Webb's Guantanamo comment...

Guantanamo

Last night after attending the Allen \ Webb debate at The Homestead I posted some quick observations of the debate and decided to wait and see what the media reported. The majority of the Newspapers used the AP story that was released and the television news sources used pretty much the same footage of the event…

An interesting comment was made by Democrat Candidate Jim Webb during the debate that I see the media sources “elected’ not to use in their coverage. Once again Webb was working the thread about how the Bush administration continues the “Slash & Burn” policy. The question was to Senator Allen by a panelist about tribunals and the use of wiretaps in the fight on terrorism and it was time for Webb to respond to the Senators comments. Regarding Guantanamo, Webb stated that “The rest of the world is watching” and we should expect the same poor treatment if our soldiers are captured…

I attended this debate with friends from Augusta County and one of them is the Mother of a Marine who was killed in Iraq defending our country in the war on terrorism. I was not sitting with her during the debate but afterwards I walked over to her and the first thing she commented on was Webb’s Guantanamo comment. If two people, and I suspect many others in the room, can have the same thought it would be this on Webb’s comment.

“Expect” the same poor treatment? Does Democrat candidate James Webb remember what these terrorist did to two of our brave soldiers just a few weeks back? The way that they tortured these men and then decapitated them? Is Democrat candidate James Webb aware of what the terrorist have done to our captured troops in both Iraq & Afghanistan in the past? Does the Democrat Candidate remember how terrorist have dragged the bodies of our fallen soldiers in the streets?

Does Webb understand that the terrorist held in Guantanamo Bay were caught on the battlefield, not in uniform, and trying to kill our troops? Does Democrat candidate James Webb, and those supporting Webb, understand why we need a strong Senator like George Allen who supports the troops and our President in this vital war on terrorism? This is why this guy is way out of his league and repeating sound bites like “Slash & Burn” with no content just will not cut it…

I hope to see that somebody in the media “elects” to report Webb’s comment to the public and the voters get to see this side of the Democrat candidate…

If not this is the value of having a format like “Blogs” to get the information out to the people…

Allen \ Webb Debate...

Allen \ Webb debate...

Had the opportunity to attend the debate between Senator George Allen and challenger James Webb today held at The Homestead near Hot Springs Virginia.

It was an interesting debate for the format of the debate incorporated several techniques for the questions to be asked of the candidates. First there was a panel made up by 3 individuals that asked questions of both the Senator and his challenger. The candidate was permitted to answer the question and then the other candidate was permitted 2 minutes for a statement and then the original person answering the question was usually allowed a minute to follow up…
Another format used in the debate was questions asked of the candidates by the moderator and the same follow up policy…
The final format used allowed the candidates to ask questions of their competitor which proved very interesting and enlightening.

Opening statements were interesting in the sense it provided a insight into the candidate and their differences. I made several observations of each candidate during the debate and will provide these observances at the end of the questions asked.

George Allen started off with his opening statement by saying there are 3 important things we must look at. First is freedom and protecting that freedom.
Second was making sure that there is the opportunity for all to grow and improve. And third the importance of a strong foundation of values…

Jim Webb’s opening statement asked “Are you better off now then six years ago?". He then went on to attack the President Bush policies concerning jobs, medical issues, Americas future, a “Slash & Burn” approach to things and the importance of “Independent” thought…
Several times during the debate Webb stated that we do not have an exit plan in Iraq because [ the administration?] doesn’t want to leave Iraq. He also questioned why we need 4 bases in Iraq if we are going to leave. Senator Allen responded by saying "Instead of having our troops all over 100 different places all over Iraq in dangerous, precarious situations, they ought to be on four bases. It's good operationally and safer for them, and those bases will ultimately be turned over to the Iraqis," He also advised Webb that we still have bases in Germany, Japan, Kuwait, Cuba, and numerous other countries that welcome our presence there. He also stated many things have changed since the attacks of 9/11...

