Sarah Palin's Alaska

This show really forced to think about my whole "relationship" with Sarah Palin.

Serious, intellectual conservatives like me really don't like her as a political force. We put her and Christine O'Donnell in the same camp.....a camp with witches and moose hunters I guess. Most of us have long applauded the simple concept that government should behave more like most Americans and learn to spend less. We must stop borrowing money from our kids and grandkids. The lack of gravitas......we can do without.

As a dude though that is about her same age it is impossible to dismiss the MILF factor and while I'd never vote for her I'd find it impossible not to kick her out of bed. I hate the conflict between well, to put it bluntly, my two heads.

I watched the first episode. Put it on Hi Def on the big screen and was prepared for a beautiful travel type show on Alaska. FAIL. Okay, there is some great and beautiful scenery but even against her objections.......mostly a Sarah Palin reality show. Piper and Trigg are very cute.

I'll continue to watch but I'll probably complain about it because I hate reality TV.

I love Sarah Palin but really not that much.

I really like Sarah Palin.

She would be someone I would really like to know. She looks like lots of fun. Her simple, folksy, soccer mom persona is really charming.......okay, even hot. I'll admit......I've thought bad things about her. Is that so wrong? A cute conservative. I'm thankful. I love the hot librarian look. But we really have to get over this ri-God damn-diculous notion that all conservatives regardless of their intellect, experience and sanity deserve our unquestioned support. We need to be more discerning. I've made this point consistently regarding people like John Toplikar, Phill Kline.....and Tom Scherer. I refuse to say, "you had me at conservative".

Her story is engaging as someone who cared about her little community and got involved and then ended up not only the Governor of a State but in the middle of a (losing) presidential campaign as a running mate. I love that she lived her values as a champion of the value of all life in a very personal way......not just making speeches about it. That makes her a hero. You have to love her story and root for her.

But......and a big but........she is smoking crack if she thinks she can be a serious candidate for President. She says she won't rule it out. Sarah.....rule it out now. She is putting all of us who like her in a tough position like my best friend asking me if I think he should ask his bitchy girlfriend to marry him except in this case I won't be able to lie........

It really is a silly, silly idea. Shut it down now.....she should focus on making as much money as she can......while she can. I would vote for her for.......

PTO President? Check.

City Council? You betcha.

School Board? Would make every meeting.

County Commission? Move over Toplikar.

State Senate? Alright....I'm in for a small contribution.

Governor.......probably.

President. No Chance.

And about that flap on her looking at notes on her hand.......give it a rest. I'd rather see a couple words on someone's hand so they remember to mention something than the President using a teleprompter to speak to elementary school kids. And I agree with her on not being the word police...........

Major Protestant Denomination Demotes Jesus

Funny what you find when you are clicking around looking at Brit Hume stuff. One click takes you here and then there and you never know where you are going to end up. One day I'm finding scat porn reactions on You Tube and the next I'm digging through reports that apparently represent the not so well allocated tithes and offerings of Presbyterians worldwide.......I thought that the money people threw in the old chicken bucket was suppose to go to help the poor and unsaved? Checking the Great Commission.....nope no commands from JC for useless acts of bureaucratic self examination.

And now this........Jocoeveryman is, what would the modern electronic version of the word "penning" be?....clicking?, okay clicking back to back takes on religiosity? Presbyterians have all but demoted Jesus Christ from sole savior of the world to religious also ran. Srly. This confuses me. I thought it was the Jews who didn't believe Jesus is the savior.

Anywho.........I thought this survey that was just released is a fascinating look inside the changing beliefs inside a major main line denomination.

Okay....here is some of meat from the study..........

According to the report entitled “Religious and Demographic Profile of
Presbyterians,” nearly half of PCUSA pastors (45 percent) and a majority of
“specialized clergy” (60 percent) surveyed disagree that “only followers of
Jesus Christ can be saved.” Approximately 1 in 5 in both categories
answered “neutral” or “not sure,” making the totals that do not “agree” with the
statement as 65 percent for pastors and 78 percent for specialized
clergy. More than half of “members” and “elders” surveyed answered
similarly. Approximately 1 in 3 members (36 percent) and elders (31 percent)
either disagree or strongly disagree that “only followers of Jesus can be
saved.” In both categories, approximately 1 in 5 is “neutral” or “not
sure.”

