Yep. The Emperor has spoken once again.

As always, he's spot on.

Only left out one thing - that pesky little thing called the Second Amendment. You know, the one that guarantees Americans the right to keep and bear arms?

RWR

"Butterscotch"
2001-2010

I've been a dog lover all my life. I've never been much for cats.

When this little guy made his way into my life, I wasn't even all that thrilled, but he was kind and warm and loving in ways I had never experienced from a cat. He came into our lives abandoned and unloved, but returned the love that was given him many times over.

He would sit on my lap for hours, especially if there were a blanket involved. He loved his family, and we all loved him too.

We recently noticed some odd behavior. He wasn't begging at the table. He loved to eat. We noticed later that he was having problems in the litter box, and it turned out that he had a condition that often develops in male cats, crystallization of the urine. This is very painful and expensive to treat, and there is little hope in any of the treatments. He passed away peacefully in my arms earlier this afternoon after some quality time with me and a small helping of his favorite food, broccoli.

So sorry if I'm not my usual fiery self, but today I tearfully grieve the loss of the only cat I've ever cared about at all.

God speed, my furry little friend. You will always be remembered with fondness and love. May you rest in peace.

RWR

Ann Coulter has a healthcare plan - and one that would work handsomely.

Not only that, but it would be a reform in the right direction, not the wrong one. After implementing her plan, there would be so little left to do to make the healthcare situation Constitutional, you could almost get away with not bothering to do it, except that it must be done to respect the Constitution and the Founders.

Here's her plan in a nutshell:

1. Amend the McCarran-Ferguson Act to allow interstate competition in health insurance.

(The constitutional thing to do would be to repeal the thing outright.)

2. Provide that the exclusive regulator of insurance companies will be the state where the company's home office is.

(Makes perfect Constitutional sense to me - See Amendment X.)

3. Prohibit the federal government from regulating insurance companies, except for normal laws and regulations that apply to all companies.

(Of course, Constitutionally, the government should divest itself even of those "normal laws and regulations that apply to all companies", unless authorized under the Commerce Clause.)

Ann's plan is far better than anything that either party would even bother considering. Federalists might even approve of this as part of an overall plan to return the country to the people, as long as the Constitutional issues brought forth (and others that were missed) were addressed.

One of the most attractive parts of this proposal is that it will fit on one page - maybe even a single paragraph! Its simplicity is its greatest asset. If you can't understand three sentences, then you can't read!

RWR

This New York Times article totally misses the point. You get these references to how "the wealthy and most businesses" are "unscathed", with the usual bitching and moaning and moaning about how "the middle class, the poor, the elderly, schoolchildren, college students and inner-city residents" are stuck footing the bill.

I guess the NYT has forgotten that "the wealthy and most businesses" have been footing the majority of the bill for New Jersey's out of control government from the get-go, and that "the middle class, the poor, the elderly, schoolchildren, college students and inner-city residents" will all be better off if businesses get a break, which is really what is being complained about. After all, New Jersey's ridiculously high jobless rate is almost exclusively due to out of control government intrusion into these same businesses that would otherwise be better equipped to benefit the poor, etc. After all, if the government is taking the profits, there's less available to hire people or award raises.

Liberals are fools when it comes to the economy, and the New York Times is no exception. They somehow believe that money grows on trees and that the wealthy and businesses are standing under that tree hogging up all of its fruit. They also believe that having their government entities steal their profits is without negative consequence to the very people they pretend to champion. They also think these people are stupid, and they have a point. After all, if they hadn't been buying the lies all this time, the libs would have been long gone long ago.

Now that New Jersey is on the path of recovery and renewal, it's time to make sure Chris stays the course and doesn't start playing the games that the socialists have been playing for so long. Given his establishment Republican status, I'd say we're going to have to watch Chris very closely. Still, this budget is a breath of fresh air if ever Trenton had seen one.

RWR

Apparently, Karzai is "very upset" about the arrest of the Taliban's #2 guy, Mullah Baradar.

Hamid, I've got three words for you:

BOO FUCKING HOO.

'Nuff said.

RWR

I don't know.

I was reading his latest, and that's just the thought I had. Is it biased to have that thought regarding the most prominent person to admit to being a reader of the RWRepublic?

I don't know that, either.

RWR

I've been able now to finally get a few minutes to incorporate the suggestions we got with regard to the platform. There really wasn't much to change, as the thing was really amazing the first time around. Why change something that was done right the first time?

There were some excellent suggestions, though, and they've been put in. Please put any further suggestions in the comment area. Should you wish to email me about the platform, please use americanfederalistparty at gmail dot com.

