, but there are a couple of problems in their way. One, the government seeks more and more intervention and control when it should be stepping back. Secondly, people like Rearden seem to be diminishing from society at a time they are critically needed.

The book is not a portrayal of capitalism or socialism, nor does it represent nationalization of private property. Instead it focuses on the point of a mixed economical system. At one point Hank Rearden confronts the government bureaucrats with “Why don’t you take over my mills and be done with it,” the bureaucrats react with “a jolt of genuine horror” and cries of “Oh no!” “We wouldn’t think of it,” and “We stand for free enterprise!”…Sound familiar?

Although academia and the media have ignored this novel, I say your education is not fulfilled until it is read. This is one of the most thought provoking books I’ve read, and should be required reading at all levels of education. It is an amazing novel of the killing and re-birth of the spirit of man, and helped change how I view the political spectrum and economics.

Is the Clinton Appointment legal?

Well, Hillary Clinton got the anointment from the “chosen one” Barack Obama to be Secretary of State, but is the appointment legal under the constitution? Some legal scholars say no.

They say the constitution forbids the appointment because the position received a raise while she held her Senate seat. Here is what Article 1, Section 6 of the constitution says: "No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office."

It seams pretty clear to me that it is not constitutional, but it hasn’t stopped other presidents from doing it in the past. After all it is just an out dated piece paper…just like Obama’s birth certificate.

Say Goodbye to Privatized 401K Plans

If democrats get their way, and that is a good possibility, say goodbye to your privatized 401K plan. They want to take over those and convert them into a universal Guaranteed Retirement Accounts (GRA’s) managed by the Social Security Administration…just what we need…more government. Oops, I mean change...

So why would the Democrats consider a plan like this? Well one is for wealth redistribution and the other is because government knows best. Americans are to stupid to take care of themselves.

For the latest information on what the Democrats want to do to your private pension plans read this excellent article by Karen McMahan published in the Carolina Journal. Pay close attention to the part that says the government will seize half your pension plan if you die, only allowing half your pension to be left to your family.

Don’t you folks just love all this new “change!”

They Mayor With No Political Affiliation

The Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama Larry Langford has been brought up on federal charges including conspiracy, bribery, fraud, money laundering and filing false income tax returns.

Now I have read at least 6 news stories on this and not one mentions his political affiliation. Now why do you suppose that is?

Since the first line of the story does not read “Republican Mayor Larry Langford…” I will assume he is a democrat. If anyone knows otherwise let me know, but I will bet the remaining of my stock portfolio he is a Democrat.

Of course, they could always just identify him as a Republican like they did Democrat Gov. Elliot Spitzer in the New York.

Obama the Ruler!

A couple of days ago I asked if anyone can tell me what is wrong with this statement from the co-chair of Barack Obama’s Transition Team.

“...giving—given, really, the daunting challenges that we face, it’s important that President-elect Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one. So we will be working closely with his [Bush] administration. We’re reviewing the agencies now. He [Obama] will be making key personnel decisions. He gets national security briefings every day now as well, but he will not be the president until January 20th.”

Some of you figured it out. Presidents govern. They manage. They lead. They don't RULE. China, North Korea, Venezuela, and most countries in Africa have "rulers." We don't. This is a hint at the mindset of the Obama crowd. The people of the United States have elected a "ruler," not a leader.

Big T's News and Views from around the Web.

As the majority of state governors rush to Obama for a bailout to pay for Medicaid, food stamps, unemployment benefits and other social programs, there are two governors, Rick Perry of Texas and Mark Sanford of South Carolina, against state bailouts. Read what they have to say in the Wall Street Journal. Brilliant!

Barack Obama’s birth certificate…Is it or isn’t it real…the world may never know.

This story comes from Britain. Fire extinguishers could be removed from public areas because they are a safety hazard. Only government could come up with this thought process.

If you live in New York you have to get a permit before putting lights or ornaments on your outside Christmas tree…isn’t government the greatest.

NASCAR is feeling the economical crunch and fears a bumpy road ahead if the Big 3 from Detroit goes under.

6 million of your tax dollars has been spent on a tutoring facility at the University of Illinois that can only be used by athletes…and the football team still sucks!

Big T's Pic of the Day

Here is Some of that “Change” We Can Now Look Forward Too:

Now that Barack Obama has won the White House and the democrats have control of Congress and the Senate, here are a few things we can expect… I hope you are all ready for this change you have all voted for.

Say goodbye to the secret ballot union elections in the workplace. The unions have been lobbying to get rid of secret ballots for a while now. Why? Well, they don’t like secret ballots. They want to know how workers are voting, so they can target those not voting for a union. First target on the list, Wal-mart, the largest employer in the U.S., and we all know how well the second employer in the U.S., General Motors, is doing with their union workers.

A return to the Fairness Doctrine…The left can not wait to get rid of conservative talk radio! So what about the first amendment.

A tax code of wealth distribution; taking away from the wealthy, business, entrepreneurs, and achievers and giving to the poor. In other words, socialism….

While we are on taxes…huge tax hikes on guns and ammunition. They won’t ban them; they will just tax them until they are unaffordable.

Say goodbye to your privatized 401 K plan. It is about to be replaced by something called a GRA (Guaranteed Retirement Account) ran by the government. Yeah, cause social security worked so well. More on this in the next couple of days.

More federal government in government schools…don’t get me started on this one.

Universal healthcare…it may be here a lot sooner than you think folks, like the first 100 days! Very scary stuff.

Executive order on domestic and off shore drilling rescinded, no drilling or nuclear power plants. High Gas prices are coming back…

The appointment of liberal Supreme Court justices who favor the idea of “fairness” over the constitution.

One thing about it, the Democrats are in charge. The problems now belong to them. They cannot blame their failures on Republicans anymore, all though they will try.

Would I Pay Extra to Fly Baby Free? You betchya I would!

I would be willing to pay a hundred dollars extra to sit in an area of an airplane guaranteed to be minus the crying, screaming, kicking the seat snot nosed brats for a long flight…hell, now that I think about it, I would pay that much for a 45 minute jump.

