Friday, December 5, 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008

McCain Will Lose Election For Sure Now Thanks to Bush, Even Nevada Will Go For Barack - President Bush's Speech on the Economic Crisis

Text of President Bush's speech Wednesday on the economic crisis and a financial rescue plan, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions:

___

BUSH: Good evening. This is an extraordinary period for America's economy.

Over the past few weeks, many Americans have felt anxiety about their finances and their future. I understand their worry and their frustration.

We've seen triple-digit swings in the stock market. Major financial institutions have teetered on the edge of collapse, and some have failed. As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending, credit markets have frozen, and families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money.

We're in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action.

We boosted confidence in money market mutual funds and acted to prevent major investors from intentionally driving down stocks for their own personal gain.

Most importantly, my administration is working with Congress to address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets.

Financial assets related to home mortgages have lost value during the house decline, and the banks holding these assets have restricted credit. As a result, our entire economy is in danger.

So I propose that the federal government reduce the risk posed by these troubled assets and supply urgently needed money so banks and other financial institutions can avoid collapse and resume lending.

This rescue effort is not aimed at preserving any individual company or industry. It is aimed at preserving America's overall economy.

It will help American consumers and businesses get credit to meet their daily needs and create jobs. And it will help send a signal to markets around the world that America's financial system is back on track.

I know many Americans have questions tonight: How did we reach this point in our economy? How will the solution I propose work? And what does this mean for your financial future?

These are good questions, and they deserve clear answers.

First, how did our economy reach this point? Well, most economists agree that the problems we're witnessing today developed over a long period of time. For more than a decade, a massive amount of money flowed into the United States from investors abroad because our country is an attractive and secure place to do business.

This large influx of money to U.S. banks and financial institutions, along with low interest rates, made it easier for Americans to get credit. These developments allowed more families to borrow money for cars, and homes, and college tuition, some for the first time. They allowed more entrepreneurs to get loans to start new businesses and create jobs.

Unfortunately, there were also some serious negative consequences, particularly in the housing market. Easy credit, combined with the faulty assumption that home values would continue to rise, led to excesses and bad decisions.

Many mortgage lenders approved loans for borrowers without carefully examining their ability to pay. Many borrowers took out loans larger than they could afford, assuming that they could sell or refinance their homes at a higher price later on.

Optimism about housing values also led to a boom in home construction. Eventually, the number of new houses exceeded the number of people willing to buy them. And with supply exceeding demand, housing prices fell, and this created a problem.

Borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages, who had been planning to sell or refinance their homes at a higher price, were stuck with homes worth less than expected, along with mortgage payments they could not afford.

As a result, many mortgage-holders began to default. These widespread defaults had effects far beyond the housing market.

See, in today's mortgage industry, home loans are often packaged together and converted into financial products called mortgage-backed securities. These securities were sold to investors around the world.

Many investors assumed these securities were trustworthy and asked few questions about their actual value. Two of the leading purchasers of mortgage-backed securities were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Because these companies were chartered by Congress, many believed they were guaranteed by the federal government. This allowed them to borrow enormous sums of money, fuel the market for questionable investments, and put our financial system at risk.

The decline in the housing market set off a domino effect across our economy. When home values declined, borrowers defaulted on their mortgages, and investors holding mortgage-backed securities began to incur serious losses.

Before long, these securities became so unreliable that they were not being bought or sold. Investment banks, such as Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, found themselves saddled with large amounts of assets they could not sell. They ran out of money needed to meet their immediate obligations, and they faced imminent collapse.

Other banks found themselves in severe financial trouble. These banks began holding on to their money, and lending dried up, and the gears of the American financial system began grinding to a halt.

With the situation becoming more precarious by the day, I faced a choice, to step in with dramatic government action or to stand back and allow the irresponsible actions of some to undermine the financial security of all.

I'm a strong believer in free enterprise, so my natural instinct is to oppose government intervention. I believe companies that make bad decisions should be allowed to go out of business.

Under normal circumstances, I would have followed this course. But these are not normal circumstances. The market is not functioning properly. There has been a widespread loss of confidence, and major sectors of America's financial system are at risk of shutting down.

The government's top economic experts warn that, without immediate action by Congress, America could slip into a financial panic and a distressing scenario would unfold.

More banks could fail, including some in your community. The stock market would drop even more, which would reduce the value of your retirement account. The value of your home could plummet. Foreclosures would rise dramatically.

And if you own a business or a farm, you would find it harder and more expensive to get credit. More businesses would close their doors, and millions of Americans could lose their jobs.

Even if you have good credit history, it would be more difficult for you to get the loans you need to buy a car or send your children to college. And, ultimately, our country could experience a long and painful recession.

Fellow citizens, we must not let this happen. I appreciate the work of leaders from both parties in both houses of Congress to address this problem and to make improvements to the proposal my administration sent to them.

