Did you know that "In God We Trust" is the national motto of the United States? Well, it is, no matter how much anyone else hates it. If you despise it so much, feel free to head for another country. And yes, that's completely fair -- that's what freedom is -- if you don't like it, get your butt up and go somewhere else.

Recently the Davidson County Government building in Lexington, NC added that motto to their building. Some scum-sucking bottom-feeding lawyers sued because they were "offended." Maybe that's because they know everything they're doing is offensive to God and they didn't want to be reminded of it.

In all the court cases, the judges ruled against them. The federal 4th circuit court unanimously told them to get lost. Finally, this case is over, as the US Supreme court, in a rare moment of lucidity, agreed with the 4th circuit and also told the lawyers to get lost.

Now and then the good guys get a win.

(Linked to Stop the ACLU Open Trackbacks).

Posted by: Ogre at 07:54 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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This year the General Assembly in North Carolina absolutely insisted, over and over again, that they had cut the budget to the bone. There were "deep cuts," and not enough money. This is even after they raised taxes OVER 1 BILLION dollars, and before the windfall lottery income.

But yet the government has enough money to give $700,000 away to certain select subjects of the crown. Called the North Carolina Home Protection Pilot Program, it is designed to give cash to people to make their mortgage payments. All you have to do to qualify is lose your job.

Yes, that's right, the Democrats can no longer run on their scare platform that people will lose their houses if Republicans get elected, because with this program, anyone who loses their job gets free cash to pay their mortgage.

So, in North Carolina, I can get 100% free medical care if I'm an illegal immigrant; 100% education to grade 12, including teaching in my native language; almost free college education if I'm illegal; free heat if I don't want to pay my heating bill; and now free mortgage payments if I lose my job.

Tell me again why I follow the rules and work hard? Oh yeah, so I can pay for all the others who don't want to.

(Linked to Stop the ACLU Open Trackbacks).

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No, that's not the Florida Gators I'm talking about. I'm talking about the legendary Ronald Ames Guidry, The Gator, Louisiana Lightning. In case you missed the news, he will be the pitching coach for the New York Yankees next year.

Ron Guidry was an absolutely awesome pitcher. He was 25-1 in 1978 for the Yankees -- and had an ERA of 1.74, with NINE shutouts. Yes, he won the Cy Young that year and was an all-star 4 different years. He threw a complete game in the 1978 World Series against the Dodgers, allowing only 2 runs in the game 3 win.

Now he's coaching for the Yankees, and it should be interesting. Instead of being an analyzer of mechanics, films, and other scientific stuff, Guidry will be old school -- and it remains to be see if the old ways will work. I hope they do, as Guidry always was a true gentleman. Good luck, Mr. Guidry!

(Linked to Stop the ACLU Open Trackbacks).

Posted by: Ogre at 06:47 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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1 25 and 1?!!! Holy cow! Is there a comparable record in the modern era? I haven't seen anybody with those kinds of numbers. Not even Doc Gooden in his glory days. I have to disagree with you, though. I hope he stinks it up as the Yankers pitching coach. Go M's!

Posted by: Stevin at November 20, 2005 11:13 PM (LfL8N)

2 Nope. There really isn't anyone else with those numbers, and I'll be shocked if anyone ever beats them because so many pitchers today need so many days of rest between starts. M's? Bah.

Posted by: Ogre at November 21, 2005 05:38 AM (7PCNv)

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I've been a little slack in my weekly New Neighbor posts. For those people who enjoyed these Sunday posts, I'm sorry. The Carolina Renaissance Festival occupied most of my Sunday afternoons for the past 6 weeks or so, and I just never got ahead with much of anything.

Hopefully, with this week's neighbor, I'll get back in the swing of the Neighbor posts. For those who haven't seen them before, I'll explain the New Neighbor posts -- they're based on an idea by Joe of The Evangelical Outpost.

He put together a blogroll called the Evangelical Blogroll, which has since be renamed the Church Directory. It's a giant list of evangelical blogs. You can find it over there on the left side of this blog.

As part of setting up that blogroll, Joe suggested that members of that blogroll get to know one another. That's what started my New Neighbor series. Each Sunday I pick one blog from that list and introduce them here. Interested readers can head on over and read that blog, sometimes finding someone new.

This week's new neighbor is... more...

Posted by: Ogre at 12:04 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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1 Hi. I've been looking at your blog. IT'S WAY AWESOME! Keep up the great work.

