They say a picture is worth a thousand words.   Well, how about comparing these two graphs… is that like 2,000 words?

Check out how the Democrat Congress’ (lack of) action has resulted in a significant spike in USA gas prices since they came to power.  Michelle Malkin did all the work on this one.

 

Now let’s observe how President Bush’s lifting of the Presidential Executive Order on offshore drilling has impacted the price of crude oil.  (Chart created at GasBuddy.com)

One goes up, the other goes down.

July 17 (Bloomberg) — Crude oil fell more than $5 a barrel, dropping below $130 for the first time in six weeks, as natural gas futures tumbled and global economic growth slows.

But (not my) Speaker Pelosi’s reaction to Bush’s announcement?

“Once again, the oilman in the White House is echoing the demands of Big Oil.”

“The Bush plan is a hoax. It will neither reduce gas prices nor increase energy independence.”

She is shameless.

I think most Americans know that we need to drill now, drill here, save money.  Well, the Americans that aren’t beholden to Environmental Wackos, Inc.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

In my humble opinion, Tony Snow had as much — if not more — impact on the American political landscape as Tim Russert.  Both were kind, big-hearted family men with a unbridled passion for the country they lived in and tried to make a better place from their positions of influence. 

One was a life-long liberal (Russert) and received the lion’s share of fawning media coverage from the entire MSM establishment upon his death; the other a reformed liberal-turned-conservative (Snow) and the newspapers, cable networks and rest of the MSM nearly overlooked his passing this weekend.

But Tony Snow achieved something few others in American politics ever will — he was both in and out of journalism and was at the highest position of government public affairs:  White House Press Secretary.  Had cancer not taken him away from that job, I believe Snow would have re-set the standard for WH Press Secretary in the model of Jim Brady & Larry Speakes — and away from the Mike McCurry and Scott McClellan model.  I will leave you to compare the differences.

I once had dinner with Tony Snow.   He never knew it of course, as my table was next to his at a local hangout in Alexandria, VA called Bilbo Baggins.  But I remember feeling like I was in the company of a just a normal (and very tall!) guy and his wife and friends even though I knew he was one of the “biggies” in American journalism at the time.

The differences between Tim Russert and Tony Snow are many, including how the MSM handled each death much differently.  In my mind, a key difference is that we all probably completely understand what we lost in Russert’s premature death; but few people outside of the FOX family and those in the White House staff will fully appreciate what future void Tony Snow’s death is to our nation and its public discourse.

Tony Snow, RIP.

[RELATED STORY: The Character of Optimism - Bill Kristol, The New York Times]

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Folks, there ain’t nuthin I can argue about Sean Hannity’s “Top 10 Items for Victory”.   Well, except the title… (Items?)

Anyway, ask your candidate for Congress if they have signed onto this pledge for America’s future.

1) To be the Candidate of National security:
a) Victory in Iraq
b) Fully support NSA, Patriot act, tough interrogations, keeping Gitmo open
c) A Candidate that pledges to NOT demean our military while they are fighting for their Country. eg Harry Reid: “the surge has failed”, “the war is lost”
d) Candidate that promises to ensure that our veterans can live out their lives in dignity.

2) The Candidate who pledges to oppose Appeasement:
a) The Candidate will oppose any and all efforts to negotiate with dictators of the world in places like Iran, Syria, N.Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela without “pre-conditions”

3) The Candidate Pledges to support Tax CUTS, and fiscal responsibility:
a) The American people are NOT under taxed, Government Spends too much
b) The Candidate who Pledges to ELIMINATE and VOTE AGAINST ALL Earmarks
c) The Candidate pledges to BALANCE the budget

4) The Candidate Pledges to be a supporter of “Energy Independence”
a) supports Immediate drilling in ANWR and the 48 states
b) Building new refineries
c) Begin building and using Nuclear Facilities
d) expand coal mining
e) realistic steward of the environment
While simultaneously working with private industry to develop the new energy technologies for the future, with the goal being that America becomes completely energy independent within the next 15 years.

5) The Candidate pledges to secure our borders completely within 12 months:
a) build all necessary fences
b) use all available technology to help and support agents at the border
c) train and hire agents as needed

6) Healthcare:
The Candidate will look for Free-Market solutions to the problems facing the Healthcare industry, and will vigorously oppose any efforts to “nationalize healthcare”.
a) The Candidate will fight for Individual health savings accounts, that includes “catastrophic insurance” for every American, so people can control their own healthcare choices.

