Time, once again, to introduce a new advertiser here. This time it's AubreyJ.org. Here's the tagline from the site:

No matter what your political views might be... One thing is for certain. In these days of fast news and even faster life styles... We all seem to have forgotten those moments in history that so abruptly and tragically changed this beloved Country of ours............ 911- How soon we forget......

I'm just a standard old Republican who cares. ItÂ’s not by my fault. Have you seen the Democratic Party lately?

There's also commentary on other current events, G.W. Bush, and the weather in Texas. Head on over and take a look!

Posted by: Ogre at 05:07 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Remember, later this year, as across North Carolina you are absolutely inundated with calls for increased spending, increased taxes, more funding, and bond package support that's For The Children (TM) and government-run "education."

Since the 1997-98 school year:

Cartaret County lost 300 students through decreased enrollment -- but gained 117 new employees.

Craven County lost 278 students -- yet gained 142 new employees.

Rutherford County lost 115 students and gained 146 new employees.

In a total of 36 of North Carolina's school districts, there was a reduction of nearly 10,000 students -- and an increase of 800 new "administration" and other employees. Across the North Carolina system, enrollment is up 11% while the number of employees has increased 19% -- to a tune of over $1,000,000,000.00 in the last TWO years.

Remember that the next time an elected official tells you that ANY increase in taxes or education funding is "For The Children" or even for educating the children -- they're just outright lying.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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About 100 countries recognize Palestine as a state.

Hamas is the ruling party in this "state" of Palestine.

Iran is giving millions of dollars to Hamas.

Islamic Jihad attacked Israel with the latest bombing in Israel.

Hamas supports Islamic Jihad and the actual bombing carried out.

Can someone please explain to me how this is not a war? It seems like some in Israel are starting to get it. It's time for the world to realize that one country has attacked another. They're doing it the support (financial and otherwise) of another country. So there's at least two countries now in an active war against a third. Hey, United Nations, isn't this your reason for living?

Israel, I think you're on your own here. It's time to choose defense or death.

Posted by: Ogre at 12:48 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Apparently so. Despite being one of the highest taxed areas in the entire southeast, a large "coalition" of government and those on the government dole are seeking even higher taxes -- this time on car rentals.

They are trying to get the car rental tax increased to 14 or 15%. They claim it will somehow drive tourism, but that shows the utter insanity of such groups who honestly appear to believe that if you charge people MORE money, they will come visit you.

What's worse is the "partnership" group that's forming here. Wachovia, a HUGE government supporter because they get enormous piles of government cash, stands to gain the most from the deal -- they will get more buildings for business expansion and "residential" units -- whatever that means. They will also get huge tax write-offs that won't appear as cash giveaways, but actually are.

BankAmerica will also get cash benefits in the form of tax credits. City governmental leaders will get more money to spend, so they're all on board. The city is also trying to literally bribe two car-rental companies to support the tax increase by giving them free advertising funds and seats on local government boards.

If you've never read Atlas Shrugged, now is a good time. When businesses and government are working together arguing over who gets to spend more of the workers' money, things are really bad. There's almost no opposition to this taking of money from those who work -- the only discussion is who gets to spend more of the cash, once taken.

State Representative John Rhodes and State Senator Robert Pittinger are both fighting this -- but as you can see, there are substantial forces aligned against them and the taxpayer.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:09 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag ... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language ... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.

Those are the words of Teddy Roosevelt, from 1907.

I agree.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:11 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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A publication in Italy has outraged Muslims. Well, anything that "outrages" them is probably a good thing -- after all, they want me dead, so I don't really care if they get annoyed at the same time -- what are they going to do, kill me?

Searching around, I found that there have been numerous apologies issued to any who have been offended. That's a lot more than Christians get, eh?

Searching even more, I did finally find the cartoon at a blog nicely named "Anti-Dhimmi." Thing is -- there's not even a drawing of Mo! They're now offended at cartoons that even TALK ABOUT Mo.

Seriously, go take a peek. There is no attempt at drawing the most sacred pedophile -- just two people talking about him, referring to Dante's writings. I wonder when the Italian embassy will start burning.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:49 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I recently received a comment on a post of mine about the John William Pope Civitas Institute. The comment was by someone identifying themselves at "tatertot" with no listed blog or website. The comment is rather disturbing on a couple levels. First, they questioned:

Why tell people to get involved in politics?

Most people would prefer to go about their lives, work hard, earn their money, and take care of their families. However, those who want to take that hard-earned money ARE active in politics. Those who do want to tell you what to do ARE the ones on the left who are protesting and not working, and trying to take things away from you.

So people need to be encouraged to be more active because if we can get a few more people who want to be left alone running government, many more people would actually GET left alone, and freedom would increase greatly.

The second question was much worse:

It's a free country. If people don't want to get involved they shouldn't.

