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

A Review of John Adams

I have owned the hard copy of David McCullough's book, John Adams for quite a few years but just hadn't gotten around to reading it. So recently, I have been listening to it on Cd. As always, McCullough does an excellent job.

I enjoyed learning about Adams and the key role he played in the founding of our nation. I was also fascinated by his relationship with his wife, his children, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Rush. I didn't realize that Adams and Jefferson started out as close friends, then became fierce, political rivals and then became friends again towards the end of their lives. I did remember that they both died on the same day, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Benjamin Rush's name came up quite a bit and he was the one responsible for re-kindling Adams and Jefferson's friendship. I have a book on Rush that I've been wanting to read and hearing about him in this book, makes me even more motivated to read it.

Adams ended up being separated from Abigail so often that they wrote endless letters to each other. Abigail loved and adored her husband and found the separations difficult, but was willing to sacrifice for her country. I have studied the presidents' wives, but not extensively. Yet, so far, if I had to pick a favorite I always come back to Abigail Adams. She was a strong woman and her husband so admired her that he went to her for advice.

Adams was also a good father who cared for his children. He took son, John Quincy with him on many of his trips which ended up making John Quincy more than qualified to be in public service later on in his life. John Quincy Adams didn't become president later on in life just because he was John Adams' son but because he had come by his experience and wisdom in his own right.

I highly recommend this book and any other history book written by David McCullough.

Book rating--8 out of 10 stars


Previous Book Reviews:
1776
My Grandfather's Son
Stephen Mansfield's Books
Stori Telling

My Book List So Far...Part 5

I am so glad my friend encouraged me to join her book group this year. Their goal is to read 50 books a year. For me, that was a huge long shot since my reading had majorly slowed down since starting the blog and other activities. I also used to listen to a lot of books on tape but had gotten out of that habit as well.

All of that to say, I've been able to get back into both the habit of reading and listening to books on Cd in a bigger way than before. One of the biggest things is to allow myself to read lighter books as well as my serious history and political ones too. Before, I would get bogged down in a history or political book and just not read at all.

During my trip, I had some time to read since I had very little computer access. I read Janet Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum book. I finally finished my Lincoln book, which I would highly recommend. I also read a book on the Elizabeth Smart case and a book about missionaries on the Amazon River whose plane was shot down because they were accidentally thought to be a drug plane.

Right now, I am reading Elizabeth Gaskell's novel, North and South. I talked about watching the movie awhile back and have since re-watched it numerous times. It is a wonderful story, very much along the lines of Jane Austen. Gaskell like Austen is a little hard to dive into at first but I am now into it and enjoying it.

Now, I just have to find the time to do all the book reviews ;-)!!

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

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

Links:
50 Book List

Back From Canada!

Before commenting on my trip, I just have to say that I am still reeling over the death of Tony Snow. We were traveling back from Canada to Michigan on Saturday and I hadn't heard any news so I didn't find out until Saturday night. I had heard during the McClellan debacle that Tony Snow wasn't doing well but it was still a big blow that I wasn't prepared for.

My parents had DVRed all the Memorial shows done on Fox about him on Saturday and tears just streamed down my face as we watched them. Snow was larger than life and he just exuded optimism and humor and its just so hard to comprehend that he's gone. I haven't felt such a loss over someone in the public eye since Reagan, yet Reagan got to live 40 more years than Snow. My heart just aches for Snow's wife and kids to lose him when they are so young.

Tony Snow's faith, optimism, humor and political wit and wisdom will be greatly missed. Our loss is heaven's gain, yet his death will leave an incredible void here. In the above video you see how he touched so many people's lives by just caring like he did for Brett Baier's son. That was the kind of man he was and there aren't many like him. As Roger Ailes said, when you look character up in the dictionary you will find Tony Snow.

I am so glad Mike was able to do some good posts on him in my absence. I will do a comprehensive post on him too and I will dedicate a big part of my radio show to remembering him this coming Monday!!
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Well, its been a crazy 3 weeks but I'm glad to be back. I've been to Michigan and Canada and back to KC! I went to Montreal, Quebec on a Missions Trip. Before and after I spent some time with my parents in Michigan since they live on the way and they watched 2 of my kids while we were in Quebec.