Many Christians might find this upcoming link from the lead picture above offensive......but apparently not most Presbyterians. To a majority of Presbyterians playing Dress Up Jesus evokes no more emotion now than Dress Up Fashion Barbie.

Basically, for you amateur theologians this is a seismic shift in the old "I am the way, the truth and the life. Nobody comes to the Father but through me" theology of our youth. You can't write it off as layperson worldview confusion because the sentiment is felt not only among up and down the pew members that were surveyed but among seminary educated clergy and leadership as well. A deeper look at the study also shows huge changes in attitudes about things like gay marriage, gay leadership and the ordination of openly gay people.

I encourage, er if you are bored, you can read the whole report which basically highlights that more than half of Presbyterians no longer believe that Jesus Christ is the sole savior. Wow.

While they didn't survey on who they thought other possible saviors might be I've taken the liberty (would you expect less) to suggest maybe where their heads might be:

Other possible Presbyterian Saviors:

1. Barack Obama: The world's favorite Negro (as Harry Reid calls him......) WWBOD?

2. Dan Savage: The world's favorite fag (as he calls himself) WWDSD?

3. Handy Manny: Come on tools....be my disciples. WWHMD?

4. Triumph the Insult Comic Dog: Dunno, just seemed funny praying to Triumph. WWTICDD?

5. Judas Iscariot: Got a PR firm to repair his image and is making a comeback WWJID?

6. Tom Scherer: Making America a Better Place deserves some consideration WWTSD?

7. Mother Earth: Why not.....according to Climate Change Incorporated she is sacrificing herself for all of mankind. WWMED?

8. The Internet: Electronic Nirvana. WWID

9. Sarah Palin: America's Martyred working mom and MILF. WWSD

10. Mickey Mouse: Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me? WWMMD

That's all I've got. None of them have quite the same ring to them as good old JC. Pretty lame list actually. Give a me a little help. Please feel free to send your own.

I'm not sure what all this means. Do Progressives point to this as progress and ultra conservatives point to this as the next closest thing to the Apocalypse?? Or does it just say that even among what is considered conservative strong holds America is deeply divided? I do know this........in spending 10 minutes reading through about this issue it was clear to me that Presbyterians spend more time fighting with each other over what the believe and who they should let in that actually helping others and that is pretty sad actually.

I'm happy, are you?

There was an interesting little article in the KC Star on Saturday, Oct 25 in the middle of the World News section. They borrowed it from David Montgomery of the Washington Post. It is called "The 'happiness gap' of politics". I found a link to the article so you can read it here.

The article suggests that Republicans are happier people than Democrats and is based on several studies and a book by Arthur Brooks called Gross National Happiness. One only need to watch that idiot Keith Olbermann or that chick that looks like a dude before him for support of this idea.

It is an interesting article and I like the central question he asks which is, "Do you believe that hard work and perseverance can overcome disadvantages? Conservatives are more likely to say yes. Pew found that Democrats are more likely to say the success in life is mostly determined by outside forces. Republicans lean toward thinking that success is determined by one's own efforts. The hypothesis: Those who think the can control their destinies are happier."

He also goes on to conclude that extremists are happier than moderates on both ends of the scale meaning hard core liberals and conservatives are the downright giddy.

I think this makes some sense in that your world view has a lot to do with your happiness. I'm a pretty darn happy person even though I find myself evolving into more of a moderate or completely wacky libertarian depending on your viewpoint on social issues. I'm happy even though I'm starting to think nobody reads this blog......At the core of my happiness is the confidence that I can overcome disadvantages if I work hard. I'll take that one step further. I get energized when the odds are really against me and when people tell me something can't be done.

