Free Republic

Of all the reactions to Sarah Palin's Friday morning press conference, the most common by far is bafflement followed by gentle and not-so-gentle mockery. Those who've long since deemed Palin a criminally incompetent Lady Macbeth were delighted to see her crash and burn. Sensing some kind of ulterior motive, one emerging narrative is that she is abandoning ship before some messy ethics violation is revealed in an effort to preserve her 2012 presidential viability. One outlandish theory I've toyed with is that she intends to build a new life as an evangelical super-celebrity, the tough-but-loving mother of a large Christian...

A Hillary supporter reminds of this Newsweek interview from last August: NEWSWEEK: Sarah Palin, you are a Republican and a conservative one at that. It's unlikely that you and Hillary would agree on too many issues. But, yet, as a woman, chief executive—someone who's been through the grinder—when you look at the coverage and you listen to the conversations, what do you see? Sarah Palin: Fair or unfair—and I do think that it's a more concentrated criticism that Hillary gets on so many fronts; I think that's unfortunate. But fair or unfair, I think she does herself a disservice to...

·11250 Waples Mill Road ·   Fairfax, Virginia 22030    ·800-392-8683 Arizona Legislature Sends Three Self-Defense Bills to Governor Brewer Wednesday, July 01, 2009 Fairfax, Va. – The Arizona Senate passed three important self-defense bills in a session that lasted into the early morning hours Wednesday. First, Senate Bill 1113 enables law-abiding right-to-carry permit holders to carry firearms for self-defense in restaurants. This NRA-backed bill passed by an overwhelming, bi-partisan majority of 19-8 and will now be sent to Governor Jan Brewer’s (R) desk for her consideration. “By adopting this important, common-sense legislation, Arizonans now have the ability to defend themselves and their...

Hundreds rally against taxes and big government By AUTUMN GROOMS Organizers were impressed with attendance Saturday at the second La Crosse area Tea Party to draw attention to lower taxes, smaller government and individual liberty. About 400 people attended the event at Copeland Park. “We never would have seen these numbers (attending) in the past,” said Mark Block, regional director for Americans for Prosperity. “I think citizens don’t think elected officials are listening to what they are concerned about in Wisconsin,” Block said. The July 4 Tea Party was a continuation of the Tax Day Tea Party held April 15...

Here's a way for America to cut its spiraling healthcare costs: ice floes. This idea isn't mine. It's President Obama's. Or rather, it's where we're likely to end up if the president prevails on Congress to pass the adventurous healthcare reform proposal currently being discussed, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will cost about $1 trillion over the next 10 years. That's on top of Medicare's annual $327-billion budget, whose massive deficits, if they continue at the same rate, are predicted to bankrupt the Medicare system by the end of the next decade. In looking for a way to fund...

Manuel Zelaya, the president of Honduras ousted in a coup, is attempting to fly home from Washington and reclaim his office, sparking clashes between his supporters and the security forces which have led to at least one death. At least one person was killed and several were injured as soldiers opened fire and let off tear gas rounds after at least 10,000 supporters of the Leftist leader descended on the airport outside the capital, Tegucigalpa. As his supporters mobbed the airport, soldiers were deployed en masse. Violent confrontations then erupted along the perimeter fence. As demonstrators tried to rip down...

Colin Powell Attacks Critics of Sotomayor Colin Powell, one of the nation's most prominent African-Americans, is going after people who attacked Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor because of her stand in favor of affirmative action. Powell, who's from the same Bronx neighborhood in New York as Sotomayor, said she should face "a spirited set of hearings" in the Senate. But he said the federal appeals court judge, who would be the first Hispanic justice, shouldn't be condemned for ruling against white firefighters who contended they suffered reverse discrimination. "What we can't continue to have is to have somebody like a...

On Fox News Sunday this morning, Weekly Standard editor, and FNC contributor, Bill Kristol predicted Sarah Palin’s path to the White House in 2012. He predicted that Palin would become a leader of conservatives, the leader of the GOP, and then president, just like Obama did. According to Kristol, Palin is just like Obama. Here is the video courtesy of Think Progress: (VIDEO AT LINK) Kristol said, "Barack Obama ran for Senate in 2004, was elected to the Senate and the moment he was sworn in began running for president of the United States. He had no Senate leadership record...

WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden said the Obama administration "misread how bad the economy was" but stands by its stimulus package and believes the plan will create more jobs as the pace of its spending picks up. Biden, in an interview airing Sunday on ABC's "This Week," said the nation's 9.5 percent unemployment rate is "much too high." "The figures we worked off of in January were the consensus figures and most of the blue chip indexes out there," Biden said. "We misread how bad the economy was, but we are now only about 120 days into the recovery...

STATE GOVERNMENT HAS NEVER BEEN SO CLOWNISH, SO EVIL, SO IRRELEVANT Having witnessed the anarchy, chaos and lack of leadership that has engulfed the state Capitol during the past month, I have a painful confession to make. After three decades as a journalist covering state government, if I had to do it all over again, I'd find another job. I've covered Govs. Hugh Carey, Mario Cuomo, George Pataki, Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson and for New York to wind up like this after 35 years of modern leadership, it's clear to me that my real job has been to chronicle...

Photos and video from Hawaii TEA Parties July 4 Next protest July 14: Honolulu & Hilo info>>>www.OvertaxedHawaii.com and July 14 Hilo 5PM Hilo Bayfront signwave Advertiser: 7 Hawaii 'tea parties' take aim at spending, increasing tax burden WHT Kona: Protesters celebrate Fourth with TEA party

Eight days before the election, I spent 20 minutes alone with Sarah Palin on her campaign bus between rallies in Leesburg, Va., and Fredericksburg, George Washington's childhood home. Our encounter brought to mind a crusty Texas editor's description of politicians who didn't know what they didn't know: Delusions of adequacy. By then, John McCain's handlers were so spooked by the disastrous Katie Couric interview they'd hermetically sealed his running mate from media interrogators. But Tucker Eskew, the savvy Republican operative running her road show, graciously offered some "face time" - if our conversation was off the record. Reluctantly, I took...

A senior Church of England bishop has angered gay-rights campaigners by saying homosexuals should repent. Archbishop of Rochester Michael Nazir-Ali told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper that the Bible defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman. He said the church welcomed gay people, "but we want them to repent and be changed." Nazir-Ali is a leading member of the conservative wing of the global Anglican Communion, which is riven by divisions over homosexuality and the ordination of women. Gay groups condemned the bishop's remarks. Campaigner Peter Tatchell said Nazir-Ali's view "goes against Christ's gospel of love and...

Veterans In Politics Talk Show Introduces Clark County Republican Party Chairman Candidate Debate LIVE on www.AllTalkRadio.net July 11: Clark County Republican Party Chairman Candidate Debate the following candidates will be participating Mr. Jim Jonas, Mr. Dave McGowan, and Mr. Steve Esh:: "Veterans In Politics" is a weekly radio show produced by the Veterans In Politics International and hosted by Steve Sanson and co-hosted by Ronda Baldwin Kennedy on www.alltalkradio.net. The "Veterans In Politics" show is live every Saturday 2:05 PM Pacific Time you can call in and speak to the guest or/and hosts at (702) 309-6690.

"You're the problem!" one crowd member hollered. "You voted for TARP," yelled another. Boos interrupted Cornyn, who won his second term last year, after he said: "This is a day of celebration, the day we celebrate our Founders, who defied empires and declared their independence."

For Oregonians, many employers owe more benefits than their retirement plans can pay You think your 401(k) is in bad shape? Your pension could be worse off. Provided you even have one. Thirty-four of 36 large publicly traded employers operating in Oregon owe more retirement benefits than their traditional pensions can pay, an analysis by The Oregonian found. http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/07/pensions_in_peril.html

ormer Secretary of State Colin Powell says President Obama's agenda may be too ambitious, and costly. "One of the challenges that President Obama has now is that he's got so many things on the table, and these are issues that the American people find important, health care and so many other issues," said Powell in an interview slated to air Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union with John King." "But I think one of the cautions that has to be given to the president -- and I've talked to some of his people about this -- is that you...

In sum, Sotomayor's joining of the Sanchez-Villar opinion's preemptive ambush on the Second amendment is a smoking gun example of her stealth activism against gun rights. This objection to Sotomayor may not be as sexy as a speech about latinas or a ruling against white firemen, and it may not be a silver bullet capable of taking on werewolves, but at least its on-point and relevant to the open question of Sotomayor's worthiness to be a lifetime decider of the rights of Americans.

