Sunday, December 21, 2008

ACT NOW by Mitt Romney

This article appeared in the National Review Online on Dec. 19th.

A Republican Stimulus Plan
Act now.

By Mitt Romney

What is Washington waiting for? The inauguration is less than five weeks away: At the rate we’ve been going, another 500,000 jobs will be lost by then. The downward spiral is deepening and accelerating: Congress and the president must act now.

American families have lost about $11 trillion in net worth as securities and home values have plummeted. This translates into about $400 billion less annual consumer spending, net of government safety-net funding. Exports won’t grow to make this up, as the dollar has strengthened with investors worldwide clamoring for its relative security. Investments won’t make up the gap either, as bank loans and secondary-market financing have shrunk and as fresh equity is virtually non-existent.

So this is surely the time for economic stimulus. But — and this is the crucial point — the government can’t just make itself bigger and more oppressive in the guise of stimulating the economy. That would make matters worse. Nor should we forget that fiscal stimulus is but one part of the solution. As Christina Romer, Barack Obama’s designee as chairperson of the Council of Economic Advisors concluded from her study of the Great Depression, bad monetary policy was its greatest cause and good monetary policy was its most effective cure. The Fed should continue to expand the money supply. And, it should confirm that it will not tolerate deflation — the pain of inflation pales in comparison.

That being said, a stimulus plan is needed without further delay, and there are some things that Republicans should insist on.

The first is that tax cuts are part of the solution. Harvard professor and economist Greg Mankiw points out that recent research confirms that tax cuts have a greater multiplier effect than new spending — more economic bang for the federal buck. We should lower tax rates for middle-income families and eliminate their tax on savings altogether — no tax on interest, dividends or capital gains. Let’s also align our corporate tax rate with those of competing nations. These actions will rapidly expand consumption and investment, and right now, time is of the essence.

On the spending front, infrastructure projects should be a high priority. But because infrastructure projects involve engineering, environmental studies, permitting and contracting, they can take a long time to actually boost the economy. Spending to refurbish and modernize our military equipment is urgently needed, and it has a more immediate impact on the economy. A great deal of our armament was damaged or lost in the Middle East, and the rest is long overdue for maintenance.

We should also invest to free us from our dependence on foreign oil, not by playing venture capitalist, but by funding basic research in renewables, material science, combustion, nuclear reprocessing, and the like. During the 2008 campaign, virtually every candidate agreed on the need for an “Apollo-like mission” to achieve energy independence. Now is the time to start.

Cities and states will clamor for government dollars. Like the Big Three automakers, states should first take advantage of the downturn to do some needed cost cutting and restructuring. State employee numbers, pensions, and health-insurance premium sharing — as well as duplicate and ineffective agencies and programs — should be high on the hit list. State budgets should be brought in line with those of the most efficient of their comparables. And the federal government should look to ease the burden of mandates on states, like Medicaid.

Republicans should also lay down a gauntlet: All new spending projects should be selected by the responsible federal agency according to published criteria, not by congresspersons and senators based upon favors and politics. Republicans should commit to vote no on any stimulus bill with earmarks that have not been voted upon by their entire body.

There is a danger that new spending and deficits will lead to runaway inflation, flight from the dollar, and another economic crisis. It is essential, therefore, that Congress and the president commit to reform entitlement spending as soon as the economy recovers. With the footing of our long term economy at risk, with entitlements already reaching 60 percent of federal spending and with baby boomers nearing retirement, this can be delayed no longer.

We must also be careful to avoid burdening the economy with excessive regulation in response to the need to reform regulatory oversight of the financial sector. Going too far could cripple the entire industry, further tightening the credit markets. And we should make it clear that Washington will not act to virtually impose unions on small business by eliminating the right of workers to vote by secret ballot in the workplace. This “card check” payback for the AFL-CIO’s support of the Democrats would devastate business formation and employment.

The Democrats may want to wait for Obama, but the country needs action now. Republicans can — and must — play an important role in shaping a stimulus bill that makes sense for America and lays a foundation for future prosperity and growth.

— Mitt Romney is the former governor of Massachusetts.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Friday, December 12, 2008

Romney: Bailout is not the solution



From FOXNEWS:

VAN SUSTEREN: I think, you know, most Americans, you know, do want to see the auto industry, you know, survive and (INAUDIBLE) because it has so much -- there's so many collateral effects to it, as well. No one wants to see people tossed out of jobs. The big question tonight is the House -- the House now has passed this bill. It's still got to go to the Senate. Are you in favor of giving or lending the auto industry $15 billion now, telling them to come back in January with a plan for restructuring, or do you think that this should first -- that this would be better off going to a bankruptcy court for restructuring?

ROMNEY: Well, the preference is to make sure that there is a restructuring because if you've got a $2,000 per car cost disadvantage, the American domestic manufacturers are not going to be able to compete either with the transplants -- those are the foreign guys who come and build factories here -- or with imports. And so you're going to have to see that restructuring.

If the car czar, which exists in the current bill -- and I haven't read the current bill, so I can't be too specific in that regard. But if that car czar doesn't have the authority to actually reduce the costs in the industry and make these companies competitive, then we will just be throwing good money after bad.

And the right thing to do here is to make sure that we do restructure these costs. That happens in bankruptcy. There are some down sides in bankruptcy, too. They could be alleviated by government participating in the process, either through a pre-packaged bankruptcy, they call it, where you agree to terms beforehand, go through bankruptcy to dot the I's and cross the T's. Or it could be done through a special piece of legislation, giving -- giving this car czar real authority.

We did that in our state, for instance. Our third largest city, Springfield, got in severe financial distress. The legislature and we worked together to put a control board in place. We gave support to the city, but we were able to open up the contracts, make them reasonable and save the institution.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Romney campaigns for Chambliss!



ATLANTA (MyFOX Atlanta) -- Former Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is in Georgia Friday to help rally support for Saxby Chambliss.

Chambliss is the incumbent United States senator from Georgia who is in a run-off election against Jim Martin.

Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin are in a high-stakes race for the U.S. Senate and have called several high profile names to encourage voters to return to the polls, including John McCain, Bill Clinton, Mike Huckabee, and Al Gore.

“Now, it’s time to make sure that we send this man back to the Senate. That we get him working on the challenges we face. That he keeps America strong. That he keeps America free. That he keeps America’s economy growing and striving to make sure we have a bright future. It’s time to reelect once and for all Saxby Chambliss," said Romney.

A win for Chambliss or Martin is crucial for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

If Martin and democrat Al Franken from Minnesota win, then the democrats would have 60 seats in the Senate, which would ultimately eliminate the republican filibuster.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7917988&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Let Detroit Go Bunkrupt!



Mitt Romney has a new op-ed in the New York Times.

IF General Motors, Ford and Chrysler get the bailout that their chief executives asked for yesterday, you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye. It won’t go overnight, but its demise will be virtually guaranteed.

Without that bailout, Detroit will need to drastically restructure itself. With it, the automakers will stay the course — the suicidal course of declining market shares, insurmountable labor and retiree burdens, technology atrophy, product inferiority and never-ending job losses. Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.