I wrote of a woman and her hatred for Palin a little while back and she literally shook with anger when I brought up her name. I have neighbors who have the same viseral reaction. I also know some really hard core right to lifers who really can't enjoy life because their struggle to end abortion. It almost seems for both ends that feel unbelieveable angst that other's don't share their passion for the cause.

Anyway, I encourage you to read it and ask yourself if you are happy. I think I'm going to buy that book.

Palin Haters

She hates Sarah Palin so much that her face quivered as I mentioned her name. Barely containing herself she looked at me and told me she wanted to send me something about Sarah Palin. From her tone you knew it wasn't something positive. I sat across from her and she said this to me in quiet moment of a board meeting where we both share a passion for a cause of helping people in need. The business of the board became in a rare moment political. It was out of necessity as the board considered allowing the program to be a backdrop for a political appearance for a key liberal candidate. The board exists of prominent and average Republicans and Democrats but because of who is in the room it is not generally accepted small talk. I always thought it was encouraging to see that people with different political viewpoints come together and work for something important and bigger than ourselves. It felt safe and I always felt that if we could do it in this instance why couldn't we in a larger sense?

This moment was discouraging because while the subject of politics became a rare necessity I hoped it wouldn't become partisan. The decision was a simple one. Would allowing this candidate to use our program as a backdrop for an appearance cause problems with our conservative donors? The Republicans on the board stepped forward quickly with support knowing the exposure for the program would be good along with the feeling that our cause is generally viewed as non-partisan and that it would be difficult to make it a partisan issue for the candidate. We also felt it would calm Democrats concerns about offending us by taking it off the table right away. I felt this was very gracious and proved to continue our desire to put the program above politics. It simply was the right thing.

Unfortunately, this board member sitting across from me didn't demonstrate the same level of grace. She commented that anyone who would think Sarah Palin should be vice president is an idiot. Of course she said it another Democrat but in earshot of me....thus by the therom of substitution learned in 9 grade Geometry apparently I am an idiot.

I was at that moment actually proud of myself. I had heard on talk radio of people on the other side who hate McCain and more so Palin so much that just the mention of their names made them incredibly angry. I had never seen it until yesterday. I've been as political as a person could be in my life and rarely did anyone ever have to wonder my position on an issue but I've never hated a liberal Democrat like she hates Sarah Palin. Certainly, I've disagreed and certainly I've been rankled and even angry but even with Bill Clinton I never felt hatred. I don't even have the kind of hatred she demonstrated for people like Nancy Pelosi and jack offs like Keith Olbermann. Rosie O'Donnell might be as close as I come and it is because of her hypocrisy not her politics. I'm glad I don't feel that kind of hatred. It looks like it hurts but it also made me feel sorry for her and frankly made me think a little less of her. I thought less of her not because she supports the other candidate, I always knew that, but because she had this ability to hate this deeply. And yes, I was proud of myself for knowing that wasn't me.

I guess what bothers me about her wanting to send me something about Sarah Palin is that she in fact thinks so little of me and my considered thoughts on politics and thinks them so poorly constructed in my mind that what she sends me might actually create some epiphany in me and change my entire ideology about what is best for our country. Does she think that I am like a sheep following a herd without a thought of my own? Does she really think that one email or article will change my most deeply held convictions about the social contract and political change and the solutions for our problems in this country and the world?

Perhaps through having many liberal friends I've come to accept that not everyone thinks the same way and it isn't a flaw in their character. I do have honest disagreements with people but I've come to understand that no matter how good my rhetoric, no matter my command of an issue, and no matter how smooth my discourse I'll likely not change their mind and further I only create the possibility of hurting what we do have in common.

I don't know if you've ever felt this way before. I guess we all deal with conflict differently and I guess we all deal with people who disagree with us differently. Is this you? Do you hate Sarah Palin and other conservatives this way?

Why is Tina Fey so talented?

I think Tina Fey is a talented person and I do like her work but why is it that everyone is gushing about how talented she is for doing an impersonation of somebody she looks just like? You talk about a no brainer. I wish the bar was so low for me in my job. The accent you say?? Oh, but she nailed the accent......go watch the movie Fargo. You can see how 50-100 B list actors nailed the same accent.

