JUST A FEW QUESTIONS

The 2011 budget proposal was just released.  Can someone please explain to me how the budget increased by $200 billion despite a spending freeze?

While you're at it, could you please tell my why I should be excited by $20 billion in 'savings'?

Also, why, exactly, is Cap and Trade being discussed again?  The AGW argument is falling apart more and more with every day that passses, but for some reason we need to invest in green technology now, now, now!

While we're at it, I'd also like to know why Paul Kirk is still voting for legislation even though Scott Brown is the Senator from Massachusetts.  Brown won't be sworn in until Feb. 11th, so don't be surprised if they try to jam something reallly offensive through before then.

How exactly will repealing the Bush tax cuts on our small business owners and allowing the SEC to impose new regulations requiring companies to disclose potential risk to investors due to environmental regulations increase job growth and profitability?  Oh, I forgot - uncertainty and heavy taxation are the linchpins for a booming economy and low unemployment.

Those are just my top five questions so far this week.  I'm sure I will have many more before the week is out.

Hey, one more just struck me - why does Obama want Congress to rush the budget through, when it won't be effective until Sept. 2010?

Isn't it amazing how, with all of the spin explaining going on, there are still so many unanswered questions?

SHEER INSANITY

It has really been a trip listening to the progressive spin coming out of Washington.  They just don't know what to do with themselves about the Scott Brown election.

It's not just that they have lost touch with the American people, it's that they seem to have lost touch with reality.  Robert Gibbs' performance on Sunday with Chris Wallace was jaw dropping.  At least, that's what happened to me when I heard this:

"More people voted to express their support for Barack Obama than to oppose him."

Whaaat???  Maybe Gibbsy got 'support' and 'oppose' confused.  Those opposites can be tricky......

Thankfully, Congressman Marion Berry has brought the peons the word from On High - his Supreme Oneness is not concerned about the upcoming elections.  After all, the difference between the 1994 election and the 2010 election, according to the Teleprompter Kid, is "me".  Cue the choir of angels (ugh - it sounds suspiciously like a drunken Janeane Garofalo karaokeing "Obama Girl"). 

It's a good thing the White House is a big place with high ceilings - Ego Boy needs the clearance.

Meanwhile, David Plouffe is urging immediate passage of ObamaCare, arguing that once it's passed and we find out what's in it, we will love it.  Tell you what, Mr. Plouffe - why don't you have your masters put the bills online like they promised so the people who are paying for this mess will know what bill of goods they are really being sold.  That way we can let you know if we like it before they vote for it.

It seems our esteemed Leader has been busy with a make-or-break speech at Graham Road Elementary, so his distraction is excusable.  BTW - what really bothers me about that picture is twofold:  first, does he really need the podium, complete with Presidential Seal, and teleprompters to address school kids?  And second, am I the  only one alarmed that he requires two teleprompters for 'spontaneous' questions from the press pool?

But I digress. 

It's all getting a bit bizzarre lately.  My initial euphoria over the events of last week and the potential demise of ObamaCare have receded into a wary edginess.  After a few sporadic statements of defeat, Obama seems to be rallying the troops to pass something (anything).  It's rather like a
 trapped animal - they seem resigned to their fate, but that is when they are their most dangerous and unpredictable, because they are desperate.

Make no mistake - the democrats are desperate.  And like many trapped animals, they are willing to chew off their own leg and potentially bleed to death to escape.  Unfortunately for us in this case, if they do chew their leg off, we will be the ones stuck trying to stem the bleeding with their nightmare health care bill.

The icing on the cake is the new, improved packaging they are wrapping Obama in.  After all, it's all about the presentation, now isn't it?  No need for substance with this party - perception is reality!  Let's see - a tax and spend progressive who is blatantly ignoring his constituency suddenly pivots to become Mr. Populist less than a week after a major loss.  Sure, that's believable. 

Rebrand, rename, realign!  It's a good thing they are rudderless and not anchored down with pesky morals and principles.  Boy, can they put a damper on overreaching, unpopular agendas!

It all seems to be falling apart, though.  Democrats are abandoning ship at a surprising clip.  Benedict Arlen is off in a corner banging his head against the wall groaning "act like a lady, act like a lady" while various factions tear each others throats out and Valerie Jarrett wanders aimlessly, fingers in her ears, babbling "I disagree with everything you just said".

And all the while, our intrepid Captain is at the stern of the Ship of State pointing at the sunset shouting "Damn the Tea Partiers, full speed ahead!"

Fear not, fellow sailor - the democrats won't sink the ship.  One of the terrorists they farmed out to Yemen or let off on a technicality in criminal court will blow us up long before the democrats do.

IN THE DOGHOUSE Updated

I have been riveted to the media today, watching the fallout from last night.  I'd say the mood in Washington is....subdued.  It's rather like the people of Massachusetts rolled up a newspaper and whapped the democrats on the nose with it, and the liberal hangdogs aren't sure exactly what happened or why.  They know they did wrong and are getting punished, but they aren't sure what they got caught doing - probably because there are just so many things they've done - bad dogs, bad dogs!

