February 27, 2006

Rewriting the Constitution of Alabama 1901

If passed in state legislature, HB 109 and SB 52 would call for a vote in November's general election in Alabama this year on holding a new Constitutional Convention to rewrite the state's current Constitution. The current Constitution of Alabama 1901 is one of the longest Constitutions in the world with 772 amendments. There are two organizations at the heart of this call for a new convention, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) and Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM). According to ACCR's website the current Constitution is flawed for the following reasons:

1) Home Rule Alabama is the only state in the southeast that deprives counties of local control, forcing county governments to seek legislative approval for even the most mundane of matters, including leash laws, rodent control, billboard regulations, court costs, and fire protection, among others.

Our state legislature spends nearly 50% of its time debating local issues, and over 70% of our constitutional amendments apply to a single city or county. Doesn't it make more sense to let local governments deal with local problems?

2) Tax Fairness
The current constitution forces our poorest citizens to pay a disproportionate share of their income in taxes. For example, the wealthiest one percent of Alabamians pay about 4% of their income in state taxes, while the poorest fifth of our citizens pay nearly 11%.

Moreover, Alabama families begin paying income taxes after just $4,600 in earnings, the lowest threshold in the nation. By contrast, Mississippi does not begin collecting income tax until a family makes more than $19,000 in a year.

Alabama is one of only a handful of states that still collects sales taxes on groceries and non-prescription drugs.

3) Economic Development
The 1901 Constitution prohibits state and local governments from participating in internal improvements or economic development activities. Over 50 amendments allow various governing bodies different powers to promote economic development and invest in infrastructure projects, but the original provisions that put a straightjacket on economic development are still there.

As a result, the restrictions apply fully in some counties, partially in others, and not at all in still others.

4) Budget Flexibility
On average, most states earmark 22% of their revenues; Alabama earmarks nearly 90%. This gives the governor and the legislature very little flexibility to match available resources with the most pressing needs, particularly when revenues fall short. For example, our state's education budget has faced proration eight times in the last 17 years.

5) Constitutional Length
Alabama's constitution now has 743 amendments (including amendments dealing with bingo, mosquito control, catfish, soybeans, dead farm animals, beaver tails, and prostitution), while the national average is 116. The constitution itself is easily the longest in the nation and is 12 times longer than the typical state constitution.

6) Principles of Democracy
The main objectives of the framers of the 1901 Constitution were to remove the voting rights of African-Americans and poor whites in Alabama while centralizing power in the hands of a few special interests in Montgomery.

These goals were achieved with astounding success. By 1903, the number of African-American citizens registered to vote had dropped from 181,000 to less than 4,000, and over 40,000 white citizens had lost their right to vote as well.

Although the infamous voting restrictions of 1901 were overturned by federal courts, evidence of this embarrassing legacy still remains in our Constitution today, and the centralization of power remains as strong as ever.

In a nutshell the key here is the redistribution of wealth and more government control over personal property. The ACCR and GBM have gone out of their way to point out that too much power is vested in our state's capitol, Montgomery, and is prone to misuse via special interest groups. It is worth noting, that through simple internet searching, these organizations have themselves received a large amount of funding through outside sources. So what is truly behind this? It appears to me that a new Constitution would serve no purpose other than to exchange powers between different special interest groups. It would result, if these groups had it their way, in higher taxes as well as loss of property rights in order to further special interest "economic development."

Freddie Patterson sums up why we don't need a new constitutional convention quite well:

We oppose any type of constitutional change by convention. A convention, as some say occurred in 1901, could produce a constitution much less desirable and would require a take-all or leave-all vote. An article-by-article approach presented to the people for ratification would be more easily understood and more widely accepted. Some articles may not need to be and should not be revised. When all of the changes using this method are finished, then the entire, newly revised constitution could be adopted by the people.

Although the bill was not considered in the House because of a 7-7 deadlock vote by the House Constitution and Elections Committee it still has life because of a 10-0 vote in favor by the Senate Constitution, Campaign Finance, Ethics and Election Committee.

I urge all Alabama residents to write their representatives and encourage them to vote against this bill. You can contact your representatives via the Alabama Legislature Search.


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Linked to: Don Surber, Blue Star Chronicles, Basil's Blog, Jo's Cafe, Bloggin' Outloud

Posted by everyman at 11:51 AM | Comments (29) | TrackBack

February 26, 2006

Sunday Reading and Open Trackbacks

From a recent Newsweek article:

Though a narrow majority of Americans say they are pro-choice, recent polls show that roughly two out of three favor some restrictions on abortion. The anecdotal evidence is growing that women have moral qualms about any abortion, even if they feel compelled to have one. The pro-life movement has done an effective job of showing that a fetus is not just a "blob of tissue," says Peg Johnston, who runs an abortion clinic in New York state. Her patients now talk about " 'babies' " and " 'killing'," she says. "At first I thought they were picking up the language from [anti-abortion protesters] outside. But then I started really tuning in to my patients, and I realized, 'She really feels that way'."

What planet is this woman from? She really and truly seems shocked that people contend with the notion that they are killing an innocent human life when they visit abortion clinics.


Dave Winer of Scripting News and a blogging pioneer gives some tips to blogging newbies.


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warns that he may step down if Hamas tries to tighten its grip and continues to refuse peaceful relations with Israel.


Homeland Security originally objected to the DP World ports deal.


U.S. troops charged after appearing on gay porn website. Simply disgusting.


Have an interesting article? Feel free to trackback to this post with any post from your blog. Just be sure to link back to this post.