Like I said, like her very much. I loved her on Weekend Update and I think she is very funny but I think she'd laugh and agree this isn't her biggest stretch.

Where was the Joe I liked?

If you read this blog with any frequency at all you know I am an unabashed conservative and I support McCain and Palin.

I read TKC this morning as well as watched all the media from last night bouncing around from channel to channel trying to get a new nugget here and there.

I chose to watch the debate on PBS because I could get that in high def and I couldn't on Fox.

I have a couple observations. First, ABC News should be ashamed of themselves for sticking Donna Brazile up there and calling her a "news contributor". That chick is just a pit bull for the democratic party and can't even pretend otherwise. Why can't they put her up there are a "Democratic Strategist" or whatever. I know who she is but maybe Joe Sixpack doesn't.

Second, the bar was low for Palin but the pressure for her wasn't. The is the second time now (first at her acceptance speech) that she has stopped the bleeding for her boss in this campaign. McCain is going to have to score some points of his own if they want to win this game.

Third, Biden made some incredible factual errors that if Palin had made Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric would be hoarse from staying up all night to tell America about it. Karl Rove was quick to point them out as errors of fact.

Fourth, I thought Palin did a great job of reminding people who Obama has been in the Senate. Obama's record is a guy who has voted to raise taxes every time he has had the chance and now that he is running for president he says he will give 95% of Americans a tax break. What he isn't telling you and what I want McCain to point out is that a key caveat to his plan is to let the current tax breaks expire for all Americans and go back to the rates under Clinton. This represents a tax increase for everyone. If a guy's record is to raise taxes then why would we trust him to change and start cutting them. It is against his character and beliefs.

Almost last, I always remember liking Joe Biden. Watching Senate hearings.....yea, I watch that stuff, and the like he was always so affable and charming and yes, smart. I liked how he didn't hold back but did it with a smile. A friend always reminds me you can call a guy a bastard but if you say it with a smile you'll probably get away with it. That guy wasn't there last night. Sure, he said most of the things he needed to say but the charm was coached out of him. It was like he had been given the final directive and was following orders.

Last, who won? Well, unlike most main stream media-celebrity types, you know my bias. You know I'm for McCain-Palin and it won't surprise you to know that I grinned all night because I thought she did great. Did she win? I don't think there was a winner, really, truly. But for Palin to tie with Biden is a great compliment to Palin and certainly gives McCain a chance next week.

Now, John McCain, get in there don't let them tie you to George Bush. Detail and remind us how many times you pissed off this administration by going against them on important issues. Tell us the exact times you called for reform in campaign finance, election laws, pork, budgets, etc. America needs to remember and the mainstream media isn't going to tell them for you.

I need to commission a painting of Barack Obama

I found this link to the story in Chicago on JoCo SOB (who by the way is Johnson County's best blogger hands down) about a local dive bar owner that has put up a nude painting of Sarah Palin. In this epicenter of liberals it isn't controversial at all, in fact, as the bar owner knows it is great for business which seems even a little more pathetic to me. Pandering to sell a few more beers. I've been to the Old Town Ale House but I'll never go again......not that they will care.

It is offensive to me to display a picture of Sarah Palin in the nude when she didn't pose for it because for all the obvious reasons. It works to mimimize her as a person and simply reduce her as a piece of ass. If she had posed for it I would say it is her choice and she should live with it but to do it as a political statement is simply demeaning. Where are the liberal feminists on this?

How would Obama feel if I had a painting made of him as a slave in chains, next to a cotton field being whipped by a white master? He should call on this bar owner and ask her to take this painting down and apologize to Sarah Palin.

I'll go further to say I would pay somebody's bail if they will go in there and throw a cup of paint on that painting in protest.

I'm looking to commission an artist to make paint my picture. Anyone interested?

Today is my 100th Post!

I'll keep it light today because today is a special day. Today I'm posting my 100th post on this blog. I started it about 2 years ago and with a pretty long gap of pulling a Sebelius on it (doing nothing but still keeping the job) I became pretty active and have stayed pretty active with it.

