tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37102662011-12-13T21:53:52.479-06:00This is blog for an endangered species-the old Rockefeller Republican. Expect news and opinion from this site.Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1137563053185625432006-01-17T23:42:00.000-06:002006-01-20T11:45:30.996-06:00

I decided to create a new blog called NeoMugwump. So, if you want to know what thoughts (or lack thereof) are tumbling out of my head, please go to the new site and enjoy!

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1137219482138833712006-01-14T00:12:00.000-06:002006-01-14T00:18:02.153-06:00

Vacation time is almost over.As most of you know, I've been taking some time off from blogging since being let go from my job in mid-November. After the emotional experience I had, blogging was the last thing on my mind. I'm still looking for work, but I think things are looking up and I've noticed that I'm regaining an interest in blogging again.The world hasn't stopped since I've blogged.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1135096862638609622005-12-20T10:24:00.000-06:002005-12-20T10:41:02.656-06:00

A good friend reminded me that I probably should update the goings on concerning Ford and ads in gay publications. Last week, Ford reversed it's earlier decision to drop advertising in gay publications. You can read about it here. After a meeting with several gay rights organizations, including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign, Ford decided to not only

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1133800009905422752005-12-05T10:07:00.000-06:002005-12-05T10:26:49.916-06:00

Unless you've been living in a cage, you know that the American auto industry is in a bad fix. While Chrysler is doing well with the help of it's German friends, Ford and GM are struggling. A lot of this is self imposed, with both companies placing too many eggs in the Truck/SUV market and not enough in cars. Both companies need to start making good cars and getting people to buy them. And

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1133755911701937812005-12-04T21:45:00.000-06:002005-12-04T22:11:51.713-06:00

I wanted to write something so that people know I'm still around. Since I was let go of my job on Veteran's Day, I've been taking a sort of vacation from blogging. I've been using most of the time to of course look for work, do some PR work arts group, do work for the church I'm co-pastor at and spend time with my boyfriend.In that time, I haven't blogged much, nor have I kept up with other

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1132416817240447672005-11-19T09:57:00.000-06:002005-11-19T10:13:37.256-06:00

It never ceases to amaze me how low my own party can go at times. Look at these words from junior (in more ways than one) congresswoman Jean Schmidt, a Republican from Ohio addressed to Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha:The fiery, emotional debate climaxed when Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio, the most junior member of the House, told of a phone call she received from a Marine colonel. ``He asked

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1132295848677684352005-11-18T00:08:00.000-06:002005-11-18T00:37:28.693-06:00

And God stepped out on space,And he looked around and said:I'm lonely--I'll make me a world. So begins the poem "Creation" by James Weldon Johnson. This poem was Johnson's wonderfully intimate re-telling of biblical story of creation found in the book of Genesis. This past Sunday, the associate minister of another congregation I'm a part of did an interpretive dance to the poem as it was read

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1132242371300530642005-11-17T09:36:00.000-06:002005-11-17T11:26:16.850-06:00

So, if you follow this blog, you've noticed that I've been quiet for almost a week. As my close friend and contributing blogger, Mark said in a post yesterday, I took sometime off to deal with some other issues in my life. You see, last Friday, I was let go of from my job. It was all rather sudden and let's just say it didn't start the weekend off on the right foot. Thankfully, I have a

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131723070828670392005-11-11T09:29:00.000-06:002005-11-11T09:31:10.843-06:00

For all those who have served our country....Thanks.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131718653292099142005-11-11T07:57:00.000-06:002005-11-11T08:17:33.306-06:00

I really feel proud to be a moderate Republican these days. Moderate Republicans in Congress, taking a cue from Tuesday's election results, the President's sagging approval numbers, and scandals plauging the House leadership, have decided now to strike back at the party's far right leaders. Fellow moderate elephant Jeremy over at Charging RINO gives a good summary of the "November Rebellion" by

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131652274107957372005-11-10T13:47:00.000-06:002005-11-10T13:51:14.120-06:00

From the stupid Republican files: "I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover. If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God, you just rejected Him from your city. And don't wonder why He hasn't helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I'm not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that's the case, don't ask for His help

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131646704893782582005-11-10T11:52:00.000-06:002005-11-10T12:18:24.906-06:00

Jeremy over at Charging RINO wonders if Moderate Republicans are finally coming into their own after Tuesday's defeats. The moderates in the House were able to sucessfully strike a provision that would have allowed drilling in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge or ANWR. It also looks like Senate Moderates are also acting up:In the Senate, a similar showdown will occur today, as the Finance Committee

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131634413105281322005-11-10T08:50:00.000-06:002005-11-10T08:53:33.116-06:00

Via Andrew Sullivan, Sojourners, the progressive evangelical organization (yes, they exist)has an easy way for persons of faith to write to House Speaker Dennis Hastert and your own representative to support the McCain Amendment against torture. Make your voice heard.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131599628641667122005-11-09T22:23:00.000-06:002005-11-09T23:13:48.656-06:00

