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Tuesday, October 17, 2006Blogging HiatusWell, it's 20 days out from Election Day, and as you can tell, I haven't been blogging much at all. See you all on November 8th! Wednesday, October 11, 200610/11?A small aircraft has hit the side of an apartment building in New York City. Two deaths, no reports on casualties (yet). Eyewitnesses report an object making a sharp turn before flying into the building. No speculation as to whether this was a terror attack or not, but the date alone is correlative... UPDATE: NORAD is up, fighters are scrambled. UPDATE x2: Today is 17 Ramadan, the anniversary of the Battle of Badr: The battle has been passed down in Islamic history as a decisive victory attributable to divine intervention or the genius of Muhammad. Although it is one of the few battles specifically mentioned in the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an, virtually all contemporary knowledge of the battle at Badr comes from traditional Islamic accounts, both hadiths and biographies of Muhammad, written decades after the battle.Ramadan started on 24 September and will end on 23 October. The actual battle took place in March, but because of the Muslim lunar calendars the dates change... UPDATE x3: "We have no reason to believe at this point that it is terrorist related, and our level remains the same," said New York City Police Chief Michael Collins. UPDATE x4: Cory Lidle, pitcher for the New York Yankees, was on the plane... UPDATE x5: That has been confirmed. Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle was indeed piloting the plane. Wow. I'll take a break. Drudge has all the interesting details at this point, but for the moment it's safe to say there is no terror attack ongoing at the moment -- though I am sure the response today will be a yardstick to judge our ability to respond to such a scenario. Introibo ad altare DeiPope Benedict XVI is rumored (rumored, mind you) to have signed a universal indult so that priests can once again say the Tridentine Mass: Pope Benedict XVI is understood to have signed a universal indult - or permission - for priests to celebrate again the Mass used throughout the Church for nearly 1,500 years. The indult could be published in the next few weeks, sources told The Times.If true, this is a wonderful development. I am constantly frustrated by finding a different Mass when I travel -- different to the point where one could not participate if they wanted to. Now I can. The real victory here is for Catholic culture. Culture is the only thing that will cure a host of social ills. Deo Gratias! You Will Not Be Proud to Watch This VideoBut you should watch it all the same. During a speech given by a member of the Minuteman Project, a group of students charged the stage, unraveled signs, and a general melee ensued.This sort of stuff happened in Weimar Germany, just before the brownshirts arrived to enforce (and protect) a doctrine of racial supremacy, militarism, and hate. There's a political rant at the end, but largely the gentleman is right. This shouldn't represent higher education at Columbia, yet unfortunately it passes for education and civility in many, many universities. Prayer to St. Thomas MoreThomas More, counselor of law and patron of statesmen, merry martyr and most human of saints: Pray that, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, I may be able in argument, accurate in analysis, keen in study, correct in conclusion, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, trustworthy with confidences, courageous in court. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients' tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul. Pray that my family may find in me what yours found in you: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain -- their good servant, and God's first. Amen. Tuesday, October 10, 2006The David Zucker Albright AdWhat the Democrats are screaming about (as seen on Drudge): How to Turn a Campaign AroundSimple. Create a diversion: Suddenly, macaca, Jewish heritage and racial slurs are yesterday's news. Look through Virginia's newspapers, look even at the partisan blogs that relish hitting Sen. George Allen as hard as they can: The feeding frenzy has subsided. The waters seem almost calm again.We argued this on the right side of the blogosphere how Allen's two-minute advertisement just before 8:00pm turned the election around as Webb was beset by his remarks on women in the military. It worked, as announced. Back to issues, the DSCC is trying desperately to change the subject back to racism, Bush, anything. But