So, word is that Senator McCain is considering running for president (again). Has anyone heard what party he'll be using in his quest for power?

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And if you don't pay your higher taxes ($1.2 million so far), all oysters on the planet will die. Well, okay, maybe not on the whole planet, but at least those near North Carolina. And you see, since the primary purpose of government, at least in North Carolina where Democrats lead it, is to provide employment for people. Therefore, NC will investigate why less oysters are being harvested.

In addition, the NC government will, as only they can do, force people to harvest more oysters. And yes, to make that happen, this all-powerful government will also create more oysters. After all, it's to increase the fishing industry, so no amount it too much to spend.

Government: Is there anything they can't do?

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"For those who are willing to defend it, freedom has a sweet taste that the protected will never know."

-- John Stuart Mill

To all Veterans:

Thank you.

Posted by: Ogre at 04:02 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Mayor Pat McCrory

Office of the Mayor
600 E. Fourth Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Re: Urgent Matters of Elmwood and Pinewood Cemetery.

November 5, 2006

Dear Mayor Pat McCrory:


On Thursday, November 2, 2006, my wife and I were at Elmwood and Pinewood Cemetery for several hours. We were working on some research and we were pleased to see the difference we saw middle area of Elmwood Cemetery. I called Mr. Dennis Marstall of your staff and told him. This was a mistake on my part, for the praise was a little premature and I should have waited.
more...

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Lexington schools are considering banning evil at schools. And of course, when I speak of evil, I'm not talking about The Great Evil (Bush), but all that is evil, smoking.

They are considering making their school "100% tobacco free," meaning no one, including teachers and administrators, will be able to use any tobacco on school grounds. Since tobacco is a legal substance, I'm not quite sure how this is possible for a government agency to ban a legal activity on it's own grounds. Of course, this is perfectly legal for a private company to do this, but government isn't a private company and has it's own rules.

In addition, since this is government, they don't have to follow ANY rules, because they just make up any rules as they see fit. As long as NC is led by Democrats, no one will complain -- especially since this is not only evil, it's "for the children" which means it's perfectly okay, no matter what.

I wonder what it would be like to live in a truly free country.

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Yeah, so I cheated again. What can I say, I like the Dextre Tripp Thrill Show. It's so good that I go to at least one show every time I'm there, and usually more than one. It really is that good.

In the last show of the day, the 4:45 show, he does the fire-rope walk. Yes, as you can see in the picture below, he walks UP a rope that's on fire. And the picture doesn't do this feat justice because there's a lot more evil-looking smoke than appears in the photo. And heck, would YOU walk up a burning rope?

(Click to Enlarge)

Previous Performers:
The Good Fairy
Manolete
Tree Man
Magician
Dextre Tripp
Jewels of the Caravan
Blackenshear the Curious
The London Broil
Dextre Tripp

Posted by: Ogre at 07:03 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I think this one of my favorite Marine Corps jokes that those who were Marines will certainly get, but others might not:

Back in 1775, in Tun's Tavern, recruiting started for the new Marine Corps. The very first Marine enlistee came in, signed the papers and took an oath. He was then told to go outside and wait for the other enlistee's to go through the process. They would assemble later on the front yard.

After a few minutes the second enlistee came out and had a seat on the steps, beside the first. The first man looked at the second and began, "Son, let me tell you about the Old Corps."

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The Marine Corps Museum opens today. I tried to get in, but either I didn't have enough connections or I didn't have enough cash. Either way, I can't get in. But on the 13th, they will open to the public. Take a peek at the page there and see all the great stuff that will appear there.

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Joe Carter, over at The Evangelical Outpost has posted some rules for a gunfight for Marines. Yeah, they're good. Like:

If you can choose what to bring to a gunfight, bring a long gun and a friend with a long gun.

Watch their hands. Hands kill. In God we trust. Everyone else, keep your hands where I can see them.

Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:05 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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On November 10th, 1775, our Corps was born as the Continental Congress raised the "first and second battalions of American Marines." Each Year as we celebrate our birthday, we pause to reflect on the Marines of yesteryear who fought in our touchstone battles and forged the modern Marine Corps with their courage, integrity, and undying commitment to their fellow Marines. Each of our storied battles is a link in the long chain that binds all Marines together- from the Continental Marines at Bunker Hill to the Teufelhunden crossing the wheat fields of Belleau Wood. This chain binds us to the Marines on the crest of Mount Suribachi; it passes through the ice and snow of Chosin Reservoir and the steaming jungles of Vietnam, and it anchors firmly today in the sands of Iraq.

