Laura Ingraham rant on Bush and GOP

Great audio clip on illegal immigration and the current administration/GOP issues of the day. She summed up in the first couple of minutes why I am very unhappy with the GOP and the Bush Administration.

This Saturday's show

This Saturday's Straight Shooting show will be about the NC Emergency Reserves. I will be speaking with Col. Barry Pearce and possibly other officers of the organization.

Other shows already scheduled include:
June 9 - homelandstupidity.us
June 16- Coalition Against Illegal Immigration
June 23- AmericanProphet.org
June 30- John Cryer, expert on the federal income tax and its fallacy
July 7 - Christian Civic League of Maine
July 21- John Landreth (return guest) of Grass Roots North Carolina

I have a few other shows already in the works.

My column for "The Selma News"

For a few weeks now, Rick Stewart, editor of "The Selma News" has been hammering about the problems in Selma with the state's open meeting law abuse. I am completely in agreement with Rick on that. A violation of the law is just that, and public business is just that.

I wrote earlier about how the town selected the newest council member to fill Jeff Weaver's open seat. I am not thrilled about their conduct of business, just as Rick is not. I am sure that Eric Sellers will do a fine job. The way in which his selection came about, however, is just plain wrong. I was not going to write about it in the paper, but did so this week. I don't normally put my column on this blog, since I have a separate blog just for newspaper columns.

Here is today's column:

There are certain topics about which I have not written in this column for various reasons. Some were because they were not timely, some were because they would not have been in good taste, some because I had little interest, and yet others because I had great interest in them but it would have been self serving to so indulge in a column. Today, I am writing about a topic that I told myself, "Self, leave that one alone, because it would be rather self serving to write about that."

On great thing about writing for Rick Stewart is that he lays no real ground rules other than 1. keep the column somewhere around 700 words 2. don't libel anybody. Fair enough, I say. Only one time did he ever ask me to change anything that I had written, and that was just one sentence that could have been better written to convey the same thought. Even though I still liked my sentence better, he was probably correct. That comes under the heading I listed earlier about good taste. I still love my first photograph that was published. Because some didn't, so you get this boring, ugly one each week, instead.

Another great thing about writing for Rick is that he has a sense of fairness. He has recently stepped up his own writing in the form of editorials. He has tackled some topics that he hears about before I do, since I often wait to read this newspaper to know what is newsworthy, just like you do. I even pay the same subscription price all of you do. Secondly, when Rick sees something that he feels is inappropriate, he does his First Amendment thing and "lays the smack down". That is exactly what he did last week. I was not going to touch the appointment of Eric Sellers to the Selma Town Council except to say that I believe that he may very well do an excellent job and I hope it goes well for him and for the town. I truly mean that with all sincerity.

It was painfully obvious, however, that the deliberations over whom to select to fill the open council seat had already been done secretly, out of the public eye. If there were any others that were mentioned, then I doubt that they were given serious consideration. Let me expound upon Rick's expose a bit. I personally am on the Citizen's Advisory Committee for the town. Not once have I ever been asked to attend a single meeting for anything dealing with citizens' advising of anything, including filling a vacant seat on the council.

Next, the long standing tradition, as Rick and others who are prominent in this town have pointed out, was that the first consideration was given to the candidates in the last election. There were two men who would most likely have been a "thorn in the side" to the way of our current administration, both of whom were third and fourth out of four candidates. Those two men got within 13 votes of each other. The top two vote getters are currently on the council and were incumbent candidates. The third place candidate, Tommy Holmes, has been in Selma all of his life, I understand. Unfortunately, I also understand that he has not been doing well lately health wise. Tommy, I wish for you nothing but the best and for a full recovery. Hypothetically, had the town leaders not broken from tradition and Mr. Holmes would not have been able to serve, that would have left one person that was on the ballot last election.

God forbid that someone with that much opinion and guts to say what he means in public, much less in print in a weekly newspaper column so that everyone knows what they would get ahead of time rather than being secretive about it, be installed as a town council member. The apocalypse draweth nigh if that should happen, huh?

Never for a minute think that the politics that were played out on the state level with men like Jim Black can not infect a small town like Selma. Like I said, I was not going to tackle this topic originally because it would have seemed self serving. But, since Rick brought it up, it should be held up as an example. I am now getting off my personal soap box...for a few minutes, anyway.

I HATE the law of sin and death

I truly hate that sin had to enter the world through Adam. If for no other reason than the one I just experienced, I detest it. We had a veterinarian appointment early this morning to get one of our cats looked at. He was my baby boy, the most affectionate towards me of the cats we have.

Morris had lost some weight recently. He hasn't eaten as much as normal and has been very much a loner. He also has had a bad ear mite problem, which we had been treating. We took him in today and the vet was alarmed at the fact that he was a bit more skinny than he liked. He cleaned out his ears, but the crud was not real dark. He was not so much concerned about the ear problem as his general health.

He took a blood sample for testing. Before running any other test, we had the feline leukemia test done. The test was positive. He was getting weak and exhibiting behavioral differences more because of the leukemia than anything else. It is not curable, but short term treatable. Since he was getting worse in health (cats hide sickness for quite some time before you would see it manifest) and would be increasingly infectious, we elected to not allow him to suffer and possible infect the others. So, we had Morris euthenized this morning. I just finished burying him a bit ago.

Both Teresa and I are heartbroken over this, and I have been holding back the emotional pain and tears. I still have to work today.

Here is my favorite picture of Morris together with Scottie, when Scott was a kitten. They both snuggled up together next to my shoes. Morris was a good older brother kitty to Scottie. He will be sorely missed.

More boondoggling

If there is a bill entitled "U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act", you would expect there to be legislation regarding U.S. Troops, veterans, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and money for the war in Iraq. I see nowhere in that title a description that includes a federal minimum wage.

I am not going to get into a long discussion on the stupidity of the economics regarding a minimum wage, though the conservative position and proven economics point to getting rid of the minimum wage law, not increasing said wage.

My big gripe is two fold. First, that the President would accept such a bill, support an increase in the minimum wage, and social programs that are contained in the bill. The second is that there are so many topics that are pushed through as riders on bills. A spending bill for the war should ONLY include war funding. Period. Hurricane Katrina (several years later) and the minimum wage have NOTHING to do with the war in Iraq. This sort of political gamesmanship is wrong and should never be allowed. However, it is politics as usual.

From WMPM's news site:

Federal Minimum Wage Increase Close To Becoming Law - An increase in the federal minimum wage law will affect at least 211,000 North Carolinians . Legislation to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour was included in a US House bill entitled U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 that passed last week. The bill will raise the minimum wage by $2.10 over a two-year period. The bill raises the minimum wage to $5.85 sixty days after enactment, to $6.55 one year later, and to $7.25 one year after that. North Carolina ’s minimum wage is currently $6.15. The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 1997, and when adjusted for inflation is at its lowest level in 51 years. The legislation has also passed the Senate as well, and the President said he will sign it into law.