There was speculation that the airline WestJet, based out of Canada was considering a 10-dollar fee for people who wanted to sit in a section without infants. Why limit it to infants? Some of the 4 and 5 year-old, even 8-year-old kids are just as bad!

The airline says the rumor is false and claims they would never even consider a notion so ridiculous to offer to their customers.

I say they should run with it. It could put their business over the top. I fly often and am willing to bet, others who are frequent fliers would also love to have that option.

While we’re on the subject, I would be willing to pay extra in restaurants as well to get away from the screaming rug rats. They could use all those old smoking sections and put all the little diaper pants in there. This is why I usually sit at the bar; you have to be an adult to get in there.

Then again some of those folks are more obnoxious than the kids.

Madame Secretary of State

No I am not talking about Condi Rice, but rather her highly probable replacement, Hillary Clinton. Hey, I am not going to rant and rave about this one. Obama could have went with John Kerry, which would have been a lot worse than Madame Secretary of State Clinton.

A Big T administration would have appointed John Bolton, but then I probably couldn’t even get elected as dogcatcher, let alone president. So whom I would have appointed doesn’t amount to a pile of pinto beans.

By the way, you do know who John Bolton is don’t you?

Big T’s News and Views From Around the Web

So where do you go after being a top executive that helped bring the 5th largest securities and holdings bank in America to financial ruin? The Federal Reserve Bank of course! Aren’t you glad they got 700 billion of your tax money to play with?

Here is a site where the people can voice their priorities for the new administration. Hey look the FairTax is number 2 on the list!

Illinois State Police will now have to call for permission before they can drive 20 over the speed limit.

Obama is sending his kids to private schools….gee there is a surprise! Public schools are for your kids, not his.

Time Magazine admits extreme pro-Obama media bias during campaign, and says it was “the most disgusting failure in our business since the Iraq war.” Gee…you think?

Here is a growing alliance that means trouble for president-elect Barack Obama. Cuban president Raul Castro will visit Moscow next year.

The GOP is going to file federal lawsuit to repeal McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform and regulations. Yeah, It should have been vetoed from the get go.

Even the US postal service is feeling the economical crunch.

Gas prices are falling and people are buying SUV’s again…amazing how that works!

A government schoolteacher says she was fired for wearing a bikini during a second job, or was it because she missed to many days of work?

Here is an example of conservatism in exile. I thought liberal democrats were supposed to be the party of tolerance and inclusion? Guess not…but I already knew that.


These kids are more than likely getting their first lesson in government. They may lose their tree house that their dad built because it doesn’t follow the building code! Isn’t government regulations awesome…

Big T's Pic of the Day

If you can't laugh at that, this may not be the blog for you.

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, I posted some things on the blog yesterday, or at least I thought I did. For some reason they never made it here. I will work on posting some of those throughout the day today. Perhaps, you can read it after your Turkey with your pumpkin pie and coffee or squeeze it in between football games.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

The Real Story of Thanksgiving Not Taught in Schools: America’s First Socialist Failure.

Frequent readers of my blog already know Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Probably because I have a whole lot to be thankful for in my life, and well I love food… I have also enjoyed the story surrounding Thanksgiving.

Ever since I was a child, and I suspect the majority of Americans too, were taught the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock settling in this barren place with no ability or knowledge on how to survive or feed themselves. It was so bad, that if it had not been for the Indians teaching them how to grow corn, hunt and slaughter animals, they would have surely starved to death and died! In order to show their thanks and appreciation the Pilgrims held a feast with the Indians This commencing Thanksgiving as taught in schools, it’s not at all what happened.

The truth is Thanksgiving was a celebration of how capitalism, private property and individual initiative saved the colonist from starvation.

Yes it is true the Mayflower brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1621. It was a barren land and it was very hard times, but it was not hard times because of a lack of survival skills.

William Bradford, the governor of the Pilgrim colony, writes about this in his journal. The colony was first organized on a communal basis, as their financers required. The land was owned in common and farmed communally. Whatever they produced went into the common store so all could share the fruits of everybody’s labor.

This is one of the first known experiments with socialism and it was based on all the great compassion and fairness you can think of, but the results were disastrous!

Some Pilgrims realized they didn’t have to do anything in order to get what they needed from the common store, because other people would pull their weight.

The food supply quickly became short and the winters long. At one point corn was rationed out at three kernels per day per person. By 1623 the colonist had suffered severe losses and starvation was almost imminent.

Bradford now realized the communal system was not working because it encouraged and rewarded laziness and inefficiency while destroying individual initiative. So he abolished the plan, distributed private plots of land among the surviving Pilgrims, encouraging them to farm as individuals and what you produce is yours. If there is a surplus you can sell it for a profit. This is when the Pilgrims began to flourish, and they shared their bounty with the Indians.

In the true story of Thanksgiving as wrote by Bradford, is thanks to God…It was thanks to God for helping them learn the way to survive and prosper when they arrived in this forsaken, unknown place.

So how was this story left out of the history books? Well, unfortunately Bradford’s journal is about the only recorded history we have from this time period. Many parts of his journal recording these events were lost. When Thanksgiving was later made a national holiday, the lesson the Pilgrims so painfully learned was not made part of the holiday.

Several years later, Bradford’s diaries were found. They’re now available in paperback documenting how capitalism saved the Pilgrims.

This Thanksgiving I now have one more thing to be thankful for…capitalism. The system that has lifted more people out of poverty than any other in history, perhaps one day America will return to it.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web

Here is a great piece on the real story of thanksgiving from the LA Times…

…and here is one of the many revised versions being taught in schools today. A story of two cultures clashing, and Thanksgiving was a period of peace in 1621. History rewritten by the left is what this is!

This editorial says the first Thanksgiving may not have been at Plymouth and occurred 56 years earlier in St. Augustine, Fla. The main course was bean soup! Thank God we didn’t go with that tradition…

Another interesting editorial on Thanksgiving, this one makes the case the holiday is tied to military roots.