This year's celebration again finds many from our ranks, serving with distinction in harm's way. As we have for the past 231 years, our Corps is answering the Nation's call. I can report first hand that our Marines fighting on the front lines of the Long War on Terror are performing brilliantly, acquitting themselves with honor, dedication, and dignity in difficult and dangerous environments.

All Marine are making a difference. Regardless of where you are serving, you are adding new chapters to the legacy that was earned with sweat and blood on old battlefiellds. Just as previous generations of Marines shaped today's Marine Corps, your deeds are molding the Corps of tomorrow. Our Corps has never been stronger, and all Americans are extremely proud of your magnificent performance and unwavering commitment to server our Corps and country. With high caliber Marines like you, our future has never been brighter.

Another irreplaceable element of our success as Marines is the terrific support we receive from our families. Through the long hours, the exercises, and the combat deployments, their support is unconditional and firm. They give us love and devotion, providing us with the strength to drive on when duty calls. Today we should all acknowledge our loved ones for their patient, steadfast service.

To all who have earned the title Marine, to the superb Sailors who serve with us in every clime and place, and to our precious families- I wish each one of you a heartfelt Happy 231st Birthday.

Semper Fidelis and Keep Attacking!

M. W. Hagee
General, U.S. Marine Corps

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Entire Republican leadership in Congress should be replaced
Election was referendum on Bush, GOP leaders, and ‘neoconservatives’

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 8, 2006 – “Every single member of the Republican leadership in the House should be replaced,” Richard A. Viguerie said today at a news conference at The National Press Club. “They have failed the conservatives who put them in office, and they have failed the people of this country.”

Yesterday’s mid-term elections were a referendum on George W. Bush and his war on Iraq. Voters couldn’t vote to fire Bush, so they did the next best thing – they fired his party, in the House, in the Senate, in the statehouses around the Nation.

Conservatives and value voters had long since felt betrayed by President Bush and the Republican Congress, which greatly reduced their enthusiasm for supporting those who had abandoned them. more...

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Oh, thank goodness. We, the stupid, ignorant, and clueless, have once again been saved by the government. I don't know what we'd do without them. Thankfully, the state has "added fun to the park's map".

At a cost of around $35 million to taxpayers (which, as with every other government project on the planet will likely bloom to be over $140 million), we can now have fun at a state park. You see, before the state took that $35 million from us, the suckers taxpayers, we were simply incapable of having fun. Seriously, this is the crap they're selling from the North Carolina Democrat-led government these days. If you disagree, you're obviously just too stupid to not realize that you can't have fun without the government.

Government. Gee, is there anything they can't do?

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Another fixture at the fair that doesn't have a "stage" is the fairy. If you've been to the festival, you've seen her picture on the tickets. In case you saw her picture and never saw her, well here she is in all her beauty:

(Click to Enlarge)

Previous Performers:
Manolete
Tree Man
Magician
Dextre Tripp
Jewels of the Caravan
Blackenshear the Curious
The London Broil
Dextre Tripp

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1 Dee Snider?

Posted by: Harvey at November 09, 2006 07:26 PM (L7a63)

2 No, no, I said GOOD fairy...

Posted by: Ogre at November 09, 2006 07:58 PM (oifEm)

3 Dude - e-mail me, OK? I have a blog question!

Posted by: Smokey at November 10, 2006 06:04 AM (fq59s)

4 Hmm.... I think technically tinkerbell was a pixy, wasn't she?

Posted by: Ogre at November 10, 2006 10:53 AM (GPb4I)

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So, America voted for change? They should be careful what they ask for because they will get it. For those that voted or stayed home in order to send the Republicans a message on election day...congratulations! Your all important "lesson" will now backfire in your face. You just cut off your nose to spite your face. Not only have you helped to give both Houses over to the left, put Nancy Pelosi in as the Speaker of the House, and completely destroyed any chance of getting a Constitutionalist majority in the Supreme Court, but groups like the ACLU seem to think this election was a mandate for their insanities. Look, you can't say we didn't warn you. more...

