Alabama Out Front

Alabama gets made fun of more than any state in the Union. It may have earned some scorn by electing George Wallace Governor 4 times, but today they were out front on an issue essential to all Americans.

Alabama became the first state to restrict the use of eminent domain for private development. I’ve not been a fan of Governor Bob Riley (R-Al.) but signing this bill was the best thing he did since taking office.

The good news about Kelo is that unlike Roe v. Wade or Lawrence v. Texas, this bad ruling can be corrected through legislation from the State legislature. To protect your property rights, all of us need to light a fire under our elected officials to restrict the use of eminent domain to the constitutionally allowed reasons.

Intelligent Politicians?

According to Reuters Rick Santorum has come out disagreeing with President Bush on the issue of Intelligent Design. Reuters covers the issue succinctly:

Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, a possible 2008 presidential contender who faces a tough re-election fight next year in Pennsylvania, said intelligent design, which is backed by many religious conservatives, lacked scientific credibility and should not be taught in science classes.

Bush told reporters from Texas on Monday that “both sides” in the debate over intelligent design and evolution should be taught in schools “so people can understand what the debate is about.”

I was kind of non-plussed about Bush’s statement yesterday. When I gave it some thought, I realized that the most appropriate response to both the President and Senator Santorum should be, “Mr. President, Senator, why is what a local school board teaches regarding the origins of life any of your business?”

Both the Senator and the President are charged with important constitutional duties, which don’t include running the nation’s schools. What the President’s statement amounted to yesterday was honestly pandering. This wust like Al Gore and Bill Bradley going to South Carolina to condemn the Confederate battle flag in 2000. That issue has nothing to do with the job of the President of the United States,

What Santorum was doing was covering himself with moderates in Pennsylvania. “See, I’m not all that on board with the religious right!” I think independently.”

Serious local issues need to be handled on the local level without national office holders throwing their opinion in on an issue that’s not any of their concern.

Tancredo: Americans Too Shallow to Elect Me

Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Co.) said he has no White House ambitions. He said he couldn’t become President because:

“I’m too short, I’m too fat, I’m too bald to be the president of the United States.”

There you have it. I thought Tom Tancredo couldn’t be president because he only had one issue he talked about, but it turns out its out that its only because we Americans are incredibly shallow. So, if we’re going to be looking for a “good looking President” whose in for 2008? Tom Cruise? Tom Hanks? I shudder to think, however we must be prepared for all possiblites. Presidents Mary Kate and Ashley Olson. One does foreign policy and the other does domestic (kinda of like the Full House gig.)

The Hall of Non-Presidents

The Father of our Constitution, would have been 4th president of the US but the electoral college in 19th century parlance informed the 5′ 4″ Virginian, “Dude, you’re too short.”

As Supreme Commander of Allied Forces, he won World War II, however proved too folically challenged for the White House.

Future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, distinguished, and Cabinet official whose 1908 campaign fell apart on the slogan “Fatty, Fatty Two By Four Can’t Fit Through the Bedroom Door.”

Meeting Radical Russ

I’m going to have more on my meeting with Radical Russ but here’s the first impressions of him. He was a very nice guy and took a good 2 hours out of a very busy schedule. With a whole lifetime around this area I was appreciative that both he and his wife took time out to see me.

I found Russ to be very easy going in person. I think he’s fascinated by people and I’m glad he came out. Just really nice guy with a good sense of humor. We’ll have a lot more to talk about on the podcast tonight. Anyway, things went well.

Literary Pursuits On editting the Screwtape Rep…

Literary Pursuits

On editting the Screwtape Reports, submitting poetry and the upcoming visit of Radical Russ.