The American Spectator

Ken (Old Texican)| 9.7.10 @ 6:42AM

Mr. Lord
Thank you for that.

You know, the thing that blows my mind is the "seeming" percentage of so-called adults in this country that STILL have not gotten the message.

One part of my mind says that they are merely stuck on stupid.
Another part whispers that many of them have just decided to tag along with the (illusory) gravy train.

Since I am not Alan, I have generated a "synthesis" in my mind (ie: I can connect three dots without holding up fingers.)

The elections this fall should already have been declared a "blowout" defeat of the communists,(pardon the shorthand), with nearly a wholesale turn-over in both Houses and in the State governments.
The limiting factor seems to be the timidity on the part of too many Republican officials.

If we get a House away from the ,(pardon the shorthand), we are going to have to STAY busy with LOTS of carrots and sticks on a daily basis.

uncle curmudgeon| 9.7.10 @ 8:11AM

Right on, Ken! It's th Augean Stables all over again up in sunny Washington, D. C. Just because we unload the first pile of manure (pardon my shorthand) this November doesn't mean the job is done. Let's vote for the best electable candidate, and then KEEP SHOVELLING. Remember: compost is "green".

uncle curmudgeon| 9.7.10 @ 8:11AM

Right on, Ken! It's th Augean Stables all over again up in sunny Washington, D. C. Just because we unload the first pile of manure (pardon my shorthand) this November doesn't mean the job is done. Let's vote for the best electable candidate, and then KEEP SHOVELLING. Remember: compost is "green".

Anneke9| 9.7.10 @ 12:11PM

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I know a lot of those folks who still have not gotten the message. They are in various parts:

- lazy and ambitionless (they won't work for what they want, someone richer should give it to them),
- filled with jealousy and envy (that other people have the lives, jobs, houses and possessions that they would like to have but aren't willing to work for
- naive and childlike with a preference for living in a mythological fantasy world rather than challenging themselves mentally and emotionally by critically looking at the world as it is rather than how they wish it to be.

These people are perfectly happy to have the Nanny State provide for them and will willing submit to the yoke of tyrants for a $20 bill and a free ride.

Alan Brooks| 9.7.10 @ 10:08PM

"Since I am not Alan, I have generated a "synthesis" in my mind (ie: I can connect three dots without holding up fingers.)"

Maybe, but publik skools in Texas are still worse than the ones I went to.

Alan Brooks| 9.7.10 @ 10:56PM

... that is to say, I wont ever move to Texas-- good news for you and very good news for me.

ol' goat| 9.8.10 @ 5:09PM

Alan,

Could 'ya add North Carolina to the list of places you promise not to move?

Appleby| 9.7.10 @ 7:18AM

Too bad John Lennon isnt still alive -- because the Democrat Theme Song is his weenie anthem *Imagine*.

Imagine the world without everything that makes life worth living. Look out your window and you can see it coming over the hill if you try.

Joe Oliva| 9.7.10 @ 1:06PM

Except when it came to money, and then of course, the Beatles fought each other over it. Fools everyone.

As for those who still want the nanny state, there just is no convinving them. I have talked till sunrise and they just don't understand why the government shouldn't do all these womderful things for us. I guess they fall into the "naive and childlike" category. What a mess we have on our hands.

Sadly, we are guilty for allowing it to get this far, but then, we needed AlGore to invent the Internet so we could actually keep track of these corrupt elites. Let's stick with it until we replace every single one of them.

Nunya| 9.7.10 @ 5:39PM

Correction:

Al Gore didnt' invent the internet.
He invented Global Warming.

;-)

scotchieguy| 9.7.10 @ 7:24PM

You are both wrong. Algore was the 5th Beatle--just ask Sir Paul.

IzeHavitt| 9.8.10 @ 7:49AM

Hey Joe, I may know why the rank and file Leftie still doesn't get it; "why the government shouldn't do all these wonderful things for us...." Joe, they've been dumbed down, especially constitutionally. If they'd been taught the Constitution of the United States, they would then know that the preamble states that, among other things, the Constitution was ordained and established to "provide for the common defense, and PROMOTE the general welfare. Both the mainstream media and the Dems have distorted these truths to the end that that rank and file Leftie has it precisely backwards concerning these two purposes. They think that the government is supposed to promote the common defense and PROVIDE the general welfare.

Alan Brooks| 9.7.10 @ 10:22PM

"we are going to have to STAY busy with LOTS of carrots and sticks on a daily basis."

