Movie Review- "Frost/Nixon"

I was very much looking forward to seeing this film. I finally got an opportunity on Saturday. I gotta say, the film left me a bit confused. Not as to the plot or to the message, mind you. I am confused as to why it was nominated for Best Picture, while Gran Torino was snubbed.

This is not to say that "Frost/Nixon" is not a good movie. It is. It features some strong performances by the actors. In fact, these performances (specifically Frank Langella as Nixon) are probably what got the film the nomination. Actually, that's not really a fair statement. Let me explain why.

See, the Academy Awards, in addition to honoring the art of film making, serve as a good cultural barometer. In other words, it's possible to gauge the general mood of the populace by observing what the Academy chooses to honor. (Or, at least, it's possible to gauge the mood of the previous year.) This, I believe, is at the heart of the reason for the nomination.

There was, prior to the November presidential election, a tense mood in the United States. There was also a great deal of anger and anxiety. And a large portion of that anger and anxiety was assigned to the previous administration. Many, including myself) felt the administration was corrupt, and arrogant in its corruption. Many also, including myself, we upset because the administration seemed to be getting away with it. Essentially, we wanted some sort of comeuppance.

This was the way many people also felt about and during the Nixon administration. This is best demonstrated in the line from the film, "I want to give Richard Nixon the trial he never had." A good summation of the times. What I'm getting at here is that there is a sense (or was a sense) of needing a similar event from George W. Bush. I'm not so sure of the necessity for that now. After all, he had approval ratings lower than Nixon's, and gave much more incriminating testimony in our modern 24-hour news cycles. Plus, we are already seeing the results of that administration's policies both domestically (economic crisis) and internationally (America's terrible reputation in most of the world).

But I digress. The point is, you cannot stop the people from making such parallels. Let me share 1 thing which highlights this. The big, climactic line in the film is when Nixon says, "When the president does it, it's not illegal." When that line was aid, several people in the theater around me whispered, "That sounds like Bush." Take that for what it's worth.

One good thing about this movie is that it weaves in archival footage from the times. But, as I said before, without the strong performances, this probably wouldn't have garnered the Best Picture nomination. But the best word to describe this film is "effective".

The discussion factor is high. Not only for the parallels I mentioned above. Other issues mentioned include, but are not limited to the distinction between power and authority, the limits of presidential power, the use of media in all aspects of life, as well as others.

The "that guy" factor is fairly high as well.

Acting: A-
Directing: B
That Guy: B
Overall: B+

The Pundits List

I've been a fan of the op-ed column since high school. These little essays are usually a good way to get a good discussion going. And, with the advent of blogging, it seems like everyone is a pundit (myself included)these days . But here's my list of my fave pro pundits. Some are political and some are sportswriters. As always,. the list is in no particular order.

1. Robert Scheer
2. Joe Conason
3. Greg Freeman (RIP)
4. Jonah Goldberg
5. EJ Dionne
6. TJ Simers
7. Bill McClellan
8. Kathleen Parker
9. Kevin Blackistone
10. Jason Whitlock

Read My Lips! MORE New Taxes?

The top video, of course, comes from the former president George H. W. Bush (or, shorthand Bush 41). He made this promise and terrific soundbite during his successful 1988 presidential campaign.

We've come quite a ways since then. I read recently that state governments are proposing making new or increasing taxes on a wider variety of goods and services. The local example is the governor's so-called "obesity tax" which will tax the stuff that increases that particular health risk. It includes all non-diet sodas. The bottom video highlights this. It's easy for for me to sit here and be OK with that, since I don't drink that much soda, diet or otherwise.

But it does make an interesting point. What are the limits of taxation? When is it too much. (Some may argue that any tax is too much.) Another side of the issue is this: Why are we so surprised and outraged when we hear phrases like "obesity tax" floated?

