Ms. Helen Thomas, a seasoned veteran of the White House press corp, had quite an exchange on July 1 with Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary. Chip Reid of CBS (yes, CBS) had asked why the administration was picking the questions beforehand for the "town hall" meeting on health care. When Mr. Gibbs responded with "the old soft shoe" dance-around-the-question routine, Ms. Thomas spoke up and let it fly. We don’t know if Mr. Gibbs realized he had been "schooled" or not, but it sure looked that way to us. (We also mean absolutely no disrespect to Ms. Thomas with our parody above, and we substituted "ole’" as a term of endearment, rather than the original "old" in the Jan and Dean song of the 60s. As her questioning of presidents dates back to JFK, she is timeless).

Ms. Thomas was later quoted, in referring to the present administration, "What the hell do they think we are, puppets?....They ought to be hanging their heads in shame." Previously, the only reason we would have found to watch a White House press briefing would be to see if questions from Fox News’ reporters were dodged. We may have now found other reasons to watch as well.

Bravo, Ms. Thomas. Kudos to Mr. Reid, as well. We make no secret of our distaste for the groveling and admiration society played out by too many in Big Media. Therefore, when we see some of them stand up–like they are supposed to–after the shock wears off, we want to give them credit where it is due.

Obviously, not everyone in the White House press corps is prepared to follow a script, be used to "plant" an expected question, or engage in hero-worship. Now, if they will just keep that up. Too much to hope for? We’ll see, we’ll see.

With all due respect to the President, and we sincerely mean that whether leftists believe us or not, we are thankful that at least one television network hasn’t adopted an Orwellian 1984 approach to news. There has been and will continue to be many things written about the liberal bias of the so-called "mainstream" media, or "Big Media." At least, those things will continue to be published and aired so long as "Big Brother" doesn’t do away with the First Amendment and shut these venues down.

Certain liberals like to claim that they are champions of "freedom of expression" and "freedom of the press," and with wagging fingers warn of oppressive governments that silence opposition. Unless, of course, those leftists are in charge of that oppressive government. Then, all of a sudden it becomes a great idea, and things like the [un]Fairness Doctrine and "localism" get revived by liberal Democrats intent on silencing any critics. Then, conservative talk radio gets equated with "pornography" by that bastion of fairness, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Witness also ABC’s broadcasts from the White House. No, this was not a satirical skit from those parody shows broadcast on Saturday nights on other networks. They were totally serious and did this PR-job with a completely straight face. We suggest that this network change its abbreviation from ABC to IFO, as in Infomercials For Obama.

Here’s another novel suggestion: the next time ABC wants to do a puff-piece, uh, "news" program, from the White House, instead get John Stossel to do the interviewing of the President, give Mr. Stossel no restrictions, and guarantee him he will still have his job after the program is over. Given Stossel’s journalistic integrity, independent mind and libertarian thinking–all of which seem to otherwise be in short supply at ABC–we imagine that program would much less resemble a campaign infomercial, and the President might find someone else to get steamed at, other than Sean Hannity and company.

Sadly, by his inaccurate comments about Fox News, the President is aligning himself with those leftists who would silence all who do not agree with them. This is the United States of America. We have a Bill of Rights and a constitution of no equal which, for now anyway, includes a First Amendment. When the Left grabs control and can claim the White House and both houses of Congress, not to mention most of the media, that rush of power begins to embody the old adage of "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

That corruption has now been played out by ABC’s White House Telethon. There is no way on God’s green earth that this display of power-grabbing will ultimately prove beneficial to our country. Those in power apparently want to quash voices that, at a minimum, do not take part in the "cheerleading" public relations routine engaged in by Big Media. Maybe next they’ll be saying "if you can’t find anything good to say about us, don’t say anything at all," to turn another old adage on its head. Somehow, we don’t think bowing down to an earthly supreme commander is what Mom had in mind at all.

###

A thousand suicide bomb "missions" on a single day. Another one thousand deadly bombings accompany those. Where does this happen? Some far-away nation? No, right here in the good ole’ USA.

The arrogance of refusing to acknowledge the dangers that face us, and the audacity of power-grabbing at the expense of properly leading, could ultimately lead to this nightmare.

Though the total of devastated areas reaches 2,000 on a single day, that may be a terrific underestimate. Getting a few thousand terrorists [oops, we used that word] across our largely open borders is no hill for a climber. Given the number of illegal immigrants crossing our borders on a daily, monthly and yearly basis, it is really no stretch to imagine many more than a couple thousand of such explosions going off on a single day.

No, we are not directing those concerns toward hard-working citizens of Mexico who illegally cross our borders in search of work and a better life. That is another issue. But be aware that the terrorist-sponsoring group Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, is presently using those same border crossings to smuggle drugs, people and unknown quantities of the unknown into our country. If an average of ten such people illegally enter our country each day, then some 3,600 enter in just one year. The numbers could be much higher, and those borders have been quite accessible for years. Therefore, it is no stretch of the imagination to say that 20,000 or more terrorists and their would-be accompanists, assisters and sympathizers could be in our country right now, plotting incredible devastation.