Posted by everyman at 02:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 25, 2006

Fantasy Baseball: Any Takers?

I'm pretty much a fantasy sports nut. I usually only play football and basketball but I'm going to give baseball a try again, even though it's been a few years. I've created a free fantasy baseball league on Yahoo! and I have 11 roster spots left. The league is called the Right Wing Nuts. If anyone is interested in joining the league just send me an email at everyman dot blog at gmail dot com and I'll send you an invite to join. The league will be a head-to-head format with an autopick draft based on your custom pre-ranked players. So if you're interested drop me a line!


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February 24, 2006

UAE Port Deal: Islamophobia or Worthy of Concern

So should we truly be concerned with the fact that an Islamic state run company is taking over operations of six major U.S. ports? The answer is: absolutely. While the UAE has been, as Steven Emerson has pointed out, an "ally of sorts," it is certainly worth mentioning that they have had ties to terrorism in the past including 9/11. Two of the 9/11 hijackers came from the UAE and more than half of the money spent on the attack was funnelled through banks in Dubai. While Dick Meyer has done a good job of breaking down the myths associated with this takeover it is still important to note that this company, which is state owned, has had a shady relationship with the United States over the past few years. This is not simply a matter of some fifty-cent word, "islamophobia," this is truly something to be concerned about. As Hillary Clinton, that vile and wretched stain on American politics, has noted, less than 5% of cargo entering the United States is inspected. While I disagree with Clinton on just about every issue she makes a very good point. We inspect less than 5% of cargo coming in and we're going to allow port operations to be conducted by a state owned company with terror ties? Sorry, this doesn't pass the common sense test, I don't care how many months were invested into looking over this deal. And why is Bush so quick to pull out the veto stick on this anyway? I'm sorry, my gut just tells me that it isn't simply because he doesn't want to damage our relationship with the UAE. While I've supported Bush on just about every initiative involving homeland security and the war on terror this is, quite frankly, a display of negligence by the administration in one of our most sensitive areas of national security. Oh, but don't think I'm giving Clinton and the Dems a free pass on this one. No, they don't truly care about national security. This is simply another example of their dedication to "oppose" the other party. It's politics as usual with them and they will use this to their advantage in the elections this year as well as in the 2008 Presidential race. Our national security cannot be compromised in such a blatant manner. Did we learn nothing from 9/11? It's one thing to be attacked out of the blue (no pun intended I assure you) but to leave the back door unlocked is simply wrong. Call it islamophobia if you want, I think it's bad business to allow any country with former terrorist ties so close to home as 9/11 to operate such a vulnerable area. Thankfully the deal has been put on hold until it can be reviewed further.


Linked to: Rhymes with Right, The Liberal Wrong Wing, Blue Star Chronicles, Third World County, TMH's Bacon Bits, Adam's Blog, The Real Ugly American, Basil's Blog, Stuck on Stupid

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February 22, 2006

Mid-week Items and Open Trackbacks

My blogging over the past few days has been very, very light due to some personal obligations. For the three people....sorry...two people besides myself that come here to check out the articles I apologize.

I have been experimenting with this new Technorati Favorites feature and I must tell you that it's excellent and very easy to set up. Just login to Technorati, go to Favorites, click the link to import your favorites, open a new window in your browser, go to blogrolling.com in the new window you opened up and login there and on the main menu click the "backup" link. This will save your blogroll to your hard drive. Go back to your window with Technorati and click the browse button, locate the blogrolling backup file you just saved, import the blogroll and viola you're done! It's a great way to keep up with your favorite blogs! To see an example of how it looks check out my favorites.

Other interesting items of the day:


As always, feel free to trackback to this post with any post of your own. Just remember to link back to this post. If your blog software doesn't support trackbacks just use the handy Wizbang trackback pinger.


Linked to: Basil's Blog, Adam's Blog, Linkfest Haven, Rhymes with Right, Posted by everyman at 11:58 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

February 17, 2006

TGIF-Interesting Articles and Weekend Open Trackbacks

Yes, it's Friday which means open trackbacks here at Everyman Chronicles! You can link back to this post with any post as long as you leave a link to this article in your post.


Robert over at Jihad Watch points out that Hamas wants off of the U.S. terror list. Well, that's an easy one; stop committing terrorist acts. See, wasn't that simple?


John over at Right Wing News offers an open letter to Ann Coulter. Is she getting too extreme?


Michelle Malkin actually agrees with Chuck Schumer for once? No, it can't be!


The Captain points out more liberal university bias this time at the University of Minnesota.


Check out the prisoner abuse photos that the MSM won't show you over on the Jawa Report.


Adam of Adam's Blog gives his thoughts about government intrusion on the values of the traditional family (i.e. gay marriage).


TMH's Bacon Bits points out how the Sauids have supported the extremist Islamic movement.


Go ahead and send in those trackbacks! If your blogging software doesn't support trackbacks use the Wizbang Standalone Trackback Pinger to send them. Have a great weekend.


Linked to: Basil's Blog, Linfest Haven, Jo's Cafe, TMH's Bacon Bits, Third World County, The Liberal Wrong Wing, Stuck on Stupid

Posted by everyman at 12:30 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack

The Saddam Tapes Reveal Efforts to Hide WMD

While the MSM is trying to loosen the knot in its collective panties over "quailgate," it is doing its best to ignore what should be the single biggest story right now: the Saddam tapes.

