The Truth Behind Cap and Trade

Found this little gem at GlennBeck.com.


Direct video link.

But seriously:


Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

Maddy's Cancer Battle

AJA Press

Support Senate Bill 614 for WASPs

I received a question today on Twitter I feel compelled to share. The question was what does an Average Joe think about Senate Bill 614, a proposal to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War Two. These women flew all types of planes in every non-combat mission one can imagine in support of our fighting troops in WWII, and have gone essentially unrecognized for their bravery and their pioneering spirit.

Having reviewed the bill, to include a list of past recipients of Congressional Gold Medals, I find it hard to imagine how there could be much debate about whether these brave women are deserving of this special recognition (in fact, so much more, really). I encourage you to speak out in support of recognizing these women by supporting Senate Bill 614.

See WASP members speak out:

Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

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F.O.R.D. - The "Acronym" Has A New Meaning

There was a time not so long ago when I called myself a "Buick Man." You know, a guy that prefers a particular make of vehicle is a "Chevy Man," or "Ford Man," etc. Well, I was a "Buick Man." Some of the best cars I've ever owned were Buicks. And some of the worst cars I've ever owned were Fords. I would never have referred to myself as a "Ford Man," regardless of the fact that my father is a staunch "Ford Man."


But the parent corporation of Buick, General Motors, has gone through some very significant changes over the past four months. Changes that, for one, I find quite disturbing. Changes that would have William C. Durant, founder of General Motors Corporation and pioneer of the Buick badge, rolling in his grave. Changes such as GM CEO Rick Wagoner resigning at the request of Barack Obama. Changes like the Pontiac Division of General Motors being scrapped as part of the Obama-forced restructuring plan intended to keep the struggling automaker from going out of business. It wasn't that long ago that General Motors dropped the Oldsmobile badge from their lineup for good, and the demise of the Pontiac line -- home of the famed GTO and Grand Prix -- has many car fans crying foul. As General Motors has announced the expected demise of both the Saturn and Hummer lines as well, American roads may never be the same.

The latest reports in this seemingly never-ending auto collapse is that Chrysler will be filing (and may have already done so by now) for bankruptcy, as they were unable to come to terms with many creditors. But bankruptcy isn't the only news for Chrysler. The American car company that for a brief period was held by Germany's Daimler-Benz before being spun off due to lagging sales may once again become a foreign company, as the Obama administration (for reasons I simply cannot understand) is forcing the number three U.S. automaker to strike a merger deal with Italian company Fiat. The bankruptcy and Fiat deal earn Chrysler an additional eight hundred billion dollars of American taxpayer money from the Obama administration to help them emerge as a stronger car company. A foreign car company, but stronger (maybe).

As a long-time "Buick Man," I find myself struggling with the current situation of the American auto industry. I have never owned a Chrysler product, and never will. For many reasons, most recent of which is the company's willingness to be taken over by the U.S. government. Which is the same reason that I can no longer consider myself a "Buick Man." As sad as it is to turn my back on this auto badge that I have long admired, I must say that, going forward, I guess I'm a "Ford Man" like my father.

Why? For the same reason that I didn't vote for the man who currently resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I'm not an Obama man.

Seems to me that not only is the Pontiac line dying, but also the entire General Motors Corporation, as well as Chrysler. Seems to me that they should just replace the badge on almost every vehicle to roll out of Detroit to Obama Motors. After all, the federal government owns more of General Motors than anyone else now, and soon Italy will own most of Chrysler.

But Ford, God love them, made the tough decision to get through these tough times on their own cash reserves. Found On the Road Dead is no longer the best way to describe the Ford brand. The FORD "acronym" has a new meaning.



Forbid Obama's Regressive Doctrine


Your comments?

Joe

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Letter from Indianapolis Mayor Ballard on CIB Bail Out

It seems that the news is all about Bail Outs lately (unless it's about Pirates), and that is now hitting closer to home here in Indianapolis. I'm not completely up to date on the CIB Bail Out (and maybe I should be before I post on it), but this email from Mayor Ballard's office seems to make sense to me.

What are your thoughts?

