McCain/Palin Rally in the KC Area!

My radio show will be an encore today because I'm off to hear Sarah Palin speak at a rally today!!

Sarah Palin Cartoon Fest!

It had been awhile since I had checked Townhall's cartoon site and I found a bunch of gems. The top two are my favorites.

I've also got a bunch of great articles to link to, but I'll have to update this post with them later today.

Palin is a Huge Victory for Conservatives!

As many of you know, I was in a deep depression on Super Tuesday of this year. The writing was on the wall that McCain was going to be the Republican nominee. The pep completely left this right wing cheerleader. I had nothing left to cheer for.

So, I assessed the political scene and thought about what influence I had left. I was stuck with McCain, what could I do? What card did I have left? I had the VP card, that was my last stand. I quickly found that I was not alone in this thinking. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Tammy Bruce, I and many others said over and over again that it was crucial for McCain to pick well. The problem was, I had absolutely no confidence that McCain would. Yet, I continued to hammer away.

I took a lot of heat for not toeing the party line and not jumping aboard the Straight Talk Express. Yet, I refused to do so, until I saw some sign from McCain that he cared about the conservative base. It is now very obvious that it was because of people like me, Rush, Sean, Tammy and all the other conservatives that McCain chose Palin. A friend sent me an email where he said that he had talked to someone at the RNC who said that it was because of us, the conservative base, that McCain had picked Palin.

If those of us in the conservative base had just jumped aboard the straight talk express, McCain very well might have picked Lieberman. So guess what conservatives? We picked Sarah Palin. How awesome is that? And as Rush said yesterday, she is the new leader of the conservative movement. Whether we win or not in November, we've got a wonderful new leader.

Governor Sarah Palin Smorgasbord

Video Hat Tip: Hyscience

1) Newt is on a roll again in the above video. Someone from the Drive By Media was whining about Palin having a thin resume and Newt just gave it to him. He was right and it was great to see.

2) The liberal left would like you to think that Evangelicals and Conservatives are going to abandon Palin because her 17 yr. old daughter is pregnant. Nothing could be further from the truth. While the Drive By Media and liberals are having a feeding frenzy about it, the conservative base still loves her and it will be a non-issue pretty soon. Here are some excerpts on what people are saying about it that I found at Hyscience:

"This is the pro-life choice. The fact that people will criticize her for this shows the astounding extent to which the secular critics of the pro-life movement just don't get it. Those who criticize the Palin family don't understand that we don't see babies as a punishment but as a blessing. Barack Obama said that if one of his daughters made a mistake and got pregnant out of wedlock he wouldn't want her to be punished with a child. Pro lifers don't see a child as punishment."--Dr. Richard Land, President of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

"Look, this development will actually be positive for the most part with Evangelicals. First they hear that Sarah Palin chooses the life option even though she had a Downs Syndrome baby and once again the family (and Bristol) has chosen the life option in this recent case. That's a double "ca-ching". Let's call this the Evangelical daily double. If anything, this whole situation will probably make more people around the country relate to her and her family. It makes them more real. Will there by some turned off by the whole pre-marital sex thing? Of course but this type of story doesn't sink her at all with Evangelicals."--David Brody

3) Patrick Buchanan actually wrote something I agree with for the first time in awhile. Here is how he opens his latest column:

"The risk John McCain took last Friday is comparable to the 72-year-old ex-fighter pilot knocking back two shots and flying his F-16 under the Golden Gate Bridge.

McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his co-pilot was the biggest gamble in presidential history. As of now, it is paying off, big-time."

4) Why Sarah has the X Appeal! This is a good comprehensive article that was written about Palin. Here is how Oliver Harvey concludes his column:

"Many pundits believe her addition to the Republican ticket will make the race with Obama’s Democrats go to the wire.

What is certain is that the sharp-shooting mom from the wilds of Alaska won’t go down without a fight."

American Idol Concert in KC!

I've been so excited about Sarah Palin that I haven't had a chance to talk about the American Idol concert. Last Friday night, my oldest daughter and I and 2 of our friends went to the American Idol concert here in KC at the Sprint Center. The only reason I was even interested in going was of course, David Cook.


I ended up enjoying it and having an even better time than I expected. Each of the top ten idols had a chance to sing some solo numbers and then there were 2 group songs. My friend and I agreed that there was a reason Chikezie and Ramiele were at the bottom of the pack. There was a big difference between their performances and the rest of the group. I enjoyed Carly, Brooke and Kristy Lee and felt that they had all improved since the show. Syesha and Jason just aren't my cup of tea and then there is David Archuleta. I just can't get over his immaturity issues. He can sing, and if I don't picture his face I do okay, but otherwise its hard to enjoy him.