7) Education:
a) The Candidate pledges to “save” American children from the failing educational system
b) The Candidate will fight to break the unholy alliance of the Democratic party and teachers unions, which at best has institutionalized mediocrity, and has failed children across the country
c) fight for “CHOICE” in education and let parents decide
d) fight for vouchers for parents

8.) Social Security and Medicare:
a) The Candidate will “save” social security and medicare from bankruptcy.
b) Options will include “private retirement” funds so people can “control” their own destiny.

9) Judges
a) The Candidate vows to support ONLY judges who recognize that their job is to interpret the Constitution, and NOT legislate from the bench.

10) American Dream:
The Candidate accepts as their duty and responsibility to educate, inform, and remind people that with the blessings of Freedom comes a Great responsibility. That Government’s primary goal is to preserve, protect and defend our God given gift of freedom.

That Government’s do not have the ability to solve all of our problems, and to take away all of our fears and concerns. We need their pledge that we will be the candidate that promotes Individual liberty, Capitalism, a strong national defense and will support policies that encourage such…

It is our fundamental belief that limited Government, and Greater individual responsibility will insure the continued prosperity and success for future generations.

We the people who believe in the words of Ronald Reagan, that we are “the best last hope for man on this earth,” “a shining city on a hill,” and that our best days are before us if our Government will simply trust the American people.

What’s not to support here?

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

It ain’t Obama….

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

I saw an ad last night for “On the Record” with Greta Van Susteren in which the announcer basically said ”why are Democrats so obsessed with race and are other issues being neglected?”

The thought struck me — “hey… it is the DEMOCRATS that are attacking each other over divisive racial issues.”  Americans are constantly drummed by the MSM that it is the eeeeeeeeeeevil conservatives who are the bigots and racists.   But I don’t hear anyone else but Democrats shouting at each other about who is the most racist or race-free candidate.

Well, folks…. this is what you get when a political party is built on a foundation of identity politics and victimization.  Eventually they will turn on each other.

2008 = 1968

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

From a new Gallup Poll.  The headline, of course, is:  MAJORITY STILL FAVORS TIMETABLE FOR TROOP WITHDRAWAL.

But the guts of the story are telling a much more interesting perspective among the American public:

According to the poll, 43% of Americans say the surge of U.S. troops in Iraq is making the situation there better, a slight increase from 40% in late November, but up more substantially from 34% in early November. This is the most positive review of the surge Gallup has measured since it began. Thirty-five percent now say the surge is not making much difference, and just 21% say it is making things worse.

Republicans, Democrats, and independents have divergent views of the surge. Seventy-five percent of Republicans say it is making things better in Iraq, compared with 40% of independents and 21% of Democrats. Democrats are most likely to believe the surge is “not making much difference.“

Those who favor a timetable are more than twice as likely to favor a schedule of gradual troop withdrawal (67%) as they are to prefer a more immediate removal of troops (32%).  All told, [only] 18% of Americans favor removing troops from Iraq as rapidly as possible.

Americans who do not assess the surge positively overwhelmingly advocate a timetable, including 76% of those who see the surge as not making much difference, and 86% of those who think it is making things worse. Meanwhile, Americans who believe the surge is working are solidly against (70%) a timetable.

Nancy, Harry, Barack, Hillary & Hang ‘Em High Murtha need to get out and talk to ordinary Americans…  Oh yeah, and maybe actually GO TO Baghdad before they continue spouting off their 2006-era talking points of retreat and surrender.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

(h/t - Instapundit)

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

It is interesting that when people make their own editorial choices of what to read at the Washington Post’s website, these items are the top three for 2007.

1. Retreat Isn’t an Option by Liz Cheney, published Jan. 23.

On the day of the State of the Union address, the vice president’s daughter, a former deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, argues in favor of continuing the Iraq war.

2. Why Bush Will Be a Winner by William Kristol, published July 15.

A rousing (and controversial) defense of the president’s legacy. The rebuttal, Why Bush is a Loser by David Corn, was also high on the most-popular list.

3. Pratfall in Damascus, editorial, published April 5.

The Post’s editorial board criticizes House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Syria and her statements about negotiating peace with Israel.

