Tomfoolery of the Highest Order

P.T. Barnum would have loved George Lucas. When Lucas released the Star Wars Trilogy on VHS, I bought it. When he re-released it with TXH sound, I bought it. When he re-released all 3 in the theaters in 1997, I went to see them all. When he released the re-edited versions on VHS, I bought them. My first purchase on eBay was the Chinese sub-titles DVD's, bought from a guy in Hong Kong. Now, Lucas has finally been kind enough to allow me to fork over another $40 to buy the triolgy on DVD. And, I must tell you, these are worth every damn penny.

I could not sleep tonight because I knew Wal-Mart would be selling them at midnight, so I got out of bed and bought the set. The bonus features are top-notch. The 9-minute segment on the evolution of Darth Vader and and the documentary on the making of Star Wars are both terrific. The best part is hearing David Prowse, the actor who filled the Darth Vader costume, speaking the Vader lines before James Earl Jones' voice was overdubbed. Simply hilarious.

I wasn't the only one who could not wait. There were 2 registers open, and when I got in line to pay, I counted 6 people in front of me. All were buying the trilogy. Half of the display was already gone, and I bought my set at about 12:20 a.m. Lucas is sitting at the Skywalker Ranch and laughing his ass off at dopes like me. But, in the spirit of capitalism, to paraphrase a line from Star Wars, "Who's the more foolish? The fool who charges you for the same thing over and over again, or the fool who pays it over and over again?"

What does this have to do with John Kerry? Well, he would have called Han Solo a cowboy, Obi-Wan a war monger, and demanded that we reach out to Darth Vader and address the root causes of his anger. He would have called Jabba the Hut a statesman, and would have offered fuel for the Death Star. He would have said Yoda mislead the Rebellion into war, and that Admiral Ackbar led a fraudulent coalition who rushed to war against The Galactic Empire. He would have complained that the Ewoks have inadequate health care and that if Luke and his friends just stayed on Tatooine, The Empire would have never attacked. He would have threatened to arrest Governor Tuck and threatened to impose sanctions on the Empire for its destruction of Alderaan.

Or, he would have been C-3PO. Robotic and a naysayer about everything.

(You have a better Kerry-Star Wars analogy? Let's hear it in the comments.)

Most of my posting lately has been over at the other blog, John Kerry For President? You Must Be Joking! Keep your eye out over there.

At UNM Law, first-year students are required to submit an oath as part of a project. I thought you might find mine interesting:

I pledge my full and complete allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, which is truly under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the responsibilities that come with being a citizen of and an attorney in the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.

I vow to never forget the warning of James Madison; “The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.”

I promise to heed Thomas Jefferson, who asked, “[C]an the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God?”

I affirm to remember the words of Alexander Hamilton; “[N]atural liberty is a gift of the beneficent Creator to the whole human race, and that civil liberty is founded in that; and cannot be wrested from any people, without the most manifest violation of justice.”

And, most importantly, I am determined to give full regard to the advice of Francis Cardinal Spellman: “Pray as if everything depended upon God and work as if everything depended upon man.”

Your feedback is appreciated.

I LOVED Bush bashing the New York Times. F'N GREAT!!!

America has done this kind of work before ? and there have always been doubters. In 1946, 18 months after the fall of Berlin to allied forces, a journalist wrote in the New York Times, "Germany is ? a land in an acute stage of economic, political and moral crisis. [European] capitals are frightened. In every [military] headquarters, one meets alarmed officials doing their utmost to deal with the consequences of the occupation policy that they admit has failed." End quote. Maybe that same person's still around, writing editorials.

I'm sure the Times will hate Bush even more for doing this. Of course, no one will be able to tell the difference anyway.

Tonight, America once again saw what a real leader looks like. Really, did you expect anythng less from a man who has ALWAYS risen to the occasion? I like his tone, his lack of cheap applause lines, and his outline of what he hopes to accomplish in a second term. And, I really like his self-effacing jokes about his English and the "In Texas, we call that walking."

I watched the speech tonight with several of my fellow 1Ls at the University of New Mexico School of Law. There were 5 Bush supporters, 4 Kerry supporters, and 2 Bush-leaning undecideds. (I really didn't them there were any undecideds left, but I believe them) Interestingly, the Kerry supporters were honest and reasonable, and we had a great debate during and after the speech. UNM is going to work out even better than I thought.

I don't know about you, but I have seen the air come out of the Kerry supporters little by little. I told the Kerry supporters tonight that they had to admit that if Kerry was shuffling his campaign team, you just know he is in trouble. They couldn't deny it.

What America saw tonight was a strong, steady leader. And this is how Kerry responded:

"I guess I'll leave it up to the voters whether five deferments makes someone more qualified to defend this nation than two tours of duty," Kerry said. Cheney received a series of deferments from 1962 to 1966 for college and graduate school and then for having a child.

