Update on the Astros and the Offseason

In a previous post I talk about what I would be doing if I were in Drayton McLane, and Tim Pupura's shoes with regard to the off season and reworking the team for next year. Well to make a quick update on the Astros and what they have done and comparing it to what I would have done here is a quick overview.

1. Resign Oswalt to a 3-6 year contract averaging 15 Million per year
2. Resign Berkman to a 4-6 year contract averaging 18 Million per year
3. Get some of the young talent up in September and if out of playoff race give them large amounts of Playing time.
4. Try to resign Petting for less than Oswalt but near what he has made this year and for about 3 years at most.
5. Say good bye to Preston Wilson
6. Make contract offers to both Ensberg and Huff with lengths of 3-4 years

Well here is what has happened so far.....

• Preston Wilson is released and Willie Tavares, Chris Burke, and Luke Scott are getting more playing time so #5 was correct and so was #3 on the field
• Jason Hirsh has been placed in the rotation and is starting to pitch better, proof is his last start against Pittsburgh. more of #3
• and yesterday the Astros announced that Oswalt has signed a 5 yr 73 million dollar contract. that averages out to just under 15 mil a year. Not bad for getting part of #1 correct.

Now let's see what happens with the rest. The real key is going to be how long the team stays in the playoff race, that will determine if any other youngsters get to play.

My response to Anita Perry

Below is a copy of an e-mail that I found in my inbox this morning. It is from Anita Perry asking for my support of her husband Rick. I was furious when I first read it however I have decided that I will post my response here instead of sending a flaming e-mail back to them. The public should know about this.

A Special Message from Anita Perry, First Lady of Texas:

Dear Fellow Texans, With only 71 days before the November election, I am writing to you today to ask you to join Rick and me as we take this campaign all the way to victory on November 7. Rick not only needs your vote, we need you to get involved! Now is the time to join the effort, join the team and join the conversation. That's why I am personally asking you to join the Perry Alliance Network and become a member of this statewide grassroots network of Texans who support Governor Perry. The Perry Alliance Network will allow you to keep up with the day-to-day activities of the campaign, access critical information and campaign materials and even participate in the non-stop Perry Blog that has our campaign staff and Perry supporters active and informed from early morning until late at night. If you're proud that Rick has fought to increase education funding by $9 billion and given a $2,000 pay raise for every teacher; if you're proud that Texas has gained over 630,000 new jobs in three years and our job climate has been ranked #1 in the nation; if you're proud that, instead of waiting for Washington to do its job, Rick ordered the most aggressive state-led border security initiative in America, then register your support today by joining the Perry Alliance Network. I have been asked by countless Texans what they can do to get involved with Rick's campaign. Joining the Perry Alliance Network is the easiest way to help ensure Governor Perry is re-elected and that Texas has four more years of principled, conservative leadership. Whether you simply want to register your support, participate in the Perry Blog, or take a more active roll by volunteering for the campaign, please take a moment to sign up by clicking here. This year, voters have the opportunity to keep a proven conservative as our Governor; a leader who is determined to continue leading Texas on the path to greater possibility and prosperity; a man of character who I have been proudly married to for more than 20 years. Please join me, and the tens of thousands of Texans from across the state who have already signed up, as a member of the Perry Alliance Network and help re-elect Governor Perry. Rick and I thank you for your support.

You know this is all so sweet, and friendly, however Mrs. Perry I have several issues with your husband and his "conservative leadership", and the grassroots support.

First HB-3 or as we true conservatives call it --Business Tax 06. This is the LARGEST NEW TAX that has been put into place since George Bush Senior and his tax in '90. This is most likely going to eliminate the 630,000 new jobs that have been created in the past 3 years and it will probably do it in less than half the time.

Second- Trans Texas Corridor is by far the biggest liberal land grab in the history of this state. The whole concept stinks of payback for corporate campaign contributions. And to me that is wrong. Why not work on fixing the current roadways in the state instead of building new ones. There is bound to be a way to improve on the transit corridors other than to take over 500,000 acres of private land and turn it over to a FOREIGN company for development and building? I mean look at the proposed costs of this. For that sort of money you could probably double the number of lanes on each of the freeways that are currently there and even turn them into express toll lanes and still spend less that 160 BILLION Dollars.

Third - You claim to be forming a grassroots organization, however you husband seems to be willing to ignore or at least only give lip service to the grass roots call for APPRAISAL REFORM. The committee that he has named, is a who's who of anti-appraisal people and lap dogs for groups like TML and other governmental entities. Add to that the fact that the most informed person with regards to the appraisal issue Paul Bettencourt was left off of the committee.

Fourth - Your husband despite reworking the current school finance issue, has again failed to deliver anything of substance out of it. Instead of putting some teeth into the reform, and providing both lower taxes and smaller government, he has followed the lead of one of the most liberal Democrats in the state, and done nothing to reduce my property taxes long term, nor do anything to curb out of control spending both at the state and school district level.

Fifth over the past 6 years that your husband has been governor, the state government and spending has INCREASED by almost 20%. Property taxes over that time have gone up over 35%, and there has been no leadership from him or his office. It is really sad when a know liberal democrat and Clinton supporter has both shown more leadership and willingness to try new things to solve problems than a "conservative republican". You may be wondering who that Liberal Democrat is? It is none other than Houston's own Mayor White.

There are many other reasons that I could list but I feel that this is enough to get my point across.

At this time I do not, nor will I support Governor Perry in his re-election bid. He has given me the man on the streets conservative a reason to do so. Be glad that I do not send you my full 2 cents worth...

Attention Fred Hill ---- Property Tax Complaints not Just Houston Problem.

Where is a hoe when you need it. According to Fred Hill (Rino) Richardson, out of control property appraisal growth is only a Houston problem, well according to the USA Today, it is a growing national problem. Check out the 2 articles below.

USATODAY.com - Soaring property taxes elicit backlash among homeowners
USATODAY.com - States attack property taxes

Last summer, the booming area around Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, had 700 homes for sale. This year, 3,400 homes are on the market.
Realtor and anti-tax activist Sharon Culbreth says soaring property taxes are partly to blame for the glut.
"It's not just that the market is softening," she says. "Many people have put their houses on the market because they fear losing their homes. The old-timers are afraid they won't be able to pay property taxes that have doubled or tripled."
Anger over rising property taxes is reverberating in many states that do not already have strict limits. State legislatures and some local governments are starting to cut property taxes, often shifting the burden to the sales tax.
Fallout from property tax cuts is wide and complicated. The changes are shifting public school financing from locally controlled property taxes to state-controlled sales and income taxes.
The changes also are carving out new winners and losers. Tax exemptions are being expanded for the elderly, the disabled, veterans and people who have owned their homes for long periods. New Jersey is considering taxing business property at a higher rate than residential property, a practice some other states use.
The property tax is under fire in states that have high property taxes, such as New Jersey, and states that don't, such as Idaho. The rebellion is mostly in states that have had soaring home values, but it's also found in some states that haven't, such as Indiana.

"We have people coming to Idaho, buying property at high prices and driving up home prices," the governor says. "That's a good thing, in a way. But it's also causing home assessments to double and triple."
Gene Ealy, 80, of Coeur d'Alene, saw the assessment on his home rise 57% last year and 62% this year, reaching $355,000. His taxes didn't rise that much — many local governments shave a few cents off the tax rate when assessments rise rapidly — but they have had an impact.
"The value of our homes is being set by people moving in here that value our property a great deal higher than we do," he says. "It's deadly on fixed-income people."
Ealy has investments that will let him stay in his home, but he knows other elderly people who are being forced to sell

Jim Smith, the elected property appraiser in Pinellas County, Fla., which includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, says government spending is the problem, not higher property values. He says elected officials use higher assessments as a way to raise taxes without admitting it.
"It's the big lie," Smith says. "I'm fed up with them claiming they cut taxes because they lowered the tax rate, at the same time they're collecting more money because of higher assessments."

Mr. Smith, sounds a lot like another person we all know Paul Bettencourt
Then there is this from the second article

Property taxes have risen 27% since 2000, after adjusting for inflation and population growth. That's less than the 41% inflation-adjusted increase in home values, but it's twice as fast as the growth in sales or income taxes.

Property taxes now consume a greater share of personal income — 3.4% — than any time since 1992, according to a USA TODAY analysis.

Economists generally like the property tax because it is stable. "The property tax is a fantastic tax for things that are purely local because, under those circumstances, it does not function like a tax. It's more like a user fee," says Harvard University economist Caroline Hoxby.