I love cars, American cars. I was born in Detroit, the son of an auto chief executive. In 1954, my dad, George Romney, was tapped to run American Motors when its president suddenly died. The company itself was on life support — banks were threatening to deal it a death blow. The stock collapsed. I watched Dad work to turn the company around — and years later at business school, they were still talking about it. From the lessons of that turnaround, and from my own experiences, I have several prescriptions for Detroit’s automakers.

Gov. Romney back on the campaign trail!

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney announced today that he will be campaigning in Georgia for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss on Friday, November 21, and that his Free and Strong America PAC has made a contribution of $5,000 to help with the runoff election.

Romney will be appearing at political rallies in Atlanta and Savannah, as well as at a series of private event fundraisers. Chambliss won the Nov. 4 general election, but the Dec. 2 runoff was called when neither Chambliss nor his Democratic opponent, Jim Martin, achieved 50 percent of the vote due to third party participation.

"This is a critical election whose outcome will be important to maintaining a balance of power in the Senate," said Romney. "It is critical that Republicans safely retain the ability to filibuster in order to prevent the worst abuses of single party rule."

Romney praised Chambliss as an outspoken leader in protecting the homeland from terrorism and called him an important voice for strengthening America's military and getting our economy moving again through pro-growth, low-tax policies. The $5,000 contribution from Romney's PAC is in addition to $2,300 that the PAC donated to Chambliss during the general election campaign.

The Free and Strong America PAC (www.FreeStrongAmerica.com) supports officeholders and candidates who are dedicated to advancing social, fiscal and foreign policies that will strengthen America at this critical time in the nation's history. The guiding focus is on the core principles that have built and nurtured America since its founding – uncompromised military strength, a belief in the power of free markets and that a competitive America is one where taxes are low and government is small, an emphasis on strong families and a federalist approach to government that leaves decision-making as close to the people as possible.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Romney the man to save GOP in 2012?



http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/13/romney.future/index.html

After bowing out, Romney maintained a constant presence on the campaign trail and cable news circuit on McCain's behalf, signaling to political observers that he still harbored presidential ambitions, even after he was passed up for the No. 2 spot on the party's ticket.

Romney also has maintained close relationships with key supporters in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, according to party officials there, and could easily revive the infrastructure he built should he launch another bid.

If the economy continues to flail after four years of Democratic rule, Romney's economic acumen may be in demand when it comes to restoring GOP power to the White House.

"If the economy remains the dominant issue, there will certainly be a draft Romney movement, you can count on it," Lewis said.

Romney also may be positioned to attract a wider base of support than some of the other figures on the Republican bench, including the now-GOP rock star Palin and Huckabee, whose 2008 campaign outlasted Romney's. Both have shown the ability to generate excitement among base voters but appear to remain fairly unappealing to the more moderate faction of the party -- not to mention independent voters who are permitted to vote in some Republican primaries.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The betting money is on Romney in 2012!

From U.S.News

It's never too early for Intrade to start putting odds on the next presidential election. For the GOP nomination: 1) Mitt Romney 24.5 percent, 2) Mike Huckabee 11.1 percent, 3) Sarah Palin 10.5 percent, 4) Newt Gingrich 8.9 percent (thanks Bob Novak). No wagers have yet been placed on Bobby Jindal and David Petraeus, but volume overall is pretty light. Plenty of time to get in early. Interestingly, the GOP nominee is given a 40 percent chance of being the next president.

Romney helps GOP Senators (Boston Globe)




http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/11/romney_seeks_he.html

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor November 11, 2008 02:49 PM

Mitt Romney is coming to the aid of two fellow Republicans still locked in election battles that could determine the shape of the US Senate, urging his supporters to donate to their campaigns.

Through his Free and Strong America political action committee, Romney is featuring Senators Saxby Chambliss of Georgia and Norm Coleman of Minnesota.

Chambliss faces a runoff next month with Democrat Jim Martin, after neither won a majority in a three-way race last week. Coleman is in a recount with Democrat Al Franken after a bitter, nasty campaign.

Counting independents Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Democrats will control 57 votes in the Senate that is sworn in in January. They need 60 for a potentially filibuster-proof majority to help push through President-elect Barack Obama's priorities, with the race in Alaska also still up for grabs.

Romney created the PAC after losing out for the Republican presidential nomination as a vehicle to support Republicans and keep his name in the mix for a possible run in 2012.

Romney offers his advice to Barack Obama (Fortune)



This is the latest from Fortune magazine. A great very candidate interview with Mitt Romney. Here is one of the best snipets:

What concerns you the most about the economy right now? Any dangers lurking in the global economy that we didn't hear much about during the campaigns?

Far too little attention was paid to America's long-term competitive position during the campaign. I see four major economic strategies at play in the world today: the first is ours. It combines freedom and free enterprise.

The second is China's. It combines free enterprise with authoritarianism.

The third is Russia's. No longer is Russia's plan for dominance based upon industrial capacity but rather upon controlling energy throughout the world. Hence Russia's cozy relationship with Iran and Venezuela as well as its belligerent entry into Georgia. Russia's strategy is based on energy and authoritarianism.

The fourth strategy is represented by radical violent jihad. The intent of the jihadists is to cause the collapse of the other three, such that the "hidden Imam" or the Caliphate remains the last man standing.

The real challenge for America is how to strengthen our competitive position so that our economy outperforms those of the other three. If we're successful, freedom will be preserved for the world. If we're unsuccessful, the results are unthinkable.

When you talk about making America more competitive, what do you have in mind?

First, America must substantially improve our education system. We've fallen behind, particularly in areas of math and science.

Second, we're going to have to remedy our disproportionate health care cost disadvantage. America spends far more than any other nation as a percent of GDP on health care. This effectively is an enormous tax on the economy and on our businesses.

Third, our national debt is excessive and our entitlement obligations pass a massive burden onto the next generation.

Fourth, tax and regulatory policies weigh down our ability to compete. Specifically, our products carry an embedded tax which makes American goods less competitive abroad and at home.

Fifth, America's apparent retrenchment from the concept of open, free and fair trade could put us further behind other nations that are aggressively seeking trade relations around the world.

Sixth, our lack of an effective energy policy drains our economy by approximately half a trillion dollars a year.

And, finally, the blow that Wall Street has taken may make us less competitive in financing entrepreneurship.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Thursday, May 29, 2008

In a slumping market, Mitt futures surge




New article from THE SLATE

It's another Slate attempt at snide humor, well they got the snide part right but forgot the funny. Anyways it had this to say:


Remarkably, the Romney plan seems to be working. While housing prices plunge, Mitt vice-presidential futures are soaring. On Tuesday, Romney stock hit its highest price on Intrade in six weeks, moving into first place ahead of Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Why the rebound? One of Romney's greatest weaknesses may also be his greatest strength: He's always making up for his last mistake. When Politico asked leading Republicans how to save their party, Romney had the best answer: new ideas, a better agenda, and "a very clear set of principles."

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

A new contract with America?

The NY Times today reveals that there have been meetings in the House where congress members have been kicking around the idea of a new "manifesto" for the Republicans in Congress. According to the times:

Leaders of the Republican Study Committee intend to use a closed-door party meeting on Tuesday to present a seven-point proposal calling for a constitutional limit on federal spending, a new simplified income tax alternative and a proposal to require recipients of food stamps or housing aid to meet work requirements.