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1 I agree completely!

Posted by: Forex trading system at November 14, 2006 08:35 AM (BiqNZ)

2 Thank you for stopping along.

Posted by: Ogre at November 14, 2006 10:02 AM (GPb4I)

3 Hi, sorry for a little offtopic but a friend told me about your site and it's really great. So keep it up - Laura from http://bovad.com/

Posted by: Laura at November 14, 2006 06:32 PM (BiqNZ)

4 Thank you very much for stopping along and commenting!

Posted by: Ogre at November 14, 2006 06:35 PM (oifEm)

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A few commenters to this blog have attempted to argue that things that take away freedom and cost money are perfectly okay, as long as they advance the "common good," as defined as anything they like. This is a hallmark of the Democrat party, wherein they like to tax working people so they can "help" others, making that "help" a common good. The recent big push in North Carolina is "free" health care for children, because it's for "the common good."

I strongly oppose any and all efforts along these lines. Some Democrats and ultra-liberals claim that since the phrase "the common good" appears in some Constitutional documents, any spending for any reason by the government is, by definition good, and anything is okay if is advances "the common good."

They are wrong, plain and simple. They are describing a utopia that simply doesn't exist, and will never exist, on earth. They want to believe that government will somehow do good by making slaves out of working people. Well, England has already gone down that road, and they're ready to take the next logical step: outright murder anyone, anyone at all, that they don't like. Under this proposal, anyone who the government decides doesn't contribute to the common good can simply be executed.

Democrats, meet your utopia. How long before anyone who likes freedom is declared opposed to "the common good?" Come and get me if you can.

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This Blogburst is also available as a Podcast.

Why the United States Has Lost So Much in Latin America

By LomaAlta at Linknzona

The facts are not in dispute. During this Administration’s “watch”, the geopolitical situation in Latin America has deteriorated well beyond the tragic losses of any previous Administration. Communist tyrants rise in Venezuela, Bolivia, and now Nicaragua and socialism is on the march in other countries. President Reagan’s successes in spreading democracy and freedom in Latin America appear to have been stopped. Let’s examine some of the possible reasons.

Negligence. more...

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Gee, what a surprise, eh? Democrats vote to raise taxes in North Carolina. Well, as the king supreme leader head of the county commission in Mecklenburg says, "That's what we're supposed to do -- tax and spend" and "I make no apology for raising taxes."

This one is a tax on boats that's about to go into effect. It claims that it just requires a title on all personal watercraft. It was sold as a safety issue. You see, they claimed that this was to ensure they could recover stolen boats. But, of course, there's a $20 tax that has to be paid to title your boat. So once again, it's nothing more than a tax increase, presented to you by the Democrats in the NC Legislature.

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Now this guy is really a class act. This is his second year at the Carolina Renaissance Festival, and he's just getting better and better. I went to his 4:15 show this past Sunday, and that's the same time as the final joust -- therefore he gets quite the small crowd -- so I just cheered more.

I also saw him standing around before his show. I stood there and talked with him for a little bit while we waited for the previous act to clear off the stage (they were late). Another just honestly nice fellow, this Manolete.

(click to enlarge)

A very nice fellow and quite the impressive show. And ladies, how about those abs, eh? Mine look like that too, but you just can't tell for the padding. Hey, if airbags are safe...

But seriously, if you get a chance to get to the show, be sure to head down to the stage and watch this show. And if you've already seen the joust, make sure you get to his 4:15 show so I won't be there by myself next time!

Previous Performers:
Tree Man
Magician
Dextre Tripp
Jewels of the Caravan
Blackenshear the Curious
The London Broil
Dextre Tripp

Posted by: Ogre at 07:02 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Well, that sure sucked, didn't it?

Freedom really took a hit here. If you don't believe that, you're seriously delusional. Let's look at my predictions for the "First 100 days:"

1. Democrats will raise taxes. That's simply what they do. Sure, they've been pleased with the massive increases in government spending over the last two years, but they literally cannot have enough money to spend. They will absolutely vote to raise taxes. This is their #1 priority. Bush will give token resistence, but don't expect him to actually veto, well, anything. He will whine and complain, but he'll sign the laws and raise taxes.