This is the type of "freedom" that exists in Marxist and socialist countries -- you have the right to be free as long as you do what you're told. What sort of freedom exists if people cannot suggest anything? What kind of freedom do you have when you are not supposed to question government?

In this person's view of a "free" country, you should not have the freedom to suggest ideas to anyone. That's not freedom, tatortot, that's totalitarianism.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:01 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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A Welfare State With Illegal Immigration Offers Businesses a Better Deal Than Slavery

by Darnell MaGavock at Indpendent Conservative

Let me start by saying I donÂ’t endorse either slavery or illegal immigration. But looking at things from the economic standpoint of a company that hires illegals today versus the use of slave labor in the 18th and 19th centuries, illegal immigration offers companies a better deal than any slave owner ever had. The reason is the modern day welfare state that is known as America. more...

Posted by: Ogre at 04:02 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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A great commentary by John Hood that helps to explain government in terms that liberals and Democrats simply cannot comprehend.

Government is not a charity...It is coercive, not charitable.

In a true charitable situation, there is a giver and a receiver. When the giver voluntarily gives, they are aware of the donation and can see the immediate results. The giver can decide for themselves if their money, which they actually worked to receive, should be given to whom, and for what purposes.

The receiver in a truly charitable situation, receives the money that they know was earned. They may see the giver and know that the giver honestly believes in the receiver. There is often a quite real relationship that is formed between the giver and the receiver -- both benefit.

In many cases, the giver may never see the receiver -- an anonymous donation is often one of the best, as both parties still benefit without additional complications.

However, when this is extended to government, all benefits of the charitable situation disappear. The giver has no choice. The giver is required to "donate" their money, or they will be placed in jail. That's the power government has. The giver has no say over who or what will receive the "donation." If large amounts of waste are present in the system, again, the giver has no way to control that situation.

In addition, the giver receives no relationship with the receiver. The giver does not know who will receive the money, nor how much they will actually receive. The giver cannot determine not only if their hard-earned money will be used for causes they believe in; but also the amount that will be used.

The receiver in a government "charity" situation also does not benefit. They do not know who the giver is. They often are faced with bureaucratic hurdles that make getting the "donation" harder. And they are told by those who distribute the wealth that these people "deserve" the money.

The receiver does not receive the knowledge that someone actually believes in them or their ideas, because they see that others are also receiving the exact same amount, or the exact same benefits, no matter their own, or others', personal actions.

When government takes from one person, by force, and gives to another, both parties are worse off. Government is literally incapable of charity -- no matter if it's for "the children(TM), arts, "the poor," or any other reason -- so stop trying to claim they are.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:04 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I would say that one of the worst side effects of having so much leisure time, so many people who work hard, and so many leeches who suck at the teat of the government; is the number of people who have time to show up at "marches" for free crap because they don't have to work for a living.

A number of people have noted that in response to the criminal invaders (formerly known as illegal immigrants) that Americans should protest. The problem is that the Americans who are supporting these criminals have to WORK to support them and don't have time to take off work to protest.

But, for another example, take the potential thieves who marched on the governor's mansion recently. They want $550,000 in cash. What for? Well, that doesn't really matter, does it? The bottom line is that they want the working people to work harder so they can have $550,000 to spend as they please.

Why don't they work and earn that money? There were supposedly 150 people who marched -- that's about $3,700 each. In a truly free society, they'd have two options -- have all 150 people work and earn that money, then they could do whatever they like with it -- or they could try and convince others to GIVE it to them willingly. If they've got a cause that companies and people support, they'd quite easily get that money.

But no, in this era of socialist government, especially in Democrat-run North Carolina, they choose a third option -- "protest," claim there's a crisis, and then DEMAND that hardworking citizens give them the money because they want it and don't want to work for it.

Oh, how I yearn for freedom.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:05 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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What's the purpose of a political party? And what's the purpose of primary elections for political parties?

In North Carolina, the political climate is quite interesting right now. For those who don't know, the state has been run completely by Democrats basically since reconstruction. The State Senate has NEVER been run by Republicans. The State House and governor's mansion have only been run by Republicans about twice. Therefore, all the rules have been made by Democrats.

These rules include serious gerrymandering of the districts to ensure that Republicans will have great difficulty ever gaining a majority in either house. These rules also ensure there is little competition from others, not allowing any other political parties, other than Republican or Democrat. There's also rules so that judges cannot run by party affiliation (because too many Republicans were winning judges seats).

This has made things very difficult for those who support any ideas other than those supported by Democrats, who continue their standard tactic: raise taxes every single year, and spend enormous piles of money every single year (with massive increases every year).

In the last couple years, the Republican Party has changed. Basically, half of the party has decided they want to get elected, so they go along with and support Democrats. I'm not completely sure why these people don't just change their party affiliation to Democrat (and a couple have), other than that they won't get elected in some districts without an (R) after their name.