After yesterday's wins in Vriginia and New Jersey, Democrats are celebrating. This story shows how some Democrats are acting like, well sore winners.But what was yesterday all about? Does this mean that the Democrats will make some gains come 2006 as some are saying?Well, probably maybe. I think the odds are about 70 percent in their favor. Why only 70 percent? Because anything can happen

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131570227859393862005-11-09T15:02:00.000-06:002005-11-09T15:03:47.863-06:00

One thing I've been thinking about was a letter to the editor that showed up in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune. It's an argument that I hear all the time concerning gay marriage. I used to agree with it, but I don't anymore. The impetus of this is a column written by the Strib's token conservative columnist, Katherine Kersten (being center-right in my politics, I like to see conservative

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131550910642249442005-11-09T09:34:00.000-06:002005-11-09T15:02:06.100-06:00

From Republicans for Environmental Protection:Protect Arctic Refuge: Time to Act Is NowClimactic Vote on Oil Drilling at Hand There have been past votes to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, but never before has the threat been so high or the vote so final. On Nov. 3, drilling proponents won passage of a Senate budget bill that would open the refuge to oil drilling.During

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131473081288539602005-11-08T11:57:00.000-06:002005-11-08T12:04:41.306-06:00

Blogger Mike Bawden responds to my earlier post:Dennis,Great post.As an American doing business with people from all around the world (most of whom are located in Europe) and as a student of European history, let me say that racism is alive and well in all of Europe - not just France. The problem is that American culture tends to bring the associated violence and struggle to the surface (through

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131460943358989472005-11-08T08:14:00.000-06:002005-11-08T08:42:23.373-06:00

As the Paris suburbs, heck as most of France, is awash in violence, I've been doing some thinking and listening. I believe that there are lessons for both liberals and conservatives in the wake of the recent fighting.First, the liberals. Those on the Left tend to look to Europe as some kind of heavenly realm where the government takes care of everything and there is no poverty or racism as

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131373068349648172005-11-07T07:53:00.000-06:002005-11-07T08:17:48.423-06:00

The Washingoton Post has what can only be best described as a chilling piece about how Vice President Dick Cheney has waged a major offensive to stop Congress from imposing more restrictive rules regarding the handling of terror suspects. He has done this despite signs that Congress and even some in the Bush Administration such as Secretary of State Condi Rice are supporting some kind of

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131117605672624822005-11-04T08:56:00.000-06:002005-11-04T09:20:05.686-06:00

Slate has an interesting article by Jacob Wiesberg comparing Karl Rove to the turn of the last century political operative Mark Hanna. It says a lot of the usual about how Bush has governed from the right and how that hasn't lead to a sustainable governing strategy. What is fascinating is that like Hanna of old, Rove has an enemy that threatens to undo his strategy. Hanna didn't like Teddy

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131048626620041832005-11-03T14:08:00.000-06:002005-11-03T14:10:26.636-06:00

I want to introduce an occasional Blogger to the Moderate Republican. His name is Mark and he hails from Minneapolis. Look for his insights soon.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1131032086257514262005-11-03T09:20:00.000-06:002005-11-03T09:34:46.270-06:00

The Washington Post has a great op-ed about the Bush Administration's apparent approval of the abuse of detainees. Please read it, but I want to focus on the last paragraph. The editorial talks about the work of people like Senator John McCain and some in the military who are trying to restore the Geneva convention guidelines. However, one group is missing:There is no more important issue

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130908481529882062005-11-01T22:44:00.000-06:002005-11-01T23:14:41.540-06:00

Church, religion and God have always played an important aspect in my life. When I came to an understanding that I was gay, I did a lot of thinking and praying. Throughout the process, I always knew God loved me regardless. It gave me comfort during some hard times. I decided to become a pastor regardless of my sexual orientation because I felt called by God to be a minister. And God didn't

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130863889598838762005-11-01T10:43:00.000-06:002005-11-01T10:51:29.620-06:00

Today, I am going to get my flu shot. Also today, President Bush has asked Congress to put up $7.1 billion to prepare for Avian Flu, should it become a pandemic. Here are the details:—$1.2 billion for the government to buy enough doses of the vaccine against the current strain of bird flu to protect 20 million Americans;—$1 billion to stockpile more anti-viral drugs that lessen the severity of

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130791423346444252005-10-31T14:33:00.000-06:002005-10-31T14:43:43.360-06:00

The media and the blogsphere is abuzz with the nomination this morning of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. Already, those on the left are saying that Bush caved in to the far right and gave them a Scalia-clone. Listen to what Bull Moose says:The Alito nomination is evidence that Mr. Rove is once again riding high in the saddle. The Rovian solution to all of the Administration woes is a to

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130517690503055702005-10-28T11:33:00.000-05:002005-10-28T11:41:46.180-05:00

They [religious conservatives] -- they want a political judge. They want a judicial activist. This business about judicial conservatism and somebody who decides the law, that's baloney. I mean, that's what they should want. That -- that is what the judge should be, somebody who interprets the law and not makes it. But forget about that. I mean, these people are just as activist as the People For

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130419494739056792005-10-27T08:22:00.000-05:002005-10-27T08:24:54.740-05:00

Harriet Miers has withdrawn her nomination to the Supreme Court. Charging RINO has the latest on this. As they say in the blogging world, developing...

