From the Plainsman: Frat rushee taken to hospital

The Auburn Plainsman's online edition is reporting on an incident at the Theta Chi house here at Auburn University: (HT: the Auburn Review):

Rushee taken to hospital
A student who received a bid from Theta Chi fraternity was taken to the hospital Aug. 16
By Sarah Brock
Campus Editor
August 20, 2005
Members of the Chi chapter of Theta Chi fraternity experienced a sobering moment Aug. 16 when one of the fraternity’s potential new members was taken to the emergency room.
The student received a bid from Theta Chi and was at the house when fraternity brothers took him to the hospital early Tuesday morning. Alcohol was consumed.

Incidents like this are unfortunate, and though they are not as common as they could be, they shouldn't happen at all. But that is not what really bothers me:

“(Theta Chi) is taking a proactive position and limiting their actions to make sure something like this doesn’t happen in the future,” Jackson said. “Theta Chi has been forthcoming and honest with us, which shows their commitment to fix the problem and their recognition that this shouldn’t have happened.”
[emphasis added]

This should never happen. While I am critical of the social greek system, and especially its current state, this is not a problem limited to the greeks, they just get more attention when it does happen.

While this may seem extreme to some, I think we've come to a point where social fraternities and sororities should ban alcohol at their official events and properties. The members will still be able to "enjoy" alcohol on their own if they want, and if they can't go without it for official functions or have to have it to have fun at parties, then they need help.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: alcohol, fraternities

For some reason, the world is filled with people I can't stand

I wasn't going to post on this, but I guess I'll cave in on this.

Cindy Sheehan, mother of an American soldier killed in Iraq, has received much attention in both the media and the blogsphere. Sheehan asked for and got some face-to-face time with President Bush. From the Reporter of Vacaville, Ca., on June 24th of this year (via Opinion Journal)

The 10 minutes of face time with the president could have given the family a chance to vent their frustrations or ask Bush some of the difficult questions they have been asking themselves, such as whether Casey's sacrifice would make the world a safer place.

But in the end, the family decided against such talk, deferring to how they believed Casey would have wanted them to act. In addition, Pat noted that Bush wasn't stumping for votes or trying to gain a political edge for the upcoming election.

"We have a lot of respect for the office of the president, and I have a new respect for him because he was sincere and he didn't have to take the time to meet with us," Pat said.

Sincerity was something Cindy had hoped to find in the meeting. Shortly after Casey died, Bush sent the family a form letter expressing his condolences, and Cindy said she felt it was an impersonal gesture.

"I now know he's sincere about wanting freedom for the Iraqis," Cindy said after their meeting. "I know he's sorry and feels some pain for our loss. And I know he's a man of faith."
[emphasis added]

This makes it sound like Sheehan was at least somewhat satisfied. However, it appears she wants more. She has started protesting out Bush's Crawford, Texas, ranch.

Her demands are getting a little more than outlandish. According to Drudge (via Instapundit):

Anti-war protestor Cindy Sheehan, whose soldier son Casey was killed in Iraq, is calling for Bush's "impeachment," and for Israel to get out of Palestine!

Sheehan, who is asking for a second meeting with President Bush, says defiantly: "My son was killed in 2004. I am not paying my taxes for 2004. You killed my son, George Bush, and I don't owe you a penny...you give my son back and I'll pay my taxes. Come after me (for back taxes) and we'll put this war on trial."

Sheehan's actions are despite the sentiment of the rest of her family (from the New Underground Railroad):

In response to questions regarding the Cindy Sheehan/Crawford Texas issue: Sheehan Family Statement:

The Sheehan Family lost our beloved Casey in the Iraq War and we have been silently, respectfully grieving. We do not agree with the political motivations and publicity tactics of Cindy Sheehan. She now appears to be promoting her own personal agenda and notoriety at the the expense of her son’s good name and reputation. The rest of the Sheehan Family supports the troops, our country, and our President, silently, with prayer and respect.

Sincerely,
Casey Sheehan’s grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

This makes me sick. It's one thing to not want anyone to deal with such a loss, none of us wish that upon anyone. But this is an absolute disgrace. But this does not seem to matter to Cinday Sheehan, as she has been bitten by the attention getting bug.

Those opposed to America standing up and fighting the good fight seem to be willing to do anything to further their cause. Too bad they are starting to show their true colors.

And is Sheehan wants to honor her son's memory, she should take a hint from Mohammed at Iraq the Model (HT: Blackfive & Red State Rant):

We live in pain and grief everyday, every hour, every minute; all the horrors of the powers of darkness have been directed at us and I don't know exactly when am I going to feel safe again, maybe in a year, maybe two or even ten; I frankly don't know but I don't want to lose hope and faith.