That's not a bad start, and I certainly like the idea of a new contract with America. It seems like 1994 was the last time Congress did anything that the American people approved of. I guess if we are going to keep the Republicans from acting like Democrats we are going to have to get it in writing and have them sign it. It's a shame that it's the only way they keep their word- but hey, whatever works! That being said, I have my own ideas about what could be included in this new contract. Some of it comes from the ideas on Newt Gingrich's website and Mitt Romney's website, and I really think that they should not create a new document wtihout consulting the two of them.

A seven point proposal doesn't seem bad, but I think 10 points might be easier for marketing. You know, 10 commandments, 10 amendments in the bill of rights, David Letterman's top ten list, etc. For the first 3, I am just going to go ahead and put in the ideas that they've already came up with.

1) A constitutional limit on federal spending (hopefully this means spending only what you have)
2) A new simplified income tax alternative (hopefully this means a flat tax option for those who choose it)
3) Requiring food stamps and housing aid recipients to meet work requirements

So far so good, these are the type of things that are going to get conservatives energized for the upcoming elections these are also common sense ideas that resonate with all Americans (or at least a strong majority). What else should be included in this contract? Glad you asked, these are the things that I would like to see included (not necessarily in this order).

4) Ending ear marks in congress. It boggles the minds of ordinary Americans to think that spending can be attached to bills in the middle of the night without any debate or vote on that particular spending item. It should boggle the mind, it makes no sense. This would be something that John McCain could help champion as well.

5) Require some form of valid ID for voting in federal elections. The recent supreme court ruling allows for this, and it definitely something the vast majority of American's support. 95% of Americans support this idea according to some polls. And it should sail through Congress.

6) Immigration reform. This is a hot topic, but the GOP is going to have to employ bold strategies if they want to really get something out of this contract. This part of the contract would be one of the most debated, but if you are in the right and the polls show that the vast majority of Americans want the immigration laws enforced (70-80% depending on the poll) - so I dare Obama to oppose it. This bill would consist of:

• finishing the border fence
• implementing an enforceable employer verification system
• cutting of federal funding to sanctuary cities
• encouraging legal immigration

7) Making health care more affordable - again this is a hot issue, and the GOP will not be rewarded for shying away from the tough issues (not in this election cycle) and of course the beauty of the contract is should they win a majority in Congress - they will have the political momentum to actually get all of their points passed into law. After all, they did spell out for the American people what they were going to do once elected and the American people voted for them - it's harder to think of a better referendum than that. Making health care more affordable would consist of:

• Deregulating state markets
• Making all health care expenses tax deductible
• Federal caps on non-economic and punitive damage awards to eliminate frivolous lawsuits
• Promote Innovation in Medi-caid. Letting states spend their money however if most efficient for them.
• Use some of the money currently spent on providing expensive "free care" for the uninsured at emergency rooms to instead help the truly needy buy private insurance.

8) Excellence in Education - this is a touchy issue for conservatives as most of us believe the way to improve education is to give more local control and have the federal government stay out of it. That being said there are still a lot of things that can be done at the federal level to improve education.

• promote school choice and encourage the use of vouchers and charter schools. 67% of African Americans and 60% of Hispanics support school choice for those in low-income or failing schools so this should be no-brainer to be included in the contract.

• promoting performance pay for teachers. 70% of voters support the idea of teachers getting pay based on performance. This is the type of thing that will have the teachers unions out against the Republicans, but they were against us to begin with so nothing has changed. But, it is an idea that most American's agree with and the Democrats will have to oppose because so much of their funding comes from the teacher's union. This puts the Dems at odds with the majority of Americans - again it's a no brainer to be included.

• tax credits for home-schoolers to help off-set educational costs. The vast majority of home schoolers support the GOP already, but this is just needed. It also helps to fire up a grass roots base across the country.

• Promoting excellence in Math & Science - whether it's Newt's "pay for an A" program or Mitt Romney's idea to establish solely math and science high schools these are the type of initiatives that America needs to succeed in the 21st century.

The GOP owns the educational reform issues as we are the only party with any ideas about changes to the education system. The only thing the Dems can counter with is they want to raise taxes to throw more and more money at failing programs. The Dems will get killed at the debates on this issue and it must be included in the contract.

9) Ending Energy Dependence This is something Americans have been crying out for ever since the 1970's and for some reason congress has never delivered. This would call for:

• Promoting Nuclear Power - nothing demonstrates the problem more than the fact that there are electrical plants in the US that burn oil to make electricity.

• Increasing Domestic Production - drilling in ANWR, off-shore and creating new oil refineries will all help increase the supply dramatically and lower the price of gas

• National Standard of Gasoline- currently there are 36 different types of gasoline that the oil companies have to refine - a national standard would not only simplify their jobs, but permit over-seas refineries to produce our gasoline for us. Again dramatically lowering costs.

• Improved smart-grid technology for power distribution

10) Restoring Fiscal Discipline This would consist of:

• Instituting the line-item veto- giving the president the power held by most state governors to veto individual elements of a spending bill and strip out unnecessary spending.

• restoring the supermajority requirement - impose congressional rule requiring a 3/5 super majority to pass any law that would raise taxes



All in all the contact could be the most brilliant move made by Republicans ever. Especially, if John McCain signs it and it is tied to the presidential election. That would keep the race focused on where the Republicans are strongest - on the issues. And it may force the Democrats to come up with their own contract to show what they would do if put into power - which could ultimately be their undoing. After all, if the Dems showing their proposals to improve education, health care, immigration and energy independence it's going to consist of one idea- TAX & SPEND.

Obama Leaves Romney Speechless

Mitt demonstrates yet again the ability to be unflappable under pressure. He makes some great points to Wolf, and was able to do this whole interview without making a joke about Obama getting assassinated.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Best Bob Hope movie line

Absolute classic line from an American great!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Romney talks up McCain, talks down Obama




Romney talks up McCain, talks down Obama

Email|Link|Comments (11)Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor May 7, 2008 06:15 PM
Mitt Romney may or may not be auditioning to be John McCain's running mate, but he was loyally on message today in his latest national TV appearance.

On CNN's "American Morning," the former Massachusetts governor, who dropped out of the GOP nomination race in February, said that Democratic front-runner Barack Obama would be easier prey for McCain than Hillary Clinton, who is barely hanging on. "I think she is flawed, but he is more flawed."

Repeating a line of criticism from the McCain campaign, Romney said of Obama: "He can read a prompter very well and energize a crowd, but he has not accomplished anything during his life in terms of legislation or leading an enterprise or making a business work or a city work or a state work. He really has very little experience, and, you know, the presidency of the United States is not an internship, and I honestly believe that you're going to see America choose somebody who has been tested and proven who has been able to demonstrate time and again that he understands how to make the economy work, he understands how our military works, he understands the needs of the country and the heart and passion of the American people."

Romney also said that there is a "bitter divide" in the Democratic Party and that he agrees with Clinton's and Obama's critiques of each other: "We were watching Hillary Clinton assert time and again that Barack Obama is a liberal elitist. On the other hand, you have Barack Obama convincing the American voters that Hillary Clinton is a product of the Washington special interests."

And pressed over and over again about whether he believed it was a good idea, Romney refused to criticize McCain's proposal for a gas tax holiday this summer -- a plan derided by nearly all economists.

The closest Romney came was to say he looked at the idea while Bay State governor, but did not propose it.