Seniors on fixed incomes, however, are especially angry about property taxes because big increases could force some to give up their homes. "It hits a vulnerable part of our population, namely the elderly," Risch says.

Memo to Rick Perry, You can now see that this issue is serious and you should be serious about making significant changes to the State tax system, instead of looking for new ways to tax businesses, and grabbing millions of acres of land for the Trans Texas corridor. You need to put people like Paul Bettencourt on the Committee that you have formed to examine appraisal caps and the other issues with regards to property taxes. Also you need to stop listening to the TML and the other groups that are lobbying you to ignore this issue. Your election depends upon this issue being resolved BEFORE November, other wise you could become the first sitting Governor to not be re-elected since the 1980's. It is your choice.

All the Sports Headlines you could want

ESPN.com - NFL - If Broncos demand all that's due, Lelie may pay to playBroncos could make holdout WR they traded end up paying up to 1.1 Million Dollars in fines and returned signing bonus. Proves that these guys are not all that smart.

College EvaluationWall Street Journal ranks College Football Programs based upon several factors including success on field, and success in the pros. Very interesting to see who is in the top 5 and top 10

Titans' 'Pacman' Jones arrested outside bar Just another case of a spoiled football player who cannot behave in public. Let's see how this affects his career, since he already has 2 other brushes with the law.

Albert Belle gets time in jail, probation This guy needs to take anger management classes, I mean he hits a throws a ball at a fan, and still is getting in trouble.

Ranking the closers: Gonzalez making noise this article shows that the Astros Season is worse than we want to admit.

Team USA finishes pool play unbeaten This is the way things should be with international basketball. Go USA

Fearless Predictions for 2006's Biggest Games A List of what could be the 40 best games of the college season.

FOXNews.com - Iran Delivers Decision on Nuclear Incentives Package

Ok, Three stories about Iran and it's nuclear program.
Iran Delivers Decision on Nuclear Incentives Package
Officials: Iran Turns U.N. Inspectors Away From Nuclear Site
Ayatollah: Iran to Continue Pursuing Nuclear Technology

Now any body can make assumptions about what Iran is really doing with regards to it's nuclear program, however, with headlines like the three above and comments from within the articles like these.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has made its own decision and in the nuclear case, God willing, with patience and power, will continue its path," Khamenei, Iran's supreme authority, was quoted as saying Monday by state television.

Iran said Sunday that it will offer a "multifaceted response" to the incentives proposal but already insisted then that a full enrichment freeze was out of the question.

Tehran says uranium enrichment does not violate any of its obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and that its nuclear program aims to produce electricity.

But U.N. officials suggested that its refusal to allow IAEA inspectors access to the underground nuclear site being built at Natanz was in itself a violation of the treaty because it contravenes Tehran's commitment under the pact to inform the Vienna-based agency of the progress of such projects.

Khamenei accused the West of wanting to obstruct scientific progress in the Islamic world and called for Islamic countries to stand together in the face of such pressure.

Officials close to the meeting said Iran's response has offered a "new formula" to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear activities but gave no further details. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.
In comments published Tuesday, a top Iranian nuclear official said Tehran's response would provide "an exceptional opportunity" for a return to the negotiating table for a compromise.

A "Iran's response to the package is a comprehensive reply that can open the way for resumption of talks for a final agreement," Mohammed Saeedi, deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, was quoted as saying.

Even so, Iran on Monday twice showed its determination to push ahead with its nuclear program, which continues under the possible threat of economic and diplomatic sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security council if it does not halt uranium enrichment by Aug. 31

The United States and some of its Western allies accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Tehran has denied the charges saying its nuclear program is merely aimed at generating electricity, not bombs.

The Islamic republic has repeatedly said it will never give up its right to enrich uranium and produce nuclear fuel, but has indicated it may temporarily suspend large-scale activities to ease tensions.

Ok, what can we take from all the talking heads on this? I see several things, that we have to examine.

First do we believe the comments coming from Tehran? I for one do not. It comes down to the fact that if they had nothing to hide they would welcome the inspectors with open arms and be glad to show that they are complying with all nuclear treaties.

Second, Israel has nuclear technology, or at least access to it if they chose, and Iran being the paranoid theocracy, that claims to be a republic, which has sworn to eliminate any state that does not follow Islam as it's faith, leads me to believe that they want to try to level the playing field against both Israel, and the US, with designs on being the central power in the region.

Third, they waited till today, the day that the "hidden Imam" was supposed to make his triumphant return and lead all Muslims forward. These guys are bent on regional and eventually world domination, and until they are open with the world and allow everyone to see what they are doing, I will not trust them.

Fourth, and possibly the most interesting option is the fact that despite all of the assistance that Iran has gotten from both China, and Pakistan, they could be failing miserably and are hiding things because they do not want their failures to be made public. They are trying to save face with the Arab community, and at the same time generate some international stroke. Know I know this sound like I am grasping at straws, however, look at things from Tehran's point of view. They have been the outsider in the Arab world because they are Persian, not Arab. Because of the Islamic Revolution, and their outward support of groups, like Hamas and Hezbollah, most western countries are cautious of what they do and the reasons behind it.

Finally the concern with Iran getting nuclear fuel abilities, is the fact that organizations like al-queda, hamas, Hezbollah would have access to the technology as well which makes the world that much more unstable. We know Iran will sell weapons to just about anyone with cash, so what reason do they have to keep the technology, and fuel and waste secure?

Until Iran opens up and let's the world see what they are doing, reasonable countries like the US and England will push to hold them accountable through what ever means necessary.

Know when to wear 'em, know when to bare 'em...

check the headline of this one..
Know when to wear 'em, know when to bare 'em... Leave it to the Brits to do something like this....

LONDON (Reuters) - Up to 200 strip poker players will compete Saturday to see who will lose their shirts -- and more -- and who will scoop 10,000 pounds by retaining their clothes and modesty.
Organized by Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, the inaugural World Strip Poker Championship takes place at the prestigious Cafe Royal in central London with players battling it out in games of "No Limit Texas Hold 'em."
"We are holding the competition because we got so much interest from our spoof April Fool this year about a strip poker competition that we thought, 'why not? let's do it for real," Paddy Power's Darren Haines told Reuters Friday.
He said players of both sexes from over 12 countries would battle it out for the "Gold Fig Leaf" trophy and the right to revel in the title of World Strip Poker Champion.
Aside from strict rules governing the poker play, Paddy Power has laid down clear guidelines on the stripping element -- most importantly that each player starts the match by wearing five items of clothing supplied by the organizers.
Each contestant will be given a towel to sit on and to cover themselves when naked, but only after they have stripped completely.
"Inappropriate behavior," will not be tolerated, said Paddy Power.

Ok several questions.. First of which is the girl in the picture playing if so I want to be at her table.
Second, who will decide what is "inappropriate behavior"
Third should it not be reveal in the title not revel

Sharpton: 'Gangsterism' Harming Blacks

Check out the headline, maybe Al Sharpton is finnaly getting the point. Sharpton: 'Gangsterism' Harming Blacks . Read the whole story for yourselves and decide.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Many potential young black leaders fall under the spell of the "gangster mentality" and are preventing themselves from making a positive impact in politics, the Rev. Al Sharpton said Thursday.
The key to leadership is having the individual initiative to change the status quo, said Sharpton, who spoke during the annual conference of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Sharpton, who is considering another run for president, faulted Hollywood and the record industry for making "gangsterism" seem cool and acceptable.
"We have got to get out of this gangster mentality, acting as if gangsterism and blackness are synonymous," he said. "I think that challenge has to be given to Hollywood and the record industry. I think we've allowed a whole generation of young people to feel that if they're focused, they're not black enough. If they speak well and act well, they're acting white, and there's nothing more racist than that."
Sharpton's National Action Network is just one group willing to help get young blacks into politics, he said.

Sounds to me that the man has realized that the world in general only respects people who are well spoken and professional in both behavior and attitude. It is the next quote that scares me even more that he has either seen the light or is desparate to distance himself from the "mainstream Democrats and their uber-liberal views

"Nobody broke in my house in Brooklyn and dragged me out the projects and made me a leader, I wanted to do that. Clearly, we would work with young people who want to do the work," he said.
Lottie Shackelford, vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, said during the same panel discussion that the time is ripe for getting more young blacks involved.
"So many young folks are waiting to be asked, or they say they want others to move so they can gain a slot, and I say, there's room for everybody. Let's work together," she said.
Sharpton, who ran for president in 2004, competing in several Democratic primaries, said he might run again in 2008. He will watch this November's elections before making up his mind.
Sharpton noted that Congress has several up-and-coming black political stars, such as Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois - the nation's only black senator - and Rep. Harold Ford Jr. of Tennessee, who is running for Senate.
He says he plans to monitor several races this fall that involve black Republicans.
Sharpton said, however, that the media should be careful before reporting that blacks are moving toward Republican leadership positions, as this year's black GOP candidates "may be yesterday's news come November."

