Reader Comments
Issue 99 - January 16, 2008

Editor: I liked your “Predicting 2008” and request permission to reproduce it. I publish a small newsletter for Republican Women. I would like to use the article in our January issue. Lois L. Beres, Ridgecrest, CA

[Editor replies: Any ConservativeBattleline editorial may be reprinted at no cost by simply asking permission]

Editor: Your “Predicting 2009” is disturbing and sad that our country has reached the level of decadence and apathy that it has attained. However, it is no mystery. We have become a Godless society. When a nation reaches this level without God there is nothing left but the folly of man. Even so called Christians play church. They do not obey God's will in their everyday existence. There are no standards, only political correctness that has never benefited many people. I hate to say it but the November election will probably reflect this nation's apathy and ignorance when Hillary Clinton is elected. When this happens it might just wake up people and embrace our founding fathers' values. Jim Allen, Bremen, Ga.

Editor: Regarding “Predicting 2008,” I am so sick of hearing that Fred Thompson is "pro-abortion," "lazy," "liberal," and "dumb," I could scream! But I've written an essay instead, titled: "Fred Thompson: Looking Beyond the Surface" (available from karen_norling@roadrunner.com) I've written this essay to set the record straight about Fred's staunch conservatism. I am praying to God that Fred becomes the nominee this time around, and I'm doing everything I can to see that he does. Sincerely, Karen Norling, Middlefield , OH

Editor: Re your “Predicting 2008,” this life long Republican is voting for Ron Paul. Ron Paul is the only conservative. I may not like his "War" stance but on everything ELSE he's A++++++ in my book. And the way I see it - if we can get Ron Paul in by taking the "War" issue away from the DEMS. THEN that's better then getting Rudy, Mike or Mitt who are socialists. This War the WAY Pres. Bush has run it is stupid - and the immigration stance of all of the Republican Candidates will be NO Better then Bush's which is to let everyone single illegal in and not stopping them. Get Real and Start encouraging the base to Rally around Dr. Paul. It will be a landslide of 65% for him over any of the Democrats in the general election. Sincerely, Brigid, NH

Editor: I enjoyed “Predicting 2008.” However, if Mike Huckabee wins in Iowa, he can lose in New Hampshire as predicted and still go on to win South Carolina and Florida. I just don't understand why the conservatives don't get behind him now - he needs money, attention and support. Can you explain their reluctance? Thanks, a staunch conservative in the liberal sate of Connecticut! Corinne Margulies

Editor: Thanks to “Predicting 2008” for keeping Fred Thompson's name in the mix. I still think he is the best for all conservatives to rally to. Not sure how we pull off re-starting that rally, but I'm looking for the opportunity. Eric Rohrbach, Washington State

Editor: Regarding your “Predicting 2008,” will there ever be a real Conservative nominated? The Clinton family plays dirty. At present I favor Mitt Romney yet I do not feel the deep respect for him as I had for Ronald Reagan. I fear for the future of America. I have never stayed away on election day, at least not yet. Sincerely, Rich Kato, Houston, TX

Editor: I was wondering what your group's opinion of Duncan Hunter is. He gets no publicity—even in your “Predicting 2008”--but seems dead-on with regard to every single issue that conservatives deem significant_-War on Terror, Iraq, Abortion, 2nd Amendment, Border Security, Illegal Aliens, Taxes and Spending. He also has never backed away from criticizing Democrats as the liberals they are or pointing out that the media is in their corner. Is there a way for this man to climb to the forefront what with the front-runners seemingly unable to convince all conservatives that each is THE guy to vote for? Thanks. Steve Ellers, Long Island, NY

Editor: Regarding “Predicting 2008,” OH POOP YOU JUST CAN'T WIN IN POLITICS. IT ALWAYS DISSAPOINTS YOU. Ingrid Justice

Editor: Thank you for highlighting the fundamental thinking behind Catholic social justice in “Religion at Christmas 2007.” We have a moral obligation to protect those vulnerable, weak and voiceless and yet we support limited government and see empowerment of the individual as the prime goal. A vibrant private community of strong families and involved members brings about the optimal health and welfare of the community. Best regards, Lisa Miller

Editor: Regarding Ted Nugent’s “Jeanne’s Gun Stops Shooter,” I was a NYC policeman for more than 17 years. The only thing I can state with any certainty is that the police usually arrive after you have been killed. They then prepare a report. Jeanne Assam changed all of that by being armed and shooting the crazed gunman before he killed others. She acted with the courage of a guardian angel. Danny Wright