There is a spirit of cooperation between Democrats and Republicans and between Congress and this administration. In that spirit, I've invited Senators McCain and Obama to join congressional leaders of both parties at the White House tomorrow to help speed our discussions toward a bipartisan bill.

I know that an economic rescue package will present a tough vote for many members of Congress. It is difficult to pass a bill that commits so much of the taxpayers' hard-earned money.

I also understand the frustration of responsible Americans who pay their mortgages on time, file their tax returns every April 15th, and are reluctant to pay the cost of excesses on Wall Street.

But given the situation we are facing, not passing a bill now would cost these Americans much more later.

Many Americans are asking, how would a rescue plan work? After much discussion, there's now widespread agreement on the principles such a plan would include.

It would remove the risk posed by the troubled assets, including mortgage-backed securities, now clogging the financial system. This would free banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses.

Any rescue plan should also be designed to ensure that taxpayers are protected. It should welcome the participation of financial institutions, large and small. It should make certain that failed executives do not receive a windfall from your tax dollars.

It should establish a bipartisan board to oversee the plan's implementation, and it should be enacted as soon as possible.

In close consultation with Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and SEC Chairman Chris Cox, I announced a plan on Friday.

First, the plan is big enough to solve a serious problem. Under our proposal, the federal government would put up to $700 billion taxpayer dollars on the line to purchase troubled assets that are clogging the financial system.

In the short term, this will free up banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses, and this will help our economy grow.

Second, as markets have lost confidence in mortgage-backed securities, their prices have dropped sharply, yet the value of many of these assets will likely be higher than their current price, because the vast majority of Americans will ultimately pay off their mortgages.

The government is the one institution with the patience and resources to buy these assets at their current low prices and hold them until markets return to normal.

And when that happens, money will flow back to the Treasury as these assets are sold, and we expect that much, if not all, of the tax dollars we invest will be paid back.

The final question is, what does this mean for your economic future? Well, the primary steps — purpose of the steps I've outlined tonight is to safeguard the financial security of American workers, and families, and small businesses. The federal government also continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money.

The Treasury Department recently offered government insurance for money market mutual funds. And through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000.

The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit, and this will not change.

Once this crisis is resolved, there will be time to update our financial regulatory structures. Our 21st-century global economy remains regulated largely by outdated 20th-century laws.

Recently, we've seen how one company can grow so large that its failure jeopardizes the entire financial system.

Earlier this year, Secretary Paulson proposed a blueprint that would modernize our financial regulations. For example, the Federal Reserve would be authorized to take a closer look at the operations of companies across the financial spectrum and ensure that their practices do not threaten overall financial stability.

There are other good ideas, and members of Congress should consider them. As they do, they must ensure that efforts to regulate Wall Street do not end up hampering our economy's ability to grow.

In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. Despite corrections in the marketplace and instances of abuse, democratic capitalism is the best system ever devised.

It has unleashed the talents and the productivity and entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. It has made this country the best place in the world to invest and do business. And it gives our economy the flexibility and resilience to absorb shocks, adjust, and bounce back.

Our economy is facing a moment of great challenge, but we've overcome tough challenges before, and we will overcome this one.

I know that Americans sometimes get discouraged by the tone in Washington and the seemingly endless partisan struggles, yet history has shown that, in times of real trial, elected officials rise to the occasion.

And together we will show the world once again what kind of country America is: a nation that tackles problems head on, where leaders come together to meet great tests, and where people of every background can work hard, develop their talents, and realize their dreams.

Thank you for listening. May God bless you. 


Monday, September 22, 2008

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Monday, June 2, 2008

Hillary Supporter Deborah Foster Gets Bruises From Democratic Party Thugs

Even though I am not a Bush/Clinton dynasty supporter, you got to wonder about a political party that would have thugs that harm women. As screwed up as the Republican Party is here in Nevada, its looking like a better alternative than belonging to a party that roughs ups its members:



Thursday, May 8, 2008

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Congratulations to Barack Obama, the Democratic Nominee

Its over. Even Tim Russert knows its over. Hillary put up a good fight. But she is now in the situation Mitt Romney was in before he quit the race. Do you throw good money after bad? Congratulations to Hillary for running an excellent campaign. And congratulations to Barack Obama, the next president of the United States.