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130419055897003122005-10-27T08:00:00.000-05:002005-10-27T08:17:35.913-05:00

It seems that my post about torture has touched off a spirited and yet civil debate about the use of torture in relations to terrorism. In another post, I debated with a someone who thought you had use such methods in order to prevent terror attacks. That brought this response from the same writer:It is always great to engage in debate, and I thank you for taking the time out to read my comment

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130386650862736602005-10-26T23:00:00.000-05:002005-10-26T23:17:30.873-05:00

I was looking around on Andrew Sullivan's blog when he linked to a horrible post by a liberal blogger attacking Michael Steele the current Republican Lt. Governor of Maryland who is planning on running for the US Senate next year. Steele is African American, as is Steve Gillard, the person who posted. Gillard altered the image to put Steele in blackface and then started calling him "simple

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130357584970624332005-10-26T14:51:00.000-05:002005-10-26T15:13:04.980-05:00

Regarding my post on torture:As in that horrible show, using the tool of torture earned results in the form of actionable intelligence. Those coming out against torture as disregard the immediate and tangible benefits of using it. Example:Guy tries to set off IED. We catch him. CIA talks to him to try and get names and locations of the rest of his cell. Choices: 1) sit around and slowly break him

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130346177050180112005-10-26T11:22:00.000-05:002005-10-26T12:02:57.086-05:00

I finally had a Tuesday where I wasn't busy and was able to watch the ABC-TV drama Commander in Chief. This is of course, the show where the first woman assumes the office of President. In this episode, President Allen is informed of a terrorist being caught at the Canadian border. He was part of an Al Queda-style group who planned to blow up an elementary school in Missouri. Being that this

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130299210352017432005-10-25T22:22:00.000-05:002005-10-25T23:00:10.360-05:00

Anne Applebaum has a great op-ed in the Washington Post about the American response to the Avian Flu and its potential threat to humanity. She focuses on a few problems that don't allow the government to handle this potential situation in the right way. I want to focus on one of them.Applebaum talks about the general disgust people have with pharmaceutical companies. I personally think some

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130268379215259182005-10-25T14:08:00.000-05:002005-10-25T14:26:19.226-05:00

via Andrew Sullivan is an interesting take on the lack of fiscal responsibility from today's so-called Republican leadership. This comes from an interview with former Senator, Connie Mack, who is President Bush's "go to" guy on tax reform. This is the money quote:Q:Well, the U.S. government has to get money from somewhere. As a two-term former Republican senator from Florida, where do you

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1130245355657415862005-10-25T08:01:00.000-05:002005-10-25T08:02:48.303-05:00

Cross-posted on Oscar the Pastor: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Rosa. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129850054640107792005-10-20T17:52:00.000-05:002005-10-20T18:14:14.646-05:00

I happen to watch the season premiere of South Park last night as it took on all the Katrina mess and press (and blogger)irresponsibility. The gist of the episode is that Kyle and Cartman steal a boat and crash it into a beaver dam thereby flooding the town of Beaverton. Everyone decides to play the blame game, ignoring the poor citizens of Beaverton. The news media decides that global warming

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129738712476129652005-10-19T10:19:00.000-05:002005-10-19T11:18:32.503-05:00

Today, is the day that a lot of people, especially many Iraqis, have been waiting for: the trial of Saddam Hussein. It is good to see a tryrant be brought to justice and yet there are some concerns about how the trial is going to be conducted. Some human rights groups are concerned if this will be a fair trial. Blogger Bull Moose seems to wave away some of these concerns:Many have quibbled

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129657248101609232005-10-18T12:31:00.000-05:002005-10-18T12:41:09.766-05:00

"During the 18 years I served in the Senate, Republicans often disagreed with each other. But there was much that held us together. We believed in limited government, in keeping light the burden of taxation and regulation. We encouraged the private sector, so that a free economy might thrive. We believed that judges should interpret the law, not legislate. We were internationalists who supported

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129565746113803732005-10-17T11:08:00.000-05:002005-10-17T11:16:22.543-05:00

National Public Radio has a good story about an attempt to stem the tide of red ink by cutting programs that affect the poor while leaving tax cuts intact. What is fascinating is that this is shaping a battle royale not only between liberals and conservatives, but also between moderate and conservative Republicans. The moderates want to put everything on the table including tax cuts, while the

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129299744532203982005-10-14T08:55:00.000-05:002005-10-14T09:22:24.540-05:00

Shay, over at Booker Rising, has an interesting response to a post I made one Tuesday about how straight Republicans need to speak out more against the anti-gay right. In that post I said this:The reason the GOP started was on the cause of equality for African Americans. It is a shame that 150 years later, this party is making a name for itself by supporting discrimination for another group.That