On another question Webb stated that the United States should not be an “Occupying” force in that part of the world. He also quoted a survey of the military which says that 70% of those asked say that they should be out of Iraq within a year. (Webb did not provide which survey or how the questions were asked during this survey). Senator Allen questioned the survey and stated that he looks forward to welcoming home the troops after the job is done in Iraq & Afghanistan.

During a question about affirmative action webb presented a strange and interesting perspective. Webb feels that the affirmative action program has changed a lot since it was first established to provide assistance to “Blacks”, his words, for generations of slavery and discriminations. He feels now that this assistance has evolved to include many other races and is now unfair to poor white Americans.(?) Senator Allen replied that slavery was the worst thing to happen in the United States. He has supported the Voter Rights act and education is the key to helping all improve themselves and their future.

Senator Allen took the opportunity to ask Webb about the benefits and proper use of the proposed port project in the Hampton Roads area “Craney Island”. Webb was caught off guard and had to admit that he did not know anything about the 2,500 acre project that would make a manmade peninsula out of the material dredged from the Elizabeth channel. This showed the limited knowledge of Webb concerning the state of Virginia which he wants to represent.

Many other issues will come out in the mornings paper of this debate and if possible please talk to somebody who attended it if possible. It was interesting to watch the candidates actions, replies, demeanor, gestures, and attitudes.
Webb would not look at Senator Allen when he was being asked a question or replying. He blinked a lot and at times look agitated. The Senator showed his experience and the importance of addressing his opponent, the audience, and those asking the questions. He also presented his opinions and beliefs in a sincere and informative manner. Webb is new to this and it shows. I am sure he will improve with “Coaching” but you must know and believe in what you stand for and advocate. You should have seen the faces of the local Augusta County Democrats when Webb said that Ronald Reagan a model to him… Priceless…

Senator Allen’s closing comments included his past performance as Virginia Governor and Senator. The need for all Americans to be unified and for this country to continue to be the “Land of opportunity”. He stressed the importance of values and we must stand strong for freedom…

Jim Webb’s closing comments included the need for both candidates to keep the high road with this campaign. To avoid labels. That it should not be a choice of “Left or Right” but of “Up or Down” (?)… Webb also continued his attacks on the Presidents “Poor judgment” in invading Iraq also…

It was truly an interesting debate…

List of accomplishments...

Delegate Chris Saxman made some excellent points in his article that was published in the NewsLeader last week. Chris provided an example of what the Delegates accomplished this last session as compared to the reports by local media that had the Delegates doing nothing but stalling and not working with the Democrat Governor on his “pet” projects.

Unfortunately the local media elected to focus on petty issues involving the budget negotiations and ignore reporting what the Delegates accomplished. Below is the example of environmental protection provided by Delegate Saxman and the link to the entire article that appeared in the NewsLeader…

Pollution Reduction
HB #1055 will reduce mercury, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions. This is an aggressive move and is well ahead of the federal guidelines that will result in the air quality of the valley improving sooner then later…

http://newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060709/OPINION01/607090323&SearchID=73250732515892

Security Issue?

Waaaaa!!!

While at a gathering in Germany the President was handed a famous baby by it's mother for a photo-op with the President...

The question is how did the Secret Service allow the Icon for the Democratic Party to get so close to the President???


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=395610&in_page_id=1770

"To a new Low"...

The Democrats have taken the road to a new "Low" in their tactics to get back in power...

Commonwealth Conservative has a great post on the subject and additional links...

http://vaconservative.com/archives/2006/07/13/absolutely-disgusting/

Tim Kaine License Plate?

K- Plate

Slow night last night so I took a look over at the local Dem site to see what those guys were up to. I found that it is now possible, for a additional cost of $10, you can show your pride in VA. Governor Tim Kaine by purchasing a special Virginia license plate... The license plate with have a "K" in front of or following the other numbers to show your pride in the Governor...

Now where does the additional $10 go and towards what? True sense of the word "Vanity" plate...