Some people are screwed up. Broken. They choose to hate and nothing will change their minds. I believe most people are basically good. Given an opportunity, they work things out. Here is an example. In 1956, my dad, Dr. Rev. Lloyd Marcus Sr, was one of the first blacks to break the color barrier into the Baltimore City Fire Department at Engine 6. Unlike the white firefighters, dad did not have free reign of the fire house. A bunk, toilet, sink and single set of eating utensils were marked “reserved” for him. Even the general coffee pot was off limits....

From Gov. Palin via Twitter: See letter from my attorney on baseless allegations of past 24hrs @ http://tinyurl.com/l4ct5n(excerpt)The Palin-hating left has been salivating this weekend over lies that began at an Alaska ankle biter website, percolated up to the national nutroots and got mentioned on several major liberal media outlets. At Conservatives 4 Palin, Mel traces the genesis of the rumors through the land of the loonies. Start at the bottom of the post and read up. In a telephone interview with Josh Meyer of the LA Times, an FBI spokesman in Alaska dismissed the leftist lies that an FBI...

On April 15, thousands of people in 100's of cities and towns gathered to protest rising taxes, failed bailouts, 1st and 2nd Amendment clamp downs and, in general, failing policies of the current Congress and Administration. Yesterday, there was a repeat of the Tea Party grassroots movement. Although conservatives make up the majority of those gathering, there are people participating from all over the political spectrum. Is it time for the Tea Party Movement to have a leader? To have an organized structure and means of communication? To have a fund raising instrument? Or would that ruin its goals and...

The latest issue of Vanity Fair isn't even on newsstands yet and it's already making headlines for a not-so-politely titled article, "It Came from Wasilla," about Gov. Sarah Palin. William Kristol at the Weekly Standard is calling it a "hit piece," taking writer Todd Purdum to task for his "dubious claims." A blogger at the Atlantic writes that the article "paints a gruesome picture" of the governor. Politico's Jonathan Martin mulls the "political fallout from the very tough piece."

Snip"And I (Powell) never would have believed that we would have budgets that are running into the multi-trillions of dollars, and we are amassing a huge, huge national debt that, if we don’t pay for in our lifetime, our kids and grandkids and great grandchildren will have to pay for it.”WASHINGTON — Colin Powell worries that President Barack Obama is trying to tackle too many big issues at one time and he offers this advice: Take a hard look at costs and consider the additional red tape that will be created. “The right answer is, ‘Give me a government that...

Freeper Brytani joins Honest Conservative on Freedom Radio tonight at 8 pm est to discuss the Freeper Tea Party in DC in September. Join in on the discussion at 646 478 5613 and bring your ideas. Bring your friends as well. Oh, how we freepers love to chat, but now its time to show up folks. Now its time to put out. Put your body where your mouth is. Call in at 646 478 5613 and support Brytani's devastatingly hard work and support Freedom while you do it.

With Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed budget stalemated in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, 600 unhappy taxpayers rallied in Chambersburg’s center square Saturday to declare their independence from looming tax increases. Likening their protest to that of a group of Boston patriots in 1776, Franklin County, Pa., joined in the nationwide TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party movement against taxation and government spending.

About 250 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol at noon Saturday to celebrate the “Nationwide Independence Day Tea Party,” a protest rally being held around the country. Organizers handed out pocket copies of the Constitution. Speakers criticized President Obama’s economic policies and what they see as the far left’s goal to increase the size of government, along with their taxes. One man’s sign — “Liberty Over Tyranny” — won a vote of applause as the crowd’s favorite. In April, the same “tea-party” group had gathered at the Capitol with the same message.

... We must at once understand all of the evil political movements of history, the plague of human prejudice, long-standing geopolitical conflict, the effective demise of the American Bill of Rights, among other things. A population can be led, no matter how outrageous the claims being made to lead them. In the midst of the global warming hoax, we have seen incontrovertible evidence of the ease with which at least some followers are driven to fanaticism in support of a purely manipulative cause. ...

Madison — Gov. Jim Doyle and his staff failed to properly account for 145 travel expenses over two years, including a $5,200 business-class flight to Ireland and a $654-a-night stay in a London hotel. Nearly three-fourths of the time in 2007 and 2008, Doyle and his staff didn't supply receipts as required under state travel policy. By comparison, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and her staff didn't provide receipts one-third of the time during the same period. Travel records also showed Doyle spent more than $1,500 on two chauffeured vehicles in Canada. That expenditure did not violate state travel policy, however....