Posted by: Caleb at November 20, 2005 03:18 PM (5JncI)

2 Why thanks very much for the kind words! And thanks for giving me that space on your blog!

Posted by: Ogre at November 20, 2005 04:01 PM (7PCNv)

3 I've been looking to, where did it go?

Posted by: Michael at November 20, 2005 08:56 PM (JUnMB)

4 Sorry, that Ren Fest really took me over...

Posted by: Ogre at November 20, 2005 09:15 PM (7PCNv)

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A man is driving down the road and breaks down near a U.S. Marine Corps base. He goes to the front gate, and says to the sentry, "My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?"

To his surprise, the Marines accept him enthusiastically. They feed him at the officer's club, they fix his car at the motor pool, and they even allow him to sleep in the VIP quarters.

But, as the man tries to fall asleep that night, he hears a strange sound. All through the night, he hears this sound.

The next morning, he asks the Marines what the sound was, but they say, "We can't tell you. You're not a Marine."

The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way.

Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same Marine Corps base.

Again the Marines accept him enthusiastically, fix his car, and allows him to stay in the VIP quarters. That night, he hears the exact same strange noise that he had heard years earlier.

The next morning, he asks what it is, but the Marines reply, "We can't tell you. You're not a Marine."

The man says, "All right, all right. I'm *dying* to know. If the only way I can find out what that sound was is to become a Marine, how do I become one?" more...

Posted by: Ogre at 08:05 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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1 Sorry, Smokey...you're not a Marine! But health is almost a valid reason...

Posted by: Ogre at November 20, 2005 07:58 PM (7PCNv)

2 Anywhere we go people want to know...

Posted by: Michael at November 20, 2005 08:54 PM (JUnMB)

3 I gave rides to Marines, is that close enough? Yeah, I know, that either makes me Navy or a hooker... :-P

Posted by: Harvey at November 21, 2005 12:46 PM (ubhj8)

4 It does depend upon the type of ride...

Posted by: Ogre at November 21, 2005 02:17 PM (/k+l4)

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It's getting to be colder as winter approaches. During the summer, I have no problem finding good summertime beers. However, in the winter, I have a lot of trouble finding a good winter drinking beer, so I'm taking suggestions.

In the summer, I turn the beer fridge's temperature down to get ice cold beer. It's not like I like wimpy beer (I can't stand light beer), I just like lighter type beers in the summer. Corona, Bud Ice, Anheuser World Select, and Guinness are some of my summertime favorites.

Come wintertime, I turn the temperature up a bit on the fridge. I still like the beer cold, but perhaps more just chilled and not ice cold. But finding a good beer for winter drinking is tough.

Yes, Guinness works well. I also like Ruination IPA and Ruddles County, but those are REAL hard to find. I don't really like the chocolate ales all that much and bitter's not my style, but "hoppy" is.

So, does anyone have any suggestions about any good wintertime beers that are best served cool, not ice cold? Heck, if you were near me, I'd offer to buy you one of anything you suggest, but best I can do through here is to offer a virtual beer...

(Linked to Cao's Open Trackbacks.)

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Father Murphy walked into a pub and said to the first Marine he met, "Do you want to go to heaven?" The Marine said, "I do Father." The priest said, "Leave this pub right now!"

He then approached a second Marine. "Do you want to got to heaven?" "Certainly, Father," was the Marine's reply. "Then leave this den of Satan!" said the priest.

Father Murphy then walked up to an old SgtMaj and asked, "Do you want to go to heaven?" The SgtMaj replied: "No, I don't Father."

The priest looked him right in the eye and said, "You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?"

The SgtMaj smiled, "Oh, when I die! Why...yes Father. S**t, I thought you were getting a working party together to go right now!"

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One of my all-time favorites:

A Sailor is relieving himself in the head when a Marine walks in and steps up to the urinal beside him.

After a few seconds the Sailor finishes, shakes, zips and walks over to the sink to wash his hands. The Marine also finishes, zips-up, and walks to the door.

Just then the Sailor says, "Hey Marine! When I was in boot camp, they taught us to wash our hands when we finished!"

The Marine looks at the Sailor and says, "When I was in boot camp, they told me not to piss on my hands."