Now that is for sure-- you will have to dance around like a GOP puppet on a string..

D. Singh| 9.7.10 @ 7:44AM

Sir

Mr Lord seems to suggest that Magna Carta (The Great Charter of England) is an exclusive part of the British heritage of liberty, security and freedom:

‘Whether it was the English Magna Carta in 1215 that forced King John to grant a charter of liberties and rights to his subjects…’

May I remind Mr Lord that Magna Carta is also a part of the American heritage? The colonists brought along with them knowledge of Magna Carta through such magisterial legal works as Lord Chief Justice Sir Edward Coke’s ‘The Institutes’. Colonist (and American) law did not emerge from within a legal vacuum.

There is a part of the great field of Runnymede, where the wicked King John was forced to concede rights to his subjects, that is a part of the sovereign territory of the United States of America. Indeed, members of the American Bar Association come to pay their respects annually.

And for the delight of your younger readers who may be thrilled with this knowledge here is Clause 29 of Magna Carta (which, I am sure, they will recognise as facilitating due process):

‘No free man shall be taken or imprisoned, or be deprived of his freehold, or liberties, or free customs, or be denied, or exiled, or any otherwise destroyed; nor will we pass upon him, or condemn him, but by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land. To no man will we sell, to no man will we deny or delay, justice or right.’

However, today, I deeply regret to inform you that this most ancient of our precious rights has been destroyed by the fascist imperial power, the European Union, through the European Arrest Warrant.

The torches of freedom, security and liberty (that once shone so brightly) are being snuffed out right across Europe.

Jeffrey Lord| 9.7.10 @ 9:45AM

DSingh..

"Mr Lord seems to suggest that Magna Carta (The Great Charter of England) is an exclusive part of the British heritage of liberty, security and freedom:"

Not so...I'm suggesting that each individual contribution to freedom contributes to the larger fight. The Magna Carta is a cornerstone of this...while indisputably English...it was in fact a huge advance for the cause of freedom everywhere...as was the Declaration...

D. Singh| 9.7.10 @ 10:04AM

Mr Lord

Thank you for the clarification.

Radegunda| 9.7.10 @ 2:25PM

Seeing the destruction of the great British heritage is one of the most tragic and shocking developments in history. I applaud all those who are standing up to defend the British tradition of lawful governance.

Deborah D| 9.8.10 @ 4:32AM

Bless your soul, D. Singh. I grieve for the England of my ancestors and the Western Civilization of Europe that seems to be on a suicide mission. Wishing you only good things.

Louis Jenkins| 9.7.10 @ 8:06AM

Unfortunately I consider McCartney a left wing pinko, but even a blind hog can find an acorn once in awhile. Obama does have it backwards.

"that the rights of man come from the generosity of the state -- and who cares about the hand of God."

Let's right the wrong, make good the promise of God, and vote the demons out this Nov. To do less is un-American.

Thinker Right| 9.7.10 @ 8:52AM

Wow. Is there anything the right wingnuts won't try to hijack?

ds80| 9.7.10 @ 9:15AM

Ha-ha-ha! hijacked! You're a non-sequiter, Thinker Right.

For too long the sniffy Ruling Class sanctimoniously, patronizingly, looked down their collective noses at the masses.

Kinda sucks now for them, and you ... you know we can see November from here. And we're patiently waiting in confidence.

Thinker Right| 9.7.10 @ 9:30AM

Non-sequitor? What does your comment have to do with anything?

You don't even know what the words "non-sequitor" mean.

Bilwick| 9.7.10 @ 10:19AM

How is liking this song "hijacking"?

Albert| 9.7.10 @ 10:58AM

Try "non-sequitur." Spelling is important.

Fredrick Ward| 9.7.10 @ 1:01PM

non-sequitur - An inference or conclusion that does not follow from the premises or evidence.

Hence, since you didn't get it, your nick name, I believe, is what he is referencing. Someone with the nick name of "Thinker Right" who happens to be a liberalistic left thinking individual is non-sequitur. I happen to agree with ds80 on this matter.

Occam's Tool| 9.7.10 @ 4:25PM

No, Right thinker, YOU are a non-sequitor.

Non sequitur (Latin for "it does not follow"), in formal logic, is an argument in which its conclusion does not follow from its premises.

Your comments are non-sequitors. More humorously, since it is also a term in literature, YOU are the non-sequitor.