I should make one thing clear at this point. I am all for paying taxes. It's our duty as citizens to pay our taxes to help the government carry out its business. But this doesn't mean that every tax is necessary and/or fair. And our government gives us the right to peacefully express our disapproval and disappointment at those taxes we feel are unnecessary and/or unfair. So please, dear reader, pay your taxes!

The issue here is why we get upset when ideas like the obesity tax are foisted upon us. I believe there are a couple reasons for this. And, yes, both sides of the political spectrum are to blame.

Let's start with the left. We all know about the stereotypical "tax and spend liberal". You know, the one who wants to raise taxes to fund every government program with a bloated budget, no matter how crazy or unimportant or obscene it may be. Unlike others, this stereotype has a nugget of truth in it. Some of us do see value in a variety of things and feel that the government should help pay for it. After all, we never know what we will learn or the good that will come from it. And without government assistance, the gains will never be made. And the best way to get said money is from the taxpayers.

Moving on to the right. Here we work in the stereotype of the evil conservative who hates just about everything except Big Business. He or she wants to cut funding for things that make the world better and funnel all that saved money into military defense. Like its cousin in the above paragraph, this stereotype also contains a nugget of truth. Some of us do think that while these programs are probably important to somebody, the government has more pressing issues on which to spend its cash. The cash that the government does get does come from taxpayers, who should be giving less of it. Cut spending, reduce taxes.

Both are good valid, arguments. It's not hard to see why people are confused and outraged. From the ratcheted-up rhetoric of both parties, an interesting phenomenon has occurred. A new idea has emerged. Somehow, Americans have gotten it into their heads that you can have everything and you don't have to pay for it. Where did this come from? I argue that it is from the people we choose and elect to lead us. Maybe not on purpose, maybe by design. But, I believe it is their use of "wedge issues" that shift the focus from things of substance to things of style. Prime examples: Flag burning. Flip-flopping. You name it. All designed to act like mental rodeo clowns (or quites, for you bullfighting aficionados).

I see why people are upset. Are our leaders listening?

Life Imitating Art

One of these clips is footage of former VP Dick Cheney being wheeled into a limo on this Inauguration Day. The other clip is a scene from the 1946 classic film "It's A Wonderful Life".

Doesn't Cheney Bear a striking resemblance to Henry Potter (the guy in the wheelchair played by Lionel Barrymore)? That's life imitating art! I'll stop there, and let you fill in the gaps as to what I mean.

Inauguration Invocation

So, I see that president-elect Obama has selected Rick Warren to be one of the speakers at his inauguration. This has upset many Americans in the gay and lesbian community. Obama defended is choice, saying he is simply respecting the diversity of American viewpoints.

My question is, why are people surprised at this? After all, Obama is a Christian. He's made that perfectly clear. People are upset that Obama has invited a member of a Christian church who has a fundamental disagreement with a certain segment of the population.

Again we have to ask why people are surprised? Here again, Mr. Obama is not being dishonest or traitorous. He said in his acceptance speech and other places that it's OK to have an America where people disagree.

Were people so unrealistic that they thought the end of George W. Bush's tenure would bring about an end to religion in the public square?

Where was this public furor and outrage when Bill Clinton tapped Billy Graham for the same service?

See the story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081218/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_minister

Movie Review- "W"

I didn't realize how long it had been since I paid a visit to my local picture house. So, last night, I decided to catch a flick. I saw Oliver Stone's biopic of the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. I wasn't sure what to expect. After all, Stone's use of history has been sketchy in the past (see JFK, Born on the 4th of July). But, he's directed some really great films (see above, plus Platoon, etc.)

Let me begin my putting my biases out on the table. As regular readers know, I'm no great fan of George W. Bush. I think his presidency is one of the worst in American history. Back in the 2000 campaign, I just thought he was the biggest tool ever. And now, 8 years later, it's a mess.

That said, this makes Bush come off way better than I would have expected. He is not portrayed as a complete idiot, as he sometimes is. He comes off, at least in terms of being president, as naive. As president, he is portrayed as a person who has coasted through his life and career being helped by a lot of other people, doesn't realize it, but is surrounded by "yes-men" who keep the myth alive. In other words, as the biggest tool ever.