Hey. Will it be possible to get license plates with the letter "D" used the same way? Not for the "D" to represent "Democrat" but rather "Delegate" so we can show our support of the Delegates who stood up to Kaine and his attempts to raise our taxes?

I kid you not. Below is the text from the license plate application form...

GOV. KAINE LICENSE PLATE!
To enable supporters of Governor Timothy M. Kaine to demonstrate their pride in his leadership of our Commonwealth, a special series of license plate numbers has been established. This special series consists of a number preceded or followed by the letter “K.” The number can be used on virtually any of the many license plate designs, such as the Seal of the Commonwealth plate or the standard type of license plate.
The charge to have a “K” plate is $10, which is paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles after the plate is assigned and when it is actually ordered from the DMV. (There is an additional charge for the various license plate designs.)

Stuarts Draft Fireman's Festival Parade...

Stuarts Draft VA.
7 July 2006...

Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Augusta County Supervisor David Beyeler, Delegate Ben Cline, and Delegate Chris Saxman joined in and walked the 2006 Stuarts Draft Firemens Festival Parade...

The Augusta County Republican Party float was assembled and supported by Scott & Rhonda Winfield, Courtland & Carter Winfield, Lynn Mitchell, Alex Davis, David Beyeler, and Sheila Jennings... The float was completed in the area in front of the Hollister plant for the short walk up to the Firehouse in Stuarts Draft after passing an impressive crowd that was lined up along the parade route...

Congressman Bob Goodlatte was greeted by many happy parade watchers along the route after making a visit to the Target Distribution center just down the road. He also stayed for dinner at the Firemen's Festival and met with many constituents afterwards...

Delegate Ben Cline walked the parade route and saw many of his constituents from nearby Sherando and South of Stuarts Draft...

Chris Saxman was glad to attend the parade where he has received strong support from the people of Stuarts Draft and the South River district...

Scott Winfield provided the truck to pull the float for the parade and had one of the "better" seats for the length of the parade...

The Winfield boys Carter & Courtland, ages 8 and 10, elected to ride the float during the parade and to take up the task of throwing candy to parade watchers along the parade route... This is a favorite practice and tradition to small parades and was enjoyed by many at this one also. But it was interesting that we ran a little short of candy towards the end of the parade...

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Staunton 4th of July Parade #1...

Staunton Virginia 2006
4th July
(Click on Photos to enlarge)

The Republicans of Staunton and Augusta County once again made an impressive presentation at the 4th of July Independence Day Celebration. The booth featuring the campaigns of Senator George Allen and Representative Bob Goodlatte attracted many visitors to find information on these "Valley Republicans" who are both running for re-election in November... Visitors also found information on the Marriage amendment and the opportunity to meet with Rhonda Winfield who authored the book "When Johnny Doesn't Come Marching Home, A Mothers Story of the Price for Freedom"...

A local couple asked if we could display a flag from their son that had flown aboard a Pennsylvania National Guard aircraft during a combat mission in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom...

In addition to the booth the Republicans participated in the parade that traveled all of "Gypsy Hill Park" and was viewed by many...

Representative Bob Goodlatte and his wife walked the entire length of the parade and is a annual favorite of the local crowd. Delegate Steve Landes was joined by his Son during the parade also...

Delegate Ben Cline has also made it a annual tradition to walk the Staunton parade and support the Republican Party of Virginia...

Staunton 4th of July Parade #2...

Staunton Virginia
4th of July 2006
(Click on Photos to enlarge)




Representative Bob Goodlatte had his nice "Ride" but elected to walk the route of the parade to be able to meet and speak with the people along the parade route...










State Senator Emmett Hanger took the lead of the parade with "Old Glory" and received a warm welcome by the crowds...








The Republicans also provided a float in the parade which was welcomed by many of the people along the parade route by cheers, applause, and greetings at every turn...

The Augusta Valley has always been a strong and proud supporter of Senator George Allen...

The parade was joined by David Beyeler and Wendell Coleman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors...


As well as a strong showing from the military...

Declaration of Independence...

4 July 1776

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.