Another "man of the cloth" ignorant of his own scriptures...and the effects of gun control

On Saturday, as part of an Operation PUSH protest at Chuck's Gun Shop & Range, the Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina's Church, urged the crowd to "drag" shop owner John Riggio from his shop "like a rat" and "snuff" him...Pfleger also said lawmakers who vote against gun control legislation also should be "snuffed."

Here is the article.

Kevin Costner is an idiot

The man who played Wyatt Earp is calling for stricter gun control. Huh???

Kevin Costner Calls For Stricter Gun Laws
By Staff
May 28, 2007

Kevin Costner is urging U.S. lawmakers to come up with a series of strict new gun legislation - even if it limits his own shooting time.

The Dances With Wolves star admits he loves to hunt and often heads out with his dogs and a shotgun passed down through generations of his family, but he's the first to admit that America's gun laws are too weak.

And following the recent tragedy (Apr06) at Virginia Tech college, where English student Cho Seung-Hui killed 32 people in what was the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, Costner feels that legislators should get tough with firearms owners, who refuse to accept their practices could harm others.

His movies have tanked in the past decade. So has his intellect.

Another socialist proposing universal health care

Now Democrat Presidential candidate Barack Obama is proposing yet another "universal health care" plan.

Seeking to add heft to his presidential bid, Democrat Barack Obama is offering a sweeping plan that would provide every citizen a means to have health coverage and calls on government, businesses and consumers to share the costs of the program.

Obama said putting in place universal health coverage has been debated for decades, but the time has finally come to act. He said his plan could save the average consumer $2,500 a year and bring health care to all.

Translation: the working class and the rich will be paying through the nose for the health care of others. The poor and those who refuse to/too old to/too feeble to/too young to/too illegal to work will get free health care on the backs of those who are productive members of society.

NEVER be fooled when the article or any politician says that the cost will be shared by government, businesses, and consumers. The bottom line is that the government is paid for by productive, tax paying Americans who do not get back more in government services that we pay in. Businesses will pass the cost along to customers, meaning productive, tax paying Americans. Either that, or wages will be less. And of course consumers means productive, tax paying Americans.

Citizens and illegal aliens alike get free health care if needed, as it is. If they have life threatening illness or injury, all emergency rooms will treat them. If they have serious or even not so serious health issues, all county or city run hospitals will threat them. We see it constantly right here in our little county. It isn't really free, since we taxpayers foot the bill. Even us taxpayers STILL have to pay for hospital care if we use the facilities.

Now that Memorial Day is over...

I am fed up (well maybe that is a bit strong verbiage. How about dismayed by?) with well meaning people saying "Happy Memorial Day" like it was Christmas or Valentine's Day. I have gotten emails, seen billboards, and media with the "Happy Memorial Day" phrase.

This day was meant to be a somber occasion where we remember and pay homage to those who have died in battle in the course of service to the nation. It is a time to express gratitude for and honor their sacrifice. It began informally shortly after the Civil War. There is history of the holiday in that link, should you choose to check it out.

A side note is that I really also get annoyed that people seem to think that it is also a time set aside to honor all military veterans. It is not that honoring them is a bad idea. It is just that the day is specifically set aside for honoring those who have died in the line of duty. We have another entire day set aside to honor all veterans, which is entirely appropriate. I take nothing away from them or their own sacrifices made. I am just as grateful for their service as for those who did lose their lives.

I just have a hard time with a day of somber reflection and honor becoming just a day off, being relegated to a "happy anything" day, and lose its meaning. If you are one who has expressed this greeting, I don't condemn or look down upon you. I am just saying that I will not participate in the belittling of the meaning of the day, just as I don't play with Easter eggs (though some of the candy put out during that time of year is still good. Cadbury knows how to make good confections!) and I refuse to put out any decorations of some big guy with a beard and red suit.

Penn & Teller on gun control

Parts 1-3. Warning, maybe NSFW (not suitable, i.e., inappropriate) language. It was, however, one of their best and most accurate programs they have ever done. If you are a 2nd Amendment supporter, this show is a must see.

NC citizens take it in the...wallet. We still get bent over, though.

In case you have ever wondered what the State of North Carolina does when there is a budget surplus, you need wonder no more. We have already seen it before and are about to see it again. The state is projecting a $1 billion dollar surplus yet again. That means that the taxpayers are being over taxed by $1 billion each year.

Common sense would dictate that the state could lower the tax rate to cover the cost of government. Is that going to happen? Of course not. The state is instead going to RAISE taxes. The John William Pope Civitas Institute has a report out about the cost of government. There are some key points in the report.

1. There is "an alarming trend of rapid growth in state government spending. General Fund expenditures are up 7.6 percent from FY2006-07 and 41 percent since FY2002-03."

2. "In spite of another budget surplus in excess of $1 billion, the House budget extends these [temporary]taxes enacted in 2001" a THIRD time.

3. "This year's version of the House budget also includes more than $94 million in new "hidden" costs for North Carolina's citizens in the form of:
· Fee increases, most notably on the insurance industry
· Corporate welfare, i.e. economic development
· Targeted tax breaks"

4. "The House budget includes a number of fee increases that will impact hard working North Carolinians. The total price tag of these is roughly $28 million"

Who pays for all of these increases? WE do. Here we are with continued, unnecessary taxes and we are going to have an increase in spending, plus even more taxes. Each surplus year, we never get our tax money refunded. We don't even use the overage to pay down government debt. Instead, we get higher taxes and increased spending. Make no mistake. Legislators in Raleigh are just as bad as those in the federal government and want to spend just as badly. Productive citizens pay the price.

The religion of the perpetually offended and intollerant

Islam is certainly not the "religion of peace", as they attempt to spin themselves as. They are the religion of intolerance. I have no problem with the idea of being intolerant towards sin and with exclusivity in practicing one's faith. However, this sort of thing is to the extreme and is entirely the opposite of the image many attempt to portray.

Saudi officials have arrested a man in Mecca for being a Christian, saying that the city, which Muslims consider to be holy, is off-limits to non-Muslims.

Here is the story link for more.

Farrakhan can't have it both ways

Quoting Louis Farrakhan:

"A good Muslim is a Christian, and a good Christian is a Muslim...Even though I am a Muslim — I don’t apologize for that — I’m also a Christian"

Sorry, Louis, but that is an outright lie and heresy. To quote the Religion News Blog,

Christianity and Islam are incompatible. Islam rejects the central teachings of the Christian faith. Therefore, anyone who claims to be both a Muslim and a Christian is either ignorant or a liar.

A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ as presented in the Bible. Islam specifically rejects Jesus as presented in the Bible.

Farrakhan is not ignorant, he is a liar in this case. He is pandering, playing damage control and attempting to present Islam as compatible with Christianity, thereby alleviating fear by the ignorant and weakening further the already weak of faith. It is just another ploy of the enemy.

Enjoy your eternal damnation, Louis.

Like a turd in a punch bowl?

It will be interesting to see how my column goes over this week in The Selma News.