The other half has decided that they don't want to be Democrats and instead would like to be different. They'd like to support conservative ideas instead of the liberal ones Democrats support. And this has caused major problems in the Republican Party.

You can see this effect in the various primary races across the state. There are a large number of challengers in various districts for state house and senate races where the theme seems to be -- "Do you support Richard Morgan?"

So, who should decide the outcome here? Should the currently elected Republicans decide who and how the Republican Party should proceed? Or should the voters decide? In my view, that's what the primary elections are for -- so that the members of the political party can decide which people they want to represent them, and how the party will proceed.

Much may be determined after the primary election this year. Leaders of the Republican Party are working against current Republican elected officials, trying to unseat them for working against the party -- but the end result will be who shows up and votes on May 2nd.

Many of the Democrat-supporter incumbents are likely to win -- but some might fall to more conservative challengers. It may be a long process over a number of years before some fall -- or they might not fall, with most voters deciding that they'd rather have people who bring them presents back from Raleigh, rather than statesmen.

Unfortunately, no matter the results, the Democrats are highly likely to remain in power -- gerrymandering is a very powerful tool. So it's likely that the North Carolina government will continue down it's long, painful path towards socialism. The only real question is will they go very fast, with elected Republicans helping Democrats, or will they go slower, with conservatives trying to slow the Democrats down the road?

After all, no other political parties are legal in North Carolina, so your only other option -- the one that the majority seem to be taking -- is just to ignore them all and try and get on with your life, despite them.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:47 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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That is all for today.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:34 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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1 Easter blessings to you. I'll be offline until late this evening.

Posted by: Always On Watch at April 16, 2006 01:10 PM (wZLWV)

2 Happy Easter!

Posted by: Quality Weenie at April 16, 2006 05:05 PM (BksWB)

3 Happy Easter, to you and your family!

Posted by: William Teach at April 17, 2006 12:13 AM (doAuV)

4 Thank you all.

Posted by: Ogre at April 17, 2006 01:23 AM (2eMZT)

5 Thank you all very much.

Posted by: Ogre at April 17, 2006 01:28 AM (2eMZT)

6 A little late. Happy Easter. Hope you enjoyed the easter eggs and bunnies. ;-)

Posted by: vw bug at April 18, 2006 01:17 PM (3W+U2)

7 mmMMMmmm...fried rabbit...

Posted by: Ogre at April 18, 2006 01:20 PM (/k+l4)

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The meeting date is set: April 18. That's when those in the North Carolina Legislature who have a "D" after their name will meet. There's 63 registered Democrats in the North Carolina House, and at least 5 other Democrats who are registered as Republicans (there's no word yet on whether those legislators have been invited).

The meeting is allegedly for anyone to talk about anything they want regarding the upcoming legislative session. Of course, the real purpose is to discuss Jim Black. The caucus meeting cannot actually DO anything about Jim Black -- only the entire House can vote to remove him.

However, Jim Black is currently under investigation by various agencies. The State Board of Elections (D) has agreed that he has broken campaign finance law and have referred his case to the District Attorney (D) for prosecution. He is also under investigation by a federal grand jury. Oh, and other county prosecutors are looking into other violations of lobbying law violations.

Since the allegations are so serious, shouldn't he be arrested and jailed? That's what people continue to say about the alleged "Duke lacrosse Rape case" -- and there's almost NO evidence in that case, but plenty of evidence in Jim Black's case.

Black continues to absolutely refuse to resign. Heck, he's even running for election this year. I don't think he will resign at any point in time. Others assume it will be a matter of time, but I think he will stay until he's physically removed from his office.

The Democrats in the General Assembly may attempt to remove him, but they're going to have to get a vote to the floor -- and Jim Black controls all votes that get sent to the floor, so it's going to have to be nearly all of the 68 63 Democrats united to remove him -- and that will make Democrats look bad. I think secretly the Democrats hope he just loses the election in November.

But, keep watching -- who knows what the next move will be of a megalomaniac.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:05 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Will there ever be an end to the continuous lies and deception used to take money from those who work and earn it so it can be given to those who DO NOT work? Well, not as long as there are Democrats in North Carolina, apparently.

Erskine Bowles, a lifetime far-left liberal Democrat was recently installed as president of the North Carolina University System. He's strongly supported by the also far-left liberal Charlotte Observer, who strongly encourages him to spend more, more, more, and MORE money that they didn't earn. A few choice quotes from the Observer:

North Carolina's public university system is among the nation's best. In no small part, that's because the state's taxpayers have supported it generously and because its leaders focused on keeping costs low and keeping academic integrity high.

Yet the challenges facing the state's 16-campus system are formidable -- perhaps more so than at any time since its inception some 35 years ago.