He may be right, but at least the attitude that Black Republicans are Uncle Toms is missing from the message. The intent of the message about getting out and working hard and making a place for yourself in the world is the right message. Now let us see if this tiger's strips are different for the long term.

Dem angst escalates

The headline say it all, and the story proves how far to the left the Democrat party really is.Dem angst escalates against Lieberman a few choice pieces from the story.

A group of Senate Democrats is growing increasingly angry about Sen. Joe Lieberman’s (D-Conn.) campaign tactics since he lost the Democratic primary last week.

If he continues to alienate his colleagues, Lieberman could be stripped of his seniority within the Democratic caucus should he defeat Democrat Ned Lamont in the general election this November, according to some senior Democratic aides.

Ok, let's get this straight, Lieberman is thrown to the curb by the Deanocrats, and then when he decides that he is still going to run those same people who have abandoned him expect him to just be a good boy and stay home. How simple of a mind set, then if he does win but wins because of a more conservative message, and for some reason the Deanocrats take the senate, then they will act like petulant children and try to take their ball and run away with it.

Democrats are worried that Lieberman may be giving Republicans a golden opportunity to undermine their message.

“I think there’s a lot of concern,” said a senior Democratic aide who has discussed the subject with colleagues. “I think the first step is if the Lieberman thing turns into a side show and hurts our message and ability to take back the Senate, and the White House and the [National Republican Senatorial Committee] manipulate him, there are going to be a lot of unhappy people in our caucus.”

Of course they are worried, he is the most moderate, and sometimes conservative Democrat in nearly 50 years. What they are afraid of is him winning and not being beholden to any party and voting with the Republicans more often, thus creating a bigger swing in power to the conservative/Republican side.

The issue of Lieberman’s seniority would arise most dramatically if Lieberman wins re-election and Democrats recapture control of the chamber. That would slot Lieberman to take over as chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the panel primarily responsible for investigating the executive branch

Again it is the Deanocrats trying to bully someone who does not sit down and preach from the gospel of liberalism.

“Lieberman’s tone and message has shocked a lot of people,” said a second senior Democratic aide who has discussed the issue with other Senate Democrats. “He’s way off message for us and right in line with the White House.”

“At this point Lieberman cannot expect to just keep his seniority,” said the aide. “He can’t run against a Democrat and expect to waltz back to the caucus with the same seniority as before. It would give the view that the Senate is a country club rather than representative of a political party and political movement.”

No I would bet that Lieberman now that he does not have to follow the Deanocrats lead he can really say what he feels and ultimately how he would vote.

The view that Lieberman should lose his seniority is likely to become more ingrained among Democrats if Lieberman continues to align himself with Republicans, as he has in the last few days. Lieberman took a call from senior White House political strategist Karl Rove on the day of his primary election. And since losing, he has adopted rhetoric echoing Republican talking points.

“If we pick up like Ned Lamont wants us to do, get out by a date certain, it will be taken as a tremendous victory by the same people who wanted to blow up these planes in this plot hatched in England,” Lieberman said about U.S. troops in Iraq and the recently foiled terrorism scheme. “It will strengthen them, and they will strike again.”

That sound bite makes perfect sense, however that is completely against the Deanocrats play book. That is why they are screaming foul....

Sen. Russ Feingold (Wis.), a Democrat called Lieberman’s statement “regrettable” and said Lieberman “doesn’t get it.”

No Sen. Feingold, you do not get it. By kicking Lieberman out you cannot control what he says, how he feels, who he supports, nor eventually when he wins how he votes. Your party blew it big time, and despite Sen. Reid's prediction of regaining control of the senate you could see your party slipping further into oblivion.

USATODAY.com - Officials: U.S. blocked missiles to Hezbollah

USATODAY.com - Officials: U.S. blocked missiles to Hezbollah Not a bad headline and see what a friendly government will do to help police the region. It is the little things that can make a big differenece.

Eight days after Hezbollah's war with Israel began, U.S. diplomats persuaded Turkey and Iraq to deny the plane permission to cross their territory to Damascus, a transfer point for arms to Hezbollah, the officials said.
The officials described this timeline:

•July 15: Three days after the war began, a source tipped off U.S. intelligence about an imminent shipment of missiles from Iran to Hezbollah.

•July 19: A spy satellite photographed Iranian crews loading three missile launchers and eight crates, each normally used to carry a Chinese-designed C-802 Noor missile, aboard a transport plane at Mehrabad air base near Tehran. Israel says Hezbollah fired a C-802, a precision-guided anti-ship cruise missile, at an Israeli warship off Lebanon's coast on July 14.

•July 20: The Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane left for Damascus, but Iraqi air-traffic controllers denied it permission to enter Iraq's airspace. The Iranian flight crew then requested permission to fly over Turkey. Turkish controllers granted permission — but only if the plane would land for an inspection. The plane returned to Tehran, where the military cargo was unloaded.

•July 22: The plane flew humanitarian aid to Damascus after stopping for inspection in Turkey.

Check out that time line, and the fact that both Iraq and Turkey worked to keep Iran from increasing the amount of weapons in the area. Pay close attention to the Iranian Flight plans and what they did when given the choice of flying through Turkey and being inspected, they turned back. That is proof enough that they had something that most people would not approve of being sent to Hizbolah. Either that or they were simply stupid.

Here is more proof, of the fact that Iran is now the source for 90% of all the trouble in the region. USATODAY.com - Trained eye can see right through box of weapons

You make the call.

FOXNews.com - Iran's Ahmadinejad: U.S. Responsible for Growing Mideast Violence - Iran

FOXNews.com - Iran's Ahmadinejad: U.S. Responsible for Growing Mideast Violence - Iran

Ok I don't know about anybody else, but this article and the 60 minutes interview just prove that this guy, belongs on the list of nut job leaders. Between him, Chavez, and Kim Jung Ill in N. Korea, we have another trio of men who for some reason think that they can get what they want by threats to the world. ( Well France may capitulate, but that would be no surprise).

In an interview airing Sunday on "60 Minutes," Ahmadinejad said it was Hezbollah that had a right to defend itself in its war with Israel. Even so, he said Iran joined others in calling for an immediate cease-fire only to have it thwarted by U.S. support for Israel.
"We are not at all happy with war," he said. "People, innocent people are being killed."

Maybe if you were not the Arms dealer to every single terrorist group in the region things would be different.

The Bush administration is adamantly opposed, he said, because the U.S. is "opposed to Iranian progress."
"Mr. Bush's team and the parties that support him want to monopolize energy resources in the world," Ahmadinejad said. "Because once they have that they can impose their opinions, points of view, policies on other nations and, of course, line their pockets."
"Basically we are not looking for — working for the bomb," he added. "The time of the bomb is in the past. It's behind us. Today is the era of thoughts, dialogue and cultural exchanges."

Yeah then why will you not open your facilities to international inspectors? Also we do not oppose countries that are open with their research and are not on the top 10 list for human rights violations. And finally this from the #1 supporter of terror in the world..

Ahmadinejad also said he doubted that Iran and the U.S. will have normalized relations anytime soon, saying that the U.S. will "have to change their behavior" before that can happen.
"Look at the makeup of the American administration, the behavior of the American administration. See how they talk down to my nation," Ahmadinejad said. "They want to build an empire. And they don't want to live side by side in peace with other nations."

We have some one who is sitting there screaming for the complete destruction of a nation and a faith, and he has the audacity to say we are empire building, and that we do not want to live in peace with other nations. Practice what you preach you two faced hypocrite.

We need to save a couple of extra long sleeved white sports coats for these 3.

Open letter to Harris County, Texas, and National GOP.

To whom it concerns:

I am a 38 year old father of 2 who has been a card carrying conservative Republican since I first heard Ronald Regan speak in 1979. However over time the party that I called home has been taken over by special interest groups, and single issue agendas. Let me make it perfectly clear to all those in positions of responsibility in the local, state, and national GOP organizations. I will not support you with money, time or anything else until you return to the conservative platform that allowed you to achieve the positions of power you have today. These conservative platform issues are the issues that Ronald Regan ran for president on. They are the contract with America that brought the Republicans to a majority position in Congress in 1994. You need to start to find and support candidates that will fight for the fiscal, moral, and political issues that the United States was founded upon. If you fail to do this you will be losing more than my support, you will also be losing the support of my generation. We are the foundation of your success, we are the ones who go door to door supporting conservative candidates. We are the ones who are in both our earnings prime of life but also still active enough to make a difference.

