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

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!!
-----------------------------------------
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."