Those twenty thousand terrorist operatives, out of the more than ten million illegal immigrants in our country, would not even be considered "statistically significant," if we were just talking numbers, as it would be only two-thousandths of the total. But, we aren’t talking "just" numbers, we are talking terrorists. If 19 of them could do what they did on 9/11, imagine what one thousand times that number could do. There is no "margin of error" in those figures.

Oh, by the way, our government, via the U.N., recently gave the terrorist-sponsoring group Hamas nine hundred million dollars–to be used for "humanitarian" purposes, of course. We not only invite terrorist-sponsoring groups into our country over our porous borders, we finance our own destruction while we are at it. Common sense is so far gone in this country that it can’t even be seen in the rear-view mirror.

On 9/11, the media, our government, and the public went into "overdrive" when four separate attacks occurred in our country, killing almost 3,000 people. Can you imagine the reaction to 2,000 separate bombing attacks on the same day throughout our country, with volumes of more casualties? The two thousand bombings are just the first day of the new world. More will follow, as the authorities are overwhelmed with the destruction and casualties, and the attackers set off still more explosions.

In the panic that results after the first bombings, other terrorist operatives immediately attack America’s "power grid," leaving much of the country in darkness, and possibly extreme heat or cold, depending on the time of year. Hospitals strain to treat the many maimed by such attacks, having to operate on generators that may not be up to the task. Utility systems, including those which furnish fresh water and run our sewer systems, are also disabled or slowed by the power grid attack. Diseases from overflowing and/or untreated sewage and the use of impure water begin to overcome many people.

Computer systems are rendered useless or temporarily unusable due to the same attacks. Communications are at a standstill, as email, cell phones, text messaging, television, radio and even land-line phone systems are all either knocked out or severely hamstrung due to the power grid attacks and related problems. Since TV has since gone digital, most people do not have "battery powered" TVs that will even pick up whatever stations that may be able to broadcast. People cannot communicate from one area to the next, and mountainous levels of panic abound.

Unfortunately, there’s much, much more. The perpetrators of these "man-made disasters" also release poisons into the water systems of cities all across the country. A few hundred of Those-Formerly-Known-as-Terrorists could do an incredible amount of damage with a suitcase each full of biological and chemical weapons. Water systems are rendered inoperable or unsafe in cities and towns all across the USA. Gas supplies run low quickly, since there is little power to pump or move such, and no prospect of changing that shortage.

Germ warfare becomes a horrendous reality. Those who thought we had seen recent pandemics realize that the worst was yet to come, as horrible disease spreads quickly and geometrically. The food chain is targeted as well. Of those who have food, many don’t know if it is safe to eat.

The resulting suffering is overwhelming and unimaginable. Millions disabled by the various attacks, many dead or dying terribly painful deaths, with sickness and disease everywhere.

The U.S. economy, already largely in ruins, suffers more blows when China announces it will no longer finance our national debt, and calls in its many cards. The collapse of the Western world’s economy is imminent.

Panic rules the day. People start running out of food, fresh water, and medical supplies. Unsanitary conditions multiply, as do outbreaks of disease, including deadly sicknesses. The relief organizations that are still left cannot keep pace with the great need of so many. Lines of people stretching over a football-field long are common, seeking food, water and medicine, and reminiscent of the many awaiting help in the days following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. That "three to five days" of food and supplies the government had urged all to have on hand runs out quickly.

Martial law is instituted by the federal government. Life as we know it in the United States of America, home of the free and the brave, is over. Anyone who does not have their own independent means of survival, and protection, is doomed to either the elements, starvation, disease, or the whims of heartless thugs.

Horrendous conduct expands exponentially. People steal from others, maim others without regret, and murder rules the day. Scores of innocent people suffer from the unmerciful treatment of thousands of roving gangs of every description, who rob, rape and kill any desired target in their path.

Those who still have the time and capacity to think upon these things cannot believe what they are witnessing. How could things go into the toilet so quickly and decisively? What in the name of freedom and fairness happened to our world? Anyone thinking too long and hard on these things gets hit over the head by the aforementioned thugs or has a treacherous disease claim them, if starvation does not take them first.

So, what will the Left be doing while all this comes down? Blaming "right-wing extremists"? Expressing surprise that Those-Formerly-Known-as-Terrorists were as bad, or even worse, than "the right" said they were? Somehow rationalizing that, if it weren’t for those "intolerant" evangelical Christians and other conservatives, none of this would have happened? Barking that "it’s all Bush’s fault!"? Who knows what kind of mental gymnastics those on the Left might employ in such trying times. Just be sure that if and when this nightmare takes place, the Left will be looking for scapegoats, and guess who will fit that description? Not members of the ACLU, liberal Democrats, purveyors of leftist websites, or other far-left organizations. No, instead they may be looking for people just like you.