Pundits Declare the Race is Over

Obama Maps Out General Election Strategy

George McGovern, An Early Clinton Supporter, Urges Her to Drop Out of the Race






Obama to Win North Carolina Big! He May Even Win Indiana - The Handwriting Is On the Wall Hillary and It Says - "Obama 2008"

Barack Obama is set to win big today in North Carolina. The tide seems to be turning his direction in Indiana as well. We predict an outright win for Barack in Indiana with a last minute surge going his way. Voters are tired of the attacks on his former minister, comments on male private parts and the gas tax demagoguery. The Clinton campaign may try some shenanigans at the convention but it won't work. The Super Delegates will see to that. The will of the people will not be subverted. No more stolen elections! The Bush/Clinton Yalies elitist dynasty will soon be over. They had a long run, bombing everything from Belgrade to Baghdad, and ignoring what needed to be done to secure America's long term economic vitality. Believe me when I say Americans are hurting and they want change, and they want it now. From Drudge:

DANGER DAY: HILLARY FACES '15-POINT DEFEAT' IN NC; SEES INDIANA WIN
Tue May 06 2008 06:35:49 ET

Hillary Clinton's inner circle now fears a stinging defeat is likely in North Carolina.

"Look, we worked hard and gave it our best shot, but the demographics, well, they are what they are," a top campaign source explained to the DRUDGE REPORT as voting began Tuesday morning.

The campaign now believes a 15 point loss, or more, would not be surprising. Her team will work hard throughout the day to lower all expectations in North Carolina.

The campaign hopes media attention will stay fixated on the competition in Indiana, where 72 delegates are on the line, and Clinton internals show a victory!

MORE

North Carolina had been seen by Clinton insiders as the senator's last shot to seriously jolt the system and overshadow the math. With 115 delegates at stake, North Carolina posed an uphill battle for Clinton.

Obama easily carried the region in earlier voting, topping Clinton in Maryland by 23-points; Virginia by 29, South Carolina 28 and Georgia 36.




Monday, May 5, 2008

Happy Cinco de Mayo Day!

The Empire Strikes Barack:


Thursday, May 1, 2008

Updated - Our Earthquake Prediction for the Great Reno Quake: We Got It All Right But the Magnitude. Bottom Line - We Were Wrong!

Our earthquake prediction for the Great Reno Quake:

Sunday, May 4, 2008, 5:07 PM Pacific Time

Magnitude 7.2

Epicenter in the Mogul/Somerset area, very shallow quake, damage to Reno area.

Our prediction recorded at the UK Skeptics Forum Earthquake Prediction Thread (see post number 9)
Link to Post Number 9

Results of our prediction:
A microearthquake occurred at 5:07:26 PM (PDT) on Sunday, May 4, 2008. The magnitude 1.1 event occurred 4 km (2 miles) N of Verdi-Mogul, NV. The hypocentral depth is 0 km (0.0 miles). Everything was right but the magnitude. Bottom line, our prediction was wrong! No one can predict a big quake with absolute certainty. There have been about 25 small quakes in the last 24 hours leading up to 5:07 pm today. Not the big one we thought was coming. Reno remains vulnerable for a 6 or 7 Mag quake till May 12, 2008 but we continue praying it won't happen.


Map of Recent Earthquakes in Nevada and California
List of Recent Earthquakes in Nevada and California
List of Big Earthquakes in Nevada and California
Map of Recent Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest
List of Recent Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest
List of Big Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest
Latest Earthquakes in the World - Past 7 Days
The Next President of the United States and Prophecy

Jim Berkland ("the man who predicts earthquakes") May 4-11, 2008 prediction:

The Seismic Window of May 4-11, 2008 is based upon the New Moon of May 5th, and the very close perigee just 15 hours later. This Perigean Spring tide is one of only four this year and the Golden Gate maximum daily range in tides will be twice normal (8.6 ft. on May 7). I am 80% confident that one or more quakes will hit during this window with the following parameters:

(1) 3.5-6.5M within 140 miles (2 degrees) of Mt. Diablo (37.9N; 121.9W).

(2) 3.5-6.5M within 140 miles of Los Angeles (34.0N; 118.0W).

(3) 3.3-6.3M with an epicentral address of Washington or Oregon.

(4) 7.0+M major event globally, most likely within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 80% of the world’s strongest quakes occur annually. (Currently we have had 5 of the expected 16.)

Hillary Versus the Coffee Maker - Bad Moon Rising

Hillary Versus the Coffee Maker:



Bad Moon Rising:


Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Saturday, April 26, 2008

4.7 Earthquake! We Run Into 45, State Republican Convention Recesses Zimbabwe Style, Governor Moves Out of Mansion, Prepare! 7 Plus Quake Imminent!

Walking out of our favorite sports book in Reno, we ran into 45. He was coming into the Peppermill Hotel and Casino to address the Nevada Republican State Convention. We were tempted to ask him how he liked Utah's chances in the NBA Playoffs - but we just got out a feeble "Hey dude, you look a lot like Mitt Romney."

Mitt (or as we like to call him, 45) was there to address the Republican State Convention on behalf of John McCain. Mitt won the most delegates but because he is out of the race the Convention was just supposed to be an endorsement of Senator McCain. But after Doctor Ron Paul showed up, the trouble started. The delegates burnt the script and took over. 45 left before the fracas started. The Reno Gazette Journal reported:

After a super-majority of Ron Paul supporters captured control of the Republican state convention Saturday, state party officials abruptly canceled the event without electing delegates to the national convention.