The MSM and the liberals have succeeded in convincing the American people that Bush's intelligence about WMD was incorrect and those on the extreme left are convinced that Bush twisted intelligence to his own end to overthrow Iraq and steal its oil. Now, twelve hours worth of recordings featuring Saddam and his top officials in their own meetings will be revealed at a non-governement intelligence conference in Washington D.C. this weekend. Some in the press have been responsible in covering this but not to the extent it should.

The recordings, from the 90's, feature Saddam promising terror attacks in the future against America and Britain but claiming that these attacks would be coming but "not from Iraq." Bill Tierney, the individual responsible for the translation and a member of the UN weapons inspection team, has pointed out that this translation is taken out of context. He states that Saddam was essentially implying that attacks would come from Iraq but would appear to come from elsewhere.

It appears that these tapes corroborate with what former Iraqi General George Sada has stated in his new book, "Saddam's Secrets: How an Iraqi General Defied and Survived Saddam Hussein." Sada also appeared last month on Hannity and Colmes where he revealed that prior to the UN inspection, the WMD was moved via commercial airlines to Damascus in Syria.

So, perhaps once and for all we can end this debate on whether Saddam did or did not have weapons of mass destruction. It is painfully obvious that he did have them and that he was pursuing the use of nuclear weapons as well. Bush didn't manipulate intelligence nor was the intelligence wrong. Saddam did indeed have weapons of mass destruction and had plans on eventually using them against the United States and its allies. I'm sure the liberals will find a way to twist this into nothing but more "neocon propaganda" but they won't be able to fool the American people.


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Linked to: Stuck on Stupid, Don Surber, Rhymes with Right

Posted by everyman at 12:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 16, 2006

"He Shot Someone in the Face!"

Terry McAuliffe got unhinged with John Gibson today on Fox News spouting off about how the Vice President "shot someone in the face," and then tried to "cover it up." Fox News has the video although unfortunately I couldn't link to it directly. Check it out for a good laugh.

What has really burned me up about this whole thing is the fact that the media has tried to create this "quailgate" scandal out of nothing more than an accident. There was no cover up, Cheney was not intoxicated, yes he admitted it was his fault. What more do these people want? Who cares that it didn't get released to the public until hours later. Isn't Mr. Whittington entilted to some privacy? I'm sure the last thing he had on his mind at the time was David Gregory's ego.

The left's reaction to this couldn't be better for the GOP. Each day the Democrats and their faithful media hounds prove to the American people just how ridiculous they have become. They have tried in every way imaginable to make this administration out to be corrupt and have succeeded only in making themselves out to be jackasses (oh the irony.) This of course, is contrary to the coverage of the Vince Foster incident back during the Clinton administration. Better yet how about the ultimate scandal involving Ted "whatever happened to little Billy?!" Kennedy? How this guy is still in any kind of public office is beyond me but I digress.

The biggest news item of the week shouldn't have been the accidental shooting by the Vice President. The media has used this non-story as a perfect diversion from what should have been the story of the week; the treasonous comments made by former Vice President Al Gore in Saudi Arabia this past Sunday. Al better make sure he gives his boy Gregory a good ol' at-a-boy at their next liberal gala for helping to take the heat off. I wonder how Gore will spend all that money the Bin Ladens have given him.


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Posted by everyman at 02:25 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

February 15, 2006

A Clash of Civilizations

I have not spent a lot of time tackling the international outrage in the Muslim community over the publication of the now famous Mohammed cartoons. This has been mainly due to the fact that just about everyone in the blogosphere has been throwing out their two cents on the issue and because, frankly, most people don't care what others think about things (which often leads me to question why I even have a blog but I digress.) Most, especially here in the west, can't seem to comprehend why the entire Muslim world would be in such a fit of outrage over the publication of some cartoons. It is the epitome of the current, if not a bit cliche by now, clash of civilizations between the west and Islam.

I've noticed two very distinct sides in the debate on this issue. One side composed of those, mainly right-leaning westerners, who believe in the right to free speech. The other side composed of mainly left-leaning westerners and, of course, Muslims who feel we should not offend the people of the Islamic faith by publishing the offensive cartoons. I have, in my minuscule observations, noticed faults with both camps on this issue.

First we have those on the right who are quickly pulling out the "free speech" card because the MSM in America has refused to publish these cartoons. In the blogosphere these have been represented by the Malkins and Reynolds camps. The problem with the use of the free speech card is the fact that, in my opinion, the majority of these people, perhaps both Malkin and Reynolds or perhaps neither but certainly many of their followers, are simply using free speech as a way to stick it to the left, so to speak. It's based on the old eye for an eye concept. The MSM has no problem running political cartoons, columns, or articles that are offensive to many Americans but won't run these cartoons out of "respect" for followers of the Muslim faith and that irritates these bloggers to no end. In many ways it irritates me as well but just as the MSM has the freedom to publish these cartoons they also have the freedom not to publish them. A freedom which most of them have decided to exercise.

Then there are those on the left who suggest that we can't publish these cartoons because it will "incite violence or hatred" and that we should "respect the values of those who disagree with us." Oddly enough the majority of this rhetoric is coming from the unhinged left-wing who are some of the most "intolerant" people in our society. Many of these unhinged lefties are also newspaper editors who will quickly print a story on the front page about a hunting accident "cover-up" (Quailgate?) but would dare not print a political cartoon portraying the prophet Muhammed out of "respect" for those in the Muslim community. These are the same "progressives" who seem bent on eliminating all Christian religion from America. They are essentially enablers of a radical Islam movement. Mind you, the same radical Islamofascists would behead these lefties just as quick as you and I could bat an eyelash. The left doesn't see this. They blame the Bush administration for Muslim outrage and this radical Islamic movement out of simple ignorance, never realizing that they themselves are what radical Islamics hate more than anything about the west.

