Misspoken Missive

"Senator Rockefeller, the editorial board would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us and review the political situation in our nation. You've served with Senator McCain for many years. What insights might you have about the presumptive Republican candidate?"

The senator eases forward in his chair a few inches and gathers his thoughts.

"McCain was a fighter pilot, who dropped laser-guided missiles from 35,000 feet. He was long gone when they hit. What happened when they (the missiles) got to the ground? He doesn't know. You have to care about the lives of people. McCain never gets into those issues," Sen. Jay Rockefeller says shooting a knowing look to the gathered reporters.

I wasn't there, but I don't think I'm too far off capturing the scene. Rockefeller wasn't ambushed on the street corner by some Michael Moore type. He was at a formal discussion with editorial writers. His retraction went something like this:

"Well, when I said McCain was a fighter pilot who cavalierly dropped missiles from 35,000 feet with a flagrant disregard for the damage they caused and the innocent people they killed, what I meant to say was that Senator McCain is a true American hero. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to clarify my point."

If the nation were to vote on the best "misspoken" comments from a politician, the race would be crowded and close.

The other day Barack Obama said referring to the American people, "It's not surprising, then, they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

Here's a man who has made his faith the centerpiece of his political rise to prominence. I'm one of those who "clings to religion," but I don't see it as a negative. One's faith should be the source of strength in difficult times and humility and generosity in prosperous times.

Backpedaling the following day, Obama said, "...well you know, when you're bitter you turn to what you can count on." A lot of Americans would agree with him here: While we we can't count on our politicians, we can count on our guns. But I don't think that's exactly what Obama had in mind.

The candidate follows in the rich tradition established by his wife earlier in the campaign when she took a broad swipe at the country with her remark, “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country, and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.”

But, of course, neither of the Obamas can hold a candle to their pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., who didn't hold anything back when it was time for him to declare his attitude about the United States:

“God damn America … for killing innocent people. God damn America for threatening citizens as less than humans. God damn America as long as she tries to act like she is God and supreme.”

I praise Rev. Wright for having the courage of his convictions. He is the only one of the four mentioned here who, to my knowledge, didn't try to claim he misspoke. He has some gripes against this country and he was honest about them.

When I think about Michelle Obama's lack of pride in the United States, and Barack Obama's picture of mindless middle America clinging to religions and guns (Why didn't he throw in Nascar and beer to boot?), I have to believe that they sat through more than a few of Rev. Wrights anti-American rants, despite their claims to the contrary.

Now excuse me, I've got to get out of here, my office is coming under sniper fire.

And no...I am not a homosexual.

Arab Oil States Control Our Coastal Waters

The headline in my local paper heralded Congress last week for passing a bill to "protect" the north coast here in California. The headline just as easily could have read, "Congress Cedes control of North Coast to United Oil Emirates" because closing off our national territory to oil exploration is exactly what the Arabian oil producing nations want us to do.

Here is just how twisted this situation is, and if you understand it, please let me know. Congress gives oil companies depletion tax credits so they will find new sources of oil. Congress then systematically closes off all the potential sources of new oil from exploration.

Congress threatens to take away the tax credits and a large group of people jump for joy thinking that the nasty oil companies will finally get it stuck to them. Of course, anyone with half a brain knows that the corporations don't pay the taxes, they charge their customers whatever is needed to cover their tax burden. So consumers will pay the tax, which is completely regressive.

And isn't it interesting that the liberals who loathe "regressive"or flat income taxes, love regressive gasoline taxes? How can this be? It's simple. Liberals favor "progressive" income taxes because they discourage individuals from pursuing economic advancement. A high standard of living for people is bad. But any tax on gas, however regressive it may be, is seen as protecting plants and animals, whose "standard of living" is far more important than ours. The dirty little truth is, however, that as society increases its measure of material wealth, it is able to invest more to protect the environment.

Then, because the situation isn't ridiculous enough, Congress tries to "shame" the oil companies into lowering gas prices. Yeah, that’ll work.

To recap: Congress won't let oil companies drill new wells; Congress gives oil companies tax credits explore for new oil; Congress threatens to take away these tax breaks; Congress tells the oil companies they really should lower their prices. (The presidential candidates from the party that controls Congress, by the way, are promising to raise the price of government immediately if elected. High oil prices bad; High government prices good!)