The GOP State Convention Chairman Bob Beers was seen racing out of the building escorted by Peppermill security after announcing their time in the facilities were up. Seems like Zimbabwe under President Mugabe is not the only place having their electoral problems.

Before the revolution, Governor Jim Gibbons addressed the convention. He has made the move back to his house in Reno, moving out of his official residence in Carson City. Apparently the Governors Mansion is not big enough for him and his wife Dawn. We suggest the state moves Dawn into an apartment and then board up the Mansion as a budget saving measure.

But welcome back to Reno Governor Gibbons. You are just in time for the 7.0 plus quake thats coming. Your experience will be sorely needed to direct rescue operations. Friday night we had the biggest quake since 1953, a 4.7. There are many small quakes coming from the same location, shallow quakes practically under the city. The Great Reno Quake is imminent. Prepare.

Just in case you think I made all this up:

Wacky Paultards Ruin Nevada GOP Convention
Nevada GOP and McCain try to steal Nevada from Ron Paul - Ron Paul Forum
Wonkette
Chaos over Paul cut shorts convention
Convention reveals party in disarray
Writer slams "Ron Paul losers" - from Chuck Muth's blog
Marian's Blog
Marital problems causes governor to move out of mansion
Update - Governor Jim Gibbon files for divorce, asks back into the mansion
Dozen of small quakes follow the major 4.7 quake
Reno Gazette Journal Pictures of the Republican State Convention
Map of Recent Earthquakes in Nevada and California
List of Recent Earthquakes in Nevada and California
Prepare for the Great Reno Quake

Media coverage of the Nevada Republican State Convention:


More than you ever wanted to know about the Nevada Republican State Convention fracas (part 1 of 6):

Part 2 of 6 video
Part 3 of 6 video
Part 4 of 6 video
Part 5 of 6 video
Part 6 of 6 video

GOP State Convention Chairman Bob Beers Statement

What are the plans now? From GOP State Convention Chairman Bob Beers:

  • This delay (of probably more than a week) will give the nomination committee time to produce a comprehensive list of national delegate candidates
  • The same credentialed delegates who attended the meeting in Reno, and only those credentialed delegates, will be called back to order and quickly vote for the remaining 22 national delegates.
  • The re-convening will be held in Las Vegas, so that those who already paid to fly across the state once won’t have to do that again this year.
  • The elections committee can come up with a system to rapidly and transparently count the ballots under the watch of all concerned parties
  • We will finish up whatever few minor agenda items remain and adjourn the convention so we can move forward together to elect common sense, limited government, pro liberty Republicans up and down the ballot.
---------

Update:

Chairman Sue Lowden's Statement on 2008 Nevada Republican Party Convention:

I would like to thank you and everyone who attended last weekend’s Republican State Convention in Reno. We had a record turnout and we are pleased that so many Nevada Republicans chose to participate.

Unfortunately, we had to recess the convention without completing all of our work. This was done due to a rule change that took place early in the morning – which caused the convention process to take far longer than expected. Over 200 individuals’ names were submitted to the Nominations Committee for consideration to be selected as delegates to the National Convention. Once voting was opened to the floor, another 187 names were submitted. Although some names may have been duplicates, our Nevada Republican Party By-Laws allow delegates the opportunity to speak on their own behalf. Therefore, the process would have lasted well into the evening and perhaps early into Sunday morning. In addition, individual ballots for those names would have to be printed. Therefore, it was evident a recess was in the best interest of the State Convention and its attendees. This was done primarily due to time restraints and the fact that our contract with the Peppermill for the convention hall had expired.

Aside from delegate selection, I am proud to say that we completed all other convention business. We passed rules, bylaws, credentials, and adopted a State Platform which we hope all Nevada Republicans can be proud of. However, delegates still need to be selected to the national convention and we look forward to doing so in the very near future.

Currently the Nevada Republican Party is working hard to find the best possible way to complete our convention business with the selection of delegates to the National Convention. We will work from within our existing By-Laws, which state that the remaining business must be conducted in Washoe County. It is our sincere hope that once we determine the best way to complete our business for the 2008 State Convention, we will have maximum participation and the process will have taken its course in a fair and respectable manner.

Rest assured that once we determine the process by which we can complete our business, all delegates will be notified directly. We would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time.

Sincerely,

Sue Lowden
Chairman

---------

Clark County Republican Party

Las Vegas, Nevada

Chairman's Message

My Fellow Clark County Republicans;

Thank you for indulging me in this special message. I have just returned from the Nevada Republican Convention in Reno, and as a result of the events that unfolded there on Saturday, I was urged by many of you to write this message. The purpose is to inform you of what happened, but more importantly, communicate how we go forward as a unified Republican Party.