2. Democrats will attempt to destroy the American citizen. They will vote to allow all criminal aliens to become full citizens. At best, they may require these new citizens to pay a $1 processing fee. They will also likely be exempt from paying taxes and I won't be surprised if they're given the right to vote. Bush will not only support these actions, he will likely lead the charge. He's been trying to legalize criminals for years, and now he's got allies in the Congress.

3. Democrats will do all they can to surrender in Iraq. They will have trouble, because even though they don't understand that they're not in charge of the military, they will still try and get out. They will reduce funding for the military to the point where the military simply cannot do their job. Then Bush will be forced to withdraw the troops.

But wait, all hope is not lost! Seriously, please keep reading if you've read this far.

I would like to extend an invitation. To all those in Mecklenburg County who voted for Jim Puckett; to all those in Virginia that voted for Allen in Virginia; to all those who voted for conservative candidates and lost; to all those who are displeased with the direction this country is headed; to all those who want freedom; I personally invite you to do what the founders intended. I invite you to advance freedom. I invite you to withdraw you support (and money) from the moochers who want to crush you and only want you for your money. I invite you to vote with your feet. Please take a look at The Free State Project.

Are you frustrated at the loss of freedom and responsibility in America, while the growth of government and taxes continues unabated? Do you want to live in strong communities where your rights are respected, and people exercise responsibility for themselves and in their dealings with each other?

If you answered "yes" to those questions, then the Free State Project has a solution for you.

There were over 1,000,000 people who voted for Allen in Virginia. Only 20,000 are needed in New Hampshire to really make a serious change. Come on, Allen supporters, withdraw your support from your Democrat Senator and go to New Hampshire. Over 900,000 voted for Kean in NJ. Head to New Hampshire and let those in New Jersey who dislike freedom fend for themselves without your help.

Don't worry about all the excuses. Go ahead and complain that you can't find a job, that you don't like the weather, that your family won't like it -- I'm sorry, but all that means is that you're not really serious about liberty and freedom. If you honestly want freedom; if you really believe in "Live Free or Die," your only choice now is to join with the Free State Project. Any other option is just surrender.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:05 PM | Comments (19) | Add Comment
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1 Ogre, I empathize with your disgust and disappointment, but unfortunately that's not a viable option for me or my family. Sometimes, you just have to live with what's on the plate before you and do the best you can with what you have. I don't mean (at ALL!) to be flippant, but just Who do you think is in control, anyway? Don't we have His promise that all things will work together for good, to those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose? God has permitted this, but He's still guiding history, and we know who's going to win: Him. So, let us each do the task set before us, as we understand it, and let God take care of the rest. If the Free State Project is where you belong, that's great. [claws]But please, if I choose another option, DON'T tell ME it's "just surrender," OK? [/claws] -- Kat www.CatHouseChat.com

Posted by: Kat at November 08, 2006 03:45 PM (3eSmr)

2 You always have options. Always. And I'm not questioning Who is in charge -- but what if this is His way of telling people to gather together in one place, where there might be freedom?

Posted by: Ogre at November 08, 2006 03:49 PM (oifEm)

3 I agree that I have options, Ogre. However, dear brother, my choices of options are NOT the same as yours, and the choice I make may not be the choice you make. Sure, moving up to NH is a lovely idea, and the FSP may be a worthy program... But it is NOT an option on MY plate. The option I choose to take is to stand my ground, and do my best where God has placed me. That. Is NOT. "Surrender." -- Kat

Posted by: Kat at November 08, 2006 04:14 PM (3eSmr)

4 Okay, okay, it's not surrender. Then again, Don Qixote never surrendered, did he? And that's not an insult, I assure you, my efforts could put Don to shame!

Posted by: Ogre at November 08, 2006 04:17 PM (oifEm)

5 My illustrious governor has already said he'll be raising taxes. . . lovely. Like my bankbook won't take enough of a hit with Dimmocrats in power. But, this election has taught me something - you don't need any real ideas to win - just say "I'm running for change" and voila you win. Ahh well. Time to start formulating my evil plan to run for office . . .