Wake up people, the further to the ultra right and the more single issues you support, the more you push us away. Not only that but the more like the Democrat party you become. President Bush, spoke of Compassionate Conservatism. I say we need more grass roots conservatism. Which means less government, lower taxes, and more efficient military. Wake up or you will be kicked to the curb and you will see more independents winning races all across the board.

Enjoy the playoff run this year Houston, because next year will be rough

That is right folks, even though the Astros are making a run at both the Wild Card and the Central Division Championship, I am a firm believer that Drayton will give the order to start to rebuild next year. That being said it is time for me to put on my General Manager hat to look at who will be here and who will be moving on. I will start with some obvious things, Drayton will not keep the payroll at $104 Million next year. I expect to see it in the mid to upper 50's maybe pushing 65 if they are in the playoff race again and they take on salary. So who will be here and who will not? Let's take a look.
The 2 key players to the whole equation are Roy Oswalt, and Lance Berkman. If Drayton is serious about being competitive while retooling the team these 2 need to be resigned to extensions sooner rather than later. Oswalt makes 11 Million and Berkman is at 14.5. As GM I would make the following contract offers. Berkman a 4 yr $ 70 Million contract with 2 option years based upon Games played over the first 3 and 4 years of the deal. If the 2 option years are vested, the contract would be 6 yrs 110 Million. Lance is still a elite level hitter and has become comfortable back at first base. With Oswalt I would make a similar contract offer but it would be 3 yrs 40 Million with 3 Option years that would take it if the Innings Pitched and Games Started levels were reached. to a 6 yr 90 Million. Again these deals would be ones where if they are healthy for the next 3 and 4 years they have some long term security, however it also protects the team against a career ending injury if it were to occur. With those road blocks out of the way we need to look at what is being lost.
For the 2 most obvious losses Roger Clemens and Jeff Bagwell. Between the 2 of them you are shaving almost 42 Million off of the payroll. Part of that savings would be taken by the new contracts for Oswalt and Berkman, but that is to be expected. I really believe that both of these players will hang it up for good. Bagwell simply because he cannot play in the field and Clemens because it is time.

Next on the list will be Andy Pettitte, now don't get me wrong, I would love to have him back next year to be the #2 pitcher behind Oswalt, however with his health issues I would rework his contract where he would receive nice bonuses for innings pitched. Maybe along the lines of a 3 yr 27 million deal where he could earn say $150,000 when he reached 150 innings pitched and another 100k for each additional 10 innings pitched as well as another 350k at 200 innings That would give him the opportunity to make another million dollars provided he stays healthy and makes the average contract for about 10 million a year, and maybe an attendance clause like what Clemens had in the first year in Houston. Craig Biggio is the other vet that should be back, however the primary reason to bring him back are as much off the field as on He needs to come back so that he can get his 3000th hit as an Astro. However he must be made to understand that after that event Chris Burke will be getting more time at second to help speed the transition for after his retirement.
Now I do not believe that Preston Wilson will have his $8 Million option picked up, I do think that they will offer a similar contract or arbitration to him. And at the same time the team needs to either offer Ensberg a 2 or 3 year deal averaging $4-5 Million per year, as well as make an offer to Aubrey Huff for the same length of time for around 7 -8 Million per year. The places that this team will get younger is in the pitching staff as well as a couple of role players will be replaced. That will be determined upon if Wilson and Huff resign with the team. If they do then you will be set in the outfield with Wilson, Huff, Luke Scott, Willie Taveras, and Orlando Palmero and Chris Burke. The infield will consist of Berkman at first with Biggio, and Burke at second. Everett at short, and I know everyone is going to say that Everett is a liability at short but I'll take his defense and a .250 batting average any day over some of the other options. Third base would be held down by a platoon of Huff and Ensberg with the clear understanding that whomever is playing best will get the majority of the playing time. Catcher is a question mark. If one of our catchers in the Minors really steps up then I will find a way to work him in to replace Asmus in the next year or 2.

Now we come to the Pitching staff. If Pettitte resigns things will be better, however if not you are looking at a starting rotation of Oswalt, Backe, and three questions, that is not a bad thing, There are plenty of young arms in the system to bring up and fill both the remaining rotation spots and the 2 or 3 bull pen spots behind Lidge, Wheeler, and Qualls. Springer and Miller are gone. I will bring the following pitchers into Spring training with the opportunity to earn a roster spot. Fernando Nieve, Chris Sampson, Wandy Rodriguez, Jason Hirsh, Matt Albers, Felipe Paulino. Troy Patton, Carlos Hernandez, and Mark McLemore. The best 2 or 3 starters and the best 2 that would fit into the bullpen would make the team. Now the hardest thing for the fans to swallow is that this team may struggle next year but there will be enough veterans around the young players to help them learn how to succeed in the show, and the following year and possibly 5 to 10 years, provided the team drafts well and aggressively promotes and challenges it's players in the minors to improve the team can be rebuilt and be a championship team for a long time.

I realize that Drayton and Tim Purpura may see things differently, let's just hope they realize that there will be a year or two where this team has to get younger and has to struggle, and that they will have to let the fans know this, and at the same time promote the next generation of Astros.

Chron.com Governor wants electricity discount restored

Chron.com Governor wants electricity discount restored

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry says the state should resume a program that provides discounts for poor electricity customers or stop collecting the fee that was meant to fund it.

That is the first conservative thing to come out of the Governor's mouth in months.

In a letter Thursday to the Texas Public Utility Commission, Perry called on the agency to submit a budget proposal that includes the discount program for the upcoming two-year budget cycle.

The System Benefit Fund, which was created in 1999 as part of an electric deregulation law, provides rate discounts of 10 percent to more than 350,000 low-income Texans.

Excuse me, but would it not be better to see if we could also maybe help these people change power providers and save some money that way as well?

The discount is financed by a fee on electric bills — typically about 65 cents per bill. However, recent state budgets have redirected the generated funds to other areas of the budget.

"The low-income discount needs to remain a part of the competitive package or the charge should to be removed from customers' bills," Perry said in his letter. "It is unconscionable for the money to be collected and not go to the citizens it was designed to help."

Perry's office says a 10 percent discount on electric bills for poor customers would cost $76 million in fiscal 2008 and $82 million in fiscal 2009.

OK so the governor wants to spend $158 Million Dollars next year above and beyond the current budget that is being disputed? I take back that comment about Perry and conservative.

Perry's office and the Legislative Budget Board have previously told agencies that they should prepare for base budgets will be 10 percent smaller than their current ones.

If I were a state agency, I would look to see if I could trim 20 percent simply because the LBB and Perry will eventually come back and ask for more. RINO's and Liberals always do.

Perry included the discount program in the budget he submitted to the Legislature in 2005, but lawmakers did not grant his request.

Three of Perry's opponents in the November election, Democrat Chris Bell and independents Kinky Friedman and Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, have said the discount should be restored.

Perry drew criticism for declining to open the most recent special legislative session to the issue. Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, had drafted a bill to restore the program.

"Perry didn't think it was a priority then, and the only reason he thinks it's a priority now is that he's slipping in the polls and people are angry," said Jason Stanford, a spokesman for Bell.

Perry's supporters argue that he's always backed the program and pointed to his work to negotiate deals with utilities to partially fund similar programs.

On Thursday, 67 lawmakers sent a letter to state leaders asking for the discount to be restored.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, said earlier this week that he would like to stop collecting the fee during the 2007 legislative session.

Well folks it is time to vote ABBR™- Anybody but Rick... This guy has more faces than traveling 1 man show.

Chron.com - Message from Castro fills Chavez with optimism

Chron.com - Message from Castro fills Chavez with optimism

This fluff piece is full of fun quotes I'm just going to let them speak for themselves

"From here, let's pray to God for Fidel and his recovery, and he's fighting a great battle," Chavez said

Chavez said a message from Castro on Wednesday "filled me with more optimism, with more faith."

"Among other things Fidel told me ... 'I keep saying Chavez, God help Chavez and his friends,' " Chavez said.

Chavez said Thursday that in his letter to Castro, "I told him, 'Here we're with you every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every night of that great battle for life that you are fighting from your heart, from your soul.' "

I mean here is a guy who calls the US the Great Satan and he is talking about faith and asking God to help one of the biggest human rights offenders, who is also one of the biggest anti faith people of any kind on the face of the earth. Come on, this shows that Chavez is just as bad as any left wing anti-religion, ACLU nut job out there. And to think this guy would be the first person a Democratic President would be reaching out to.

