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June 14, 2004
More Fun With Fictional Characters
A few other lists related to the Bloggers Select Their Favorite Fictional Characters post that went up today... The fictional characters that just missed making the list with 3 votes Yoda: "Star Wars" My top 25 was as follows... 7 Of 9: "Star Trek" I also noticed the list was a bit short on women & villains. So.... My top 10 fictional villains Agent Smith: "The Matrix" My 10 favorite female fictional characters 7 of 9: "Star Trek" Dear Congressman By Burt Prelutsky
If nobody has ever suggested that when you have a politician for a friend, you don't need any enemies, let me be the first. The politician I have in mind has been a chum ever since college days. Although he has held elected office for the past fourteen years, I have always told people that George (not his real name) was the most unassuming guy you'd ever want to meet. If you didn't know he was a U.S. congressman, the chances are he'd never get around to telling you. Anyway, a few weeks ago, I discovered that our neighbors here in the San Fernando Valley had put their home up for sale. When I asked them why, they explained that they had been lying to their daughter's school, Coolidge High, about where they lived. Some of the girl's friends had already been expelled when their parents had been unable to prove that they actually lived in the Encino school district. Rather than wait for the ax to drop, they were looking to move. The reality, however, was that because of the differential in real estate values, even if my neighbors got their asking price, they didn't see how they could afford to buy in Encino. It was Catch-22 for civilians. If they did nothing, their daughter would have to transfer to Cabrillo High, which is ninety percent Hispanic and is far inferior, academically speaking. The only thing I could think to do was write to my favorite congressman. I was pretty certain it was a waste of time, but I figured there was always an outside chance that George would know somebody who knew somebody who could make a phone call. So I dropped him a line, spelling out the problem that these "poor, decent, hard-working people" were having because they were trying to provide a better education for their daughter. He promptly wrote back to say that I was right, that there wasn't anything he could do. But then he went on: "When you have time, Burt, maybe you can explain the difference between your poor, decent, hard-working family that only wants a better education for their daughter, but has lied about where they actually live; and the poor, decent, hard-working family that sneaks across the border because they want a better education for their daughter." Frankly, my friends, I was astonished. More than that, I was shocked and appalled. It was just such an unlikely response from my old pal, a fellow who, in spite of our political differences, has always struck me as being smart, sensible and amusing. When I realized that, on this occasion, he wasn't being any of those three things, and had actually taken the opportunity to climb aboard his moral high horse, I felt I had no option but to set him straight. "Dear George," I wrote, "I am always ready to answer any of your questions. This happens to be a particularly easy one. For one thing, 'my family' are American citizens. Their taxes not only go to support both high schools, but help pay your salary. "Next, their offense consisted of lying about where they lived because they saw no compelling reason why their child should suffer scholastically just because they happened to live a few blocks northeast of some arbitrarily-drawn boundary. 'Your family,' on the other hand, were sneaks whose first act upon entering this country was to break a federal law. How on earth do you find these two acts morally or legally comparable? "Furthermore, as 'my family' is relatively poor, they are unable to send their child to a private school as you, a leading proponent of public education, have sent all three of yours. And as you are joined at the hip with the likes of Boxer, Feinstein and Pelosi, you are naturally opposed to vouchers -- vouchers which would have enabled these people to send the girl to a nearby, but pricey, religious school." In conclusion, I wrote: "The most shameful aspect of all this is my realization that Coolidge High clearly protects its sovereignty with far greater diligence than you and your colleagues protect America's." It's been over a month now. George hasn't gotten back to me. If you enjoyed this column by Burt Prelutsky, you can read more of his work here. Kerry Arrested For Stalking McCain By Andy Borowitz