First, a little background. As you may know by now, the State Convention was recessed at approximately 6 p.m., after much work had been done but before we were able to finish all of GOP convention business. The reason for the temporary recess, which I have now confirmed with the State Republican Party Leadership, was due to the expiration of the contract with the hosting casino for the convention room space. The contract indicated that the room had been reserved until 5 p.m., and as there was still many hours of work that needed to be done, the decision was made by the State Party Leadership to recess the meeting to another time. As a result we failed to elect delegates to the national convention.

This action has left many delegates disappointed and angry. Some have suggested nefarious ulterior motives for the sudden halt to the convention. For example, some have claimed that it was an attempt by the Party Leadership to circumvent the will of the "Ron Paul" Republicans at the convention. Yet it was precisely our Party's leader, Sue Lowden, who brought Dr. Paul to speak at the convention. I, too, am disappointed today, as I am now seeing and hearing the emotional finger-pointing that is causing division and ill-will amongst our ranks, and that appears to be choking the life out of the party. Because of this, I write to you today and ask earnestly that you remain calm and unified while we await the decision by the State Party Leadership on how we will go forward and complete the work of the State Convention.

I realize the difficulty in requesting that you stand-by for further instructions, but that is precisely what I am asking you to do, because it is what we need to do for now. We need to stand-by, yet desperately need to stand unified and strong. I ask that you squelch any desire you may have to blame, impugn, or attack other, fellow Republicans. We cannot defeat the Democrats in November unless we are all working together with one, unified message.

Whatever problems we have right now, we will get through them, but we must endeavor to persevere. Keep focused on the fact that, we, as a united Republican Party are able to agree on many, if not most things, and those agreements are far more important than all of our differences. No small proof of this fact is more evident than our ability to agree on twenty (20) hugely important planks of our State Party's platform this weekend.

I promise you that, as quickly as information about how and where we will resume the state convention is passed on to me, I will communicate it to you. Please, stand strong, and stand unified as Republicans.

In Republican unity,

Bernie Zadrowski

Chairman, Clark County Republican Party

------

45 and the delegates mingling (From Marion's Blog):








Who is this Mike Weber guy? Seems all factions like him for his fairness and knowledge of parliamentary procedure:








Interview with Mike Weber on what really happened at the 2008 Nevada State Republican Convention (our prediction - this guy will be in Carson City filing for an assembly seat soon):


Why would you be a delegate to the Nevada State Republican Convention? Delegate JR Stephens gives his opinion:


More video:


It was all Congressman Dean Hellers fault (just kidding):


Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Governor Mitt Romney: Top Ten Reasons I Dropped Out


Governor Mitt Romney's “Top 10 Reasons for Getting Out of the Race"

10. There weren't as many Osmonds as I had thought.
9. I got tired of the corkscrew landings under sniper fire.
8. As a lifelong hunter, I didn't want to miss the start of varmint season.
7. There wasn't room in the campaign for two Christian leaders.
6. Word leaked out that nobody had bothered to search my passport files.
5. I'd rather get fat, grow a beard and try for the Nobel prize.
4. I wanted to finally take off the dark suit and tie, and kick back in a light-colored suit and tie.
3. Once my wife Ann realized I couldn't win, my fund raising dried up.
2. I took a bad fall at a campaign rally and broke my hair.
1. There was a flaw in our campaign theory that as Utah goes, so goes the nation.


Vice-President Dick Cheney Speaks at the Annual Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner:


Following is the transcript of Vice-President Dick Cheney's remarks at the 2008 Radio-TV Correspondents' dinner:

You'd be amazed at how many guys want to go fishing with me these days.

Well, thank you very much, Steve. Thanks for the introduction. Lynn and I have enjoyed ourselves very much this evening. We want to thank the Radio Television Correspondents' Association for inviting us, and we congratulate all the award recipients.

You all know how to make a guy feel welcome. Obviously, you're not the kind to look down on a "bitter" man who clings to his guns.

And I was just as surprised as you were to see Governor Mitt Romney. And though I enjoyed his props and slides, I won't be needing any myself.

I'm counting, as usual, on the power of my charm and charisma.

But Mitt was great, and I understand he's interested in running for vice president with Senator McCain. Mitt, let me give you a little nugget of advice. Never mind the resume, the policy ideas, or any of that stuff. Just get yourself on that search committee.

As the president said in his video message, he's hosting a dinner in honor of the visit of Pope Benedict, and I myself met with His Holiness this morning at the White House. So between that and this dinner with the media, it's been quite a day for me. I spent the morning with one infallible authority, and now I get to spend the evening with a thousand of them.