Entertainment Weekly's - ''Casino Royale'': Inside the big bet on the new 007

Inside the big bet on the new 007
Here we go, the next James Bond movie is in production and the discussions will start up again. How can this guy play 007? I mean he has to live up to a legend. Where will Daniel Craig, who was last seen in Tomb Raider stand up in comparison with the other men who have played 007 on the big screen.

''The paparazzi are everywhere,'' sighs a weary Daniel Craig, taking a break as security guards chase after the winged intruder. ''We pulled two of them out of the bushes last night. They were in Prague when we were there. They were in Venice. They were on the beaches in the Bahamas. Everywhere Casino Royale has shot, they've been there.''

Well, who can blame them? The press — and public — always get a little curious whenever someone new starts shaking James Bond's martinis. And this time around, there's certainly plenty to be curious about. After all, many moviegoers had never heard of Craig before October 2005, when it was announced that the 38-year-old blue-eyed Brit would follow Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan to become the sixth James Bond. Frankly, some wish they still hadn't heard of him: A group of hardcore purists have been so outraged by the casting of a fair-haired actor in a role they believe is strictly for brunets, they've gone so far as to launch an anti-Craig Internet campaign and threaten a boycott of the movie (yes, Mr. Blond, they expect you to dye!). But even those who don't care about hair color, who admire Craig's work in films like Layer Cake and Munich, may have questions about this 21st official installment of the seemingly eternal action series. Because the hair isn't the only thing different about this new 007. In fact, with Casino Royale, Bond is undergoing his boldest makeover since swaggering onto screens some 45 years ago in Dr.No.
''I watched every single Bond movie three or four times, taking in everything I could about how the character had been portrayed in the past — then threw all that away once I started doing the role,'' Craig announces. ''There's no point in making this movie unless it's different. It'd be a waste of time unless we took Bond to a place he'd never been before

Brave comments and steps for a man whose career could be over just as quickly as it could reach new heights.

WHEN I FIRST GOT THE PART, people kept asking 'Have you done the line yet?''' Craig says, settling into a lawn chair on a patch of grass at the airfield. ''But, honestly, I didn't rehearse it at all. I didn't practice it in the mirror every morning or anything like that. I didn't want to even think about saying it because I didn't want it to be this weight around my neck. I just wanted to get on with it and not blow it.''

The line he's referring to is just six little words—''The name is Bond, James Bond''—but there's hardly an actor in the English-speaking world who hasn't imagined uttering it just once.

Real Bond So I guess time will tell. This movie has a $150 Million budget, and is a real departure from what we are used to, I am willing to give it a chance who knows, maybe this sparks a whole new level of Bond mania.

You just never know

Panel urges shakeup of higher education / Proficiency testing, quality checks, aid changes proposed

Panel urges shakeup of higher education / Proficiency testing, quality checks, aid changes proposed

Washington -- A federal commission approved a final report on Thursday that urges a broad shakeup of American higher education, calling for public universities to measure student learning with standardized tests, for federal monitoring of colleges' quality, and for sweeping changes to the financial aid system.
The panel also called on policy makers and higher education leaders to find new ways of controlling costs, saying that college tuition should grow no faster than median family income, although it opposed price controls. And it recommended bolstering the Pell grant, the basic building block of federal student aid, by making it cover a larger percentage of public college tuition. That proposal, if implemented, could cost billions of dollars.

This is just the start of the Federal government trying to stick their nose into higher education. I remember a time when people from all over the world were willing to give their left arm for the opportunity to go to school in the USA. Back then accountability, responsibility, and community were the cornerstones of education. Now it is No child left behind, Standardized tests, bigger federal grant programs, and social promotion. This garbage has to stop. Abolish the Department of education and we can save almost 70 Billion dollars in the budget and eliminate nearly 4500 federal jobs and the expenses that go with them.

The Columbus Dispatch - Terrorists or profiling victims?

The Columbus Dispatch - Terrorists or profiling victims?
Did that headline catch your attention? Well this is the story of a pair of 20 yr old men, from Dearborn Michigan who were arrested in SOUTHERN OHIO buying prepaid cell phones in small batches. They were arrested after a Radio Shack employee called to report that they were acting in a strange manner and then they were stopped after failing to properly signal for a turn. over $11,000 and dozen cell phones plus instructions on how to "administer" and manage the passenger system of Royal Jordanian Airlines. They are being held on charges of aiding in terrorist activities. Here is the rub, the families and the Press are saying the boys were simply trying to earn a few dollars and are victims of Racial profiling. You be the judge, here you have 2 young men in heir early 20's both of Muslim families, and from a historically pro Muslim anti US/Israel portion of a city, out buying prepaid cellphones in groups of 3 to 5 at a time with cash in another state almost 200 miles from home? I personally see several red flags, but the media and the parents are willing to turn a blind eye to the realities of today's society.

Some quotes from the article

Attorneys for the two men said authorities are overreacting to a legal purchase of phones by two men who are working for a legitimate businessman. He resells the cheap phones at a profit and has been cleared of any terrorism links by the FBI, the attorneys said.

Ok, if this guy they were buying the cell phones for wanted to be legit he would have tried to get in business with the major cell companies and had a regular source of product not some kids out buying off the street retail, not a smart way to make money, even if you are buying from Wal-Mart and Radio Shack.

The airline-related documents found in the car owned by Houssaiky’s mother belong to her, the men’s attorneys said. She works for a company that provides ground support for Royal Jordanian Airlines and others at the Detroit airport, they said.

The last time I looked most foreign airlines were very protective of their operational documentation for that exact reason. So either Mom is going to be in BIG trouble with Royal Jordanian Airlines or they were stolen.

The attorneys suggested the men were stopped and arrested as targets of racial profiling.
"If his name was Joe Smith, we wouldn’t be here," Ray Smith, a public defender representing Abulhassan, told Judge Janet Dyar Welch. "His origin and appearance and name condition us to (think), ‘Oh my gosh, he’s a terrorist.’ "

You know for a liberal public defender you are right. Look at who is causing all the problems in the world with regards to terrorism, Muslim Males between the ages of 18 to 30. Hmmm you think that maybe with all that is going on in the Middle East we should be a bit cautious about people who fit that description? It is not wrong to suspect a someone who is doing something out of the ordinary who fits a certain description. Especially when that group of people have already attacked the US and killed over 3500 citizens.

"For someone to tell me these kids are involved in terrorist activities, as they say, shocks me," head coach Jeff Stergalas said yesterday as a new generation of Fordson High Tractors practiced. "I can’t believe it."
Abulhassan, Stergalas said, was a member of the National Honor Society in high school and is to begin his third year at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Houssaiky attends Wayne State University in Detroit

.
That may very well be true, however High school and college years are vastly different and if they fell in with the wrong group anything could happen.

The men gave permission to search their car after a police dog smelled drugs, said Maj. J.W. Winstanley, of the Washington County sheriff’s office. One said he had smoked marijuana earlier.
One of the suspects at first said the telephones, purchased with falsified names, were for a family construction business. En route to the jail, Abulhassan told a deputy he knew of no one who could possibly need hundreds of cell phones and that he suspected they were shipped overseas, Vessels said.

Ok, why would they lie about the reason they had the phones in the first place, Second why buy them under false names if you are not doing things that are a bit grey? There are simply to many things in this case that add up to problems. Sorry folks but I'll believe the authorities on this one, and until I see Muslims in this country openly disavowing the actions of the hate spewing mullahs and imans of the world I will continue to distrust that portion of society.

USATODAY.com - Gore isn't quite as green as he's led the world to believe

USATODAY.com - Gore isn't quite as green as he's led the world to believe.

You just have to love the headline, I mean here is one of the biggest names in the Democrat party being exposed as a wholesale fraud.

Here is the article and I will highlight the obvious areas where Mr. Gore and others are guilty of lying to you the public and probably out right fraud in most cases.