Posted by: Ogre at 01:56 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Well, it's been a long week for a lot of people. I know some people are really glad it's Friday, while other people are just happy that it's another day. So I'm just going to be silly today. A joke:

Little Melissa and the Marines:
Little Melissa comes home from first grade and tells her father that they learned about the history of Valentine's Day. "Since Valentine's Day is for a Christian saint and we're Jewish," she asks, "will God get mad at me for giving someone a valentine?"
Melissa's father thinks a bit, then says "No, I don't think God would get mad. Who do you want to give a valentine to?"
"Osama Bin Laden," she says.
"Why Osama Bin Laden?" her father asks in shock.
"Well," she says, "I thought that if a little American Jewish girl could have enough love to give Osama a valentine, he might start to think that maybe we're not all bad, and maybe start loving people a little bit. And if other kids saw what I did and sent valentines to Osama, he'd love everyone a lot. And then he'd start going all over the place to tell everyone how much he loved them and how he didn't hate anyone anymore."
Her father's heart swells and he looks at his daughter with newfound pride.
"Melissa, that's the most wonderful thing I've ever heard."
"I know," Melissa says, "and once that gets him out in the open, the Marines could blow the s**t out of him."

Posted by: Ogre at 11:02 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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1 that is very cute....im really loving it....where do you find these marine jokes....im sure my boyfriend would love them....lemme know

Posted by: livelaughlove02 at November 18, 2005 01:24 PM (/k+l4)

2 Hehe. They issue them to use when we're at boot camp.

Posted by: Ogre at November 18, 2005 02:00 PM (/k+l4)

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Again the non-stop complaining and whining from champions of taking your money away from you. Once again, it's the University of NC system that's complaining that despite budget increases and tuition increases,

UNC finds itself having to trim what is less fat and more muscle and bone.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:04 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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Once again this week, Ogre's Politics and Views is proud to introduce a new sponsor to the site. Up in the left corner of the left column, you'll see a screen shot and a link to Scooter McGavin's 9th Green.

Scooter blogs from Ohio, and he blogs about "music, TV, sports, politics and anything else [he] deem[s] worthy." That ad will be up there for a week, so if you don't visit today, be sure and check that blog out later on in the week -- but it's only there for a week!

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This week, Jay, over at Stop the ACLU has a nice long post about the ACLU. It's a good read, so I'll just summarize some points and let you, the good reader, head over to the ACLU for more details and supporting documents.

First -- despite all the known terrorists in America being of arabic descent and male, the ACLU strongly opposes that any searches be done that will actually single out and search the people that are most likely to commit a crime (see: airlines).

Next, when governments try to comply with the assanine demands of the ACLU, they try random searches. Sorry, the ACLU files more lawsuits to stop them (see: New York City subway).

Ok, again trying to comply with the anti-Americans at the ACLU, they tried searching EVERYONE. Nope, the ACLU filed suit yet again (see: Raymond James Stadium).

Well then, maybe the ACLU is just opposed to searches in general. Nope, sorry, the New York City ACLU Headquarters has a sign posted that says all visitors are subject to search.

So no, the ACLU doesn't oppose searches, they don't oppose warrantless searches, they don't even oppose searches that will help people. The ACLU opposes ANY search that might actually catch a terrorist.

You may have heard the old saying that you're either with us or you're against us. The ACLU is against us. They really, honestly are anti-American and actively work to destroy anything that has to do with America.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:34 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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1 Great summary Ogre. Thanks, Jay

Posted by: Jay at November 17, 2005 02:38 PM (2FcUc)

2 As always, MY pleasure!

Posted by: Ogre at November 17, 2005 02:49 PM (/k+l4)

3 Hey Ogre, long time no see. Excellent wrap here. Although I've dropped my drive to try and "stop" the ACLU, I still oppose everything they stand for and I'm still amazed at what they "defend" and how they take away from Christians and Conservatives and think they're "giving" to humanity. Good post.

Posted by: Republican Vet at November 17, 2005 03:38 PM (1Sc3Y)

4 Well hey there RV! Hope things are going well with you these days. I don't know if it's possible to drop the drive to stop them while still opposing everything about them...

Posted by: Ogre at November 17, 2005 07:54 PM (7PCNv)

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Well, I know that's not really news, because that IS what France does...but this time France has surrended to...

France!

Some of the 200 demonstrators — a small turnout in protest-friendly France — waved white flags.

I'd like to say it wasn't expected, but they didn't know who else to surrender to, I guess...

(H/T to My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy).

Posted by: Ogre at 12:00 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
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I read a lot of blogs, and I see words and labels tossed around all the time. There's the "evil Republicans" and the "Left-wing wackos," and on and on the labels go. We all use the labels, we all LIKE labels. It helps keep things organized.

One thing that annoys me, and I know some do it on purpose, is when a label is applied that does not fit my definition or idea of what the label should be. For example, when people call the Republican Senate "conservative" -- that's just not even close to right.