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129228080395972932005-10-13T13:24:00.000-05:002005-10-13T13:28:00.453-05:00

The poll also revealed overwhelming opposition to Bush among African-Americans. Only two percent said they approved of his performance as president, the lowest level ever recorded in that category, NBC television reported. Two percent? You have to wonder who they are and what are they smoking. He lost me a loooong time ago, sadly.Special hat tip to Andrew Sullivan.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129213350536081092005-10-13T09:07:00.000-05:002005-10-13T09:22:30.543-05:00

Well, if I was wary about selecting Miers, I'm now more and more opposed to her selection, especially after yesterday's announcement by President Bush that one of the primary reasons Ms. Miers was selected was because of her faith. Here's what he said to reporter yesterday:"People ask me why I picked Harriet Miers...They want to know Harriet Miers's background. They want to know as much as they

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129137002202715892005-10-12T11:43:00.000-05:002005-10-12T12:10:02.213-05:00

The Washington Post has a spot-on commentary by columnist David Ignatius about how the Republican party has failed to be a governing party even though they are dominant in Congress and in the White House. He talks about all the woes afflicting the party as self-inflicted. He notes:The Republicans come to their present troubles from different directions: President Bush thought he was making a

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129129598747205782005-10-12T09:51:00.000-05:002005-10-12T10:11:59.263-05:00

Mathew Pruitt has an excellent post explaining why he can't support the nomination of White House Counsel Harriet Miers to the fill the seat on the Supreme Court being vacated by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. His reasoning? Ms. Miers is unqualified:I couldn't help but to stick my nose in the air, and point out that the President had made his bed with the Conservatives, now he would have to sleep

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129089620217324432005-10-11T22:40:00.000-05:002005-10-11T23:00:20.226-05:00

It makes my heart glad when I see straight Republicans say they are in favor of gay rights. Why? Because when we gay Republicans, say it, we are attacked by the far right as sinful and not real Republicans, while the left call us apologists for said far right faction. So it is nice to hear from people like Mathew Pruitt over at West Sound in the Center. On October 5, he wrote this about two

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1129037569618652992005-10-11T08:23:00.000-05:002005-10-11T08:32:49.626-05:00

I wanted to share some new blogs that I've found out about and a new blog of my own. First there is Elephant in Exile, written by former staffer to a Republican congressman. Second is the blog West Sound in the Center by fellow Republican Mathew Pruitt from Seattle. Both blogs are examples of the growing Centrist (and Centrist Republican) blogosphere.Finally, I want to introduce a blog I'm

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128954837887565662005-10-10T09:16:00.000-05:002005-10-10T09:33:57.896-05:00

There have been a flurry of posts and articles over the weekend calling for a new Progressive Movement in America.When I say "progressive" I don't mean it in the way that the word is being used now, namely, to refer to ideas and groups on the far left. I am referring to the originally meaning, those group of reformers who came of age in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These were people

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128832746485592752005-10-08T23:36:00.000-05:002005-10-08T23:39:06.493-05:00

IT should have been the crowning moment of his administration, the opportunity to exercise one of his most important privileges as President by picking two new judges to serve on the Supreme Court, thereby stamping his mark on American society for the next few decades, as only a few presidents have done before him. Instead, President Bush’s astonishingly short-sighted decision last week to

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128707151533638852005-10-07T12:39:00.000-05:002005-10-07T12:45:51.540-05:00

Centrist blogger Bull Moose has an interesting take on all the problems besetting the GOP:...smart conservatives should welcome a GOP crack-up before the '08 election. Conservatism has been corrupted by a plutocratic, crony unprincipled crowd. There is a need for a cleansing. If the right can cast-off the Bushie-Delay establishment, there is a chance that it can re-emerge with reform conservative

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128615269214195962005-10-06T10:54:00.000-05:002005-10-06T13:28:49.030-05:00

With all the smell of scandal taking place in the Republican controlled Congress, there has been talk in among Democrats and the press that we are reliving 1993, the last days of a Democratic Congress. Those who focus on the scandals are reminded of how scandal-ridden the Democrats had come and see that as what brought the Dems down. I have to admit that even I have sucumb to this view.However,

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128605376147361032005-10-06T08:00:00.000-05:002005-10-06T08:29:36.156-05:00

Our constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws, not of men. -President Gerald Ford, shortly after assuming the Presidency.I believe President Ford said this just after his predecessor, Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace. Watergate exposed a president that thought he was above the law. President Ford's words remind us that in America, no one is above all the law and that it

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128527436475490952005-10-05T10:37:00.000-05:002005-10-05T12:00:34.156-05:00

Back during the John Roberts confirmation hearings, one of the Democratic Senators, I believe it was Joe Biden, asked if Roberts would be on the side of "the little guy." The now-Chief Justice answered that if the constitution favored "the little guy" then he would vote in favor. If it favored the large businesses he would vote in that favor.This brief exchange is proof-positive of how liberals