Talk show going well

For all of you who have not yet listened or are aware, things have been going fairly well with my talk show, "Straight Shooting". I have had a regular stream of listeners over the past few months and have also been blessed with a full schedule of guests to be on the show. Some of the topics that I have covered are:

- The Patriot Act (was tonight's show)
- The Rise of America and the constitutional crisis
- The ACLU
- Gun control
- The RMS Titanic
- Should a state apologize for slavery?
- Mormonism - Christian or cult?

Future shows already scheduled include:

- The NC Emergency Reserves
- homelandstupidity.us web site
- Illegal immigration
- americanprophet.org
- The federal income tax system
- The Christian Civic League of Maine and their activities
- Another show with GRNC.org

All archived shows are available via podcasting and streaming audio. If anyone wants a CD version or mp3 of any show, let me know. If anyone wants to be or knows someone who would be a good guest, contact me.

Bad news for American taxpayers

Also from WMPM:

Etheridge Introduces Bill To Fund $25 Billion For School Construction - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) has introduced legislation to provide for $25 billion for school construction bonds. Etheridge introduced the bill Thursday at a press conference in the U.S. Capitol with House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN), the other two primary sponsors of the bill. “As the only former state schools chief serving in Congress, I know firsthand how important quality facilities are to successful schools. In North Carolina our schools are bursting at the seams, and overcrowding impedes the academic mission of our schools," said Etheridge. “This bill will put the federal government to work in partnership with states and local education agencies to build new schools, reduce overcrowding, lower class sizes, enhance good order and discipline in the classroom and improve the learning environment." House Bill 2470, The America 's Better Classrooms (ABCs) Act of 2007 will provide a federal tax credit to bond holders to pay the interest on local school bonds. The state or school district would only be responsible for repaying the principal. The bill will provide federal support in partnership with local officials to leverage about $25 billion in bonds for school construction, which could provide millions in interest-free school construction bonds for new schools in North Carolina . For each $1,000 of school bonds, states or local school districts would save as much as $500 in total payments. Etheridge announced plans for the legislation in April at Aversboro Elementary School in Garner.

Since when is it the federal government's responsibility to get involved with building schools in individual states? The 10th Amendment no longer exists.

Good news for NC citizens

The news article from WMPM speaks for itself.

Eminent Domain Bill Co-Sponsored By Johnston Lawmaker Passed By NC House - An eminent domain bill co-sponsored by Representative James Langdon of Johnston County has been approved by the NC House. By a vote of 104-15, the constitutional amendment now goes to the Senate for consideration. If approved by the General Assembly, it will go before voters in the form of a statewide referendum in the fall. The measure would only allow the government to condemn private property for public use. Some lawmakers who helped get the bill passed in the NC House felt more protection was needed so that property could not be condemned solely for economic development. Some of the opponents to the bill said they felt it would harm local government’s ability to attract new industries.

Frankly said, the opponents of the bill are frickin' idiots.

Saturday's show

My show "Straight Shooting" will feature Paul A. Ibbetson, a published author and lecturer on the Patriot Act.

My schedule is filling up quickly. Here is a run down of the upcoming shows I have booked:

June 2 - NC Emergency Reserves
June 9 - homelandstupidity.us
June 16- Coalition Against Illegal Immigration
June 23- AmericanProphet.org
June 30- John Cryer, expert on the federal income tax and its fallacy
July 7 - Christian Civic League of Maine
July 21- John Landreth (return guest) of Grass Roots North Carolina

Straw poll for GOP Presidential candidates

More cursed ACLU intrusion

An article on the N&O web site:

Any religious text, and not just the Bible, can be used to swear in a witness or juror in North Carolina's courtrooms, a Wake County judge ruled Thursday.

"As of today all people can use the holy text of their choice," said Seth Cohen, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union who argued the case. "We think it's a great victory."

Read the entire article for complete details. I wonder what the reaction will be when someone wants to be sworn in on the Book of Mormon or The Satanic Bible. This is not "a great victory", it is a great regression and reprobation.

The ACLU has interfered with the affairs of government, injected their Godless views for years, and has made war upon the church and our morality for too long. For more information on the war being waged by the ACLU, check out my interview with Nedd Kareiva of the Stop the ACLU Coalition.

Seatbelt freedom

During today's morning and evening news reads, I found two opposite views on freedom and driving. The State of New Hampshire is the only state in the union that allows freedom in choosing whether or not to wear a seatbelt. I prefer that verbiage to that in the Union Leader's article, "New Hampshire is the last state in the country without a mandatory seatbelt law". It looks like the bill to require seat belt usage will be killed in their legislature. Good for them.

I personally ALWAYS wear a seatbelt and have since I first got behind the wheel of a car. I believe it to be a good idea, but also a personal choice.

Compare New Hampshire to North Carolina. According to the WMPM news site, "Local law enforcement agencies are cracking down on safety belt and child passenger safety violations during the annual Click It or Ticket campaign underway now through June 3. Last year, 16,890 safety belt citations and 1,494 child passenger safety citations were handed out."

I wish that the concept of freedom was the primary consideration here in North Carolina rather than getting federal highway dollars and control of the population.

A quote I live by

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

John Quincy Adams
(1767-1848)

Lack of transparency in Selma Town Council meeting process

The Selma News editor Rick Stewart had a good editorial in today's paper about problems with the Selma Town Council and their lack of openness in meetings. They have numerous closed door sessions, plan things in private, and even decided who to appoint to the open council position in private. It was so obvious it was ridiculous. I have not really touched that topic, not wanting to seem self-serving, especially in my weekly column. I wish his editorial was published online so that I could copy and paste it here. If that ever happens, I will post it.

I dropped him a response, some of which I will put here. I am leaving out a few segments so as to not embarrass others.

You were dead on with your editorial in today's paper about the open meeting issue in Selma. I considered addressing it myself, but it would have seemed self-serving to do so. I am sure Eric Sellers will be a fine council member. However, it is my understanding that he was approached to fill the slot by Chip Hewitt...It was obvious that the appointment was thoroughly planned with no consideration given to any others...Rest assured that this is the sort of garbage I will refuse to tolerate if I am elected. These closed sessions, numerous and inconvenient special meetings at odd hours, and behind the scenes wranglings have got to stop.

I saw this one on The Fox News Channel when it aired. Still funny.

Worth the minute to watch

Immigration bill a P.O.S.? Finally someone admits it.

Can it be said of John Boehner, "Behold a House Minority Leader indeed, in whom is no guile"? Personally, I say no. If it were so, he would not have promised to keep quiet. I do, however, give him credit for being honest while injecting his opinion about the proposed immigration bill. Here is his quote:

"I promised the President today that I wouldn't say anything bad about ... this piece of shit bill"

It is hard to disagree with his description.

What about Christophobia?

We constantly hear about homophobia in the media, which is nothing more than a secularistic way of getting people to feel ashamed of standing against homosexuality as being normal or moral behavior. Another group that has been doing the same thing is Islam. The so called "religion of peace" has been doing a lot of public relations spin to make people feel better about their religion. Of course they are never to blame for what they do, and rarely do any Muslims speak out against the attrocities committed by fellow Muslims.