We are in need for every hand that can offer some help. Please pray for us, I know that God listens to mothers' prayers and I call all the women on earth to pray with you for peace in this world.

Your son sacrificed his life for a very noble cause…No, he sacrificed himself for the most precious value in this existence; that is freedom.

His blood didn't go in vain; your son and our brethren are drawing a great example of selflessness.
God bless his free soul and God bless the souls of his comrades who are fighting evil.
God bless the souls of Iraqis who suffered and died for the sake of freedom.
God bless all the freedom lovers on earth.

It worries me to see the complete self-absorbtion some on the left live in. These soldiers they cry for gave their lives willingly in the Godd Fight, but the left doesn't believe in fighting anymore. They live with the naive belief that war and pease are opposites and completely separate; they ignore the truth: You cannot have peace if you are not willing to go to war for it. War is the constant, we're just picking where and when we will fight it.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Cindy Sheehan

Of note

I received an invitation to be a guest blogger on Balanced News Blog the other day, which honestly surprised me, but I accepted the offer. You can now view my previous post on guncontrol on BalancedNewsBlog.com. I'll post over there from time to time. Check it out if you have the time.

-the Progressive Conservative

More on hate monger Phelps

Sean of Objective Justice has a great post over on Thought Mechanics that gives a great overview of just how messed up Fred Phelps really is.

One quote from Phelps that Sean shares really puts into perspective how out of whack this guy is:

A good left hook makes for a right fine wife. Brethren, they can lock us up, but we’ll still do what the Bible tells us to do. Either our wives are going to obey, or we’re going to beat them!

Christian this "reverend" is not.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Fred Phelps

Ok, this is just funny

I'm not really going to comment on this, but I wanted to point out a post over on Right Wing News: NAACP vs. PETA. My money's on the NAACP winning any knife fight between these two.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: PETA, NAACP

This is the crap I'm talking about

Relating to my last post, I found this on RightWingStuff.net:

An online animated video sponsored by Planned Parenthood's San Francisco-area branch features a superhero character drowning an abstinence promoter in a trash can and blasting into oblivion several pro-life picketers protesting in front of one of the organization's facilities.

RightWindStuff also includes the link to the video. [Content of video will likely be offensive to most!]

This whole idea of "I should be able to do whatever I want" stems from flat out immaturity. And I'm not talking about the kind of childishness Doctor Who meant:
"There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes."

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood

Gun control, and why blanket prohibition will not work

The Second Amendment Foundation brings up a good point: (HT: PoliPundit)

A report from MSNBC Tuesday that "more officers are being killed in traffic accidents" than by guns leaves the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) wondering, "Where's Ted Kennedy on this threat to the police?"

This is a very good question. Honestly, I'm disappointed by how much the SAF uses this to bash Kennedey rather than actually arguing their point.

"Ted Kennedy has proven himself to be somewhat an expert on the subject of national disgraces, as his own personal conduct over the years would attest," Gottlieb said. "He should be more careful throwing that term around, rather like the rock-throwing man who lives in a glass house.

"If he wants to save police lives," Gottlieb concluded, "Sen. Kennedy should forget about guns and bullets, and direct all of his attention to vehicle safety, and punishing criminals who used their cars as lethal weapons. The only thing Kennedy has to fear from gun owners is their long memories about his past."

If anybody doesn't know what the SAF means, they point out probably the worst thing on Kennedey's personal record:

"If anybody is an authority on lethal car crashes," Gottlieb said, "it would be Ted Kennedy, whose carelessness in July 1969 cost the life of Mary Jo Kopechne, a passenger in the car that Kennedy drove off of a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island. She drowned, and Kennedy fled the scene. It's no wonder why so many gun owners in this country have bumper stickers affixed to their cars and trucks declaring 'Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my gun'."

The SAF pretty much ground old Teddy into the ground, but they fail to really touch on the true issue: Gun control will not work in the long run. It's nothing more than a surface treatment that fails to address the real deep seeded problem.

The nation has tried prohibition, and found out what a miserable failure it is. Face it, this is the country that inspired the term "yank ingenuity", meaning that if presented with a problem, American will find some way through it or around it. You ban slavery, someone comes up with sharecropping. You ban alcohol, someone figures out how to sneak it in, and in the process gets people hooked on stronger liquors. You try to cut off outside sources of illicit drugs, and someone figures out who to cook up something worse at home or even in cars.

If you try to ban any kind of gun, someone will figure out a way around it. WE have already seen this in cases like the raid on the Branch Davidian Compound in Waco, Texas, when federal agents were met with hunting rifles modified for combat.

The real issue is not the weapons, but the people who use them. Anyone willing to fire on law enforcement or the public in general will, if determined and resourceful enough, find a way to make their own weapons. If you want proof of this, look at the current situation in Iraq, where the weapon of choice in atacks by insurgents are Improvised Explosive Devices. In a region nowhere near as developed as the U.S., with fewer resources, these people can muster enough resources to launch attacks on a regular basis against the strong military in the world.