I wonder if those trying to rescue the Republican Party have considered this platform for their efforts ...

Proposed Platform for the American Federalist Party
2010

Preamble

The members of the American Federalist Party have come together in the spirit of freedom and fellowship to acknowledge several truths about our great Nation as it exists today. These truths have forced us to set aside our differences as patriotic Americans with regard to many issues for which we hold differing yet passionate positions, such as regards abortion, war, vice, and even crime, in order to stand together in defense of the very basic law, designed to protect the unalienable rights with which we are endowed by our Creator, that has been abused and usurped to such an extent that the wise men who gave us such would be embarrassed at what has become of their cherished creation.

Political campaigns are funded by the federal government, and people who wish to publicly support a candidate are often restricted from doing so in violation of the First Amendment.

Congress has passed legislation regulating which kinds of weapons the people may own, and many States require government permission to secure arms and registration thereof, in violation of the Second Amendment.

In violation of the Fourth Amendment, private property has been taken from the people for the sole purpose of increasing tax revenues to local and State governments.

The list goes on, and in many cases the problem is so severe that the people of America often either do not know that their rights are being violated, or do not care. This is the source of the problems that overwhelm our country today. Virtually every major problem that affects Americans nationwide is the result, either directly or indirectly, of some abridgement of Constitutional rights or of some usurpation or abdication of power by those in federal, state, and/or local governments.

It goes without saying that with rights comes responsibility. We will therefore not, as part of our platform, explain how the people of this great Nation should take responsibility for those aspects of life that we expect the government to vacate. Americans are a creative people, and all have the ability to learn for themselves how to succeed in the free world.

It goes without saying that with actions come consequences. We will therefore not, as part of our platform, explain how those who, experiencing negative consequences for their actions, bring themselves most readily into the ranks of the successful. The freedom to overcome adversity and succeed on one’s own has its own natural rewards for success.

It also goes without saying that not everyone will be responsible and/or successful. We reject, however, that it is within the power of government to involve itself in matters of providing for those less fortunate. We further reject that governments are in any way properly equipped to take on responsibilities such as these.

As Federalists, we believe in the separation and delegation of powers as provided in the US Constitution, with the proper delegation of the weakest powers to the federal government, and the strongest powers to the people, as provided in the bill of Rights. We acknowledge that the concerns voiced by the Anti-Federalists in the infancy of our Nation have largely come true, and wish to place restrictions upon government that will protect our unalienable rights from such abuses in future generations.

The Constitution was written in simple language so that any layman could understand it. Its plain language itself makes it a proper platform for a party trying to rescue it from the current abuses, as it stands as a clear statement of the people granting limited authority to the government, not the other way around. Therefore, we believe that every American should read the Constitution thoroughly and come to a clear understanding of its meaning by reading the writings of the Founding Fathers and of those who opposed its initial ratification.

We wish our own platform to be so simple. We, however, claim none of the genius of the Founders in their wisdom; we only seek to follow their example in seeking the best way to secure the unalienable rights of the citizens of this great Nation.

Diversity and Common Ground within the Federalist Party

As a party, we seek only a few simple things. We rally around the concept of "originalist" interpretation of the Constitution, and allow all other issues to be resolved by the individual for himself. Each member or candidate will be free to hold whatever position he wishes, without interference from anyone in the party, for as Federalists we develop these positions with the Constitution in mind and reverence.

However, as Federalists, we cling to several simple concepts, and each of us freely affirms:

• That the unalienable rights as enumerated in the Bill of Rights exist to protect the rights of individual Americans.
• That government infringement of those rights should be vigorously opposed.
• That government is by its very nature evil and must be watched closely by the people lest it enter into areas where it should not be allowed.
• That the concept of limited government requires that government officials work within the boundaries set forth in the Constitution, and that these limitations include lateral boundaries within the various levels of government as well as boundaries between the levels themselves.
• That compulsory government service is incompatible with the concept of individual liberty.
• That a government that does not function within its means is worse than an individual who does the same, and that using terms like "balanced budget" and "surplus" in misleading ways merely intensifies the evil under which the people must function.
• That a vibrant and superior military with state-of-the-art weapons systems is necessary to defend the unalienable rights of Americans from those who would do them harm; and American soldiers must never be subservient to non-American commanders or serve under a foreign flag.
• That America is a sovereign nation with no obligations to any international organization.
• That the Right to Keep and Bear Arms includes the right to use deadly force in self-defense, as well as the right to organize into militias for defense against oppressive people and governments.
• That federal domestic and foreign aid programs are both illegal and immoral.
• That parents, not any government, are responsible for the education of their children, including manner, choice of facility, and the bearing of cost.
• That the federal government has no power to influence elections through regulation, finance, or control of the media.
• That the federal government does not possess the power to set forth an "energy policy".
• That government programs aimed at reducing poverty are neither legal nor beneficial to those they are designed to help, and
• That under a properly instituted federalist system, the federal government is at the weakest level, with local governments and the people being at the most powerful.