Joe

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Having trouble seeing the email? CLICK HERE I hope this finds you well.  As you are likely aware of the financial problems facing the city's Capital Improvement Board, I wanted to reach out and update you on my position regarding the various proposals being discussed. The Capital Improvement Board is a vital part of our city.  Its role in funding facilities, special events, and projects throughout Indianapolis is critical to the economic vitality of not only downtown, but also to our neighborhoods, the region, and the state.  Facilities including the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse, and Victory Field bring millions of people to Indianapolis.  Millions of visitors generate significant business; hotel, restaurant, and retail, which in turn, provides thousands of Hoosier jobs and produces revenues that fuel the regional and state economies.  The Indianapolis hospitality industry draws an estimated 22 million people annually, drives $3.5 billion in the Central Indiana economy, and employs over 66,000 Hoosiers. Finding a solution to the problems facing the CIB is absolutely imperative as it directly impacts the employees and their families who depend on these 66,000 jobs.  Additionally, it impacts the long-term financial health of the city and the resources available to strengthen our neighborhoods. Finding a solution is important to the regional economy because many employers locate and remain in Central Indiana because of our vibrant Downtown.  And it is important to the state economy as Marion County contributes $975 million to the state; this represents 18% of the state's total sales tax revenues. Over the last several months we've worked closely with state and city leaders to develop solutions to fund this vital entity.  There are several components to the proposals making their way through the State House and it appears, with great regret, that local tax dollars will be needed as part of the solution.  I am committed to enacting a solution that protects the 66,000 Hoosiers employed in the hospitality industry and minimizes the burden on all Marion County taxpayers.  The solution must also involve the users of the facilities and those who most directly benefit from them. It is for these reasons that I am opposed to the proposal for a broad-based food and beverage tax, and I am opposed to any increase in property or income taxes.  While I certainly prefer not to have to consider tax increases of any type, I believe we should look first to users and visitors in the form of rental cars, hotels, and tickets.  And we must consider an optional expense, like alcohol alone, that draws more from visitors and facility users. Additionally, I have asked the state for an expansion of the Professional Sports Development Area to include the JW Marriott and allow for the redirection of that tax revenue from the state to the county.  I join Senator Luke Kenley and several legislative leaders in asking the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers to each contribute $5 million.  And, in tightening our belts, we have already proposed cutting $8 million from the CIB operating budget.  This proposal is true to my pledge that the burden for solving this problem should fall mainly on those who use and profit from these facilities.  That's why we've worked diligently to craft a solution that doesn't involve broad-based taxes on food, income, or property.  Additionally, I ask that the General Assembly and City-County Council consider sun-setting any proposed taxes, as there are several variables that may change the situation in the years to come. Please know that I'm committed to continue working with state and city legislative leaders to enact a solution that will bolster our important economic engine that provides 66,000 jobs to Hoosiers and generates millions of dollars in revenues that are critical to the county, regional and state economies. As always, I welcome your input and appreciate your consideration of this proposal. Sincerely, Gregory A. Ballard Mayor City of Indianapolis Paid for and authorized by the Ballard for Mayor Committee, Jim Merritt Chairman

This email was sent by: Indiana Republican Party 47 S. Meridian St., Ste 200 Indianapolis, IN 46204 USA We respect your right to privacy - view our policy

Senator Majority "Leader" ???

Harry Reid invokes Presidential politics in his statement on the bailout plan, praising Obama and saying Senator McCain was harmful to the process.

Governor Palin's Wikipedia Page HACKED!

Browsing through Twitter this morning, I saw a link to an article that Governor Sarah Palin's Wikipedia page had been edited just prior to Senator McCain's announcement that she would be his Vice Presidential running mate, and that the editing had been an inside job.

As I was looking at her Wikipedia page on Friday upon the first mention of her name on Fox News, I thought I would take a look today and see if I could spot any changes. What I found, instead, is represented in the screen capture above.

Governor Palin's Wikipedia page had been hacked! I reloaded several times and received the same result. Then, in about the amount of time it took me to upload my screen capture to Twitpic and post it to Twitter, the hack was gone. I refreshed the Wikipedia page again after posting it to Twitter, and everything was back to normal.

Certainly, if Governor Palin's page was edited at her own request (or even that of her campaign, really), then someone has surely defied commonly accepted Wikipedia etiquette. Wikipedia frowns on people editing their own content, or orchestrating the editing of it.