Jib Jab has done it again, this time with a cartoon and tune about Thanksgiving. Funny stuff.

Big T Pic of the Day

Socialism...It's Change from Our Tax Dollars.

Enjoy Socialism America

You Voted For It.

Random After Election Thought

Well, it is all over…It wasn’t that surprising was it? Barack Obama defeated John McCain. Here is a list of a few folks Obama and supporters can thank for their victory.

Thanks to the Republican Party. This Bud’s for you! After the Republicans came up with “The Contract with America that led to the voter revolution of 1994 regaining power and control for the Republican Party, they then abandoned their conservative principles. In the twelve years republicans controlled congress, they promised less government. Instead they more than doubled the size of the government.

We were promised control over runaway spending, but spending also doubled. We were promised fiscal responsibility; instead we got a bridge to nowhere in Alaska. We were promised the elimination of the Department of Education, because under this federal agency educational achievement had been on a steady decline. Since then the Republicans doubled funding for the Department of Education. The GOP became the party of borrow and spend liberals.

Once President Bush was elected, the party became drunk on power and forgot what they stood for. They gave the electorate no solid reason to continue voting for them. Even the fear of a filibuster-proof Marxist senate was not enough to motivate the base.

Thanks to President George Bush. Thanks for the amazing lack of principled conservative leadership over the last eight years on domestic, spending and big government issues. When a president signs a bill he believes to be unconstitutional (McCain-Feingold) because he thinks the Supreme Court will vote it down, that is not conservative leadership.

When you become the leader of the party that promised to give education back to the state and local levels and eliminate the Department of Education, but then federalize education through no child left behind leaving local school boards and officials with little to do but implement decisions made at the federal level, that is not conservative leadership.

The failure to veto even one pork-laden spending bill, that is not conservative leadership.

I could go on, the size of government and government spending grew faster under the Bush administration than any other one in history, and that is after you subtract the cost of the war! This failed conservative leadership resulted in an uninspired electorate….and an elected Barack Obama.

Thanks to Government education for the voting dumb masses. Never in my lifetime can I remember an election that illustrated the supreme ignorance of the American voter. And no, ignorant is not an insult; it simply means unknowing, look it up. For an example, it would be perfectly safe to say I am ignorant in quantum mechanics, but back to the voters.

The majority of Americans casting ballots probably couldn’t name their US Senators or Congressman if their life depended on it. They probably couldn’t tell you how many Senators each state has, or how many Congressman their state has.

They have no intellectual capacity of what is in the constitution or the Bill of Rights, what freedom really is, or what the actual function of government is. They have no understanding of our current tax system, or the difference between capital gains taxes and income taxes. How about the difference between profit and profit margins, or the principles of supply and demand?

I have taken harsh criticism for comments made about voter ignorance in the past, but note that I do not blame the voters for their ignorance. No, I blame the government ran education system.

It is an absolute tragedy people are not taught these things in school…Instead we must teach about social injustices, tolerance and acceptance. The government ran education system has turned into an indoctrination center rather than an education center.

Things are only going to get worse, before they get better. Now that the Democrats are in control of everything, prepare for an all-out war on the idea of school choice and vouchers…Oh and let’s not forget the home schooling option…that is definitely not going to be allowed. No…your child must be educated by the government, for the government and the common good.

As long as it is left to government, the education problem will never be solved, regardless of which party is in power.

Where Does the Republican Party Go From Here?

One thing is clear after this election, and it is something I have been saying for years, but the Republican Party has failed on so many levels. Perhaps now they will realize it.

This was the party that was supposed to reflect conservative values and principles of limited government and less spending, but instead they provided the exact opposite, as they got drunker than college kids at a keg party on political power. Ronald Reagan would be highly embarrassed.

In this election, Republicans failed to communicate a message the American people could understand. It took a simple man from Ohio, Joe the Plumber, in the last days of the election to find the message the party could not find on their own. This is simply amazing to me. The McCain campaign and the republicans should have already been pounding away for months at Obama’s socialist plans. The bottom line is the party failed to rally the base that reflected its core values, but then maybe they have had such a problem with this because those core values no longer exist for the Republicans in power. One doesn’t have to look any farther than the last eight years to realize that.

Conservatives have lost control of their party, or rather where pushed out of the party by moderate elite Rockefeller Republicans who believed the party needed to move to the middle to win elections. These elitist in the party lost touch with the base of the party and reality. They hired political consultants who only cared about winning elections and driving the party forward to retain power, not the platform or ideals of the party. They listened to Washington insiders who told them they didn’t need the base to win. All they need to do is appeal to moderates, appeal to these groups. It has been a recipe for disaster!

Some of these same people tell us the political spectrum in America has significantly moved to the left since 2004 and, John McCain lost because he moved to far to the right in order to appeal to the base, but that is not what the exit polls say.

According to exit polls 21 percent of voters claimed to be liberal in 2004 compared to 22 percent in 2008. On the other side of the spectrum 34 percent of voters claimed to be conservative in both 2004 and 2008. If there were a huge leftward shift, shouldn’t there be a high increase in the numbers of people who view themselves as liberals and a decrease in the number of conservatives?

Also, McCain only received 78 percent of the conservative vote and 89 percent of the Republican vote. If McCain moved to the right to appeal to the base, shouldn’t he have done better with them? After all, Barack Obama got 88 percent of the liberal vote.

McCain never shifted to the right, but even if he had it probably would not have mattered to the base. They already knew he was not a conservative, but rather the candidate to reach across the aisle and compromise conservative values, a moderate...or as he tried to sell it, a maverick.

The truth is there was never any real energy from the base until Sarah Palin was introduced to the ticket, but she wasn’t the front of the ticket. Republicans win when they are conservative not moderate.

If the Republican Party doesn’t learn from this, they deserve to remain out of power. They have no one to blame but themselves for the Democratic majority in Congress and the rise of Barack Obama.

It is now up to real conservatives to step forward, take charge and move the Republican Party back to the basic principles of individualism, freedom, economic liberty, self-sufficiency and pride of country, but more importantly, they must believe it, market it and live up to it. It is time the party found the next Reagan.