"Well, I think it's a good idea to help people and right now Senator McCain wants to help people see lower gasoline bills," Romney said. "Of course, we all recognize that if we're going to become independent of our dependence on foreign oil, it's going to take a long-term strategy to get us off of foreign oil."

Romney Gives Some Advice to Beijing

This one from The Council on Foreign Relations.

You’ve had first-hand experience with trying to “save the games.” You were called in to manage the Winter Games in 2002 when it was undergoing an image crisis as well as a financial crisis. What should China do to save its image before the Summer Games kick off in August?

The Olympics is a great opportunity for a nation to showcase its own culture and the beauty of its environment and the strength of its economy to the world. And this is an opportunity for China. The Olympics, of course, is about sport and about athletes. It’s not about China. And yet, in some respects, by virtue of the world coming there and China hosting the games, it’s an opportunity for China to put its best foot forward. Unfortunately, China has not done that at this stage. They’ve made great efforts in a whole series of ways—teaching people not to spit in public and not to cut in lines and so forth. Many things that they knew they wanted to improve to create a positive image.

But they did not think about the potential for the world to react negatively to their purchase of vast amounts of oil from the Sudanese and the repression of the Tibetans. And in my view, these are not issues which they should push aside, but rather are issues they should concentrate on and show that they understand the sensitivity and the importance of these issues to the world and to the interests of humanity. They should take some action—some symbolic action—that shows they are listening and they are trying to improve the relations in each of these settings. This, for instance, would mean such things as deciding to not provide military equipment and armament to the Sudanese. That would be a very powerful statement. A decision to sit down with the Dalai Lama, or some other symbolic event, would signal to the world that they, as a government, are willing to listen to the concerns of the world, and at the same time recognize the interests of their local population.

You can read the rest of the article
HERE

Thursday, May 1, 2008

A study in contrast


Transcript of her interview with Bill O'Reilly

O'REILLY: OK, oil prices. You want to suspend the federal gas tax, so does John McCain, Obama doesn't. But the Democratic Party is opposed to ANWAR drilling, you voted against nuclear energy seven times, and I'm saying to myself both parties have sold the folks out on energy. Where am I going wrong?
CLINTON: I think there is plenty of blame to go around. We have not done what we should have done. Consumers, drivers, political officials, the oil companies, you name it. We're not acting like Americans, Bill. We're not in charge, and I want to put us back in charge.
O'REILLY: So are you going to change your votes on drilling and nukes?
CLINTON: Well, here's what I'm going to do. In the short term I do want a gas tax holiday, but to pay for it by putting a windfall profits tax on the oil companies. There is no basis for them to have these huge profits. I also want to take on OPEC. OPEC is a cartel, a monopoly.
O'REILLY: They don't care what you say.
CLINTON: Nine of the thirteen biggest oil producing companies that are in OPEC are also members of the WTO. I would file complaints, I would also change the law so that citizens and businesses could file anti-trust actions. We're going to begin to hold them accountable. But at the same time we've got to change the was we behave, the way we drive.




So, let me see if I've got this right, her plan to reduce oil prices is comprised of the following:

• Gas tax holiday in the summer
• Raising taxes on oil companies
• File complaints to the WTO (World Trade Organization)
• File lawsuits against the oil companies
• Drive slower and drive less

Basic business sense tells you that 3 out of the 4 things in her plan would actually increase gasoline prices instead of lowering them. Compare that to the Romney plan for Energy Independence and the differences couldn't be more stark. Romney's plan includes:

• Oil drilling in ANWR Alaska (estimated to be the same amount of oil we'd import from Saudia Arabia in a 30 year period)
• Off-shore oil drilling
• Nuclear Power
• National Grade of Gasoline
• New Oil-Refineries
• Improved Smart-Grid Technology for Power Distribution
• Renewable sources, ethanol, biodiesel, solar, wind, and full exploitation of coal both solid and liquid.


One of these plans sounds like it would actually work, lowering oil prices as well as all other energy prices and be huge boost to our national economy. Or we could lower the speed limit and sue.

The other plans out there are the Obama plan and the McCain plan. At least I'm assumign they are out there, while Romney has "Energy Independence" as one of the main links on his website under his issues column- McCain does not. Although, he does list such important issues as "Human Dignity", "Environment" and "Ethics Reform". After some searching I did find something about oil on McCain's website under his link for the "McCain Economic Plan". It consists of:

• Gas tax holiday during the summer (same as Hillary)
• Stop filling the Strategic Reserve
• Ending Ethanol Subsidies

Wow. There is really little to argue with in McCain's oil ideas. There is also little that would change or give us energy indepence. In short there is really nothing there. While there isn't anything I would oppose, there is nothing worth really supporting. And, nothing that would have any long term affect on energy policy or pricing in this country.

That leaves us with Barrack Obama's plan. What is he calling for? Barrack's plan is actually marketed in the right direction with the description of "Set America on Path to Oil Independence".

• Double fuel-economy standards within 18 years


That's pretty much it. I'm serious. He has a section called "Set America on Path to Oil-Independence" and there is one bullet point underneath it! The amazing part is he doesn't explain how the technology would work - or how Detroit should double fuel-economy standards. Like they have some secret engine they haven't unveiled yet. Like the Detroit automakers secretly have a car that gets 68 miles per gallon and they haven't released it yet because they aren't interested in making BILLIONS of dollars and having the best selling car in America.

In case anyone out there is still wondering why conservatives are so adament that Mitt Romney be on the ticket, now you know why.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Red State Update: Hillary Wins Pennsylvania

This one had me LOL. Content Warning!

Romney Rap (My Man Mitt)

Too hilarious, this video is better than crack! Now, try to go through the day without chanting Mitt Romney!


Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Mitt for VEEP (Coming Soon)!

Matt Lewis announces that "Word on the street is that MittforVeep.com is coming soon. This will likely be the first of many websites and other efforts to promote the candidacy of Romney."

MORE

He certainly is right that there are going to be MANY websites supporting a Romney candidacy.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Mitt Romney - appears on Morning Joe 4/2/08 - Full Interview

Mitt Romney *TOP TEN REASONS I DROPPED OUT*

Mitt's from the correspondence dinner- he killed!


Sunday, April 13, 2008

Romney Radio: Mitt fills in for sick Paul Harvey


10 Apr 2008 12:17 pm

Ex-MA Gov. Mitt Romney substituted for legendary radio newsman Paul Harvey today, ably reading copy on everything from the American Airlines wheel-well inspections to the economy to Madonna.

Page Two.

Harvey is recovering from pneumonia and is scheduled for cataract surgery, and his producers have been asking guests to take turns at the mike.

Page Three.

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstom said the governor taped his segment this morning from WBZ's radio studio in Boston.
Harvey, who is syndicated by ABC Radio, has a weekly audience of more than 22 million, and can generally be found on the same station where Rush Limbaugh and other conservative talkers can also be heard.

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/04/veepstakes_romney_subs_for_pau.php

Listen Here:

McCain-Romney: It Makes Economic Sense




Forbes Magazine, has a new column about why Romney is McCain's best choice for VP.

The two main themes of the upcoming general election will be the economy and Iraq. McCain, a staunch supporter of the war in Iraq, cannot retreat from his position in the Middle East regardless of what happens there before November. On the other hand, McCain can shore up his ticket on the economic front by selecting someone who has a solid financial footing: former rival Mitt Romney.