Jamie Dupree Cap and Trade Extras By Jamie Dupree @ July 2, 2009 12:00 AM Permalink | Comments (50) | TrackBacks (0) I know, I know. I'm probably boring you to death by going through the Cap and Trade bill with a fine tooth comb. But today, let's talk about how it would direct money to the working poor in America. On page 1193, the bill would add a section to the Social Security Act on an "Energy Refund Program." Basically, those making no more than 150% of the poverty line, would get monthly cash payments from the government to...

David Barton is the founder of Wallbuilders. He is a brilliant scholar on the true founding of the United States and how ingrained Christianity was in our founders. This is the best video I have EVER seen. He is so detailed and yet succinct, on how we were really founded and who's responsible. The level of black participation in our liberty is astounding and yet, you hear none of it. I speculate that the Al Sharpton's/Jesse Jackson's of this country do not want anyone to hear these truths because it could insite pride in the country from our black population....

A recent column on the euphemisms used by proponents of illegal-immigrant amnesty brought some irate buzzing from all seven members of the Young Anarchists' League. As near as I can figure, I'm "not allowed" to call for the enforcement of current immigration laws -- or possibly of any laws, even those few (like the immigration laws) enacted within the powers delegated to Congress under the Constitution -- because any such enforcement of the law amounts to some kind of "collectivist police state fascism" against people who have "not initiated force or fraud." I'm not sure how you cut through a...

Arizonans will get a second chance to decide if they want residents here to be able to opt out of any national health insurance plan approved by Congress. Without debate, the state Senate on Monday voted 18-11 to put a proposal on the 2010 ballot that would constitutionally override any law, rule or regulation that requires individuals or employers to participate in any particular health care system. The House already has approved the measure. HCR2014, if approved by voters next year, also would prohibit any fine or penalty on anyone or any company for deciding to purchase health care directly....

Even for a nonconformist, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin defies political logic with her sudden, stunning announcement to leave office more than a year early. Supporters and critics alike say the former GOP vice presidential candidate’s resignation, announced Friday afternoon and effective July 26, is an inexplicable move for a high profile Republican widely seen as a contender for a White House run in 2012. A half-term governor campaigning for president? --snip-- Pam Pryor, a spokeswoman for Palin’s political action committee, said the group continues to accept donations on its Web site, which saw an uptick in contributions Friday afternoon.(continued at...

Since posting this blog entry critical of Sarah Palin on Friday, I have been getting a lot of angry email from right-wing culture warriors. That's not particularly surprising. But what is surprising is the general tone. Many of my correspondents seem to be turning Palin into a sort of political Christ figure, who has been martyred for America's political sins. This email from one George Lyster was typical in this regard: "It's because of incessant criticism from people like you why she is quitting. Attack her, attack her children, attack her grandchildren. No individual should have been treated by the...

I want to wait until after Independence Day was over before I posted this. Obama didn't do much in the way of appearances today -- but he did send an email to his 'supporters.' He "rewrites" history in the following email. "Friend -- This weekend, our family will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the remarkable story that led to this day. Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when...

John Adans: Yesterday, the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." ...

Several thousand people gathered at anti-tax “Tea Party” protests across Ventura County today celebrating Independence Day with a shot across the bow of big government. The demonstration at the Ventura County Government Center attracted a large crowd — organizers counted more than 3,500 with almost as many signing up to be part of an e-mail list, they said. Similar protests were held in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, but with smaller crowds. In Ventura, passing motorists honked as those gathered waved American flags and signs with messages like “We Are In Hot Water,” “One Nation Under God,” “You Can’t Fix...

Here are some pictures from today's Tea Party in Temecula, California. A couple hundred patriots stood in the hot sun and got a ton of support from thousands of people driving by.

Dear Sarah, Please forgive my presumption in writing you, but since no one else seems willing or capable of saying these things, which I think sorely need saying, and since they concern you, and what this country is all about, namely: freedom, individuality, and character, I've taken this liberty and beg your indulgence. I'm somewhat appalled by all those who publicly and privately have presumed to know what prompted your decision to step down as Governor of the State of Alaska, and even more appalled by those who presume to tell you what you now ought, or even must do....