There’s still more. While panic abounds and anarchy rules, and the Left plays the blame game, our enemies become even more emboldened. Since apologetic appeasement has ruled the day in our foreign policy, a terrorist-sponsoring nation somewhere was able to get its dirty hands on a nuclear bomb, or nuclear bombs, plural. That could be terrorist-sponsoring nations, plural. And that is in addition to North Korea’s arsenal. Those nations’ leaders decide it is the opportune time to detonate a nuclear bomb or two or four on or over the United States. While they are at it, they drop a couple on Israel as well, and on London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Madrid for good measure.

The resulting devastation becomes even more unimaginable. Millions more are killed by the blasts or will be from the radiation’s deadly effects. The emergency personnel that are still left intact are now totally overwhelmed, and hospitals cannot handle the increasingly high volumes of the injured, sick and dying, at least of those who are able to reach an open hospital.

In the areas of the United States not devastated by nuclear damage, thousands and thousands of enthused armed terrorists and foreign soldiers begin entering, this time not bothering to use isolated border crossings. They unload tons of additional weaponry and begin attacking whoever and whatever there is left to attack.

At this point, the freedoms of yesterday are indeed gone, tomorrow is something to dread rather than look forward to, and the present is a nightmare of unmerciful suffering and destruction. How did this happen? What happened to our way of life?

But no, you say, the above could never happen, you are being way too extreme, and, besides, Americans always find a way. We truly hope you are right and we are wrong. Yet, we must ask: how sure are you that you are right? Just what do you base that confidence on? Don’t tell us that "God would never let this happen." The Good Lord did not take down the Twin Towers. Godless terrorists did.

May this nightmare never begin. But, as the days pass and the present trends continue, we find more reasons to fear that it will.

###

–Just days ago, John Ziegler, who has the website howobamagotelected.com and a new documentary, "Media Malpractice," was strong-armed and handcuffed outside the site of an award ceremony honoring Katie Couric. She was getting an award for her Sarah Palin interview–which many, including Ziegler, would label a farce and an advocacy-piece, rather than objective journalism. Ziegler’s "crime"? He was giving away copies of his "Media Malpractice" movie to people going into the awards ceremony, and not attempting to enter the site himself. Oh, by the way, only "invited" journalists were allowed to enter the awards site, i.e., media-types invited by the recipients of the awards! Just imagine how liberal media would howl if a politician receiving an "award" restricted room access to media "invited" by him or her. Yes, arrogance is audacious.

–no longer using terms like "war on terror" or "terrorist acts"–instead, calling terrorist attacks "man-made disasters"! Can you believe that higher ups in our federal government are actually doing that? What is this, Brave New World and Orwellian "newspeak" personified?

–so dare not utter the "T" word–unless, of course, you are referring to the dangerous "right-wing extremists" identified by our new Homeland Security department, including members of the VFW, opponents of abortion, and fans of the "Tea Party" events [see our most recent column, Guess Who the Real Enemy is Now?].

–please make sure the absurdity of the above fully registers, and hopefully spurs you to action: our US government has no problem labeling patriotic Americans as possible "terrorists" but no longer wants to call Osama Bin Laden, Al Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah "terrorists"!?! Does anyone have trouble seeing there is something very wrong with this picture?

–an American president "firing" the CEO of one of America’s largest private companies, and also replacing a number of those on the board of directors.

–billions and billions, soon amounting to trillions and trillions, in "bailout" funds, even to banks that did not want such [and, yes, that began prior to the present administration].

–more audacity: as reported yesterday by Fox News, the "top ten" recipients of bailout money [i.e., our tax dollars] have spent over nine million bucks on lobbying costs in just the first quarter of 2009. Gee, we can’t wait to see what the yearly figure will total.

–billions and billions, which will also amount to trillions, in so-called "stimulus package" funds, loaded down with pork-barrel projects and with several items that have little or nothing to do with economic stability and development (a measure largely opposed by Republicans and a few brave "blue dog" Democrats).

–billions of those funds earmarked to go to groups like ACORN, with ACORN being that "non-partisan" group that openly favors liberal Democrats and is under investigation and indictment in several places for allegedly fraudulent voter registrations [e.g., did you know the entire starting lineup of the Dallas Cowboys was registered to vote in not only nearby Nevada but also Minnesota? If the Cowboys ever have a Monday Night game on the road versus the Vikings, day before Election Day, they can just stay overnight and vote in Minneapolis the next day–how convenient...somebody pass the word to team owner Jerry Jones].

–that same group, ACORN, being designated by the present administration to "assist" the U. S. Census Bureau in the taking of the next census.

–by the way, the U.S. Census Bureau will now be "housed" within the Obama administration, under the authority of the White House, unlike years past.

–and did we mention that the next [2010] census will be crucial in determining whether certain areas [i.e., "red" states] add congressional seats at the expense of certain other areas [i.e., "blue" states], since population shifts would tend to indicate that such should happen, but given the new developments just referenced, who knows what might happen?

–an American president bowing to a Saudi king, and the audacity of both America’s Big Media in largely not reporting that, and the Obama administration in denying that it happened, despite video showing that it did.

–our President getting much more "chummy" with Chavez and Castro than we think is appropriate, given their respective histories of oppression, dictatorship, and tyranny. What’s next, photo ops with the leaders of Syria, Iran and North Korea?

