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Annotations & Elucidations 

A Nice Deep Breath

Computer problems hamper today’s blog offerings, but I’ve managed to eek out a News Stand. Wasn’t much going on statewide — it’s a good time to take a deep politics breath and relax after the last several months. One item of note is that Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli announced his transition plans. Otherwise, we found an article from Politico.com about the robo call Chuck Colson made for us (hear it here) — lil’ ol’ us in a major national blog like that! We have a few pre-election leftovers and lots of great commentary about the election results from around the country, as well as ongoing health care “reform” coverage. Take it all in . . . and breathe easy . . . for a while, anyway.

News:

*Colson urges vote in VA (Politico.com)

Cuccinelli transition team includes onetime McDonnell legal adversary (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Court order issued to stop review of Beach absentee ballots (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

GOP House gains intensify competition in N.Virginia (Washington Post)

Democrats doubt depths of Amiral’s private pockets (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Kaine to teach law, leadership after term (Washington Times)

Long-distance call from Alaska? (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Liberty University students head to the polls (Lynchburg News & Advance)

National News:

Southern Dems cast wary eye over election results (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Democrats’ concerns over abortion may imperil health bill (Washington Post)

‘Kill the bill’ protesters target health care (AP/GOPUSA.com)

House health care vote set for Saturday (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Senate blocks census citizenship question (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Democrats fear triple blow on Election Day (Christian Science Monitor)

Commentary:

Is the Republican Party Going RINO Hunting? (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Written off by the Media, Republicans Win Big! (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Wow! Look At What the Establishment ‘Republican’ Just Did (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Republican Leaders Seeing the Light and Going Conservative? (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

White House Postelection Arrogance (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

The Death Of Deliberative Democracy (Michelle Malkin/GOPUSA.com)

Blueprint For GOP Victories (Linda Cahvez/GOPUSA.com)

NY23: What It Meant And What It Didn’t Mean (John Ellis/GOPUSA.com)

Better Or Worse? (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

A Stomach Ache For Our Sponsor (Brent Bozell/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations 

Close Of Business, October 2009

Another month, another campaign draws toward conclusion. Where does the time go? Where does life go? A sign of the times: Campaign news is light today. Everyone is expecting an anti-climatic GOP blowout. But will it be? What about New Jersey and the special Congressional election in upstate New York? If the Dems pull those out will that blunt any GOP resurgence nationally otherwise gained from a Virginia sweep? If the numbers hold, how many Republican delegates will win? Retirements alone guarantee a large freshman class in January.

About today’s headlines: The Richmond Times-Dispatch gets up close and personal with the LG candidates and the Washington Times already is analyzing where Creigh Deeds went wrong. Why is it always where Creigh Deeds went wrong? Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli have done a lot right. Meanwhile, political soothsayer Dr. Larry Sabato offers his predictions on the election.

Nationally: It’s unfortunate that several pastors in Washington, D.C., are supporting homosexual “marriage” there; the AP reports that, indeed, abortion funding is in the health care “reform” bill; and sociologist Brad Wilcox of U.Va., and The Family Foundation Marriage Commission, caught the AP’s attention with his research that faith helps marriages!

In Commentary, Dr. Thomas Sowell offers part two of his “Dismantling of America” exposition, the first part of which we posted earlier this week, and which drew considerable praise from Rush Limbaugh, among others. Also, a skin care company is using fetal cells in its product; Tim Kaine’s DNC has selected as a finalist in a contest promoting the health care bill a video that desecrates the American flag; and a high ranking Obama administration official reveals her “ultimate expression of self-righteous victimhood.” This is the weekend we move our clocks back and it gets dark earlier. How appropriate.

News:

Candidates for lieutenant governor come with different backgrounds (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Republicans rally supporters in Lynchburg as Election Day nears (Lynchburg News & Advance)

Money, missteps cost Deeds in polls for gubernatorial race (Washington Times)

Deeds makes stop in Roanoke (Roanoke Times)

National News: 

Health care businesses at risk in House overhaul (AP/OneNewsNow.com)

Believe it or not . . . abortion funding is in health care bill (OneNewsNow.com) 

Sociologist: Faith benefits marriage and family life (AP/OneNewsNow.com)

Pastors unite to support same-sex marriage in D.C. (Washington Post)

Analysis:

So who’s going to win? (Dr. Larry Sabato/Center For Politics)