However, what of the individual(s) that perpetrated / orchestrated the above hack? Is that not more of a violation of common decency than editing your own Wikipedia page? It is both fortunate and unfortunate that the page was returned to normal so quickly. Fortunate, because those looking for information on Governor Palin will once again be able to access it at Wikipedia. Unfortunate, because the legitimacy of the screen capture above will surely be called into question unless someone independent of me happened to stumble on it as well.

Naturally, liberals around the country will get a chuckle out of this. But can you imagine their outrage if this had come upon the page of Barack Obama?

Your comments?

Joe

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Another Inconvenient Truth

I guess practicing what he preaches is inconvenient for the former VP.



Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

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A Humorous Look At A Serious Issue

I like this guy.



Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

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Tell Democrats to Stop Trying to Block Communication Between Representatives and the American People

Sign the Petition - Tell Democrats to Stop Trying to Block Communication Between Representatives and the American People Dear Reader, I have some very troubling news to share with you. As you may have read on conservative weblog RedState.com or in The Hill newspaper, Congressional Democratic leaders, who promised in 2006 to create a more "open" government, are now proposing a new rule that would prevent Members of Congress from using the Internet to communicate with the American people unless the Web site they are using has been "approved" by a panel responsible for creating internal House rules. Millions of Americans, and hundreds of Representatives -- including myself -- use video-sharing Web sites like YouTube, their personal blogs, and online community sites like RedState and The Next Right to keep track of what is going on in Congress, to provide constituents with information and insight, and to build and foster communication between elected representatives and the American people. The Internet and the New Media have made Congress more transparent, sometimes against its will, and have better empowered Americans to hold elected officials accountable for their actions, statements, decisions, and votes. Instead of embracing and working to further this new level of openness and transparency, as they promised when they were candidates for office, Democratic leaders are fighting to close the new lines of communication between politicians and the people that the Internet has opened. As RedState.com's directors wrote on Wednesday, "Congressmen should be able to decide for themselves where and how they interact with their constituents and the American people." Limiting our contact with you the people, and vice versa, only serves to make government more secretive and less transparent – which is the exact opposite of what the Democratic leadership promised to do when elected. Please take a moment and sign the petition on my Web site. I've also provided the code on my blog for you to put a petition widget, like the image above, on your own Web site. Thank you for your help. Together, we can send an unequivocal message to the Democratic Congressional leadership that their Orwellian tactics aimed preventing elected representatives from communicating with the American people will not stand. Sincerely, Mike Conaway Congressman, TX-11 Home | About Mike | Blog | On the Issues | News&Events | Get Involved | Donate

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The Politics of Words

Confused about why Barack Obama's decision to decline public campaign funding is important? Watch this:



Direct video link.

Joe

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Indiana Governor Candidates Side-by-Side

Now that Indiana Democrats have chosen their candidate for Governor, how do they compare side-by-side?


In addition to the above, Governor Daniels spearheaded and signed into law a Property Tax Reform Bill that will save Hoosiers $870 million in taxes in the first year. Even with a 1% increase in the State Sales Tax, once the plan is fully implemented, the plan deliverys $1.72 in tax cuts for every $1 of the new sales tax.

Joe

Action Alert: Call the White House

Dear Reader, Tomorrow the President will decide whether or not the Constitution is still a legally binding document. Seriously. After Congress passed the omnibus spending bill, members of Congress inserted into the conference report that accompanied the legislation more than 9,000 earmarks worth several billion dollars. The earmarks were not voted on by the House and Senate.  Yet, Congress maintains that the earmarks are legally binding.  This violates the process for passing legislation in the Constitution of the United States. Tomorrow, the President will decide whether he should issue an executive order telling government agencies to ignore the earmarks.  If the President issues the executive order, he will be enforcing the legislative process the Constitution says we must follow.  If the President does not issue the executive order, he will be rewarding Congress for ignoring the Constitution. Please call the President at 202-456-1111 and tell him to issue the Executive Order on Earmarks. You can also email comments@whitehouse.gov. Also, please call Senator Mitch McConnell who is pushing the President to ignore the Constitution.  Tell Mitch McConnell to stop ignoring the Constitution and support the executive order.   You can call him at 202-224-2541. All the best, Erick Erickson Editor, RedState.com Forward This Email to a Friend

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Fwd: Oklahoma Atty Gen Bans Christmas. Seriously.