Al Gore has spoken: The world must embrace a "carbon-neutral lifestyle." To do otherwise, he says, will result in a cataclysmic catastrophe. "Humanity is sitting on a ticking time bomb," warns the website for his film, An Inconvenient Truth. "We have just 10 years to avert a major catastrophe that could send our entire planet into a tailspin."
Graciously, Gore tells consumers how to change their lives to curb their carbon-gobbling ways: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, use a clothesline, drive a hybrid, use renewable energy, dramatically cut back on consumption. Better still, responsible global citizens can follow Gore's example, because, as he readily points out in his speeches, he lives a "carbon-neutral lifestyle." But if Al Gore is the world's role model for ecology, the planet is doomed.
For someone who says the sky is falling, he does very little. He says he recycles and drives a hybrid. And he claims he uses renewable energy credits to offset the pollution he produces when using a private jet to promote his film. (In reality, Paramount Classics, the film's distributor, pays this.)
Public records reveal that as Gore lectures Americans on excessive consumption, he and his wife Tipper live in two properties: a 10,000-square-foot, 20-room, eight-bathroom home in Nashville, and a 4,000-square-foot home in Arlington, Va. (He also has a third home in Carthage, Tenn.) For someone rallying the planet to pursue a path of extreme personal sacrifice, Gore requires little from himself.
Then there is the troubling matter of his energy use. In the Washington, D.C., area, utility companies offer wind energy as an alternative to traditional energy. In Nashville, similar programs exist. Utility customers must simply pay a few extra pennies per kilowatt hour, and they can continue living their carbon-neutral lifestyles knowing that they are supporting wind energy. Plenty of businesses and institutions have signed up. Even the Bush administration is using green energy for some federal office buildings, as are thousands of area residents.
But according to public records, there is no evidence that Gore has signed up to use green energy in either of his large residences. When contacted Wednesday, Gore's office confirmed as much but said the Gores were looking into making the switch at both homes. Talk about inconvenient truths.
Gore is not alone. Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean has said, "Global warming is happening, and it threatens our very existence." The DNC website applauds the fact that Gore has "tried to move people to act." Yet, astoundingly, Gore's persuasive powers have failed to convince his own party: The DNC has not signed up to pay an additional two pennies a kilowatt hour to go green. For that matter, neither has the Republican National Committee.
Maybe our very existence isn't threatened.
Gore has held these apocalyptic views about the environment for some time. So why, then, didn't Gore dump his family's large stock holdings in Occidental (Oxy) Petroleum? As executor of his family's trust, over the years Gore has controlled hundreds of thousands of dollars in Oxy stock. Oxy has been mired in controversy over oil drilling in ecologically sensitive areas.
Living carbon-neutral apparently doesn't mean living oil-stock free. Nor does it necessarily mean giving up a mining royalty either.
Humanity might be "sitting on a ticking time bomb," but Gore's home in Carthage is sitting on a zinc mine. Gore receives $20,000 a year in royalties from Pasminco Zinc, which operates a zinc concession on his property. Tennessee has cited the company for adding large quantities of barium, iron and zinc to the nearby Caney Fork River.
The issue here is not simply Gore's hypocrisy; it's a question of credibility. If he genuinely believes the apocalyptic vision he has put forth and calls for radical changes in the way other people live, why hasn't he made any radical change in his life? Giving up the zinc mine or one of his homes is not asking much, given that he wants the rest of us to radically change our lives.

The last paragraph says it all. If we were really in such dire straits would it not be in the best interest of the country for the leaders to set the example. the problem is Al Gore and the whole Global warming community are a bunch of Chicken Littles running around saying that the sky is falling , but they are unwilling to make the sacrifices they want the rest of us to make. the inconvenient truth of the matters is these people want us to sacrifice more so they can have more. More power, more responsibility, more control over our lives. It is a sad commentary on the Democrats, the supposed environmental party, when our current president has put forth more environmentally friendly legislation in the form of incentives for hybrid vehicle purchase, as well as tax breaks for alternative energy research and development, that their golden boy did in his 8 years as VP. Then the GWB sits by only to have all but small parts of the blocked by the Democrats, who then run through the streets yelling that GWB is destroying the environment by not signing the Kyoto Treaty.

Message to Al Gore, and the environmentalist out there. Start living the life you want the rest of us to live and maybe we will consider your suggestions. This from a conservative Texan who owns a TOYOTA PRIUS, and is looking at buying a hybrid for his next vehicle.

The headlines say it all

Kissinger: Disarming Hezbollah Key to Mideast Peace

and

Colonel's Corner: What "Cease-Fire" Means to Hezbollah


unless the weapon trail is completely shut down, no cease fire will be worth a hill of bat guano.

French-Led Peacekeeping Force

Yeah, like this will actually work. The French are wanting to lead the peace keeping force in Lebanon

There are very good reasons why the French would like to take the lead in forming the peacekeeping force that will be needed to help embolden the Lebanese army as it takes over from Hezbollah in the south of Lebanon, creating a demilitarized buffer zone along the Israeli border.
The French have historic ties to Lebanon.
When the Ottoman Empire was dismantled at the end of World War I, the League of Nations carved up the Middle East, giving the area that is now Syria and Lebanon to the French in 1920, making France the mandatory power there — much like Britain was made the mandatory power of what was then Palestine. The French then carved Lebanon out of Syria — placing the Lebanese Christians, who were the majority, into positions of power.

Ok so a big portion of this crap is France's fault in the first place.

As a result of France's commitment to Lebanon, French President Jacques Chirac teamed up with the U.S. nearly two years ago to sponsor U.N. Security Council resolution 1559. The first diplomatic unity exhibited between the U.S. and France since relations were strained over the Iraq War, 1559 had two key parts: 1) Syrian forces — soldiers and intelligence had to leave Lebanon after 26 years of occupation. 2) That Hezbollah be disarmed. Syria was forced to withdraw a year ago. Hezbollah was never disarmed.

Actually Syrian forces never completely left, they simply removed their uniforms and became another part of Hezbollah. Then part of the new plan is the following.

• An immediate cessation of hostilities agreed to by Israel and the Lebanese government. Most significantly the agreement is not with Hezbollah — and it is not clear whether it will sign on or whether its Syrian and Iranian backers will place any pressure on it to stop fighting.

• The release of the abducted Israeli soldiers and a “settlement of the issue of Lebanese prisoners detained in Israel” — a prisoner exchange of some sort. It is not clear whether it will be simultaneous, or down the road, or whether either side will agree.

• The disarmament of all militias and a demilitarized zone from the Israeli border up until the Litani River inside Lebanon. Only the Lebanese army and the new international force being deployed in the buffer zone will be allowed to carry arms there.

I find these rules highly ironic. I mean when has a U.N. Security force EVER done the job that it was supposed to do and not fall into corruption. It will only be a matter of time before Syria and Iran, pay off the UN to allow Hezbollah back in with their weapons. The Only DMZ that has worked in the past 50 years have been ones that the US Military have set up, and manage.

The biggest problem is that we already have a U.N. Security Council resolution that deals with disarming Hezbollah and asserting Lebanese sovereignty over the South — it’s called 1559. It so threatened the Syrians that many presume it served as the impetus for the Syrian regime to order the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

And why don't we simply allow Israel to do what the UN could not do? Because it would be one more strike against an organization that has proven it has little or no credibility or integrity left. The past 2 secretary Generals have been more corrupt than any Russian politician, or even the most vile mafia gangster the US has ever seen. The organization is completely filled with people who hate both the United States as well as Israel. They also are proof that you cannot have a world government because it is to easily corrupted.

You need Iran and Syria onboard if this is going to be any different from past resolutions.

No you don't because they are the trouble makers here. If you want to make this happen and have any teeth to it you need China, Russia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia on board. Not the bully's on the block. The Regional powers of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as Russia and China backing a military force in the region until the Lebanese Government can finally establish a Hezbollah free southern region may be successful, but only if they do their jobs.

The French will lead the force, but they don’t want to shoot at Hezbollah fighters — that wouldn’t play well among its Arab allies.

Therefore the U.S. has concerns about the mechanism being put into place to insure that there isn't a vacuum when Israel's forces pull back and this "international force" deploys. Unless the international community comes up with that mechanism, the only mechanism to disarm Hezbollah at this point seems to be Israel's military

Of course the French don't want to shoot Arabs, they want to be their buddies in the hopes that the radical mullahs will not turn their anger towards them. Sorry but that is only a matter of time. The French need to wake up and realize that until Syria and Iran are pulled back into line like a treated like a disruptive school child nothing will change over there. Lybia is the example of how to encourage proper international behavior through superior military and economic force.

9 Illegal Immigrants Killed in Arizona While Trying to Elude Border Patrol

9 Illegal Immigrants Killed in Arizona While Trying to Elude Border Patrol. The headline say enough but here are more details

The driver of a sport utility vehicle packed with suspected illegal immigrants flipped over while trying to elude federal agents, killing nine people and injuring 12, officials said.

Five of the injured, including a pregnant woman, were hospitalized in critical condition in Yuma and Phoenix, most with head trauma.