Commentary:

Dismantling America, Part II(Thomas Sowell/OneNewsNow.com)

Desecrated Flag Video Is Finalist In DNC Contest(Tasha Easterling/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Got Waste? No Surprises There (Jeremy Wiggins/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Skin Care Company Using Fetal Cells In Anti-Wrinkle Cream (Jeremy Wiggins/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Obama Advisor: We’re Just Speaking Truth To Power (Tasha Easterling/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Annotations & Elucidations 

The Day After

Wow! What an evening last night! We’ll have a review and other highlights later, and hopefully some video later in the week. Mike Huckabee brought down the Greater Richmond Convention Center with an inspirational speech filled with philosophical overtones overlayed with moral and Biblical principles, capped with a moving exposition as to what happens when people stand idly by and ignore the events around them. We have coverage from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog and The Shad Plank Blog.

Meanwhile, President Obama is in Norfolk today to campaign for Democrat Creigh Deeds. If he’s truly the chosen one, he should be able to raise this campaign from the dead, right? As he passes the gates of D.C. into Virginia, the POTUS will see a new Post poll that shows Republican candidate Bob McDonnell stretching his lead to 11 points. He leads in campaign donations, too, the latest filing reports show.

In Commentary, Thomas Sowell looks at the dismantling of America, Bobby Eberle excoriates Republicans and the president, and Richard Olivastro reports on an “under God” button controversy. There’s more, too, as well as a full National News section. Read up! We’re only a week away.

*McDonnell leads Deeds in poll, cash (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

*Huckabee draws a crowd in Richmond (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

*Huckabee in Richmond tonight as Del. Oder snags award . . . (The Shad Plank Blog)

McDonnell’s edge over Deeds grows stronger (Washington Post)

Heading into homestretch, McDonnell has more cash (Roanoke Times)

Competition for 17th District House of Delegates seat in home stretch (Roanoke Times)

National News:

No guarantees on Senate health bill’s public plan (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Long-term care insurance program gains in the House (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Pelosi: ‘There’s got to be a better name for this’ (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Senate Leader Harry Reid faces tough re-election (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Obama admin concerned about freedom of speech (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary:

Dismantling America (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Obama’s War On Fox Is Liberalism’s War On Dissent (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

‘One Nation Under God’ Button ‘Terminated’ (Richard Olivastro/GOPUSA.com)

Scratch Another GOP Candidate Off The List For 2012 (Doug Patton/GOPUSA.com)

Message to Republican Leaders: Get a Clue! (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Obama Bails Out When Asked About Fox News (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations 

Story Telling Time For Kaine And Shannon

More of the same in state news today, except for one article, so we added lots of commentary and news on national goings on. A great cadre of writers, from Michele Malkin to Walter Williams to Thomas Sowell weigh in on issues of the day. Malkin and Tasha Easterling take on the White House for taking on Fox News in the digital-era of enemies lists. Dick Morris and Eileen McGann look at the Obama weapon of choice — pessimism. Plus, there are several news stories on health care legislation (children are defined as being as old as 27), praise for homosexuality, opposition to praise for the “Obama song,” Bible verse bans and an update on a girl who has accepted Christ and run away from her Muslim parents. 

Now, about that one article on state news: It seems that DNC Chairman Tim Kaine is at it again, using state time and offices to advance political causes — this time, to help Democrat attorney general candidate, Delegate Steve Shannon, re-write recent history. Either way it’s a Kaine boo-boo: If Kaine’s story is true, he’s helping Shannon in a dubious way. If it isn’t true, then Kaine and Shannon have concocted a story to cover up for Shannon’s lack of depth in understanding the impact of the Melendez-Diaz decision on Virginia, and the need for this summer’s special session.

News:

McDonnell up by 7 points in poll (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Poll: McDonnell maintains lead in race for governor (Northern Virginia Daily)

Virginia Governor Election: McDonnell 50%, Deeds 43% (RasmussenReports.com)

Governor acknowledges talks with attorney general candidate (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

McDonnell says he won’t renew ban on discrimination against gays (Lynchburg News & Advance) 

Deeds and McDonnell Target McDonnell Image (Washington Post)

Mudslinging starts in 51st District race (InsideNoVa.com)

National News:

House bill would require ‘kids’ to be covered to age 27 (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Health care legislation back behind closed doors (AP/OneNewsNow.com)