Obviously not. And if the state university system were to go away tomorrow, the only people who would suffer would be government bureaucrats. EVERYONE else would prosper, prices would drop, there would be massive competition, and huge amounts of employment all over the state. But the Democrats in Raleigh would lose control and would not be able to spend as much money. So, what's bad for everyone else is good for Democrats -- and the Democrats will support that every day of the week.

Students should pay no more than 25-30 percent of what it costs to build and operate our state universities.

Education is expensive. It's not for everyone. But anyone who wants the money can GET the money -- without it being forced from taxpayers. If the taxpayers had more money, there'd be MORE grants and scholarships for the students who really NEED and can EARN the money. And no, criminal invaders should not get a deal on their "higher" education, either.

Mr. Bowles needs to persuade the state legislature that taxpayer dollars must support a larger share of colleges' costs

Public universities have an obligation to use resources to address onerous social problems and economic needs.

In the free marketplace of ideas, the Observer and their positions lose -- and they KNOW it. Therefore, the only way they can advance their ideas is by forcing people to pay for them against their will. And their only hope to continue that path is to get more socialists and Democrats in charge in North Carolina -- despite what the actual working people of North Carolina want and desire.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:01 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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Wow. Indian Cowboy has a great piece up clearly illustrating the economic impact of illegal, criminal aliens. There's three simply, clear arguments -- my personal favorite is argument #2. It includes this gem:

Now, either government service gets 16.6% crappier, or they put the squeeze on the guys making 30 and 40 a year. The guys making 30, although probably paying less as a percentage or overall, will feel the hit harder than the guys making 40. The guys making 30 are our middle class.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:01 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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I received a rather long comment on a post I had covering the "debate" between candidates for the 95th House district in North Carolina: Robert Brawley and Karen Ray. This comment is from a supporter of Mr. Brawley (obviously), and I reproduce it here for all to judge.

It's a bit long, so I placed it in the extended entry. If there's anyone reading who can question any of the assertions put forward here, or any supporters of Karen Ray who want to weigh in on the issue, I'd be glad to post your responses as well.
more...

Posted by: Ogre at 03:01 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Ah, it's time for more pork. And no, it's not the good kind, served up with BBQ sauce and baked beans. And it's highly likely to get lots of support -- you see, "It's for the Children"(TM).

A "statewide child protection task force panel" -- okay, I'm already discrediting anything that comes out of a panel with that sort of name. There's almost nothing good that can come out of a government agency that's going to do "something" to protect children -- it's almost always going to me a reduction of MY personal freedom. And we all know about those who will give up freedom for perceived safety.

The panel has decided on a few "suggestions" for the Democrat-controlled General Assembly -- for the children (TM), of course.

a bill that would require all motor vehicle passengers to wear seat belts.

Oh, and the medical costs borne by the taxpayer? Don't pay them. Screw 'em. It's called responsibility. If you get the government out of the way, the free market really does work, every time it's tried. Let insurance companies agree to give discounts to those who wear seat belts and not cover those who don't. It's called capitalism. Unfortunately, all these words are foreign to the current NC General Assembly.

spend more than $700,000 toward infant mortality reduction efforts

spend $150,000 for youth suicide prevention training

So, what's your Democrat legislator done to destroy your freedom today?

Posted by: Ogre at 01:01 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Reading stories like this one really get me annoyed. At issue is not whether, but HOW the North Carolina State government will determine what sort of shutters you will be ALLOWED to have on your house in New Hanover and Brunswick County.

WHAT BUSINESS IS IT OF THEIRS? The state government has absolutely NO right to determine what kind of shutters I have on my damn house. They claim that by having more strict limits on shutters, people will save $1.4 million in insurance premiums. Guess why? BECAUSE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS!

Hello, moron State Sen. Julia Boseman, let me introduce you to a radical concept that I'm sure you won't understand: it's called THE FREE MARKET. Here's how it works: one person decides they want to build a home. As part of the cost, they decide to buy insurance. The insurance company and the person come to an agreement as to how much that insurance will cost. It's called a contract.

But NO, that sort of freedom simply cannot be permitted in North Carolina -- Democrats STRONGLY oppose that sort of freedom. It's REAL easy to do, Senator -- BUTT OUT! If people want to build homes in flood plains, let them, but stop paying them to do so! FREEDOM -- it's not a four-letter word, even if you Democrats in the NC Legislature can't comprehend that.

Oh how I yearn for freedom.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:02 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Need a laugh this afternoon? take a peek (Not safe for the thin-skinned liberal).

Posted by: Ogre at 06:48 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Oh, this is a great idea.

The Send-A-Brick Project was created by concerned citizens to send bricks to Washington encouraging our Congressmen to stand tough on border security.

DO IT NOW -- a few dollars is a small price to pay to let Congress know that we really do want our borders secured.

Hat tip to Kender.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:02 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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