So these people are here illegally and are now getting medical care. I say as soon as they can be transported, ship them back to Mexico, and let them take care of them. The driver of the vehicle was avoiding federal agents. He needs to be locked up for a long time.

The Chevy Suburban was carrying 21 people — all Mexican citizens — when the driver tried to circumvent a checkpoint on the highway more than 30 miles north of Yuma, according to authorities.

With Border Patrol agents in pursuit, the driver attempted to make a U-turn and rolled over, Border Patrol spokesman Lloyd Frers said.

Yuma County Sheriff's Maj. Leon Wilmot said the vehicle was traveling faster than the posted speed limit of 50 mph at the time of the accident

Ok, so these criminals were over 30 miles inside the USA before they were stopped. Any body want to put money on the fact that they did not use a regular entry point? And the liberals wonder why there is a cry for a border fence. On top of the illegal entry into the country the driver was also speeding, and with that many people in the vehicle operating an unsafe vehicle.

The car had swerved to avoid a spike strip put out by Border Patrol agents, Wilmot said.

So now you can add police evasion to the driver's charges.

Scores of illegal immigrants die each year while crossing the Mexican border into Arizona, many in car crashes. Smugglers often flee from authorities at high speeds or overload vehicles, which makes them difficult to control.
Nationwide, at least 291 illegal immigrants have died during border crossing attempts from Oct. 1 through Sunday, Border Patrol spokesman Gustavo Soto said. That includes 75 deaths due to heat exposure, 45 drownings, and 42 motor vehicle incidents

Need I say more. If we do not control our southern border soon who knows what else will happen.

Look what I found

While perusing the Houston Comicle this morning as I usually do while riding into work I found this article. The headline is what surprised me Muslims vent frustrations at forum. They share tales of being detained at airports, other points of entry. The main basis of the story is from the third paragraph

"The main problem the Muslim community has ... is the presumption of guilt," said Yasir Qadhi, a Houston imam and a doctoral candidate at Yale University. "It is the singling out of people just because of their looks or their identity." Muslims are routinely detained and questioned at airports and other ports of entry, he said. Qadhi also protested the denial of visas to imams and other religious leaders who are invited to this country to speak.

Well let me see, since 9/11 who are the ones who continue to preach hatred, conduct terroristic acts, and commit horrible acts of violence, against anyone who does not follow their beliefs? Muslims... so my advice to you is get used to it and quit your crying, and work to change your religion and stop those who have hijacked it in the name of power. Could it also be that the we do not want these Imans and other "religious leaders" here to continue to spread the language of hate and destruction in the name of Allah? Could it be that the US Government is actually trying to keep these warriors of hate and distruction out of our country.

The imam said Muslim Americans are the same loyal citizens they were prior to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Singling out and targeting Muslims who are traveling is playing into the hands of radical Islamists who want to stir up anger and hatred of this country, he said. "The last people on Earth who want to see another 9/11 are American Muslims," he said. Zoubir Bouchiki, of Mosque Abu Bakr in southeast Houston, said the U.S. Middle East policy is eroding support for this country among Muslims. "There is a problem, a big problem," Bouchiki said. "The Muslim community does not trust the American government." Bouchiki said the war in Iraq and the U.S. support for Israel is hurting the country's international reputation in Europe and Islamic countries.

Then we have these quotes. My answer to them is simple. You want to have the stereo typing to end you had better stop support Hezbollah, Hamaas, Bin Laden, and instead of protecting the radicals in your community who you may know of, you should be helping the government protect yourself and property by reporting any strange behavior or actions.

The muslim community does not trust the US government? Well the question I ask is why should the US government trust the Muslim community, when you have been as quiet as a dead man in the morgue when it comes to "Radical" islamic Imans as well as the venom that they spew? Well, I am waiting for an answer. Again scilence, so you see untill you change the rhetoric do not expect loyal non-muslim Americans to change theirs.

It comes back to taking control of your faith and standing up and fighting against those that would bastardize it in the name of anything. Until the cries of "Death to Israel" Death to America" stop you and your people will be under suspicion. Learn to live with it or change the dynamic it is that easy.

Bedbugs ATTACK...

Who here has not heard the bed time comment... Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite.

Well apparently they are baaacccckkkk... The story speaks for itself... here it is... this is not something you want to have your young children learn, but everybody needs to be made aware of what is happening.

ATLANTA — After waking up one night in sheets teeming with tiny bugs, Josh Benton couldn't sleep for months and kept a flashlight and can of Raid with him in bed.
"We were afraid to even tell people about it at first," Benton said of the bedbugs in his home. "It feels like maybe some way you're living is encouraging this, that you're living in a bad neighborhood or have a dirty apartment."
Absent from the U.S. for so long that some thought they were a myth, bedbugs are back. Entomologists and pest control professionals are reporting a dramatic increase in infestations throughout the country, and no one knows exactly why.
"It's no secret that bedbugs are making a comeback," said Dan Suiter, an associate professor of entomology at the University of Georgia.
Before World War II, bedbug infestations were common in the U.S., but they were virtually eradicated through improvements in hygiene and the widespread use of DDT in the 1940s and 1950s.
Bedbugs are tiny brownish, flattened insects that feed exclusively on the blood of animals and humans. Their bites may cause itchy red welts or swelling.
Unlike mosquitoes, though, they are not known to transmit blood-borne diseases from one victim to another. They are extremely resilient and very difficult to exterminate. Experts say bedbugs are not necessarily an indicator of unsanitary conditions.
In the past four years, reports of bedbugs have significantly increased in U.S. cities, from New York to Honolulu, especially in hotels, hospitals and college dormitories -- all places with high resident turnover.
The National Pest Management Association, which represents many of the country's pest control companies, says the number of bedbug reports have increased fivefold in four years.
The Atlanta branch of pest-control firm Terminix saw no cases of bedbugs in 2004 and only three or four last year. But in the first six months of this year, they've had 23 new cases, said Clint Briscoe, a spokesman.
Experts are not entirely sure what has caused the marked increase. Some speculate that increased international travel and immigration may be partially to blame.
The tiny bugs may be hitching a ride in the luggage or clothing of travelers. This could explain the high concentration of the pests in cities like Atlanta and New York, which attract a lot of international traffic.
Another factor is a change in pest control practices. Companies are spraying more responsibly now, Suiter said. Instead of indiscriminately saturating the perimeter of all rooms, they often use more conservative measures and do large-scale spray treatments only when there's an infestation. As a result of consumer demand, less toxic chemicals are also being used.
"The bottom line is it may be a convergence of all those factors, but none of that really explains the rapid increase in recent years," said Michael Potter, a professor and urban entomologist at the University of Kentucky.
Experts agree that the public needs to be educated about bedbugs -- on the symptoms and how to prevent them.
"A lot of people, including some physicians, don't even think they're real," Potter said. As a result people may go months before realizing the source of their discomfort.
In Hawaii, where tourism is a major industry, state lawmakers passed a resolution for a prevention campaign after infestations at some hotels damaged their reputations and annoyed travelers. Similarly, legislation for a bedbug task force has been proposed by New York City Councilwoman Gail Brewer.
For Benton, a 31-year-old graduate student, the bedbugs sparked a seven-month battle that included bug bombs and the tossing out of his and his fiancee's bedroom furniture.
They gave up and moved out of their apartment in New York and eventually moved back to their native Memphis, Tenn. Benton said the bugs essentially drove them out of New York because they couldn't sleep knowing the bugs may be anywhere.
"The main part of it is psychological trauma that they create because of the idea that they are feeding on you at night," Benton said. "It's still hard to talk about if it's anywhere near bedtime."

Maybe we have a starting point for the new Border fence

Ok I want to see the enviormental whackos blame this on President Bush...

Or maybe the anti-Nafta people, or maybe the religious right will say it is God's will that this going on and that the US because of the lack of Immigration controls is why this is happening...

El Paso Residents Evacuate as Rio Grande River Swells After Rains

More Rain Expected as Floods Prompt Evacuations, Spur Mudslide Fears in Texas

EL PASO, Texas — Almost 1,000 people waited in a shelter Friday to see whether the rain-swollen Rio Grande would puncture an earthen dam and flood the community, a city spokeswoman said.

Water was seeping out of the aging, badly eroded dam across the Mexican border in Ciudad Juarez, and crews spent much of the night pumping out the area, spokeswoman Juliet Lozano said. U.S. engineers were headed to the site Friday, she said.
The threat came after more than an inch of rain fell on the area Thursday, most of it in about an hour, and a later downpour left pools of water on streets. Forecasters predicted a 50 percent chance of rain for Friday.