Allen has both the money and the persona (and the support of a Republican Virginia) to push home. All the rounds are fired. Webb has to do it the old fashioned way, and I don't think he has the grassroots or the momentum to make it happen in four weeks. The Nietzsche Family CircusOutstanding! Heh! (H/T to NRO Corner) Monday, October 09, 2006How Do You Win a Debate?By making fewer mistakes than the next fella. Anyone have their mind made up by a debate? No? So it is with the rest of the Commonwealth. I'd still like to have seen the debate to make my own mind up, but it does sound like the Taiwan Strait island question backfired on Webb. "Too smart for his own good" seems to be the independent view of Sec. Webb. The McGuire DoctrineD.J. McGuire over at the China-e-Lobby states his foreign policy position against Communist China and their North Korean satellite: It should be noted that this set of policies will, at most, only lead to a steady-state in Cold War II. It will not end the war, nor will the danger be removed. That can only happen when we help the Chinese, Korean, Iranian, Syrian, and Pakistani peoples take their countries back from tyrannical oppressors. Otherwise, these policies will reduce and delay the threat of a nuclear terrorist attack, but not eliminate it. Once again, America will never be secure until China is free.D.J. McGuire is the author of a book entitled "Dragon in the Dark" which details how the Communist Chinese fuel terrorism and rogue nations. He also heads up the China-e-Lobby, our favorite Chinese dissident organization. Vote Yes to MarriageJim Bowden gives no less than ten (10) reasons to vote for Virginia's marriage amendment in November. A Nuclear North Korea?In case you have not heard, North Korea has successfully detonated a nuclear device in an underground mine. I'd expect a lot of conversation as to whether or not the DPNK has the ability to deliver such a weapon, but now we have a whole new ball of wax. A nuclear North Korea poses problems not just in the short term, but in the long run as well. Like dominoes, a nuclear North Korea instigates a debate within the Japanese public about their pacifist constitution, which in turn instigates long-held anti-Japanese feelings in East Asia, which spurs more antagonism between capitalist Japan and Communist China, which threatens the entire Taiwanese situation... Unlike Iraq, America is not the only one who can deal with the situation in North Korea. China has a decision to make as well. Scary stuff. Sunday, October 08, 2006225th Anniversary of the Siege of YorktownIt's coming!!! The Webb Campaign Has (Socialist) Issues…Via Conaway Haskins' blog, we see that socialists know their own: Thanks for this update. I just read through Webb’s site. He’s exercising good foresight by pushing a pseudo-socialist agenda (please…I don’t get hung-up on definitions). Socialist-like ideas are now more tempting than they’ve ever been. Most people are under way too much financial stress these days. I hope Webb sticks with his guns.Indeed. The Pulpit Speaks: July 26, 1958The Rev. Paige speaks to us from 60 years past regarding child-like faith and the need for it today: I wonder if we do not need a child-like faith today. As I wonder about this world, one thing impresses me: the desire on the part of people to venture out. Nine out of ten people you meet today only want to go as far as they can see. Moving into the unknown is one of the least desirable things in most people’s minds. Today, our world is in dire need of those pioneer minds that are willing to venture out. Faith is the pivotal point around which all else moves.Implicit with faith is trust. Now add that perspective to this sermon and you have a sobering discussion. What shocks more is that this was written in 1958, not 2006. More things change, the more they stay the same... DNC: Support Our Troops, Eh?QandO take a look at what the DNC considers to be supporting our troops. Not a joke. Heh. Saturday, October 07, 2006Is Al Franken Running for Congress?I'm sure Judy Feder is a wonderful human being (and coincidentally, this is a good positive ad), but I just kept watching it thinking that at any moment, Ms. Feder was going to say, "Because I'm good enough, I'm smart enough..." N. Korea To Test Nuke?That's the buzz, though I don't see what it earns them. Question: What should the reaction of the world community be? Talk? Diplomacy? Ignore it? Action? Six-party talks? Unilateral talks? Friday, October 06, 2006Proud to be a Virginian: The Carnival!A day late; a dollar short. Nonetheless, the best of the Commonwealth has arrived in perfect form!