This is probably also more evidence why FOX News Channel is still the most highly-rated news organization, and the reason in part is because it truly IS “fair and balanced.”  At least that is what the results of a George Mason University study of the 2008 campaign coverage reveal…

Fox News Channel’s coverage was more balanced toward both parties than the broadcast networks were. On FOX, evaluations of all Democratic candidates combined were split almost evenly – 51% positive vs. 49% negative, as were all evaluations of GOP candidates – 49% positive vs. 51% negative, producing a perfectly balanced 50-50 split for all candidates of both parties.   On the three broadcast networks, opinion on Democratic candidates split 47% positive vs. 53% negative, while evaluations of Republicans were more negative – 40% positive vs. 60% negative. For both parties combined, network evaluations were almost 3 to 2 negative in tone, i.e. 41% positive vs. 59% negative.

It is comforting to know that American conservatives are truly the silent majority and yet seek out the “fair and balanced” news source.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

As we are all scurrying around to parties and gift-buying binges, please take some time to do something for our volunteer men and women serving in the US Armed Forces all around the world.

We are in a generational and ideological struggle between Western democratic liberal ideals and radical Islamic fascism. Our troops are on the front lines of this war in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Phillipines, Africa, and many other hot spots in this worldwide struggle.

From FreedomsWatch.org are some great ideas of how you can contribute time and/or treasure to honor our servicemen and women. (SUPPORT THE TROOPS!)

One of my personal favorite pro-military organizations is Soldier’s Angels.

Soldiers’ Angels was started by a self-described ordinary mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family.

In the summer of 2003, he wrote home expressing his concern that some soldiers did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a caring and loving mother, she decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She contacted a few friends and extended family to ask if they would write to a soldier or two. Within a few short months, Soldiers’ Angels went from a mother writing a few extra letters to an Internet Community with thousands of angels worldwide.

After all, how can you say “no” to a group of American military moms?!?! I’ve donated to Soldier’s Angels today as I have each Christmastime.

Please do something this holiday season to support our volunteer military and remind them that the American people stand behind them here at home!

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

There were two questions (well, at least) asked to the Republican candidates last night that are of particular interest to the GayPatriot community.

First, a question about gays in the military.

The answers were disappointing. Especially, in my view, from John McCain. Alex and Jarrod have a lot of work to do!

Unfortunately, the entire topic itself may be overshadowed: For the second time in the YouTube debates, a Clinton campaign staffer/volunteer was planted and CNN allowed the question.

Second, here’s a question to Governor Mike Huckabee about his willingness to accept support from Log Cabin Republicans.

PatriotPartner and I part ways on our potential support for Huck (I like him and would vote for him), but the Governor gave a very thoughtful and respectful answer. I think a President Huckabee would be an open participant to having substantive discussions with the gay community — if he were given the same respect by the gay community, of course.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

VOTE NOW!

Hey, we ain’t gonna win… the Gay Left bloggers are doing a damn fine job of a tight three-way race between them.  So much for dividing the liberal voting bloc!But let’s make sure we make a strong showing in the final days!   Last day to vote is November 8th.

PS - Today really IS Election Day here in Charlotte, NC.   We have a mayor’s race, and a critical Tax Repeal Vote on our transit tax for light rail.   More later on this throughout the day.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Hey everyone!  I’m happy to report that for the fourth year in a row – GayPatriot.org is a finalist in the Best LGBT Category for the 2007 Weblog Awards. 

VOTE NOW!

Just a reminder: it is a QUICK voting schedule this year — the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at the BlogWorld & New Media Expo in Las Vegas, Nov. 8.  (Dan, you will have to go…. I’ll be in Hawaii next week!) 

My fellow nominees in the category are:

Republic of T

Pam’s House Blend

Joe My God

Average Gay Joe  (yeah!!!!!!!!!)

Susie Bright’s Journal

The Bilerico Project

Keith Boykin

Fetch me my axe

Mombian

Congrats to all!   Pam’s House Blend is the reigning champ in this category.  And it is VERY nice to see some new blogs on the list this year.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Finally, an idea has lifted me out of my pre-2008 doldrums.   DRAFT LYNNE CHENEY FOR PRESIDENT!

The beloved wife, mother, and grandmother is an accomplished historian and the author of over ten books, several of them bestsellers.  As a former National Endowment for the Humanities chairman and current American Enterprise Institute fellow who has been married to a White House chief of staff, defense secretary, and vice president, Mrs. Cheney certainly knows her way around Washington.  [GP Ed. Note - Her credentials and experience are already equal to Hillary Clinton and higher than Barack Obama... at the time of their elections to the US Senate.]

<….>

That she had no fear going on Jon Stewart’s patronizing comedy news show is no big surprise. Lynne Cheney is a woman who knows how to make herself heard.

