United 93- The Reality Check America Needs!

Last night I had the chance to attend an advanced screening of United 93. All I have to say is WOW!!!! There are few movies that will impact you the way that this film does.

United 93 tells the story of the only flight out of four that were high-jacked on Sept. 11, 2001 that did not hit it’s intended target. The film is shot in kind of a “home movie/documentary” style that seems to really work for telling this story.

What I love about this movie is that the characters are real and not over dramatized. I also really like the way the film has a definite message, but is not political in nature. As the movie ended, the audience left the theater in silence. As my friend and I drove home, we found ourselves remembering with vivid clarity exactly where we were and what we were doing when we first heard about the attack on the World Trade Center.

WOW again!!!!!

I would definitely recommend this movie. But you might want to take some tissue with you!

Legislative Democrats refuse to work on day of walk out, but still want to collect per-diem.

The California State Assembly regularly holds floor session on Mondays and Thursdays to vote on bills. However, Monday May 1st they will not be meeting, as the Democrats have chosen to participate in the work stoppage supporting illegal immigration which is planned for that day. But instead of canceling session all together, they changed to a check-in session so that they could still collect their per-diem.

Today during closing statements, Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy (R- Monrovia) chastised Assembly Democrats. He asked why they would collect per-diem when everyone else who is taking the day off will not be getting paid at all?

He went on to suggest that Republicans come to the capital on Monday, the day of protest and demand that they be allowed to work in the place of Democrat legislators because they are willing to do the work the Dems are unwilling to do. And they will do it at half the pay!

I LOVE IT!!!!!! Y’ALL COME ON DOWN!!!!!!

**UPDATE**

Click here to hear the Audio

Good is good? No! God is good!

I don’t usually plug comments on other people’s blogs, but this discussion about religion, faith and God is just too good to miss.

A good friend The Intellectual Insurgent wrote on her blog post "Good is Good":

My parents are not very religious people. They were both raised in Muslim families but my father's family is secular. Although mom's family is very religious, her marriage to my father pretty much put an end to praying five times a day and all that jazz. Never went to the mosque when I was a kid. Dad did not like "those religious people."

In hindsight, it amazes me how "liberal" my parents were. We celebrated Christmas and Easter. They let my sister and I go to church with our friends on Sundays and I even went to Christian summer camp with my best friend Tricia the summer after 8th grade. Those are my earliest memories of religion and my utter disgust for it.

I've been to Mormon church, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian and have sat through hours of inane and painfully boring Catholic masses. Perhaps it is the character with which we are born; maybe we are hardwired to be pre-disposed for or against religion; because every church I attended sickened me more than the last. The dogma, the ritual, the pageantry. It all seemed so idiotic to the teenage me. There went Christianity....

She goes on to tell of her experiences with other religions and how she would eventually come to the conclusion that- Good is Good. And while she professes to have a healthy distain for all religions, one can clearly see a soft spot for the Muslim faith which is understandable considering her background; along with an extra special hatred of Christianity, which seems to have been fueled by those she refers to as religious, judgmental and hypocritical. (In her defense we all know folks like this!)

Anyway, everything I know about her says that she is a good person who is seeking intellectual enlightenment about who God is and why we should care. It is truly a great conversation.

Why is Iraq War coverage so negative? MSM covering war on the cheap!

Definition of hypocrisy: The media railing against the military for going into Iraq with too few troops and then sending too few reporters in to cover the war. But according to experts, that is exactly what they have done.

EditorandPublisher.com is reporting:

Journalists are reviled by many for alleged negativism and over-focus on bad news in Iraq. Or perhaps the problem is: Their employers are just trying to do it on the cheap. Ironically, the same media that criticizes the U.S. for sending too few troops to stabilize Iraq send too few reporters to cover much more than the dramatic bombings around Baghdad.

Just about every soldier I have spoken with who has been to Iraq has expressed to me how perplexing it is to see how different media reports on Iraq are from their actual experience. Well this explains it.

Most reporters in Iraq stay close to Baghdad, and that’s where the bloody news and contentious politics are, often staged for their coverage. Articles about boring days patrolling peacefully in other 15 provinces, or of Iraqis rebuilding, are not considered as newsworthy.

In other words, why report the good news when it does not sell; especially when the terrorists are so willing to make it easy for them by staging attacks right in front of them.

What’s the old media adage? “If it bleeds, it leads!” ... especially if it's Cheap!