Arizona Senator Seeks Restraining Order Washington, D.C. police arrested presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry yesterday after Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) complained that Mr. Kerry was “stalking” him in an attempt to persuade him to join the Democratic ticket. Police officers apprehended Sen. Kerry as he was shimmying up a drainpipe on the outside of Sen. McCain’s Washington townhouse, attempting to gain access to a second-story window. “John is a dear friend of mine, and I was flattered that he wanted me to join the ticket – at first,” Mr. McCain told reporters. “But over the past few weeks he has gotten downright creepy.” Sen. McCain said that Sen. Kerry’s courtship of him started as a series of friendly phone conversations, but then the calls started coming more frequently and often in the middle of the night. After Sen. McCain placed himself on a “do not call” list to fend off future entreaties from Sen. Kerry, the increasingly impetuous Democrat resorted to more desperate measures, even disguising himself as a Domino’s Pizza deliveryman. Now that Sen. Kerry is in police custody and undergoing psychiatric evaluation, Sen. McCain can breathe easy – for the moment. The Arizona senator confirmed today that he has requested a restraining order keeping Sen. Kerry at least one hundred yards away from him at all times. For his part, Sen. Kerry told reporters that he remained “optimistic” about persuading Mr. McCain and that such a restraining order would not ultimately prevent the Arizona senator from joining the ticket. “The president and vice president never have to be within one hundred yards of each other,” Sen. Kerry said. “Look at Bush and Cheney.” If you liked this satire by Andy Borowitz, you can read more of his here. Bloggers Select Their Favorite Fictional Characters
Right Wing News emailed more than a 180 mostly conservative bloggers and asked them to send us a list of who they considered to be their "Favorite Fictional Characters". Representatives from 56 blogs responded. All bloggers were allowed to make anywhere from 1-25 selections. Rank was determined simply by the number of votes received. The bloggers were told they could select any fictional character from TV, the movies, books, comics, fairy tales, you name it. As you'd expect, there were a large number of different characters chosen (more than 600 that received at least one vote as a matter of fact). Here are the selections that were made...(Cont)
June 11, 2004
Ronald Reagan -- RIP
Certain figures in history, like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, or Winston Churchill, were not simply titans among men, but came along at a particular point in history where their talents were most needed. So it was with Reagan. Reagan was like a bigger than life hero from one of his movies. He showed up when America, and yes, even the rest of the world, needed him most. Then he saved the day, rode off into the sunset, and left all of us with a debt of gratitude that we could never fully repay. Godspeed Gipper. You will be missed... Michael Reagan's Remarks At His Father's Burial Service
(*** All of the Gipper's kids really came across well. Patti was poetic and her "goldfish story" was just great. Ron Jr. was funny and his last comments were touching. But, Michael Reagan's comments were my favorite. Throughout his remarks, he just radiated love and affection for his father. It was stirring to say the least...***) Good evening. I'm Mike Reagan. You knew my father as governor, as president. But I knew him as dad. I want to tell you a little bit about my dad. A little bit about Cameron and Ashley's grandfather because not a whole lot is ever spoken about that side of Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan adopted me into his family 1945. I was a chosen one. I was the lucky one. And all of his years, he never mentioned that I was adopted either behind my back or in front of me. I was his son, Michael Edward Reagan. When his families grew to be two families, he didn't walk away from the one to go to the other. But he became a father to both. To Patti and then Ronnie, but always to Maureen, my sister, and myself. We looked forward to those Saturday mornings when he would pick us up, sitting on the curve on Beverly Glen as his car would turn the corner from Sunset Boulevard and we would get in and ride to his ranch and play games and he would always make sure it ended up a tie. He also sent letters to his grandchildren. He wasn't able to be the grandfather that many of you are able to be because of the job that he had. And so he would write letters. He sent one letter to Cameron, said: "Cameron, some guy got $10,000 for my signature. Maybe this letter will help you pay for your college education. He signed it, Grandpa. P.S. Your grandpa is the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. He just signed his sign." Those are the kinds of things my father did. At the early onset of Alzheimer's disease, my father and I would tell each other we loved each other and we would give each other a hug. As the years went by and he could no longer verbalize my name, he recognized me as the man who hugged him. So when