Bible verse ban spawns ‘wave of support for Christ’ (OneNewsNow.com)

State custody step for Rifqa “just a guise’ (OneNewsNow.com)

Parents voice opposition to Obama ‘praise song’ (OneNewsNow.com)

Homosexuality not a ‘civil right’ (OneNewsNow.com)

Commentary:

Who’s Behind the White House War on Fox News? (Michele Malkin/GOPUSA.com)

White House Goes After Fox News (Tasha Easterling/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Pessimism: Obama’s Political Ally (Dick Morris & Eileen McGann/GOPUSA.com)

Magic Numbers In Politics: Part II (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Academic Dishonesty (Walter Williams/GOPUSA.com)

Lurching toward Sodom  and Gomorrah (Bryan Fischer/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Wealth Redistribution On Steroids (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations 

The Return Of The Editorial Comic/Twisted Tax Logic

When a friend sent me a comic today today, I thought it would make a good addition to the blog. Then I remembered that I used to provide a link to one or more editorial comics each week. So, enjoy. You don’t even have to click a link to get to it.

The big news in the campaign today is Democrat Creigh Deeds’ continuing saga of twisted tax logic. He put up a television ad, then pulled it because he realized it didn’t make much sense for Mark Warner to talk about Deeds lowering taxes yet continuing his (Warner’s) policies (which raised them considerably). Yes, not too clear (see here).

Nationally, the Supreme Court will hear a case about Crosses in the Mojave desert. In Commentary, we have the excellent Thomas Sowell writing on the Obama administration’s reputed brilliance, Bobby Eberle about the same’s indoctrination of our children, and Bart Hinkle about property rights (or, the government trying to take them away). But, in what may be the most entertaining piece today, aside from the comic, is an article from the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot about socialists — who say they are misunderstood. Let them talk to the Obama administration.

News:

GOP candidates tout controlled spending, budget reform (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Jindal boosts McDonnell; Linwood Holton backs Deeds (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Howell decries Deeds’ tax plan for roads (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Deeds New Ad Makes Mark Warner a Liar, Quickly Takes it Down (BearingDrift.com)

Deeds gambles on riding Obama’s coattails (Washington Times)

Campaign issue No. 1 (Virginia Business Magazine)

House candidates face off during evening forums (The Daily Press)

Socialists say their true beliefs are being misconstrued (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

National News:

The Old Secular Cross? (Washington Post)

Public plan debate could pit Democrat vs. Democrat (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary:

Roanoke: Eminent-Domain Case Looks Like Kelo Redux (Bart Hinkle/Richmond Times-Dispatch)

The Brainy Bunch (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

O.K. kids . . . Today’s lesson: Sing Praises to Obama (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Editorial Cartoon:

Annotations & Elucidations 

AP Truth Squad, Distilling Pelosi

After yesterday’s super-sized edition, much of today’s news is of the national variety, including some spot-on commentary. Among the most eye-catching articles are one in which the Census Bureau reports on the change in lifestyle brought on by the recession, including the delay of marriage; a Muslim girl who ran away from her parents because she converted to Christianity will have her day in court; and Florida school officials are cleared in a case brought by the ACLU over a meal blessing.

Elsewhere, the AP comes out with its second fact check in two weeks disputing claims coming directly from President Obama’s golden tongue (see first one here). Yes, Mr. President, your “reform” is a giant tax increase, even if you can get David Letterman to believe otherwise. The AP better watch itself if it keeps reporting the truth. Thomas Sowell writes about facing advantages and disadvantages in life by recounting his own upbringing. Truly inspirational and a must read.

Bryan Fischer examines the dirty connection between the National Education Association and ACORN. If you are a NEA/VEA member and still need a reason to leave this union, please take a look (or forward to someone who does)! Bobby Eberle, Jeremy Wiggins and Dick Morris take more looks at Obamacare, but from different angles (economic, medical and political); while David Limbaugh looks at the administration’s ambition to ram through legislation so vastly opposite the desires of the country. Finally, Eberle and Wiggins distill Nancy Pelosi’s crocodile tears.