Leading Congressional Democrats caught up in ethics scandals…MSM nowhere to be found!

As most of the liberal media goes out of their way to tie every Republican they can to the scandal-ridden former Congressman, Randy “Duke” Cunningham and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff; little is being reported about the two major Democrat leaders who are under investigation for scandals of their own.

The Raw Story is reporting that the “Democrats' former face of ethics under scrutiny by FBI for real estate, nonprofit deals” :

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents have begun asking questions in Washington and West Virginia about the lawmaker's holdings and whether they were properly disclosed, according to people who have been contacted in recent days. Such investigations often end with no charges filed, and Rep. Mollohan has not been formally accused of misconduct.

Rep. Alan B. Mollohan (D-WV) bought a 300-acre farm with the head of a small defense contractor that had won a $2.1 million contract from funds that the congressman added to a 2005 spending bill last year. The joint purchase of the farm, which sits on the Cheat River in West Virginia, is the most direct tie yet disclosed between Rep. Mollohan and a beneficiary of the federal spending he has steered toward his home state. It raises new questions about possible conflicts of interest by Rep. Mollohan and his use of such spending.

Also the Chicago Sun Times is reporting that Congressman Bobby Rush (D-Ill) may have issues of his own:

An Englewood community center founded by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), a key player on telecommunications legislation, received a $1 million grant from the charitable arm of SBC/AT&T, one of the nation's largest phone companies.

The chief of a congressional watchdog group says Rush's ongoing association with the Rebirth of Englewood Community Development Corporation and his role in shaping telecommunications law as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee is a conflict of interest. Using charitable giving as a backdoor way to curry favor with lawmakers is coming under increasing scrutiny, figuring in controversies associated with former Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) and Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-W.Va.), who was forced to temporarily step aside as the ranking Democrat on the Ethics panel.

Once again… Where is the rest of the MSM? Why don’t we see story after story in the newspapers and on television news about these legislators? Will their friends be assailed with questions about how close their relationships are with these congressmen who are under investigation? I think not. Hypocrisy is alive and well in the MSM.

A great example can be found in our local liberal rag, the Sacramento Bee. In the last six months they have written no less than 20 articles attacking local conservative congressman John Doolittle (R-California) for everything from being friends with Jack Abramoff to hiring his wife to work for his campaign. But as pointed out in a recent Op-Ed “What's really behind reporting on Doolittle?” by California Assemblyman Tim Leslie; the Bee is attacking the congressman for practices that are not only legal, they are also not exclusive to Republicans:

In its indictment of Doolittle, The Bee comes to the conclusion that "members of Congress, their spouses and children should not benefit financially from money given to their campaigns." Fair enough. However, then the editorial goes on to only condemn Doolittle for this practice and fails to mention the names of the more than 50 members of Congress who also employ family members in a similar way.

Shouldn't The Bee be equally outraged that California Democrats such as Sen. Barbara Boxer, Congressman Pete Stark and Congressman Howard Berman also pay family members? One more thing The Bee conveniently forgot to mention - the practice of doing so is perfectly legal.

The Bee's claim that it does not "pretend to know whether the Doolittle arrangement is legal," is quite shocking given that the Federal Elections Commission has already resolved that this practice is legal.

With a little digging, they would have found that Roll Call, a newspaper covering Capitol Hill, recently reported, "The FEC put its official stamp of approval on such arrangements in 2001, when the agency issued a formal advisory opinion to Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., who wanted to hire his wife, Sandi, as a campaign consultant."

I’m betting that regardless of how true these stories are or how much dirt may come up, the MSM will little to no reporting on them.

The Gay Straight Animal Rights Alliance is queering animal liberation!

I could not make this up if I tried… When I was putting together last weeks piece on the "Save The Animals, Screw The People Caucus" in the California State Legislature, I came across this site promoting a Gay Animal Rights group.

The Gay Straight Animal Rights Alliance (GSARA) is a group that is:

…working to promote the awareness and advocacy of speciesism as a social justice issue, one that's as real as racism, sexism, homophobia, heterosexism, anti-Semitism, and oppression based on class, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, or disability.

What I can’t figure out is if these are gay people advocating for animal rights or people advocating for the rights of gay animals.

George Bush "Glolddigger" Music Video (Funny Stuff)

For those of you Republicans who cannot take a joke. STOP READING NOW!

This Tonight Show parody was emailed to me this morning. You will love watching Coni "Shake that thang."