I would walk into the house, he would be there in his chair opening up his arms for that hug, hello, and the hug goodbye. It was a blessing truly brought on by God. We had wonderful blessings of that nature. Wonderful, wonderful blessings that my father gave to me each and every day of my life. I was so proud to have the Reagan name and to be Ronald Reagan's son. What a great honor. He gave me a lot of gifts as a child. Gave me a horse. Gave me a car. Gave me a lot of things. But there's a gift he gave me that I think is wonderful for every father to give every son. Last Saturday, when my father opened his eyes for the last time, and visualized Nancy and gave her such a wonderful, wonderful gift. When he closed his eyes, that's when I realized the gift that he gave to me, the gift that he was going to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He had, back in 1988 on a flight from Washington, D.C. to Point Mugu, told me about his love of God, his love of Christ as his Savior. I didn't know then what it all meant. But I certainly, certainly know now. I can't think of a better gift for a father to give a son. And I hope to honor my father by giving my son Cameron and my daughter Ashley that very same gift he gave to me. Knowing where he is this very moment, this very day, that he is in Heaven, and I can only promise my father this. Dad, when I go, I will go to Heaven, too. And you and I and my sister, Maureen, that went before us, we will dance with the heavenly host of angels before the presence of God. We will do it melanoma and Alzheimer's free. Thank you for letting me share my father, Ronald Wilson Reagan. George Bush Sr's Eulogy At Reagan's Funeral
(***At first, when George H.W. Bush was speaking, I believed he was nervous because he was speaking too rapidly. That seemed a bit odd to me, since it's hard to believe that a former President would have that problem, even on an occasion like this one. Then, George Sr. started to choke up a little bit and I knew right then, it wasn't nervousness; it was his grief and emotion over losing not only his former boss, but a friend who he had lunch with once a week for 8 years. It was a fantastic eulogy and the thing about the nurse and the water, that just moved me...***) When Franklin Roosevelt died in 1945, the New York Times wrote, "Men will thank God 100 years from now that Franklin D. Roosevelt was in the White House." It will not take 100 years to thank God for Ronald Reagan. But why? Why was he so admired? Why was he so beloved? He was beloved, first, because of what he was. Politics can be cruel, uncivil. Our friend was strong and gentle. Once he called America hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent and fair. That was America and, yes, our friend. And next, Ronald Reagan was beloved because of what he believed. He believed in America so he made it his shining city on a hill. He believed in freedom so he acted on behalf of its values and ideals. He believed in tomorrow so The Great Communicator became The Great Liberator. He talked of winning one for the Gipper and as president, through his relationship with Mikhail Gorbachev, with us today, the Gipper and, yes, Mikhail Gorbachev won one for peace around the world. If Ronald Reagan created a better world for many millions it was because of the world someone else created for him. Nancy was there for him always. Her love for him provided much of his strength, and their love together transformed all of us as we've seen - renewed seeing again here in the last few days. And one of the many memories we all have of both of them is the comfort they provided during our national tragedies. Whether it was the families of the crew of the Challenger shuttle or the USS Stark or the Marines killed in Beirut, we will never forget those images of the president and first lady embracing them and embracing us during times of sorrow. So, Nancy, I want to say this to you: Today, America embraces you. We open up our arms. We seek to comfort you, to tell you of our admiration for your courage and your selfless caring. And to the Reagan kids - it's OK for me to say that at 80 - Michael, Ron, Patti, today all of our sympathy, all of our condolences to you all, and remember, too, your sister Maureen home safe now with her father. As his vice president for eight years, I learned more from Ronald Reagan than from anyone I encountered in all my years of public life. I learned kindness; we all did. I also learned courage; the nation did. Who can forget the horrible day in March 1981, he looked at the doctors in the emergency room and said, "I hope you're all Republicans." And then I learned decency; the whole world did. Days after being shot, weak from wounds, he spilled water from a sink, and entering the hospital room aides saw him on his hands and knees wiping water from the floor. He worried that his nurse would get in trouble. The good book says humility goes before honor, and