Dear RedState Reader, Drew Edmondson is the Oklahoma Attorney General.  Recently he rounded up conservative activists and threw them in jail for circulating petitions to get conservatives on the ballot. Now, however, Oklahoma Atty Gen. Drew Edmondson has done something even nuttier.  He has issued an advisory opinion from the Attorney General's Office directing universities and public employees in Oklahoma to refrain from using or writing the word "Christmas." Mark Tapscott with the Washington Examiner has the details .  Mark notes, "Edmondson issued an advisory opinion to officials at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford advising them that the word "Christmas" should not be spoken by any employee of the state school, not written in any official holiday decorations." Attorney General Edmondson can be reached at 405-521-3921.  Please call and wish him a Merry Christmas and ask why he banned Christmas. All the best and Merry Christmas to you, Erick Erickson Editor, RedState.com Forward This Email to a Friend

Fred Thompson on Reclaiming Greatness

Reclaim Greatness: Lower Taxes. Enforce Laws

Posted on November 29th, 2007
By Fred in Conservative, Entitlements, Military, Immigration

Published in the Des Moines Register, November 29, 2007.

I believe there are millions of Americans who know our security and prosperity are at risk if we don’t address the challenges of our time - the global threat of terrorism; taxes and spending that will bankrupt future generations; and a government that can’t get the most basic responsibilities right for its citizens.

In 1994 when I first ran for the Senate, I advocated the same common-sense conservative positions I hold today. They are based upon what I believe to be sound conservative First Principles, reflecting the nature of man and the wisdom of the ages. It is a basic recognition that our rights come from God and not from government. Essentially, it’s about freedom. A government big enough to do everything for us is powerful enough to do anything to us.

These principles lead me to believe in lower taxes, free markets, private property and fair competition. These principles made America great, and we should rededicate ourselves to them, not abandon them.

When we look to Washington, we see a bureaucratized government increasingly unable or unwilling to carry out basic governmental functions, including securing our borders against illegal immigration and enforcing our laws. A nation that can’t protect its border will no longer be a sovereign nation. We see a Congress more politicized and divided than ever and disconnected from the American people. Is this the government that some would have play an even greater role in running our lives? We must do better.

Recently, I talked to a young Marine at Walter Reed Hospital. He had lost both legs in Iraq but was looking to the future. I asked him what he planned to do, and he said he wanted to work with a nonprofit organization that was doing a lot to help people. Then he looked at me and said, “I just thought it was time I gave something back.”

That young man, who has given so much for America and yet still asks to give more, is typical of the men and women of the United States armed forces. Our country has shed more blood for the freedom of other people than all the other countries in the world combined. We are steeped in the tradition of honor and sacrifice for the greater good.

I believe that Americans are once again ready to achieve this greater good, which is nothing less than the security, prosperity and unity of our country.

Joe

Ban on Net access taxes extended to 2014

Ban on Net access taxes extended to 2014 | Tech news blog - CNET News.com:

"America's Internet access subscribers can breathe a sigh of relief: Congress isn't planning to allow taxes on your connection for another seven years. With little debate, the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 402-0 to pass an extension of an existing ban on Internet access taxes until 2014. The same proposal received unanimous approval in the Senate late last week."

Internet Tax Ban: “The Right Thing”

A candidate who understands that the Internet is more than a series of tubes:

Fred File – The Friends of Fred Thompson Blog » Blog Archive » Internet Tax Ban: “The Right Thing”:

"Posted on October 26th, 2007 By Fred in Internet, Economics, Taxes

American taxpayers are hit with enough taxes, state-mandated ‘fees’ and ’surcharges’ whether on the state or local level. That’s why Congress did the right thing last night by agreeing to extend the ban on consumers’ Internet access taxes. Broadband is the technology that is revolutionizing the way people communicate, learn, manage their finances, and even receive health care. It’s integral to our ability to compete in the global marketplace. Now isn’t the time to kill a golden goose that will help our nation’s future prosperity and that’s what new taxes on Internet and broadband would do.”"