Is Josh Brolin the new Samuel L. Jackson? This guy is in everything now, it seems. Just like Jackson a few years ago. And he usually does a pretty decent job. Brolin does a good job of humanizing George W. Bush. And, his Bush impression gets better as the film goes along.

Really, most of the acting is good. And, except for Scott Glenn as Donald Rumsfeld and Jeffery Wright as Colin Powell, they look pretty much like the actual people. The question then is, What to to with these characters? How do they fit in? Are they accurate? The answer here, is a mixed bag. Colin Powell is portrayed as a man who is concerned about going to war with Iraq, vocalizes those doubts, but then sells out and is a team player. George Tenet comes off pretty much the same way. This is probably accurate. Powell put his credibility on the line with his speech to the UN, and despite his grave concerns, puts his stamp on the invasion. By the same token, Condoleeza Rice doesn't fare much better, but for a different reason. She is portrayed as the consummate "yes-man", which is pretty accurate for the time frame in the film. However, she gets the intellectual shaft. The viewer is not shown just how intelligent and insightful Dr. Rice is in real life. I wish more of that would have come through in the script.

The real villains in the film are not the Bush family. In his previous life, the enemies are Bush's struggle with alcohol, and the family name. As president, the real bad guys are (portrayed to be) Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and Karl Rove. Richard Dreyfuss gives and excellent performance as Cheney. You really do see him as the power behind the throne. Also, Karl Rove is as ubiquitous in the film as he was in the actual administration.

As I said before, the film humanizes Bush. It steers clear of making Bush into parody. True, there's no shortage of reasons or opportunities for doing so. But, Bush, in his humanity is isolated by the major players in his cabinet. Thus, while wrong, he is totally comfortable thinking he has made no mistakes in the conduct of the war. (In the film. He has recently admitted that the "Mission Accomplished" banner was a mistake. Kudos, Mr. President!) The other humanizing thing is that this film does a pretty decent job of showing just how much Bush loves and is devoted to his wife, Laura.

I was impressed by the directing. As I said before, I wasn't sure how Stone would handle this divisive figure. True, Stone will probably not be nominated for this film (best director). And rightly so. The "That Guy" factor is is nearly off the charts in this film. Jeffrey Wright, an (IMO) underrated character actor is good as Colin Powell. Several others fall into this description as well, notably, Thandie Newton as Dr. Rice, Rob Cordry as Ari Fleischer (who is pretty much there only look like Ari Fleischer), and James Cromwell as George H.W. Bush (the 41st POTUS).

The discussion factor is high as well. Any conversation about George W. Bush and his presidency is a highly emotionally charged experience. Even outside of politics, there is rich fodder for a good discussion: the impact of faith on life and politics, team building, the role of advisers in one's life and career, the limits of power, etc.

Basically, the message of the film is this: You may think that the administration is a complete and abject failure, but it's OK to like George W. Bush as a person. You can kinda see where he's coming from. You don't have like it, you don't have to agree. But you can kinda understand. At the end, you really do want to have a beer with the guy (so long as his in non-alcoholic, by his own admission). That's pretty much how he got elected. So, does that make the film a tragedy or a comedy?

Acting: B+
Directing: A
That guy factor: A
Overall: B+

Brarack Obama's Acceptance Speech

The videos are the actual footage of Barack Obama's acceptance speech (in 2 parts). The text below is a transcript of the speech:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Reminder- Please Vote!!!

Just a reminder to all my dear readers: Please get out there and vote today!

For a little election day footage, the videos are from the interviews that both candidates gave last night on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Really, both interviews are pretty pointless. Enjoy!

Dig This Shirt!

I'm getting this shirt as a result of donating to Sen. Barack Obama's campaign. I know it's the waning days. But, I decided to donate anyway. I've given money before, and besides, I liked the shirt.