Both sides are wrong, in my opinion, in their arguments. Yes, those in the MSM and the blogosphere should be able to print the cartoons without fear of violence and without fear of intimidation from these radical Islamics. Should they in turn be persecuted for not choosing to publish them? Don't they also have that right? And what would be the purpose anyway? Most Americans who actually care that this is happening have seen the cartoons on various sites and blogs on the internet already.

At the core of this debate is the current clash of civilizations between the west and Islam. The west is a society of free people, both religious and secularists, right and left. The world that is Islam is restrictive, generally oppressive, and certainly not an advocate of freedom or free speech. This is not something new either. It is a clash that has been ongoing for centuries in one form or another. So what do we do? What is the right answer? Is there a right answer? The west has a responsibility to promote and utilize its freedom without fear of oppression or intimidation. The problem with the west is that, unlike most in the Islamic world, we are not united and that could ultimately be our downfall. While certainly many in the Islamic world are more moderate than the extremists who are beheading people and burning down embassies, their values remain the same. They see us in the west as vile and the very embodiment of evil. We cannot allow these Islamofascists to intimidate us into submission but until we become united and realize the threat at hand we will continue down a dangerous spiral which could ultimately spell the end of western civilization as we know it. Quite simply they are united and we are not.


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Linked to: Rhymes with Right, TMH's Bacon Bits, Don Surber, Basil's Blog, Jo's Cafe, The Real Ugly American, Third World County

Posted by everyman at 03:39 AM | Comments (198) | TrackBack

February 14, 2006

Tuesday Items of Interest

Prepare for the shock of your life: FEMA wasted millions on Katrina aid.


Don Surber, whom I usually agree with on most issues, compares the Cheney shooting to Kennedy's Chappaquiddick incident and then to Aaron Burr's "duel."


Adam of Adam's Blog gives some good analysis on why Hillary isn't the invincible Democratic candidate.


Thomas Sowell writes about the phony crisis of wiretapping in his latest article.


Slate offers insight on the Brokeback BS.


Saddam is on hunger strike. I know, I know--who cares?

Posted by everyman at 08:53 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Carnival of the Magnolias VI

Sorry for the delay but we had a shortage on entires this week and I wanted to get in as many as possible. So without further delay I present to you Carnival of the Magnolias VI.

Josh at Multiple Mentality has a look back at the Super Bowl's boobgate and questions society's reasoning behind certain levels of censorship.

The Considerettes points out the medical community's new radical approach to dealing with "cutters." Give them clean blades and bandages and "how-to" advice on cutting themselves "safely." Sometimes I wonder if I'm still on the planet earth or if I've been whisked away off to some sick and twisted Bizzaro world.


The People's Republic of Seabrook gives insight on the Frozen Tundra Hocky Classic, an outdoors hockey game played each year at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This year's event drew in the fourth largest crowd in hockey history and the second largest for a college game.


Carol of the Median Sib offers a fantastic piece on the reaction from the left on the war on terror and how they've disgraced themselves and Americans in general. A great post!


Back over at Multiple Mentality, Yoshi gives an emotion filled and heartfelt post reflecting on the last year since his gastric bypass surgery. Be advised, there is some graphic content in his post.


That does it for this week's Carnival of the Magnolias. The next carnival will be hosted here next Monday. If you're interested in submitting your post have a look at the Carnival Submit Form or email me your submission at southern dot league at gmail dot com by Sunday night at 7 PM ET. Thanks to all who participated and have a great week!

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Posted by everyman at 09:14 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

UN Request to Shut Down Gitmo: What a Joke

According to this article from Reuters yesterday:

Five U.N. human rights experts recommended the United States close down Guantanamo Bay after concluding the forced-feeding of detainees and other interrogation techniques amounted to acts of torture, according to a draft report obtained on Monday.

The 38-page report, which may be revised after Washington gives its response, accused the United States of denying prisoners the right to due process and attempting to reinterpret some interrogation methods as not constituting torture.

"The U.S. government should close Guantanamo Bay detention facilities without further delay," the report said. "The U.S. government should either expeditiously bring all Guantanamo Bay detainees to trial ... or release them without further delay."

The report was first published by the Los Angeles Times in its Monday editions and obtained by Reuters.

It is the product of an 18-month investigation ordered by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights and was based on interviews by the investigators with former prisoners, their lawyers and families rather than on-site visits.

The U.N. team rejected an invitation to tour the U.S. naval base in Cuba, where more than 500 people have been held since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States because they would not have been allowed to interview the prisoners.

It is important to note that some of the members of this UN Commision on Human Rights hail from countries such as Sudan, Cuba, and South Africa, all certainly experts in human rights (what a joke). Of course, the five members who reviewed Gitmo are not from any of these countries but it is important to note that they refused to visit Guantanamo Bay. They essentially developled a report based completely on hearsay and propaganda. This "investigation" is a joke and its only purpose is to add more fuel to the fire that has become our relationship with the international community.