Occam's tool| 9.7.10 @ 4:27PM

I'm sorry, I misspelled "non-sequitur," too. My apologies.

ds80| 9.7.10 @ 9:21PM

Forget it, Thinker Right, it's over your head.

Oh .. but try this, since you claim to know what I do/do not know: can you tell I think you're one of those sniffy sanctimonious fools?

Albert| 9.7.10 @ 11:52AM

Exactly what is it that compels you to be a LEFT wingnut? And what do you mean by "hijack?" Do you mean like Leftists in government using the uncontrolled power of government to "hijack" my money in the form of abusive taxes? Or do you, as a LEFT wingnut, consider my money to be really yours? Or perhaps belonging to the "collective?" Funny how LEFT wingnuts are ready to TAKE what belongs to others, but have precious little to GIVE. It is axiomatic that the right wing PAYS taxes and the LEFT wing collects taxes. It was for the same reason that John Dillinger robbed banks: "Because that's where the money is."

Radegunda| 9.7.10 @ 2:34PM

Was it your impression that McCartney was singing about freedom only for left-wing nanny-statists and potheads? Most people probably thought he meant freedom for all Americans.

Leftists might say "freedom" as a vague slogan, but history demonstrates that leftists--including your boy in the White House, and the whack-jobs you elected to Congress--really don't value freedom very highly. That's what this article is about, but evidently that point didn't penetrate your thick skull.

Impeach Don't Wait| 9.7.10 @ 8:41PM

It always eludes me what it is about conservativism that leftists find so revolting. What do conservatives want: Respect for life, freedom of thought, belief and speech, freedom of self-determination, freedom of ownership, freedom from governmental domination. And that's the short list. Seems like the kind of stuff every stoner could go for. It's a slam-dunk for me! What in the world does the other side have that's so attractive? Sharing the wealth??? Is that ALL?!!

Petronius| 9.7.10 @ 9:10AM

Oh, the trolls are gonna hate this. The Left is free only when they get to enslave everybody else. Pop another balloon, Jeff.

Anthony| 9.7.10 @ 9:23AM

Like most Leftists, McCartney is good at mouthing words that fit the moment. However, it's just for the moment, as was the "unity" that America experienced after 9/11.
The Left soon made sure to tear at the fabric of unity with their outrageous cant of "Bush's war for oil". And on it went.
Being the useful idiot that he is, McCartney can't appreciate the justaposition of his song to the juxtaposition of his actions, and those on the Left, that have a very selected taste for freedom.
Maybe McCartney will write a song praising all the good work George Bush did for Africa, that the Ds never did. It'll never happen from this "fool on the hill".

Bob Grant| 9.7.10 @ 4:20PM

Nice comment about McCartney "...mouthing words that fit the moment. However, it's just for the moment, ..."

This mindset applies not only to useful idiot icon's of pop culture but to a large percentage of the voting public.

These people make up about 10-15 percent of regular voters who feel the need to vote but don't have the intellectual capacity or discipline to understand what/who they are voting on/for.

Like McCartney, they float along the political spectrum not fully understanding the issues nor the people they support. They'll support whatever sounds or look good at a particular moment, which of course, is subject to change with no particular reason.

This small group - also known as swing voters - holds the fate of every election in their collective hands. THEY are the ones who ensured the election of Obama.

They are the ones who hold the fate of the election in November, with McCartney and his ilk as their guide(s).

Are you still sure about the outcome of November's election?

I'm not!

KyMouse| 9.7.10 @ 9:31AM

A year or so ago, Smithsonian magazine had an item about Yoko Ono (she of the dead-mackerel voice) planting "a tree for peace."

Why is it that such people always talk about "peace," but not freedom? How about planting a tree for freedom, Yoko, or doing something far more significant to promote freedom?

Let's see: There is the peace of the grave...the peace of people who can't move because they are in chains...

David Shoup| 9.7.10 @ 9:50AM

I was a BIG Beatles fan in the 60's. Had every album from Revolver onward. Listened so much that I memorized the lyrics. The earlier stuff was only for screaming teenage girls. BUT, I will walk out on a singer who does "Imagine", because it is an insult to someone who adores God, loves his country, and practices the free market. I have never considered Paul McCartney an intellectual nor a critical thinker. So is anyone surprised? He should have contracted out his feminine affection instead of marrying that gold digger too. It would have been much cheaper.

Bob Grant| 9.7.10 @ 4:52PM

"He should have contracted out his feminine affection instead of marrying that gold digger too. It would have been much cheaper."