My friend and I's favorites were definitely Michael Johns and David Cook. The crowd response dramatically changed when Johns came onto the stage after Ramiele and Chikezie. Johns has a great stage performance, he has an awesome voice and how can you not love the Aussie accent? I think he will do well and has similarities to Cook and Daughtry.

Then there is David Cook. He is the reason that both Friday and Saturday nights' concerts were sold out. Everywhere you looked people were wearing David Cook t-shirts. When he came onto the stage the crowd reaction was incredible and it didn't stop. Cook was moved by the fan support which just makes you love him all the more.

He said he had 2 apologies. One was for Michael Johns who mistakenly thought he was in Kansas ;-). The second was for him having to keep hiking his pants up because someone stole his belt the night before in Oklahoma City. He praised his Mom (she has to be incredibly proud) and he sang a hero song and dedicated it to his brother Adam, who has brain cancer.

Timothy Finn's conclusion to his review of the Saturday concert says it all:

"And as for David Cook: Part of him must be chomping at the bit to get this gig over with and move on to his own material, his own band, his own career. His hometown gave him a spectacular reception, but he also showed he has the talent and personality to make it big elsewhere. I'll be surprised if he isn't at least as big as Daughtry. And if he gets bigger, Saturday won't be the last time he rocks the Sprint Center."

Governor Sarah Palin's Experience!

Liberal Talking Point #1--
Governor Sarah Palin doesn't have enough experience to be McCain's VP.

Every time I hear the liberals whining about Palin not having enough experience I just laugh. I keep thinking of what my Mom said, "I can't believe they are saying this with a straight face."

Newt Gingrich is on a roll. First he came up with the extremely popular, "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" campaign. Now he does an awesome job of pointing out how Palin has more experience than Obama. I heard him talk about this on Hannity's radio show but he basically says similar things in the above video when he was on Fox. Take the time to watch it. Below I will try to list the points that he makes in the video.

Newt Gingrich's great case for Palin's experience:

First of all, Palin has 8 years of Executive experience as Mayor and Governor. Obama has none.


Second, she has 2 years of Military experience being in charge of Alaska's National Guard. Obama has none, and before you dismiss 2 years of being in charge of the National Guard, read the following:

"Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. It’s on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.

As governor of Alaska, Palin is briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counterterrorism. Her exposure to classified material may rival even Biden's.

She's also the commander in chief of the Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF), a federally recognized militia incorporated into Homeland Security's counterterrorism plans.

Palin is privy to military and intelligence secrets that are vital to the entire country's defense. Given Alaska's proximity to Russia, she may have security clearances we don't even know about.

According to the Washington Post, she first met with McCain in February, but nobody ever found out. This is a woman used to keeping secrets.

She can be entrusted with our national security, because she already is."

Third, she has a diverse background of experience as a professional journalist, city council woman, Mayor, Governor and Mother of 5.

Fourth, she has gotten a lot done and has an incredible record for only being a Governor for 2 years. She has vetoed 300 spending proposals and has an 80% approval rating in Alaska.

Fifth, she knows what she thinks and is very articulate, attractive, passionate, idealistic and courageous. She has shown enormous courage with her oldest son going off to serve in the military and her youngest son having downs syndrome.

Sixth, she is a very competent person with a compelling story.

Seventh, she should never be underestimated. She defeated the incumbent when she ran for Mayor and she defeated the incumbent Republican Governor in the primary before going on to defeat the Democrat in the general election.

I have started a Governor Sarah Palin link section in my sidebar. If you find any good Sarah Palin sites that I don't have, please let me know.

Some Palin Links and Blog Posts:
We Love Gov. Sarah Barracuda Palin!
Sarah Palin's Bio
Who is Governor Sarah Palin?
Right Wing Nation attends a McCain/Palin Rally
Commanding Alaska's Guard w/ 24/7 missile defense
Palin - the energy VP
Evangelicals rave over choice of Palin for VP

Who is Governor Sarah Palin?

"Babies, guns, Jesus... Hot damn."--Rush Limbaugh talking about Governor Sarah Palin

I am still giddy about McCain picking Palin for VP!! As Simon Cowell said to David Cook this past season, "That was a very brave thing to do and I LOVED it." Politically, this is the most exciting news I can think of for years.

My friends and I were talking and to have the first woman on the Republican ticket be such a likable, strong conservative is just more than we could've hoped for. When people like Elizabeth Dole or other women appeared like they would be the first you just couldn't get excited about them.


Yet, I had done the homework on this woman and knew she was awesome. There is so much about her to like. She has the entire package of brains, beauty, charisma, strong conservative beliefs and credentials and she is a proven reformer and executive. I and others had thought she would be awesome and were talking about her but kudos to Bill Kristol for predicting her to be the pick when no one else gave it that much credibility.