The core truth is that to stop gun violence, the problem has to be addressed with the people. Children need to be taught from as early an age as possible what is right and wrong, something that sertain groups have tried and to a certain point have succeeded in ripping out of our schools. Children also need to learn responsibility and personal accountability, both of which have been lost by a great many thanks to rampant advertising and the ideas of instant gratification and self-centered thinking. The harsh truth is that the people that gun control is aimed at trying to stop are walking around thinking they can do whatever they want and can get results now, whether it's a couple of misguided kids making pipe bombs in their garage or an extremist religious group.

Simply trying to take their guns away, making their cars less dangerous, or trying to find them before they strike is not enough. This cancer has to be stopped at it's source: start teaching people that life is about far more than pleasing their own desires and that every action they take will have consequences for them. It's only a small portion of the population that has miss out on this, but even one person can have a huge impact on the world.

Unfortunately, their are many elements in American culturethat don't want to be told by anyone that are doing something wrong. They want to be able to do wahtever they want for themselves, get whatever they want, and have everything their way. "How dare our public schools try to teach my child that anything is wrong!"

Funny how close that is to becoming "How dare our public schools try to teach my child!" If you think that seems to be way out in "left field", realize the double entendre there.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: gun control, Second Amendment, accountability

::Addendum::
Here's the AP story on SAF's release.

Fake IDs are not wise

I'm glad to see someone on Livejournal is reminding the Auburn student community not to be stupid this fall.
[ATTENTION: linked page does contain at least one offensive word, enter at your own risk. I take no responsibility for the content of the linked post or its comments.]

I doubt it prevents all attempts at using a forged instrument, but every little bit helps.

-the Progressive Conservative

From the old blog: Abortion

The following post originally appeared on my old blog, the Free Voice, on November 16, 2004, 10:13pm.

As I promised earlier, here is my post grappling with the abortion issue.

First to rehash some, so all understand my approach, I see value in both the Clinton and O'Reilly views of the world. The truth is in the black & white, right & wrong, but the two are some thoroughly mixed at times that our world begins to look like varying shades of gray. Even some issues appear "gray" when we examine them, but that is because of their complexity. They have to be broken down into their single components to be understood and fully examined.

Now to look at Abortion in this light. In my previous post I started to break it down:

"When you boil it down, the abortion issue is really two issues: a woman’s right to decide what to do with her own body versus every human’s right to live."

Jeremy from Pop-PR added to this in his comment:

"It’s not just a right to choose or a right to life. Religious beliefs come into play, and that’s where it gets sticky."

From my point of view, religious beliefs are tied into the right to life, as all of the religious arguements I have seen against abortion have centered on the sanctity of life. But Jeremy does bring out a point that I am going to discuss, how this whole thing hinges on moral beliefs.

When we look at the right to live, this immediately breaks down into the agruement of when does life actually begin for us: conception? second trimester? birth? 21 years old? This of course leads to a tailspin as the arguement goes in circles for hours, with most sides bringing relevant and substantial proof to back up their positions. And while we know it is wrong to take a human life, the uncertainty of when it begins makes this a pointless arguement. Until there is a concensus on when life begins, the abortion issue will not be decided by the right to life arguement.

So, we now shift to the woman's right to choose what to do with her own body. Some argue that regardless of when life begins, the woman has the right to choose whether to allow the developing fetus to remain in her body or not. In a way, I agree with this camp, women have every right to choose what to do with their bodies, including whether to have sex. Every single expert in human physiology and mammalian reproduction will tell you the same thing: from the biological standpoint, sex is meant for procreation, or creating new life. This is basic knowledge: sex makes babies! If people don't know this, we need to seriously revamp the American education system.

Placing the woman's right to choose at whether or not they should be able to abort a pregnency is putting the right in the wrong place. Women (and men) have the right to have sex as they please, but you have to accept the potential responsibility that comes with it. In most rural areas, it is completely legal to fire indiscriminately into a forest or what have you, but you have to accept responsibility for anything you might injury or kill (endangered species, hunters, other people, what have you). It's the same principle, you have the right to do what you want, but you have to accept the consequences. By that right, I hold both parties accountable for pregnancy, both man and woman as it is supposed to be a mutual descision.

Now I have handled this in a blanket fashion, but there are some exceptions: situations when the choice was not mutual, pregnancies that threaten the life of the mother, incest, pregnancies where the fetus has no chance of surviving.