So, to help anyone who reads my posts or comments, here's my perception of the left-right chart of politics. The standard left/right scale is illustrated with the far left side being the far-lefties, and the far-right side being the, well, far-right. The donut in the middle is the middle position between the left and right.

Yes, that's me, Libertarians, lovers of freedom, and members of the Free State Project waaaaay over there on the right. I wish people would stop (deliberately) calling Republicans conservatives -- it's just not true any more.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:31 AM | Comments (15) | Add Comment
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1 Love it! Tempted to steal it.

Posted by: Echo Zoe at November 17, 2005 11:23 AM (K+h36)

2 Go ahead! Feel free to adjust the "me" line if you like.

Posted by: Ogre at November 17, 2005 12:57 PM (/k+l4)

3 Interesting idea of how it is. I'm not sure I agree 100%, I've always considered myself middle of the road with conservative tendancies. But on your chart you'd have me as a liberal.

Posted by: Contagion at November 17, 2005 06:39 PM (Q5WxB)

4 Not liberal -- lefty -- and that's if you think the Republicans are conservative. In my mind, conservatives oppose larger government and work to shrink government. Certainly the Republican Party and G.W. Bush do NOT. Sure, this simplistic chart is biased towards financial matters, but that's really reflective of so many other things, including freedom and economics.

Posted by: Ogre at November 17, 2005 07:58 PM (7PCNv)

5 Hey Oggie: Take a look at this. http://charlottecapitalist.blogspot.com/2005/11/philosophical-political-lineor.html Based upon the ideas of the last 2300 years it is more of a triangle than a straight line. See ya, Andy

Posted by: The Charlotte Capitalist at November 18, 2005 07:26 AM (8vJzx)

6 Yeah, according to this, I'm a lefty. And I'm not.

Posted by: Bou at November 18, 2005 07:32 AM (5JHEt)

7 Nice triangle, Andy. And Bou, that's my point of this whole chart -- I really do believe that because of the redefinition of terms in this country today, the majority of the country IS leftist. From election results, at the very least, the vast majority of the voting population is not right of center at all!

Posted by: Ogre at November 18, 2005 07:40 AM (/k+l4)

8 I don't know if I consider the RNC all that conservative anymore.. and I'm not talking just financially. With their lack of utilization of a majority, to change things. I don't see how anyone really could.

Posted by: Contagion at November 18, 2005 08:38 AM (Q5WxB)

9 That's exactly why they are over there on the left of center side!

Posted by: Ogre at November 18, 2005 08:59 AM (/k+l4)

10 Ogre, I just joined FSP as a "Friend of FSP." I'm not sure if I could move to NH, but I agree with the philosophy. Classical Liberal.

Posted by: Uncle Jack at November 18, 2005 10:02 AM (nyCJ9)

11 That's absolutely awesome, Uncle Jack! If it works out there with enough participants, you might want to move there to enjoy the freedom...I just hope enough people do move there to really give freedom a chance. I like freedom.

Posted by: Ogre at November 18, 2005 10:08 AM (/k+l4)

12 I love it, and all of my conservative friends appreciate it. Very cool.

Posted by: Stevin at November 20, 2005 11:22 PM (LfL8N)

13 Why thanks, Stevin!

Posted by: Ogre at November 21, 2005 05:39 AM (7PCNv)

14 And to the right of you would be... AnarchoCapitalists?

Posted by: Harvey at November 21, 2005 12:59 PM (ubhj8)

15 That might work. You gotta get pretty far out there to be to the right of me.

Posted by: Ogre at November 21, 2005 02:17 PM (/k+l4)

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What would you do if you came home one night to find that people had not only broken in, but had made themselves at home -- eating your food, sleeping in your beds, watching your TV, going to your doctor and leaving you to pay the bills?

And I don’t mean your in-laws or your adult kids, or even your old college roommate. No, I’m talking about people you have never met – people who simply decided to help themselves to your house and your life.

If you are like me, youÂ’d call the police to have them arrested. After all, people cannot just move into your home without permission.

But what if the police simply shrugged their shoulders and said, “Nothing we can really do about this” and let the intruders stay? Would you accept that response? Would you allow those strangers to live in your home rent free? more...

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There's no need to pay your heating bill in North Carolina this year. Gubn'r Easley, King of North Carolina, has made a royal decree that all the taxpayers of North Carolina will give him money that he will use to buy heat. He will then distribute the heat to those he deems royally worthy.

In addition, since there are not enough working people left in the state to pay for all the heat he wants to buy, he has decided that the power companys, who are also ruled by the king, will also pay millions of dollars for his heating program.