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Posted by everyman at 08:22 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

February 13, 2006

Gore Speech Funded by Bin Laden Family

As everyone knows by now Al Gore committed treason Sunday by appearing before a Saudi Arabian economic conference and accusing the United States of a gross amount of offenses none of which were backed by any supporting evidence. Newsmax has reported that the Jiddah Economic Forum was funded, in part, by the Saudi Binladin Group. Yes, the family came out and tried to separate themselves from any ties to their son but most people should be intelligent enough to figure out that it's simply propaganda. Regardless it certainly doesn't look good when your country's former vice president hops over to Saudi Arabia, who is no true ally of ours anyway (15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers were Saudis as is Osama Bin Laden), which is partially funded by the Binladin Group and presumes to bash the United States with false statements. Why are people on the left blind to this? Clinton was reportedly paid nearly $300,000 to speak at a conference in Saudi Arabia at one time. How much did Gore receive to blast his country in front of this economic conference? How much is it worth to a liberal to sell out your country? How can this man sleep at night knowing that what he's done has completely underminded the United States? This is an embarrassment not only to Democrats but to all citizens of this country. The sad part is that most on the left will assume that Gore made these statements out of his own personal convictions and beliefs. In fact, he most likely does hate America, as most liberals do but that is not what motivated this speech. No, this was done for money and I find that more disgusting than anything. This man should be arrested and charged with treason in my book. This goes beyond left and right and petty politics. Al Gore is a national disgrace.

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Linked to: Michelle Malkin, Don Surber

Posted by everyman at 08:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Israel Must be Allowed to Join NATO

The OpinionJournal posted an interesting piece yesterday on the importance of Israel's accession to NATO:

Israel's NATO membership has been mooted before, but the suggestion is especially compelling as a response to the Iranian nuclear threat. Iran's apocalyptic President Ahmadinejad has called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," and influential former President Hashemi Rafsanjani has said an Islamic bomb "would not leave anything in Israel but the same thing would just produce damages in the Muslim world."

Those are unprecedented threats, which are all the more likely to be carried out if the mullahs think that the only retaliation would come from Israel itself. It may be that the mad mullahs aren't deterrable, since they claim to welcome mass martyrdom. But if Israel were part of NATO, the saner elements in Tehran would at least have to worry about the collective response of the West. Only last week President Bush promised that the U.S. would come to Israel's defense against Iran, but the NATO proposal has the additional virtue of forcing Europe to take a firmer stand against an Iranian bomb.

Read the entire article.

Iran won't listen if they think that Israel alone will threaten them but if all the members of NATO become involved they will have no choice. As it stands now, an American supported attack on Iran would be strategically difficult especially since our forces are spread thin in other regions. Of course, many argue that Israel could not be allowed accession into NATO for geographic reasons but, as the OJ points out in the article, NATO has already expanded its operations into Afghanistan.

Israel needs to be allowed entry into NATO. Much of the unrest in the Middle East stems from the west's recognition of Israel as a sovereign nation, which Muslims view as an invasion into their culture. By allowing Israel entrance into NATO the west would be sending a collective message to those nations that support terrorism (Iran, Syria, etc.) We must stand together and support Israel in actions as well as in words. This is the only way we can stand against the rising threat of Islamofascism.

Linked to: Don Surber

Posted by everyman at 03:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 12, 2006

Submit for Carnival of the Magnolias VI: Extended Deadline

Don't forget to get those posts in by Monday, 12 PM ET for this week's Carnival of the Magnolias. The carnival will be hosted right here on Everyman Chronicles. The easiest way to submit is through the Carnival Submit Form. Or email your entries directly to southern dot league at gmail dot com. I look forward to reviving this carnival!

Click here for more info on the Carnival of the Magnolias.

Posted by everyman at 04:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 10, 2006

TGIF- Interesting Articles and Open Trackbacks

It's Friday in the blogosphere and that can only mean one thing for Everyman Chronicles: the return of TGIF open trackbacks! So the value of open trackbacks has diminished because NZ isn't keeping up with them for ecosystem rankings. So what? It is still a link to your blog out there on another blog in a visible place. It never hurts to leave that link. Just link back to this post in the post you want to trackback with. If your blogging software doesn't support trackbacks (blogger) you can use the Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback Pinger. Now, on to some interesting reading.


CNN reports that an ex-CIA intelligence official claims that Bush misused intelligence about Iraq to justify the war. Hmm...I wonder where his political allegiance lies.


Google blasts Michelle Malkin in its latest video. ht-Michelle Malkin


My post on Julian Bond as the face of racism was not good enough to be selected by the Watcher's Council this week. Oh well, maybe next time. Have a look at the posts they did choose from this past week for some good reading you may have missed.


GOP has reached a deal on the Patriot Act which is set to expire on March 10th. The fact that many Democrats, including Durbin and Feinstein, support the revised act makes me question its overall effectiveness in the war on terror. I was a supporter of the Patriot Act at one time but changed my views over time about how effective it would be on fighting terrorism.


An Italian judge throws out the case questioning whether Christ existed or not, which was brought up by an atheist (imagine that). Good going judge. It may not be over yet though.


Go ahead and leave those trackbacks. Feel free to trackback with any article on your blog as long as you link back to this post in your entry.


Linked to: Basil's Blog, Jo's Cafe, Linkfest Haven, TMH's Bacon Bits, Conservative Cat

Posted by everyman at 01:10 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Bush's Announcement of Foiled 2002 Terror Plot Timing?

Bush has been criticized left and right for his decision to release information regarding the 2002 terror plot that was broken up aimed at the west coast. Of course, those on the left have been pointing the finger at Bush and accusing him of using the war on terror for political ground because of the polls. The fact is, the MSM and the left are 100% wrong about Bush's decision to release the information now. Why? Because Bush already released the information. In fact, I linked to it on this very blog in an October 2005 post made shortly after one of the President's speeches. From that post which was taken from the White House site:

1. The West Coast Airliner Plot: In mid-2002 the U.S. disrupted a plot to attack targets on the West Coast of the United States using hijacked airplanes. The plotters included at least one major operational planner involved in planning the events of 9/11.