Here is the synopsis of my point of view: Life begins when the fertilized egg begins to develope into a viable fetus, specifically when it attaches to the uteran wall. (If you need a biological lesson as to what this means, just ask, but I'm not going to explain it here.) With life begining at such an early stage, pregancy should only be prevented (I say should as it obviously can be dealt with later). That being said, I support Roe v. Wade, because when abortion is made illegal, so many women are hurt or killed in their attempts to have abortions anyway that it no longer becomes feasible to ban abortion in light of the rampant civil disobedience that will ensue. As much as I agree with Erica that stupidity should hurt, it is not worth it in this case. The answer lies in teaching our kids about self-discipline and individual responsibility, that if we make a choice we have to be ready to accept the responsibility of whatever fallout there may be.

-MDC

[a couple of typoes were corrected]

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: abortion

Please pardon our progress

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog. Unfortunately, as a part of this upgrade, all old comments are no longer available. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but the benefit should prove more than worth the cost in the long run.

and some still think it's all fairy tales

From the LA Times: (HT: the Rick and Bubba Show)

Biblical Pool Uncovered in Jerusalem
The reservoir served as a gathering place for Jews making pilgrimages and is said in the Gospel of John to be the site where Jesus cured a blind man.

By Thomas H. Maugh II, Times Staff Writer

Workers repairing a sewage pipe in the Old City of Jerusalem have discovered the biblical Pool of Siloam, a freshwater reservoir that was a major gathering place for ancient Jews making religious pilgrimages to the city and the reputed site where Jesus cured a man blind from birth, according to the Gospel of John.

I'm sure their will be several voices out there that will try to say this find means nothing, but I think the majority of folks will see that this at least opens the door to the truth a little more. Sadly, I think that more than anything else, this find will be ignored.

"Scholars have said that there wasn't a Pool of Siloam and that John was using a religious conceit" to illustrate a point, said New Testament scholar James H. Charlesworth of the Princeton Theological Seminary. "Now we have found the Pool of Siloam … exactly where John said it was."

A gospel that was thought to be "pure theology is now shown to be grounded in history," he said.

If this makes primetime coverage in the MSM, I willl be very surprised.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Christianity, Jerusalem, archeology

Distracted by wordly desires

Wesley Blog has an excellent post asking "Why are 21st Century Methodists so ineffective compared to our 18th and 19th Century counterparts?"

Maybe we've lost our faith in the Gospel's ability to change individuals. I hear many liberal United Methodists talking about changing society by increasing the minimum wage, mandating a living wage, and creating a national healthcare system. To be fair, plenty of conservatives have their own ideas for changing society: prayer in schools, gay marriage bans, tougher abortion laws, and more tax cuts. There's nothing wrong with working through a political system to bring about change, but if we bypass individuals to do it, we're setting ourselves up for victories that last only as long as the current political wind. Real change begins to happen when people change. Once they actually encounter God, they're never the same.
[emphasis added]

The post presents one strong and non-PC point that should be said far more often.

United Methodist churches should not be places where nominal Christians are allowed to exist in religious comfort zones without being challenged. I can't understand why conversion offends so many people. People seem to be insulted by the notion that they could go to church for a long time, yet still lack real faith.
[emphasis added]

Or, as my roommate has put it, "There are regualr church goers who going to hell because they never truly accepted Christ." This is an unfortunate fact that has been with the church since its early days. If you don't think the early believers had problems like we face in all denominations today, read Corinthians (both) and think about why the Apostle Paul is saying a lot of what he says (the church of Corinth had many deep seeded issues).

Overall an excellent post. I recoomend surfing over and checking out Wesley Blog, even if you are not a Methodist.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Christianity, Methodism

From the I hate stupid people file: NCAA edition

College sports has some crazy things about it (insisting on playoffs for everything except the one sport that needs it most), but this is pure idiocy on the part of the NCAA.

From NCAA.org:

NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events

INDIANAPOLIS --- The presidents and chancellors who serve on the NCAA Executive Committee have adopted a new policy to prohibit NCAA colleges and universities from displaying hostile and abusive racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery at any of the 88 NCAA championships.

The Executive Committee, meeting Thursday in Indianapolis, also approved recommended best practices for schools who continue to use Native American mascots, nicknames and imagery in their intercollegiate athletic programs.

"Colleges and universities may adopt any mascot that they wish, as that is an institutional matter," said Walter Harrison, chair of the Executive Committee and president at the University of Hartford. "But as a national association, we believe that mascots, nicknames or images deemed hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origin should not be visible at the championship events that we control."

The policy prohibiting colleges or universities with hostile or abusive mascots, nicknames or imagery from hosting any NCAA championship competitions takes effect February 1, 2006.