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128433194187114552005-10-04T08:15:00.000-05:002005-10-04T08:40:10.356-05:00

The reaction to the selection of Harriet Miers to fill the seat being vacated by Sandra Day O'Connor is pretty much against her. Michael Stickings at The Reaction has a great take on the choice of Miers to the High Court. His take? Not a good choice.As I said in my post yesterday, one doesn't have to be a judge to be a justice on the Supreme Court. However, as a friend pointed out last night,

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128360366757912792005-10-03T11:13:00.000-05:002005-10-03T12:26:49.696-05:00

President Bush has nominated Harriet Miers as an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court, filling the seat of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. As I said with Roberts, I will wait until the hearings to make an opinion. Some are complaining about the fact that Miers isn't a judge, but history shows that a good number of justices have served on the High Court without ever being a judge. Such

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128093342705902722005-09-30T10:03:00.000-05:002005-09-30T10:15:42.713-05:00

Former Drug Czar, Bill Bennett is in a bit of trouble (that is an understament) for his remarks on a radio show where he theorized that crime would go down if all black babies were aborted. To be fair, he did say that such an idea was reprehensible, but the fact is he uttered the reprehensible and also painted some sweeping generalizations of black people. I'm a black man who has a masters

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128090593124982092005-09-30T09:09:00.000-05:002005-09-30T10:56:55.133-05:00

I like many other moderate and/or libertarian Republicans thought that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would present an alternative face of the GOP. Instead of a far right face that sought to put gays back in the closet, the California Governor seemed more concerned with fiscal issues than with two guys holding hands. I guess I was proven wrong.It saddens me that the governor chose to

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128019392424262742005-09-29T13:31:00.000-05:002005-09-29T13:43:12.433-05:00

My fellow centrist Republican blogger, Charging RINO, has been doing an excellent job in keep people informed of attempts by House Resources Committee Chair Mike Pombo to weaken the Endangered Species Act, the Holy Grail of the modern enviromental movement. ( You can read one of Jeremy's musings, here.)_Jeremy has been urging people to contact their representative to stop this bill in its tracks

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1128002560274851992005-09-29T08:26:00.000-05:002005-09-29T09:02:40.286-05:00

The other shoe has dropped.The ethics cloud hanging over Rep. Tom Delay of Texas became a bit darker yesterday, with his indictment. Because of a House rule that forbids any person who is indicted to remain in leadership, Delay stepped down temporarily at least.Of course, Delay is innocent until proven guilty. However, with that said, it sure looks bad.This Republican is not shedding tears

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127842902034109352005-09-27T12:32:00.000-05:002005-09-27T12:41:42.100-05:00

From MSNBC:Mr. Russert: The Republicans control both houses of Congress, and as you said, President Bush has been encouraging spending. But the Democrats have not been standing up saying, "Wait, stop." They're still in there fighting for their own projects. David Brooks, you wrote on Thursday: "On one side are those who believe that the [Democratic] party's essential problem is with its political

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127837822146702462005-09-27T10:51:00.000-05:002005-09-27T11:17:02.153-05:00

I haven't said much about the nomination of Judge John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. I have to say that for the most part, I like the guy. He's seems well qualified for the position. Yes, he is probably more conservative than I, but hello, he was nominated by a conservative President. I listened intently to the hearings and didn't see someone in the mold of Antonin Scalia.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127832794529107142005-09-27T08:57:00.000-05:002005-09-27T09:53:14.536-05:00

Louisiana is, to use the Southern colloquialism, in a world of hurt. Battered by two hurricanes and having its largest city destroyed, it is in bad shape. The Federal Government and regular Americans have stepped up to help the Bayou State right itself again. And what was the response from the state's Congressional delagation? How did they say "thanks" to the nation? By picking the federal

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127828093808794872005-09-27T08:13:00.000-05:002005-09-27T08:35:08.990-05:00

"...people just need to recognize that the storms have caused disruption and that if they're able to maybe not drive when they -- on a trip that's not essential, that would helpful. The federal government can help, and I've directed the federal agencies nationwide -- and here's some ways we can help. We can curtail nonessential travel. If it makes sense for the citizen out there to curtail

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127826408254974952005-09-27T08:06:00.000-05:002005-09-27T08:06:48.260-05:00

You Passed the US Citizenship TestCongratulations - you got 9 out of 10 correct!Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127398797062608202005-09-22T08:47:00.000-05:002005-09-22T09:23:58.640-05:00

As we all saw the black faces trapped in New Orleans, I started to hear talk about race in America. And that's when I started feeling funny.There is talk again about the topic of race in America and how we need to do more to help African Americans. What's interesting about this talk is that it is interwoven with a talk on poverty in America. Witness this column by Washington Post writer, David

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127311365529771432005-09-21T08:41:00.000-05:002005-09-21T09:02:45.536-05:00

