All Things Considered

Fantastic post by Adam Yoshida on the possibilty of another Clinton in the highest office.

Is there anyone in America who doesn’t think that Hillary Rodham Clinton is a cold and tough woman? That’s certainly what I think. Frankly, if given a choice of possible Democrats, I’d rather have her confronting the terrorists than John Kerry, John Edwards, or Howard Dean. John Kerry would probably try and tell the terrorists about Vietnam, John Edwards would probably sue them, and Howard Dean would probably have a panic attack. It says something about the emasculation of the Democratic Party that, in my judgement, Hillary is probably the toughest dude among potential Democratic candidates for President in 2008.

He likes Jeb Bush, but I just can't see it. I just don't see another Bush being able to get the Republican nomination - especially when his brother is so incredibly polarizing.

That leaves one man, I think, who can be counted on to hold the White House in 2008: Governor John Ellis Bush of Florida, the President’s brother.

To begin, Jeb is simply a better politician than his brother. He’s more articulate and has proven appeal in a key swing state. Better yet: he’s demographically appealing. A Catholic two-term Governor of the nation’s third-largest state (and largest swing state) with a Mexican-American wife and two Hispanic children, were his last name not “Bush” he would, at this point, be the runaway front-runner for the Republican nomination at this point.

Thankfully for us the, “the President’s brother shouldn’t run for President” argument won’t go very far when the other candidate is the previous President’s wife.

David Limbaugh has a great article on the liberal attempt to halt the Republican agenda.

The objective fact is that President Bush and Republicans won decisively. The lesson most reasonable people would take from such a victory is not that they were doing something wrong and they better back off from it. While I agree that winners shouldn't become highhanded, neither should they act like losers.

Why should President Bush voluntarily surrender his just-affirmed political capital by capitulating to the demands of Democrats? Wouldn't that be as much of a slap in the face to voters, who just endorsed his agenda, as becoming cocky?

UPDATE: Bernard Moon on the liberal elite's version of the conservative Christian.

Oddly enough, we believe in the deity of Jesus Christ and the literal translation of the Bible. We also believe in the necessity of the separation of church and state, know that Jesus would not be a Republican nor claim allegiance to any earthly organization, do not hate Jews, and do not hate gays and lesbians. Lastly, we do not want to establish a Christian kingdom, since the only one we should have our eyes on is the eternal kingdom.

So please do not hate or fear us. We seem to be misunderstood with multiple myths surrounding our beliefs, motivation, and existence.

UPDATE II: Gloria Borger whines.

O, the irony! Whatever happened to the inspired young turks, those feisty backbenchers who were going to democratize the place? They now have a lock on the institution, and they're acting like they own it. At least it took Democrats 40 years of unbroken power to reach that point; these folks have taken way less time. Even the arrogance of power moves at a faster pace these days.

I apologize for the light blogging over the holidays. I've been taking it easy. I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday.

How to Steal a Country.

Exit polling, opinion polling, international election observers, Ukrainian local authorities and the people agree that opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko, a pro-Western Democrat, won. But the pro-Moscow government of Ukraine claims that the spectacularly corrupt incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych received the major ity of votes.

I'm sure most of you have heard about this already, but here is the full story. Powerful stuff.

It was that same love of a challenge—combined with a fiery patriotism and a desire to take action after the death of two friends on Sept. 11, 2001—that prompted Mr. Gavriel to enlist in the Marines in October 2003. Last Thursday, Nov. 18, Lance Cpl. Dimitrios Gavriel was killed during a battle in Falluja. His family said he was awarded two Purple Hearts on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

I have been fairly busy this week, so I haven't had a chance to post about the incident in Detroit over the week-end. Absolutely disgusting behavior from both the fans and the players. I actually find it somewhat amusing that Ron Artest wanted absolutely nothing to do with the 6'9 body-building Ben Wallace, who just double fisted him in the face, but did not hesitate to go after the skinny little geek who throws and empty beer cup. What a coward. It is quite obvious that Ron Artest is not all there. He has shown that he does not care about his teammates, his organization or the league that pays his wages. Ron Artest is about Ron Artest. (My bold and italics)

He was contrite and soft-spoken during his interviews, during which he mixed plugs for the CD statements of regret for Friday's brawl with plugs for the new CD.