The liberals and the Drive By Media are screaming to high heaven about her so you know they are scared. "Me thinketh thou dost protesteth a little too loudly." My friend's liberal husband is depressed about the pick so that should tell you something. Michael Savage trashed the pick too which is another sign that she's awesome. They can whine and criticize all they want. I'm too happy about the pick to care.


For those of you who aren't political junkies and don't know that much about her. Here is a brief bio list on her:

--Head of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at her high school
--Earned the nickname "Sarah Barracuda" for being an intense basketball player in high school where she helped her team win a championship game
--Bachelor's Degree in Journalism
--In 1984, she won the Miss Wasilla beauty contest, then finished 2nd in the Miss Alaska pageant
--Married her high school sweetheart in 1988 (on the same exact day as my husband and I, just 4 years earlier)
--Sports reporter for local Anchorage television stations
--Worked as a commercial fisher woman with her husband
--Served two terms on the Wasilla city council from 1992 to 1996
--Served 2 terms as Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska
--Elected president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors
--Exposed corruption within the Republican party
--Won the Governorship of Alaska in a landslide and is currently serving with an 80% approval rating
--Hockey Mom of 5
--Strongly pro-life, just gave birth to a Downs syndrome baby this past April
--Pro-2nd Amendment, life long member of the NRA
--For Drilling in ANWAR
--Her oldest son enlisted in the Army last year
--fiscal conservative
--pro-business and pro-development

Here are some great links w/some great excerpt quotes:

--The Most Popular Governor by Fred Barnes

"Her rise is a great (and rare) story of how adherence to principle--especially to transparency and accountability in government--can produce political success. And by the way, Palin is a conservative who only last month vetoed 13 percent of the state's proposed budget for capital projects. The cuts, the Anchorage Daily News said, "may be the biggest single-year line-item veto total in state history."

"Political analysts in Alaska refer to the "body count" of Palin's rivals. "The landscape is littered with the bodies of those who crossed Sarah," says pollster Dave Dittman, who worked for her gubernatorial campaign."

"She's as Alaskan as you can get," says Dan Fagan, an Anchorage radio talk show host. "She's a hockey mom, she lives on a lake, she ice fishes, she snowmobiles, she hunts, she's an NRA member, she has a float plane, and her husband works for BP on the North Slope," Fagan says. Todd Palin, her high school sweetheart, is a three-time winner of the 2,000-mile Iron Dog snowmobile race from Wasilla to Nome to Fairbanks. It's the world's longest snowmobile race."

"Her Christian faith--Palin grew up attending nondenominational Bible churches--was a minor issue in the race. She told me her faith affects her politics this way: "I believe everything happens for a purpose. In my own personal life, if I dedicated back to my Creator what I'm trying to create for the good . . . everything will turn out fine." That same concept applies to her political career, she suggested."

"She made three other promises: to end corruption in state government, cut spending, and provide accountability. She's now redeeming those promises."

--Palin exactly the veep McCain needs

"But most important, Palin could do something few Republicans seem interested in or able to do these days: Help fuse the two pillars of the Reagan Revolution, traditional conservatives and libertarian Republicans.

Palin can win the hearts of conservatives, given her strong pro-life views -- views that were backed up with action this year when she gave birth to a son with Down's syndrome. It would probably also help with these folks that her oldest son recently enlisted in the Army. And she can excite libertarian Republicans, given her fiscal conservatism as governor as well as her reputation for anti-corruption, love of guns and the outdoor life, and moderation on social issues other than abortion.

In short, Palin will provide McCain the surge he needs to win his last battle."

Other related links:
--Patrick has an insane number of posts on her that are worth checking out
--Dr. Dobson is ecstatic too
--Susan B. Anthony List

McCain Picks Sarah Palin for VP!!!!!

WOW!!! I am in shock!!! I hadn't turned the Tv on yet and a friend called and told me and I said, "No WAY!!!" Palin has been my favorite since giving up on J.C. Watts but I thought there was zero chance that McCain was going to pick her. Kudos to the campaign for keeping this a secret.

McCain just locked in the conservative base!!! He could not have picked any better. She is a stellar conservative, she's a Governor and she's a woman. Not only will I vote for him now but I might actually do some campaigning for him. I can't tell you how shocked and ecstatic I am about this pick!! I just boarded the straight talk express!

When you compare this to Obama's pick of Joe Biden, McCain hit a home run and Obama didn't even get to first base.