Funny. You mean he should have gone Charlie Harper, as in Charlie Harper from Two and a Half Men.

Kelly Staples| 9.7.10 @ 10:13AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the cretins who brought down the Twin Towers have "God" on their side, too?

D. Singh| 9.7.10 @ 10:45AM

It is you Left-liberals that encourage such acts. Once you convince them that all religions are the same – their doubts about their own religion diminish and then they grow in confidence; as Christianity flees from the public square (from the intolerance of the Left-liberal) the vacuum is filled by another religion.

Thus, indirectly, the ideology of the Left-liberal encouraged it.

Do pay more detailed attention.

Ken (Old Texican)| 9.7.10 @ 10:45AM

Kelly,
Well now...they know for sure...in fact they have known for almost 9 years if God was on their side.

I must wonder though, are all of their 72 virgins horney young males?

TR| 9.7.10 @ 11:15AM

No, they acted in the name of "allah" and if you have done your homework, you would know that "allah" is NOT the God of Israel. "Allah" is a pagan god and the Koran is a violence instruction manual.

Stephanie| 9.7.10 @ 11:53AM

That act Kelly, was NOT of God. They are fanatics and the fact that you would kill 3000 innocents and say that it is in the name of God, is in itself fanatical. Get it?

TR| 9.7.10 @ 11:03AM

This problem that McCartney displays (and a quick caveat - I have been a big Beatles fan since 1965, just not a fan of their politics) is typical of liberals in general.
They display disdain and often complete hatred for the nation that provided them with the platform to disagee (try their antics in China or Cuba and see what happens) but when a tragedy happens, they are suddenly patriotic for a little while.

I had always displayed a small American flag on my desk, and I have never hidden my pride in being a veteran and of my love for country. The desk immediately across from mine was occupied by a nice woman from Minnesota. She was also very liberal, as many MN residents are. We disagreed on almost every issue politically. She was vocal about her dislike of our nation and its past.
Then 9/11 occurred. I have never seen someone so quickly become conservative. All she talked about was how great GW Bush was, how proud she was to be American, how our nation was so great. I said to her "It is great that you have finally realized what I have said for years. Now, here is the difference betweeen us - in a couple of months you will have faded back into your old ways of America and Bush bashing. I will still be a strong and unwavering patriot."
And, just like the Democrat politicians at that time who wrapped themselves in patriotism for a couple weeks, she reverted back just as quick.
I will never forget.

pete66| 9.7.10 @ 11:43AM

TR....First, THANK YOU! for your service. Second, that woman From Minnesota probably didn't realize that what she was feeling after 9/11 was patriotism or love for her country. Being from Minnesota myself , I can tell you that for the last 40 years, our Educational System and mass media in the Land of 10,000 lakes has been slowly killing our sense of pride. From National pride all the way down to a soccer game for 5 year olds. It's a bad thing to want to win, be the best at something or stand up for yourself...if you feel good about yourself, it might make someone else sad. And we can't have that now.

But now, when I talk to people here in Mn, the feeling is decidedly different. This administration and people like Sir Paul are slowly opening up eyes that have been shut for a generation.

In approx. 60 days we will see just how many eyes have been opened. And it looks pretty good from here.

scotchieguy| 9.7.10 @ 7:36PM

How soon they forget. Maybe we need another bombing to remind us of how fragile our liberty is. Don't really wish for it, but ...

Peter McGrath| 9.7.10 @ 11:20AM

"These are no longer Europeans or Asians, Latinos or Africans in this country. They are Americans, and they refuse to have some updated, modernized you'll really-love-this-one version of the same bit placed in their mouth that drove their family member near or far to simply throw the whole damn thing over and head for America."

Mr. Lord, thanks for that. Many Americans are far removed from the pernicious forces that drove their ancestors to these shores, to hack out a living as strangers in a strange land.

When the Federal Government takes control over something as simple as a contract for insurance - a bargain struck between a citizen and a private corporation - we're feeling the bit pull hard, and being reminded of just how it feels when the State demands control over your life.

It's one thing to make a hash out of the postal service, or capital markets, or to destroy the real estate markets, but the play by the Feds for control of health care was beyond the pale for most of us.

The pitch-forks are out of the barn, the torches gleam with oil, the tar is heating up and the feathers are gathered.

The bastards will pay for what they've done. Freedom will herd them into early retirement, and then oblivion, where they belong.