Recall that in a 2004 debate, John Kerry tried to use the Cheneys’ daughter, who is gay, against President Bush, who supports a federal amendment to protect traditional marriage.  Lynne Cheney shot back the next day, calling “a cheap and tawdry political trick” and that Senator Kerry “is not a good man” for lowering himself.

<….> 

The best reason to back Lynne Cheney for president, though, is the sheer fun of it:  She would shake up the race, and she would make watching it a treat. The woman knows what she wants to say and says it well — which would take some stress off her natural allies. Moreover, she has declared herself “uncomfortable” with the thought of Hillary Clinton as president, and has voiced a preference for “politicians that are more in the Dick Cheney mold, who say what they mean and mean what they say”; I’d call that fire in the belly. Run, Cheney, run!

Don’t get me wrong, I enthusiastically support Rudy Giuliani and I think he would be a great leader and President.  And although I think he is the ONLY declared Republican Presidential candidate who has a chance to stand up against the Clinton machine, I do think he would split the Republican Party and should he win — it would be an ugly victory.

And, until the GOP nomination is decided…. there is a Patriot House factional split between GP for Rudy and PatriotPartner for Fred Thompson.

But the idea of Lynne Cheney running for President is one that I could completely embrace.  I would pay good money to see a Presidential Debate between Lynne and Hillary.  One is clearly pro-America, the other clearly pro-United Nations (”It takes a village!”.  It would be a delicious campaign.

Kudos to K-Lo at The Corner for starting the dialogue!

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

In a major development in the GOP nomination campaign, Governor Rick Perry of Texas yesterday became the first sitting governor in the nation to endorse a Presidential candidate.   Perry’s choice:  Rudy Giuliani.  (Hat tip: GP Reader and Patriot Friend Dan Moho.)

As Governor of the great state of Texas, I know the value of experience and proven leadership.  Over the last few months I studied all of the candidates, and in the end, I knew that Rudy Giuliani was the man most qualified to unite America and lead with a clear sense of purpose and vision for moving our country forward.  The next four years will present our great nation with many challenges.  To overcome those obstacles we will need an experienced leader.

Recently I have spent a great deal of time with Rudy, talking about his beliefs and his vision for America.  I was fully convinced that Rudy is the one who will keep this nation safe, move our economy forward, secure our borders and put strict constructionist judges on the Supreme Court.

But don’t just take my word for it.  This week both USA Today/Gallup and CNN came out with polls showing Rudy as the clear frontrunner and the only candidate capable of beating Hillary next November.  Rudy’s double-digit lead demonstrates that his optimistic vision for change in America is resonating with voters all across the country.

I am proud and excited to do everything I can to make sure Rudy becomes our next President.  I’m asking you to do the same. It doesn’t take much.  Any support you can give will help Rudy win the nomination and defeat Hillary next November.

I’d also ask all of my readers to do their part to help Rudy’s campaign.  Click here to donate or volunteer for our next President.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

SPECIAL UPDATE FROM GPW Now how his badge identifies Bruce as The GayPatriot. That’s how I’ve been referring to him in correspondence about the blog!

I have had the absolute pleasure of sitting on Bloggers’ Row at the DAD Summit today between the lovely and talented Mary Katherine Ham from TownHall.com and the equally lovely and talented Fausta Wertz from Fausta’s Blog and Pajamas Media Editor.

There have been some “roundup” stories that I thought I would put together:

Mary Katherine was unimpressed with Fred Thompson’s speech here today (as was I).

You kind of waaaaaaaait until Fred comes back to his point, very front-porch-talkin’-style. I like that kind of thing in real life, but on the stump, it feels a little disconcerting, like you’re not sure if he is gonna come back to the point and wrap it all up. It’s also a possible explanation for why Fred had to ask for applause at that recent event. His style can make you a tad unsure when you’re supposed to applaud. You know when to laugh, and he tells a good, dry joke, but he doesn’t get fired up, leave you with an impassioned thought and let you clap it out.

(She also has video of Fred on her post.)

Jim Geraghty from National Review Online’s The Campaign Spot has a series of reports from the Summit.

And there are videos up on YouTube from all of the Presidential candidates who spoke.  Thanks to the folks from Americans for Prosperity for posting these so quickly!

Biggest controversy:  The Ron Paul gang are furious that his speech was ended by music (think long Oscar speech) after 11 minutes, while Rudy spoke for almost 30 minutes.

Biggest irony:  Look who is having a board meeting right down the hall from 1,700 grassroots conservatives.  (*snicker*)

  

Hey, I have a crazy idea…. the Human Rights Campaign folks should try w