–a "new day" for advancing and increasing the number of abortions in this country, and throughout the world, so that the supporters of such can have even greater celebrations of the unjust ending of human life, while a number of those supporters categorically oppose the death penalty for heartless, vicious murderers.

–continued opposition to authorizing "drill here, drill now" by those now in control of our government, even though allowing such, with appropriate safeguards, will drive down the cost of oil and reduce our dependence on nations unkind to us to sell us that product [and don’t look now, but gas prices continue to go up, and expect them to continue rising].

–the arrogance of the left, largely comprising those who determine who receives the Nobel Peace Prize, in not awarding same to the Polish nurse, Irene Sendler, who saved 2500 Jewish children from certain death by the Nazis in WWII. This Catholic nurse’s story went unnoticed for years, and she was belatedly nominated for this honor in 2007, but was not selected. Who was? Al Gore. Go figure.

–largely ignoring the constant and growing problems with our porous borders, while drug dealers and Hezbollah run people and more drugs (and Heaven knows what else) across those borders and into our cities and towns.

–an American president "apologizing" to the rest of the world for America’s "arrogance," yet our country happens to be the nation that has freed more people, fed more people, cared for more people, and otherwise assisted more people than any nation in the history of the world, all at a tremendous cost of the loss of life of countless numbers of Americans, and many more who were terribly injured and/or separated from their loved ones for months or years on end, all of whom willingly served (and, in many cases, died) for those they didn’t even know [see also our first column on this site, Who Are the Real Heroes?].

–an expansion of the never-ending national debt to heights never before seen, while the present administration simultaneously claims that the last administration was the irresponsible one, and that the present one will "reduce" that ever-growing debt.

–the audacity of a liberal Big Media that gives the present administration a "free pass" regarding those outlandish claims regarding the national debt, and, come to think of it, gives this administration a "free pass" on most any issue, all with a straight face and no shame, which is the epitome of arrogance.

–the arrogance of the New York Times in killing a story prior to the election, which would have explored the ties between ACORN and candidate Obama and his campaign, and then claiming afterwards [when this came to light], again with a straight face, that the decision had "nothing" to do with "politics."

–the arrogance of liberal Big Media which, alternatively, either ignored, downplayed or ridiculed the many "Tea Party" events which took place on April 15 all across the country, and the dirty "double meaning" (sexual) language used by one of those networks in referring to the Tea Parties and those attending them.

–on that last point, just imagine the outrage of Big Media had Fox News used such language to refer to liberal protesters, or Republican office holders had done so...we would still be hearing about it, with apologies demanded. Yet, arrogant Big Media makes no apologies for its language and conduct, and has no shame whatsoever.

–the audacity of liberal Democrats in Congress who want to reinstate the [un]Fairness Doctrine and/or "localism" as defined by them, either of which will abridge free speech and help silence those opposing their grandiose plans [addressed in an earlier column, "Liberals Killed the Radio Star..."].

–while perhaps not on the scale of many of the above issues, arrogance reared its head even in the Miss USA pageant, as Miss California has been drug through the coals and shunned after honestly stating her personal opposition to gay marriage. Though she should have never been asked that question, since when has favoring gay marriage been a "qualification" for being named Miss USA? Is this the same country we grew up in?

It is truly our hope that all of the above will not morph into national disaster. That our country and our economy will remain free and strong. That the citizens will rise up, peacefully but unmistakably, and say "enough," and in 2010, and 2012, vote the purveyors of the above out of office. While they are at it, the people can continue the decline of the liberal Big Media’s circulation, viewership, and influence, by watching, buying and reading other resources that do not carry the taint of arrogant liberal bias.

We sincerely hope for good things for our country, its people, and our world. We do not harbor ill will toward our political opponents. We believe in the American way, and our system which is the best in the world.

All of that being said, we cannot wear blinders and be eternal optimists, and act as if what is occurring will simply go away by itself, and that the present actions will not have consequences to our health, safety and well-being. Our fear is that things will go so far that the unthinkable occurs, and that a nightmare of instability, terror, and suffering will be unleashed upon our country and this world. If it does, audacious arrogance will be of no help whatsoever.

Oh, so if you are against the unfettered ending of life of the unborn, you are a "right-wing extremist"? If you left your family and bravely served the cause of freedom in a faraway land, protecting people you don’t even know, you are now put on the "we’re not so sure about you" list at Homeland Security? This report makes us wonder whether Big Brother DHS is still focusing on those who attacked us on 9/11, and all those now freely crossing our borders, including members or sympathizers of Hezbollah.

Just by uttering the above, we may have put ourselves on DHS’ "watch list,"since we are expressing our right of free speech to speak out against governmental absurdity. Yeah, put all those "conservatives" on your "danger list," while terrorists and drug dealers have free reign coming over our borders. Sounds like you’ve got your priorities in order. Readers, see also Judge Andrew Napolitano’s recent column on foxnews.com, "Six Things You Should Know About the Homeland Security Report on ‘Right-Wing Extremism’" and Bill O’Reilly’s recent "talking points memo" entitled "President Obama, Spain and the Radical Left" and Michelle Malkin’s column of April 15, "You Might Be a ‘Radicalized Right-Wing Extremist’ If..." (We changed the original title of this column after seeing hers, though the substance of this column, including the original title, was written before we saw hers).