It used to be that Republicans were always the ones wondering how some great idea would be paid for. They weren't interested in just doling out money, but they wanted to spend money wisely.As I said, it used to be that way, but not anymore. While the President should be commended for putting some ideas on the table on how to best help the Gulf Coast recover, he gets jeers for not being specific

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127188564657727802005-09-19T22:43:00.000-05:002005-09-19T22:56:04.663-05:00

Americans are talking about race again in the aftermath of Katrina. As a black man, it's hard not to look at the faces of those who were trapped in the Superdome and the convention center and not wonder if the color of those faces was a factor in the slowness of response by the authorities. So was Kanye West right when he said on national television that "George Bush doesn't care about black

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1127151235699954342005-09-19T12:10:00.000-05:002005-09-19T12:33:55.706-05:00

Andrew Sullivan links to some good posts today about what conservatism really is and how the Bush administration has abandoned those tenets.Jack Balkin notes how cold and heartless conservatism has become in that it has to add the qualifier "Compassionate" before the word conservative. He quotes F.A. Heyek, which has been considered one of the fathers of conservatism. Many have seen him as

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126890408797160302005-09-16T12:04:00.000-05:002005-09-16T12:06:48.803-05:00

In the days before Hurricane Katrina hit land, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, FEMA Director Michael Brown and other top Homeland Security officials received e-mails on their blackberries warning that Katrina posed a dire threat to New Orleans and other areas. Yet one FEMA official tells NPR little was done.Leo Bosner, an emergency management specialist at FEMA headquarters in

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126877175621106852005-09-16T08:19:00.000-05:002005-09-16T08:26:15.623-05:00

Here are what some bloggers and commentators are saying about the President's response to Hurricane Katrina:Kevin Featherly takes issue with the President's apology earlier this week.Minneapolis Star Tribune commentator John Gunyou says forget the investigation, we need apologies.Bull Moose talks about how the Republicans are losing their image as the "party of order" in the wake of Katrina and

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126876752074078802005-09-16T07:58:00.000-05:002005-09-16T08:19:12.083-05:00

I watched President Bush's speech from New Orleans last night. On the whole, I think it was a good speech, but I also think it was about a week too late. I think it would have made more sense to have made this speech the Thursday after the Hurricane hit than two weeks later.Be that as it may, he had some good ideas of trying to help the Gulf Region. I liked that he wanted to get locals

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126817182169001352005-09-15T15:31:00.000-05:002005-09-15T15:46:22.180-05:00

If you haven't already read this gripping account in today's Washington Post, by all means, please do. It gives a chilling account of what went on at the New Orleans Convention Center in the days after Hurricane Katrina hit the city. You need to read the whole story, but here are some excerpts.First, there was some form of law enforcement involved in the form of the Louisiana National Guard

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126759191123232302005-09-14T23:22:00.000-05:002005-09-14T23:39:51.130-05:00

Nearly two weeks ago, as the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina became apparent, I felt the need to do something. I had recieved an email about the efforts of two pastors in my denomination (the Disciples of Christ) who were coordinating efforts in Houston. I sent an email to one pastor and he said that he needed towels. So,I was able to get several Disciple churches here in Minnesota to donate

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126712761052643122005-09-14T10:33:00.000-05:002005-09-14T10:46:01.060-05:00

Dell Gines at the Urban Conservative has an intriguiging viewpoint on how the left and right are more interested in scoring partisan points about the poor in New Orleans instead of putting for solid solutions. Here is the money quote:Through the political rhetoric designed to appease constituents, two points have noticeably occurred in the post Katrina debate. The first point is that the poor

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126587186670847912005-09-12T23:41:00.000-05:002005-09-12T23:53:06.680-05:00

Andrew Sullivan has a dead-on piece about the Bush Administration and the current Republican party in general. He reveals a party that is incompetent, prone to cronyism and anti-government. It's best to read the whole thing, but here are some excerpts. First , on competence:"What happened after Katrina hit — the complete failure of local, state and federal authorities to seize control of the

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126552621148705042005-09-12T14:14:00.000-05:002005-09-12T14:17:01.153-05:00

The Chicago Tribune reports that FEMA head, Mike Brown has tendered his resignation, three days after being pulled off the Hurricane Katrina Operations. About time.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126270938651516652005-09-09T07:50:00.000-05:002005-09-09T08:02:18.660-05:00

For those that think the current criticism of the federal government's handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is nothing more than liberal partisans beating up on Bush, The Moderate Voice links to a dynamite essay by the conservative TV commentator and former Congressman, oe Scarbourough. Scarbourough, who hails from Florida, knows a thing or two about hurricanes. Here are some excerpts

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126155358160489842005-09-07T23:45:00.000-05:002005-09-08T00:02:41.163-05:00

Okay, I will join the chorus and say that Bush should (he won't) fire FEMA head, Mike Brown (AKA, "Brownie"). I'm sorry, but having man whose prior experience was looking after horses and giving lots of money to the President's campaign lead the agency that is charged with dealing with natural and man-made disasters has to be the worst HR decision ever made. If this guy can't get it together