Hell that is a normal afternoon shower in Houston

Mexican officials said Friday the dam was not at risk of overflowing, but authorities in Ciudad Juarez ordered more than 4,000 families to evacuate earlier this week as a precaution. Many families resisted, and faced being forced out.
Between 1,500 and 2,000 residents were asked to leave downtown El Paso after the Army Corps of Engineers estimated that a dam break could set free up to 6 million gallons of water there.
"We're talking like a tidal wave hitting El Paso," Mayor John Cook said.

You know maybe that would help clean out some of the most corrupt areas of the US-Mexico Border. And it sounds like a good place to start building the border fence.

City officials said about 950 people were at its convention center, which months earlier held Katrina evacuees. It was unclear when they could safely return, Lozano said.
Officials also were watching 69 smaller dams throughout Ciudad Juarez.
Mexican federal officials declared Ciudad Juarez a disaster area and estimated damage there at $45 million. Damage on the U.S. side could reach $250 million, said Democratic Rep. Silvestre Reyes.
The El Paso area has received more than 8 1/2 inches of rain this year, almost all of it this week.

Let's see damage on the US side could be 5 times greater? I wonder why. 8 inches of rain is a normal month in Houston. That is what you get for building in the Desert. Besides 69 dams in one region, and they are all at risk. That just proves that the Mexican Government is doing as littel as it can to keep things safe and to encourage its people to stay home and not cross the border.

Lloyd Carr tell critic to stick it where the sun don't shine

Michigan Head Foot ball coach arrived at Big 10 Media day and his press conferenct and basically told all of those that are critical of him that they can kiss his collective backside.
Gene Wojciechowski has an article that explains just that. After coming off of what would be considered a poor season by most schools, and a horrible year by Michigan standards, people were calling for Carr to be fired. Well I applaud Michigan AD Bill Martin for sticking with a proven winner. The program had a bad year, what with them losing over 70 games to injury they were never blown out of any during last season.

This isn't entirely new. Carr has butt burns from previous turns on the hot seat. But another loss to the Buckeyes, or another win total in the mid-single digits, or another year out of the top 25 and Carr will need more than a fireproof wardrobe. It doesn't seem to matter that he's averaged more than nine wins per season, that he's won 75 percent of his games, that his players usually leave Ann Arbor carrying footballs and diplomas.

This is from a man who stepped up after the previous coach cracked under the strain of being the head coach at Michigan. I can only think of one other University that places more pressure on the coach and that is Notre Dame, and look at how that program chews up and spits out some of the toughest SOB's in the coaching fraternity.

"I will say this to you," says Carr in a slow, measured, serious tone, "first of all, I have a choice that I can do what I want to do with my life. So that's where I begin. I'm going to do what I want to do. The hell with anybody else, what they think. So that's where it all begins with me. I love the game. I love the competition. I love the relationship with the players and the ability to have some kind of positive impact as they try to pursue a degree and play this game.
"So, I don't know if that answers your question."
Answer it? In 64 seconds' time -- which is how long it took Carr to choose those words -- the Michigan coach did what any coach worth his rollover contract should do: He made allowances for his critics' doubting, and then he told them to stick it.

Llloyd Carr has a rollover contract and as long as his program continues to graduate the number of students that it does, and continues to produce some of the high character young men that he has produced he will be coaching as long as he wants.

Several days after Carr was named interim coach in May 1996, the legendary Bo Schembechler, who hired Carr as his assistant 16 years earlier, stopped by the football offices.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" Schembechler said.
Carr invited him in.
"Look," said the former Michigan coach, "there's going to be times when you doubt yourself. The reason I know that is that I had doubts about myself. What I want to tell you is this: When you have those doubts, just get rid of them. You're prepared. You know what it takes. Just go do it."
The words still resonate with Carr.
"Here's the greatest football coach ever to coach at Michigan, and one of the greatest coaches that ever coached the game -- and he's telling me he had doubts," says Carr.
Carr has had them too. Still does. He's just not going to let you or his team see them.

Nor is Carr going to allow the critics run his program for him. He made some changes this offseason and we will see how the new coaches workout. Michigan always has had the tallent, it is simply a matter of avoiding injuries, and getting that tallent to excell all the time. Besides Carr has won 70% of his games, won a national championship, and coached a Heisman Trophy winner, A Doak Walker award winner, A Belitnakof(sp) award winner and many top NFL players. He must be doing something right...

Tax revolt is under way in Texas

Just a little appraisal news.
As of August 1st, The Harris county Appraisal Board still had over 200,000 property value protests that still had not even seen the light of a first review. At the current pace of case resolution, the ARB will not be able to certify the tax rolls till possibly as late as mid SEPTEMBER. This is with the people at HCAD working 12 hour days to relieve the backlog. Which means your tax bills could be late in arriving.

The extreme number of appraisal protests has prompted the head of HCAD to get this, admonish the taxing entities, for not lowering their tax rates as the appraisal values increased. According to my sources, this person has said that, "Most MUD districts are attempting to lower their rate every year, however the school districts, and county refuse to lower theirs which is now producing record revenue increases for those entities."

Guess we are starting to have our tax revolt, and the appraisal district is the one getting kicked between the legs. The tax collection agencies from around town are being kept up to date on the status of the protests, and tax roll certification through weekly meetings with HCAD management. My source confirmed that the record number of appraisal protests is a direct result of the following factors, 1) several years of 8% or higher appraisal increases which have lead to a 50% increase in taxable value. 2) the fact that Gov Perry and the Republicans in the Texas Legislature failed again to pass a meaningful appraisal legislation. 3) Gov Perry and his $2000 tax savings campaign that has turned out to be a bold faced lie.

These sources also believe that the number of tax protests will be even higher next year, and that if enough protests are filed, and the backlog becomes big enough, that within a couple of years, HCAD may not be able to certify tax rolls. If that happens, EVERY SINGLE TAXING ENTITY that uses HCAD Appraisals will not be able to levy their taxes the following year. I am in the process of trying to find out what it is like in some of the other heavily populated counties both around Houston, as well as the state. More info as it comes available.

Some people just never learn

Just when the Oklahoma Football Program had cleared the clouds of the corrupt past, this , happens and sends them spinning back to the edge of the black hole of shame.

But after Wednesday's announcement that Bomar and starting offensive lineman J.D. Quinn have been permanently dismissed from the Oklahoma football team for taking wages from a Norman car dealership for work they didn't do, the Sooners are right back to where they were at the beginning of the 2005 season. They've got no quarterback, a thin offensive line and a star tailback who will find fewer holes than a prairie dog burrowing in the dusty Oklahoma hardpan.

Here we have another example of a booster not being smart enough to keep his money going to the right places. He is paying the STARTING QUARTERBACK and at least on other for work that they did not do. Instead of just making a big donation to the school's athletic program, this king sized idiot, basically flushes his team's football season down the drain. This was a team that was going to contend for not only the Big 12 championship but also possibly the National championship. The team has one of if not the best running back in college football, and was returing 20 of 22 starters, that is untill yesterday when 2 more were kicked off the team completely. Bravo to Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops for doing the right thing and getting rid of these cancers. But apparently this is not the first time Bomar has been in trouble and apparently he has never learned to make the right decisions, even when they are hard.

Bomar was rated the No. 1 high school quarterback prospect in the country after a stellar career at Grand Prairie (Texas) High, where he was coached by his father, Jerry Bomar. He was supposed to be more physically gifted than former Sooners quarterback Jason White, the 2003 Heisman Trophy winner. Bomar had a stronger arm and ran as well or better than White, who wasn't quite as nimble after twice tearing knee ligaments.
But White was apparently far superior than Bomar above the shoulders. Bomar was twice cited for underage possession of alcohol while enrolled at Oklahoma, and in another incident was cited for hosting a nuisance party near campus.
And then there was his part-time job at Big Red Sports/Imports -- what did you expect, Cowboy Orange? -- where he earned $18,000 for little or no work. Jobs like that in Norman haven't come to light since star linebacker Brian Bosworth was paid to watch oil rigs run. At least Bomar was honorable enough to report his wages to the IRS. Better than reporting them directly to the NCAA.

This is a kid with enormous tallent below the shoulders, but apparently daddy was more intent on getting his kid a scholarship than teaching him the difference between right and wrong. Let's hope that Bomar will get his college degree, or he may end up having to actually work for a living as a car sales man. I do know one thing, Bomar's college football days are over. Again Bravo to coach Stoops for doing the right thing and dumping this kid. This quote says it all with regards to the change in management in Norman.

By booting his quarterback, Stoops might have jeopardized another season. At least he didn't sacrifice his integrity, which is something Barry Switzer might have done.