What could Mitt Romney contribute to the Republican ticket? Before serving as governor of Massachusetts, Romney was chief executive of Bain & Company and co-founder of spin-off private equity firm Bain Capital where, over his 14-year stint at the helm, the company enjoyed great success.

A March campaign stop in Utah may have laid the groundwork for a future alliance between the former adversaries. Romney has pledged to raise $15 million for McCain, and he stumped for McCain in Lancaster, Pennsylvania yesterday.

A McCain-Romney ticket makes sense for both men. McCain gets a boost on economic issues and Romney gets a seat next to McCain in the White House—assuming they manage a victory in November. The increased exposure would serve Romney well should he choose to seek the presidential nomination in the future. Considering John McCain’s age, Romney’s chance could come as soon as 2012 if a victorious McCain decided to only serve one term.

--Paul M. Murdock

Forbes

Howard Dean: I feared Romney more than McCain



(CNN)— Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Thursday he feared his party's nominee facing Mitt Romney in the general election more than any other candidate.

“Frankly, Mitt Romney was the candidate I feared the most in the general because he’s got plenty of money, he’s wealthy,” Dean told reporters at a committee briefing. “He’s very articulate and he willing to say practically anything, and Republican voters want discipline.”

When asked if he'd fear a McCain-Romney ticket, Dean said the former Massachussetts governor was the best candidate the Republicans were probably “ever going to get.”

Romney dropped out of the presidential race last February saying that if he continued his campaign it would "forestall the launch of a national campaign…making it easier for Senator Clinton or Obama to win." His departure from the race essentially secured John McCain’s place as the presumptive Republican nominee.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/10/dean-i-feared-romney-more-than-mccain/

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Take your stinking...

EL CID [TRAILER]

This is part of the Heston tribute to commerate his passing today. This is one of his lesser known films (among my generation anyway) and it is one of his best. Not to be missed.

Friday, March 14, 2008

The M & M ticket (McCain & Mitt)





Another article about what a great VP Mitt Romney would be for the McCain ticket, and the list some of the reasons that I hadn't even thought of, such as:

• "With a 72-year-old president, the vice president has to be ready to take over," Jowers said. "I think Romney is the best choice for a vice-presidential candidate McCain could have."

• Additionally, Jowers said, Romney brings an important talent to the race — the ability to raise a lot of money. Romney said during Tuesday's interview that his top fundraisers have met with the McCain campaign.

• Romney's campaign was also viewed as well-organized. Add to that Romney's acceptance by many conservatives — something McCain still struggles with. And, of course, don't discount those presidential — or vice presidential — looks Romney brings.

• "The 2008 election is the Democrats' to lose," Jowers said. "Everything seems to be going in the Democrats' direction." But a McCain-Romney ticket could bring moderates and conservatives to the polls.

• Jowers said with McCain's popularity and the number of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California, the biggest prize of electoral college votes could go Republican.

• Charles W. Dunn, dean of Regent University's School of Government, who has met Romney on several occasions, said Romney would bring geographic balance to the ticket, putting states like Michigan and Massachusetts into play for the Republicans.

• Dunn said Romney would be a "strong asset" for McCain when it came to the age issues as well as McCain's often quoted line that he does not understand the economy well — which Romney himself used against McCain while on the campaign trail.

• Romney has strong support among conservatives, as illustrated by the crowd's reaction when he dropped out of the race at CPAC. "That would give the conservatives the enthusiasm to go all out for the McCain-Romney ticket,"

Sunday, March 9, 2008

The Veepstakes




It turns out I'm not the only one who thinks Mitt Romney would make the best VEEP for the McCain ticket. Fred Barnes pretty much reaches the same conclusion in his latest column, as well as noting favorable nods from George W. Bush, Karl Rove and Jeb Bush.

That leads to Romney. He has run a vigorous national campaign and been vetted by the press and his opponents for the Republican nomination. These are very strong pluses. A pick who produces unhelpful surprises, as Geraldine Ferraro did in 1984 (her husband's business deals) and Dan Quayle did in 1988 (his National Guard duty), is exactly what McCain doesn't need. Romney is a known quantity.

Romney has three other add-ons. He's acceptable to conservatives and especially to social conservatives, who disproportionately volunteer as ground troops in Republican presidential campaigns. He's unflappable in debates. With the downturn worsening, the economy may surpass national security as the top issue of the campaign. And after years of success as a big time player in the global economy, Romney understands how markets work. He could shore up McCain's admitted weakness on economic issues.

Romney has allies in the Bush wing of the Republican party. President Bush favors him as McCain's veep. Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, preferred Romney over McCain in the primaries, but never endorsed him publicly. Karl Rove, the president's political strategist, has hinted that he considers Romney to be McCain's best running mate.


It's all very interesting and it seems like the most solid advice from some of the best political minds of our time. Ultimately, the decision will be made by Senator McCain and he is after all the "maverick".

The Mormon Factor (Reason #8)



This is an addendum to the previous article on reasons why Mitt Romney would be the perfect VP pick for McCain. And, it seems an odd one, but it is true nonetheless. Reason number eight is: He is a Mormon. That may seem counter to everything we've heard in this campaign so far, but consider the following:

• Mitt Romney raised more money than any other GOP candidate in the primaries
• Most of his money was raised in California and Utah (both states with large Mormon populations)
• We know that Mormons were giving to his campaign in record numbers partially over excitement to see the first Mormon President

Those are the positives. There are other reasons John McCain should consider picking a Mormon for his VP. Namely, after the way that evangelicals spurned the Romney candidacy many Mormons feel like victims of religious discrimination. Had Mitt Romney been a Baptist, Pentecostal, or Methodist, many feel he would be the GOP nominee right now. While their are only 6 million Mormons in the U.S. (13 million worldwide) most Mormons vote conservative Republican. Given the religious smear tactics engaged in by Governor Huckabee and the seemingly offensive remarks made by Senator McCain's own mother, many Mormons now feel like outsiders in the GOP. Given the fact that Mormons make up a large percentage of the population (and even larger percentage of the voters) in states like California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Nevada- and given the close call in the past two elections the question arises: Can the GOP win without the Mormon vote?

Sure, there is the chance that they will all show up on election day and vote Republican like they always do, but how many will stay home? And given the close elections of recent years, is it worth risking? On the other hand, imagine if McCain chose Mitt Romney for his running mate. Again you would have:

• Mormons contributing excited at the idea of the 1st Mormon Vice President
• An active pool of grassroots organizers from which to draw from
• A certain number of Mormon voters who aren't necessarily politically active but would show up to vote for the first Mormon VP in U.S. history
• Instant increase in the McCain-Romney's ticket ability to raise money

Friday, February 29, 2008

7 Reasons why Romney would be the perfect VP



It's possibly the most important decision that a candidate can make - who will be their running mate. McCain has yet to choose one, and while I'm hearing plenty of good names being thrown about for McCain's possible veep, one stands alone. I've read about the possibilities of Sen. Joe Lieberman, Tom Ridge, Gov. Sarah Palin, Gov. Jim Pawlenty and Gov. Mark Sanford. They all have their pluses and their short comings, but none of them brings to the table what Mitt Romney could do for the McCain campaign. Could Senator McCain really do better than to have a VP who brings the following:

• Ready to assume the office at a moments notice
• Conservative Credentials
• A Washington Outsider
• Brings values voters
• A Strong Understanding and Credentials on Economics
• A great fundraiser, campaigner and debater
• A record of having worked on health care reform


All in all, Romney is the one candidate who can come aboard and give McCain the momentum he needs to win the presidency. Let's look at these issues one by one:

- Ready to assume the office at a moments notice- This is actually shores up a couple of John McCain's weaknesses, one he has as his running mate a) someone younger than himself and b) the first thing any candidate should look for in a running mate someone who could actually be President. The Democrats have already started attacking McCain for his age, with Barack's comments about McCains' 50 years of service to his country. Mitt Romney is younger, healthier and more energetic than McCain, not to mention having 2 out of those 3 against Barack Obama. His nomination would allay a lot of voters concerned about McCain's senior status.