I was exposed to a lot of French since most people who live in Montreal are bi-lingual and speak both French and English. I did a lot of driving and managed to avoid getting lost, and/or get pulled over for any driving infractions ;-). Anyone that knows me knows that this is a big deal. I am "directionally challenged" so I was a little concerned about driving in another country, but having a GPS is a marvelous thing. I love Garmin :-)!!

I was a "support person" on this trip which was a new role for me. I enjoyed seeing God work in others lives and being a part of His ministry from a different perspective.

Many thanks to Mike, Steve and Rebecca for blog sitting for me while I was gone.

Tony Snow's Funeral

Pallbearers, including Tony's son Robbie, carry former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow's remains out of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception followed by his wife, Jill (in blue), and their two daughters after his funeral July 17, 2008 in Washington, DC. U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush attended the funeral for Snow, who died July 12 after a long battle with colon cancer. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Remarks of President Bush at Snow Funeral
White House transcript
July 17, 2008

THE PRESIDENT: Archbishop Wuerl, Father O'Connell, Mr. Vice President, members of the Cabinet and my administration, members of Congress, distinguished guests; most importantly, the Snow family, Jill, Robbie, Kendall, Kristi and Jim, and other family members; former colleagues of Tony. Laura and I are privileged to join you today to pay our final respects to a cherished friend.

Tony Snow was a man of uncommon decency and compassion. He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, an adoring son, a beloved colleague, and a wonderful role model and friend.

In a life that was far too brief, he amassed a rare record of accomplishment. He applied his gifted mind to many fields: as a columnist, newspaper editor, TV anchor, radio host, and musician. He had the sometimes challenging distinction of working for two Presidents named Bush. As a speechwriter in my Dad's administration, Tony tried to translate the President's policies into English. (Laughter.) As a spokesman in my administration, Tony tried to translate my English into English. (Laughter.)

Tony always gave me good and candid advice. He was a man of profound substance who loved ideas, held strong beliefs, and reveled in defending them. He took very seriously his duty to inform the public about what its government was doing during historic times for our nation.

In the White House briefing room, Tony worked to build a relationship of candor and trust with the press corps. On his first day at the podium, he told the gathered reporters this: "One of the reasons I took this job is not only because I believe in the President, but because, believe it or not, I want to work with you." Tony was the first working journalist to serve as the White House Press Secretary for nearly 30 years. He knew the job of a reporter was rigorous. He admired the profession -- and always treated it with respect. And the presence of so many members of the Fourth Estate here today attests to the admiration and respect that he earned.

Of course, Tony's adjustment from commentator to spokesman was not seamless. Ann Compton of ABC recently recalled that when you asked Tony a question, he would sometimes get going, and she would have to stop him and say: "Tony, wait, I asked what the President thought." (Laughter.)

Tony brought a fierce and challenging intellect to his duties. And he displayed an engaging wit. When a reporter asked a rather labored question about Congress, Tony did not answer it. The persistent reporter pressed him: "Are you going to just evade that question?" With a smile, Tony quipped: "No, I'm going to laugh at it." (Laughter.)

I believe the reason Tony was so good at his job is that he looked at the world in a joyful way. He was a proud patriot who believed in America's goodness, and an optimist who knew America's possibilities. He believed strongly in the wisdom of the American people. And throughout his career, he took a special pride in being a vigorous and unapologetic defender of our men and women in uniform. He supported their missions, saw honor in their achievements, and found every possible opportunity to highlight their character and courage.

Tony Snow, the professional, is a hard act to follow. Tony Snow, the man, is simply irreplaceable. Everyone who worked with him quickly grew to love him. We will always remember his wry sense of humor and abundant goodness. We'll also remember he was just a lot of fun. After all, he played six different musical instruments and was a proud member of a band called Beats Working. He may be one of the few people in history to have jammed on the South Lawn of the White House and with Jethro Tull. (Laughter.)