Be aware, this tax ban is not yet a done deal. The House and the Senate still have to come to agreeable terms before it can go to the President to be signed into law.

Joe

Liberal Senators About To Tax Your Internet

Center for Individual Freedom Harry Reid and other liberals in the United States Senate may decide to TAX YOUR ACCESS TO THE INTERNET? And the best thing about it for them is that they DON'T HAVE TO DO A THING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN! Right now, states and localities are banned by federal law from imposing new taxes on Internet access and on the goods and services you purchase online.  But  the federal Internet tax moratorium is set to expire on November 1. And if it isn't extended or made permanent by that day -- if our elected leaders simply sit back and do NOTHING over the next several days: Tax-hungry politicians at the state and local levels will make you cough up more of your hard-earned money to send an email to a sick friend or an aging parent or a soldier overseas. JOE says: VERIZON HAS SAID THAT SUCH A TAX ON INTERNET ACCESS COULD ADD AS MUCH AS 17% TO YOUR ONLINE COSTS. They'll tax you for the games you play, the music you love to hear, the bargains you find online. They'll tax you for reading your favorite online news source or columnist or -- for that matter -- sending them your Blast Faxes. In fact, you can be taxed just for logging on to read this letter. The House of Representatives just passed a bill that will extend the Internet tax moratorium for another four years.  And now, the decision lies with the Senate: Joe says: THE SENATE HAS APPROVED A BILL THAT WILL EXTEND THE INTERNET TAX MORATORIUM FOR ANOTHER SEVEN YEARS. THE TRICK IS GETTING THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE TO MEET SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE BEFORE NEXT WEDNESDAY. where all the dirty deals are cut and parliamentary tricks are played; and where the future of this bill is uncertain unless our elected leaders act in the next few days! If they do nothing in the next several days, TAXES ON YOUR INTERNET WILL BECOME LAW! Use the hyperlink below to send your urgent 50 Blast Fax messages to President Bush and each and every one of the 49 Republicans in the Senate.  Tell them that any attempt to tax the Internet must be regarded as yet one more attack on the First Amendment and the American people. Tell them that you know that lack of action is effectively a vote to TAX YOUR INTERNET!  Demand that they use every means at their disposal to extend the ban on Internet taxation AND THEN make it a permanent part of federal law. It's more than just the money.  The Internet has become the newest, most effective arena for the exercise of political speech.  Taxation of the Internet would simply open the door to government suppression of our First Amendment right to free speech! http://www.cfiflistmanager.org/internettax.html AOL Members Use This Hyperlink If the hyperlink below does not function, please copy and paste it into the address bar of your browser. Internet Taxes Are Regressive Taxes. Suppose the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA), originally passed in 1998, is NOT extended.  Suppose Harry Reid, Teddy Kennedy and Hillary Clinton -- with the help of a few turncoat Republicans -- allow the ban on Internet taxation to expire?             What happens then? I will tell you what happens.  Merry Christmas from Harry and Teddy and Hillary!  Most of us will be paying Internet taxes before we know it. And that could particularly affect lower-income folks -- the people the Democrats always say they're defending. Steve Stanek -- research fellow with the Heartland Institute -- explains just how devastating taxing of the Internet could be to those with limited resources: "For about the price of an ordinary television set, even the poorest families and the smallest businesses can buy a computer and enjoy the same access to the Internet as the richest families and largest businesses.  However, if Congress allows the moratorium on Internet access taxes to expire in November, new taxes and the resulting higher costs will cause those who already are struggling to struggle harder or give up their Internet access entirely." Oh Yes!  And small business will be disproportionately hurt by such a cruel and vindictive tax. The Democrats KNOW that economic growth in our country is not driven by big business, but by small business -- by entrepreneurs who more and more are offering goods and services on the Internet or rely on the Internet to market and sell their wares.  In many cases, small businesses won't be able to survive with this extra burden. And if that happens, the entire economy may begin to tremble and wobble. Don't let the liberals play with the lives of the most vulnerable.  A free Internet is our best hope for the future.  States and Local Governments Are Busy Lobbying Congress for the Ability to TAX Your Internet Access. State and local governments would love to tax your e-mail, your downloads, and just about every other transaction they can divert into their already bloated treasuries. So they are up on Capitol Hill, lobbying fiercely to let the law die an unceremonious death so the feeding frenzy can begin. Don't think American business isn't worried, particularly manufacturers, their suppliers and their customers. As Monica McGuire of the National Association of Manufacturers put it:   "New taxes on Internet access amounts to turning the information superhighway into a high-priced toll road." Walter McCormick, president and CEO of United States Telecom Association, went even further: "Consider what an Internet tax is actually taxing.  [It's taxing] access to information, to knowledge, to a voice in the democratic process, and to economic opportunity." One of the strongest advocates of making the ban permanent was -- surprise! -- Representative Anna Eshoo of California.  SHE IS A DEMOCRAT!  Here's what she told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation: "The moratorium [on Internet taxation] has served us well and the Internet is now an integral part of everyday life.  Americans across the country utilize the Internet for communication, commerce, business, education and research... Now is not the time to reverse the course and kill Golden Goose.com.  It's more critical now than at any time since the moratorium was established to protect the Internet from new taxes and fees."      There's No Time To Waste. Remember, there is not a lot of time for the Senate to act.  The current ban on Internet taxation expires on November 1.  Please join us in fighting to keep the Internet free from regulation and taxation.  As former Senator George Allen (R-VA) recently wrote in the Washington Times, "The guiding principle of the Internet tax moratorium has always been that the Internet should remain as accessible as possible to all Americans in all parts of the country forever."  As the Internet continues to grow as a critical tool for information, education, medicine, commerce and everything else in our daily lives, that guiding principle rings just as true today as it did in 1998 when Congress passed the first Internet tax moratorium. Yours In Freedom, Jeff Mazzella President www.cfif.org   P.S.  Please forward this to at least 10 of your friends.   The CFIF Action Alert is a service to the conservative community.  If you would like to subscribe please go to www.cfif.org/signup. Center for Individual Freedom 113 S. Columbus St., Suite 310 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-535-5836 Fax:703-535-5838   CFIF is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit constitutional advocacy organization with the mission to protect and defend individual freedoms and individual rights. Contributions to CFIF are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions may be deductible as a business expense. Powered by GrassTopsUSA