Posted by: oddybobo at November 08, 2006 05:45 PM (mZfwW)

6 Well, I look at this in a different light. Those whom God calls to follow in our pioneer forefather's footsteps like Moses and Abraham, will be lead there. People like me, who knew nothing about this project or the promise of this place, and only new of the stirring of their heart and the longing of their spirit for a place where those of us who need to escape the Sodom's of this world can find a spiritual home and support (NH). Then there are those who will be lead by God to surrender to their discontent and frustration of their present government and will be moved through God's will to action in their own communities, as his army of truth and power, to create positive change where we live. In both situations it's the same responsibility - work and change - all lead by God for the furthering of his perfect Kingdom.

Posted by: michele at November 08, 2006 05:48 PM (etwyR)

7 I cannot believe that Black is still not out of it here in NC. Apparently there are enough Dhimmicrats in his district who do not care about what he has done as well as alledged to do. And you are right, the Dems in Congress will try and surrender. I do not think that Bush will allow the taxes to be raised. I fully expect him to whip out the veto pen on almost all dem legislation.

Posted by: William Teach at November 08, 2006 06:22 PM (IRsCk)

8 Hey Oddy, you've got the secret formula. Oddy for Governor: Because she'll change stuff. Good points, Michele. Everyone has their part -- we just have to figure out which part is our own. Black will still be in office until the feds finally catch up with him. The the Dem governor will name his "replacement." Look for Dan Blue to "lead" the House. But I will be surprised if Bush uses the veto. I think the Dems will raise taxes in a bill that gives money to the military or something -- "forcing" him to sign it.

Posted by: Ogre at November 08, 2006 07:28 PM (oifEm)

9 And when will Pel-Ho-Si' "first 100 hours" shooting spree begin.

Posted by: Jenn at November 08, 2006 08:02 PM (QD9ey)

10 I'm sure she's already drafted the speeches...

Posted by: Ogre at November 08, 2006 08:03 PM (oifEm)

11 Sorry, I have to disagree on the taxes, Ogre. I just don't think he will allow Dems to play that game.

Posted by: William Teach at November 08, 2006 08:58 PM (cuTsc)

12 So when are you moving, Orge?

Posted by: Ginger Bush at November 08, 2006 11:04 PM (Bacxq)

13 I certainly hope you're right Teach -- but I wouldn't bet any money. Ginger -- by December, 2008.

Posted by: Ogre at November 08, 2006 11:16 PM (GPb4I)

14 If "HE" is the force behind the recent upset of power then "HE" must be telling us that this is the beginning of the Apocolyspe.

Posted by: Quality Weenie at November 09, 2006 07:10 PM (U8gb+)

15 That is most certainly a possibility!

Posted by: Ogre at November 09, 2006 07:58 PM (oifEm)

16 Linking to me in there - ouch!!! I think you specifically meant here: http://www.echozoe.com/?p=1815 I shall have to begin persuading the wife. Perhaps I can also talk her into letting me buy into a flying club so that we can fly home frequently (a flying club is a group of pilots that collectively own airplanes, perhaps 30 people own 4 planes for instance.

Posted by: Echo Zoe at November 10, 2006 01:49 AM (8POA1)

17 See? There's all kinds of ideas. And from what I've been reading and seeing, the people of NH are VERY welcoming, and the Free State Project people are even MORE welcoming! At least you won't have to worry about adjusting to the cold if you move!

Posted by: Ogre at November 10, 2006 02:00 AM (GPb4I)

18 I think that New Hampshire is the Wrong Place as Somalia is sending Islamists Somalis there to take over small towns. Its only a matter of time before the state constitution is Sharia Law.

Posted by: Skyler the Weird at November 12, 2006 07:05 PM (KkQmZ)

19 I think California or Oregon will fall to Sharia before NH.

Posted by: Ogre at November 12, 2006 07:06 PM (GPb4I)

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Well, that's what happened in 1898 in Wilmington. And some parts of the story will be published in some newspapers in a couple weeks.

What may be most interesting is to see how much the fact that it was Democrats who did this will be played down. The "commission" that "investigated" this incident suggested that all victims be compensated. Oh, but of course, since it happened over 100 years ago, none of the victims are alive. That's okay, because we can just "compensate" their descendants.

I've got an idea, socialists, how about if we're going to compensate the descendants, that the descendants of the guilty do the compensating? In other words, you're going to have to go get the white Democrats who did this to pay black Republicans. Stupid idea? Well, pretty much anything involving government these days is, isn't it?

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