During the "Today" interview, Artest held up the new CD three times and wore a T-shirt and hat emblazoned with the logo of his record label -- TruWarier Records.

What an absolute joke. How embarassing it must be for Michael, Bird, Magic, Kareem to know that all they worked for is so taken for granted by this idiot. I am personally embarassed for them. Bill Walton explains a little better.

It is a privilege and an honor to play in the NBA, and many people in that game Friday night abrogarted those privileges and disgraced the honor of the NBA.This league has been built on the blood, sweat and tearsof thousands upon thousands of people. The awful nature of the developments Friday night in Detroit - players going into stands, fighting fans - has an incredible impact on every aspect of the game.

Mitch Albom perfectly explains today's athlete. What a shame.

The Sports World announced a passing of the torch this week. Mr. Honored, the founder and CEO, is officially stepping down. Mr. Entitled will be taking his place.

Mr. Entitled, younger and more energetic, has long been rumored a successor to the aging Mr. Honored, who in recent years seemed frail. At certain glitzy industry functions -- such as the NBA All-Star Game or the ESPY Awards -- Mr. Honored was barely able to stand. Mr. Entitled, meanwhile, attended every party and has been featured in TV spots with Gary Payton and Ray Lewis.

The power struggle between Honored and Entitled has been well documented. Mr. Honored rose to prominence a century ago, on the philosophy that playing pro sports was a privilege. Mr. Entitled, a product of the free-agency era, built on the belief that pro athletes should be granted special treatment.

UPDATE: Excellent post on PoliPundit on this subject.

UPDATE II:  I am speechless. I like Skip Bayless normally, but he is way off of the mark here. What a joke of an article.

Even better.

Funny.

You have to see this exchange. Can anyone see Bill Clinton or John Kerry defending their guy like this? I can't. (Hat Tip: Neal Boortz)

The Chileans wouldn't let Bush's bodyguards enter with him. Heated words were exchanged and a pushing-and-shoving match ensued. After posing for pictures inside with Chilean leader Ricardo Lagos and their wives, Bush eventually heard the commotion. He strode to the door, reached through the Chileans and pulled his lead agent through to join the entourage.

Boortz has a great take on why none of us have heard anything from the media about this moment.

There was an interesting little episode down in Chile over the weekend. President Bush was entering a building where a dinner was held, when his secret service agent was detained by over-zealous Chilean security officials. When Bush realized what was happening, what did he do?  Did he just smile, wave and let the agent twist in the wind?

Nope...the most powerful man on Earth and the leader of the free world turned around, and plunged right into the crowd.  He grabbed Secret Service Agent  Nick Trotta, the #2 agent on his security detail, and pulled him out of the fracas and into the dinner with him.  The Chileans were miffed...too bad.

Now take just a second and compare these actions with those of The Poodle on the campaign trail some months ago.  Remember when one of  his Secret Service agents bumped into him while he was snowboarding and John Kerry called him an S.O.B?  Compare that little episode with Bush's actions here. It's obvious that the president appreciates those that risk their lives to protect him.

Absolutely amazing first-hand account of the fighting in Fallujah. (Hat Tip: Andrew Sullivan) (My bold and italics)

It is incredibly humbling to walk among such men.  They fought as hard as any Marines in history and deserve to be remembered as such.  The enemy they fought burrowed into houses and fired through mouse holes cut in walls, lured them into houses rigged with explosives and detonated the houses on pursuing Marines, and actually hid behind surrender flags only to engage the Marines with small arms fire once they perceived that the Marines had let their guard down.  I know of several instances where near dead enemy rolled grenades out on Marines who were preparing to render them aid.  It was a fight to the finish in every sense and the Marines delivered.

Anyone still want to argue about the Marine killing the terrorist in the Mosque?

My whole life I have read about the greatest generation and sat in wonder at their accomplishments.  For the first time, as I watch these Marines and Soldiers, I am eager for the future as this is just the beginning for them.  Perhaps the most amazing characteristic of all is that the morale of the men is sky high.  They hurt for the wounded and the dead but they are eager to continue to attack.  Further, not one of them would be comfortable with being called a hero even though they clearly are.

Thank you all for your service to our country.