A Second Hand Conjecture | Tyson's Corner: MichaelW talks about travelling the world over and "God's own little acre." Monstrosity | Alexandria: Melissa over at the DitzyDems talks about the most formidable monument in the Alexandria skyline: the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Sophistpundit | Fairfax: Adam Gurri talks about one of the most endearing qualities of the Commonwealth, that being our fine system of colleges and universities. Neal 2028 | Bristol: Neal hasn't come up with anything good to say about Bristol (yet), but this is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Virginia. SWAC Girl | Staunton: Ah Staunton... the best way to discover a "come here" from a "been here" is pointing to Staunton on a map and asking, "What is the name of this town?" Transportation is key, and getting in and around Staunton is a heck of a lot better thanks to the Libby Loop. Conaway Haskins | Richmond: The Fan, Capitol Square, Carytown, Shockoe Bottom... Stephen Braunlich | Old Rag: Not only does he pick my favorite part of the Shenandoah Park (I'm a Robertson Mountain fan myself), he even quotes St. Ephram the Syrian. If you're not reading this blog, you're letting yourself down... Tom James | Caroline County: Yes yes, he posted it onto my site in the comments section. But it's as good a read on Hanover County and historical preservation as you'll find! Cathouse Chat | Danville: This one's gotta go at the end because it's the best roundup. Old homes, quilts, hammocks, Patrick Henry... Thanks for everyone who participated! The nastiness of the previous week seems to have blown over for more interesting things at Capitol Hill, but let's all keep in mind what's best about Virginia: the land, the people, the friends, our manners and civility, but most of all understand that all of these things make us who we are. I'm proud to be a Virginian! Allen : Jefferson :: Webb : Marx?I'm sorry, but my jaw dropped when I read this. We all know Allen has a fondness for Thomas Jefferson as a political mentor. So whom does Jim Webb look to for guidance? Republicans might have joked about it before, but I kid you not: Jim Webb looks to Karl Marx: Webb, a former Navy Secretary under Ronald Reagan and an academic who has written fiction and nonfiction books, laced his speech with paraphrases of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who wrote in the 19th century about society's disconnect from its agricultural roots.This is outrageous, and possibly the first time I have ever seen a candidate for U.S. Senate quote Marx and Engels as a source for ideas. Absolutely dumbfounded. What's next? Is Webb going to start quoting Heidigger and Nietzsche??? How Cool is This?Pictures from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Oribter:
Proud to be a Virginian: Kent's StoreMost folks know I've moved from Spotsylvania County out towards Fluvanna County to a little place known as Kent's Store, Virginia. Formed in 1777, Fluvanna County was formerly part of Albermarle County and has a long history along the Rivanna River during its heyday of the early 19th century canals. Patrick Henry used to hunt Fluvanna County. The town of Columbia (near the point where the James and Rivanna meet) almost became the capital of Virginia, and used to be a booming canal and tobacco port. Even the old capital of the Monocan tribe is rumored to be somewhere along the James (though no one knows precisely where). In 1781, Cornwallis destroyed the Point of Fork arsenal while Marquis de Lafayette loomed in the distance, drawing out the British and parrying them from capturing Governor Jefferson before forcing their long retreat back to Yorktown -- with Washington ready to blockade him. The hills of Fluvanna are where Cornwallis broke his sword... not a bad story for a little county in the heart of the Commonwealth? Where I live in Kent's Store, we have our own history playing into the present. There's not much in the town -- a post office, a Masonic lodge, a funeral parlor, a church, community center, a few Victorian homes and of course a tiny general store (guess the name). It's not much of a town in the traditional sense, but rather a collection of buildings that sprung up around the first establishment started by one James Madison Kent in 1845. Kent's Store got its start back in the 1850's when a young family bought the land and started their own general store. Quickly it grew into a landmark for passing travellers, both heading from Charlottesville to Richmond and also down to Columbia, an old tobacco wharf at the point where the Rivanna and James meet. The area is certainly off the beaten track. About 15-20 min. outside of Charlottesville, the town is about as far away from development