For Christ, For Truth, For Liberty

I had a great blog post in my head for today, but…well…

Just as state schooling is not about education, but about the state, gun control is not about guns: It’s about control. A citizen who can fend for himself when the predators come or the schools fail is less inclined to look to the state for sustenance and oversight in other areas of life. …To the men who wrote the Second Amendment, it was a condition of citizenship in a free republic. It’s what free men did, and do.

~ Kevin Williamson

National Review first published this article by Kevin Williamson in its print edition before giving it the Steyn spot Saturday morning on their website. I’m very glad they did, because it’s an excellent article on many counts.

For one thing, the opening bit in particular is rather personal (all of it is, really, to a free people, but read on), because we’ve had coyotes in our neighborhood since the fall; in fact, they have slain not only at least one large deer, but a small neighborhood dog. That knowledge combined with the fact that there are plenty of small children running around their yards and streets, often after dusk, and that there is an elementary school a block behind us, makes me even more aware of the fact that the life my pistol save may not necessarily be my own. Consider, too, that some have spotted what appears to be a small pack of former canine pets—and that this past winter, several of these dogs went into pack-hunting mode against my own husband and my own large dog, in a quiet West Virginia suburb. Sometimes, waving arms and throwing rocks just won’t do.

Westchester County has a problem more often seen in rural, Republican-leaning jurisdictions: coyotes. These canine predators are a real menace, a fact that was dramatically illustrated in late June by the case of young Emily Hodulik, age six, who was attacked by a pair of coyotes on a leafy suburban street in the quaint town of Rye. …Miss Hodulik suffered serious bite wounds but escaped without life-threatening injuries. She’s undergoing a series of rabies shots, doesn’t like to sleep alone, and is afraid that there are coyotes in the basement of the family home.

…Coyotes like to attack the little ones, human or otherwise. That was the case for one unfortunate coyote that attacked a puppy out for a jog with his master in Travis County, Texas, in the suburbs of Austin, where coyotes have it a little rougher than they do in suburban New York. That particular coyote had the bad luck to set his gaze on a puppy owned by Gov. Rick Perry, who produced a laser-sighted .380-caliber automatic pistol, loaded with hollowpoints, and sent it to the Happy Hunting Grounds.

As Williamson notes, the left was predictably horrified by Perry’s audacity when it came to defending his pup, though of course the hysteria was most notable regarding Perry’s actually carrying a pistol (gasp!). [Read more →]

A tasty, gooey cheeseburger for lunch at St. Clair’s Lewis Cafe. It’s a down-home sort of restaurant, with a smidge of country flair, vintage-tiled ladies’ room, and about seven huge pies with mountains of meringue tempting everyone from behind the counter.

The side salad was a bit flat, but I got my veggies in (and they were generous with the cherry tomatoes, so who’d really whine about that?). The burger was good and satisfying. Not Polk-A-Dot Diner awesome, but still pretty good!

Oh. I was the one who squashed the bun in my eagerness to properly pose it.

Have a great weekend!

Robert VerBruggen has a superb Civil Rights 101 column over at National Review:

…in the process of making their arguments, both opinions emphasize the racial history of the Fourteenth Amendment — the story of the post–Civil War South and the federal government’s crusade to ensure fair treatment for blacks therein.

The heart of the problem was that, in an effort to stave off rebellion and maintain the racial caste structure that had developed under slavery, state and local governments refused to respect freedmen’sconstitutional rights. Crucial to the South’s efforts were gun-control laws that applied to blacks and blacks alone.

…when a government has the ability to forbid gun ownership, it has the ability to render groups it dislikes helpless to defend themselves. Regardless of whether modern gun control accomplishes its purpose of reducing crime — and for the record, there is no evidence it does — a free society should fear a government with such power.

You may read the McDonald v. Chicago decision here, and the justice’s opinions here. But perhaps only after reading VerBruggen’s piece.

Bob Probert, legendary enforcer and former Red Wing, passed away today at the too-young age of 45. Rest in peace, Probie. When Probert put up his dukes, the opposition was always in trouble!

Happy Independence Day weekend! Everyone stay safe and enjoy what is left of our liberties. Next year, July 4th may mean nothing!

Seen at Ohio’s Spread Eagle Tavern. Just get the Sierra Salad. It’s *delicious*.