What is Wrong With This Statement?

Let’s see if anyone can tell me what is wrong with this statement from the co-chair of Barack Obama’s Transition Team.

“...giving—given, really, the daunting challenges that we face, it’s important that President-elect Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one. So we will be working closely with his [Bush] administration. We’re reviewing the agencies now. He [Obama] will be making key personnel decisions. He gets national security briefings every day now as well, but he will not be the president until January 20th.”

I will leave this here for a couple days and see if anyone can figure out what is wrong with this statement. Here is a clue. It deals with the mindset of the incoming administration.

Indoctrinating the Students in North Carolina.

How many times have I said government ran education is nothing short of indoctrination? Well, here we have a video of a government teacher from an elementary school in Fayetteville, NC leading a group discussion and asking students whom they are supporting for president? Ms. Harris replies to students supporting John McCain with “Oh Lord, John McCain” or Oh Jesus, John McCain” telling a student the Iraq war is senseless and her dad might have to stay in the military for another 100 years if John McCain wins. (Fayetteville houses Ft Bragg, home of the 82nd Airborne Division and is the most populated installation in the military.)

The teacher in the video is a woman by the name of Diantha Harris. She has been employed by your tax dollars for twenty-five years. I wonder how long she has been doing this in her classroom before she was caught on tape by a Swedish filmmaker making a documentary on U.S. politics.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web

After Obama was elected the stock market took the biggest post election plunge in history! Wow…now that is some change for you.

People who earn their own wealth are entitled to keep it? That's not how it should be, according to this Virginia Congressman. Read this my friends ... and tell me what it does to your drive to become successful.

This guy in Philly says he only voted a “couple times…” really…only a couple? What the hell, it is just voter fraud, no big deal.

How is this for bias? “Experience the power of change” from MSNBC.

Time Magazine writes on Obama: “Some princes are born in palaces. Some are born in mangers. But a few are born in the imagination, out of scraps of history and hope…” 4 years of this...Seriously, can this Obama worship end already?

P.J. O’Rourke says we conservatives “blew it.” ...well I don’t know about conservatives, but definitely the Republican Party.

Neal Boortz has an interesting take on bailing out the automakers. Great read.

Sometimes pictures are just better than words…check out this picture from an Obama-Biden campaign office in Vegas.

Big T's Pic of the Day

I have thought about it and just can't come up with a

caption for this one...anyone want to take a shot?

And the Winner is…Joe the Plumber!

Let me start off by saying hats off to moderator Bob Schieffer. He did a hell of a job Wednesday night. He actually let the candidates talk and when they asked for extra time he gave it to them…I was wrong about it being a joint press conference. It was a debate and by far the best one out of the three. Watch it here if you missed it…or read the transcript here.

I am not sure which debate the media was watching, but I thought John McCain kicked Barack Obama’s tail. Then again, if you were already drinking the Obama kool-aid; I am sure you think Obama won the debate. Let me put it this way, Obama probably didn’t lose any supporters. Me…I just filled out my absentee ballot and I didn’t cast a vote for either of these idiots. I have no dog in this race, and I reserve the right to complain about either candidate that wins the White House. Libertarian Bob Barr got my vote. Sorry John, but you just didn’t motivate me to vote for you. Besides, it is not like the Socialist Republic of Illinois was ever going to go for McCain.

It was by far McCain’s best performance, but was it enough? Did he save his campaign??? Or was it too little to late? Personally I think it may have been too little too late. It really depends on how many watched it. Although, I will admit, I think his chances of winning are a little better now.

My favorite moment came when John McCain looked at Obama and said, “I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago…best line of the night…where has that been the last couple of months.

If I was McCain I would have also mentioned that he (McCain) ran against Bush eight years ago in an ugly campaign for the Republican nomination.

McCain finally brought up Bill Ayers and ACORN. Two issues that should have been brought up months ago! Yes, they are important and relevant. They are not negative attacks. Sorry, I don’t call the truth to be negative attacks.

The real winner of the debate was “Joe the plumber.” Joe Wurzelbacher is the plumber from Ohio and a possible future small business owner that Obama told he isn’t raising taxes to punish success, but to spread the wealth.


"Joe the plumber" could not have gotten that much advertisement on Super Bowl Sunday! The candidates referred to him 25 times last night making him the most famous plumber in America!

McCain tells Letterman: “We can get Bin Ladin”

John McCain returns to the Late Show with David Letterman last night for the first time since he short noticed cancelled on the comic to return to DC in the wake of the economic crisis…Is it just me or did Letterman still seem a little bitter about the cancellation?

Anyways, the interview turned from comedy to serious at about the 6:45 mark on the video. McCain told Letterman he knows how to get Osama Bin Ladin.

He said we need more human intelligence and not rely on intelligence solely from satellites. It is true, we have the best technology and satellite capabilities to gather intelligence, but we lack the human intelligence of being able to infiltrate these groups and villages and learn the cultures and gather information.

In other words we need more spies…it is just one more thing that John McCain is absolutely right on folks.

Big T's News and Views From Around the Web

US Troops have killed the number two-man for al-Qaeda in Iraq. Iraq??? I didn’t think al-Qaeda was in Iraq???

Sex offenders in Maryland will be required to post a note on their door with a picture of a pumpkin that reads “No candy at this residence.” If they are such a danger why are they out of prison in the first place?

It is safe to say this burglar will never rob a house again. He was shot DRT by the owner of the house he was trying to steal a plasma TV from. I love these stories.

Government officials in Pennsylvania have decided to require utility companies to stop power usage from rising and cut power usage starting in 2011. Now how do you suppose they will do that? Is higher prices an option or is that price gouging? Isn’t government great!

Those idiots on “The View” called “Joe the Plumber’s” goal of owning his own business a “fantasy.” Well, it isn’t a fantasy yet, but will be after Obama-Biden brings socialism.