Others blogging:
Cajun Tiger
Gateway Pundit
Bloviating Zeppelin
Mike's America
Born Again Redneck
Right Think
Sane Political Discourse
His Own Private Possession

My Book List So Far...Part 6

A friend and I are in the middle of reading books on the OJ Simpson case. She had never read any on the case and I had a renewed interest since OJ's book came out. We both read his book with the additions that the Goldmans, the ghostwriter and Dominick Dunne added. After reading it and not believing a word OJ said I wanted to do more research on the case.

So next I read Mike Gilbert's recent book, How I helped OJ Get Away With Murder. I highly recommend it. He comes across as very genuine and with nothing to gain by writing the book the way he does. I plan on doing several posts on my "OJ research". Right now I am in the middle of Mark Fuhrman's book, Murder in Brentwood. My opinion of Fuhrman has dramatically changed since learning the truth about him instead of how the Drive By Media portrayed him.

Since, I am in the middle of Fuhrman's book and still in the middle of North and South, I decided to listen to Because They Hate on Cd. It is the gripping and amazing story of Gabriel's life and of the battle we face against Islamic extremists. I am just astonished at what happened in Lebanon and Israel in the 70's and 80's while the rest of the world slept. It is a book that should be read by EVERYONE!! It is a must read!!

As for my book list, you can see that I'm getting close to my goal. I've only got 6 more books to go.

Below, I have updated my list. The titles in blue are the ones that I've read since the last post.

Here are the books that I have read and/or listened to on Cd so far:

1) The Faith of the American Soldier--Stephen Mansfield
2) My Grandfather's Son--Clarence Thomas
3) A Patriot's Handbook (CD)--Caroline Kennedy
4) 1776 (CD)--David McCullough
5) One for the Money--Janet Evanovich
6) Two for the Dough--Janet Evanovich
7) Three to get Deadly--Janet Evanovich
8) Four to Score--Janet Evanovich
9) High Five--Janet Evanovich
10) Hot Six--Janet Evanovich
11) Seven Up--Janet Evanovich
12) Hard Eight--Janet Evanovich
13) To the Nines--Janet Evanovich
14) Ten Big Ones--Janet Evanovich
15) Eleven On Top--Janet Evanovich
16) Visions of Sugar Plums--Janet Evanovich
17) Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom (CD)
18) Twelve Sharp--Janet Evanovich
19) Lean Mean Thirteen--Janet Evanovich
20) Plum Lovin'--Janet Evanovich
21) Facing Terror--Carrie McDonnall (CD)
22) The Spiritual Heritage of the U.S. Capitol--David Barton (CD)
23) The Faith of George W. Bush--Stephen Mansfield (CD)
24) Danger in the Shadows--Dee Henderson (CD)
25) T is for Trespass--Sue Grafton
26) Plum Lucky--Janet Evanovich
27) Then Sings My Soul--Robert J. Morgan
28) The Negotiator--Dee Henderson (CD)
29) Wings of Silver--Jo Petty
30) Moments From America's History--David Barton (CD)
31) The Spirit of the American Revolution--David Barton (CD)
32) Stori Telling--Tori Spelling
33) First World War--Ruth Brocklehurst & Henry Brook
34) Mistaken Identity--VanRyn, Cerak & Mark Tabb
35) Mornings on Horseback--David McCullough (Cd)
36) Fearless Fourteen--Janet Evanovich
37) If God Should Choose--Kristen Stagg
38) Come Thirsty--Max Lucado
39) Lincoln, A Photobiography--Russell Freedman
40) Bringing Elizabeth Home--Ed & Lois Smart w/Laura Morton
41) John Adams--David McCullough (Cd)
42) Beauty Beyond the Ashes--Cheryl McGuinness
43) If I Did it--Ron Goldman
44) How I Helped OJ Get Away with Murder--Mike Gilbert

Previously:
Book List 1
Book List 2
Book List 3
Book List 4
Book List 5

Links:
50 Book List

My Republican Primary Picks!

Today is election day and these are my picks. I was actually leaning towards Kenny Hulshof for Governor up until recently. I talked to a State Representative whose opinion I respect and he gave some convincing reasons on why he switched from Hulshof to Steelman. I agreed and so I'm pulling the lever for Steelman today. No matter who wins though, either candidate will be a great conservative to take on Jay Nixon in the fall.

Governor--Sarah Steelman

Lieutenant Governor--Peter Kinder

Treasurer--Brad Lager (unopposed)

Attorney General--Mike Gibbons (unopposed)

Clay County Western Commissioner--Bonnie Sue Cooper (unopposed)

Clay County Eastern Commissioner--Katee Porter

Clay County Treasurer--Bill Doores (unopposed)

Clay County Assessor--Mike Ebenroth