Beans & Scales

Prince Harry...

2008-02-29T10:01:00.002-06:00

Love him or hate him...he's killed a ton of Arabs.

I don't know what's more interesting about this story...the fact that it was kept a secret for this long or that Matt Drudge was the one who broke the story.

Unamerican?

2008-02-29T09:39:00.004-06:00

This is really interesting. Methinks that by now that this would have surfaced and been discussed. Is it not mesmerizing what is actually "news," and what is not? But, anyway, I do not think there is any traction to this, but it is an interesting note.

Here’s some LB Thursday morning triva: What do the following Republican
presidential candidates have in common?

A) John McCain (2008)
B) George P. Weicker Jr. (1980)
C) George Romney (1968)
D) Barry Goldwater (1964)

OK, so our headline sort of gives it away. Yes, they were all born on foreign soil, and therefore their basic constitutional qualifications for the presidency — a natural born citizen, at least 35 years of age with 14 years of residence — have been called into question. And now it’s McCain’s turn.

In 1936, McCain was born at the Coco Solo Air Base, in the then-American controlled Panama Canal Zone (pictured), to Jack McCain, a Navy officer, and Roberta McCain. If McCain wins the 2008 election, he’d be the first American to take the presidential oath who has an official birthplace outside the 50 states.

“There are powerful arguments that Senator McCain or anyone else in this position is constitutionally qualified, but there is certainly no precedent,” said Sarah H.
Duggin, an associate professor of law at Catholic University. “It is not a slam-dunk situation.”

According to the Times story, McCain’s campaign recently asked Gibson Dunn’s Ted Olson to prepare a detailed legal analysis. “I don’t have much doubt about it,” Olson told the Times, adding that he still needed to finish his research.
Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican, was a bit more definitive, “He was posted there on orders from the United States government,” Graham said of McCain’s father. “If that becomes a problem, we need to tell every military family that your kid can’t be president if they take an overseas assignment.”

OBAMA: "Why Not....?" Part III

2008-02-25T08:11:00.003-06:00

Your thoughts?

LOST

2008-02-22T15:29:00.002-06:00

Open thread for discussion....

A Warning Shot?

2008-02-22T06:39:00.002-06:00

In a topic most of the MSM chose to gloss over this week, the United States military successfully shot down the toxic satellite that was feared to land in a populated area. Of course, Chinese officials are frightened...as they should be. This test demonstrates the power of our missile defense system. Take note, Time Magazine Man of the Year.

Quote of the Day

2008-02-22T06:37:00.000-06:00

One for Hillary.

Hooters & Huckabee

2008-02-21T16:34:00.002-06:00

It really does not concern me all too much where Mrs. Huckabee was (Las Vegas), what she saw (Title Fight) and where she stayed (Hooters Casino & Hotel).

I just think it is hilarious.

To me, not that big of a deal, sounds like a great weekend. But, someone who has completely emersed themselves in "values voters" and cow towing to the "evangelicals" should have refrained from this. Seriously, could you make this up? What was she thinking?

2 for 2

2008-02-21T11:47:00.003-06:00

The hits just keep coming for Mrs. B. Hussein Obama.

First, she just recently became proud of this nation, in her adult life, though.

Second, today, this is just plain weird.

Am I missing something here? Could someone explain what she is trying to convey?

OBAMA: "Why Not....?" Part II

2008-02-21T11:44:00.001-06:00

If not for Chris Matthews, this would have fooled me as being a parody.

Hat Tip - RWN

Castro "Resigns"

2008-02-19T05:47:00.001-06:00

Actually, the official term is that Castro "will not seek reelection". I love how dictators choose "not to seek reelection". How very gracious of him.

This story represents the traditional media spin on Castro's time in office. They are quick to point out how he's outlasted US Presidents and how Cuba has "free healthcare". However, as usual, they are slow to point out the human rights nightmares and the overall brutality.

Unfortunately, my fear is that his brother, Raul, will be much worse. Michelle Malkin has a great piece covering all the related Castro angles.

A must read for all.

OBAMA: Why Not....? Part I

2008-02-17T08:30:00.003-06:00

In what this humble pundit plans to introduce as an ongoing series, let me discuss a reason why I will not vote for an Obama (or, I guess, Clinton, too) or a "why not."

This will serve as an ongoing effort of trying to convince myself that a vote for (banging head against the wall) Senator John Mccain will be in my own best interest.

For starters, taking a look at his "economic" plan is downright frightening (AllahPundit has more). Some are calling it "Red Dawn II," but I think it illustrates a fundamental naivety of our capitalisitic system more than anything else. See for yourself. (and, let me know what you think)

I think it just underscores the assertion that he is a lightweight and his time has not yet come.

Religion of Peace UPDATE

2008-02-15T12:11:00.000-06:00

This is our enemy.