In performing my morning news read, I found this snippet from Neal Boortz's news page. So, people afraid of or not thrilled with the religion of Islam is now an Islamophobe and branded as a terrorist. I can now add that label to the list that I have been given. Notice, though, that it is just fine to hate on Christianity in this politically correct world. Christianity can be banned from schools and the ACLU will attempt to "cloud all up and snow all over you" if you have prayer at a town council meeting but we can use taxpayer dollars to install foot washing basins at airports to specifically accommodate Muslims. Apparently, Christophobia is just fine, but Islamophobia is a terrorist act.

Last week we had a meeting of some group called the "Organization of the Islamic Conference." During their conference the foreign ministers of the member countries decided that they needed, for some reason known only to Allah, to determine just what was the gravest terrorist threat in the world today.

OK ... are you ready? Do you really want to know what these Muslim leaders consider to be the greatest terror threat in the world today?

You asked for it.

The greatest terror threat in the world to day is ...... Islamophobia!

Yup! Now you know! Islamophobia is terrorism! And just how do you define Islamophobia? Well ... it's the "deliberate defamation of Islam and discrimination and intolerance against Muslims." Scares me! Scare you?

You say something defamatory about Islam ... like scoffing at the idea that it is a religion of peace .. and that's terrorism! You show little tolerance for people who call for your death and the death of your country, and that's terrorism! Not only is it terrorism, but it's the worst and most dangerous form of terrorism in the world!

Another article on Selma and the ACLU

It burns me to no end what Godless, Communist heathens are trying to do to our country. That is why I have the content that I do on my talk show. I even did a show on the ACLU. Check it out.

Anyway, here is another article on the last town council meeting, the prayer heard 'round the council chambers, and the ACLU.

I have invited the NC chapter of the ACLU to be on my talk show, but they have failed to respond with even a negative acknowledgment. Figures.

Prayer irks some in Selma
ACLU complaint prompts change in practice

By Jordan Cooke, Staff Reporter

SELMA -- On the subject of prayer, Mayor Charles Hester made a point to be more vocal than usual during a recent Town Council meeting.

Before calling the meeting to order, Hester joked with council members and town staff that they should prepare for a 15-minute prayer. While his invocation lasted only about half that time, the looks on the faces of those listening showed his action had an impact.

Hester, whose town is the subject of an American Civil Liberties Union complaint, took time to thank God for “freedom of religion to pray as we see fit without molestation from outside sources.”

“We go by the Holy Scriptures,” he said. “That is what we use for guidance in our daily lives.”

But not everyone seems to agree. In a letter dated March 21, ACLU lawyer Katherine Parker wrote to Town Attorney Chip Hewitt about a complaint she said had been filed against Selma.

Parker said a citizen had taken issue with how “the Selma Town Council frequently begins meetings with sectarian prayers invoking the name of Jesus Christ.”

She said such prayers would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and asked that Hewitt encourage the Town Council to adopt a policy of non-sectarian prayer.

The problem with that, said Town Clerk Fran Davis, was that Selma had never adopted a policy on prayer at its meetings.

Mayors in Selma had long maintained prayer as a matter of town business, but never adopted a policy regulating the practice, Davis said.

Hewitt said he thinks the ACLU took issue primarily with Selma’s practice of listing the invocation on their monthly agendas. At his urging, the Town Council recently agreed to remove prayer from its agendas and end a practice of asking Christian pastors to lead citizens in prayer.

The changes could be temporary, Hewitt added.

In the meantime, he and the Town Council are watching a lawsuit filed in Forsyth County that challenges that county’s policy on prayer.

Debra Conrad, vice-chairwoman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, thinks the ACLU might be barking up the wrong tree. Conrad said Forsyth already maintains a policy of non-sectarian prayer.

“We feel that our policy doesn’t violate any constitutional amendment,” Conrad said. “Our clerk randomly rotates through all religions. We’ve had clergy from Christian to Hindu to Scientologists.”

“And we don’t ever dictate what the clergy say,” she said. “It’s also my understanding that no court has ever dictated the actual content of prayer. You’re just not allowed to favor one religion over another. Since that’s not our policy, we feel we have a good chance of winning.”

Parker could not be reached for comment.

But should Forsyth lose its case, it could set a precedent requiring all towns and counties to exclude the name of Jesus Christ from prayers, Hewitt said.

Hester said he’s sure the ACLU would love nothing more. “By the end of this I’m sure they’re hoping we’ll all be hung up on our crosses,” he said.

Herald Staff Reporter Jordan Cooke can be reached at 934-2176, Ext. 124, or by e-mail at jcooke@nando.com

Shrek modeled after a buddy of mine

We went to see Shrek the Third this weekend. The animation was just awesome. It was some of the best I have ever seen. Technology has really come a long way. The movie was cute enough with sufficient intelligent humor to keep my mind occupied. All three movies are actually very entertaining.

Anyway, Shrek just reminds me so much of a good buddy of mine whenever I see the character. This movie kept me saying, "Shrek looks just like..." only not so green. You know who you are.

Judge interferes with local ordinance on illegal immigrants

The picture says all the commentary necessary.


FARMERS BRANCH, Texas - A federal judge Monday blocked enforcement of a voter-endorsed ordinance preventing apartment rentals to most illegal immigrants in this Dallas suburb, opponents of the ban said.

The ordinance was to take effect Tuesday, more than a week after voters approved it. Opponents had filed three requests in federal court for an injunction to stop its enforcement.

The ordinance requires managers to verify that renters are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants before leasing to them, with some exceptions. Violators face fines of up to $500, and each day would be considered a separate violation.

Only the federal government can determine whether a person is in the United States legally, wrote U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay.

For the whole article, click here.

A Terminator TV series? About time.

It looks like there is finally going to be a TV series based upon The Terminator series of movies. It looks to be called The Sarah Connor Chronicles. I was watching The Terminator just last night. Cool. Here is a trailer for the series.

Selma priorities seem to be in place

According to "The Selma News", the town budget will put back employee benefits. The benefits were slashed because of budget cuts during a shortfall. Employee benefits are the last place to cut, in my opinion, but it was deemed necessary by the town council last year. Now, it seems that the upcoming budget will restore some of the benefits.

It is a good practice to keep good employees rather than constantly having turn over and training new people. One way of attracting and keeping employees is keeping a decent benefits package. It is good to see that the council is restoring some benefits.

I know that the 2.5% 401(k) contribution seems small, but it was explained to me that the contributions on the part of the town are not like most corporate contributions. I can personally contribute up to 10% of my income into the fund. My employer will match up to 85% of my contribution (it used to be 100%, but 85 is still good). The town does 2.5% of the employee's salary, regardless of the match by the employee. If someone makes $40k a year with the town, even if they make no self contributions, the town will kick in an extra $1000 into the retirement fund.

Here is the story from The Selma News.