Mitt Romney on Clinton and Obama Votes

I put up a quick post yesterday with Senator John McCain's comments about the votes cast by Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama against the Iraq funding bill. Here is what Governor Mitt Romney had to say:



Video Link

Joe

John McCain Speaks Out

The following post is not an endorsement of John McCain for President. It is, however, an endorsement for the kind of attitude he has, and the willingness to speak his mind about the recent vote for funding of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.



This morning, U.S. Senator John McCain issued the following statement on Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Barack Obama's votes against emergency funding for our troops in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan:

"I was very disappointed to see Senator Obama and Senator Clinton embrace the policy of surrender by voting against funds to support our brave men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"This vote may win favor with MoveOn and liberal primary voters, but it's the equivalent of waving a white flag to al Qaeda."

U.S. Senator John McCain has issued the following in response to a statement by Sen. Barack Obama:

"While Senator Obama's two years in the U.S. Senate certainly entitle him to vote against funding our troops, my service and experience combined with conversations with military leaders on the ground in Iraq lead me to believe that we must give this new strategy a chance to succeed because the consequences of failure would be catastrophic to our nation's security.

"By the way, Senator Obama, it's a 'flak' jacket, not a 'flack' jacket."

Joe

President Bush's Weekly Radio Address

20070519.a.mp3
(audio/mpeg Object)

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "This week, my Administration reached an agreement with Republicans and Democrats in the Senate on immigration reform. I thank the leaders in both parties who worked hard to produce legislation that will secure the border, restore respect for the law, and meet the legitimate needs of our economy. This legislation includes all the elements required for comprehensive immigration reform. It will improve security at our borders. It will give employers new tools to verify the employment status of workers and hold businesses to account for those they hire. It will create a temporary worker program. It will help us resolve the status of millions of illegal immigrants who are here already, without animosity and without amnesty. And it will honor the great American tradition of the melting pot by strengthening our efforts to help new arrivals assimilate into our society."