There are no exact outlines drawn to determine which of his 8 million subjects will be given the heat that he decides to distribute. It is estimated that the king will select about 70,000 people who will be beneficiaries of his free winter heat program -- only that he will expect renewed fealty to be sworn to him and his successors after he gives them the gift.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:31 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
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1 You heartless Ogre, you! You'd let those poor old people and destitute freeze? *kidding* Actually, this really upsets me. Mostly because it is 32 degrees and snowing right now and I have a broken furnace which I have been trying for three weeks to get fixed (as I have a toddler at home) and which hasn't yet been fixed. . . Heads will roll today!

Posted by: oddybobo at November 17, 2005 08:57 AM (6Gm0j)

2 How do I get to be King? I'll take some free Air Conditioning while at it... GRIN

Posted by: vw bug at November 17, 2005 09:48 AM (2+gaO)

3 Since it is 5 degrees here, maybe moving to NC wouldn't be a bad idea. Not only is it warmer outside, but I can get my house heated for free too. Crank up the thermostat! No need to set it at 65 degrees if someone else is paying for it. Make it 75!

Posted by: Echo Zoe at November 17, 2005 09:53 AM (K+h36)

4 I remember last winter when a number of states added laws that said that power companies couldn't turn off heat to customers who didn't pay their bills. So yes, why bother? If you don't pay, what happens? Nothing. Oh, maybe you'll get a hit on your credit report, but that's about all. And heck, if the king likes you, he'll just pay your bill for you. And VW, to be king, you have to annointed in North Carolina. The sucessor to the current king is the NC Attorney General. He did the most sucking up to the current king, so he gets hand-picked to be the next king. When you're king, people try to win your favor so that you will be selected next king.

Posted by: Ogre at November 17, 2005 10:06 AM (/k+l4)

5 Now all those who want free heat can leave Texas and come to North Carolina and impress the king - - then it's all free!!

Posted by: Ogre at November 17, 2005 11:08 AM (/k+l4)

6 Free Heat my ass, not if I'm paying for it.

Posted by: Contagion at November 17, 2005 06:41 PM (Q5WxB)

7 Well, you're not paying taxes in North Carolina, so it's questionable if you're actually paying for it. Odds are you ARE, because I'm betting NC is using some federal funds, too, but I'm not sure...

Posted by: Ogre at November 17, 2005 07:59 PM (7PCNv)

8 Well, okay, technically *I* am not paying for it... But if I lived in NC, I know I would be, because I sure the hell wouldn't qualify. So that means you probably are paying for it. Do you think it's free?

Posted by: Contagion at November 18, 2005 08:39 AM (Q5WxB)

9 I know better. But that's how the king is selling it, of course. And it's for the children, after all...

Posted by: Ogre at November 18, 2005 08:59 AM (/k+l4)

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This week, The Alliance is asking yet another question. The Alliance is wondering:

Is the Mainstream Media patriotic? Why or why not?

What is every other form of media, if it's not "mainstream?" Is everyone else "alternative?" Who gets to decide who is "mainstream" and who is "alternative?"

And wait, isn't "alternative" supposed to be good and celebrated? If you're not supporting "alternative," aren't you being racist, sexist, homophobic, or some other derogatory term? So, logically, the mainstream media, by it's own definition is not "alternative" -- and is therefore racist, sexist, and homophobic.

Certainly being patriotic is a good thing, right? So one who is patriotic must be a good person or a good being. And those who are racist, sexist, and homophobic are not good, once again, according to the aforementioned "mainstream" media.

Now, since we now have determined that the "mainstream" media is, according to the "mainstream" media, racist, sexist, and homophobic, it seems only natural that they cannot be patriotic, too, doesn't it? Because certainly one who is patriotic is not racist, sexist, and homophobic, right?

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"Reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

'Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of Free Government. Who that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric."

In other words, without religious principle, there can be no National morality.

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Well, that should be the headline. After all, Senator Stevens, on October 20, 2005, clearly said:

If the Senate decides to discriminate against our state . . . I will resign from this body.

Keep in mind, this was in response to Senator Tom Colburn's attempted amendment to defund that and dozens of other pure pork projects. And in case you forgot, the "Republican" Senate voted to continue that pork and utterly wasteful spending.

Well, that money is gone now. Where's your resignation, Senator?

Qando has started the Senator Stevens resignation watch. I wonder if I should make one of those counters for my sidebar that says, "X days since Senator Stevens said he would resign."

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