as anyone could hope. Venable Road heads off towards Wilmington and Palmyra heading west (Wilmington being a prominent Revolutionary War town) and off towards Richmond in the east. It is situated on somewhat of a hill, as Venable Road heads looks over some beautiful farmland heading south. The entire town is bordered by Venable Creek, flowing north before wrapping itself around my 10 acres and heading west towards the Rivanna. Most of that land is wooded, with a tree farm bordering the northwest part before giving way to newly built five-acre homes and Kent's Store Road (601). There's quite a bit of history at Kent's Store, so much that the Fluvanna County Historical Society has a book, a rather large set of research on the store, and even a DVD of old stories. The store itself isn't the original, though the building attached to it looks awful old inside. Mostly cinderblock, it looks like it was built in the 1930's and consists of the store itself, a couple outbuildings, and a rather large barn-like structure towards the back. The exterior makes it look rather new, but the interior shows nothing but dark hardwood. Used to be a church before it was converted to its current use: storage. We've been working on the property for about six months now, and Missy and the kids should finally (!) be able to move into our newly refurbished house by next week. In the meantime, it turns out that our neighbors who run the store were in the process of selling for personal reasons. So for a modest investment, Missy and I bought the store. That's right: I now own Kent's Store. So ends the story of what's great about Virginia. I buy land, an old house, fix it up, buy a store, and get to give my kids a taste of the life I knew growing up in Caroline County. Sure, it's not a trailer, three brothers, and a creek. It's a house, sisters and brothers, and a general store in Jefferson's backyard. Thursday, October 05, 2006Proud to be a Virginian?List coming soon.... VJP: Is the African-American Vote Leaning GOP?Vivian J. Paige on the status of African-Americans within the Democratic (and Republican) Parties: Let me be very clear: I have tremendous respect for the true conservatives within the Republican party. As an economic conservative myself, I agree with many of those principles. But true conservatives are not running that party today. So in its current incarnation, I do not believe that the Republican party serves the best interests of black Americans.Great read. True conservatives (I read classical liberals) are out there and have a home, if we could just get the website up. The A-Team: Recognizing your problem...An interesting discovery from the pages of the WaPo: The elephant in the newsroom is our narrowness. Too often, we wear liberalism on our sleeve and are intolerant of other lifestyles and opinions. . . . We’re not very subtle about it at this paper: If you work here, you must be one of us. You must be liberal, progressive, a Democrat. I’ve been in communal gatherings in The Post, watching election returns, and have been flabbergasted to see my colleagues cheer unabashedly for the Democrats.I am one of the few Republicans who really doesn't have a problem with the Washington Post despite their unabashed liberalism. My experience has found them to be remarkably fair, open, and interested in getting the story right. This isn't to say that there couldn't be a more diverse set of minds writing the news, but I always get a little trepidacious when someone insists that people with thoughts, opinions, beliefs, etc. cannot be "educated" or open enough to be objective. People can still hold an opinion and be open-minded. In fact, it's a prerequisite for open-mindedness. Black Gold, Dead Sea TeaAn Israeli company has discovered oil near the Dead Sea. 100-150 barrels a day (not much), but it does lead to prospect of more oil being found in the area. Wednesday, October 04, 2006TOMORROW: Proud to be a Virginian!Sorry for the light posting and such, but I am very excited to see what tomorrow brings. I will be doing a short little carnival (akin to the VBC) here on the ol' blog to compile everyone's posts. Remember the idea: Post something great about your little corner of Virginia, whether it's friends, family, the area, someone helping you out when you needed it the most. Post anything that reminds people why you're Proud to be a Virginian! All the best! Thank You Al WeedYou did the right thing. Now if only James Webb had the character to do likewise... Defending the Weak and the Idol of EqualityAnother brilliant article from the Acton Institute: In Leo XIII’s words from Rerum Novarum, “Let it be laid down in the first place that a condition of human existence must be borne with, namely that in civil