Joe Biden has a three-letter word for you… J-O-B-S…good thing he isn’t a Republican…CNN would be playing it every hour. Anyone remember P-O-T-A-T-O-E from Dan Quayle? Potato is spelled wrong for all you government educated kids.

Big T's Pic of the Day

From the makers of Obama Waffles

it's all new Mooseburger Helper!

You can own a box for $9.99

Sure to be a collectors item.

The Last Chance Saloon for John McCain Tonight

Tonight is the night, the last chance for John McCain to get it right. The last debate and showdown between the Maverick and that guy for Ch-ch-change! OK…so it is really not a debate; it is more like a boring joint press conference.

Here is a thought. How about we ditch the moderator, give these two guys a microphone and tell them “You have 90 minutes to argue this thing out. Go!

Now that would be a debate!

Back to reality…McCain has to put the boxing gloves on tonight and fight. If he doesn’t it is over for him. I thought it was over for him after the last debate, but ACORN and a man named Bill Ayers has surfaced. (It’s about damn time!!!)

McCain needs to focus on those issues. He should also point out that Obama can’t give tax cuts to 95 percent of Americans when 45 percent of Americans don’t pay income taxes. What Obama is really proposing is a giant welfare program that will cost those paying taxes almost 100 million a year. Those who will pay for this are those who write a lot of people’s paychecks. Do you think they will take the hit and continue writing paychecks or do you think some of those paychecks may disappear?

Of course I doubt McCain will come out swinging like the old fighter pilot should. Afterall it was just a few days ago he praised Obama by saying "I have to tell you he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States," on the campaign trail. It was responded with booos from the crowd.

Perhaps, McCain has learned from that experience. We should know about 15 to 20 minutes into the debate tonight. If he doesn’t take a swing and put Obama on the defensive I am changing the channel.

What do Obama and Osama have in common?

The joke that has Obama worshipers in an uproar: What do Barack Obama and Osama Bin Ladin have in common? They both have friends who bombed the Pentagon! That is a joke? I find it to be true. I would add they both want Bush out of the White House and our troops out of Iraq.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web...

Obama worship continues. Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan has proclaimed Barack Obama as the messiah and a student writes: “Obama is my Jesus” in a column for her college paper. They’re a little late to the party though; I declared Obama as the messiah in August.

Our good old pal John Murtha says many of his constituents in western Pennsylvania will not vote for Barack Obama because they are racist! Riiight… Because it couldn’t have anything to do with the fact Obama is a communist sympathizing socialist.

Another article about Barack Obama and his race costing him the election. Bloomberg reports: Obama Backers Worry His Race Will Hurt Him in “Middletown, USA” Damn those racist folks clinging to their guns and religion!

Barack Obama ads appear in a popular EA sports online racing game.

Big T's Pic of the Day

That is looking better than a lot of peoples portfolios right now... I have lost approximately 35% of my net worth since Sept 18! No it is not 6 figure losses, but I am definately seeing 5 figure losses right now.

Oh well, at least I am not going to have to pay any capital gains taxes this coming tax season.

See there is always a bright side!

It’s All Over “My Friends”

I hope you are all ready for Barack Obama! Are you people prepared to have a socialist president? An even bigger government that will have more control in how you live your life, your healthcare, your retirement, your savings and investments, taxes and your children’s education.

Unfortunately, a lot of Americans see nothing wrong with this and are perfectly fine with it. They believe this country is great because of government, and government is the answer to all their problems. They are sending Barack Obama to the White House to solve all our problems. I am convinced it is all over. John McCain has lost. It is all over ‘my friends.”

John McCain did not do what he had to do in the debate Tuesday night. The fact of the matter is both candidates where off on Tuesday making it one of the most boring debates I have ever seen.

I think most people have made up their minds by now and there aren’t going to be to many viewers watching the upcoming last debate. It will mainly be political junkies like myself that tune in. This was it. This was McCain’s last chance to seize the moment, and he just didn’t do it.

It was not the debate alone that cost him the election. I truly feel the pivotal point where McCain blew the election was the way he handled the whole economic bailout crisis and then voting for the bailout. Where was the maverick, and how about some leadership to stand up against the Washington insiders and say this bill in no good? Instead McCain just goes with the flow.

And let’s face it, his campaign has been swirling down the toilet ever since.

McCain has lost this election because he was unable to convince enough people he wants less government in their lives (the conservative base) and he couldn’t convince enough people he wants more government in their life (socialist republicrats, or RINOs).

Then again this may be good news for all you McCainiacs. I was also convinced Hilary Clinton was going to win the Democratic primary.

Oh and John, loose the “My friends” phrase. I swear if I hear you say it one more time I am going to loose my lunch!

Fact: Obama cannot give a tax cut to 95% of working families in America.

For reasons unknown to me, the McCain campaign just doesn’t seem willing to throw any real punches at Obama. One of many areas they should be attacking Obama on is his ridiculous claim to cut taxes for 95% of Americans.

I have been over this before, but lets go over it again. The most important thing to remember when Obama starts talking about tax cuts is 47% of Americans have no tax burden. In order to give them a so-called “tax cut” the government would have to literally write them a check.

That is not a tax cut; it is income re-distribution. In order to cut taxes you have to cut them on people who actually pay them, but that would be the top 53%. This would include tax cuts for the evil rich, which doesn’t work in Obama’s rhetoric.

Then again, it wouldn’t matter if McCain pointed this out. Most Americans can’t comprehend such matters.

Enjoy your checks folks. It may be the last one you get for a while after Obama taxes your employer and your job is cut to make up the difference!

Where Does All The Money Congress is Spending Come From?

Nancy Pelosi says if the economy continues to plummet she may call Congress back for a special session after the election to pass a 150 billion dollar economical stimulus plan… Yeah, cause the first one worked so well.

Of course this plan will be more of a wealth redistribution plan than an economic stimulus since most Americans who pay most of the taxes won’t be allowed to participate in the plan. Taking from those who have earned it and giving it to those who have not. After all as Barack Obama and Joe Biden has said taxes is not about revenues to the government; it is about fairness. Oh ... what fun we're going to have over the next four years.