I was glad to talk to the pope. It's rare that I run into somebody who's heard more secrets than I have. When the moment was right, I even took the pope aside and confided to him that I'd been thinking a lot of unkind thoughts lately about the news media. I went on and on, and finally said, "Your Holiness, I just don't think they like me."

The pope replied, "So?"

It's always very exciting when the pope comes to town. And I am modest enough to realize that all of you would rather see the pope standing here than me. But instead of the successor to St. Peter, you're stuck with me, the successor to St. Al.

Speaking of Vice President Gore, I'm sorry to relate that he's a little bit sore at me. He's convinced that, on global warming, I just don't get it. But lately with every passing day, the evidence has been catching my attention. I have no doubt, none at all, that we are in the midst of a global warming, or as I prefer to call it, spring. And I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but it's going to get a lot warmer before it gets cooler.

But I want you to know I'm doing my part to meet the crisis by reducing my carbon footprint big-time. Every time I'm rushed to the hospital, I insist on a hybrid ambulance.

You heard it from the president himself tonight, that I'm the funniest guy he knows. I'll take that compliment, but I'll try to forget that it comes from the same fellow who thinks that 9 p.m. is late, who believes ginger ale is a night cap, and who thinks paradise is 40 miles west of Waco.

It could also be that, by sending me here, the president's trying to soften up my image. After all these years, all the time we've spent together, he persists in thinking I come across as a cold, forbidding, even frightening man.

But the president's not alone. Even my wife seems to think my image needs polishing. At breakfast today I asked Lynn if, deep down, it bugs her that people have taken to calling me Darth Vader. She said, "Not at all. It humanizes you."

All the same, I'm very glad to be here tonight, in the president's usual place, and it's good to share the stage with so many dignitaries, including Majority Leader Hoyer, Minority Leader McConnell, Chairman Dingell, Minority Whip Kyl, and that great TV personality and blogger, Mo Rocca.

In case you don't know it, Mo's blog is titled "Mo Rocca 180: Only Half as Tedious as the Regular News." Among his other credits, Mo used to host a TV show called "Things I Hate About You." I'm sure I've seen that program. Only I believe it's now called "Countdown with Keith Olbermann."

Keith's not here tonight to savor my company, but we do have many big names from the broadcast media. And you could use a little good cheer, because these are tough times in your industry, in this age of YouTube and the blogs that threaten to overshadow the old media.

At times you must feel like you're at the center of events, but nobody's really paying attention to you. You understand the world better than anybody, but no one wants to hear it. Now you know exactly what it's like to be vice president.

But I've had frustrations of my own. I'm old news in this election, but I want a piece of the action. I'm fired up for my own candidate, but the feeling isn't always returned. I feel kind of like Bill Clinton.

But like you, I've been watching the campaign with interest, and I really want John McCain to win. I'm proud to support John, even though one of the Democrats running is a relative of mine. He's Senator Obama to you, but he's cousin Barack to me.

Amazingly enough, it turns out that Barack is also related to Brad Pitt. That means Dick Cheney and Brad Pitt are related, which explains what Angelina sees in that guy. In case you're looking -- in any case, you're looking at somebody who is just a couple degrees of separation from the sexiest man alive.

Barack Obama and I have had our disagreements, and, frankly, I do wish he'd keep these things in the family. For example, I keep telling him it's time to start thinking about a choice for vice president. He says he'll find a running mate just as soon as he's got himself a new pastor. I like that one.

I guess my cousin Barack has sat through some mighty riveting sermons over the years. If he gets elected, you're not going to want to miss those Washington prayer breakfasts.

Of course, there are two Democrats running, and they're still hopelessly divided over who's the real uniter. And you in the press need to go easy on Senator Clinton on the whole business about running and ducking from gunfire in Bosnia. She made an honest mistake. She confused the Bosnia trip with the time I took her hunting.

Did you see that footage of Hillary knocking that -- back that shot with a beer chaser? People say she did it like an old pro. I hadn't realized she'd been in the Senate that long. Looks like she replaced Mark Penn with Johnny Walker.

Apparently, it was pretty strong whiskey, and there might have been a few more when the cameras stopped rolling. When the 3 a.m. phone call came in, it went right to voice mail.

Maybe I've sympathetic to Hillary because I've had my own troubles.

The big buzz last week was about that picture of me fishing. In the reflection in my sunglasses, it looked like I'd reeled in something a lot more interesting than trout. You should have seen the one that got away.

I get asked a lot about that photo. The most common question is: what lure was I using? Anyway, that's the last time I'll go with an outfitter called the Emperors Club VIP.

With that, I think it's time for Mo Rocca and less Cheney. But before I turn over to Mo, I want to tell you that I like and admire the broadcast media more than I usually let on. I want to tell you how much I've come to appreciate the work you do, often under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I want to tell you that you're here in Washington, because you're among the finest in your profession. You do hard work. And you do it well. I want to tell you all these things, but I just can't bring myself to do it. But since it is our last time together at this dinner, I think it's enough to leave you with words I once addressed to Senator Pat Leahy. Go straight home, have a good night, and thank you very much.