The Case For Clemens

2008-02-14T21:10:00.002-06:00

There are few things I enjoy greater than playing the devil's advocate, as those that know me well could attest. Additionally, I enjoy playing the role of the devil's advocate when I own 20 copies of a certain suspect's rookie card.

Issue #1: Pettite's testimony that he spoke to Clemens about HGH.

Devil's Advocate: Pettite testified that it was mentioned twice. Really? Only twice. These two have been best friends for 10 years, and they never discussed side effects, advantages, repurcussions more than twice??? Wouldn't best friends discuss these things at length??

Issue #2: Clemens' Wife admitting that she used HGH provided by McNamee.

Devil's Advocate: The media talking heads are up in arms about this one, and rightfully so. However, place yourself in her position. You've heard of these drugs, have a photo op coming up, and are fully aware that even the association of your husband to these things could render him guilty in the court of public opinion. Is it not completely plausible that she went to the only person who even might know of these drugs and ask him about them without telling her husband. It's not at all? Really?

Issue #3: McNamee looked calmer during the hearings.

Devile's Advocate: Umm, McNamee was a NEW YORK POLICE OFFICER. It may be a shot in the dark, but I'm guessing, at one point or another, he's testified under oath and under similar pressure. Clemens, on the other hand, has never had any such advantage.

So, there it is.............enjoy, fellow commenters.

Congress Playing With Sports

2008-02-14T19:18:00.002-06:00

Really? It's come to this? Do people not understand that sports are games, played simply for the entertainment of the public? I am completely flummoxed that 43% of the voting public is actually in FAVOR of Congress continuing to play the babysitter to MLB and the NFL.

Well, on the bright side, at least there's no war, no subprime mortgage crash, or a devaluing of the dollar to otherwise worry themselves with.

Romney to Endorse the Sheriff

2008-02-14T12:47:00.002-06:00

Up until this point, Mitt Romney retained "custody" over his delegates, but according to these reports Romney will endorse John McCain, while releasing his delegates and urging them to vote for McCain. We all know Romney was expected to do this at some point anyway, but it makes you wonder if he didn't move up this endorsement to help finally rid the primaries of Mike Huckabee.

Speaking of McCain, interesting speculation as to the future of his senate seat.

Fondtastic

2008-02-14T10:44:00.000-06:00

Since The Beagle enjoys all things entertainment and gossip, I look forward to getting his take on this piece.

Wait a Second...

2008-02-13T14:41:00.000-06:00

Jason Kidd is still in the NBA?

Ouch

2008-02-13T13:20:00.000-06:00

In what could be quite possibly one of the funnier stories in history, Robert Benjamin states the following concerning his S&M lifestyle:

"It's like when you crave a turkey," he said. "You eat it and you eat it and you eat it, but you still want it. But now I've had enough. I don't want turkey anymore. I'm full."

Well said Mr. Benjamin...well said.

Obama? Who's That?

2008-02-13T10:36:00.000-06:00

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed. Her election night speeches make you think she's the only one in the race...especially since it sounds the same as her speeches on the night of the Florida and Michigan primaries.

The Right Vote

2008-02-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

In what is causing the nutroots to collectively explode, the Senate Democrats were soundly defeated on the FISA fight. For those not up to date, the FISA battle centers around granting immunity to the telecom companies who assisted in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Of course, nutroots and other Democrats wanted to take this opportunity to bring class-action lawsuits on companies who were told by the Justice Department that they were not breaking the law.

I think the most comical part of this episode is that nutroots now believe Senate Democrats are conspiring to cooperate with Bush. What is a nutroot to do?

The Bears Attack

2008-02-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

Interesting piece explaining the intensity of a possible 2008 recession. Personally, I still believe the possibility of a recession to be overblown.

Must See TV

2008-02-12T08:31:00.000-06:00

Wow. That is all I can say.

Not That I Needed Another Reason...

2008-02-11T15:14:00.000-06:00

but I am completely finished with the Bush Administration and the current State Department. Conveniently, this little nugget of liberalism is slowly making its way around the MSM and blogosphere. Like the McCain amnesty bill, let's hope that public outcry will show this initiative to its proper resting place.

Michelle Malkin provides a comprehensive look at The Merida Initiative.

Seriously?!?!

2008-02-11T10:10:00.000-06:00

It's amazing that stories like this get ignored by the media. Personally, I wish the United States would boycott this year's olympics in China, just as we did the last time they were held in an abusive, communist country. However, since the media continues to treat China with kid gloves, no one will have the guts to do so. I feel sorry for the poor Chinese citizens who will be abused and mistreated if they "misbehave" during the olympics.

Super-Duper Delegates

2008-02-11T06:26:00.000-06:00

Just when you think that the Democrat primary contest could not get any better, there will be a round 2.

You know, I must confess, I have had to don the pupil hat throughout this election cycle. Many of the processes I take for granted are being used, so I find these things fascinating.