If y’all would not mind praying for my mom, my family & I would appreciate it. As some of you know, she has been extremely ill since the beginning of the year. She had surgery, which we’re not sure helped just yet, though the doctors thought it necessary.

Last night Dad called to let me know that Mom has thyroid cancer. It’s an easy one to get rid of and cure, but it’s still cancer, and we all know how scary that word is. If you’d pray, we’d appreciate it. Thanks.

A warm and fuzzy heart

The spiderwort. It’s planted alongside the garage, behind the day-glow orange Matrix Asiatic lilies. In early summer, when both are in bloom, it is one heck of a show!

My hope is to be back later, but if I cannot return, please remember that today is the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Don’t let it remain “the forgotten war”; America went to push back the evil forces of tyranny and Stalinism, and there are still men missing.

Lots of states rock, of course, but in a “this just in” newsflash, Louisiana is telling ObamaCare to shove it.

Last Friday, June 18, 2010, Louisiana became the first state with a Democrat-controlled legislature to oppose a requirement to purchase health insurance—the centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s health reform agenda.

…House Bill 1474, which was supported by 14 House Democrats and 12 Senate Democrats, states that “No resident of this state, regardless of whether he has or is eligible for health insurance coverage under any policy or program provided by or through his employer, or a plan sponsored by the state or the federal government, shall be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual health insurance coverage.”

If Governor Jindal, who has been remarkable during the oil spill disaster, doesn’t sign this, I think conservatives across the country will have heart attacks. In passing this bill, Louisiana joins the beautiful state of Virginia, Idaho and Utah (sorry, haven’t been to those last two) in shielding their citizens from the current administration’s attempt to tyrannically tell us how to spend what we have left of our hard-earned money after they raid our paychecks. Similar Health Care Freedom Acts will appear on ballots in Oklahoma (where we were charged by a llama on Route 66!), Arizona, Florida, and Missouri.

Go, go, federalism! Beat that federal government into submission.

Just for the record, I’m very happy about the New Orleans judge overturning the absurd and economically dangerous ban on offshore drilling.

A great collection of editorial cartoons about illegal immigration for y’all here.

This article at Human Events is a must read. Sorry, folks, but redistribution and government control do not work. Ever.

Another gorgeous sign from Route 66! This was in Springfield, Illinois.

*famous* Italian Foods!

Closeup on the Saputo’s sign in Springfield, Illinois.

Largify.

And now for some quick remarks about a few of the week’s events, my computer still refusing to totally cooperate with me.

For one thing, Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal is showing more leadership during the Gulf oil swamp crisis than President Obama has in the past six months. He’s been out there every day, doing what he can, hounding the White House (can he be blamed, especially when they weren’t taking his calls?) for help, and chastising the Coast Guard for idiotically idling sixteen oil-scooping ships because they’d not yet been inspected for proper fire hydrant installation. Also, thirteen countries offered to assist with cleanup, assistance that included their own oil-scooping barges, and the administration didn’t refuse them…it reportedly ignored them. I don’t think Jindal is presidential material just yet…but then again, after this disaster, he may be.

Obama’s speech about the disaster was awful and insulting. For a more in-depth review, read today’s column from Charles Krauthammer.

Jokin’ Joe Biden has been given the undesirable task of proclaiming this summer the “Summer of Recovery”, as he jets across the fruited plains pointing at road and bridge projects as sign of an improving economy. He will be doing this even as small businesses lay off employees and large companies withhold raises, not sure what is coming other than the horrific costs, both financial and human, about to be imposed by ObamaCare.

The administration and old media are trumpeting a great increase in jobs, but what they’re not telling you is that most of those are government jobs, and many of those are temporary Census jobs. This isn’t good news, it is AWFUL news, because it is private-sector workers paying the (usually exorbitant) salaries of all these government workers. So while the private sector isn’t hiring very much, and in fact is laying people off, the government is happily giving jobs away. How does this work again? What a scam.

Finally, be sure to read Jonah Goldberg’s excellent column, “Oil: The Green Fuel”, then use what you learn on your favourite ethanol-loving pals.

Have a great weekend!

Flag week, really, I suppose. For more about flag etiquette, check out this site. Some of the very public (and frequent) violations of flag etiquette might surprise you.

In honour of flag day, here’s George M. Cohan’s “You’re A Grand Old Flag”, performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (the best rendition I could find on YouTube, kids).

For the curious and the fans, the full lyrics are below the fold!