The Queen of the Kennel is still defiant -

"Heeding the particular concerns of the voters of Massachusetts last night, we heard, we will heed, we will move forward with their considerations in mind, but we will move forward for health care."

God, the woman really has no rhyme or reason to her wild gesturing, does she?  And since when is health care 'reform' all about jobs?  Did I miss something?? 

The once and future 'centrist democrats' are suddenly rushing to prop up their moderate credentials, with Evan Bayh leading the pack.  (via Politico):

Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), who now might draw a challenge from Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), said the party needs to rethink its entire approach to governing.

There are still those who refuse to acknowledge that this was a referendum on health care, of course.  It's just alarming that one of those people is Obama top dog David Axlerod, who insisted (incorrectly) on the morning shows today that Brown never ran an ad against ObamaCare, somehow translating that into health care not being the prime motivator.

The liberal blogosphere is like a pack of super caffeinated rabid pitbulls who have been hit with a baseball bat.  As usual, their arguments are well thought out, respectful and rational (warning: language).

The election strategies are starting to drift out now, too.  It's a toss-up between vicious negative campaigns linking republicans to George Bush, or, believe it or not, the new 'democrats are down-to-earth populists, just like Scott Brown' tactic.  I'd say they'll most likely combine the two, because, let's face it, they can't run anything but vicious negative campaigns featuring George Bush - they're just going to add in the populist pap like a cherry on top because they apparently think we all suffer from short-term memory loss and won't be able to remember the past year by November.

Seems like the bad doggies need another whap....

UPDATE:  Mark Steyn nails it with a post titled "Happy Anniversary!" .  He perfectly encapsulates the Obama campaign push for Coakley on Sunday - which is still being pushed for November hopefuls, if you can believe it:

"We understand why you're angry. But don't let your anger with George W. Bush allow you to get tricked into voting for a Republican who'll obstruct the reform agenda you're crying out for."

Exactly.

WE HAVE A WINNER! Updated

Scott Brown is the new Senator from Massachusetts!  Martha Coakley has conceded with 92% of precincts reporting a 52% - 47% win for Scott Brown. 

The impossible has happened.  The People's Seat once again belongs to the People. 

Let's just stop and savor the delicious irony of a Republican winning "Teddy Kennedy's seat" and (hopefully) killing Ted Kennedy's nightmare health care bill in one fell swoop. 

Mmmmmmm......sweeeeet. 

Juan Williams is predicting the democrats will put the pedal to the metal on health care and push it through in hopes of winning over the electorate on the bill's merits.  Stuart Varney is saying that will be suicidal.  I'm with Stuart.  Unfortunately, Juan may be right on the pedal to the metal part, because the leadership still thinks we are drooling idiots who just don't know what is good for us until it is shoved down our throats. 

The ball is now in the dems court.  Will they do the right thing and swear him in or will they try to stall and risk further damage by pushing that incredibly unpopular, steaming hot mess of a bill through?

The People have spoken - loudly, inarguably, and definitively.  Let's see if the Tonedeaf Trio hear it.

What's that I see through the dismal fog of wretched Progressive excess?  Could that be a tiny glimmer of the Shining City on the Hill?

Suddenly, there's hope....

UPDATE:  Here's a great clip from Jon Stewart to keep the good times rolling (Warning: content):

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Mass Backwards
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

GIVE IF YOU CAN

I know that times are tough, but thrre is a lot going on that requires our time and money.  The devastation in Haiti calls for immediate help for anyone who can give.  In more mundane events, there is a great candidate in a surprisingly tight race who could use your help, too.  If you can spare some time or money, check these out (even $5 helps).

The American Red Cross.  This link will take you to a page that details the different funds you can contribute to.  The Haiti disaster Relief fund is the second button.  Please help, if you can.  The situation is dire.  Donating to the Red Cross ensures that your money goes to desperately needed medical supplies, as well as food and potable water, NOT to the Haitian government.

If you are able to donate blood, I urge you to please do so.  Consider donating platelets or plasma instead of whole blood (I do).  To donate in Florida, please contact the Florida Blood Centers.  Nationwide, check out the American Red Cross.  The link helps you find a donation center near you.  Please give, if you can. 

If you live in the South, the next time you need to go to the store, choose your local Publix.  They are currently taking donations for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund at the checkout registers.  Just tell your cashier how much you want to donate and they will add it to your grocery bill.

Musician Wyclef Jean's charity, Yele Haiti, is collecting donations as well.  You can either link to the site and donate there, or you can text YELE to 501501 to donate $5, which will be charged on your phone bill.

Please be cautious about monetary donations, because, unfortunately, there are a lot of scams out there already.  But, please don't let that put you off from giving to a safe, reputable group.  Anything you can afford to give will be a tremendous help. 

Now, if you're looking to sock it to "The Man", please donate to Scott Brown's election campaign.   This site will enable you to donate money or time.  This race is gaining momentum, and we have a real chance to send a message to Washington and Obama.  I don't know about you, but I'm just loving seeing Coakley and her democrat/union/lobbyist cronies panicking over a possible loss of 'Teddy's seat' in bluer-than-blue Massachusetts.  Help Scott Brown (and Massachusetts voters) send a wake-up call to Washington!

Please dig deep and give what you can.