"Let me tell you what I think makes someone unfit for duty," Kerry says in the remarks. "Misleading our nation into war in Iraq makes you unfit to lead this nation. Doing nothing while this nation loses millions of jobs makes you unfit to lead this nation. Letting 45 million Americans go without health care makes you unfit to lead this nation. Letting the Saudi royal family control our energy costs makes you unfit to lead this nation. Handing out billions [in] government contracts to Halliburton while you're still on their payroll makes you unfit."

That is flat-out pathetic. The same old left-wing lines. Really, has he not yet figured out this "I served in Vietnam" thing has got him nowhere? DOes he really think that by ripping Dick Cheney for getting a deferment is going to win him any support? He really does need new advisors.

Contrast Bush's calm and confident delivery tonight, with Kerry's rushed, sweaty delivery a few weeks ago. It isn't even close. If you are a Kerry supporter still holding out hope that Kerry will bounce back during the debates, then I feel sorry for you. Kerry is done, and it'll be 4 more years for Bush. Get used to it.

C'mon, even the Boston Globe and the Village Voice are admitting the obvious.

I have been through nearly 3 weeks of the University of New Mexico School of Law and I must tell you that I am quite happy there. I thought that being an open, honest Conservative Republican at a highly liberal law school would leave me isolated. While there are a few people who have shunned me, for the most part, even the hardcore Kerry liberals have been real friendly to me. I have been so busy with reading and writing, I haven't had a chance to share with you some funny stories. But I will soon, this weekend for sure, so keep checking back. Here's one example of someone I met:

Classmate: "I am afraid that Bush will have Kerry killed if he thinks he is going to lose."

Me: "You must be joking."

Classmate: "I'm from Minnesota, and I know all about political assassinations."

Me: "Are you saying that the Republicans made Paul Wellstone's plane crash?"

Classmate, after a seemingly long pause: "No, not at all. I am only talking metaphorically, how the Republicans assassinated the Democrats character after the tribute to Wellstone."

Me: (thinking to myself: Yeah right) "Oh, OK. Nice talking to you."

And then there's this:

Me: "Give me one reason to vote for Kerry that is not any type of variation of "He's not Bush."

Another classmate: "Kerry is trustworthy."

Me: "How?"

Classmate: "He doesn't lie, and will do what he says."

Me: "You mean how he voted against the money to finance our troops after saying it would be irresponsible to vote that way?"

Classmate: "He voted on his principles, and isn't stubborn like Bush."

Me: "But I thought you just said he was trustworthy and does what he says."

Classmate: "He never said he would vote for it. He only said that 'I actually did vote for the $87 billion dollars before I voted against it' and you Republicans took it out of context and blew it way out of proportion, and smearede him like you always do."

Me: "How do you smear someone by using someone's exact words?"

Classmate: "I don't have time to discuss this anymore. I have work to do."

And my favorite:

Older Conservative Classmate: "Brian, I read that case where the New Mexico judge sentenced that guy to be hanged and left out to be eaten by buzzards, and immediately thought of you."

Me: "Gee, thanks. Nice to know what my classmates think of me."

I'll tell you more this weekend.

Headline in the New York Times:

Bush Cites Doubt America Can Win War on Terror

NASHUA, N.H., Aug. 30 - President Bush, in an interview broadcast on Monday, said he did not think America could win the war on terror but that it could make terrorism less acceptable around the world, a departure from his previous optimistic statements that the United States would eventually prevail.

In the interview with Matt Lauer of the NBC News program "Today," conducted on Saturday but shown on the opening day of the Republican National Convention, Mr. Bush was asked if the United States could win the war against terrorism, which he has made the focus of his administration and the central thrust of his re-election campaign.

"I don't think you can win it," Mr. Bush replied. "But I think you can create conditions so that those who use terror as a tool are less acceptable in parts of the world."

As recently as July 14, Mr. Bush had drawn a far sunnier picture. "I have a clear vision and a strategy to win the war on terror," he said.

At a prime-time news conference in the East Room of the White House on April 13, Mr. Bush said: "One of the interesting things people ask me, now that we are asking questions, is, 'Can you ever win the war on terror?' Of course you can."

It was unclear if Mr. Bush had meant to make the remark to Mr. Lauer, or if he misspoke. But White House officials said the president was not signaling a change in policy, and they sought to explain his statement by saying he was emphasizing the long-term nature of the struggle.

Taken at face value, however, Mr. Bush's words would put him closer to the positions of the United States' European allies, who have considered Mr. Bush's talk of victory simplistic and unhelpful.

What a crcok of shit. President Bush's meaning was obvious, but of course the New York Times distorted it. (Read the transcript yourself) There is not going to be a signed peace treaty with the Islamofascist scum.

