[The Write Side of My Brain] Lenten Reflections – Day 22 Written on March 10, 2010, by Michael.

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

~ 1 Corinthians 4:10

“If the world is sane, then Jesus is mad as a hatter and the Last Supper is the Mad Tea Party. The world says, Mind your own business, and Jesus says, There is no such thing as your own business. The world says, Follow the wisest course and be a success, and Jesus says, Follow me and be crucified. The world says, Drive carefully — the life you save may be your own — and Jesus says, Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. The world says, Law and order, and Jesus says, Love. The world says, Get and Jesus says, Give. In terms of the world’s sanity, Jesus is crazy as a coot, and anybody who thinks he can follow him without being a little crazy too is laboring less under a cross than under a delusion.”
— Listening to Your Life: Daily Meditations with Frederick Buechner

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[Virginia Virtucon] Where To Begin Mocking? Written on March 10, 2010, by Riley.

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Poll: Fimian Beating Connolly 40-35% Written on March 10, 2010, by crystalclearconservative.

Keith Fimian, candidate for Congress in the 11^th District, released a poll today showing him beating incumbent Rep. Gerry Connolly 40-35% in the General Election. The poll conducted by McLaughlin & Associates showed these results with 25% undecided. Among independent voters, the poll showed Fimian defeating Connolly 43-28%.

“Keith Fimian is in an outstanding position to win the race for U.S. Congress in Virginia’s 11th District. Voters are extremely disenchanted with the current state of affairs in Washington and are significantly more favorable toward a Republican candidate,” Jim McLaughlin, Fimian’s pollster said. “Congressman Gerry Connolly’s favorable rating and vote share are both well below the 50% thresholds for strong incumbents. The fact that Keith Fimian is already beating Gerry Connolly shows how vulnerable Connolly is to Fimian’s challenge.”

“I am excited that this poll shows that I am the best candidate to win this seat.” Fimian said. “This is because of my energetic grassroots support, strong fundraising results, my message of fiscal responsibility and the concrete proposals I am offering to create a vibrant environment for job creation. Voters also welcome my commitment to eliminating the culture of wasteful spending and corruption that career politicians have created in Washington.”

Fimian has also raised more money than Connolly for two consecutive quarters, in addition to being named a “Contender” in the NRCC’s Young Guns Program.

[Virginia Virtucon] Imagine the Possibilities Written on March 10, 2010, by StaffordGOPer.

[The Write Side of My Brain] Trailer For Every Oscar-Winning Movie Ever Written on March 10, 2010, by Michael.

[The Write Side of My Brain] LOST – Will we say “Goodbye” to Ben Linus tonight? Written on March 9, 2010, by Michael.

With just about 9 episodes to go, will tonight be the night we say farewell to that rat we love to hate, Benjamin Linus? We’ll know in a few hours.

[Virginia Virtucon] Conspiracy Theory Nut Catherine Crabill Running For Congress In The 1st Dist. – UPDATED Written on March 9, 2010, by Riley.

[Virginia Virtucon] Fimian Leads Connolly Written on March 9, 2010, by Riley.

[The right-wing liberal] Oh dear Written on March 9, 2010, by rightwingliberal.

[SkepticalObservor] Is She On Drugs? Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

Lindsay.

Anybody in particular come to mind?

Well, apparently the incredibly narcissistic Lindsay Lohan thinks so, and she thinks it's her. She's suing E-Trade, whose trademark talking baby ads included one --- premiering during the Super Bowl --- in which one of the babies refers to "that milkaholic Lindsay." She thinks that everybody naturally thinks of her when they hear her rather common first name, and that she's therefore entitled to a $100 million payday. I guess the movie paydays are somewhat less frequent these days.

Sorry, but that's not who I thought of when I heard the ad. Indeed, except when I'm watching the far-inferior remake of The Parent Trap with my boys, or Tina Fey's hilarious Mean Girls, it's very difficult to think of Ms. Lohan at all.

Except, of course, as an example of narcissistic excess.

[The Virginia Conservative] Why Farm Subsidies Must End Written on March 9, 2010, by virginiaconservative.

[Tertium Quids] The shame of the Senate Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

[Crystal Clear Conservative] The Gentleman from “Statewide” Written on March 9, 2010, by crystalclearconservative.

So…Del. Ward Armstrong (D-Henry) is looking to run for statewide office in 2013. I wonder how this will affect Terry McAuliffe’s bid.

House Speaker Bill Howell reacted to the news quite well by acknowledging Armstrong’s ambition on the House floor.

[SWAC Girl] “News Hound” is on the trail…. Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

Watch out! The News Hound may be on your trail ... but in this case it's a good thing. Tom White at Virginia Right! has his News Hound sniffing around the blogosphere looking for posts to share. Who knows? The News Hound may find you next.