Editor: Yes, God Bless Ted Nugent, his “Jeanne’s Gun Stops Shooter,” and God Bless Jeanne Assam. Thank you for sharing Ted's story about Jeanne. As much as I don't like hearing that anyone had to be shot dead, better the "bad guy." From a fellow Life Member of the NRA! Karl Zimmer III, Plainfield, IN

Editor: Thank you for printing Ted Nugent’s “Jeanne’s Gun Stops Shooter.” I believe that Ted Nugent still embodies the thinking and feeling of the majority of Americans in this great country. Again, thanks for sharing this. Ray Adkins

Editor: Ted Nugent-- "You rock, Ted (and Jeanne Assam, too). Just keep telling it like it is!! madmemere1

Editor: Great article. Ted Nugent’s article “Jeanne's Gun Stops Shooter” hit the nail on the head so to speak. I have been trying to make Law Enforcement and Security officers and the public aware of exactly what this brave lady did has to be responsive and not hide and wait till it comes to you. Thanks a lot for saying it in places you can get to that those of us try but cannot. Buford Tune, Academy Of Personal Protection and Security

Editor: Wonderful article by Ted Nugent (also an accomplished actor as two classic "Miami Vice" episodes proved), and a reminder to everyone that the NRA needs support in backing the DC's District Court's ruling that a ban on gun ownership is unConstitutional. The matter has been appealed will be heard by the Supreme Court. Renny Hartmann

Editor: Regarding Ted Nugent’s “Jeanne’s Gun Stops Shooter,” remember that America's guns save lives--and don't you forget it! SUPEREXCELLENT2U

Editor: I agree with Ted Nugent's ideas about the right to bear arms but we need to get our facts correct when we use news stories to make a point. Jeanne Assam was not just a member of the church but also a security guard hired by the church. She did not shoot the gunman dead. She wounded him twice at which time he shot himself in the head. Keep up the good work.

Editor: Ted Nugent’s “Jeanne’s Gun Stops Shooter” is an excellent article. Mark C Rauen

Editor: Right on, Ted Nugent in “Jeanne’s Gun Stops Shooter.” We need more outspoken people like Ted to tell the truth to the "Woozies" who try to be all things to all people. Keep up the good work. Dan Richards, USMC (Ret), NRA Member.

Editor: As usual, Mr. Nugent is in the "10-ring" with his commentary. Thanks to him and ACUF for this excellent article. Steve Hatch, Centreville, VA

Editor: Ted Nugent’s “Jeanne’s Gun Stops Shooter” is a great read and so true. I wish there were a Jeanne Assam every 100 ft as well. Lyle E. Binns – Instructor, Lincoln Electric Welding School

Editor: As usual Ted got it right about Jeanne. We need more people to be prepared to take out anyone who interferes with the freedom of Religion by taking a rifle into the Church to do harm to worshippers. Jim Nugent

Editor: Thanks for having the stones to print Ted Nugent’s “Jeanne’s Gun Stops Shooter.” I bet there are at least a hundred of us out here who agree with what he said. I bet in the MSM there aren't even ten. I wonder how they would feel if 20 or 30 of the MSM were gunned down by one of these maniacs. Too bad it wouldn't be right to find out, or even to think what would that be like. You see, even though we believe in protecting ourselves and the innocent from these murdering maniacs, even through returned violence, we don't believe in considering harm to those who disagree with us - unlike some others. Thanks again Ed Galicki, San Diego, Ca.

Editor: Dennis Avery’s article "E-Coli is Organic " underscores one and the same reason behind all the fads, whether they are in food consumption, energy consumption, climatology, politics (supertolerance, democracy, encouragement of the illegal invasion of the US, etc.):all of them serve the same purpose to fatten the pockets of the people who constantly either cry wolves or shed crocodile tears on account of the plight of the "oppressed". Unfortunately, our high school education churns out ( and one cannot escape the thought that it is done on purpose) the graduates who are both gullible and ignorant representing the best mixture for all kind of demagogues, from Jesse Jackson to Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, Obama , etc. This contributes to the decline and fall of America. In contradistinction to the ancient Rome it is not going to take 300 years, but only a couple of decades. Sincerely, Aleck

Editor: Sorry I don't buy Dennis Avery’s article "E-Coli Is Organic." I would much rather buy my meat from grassfed farming that does not use antibiotics, steroids, hormones in their meat or milk. Are you working for Monsanto or someone similar? Elaine Claudio

Editor: I read “Harassing Charity” by Bob Barr about the EEOC suing the Salvation Army. This is totally ridiculous on their part. I agree one hundred percent with what you said. Thank you for giving me this information. Terry Foster