Albuquerque Tea Party was due to start at 4 pm and run until 6. By 2 pm we had lots of people there signing petitions, filling out postcards and 'notices of termination' to their elected officials and waving homemade signs! We had a few speeches - nothing major (no big names were on hand). There was a band, some lively music, many renditions of the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless the USA, some good barbecue and fun had by all. Not sure how many people showed up but there were large crowds for most of the time we were...

“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her [Babylon the Great], my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.’”  Revelation 18:4-5.               At present, it appears that the infernal conspiracy to establish a socialist global empire, or, to quote Barack Obama, a ‘new global regime’, is nearly realized.  Engaged in this plot are communists, radical Moslems, and occultists who desire the slaughter of Christians and Jews (contrary to the allegations of some...

In October 2008 a new version of the U.S. citizenship test will be taken by all applicants. Could you pass it? The questions are usually selected from a list of 100 samples that prospective citizens can look at ahead of the interview. Some are easy, some are not. We have picked some of the more difficult ones.

Sarah Palin is the biggest political star in the nation. Need proof , just look at the events this weekend. There is not a single political or news person or outlet that is not talking about what the Governor did yesterday. The funniest thing is , everyone is trying to guess why she resigned even though she clearly stated why. She can no longer govern Alaska because she spends everyday of her time and all kinds of money fighting false ethic charges. She has become a lightning rod for the media and the people of Alaska are better off with...

Next time someone tells you intelligent design is “based on religion,” you might point him to American Founder Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence. As I explain in a special July 4th edition of ID the Future, Jefferson not only believed in intelligent design, he insisted it was based on the plain evidence of nature, not religion. Ironically, the critics of intelligent design often think they are defending the principles of Jefferson. The National Council for the Social Studies, for example, claims that intelligent design is religion and then cites Jefferson’s famous Letter to the Danbury Baptists calling...

Goodbye, Gringo America By Paul L. Williams, Ph.D.thelastcrusade.org It’s payback time for white America. "America's Palestinians" are on the march, chanting "Ahora es la tiempo por audacia"! Thousands of Latinos are gathering this Independence Day to celebrate the Farce of July. This annual all-day concert and street fair is held on Cesar Chavez Avenue in East Los Angeles - - the heart of the barrio. The event is sponsored by the Aztlan Underground to uphold the claim that the Southwest portion of the United States had been stolen from Mexicans and Mexican Americans by Yankee colonialists under the leadership of...

If Sarah Palin thinks quitting the Alaskan statehouse is going to help a 2012 presidential campaign which some pundits speculate she's mulling, she's mistaken, according to longtime Republican strategist Ed Rollins...

A Declaration By the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled. When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for a people to advance from that subordination in which they have hitherto remained, and to assume among powers of the earth the equal and independent station to which the laws of nature and of nature's god entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the change. We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal and independent;...

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's abrupt and unscripted holiday resignation is an odd way to launch a potential presidential bid and certainly no help for a party battered by scandal and fighting for relevancy. From a folksy figure who catapulted from obscure governor to conservative darling and vice presidential nominee, it's merely the latest move in a political drama that has left Republican elders scratching their heads. --snip-- "If this is her launching pad for 2012, it's a curious move," said John Weaver, a former senior strategist for McCain's presidential bids. "Policy is politics, and she has no real accomplishments as...

CCTV, RFID tags and GPS-enabled phones are among the technologies that can be used to keep track of your movements. Big Brother is watching you: CCTV cameras have become one of the most contentious pieces of technology in public use The furore around the Chinese government’s Green Dam software has raised the issue of the way modern technology is used to monitor our daily lives. Here, we list seven of the technologies that can be used to keep track of your movements. CCTV Censorship of the web is futile, says Google CEO China accuses Google of spreading ‘vulgar content’ Closed-circuit...

Speech on the Occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Calvin Coolidge July 5, 1926 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania We meet to celebrate the birthday of America. The coming of a new life always excites our interest. Although we know in the case of the individual that it has been an infinite repetition reaching back beyond our vision, that only makes it the more wonderful. But how our interest and wonder increase when we behold the miracle of the birth of a new nation. It is to pay our tribute of reverence and respect to those...