Has anyone thought about asking where all this money is coming from? It’s not like Congress has 700 billion for a bailout, or a 150 billion-stimulus package sitting in a checking account somewhere. So where does it come from?

Yes, it comes from the taxpayer at the end, but they need that money now. So it is borrowed folks. It is borrowed from places like China, Germany and other foreign countries. This increases the national debt and makes the dollar even weaker.

This is why it cost 10.00 for a cup of coffee in France or 5.00 for a 20oz. Coke in Germany. Hold on to your wallets cause it is only going to get worse.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web

Wow, actual intelligent conversation on Obama’s tax plan on CNBC! I can’t believe it…

What do you think of this? Is James Carville actually suggesting we will have race riots if Barack Obama does not win in November? You can take a look for yourself and decide.

Like me John Stossel is not happy with the bailout. He says anytime a large majority of politicians speak in favor of intervention it makes him cringe. Stossel says we should try something called the free enterprise…Amen! Great Reading.

Why is he so ashamed of his past? Obama is now denying his ties to ACORN. Of course the media gives him a pass on the issue. Stanley Kurtz did some homework and found this.

Barack Obama lied about his relationship with Bill Ayers, and this report comes from CNN’s Anderson Cooper, not Fox News.

Bloopers from the campaign trail…introducing the “next vice president of the United States John McCain!” Oooops…he meant Joe Biden.

Are you looking for a reason to get high or drunk? You could always blame it on the economical crisis.

Now to the issues that really matter, according to an ancestry website Sarah Palin is related to Princess Diana and former President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Animal rights activist like PETA are definitely not going to be happy with Brett Farve’s locker room pranks. Apparently he shot an animal, stuffed its guts in a bag and put it in a teammates locker.

Looking for some assets to invest in? So is Hugh Hefner. Playboy magazine is in search of the “Women of Wall Street.” Now that is economic relief!

Big T's Pic of the Day

Welcome to the United Socialist States of America

If you have a copy of the United States Constitution lying around, you can go ahead and run it through the paper shredder or burn it. At this point the paper it was wrote on is worth more than the words. The United States Congress has been ignoring it for several of years with no accountability from the American voter. In doing so we have taken this nation into areas we never had any business being in.

In fact we created the greatest financial risk and collapse this country has ever seen by ignoring the principles and wisdoms placed by the founders of the constitution. Politicians in Congress think they are above the constitution. They thought they knew better. They thought they could do better and create a system outside the boundaries of the law. They were wrong! We were wrong for letting them continue to do it without accountability.

For years Congress continued to spend more, create a bigger and more intrusive government, limiting freedom while increasing their power for the social experiment to supply all with an increased standard of living.

The government required banks to offer no money down mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for before unqualified low-income family borrowers with good or bad credit became the norm. After all, everyone in America should own a house regardless if they can actually afford it. This significantly increased the demand for houses inflating the housing market and creating the housing bubble.

As the bubble grew, so did the amount of dangerous subprime loans given. While the economy was on the rise everyone was happy. Then gas prices started to rise. Interest rates rose and paychecks got squeezed. All of a sudden our unqualified borrowers couldn’t make their mortgage payments. Foreclosures skyrocketed, banks quit lending them money and no one was buying houses only selling. The bubble popped as house prices plummeted. All those government-backed mortgages became worthless and banks begin to collapse.

Did Congress and politicians learn their lesson? No, instead they blame it on the free market. It is capitalisms fault, not ours. The premise from most of our politicians on both sides of the aisle of this financial crisis is that some how the free market has failed and the government must come to the rescue. The truth is the crisis we are now in is a result of government intervention in the market.

This is not a failure of the free market. In a free market, bankers would not give loans to people who are not qualified.

We started to here politicians say things like the government must act to protect the financial well being of all from the reckless financial actions of a few.

Someone show me where in the constitution does it say it is the government’s responsibility to protect the financial well being of anybody? I must have missed it in my copy!

I am so disgusted by this bailout! Democrats and Republicans both united to vote for this damn bill. Both presidential candidates voted for it. We can’t get them to unite to win wars, or close our borders, but we can get them to unite to give them the absolute most power they will ever gain over the free market ever!!! Does anyone realize how much control this bill gives the federal government? How much real estate the government will now own?

There is no way you can justify in the constitution the government should be a source of mortgages for homeowners, but Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were able to control more than 50% of the mortgages in this country before this bailout.

We are in tough times, but they are going to get tougher until the American people hold Congress and politicians accountable to live within the rules of the US Constitution that have served this country so well. We are ignoring the constitution at our own peril and are reaping exactly what we have sown.

Capitalism is pretty much dead. Welcome to the United Socialist States of America! The US Constitution was bought and destroyed for 700 billion dollars!!!

Perhaps it is time to reject the two-party system in this country. It’s time for a revolution! A voter revolution…The Libertarian Party anyone?

Media ignores major Biden foreign policy gaffe.

Yes, it is true Sarah Palin got a few of her facts wrong, misquoted a couple numbers and even gaffed on the name of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force Gen. David D. McKiernan during the Vice Presidential debate Thursday night, but so did Joe Biden.

However, getting a few numbers and facts wrong doesn’t even begin to compare to the biggest gaffe I have ever seen in my life, and it has gone completely ignored by the media.

I honestly could not believe my ears and almost choked on my popcorn when I heard Biden say this:

Gwen, no one in the United States Senate has been a better friend to Israel than Joe Biden. I would have never, ever joined this ticket were I not absolutely sure Barack Obama shared my passion.

But you asked a question about whether or not this administration's policy had made sense or something to that effect. It has been an abject failure, this administration's policy.

In fairness to Secretary Rice, she's trying to turn it around now in the seventh or eighth year.

Here's what the president said when we said no. He insisted on elections on the West Bank, when I said, and others said, and Barack Obama said, "Big mistake. Hamas will win. You'll legitimize them." What happened? Hamas won.

When we kicked -- along with France, we kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, I said and Barack said, "Move NATO forces in there. Fill the vacuum, because if you don't know -- if you don't, Hezbollah will control it."