Earth Rise



Japan captures "Earth Rise" from lunar orbit

Thursday, March 27, 2008

This Democrat Will Vote Republican as Long as Mitt Romney is On the Ticket

John McCain knows class when he sees it:







Here John McCain is sitting next to the 45th President of the United States, Mitt Romney. If Senator McCain wants any hope to win in 2008, he should be begging Mitt to be his running mate. Our only problem is Ann Coulter said she would vote for John McCain if he had Governor Romney on his ticket - makes you wonder when Ann Coulter agrees with you. A night with Ann Coulter:

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Does God Hate Reno? Satanists From Topeka Planning to Spew Hate and Misery at Denison Memorial - We Rebuke You Satan!


Thank you bikers, veterans and police for a peaceful counter protest.
God bless our fallen soldiers and their families.
Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, visited Reno in January to demonstrate at the funeral of a Nevada soldier killed in Iraq. They cut their protest short after being surrounded by counter-demonstrators who were also exercising their first amendment rights. The "Baptist" Satanists were upset that they were not allowed to be front and center at the funeral. Reno police chief Michael Poehlman (probably Reno's finest Chief of Police, he always seems willing to listen) made sure their constitutional rights were protected. Christians were there, but they were not the people from Topeka. Christians are not this heartless, cruel and evil. These Satanists in Christian clothing from the Westboro Baptist Church are planning to show up at the Brianna Denison memorial this coming Saturday. Here is a copy of the Westboro haters news release. This is their protest schedule. Here are some movie clips from the film The Hatemongers, The True Story of Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. Phelps was a big Al Gore supporter in 1988 when Al Gore was a conservative (remember Tippers crusade for warning labels on music). Pastor Phelps went to bible school with Billy Graham. Phelps also knew and was friendly with John Kennedy, Jr. Many of the things he says makes sense. But his mostly family group took a sad turn with these hate protests. These protests do not have the look or feel of God to them, so then they must be from ?.

Denison Family Blog

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Next President of the United States Will be Hillary Clinton, NOT! - Its All Obama Baby! Thank God Above, Its the End of the Bush/Clinton Dynasty!

Earlier we said Hillary Clinton would win the election. After the results from Virginia, Maryland and DC, we don't think Hillary has a chance in hell. The math is against her now. Clinton has lost eight consecutive states by margins of 19 points or greater. Is Hillary a sore loser? Americans have said NO! to a continuation of the Bush/Clinton dynasty. Hillary can shake up her staff till the cows come home, its not going to help. Obama has almost a lock now on the nomination.

Poor Bill Richardson, a former U.N. secretary and energy secretary in the Clinton administration, refused to endorse Hillary even after an angry call from the former president. "What," Bill Clinton reportedly asked Richardson, "isn't two Cabinet posts enough?" I voted for Bill Clinton twice, now I am tired of hearing about him bullying folks.

Our new prediction: An Obama ticket will beat a McCain ticket in November. Barack Hussein Obama will be the 44th President of the United States

Our 2012 Prediction: Mitt Romney will be elected to be the 45th President of the United States

Our 2016 Prediction: Mitt Romney will be reelected as President

The best singer in the race is John McCain. Here he is singing your favorite Streisand tunes:

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Mitt Romney Drops Out - Our Opinion Only, The Best and Worst Company to Work For in Reno


Mitt Romney, the candidate we endorsed for President, has suspended his campaign:

Commentary: After looking at all the candidates for president, we endorsed Mitt Romney. We only did that after meeting him and talking to him. Its a sad day in America today. But we have not heard the last of Mitt Romney. He would make a great vice presidential candidate with John McCain. America needs Mitt and he won't let us down. This is only the beginning.

The great thing about Mitt Romney is that he has ethics. His word is his bond. He is not litigious. He is smart. He is a great employer. He suspended his campaign immediately when he realized he would not win. He is efficient and frugal. He is a very moral man and has empathy for his fellow human beings. I know he comes across as almost mechanical at times. But I met him personally and my doubts were erased immediately. Our early Nevada caucus gave us a chance to meet all the candidates, the true test is when you shake their hand. I shook Bill Richardson's hand, nothing. I shook Mitt Romney hand, it hurt for a day. He would make a great President, just as he has made a great businessman.

Speaking of business, based solely on where we would want to work and not want to work, here are our annual Reno Employers Awards. Paraphrasing Mitt Romney - It all flows from the top:

Best Company to Work For in Reno - The Peppermill Hotel and Casino - The employees in there are great. If I was not self-employed, thats where I would work. From Tony in the Sports Book, to Pete in the Sports Deli, Art in Security or Rica the cocktail waitress - what class people to work with. The Paganetti Family, nice people with vision. The vision to reinvest their money and their partners money back into the place. Its turned into a first class operation.