We remember Tony's thoughtfulness. No matter how busy he was, this was a man who put others first. He would go out of his way to ask about people's families. He would check in with friends whenever he heard they were ill. He'd reach out to others, sometimes strangers, who were struggling with cancer. Even when he was going through difficult chemotherapy sessions, he sent inspirational e-mails to a friend whose son was suffering from a serious illness.

We remember Tony's resilient spirit. When he received a second diagnosis of cancer, he did not turn to despair. He saw it as another challenge to tackle. He found comfort in the prayers he received from millions of Americans. As he told the graduates here at Catholic University last year, "Never underestimate the power of other people's love and prayer. They have incredible power. It's as if I've been carried on the shoulders of an entire army. And they made me weightless."

Most of all, we remember Tony's love of his family. There was no doubt for Tony Snow that his family was first. When Jill reached a milestone birthday, Tony had a huge celebration. He later said that he and Jill danced that night as if they were teenagers. He said he was the most fortunate man in the world to have shared love like that. So, today, Jill, our hearts are with you, and we thank you for giving Tony such a special life.

For Robbie, Kendall, and Kristi, you are in our thoughts and prayers, as well. We thank you for sharing your dad with us. He talked about you all the time. He wanted nothing more than your happiness and success. You know, I used to call Tony on the weekends to get his advice. And invariably, I found him with you on the soccer field, or at a swim meet, or helping with your homework. He loved you a lot. Today I hope you know that we loved him a lot, too.

I know it's hard to make sense of today. It is impossible to fully comprehend why such a good and vital man was taken from us so soon. But these are the great mysteries of life -- and Tony knew as well as anyone that they're not ours to unveil.

The day Tony was born was also the day that many of his fellow Catholics pay tribute to Saint Justin. Justin was also a gifted thinker and writer, and a powerful witness for the Christian faith. Because of his beliefs, he suffered many times of trial, and in the year 165 A.D. he was arrested. Before he received a sentence of death, he was asked: "If you are killed, do you suppose you will go to heaven?" Justin replied: "I do not suppose it, but I know and am fully persuaded of it."

Tony Snow knew that, as well. That brought him great peace. When talking about the struggle he waged so admirably, he said that no matter how bad times may sometimes seem, "God doesn't promise tomorrow, he does promise eternity."

And so today we send this man of faith and character and joy on his final journey. Tony Snow has left the City of Washington for the City of God. May he find eternal rest in the arms of his Savior. And may the Author of all creation watch over his family and all those who loved him, admired him, and will always cherish his memory.

An urn carrying the ashes of former White House spokesman Tony Snow is ushered from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, July 17, 2008 after his funeral. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON

Why Tony Snow Fought So Hard to Beat Cancer

Curt at Flopping Aces put together a set of links to video of his favorite Tony Snow moments. It got me thinking of some other great Tony Snow clips and in the process of looking for those, I stumbled on this interview Tony did with NBC's David Gregory on how he was battling his cancer. Put aside your disgust with David Gregory for a moment. Tony Snow clearly did, but that was the kind of man he was. Half way through the interview (2min-10sec)Tony describes why he fought the disease so long and so hard:

Tony wasn't able to keep that promise he made to his son. But as he said "It's great to love people this much."

It is great to have such love. But today it is bittersweet and reminds me of the old German hymn In Dir Ist Freude: "In thee is gladness, among the sadness."

Good Bye Tony Snow

A sad day...

Tony Snow (June 1, 1955 – July 12, 2008)

President and Mrs. Bush Saddened by Death of Tony Snow

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi. The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.

Tony was one of our Nation's finest writers and commentators. He earned a loyal following with incisive radio and television broadcasts. He was a gifted speechwriter who served in my father's Administration. And I was thrilled when he agreed to return to the White House to serve as my Press Secretary. It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work. His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor.

All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer. One of the things that sustained Tony Snow was his faith - and Laura and I join people across our country in praying that this good man has now found comfort in the arms of his Creator.