Kerry and Edwards must have gotten a chubbie thinking that they could turn this around on Bush. (Notice the AP's laughable headline)

John Edwards came out of hiding to say this:

After months of listening to the Republicans base their campaign on their singular ability to win the war on terror, the president now says we can't win the war on terrorism. This is no time to declare defeat -- it won't be easy and it won't be quick, but we have a comprehensive long-term plan to make America safer. And that's a difference."

Yeah, OK. A plan of appeasement is all they have to offer. This is so rich, coming from a Democrat, when most Democrats have ALREADY declared defeat, or don't even think we are in a war on terror. (Interestingly, one of Kerry's speeches sounded basically the same theme that Bush did.)

Nice try on this one by the Democrats. We know better.

Of course, the AP quickly ran the negative headline:

Cheney, Miller Unleash Rage Against Kerry

NEW YORK - Vice President Dick Cheney (news - web sites) unleashed a stinging attack on Sen. John Kerry Wednesday night, ridiculing him as a politician who has made a career out of changing his mind. "More wrong, more weak and more wobbly than any other national figure," agreed Sen. Zell Miller, a Democratic keynoter at the Republican National Convention.

Cheney certainly was not angry, but Miller sure was. And for good reason. Miller has watched his party turn to shit, and he doesn't like it one bit. He didn't say it, but I am sure that he is pissed off that in the wake of 9/11, Democrats are more angry at Bush than they are at bin Laden and Saddam.

Miller kicked ass. What made me sure was how Miller was treated on CNN and MSNBC, as well as what the callers to C-SPAN said. Right away, Wolf Blitzer said something close to this to Miller:

"Already, people are saying that your speech will backfire on Bush."

Someone needs to smack Wolfy in the face. If he thinks that people will run to Kerry after Miller's passionate speech about Kerry, he's nuts. If you are a Democrat, and you think Wolfy was right, then you are living in an alternate universe.

And, did you see Zell Miller on with that scumbag Chris Matthews on MSNBC? I was waiting for Miller to reach over and strangle him. As far as I am concerned, being Kerry's lackey over the last few weeks has caused Matthews what little credibility he had, between tonight, his treatment of Swift Boat Vet John O'Neill, and Michelle Malkin. Here's the exchange:

Matthews: Do you believe truthfully that John Kerry wants to defeat the world with spitballs?
Zell: That was a metaphor. You know what a metaphor is?

Matthews: Well, what do you mean by that metaphor?

Zell: He wanted to cancel these weapons programs. Cancel, means to do away with. I think we ought to cancel this interview.

Matthews: Well, that would be my loss Senator. Well, let me ask you about this because I think you have a view on reporters of the world. You said, “It was often the soldier, not the reporter, who has given the freedom of the press.” What was your point?

Zell: Well, it certainly got a rise out of you.

Matthews: Well, it’s a shot.

Zell: You’re a reporter. You didn’t have anything to do with the freedom of the press.

Matthews: Why did you single out reporters… Because you could get an applause line at a conservative convention.

J.C. Watts: Now come on, Chris.

Zell: You’re hopeless. I wish I was over there. In fact I wish we lived in the…

Matthews: If a Republican Senator broke ranks and spoke for the democrats would you respect him?

Zell: Yes, I’ve seen that happen from time to time.

Matthews: Jim Jeffords switched parties after getting elected…

Zell: Wait a minute, wait a minute… If you’re going to ask a question..

Matthews: It’s a tough question. It takes a few words.

Zell: Get out of my face! If you’re going to ask me a question, then step back, and let me answer! I wish we lived in a day where you can challenge a person to a duel. Now that would be pretty good. (Norah Odonell loud laughter)

Don’t pull that stuff on me like you did that young lady when you had her brow beaten to death. I’m not her! I’m not her! You get in my face I’m going to get back in your face. [Jim's note: I presume this is a reference to Michelle Malkin?]

Matthews: Senator can I speak softly to you?

Zell: No, no. You won’t give me a chance to answer. You ask these questions and then you just talk over while I’m trying to answer just like you did that woman the other day. Why don’t why I even came on this program.

Matthews: Well, I’m glad you did. Well let me ask you this…

Zell: No, Are you going to shut up after you ask me! Are going to give me a chance to answer it.

Matthews: Yes, sir. I’m going to give you a chance to answer.

One other thing: I really loved Miller connecting Kerry to Ted Kennedy. Brilliant.

Face it Democrats. Your guy is sinking fast. All of the indications are there. Look at the lack of a convention bounce for Kerry. Look at the shifts in even the liberal-biased polls. Look at the record cable ratings for the Republican convention. Twice as many people are watching this convention than the Democrat convention. Your speakers were Jimmy Carter, Ted Kennedy, and an invented star Barack Obama. You have a shyster trial lawyer as VP, and a guy with a ZERO Senate record. Even Tom Daschle is aligning himself with Bush in his ads!! The reality is right in front of you.

Kerry is done. Accept it.