"The NCAA objects to institutions using racial/ethnic/national origin references in their intercollegiate athletics programs," said NCAA President Myles Brand. "Several institutions have made changes that adhere to the core values of the NCAA Constitution pertaining to cultural diversity, ethical sportsmanship and nondiscrimination. We applaud that, and we will continue to monitor these institutions and others. All institutions are encouraged to promote these core values and take proactive steps at every NCAA event through institutional event management to enhance the integrity of intercollegiate athletics related to these issues."

Other elements of the policy approved Thursday require that institutions with hostile or abusive references must take reasonable steps to cover up those references at any predetermined NCAA championship site that has been previously awarded, effective February 1, 2006.

Institutions displaying or promoting hostile or abusive references on their mascots, cheerleaders, dance teams and band uniforms or paraphernalia are prohibited from wearing the material at NCAA championships, effective August 1, 2008.

Last, and effective immediately, institutions with student-athletes wearing uniforms or having paraphernalia with hostile or abusive references must ensure that those uniforms or paraphernalia not be worn or displayed at NCAA championship competitions.

Harrison stressed that institutions affected by the new policy can seek further review of the matter through the NCAA governing structure.

The committee also strongly suggested that institutions follow the best practices of institutions that do not support the use of Native American mascots or imagery. Model institutions include the University of Iowa and University of Wisconsin, who have practices of not scheduling athletic competitions with schools who use Native American nicknames, imagery or mascots.

Additionally, the committee suggested that institutions should review their publications and written materials for hostile and abusive references and remove those depictions, which is the current policy of the NCAA National Office.

Last, member institutions are encouraged to educate their internal and external constituents on the understanding and awareness of the negative impact of hostile or abusive symbols, names and imagery, and to create a greater level of knowledge of Native American culture through outreach efforts and other means of communication.

The recommendations stemmed from discussions in June at the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interest Committee (MOIC) meeting in Boston. Those recommendations were forwarded to the Executive Committee Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues earlier this week. The subcommittee then forwarded its recommended changes to the Executive Committee, which is the highest ranking committee in the NCAA governance structure.

Three events prompted initial discussion on mascots within the Association in April 2001—membership feedback; ongoing issues surrounding the Confederate Battle Flag; and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ statement on the use of American Indian imagery as sports symbols.

In November 2004, 33 schools were asked to submit self evaluations to the NCAA National Office to determine the extent, if any, of the use of Native American imagery or references on their campuses. Specific aspects of the self evaluations centered on three NCAA Constitution principles that reference cultural diversity and gender equity (Article 2.2.2); the principle of sportsmanship and ethical conduct (Article 2.4); and the principle of nondiscrimination (Article 2.6).

Eighteen colleges and universities continue to use Native American imagery or references and are subject to the new policy:

Alcorn State University (Braves)
Central Michigan University (Chippewas)
Catawba College (Indians)
Florida State University (Seminoles)
Midwestern State University (Indians)
University of Utah (Utes)
Indiana University-Pennsylvania (Indians)
Carthage College (Redmen)
Bradley University (Braves)
Arkansas State University (Indians)
Chowan College (Braves)
University of Illinois-Champaign (Illini)
University of Louisiana-Monroe (Indians)
McMurry University (Indians)
Mississippi College (Choctaws)
Newberry College (Indians)
University of North Dakota (Fighting Sioux)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Savages)

Fourteen schools have removed all references to Native American culture or were deemed not to have references to Native American culture as part of their athletics programs: California State-Stanislaus University; Lycoming College; Winona State University; Hawaii-Manoa University; Eastern Connecticut State University; East Stroudsburg University; Husson College; Merrimack College; Southeast Missouri State University; State University of West Georgia; Stonehill College; San Diego State University; Wisconsin Lutheran College; and the University of North Carolina-Pembroke.

The College of William and Mary has been given an extension to complete its self-study on the mascot issue.

In other action from the Executive Committee, members updated the Association’s alcohol policy, recommending that member colleges and universities review a number of suggested actions.

"As college presidents, we are very concerned about the use of alcohol on our campuses and the abuse of it by our students and in society at large," Harrison said.

The suggestions include prohibiting the sale of alcohol during all college sports events (preseason, regular season, conference and postseason); encouraging fans to drink responsibly and legally outside stadiums or arenas; and prohibiting onsite alcohol advertising during all college sports events, taking into account contractual issues already in place with advertisers.

The revised policy also suggests prohibiting media advertising of alcohol that exceeds six percent of alcohol by volume; and limiting advertising of malt beverages, beer and wine products. Such ads should not comprise more than 60 seconds per broadcast hour, two minutes during any game telecast and no more than 14 percent of a game program or publication, and they should include tag lines such as "Drink Responsibly" and "Be Legal."

Furthermore, the alcohol policy calls for NCAA colleges and universities to provide programs and resources for education, prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse.

