It is Veterans Day, and we are in the midst of a seemingly unending conflict in a country where many Americans can't point out on a map.

Regardless of one's position on the invasion of Iraq, or one's philosophy in foreign policy, one cannot deny the courage of any man or woman who is willing to wear the uniform.

We remember the veterans. We remember the veterans who overthrew a monarchy to help establish the infancy of a great Republic. We remember the veterans who kept this Union together during a war that pitted brother against brother. We remember those who protected this Republic, as well as freedom-loving democracies around the world, from Fascism, Nazism, and any "ideology" that promotes the demise of liberty and natural rights. We should not only remember them; we should fight to preserve the freedoms and liberties that they fought to preserve.

These men and women did not die for any one person, nor any political philosophy, nor any disputed border. As Lincoln put it, those who died for this union gave his or her "last full measure of devotion."

They put themselves in harms way so we do not have to. The least we can do is appreciate what they have sacrificed for a cause greater than them.

We owe it to them.

For those who have fought bravely for his or her Nation, or are currently serving in the United States Armed Services: Thank You.

photo: www.repboyd.com

Souled Out

In what may very well be my favorite example of irony, former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani picked up the endorsement of the most prominent figure of the Religious Right, Pat Robertson. It came as a sup rise, given that Giuliani is a pro-choice, pro-gay rights, and pro-gun control Republican. On the other hand, Robertson has spent a career fighting abortion rights, gay rights, and taxes.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Robertson believes that the biggest issue in this election would not be the moral issues or "family values" of 2004. But instead is global terrorism.

Is Robertson, alongside many other members of the Religious Right, so desperate in keeping the White House that he is willing to give up his integrity by backing a candidate who has opposed most of his agenda? Perhaps Mr. Robertson is so frightened of the prospect of Hillary Clinton as president, that he is willing to sell out his principles just to have another four years of neo-conservative rule.

Goodnight, and good luck.



photo: http://apologista.blogdiario.com/

Election Night 2007 Predictions

Many of you will read this and ask yourselves, "Andrae, this isn't like you. Shouldn't you be going more in depth with this?"

Yeah, you're right; I SHOULD. Unfortunately my school workload has prevented me from studying a lot of the 2007 local races. However, I can say with total confidence that these two things will happen tonight:

1. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will win in a landslide tonight; capturing at least 60% and at most 70% of the vote, avoiding a December run-off.

2. Benicians will elect Bill Whitney as their next mayor, with the addition of Scott Strawbridge and Mike Iokamendes to the city council.

There you have it. I swear to you, my section on the Iowa Caucuses will be much better.

Goodnight, and good luck.

photo: http://www.sfgate.com

Factor of Fred

Fred Thompson was the most hyped candidate this presidential election; a former Senator, an actor, and a conservative. Maybe the idea of Thompson excited many Republicans because of his nostalgic presence that reminds them of Ronald Reagan.

Ever since Fred joined the race two months ago, the hype was concluded to be a major disappointment. Thompson is not only a mediocre campaigner, but a second-rate candidate. At times, he seems nervous while delivering his stump speeches. He also gives very obscure answers to questions over his conservative credentials.

Last month, Focus on the Family President, James Dobson, openly criticized Thompson for not standing up for conservative social issues.

I guess Fred Thompson may have been a disappointment to the conservative Republicans looking for a "true" social conservative as an alternative to Rudy, Romney, and McCain. The base of the party is looking for a Reagan, but the reality is the spirit of Reagan has been compromised by the establishment wing of the GOP: the neo-conservatives.

Will the GOP base ever be happy?