I have several Obama shirts. When this one arrives, I'll do a post with all of them.

You too can donate: http://www.barackobama.com

Political Fun

That's for indirectly taking out my goalie!
A Big "Thanks!" goes out to Dave in Flint, MI for sending me the link. And he's GOPer!

Blue Note Karma?

From Yahoo!:

"ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Anchorage Daily News, Alaska's largest newspaper, endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Sunday after declaring Gov. Sarah Palin "too risky" to be one step away from the Oval Office."

Cosmic payback for indirectly taking out the goalie for the Blues? Could be.

But probably not.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081026/ap_on_el_pr/alaska_endorsement
Photo: http://wcco.com/sports/Palin.Drops.Puck.2.848483.html

Not The Way To Win Votes

From the STL paper:

"The Blues rolled out the blue carpet for Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin Friday night, and in a bizarre accident, goalie Manny Legace tripped on the carpet before the game and eventually left with a strained left hip-flexor."

Now, I wasn't going to vote McCain-Palin before this incident. But taking out my goalie isn't going to win you any points.

Photo: http://www.stltoday.com/sports#stl-masthead

You Cannot Be Serious!

Why are we talking about this? Why is Sarah Palin's shopping spree even a campaign issue? Aren't there more substantive things we could and SHOULD be talking about?

The video footage is a segment on Hardball with Chris Matthews (who, like most people, is better as an SNL parody, and who I can barely stand in small doses). They devote, like, 11 minutes to this crap. Look, it comes down to this: If it's the party's money (NOT taxpayer money), then the party can spend it however they see fit.

The Republican party, I think, used to be masters of elevating trivial issues to the level of national priority. And I fault the Obama campaign for not saying, "This is such a trivial issue, that Sen. Obama will not even bother to spend one second of his time on it." Instead, they've allowed this to continue.

Anyway, enjoy the footage (if you stomach for more than 10 seconds).

Single-Issue Voters- Part 2

I know it might sound like I'm picking on conservatives, Republicans, or other people who vote on "moral values". But I'm not. What I'm decrying is the idea that one of those values is more important than any other.

I am also not saying that SIVs were the only ones responsible for economic meltdown. Please understand that.

I'm thinking merely in practical terms here. After all, how much comfort can there be in knowing your elected representative is pro-choice when the schools suck when and if that kid is born. How great is it to have an elected official that is rabidly pro-gun, when you might not have a house in which to store your firearms? All I'm saying is that practicality sometimes has be the deciding factor.

This brings us to an interesting subset of SIVs. Those who vote on "character". Again, I'm not saying that it's an important issue. However, to make that the single issue which will decide your vote is not a good thing for 2 reasons. First, it has been established that using any single issue as an electoral "trump card" can have dire consequences. Second, it is really impossible. Not to perpetuate a stereotype, but a good many of the "character" voters I've met, are good, Christian people. Being such, they should know better. They should know that people are imperfect and sinful. Before God, we are all of shady character (to put it mildly). But even in a purely secular context, they should know better. In a purely secular context (or in a left-hand kingdom context, as a shout out to fellow Lutherans), they should know that decent, moral, hard-working, and honorable people exist in both parties.

Third, it sets the expectant voter up for colossal failure. Here's what I mean: It could (not saying WILL) turn out that the candidate has some very bad skeletons in their closet. Like we all do. But if it it made public, that person who voted on "character" will be disappointed that their vote went to such a scumbag. For every John McCain, there's a Mark Foley feeling up pages. For every Daniel Patrick Moynihan, there's William Jefferson stacking money in a freezer. Did either of these men get elected because they made character an issue? So, there's bound to be disappointment. We know this in our own lives. Why should we not anticipate it from our elected leaders?

I hope this sheds a little light on why I believe it pays to be politically interested in more than just one issue.