Editor: As one who is totally opposed to abortion, I wish to point out that approaching the issue as a "states rights" issue as Lisa Fabrizio writes in “Abortion to the states” is laudable, provided we have the right man in the oval office. Bush senior gave us Justice Souter, while "W" sent Miers for confirmation. Even when we elect so-called conservative presidents we still seem to get liberal Supreme Court judges, to say nothing of federal judges at all levels. The GOP will have been in power in the White House for 20 of the 28 years since 1980 and we still have one of the most liberal judiciaries. The "odious" litmus test needs to be applied to ALL Republican candidates for president; otherwise, we get their running to the right and governing on the left, at least in their appointment of judges. Had Bush senior appointed another conservative, in the mold of justice Thomas, instead of Souter, we wouldn't be having this discussion, at least with regard to the Supreme Court. In election after election we are advised to vote Republican to get conservative judicial appointments, only to be repeatedly disappointed. I, for one am getting tired of it. Thank you.

Editor: Spencer Warren’s review of Robert Redford's visual polemic, "Lions for Lambs", was quite good, as a movie critic's insight into the entertainment value this recent "cinematic" release. It would have been an excellent movie review, had he tempered the urge to "play the part" of "military strategist" and left out the last two paragraphs - his failed attempt to be a "pundit". First, his critique of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's performance during his term in office, probably one of the finest SecDef in history military was totally over the top. The plans for both the Afghanistan and Iraqi phases of the on-going "War on Islamo-fascism" were simply brilliant, as his "conventional arms combat" successes show any objective observer. Of course, the spectacularly successful plans for the convention combat triumphs, which Rumsfeld approved, were really the work of military types at the Pentagon, although the Pentagon must share the design for Afghanistan campaign with J. (Joseph) Cofer Black, Director of the CIA's Counterterrorist Center. The ONLY major failure of the conventional warfare plan for the Operation Iraqi Freedom was a failure of the State Department, and not the Pentagon. The plan approved by Sec. Rumsfeld was a "two-front" campaign, with the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) attacking Iraq from the North across the Turkey border. Secretary of State Colin Powell had assured the Pentagon he would get Turkey to allow US troops to assault from the North. If Rumsfeld is guilty of any fault in the conduct of the post "conventional combat" phase in Iraq it was letting the State Department take over the management of the country before it was properly "pacified". By the way, Mr. Warren reinforces several myths. Myth: Most Vietnam veterans were drafted. Actually, 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers; 2/3 of the men who served in World War II were drafted; approximately 70% of those killed were volunteers. Myth: A disproportionate number of blacks were killed in the Vietnam War. Actually, 86% of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasians, 12.5% were black, 1.2% were other races. Neal J. Lang, Boca Raton, FL

[Mr. Warren responds: Senator John McCain, General Anthony Zinni (head of Central Command in the Middle East from 1997-2000) and a large number of other respected military authorities agree that Rumsfeld was responsible for our failing military policies in Iraq until the surge began after he left office.  Mr. Lang does not appear to have read the widely quoted, and critical, books by Bernard Trainor and Michael Gordon, and by Tom Ricks. ]

Editor: What is Lee Ellis thinking in “What Kind of Change?” He writes: "With oil jumping to 98 dollars a barrel and no new refineries being built, we are still relying on oil from foreign countries. Why? Because too many of our liberal congressional members keep voting against drilling in Alaska, in the Gulf and at other American sites." The U.S. is using more than 21 million barrels of oil a day, and 60% of that is being imported. Lee Ellis implies that if drilling were permitted "in Alaska, in the Gulf and at other American sites" there would be enough oil that we could quit importing from OPEC. That's laughable. If we were to shut off oil imports from OPEC and begin using only oil pumped from existing American wells, onshore and in the Gulf of Mexico and current production in Alaska, plus the "new" oil that Ellis believes would be found "in Alaska, in the Gulf and at other American sites," the U.S. would grind to a halt in 10 years or less. Oil deposits have pretty well been used up in the U.S., and to suggest that we could do without OPEC oil is just plain silly. As far as "no new refineries being built," Motiva is expanding its crude throughput at its Port Arthur, TX, refinery by 325,000 barrels a day. This is the equivalent of a large new refinery. Valero has a large expansion underway at its Norco, LA, refinery, and Marathon has a large expansion at its Lions, LA, refinery. Both of those are also the equivalent of two new large refineries coming online. However, with no crude oil from OPEC to feed into those refineries, they would simply be rusting hulks, like the steel mills and auto factories in the northern states. Ideologues simply refuse to view the world as it is. John S. Perilloux