Don’t get us wrong. If there really are extremist militia groups ready to bomb the Capitol, Congress, or Main Street USA for that matter, those groups should be stopped, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, to mix those groups with our veterans and "single issue" groups such as those opposed to runaway government spending, illegal immigration or abortion is patently absurd.

Do you think those organizing and/or attending the "Tea Party" protests around the country might also be put on Big Brother’s "watch list"? Don’t bet against it. We doubt that the timing of the release of this "report" just before the countrywide Tea Parties was merely coincidental. The report’s focus reminds us of our earlier satirical "prediction" that William Ayers would be named the new director of Homeland Security, which doesn’t seem to be as much of an exaggeration as we figured.

We may not have many occasions to agree with Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), but we give him credit and kudos for questioning the release of such a report. It appears that Rep. Thompson, Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, recognizes the impropriety of our federal government trying to chill free speech and grouping reliable citizens into "suspect" designations on the basis of mere politics.

Again, with apologies to Jeff Foxworthy:

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You are a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...and, you are "intolerant"!

...You might not be a "right-wing extremist"...but, you are being watched, and they know where you live!

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

...You might be a "right-wing extremist"...

We know the above is not an exhaustive list. Many of us will think of items to add to the "right-wing extremist" list. This DHS report makes the so-called "conspiracy" theorists’ belief that "Big Brother is watching you" sound quite plausible, rather than the rantings of someone who is out to lunch.

We did OK in math in school, but probably not well enough to figure out just how many "billions a week" is accurate–we doubt that eight billion is, as the bailouts and "stimulus" package are no doubt costing us a lot more than that, but the point is made. We now have a spend-happy federal government that threatens to bury our grandchildren in debt and drag down our free-market system in an avalanche of nationalized control–a "socialist" America on the way.

How long will it be before Uncle Sam owns the banks, certain auto makers, insurance companies, and, yes, perhaps even the local mall? The latest story has the CEO of an auto maker resigning at the behest of the President. Guess who has "controlling interest" at General Motors now?

Federal-controlled "health care" [quote marks intentional] won’t be far behind. Throw in some government-mandated control of radio stations’ programming content, to limit free speech in opposition to this budding takeover [a/k/a the [un]Fairness Doctrine], and the rolling stone will continue to grow in size and reach. So, the 1960s "flower children" thought we had "Big Brother" government then? Who were they kidding?

We are being told over and over, that this is just "how it is," that the government must "do something" to salvage our economy and way of life. Yet, those telling us such either didn’t read the legislation they passed, which contained the bonus allowances those same legislators are now crowing about, or, perhaps, we think they protest too much–maybe they knew exactly what they were passing, and are yelling righteous indignation now that the cat is out of the bag. Those same legislators, led by a president touting "change we can believe in," then passed a record number of pork-barrel earmarks and expenditure items that have little or nothing to do with economic development and stability.

As they say, that is water under the bridge now. However, we are concerned that our country may drown in that water before enough people realize the consequences of the poor decisions being made, and stand up and say "enough." We won’t have much of a chance to express our feelings on that at the ballot box until 2010, and time will tell if a real "awakening" has taken place by then. But we do not have to and should not sit idly by, watching our freedoms rolled up and stuffed into a near-impregnable container of government control.

Please do not misunderstand us. We are not attacking "all" Democrats, and we do not wish ill toward those on the other side of the political spectrum. But, just because we do not want their misguided policies to be put in place and "succeed," does not mean that we wish bad things for our country, Congress, or our President.

Say that again: Hezbollah, a terrorist organization (oops, we aren’t supposed to use that word anymore, are we?), is taking advantage of our "walk right in" southern border, to move Heaven knows what into our country. Hezbollah, one of those extremist groups that we’ve seen on TV, in far-away areas most of us don’t frequent, coming to your neighborhood and ours. Don’t expect to see much said about that by Big Media.

While the present administration talks about increasing security on the borders, that presumably will not include National Guard troops, despite requests from border governors to do so, such as Gov. Rick Perry of Texas. Given that the "open borders" crowd were and are enthusiastic supporters of the present administration, we won’t hold our breath waiting for actual border security to be increased and made more effective. We’ll instead hold our breath hoping that no one crossing our border (or, more accurately, who has already crossed our border) sets off a series of suicide bombs or otherwise attempts to murder American citizens.

Another issue? Have you noticed gas prices continue to "inch" back up? Heard anyone in the majority in Congress talk about the need to "drill here, drill now"? Neither have we.

In addition to the tea bags, how about we all acquire photos of gas pump prices when they were at or approaching four bucks a gallon, and mail the picture to our congressional representatives. Just include a brief note telling them, "if this happens again, we’re holding you responsible at the ballot box next time around–drill here, already!"

The list of mishandled or ignored issues could go on, but we think the prospects of nightmarish terrorist attacks on American soil, while federal spending spins out of sight and federal control grows geometrically, leave a mounting number of concerns.