Policies of the Federalist Party

As Federalists, we seek to return our government to its proper distribution of powers as set forth in our Founding Documents. All policy positions to be advocated by Federalists, ad infinitum, shall be devised and implemented to respect and enforce these limits, thus keeping the government at its proper distance from the people. As federalists we will seek to implement policies requiring:

• That laws, programs, and policies that violate the federalist structure outlined in the Constitution be repealed.
• That laws passed in violation of the Constitutional rights of the States or the people are likewise repealed.
• That laws requiring compulsory government service or the pre-registration for the same be repealed. This includes laws that require registration for compulsory military service.
• That a Constitutional Amendment requiring the real balancing of the federal budget and the retiring of the national debt be ratified.
• That our military's superior training be continued, and development of state-of-the-art weapons systems such as SDI be expedited instead of delayed.
• That no American shall be deprived of the right to arm himself however he wishes, without interference of any kind from any level or branch of government, unless first adjudicated as insane by at least two competent courts of law.
• That membership in international organizations not clearly serving the national interest be dissolved. This includes the United Nations.
• That no group of Americans be penalized for the simple act of choosing to act as part of a militia.
• That all taxpayer-funded federal aid programs be dismantled.
• That all federal involvement in the education of children be phased out, and States rightly transfer all power and authority over education to the parents.
• That all federal laws placing limits of any kind on campaign finance or procedure be repealed.
• That the federal government remove itself from all involvement in the decisions of States and businesses with regard to energy.
• That all federal assistance programs aimed at the poor, sick, or elderly be phased out in favor of private sector entities or, where state constitutions may allow, the States.
• That provisions be made so that the federal government can never again rise to greater power than any state or local government.

Federalist Philosophy

As Federalists, we believe that government is at best a necessary evil that is prone to intolerable acts, and that it is the responsibility of the people to see through the salesmanship, half-truths, and blatant lies that those in government present in their efforts to gain acceptance for the things they advocate. We pledge, as Federalists to honor in all of our decisions the original intent of the Founding Fathers.

Legislatively:

• Federalist legislators will demand (and when in the majority, require) that all proposed legislation be accompanied by a Constitutional Authorization Report detailing how the proposed legislation is authorized under the Constitution. This report will then serve as a point of reference throughout debate and voting, as well as for executives, jurists, and the people, to assist in ensuring compliance with constitutional restraints upon government officials.
• Federalist legislators will propose, sponsor, and co-sponsor only legislation that is expressly allowed under the Constitution, and will insist upon appropriations being limited to single-subject bills.
• Federalist legislators will vote against any legislation not expressly authorized by the Constitution, and will stand against any legislation that exempts themselves or any other government entities from laws passed.
• Federalist legislators will refrain from using as examples legislation passed in other countries or international organizations.
• Federalist legislators will endeavor to legislate consistently according to the Founders' original intent.

Judicially:

• Federalist justices will demand (and when in the majority, require) that all cases brought before their courts be accompanied by a Constitutional Authorization Report detailing how the relevant case either violates or is supported by the Constitution, especially in matters of government abuse.
• Federalist justices will defer powers to the States where constitutionally appropriate.
• Federalist judges will assert the powers appropriate to their level of government (state, local, etc.) over those of the federal government.
• Federalist jurists will reference the Constitution in their opinions.
• Federalist jurists will refrain from any reference to the law of any other nation or international organization in determining the course of their decisions.
• Federalist jurists will endeavor to rule consistently according to the original intent of the Founders.

Executively:

• Federalist executives will demand that all bills passed by legislators and received for approval be accompanied by a Constitutional Authorization Report detailing how the bill in question is authorized under the Constitution.
• Federalist executives will defer to state or local governments where constitutionally appropriate.
• Federalist executives will sign into law only legislation that is expressly allowed under the Constitution.
• Federalist executives will proudly veto any legislation that is not expressly authorized under the Constitution, including legislation that contains multiple provisions, only some of which may be in violation.
• Federalist executives will respect as relevant only the laws and customs of the United States of America in their decision-making processes.
• Federalist executives will endeavor to govern consistently according to the Founders' original intent.