Of course that major operational planner involved in 9/11 was none other than Khalid Shaikh Mohammed.

Posted by everyman at 03:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 09, 2006

Alabama House Bill Seeks to Teach Bible in School

I recently read an article in the Montgomery Advertiser about an initiative going through the Alabama House of Representatives to allow the teaching of the Bible in Alabama public schools. It's called HB58 and, oddly enough, it was introduced by two Alabama House Democrats: Rep. Ken Guin, D-Carbon Hill, and House Speaker Seth Hammett, D-Andalusia.

The legislation is vague and only contains three pages. It would essentially allow the teaching of the Bible through a historical and academic perspective as an elective course for grades 9-12. The Bill has an interesting requirement which has sparked quite the debate; the Bill would require the use of only one textbook, The Bible and it's Influence. So why is that such an interesting point? Well, according to Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, in her guest column in the Shelby County Reporter:

This week, the Legislature will consider a Democrat-sponsored bill that allows local school boards to include Bible curriculums in their classroom, even though they already have that authority. While on the surface, the legislation sounds pleasing, the bill actually mandates the textbook that must be used - a textbook that was partially written and approved by ultra-liberal groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, the Council for Islamic Education and the People for the American Way, which was founded by liberal Hollywood producer Norman Lear.

The text of the book even contains several disturbing questions like, “If God allows evil things to happen, can God be honestly described as good,” and “you think Adam and Eve received a fair deal as described in Genesis?”

Surprisingly enough, by doing my own digging I have yet to find anything to support Mrs. Cavanaugh's claims. In fact, I've found quite the opposite; most Democrats are fighting mad over this book and look at it as just a back door method of teaching Christianity in public schools. In fact David Blankenhorn, Chairman of the Board of the Bible Literacy Project, the group responsible for the book, is the President of the conservative think-tank, Institute for American Values.

But Ms. Cavanaugh is not the only critic of the Bill. The Education Reporter makes the following statement:

Alabama House Bill 58 is at the center of heated conflict surrounding a course and textbook titled The Bible and Its Influence.

Critics cite that current Alabama policy provides for Bible literacy course offerings, rendering HB 58 unnecessary. Other problems also include: bypassing local and state board approval for public school curriculum, the absence of a proper review for the specified textbook, and legislating use of a vendor's product.

Nationally, those who value the importance of the Bible are concerned about the questionable manner in which Biblical passages are used by The Bible and Its Influence, including undermining Biblical truth and authority.

The American Family Association has also criticized the effort:

“While we enthusiastically endorse the teaching of the Bible as part of a well-rounded education, this bill goes too far by attempting to force local school districts to use only one, untested textbook,” commented Stephen Crampton, Chief Counsel for the AFA Center for Law & Policy. “It usurps the authority of the State Board of Education, which is vested with exclusive authority to review and approve textbooks for use in the public schools of Alabama.”

It should also be noted that teaching of the Bible in public schools in Alabama is not illegal. Teaching of the Bible's influence on the arts, history, and culture is allowable even without HB58. So what is the real purpose of the Bill then? From what I can understand the Bill disguises the restriction of using the one textbook under the veil of "allowing Biblical teaching in public schools," something that is already allowed. The only thing this Bill would accomplish would be restricting the education of the Bible to this one textbook alone rather than allowing teachers and the Board of Education to decide. As far as the textbook itself is concerned I cannot find anything to support that it was written by members of the ACLU or any other groups that Ms. Cavanaugh has pointed out. That is not to say that she is wrong. That is merely to say that I cannot find anything to support that notion. I do think that it is important that Christians in our state understand this Bill and it's purpose before deciding to support it. What is really behind this textbook and why are Democrats pushing this issue?

If anyone has any good documented information on this textbook and it's purpose please either leave a comment on the blog or contact me directly via email at everyman dot blog at gmail dot com.

h/t- Alabama Improper

*UPDATE*- Apparently this bill was killed in the House the day before I posted this article. I don't think we've seen the last of this, though.

Posted by everyman at 10:38 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

February 08, 2006

Politics as Eulogy

Yesterday America watched as family, friends, and supporters joined to remember the life of Coretta Scott King; wife of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and a civil rights leader in her own right. For those who tuned in to the live television broadcast or were present at the funeral their memories will forever be emblazoned not with the memory of Coretta Scott King and her legacy but by the abhorrent display of politics as eulogy from the Democrats:

Civil-rights leader the Rev. Joseph Lowery and former President Jimmy Carter cited Mrs. King's legacy as a leader in her own right and advocate of nonviolence as they launched barbs over the Iraq war, government social policies and Bush's domestic eavesdropping program.

Lowery, former head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which King helped found in 1957, gave a playful reading of a poem in eulogy of Mrs. King.

"She extended Martin's message against poverty, racism and war / She deplored the terror inflicted by our smart bombs on missions way afar," he said.

"We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there / But Coretta knew and we knew that there are weapons of misdirection right down here / Millions without health insurance. Poverty abounds. For war billions more but no more for the poor."

With Washington debating the legality of Bush's domestic eavesdropping on Americans suspected of al Qaeda ties, (Jimmy) Carter also drew applause with pointed comments on federal efforts to spy on the Kings.

"It was difficult for them personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated, and they became the targets of secret government wiretapping and other surveillance," he said.