The songs mentioned above are an effort, albeit small, to do something about our problems, a "musical" tea party, if you will. Maybe playing a little rock ‘n roll and engaging in parody and humor won’t make us any safer or our country more sound, but sitting on our hands certainly won’t. Wringing those hands in worry won’t, either. Neither will ignoring what is going on around us.

But, let’s stay focused. Instead of trying to start the 2012 campaign years too early, let’s do other things instead. If you are a Christian, how about making a difference for others? If you aren’t a Christian, but care about others, the same deal. As they say, talk is so very cheap. What are we doing–actually doing, not just talking about–to make the world a better place? Do we reach out to those in need? Do we have a clue of how horrible those in places like the Congo, or the Sudan, or other parts of Africa have it on a daily basis? Or those right across town from where we live? Does our Sunday School class give regularly to help those poor souls? Do we support efforts to make a difference for the good in those parts of the world? Are we volunteering enough of our time and effort for others in our own community and elsewhere?

Now it is time to move forward. It is premature to speculate as to who will lead the "opposition party"–the Republicans–which that party truly now is, as it no longer will have the White House or either house of Congress.

Like we said–if you are a "Christian," how about getting your Sunday School class to commit $100 a quarter to relief efforts overseas, and the same amount to relief efforts in your own hometown? If you have the means, why not do the same yourself? Regardless of what you believe–Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or otherwise, why not do the same? We challenge you (and ourselves)–wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you believe or do not believe, to do that. Two hundred dollars a quarter, four times a year, to help those in your own hometown and across the world. Is that too much to ask for? Some of us throw away that much money in no time, on things that really don’t matter. And, we are talking about doing this as a community, as a small group. Can ten of you give $20 a quarter to help others? Almost all of us can, or can give even more.

It isn’t all about politics. It is about being the people we are supposed to be. So, while we "wait" for 2012, rather than worrying about who the next nominee will be, or is "supposed" to be, why don’t we get busy making a difference in our world? That might have more positive effect than anything we might do in the world of "politics." Of course, it isn’t just about giving money. Giving time and effort to others, in a variety of ways, can be an even bigger gift.

As for politics, instead of jumping on the "bandwagon" of any one candidate, why don’t we just all step back and take a few deep breaths. We don’t need to push one candidate for 2012 at this point–for goodness sake, that is four years away. Remember how the "conventional wisdom" had Rudy Guliani as the "presumptive nominee" of the Republican Party, prior to the first caucus in Iowa, and he didn’t even survive to make it to Super Tuesday? Also, at this point in 2004, all signs pointed to Hillary Clinton being the Democrats’ nominee in 2008, and we just saw how that worked out.

So, enough of the prognosticators. Let’s just see how all this plays out, and pay very close attention to the coming administration. We’re more concerned about whether terrorists will be able to walk "suitcase" nuclear bombs and duffel bags full of chemical and biological weapons across our "open" borders, than who the next nominee might be of the Republican Party. Or, having the [un]Fairness Doctrine brought back by liberal Democrats, which will destroy free speech on the radio. Or, seeing that "drill, baby, drill" becomes reality–and fast.

But, while we are on the subject, instead of jumping on the bandwagon of any one candidate, why don’t we all just watch, listen, and digest.

We really liked what Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, had to say during the last campaign. He had down-to-earth wisdom, a good-natured humor not often found in the confines of bare-knuckled Washington politics, and common sense solutions to our problems. Now, after the election of 2008, we urge you to listen to him. He has a weekly show on Fox News, and he has a new book out, Do the Right Thing, that we look forward to reading, and hope you will, also.

This was a guy who took his own laundry down to the hotel desk while he was campaigning–he didn’t have a "valet" to do that for him. He spoke of what he believed, and he had common-sense solutions to the problems facing America. For some reason, he got labeled an "economic liberal" by some of his opponents, which made absolutely no sense.

Some thought he was "suspect" because he used to be a Southern Baptist minister. Imagine that: instead of trusting someone even more, because he has been the pastor of a church in a conservative denomination, some thought he was untrustworthy, because he had been a minister. Hey, hey, hey, are you listening out there??? Not to be dramatic, but we are astounded that some would be worried that Mike Huckabee used to be a minister, until he heard a different calling, and then became the Lt. Gov. and then served ten years as Governor of Arkansas. Perhaps it says something about the world we live in, in 2008, that we would not have more trust in someone who had been a minister, and then moved into the world of government public service.

We like Mike. The author of these columns happens to also be a bass guitarist. Mike Huckabee is a bass guitarist, and he plays rock ‘n roll. For those who might not know, the bass guitarist is often the "glue" that holds a band together. The drummer is crucial, and his/her efforts are so important in defining the "rhythm" of a band. But, the bass player can make a band "go," at least if he/she is a solid one. He or she might not get "noticed" by the crowd, who may focus on the flashy lead guitarist or keyboardist as they take their soaring solos, or on the lead vocalist who delivers the "voice" of the band. But make no mistake. If the bass player is a "dud," then the band just isn’t the same.