Now what's happened? Hezbollah is a legitimate part of the government in the country immediately to the north of Israel.

Is he serious? We…and who kicked Hezbollah out of where??? Obama urged to send NATO to do what??? This is really a serious and important foreign policy gaffe. It is far more serious than anything Sarah Palin has said anytime anywhere!

Perhaps in the alternate universe Joe Biden lives in the U.S. and France may have kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, but back here on Earth it has never happened. Hezbollah has never been kicked out of Lebanon by anyone. Not the US, France, Israel or even the Lebanese.

The fact is Hezbollah has been in Lebanon since the early 1980’s. They have since grown to make up over a third of the population of Lebanon and have an entirely separate governance infrastructure in the southern part of the country. Hezbollah currently controls 62 of 128 seats in the Lebanese Parliament.

Although it would hardly make any more sense, but perhaps Biden was referring to when the Lebanese people kicked the Syrians out of Lebanon with behind the scenes work of France and the U.S. It was the U.S. who convinced King Abdullah to lobby the Syrians to get gone while the going was good while the French worked directly on Baby Assad. The Syrians left after a couple million Lebanese took to the street in a show of love for freedom and defiance to tyranny.

Even then Biden, Barack Obama or anyone on this planet did not push for NATO to “fill the vacuum” Anyone who would have put such a proposal on the table would have been laughed out of the room, but Biden seems to believe not having NATO to “fill the vaccum” led to Hezbollah’s rise to political power in Lebanon.

One has to ask where the hell has Biden been the last 20 years. It was the Taif Accords that were signed in 1989 that gave Hezbollah power in the southern part of the country. Hezbollah’s real rise to political power is directly related to Iran’s 250 million dollar a year funding of their proxy.

Either Biden is completely clueless on foreign policy, or he simply got caught up in a lie that went horribly wrong.

It is almost unbelievable to me that I was unable to find even a mention of this let alone a story from the mainstream media on this incredible gaffe, outlandish misstatement of history and outright lie that he and Obama called for NATO troops in Lebanon after Hezbollah was kicked out. Even if he meant Syria kicked out it’s still a lie. Where was fact check.org? I guess there magnifying glass missed this one. Why am I not surprised.

The headline of the debate should have been; “Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee Seems Clueless on Foreign Policy.” Instead Biden gets a pass and Palin is heavily criticized for mispronouncing the name of our commanding general in Afghanistan.

Absolutely shameful reporting from the press.

Obama would meet unconditionally with our enemies

Biden also fibbed when he said Barack Obama never said he would meet unconditionally with the Iranian leader. The fact is Obama did say it. It was during a Democrat Primary debate on July 23, 2007. Anderson Cooper was the moderator and it was at the University of South Carolina. If you want to fact check me here is the exact transcript. If you scroll about half way down the page you will find it.

Q: In 1982, Anwar Sadat traveled to Israel, a trip that resulted in a peace agreement that has lasted ever since. In the spirit of that type of bold leadership, would you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea, in order to bridge the gap that divides our countries? Senator Obama.OBAMA: I would. And the reason is this, that the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them -- which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration -- is ridiculous.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, Ronald Reagan and Democratic presidents like JFK constantly spoke to Soviet Union at a time when Ronald Reagan called them an evil empire. And the reason is because they understood that we may not trust them and they may pose an extraordinary danger to this country, but we had the obligation to find areas where we can potentially move forward.

And I think that it is a disgrace that we have not spoken to them. We've been talking about Iraq -- one of the first things that I would do in terms of moving a diplomatic effort in the region forward is to send a signal that we need to talk to Iran and Syria because they're going to have responsibilities if Iraq collapses.

They have been acting irresponsibly up until this point. But if we tell them that we are not going to be a permanent occupying force, we are in a position to say that they are going to have to carry some weight, in terms of stabilizing the region.

Biden was well aware of this, because he opposed and criticized Obama for it at the National Press Club in August of 2007 while campaigning against him for the Democratic nomination.

Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics

This has been around for a while, but still holds true. Everyone says our tax system and economics is complex. Well this professor of economics does a great job breaking it down into laymen terms. Everyone should be able to understand this. Hopefully you will understand the tenth man has left the table in many places. You can only rob someone for so much and so long before they find somewhere else to do business.

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all tencomes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would gosomething like this:

The first four men (The poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that’s what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with thearrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. “Since you are allsuch good customers,” he said, “I’m going to reduce the cost of your dailybeer by $20.” Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so thefirst four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.
But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could theydivide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’

They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that fromeverybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end upbeing paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would befair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceededto work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued todrink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to comparetheir savings.

“I only got a dollar out of the $20,”declared the sixth man. He pointed tothe tenth man,” but he got $10!”

“Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a dollar, too It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I!”

“That’s true!!” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get $10 backwhen I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!”

“Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison. “We didn’t get anything at all. Thesystem exploits the poor!”

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the nine sat downand had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, theydiscovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all ofthem for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, this is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the mostbenefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

By David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.Professor of Economics University of Georgia

For those of you who understand this concept no explanation needed. For those of you who don’t understand this there is no explanation possible.

Big T's Suggested Reading and Viewing from around the Web

I always like to turn to an expert during a crisis. Here is what economist Thomas Sowell has to say about the bailout. He says politicians that caused the problem thinks they can fix it…hmmm where have I heard that before? Excellent reading as always.

Here is another economist from Harvard. He says bankruptcy, not bailout, is the right answer.

Karl Marx would be extremely happy with this bailout deal Congress has passed.

Hillary Clinton says without a bailout commerce could stop. That is a giant Bologna Sandwich!

Here we have yet another story involving Association of Community Organizations for Reform (ACORN) and voter registration fraud. I am now understanding what community organizers do!

You know I have heard about ticket scalpers at sporting events and concerts, but political rallies??? The Sarah Palin phenomenon continues to sweep the country! If John McCain wins this thing, it will be because of her.