Remembering Tony

It is a sad day. Made all the more so that the man we mourn was so filled with good cheer and humor. Looking back at photos of his life in the White House and before I was reminded that Tony smiled so easily and communicated such great and genuine personal warmth to all of us.

Whether it was his first press briefing on May 16, 2006 above, or his last briefing on September 12, 2007 below, Tony never lost that smile or his sense of humor.

He dealt with the press in a way that was so natural and genuine, even they couldn't help but like the guy.

20 months ago: White House press secretary Tony Snow fields questions during a briefing in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

And it was clear he enjoyed working in the White House

25 months ago: White House Press Secretary Tony Snow reacts while walking outside the Oval Office prior to a Rose Garden announcement where Goldman Sachs CEO Henry Paulson was nominated to be the next U.S. Treasury Secretary May 30, 2006. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

It's also clear that President Bush had great admiration for Tony:

14 months ago: US President George W. Bush (R) pats White House Spokesman Tony Snow on the back as he is welcomed to the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner 22 April 2007 in Washington, DC. Snow who was recovering from surgery, has been absent from the White House since being diagnosed with cancer

10 months ago: U.S. President George W. Bush (L) puts his arm around White House Press Secretary Tony Snow as they return from an event at the Quantico Marine Base on the south lawn of the White House in Washington, September 14, 2007. Friday was Snow's last day on the job at the White House before returning to private life.

Karl Rove is often seen laughing at one of Tony's quips. It's clear that the two became good friends:

25 months ago: WASHINGTON - JUNE 14: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove (L) and Press Secretary Tony Snow pat each other on the back after a press conference with US President George W. Bush in the Rose Garden at the White House June 14, 2006 in Washington, DC.

12 months ago: White House Press Secretary Tony Snow plays the flute as he performs with his band "Beats Work" during the Congressional Picnic 19 June 2007 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC

Tony was only 53. He leaves behind his wife Jill and three children.

Goodbye Tony. We'll Miss You!

Tony Snow~ Dead at 53

Our condolences and prayers go out to the Snow family and all those at the Fox News Network.

Tony Snow, the former White House press secretary and conservative pundit who bedeviled the press corps and charmed millions as a FOX News television and radio host, died Saturday after a long bout with cancer. He was 53. (link)

Tony Snow was a great man with a sensitive and generous spirit. He excelled at everything he did and I enjoyed listening to him on the radio and was thrilled when he was hired as the White House Press Secretary.

I was hoping his life would last longer but his appointed time came sooner than we thought. We love and will certainly miss Tony Snow.

My Parting Thoughts!

This is my favorite pic to post when going out of town. I am headed North!! First, to Michigan to see my parents and then to Canada for a Missions Trip. In my absence, Mike, Rivka and Steve will be your substitute bloggers. Before leaving I had a couple of thoughts I wanted to share.

1) Hat tip to Nick at Conservative Cajun for referring Alan Lammey to me for yesterday's radio show. It was a great show and I learned a lot.

2) Wesley Clark's comments leave you shaking your head once again. I still remember Madonna endorsing him during his own dismal attempt at running for president. One has to remember that Clark was so incompetent that even Bill Clinton fired him.

3) I watched the movie, Blood Diamond. I wasn't aware of many of the events that took place in the movie and it opened my eyes to yet another conflict taking place in Africa. I would be interested to know how much of it was accurate. I did a little searching on the internet and it definitely was based on some actual events, how loosely, I'm not sure.

I'm not necessarily a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio, but I thought he did an excellent job of acting in the movie. Overall, I thought it was good and left the intended impression on the viewer.

4) A lot of progress in Iraq is being ignored by the Drive By Media, of course!!

Urge Congress to Act on High Gas Prices!

Yesterday, on the radio show I talked at length once again about how Democrats are the ones standing in the way of lowering gas prices. We have all the oil we need right here in the U.S. but Democrats have blocked us from drilling for it time and time again. And their talking points against drilling are getting to the point of absurdity. In the above video clip, George Will does an awesome job of pointing out how ridiculous it is not to drill in ANWR, where unfortunately, John McCain is in agreement with the Democrats.