Nunya| 9.7.10 @ 5:54PM

I pray you're right. Unfortunately, I am not convinced that we've awakened enough people to make a difference. Most of our countrymen are asleep at the wheel, or are actively working against what our Founders put together. Add to that the fact that our educational system fails to teach our history, or critical thinking any more, and our people know more about Brittany's latest fling than what is in our Constitution or Bill of Rights. It's a very sad time for this country.

albert constantine, jr.| 9.7.10 @ 11:39AM

While I believe the record confirms that McCartney and the rest of the Beatles considered themselves lefties, when it came to paying for all of the largesse of the UK's Labour Government, I believe they expressed themselves in their song "The Tax Man". Like so many liberals, they seem to prefer that others pay for the generosity of their good feelings. I imagine that applies to paying the cost for freedom (which is rarley free).

scotchieguy| 9.7.10 @ 7:46PM

Speaking of which, Dennis Preger promised to devote some major time on Lennon's "Imagine"...perhaps an entire show. I'm a huge Beatles fan, and an even bigger Lennon fan, but I have always had a problem w/ the tune. "Imagine no possessions. And no countries too. Imagine no religion...it isn't hard to do." Man, this guy was a seriously mixed up dude. All that talent. All that intelligence. All that mindless BS. Such a great band he started. Such a witch he fell in love with that helped destroy that band. Or, maybe, it was just Paul's ego. Maybe John just got bored, and used Yoko to do his dirty work.

Eugene Phelan| 9.7.10 @ 1:51PM

When President Truman was asked what it was like leaving office, he stated that he considered it a promotion. From public servant to private citizen. If Sen. Boxer ever tried her elitist rude behavior on me, I could honestly state.: "Yes, Senator, I will address you as "Senator". You are an elected official, a public servant working for me; who's taxes pay for your salary and expenses. You will address me as "SIR". Is that clear enough for you, Senator?"

Radegunda| 9.7.10 @ 2:38PM

Actually, I've been looking forward to an occasion to address her as "Hey, Barbie."

Peter McGrath| 9.7.10 @ 6:13PM

How 'bout Ms. Babwa Dumbasaboxofrockser. Can't wait for the nitwit to find her way in the private sector. Knowing her, she'll lobby for the Sierra Club.

scotchieguy| 9.7.10 @ 7:47PM

How about "Bitch?'

ts| 9.7.10 @ 2:33PM

Good point Eugene. Given the opportunity (unlikely) I shall do the same. Every time I hear of that episode with Sen. Boxer I can't help but think of Mike Meyer's Dr. Evil character getting miffed for the same thing. The irony is palpable!

Michele San Pietro| 9.7.10 @ 3:50PM

Well, Paul McCartney is definitely a great musician, but I wouldn't attach too much importance to him politically.

Seek| 9.7.10 @ 4:02PM

Macca is a great musician, but I wouldn't put too much stock in his ability to convey political wisdom. Then again, that's not his job. We don't expect political philosophers or pundits to go out and make records. Call it the division of labor.

Stephen| 9.7.10 @ 5:02PM

Great sentiments...absolute crap of a song.

FeralCat| 9.7.10 @ 5:44PM

He's a real Control Freak Man
Ruling in what he wants to be a vassal land
Making all his controlling plans
For everybody

Doesn't listen to an opposing point of view
Control Freak man, ruling all he thinks is his purview
Control Freak Man, he had better listen
He don't know with what he's messin'
Knows already just what he wants to do
Doesn't he seem more and more like Hitler and Mussolini to you?

He's a real Control Freak Man
Ruling in what he wants to be a vassal held land
Making all his controlling plans
For everybody

He's as blinded by his lust for power as he can be
Just sees what he wants to see
He's got such a God complex point of call
Control Freak Man can you even see America at all?
Knows already just what he wants to do
Doesn't he seem more and more like Hitler and Mussolini to you?

He's a real Control Freak Man
Ruling in what he wants to be a vassal land
Making all his controlling plans
For everybody

About Control Freak Man we should all worry
To destroy all America built he is in a hurry
If he controls everything his fascist way
It will be a forlorn day
Hes going to leave it all a mess
Anyone of sound mind must confess

He's a real Control Freak Man
Ruling in what he wants to be a vassal land
Making all his controlling plans
For everybody

Yosemeti Sam| 9.8.10 @ 12:04AM

Yo - webmaster!

How about freedom from these 'Pingback' crap?

Doing anything about fundamental password protection as well?