Selma budget give back employee benefits

The Selma Town Council moved a step closer to a final budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year during a budget session Thursday at Town Hall.

The proposed budget will include no tax and utility rate increases and even gives back some benefits lost by employees last year.

Town employees gained back 2.5 percent 401K retirement funds to be paid by the town and were each given a 2.5 cost-of-living pay increase.

Ron Paul on CNN Sunday night

He is correct about a non-interventionist policy being necessary and traditional. I would love to see this nation return to such a policy. I still believe more than Paul does that regardless of our foreign policy, we would still be attacked by radical Islam. Nations like Indonesia, Spain, France, and England have all been the victims of Islamic terrorists just within the past couple of years.

Ron Paul on The Federal Reserve System

Shows coming along well

I had a great show this evening on "Straight Shooting". I was talking with John Diamond, author of the book "The Rise of America: Fighting the Next Revolution and the Constitutional Crisis". You may want to listen to it by going to my show host home page and listen. You may even want to get a copy of John's book.

I also have another show scheduled for the next several weeks. Next Saturday night at 6 PM eastern time, I will be talking with Paul A. Ibbetson, a published author and lecturer on the Patriot Act. His book is "Living Under The Patriot Act: Educating A Society". His book details the monumental struggle to bring the most powerful law in the war on terror since September 11, 2001 to fruition.

If you have questions on The Patriot Act, this will be the time to listen and call in. There will be an expert on the show for you to quiz and discuss with someone in the know.

Other shows still on the docket are June 2 with the NC Emergency Reserves; and the author of the web site homelandstupidity.us on June 9th.

Tancredo is probably right

This is a quote from Presidential candidate Tom Tancredo, which is part of this article.

"The president is so desperate for a legacy and a domestic policy win that he is willing to sell out the American people and our national security"

I think he just may be correct. It is a total sell out of our national security, our sovereignty, our citizens, our economy, and our rule of law.

Unsure of who I will vote for for governor

I have my leanings, I think, in the gubernatorial election. The three candidates on the Republican side are Bill Graham, Fred Smith, and Bob Orr. I still remember watching the Boston Bruins play and hearing about "number four, Bobby Orr", so I think of that whenever I hear his name. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoy the fact that Bill Graham is not only somewhat of an outsider, he certainly is not afraid to hit a few topics hard AND put his own money behind what he believes. That says a lot about a man to me.

I don't have anything against Fred Smith at all. He is currently my state Senator. He is not a Democrat, so that is a plus. I have not studied each candidate yet, but will be looking at them all more soon.

I wonder if Salman Rushdie needs a roommate

Every so often I decide to whip out some satire. I have not done a lot of satire in my newspaper column, LaPlante's Rants thus far. My columns have been mostly straight forward opinion. I wonder how many people will actually believe some of what I wrote in today's column. Considering the references to Islam, I am waiting for a fatwa to be issued against me calling for jihad. Perhaps Salman Rushdie needs a roommate.

Upcoming shows

I have several shows already scheduled on my show, "Straight Shooting". Here is what is on the schedule so far:

May 19 - Interview with John Diamond, author of "The Rise of America: Fighting the Next American Revolution and the Constitutional Crisis"

June 2 - Col. Barry Pearce of the North Carolina Emergency Reserves

June 9 - An hour with the founder of the web site, www.homelandstupidity.us

Welcome back

I was all for Selma going to the county police 911 dispatch center. Unfortunately, people get displaced from their jobs when that happens. That is part of life. The town needed to cut budgets and find an efficient method of delivering the same service. A 911 dispatch was entirely appropriate. Now, two dispatchers that were displaced have come back to Selma as police officers. They already know departmental procedure, the territory, the communications system, and their coworkers. That works. As long as we have openings in the police department and they are qualified, then welcome back. It appears that both criteria are well met. From the WMPM news page:

Former Selma Police Dispatchers Return As Sworn Officers - Two Selma police dispatchers, who lost their jobs when the Johnston County 911 Center took over communications from Selma Police on January 1, returned to work Wednesday as sworn police officers. Billy Thomas, who had been a police dispatcher in Selma for 4 years, and Don Wilson, who had worked for 18 months, enrolled in the 16-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy at Johnston Community College . They recently finished over 600 hours of training. Even after losing their communications jobs, they both said they wanted to remain in Selma and continue their law enforcement career. Wilson said he looks forward to his new job. “I’ll get to deal with people in person, rather than just on the telephone.” Selma Police Chief Charles Bowen said Thomas and Wilson should be a good fit. “We already had knowledge about how they would be to work with.”

Just wondering

I just got an email from some Christian organization upon whose email list I have no idea how I was placed. The email basically said that they join with others in sorrow for the "untimely passing" of Jerry Falwell. I have always wondered about that phrase and application. In this case, the man was 73 years old and had heart problems. When would his passing NOT have been timely? When he is too old to walk, is laying in a hospital bed soiling himself because he can't get up to go to the bathroom? When is a death considered "timely"?

Debate voting

I said this after the last debate, even to the Ron Paul web site. Paul is only winning various polls because of a motivated support base, many of whom vote like they would for American Idol. 45 minutes after the debate finish and Ron Paul is ahead in the electronic polls about who won the debate.

Ron Paul did NOT win that debate. He has rabid supporters who are very active on the internet and with text messaging. I applaud their zeal and the Paul campaign for embracing such activism on their behalf. However, just because someone won the polling on Fox News or MSNBC, that does not mean that they have the majority of support or won the debate. I get messages from his campaign begging me to vote for the candidate. Last debate, I did vote for him, since I believe he did win the debate. Not this time, though.

Ron Paul may just have lost the race with his comment on the reason for the 9/11 attacks.

The death of Jerry Falwell

Jerry Falwell passed away today at age 73. Though I was not a huge fan of his, I do wish to give honor to whom honor is due. He had a spine. I have seen a lot of vicious criticism about him today on internet message boards. People have skewered him pretty heavily. Here are just a few comments that I have seen on message boards.

good, now my grandmother that has absolutely nothing can quit sending him money!

I won't lose any sleep over his passing, he was nothing but a hog who took advantage of elderly people.

He was the male version of the "Bertha Better Than You's" we saw every Sunday Morning at services. Can't imagine what the poor SOB is saying to St Peter right about now!

grrrr... i dont like that kind.....of charlatans

pretty much all the TV evangelists are bloodsuckers!

Oh well no total loss to the christian community now he will pay for his sins

he stood up and proclaimed what he believed to be profitable. I personally think most of his public stances were very deliberately calculated and carried out as rallying points to provide him power and money. Greed can be a great stiffener of the spine...

the man struck me as a rank opportunist. And it's very hard for a man of God to play in the mud with the politicians, unless he's already a little muddy himself.

He was not only responsible for "The Clinton Chronicles: An Investigation into the Alleged Criminal Activities of Bill Clinton," it was his idea for the producer to be interviewed in silhouette, claiming to be an investigative journalist in fear of his life. For those of you who don't remember, that was the video accusing Clinton of running a cocaine-smuggling ring as Governor if Arkansas, and killing reporters who tried to expose him.

He argued that racial segregation was God's plan, until it became clear the Civil rights movement was succeeding; then he switched sides.

He blamed, "the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America," for the 9/11 attacks.

He lined up with big business against workers, saying that,"Labor unions should study and read the Bible instead of asking for more money. When people get right with God, they are better workers."

I will give him credit for being one of the few high-profile televangelists who didn't get caught practicing what he was preaching against.

My take on him, and I wrote such is:

Though I certainly have a great disdain for televangelists much as y'all have expressed, there are some good things I can actually say about Falwell.

Whether you liked him or hated him, he was one of the few men who stood up and proclaimed what he believed to be true. Whether he was right or not may be another matter, but the fact is that he had the balls to take a stand and stick by it.

He got involved in areas that few Christian leaders dared in modern times by actually getting involved in world affairs and political activism. He had a belief that America should be a certain way and worked (rather effectively) towards that end.

I didn't agree with all he said and did, and I had several WTF moments listening to his comments. None the less, I have to admire his courage to stand up and take a stand for his beliefs.

For those who share the same world view, it is easily understood. For those who don't, it is easy to criticize and condemn. Falwell didn't have the sort of scandal that others on TV did, nor quite the extravagance. There is a reason for that. That is not to say that he was perfect in his ways, but it is testament to his character.

Just saw the GOP Presidential debate

The 90 minute debate just finished. There were a couple of good lines. One was about Congress/Republicans spending money like John Edwards at a beauty shop. The second was by Tom Tancredo about trusting "conversions" of position on the road to Damascus, not on the road to DeMoines. Good lines.

I saw Rudy Giuliani and McCain both had a problem with not answering the question posed. Another candidate did the same, but I can't remember which one. I sat and commented a couple of times to the TV "but you didn't answer the question that was posed".

Probably the least quizzed candidate was Ron Paul. I normally like Paul, and agree with most of his positions. I even partly agree with his position about the true conservative position of non-intervention in our foreign policy. I do strongly disagree with him, however, that the main reason for the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 was because of our presence and intervention in the Middle East. Sure, it was a contributing factor, but certainly not the main or only reason. The truth of the matter is that radical Islam is evil. They hate freedom loving people. They consider us infidels. The western culture was built on primarily Christian philosophy. The teachings of their religion demands the death of Christians and infidels. They vow to kill us. Period.

Sorry, Rep. Paul, but this is one particular with which I strongly disagree with you. I agree that we have to get out of the 130 countries in which we are spread. We need to change our foreign policy dramatically. However, our presence just is not why the Muslims hate us.

Make no mistake, the so called "war on terrorism" is a war on radical Islam.

I guess that I have been classified as a potential terrorist

A few quotes from the two source pages I am linking you to
1 and 2:

In Alabama, it seems, promoting gun rights can also get you branded a domestic terrorist.

Some of the things for which you should be reported as a suspected terrorist include the usual things, like weapons of mass destruction, and hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and Neo-Nazis, but also includes people who “Make numerous references to US Constitution,” “Claim driving is a right, not a privilege” and “Attempt to ‘police the police.’”

“Anti-government” groups, explained Alabama's affiliate of the Regime's Homeland Security Apparat, “usually believe [that] Gun Control = Enslavement ... the Constitution has been subverted ... The U.S. has lost its sovereignty

Help support Basic Needs

I recommend everyone help support Basic Needs Ministry/Cleveland Township Emergency Food Pantry. Ron Still works his butt off (last time I saw him, his butt was smaller from all the work) to help people with food, clothing, and other assistance as needed. Check out his web site and visit the thrift store. The site speaks for itself in all the good work that Basic Needs has done.

Here is another way to help "chip in" financially for the good work he and his volunteers do.

Enough in taxation already

When is enough going to be enough? When are people going to get so pissed about taxes that they are going to say something about it? When are politicians going to learn that we the people are not an endless supply of cash for their pet spending projects? When will we run the well dry?

This article from the N&O says that we are nowhere near "enough" apparently.

There are at least 46 bills introduced at the General Assembly that would grant local governments new taxing authority. Six counties -- Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Pasquotank and Perquimans -- have had a 1-percent land transfer tax in place since the 1980s.

SENATE BILL 610

SPONSOR: Sen. Janet Cowell, D-Wake

Provides Wake County with additional revenue options: a 1-cent local option sales tax divided equally between school construction and transportation needs, county school impact fees, and a land transfer tax of up to 1 percent. All three options require voter approval.

HOUSE BILL 1142

SPONSORS: Rep. Jennifer Weiss (D-Wake) and Rep. Deborah Ross (D-Wake).

Authorizes Wake County to levy a local land transfer tax of up to 1 percent for school construction. Must be approved in voter referendum.

SENATE BILL 1516

SPONSOR: Sen. Bob Atwater (D-Durham, Chatham, Lee)

Authorizes all North Carolina counties to enact a land transfer tax of up to 1 percent if approved by voters in the individual counties.

HOUSE BILL 153

SPONSOR: Mickey Michaux (D-Durham)

Authorizes all cities and counties the ability to levy a menu of local tax options if approved by voters: a 1-cent local option sales tax, local government impact tax, local government meals tax, local government occupancy tax, and a local government land transfer tax.

This is just wrong.

I noticed several problems with the bond referendum that was voted upon yesterday. I noticed that there were campaign signs all over the county, but there was no mention of who paid for the signs. The small print was only showing the company that printed them. Billboards on major roads were the same way, and bore the logos of the county school system and community college. However, there was no indication of who paid for the billboards.

Now, there is yet another questionable development in the referendum ballot process. There is an alleged misuse of the school system's information dissemination equipment to drum up support for the bonds. This is akin to having a staffer for a Congressman or state government official do campaign work while on the payroll of the government.

Here is the WMPM news story:

Use Of Automated Call System By School Principals Irks Some Parents - Every school principal in Johnston County has access to an automated call system that enables them to record a message, then dial up home phone numbers of students and have it delivered. The system was put into place to notify parents about PTA meetings, report cards, and other school activities. However, several parents contacted WMPM after receiving the recorded message asking them to vote for the $99 million school bond referendum on Tuesday. Crystal Roberts, Public Information Officer for Johnston County Schools, said Superintendent Dr. Tony Parker authorized every principal to send messages to households reminding parents of the vote. Roberts said the principals did not direct parents how to vote, but merely raised awareness of the bond. Meadow School Principal Frank Swinyer told WMPM, "I think every school sent out one. We are just asking (parents) for support. It was no big thing." One parent, who supported the school bond on Tuesday, said they still felt it was a misuse of the call system, comparing the phone call from his child’s principal to that of a telemarketer.

I wonder if this will ever stop. Supt. Parker was was wrong to authorize the use of the publicly owned system to deliver such information, and it was certainly wrong for schools to encourage people to vote for the bonds with that system.