-Conservative Credentials- Romney brings to McCain the endorsements of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin and Ann Coulter. Essentially, all the faces and voices of the conservative movement were in the Romney camp, it is hard to imagine a Republican winning without the support of conservatives. There may be some other people on the list who are also conservative, but Romney already has the key endorsements, not to mention the national name recognition.

-A Washington Outsider- McCain has the weakness that any Senator running for President has- his votes on key issues. In McCain's case he has a 25 year history of voting on different bills, some of which have turned out to be big winners for the country (welfare reform, TWOT) and some of which have been unpopular (McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy). The obvious tactic of the Dems is going to say that McCain is running for Bush's 3rd term. One thing that helps McCain is that he has been as vocal a critic of the administration as some Democrats. Romney brings to the McCain ticket real experience from outside the beltway. He will be able to say things that McCain wouldn't be able to and be able to attack Obama's record and his Washington insider status in ways McCain could not.

-Brings values voters- It was interesting that when James Dobson listed the Republican front runners that he would not support as President, he didn't mention Mitt Romney. I cannot think of a more photogenic functional family than the Romney's. The success of his family is a tribute to him and his wife, their example would serve the nation well. Not to mention Romney's pro-life record as Governor where he vetoed funding for embryonic cloning, fought Gay marriage, and supported abstinence education. McCain is luke-warm on the values issues while Gov. Romney has been in the center ring of this fight. Values voters like conservatives are essential to any GOP chances in November, and Mitt Romney brings their support to the McCain ticket.

-A Strong Understanding and Credentials on Economics- This one is interesting because it comes from McCain's own mouth, saying that he would need a VP who has a strong understanding of economics. With recent concerns about a recession, the price of oil, the crash of the housing market, and out of control government spending. Who better to address these concerns than someone who has real world experience creating jobs, and making money? With a Harvard MBA in business, and a successful business record, not to mention saving the state of Massachusetts from financial peril- Romney can address voters concerns with real solutions than will work. It will be a clear contrast to Obama's socialist rhetoric. The one weakness of the Romney candidacy was the lack of military credentials, and the weakness of McCain's resume is that he has no experience in the private sector- together they make a formidable ticket able to respond to any challenges the nation may be facing.

-A great fund-raiser, campaigner and debater- Despite all of the media's focus on the amount of Mitt's own money that he was spending on his campaign, Romney also raised the most money of any Republican candidate in the primaries. He was also credited with having the best organizations on the ground and having won the most of the Republican debates. When Mitt Romney "suspended" his campaign shortly after Super Tuesday, he had roughly won over 4 million votes to McCain's 4.7. This is a tremendous accomplishment given McCain's favorable media coverage and national name recognition. Romney brings to the McCain ticket enthusiastic grass roots campaigners ready to work on his behalf, and perhaps equally important he brings a huge injection of what any politician needs to win - money. That and Romney's superb debating style make him a great VP for McCain.

-A record of having worked on health care reform- This issue is key because it is a center piece of the Democrat campaign as the only candidate who has actually enacted health care reform- Mitt Romney takes away a key issue for them. He can also effectively argue for private sector solutions to the problems facing health care as an industry. Romney takes the issue off the table for the Democrats, and actually makes it a plus for the Republican ticket. Let's face it, if McCain were debating Barack on health care McCain would be citing Massachusetts as a case example of where Republicans have been more effective on health care. As long as he is going to be talking about Mitt's programs he may as well have him on the ticket.

In short, there is not a running mate out there that could bring as much to the McCain candidacy as Gov. Mitt Romney. Ultimately, it is one mans' decision, let's hope he makes the right one.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Mitt Romney: The Hero's Journey


http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/b0a2e1d3-2334-4914-9e1f-b5663996cc61

Michael Reagan says Ronald Reagan would have endorsed John McCain; He's right. As Michael notes:
In 1976 the Ford vs. Reagan campaign for the Republican presidential nomination got so heated it looked as if my father and Jerry Ford would never again talk to one another.

When it was over and Ford had won, what did Ronald Reagan do? He simply went all-out to help Ford win his re-election, as did I and as did my sister Maureen. My dad simply followed his rule of backing the Republican candidate no matter who he was.

Of course, as we have noted here on several occasions -- Mitt Romney seems to be following the Ronald Reagan 1976 playbook. His CPAC speech has been compared to Reagan's '76 convention speech -- and now -- his endorsement is being compared to Reagan's support of Ford ...

But while Ronald Reagan's loss -- and his re-birth in '80 -- is a fairly recent model to use as a comarision, the archetype is almost as old as time. As Jung would put it, this entire narrative has long been a part of our “collective unconscious.”

In essence, whether he's doing it consciously. or not, Mitt Romney is seeking to tap into a mythological narrative called the "Hero's Journey."

If you've read Arthur or the Odyssey -- or have seen Star Wars or Rocky -- you are familiar with the idea. Before reaching the "promised land," a hero must first endure his "wilderness years." This is essentially a right of passage or initiation (I've written that Mitt Romney finally passed his "Initiation" into the conservative movement.)

Of course, the last stage of the "Hero's Journey" is when the hero reaches his destiny and in a sense, rises from the dead. If you're a movie fan, this is the part when Rocky finally wins or when Han Solo and Luke Skywalker are given their awards. Or if you like politics, it's the day Reagan wins after everyone thought he was finished in '76.

In Mitt Romney's scenario, he becomes the Republican standard-bearer, and ultimately is elected president.

Romney Endorses McCain

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Gov. Romney Speaks At CPAC 2008

The actual text is below, if you need to copy and paste any parts of this speech.

Romney's CPAC Address



Governor Romney's Address To CPAC (As Prepared For Delivery):

"I want to begin by saying thank you. It's great to be with you again. And I look forward to joining with you many more times in the future.

"Last year, CPAC gave me the sendoff I needed. I was in single digits in the polls, and I was facing household Republican names. As of today, more than 4 million people have given me their vote for President, less than Senator McCain's 4.7 million, but quite a statement nonetheless. Eleven states have given me their nod, compared to his 13. Of course, because size does matter, he's doing quite a bit better with his number of delegates.

"To all of you, thank you for caring enough about the future of America to show up, stand up and speak up for conservative principles.