society the lowest cannot be made equal with the highest.” Leo understood that creating economic equality was a fool’s errand. While it is true that some forms of inequality are unjustified, a certain amount of inequality is inevitable and even justified. By making equality the summum bonum of society, socialists take the noble ideal of compassion for the poor and twist it into a form of idolatry.Equality is not fair. It's a tough thing to get one's mind around, but harmony rather than pure equality is the true ideal. Google, Politicians, and Pravda!Google warns the politicians with its new-fangled TRUTH TELLING MACHINE!!! Politicians have yet to appreciate the impact of the online world, which will also affect the outcome of elections, Schmidt said in an interview with the Financial Times published on Wednesday.Now I would love to know how this could be. I've been a big fan of Wittgenstein's description of truth and fact since I read On Certainty, and I just can't see how a computer algorithm could detect falsehood and truth based on patterns of speech (or text). I'd be intrigued as to an explanation though. I wonder what proponents of truth as dialectic or "fairness" would say about such a program? OMT: October AdviceNorm Leahy on how to avoid the October Surprise. Heh. Tuesday, October 03, 2006QandO: Let's 'Em Have Nukes!Well, not really QandO, but Ted Koppel who uses that mastermind of foreign policy and diplomacy: Don Corleone: 'You insist on having nuclear weapons,' we should say. 'Go ahead. It's a terrible idea, but we can't stop you. We would, however, like your leaders to view the enclosed DVD of 'The Godfather.' Please pay particular attention to the scene in which Don Corleone makes grudging peace with a man - the head of a rival crime family - who ordered the killing of his oldest son.'McQ prefaces with the theory that MAD will keep the peace. Perhaps, but the threat of nuclear winter hasn't done much to keep the hornets from stinging in Northern Israel... Proud to be a Virginian? Two More Days...The response has been excellent to the call to arms, and I'm pleased to see how many are getting involved. I'll have a list tomorrow of folks who have agreed to join up. If you're a Virginia blogger, than take the time to write up your best memories of home, your neighbors, something great about the Commonwealth. Looking forward to what you guys have to write! Be Careful What You Wish ForAn interesing post worth reading. Monday, October 02, 2006Senator Allen's SpeechExcellent. PS: I told you Susan Allen was a winner! Liking the Redskins gear in the background too. PPS: Take note, Webb supporters. When the opposition is getting dogpiled by the press, go positive! This one is a win for Allen. Huge. There is no putting this one under a rug -- what a great move by the Allen campaign, and precisely what Webb's staff should have done (twice). Proud to be a Virginian? Prove it!The inspiration for this was web statistics. For some reason, my post on the Confederate Flag seems to be gaining some currency over the last week. Still damn proud to be a Virginian... and for the right reasons. And in the F.T. Rea spirit, I propose an experiment. ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5th, I propose that all interested bloggers post what's best about Virginia, especially in your neck of the woods. It should be something particularly Virginian, something that makes home what it is. If you're going to post, let us know and we'll get a rolling list of participating bloggers. With all the bad items in the press bashing the Old Dominion, people deserve to know the real Virginia. Who's with me? Allen 49, Webb 43Rasmussen is up with their latest poll, taken over eight days (probably to incorporate the fallout from last week). These results are pretty darned consistent. Allen by six. At this point, people have already made up their minds on the negatives on Allen and Webb -- which is probably the point. Now that the polls are settling down, we can start getting into contrasting issues. Unfortunately for Webb, the one person who has the most $$$ to drive home issues at this point is Senator George Allen. Webb needed to capitalize while Allen's negatives were being played up in the press, and his campaign failed him miserably. Five weeks left, and Allen holds all the cards.
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JEFFERSONIAD POLL: Whom do you support for Virginia Attorney General?1) John Brownlee2) Ken Cuccinelli AboutShaunKenney.com is one of Virginia's oldest political blogs, focusing on the role of religion and politics in public life. Shaun Kenney, 30, lives in Fluvanna County, Virginia.ContactThe Jeffersoniad
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