Mike Huckabee is a bass player. We imagine he understands the importance of keeping a band "in the pocket"–that is his job, along with the drummer. If they don’t do "their thing," and do it well, it really won’t matter what the rest of the band is doing, because the band, as a whole, won’t sound as good.

We don’t think it is an accident or coincidence that Mike Huckabee plays bass. Not the flashiest instrument, usually not the lead singer [Paul McCartney and Sting being a couple of exceptions], but, as we said, the "glue" that holds the band together. Gov. Huckabee comes across to us as someone who has a steady head and hand, can think on his feet, and is an effective communicator. Just because he plays bass doesn’t mean he should be President, but having creative talent can be a good thing.

We have a feeling that after the next four years transpire, our country may be in need of some effective "glue" that will hold this country together.

We don’t mean to speak ill of our new President in saying that. As we said, we wish good things for our country, its people, and our world. But, we are also realists. We think our country may be in dire need of some "good glue" in four years, since we think it is already in need of that now.

So, don’t forget about Mike–Huckabee, that is. Tune in to his weekly show. Get his book and read it. And, pay attention to what is happening around you in this country. Regardless of who the next nominee of the Republican Party is, all of us need to pay attention and stay focused on the world as it is, right now. We can focus on who may lead this country in four years when the time comes. There’s much more we need to be concerned about now, in the present.

Sleepers, awake!

We congratulate Senators Obama and Biden on their historic win. We are deeply disappointed that Senator McCain and Governor Palin were not elected, but that is what happened. We would not have gloated had our side won, and will not wish ill will to the side that did. We hope that President-elect Obama and his staff will do the right things and keep America’s, and Americans’, best interests at heart. We want our country to be safe and prosperous, and to always be a leader for the cause of freedom, liberty and justice.

We are saddened that a true American hero, John McCain, will not have the opportunity to serve this nation as president. In our estimation, he deserved that trust. We are also disappointed that Sarah Palin will not be serving as vice-president. She is refreshingly "one of us" and has been unmercifully and unfairly attacked by both Big Media and her political opponents.

We are even more disappointed to see that the media in this country apparently holds such sway over the average person. If our country is moving further into an "entitlement mentality," as echoed by the lady in Florida’s comment (to paraphrase, she said "I’ll never have to worry about filling my gas tank or paying my mortgage again, if I help [Obama], he’ll help me"), then our country is moving downward, not upward. If most people in this country do not think for themselves, and noddingly accept what they are spoon-fed by Big Media, that downward turn is even deeper and more sharp.

In our opinion, too many of the media in this country have been dishonest and without an ounce of shame in blatantly favoring Senator Obama and making its "Big Push" for him to reach the White House. We do hope that more and more of you will be more discerning in your viewing habits, and will not reward Big Media with more viewership or readership.

We also hope you will stay alert, though we are probably all a bit tired of politics at this point. With the advantage that Democrats have in both houses of Congress and now the White House, we expect a number of issues to come to the forefront, and we ask that you pay attention. For example, liberal Democrats will no doubt try to bring back the [un]Fairness Doctrine, which would require radio stations to air an equal amount of differing viewpoints–if they carry four hours of "conservative talk," they will have to match that with four hours of "liberal talk." We think such a doctrine is unconstitutional and is a direct attack on free speech, which the media and liberals are supposed to be so concerned with protecting. Stay tuned.

Another area is "drill, baby, drill." Don’t be lulled to sleep by falling prices at the gas pump. We know those can go back up in a matter of days and weeks. With the same majority for Democrats just referenced, we are concerned that they will say "forget it, baby, forget it," regarding drilling, as we said in our most recent column. It will be up to the American people to not let Congress get away with that kind of [in]action.

We will also watch what happens in terms of national security, our fight against terrorism, and the stability of our military.

We plan to continue posting columns on our site, www.BoycottBigMedia.com and on this blog, though not as frequently. We said what we said without malice toward anyone, and we wish the best to both political friends and foes alike. Also, it’s not all about politics. If we ever get into publication the book from which several of these columns came, we will let you know. A lot of that book is not about politics. Thanks to all of those who have visited the site and this blog. We hope you will continue to do so, and will continue to forward links on our columns to your friends and contacts. We were heartened to see two of our columns selected as "Conservative Must Reads" by the editor of townhall.com, though both were credited to regularfolksunited.com rather than our site; those were "Who Are the Real Heroes?" and "...You Might Be a Leftist."

This election season also leaves us with questions, the answers to which we’ll never see. We would love to be proved wrong about that. Just off the cuff, here are a few:

1. How many fraudulent votes got cast, nationwide? How many people voted more than once, or voted in the name of a dead person or someone else?

2. Was the outcome in any particular state decided on the basis of fraudulent votes? If all those fraudulent votes were tossed out, what would the result of the political contests be, including ultimate outcome, electoral college numbers, and popular vote? For example, at last report, Obama won Ohio by about 200,000 votes. Some days ago we saw reports that claimed that of the some 600,000 new voter registrations in Ohio, over 200,000 or so of those were problematic, and/or fraudulent. Just a coincidence? We’d love to know.