Again, I must add:
Disclaimer: I am writing this as a private citizen. My views are totally my own. These views do not necessarily reflect my congregation, my church body, other clergy, etc. I am solely responsible for the content of this post.

Single-Issue Voters- Part 1

Not too long ago, Barack Obama said something (and I'm paraphrasing, hopefully correctly) along the lines of: the current economic crisis is the final verdict on the failed economic policies of George W. Bush. I offer a slightly different take. Yes, President Bush is the guy in charge. And yes, there is a Congress (albeit a spineless one) controlled by the Democratic Party. But who put those people in those positions? The American people, that's who. It may sound a bit callous, but some of the fault lies in certain segments of the voting public.

I'm writing about Single-Issue Voters (or, SIVs). There are folks who vote for certain candidates based on their stance on a particular issue. This is most often associated with the pro-life movement. But, the SIV phenomenon is not limited to them. No, it spans all political ideologies and has infiltrated both parties. Anything can be an item for a SIV: abortion, 2nd Amendment issues, the environment, gay marriage, you name it. Even general angst with a political party can work in this capacity.

This is not a good thing. It implies that that issue is the only thing that matters. Life is much more complex than many SIVs would have us believe. The current economic crisis is proof of that. The collapse happened for many reasons. However, none of the reasons include gay marriage, abortion, or guns.

This is why I say that single-issue voting is not good. True, the economic crisis could be construed as an extreme example. But, I believe it does serve as an indictment of such voting habits. Plenty of good, decent hard-working, innocent Americans are affected by this economic crisis. Why? I believe part of it is due to too many people with tunnel vision.

To be continued...

Disclaimer: I am writing this as a private citizen. My views are totally my own. These views do not necessarily reflect my congregation, my church body, other clergy, etc. I am solely responsible for the content of this post.

The Conservatives List

As most of you dear readers know by now, I'm a supporter of Sen. Barack Obama for president. As such, I'm not known for being a conservative person (politically, anyway; theologically is another story). But that doesn't mean I don't like them, that I'm not friends with them (you have to in the LCMS), I don't get along with them, or think they have no valid ideas. We just happen to have different views on the size and scope of government. Oh yeah, I should note that I am using the classical definitions of "conservative" and "liberal". Here's a basic working definition:

Conservative: Favors a smaller government.
Liberal: Wants a bigger government.

Oversimplified? Sure. But that's my definition. Live with it.

Anyway, in the interest of fairness during this election season, here's a list of my favorite self-identified conservatives. Some are celebs, some are friends. You can probably guess who is whom. As always, this list is in no particular order.

1. Dennis Miller
2. Rev. David Daniel
3. Pat Sajak
4. Drew Carey
5. Mike Albers
6. Jack Kemp (he was QB for the Buffalo Bills, after all!)
7. John Parker
8. PJ O'Rourke
9. Angelo Torres
10. Peter List
Please note: These are conservatives, not necessarily Republicans.

Entire Obama Acceptance Speech

This is the entire speech Barack Obama made at the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 2008. The speech is stirring and interesting. It explains exactly why I'm voting for Sen. Obama.

I hope after watching it, you too will become persuaded to vote for Barack Obama.

McCain in STL

I thought this was kind of a cool picture. It's GOP-presidential candidate John McCain in St. Louis. He's standing outside of STL-icon Ted Drewes. I'm certainly not voting for John McCain, but I am very much pro-STL and pro-Ted Drewes. Plus, I figured I'd throw my dear readers in the GOP a little tidbit. Enjoy!

http://www.newsweek.com/id/148959

Barack and The New Yorker

On this post, you'll see a picture of the most recent cover of The New Yorker Magazine. There's been a controversey of late regarding whether it is simply satirical or offensive. Admittedly, as a supporter of Sen. Barack Obama, I was a bit taken aback. But, as a fan of both political cartoons and free speech, I don't have that big of a problem with it.

On this post, you'll also see a clip from The Daily Show which, I believe, sets the record straight, and says it a lot better than I could.