They never met a bond they didn't like

The bond referendum vote results from the Johnston County web site

THESE RESULTS DO NOT INCLUDE ONE-STOP OR ABSENTEE VOTES.
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . .4,650

SCHOOL BONDS
You may vote for 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,625 . . . 78.86%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 972 . . . 21.14%


COMMUNITY COLLEGE BONDS
You may vote for 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,666 . . . 79.35%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 954 . . . 20.65%


PARKS AND RECREATION BONDS
You may vote for 1
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,564 . . . 77.13%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,057 . . . 22.87%

According to The Smithfield Herald:

The school bond vote will allow the county to borrow $99 million for the construction of elementary schools east of Clayton and Princeton, high schools in the Corinth Holders and Cleveland communities, and additions and renovations at other schools across Johnston County.

The community college vote will enable the county to borrow $10 million for the construction of a new library and a student center. It will also fund improvements to a health building at Johnston Community College.

The parks and recreation vote can lead to $3.7 million for new parks, fields and other facilities.

Thank you, Mr. Hester

The Selma Town Council met this evening, as normal. Despite the earlier policy passed by the council to bow down to the wishes of the ACLU, Mayor Hester opened the meeting with prayer. There was no announcement of a policy reversal by the Council that we don't know about. If the Council did so, then kudos to them. If Charles Hester did it on his own, then bravo for him.

The press was given a copy of letters to/from the ACLU. I would love to read them at some point.

One thing that I was not fond of at the meeting is the town's receipt of a grant from the USDA for small business development. It is not that I have a problem with the town receiving funding. It is that the funding is even being offered to begin with. It is our tax dollars that are being given away. $75,000 was just this one grant for one town in one year. Other towns get larger or smaller grants. Multiply this by thousands of towns across the nation every year and you can see a large pit into which our federal tax dollars are illegally poured.

The idea is that the town will receive the money and then lend it to a local business for capital improvements, start up costs, and general business development at a low interest rate. I understand the benefits of that concept. I understand what small businesses go through to an extent, having owned a couple of them myself. However, I see NOTHING in the U.S. Constitution that allows such programs to even exist. Actually, I see the specific prohibition of such programs.

The sad thing is that these grants will be given anyway, with or without Selma. If some town is going to get the funding, it might as well be our town. I just hate it when our tax dollars are spent like this, though. It is such a shame and the founding fathers would wig out over things like this.

In another act, the Council appointed Eric Sellers to fill Jeff Weaver's open spot on the Council. I do not personally know him, but I understand that he is respected in the community. I wish him well and that he will rise to the occasion.

My top choice, hands down

This was funny. He is indeed a villain.

Voting and amazement

I did go and vote on the bond referendum today. The ONLY questions on the ballot were for the school bond, the community college bond, and the recreation bond. There was at least one no vote cast for each today. Turn out was light. By 1:30 in the afternoon, I was only voter number 27.

Here is an article on WMPM's news page:

Low Turnout Reported In Bond Referendum Vote - Low voter turnout is being reported across Johnston County for three bond referendums, that if approved would support public schools, the community college, and area recreation. The largest, a $99 million bond, would support the Johnston County School System. School leaders had requested a $144 million bond, but commissioners approved a leaner bond package. The $99 million, if approved by voters, is in addition to $15 million the school system will receive this summer from the sale of bonds approved during a 2005 referendum. A portion of the funds from Tuesday’s bond issue are earmarked to pay for new Princeton and East Clayton Elementary Schools , which could be opened by August 2008. A $10 million bond to pay for new classrooms at Johnston Community College will be decided by voters today. Finally, a $3.7 million recreation bond is on the ballot. If approved, it will help municipalities around the county, plus a half dozen athletic associations, to fund recreational needs. County leaders said the $112.7 million bond package is all that can be funded without a tax increase. Polls will remain open until 7:30pm.

While leaving the polling place parking lot, I saw something I have never seen before. The Goodyear Blimp was hovering over eastern Selma. I had never seen one in person before. It moved around for a little while in the area. I wished that I had a camera on my person real bad. I whipped out my cell phone, which has a so-so digital camera and snapped two pics. This was the better of the two. The zoom on that camera is horrible.

Vote today

In Johnston County, we vote today for or against the school and recreation bond issue. For those who throw out the old "we won't have to raise taxes to pay for the bond debt" concept, I am sure the voters in Forsyth County heard that one, too. NEVER believe that lie! Oddly enough, that is the same county that is faced with the same ACLU problem that we have here in town.

Baffling

This chat actually happened just a few minutes ago. There is one person I know with whom I have a regular IM conversation. Bless her heart, she really means well and I like her. Here is an ACTUAL conversation we just had online.

2 interesting points in French election

From the BBC article:

Conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy has won the hotly-contested French presidential election. The final count gave Mr Sarkozy 53.06%, compared with 46.94% for socialist Segolene Royal, with turnout at 85%.

I have two observations from that quote at the very beginning of the article. One is the obvious, that a socialist has been defeated in France. Nice start. Good for France. It is about time. Don't surrender after that first real victory.

Next is that the turnout was 85%. 85 out of every 100 voters actually went to the polls and voted in France. We are lucky if we get 10 to 15% here sometimes. Tomorrow, we have a referendum on the ballot about passing school and recreational spending bonds. They will pass, as they always do. I am still voting against them, as I usually do. But my point is simply that we will have nowhere near the 85% turnout. Even in a Presidential election, we won't get that sort of participation here in the U.S. Apathy, sheer apathy.

This has been my view of the war in Iraq from the beginning

This clip was recorded at the Presidential Debate at the Reagan Library and aired on MSNBC on May 3rd, 2007. Ron Paul is my top choice for President. Here is a clip I like of one of his answers.

Seen this one before, but was reminded of it today.

Soooo...you like big bore rifles? Looks like fun to me.



OR if you prefer rock to classical music:



And for entertainment, our men in Iraq take out a sniper. Whoah! NSFW language, though.

Tell the ACLU to go pound sand.

From WMPM's news page:

ACLU Forces Selma To Remove Prayer From Council Meetings - The Selma Town Council has changed how they pray at each meeting after the American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint with members. The ACLU said someone had complained to their organization that Selma officials begin each council meeting with prayer. Following a closed session in April, the council agreed to remove prayer from meetings. However, board members could pray a non-sectarian prayer as a private citizen without any problems. After the decision was made to remove prayer from public meetings, many Selma residents said they were disappointed council members bowed down to the ACLU request without putting up a fight. Until the council changes it new policy, future meetings will no longer be opened with prayer. Mayor Charles Hester is reportedly rethinking the council's decision and also keeping a close eye on a legal battle over prayer at public meetings in Forsyth County.

Listen to why you should we wary of the ACLU and its devices. Listen Sunday night to my internet talk show, "Straight Shooting".

There is no such thing as a hate crime

The House of Representatives has passed an "expanded hate crime" bill. Basically, it makes it an additional crime to attack someone because of their sexual orientation.