It was a disgusting display and proves that nothing is sacred to the Democratic party. Any public forum, including the funeral of a legendary civil rights leader, is fair game for attacks against the administration and conservatives in general. In the past six years we've seen many horrible displays of criticism from the Democrats but this firmly stands above all of them as the most sickening. Rather than displaying some unity and showing solidarity the Democrats seize the moment and prove their stupidity to the American public once again. How can this group, who doesn't have the dignity to show some respect for the dead, lead America forward? They offer no solutions for today's problems and instead focus on smearing the President and his supporters at literally every turn. Carter and Lowry should be ashamed for their ignorant display of partisanship.

Posted by everyman at 10:02 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack

February 07, 2006

The Face of Racism

On February 2nd, WorldNetDaily published an article accusing Julian Bond, NAACP Chairman, of comparing the GOP to Nazis. The article also went on to accuse Bond of calling Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell "tokens." Bond vehemently denied comparing the GOP to Nazis as well as making any derogatory statements towards Secretary Rice or General Powell.

The controversy began after Mr. Bond was invited to speak at Fayetteville State University last Wednesday. After doing a bit of digging myself on the subject I found that the Fayetteville Online website has posted the full audio of the speech. I downloaded the speech and began listening to it. The speech began on a good note with Bond making references to Dr. King as well as his own slave ancestry and how much blacks have progressed since the days of slavery and later segregation. The speech began to turn ugly after about 17 minutes in. Below is a partial transcript of some of Bond's controversial remarks from his speech:

"...war in Iraq has weakened, rather than strengthened, America's defenses including our levees. The war in Iraq has as much to do with terrorism as the administration has to do with compassion." *applause*

"They (Republicans and Bush) decided to use 9/11 as an excuse to break the rules including the Geneva Conventions and the United States Constitution."

"They've increased poverty every year since they've been in office. They've substituted religion for science."

"They use 9/11 as an excuse to wage war on Iraq. Then they use the hurricane as an excuse to wash away decent pay for workers and, in fairness, for minority and women owned businesses. They're turning the recovery over to the same no-bid corporate looters who are profiting from the misery in Iraq." *applause*

"Their idea of equal rights is the American flag and the confederate swastika flying side by side." *applause*

"They've written a new constitution for Iraq an now they're trying to rewrite the Constitution here at home. *applause* And they draw their most rabid supporters from the taliban wing of American politics. And now...now they want to write bigotry back into the Constitution. They want to make one group of Americans outsiders to our common heritage. They want to do what we've never done before; to amend the Constitution to create a group of second class citizens."

"While one party's been whistlin' dixie (Republicans) the other's been whistling in the dark (Democrats.)" *applause*

This tirade lasted for about five minutes after which I had determined I would no longer listen to his pointless and factless diatribe. This is the reason we have racism in America. People like Julian Bond are nothing more than race mongers whose whole goal is to exploit their own people, their own race, to push a leftist agenda and keep themselves gainfully unemployed. To his credit, unlike Jesse Jackson, Mr. Bond does draw a paycheck as a university professor, however, racism is this man's business. Racism is what keeps him in a position of power as chairman on an unneeded NAACP. Rather than speak on the accomplishments and advancements black people have made over the past 150 years he chose to use his invitation to speak at FSU as a chance to stir up hatred and unrest with his senseless remarks. He used his speech as a chance to pull the racism card on an administration whom he disagrees with personally. People like Julian Bond are the reason that racism still exists in America. He has joined his fellow race mongers Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and Farrakhan as today's face of racism in America.

Discuss on the forums.


Linked to: Don Surber, Jo's Cafe, Basil's Blog, Blue Star Chronicles, Third World Country

Posted by everyman at 03:24 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Watcher of Weasels

As you may or may not already be aware, members of the Watcher's Council hold a vote every week on what they consider to be the most link-worthy pieces of writing around... per the Watcher's instructions, I am submitting one of my own posts for consideration in the upcoming nominations process.

Here is the most recent winning council post, here is the most recent winning non-council post, here is the list of results for the latest vote, and here is the initial posting of all the nominees that were voted on.

Posted by everyman at 12:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 06, 2006

Jury Selection for Moussaoui Begins

CNN reports that the jury selection for 9/11 conspirator, Zacarias Moussaoui, is underway. Jurors will decide if the admitted member of al qaeda will die of lethal injection or will instead face life behind bars. Moussaoui plead guilty to all charges against him last April, according to the article, but will fight the death penalty. It was originally believed that Moussaoui was supposed to be the 20th hijacker but was held back due to his arrest. Authorities claim that he should be put to death because he knew of the conspiracy and could have warned them a month ahead of time but instead kept his mouth shut. It is believed that Moussaoui was to fly a plane into the White House in a second wave of attacks.

Anyone who has read this blog before knows my feeling towards the death penalty. Unlike most conservative bloggers I am against the use of capital punishment due to religious reasons, but in a case like this it is hard for me to advocate for life in prison. This man knew of the 9/11 conspiracy ahead of time. His knowledge could have saved thousands of people but he chose to keep his mouth shut. It's obvious this man is an extremist and terrorist. The side of me that seeks vengence for those killed hopes that the jurors will show the same mercy to him that he showed the victims of the attacks by keeping his mouth shut.


Discuss on the forums.

Linked to: Basil's Blog

Posted by everyman at 10:24 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 05, 2006

Religion of Peace?

So Islam is the religion of peace? Somehow I find that hard to believe since the recent turn of events after the cartoon debacle. The following were statements made by Muslim protestors:

"We should have killed all those who offend the Prophet and instead here we are, protesting peacefully."

"We will redeem our prophet Muhammad with our blood!"

"We'll abduct and hurt all citizens of the European countries who hurt Islam's feelings and honor!”