More than 70 million tuned in to watch the Palin-Biden VP presidential debate. It is the largest viewing of any debate since the Reagan-Carter debate in 1980 that brought the record 80.6 million to the TV set. Do you suppose the majority of viewers tuned in to watch Biden? Me either.

Sarah Palin has even got praise from Hillary Clinton for her debate performance… Hmmm…first Bill praises her and then Hillary. I wonder if Obama feels that knife in his back yet.

In an episode of “The Simpsons” scheduled to air November 2 Homer votes for Obama, but the voting machine refuses to accept his vote and changes it to McCain. Homer is then sucked into the machine and killed.

Big T's Pic of the Day

This place is definitely not like Dixie!

Wow, I have been busy! I have one thing to say. Moving sucks, really, really sucks! Avoid it at all cost if you can. If you can’t avoid it, then hire someone else to move it for you. It will be worth every penny!

Anyways, I have left the land of Dixie and am now in the Baltimore-Washington DC area. Could someone tell me where I can get some sweet tea and homemade grits around here? How about some BBQ?

You folks do know BBQ is a type of meat and not a social gathering consisting of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers? What the hell is wrong with these people up here?

It really is amazing the differences between the North and the South to this day. I will take the South any day myself.

I may have been born a Yankee, but Dixie has captured my heart and mind...and my taste buds.

Man, I could use some cornbread and chicken.

Am I better off today than I was 4 or 8 years ago?

A real good friend of mine and I were having some drinks last night. He is a liberal and a huge Barack Obama supporter. He decided to engage me in some political conversation, or debate for a better choice of words.

Anyways, my friend is aware that I am not a huge fan of John McCain or the Republican Party as a whole right now. I guess he figured maybe he could persuade me to jump across the aisle. I may have problems with Republicans, but that doesn’t make me a socialist!

As our debate progressed, I noticed a common themed question among Obama supporters I talk to. The question: Are you better off today than you were 4 or 8 years ago? Now there is no doubt the premise of this question is to imply if you are not better off it is somehow President Bush’s fault. After all, everything is his fault for those suffering from Bush Derangement Syndrome.

My answer, absolutely I am better off than I was 4 years ago or 8 years ago. But what if I wasn’t better off than I was four or eight years ago? Would I truly have anyone to blame than myself? I don’t give credit to President Bush for being better off. I did it. I put myself in positions to make myself better off. The choices I make today will make or break my tomorrow. If I make choices that break it, then I have to fix it. I don’t turn to politicians or government to fix it for me.

Oh and guess what…. If Obama or McCain wins I will be better off in four years than I am today too. Just like I was better off four years after Bill Clinton.

The bailout is full of pork!

The Senate and the House have passed the bailout bill, and President Bush has signed it into law. It wasn’t just a bailout though. This 400 plus page bill is loaded with pork, some additional spending here, a tax break there, and government regulations. A lot of these add-ons have nothing to do with the bailout at all. The Tax Foundation has compiled a list from the pork-infested bill.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Health insurance companies are now going to be required to include mental health care on parity with care of physical illness. This will increase premiums on every health care plan in America. You get no choice if you want such coverage; they are required to include it in any plan.

Look for more people to drop coverage, and more politicians scream for the dire need of universal healthcare. Of course that is the goal, to make private health insurance unaffordable. Why would they do that? Control. The government gains even more control of you by controlling your access to health care.

Also in this bailout is a tax break for some company that makes a particular type of wooden arrow used by some children somewhere.

A seven-year cost recovery period for motor sports racing track facility… No…I am not kidding. You can’t make this stuff up.

If this is the crisis our politicians keep making it out to be, then why are politicians putting racetrack pork, tax breaks for children’s arrows and mental parity spending into this bill?

Here is a full copy of the bill for your reading enjoyment.

Vice Presidential Debate

I thought both candidates did a decent job in the debate. I doubt anyone’s mind was changed either way.

One thing I did noticed is neither campaign wants to place any of the blame at the hands of the government for this financial mess we are now in.

If we do not know or are unwilling to acknowledge the roots of the problem we can’t fix it. The government should share in the blame here…big time.

Senator calls for Justice Dept. to investigate institutions in financial crisis.

Senator Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, has sent a letter to Attorney General Mike Mukasey calling for a criminal investigation into the failed economic crisis.

“…Given the gravity of the situation, the American people need to know if any of the blame lies with the wrongdoing of any individuals or institutions,” writes Conrad. “It is my understanding that the FBI has undertaken investigations into certain activities of AIG, Lehman Brothers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I call upon the Justice Department to expand its scrutiny of the financial and housing industries in order to expose possible wrongdoing at other institutions that may have contributed to the present state of our markets and economy. Any violations of law must be prosecuted and those responsible must be held accountable.”

Absolutely Senator. How about we start in the Halls of the Congress? That is where my investigation would start, and the first person I would interrogate is Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the Financial Services Committee chairman.

Big T's Suggested Reading and Viewing from around the Web

The media doesn’t seem to like a “sarcastic” John McCain… Well…they would really like me then. I LOVE sarcasm!

It looks like John McCain’s campaign is giving up on winning Michigan…I don’t care much for giving up!

Only the mentality of government could come up with this solution. A city council in Great Britain is asking people to leave their sheds unlocked, because it costs taxpayers more money to repair sheds damaged by burglars breaking in.

What would you think about Hollywood getting a cut of this bailout? Oh yeah…it doesn’t matter what you think anyway!

The US automakers are saying they didn’t receive a bailout. It was a loan to pay for the price of complying with government environmental regulations. That is a valid argument.

Ten things that will result from the financial crisis…they are not really changes, just going back to the way things should have and use to be done.

The national debt has now gotten so large that in the near future it may not fit on the national debt clock near Times Square in New York City.

For those of you taking bets there is a one in four chance John McCain would die in office in a second term as president…hmmm. He has to win a first term first.

Big T's Kewl Beans

Here is a prank involving a stuffed skunk on a stick and a park bench…Just watch it…this is hilarious!

I love pranks….check this one out…May not be appropriate for work or children.

And one more…this is a good one.