Summary

Not all Federalists agree on all issues. Our positions on various issues are based in our individual interpretations of the Constitution. However, we reject the progressive expansion of socialism that has plagued this country for so long as legal under the Constitution and believe that returning to our Constitutional roots will solve the majority of the problems that this evil has created and encouraged. Socialism begets hate, jealousy, and economic mediocrity in is subjects. The free people of America should stand firmly against it. The Founders made no provisions for such things in the Constitution, and we Federalists believe this to be by design.

Thanks!

RWR

Michelle Malkin today asks us to do something very different on the Census form.

And it's legal!

We should ALL do this!

RWR

I haven't made it a secret that I'm a huge fan of Glenn Beck.

That doesn't make him perfect. After all, it didn't take me very long to build a case for "birtherism" that Beck would likely not be able to beat. Today, Michelle Malkin points out that Eric Massa, the Democrat that Beck is currently touting as the latest victim of Chicago-style mob tactics in Washington, is a fraud.

So, last year he’s the pol willing to go kamikaze to pass nationalized health care.

And now, tainted by scandal, he’s running to Fox News to cast himself as a warrior against Obamcare and its left-wing overlords?

A radical backer of the Big Labor card check bill, he’s now trashing union corruption.

C-r-a-p-w-e-a-s-e-l.

Will Glenn have Michelle on his show Wednesday to speak her piece in opposition to Massa? I don't know. It would, however, make perfect sense, and it might give Glenn a little bit more insight into the situation. It does seem that Beck has a tendency to act in haste, and that's usually when he's wrong. Patriot Act, bailouts, birth certificate, and now this. Will he see the error of his ways like he did with the bailouts and Patriot Act, or will he stand firm with this nutjob like he's doing with Obama vis a vis his birth documents? Only time will tell.

Here's a thought for ya: What are the chances this Massa character is a plant from the White House and/or the radicals in Congress to divert our attention from something else that's going on? Maybe this is one of those times that we should be "watching the other hand", as Glenn loves to put it. He's doing a far better job than most in the media, but I do have to agree with Michelle on this one. He has most likely jumped the gun ... again.

RWR

Update: OK. Michelle was on Glenn's radio program today, and she really gave it to him regarding the above. Glenn says watch the show, and that to judge his decision now before seeing it is premature. He did make a good case, so there's nothing to do but actually watch the show and see what happens. I will not be posting, however, because of the post that's due to hit the RWRepublic tonight at 8, and I will want that one at the top for a while. Look for any comments from me over at Michelle's blog instead.

Update: Look for the updated Federalist Platform tonight (3/9) around 8 or 9 pm. - RWR

Judge Andrew Napolitano is one of the greatest Americans alive today. Not only does he revere the Founders and their vision for this country, but he also stands firm in supporting both - with experience as a judge to back it up.

I'm looking forward to reading his new book. Hopefully I can afford it soon. Check it out if you can.

RWR

For doing the right thing, Jim Bunning (R-KY) has been excoriated by Democrats and the press, some even calling for his removal from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

How stupid can you get? Someone actually takes a stand against stupidity, and they have to be banned from honors earned in a previous career??? You have to be fucking kidding me.

In case you didn't know, Bunning pitched his way into the hearts of Philadelphians and baseball fans on Fathers Day, 1964, when he pitched a perfect game at Shea Stadium against the New York Mets. When the Beatles put in their stellar performance in that great ballpark, Bunning said, "Been there, done that." The Phillies retired his jersey number 14 in his honor, despite the great Pete Rose also wearing it in the 70s and 80s.

I have news for the Left. Bunning ain't the guy you have to worry about. He really only opposes you about 65% of the time, which is nowhere near enough, and he's not even consistent at that. Jim Bunning will nonetheless remain one of the greatest pitchers ever to play professional baseball, and his name will always grace the walls of Cooperstown's museum. The number 14 will forever hang in the outfield at Citizens Bank Park and all of its descendants, whether you like it or not.

Here at the RWRepublic, we don't discriminate. If someone does the right thing, they get praise. If they screw up, they get a shit sandwich. You won't excoriate Jim Bunning, or anyone else for that matter, for doing right thing with our blessing. You should try it (doing the right thing) sometime. It's liberating, to be sure. To Mr. Bunning I say (Phillies cap proudly seated upon my crown), keep it up, and check what you've done against what you should do. Make changes where appropriate. Screw Pelosi, Reid, Obama, and Huffington. The more you are like them, the more you are the enemy.

Hey, how about we all wear Phillies caps one day this week to support Mr. Bunning?

RWR