our friend had both, and who could not cherish such a man? And perhaps as important as anything, I learned a lot about humor, a lot about laughter. And, oh, how President Reagan loved a good story. When asked, "How did your visit go with Bishop Tutu?" he replied, "So-so." It was typical. It was wonderful. And in leaving the White House, the very last day, he left in the yard outside the Oval Office door a little sign for the squirrels. He loved to feed those squirrels. And he left this sign that said, "Beware of the dog," and to no avail, because our dog Millie came in and beat the heck out of the squirrels. But anyway, he also left me a note, at the top of which said, "Don't let the turkeys get you down." Well, he certainly never let them get him down. And he fought hard for his beliefs. But he led from conviction, but never made an adversary into an enemy. He was never mean-spirited. Reverend Billy Graham, who I refer to as the nation's pastor, is now hospitalized and regrets that he can't be here today. And I asked him for a Bible passage that might be appropriate. And he suggested this from Psalm 37: "The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps he has made firm. Though he stumble, he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with his hand." And then this, too, from 37: "There is a future for the man of peace." God bless you, Ronald Wilson Reagan and the nation you loved and led so well. Margaret Thatcher's Eulogy At Reagan's Funeral
(*** Because Baroness Thatcher had a stroke a while back, her doctors asked her not to do public speaking engagements anymore. But, Margaret Thatcher taped a eulogy for the funeral and it was simply magnificent. I can't speak for anyone else, but I sincerely appreciate the beautiful and kind words Maggie had for the Gipper. If it's possible, my admiration for the Iron Lady, who is in my opinion the second greatest leader Europe has produced in the last century after Churchill, has increased. Here is what she had to say...***) We have lost a great president, a great American, and a great man. And I have lost a dear friend. In his lifetime Ronald Reagan was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget what daunting historic tasks he set himself. He sought to mend America's wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of communism. These were causes hard to accomplish and heavy with risk. Yet they were pursued with almost a lightness of spirit. For Ronald Reagan also embodied another great cause - what Arnold Bennett once called `the great cause of cheering us all up'. His politics had a freshness and optimism that won converts from every class and every nation - and ultimately from the very heart of the evil empire. Yet his humour often had a purpose beyond humour. In the terrible hours after the attempt on his life, his easy jokes gave reassurance to an anxious world. They were evidence that in the aftermath of terror and in the midst of hysteria, one great heart at least remained sane and jocular. They were truly grace under pressure. And perhaps they signified grace of a deeper kind. Ronnie himself certainly believed that he had been given back his life for a purpose. As he told a priest after his recovery `Whatever time I've got left now belongs to the Big Fella Upstairs'. And surely it is hard to deny that Ronald Reagan's life was providential, when we look at what he achieved in the eight years that followed. Others prophesied the decline of the West; he inspired America and its allies with renewed faith in their mission of freedom. Others saw only limits to growth; he transformed a stagnant economy into an engine of opportunity. Others hoped, at best, for an uneasy cohabitation with the Soviet Union; he won the Cold War - not only without firing a shot, but also by inviting enemies out of their fortress and turning them into friends. I cannot imagine how any diplomat, or any dramatist, could improve on his words to Mikhail Gorbachev at the Geneva summit: `Let me tell you why it is we distrust you.' Those words are candid and tough and they cannot have been easy to hear. But they are also a clear invitation to a new beginning and a new relationship that would be rooted in trust. We live today in the world that Ronald Reagan began to reshape with those words. It is a very different world with different challenges and new dangers. All in all, however, it is one of greater freedom and prosperity, one more hopeful than the world he inherited on becoming president. As Prime Minister, I worked closely with Ronald Reagan for eight of the most important years of all our lives. We talked regularly both before and after his presidency. And I have had time and cause to reflect on what made him a great president. Ronald Reagan knew his own mind. He had firm principles - and, I believe, right ones. He expounded them clearly, he acted upon them decisively. When the world threw problems at the White House, he was not