"As I said to you last year, conservative principles are needed now more than ever. We face a new generation of challenges, challenges which threaten our prosperity, our security and our future. I am convinced that unless America changes course, we will become the France of the 21st century – still a great nation, but no longer the leader of the world, no longer the superpower. And to me, that is unthinkable. Simon Peres, in a visit to Boston, was asked what he thought about the war in Iraq. 'First,' he said, 'I must put something in context. America is unique in the history of the world. In the history of the world, whenever there has been conflict, the nation that wins takes land from the nation that loses. One nation in history, and this during the last century, laid down hundreds of thousands of lives and took no land. No land from Germany, no land from Japan, no land from Korea. America is unique in the sacrifice it has made for liberty, for itself and for freedom loving people around the world.' The best ally peace has ever known, and will ever know, is a strong America.

"And that is why we must rise to the occasion, as we have always done before, to confront the challenges ahead. Perhaps the most fundamental of these is the attack on the American culture.

"Over the years, my business has taken me to many countries. I have been struck by the enormous differences in the wealth and well-being of people of different nations. I have read a number of scholarly explanations for the disparities. I found the most convincing was that written by David Landes, a professor emeritus from Harvard University. I presume he's a liberal – I guess that's redundant. His work traces the coming and going of great civilizations throughout history. After hundreds of pages of analysis, he concludes with this:

"If we learn anything from the history of economic development, it is that culture makes all the difference. Culture makes all the difference.

"What is it about American culture that has led us to become the most powerful nation in the history of the world? We believe in hard work and education. We love opportunity: almost all of us are immigrants or descendants of immigrants who came here for opportunity – opportunity is in our DNA. Americans love God, and those who don't have faith, typically believe in something greater than themselves – a 'Purpose Driven Life.' And we sacrifice everything we have, even our lives, for our families, our freedoms and our country. The values and beliefs of the free American people are the source of our nation's strength and they always will be.

"The threat to our culture comes from within. The 1960's welfare programs created a culture of poverty. Some think we won that battle when we reformed welfare, but the liberals haven't given up. At every turn, they try to substitute government largesse for individual responsibility. They fight to strip work requirements from welfare, to put more people on Medicaid, and to remove more and more people from having to pay any income tax whatsoever. Dependency is death to initiative, risk-taking and opportunity. Dependency is a culture-killing drug. We have got to fight it like the poison it is.

"The attack on faith and religion is no less relentless. And tolerance for pornography – even celebration of it – and sexual promiscuity, combined with the twisted incentives of government welfare programs have led to today's grim realities: 68% of African American children are born out-of-wedlock, 45% of Hispanic children, and 25% of White children. How much harder it is for these children to succeed in school and in life. A nation built on the principles of the Founding Fathers cannot long stand when its children are raised without fathers in the home.

"The development of a child is enhanced by having a mother and father. Such a family is the ideal for the future of the child and for the strength of a nation. I wonder how it is that unelected judges, like some in my state of Massachusetts, are so unaware of this reality, so oblivious to the millennia of recorded history. It is time for the people of America to fortify marriage through Constitutional amendment, so that liberal judges cannot continue to attack it.

"Europe is facing a demographic disaster. That is the inevitable product of weakened faith in the Creator, failed families, disrespect for the sanctity of human life and eroded morality. Some reason that culture is merely an accessory to America's vitality; we know that it is the source of our strength. And we are not dissuaded by the snickers and knowing glances when we stand up for family values, and morality, and culture. We will always be honored to stand on principle and to stand for principle.

"The attack on our culture is not our sole challenge. We face economic competition unlike anything we have ever known before. China and Asia are emerging from centuries of poverty. Their people are plentiful, innovative and ambitious. If we do not change course, Asia or China will pass us by as the economic superpower, just as we passed England and France during the last century. The prosperity and security of our children and grandchildren depend on us.

"Our prosperity and security also depend on finally acting to become energy secure. Oil producing states like Russia and Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Iran are siphoning over $400 billion per year from our economy – that's almost what we spend annually for defense. It is past time for us to invest in energy technology, nuclear power, clean coal, liquid coal, renewable sources and energy efficiency. America must never be held hostage by the likes of Putin, Chavez, and Ahmadinejad.

"And our economy is also burdened by the inexorable ramping of government spending. Don't focus on the pork alone – even though it is indeed irritating and shameful. Look at the entitlements. They make up 60% of federal spending today. By the end of the next President's second term, they will total 70%. Any conservative plan for the future has to include entitlement reform that solves the problem, not just acknowledges it.

"Most politicians don't seem to understand the connection between our ability to compete and our national wealth, and the wealth of our families. They act as if money just happens – that it's just there. But every dollar represents a good or service produced in the private sector. Depress the private sector and you depress the well-being of Americans.

"That's exactly what happens with high taxes, over-regulation, tort windfalls, mandates, and overfed, over-spending government. Did you see that today, government workers make more money than people who work in the private sector? Can you imagine what happens to an economy where the best opportunities are for bureaucrats?

"It's high time to lower taxes, including corporate taxes, to take a weed-whacker to government regulations, to reform entitlements, and to stand up to the increasingly voracious appetite of the unions in our government.

"And finally, let's consider the greatest challenge facing America – and facing the entire civilized world: the threat of violent, radical Jihad. In one wing of the world of Islam, there is a conviction that all governments should be destroyed and replaced by a religious caliphate. These Jihadists will battle any form of democracy. To them, democracy is blasphemous for it says that citizens, not God shape the law. They find the idea of human equality to be offensive. They hate everything we believe about freedom just as we hate everything they believe about radical Jihad.

"To battle this threat, we have sent the most courageous and brave soldiers in the world. But their numbers have been depleted by the Clinton years when troops were reduced by 500,000, when 80 ships were retired from the Navy, and when our human intelligence was slashed by 25%. We were told that we were getting a peace dividend. We got the dividend, but we didn't get the peace. In the face of evil in radical Jihad and given the inevitable military ambitions of China, we must act to rebuild our military might – raise military spending to 4% of our GDP, purchase the most modern armament, re-shape our fighting forces for the asymmetric demands we now face, and give the veterans the care they deserve.

"Soon, the face of liberalism in America will have a new name. Whether it is Barack or Hillary, the result would be the same if they were to win the Presidency. The opponents of American culture would push the throttle, devising new justifications for judges to depart from the Constitution. Economic neophytes would layer heavier and heavier burdens on employers and families, slowing our economy and opening the way for foreign competition to further erode our lead.

"Even though we face an uphill fight, I know that many in this room are fully behind my campaign. You are with me all the way to the convention. Fight on, just like Ronald Reagan did in 1976. But there is an important difference from 1976: today, we are a nation at war.

"And Barack and Hillary have made their intentions clear regarding Iraq and the war on terror. They would retreat and declare defeat. And the consequence of that would be devastating. It would mean attacks on America, launched from safe havens that make Afghanistan under the Taliban look like child's play. About this, I have no doubt.

"I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.

"This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters – many of you right here in this room – have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.

"I will continue to stand for conservative principles. I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in. And one of those things is that we cannot allow the next President of the United States to retreat in the face evil extremism.

"It is the common task of each generation – and the burden of liberty – to preserve this country, expand its freedoms and renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future.

"To this task, accepting this burden, we are all dedicated, and I firmly believe, by the providence of the Almighty, that we will succeed beyond our fondest hope. America must remain, as it has always been, the hope of the Earth.

"Thank you, and God bless America."