News:

Bolling touts jobs during visit here (The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

New ads by Deeds use foe’s ‘89 thesis (Roanoke Times)

New Deeds ad wagers big on McDonnell’s 1989 thesis (The Daily Press)

Dems critique Hamilton’s spot on money committee (The Daily Press)

National News:

Census: Recession had sweeping impact on US life (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Political asylum suggested as remedy for Rifqa (OneNewsNow.com)

Obama, Clinton fundraiser indicted (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Senators to start work on revised health care bill (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Senators urge Treasury to end bailout program (AP/GOPUSA.com)

School Officials Cleared in Mealtime Prayer Case (Tasha Easterling/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Analysis:

FACT CHECK: Coverage requirement enforced with tax (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary:

The Underdogs (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com) 

Obama At Odds With Majority But Undeterred (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

NEA: Big time supporter of ACORN (Bryan Fischer/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Yes, Mr. President . . . It’s a TAX! (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

The Cost of Government Health Care — For Doctors (Jeremy Wiggins/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Obamacare: Losing Everyone  (Dick Morris/GOPUSA.com)

Pelosi ‘Frightened’ by Free Speech (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Pelosi’s Crocodile Tears (Jeremy Wiggins/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Annotations & Elucidations

Virginia’s own, Republican Whip Eric Cantor, makes the national headlines, again, with his rebuttal of the administration’s analysis of its “stimulus” program. He says it ain’t working. Speaking of money, the commonwealth is going to report more bad news tomorrow on revenue projections on which to fund the budget, which means more cuts are on the way by the DNC Chairman, Governor Tim Kaine.

As Chris wrote in the previous post, Democrat gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds has yet another position on abortion. First, it wasn’t going to be an issue. Then it became an issue for everyone. Now, it’s one only for the poor. See the analysis by J.R. Hoeft at BearingDrift.com.

There’s a lot else going on. Of course, health care, which is all consuming, it seems. But there’s a new angle — the White House invasion of your e-mail. Bobby Eberle and others discuss it, as well as the thought-cop in chief, the new “Diversity Czar.” Then, there’s the AARP, deservedly losing members for flirting with siding with socialized medicine and rationed care for its own constituency! Plus, don’t miss the always great Thomas Sowell’s take on it. We also have more on the Obama Justice Department trying its best to undermine the Defense of Marriage Act in a underhanded way.

For those who think only the left knows how to generate engaged communities of activists via the new media, 600 conservative bloggers and online activists gathered in Philly last weekend at the Right Online conference. Rachel Alexander has the exciting details. We have several commentaries on the old school activism — town hall style.

Finally, our thoughts and prayers go out to American Family Association Founder Don Wildmon, who is in the hospital suffering from meningitis. He was in intensive care, but his son reports improvement.

News:

Assembly hears the bad news tomorrow (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Virginians Divided On Obama’s Actions (Washington Post)

McDonnell pays visit to UVa, touts affordable tuition plan (Charlottesville Daily Progress)

Va. Northern Neck GOP Embraces Crabill — Again (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

2 more Republicans say they will challenge Perriello (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

National:

Obama disses marriage law as Justice defends it (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Cantor: Stimulus not working as advertised (AP/GOPUSA.com)

White House says it did not send unwanted e-mails (AP/GOPUSA.com)

AARP loses members over health care stance (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Christian leader hospitalized with meningitis (AP/OneNewsNow.com)

Analysis:

Deeds supports abortion for only the poor? (J.R. Hoeft/BearingDrift.com)

Say Hello to the Diversity Czar (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

600 Pack out Right Online conference last weekend (Rachel Alexander/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary:

Whose Medical Decisions? (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

From Tea Parties To The 9/12 Project, Americans Are Challenging The Government (Thomas D. Segel/GOPUSA.com)

Obama’s Thought Police Invading Your Inbox (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Towhall Power! Americans Making A Difference (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Grades Are Good When Grading Yourself

In the queue today is the governor. According to the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, he’s grading himself on handling the disastrous budget problems, kind of like how some candidates this past spring, during the nominating contests, issued news releases quoting themselves as winning debates. Brilliant.  But isn’t Governor Kaine grading himself on the budget something akin to a guy causing a car wreck taking credit for saving his victim’s life? Just asking.

Also re: the governor: The Washington Post’s look at his unique position during the campaign — “not on the ballot, but on the spot.” Clever word play, but no matter how you phrase it, at least as of now, the campaign is a referendum on Virginia and national Democrats who, again according to the Post, still are running against former President George W. Bush. I thought the Dems were the party of the future. Speaking of blame, the policy party also is trying to make something said by Virginia GOP Chairman Pat Mullins into something it’s not. Where have we heard something similar? Oh, yeah, yesterday.