Worst Company to Work For in Reno - Tripp Plastics of Sparks

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Mitt and Barack Get the Most Delegates in Nevada

Mitt and Barack win on the basis of delegate counts. Edwards was a distant third in the caucus.

Mitt Romney Prank Phone Call:

Saturday, January 12, 2008

The Caucus is Near - Saturday, January 19, 2008 - Meet Your Neighbors, Get There Early

Republicans - 9:00 am, Saturday, January 19, 2008 - Republican Caucus Location Finder
Questions and Answers on the Caucus for Republicans

Democrats - 11:00 am, Saturday, January 19, 2008 - Democratic Caucus Location Finder
FAQ on the Caucus for Democrats


More Information For Republicans:

NEVADA REPUBLICAN CAUCUS INSTRUCTIONS

. Arrive at high school.
. The first person to pick up the precinct packet from the Republican volunteer at the high school becomes the Temporary Precinct Caucus Chairman (captain). The next person becomes the Temporary Precinct Caucus Secretary.
. Ask the volunteer where your precinct is meeting. Go to the location where you find your precinct number posted.
. At 9:00 am the meeting begins, no matter who is there.
. Temporary Chair will call the precinct caucus to order.
. Temporary Chair will hold the election for a permanent Precinct Caucus Chair:
a. Voting will be by show of hands.
b. Only a County Registered Republican can be a Precinct Caucus Chair.
. Permanent Chair will hold elections for Permanent Secretary:
a. Voting will be by a show of hands
b. Only a County Registered Republican can be a Caucus Secretary.
c. Caucus Secretary will keep track of the precinct records of the meeting.
. Chairman will have all people attending the precinct meeting sign the attendance register and the affidavit of registration forms.
. Secretary will verify that all in attendance at the precinct meeting are Republicans registered in the precinct. If not on the enclosed list they cannot vote. If they insist on voting please refer them to the site coordinator.

ELECTION OF DELEGATES & ALTERNATES
TO THE COUNTY CONVENTION

. The Chair will announce the number of delegates from the precinct to the county convention (written on the front of the precinct packet) and read their duties.
. Those wanting to be delegates will nominate themselves.
.Election of Delegates to the County Convention:
a. Can be done by show of hands or paper ballot (paper is in packet).
.A record of those elected will be prepared by the Secretary. Delegate Certification to the County Convention will be signed by both the Precinct Caucus Chairman and the Secretary.
a. All delegates must be listed in the order of highest to lowest vote
count.
. Chair will announce the number of alternatives to the county convention and read their duties.
. Those wanting to be alternates will nominate themselves.
. The election of alternates to the County Convention.
a. Can be done by show of hands or paper ballot (paper is in packet).
. A record of those elected will be prepared by the secretary. Alternate Certification to County Convention will be signed by both the Precinct Chair and Secretary.
a. All alternates must be listed in the order of highest to lowest vote count.

VOTING IN PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE POLL

. Chair will now let ONE representative supporting each Presidential candidate speak on their behalf.
a. Secretary will time each speaker. A maximum of two minutes shall
be allowed for each speaker.
b. There is no order as to which person speaks first. Chair will determine who is to speak first.
. Individuals who show up late will check in with the chair/secretary of the precinct. Chair/secretary will issue them a ballot.
.Chair will announce that it is time to vote. Each precinct person will mark their ballot, fold it and put it in the envelope marked “ballots”.
. Chair will allow ten minutes for voting.
.Chair will seal the envelope in the presence of the precinct members and place it back in the precinct packet. The packet with ALL pieces of paper will be returned to the volunteers in the front of the high school at the conclusion of the precinct caucus.

COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE ELECTION

.Chair will announce the number of County Central Committee members allowed from the precinct (printed on front of precinct packet) and will read the duties of a Central Committee member.
.Election of members to the Central Committee will be done by a show of hands or paper ballot.
.Secretary will list elected Central Committee members on appropriate form.
. The Chair will notify those present that if they have any changes or additions to suggest to the county platform (available online at washoecountygop.org or in front of building next to the volunteers), to please write them down and give them to the volunteers, or submit them online to the Party at office@washoecountygop.org

VOTING RESULTS
. Volunteers will take all precinct packets to tally room.
.Election officials and campaign representatives will supervise counting of ballots.
.One representative from each campaign will be requested to witness the results.
.All representatives must be Nevada residents.
.The final tallies will be called in to the County Republican headquarters. From there they will be called in to the State Republican headquarters.
.Representatives from each candidate’s campaign organization may observe and verify the results at State Republican Headquarters.
.Once every County has called in its results, the State Party will release the final poll numbers for each presidential candidate to the media.