[Read more →]

History was just made, my friends…Zenyatta is now the proud holder of a perfect 17 for 17 record, better than Cigar, better than Secretariat, better than Man O’War. Perfection.

She had to go six wide in the Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park, and in those last 50 yards the announcer even asked if the great racemare would finally suffer the first defeat in her career…But no! As usual, Zenyatta provided a thriller of a race in the stretch, her fans screaming at televisions and computer screens (NTRA.com aired it live) nationwide, to win again! Like a real champ, she dug in when some thought she might actually lose (honest to goodness, I had no fears). Despite having lost some weight, she won yet again, ears pricked, her competitor close behind—but not fast or mentally strong enough to beat Zenyatta past the wire.

Rachel who? Pffft. Wilts in the face of a real challenge. But not Zenyatta.

The only other horse whose races make me cry is Secretariat. Zenyatta’s unprecedented Breeder’s Cup Classic win had me bawling, and this one did too for some reason. It’s not something I understand, but I’m happy to go along for the ride.

Go, go, Zenyatta!

That’s what economist Arthur Laffer is predicting, and it is unfortunate that his Wall Street Journal column is so logical.

According to a 2004 U.S. Treasury report, “high income taxpayers accelerated the receipt of wages and year-end bonuses from 1993 to 1992—over $15 billion—in order to avoid the effects of the anticipated increase in the top rate from 31% to 39.6%. At the end of 1993, taxpayers shifted wages and bonuses yet again to avoid the increase in Medicare taxes that went into effect beginning 1994.”

Just remember what happened to auto sales when the cash for clunkers program ended. Or how about new housing sales when the $8,000 tax credit ended? It isn’t rocket surgery, as the Ivy League professor said.

On or about Jan. 1, 2011, federal, state and local tax rates are scheduled to rise quite sharply. President George W. Bush’s tax cuts expire on that date, meaning that the highest federal personal income tax rate will go 39.6% from 35%, the highest federal dividend tax rate pops up to 39.6% from 15%, the capital gains tax rate to 20% from 15%, and the estate tax rate to 55% from zero.

Laffer goes on to note that as a result of this coming tax increase, people will of course shift  production and income from 2011 into 2010, inflating income for 2010. The same goes for demand; the result of all this is that when we slip past that Jan. 1 tax boundary, “the train goes off the tracks” and the United States ends up in a double-dip recession. Not only that, lower earnings and sales combined with inflation will also result in fewer tax receipts; believe it or not, lower tax rates result in higher government receipts. Despite the fact that I hate the idea of the government having more money, if it is the side effect of individual Americans and American companies being more prosperous, I’ll take it. Just send all of that dough to the military.

You really need to read the entire op-ed. It ain’t gonna be pretty, particularly with the way this administration intends to keep spending, taxing, and printing money.

Well, our neighbor’s garden, anyhow!

The Peony’s Lament

Or should that be, “The Peony Gardener’s Lament”?

Larger. More info in my profile if you like this.

This image, more like it, and some great photos of classic cars and other Americana are available in my shop.

Y’all have a great weekend, but…I’m hoping to be back later today. Depends on how nice my computer is to me.

This WSJ op-ed from Dorothy Rabinowitz, The Alien in the White House, is quite insightful. Rabinowitz notes the ‘disenchantment’ of some regarding BHO’s response to the oil disaster in the Gulf, then goes on to explain why the nation as a whole is now feeling less and less confident in the man’s ability to lead:

…it was clear from the first that this president—single-minded, ever-visible, confident in his program for a reformed America saved from darkness by his arrival—was wanting in certain qualities citizens have until now taken for granted in their presidents. Namely, a tone and presence that said: This is the Americans’ leader, a man of them, for them, the nation’s voice and champion. Mr. Obama wasn’t lacking in concern about the oil spill. What he lacked was that voice—and for good reason.

Those qualities…were a matter of identification with the nation and to all that binds its people together in pride and allegiance. These are feelings held deep in American hearts, unvoiced mostly, but unmistakably there and not only on the Fourth of July.

A great part of America now understands that this president’s sense of identification lies elsewhere, and is in profound ways unlike theirs. He is hard put to sound convincingly like the leader of the nation, because he is, at heart and by instinct, the voice mainly of his ideological class. He is the alien in the White House, a matter having nothing to do with delusions about his birthplace cherished by the demented fringe.