[The Write Side of My Brain] Lenten Reflections – Day 21 Written on March 9, 2010, by Michael.

Matthew 3

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’ ”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

[SWAC Girl] Politico Pulse keeps score of health care Dems Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

Good for Republicans ... bad for Democrats: three "yes" Dems now sitting on fence. Here's a thought ... maybe they're waiting to be bribed like Ben Nelson and Mary Landeau. Politico Pulse reports:

FOR THOSE KEEPING SCORE AT HOME – Not a great day for House Democratic leaders trying to keep their members in the “yes” column. Three “yes” votes on the House bill – Reps. Maffei, Owens and Arcuri – all switched to undecided Monday. But Arcuri said last week that he was a “no” vote on the final bill, so moving him into the undecided column was a partial win for supporters.

The abortion issue reared its head again Monday with Reps. Lipinski and Oberstar, both “yes” votes on the House bill, having said they would vote “no” on a bill that doesn’t include the Stupak language. The disclosure boosts Stupak’s claim that he has about a dozen members who will vote against the bill unless the restrictions on federal funding for abortion are tightened. Meanwhile, Reps. Artur Davis, Mike Ross and Dennis Kucinich stayed planted firmly planted in the “no” camp. “On the Bubble” has more details below. And, you can check out an updated list throughout the day on Live Pulse.

Read it all.

[SWAC Girl] 6th Annual Suzanne Curran Republican Women’s Retreat Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

2010 Suzanne Curran Republican Women's Retreat

THEME: “One Woman Can Change Anything.

Many Women Can Change Everything”

DATE: Saturday, June 12, 2010
PLACE: Holiday Inn, Staunton

Confirmed Speaker: Congressman Bob Goodlatte

Discounted Room Rates available

For more information contact:
Betty Cox, Chairman
Augusta County Republican Women
Email: bac9e@virginia.edu

[SWAC Girl] Glenn Beck interviews Eric Massa today at 5 pm Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

Glenn Beck's television show schedule has been rearranged to make room for Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY) this afternoon and, after yesterday's audio release of Massa's rant against Rahm Emanuel and the White House, it should be an interesting hour. Tune in at 5:00 EST to Fox News Channel. Allahpundit at Hot Air has more here.

I'm waiting to see if the guy even shows up....

[SWAC Girl] Chairman Mullins reacts to Del. Spruill’s comments Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

Del. Lionell Spruill lashed out at Governor McDonnell's widely-supported education proposals on Monday, saying the governor "does not care about the kids who are at risk."

Really?

RPV Chairman Pat Mullins issued a statement concerning Del. Spruill's remarks:

"Delegate's Spruill's comments are as offensive as they are wrong, and that's saying something," said RPV Chairman Pat Mullins. "Governor McDonnell's proposals will open the door of innovation and give students who have been trapped in failing schools a fighting chance at a world class education."

Spruill lashed out at Governor McDonnell's widely-supported education proposals on Monday, saying the governor "does not care about the kids who are at risk."

"If that's what he thinks, then Delegate Spruill obviously hasn't taken the time to read the bills he was asked to vote on," said Mullins. "Under the governor's plan, teachers and administrators will be able to take the new ideas from these laboratory and charter schools and improve our existing public schools, giving our children an even better education."

"Governor McDonnell and a bipartisan majority in the General Assembly are to be commended for trying new ideas to improve our school system, not berated for 'not caring about at-risk children.'

"Even President Obama has said that limits on charter schools 'aren't good for our children, our economy, or our country,' Mullins said. "The Obama administration has made it clear with it's 'Race to the Top' program that innovation, not obstruction, is the way forward. What part of that doesn't Delegate Spruill understand?"

[Tertium Quids] Amazon strikes back Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

[Tertium Quids] A Senate vote goes down the memory hole Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

[SWAC Girl] Health care: pick up the phone and call Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

Erick Erickson says, "I can't make it any easier for you":

Go here.

Enter your zipcode.

Your Congressman’s name and phone number will appear.

Call him and tell him to vote against the Senate’s health care plan.

How hard can that be?

For Virginians, call and ask they vote NO:

Tom Perriello (VA)
(202) 225-4711
((434)293-9631

Glenn Nye (VA)
(202) 225-4215
(757) 326-6201

Gerry Connolly (VA)
(202) 225-1492
(703) 256-3071

[SWAC Girl] Blue Ridge Parkway still covered with snow Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

Blue Ridge Parkway at Rockfish Gap looking south.