The NCAA has for years banned sales and advertising of all alcohol at its 88 championships. The association also limits broadcast advertising during championships to not more than 60 seconds per broadcast hour and two minutes in any championship telecast or broadcast. Many of the alcohol ads contain language stressing the legal and responsible use of alcohol.
[emphasis added]

First, "The NCAA objects to institutions using racial/ethnic/national origin references in their intercollegiate athletics programs." So why is there no mention of Notre Dame's "fighting Irish"? Because the Irish never complained about it. But wait, the Seminole tribe helps FSU with their mascot (ensure authenticity, etc.). FSU is already talking about taking this into the courts, and I hope they win, or this will start a bad trend of rampant malignant political correctness.

I need to dig back through old clips to find this, but if I remember correctly, as reported by Paul Harvey, the NCAA sent a letter to university in the Carolinas a while back telling them to stop using their Native American mascot. The NCAA then received a letter in response from the tribe the mascot was named for telling them to butt out. The tribe helped found the university and encouraged the use of the mascot, even helped. They were proud of its use in sports.

My old high school had a Native American mascot, and the teams were called the Warriors. There was talk before my graduation of changing the mascot to the Patriots, purely as a PC move. I hope they never stoop to that level of spinelessness. If they are worried about it that much, make a new warrior character from a different culture.

This is a case of the NCAA overstepping its bounds and its leadership proving their incompetence. If they want to do something useful, they should try cracking down on schools that ignore mistreatment of visiting fans (not as bad in the SEC as it used to be).

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: NCAA

More Phelps follow-up

This idiot really is getting some attention from the blogsphere, though none of it good.

Here's a few posts of interest:

Off the Kuff
Winds of Change
Objective Justice
WishX

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Fred Phelps

the Dash in the middle represents a lot.

Here's the link to ABC News on Peter Jennings' passing.

Him and Brokaw I liked. Too bad they had to share the prime slots with Dan Rather

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Peter Jennings

I just flipped over to CNN and saw that Peter Jennings has died.

Those who are foolish will prove themselves fools.

This should be the last follow up on the followers of hate coming to Opelika (previous posts here, here, and here)

From OANow.com:

An anti-America protest scheduled to coincide with an Opelika soldier’s funeral Saturday occurred with little confrontation.
However, there were those who turned out to pay tribute to the slain soldier who voiced opposition to the Kansas-based church group’s message summarized by picket signs bearing slogans like “God hates you” and “America is doomed.”

I am glad to see that the community these idiots their proper place:

Several American flag-waving supporters protested this message by standing in front of the barricade, partially blocking view of the group from Jeter Road where the church is located.
This prompted some members of the church group to step out of the designated area set up by Opelika police.
To ensure a peaceful assembly, police ordered the group to stay within the set boundaries, prompting a complaint from Fred Phelps’ son Timothy who claimed police were violating their oath to uphold the United States Constitution.
“They have to do everything they can to shut us down,” said Phelps. “This is what you call government taking a side on an issue. This is what you call Nazi America.”
In addition to mocking patriotic songs and waving anti-gay signs, one group member dragged an American flag on the ground with her foot.
“You’re ‘bout the sorriest person I ever seen,” Bill Lines, a member of In Country Veterans Motorcycle Club, said to Timothy Phelps. The Prattville-based group was in town to “support the soldier,” according to member Don Carroll.
As the group left following a thirty-minute demonstration, several area residents, including Gina Freeman, expressed their disdain for the group and its methods.
“Go back to where you came from,” Freeman yelled toward the group’s van as it got an escort out of town from state troopers.

But why do they do this?

The Rev. Phelps, who was not present at the protest, said during a phone interview Friday the WBC uses the funerals of soldiers from the war in Iraq for its demonstration to garner extra public attention.

Of course. Nevermind the complete disrespect this group shows. I dispise the fact they claim to be Christian in their cause. If that is true, they left the Christian path long ago.

But they have more plans:

On Monday, WBC plans to picket the funeral of Army Sgt. Jason T. Palmerton at Arlington National Cemetery.

Pray for these idiots.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Fred Phelps, Opelika

The bad knee is bothering me today, so it doesn't look like I'll get out to Opelika to see if the hate mongers show up. If I hear anything I'll post on it.

One's history can reveal a lot about one's purpose

This is a follow up on a post from last week about "Rev." Fred Phelps and his plan to protest at the funeral of Sgt. Christopher Taylor of Opelika and the community's response.

Homocon has found out a little bit about Phelps' history (HT: Red State Rant):

You know Fred Phelps, he of "God Hates Fags" fame, protester at Matthew Shepard's funeral and poster-boy of the gay left's attempts to portray Conservatives as right-wing homophobes? Turns out that Phelps is a full-fledged, registered Democrat!