3. What effect did Big Media’s biased polls have on the race; did that dim the turnout for McCain/Palin? A number of these polls had Obama/Biden with a double-digit percentage lead, or at least nine points, and the actual margin was about six to seven. Did these inaccurate polls, in Obama’s favor, "dull" some voters who would have voted for McCain into not showing up at all? We addressed that concern a number of times in our columns, but there still are too many people in this country that believe whatever they get told by TV and newspapers. We note that some 121 million votes were cast for Bush and Kerry in 2004 (Bush with 62 million, Kerry with 59 million), and even less votes–so far–have been counted for this race (about 120 million, 63.6 million for Obama, 56.2 million for McCain).

4. How much money, if any, did the Obama campaign receive from foreign sources, which is illegal? Who gave such, if such was given?

5. Who were the sources of donations to the Obama campaign of less than $200 apiece? The Obama campaign has thus far not identified those donors, though the McCain campaign identified all of their donors, regardless of amount. Did certain donors give much more than is legally allowed by doing so in a series of donations under $200, with those names either never being released, or the donations being made in fictitious names?

6. How many donations, if any, including total amounts, did the Obama campaign receive that violated the limits that one can give to a campaign? What happened to this money?

7. What would the tape that the LA Times refused to release, of the Rashid Khalidi gathering attended by Obama, have yielded, if anything?

8. Will the Obama campaign ever release the actual birth certificate of Senator Obama? If he was born in Hawaii, as previously reported, then what is the problem with releasing the actual certificate?

9. Will ACORN continue to be allowed to take your tax dollars and conduct partisan activities that favor one party, i.e., Democrats?

10. Will anything be done about ACORN’s practices of allegedly fraudulent voter registration, including registering people multiple times and under incorrect and/or fictitious names?

11. Will people such as Joe the Plumber who ask questions, and/or disagree with the new administration, get "investigated" by Big Media or the government in the Democrats’ new administration?

AND, to us, the biggest question of all:

Will the media bother to really investigate and genuinely attempt to answer these questions, and, if so, make as big a fuss over those as they do over the barrage of negatives they routinely hurl at Republicans?

We won’t be holding our breath.

Another lie of the Left and Big Media?: if you "care" about people, you must be a liberal. Conversely, those nasty conservatives don’t really care about the poor, don’t want to help the needy, and are largely undesireables who clutter up the planet with all things backward and out of date.

What a sham. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as most of the southern half of the state, and Louisiana, the devastation was unimaginable. Many people in both states lost their lives. Some 60,000 homes destroyed or rendered uninhabitable in Mississippi alone. You think the ACLU or leftist websites, or other leftist groups, did anything about that? No, didn’t think so. There were and continue to be hundreds of churches and other faith-based groups that have sent thousands of people to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to help clean up, recover, and rebuild. How much of that have you heard about in the national media? Not much at all.

If the destruction that occurred on the Gulf Coast had occurred outside D.C. or New York City, it would have been gigantic news for days and weeks to the national media. Yet many of the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast went unnoticed by some outlets, and certainly received much less attention than others, i.e., New Orleans.

The day after the worst natural disaster to hit this country, there were 18-wheelers sitting in the parking lot of a large Baptist church in a city in south Mississippi. From the Florida Southern Baptist Convention, the volunteers with their big trucks began serving hundreds of hot meals a day, and going out into the community and cutting trees off of residents’ houses, all for free. These kind-hearted people were there the day after the hurricane! Florida residents who know what it is like to suffer severely from hurricanes. Any chance you saw that reported on a Big Media network news program?

Like we said, we didn’t see anyone from the ACLU or leftist websites unloading ice, food and water, or doing anything anywhere else, for that matter. From the safety and comfort of Capitol Hill, some liberal Democrats barked about Bush not doing enough, but otherwise did not lift a finger.

Just as an example, there is a Methodist church in Auburn, Alabama, which is a four and a half hour drive from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, that sent a "relief team" to the devastated area for months and months on end, weekend upon weekend. The volunteers from Auburn probably didn’t even know the people on the Mississippi coast they were assisting. Do you think, even for a moment, that leftist websites that foster hate were doing the same thing to help those who lost their homes and everything they owned? We didn’t think so, either.

And, for those unfamiliar with these two areas: if Obama had to depend upon the voting breakdown, between himself and McCain, of the members of that Auburn church, as representing the entire nation, he’d be in a lot of trouble come Election Day. We can say that with a fair amount of certainty, even without taking one of Big Media’s "reliable" polls.

So, with all due respect, we think that’s enough about "liberals" being the only ones who "help" people. If you took a survey of all the volunteers who have come to the Gulf Coast and the surrounding areas to help with the recovery from Katrina, we believe there would be a clear majority, if not overwhelming majority, who are Christian and conservative.

Feeding the hungry, providing a friendly hand to those in need--those are not "liberal" characteristics. They aren’t "conservative" characteristics, either. But it is time for the leftists to stop claiming they are the ones who care and conservatives are the ones who don’t.