(Video Here)

Photos from "The Cup"

For those who did not get a chance to see "The Cup" at Calvary Christian Center, I thought you might enjoy seeing what you missed.

Jesus raises a girl from the Dead

Jesus washes the feet of the Disciples

Judas is called out

Jesus shares his heart with the disciples

The Last Supper

Judas Betrays Jesus

Pilate

The Two Marys

Mary the mother of Jesus

The Scourging

More Scourging

Even more scourging

On the cross

Jesus is crucified

Jesus breathes his last breath

Koretz & Levine head up California’s Save the Animals, Screw the People Caucus

The fact that there are Democrats who care more about animals than people is no big surprise. But what is interesting is how there is an actual rift developing in the Save the Animals, Screw the People Caucus.

The Capitol Weekly reports:

…if there were such a thing as the Animal Caucus, there also would be some disagreement amongst its Democratic members. The more outspoken wing likely would be led by Assemblyman Paul Koretz, D-West Hollywood, while the moderates might be under the directions of Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys. Both have a long history of introducing animal-welfare legislation. Each also has his fans and detractors within a diverse movement.

It figures that Koretz would be amongst the wackos on this issue. But calling Levine a “moderate” is a stretch by any standard. They justify naming as such stating:

Levine is careful to draw a line between what he says are two different schools of thought in the movement. He counts himself as part of the "animal welfare" community, which want laws that are generally good for animals. But he does not see himself as part of the "animal rights" community, which wants to assign the same types of rights to animals that people enjoy.

This is the same “moderate” who promotes the taking of innocent life in the womb and the putting to death of those who lack “quality of life”. Moderate Huh?

It is good to know that there are those willing to stand up to those who value animal life over human life.

When asked to name the most frequent opponents of animal-welfare legislation, Action for Animal's Mills mentioned several Republican Senators: Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield, Dennis Hollingsworth of Murrieta, Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks and George Runner of Antelope Valley.

But the one of the most often cited opponents of animal-welfare legislation is Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Murrieta. Haynes frequently lists this legislation in his annual "Nosey Awards." In the past few years, he's handed out Nosey's for Koretz's ear-cropping (AB 418) and exotic cat de-clawing (AB 1857) bills, as well as former Senator John Burton's foie-gras bill (SB 1520). Haynes said that his constituents rarely contact him about these bills--he just think the Legislature has better things to do with it's time.

"My constituents write me because they're stuck in traffic on the freeways," Haynes said. "They usually don't care if dogs get their ears cropped or geese don't get fed right.

"You get 200 people on one side and 300 on the other," Haynes added, "and 32 million who don't give a damn."

Mark Leno and Public Safety Don't Mix!

It is no secret that Assemblyman Mark Leno (D- San Francisco) cares more about promoting his liberal social agenda than protecting people of California. That’s his right. But he has gone to fare when he lets it get in the way of doing his job as Chairman of the California Assembly Public Safety Committee.

The most recent example of why he should be unseated as chairman of the Public Safety committee is evidenced in the following press release issued yesterday by the Assembly Republican Caucus.


Buckle Up!
Mark Leno Is At the Wheel of the Public Safety Committee


April 18, 2006

During today’s hearing of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, Chairman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, showed just how out of touch Democrats on the Public Safety Committee are with mainstream Californians with his misguided comments during the debate on two common-sense public safety measures authored by Assembly Republicans.

Assembly Bill 2808, by Assemblywoman Audra Strickland, R-Westlake Village, would have increased penalties on people who commit a second or subsequent violation of driving on a suspended or revoked license within three years. The crime could be charged as an alternate felony or misdemeanor.

After hearing emotional testimony from a victim’s father and niece, Chairman Leno suggested that driver’s licenses must be made available to illegal immigrants living in California before he would consider increasing penalties for driving without a license.

“My one concern is a completely unintended consequence, which would be for the 2 million individuals in California who, because of their immigrant status, are forbidden from getting a driver’s license. I think that everyone on the road should be, by law, required to be trained, tested, and insured, but that’s a part of a much bigger debate that’s going on nationally right now. Until that can be resolved, I would not be able to support making it a greater crime for someone who is forbidden from getting a license, from being penalized for that.” (Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing, 4/18/06)

• • •

Assembly Bill 2558, by Assemblyman John J. Benoit, R-Palm Desert, would have increased penalties for a person caught driving on a license that has been suspended or revoked for driving under the influence four or more times within 10 years. The measure also would add a five-year sentencing enhancement when a person commits vehicular manslaughter or a driving under the influence offense that is charged as a felony while driving on a license that has been suspended or revoked for DUI.