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126114699166820602005-09-07T12:23:00.000-05:002005-09-07T12:38:19.173-05:00

I will be writing about what I think about FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina (and no, it's not pretty), but I've been a bit concerned about some of the bloggers are taking some stories about FEMA messups as gospel, even though there are no coorberating sources. For example, Andrew Sullivan links to a story on Daily Kos on a harrowing account of one person's story in New Orleans. It is

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126104249917383652005-09-07T09:39:00.000-05:002005-09-07T09:44:09.923-05:00

Barack Obama continues to amaze me. I remember his wonderful unifying speech at the Democratic convention last year, and he does it again in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. You can read the whole text here. You can go to Charging RINO for some great experts.Some have used this disaster for simple partisan gain, but Obama continues to speak his unifying message. Hats off to you, Senator.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1126027870994448602005-09-06T12:30:00.000-05:002005-09-06T12:31:11.000-05:00

It seems to me that if the feds have no role in disaster relief, as some conservatives have been arguing, then FEMA should be disbanded. In fact, if the feds have no role in disaster relief, then I'd argue the whole Department of Homeland Security ought to be disbanded... since its primary purpose is supposedly disaster prevention (natural and man-made) and relief. -From frequent commentor, Brian.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125975795010128512005-09-05T21:31:00.000-05:002005-09-05T22:03:15.016-05:00

I was out of town this past weekend, but not too far away from a TV screen or a computer to not see what was going on concerning the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the resulting political storm. I wanted to present a wrap of what has been said in other blogs and add my own comments. Charging RINO links to a New York Times piece about how the White House is trying to spin the political

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125637688979161992005-09-02T00:02:00.000-05:002005-09-02T00:08:08.980-05:00

Via David Schraub, it seems that at least 20 nations are planning to aid the US in the wake of Katina. The list of nations includes:Australia, Belgium, Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, Britain, China, Jamaica, Honduras, Greece, Venezuela, the Organisation of American States, NATO, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, South Korea, Israel and

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125637097029774652005-09-01T23:28:00.000-05:002005-09-01T23:58:17.036-05:00

I might be wrong, but I have funny feeling that the affects of Hurricane Katrina will be felt on election day. Why? Because Americans might not expect much from their government, but they expect them to help them out in times of severe crisis.And the government on all levels have failed miserably.There is a true story that has become a cautious tale for politicians. In 1979, a monster snowstorm

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125606873097420732005-09-01T15:25:00.000-05:002005-09-01T15:35:23.050-05:00

It's not a good idea to tell nearly a half a million people who are now refugees that the federal government won't help them rebuild their beloved city. I dunno...kinda seems heartless.Well, House Speaker Dennis Hastert did the unthinkable. Speaking to a Chicago newspaper, he said that any attempt at rebuilding the Big Easy, "didn't make sense to me." Here's more:Hastert said that he supports

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125580869940495822005-09-01T08:05:00.000-05:002005-09-01T08:21:09.946-05:00

Pat Robertson's recent boneheaded comments about "taking out" (and no, I don't mean for a nice dinner) Venezualan President Hugo Chavez has placed a spotlight on the Latin American leader. Some (not all) on the Left see Mr. Chavez as a great leader, standing up against the hegemonic United States as this Minneapolis wrtier suggests. I've never bought into that line. Just because someone comes

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125523283849918972005-08-31T16:08:00.000-05:002005-08-31T23:47:41.943-05:00

How to Help:American Red CrossELCA Disaster Response (Lutheran)Christian Reformed World Relief CommitteeWeek of Compassion (Disciples of Christ)United Jewish AppealCatholic CharitiesGive what you can.Update:I'm adding two more links:Humane Society (pets need shelter too)The Salvation Army

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125504526788291802005-08-31T10:56:00.000-05:002005-08-31T11:12:06.320-05:00

Bull Moose has a great post today about the estate tax. Republicans in and out of Congress have been pressing for the permanent repeal, calling it a "death tax" and presenting sob stories of "salt of the earth" people who are getting robbed by the tax when in reality, it only hits the super rich. The Moose, of course, thinks that now is a bad time to cut or repeal this tax:It is now clear that

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125500536196581632005-08-31T09:49:00.000-05:002005-08-31T10:02:16.203-05:00

If one has followed this blog, then you know that I've been a follower and admirerer of John McCain. He seems like a modern incarnation of Teddy Roosevelt. He has come out against the how corrupt the GOP has become and has stood for pragmatism at a time when the Republican Party has become more ideological. He stood against the far right when he ran for President in 2000 and I was pleased to

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125423697504850982005-08-30T12:33:00.000-05:002005-08-30T12:41:37.510-05:00

If you're like me, you've probably had it up to hear with the politics of polarization. You are tired of the Cindy Sheehan-Michael Moore-Moveon.org, Bush-hating Left and the Rush Limbaugh-Ann Coulter-Pat Roberston Right. Well, things might be changing. Bull Moose notes that 2008 might just be the year of the centrists in the way 2004 was the year of the extremists. He cites a column by US