"In 1988, Phelps housed campaign workers for Al Gore's first presidential run; in 1989, his eldest son, Fred Jr., hosted a fundraiser for Gore's Senate campaign at his home . . . Because of their years as loyal Democrats, the Phelpses have even been invited to -- and attended -- both of Clinton's inaugurations."
[emphasis is Homocon's]

It'll be a blessing for this man if he doesn't get hurt when he shows up in Opelika. I'm going to try to be there to at least see the procession pass on Fox Run Parkway in Opelika. If possible, I'll live blog on it and post pictures later.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Fred Phelps, Opelika

Numbers don't lie, but you can get them to say anything you want.

The Democracy Corps has released a survey that claims the majority of voters support the election of Democrats to Congress. (HT: Taegan Goddard's Political Wire)

Too bad you only have to read the first line under the group's name to see this is not an impartial survey. But then again, who does impartial surveys anymore.

This is just another sign of how much trouble the Democrat party is in, having lost its democracy on every level. (HT: again to Taegan Goddard's Political Wire)
Of particular note:

The makeover starts Wednesday, when 700 Young Democrats open their five- day national convention in San Francisco. Among the throng at the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway will be activists including Tamm, leading the charge to shake up an organization so staid that this is the first time in a decade it will hold contested elections for its leadership.
[emphasis added]

They didn't want a contest in the presidential primaries and they can't get a contest in their younger voters. If the Dems don't do something and fast, they'll find themselves relegated to third party status in the next 30 years.

Right Wing News has a great quote from Newsmax (with additional comentary) that identifies the chief cancer destroying the Democrat party from within:

Democratic Party pollster Stan Greenberg said Wednesday that "one of the biggest doubts about Democrats is that they don't stand for anything."
[emphasis added]

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Democrats, Young Democrats, Democrat party

I don't know who's wasting more time, the AP or the Smithsonian.

From the AP:

Coffin From Civil War Uncovers Mystery
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID
AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The rusty iron coffin stubbornly resisted hammer and chisel as researchers in a warm Smithsonian laboratory sought a glimpse of an American who lived more than a century and a half ago.

Okay, that doesn't sound so bad...

The scientists hope to identify the remains so they can have a properly marked grave. In the process, they have a chance to learn about mortuary practices of the period, what disease and trauma people may have suffered, their diet, past environments, clothing and perhaps even social customs.

I'm for learning about history and what not, but don't we already have records from that time since our country was already in existence? Maybe it's just me, but shouldn't historians worry about parts of history we don't have information on. Oh well.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: archeology

Alabama in the News: leading a trend in a good way

The state Legislature's and Govonor Riley's quick response to the KELO ruling have shown at Alabama can lead the way in this nation. (HT: Instapundit)

From yesterday's Washington Times:

Alabama limits eminent domain
By Donald Lambro
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
August 4, 2005
Alabama yesterday became the first state to enact new protections against local-government seizure of property allowed under a Supreme Court ruling that has triggered an explosive grass-roots counteroffensive across the country.
Republican Gov. Bob Riley signed a bill that was passed unanimously by a special session of the Alabama Legislature, which would prohibit governments from using their eminent-domain authority to take privately owned properties for the purpose of turning them over to retail, industrial, office or residential developers.
Calling the high court's June 23 ruling "misguided" and a "threat to all property owners," Mr. Riley said, "A property rights revolt is sweeping the nation, and Alabama is leading it."
(click for full article)

Rick and Bubba reported yesterday morning that Riley signed the bill as a few cities were trying to seize land under KELO before it could be banned in the state. Anyone living in a city whose officials would attempt such theft should work to be sure they do not keep their jobs.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Alabama, KELO, eminent domain

Hate monger bested as community shows true colors

A few day ago, I posted about a group coming to protest the funeral of a fallen soldier in Opelika, Ala., for reasons that had nothing to do with the soldier or his family.

Well, the community is countering this outrage in the best manner possible.

From OAnow.com:

Local woman's tribute to fallen soldier takes off
MITCH SNEED / STAFF WRITER
August 4, 2005

Deanna Kelly’s one-woman crusade to see to it that a fallen soldier gets a fitting tribute has taken off.

When Kelly heard word that Rev. Fred Phelps and his Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church planned to protest the funeral of Opelika’s Sgt. Christopher Taylor, she was determined that the man who spreads an anti-gay message wouldn’t get the satisfaction of ruining the day the community plans to remember the soldier who was killed in Iraq.

"I heard of a group in Texas where the entire town came out and held up flags as the funeral procession passed by," said Kelly, whose husband Matt recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. "I thought that was the most touching thing I had ever heard of. I thought it would be great if we could do that here, not as a counter protest to what (Phelps) is doing, but as a way to show what kind of community we are and that we support what Sergeant Taylor did for his country."