Chairman Leno suggested that Californians should have sympathy for repeat drunken drivers because they are suffering from an illness and should not be held accountable for their actions:

“And I think that the way we should be approaching this is investing not in new prisons, but in the serious attention to the rehabilitation of these alcoholics. It’s not the driving that’s the crime here, it is the illness mixed with the driving.” (Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing, 4/18/06)

Leno concluded by arguing that tax increases for California families should be considered before he will consider new punishments for repeat drunk drivers:

“And again, where is the money going to come from? If you want to talk about some new revenue to pay for all of this, that would be a welcome conversation, but we’re not having that.” (Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing, 4/18/06)

By arguing that unlicensed drivers should be let off the hook because illegal immigrants cannot legally drive in this state, and that drunken drivers should be excused from their crimes because they are suffering from an illness, Chairman Leno shows just how out of touch Democrats really are.

Next week, Assembly Democrats will have yet another opportunity to reverse their abysmal record on public safety when the committee holds its next hearing.

California families will be watching . . .

Calvary Christian Center Presents "THE CUP"

THE CUP

Don’t miss this emotional re-enactment of the final two weeks of the life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The CUP features insightful looks into the emotions and motivations of key figures of Jesus’ final days; and culminates in what many have testified is the most realistic and graphic crucifixion re-enactments they have ever seen on stage.

You don’t want to miss this!

Details:

THE CUP

CALVARY CHRISTIAN CENTER
2667 Del Paso Blvd.
Sacramento, CA
(Click Here for a Map)

SHOW TIMES:

Wednesday April 12th thru Sunday April 16th
7pm Daily Show Times

For more information call (916) 929-1383

California Faith-Based Office Clears It’s Hurdle!

To all those of you who proclaimed the California Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Dead on Arrival in it’s first committee; I am happy to inform you that you were wrong!

The office of Assemblyman Tim Leslie (My Boss!) issued the following statement this afternoon:

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE APPROVES OFFICE OF FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Leslies measure to aide California non-profits one step closer to being a reality

(SACRAMENTO) – In bi-partisan fashion, the Assembly Business and professions committee past Assemblyman Tim Leslie’s (R-Tahoe City) AB 2704 without a single no vote. “Republicans and Democrats alike can support the idea of helping those, who help California’s most needy citizens” stated Leslie. “I believe that members on both sides of the isle proved that to be true today.”

In fact, Assemblyman Juan Vargas (D- San Diego) went as far as to offer his appreciation to Leslie for his efforts. “I would like to thank Assemblyman Leslie for introducing this legislation to aide California’s non-profits.”

AB 2704 would establish the Governor’s office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI), which would be tasked with assisting California non-profit organizations in navigating the often complicated government grant process. While some expected the often contentious debate that often surrounds the term “Faith-Based”, discussion focused mainly how all California Non-Profits would benefit from an OFBCI.

“The establishment of a Governor’s office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives will greatly improve the-nonprofit communities ability to stay in touch with the myriad of granting entities and available resources” stated, Derrell Roberts, Founder of the Roberts Family Development Center, a non-religious community-based organization located in Sacramento in a letter he submitted to the committee. “The amount of time we have we have to search for grant opportunities will be better utilized serving those families we have committed to serving.”

Efforts were also made to clarify that faith-based organizations would still be required to comply with state and federal laws related to separation of church and state. “AB 2704 does not exempt faith-based organizations from having to comply with state and federal law regarding separation of church and state.” Pointed out Leslie, “It will actually provide faith-based groups with clear guidance as to what they must to do comply with these laws.”

Specifically, AB 2704 would establish the OFBCI to:

• Serve as a clearinghouse of information on federal, state, and local funding for charitable services performed by organizations;

• Encourage organizations to seek public funding for their charitable services;

• Act as a liaison between state agencies and organizations;

• Increasing dialogue between non-profits organizations and the government to more effectively work together to serve California’s neediest communities.

• Partner with the California Service Corps to develop events and communications that foster public support for non-profit organizations and honor their work.

AB 2704 will next be heard in Assembly Appropriations Committee.
_______________________________

The Battle is far from over. But this is a good start!