Rabinowitz hits the nail on the head here. What the people are sensing (and what many of us have known since the moment Obama showed up to run for President) is that Barack Obama cannot represent Americans, or our country, because of his allegiance to a thoroughly un-American (and really, un-Western) ideology.

There is nothing American about redistribution of wealth, government running businesses, federal power to control energy usage by the economy and the populace or to mandate that the citizens buy or not buy certain products (health insurance and Edison-style light bulbs come to mind). There is also nothing American about apologizing to foreign dictatorships and enemies while backhanding longtime allies such as Great Britain, Israel, and even France. Obama may be a Chicago boy, but his mindset is better suited to places like modern Venezuela and North Korea, communist China, and Third Worldism in general, the same Third Worldism that has destroyed Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. [Read more →]

For some reason, the NTRA and NYRA thought it would be so cool and hip to dump “New York, New York” prior to the running of the Belmont Stakes Saturday and have a 14-year-old S&M-bedecked child sing a Jay-Z song. Not only was the song so bad that ABC dumped it to run a few commercials, the performance actually upset the horses. It was really sad, particularly since the replacement for “New York, New York” had none of the class “NY, NY” does. Of course, “New York, New York” replaced “Sidewalks of New York” in 1997 or so, but again, both songs have style and class. What we half-heard Saturday? Not so much.

Therefore, I’ll play both songs for those who missed them. Hit it, Frank!

“Sidewalks of New York” (full lyrics):

By the way, sorry there was no Friday photo. Our internet was out, and to be frank, my poor computer is running on overload with all of the Route 66 photos I’m working on!

First, Joe Biden impresses me with what seems to be a pretty honest Memorial Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery (an event BHO skipped out on so he could go party at home in the Windy City). Biden truly did seem honoured and humbled to be laying the wreath and calling the nation to remember those who have died in America’s service. I don’t LIKE Joe Biden, but that speech really did improve the household opinion of him, because y’all know we adore the troops here.

Today, Joe Biden defends Israel over the flotilla raid. Somebody in this administration needs to have their head on straight regarding this issue!

Biden said Israel has an “absolute right” to defend its security interests, according to a transcript Politico obtained of an interview that was to be broadcast Wednesday on the Charlie Rose show on Bloomberg TV.

“It’s legitimate for Israel to say, ‘I don’t know what’s on that ship. These guys are dropping eight-3,000 rockets on my people,’ ” Biden said.

Earlier today, Benjamin Netanyahu rightly pointed out that Israel has every right to protect her people, and will not apologize for defending them.

I suppose after the past three days, Obama will one again feel obliged to lock Joe up in a cage. Oh well. Thanks for being right about two things, Veep!

Sorry this is late, but we were in Detroit today visiting Mom. As some of you know, she is very ill, so we thought it would be nice to drop in.

Today being Memorial Day, I thought it was apropos to share a solemn, moving tribute to our brave troops, namely those who have died in service to our country and what she stands for. This weekend is not supposed to be about partying and food, but honouring those who have very much earned that honour and respect.

May they all continue to rest in peace with Old Glory standing guard above those willing to give their lives to protect what she stands for.

Goodness, the internet doesn’t like me today. This is the third time I’ve tried to post this!

Room To Breathe

Everyone have a safe, thoughtful Memorial Day weekend. Please remember why we have the extra day, and remember to honour those who’ve died to preserve what we have.

This one is definitely going into my shop!

The Star

Detail of the Fergi car wash sign at the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati.

Largify.

This CBS Evening News segment was tweeted to me (stop laughing), and it is quite fascinating indeed, and not just because I saw some really interesting things being replicated on copiers at work in the past.

Now, I will say that it is a bit unnerving, if not suspicious, to see what sort of data was obtained by the CBS crew, namely medical records and records from a PD. Considering their past history, we probably cannot be blamed for this reaction, but even so, it looks at the moment as if this sort of thing is a legitimate concern: your very personal private information could be anywhere in the world, thanks to a copier’s lease being up or its being sold for whatever reason.

Toward the end we see a copier company executive noting that software capable of immediately erasing documents is available, and for $500; per machine, that might be pricey, but if you’re renting the unit or are buying half-a-dozen or so for your office and one software purchase can be used on all of the units, it’s negligible. It’s also a small price to pay compared to a lawsuit, considering how very easy it apparently is to trace these machines back to their previous users. However, my hope is that some bright entrepreneur will see this and develop a software anyone can buy and run on the copier or by hooking said facsimile machine to their computer and scrub the copier’s hard drive that way before returning or selling the machine in question.