baffled, or disorientated, or overwhelmed. He knew almost instinctively what to do. When his aides were preparing option papers for his decision, they were able to cut out entire rafts of proposals that they knew `the Old Man' would never wear. When his allies came under Soviet or domestic pressure, they could look confidently to Washington for firm leadership. And when his enemies tested American resolve, they soon discovered that his resolve was firm and unyielding. Yet his ideas, though clear, were never simplistic. He saw the many sides of truth. Yes, he warned that the Soviet Union had an insatiable drive for military power and territorial expansion; but he also sensed it was being eaten away by systemic failures impossible to reform. Yes, he did not shrink from denouncing Moscow's `evil empire'. But he realised that a man of goodwill might nonetheless emerge from within its dark corridors. So the President resisted Soviet expansion and pressed down on Soviet weakness at every point until the day came when communism began to collapse beneath the combined weight of these pressures and its own failures. And when a man of goodwill did emerge from the ruins, President Reagan stepped forward to shake his hand and to offer sincere cooperation. Nothing was more typical of Ronald Reagan than that large-hearted magnanimity - and nothing was more American. Therein lies perhaps the final explanation of his achievements. Ronald Reagan carried the American people with him in his great endeavours because there was perfect sympathy between them. He and they loved America and what it stands for - freedom and opportunity for ordinary people. As an actor in Hollywood's golden age, he helped to make the American dream live for millions all over the globe. His own life was a fulfilment of that dream. He never succumbed to the embarrassment some people feel about an honest expression of love of country. He was able to say `God Bless America' with equal fervour in public and in private. And so he was able to call confidently upon his fellow-countrymen to make sacrifices for America - and to make sacrifices for those who looked to America for hope and rescue. With the lever of American patriotism, he lifted up the world. And so today the world - in Prague, in Budapest, in Warsaw, in Sofia, in Bucharest, in Kiev and in Moscow itself - the world mourns the passing of the Great Liberator and echoes his prayer "God Bless America". Ronald Reagan's life was rich not only in public achievement, but also in private happiness. Indeed, his public achievements were rooted in his private happiness. The great turning point of his life was his meeting and marriage with Nancy. On that we have the plain testimony of a loving and grateful husband: `Nancy came along and saved my soul'. We share her grief today. But we also share her pride - and the grief and pride of Ronnie's children. For the final years of his life, Ronnie's mind was clouded by illness. That cloud has now lifted. He is himself again - more himself than at any time on this earth. For we may be sure that the Big Fella Upstairs never forgets those who remember Him. And as the last journey of this faithful pilgrim took him beyond the sunset, and as heaven's morning broke, I like to think - in the words of Bunyan - that `all the trumpets sounded on the other side'. We here still move in twilight. But we have one beacon to guide us that Ronald Reagan never had. We have his example. Let us give thanks today for a life that achieved so much for all of God's children." Reagan & The Lack Of Decency On The Left
This week, the behavior of many people on the left has been not just boorish, but despicable and beneath contempt. Even though I'm very familiar with the "everything is politics" mentality of the left, I was surprised at how so many liberals just couldn't contain their hatred until the body was in the ground. And I'm not talking so much about the left's petty complaints that the coverage of Reagan's death was "excessive" (although it was particularly crass & crude of Wonkette to describe it as "Gipperporn"), the neverending stream of attacks on Reagan & his policies, the Gipper being trashed in the comments section of John Kerry's official blog, or even Bill and Hillary Clinton both nodding off while they were sitting in the front row at the funeral....  No, I'm talking about the vast numbers of left-wingers who hurled the most vile and sickening epithets imaginable at Ronald Reagan, while his wife, children, and the rest of the nation were in mourning. I'm talking about people so lacking in basic, fundamental, human decency that they couldn't even wait until Reagan was buried to vent their spleen at him. Like the protestors who held up Reagan in Hell signs at the funeral today, there have been legions of left-wingers who just couldn't help but say things like this... MORE... |
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Ronald Wilson Reagan