I was going to write about the annual redneck festival over in my hometown of Olathe aka Old Settler's Celebration where carnies and citizens mingle very comfortably for a long weekend.....I attended....ate grange pups and checked out the parade.... and I was going to write about McCain and Sarah Palin being in town but I thought I'd just reserve it for me and leave it at that.

I hope someone has enjoyed reading my rantings over the past 100 posts. Some are clearly better than others and I think I've improved along the way. I'm not about knowing how many people visit or the number of clicks I generate I just like to write. Tony's KC cares enough for the entire KC blogosphere, right? Tony, how can I like your blog so much and disagree with you on pretty much everything except the co-mayors? Maybe it is the pictures. Still the best blog in KC but who else has the time besides Tony? I was kicked out of my parents basement 20 years ago. My goal was to force myself to write a bit several times a week to keep the creative juices flowing and be a better writer by writing.

Anyway, have a great day and hope you'll keep coming back to see what's in my warped Johnson County head.

I took the liberty of making a list of some of my favorites (not in any particular order) over the past 100.

1. The Legend of the White Rocks: Swingers in our Midst
2. Shut up Sebelius
3. When did McCain get so Conservative?
4. Dennis Moore loves animals, hates babies
5. Obama loves war afterall
6. Crime in KC is more weird than in Leawood
7. Why a pro-life conservative couldn't vote for Kline
8. John Toplikar is a spineless pud

Shut up Sebelius

The Democratic rapid response team sent it's Kansas whore (someone who is paid to do unsavory things for someone else) Kathleen Sebelius out to bash Sarah Palin after her incredible speech. Jealous much Kathleen?

It is clear to all of us in Kansas that Kathleen Sebelius was really counting on being Obama's VP choice and I'm sure it hurts to see Palin get all the adoration of being chosen for McCain.

I thought it was funny to read the Sebelius comment that Palin delivered the "Bush Administration written speech" well after she failed to deliver nearly as well the Nancy Pelosi written speech for the democratic response to the last State of the Union speech. If you go back and look at the Kathleen Sebelius speech it was in a much less challenging environment....in a office with no live audience after a State of the Union speech nobody watched and she still couldn't hit a home run. She was visably nervous and had very little charisma. Funny thing was it was actually a pretty well written speech, remember....."Join us Mr. President, we want to get some work done"? No wonder when Obama considered her as a running mate he must have thought there is no way she could handle the heat of that kind of stage. My little girl could have delivered it with more emotion than our governor. I guess it is easy to see why Sebelius would be a little hurt and angry. She had her opportunity and she struck out and Sarah Palin hit a grand slam. I understand it but it is still pathetic.





It is easy to see that the democratic party's talking points keep trying to suggest that McCain is Bush. To say that Bush's speech writers wrote that speech is such a joke. They have never written a speech that great. This is McCain and Palin not George Bush. They have taken the notion that Bush isn't popular and decided that if they can tie McCain to Bush it will diminish McCain. Interesting idea but it is so transparent the American people will see right through it.


Poor Katie Sebelius.....her ticket to the ball was given to someone else and nobody is missing her at all. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you get your ass home from Colorado and get back to Kansas and get some work done for us? That would be some real change.

Don't tell my wife but I love another woman!

I love Sarah Palin. I've never been excited about a vice presidential candidate so this is a first for me. I think this is such a great pick. I was really hoping that McCain wouldn't pick Mitt Romney but I thought that is where he was going. I was really prepared to yawn and move on.

This is a great woman and I love her energy. It feels like we have the chance to bring some outside common sense to our national government.

I will blog another post on this later but I'm so excited about her. I had a smirk on my face all day when it was announced. I can't wait to see the debate between her and Biden. I frankly don't know how it will turn out but it will be interesting to see how she does.

I love the fact she had the courage to LIVE her beliefs even when she knew she was having a child with Down syndrome.

*****JOCO SOB correctly chided me for not posting a picture of Sarah. I found one I like so here she is......the next vice president of the United States of America.*********