In the meantime, just one more thing to think and worry about, eh?

While pointing out that it is the responsibility of the federal government to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) said Thursday it is cheaper to treat teens for drug use than it is to interdict drugs being smuggled across the border.

So let’s just allow the kids to become addicted to drugs (keep in mind that just about EVERYTHING is legal in Mexico), then we’ll treat them for addiction and whatever other physical, mental, and emotional issues they’ve picked up along the way.

Genius.

The lovely and marvellously talented Lena Horne passed away last night. It only seems right to share one of her wonderful performances with you.

Well, it is really all Americana here, but THIS is some kind of something. I don’t really think there is any kind of art here from me, just all kinds of fun!

Twitterpation Deluxe

To be honest, "weak-kneed" does not begin to describe it. The sights! The sounds! S’wonderful…

It shouldn’t be hard to figure out which one I really, really wanted to bring home.

Can you handle it in large?

Since the national media is paying scant attention to what is going on in Tennessee and parts of Kentucky…It’s up to piddly little “new media” types. GayPatriot’s post about says it all (the video below was discovered at his site).

The Pink Kitty sent me an email with picture of Opryland and the Opry Hotel (you’ll see several in the video). My parents visited Nashville a few years ago and came back with tons of photographs, making the scene even more terrible. But to see Nashville, period, like this, is devastating. Please help if you can. CFMT.org is taking donations for flood relief; you can probably donate to the Nashville Salvation Army; you may also text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10 for flood relief (disclaimer). It looks like the Great American Country blog has a really terrific list, too.

Keep in mind that POTUS has only declared six counties a federal disaster area; voices on the ground say it is closer to 50. As someone said on Twitter today, it’s hell being a red state under the present administration. But that’s fine; Americans pull together and support one another.

Please do what you can and keep folks in these areas in your prayers. I may hate the Preds, but I do love Nashville!

If you’ve not yet been amazed or aghast today, this ought to do it.

This one, from Harry Sosnik’s Edgewater Beach Hotel Orchestra, is a sweet little gem. Enjoy!

Though I’m occasionally commenting on Twitter, no all-day coverage this year.

(As you can see, I couldn’t resist a sip before shooting!)

Now remember, Derby and cocktail fans, mint juleps are not meant to be slung back like Gatorade by a basketball player, or even somewhat quickly like a Nick Charles-style ice-cold martini. Made properly (and unbelievably, Alton Brown got it wrong, wrong, WRONG), a mint julep packs a powerful punch indeed, and is meant to be enjoyed. This is a sitting-on-the-porch-in-early-evening drink. Consider yourselves warned. Besides, juleps are so good…Why glug it back?

And NO, I am not sharing my superior recipe. Not until the day I die. Sorry. You are on your own, but with a little thinking you could probably figure it out. (It’s not visible in the picture.)

I have to say that I’m not covering the Derby the way I usually would, after our Route 66 excitement, so I’m just going to sit back and enjoy. As you can see, my Kentucky Derby Blood-Horse is practically mint, since I’ve been too busy to peruse it since it arrived in the mailbox the other day!

However, I do like Lookin At Lucky, the Baffert trainee and half-brother to the great and truly awesome Curlin (okay, I also like Bob Baffert). Continuing my old-school selections, D. Wayne Lukas’ Dublin, son of the valiant Afleet Alex, might bring one of racing’s most legendary trainers right back into the spotlight with his first really good Derby horse in many years. Jenny Craig is back this year with Sidney’s Candy, and I also like American Lion, Ice Box, Awesome Act, and am intrigued by filly Devil May Care, granddaughter of one of my personal favourites, A.P. Indy. Mission Impazible is not on the list soley because I really dislike silly or rude names for an animal so grand and noble as a Thoroughbred (Super Saver, too, sounds like a gas station!). I liked Noble’s Promise (what a great story!), but he has just gotten over a lung infection.

The filly and Lucky have had the best works this week, but we’ll see. I used to have this awesome streak, picking 6 Derby winners in a row and 8 out of 11 (last year I obviously didn’t imagine Mine That Bird would win, but who did?). This year I’ll stick with sentiment.

It is the Kentucky Derby. Anything can, and often does, happen. Post time is 6:24EDT on NBC!