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125419517385523702005-08-30T11:23:00.000-05:002005-08-30T11:31:57.393-05:00

As we hear reports of the death and destruction taking place in South as a result of Hurrican Katrina, you'd think everyone would be touched by the saddness. Well, not everyone.Shay, over at Dean's World by Donkelphant think that he shouldn't have his hard-earned money go to help silly people:Two things. One, all the calls for federal government dependency. Various officials are on television

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125416916971432562005-08-30T10:37:00.000-05:002005-08-30T10:48:36.976-05:00

Cathy Young over at Reason Magazine, has a great column about recent revelations about Supreme Court nomineed John Roberts regarding his views on women. It's revealing. A lot of the stories I've read paint Roberts as hating women and wanting to pay women less. But it seems that Roberts was against was "comparable worth" an idea that was bandied about in the late 80s that I thought was a

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125374657057082772005-08-29T22:32:00.000-05:002005-08-29T23:05:14.956-05:00

When we first started seeing the image of Cindy Sheehan setting up camp in Texas sun, like many other Americans, went out to her. Her was a grieving mother who was just wanting to talk to the President. It sounded so innocent that you couldn't help but agree. People felt inclined not to criticize her, and those who did were considered callous. Maybe her vigil would open a much needed debate

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1125342006327640452005-08-29T13:42:00.000-05:002005-08-29T14:00:06.336-05:00

I've been watching news reports most of the day concerning Hurricane Katrina as it blows through New Orleans. I have a cousin that lives there (and hopefully got the heck out of there). It looks like they dodged the big bullet since the storm didn't directly hit the city, but they did get brusied, since there is extensive damage. Pray for those who are dealing with this.In other news, Bull

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1124993879159486682005-08-25T13:09:00.000-05:002005-08-25T13:17:59.166-05:00

Feel like sharing your GOP Choice for President come 2008? Then place your vote at Patrick Ruffini's Straw Poll. They track by blog, so I would like to see the Moderate Republican have a good showing. Vote!

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1124975887331913132005-08-25T08:02:00.000-05:002005-08-25T08:18:07.336-05:00

Michael Stickings over at the Reaction comments on Arizona Senator John McCain's second bid for the White House in 2008. In an article by the Arizona Republic, McCain agrees with the President that Intelligent Design should be taught along side evolution in public schools. Now, that's not something I agree with, but I still think that McCain on the whole would be better for the GOP than Bush.

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1124890755644070672005-08-24T08:31:00.000-05:002005-08-24T08:39:15.646-05:00

The New York Times reports that nine Northeastern States have come to an agreement to cap powerplant emissions and then reduce them 10 percent by 2020. This action come in the wake of the White House refusing to regulate greenhouse gases that lead to global warming. Leading this charge is the Republican governor and 2008 GOP hopeful, George Pataki of New York. As I said in a previous post, it

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1124832624871132402005-08-23T16:04:00.000-05:002005-08-24T08:28:13.396-05:00

Last night, I went to get gas. It cost me $31 to fill up my tank. Now, this isn't the dent in my wallet that it could be since I own a Volkwagen Jetta with a diesel engine that gets about 38mpg. I also take the bus to work, which means, I don't fill up that much. So, if it cost me $30 to fill my small car, you have to wonder how much it cost for those poor suckers who own an SUV.Andrew

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1124818515004678702005-08-23T12:07:00.000-05:002005-08-23T12:35:15.006-05:00

Michael Totten notes that the draft of the Iraqi Constitution, is not in the same vein of say, the American Consitution or the Magna Carta. No, think more like Iran. Here is what Michael has to say:There is no silver lining here, no “bright side” to look on. It’s bad news, period. At least it’s a draft. Iraqis have yet to accept or reject it. (Some Sunni Arabs are also threatening a general

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1124809003810535622005-08-23T09:49:00.000-05:002005-08-23T09:56:43.816-05:00

Should assasination become part of US foreign policy? Pat Robertston seems to think so:"We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability..We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator...It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with.You know, I don't know

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1124685180958106842005-08-21T23:27:00.000-05:002005-08-21T23:33:00.966-05:00

It's getting close to bedtime, but I wanted to let you know of some interesting articles I've come accross lately:Reason Magazine's Ron Bailey concocts an alternate history and future of the Iraq invation and aftermath, that shows how inept the Adminstration has been in handling Iraq.Republican Senator and Vietnam Veteran Chuck Hagel believes Iraq is starting to look like Vietnam.More views

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710266.post-1124475884657940932005-08-19T13:08:00.000-05:002005-08-19T13:24:44.663-05:00

So, is Cindy Sheehan's protest outside the Bush ranch going to win the hearts and minds of the great American Middle? Not with these comments:COOPER: Cindy, I was reading some of the essays that you've been writing about the war over the last couple of months. In one you say the war is blatant genocide and you go on to say, and I quote, "Casey was killed in the global war of terrorism waged on

Dennis Sandersnoreply@blogger.com16