Hate crimes are bogus. It does not freakin' matter what the motivation is for harming another person. We already have laws against assault, communicating threats, murder, and the like. What difference does it make what someone was thinking when they performed the act? Why is a crime to think a certain way? Why do we need or even want "thought police"?

I don't care if someone attacks another person because of just plain maliciousness, because they don't like homos, or don't like a particular race. Does it make it any more heinous to beat someone into unconsciousness because the perpetrator hates a particular classification of people and thought horrible, evil thoughts while doing it? Does it make assault any worse of a crime? What difference does it make what someone thinks while beating the crap out of someone else? The end result is still the same.

If someone gets murdered because that person is stalked and shot by a bigot, Skinhead, Black Panther, or homophobe, does that make the victim any more dead because of what the murderer was thinking at the time of the killing? Murder is already illegal.

Furthermore, since when is it the federal government's business to regulate areas that are already covered by state laws?

Hate crimes are not necessary and are just a political "feel good" act of little or no substance meant to garner votes and provide the appearance of doing "good deeds".

Well, GOOD for Joe

I applaud this man's conviction and courage to stand for what he believes. I wish we had more men like this in our nation. Shame on the Crown Coliseum management for their stupidity and dishonor. Watch this video to see what I am talking about.

WARNING: NOT safe for dial up connections.

I think pedophiles and sex offenders are scum, BUT...

Though I believe that sex offenders are generally scum and that the death penalty should be used in many cases for their offenses, we simply don't do that in this nation. The state and nation have decided via the legislative and judicial process that these offenders have to serve prison time and/or deal with the justice system on a continual basis. There is already a sex offender registry in the state. Now, there is a bill to ask for more privacy infringement.

A state Senate committee approved a bill that would require sex offenders to register their e-mail addresses and any screen names they use on chat sites or for instant messaging. Though I understand the reasons for such a thing, I find it ridiculous. It is extremely easy to get as many free email addresses as you want all over the internet. I personally have seven or eight that I use regularly for different purposes and can easily get more. I have access to several others right now. How is the state going to enforce this?

Screen name registration? IM handle registration? Unless the state monitors all web traffic going through someone's computer, there is no way to enforce this. For instance, I have five different IM identities on different services with a few more available to me if I want to activate them. I have numerous message boards and chat rooms I use from time to time. I add different services for my use as I see fit. How in the world can this be enforced?

All it takes is going to the local library, wireless hotspot, or coffee shop and the concept of tracking one's ISP usage is out the window. There are also programs to make my web presence untraceable if someone wants anonymity. I have used a few of them before myself.

Then there is the entire 4th Amendment argument about unreasonable search and seizure. It is indeed unreasonable to have complete submission of one's entire life and privacy on the internet for government scrutiny. As my mother says, "That's just ruckin' fidiculous". If a person has complied with the lifetime stigma of being on the sex offender registry and the restrictions on where he/she can live as well as served the time for the crime, then in the eyes of the law and fairness, they should be left alone. Released murderers and violent offenders don't go through this much scrutiny. Not all sex offenses are heinous or violent, either. Some are simply being with someone who is underage (even if both parties consented to the act) or were false rape accusations. Then the offender has to pay for this the rest of his/her life? They served their time but have to give up all privacy for life?

Sorry, Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison, I disagree with you that this is "a good idea".

You pansies!

Previous editions of "The Selma News" were not able to report all the details about the ACLU case whereby the Godless heathens at the misnamed ACLU want the town to stop praying at the opening of each town council meeting. I wrote a column for the paper on that topic after reading the news story, which was run last week.

The story in today's paper says

Town Council went behind closed doors last month to talk about "possible litigation" from the ACLU. During that closed-door meeting, Council agreed on a policy that would eliminate starting Council meetings with prayer "in Jesus' name."

The policy adopted by the Council in closed session and relayed to the ACLU says the town will remove prayer from its agenda and it will not be part of public business. It agreed, and so stated to the ACLU, that if prayer is held it will be done by the Town Council members prior to the public meeting and that the prayer will be delivered "as a private citizen and according to the dictates of their own conscience" and, furthermore that any prayer given by the Council "will be non-sectarian".

The letter was sent by the town's attorney, Chip Hewett, on April 12, two days after Council decided on the policy.

But, since then Mayor Charles Hester said he is having second thoughts about the policy Council came up with.

Hester told The Selma News that he likely will bring the issue up and ask Council to rethink it.

Hewett told The News that Selma does not want to be a "test case" on bucking the ACLU and is watching to see what happens in Forsyth County, where the government also has received a complaint about prayer from the ACLU.

I am glad that Mayor Hester is rethinking this one. Stand up with a spine, Charles, and don't let this one go. You have an open spot on the Council. Have me appointed to that position. I am going to run for office in November, anyway. I will stand by you on this one. Some things are worth fighting for. There are groups like the ACLJ and the ADF that are willing to take up the fight. Don't just be a pussy and sit by, waiting for the outcome of another fight on the other side of the state. Get some spine and let's fight this thing. If we can work with the ADF, it will likely not cost us anything as a town. Don't bow down to the worldly, heathen, God hating ACLU.

I just learned about the policy decision by reading today's Selma News. I was peeved, to say the least. My wife was calling the Town Council a bunch of whimps after hearing the news, and justly so.

By the way, I will have a guest on my next issue of "Straight Shooting" to talk about the ACLU. Nedd Kareiva is the founder of The Stop the ACLU Coalition. The show will be live on the net Sunday night at 6PM at this link.

New life for an old friend

I am a happy camper at the moment. I wonder how long it will take for someone to kill that mood. My old computer has been running extremely slow. I have had to stop programs, especially Firefox. Firefox is notorious for taking up a lot of memory as time goes on. My old computer is an IBM NetVista I bought refurbished in 2001. It only had 128 meg of RAM, an 800mHz processor, and a 20 gig hard drive. It was a lot faster than the computer I was using at the time and was not bad for its time. Over the years, this computer has served me well.

For several months, the computer has been running pretty slow and causing me to send forth many horrible verbalizations in its direction. I have been cussing out this slooooow computer for months and threatening to replace it with a new one. I bought a new laptop in November and really didn't want to buy another machine yet.

Some time ago, I researched the cost of a memory upgrade for this machine. The max it can take is 512 meg of RAM. The cost of just another 128 meg stick was around $80 because of the fact that it was an older machine and the specific memory for this machine was hard to find. Last week, I found that The Memory Store had much cheaper memory prices now. I picked up two 256 strips for about the same cost as I had previously found for just one more 128 meg strip.

Just a few minutes ago, I checked the mail, found the package from The Memory Store, and I was happy. I just added the new memory and it now boots faster, runs programs faster, and am elated. My work laptop has the same amount of memory and operating system, and runs much faster than this one did. Now I am looking forward to better performance from my old buddy. By the way, the picture shows the same sort of tower in black. Mine is actually beige instead of what you see in the picture, but you get the idea.

I have been resistant to ditching this computer since I am familiar with and still like Windows 2000, all of my email, web page authoring software, audio software, and better audio card are on this machine. Anyway, back to smiling and working on other things.