In our Commentary section, liberal Richard Cohen decries the “hate crimes bill,” with very good sense. The always brilliant Thomas Sowell takes apart socialism and the equally brilliant Walter Williams explains liberty. For his part, David Limbaugh demonstrates that as much as Barack Obama is spending and printing money at our expense (and borrowed Chinese money, too), one thing he can’t afford is the truth on “health care reform” —and most Americans wouldn’t buy (if we had the money) what he’s selling anyway.    

News:

Kaine’s Not on the Ballot, Just on the Spot (Washington Post)

Gov. Kaine touts his handling of Virginia’s budget cuts (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot) 

Democrats in Va. Still Running Against Bush (Washington Post)

McDonnell Awaits Rest Stop Reply (Harrisonburg Daily News-Record)

State GOP leader’s remarks decried (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Bell Is The Early Favorite In 20th (Harrisonburg Daily News-Record)

National News:

Dems vow health bill with or without Republicans (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Public passions are rising on health care overhaul (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary:

The Folly of Hate-Crime Laws (Richard Cohen/Washington Post)

Utopia Versus Freedom(Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Who may Harm Whom? (Walter Williams/GOPUSA.com)

Obama Can’t Afford To Tell The Truth On Health Care (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

Lots of campaign news today, as one might expect, as Brian Moran racks up more endorsements, and Virginia Republicans gear up for their nominating convention this weekend. But most of the big stuff concerns yesterday’s California Supreme Court decision upholding that state’s recently ratified constitutional amendment defining marriage as a between one man and one woman, and President Barack Obama’s selection of U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

There are several good articles and commentaries on these subjects in the National News and Commentary sections below. Also, please read Bobby Eberle’s rejoinder to retired General Colin Powell regarding his campaign to minimize conservatism in the Republican Party. Finally, be sure to read about a bill one congressman has introduced that would make 2010 “The Year of the Bible” — and his co-sponsors include members of both parties, as well as Christian and Jewish members. 

News:

Virginians critique nominee (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Moran picking up local support (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star) 

Democrats’ Inside Man Steps Into Spotlight (Washington Post)

GOP hopefuls for Fralin’s House seat hold forum (Roanoke Times) 

McDonnell backs Mullins for chairman of state GOP (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

GOP will choose slate of state candidates this weekend (Winchester Star)

LU Democrats club to meet with Falwell today (Lynchburg News & Advance) 

National News:

Calif. Ruling Shows Hurdles Remain for Gay Marriage (Washington Post)

Don’t expect smooth sailing for Sotomayor (OneNewsNow.com)

For Sotomayor, discrimination case likely issue (AP/GOPUSA.com)

2010: The year of the Bible? (OneNewsNow.com)

Commentary:

‘Empathy’ in Action (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Sotomayor: Racial Politics and Making Policy (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

To Gen. Powell . . . Just Where Have We Gone Too Far To The Right? (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

From one of our favorite economists, Don Boudreaux, who is chairman of the Department of Economics at George Mason University, in one of his famous “One Minute Economic Lessons” — this time, to The Washington Times.

16 November 2008

Editor, The Washington Times

Dear Editor:

Challenging the myth that society would be improved if governed by “intellectuals,” Thomas Sowell says that “It would be no feat to fill a big book with all the things on which intellectuals were grossly mistaken, just in the 20th century” (”‘Intellectuals’ are posers,” November 16).

Such a book has already been filled. Paul Hollander’s “Political Pilgrims” documents the gullibility, the boundless capacity for self-delusion, and the ecstatic fetish for Great Leaders displayed throughout the 20th century by large numbers of American and European intellectuals.* These Smart People cheered the Soviet Union, applauded Mao, drooled over Castro, celebrated the Sandinistas — all the while dismissing those persons suspicious of centralized power as “anti-intellectual.”

Of course, consistently these “anti-intellectuals” were proven right as the heroes of the “intellectuals” were revealed to be blood-thirsty b@$^@%#$. Is there reason to suppose that the “intellectual’s” still-intense libido for Great Leaders and Big Plans is today any more rational than it was during the tragic episodes documented by Hollander?

Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Chairman, Department of Economics
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

* Paul Hollander, Political Pilgrims: Western Intellectuals in Search of the Good Society, 3rd ed. (New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers, 1997).