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Super-Tuesday Results



I don't know how Michael Ramirez does it, but he manages to come with a cartoon that expresses exactly how I feel.
I mean seriously is the Republican party trying to commit suicide?

Monday, February 4, 2008

McDole's Record is Pretty Frightening

This article is the headline at drudgereport.com, but I think it can all be summed up pretty well in these cartoons by Michael Ramirez.






Click on the image for larger picture.

Mitt Romney: Fighting For Family Values




"America cannot continue to lead the family of nations around the world if we suffer the collapse of the family here at home." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At UPI, 2/26/05)

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign slogan encompasses the values he believes and lives in his everyday life. Romney is one of the few candidates running for the Presidential nomination that truly upholds traditional values.

The core of Romney's values lies within his own family: his Presidential campaign has included his wife, children and grandchildren. He believes the best way to solve many social issues is to focus on the traditional American family: a mother and father with children. This is the focus of his platform.

Romney is the one candidate who not only talks the talk, but when it comes to life and traditional values - he walks the walk as well:

• Governor Romney Vetoed Legislation That Would Have Provided For The "Morning After Pill" Without A Prescription. (Governor Mitt Romney, Op-Ed, "Why I Vetoed The Contraception Bill," The Boston Globe, 7/26/05)

• Governor Romney Promoted Abstinence Education In The Classroom. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Announces Award Of Abstinence Education Contract," Press Release, 4/20/06)

• Governor Romney Vetoed Legislation That Would Have Changed The Longstanding Definition Of The Beginning Of Human Life From Fertilization To Implantation. (Governor Mitt Romney, Letter To The Massachusetts State Senate And House Of Representatives, 5/12/05)

• Governor Romney Supports Parental Notification Laws And Opposed Efforts To Weaken Parental Involvement. (John McElhenny, "O'Brien And Romney Spar In Last Debate Before Election," The Associated Press, 10/29/02)

• Governor Romney Supports Adult Stem Cell Research But Has Opposed Efforts To Advance Embryo-Destructive Research In Massachusetts. (Theo Emery, "Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney Vetoes Stem Cell Bill," The Associated Press, 5/27/05)

• Governor Romney opposed Same-Sex Marriage in Massachusetts and fought for an amendment to the Massachusetts state constitution to ban gay marrriage. (NY Times 05/16/04)

• Mitt Romney supports the Federal Marriage Amendment to define marriage as being between a man and a woman.


In short, Governor Romney has been on the front line of the culture wars and has been fighting the good fight. How do his opponents measure up? Not as well as they'd like:

John McCain: Despite claiming to have a pro-life record John McCain has voted repeatedly for embryonic stem cell research. McCain did voice support for the partial birth abortion ban, but only after it was apparent that it was going to pass overwhelmingly in the Senate. Senator McCain also opposed the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Mike Huckabee Mike Huckabee claims to be more pro-life than Governor Romney on the basis that he's been pro-life longer. Huckabee decided he was against abortion when he turned 4, and hasn't changed his mind since. That is all well and good, but what has Mike Huckabee ever done? His record on supporting family values doesn't exist. In Arkansas you can't get elected without being pro-life, sure Mike Huckabee is pro-life - so are all the Arkansas Democrats. Even Bill and Hillary Clinton claimed to be pro-life when in Arkansas.

The question then becomes who do you want as the Republican front runner? For my vote, I'm picking the candidate with a proven track record of fighting for family and traditional values. Mitt Romney has not only gone up against the worst type of liberals, he has done it in a state where his decisions made him unpopular. He has spent political capitol in the name of life and morality.

"What became clear during the cloning debate is how the harsh logic of an absolute right to abortion had cheapened the value of human life to the point that rational people saw a human embryo as nothing more than mere research material to be used, and then destroyed."

"My experience as Governor taught me firsthand that the threat to our culture is real and those in a position to do so must take action to defend it." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The National Right To Life Convention Forum, 7/15/07)

"I stood at the center of the battlefield on every major social issue. I fought to preserve our traditional values and to protect the sanctity of human life. I vetoed bills. I filed new bills. I enforced the law that banned out-of-state same-sex couples from coming to Massachusetts to get married. I went to the court again and again. I testified here before Congress for the Federal Marriage Amendment. And I championed our successful petition drive that collected a record 170,000 signatures for a citizen ballot initiative to protect marriage." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The Conservative Political Action Conference, 3/2/07)

* Please forward this link to every values voter you know, or copy and paste this article and email it to them. The Republican party and America can't afford to make a wrong choice at this crucial time.

Romney Widens Lead in California!



Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, led McCain 40 percent to 32 percent in California, where the margin of error was 3.3 percentage points. A win in California, the most populous state, could help puncture McCain's growing momentum in the Republican nomination fight.

McCain won the last two contests, in South Carolina and Florida, to seize the front-runner's slot in a hard-fought Republican race despite qualms among some conservatives about his past views on taxes, immigration and campaign finance.

"Romney is widening his lead in California and has a really big advantage with conservatives," Zogby said. "Romney winning California would give some Republicans pause when they look at McCain as the potential nominee."

Romney said he would cut short a scheduled trip to Georgia and fly back to California on Monday for a last-minute campaign visit.

'A GOOD SHOT'

"People there are taking a real close look at the race and it looks like I've got a good shot there," Romney told reporters.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Rally for Romney Across the USA!

Minnesota

Tennessee

Utah

New Jersey

Illinois

Romney 1st in the Golden State!





Mitt Romney fresh off a win in the Maine caucus looks to pick up another gold in the golden state. Let's see so far that make 4 golds and 3 silvers for the Romney campaign. While McCain has picked up 3 golds and 0 silvers. Who is the national front runner? I guess that Schwarzenegger endorsement doesn't carry as much weight as McCain hoped it would.

Romney currently leads in the nations largest state California 37 to 34. A Tuesday win in California would be huge for the Romney campaign despite the fact that the delegates are split. It would give the campaign a huge boost going into the Texas Primary where Mitt Romney is already ahead.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Romney ahead as Maine caucus returns counted!



UPDATE: Romney Wins!

Today, the people of Maine joined those from across the nation in casting their vote for conservative change in Washington. All across the state, men and women gathered to help chart the future course of our country. Tonight, they have made their voice known and have endorsed our conservative vision for a stronger America. Like many Americans, the people of Maine are tired of Washington promises made but broken.”

Romney went on to say, “The need for change in Washington is even more apparent today. With our economy facing uncertain times, we need a leader who actually understands how the economy works and how jobs are created. We also need a leader from outside of Washington who is ready to meet the long-term challenges facing our country. With a career spent working in the economy, creating jobs, turning around faltering institutions and imposing fiscal discipline, I am ready to bring conservative change to Washington. In this campaign, I am proud to have the support of the people of Maine.”


Mitt Romney held the lead in presidential preference voting by Maine Republicans as returns were counted Saturday from the party's caucuses, which Republican officials said were heavily attended across the state.

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, had 53 percent of the vote with 12 percent of the towns holding caucuses reporting. Libertarian-leaning Texas Rep. Ron Paul trailed with 21 percent, Arizona Sen. John McCain had 18 percent, and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and undecided votes each had about 2 percent.

The nonbinding votes, the first step toward electing 18 Maine delegates to the Republican National Convention, were taking place in public schools, fire stations and town halls across the state.