The sad part is as this Freedoms Watch ad points out, Nancy Pelosi isn't even aware how much the average American is paying for gas. And as George Will says, liberals want people to pay high gas prices for numerous reasons, so much for caring for the "little guy".


President Bush gave a wonderful Energy speech last week that I think every American needs to call their U.S. Representatives and Senators and urge them to adopt. Mike did an excellent post on it and outlined Bush's 4 points which I couldn't agree with more. Here is what we all need to urge Congress to act on:

"First, we should expand American oil production by increasing access to the Outer Continental Shelf, or OCS. Experts believe that the OCS could produce about 18 billion barrels of oil. That would be enough to match America's current oil production for almost ten years. The problem is that Congress has restricted access to key parts of the OCS since the early 1980s. Since then, advances in technology have made it possible to conduct oil exploration in the OCS that is out of sight, protects coral reefs and habitats, and protects against oil spills. With these advances -- and a dramatic increase in oil prices -- congressional restrictions on OCS exploration have become outdated and counterproductive.
...
Second, we should expand oil production by tapping into the extraordinary potential of oil shale. Oil shale is a type of rock that can produce oil when exposed to heat or other process[es]. In one major deposit -- the Green River Basin of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming -- there lies the equivalent of about 800 billion barrels of recoverable oil. That's more than three times larger than the proven oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. And it can be fully recovered -- and if it can be fully recovered it would be equal to more than a century's worth of currently projected oil imports.
...
Unfortunately, Democrats in Congress are standing in the way of further development. In last year's omnibus spending bill, Democratic leaders inserted a provision blocking oil shale leasing on federal lands. That provision can be taken out as easily as it was slipped in -- and Congress should do so immediately.

Third, we should expand American oil production by permitting exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR. When ANWR was created in 1980, Congress specifically reserved a portion for energy development. In 1995, Congress passed legislation allowing oil production in this small fraction of ANWR's 19 million acres. With a drilling footprint of less than 2,000 acres -- less than one-tenth of 1 percent of this distant Alaskan terrain -- America could produce an estimated 10 billion barrels of oil. That is roughly the equivalent of two decades of imported oil from Saudi Arabia. Yet my predecessor vetoed this bill.

In the years since, the price of oil has increased seven-fold, and the price of American gasoline has more than tripled. Meanwhile, scientists have developed innovative techniques to reach ANWR's oil with virtually no impact on the land or local wildlife. I urge members of Congress to allow this remote region to bring enormous benefits to the American people.

And finally, we need to expand and enhance our refining capacity. Refineries are the critical link between crude oil and the gasoline and diesel fuel that drivers put in their tanks. With recent changes in the makeup of our fuel supply, upgrades in our refining capacity are urgently needed. Yet it has been nearly 30 years since our nation built a new refinery, and lawsuits and red tape have made it extremely costly to expand or modify existing refineries. The result is that America now imports millions of barrels of fully-refined gasoline from abroad. This imposes needless costs on American consumers. It deprives American workers of good jobs. And it needs to change.
...
I know the Democratic leaders have opposed some of these policies in the past. Now that their opposition has helped drive gas prices to record levels, I ask them to reconsider their positions. If congressional leaders leave for the 4th of July recess without taking action, they will need to explain why $4-a-gallon gasoline is not enough incentive for them to act. And Americans will rightly ask how high oil -- how high gas prices have to rise before the Democratic-controlled Congress will do something about it."

Democrats have been the party of obstruction for too long. Now is the time to rise up and tell them no more!! Senator Claire McCaskill will be hearing from me today!

Also, make sure you have gone to Newt Gingrich's site, American Solutions and signed his petition which urges congress to: DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW AND PAY LESS!!

Mike also pointed out as have I that this will be a huge campaign issue. McCain was smart to change his stance on offshore drilling. He would be wise to take this issue and run with it this election season. It would not only be good for his campaign but it would be in the best interest for the pocketbooks of the American people and their safety.