The road surfaces are still covered since the Park Service does not use snow removal equipment. This photo was taken last Friday. I saw that Phil was there yesterday. I think Mike is staying clear of the snow as visions of spring dance in his head.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010

[SWAC Girl] When is a tax increase not a tax increase? Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

In the waning days of the 2010 Virginia General Assembly, talk of the budget is on the minds of everyone including our own Lt. Governor Bill Bolling. Today he put pen to paper (keyboard to monitor?) and shared his thoughts:

As I write this column, budget conferees from the Senate and House of Delegates are meeting to reconcile their differences and adopt a new state budget for the 2010-2012 biennium. While it may be a gross over simplification, their ultimate task really comes down to two things

First, they must agree on how much tax revenue the state will receive in the upcoming biennium. In other words, how much money do they have to spend? Then, they must agree on how they want to spend that money.

In recent days, much has been written about how many fee increases, or tax increases, are buried within the budgets adopted by the Senate and House of Delegates. So, I thought I would use this week’s column to try and shed some light on that question.

Go to the website and read his ideas.

[SWAC Girl] U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday schedule Written on March 9, 2010, by James Young.

ANTICIPATED FLOOR SCHEDULE
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:30 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

One Minutes

Suspensions (15 Bills):

1) H.Res. 1055 - Supporting the designation of National Robotics Week as an annual event (Sponsored by Rep. Doyle / Science and Technology Committee)

2) H.Res. 1069 - Congratulating Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith for being awarded the Nobel Prize in physics (Sponsored by Rep. Lance / Science and Technology Committee)

3) H.Res. 935 - Honoring John E. Warnock, Charles M. Geschke, Forrest M. Bird, Esther Sans Takeuchi, and IBM Corporation for receiving the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (Sponsored by Rep. Lofgren / Science and Technology Committee)

4) H.R. 3650 - Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 (Sponsored by Rep. Baird / Science and Technology Committee)

5) H.Res. 1032 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should continue to assist the Mexican Government in fighting the drug cartels and curbing violence against Mexican and United States citizens, both in the United States and abroad (Sponsored by Rep. Chu / Foreign Affairs Committee)

6) H.Res. 1088 - Recognizing the plight of people with albinism in East Africa and condemning their murder and mutilation (Sponsored by Rep. Connolly / Foreign Affairs Committee)

7) H.Res. 1107 - Recognizing the 189th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy. (Sponsored by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen / Foreign Affairs Committee)

8) H.Res. __ - Expressing Condolences for the victims of the February 27th 2010 earthquake in Chile, as well as solidarity with and support for the Chilean people as they plan for the recovery and reconstruction for their Country (Sponsored by Rep. Hinojosa / Foreign Affairs Committee)

9) H.Res. 1036 - Recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States (Sponsored by Rep. Garrett / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

10) H.R. 4621 - Prevent Deceptive Census Look Alike Mailings Act (Sponsored by Rep. Maloney / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

11) H.R. 4547 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the "Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office" (Sponsored by Rep. Sestak / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

12) H.R. 4624 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the "SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office" (Sponsored by Rep. Souder / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

13) H.Res. 1091 - Expressing support for designation of the week of February 28 through March 7, 2010, as "School Social Work Week" (Sponsored by Rep. Kennedy / Education and Labor Committee)

14) H.Res. 1047 - Commending The Ohio State University Buckeyes football team for its victory in the 2010 Rose Bowl (Sponsored by Rep. Kilroy / Education and Labor Committee)

15) H.Res. 1142 - Congratulating Silver Lake College for 75 years of service as an undergraduate institution of higher education (Sponsored by Rep. Petri / Education and Labor Committee)

Special Orders

WEDNESDAY'S FORECAST
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

Suspensions (7 Bills):

1) H.R. 4573 - Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act (Sponsored by Rep. Waters / Financial Services Committee)

2) H.Res. 1087 - Honoring the life of John H. "Jack" Ruffin, Jr. (Sponsored by Rep. Barrow / Judiciary Committee)

3) H.Res. 1115 - Expressing appreciation for the profound dedication and public service of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena on the 25th anniversary of his death (Sponsored by Rep. Hunter / Judiciary Committee)

4) H.Con.Res. 249 - Commemorating the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the role that it played in ensuring the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Sponsored by Rep. Lewis (GA) / Judiciary Committee)

5) H.Res. 1081 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (Sponsored by Rep. Lewis (GA) / Judiciary Committee)

6) H.Res. 1061 - Honoring the heroic actions of Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. "Joe" Gardner, the law enforcement officers of the United States Marshals Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Court Security Officers in responding to the armed assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse on January 4, 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Titus / Judiciary Committee)

7) H.R. __ - To accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of the victims of the earthquake in Chile, and to extend the period from which such contributions for the relief of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti may be accelerated (Sponsored by Rep. Levin / Ways and Means Committee)

H.Con.Res. 248 - Afghanistan War Powers Resolution (Privileged Resolution) (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Kucinich / Foreign Affairs Committee)

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