"It is very clear: Anyone who insults the Prophet must be beheaded. Remember van Gogh?"

"Europe Your 9-11 will come’’

“Behead those who insult Islam”


Christ has been displayed in various insulting cartoons and caricatures throughout history yet you don't see Christians burning down embassies and threatening to behead and kill those responsible. When will the west finally wake up and realize that what we're dealing with goes beyond the boundaries of religion. It is a clash of cultures and values. It has nothing to do with "the prophet" but more to do with the Muslim world's hatred of everything western especially America and its allies. They don't wish to exist with us peacefully. They wish to conquer and overthrow the "infidels." In my opinion, while the cartoons and caricatures may have been insulting to Muslims it is a true representation of their culture. One need to look no further than their actions over the past few days to understand.

Discuss on the forums.

Posted by everyman at 01:32 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

February 03, 2006

Daily Roundup and Open Trackbacks

Eric of Eric's Grumbles and the Liberty Papers offers some insight on why the Muslim stereotypes may be correct.


The Patriot Act has been extended five weeks. Looks like they are modifying it somewhat in an effort to appease those concerned with civil liberties. Is it enough?


Six churches in rural Alabama were set on fire last night. Several of them burned down to the ground. Arson is the obvious cause but the more important question is why?


18 Month old child kept alive by Berlin Heart which has yet to be approved by the FDA. Amazing story.


Hopefull gubernatorial candidate Roy Moore, the Ten Commandments judge, has received donations from people from 49 states. He has decided against accepting donations from PACs (political action committees) as he has said:

"Our campaign is about people, not PACs. We have had thousands of contributors already and have expressly refused special interest contributions of political action committees, which have heavily funded my opponent's campaign. People will control this election, not money."

Dr. Jerome Corsi, co-author of "Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry," explains the importance of Iran's threat to create an Iranian Oil Bourse and how it could lead to war. He points out the irony in the fact that the Iranian Oil Bourse is scheduled to open in March which happens to be the same month the peaceful negotiations with Israel ends. This could be dangerous.


As always, feel free to leave trackbacks to interesting articles you've posted on your blog. Just remember to link back to this article in your post so the word gets out. Trackbacks here are inline so they are displayed on the main page.

The trackback URI for this entry is http://blog.mu.nu/cgi/mt-tb.cgi/149157

Linked to: Basil's Blog, Don Surber, Jo's Cafe, MacStansbury, Right Wing Nation, TMH Bacon Bits, Conservative Cat

Posted by everyman at 11:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Party of the Loons

It is sad that the most memorable moment in President Bush's State of the Union address was the wild applause rendered by the Democrats when the President made mention of how Congress had failed to pass Social Security reform last year. Aside from that horrible moment the State of the Union was probably one of President Bush's better speeches in quite some time. He touched upon many of the key issues facing our nation over the upcoming year. That abhorrent display by the lunatics within the Democratic party essentially summarized their answer to every problem facing America today: nihilism, as Tony Blankley pointed out in his column today.

Problem? What problem? The biggest problem facing the United States today, in looney land, is our "intolerance" of homosexuals--oh and that "LIAR" of a President. They have no answers because, in their eyes, there is no problem. Iraq is a bunch of lies and our President is leading a corrupt crusade against Islam in an effort to fill his own pockets with blood money. Their idea of a solution is Presidential impeachment. This is the state of the Democratic party today. They have nothing better to offer the American people than the Republicans so they wage a smear war against an already uncharismatic President. Of course they defend their lack of solutions with the "opposition" cop-out. 2006 is upon us and the Democrats have secured themselves of one thing: another defeat by Republicans in the elections this year.

The Democratic party used to stand for something. Now, they face internal collapse because of the idiocy of Dean and Kerry and Kennedy and Clinton and McKinney and the list goes on. They ride on the mere hope that Hillary can become elected in 2008 simply because her last name is Clinton. They ride on the coattails of the claim that Bush lied about WMD, plunging us into a war that has sucked our assets dry even though many of those same Democrats admitted on numerous occaisions that they believed Saddam to be in possession of WMD.

Whether it's Dean calling Republicans evil or Hillary rolling her eyes at the President there is one thing that remains clear; the Democratic party is in a state of chaos. Personally I'm glad to see their lunacy exposed on a near daily basis. The lunacy of the Democrats merely adds fuel to the fire of their inevitable defeat. I don't see anyone calling the fire department. We'll just let this one burn on forever.

Check out the Picnic on Basil's Blog and the open trackback party on Stuck on Stupid.

Discuss on the forums.


This post also mentioned at TTLB's topposts for Friday.

Posted by everyman at 12:25 AM | Comments (25) | TrackBack

February 02, 2006

Everyman Returns!

Wow, it's been a long time. Nearly three months since my last entry. While life in the real world has managed to keep me extremely busy and has interfered with my blogging time, my ideals and principles have not wavered. To the three people that read my blog on a consistent basis before my sudden departure and to all of those who tuned in every once in a while, I truly apologize. To my felow SBF members I also apologize for being irresponsible in maintaining the federation as well as our promising Carnival of the Magnolias. Unfortunately, I ran into some stumbling blocks over the past few months which made it impossible for me to write and update in the manner I needed to. In fact, my online time has decreased dramatically over the past three months.

I hope for a fresh beginning with this entry. So much has happened in three months and I am so far behind the curve I don't know if I'll be able to keep up but I assure you I'll give it my best for as long as i can manage. I am glad to be back in the blogosphere and look forward to throwing my two cents back into the blogging pot.

Posted by everyman at 03:54 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack