B.O. ()

Read Amanda Carpenter's report on Obama and his conflicting rhetoric .

 

Barak Hussain Obama

Deadline Approaching: 2007 RNC Calendar is Running Out

	Dear Michael, Don't wait a minute longer to get your 2007 RNC Calendar - - copies of this limited edition are going fast.  In order to receive your calendar by Christmas, orders must be placed no later than this Thursday, December 14. Your limited-edition 2007 RNC calendar includes monthly photos of our President, Vice President, and First Lady, and features little-known facts about our Party and the American Presidency. You can preview each month by going to our special 2007 Calendar Web page.   The holidays can be a hectic time of year for us all - - cross one more item off your to-do list by purchasing this limited edition calendar as a gift for your friends and family today.  Not only will they enjoy this special commemoration of our President and our Party, but your gift will help the RNC close the books on 2006, and enter into the 2008 election cycle on strong financial footing. As a great supporter of our President and our Party, don't miss this last opportunity to get your RNC calendar in time for holiday gift-giving.  Click Here to order your calendar before Thursday's deadline. Thank you for your continued commitment to our cause.  Best wishes to you and your family in 2007.  Sincerely, Sue Gazdo RNC Membership Services Director

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From Nathan

Dear Americans for Mitt Members,

 

As you may have noticed, there has been an onslaught of misleading attacks on Governor Romney's record over the past few days.   The folks over at  www.evangelicalsformitt.org have done a great job of responding to the allegations.  Give them a visit and check out all the great information they provide.  Yours truly got involved by responding to a specific attack from a group called Right March PAC: http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/front_page/marching_all_over_the_facts.php.

 

Also, Warren Bell, a contributor on National Review Online, offers his recap of a Romney event last night.  Further proof that when people get to know Governor Romney, they like him! Check it out here:

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MmIwZmMyODMwMTU2Y2U4YWYxMGMyNDgxZTRhN2ZmM2E

 

If he's really on the verge of being"S-MITT-EN", shouldn't he check out our Smitten Store?

http://www.cafepress.com/smitten08

 

GOPBLOGGERS have launched another version of their 2008 GOP Primary Straw Poll.   Governor Romney has done very well in this poll in the past, so give them a visit and vote for Mitt:

http://www.gopbloggers.org/mt/archives/004517.html

 

Additional links to recent articles are below.  Remember to visit www.americansformitt.com for all the latest news, articles, and updates!  And please encourage your family and friends to join our e-mail list!

 

Thanks,

Nathan Burd

www.americansformitt.com

 

 

Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington:

http://www.american.com/archive/2006/december/mitt-romney

 

2008 Hopefuls Wooing Bush Network:

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-mantle11dec11,0,7194078.story?coll=la-home-headlines

 

Romney in Beijing:

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2006/12/romney_gets_sni.html

Incoming House intelligence chief botches easy intel quiz

 

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Silvestre Reyes of Texas, who incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tapped to head the Intelligence Committee when the Democrats take over in January, failed a quiz of basic questions about al Qaeda and Hezbollah, two of the key terrorist organizations the intelligence community has focused on since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

When asked by CQ National Security Editor Jeff Stein whether al Qaeda is one or the other of the two major branches of Islam -- Sunni or Shiite -- Reyes answered "they are probably both," then ventured "Predominantly -- probably Shiite."

That is wrong. Al Qaeda was founded by Osama bin Laden as a Sunni organization and views Shiites as heretics.

Reyes could also not answer questions put by Stein about Hezbollah, a Shiite group on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations that is based in Southern Lebanon.

Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington

Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington

By Matthew Rees
Friday, December 01, 2006
Mitt Romney, Massachusetts governor and Olympics savior, aspires to the White House. What does his background as a Bain consultant and hyper-successful venture capitalist tell us about how he'll perform? MATTHEW REES has the answers.

Click here for the full article:

and some of the most clever Romney art to date:

The episode highlights what would become the defining characteristic of Romney's career as a venture capitalist—and later as a government executive. He was willing to pursue—and analyze—data that others wouldn't bother to chase down. His dogged persistence paid off. During the 14 years Romney headed Bain Capital, the firm's average annual internal rate of return on realized investments was a staggering 113 percent. At that growth rate, a hypothetical $1,000 investment would grow to $39.6 million before fees. Few, if any, VC firms have ever matched Bain Capital's performance under Mitt Romney.

This article is one of the best 5 articles on about Romney. I consider myself an expert, but there were major things about Romney that I had not yet known in this Article.

I like the story were:

True to form, Romney became deeply immersed in crafting the health-care proposal. Moffit recalls that when he was asked to brief Romney, he found the tables turned. Romney was the one who gave Moffit the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. "In 25 years of briefing elected officials and senior government executives, this was the first time I was the one who got briefed," Moffit says. "It was like being in a private class with a very high-energy professor, and Romney was the professor and I was the student."

I think that it is pathetic that "22 percent said they would not vote for an evangelical Christian; 14 percent would not support a Jewish candidate; and 9 percent, a Catholic candidate."

~~~Mike

Romney reaching to right?

The following is a brief responce to an article by SARAH LIEBOWITZ

Here is the full path.

http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/REPOSITORY/612100304

Everything she says can be refruted by a quick 30 second Romney Google Search.

re: "The Mitt Romney who twice ran for statewide office in Massachusetts is a different politician from the Romney who will likely court New Hampshire voters in the 2008 Republican presidential primary."

He is the same man. You keep keep saying he changed, but the people of the United States, in general, want slightly different things than the people of Massachusetts. If Romney's job is to represent the people who vote for him, and listen to what they want, do you think he would advocate the exact same things for the citizens of Massachusetts and the larger United States?  Abortion is the only stance which has changed, so stop  making yourself look un-educated by overgeneralizing.

re: " As a Massachusetts candidate, Romney pledged to keep abortion "safe and legal."

He did keep abortion safe and legal in Massachusetts. He said that he believed in the Rule of Law and that he knew Massachusetts had decided on Abortion. We wants to let every state decide.

re: "He called on the Republican Party to provide "more support" for the gay and lesbian community and won the support of many gay Republicans."

He still says the exact same thing. On Octover 16th, 2006 Romney said the following.

"In fact, as Americans, I believe that we should show an outpouring of respect and tolerance for all people. I believe God loves all of his children, that no one is abhorred -- that regardless of the differences and different choices, we should show that same respect. As Americans, we must vigorously reject discrimination and bigotry."

re: "In recent months, he has made headlines for his efforts to overturn same-sex marriage in the only state that allows it."

This is exactly what Romney, the candidate, said he would do. When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney declared his opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. [6] "Call me old fashioned, but I don't support gay marriage nor do I support civil union," said Romney in an October 2002 gubernatorial debate. He also voiced support for basic domestic partnership benefits for gay couples.

Photos

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney stands on stage at a rally with opponents of gay marriage at a rally at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, November 19, 2006. Romney is considering a bid for the Republican nomination for President of the the United States. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)

 

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, center, talks during a press conference as Nevada Gov.-elect Jim Gibbons, left, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt look on at the Republican Governors Association 2006 Annual Conference in Miami, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2006.(AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

 

 

Romney in Asai

Romney gets snickers, raves from Beijing college students Boston Globe, United States - 21 hours ago By Jehangir S. Pocha. BEIJING — Governor Mitt Romney's weeklong trip to Asia took him to the renowned Tsinghua University here ...

Romney gets mixed reaction in China Eyewitness News, RI - 7 hours ago BOSTON Governor Mitt Romney is getting a mixed reaction from Chinese university students as he wraps up his week-long trip to Asia. ...

Romney tries political hand in China Boston Globe, United States - 16 hours ago By Jehangir S. Pocha, Globe Correspondent | December 9, 2006. BEIJING -- Governor Mitt Romney's weeklong trip to Asia took him to ...

The stupidity has gone too far

* "This is a subject about which people have tender emotions in part because it touches individual lives. It also has been misused by some as a means to promote intolerance and prejudice. This is a time when we must fight hate and bigotry, when we must root out prejudice, when we must learn to accept people who are different from one another. Like me, the great majority of Americans wish both to preserve the traditional definition of marriage and to oppose bias and intolerance directed towards gays and lesbians."
o Governor Mitt Romney, 06-22-2004 Press Release

* "Preserving the definition of marriage should not infringe on the right of individuals to live in the manner of their choosing. One person may choose to live as a single, even to have and raise her own child. Others may choose to live in same sex partnerships or civil arrangements. There is an unshakeable majority of opinion in this country that we should cherish and protect individual rights with tolerance and understanding. "
o Governor Mitt Romney, 06-22-2004 Press Release

I am trying to respond to this article, but I will do a better job later...

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/09/us/politics/09romney.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Governor Mitt Romney and Evangelicals are together on this. They have never tried to advance families with both Mothers and Fathers by discriminating against gays. Saying that children need both a Mother and a Father is not discrimination, it is siding with the child, who needs both a mother and a father more than the gay couple need children.

Evangelicals teach that you need to love the sinner, but hate the sin. Evangelicals agree with Romney. You don't advance families with a mother and a father, by allowing gays to be discriminated against in the work place. They are two separate issues. We need to stop bigotry towards gays, and we need to preserve the right for catholic charities to provide houses for needy children, even though they do not give children to gay couples. We should all be able to agree on this.

You read in this article by ADAM NAGOURNEY and DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK of the New York times that "Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, who had praised Mr. Romney as a champion of traditional values at the group's conference in late September. "This type of information is going to create a lot of problems for Governor Romney. He is going to have a hard time overcoming this."

Is this quote from Adam or David taken out of context, because WHAT EXACTLY is Mitt Romney going to have to overcome? The belief that people should be treated with respect? Does the New York times think that this will become an issue with southern voters? The New York times keeps saying that it is Southern Evangelical voters that will not vote for a Mormon, but it is Liberal Democrats, who according to actual surveys who would never vote for someone who attends a Mormon church on Sunday. The New York times keeps implying that southern evangelicals who think children deserve both a Mother and a Father hate Gay people. It is liberal people at the New York Times that hate and demonize those that disagree with them.

<blockquote>Paul Weyrich, a founder of the modern conservative movement, said: "Unless he comes out with an abject repudiation of this, I think it makes him out to be a hypocrite. And if he totally repudiates this, you have to ask, on what grounds?"</blockquote>

People keep accusing Mitt Romney of Hypocrisy because he dares asserts that we should be nice to gay people but he does not define niceness by puting their rights to have children over the rights of children to have a mother and a father.

<blockquote>"But I believe we can and must do better. If we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern. My opponent cannot do this. I can and will."</blockquote>

What is so wrong with this? It is the truth. Romney's dad always said that it hurts to be right too early, but this will not hurt Romney. It is not too early. Everyone knows that southern republicans will not want to listen to Ted Kennedy (the man who has killed more people with his car, than my gun has killed) preach to us about how we need to show gay people respect. But southern republicans will listen to someone who stood up for the right of catholic charities to participate in the adoption process, Southern republicans will listen to a man who thinks the rights of children are more important than the rights of adults, say to them that they need to show respect to gays. We can make this not just be an issue between the parties.

Joseph Mccarthy said that communism should not be made an issue between republicans and democrats. He said, and I think this is one of the times he was right, that if we made it a contest between our two great parties, that we will see one of the parties disappear of the face of the earth, and that would be bad for America. The New York Times is trying to make this an issue BETWEEN the parties. They are trying to make it look like everyone in the Republican Party hates gays. This is not the truth. We don't hate gays. We just think the rights of children are more important than the rights of adults.

Most gay people will tell you that they love both their mother and father, and they will tell you that they are glad they had parents representing the two great genders: Women and Men. Lets not make this an issue between the parties, were one party is assumed to hate gays.

There is nothing in Romney's statements that a red blooded American who is comfortable with his or her own sexuality has to be embarrassed of. Romney said that both parties should be nice to gays, show them respect, and hire them in the work place.

When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney declared his opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. "Call me old fashioned, but I don't support gay marriage nor do I support civil union," said Romney in an October 2002 gubernatorial debate. He also voiced support for basic domestic partnership benefits for gay couples.

<blockquote>But his emphasis has shifted in the last two years. As he moves into this new phase of his career, Mr. Romney rarely talks about the need to protect gay men and lesbians from bias, instead presenting himself as a conservative stalwart in the fight against same-sex marriage, arguing that legally recognizing same-sex unions endangers the cultural support for heterosexual families.</blockquote>

This is about the stupidest thing I have ever read. Look at the dates for this quote: OCTOBER 16th 2006

In fact, as Americans, I believe that we should show an outpouring of respect and tolerance for all people. I believe God loves all of his children, that no one is abhorred -- that regardless of the differences and different choices, we should show that same respect. As Americans, we must vigorously reject discrimination and bigotry.

These people at the New York Times are some of the stupidest people I have ever read. They say stupid stuff, like Romney is a hypocrite without giving any example of hypocrisy, and they say that he doesn't talk about equality any more, when it took me 30 seconds to find a great quote that shows how consistent Romney has been.

I would really like to cuss at them right now, but I won't.

Anonymous

I got this message, and wanted to share it with everyone...

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post " Designates Christopher Anderson to serve as board ...":

I hope you realize that anyone (including all previous presidents who were also senators or governors) who runs for president must delegate some of their responsibilities in order to pursue presidential candidacy. I commend Romney for deciding to "retire" instead of going through a full-fledged presidential campaign while also serving as governor (like many past presidents have done). History shows that most past governors who become president dedicate themselves to their campaign and when they win, the LT. Governor takes over as the interim governor. This is much more of a neglect of duty than the inconsequential traveling Romney has done in comparison with the many others (even Sen. Kerry from the same state). Besides, one important part of being a leader is to surround yourself with the best capable people so that you can efficiently delegate... no person can individually and solely run an entire state or country. That's why "support staffs" exist... to support.

It looks like Tucker Carlson has recovered from Jon Stewart

He lost the tie, and is talking about Romney on MSN:

Check out the video:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8063292/

Title V

Visit the Legacy Action Site | Visit the Legacy Blog | Visit our Homepage

We need you to act today.

Email and call your Senators to support Abstinence Education funding.

The federal funding for "Title V" Abstinence Education is set to expire by the end of the year.  Title V provides a crucial source of public funds for abstinence programs across the country.

A 2005 study confirmed the effectiveness of these programs in changing atitudes towards sexual behavior among teens.  As Bridget Maher of FRC points out:

Compared to their peers in a control group, teens who participated in abstinence programs had an increased understanding of the negative consequences of unwed sex. Also, the students viewed abstinence more favorably and unwed sex more negatively.

Recent statistics indicate that teen sexual activity is declining from its peak in the 1990s.  However, the distinct rise in explicit media does not bode well for sustaining this trend. As the internet gives teenagers unfettered access to obscenity, it is important that we provide an alternative message of sexual responsibility and personal integrity. 

A 2004 study published in Pediatrics definitively showed that teens exposed to sexual content on television were twice as likely to experiment with sex than those who avoided such media. Abstinence education in the public schools gives our children the skills and tools they need. Tell your Senator you support this important legislation.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION

Can you passionatly defend a moderate position?

Is someone going to be called a moderate, just because they say peole should be treated with respect?

Wade is for real

I like Dick Cheney...

http://www.thephoenix.com/TalkingPolitics/PermaLink.aspx?guid=47fcf34d-5bac-4b73-b1ec-970cae6781c6

Thursday, December 07, 2006

MittSpaces

Yes, that's right, www.mittspaces.com is a brand-new MySpace-ish site devoted to praising all things Romney-related. It is unaffiliated with the campaign, and was created a few days ago by Wade Eyerly, a radidly enthusiastic young Republican operative I first came across a couple of years ago, when he helped run a small 527 organization called "Fight for Right." He's worked for Dick Cheney, and is a big big big Mitt Romney enthusiast.

Anyway, it's got 24 "friends" already, which is more than the frightening-colored Mitt Romney for President site on real MySpace (although several MittSpaces friends appear to be related to Mr. Eyerly).

It's going to be interesting watching how Presidential candidates try to use new outreach tools in the '08 race, and I don't doubt that some interesting ideas will originate in these kinds of early, unofficial, draft-candidate-X efforts.

I guess wade is "radidly enthusiastic". I think he means radically... but I'm not won to katch peples spelin.

Romney's Wikipedia site has removed pro-mitt links

There, is a new development at this site:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Mitt_Romney

"After noticing that Students Against Mitt was removed as "inappropriate", I just removed all these unofficial, pro-Romney sites (see below). I may be wrong, but they appear to violate WP:EL, as well as WP:NPOV#Undue weight. schi ^talk 23:10, 5 December 2006 (UTC)"

Romney Sites - National

• Americans for Mitt
• Elect Romney in 2008
• Run Mitt Run
• Romney by Topic
• Vote Mitt Romney

Romney Sites - By State

• Iowans for Romney
• Massachusetts for Mitt
• Ohioans for Mitt
• Oregonians for Mitt
• Texans for Mitt

Romney Sites - By Organization

• Catholics for Romney
• Evangelicals for Mitt
• Students for Romney in 2008

I would not have removed students against Mitt. I run myclob.pbwiki.com. I am pro-Romney but I do not think myclob.pbwiki.com is... It is a Mitt Romney encyclopedia, with direct quotes from him on every topic. I would invite anti-romney people to help me edit it. But quotes are organized by topic, which are organized alphabetically. I have every Romney press release, and this site may become more important, once Romney's governor site goes away... I imagine patrick devall will not keep Romney press releases around on the mass governor servers...It is not pro-Romney, because it has direct indisputable quotes... tell me what you think of the site, and if you don't think you could link to it now, tell me what you think I could do to make it acceptable...myclob 02:29, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

As you can see I have made an argument to keep my site...Go to the talk page to discuss this issue...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Mitt_Romney

Your New York Observer Piece

Steve,

 

You did not tell the truth when you said, "In less ideologically charged policy areas, Mr. Romney has systematically sacrificed his reformer credentials to national political expediency."

 

Romney has never changed his position, and you only have to read his wikipedia article to know that.

When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney declared his opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. [34] "Call me old fashioned, but I don't support gay marriage nor do I support civil union," said Romney in an October 2002 gubernatorial debate. He also voiced support for basic domestic partnership benefits for gay couples. Romney told the Log Cabin Club of Massachusetts (a Republican gay-rights group) that he did not support same-sex marriage or civil unions, but would fight discrimination against gays and lesbians. [35] He also opposed an amendment, then before the General Court, that would have banned same-sex marriage and outlawed all domestic partnership benefits for gay couples. As a result, the Log Cabin Club endorsed Romney in the gubernatorial election. [36]. When campaigning in 2002, Romney's stated position was that "all citizens deserve equal rights, regardless of sexual orientation" and that "homosexuals should have the right to a domestic partnership status that affords them the potential for health benefits and rights of survivorship." [37]

I am discipointed that you would misscharacterize Romney's record.

Your conclusion is not only stupid, it is not honest: "But that's Willard Romney: He could have been an exceptional, ideologically independent governor, just as he could have been the real-deal conservative he now appears to be. It's just a pity that he didn't pick one face and stick with it. "

You prove that you are not ideologically independent writer, but choose to call someone a flip flop, even when their positions have never changed.

Ever hear of my-space?

Just wait till they see:

http://mittspace.ning.com/

This site is kind of new, I look forward to seeing what happens...

Blog - O - Sphere

Good post:

 

http://themercied.blogspot.com/2006/12/npr-said-it-it-must-be-true.html

 

 

Mitt Romney declares war on Science Ignorance

Quotes from Governor Mitt Romney on Science Education

• "Massachusetts has a choice," Romney said. "We can provide our kids with a first-rate science education today or we can learn to live with a second-rate economy tomorrow."

2003

• "Massachusetts is home to cutting-edge research and industries. Companies locate and stay here to tap into an unparalleled R&D sector supported by nearly 120 colleges and universities, the highest concentration of academic institutions in the world."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 08-12-2003 Press Release

2004

• "Massachusetts has some of the best schools and teachers in the nation," Romney said, speaking tonight from the historic House Chamber at the State House. "Education reform, adopted a decade ago, raised standards and closed funding gaps. But it was the first step, not the last. Let us now take every step, to prepare every child, for an ever more competitive future."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 01-15-2004 Press Release

2005

• "We're making progress, there's no doubt about it, but we have more work to do. These test scores reflect the hard work and creativity of our students, teachers and schools, but they also reveal that some are still struggling. It is increasingly critical that we advance bold reforms to ensure greater accountability and performance in every classroom."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 10-19-2005 Press Release

• "Our Presidential Award nominees set a great example, not only for educators in Massachusetts, but for the nation. Distinguished math and science teachers like these are the critical components of a public education system that will prepare us for the next century, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work, creativity and dedication."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 11-07-2005 Press Release

• "Massachusetts has a choice. We can provide our kids with a first-rate science education today or we can learn to live with a second-rate economy tomorrow."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 01-25-2005 Press Release

• "Today's students are tomorrow's scientists and engineers. We need to ask ourselves whether our students are being given the tools to preserve the state's workforce advantage and thrive in tomorrow's science based economy."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 01-25-2005 Press Release

• "When a school is labeled as chronically underperforming, that's not a punishment but a signal that extra assistance is needed. Let's do our part and do it swiftly and efficiently to make sure student achievement doesn't suffer."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 01-25-2005 Press Release

• "Just as science can free the innocent, it can also identify the guilty."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 04-28-2005 Press Release

• "Our Presidential Award nominees set a great example, not only for educators in Massachusetts, but for the nation. Distinguished math and science teachers like these are the critical components of a public education system that will prepare us for the next century, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work, creativity and dedication."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 11-07-2005 Press Release

• "Given the demands of today's global economy, it is more important than ever before that our students leave our schools with a solid education in both math and science. We are lucky to have such skilled educators in our classrooms."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 11-07-2005 Press Release

http://myclob.pbwiki.com/Science

Romney beefs up team

http://www.elephantbiz.com/2006/12/team_romney_beefs_up.html

 

 

a noble undocumented worker

http://lonewacko.com/blog/archives/005968.html

 

How do you turn a noble undocumented worker into a sinister, conniving illegal immigrant?

You do it by hiring him to cut the lawn at Gov. Mitt Romney's house, or at least that's how the bow-tied bumkissers at The Boston Globe pulled it off.

The phrase that is usually frowned upon by the Globe - illegal immigrants - was used 11 times in a front-page story Friday. Yesterday, those same dreaded "illegal immigrants" made it into the lead sentence of the follow-up story...

...Suppose that Mitt had shown more interest in the immigration status of his lawn crew. What if he had confronted the company owner - a legal alien from Colombia, remember - and told him he suspected that the mowing crew was here illegally, an adverb used three times in the first story.

Here's how the lead of that story could have been written:

"GOP Gov. Mitt Romney engaged in racial profiling, assuming that good family men from Chelsea, here only to do the jobs that Americans won't do, were in the U.S. illegally. In a move denounced by such non-partisan groups as the ACLU and La Raza, this hypocrite, whose father by the way was born in Mexico, even demanded to see their green cards before he let them work on his verdant lawn. Romney, a member of the Mormon faith, which until recent years did not allow blacks to become ministers..."

Troopers can arrest illegal immigrants in Romney deal

Critics warn of profiling, police mistrust

By Michael Levenson and Jonathan Saltzman, Globe Staff  |  December 3, 2006

Governor Mitt Romney has reached an agreement with federal authorities that allows the Massachusetts State Police to arrest immigrants who are in the state illegally, his spokesman said.

Currently, state troopers have no power to detain people for violations of their immigration status alone, said the spokesman, Eric Fehrnstrom. If troopers stop people who they suspect are illegal immigrants, they can call a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Vermont to check on their status and detain them if federal officials request it, he said.

Under the deal, brokered after months of negotiations, troopers can detain people they determine are illegal immigrants during regular police duties, Fehrnstrom said. This authority will be given to two dozen or three dozen troopers who undergo 4 1/2 weeks of training in immigration laws, civil rights, and ways to avoid racial profiling, he said. The troopers will probably be members of special units that pursue violent fugitives or combat street gangs.

Ferhnstrom said the troopers would not go on patrols aimed at rounding up illegal immigrants. But they will be able to arrest, for example, a motorist they stop for a broken tail light if they determine the motorist has violated immigration law. Fehrnstrom, speaking Friday, said the pact would be announced publicly this week. He declined to provide more details yesterday.

Click here for more:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/12/03/troopers_can_arrest_illegal_immigrants_in_romney_deal/

Great take on Mitt Romney

Visit a very cool website here.

Dems blow it! Can't hold on to Romney illigal alien story

Instead of waiting until the Thursday before the election (in this case, 11/7/2008) like they did with Ted Haggart, Bush Jr. drunk driving, and Bush Sr. mystery romance; waiting until they can stop Republican momentum like Foley; or until they can do damage both the president and the war effort like NY Times 1966-2006, the Dems blow it by releasing damaging information about Mitt Romney a full two years early. I was outraged that the Governor couldn't take a measly two minutes from his cushy governor job to stroll down the front steps of his house and demand I.D. from the landscapers his legal contractor hired. Just to show Mitt Romney how it's done, I went to Gigante and demanded to see the register-girl's green card before I purchased my Snickers and soda(yes, I know, tomorrow I'll start my diet).

Romney burnishing credentials on trip to Japan, S. Korea, China

Click here to learn more...

By Glen Johnson, AP Political Writer  |  December 1, 2006

CEO Running Mate

Romney Meets with Top Advisors/Supporters

Recently Governor Mitt Romney and the Commonwealth PAC welcomed several top supporters to Boston. In an effort to thank those who have been supportive of Romney and the efforts of the Commonwealth PAC over the last year, the group gathered for dinner. During the event, the results of the mid-term elections were discussed as well as how the Republican Party can move forward.

Some of those in attendance included Eric Tanenblatt (Bush Ranger and Georgia Chair), Peter Karmanos (President and CEO of Compuware), Nancy Coverdell (wife of late U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell of Georgia), Meg Whitman (President and CEO of Ebay), Gary Hunt (Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger's Finance Chair), Dave Phillips (President Bush's North Carolina Finance Chair and Bush Ranger) and Dick Williams (Founder of President Bush's Mavericks Program).

Wouldn't that be cool if Meg Whitman ran as VP? Maybe it is not very well thought out, but it would propose a great alternative to Hillary. Here is someone who made it big on her own, with out following the coat tails of a creep of a husband...

According to Forbes Magazine, Whitman was worth an estimated $1.5 billion in 2005. She is one of only five women on Earth to have been repeatedly ranked among the world's most influential people by Time magazine.

Whitman began her working career at Procter & Gamble from 1979 to 1981, when she built her experience in brand management. She then spent eight years working for the consulting firm Bain and Company, eventually becoming a vice-president.

Did Romney and her work together? Wasn't Romney also vise-president? Romney's not worth a Billion is he? No. Does anyone else think she would be good? Is she interested in policy? She is a great manager, or you would assume she is...

What do you guys think?

Advisers to Mitt

 

"Greg Mankiw's Blog: Random Observations for Students of Economics"

Greg Mankiw is advising Mitt Romney on Economic issues, for those of you who have an interest in economics.

Please look around, before you comment. From what I understand his readers want to keep the discussion focused on Economics, and not politics.

So if you are interested in Economics, check it out here.

Also stop by to learn a little more about Glen Hubbard here.

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! You have got to watch this video!

~~~Mike

"Mitt Romney stokes homophobia"?

Mitt Romney stokes homophobia?

People keep saying that Mitt Romney is a Bigot or a Homophobe, but they don't say why. They never give quotes or example of things that he has done that were bigoted or homophobic.

Here is a good example.

Romney has said:

"This is a subject about which people have tender emotions in part because it touches individual lives. It also has been misused by some as a means to promote intolerance and prejudice. This is a time when we must fight hate and bigotry, when we must root out prejudice, when we must learn to accept people who are different from one another. Like me, the great majority of Americans wish both to preserve the traditional definition of marriage and to oppose bias and intolerance directed towards gays and lesbians."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 06-22-2004 Press Release

Then the other side keeps saying that he won't stand up for traditional marriage, and that his position has changed as he has started his run for president. These people are not very interested in truth. Romney's position has been the same from the beginning. When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney declared his opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. "Call me old fashioned, but I don't support gay marriage nor do I support civil union," said Romney in an October 2002 gubernatorial debate.

He did not change his position because he wanted to be president. His position has always been the same. People on both sides are going to beat up on him. People on the right will hate Romney because he acknowledges that there is some bigotry towards gays, and because he calls for equal treatment. People on the left will call him a fascist because he puts the desires of children to have a mother and a father above the rights of adults. Both sides are wrong.

My Dad recovered from a scary surgery

On the 4th of July, 2006, my dad, Marvin, was getting out of his RV. We were at my cousin's cabin in McCall Idaho. He twisted his ankle, getting out, and hit his head.

We were more concerned about his ankle, but should have been worried about his head, because he actually was knocked unconscious... we don't know how long he was out in the forest laying there, and I don't like the vision of him hobbling to the cabin…

Anyways he must have hurt his head. A few months later he started having cognitive problems. He was falling down mowing the lawn… he had just had eye surgery, and at first he thought he was having problems with his vision…he went to the emergency room when one morning he couldn't get out of bed…

My mom was really scared. Everyone. I think he went in on a Friday. The doctor was out, and so he had to wait till Monday to have the operation: a bi-lateral hemotosis, or something… basically it was to stop the bleeding… the blood was pooling up in his brain…

He had to go through therapy to learn to walk, and do everything again…

They had him doing mind exercises…

That was more than 6 years ago. From that time he has seen 2 more of my kids born, seen them at Christmas and for summer break, visited them here, and spoken to them almost every weekend.







I'm very grateful for modern medicine, and for my dad.

You should track family graduation photos on the same page

I was still very young when my brother graduated from High School

Driving to high school graduation

Yeah

1998 Megan's BA in English. I finished Ricks the
same time (?) she finished at the Y. Best girlfriend ever. 

Best mom. Ever. 

Best dad. Ever.

1998, Assoc Mech Engr,
Victor Forsnes. Probably the best teacher I ever had. 

My parents took this picture after 
I graduated from Ricks in 1998

2002, BS Electrical Engineering

J, 1st Grade

2003 Masters in Technical Communication

Visiting Washington, Oregon, and Northern California state parks can be a good vacation

Megan and I got married over a Christmas break, my sophomore year in college. There wasn't much time, and we didn't have much money, and so we didn't "go anywhere exotic" for our honeymoon.

Megan was a trooper, and said that our road trips that we took to Washington, Oregon, and the California coasts were our honey moons the next 2 summers were our honermoons.

We brought our tent, stayed in State Parks, and only got rained out once. 

We:

• went to Mt. Saint Helens. Did not pay for helicopter tour, 
• went swimming in the Columbia river, 
• rented a 2 person boat, 
• lake canoed 
• took a ferry to Victoria on British Columbia, 
• walked in the red-woods, 
• visited KC
• stayed in a Casino in Reno
• Spent a day in San Fransico
• saw the worlds shortest river

I:

• walked down to crater lake 
• made Megan cry driving down the world's curviest road

Driving through a tree

Megan making hash-browns on our Camp Stove.
This looks like the coast

One of the many places that waves ambushed us

At a Japanese garden in Seattle. We were able to visit KC

Megan and I had fun on our Senior prom

It was a dark and stormy night, the night before prom. Derek and I sat in our basement at the computer late into the night. Koji sat engrossed in his video game to the left of us. Derek and Dan had enjoyed "Tommy Boy" earlier. I was scheduled to be a participant in this movie-watching event, but I had to wait for Koji to arrive from his track meet, not wanting to leave him alone like a free electron in a silicon chip or Mr. Burton on a cold, blustery morning, wandering the lake in a lonely manner, looking for a fish to complete his lonely soul.

REM blasted in our mind, a little too loud for music to be when you are trying to discuss matters of importance. Still, we were proud of our flippant attitude in determining the most extravagant event as graduating seniors.

Given our dire circumstances, I said, "Don't worry about it. We'll just figure it out tomorrow morning." The topic of conversation was what we would do tomorrow morning. It was too late for sensible people to try and be sensible.

Derek had a hole in his pants, and he proceeded to rip off the bottom portion of his lower garment. Koji heard the ripping noise and looked at Derek with that expression only Koji could make (Koji was a foreign exchange student. He was a member of a punk rock band in Japan but was harmless in a way that very few Americans could possibly imagine. He also personified the bad-singing Japanese person to a tea and attempted everything from Led Zeplin to the Beatles (at a moment's notice). The look shows his complete inability to understand American members of the human race. My Mom looked like she disagreed with my conclusion of normality when she rolled her eyes in our general direction as she put away the groceries.

I've never known my mom to go shopping at 11 o'clock. She must have been bored to have wandered about the deserted grocery store to look for food to fill my lonely stomach.

Derek and I concluded that we needed to go to some park down by the River. Our plans involved: 

• Looking at pictographs and running around and flailing our arms about, and just being downright silly.
• Doing some target practice with my Dad's Guns.

That night, I tossed and turned like a hairy-toothed madman, pulling and stretching a quilt trying to cover his cold feet. I was ill. I had a nice cold-sore developing, and my nose was runny. Derek called at 7:00 AM to inform me to get ready to make a purchasing arrangement for groceries and flowers. I rose from bed at 8:00, too tired to flail my arms about. Derek arrived at my abode at 8:30 and waited while I brushed my teeth. We then got groceries, flowers, and girls.