Kelly is asking those who want to show their support to show up Saturday at about 2 p.m. on Fox Run Parkway in Opelika, so as the procession leaves Greater Peace Baptist Church, the flags will be seen by those who pass by on their way to the interment site.

Something of note that appears later in the article:

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said that Opelika Police Department Chief Thomas Mangham has sent a letter to Phelps, informing him of where the city would like for their demonstration to be held.

I've got my own idea as to where this pathetic excuse for a minister could hold all of his protests.

"We know that Mr. Phelps has the right to protest and we respect that, but we also have some concerns for his safety," Fuller said. "There are some folks in this community that are angered by the very idea that someone would try to desecrate the memory of a war hero with something like this. We are not going to allow this group to disturb this grieving family and make a mockery of this funeral. That’s not going to happen.

"So we have offered the Courthouse Square as site for the protest. We feel like we can secure that area and make sure that they are able to be heard. We don’t want anything to happen to them while they are here. I don’t agree with them, but they have the right to be here and we are going to make sure that they remain safe."

That may prove a challenge, though I sincerely hope not.

It's idiots like this Phelps that abuse their First Amendment rights that anger me. Sure, he's got the right to do this, but it is not right and he knows it.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Phelps, Opelika

An explanation

I have had a couple of comments appear questioning my description of myself as a progressive conservative. I believe much of this confusion stems from the idea that I am using partisan labels, which I am not. I am using the words progressive and conservative in their actual meanings:

pro·gres·sive - adj.:
Promoting or favoring progress toward better conditions or new policies, ideas, or methods: a progressive politician; progressive business leadership.

con·ser·va·tive - n.:
One favoring traditional views and values.

(definitions are from dictionary.com)

The point I am trying to get across is that I am not a right-wing, partisan conservative, I actually hate partisan politics. [see previous post: From the old blog: Why I hate the Democrat Party (really all political parties)]

I know this may seem contradictory to some, and I hope I can open your minds to understand that it is not. It is not only possible to be conservative and want to see the world a better place, it is really a true aim of being conservative that sadly is all too often lost.

I'm not aiming for anyone to like what I say, I just want to inform and open minds to truth, reason, and what is right.

"If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you."
-Don Marquis

-the Progressive Conservative

Auburn finally names replacement dean for College of Agriculture

Auburn University Provost John Heilman announced yesterday that Richard Guthrie, associate dean emeritus, will fill the position of dean for the College of Agriculture until a permanent replacement is selected. This announcement comes 13 days after Heilman told the Auburn Plainsman he would make his selection.

From today's AU Daily (dialy email newsletter for Auburn University):

GUTHRIE NAMED COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE DEAN
Richard L. Guthrie has been named dean of the College of Agriculture and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, effective immediately. Provost John Heilman announced the appointment on Wednesday, following an internal search that included public presentations by the top candidates. Guthrie, formerly associate dean emeritus and professor emeritus, had served as acting dean and director since coming out of retirement in May to lead the college and its research arm during the search for someone to serve for a longer-term appointment.
He succeeds Michael Weiss, who has assumed full-time duties with the faculty. Guthrie came to Auburn in 1983 as professor and head of the Department of Agronomy and Soils, after nearly 20 years experience with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Soil Conservation Service.

I'm sure Guthrie will serve the college well. However, I am concerned about how a permanent replacement will be selected given the fallout over Weiss and the fact that the last permanently appointed dean was asked by the faculty to resign.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Auburn

Update: Coverage of Guthrie's appointment in the Birmingham Business Journal.

Writer/Blogger murdered in Iraq

It's been in the news and all over the blogsphere today that blogger and free lance writer Steven Vincent was murdered in Iraq. I really am not familiar with his work, but from what I am seeing, this is a clear sign for why we should be fighting.

Since I am not as familiar this this story, I'll post link to some blogs covering it:

PoliPundit
A Little Bit Left
Steven Holden
Instapundit
RightPundit
Clasical Values
LGF
The Opinionated Bastard
Ann Althouse
One Hand Clapping
Powerline
Arthur Chrenkoff
Michelle Malkin

Also, MSM coverage of Vincent's murder:

BBC
FoxNews
MSNBC
Reuters

A lot of the posts I have read point out that Vincent was reporting insurgent infiltration of the Basra Police. His murder appears to be an attempt to silence this. Vincent's death is a tragedy, but I hope not in vain. And I sincerely hope that one point is not lost in the reporting of this atrocity: the insurgents and terrorists are not fighting for anyone's freedom. Exactly the opposite, they are working to strip freedom from the people they want to subjugate.

I also want to point out that after nearly an hour of searching, I have not found any AP coverage of this. Somehow, I am not surprised.

-the Progressive Conservative

Technorati tags: Steven Vincent, Iraq, blogging

Update [3:44pm]: Here is the link to Vincent's blog, In the Red Zone