Megan and I drove around Derek's house until he got there. We fixed and consumed breakfast, which consisted of Swedish pancakes (a little heavy on the egg, but delicious), fruit with cream, and OJ (of the fruit variety.)

Katie, Derek's youngest sibling, ate with us. I wanted to hit her. Derek did. Just joking, she was fine, and as a result of her fineness, no violence ensued.

After breakfast, we walked around the Snake River, looked at pictographs, threw rocks off the bridge, and messed around. I didn't feel silly enough to flail my arms about. We stopped at a shooting range, shot beer bottles and clay pigeons, and listened to Pachel Bell. Some guy told us not to use my handgun, not to shoot beer bottles, and to pick up the garbage, all of which we were obliged to do, and all of which we did. We had a nice drive, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. We then went our separate ways to prepare for the big event.

Derek picked me up at 6:00 in his Lexi, and we picked up Megan at about 6:10. She looked very virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy. We went to Lara's house, where the congregations and multiple hosts of people were gathered to look at us, say absolutely nothing intelligent, and take our pictures, all at the same time. We stepped inside the living room with more people than square feet and more cameras than the Grand Canyon on a Japanese holiday. We muddled through our trials and woe and got on our way.

We had our pictures taken three times. Once I got home after the night, I tried the smiles I used in front of a mirror, and they looked exactly like what they were: fake. Not that I wasn't having a good time, just that I had no reason to smile looking at some annoying woman telling me how to hold Megan's hand.

Having completed our mission, we proceeded onward and upward to The Gamekeeper! The salmon was interesting kind of enjoyable, but not succulent or ultimately satisfying. It's not something I totally chewed down on. Although I guess I did, kind of, chow down. Not because it was extraordinarily good, just cause I'm ordinarily a pig, and I forgot to eat differently than usual. I was worried about talking, so I ate pretty fast.

After dinner, we went to the dance. It was loud. I wanted to go do something fun. I knew they had a baby grand piano on the stage at the Civic Center, and I thought it would be cool to play piano or something. I wanted to do something memorable instead of just going in and trying to talk over the noise.

I wanted Megan to feel comfortable, but it was unsupervised, and I didn't think she wanted to go in. It was probably locked anyway, but for a while, I thought I was with Derek, so I thought we could find a way. Then I remembered I was with Megan, so after being immature and trying to do something fun, I succumbed to the dance, and we went in and sat down at a table. We wandered around a little, talking to some of our different friends. We danced about 5 slow dances. I wish we would have danced to Stairway to Heaven, but maybe Megan wouldn't have liked it.

Surprisingly, they played Offspring and some other non-traditional dance music. After prom, we went to Video City to get a movie, but it was closed being 12:01. We just got "The River Wild" from Lara's residence and watched the movie at Derek's. In conclusion, it was a fabulous, fun-filled night for everyone. Or at least, I hope.

Later, I learned that Megan was very upset that we did not get dessert. Derek got some flaming thing.

Me checking Megan out. Jesus watching.

Life is filled with funny events and timing

1. Reasons to Agree:

   • Coincidence in Timing (A1): Megan's performance of "A Marshmallow World" in a minor key aligns humorously with her dating frustrations, symbolizing life's quirky timing.
     • Linkage Score: High (if the argument is that life's coincidences often reflect our personal experiences humorously).
     • Evidence: Personal anecdote, psychological theories of perception and confirmation bias.
   • Prom Date Plan Discussion (A2): The conversation with Megan's father about prom timings humorously highlights parental concerns and the unpredictability of plans.
     • Linkage Score: Moderate (if the argument focuses on the humor arising from generational differences and expectations).
     • Evidence: Personal experience, social norms about dating and parental roles.

2. Reasons to Disagree:

   • Confirmation Bias (D1): People tend to remember and give significance to coincidences while ignoring routine events, leading to a skewed perception of their frequency.
     • Linkage Score: High (argues directly against the idea that life is exceptionally filled with funny coincidences).
     • Evidence: Psychological studies on confirmation bias and memory.

3. Conclusion Scoring:

   • Cumulative Argument Score: Total scores of A1 and A2 minus D1, adjusted by their respective linkage scores.
   • Impact of Conclusion: The belief's score could affect our perception of life's events, influencing our outlook and mood.

Associated Beliefs:

• Simulation Theory: Some funny coincidences may lead to a belief in simulation theory.
  • Linkage to Main Belief: Moderate (humorous coincidences can be used as anecdotal evidence for larger metaphysical theories).
  • Evidence to Explore: Philosophical arguments for and against simulation theory, empirical data supporting or refuting common coincidences.

Analytical Insights:

• Humor in Everyday Life: The belief underlines the role of humor in interpreting life events.
• Psychological Impact: Such beliefs can influence mental health by framing life experiences in a lighter, more humorous manner.