Here is this week’s round of miscellaneous items gathered from around the web.
1. Newt Gingrich Goes on Vacation, Will Rogers, steps down.
After two weeks after announcing his candidacy former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich felt like he needed a vacation. Ok, that’s strange. Perhaps he’s tired from shopping at Tiffany’s or putting his foot in his mouth. As a result he’s going to miss out on the Faith & Freedom Coalition Conference.
His long-time supporter, Will Rogers, after recently taking a leave of absence to work on Gingrich’s campaign decided to go back to his job as the Director of Government Affairs with the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association. It would seem, based on an Los Angeles Times interview he wasn’t happy about the commitment being made by his candidate.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Rogers said his decision to return to private employment was "entirely a personal decision" and that he will still work for Gingrich as a volunteer.
However, he also issued a caution to Gingrich saying "if he’s serious he will have to come back to Iowa" and spend a considerable amount of time further developing his grassroots network in the state. Asked whether he thought Gingrich was serious, Rogers said, "That’s an open question right now."
Rogers noted that Gingrich drew enthusiastic crowds in Iowa, even after his talk-show gaffe. Rogers expressed concern, however, about the timing of the vacation. "I don’t begrudge him and his wife having time together," Rogers said. "I do know it was not the most opportune time to go."
An ominous picture? Possibly, but I won’t spell the end of a campaign because one staff member left. If Gingrich is going to fare well in Iowa, let alone win the nomination, he needs to get his act together. Color me not impressed with what I’ve seen so far.
2. The NOH8 Campaign is setting up shop in Des Moines today.
This is a pro-gay marriage group, started by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska, that is staging a “silent protest” of those of us who believe we should not change the definition of marriage in order to accommodate a lifestyle choice. The organizers were interviewed on KCCI this morning, and by the tone of the interview you can tell Molly Cooney was giddy with excitement. I’m sure though that she isn’t biased. She just hopes they come back.
Let me say this again. Because I and others disagree with gay marriage does not mean we hate homosexuals. We’d prefer that our children aren’t exposed to the propaganda that some of its supporters put forth. I know there are those who read this blog who disagree with my opinion, dislike my faith, and disapprove of my wife and my decision to homeschool our children. I don’t believe they hate me because of this (I’m sure some actually do, but I would say for most don’t). I wish that same-sex marriage proponents would understand this is true for the majority of us who disagree. To truly tolerate somebody means there is a disagreement.
3. President Barack Obama vs. Indiana
It seems like President Barack Obama loves to challenge individual state’s sovereignty. The Indiana Legislature recently voted to defund Planned Parenthood and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed that bill into law. The law would prevent Medicaid recipients from using taxpayer money for Planned Parenthood’s services, of which the primary money maker is abortion. The Obama Administration says no you can’t do that, and if you do you’ll lose out on the $4 Billion of federal money that funds their share in the program. A program that is administered by the state which also matches funds. So Indiana can’t decide what it does with it’s own taxpayer money?
Fortunately, Indiana isn’t budging. A federal judge upheld the law, and it is to be enforced. President Obama needs to decide whether he cares more about poor people who depend on Medicaid (the vast majority of who do not utilize Planned Parenthood services) or about the abortion lobby. The simple fact is there are still providers who are eligible for funds that provide non-abortion, health and family planning services. They just don’t provide abortions.
4. Reports of our economic recovery have been greatly exaggerated.
Unemployment is up. This and gas prices are likely to be the albatross hanging around his neck in 2012 unless things turn around quickly. What’s worse is that half of the jobs created last month came from McDonalds. This is hardly a bump in “the road to recovery.”
Well at least he has his round of golf with House Speaker John Boehner to look forward to.
5. Sarah Palin’s History Lesson
Think Progress hyperventilated along with the rest of the left over former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s apparent Paul Revere flub. These guys they’re so *smart.* Watch the video below:
Revere warned the British? That’s ridiculous right? Right? Well according to Paul Revere, yes he did warn the British, as he described in a 1789 letter recounting being stopped by the British.
I observed a Wood at a Small distance, & made for that. When I got there, out Started Six officers, on Horse back,and orderd me to dismount;-one of them, who appeared to have the command, examined me, where I came from,& what my Name Was? I told him. it was Revere, he asked if it was Paul? I told him yes He asked me if I was an express? I answered in the afirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston? I told him; and aded, that their troops had catched aground in passing the River, and that There would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the Country all the way up. He imediately rode towards those who stoppd us, when all five of them came down upon a full gallop; one of them, whom I afterwards found to be Major Mitchel, of the 5th Regiment, Clapped his pistol to my head, called me by name, & told me he was going to ask me some questions, & if I did not give him true answers, he would blow my brains out. He then asked me similar questions to those above. He then orderd me to mount my Horse, after searching me for arms.He then orderd them to advance, & to lead me in front. When we got to the Road, they turned down towards Lexington. When we had got about one Mile, the Major Rode up to the officer that was leading me, & told him to give me to the Sergeant. As soon as he took me, the Major orderd him, if I attempted to run, or any body insulted them, to blow my brains out. We rode till we got near Lexington Meeting-house, when the Militia fired a Voley of Guns, which appeared to alarm them very much.
Perhaps some on the left don’t quite know the whole story. I doubt an apology will be forthcoming. This isn’t the first time that Palin has demonstrated a better grasp on history than the media. Probably won’t the be the last either.
Gingrich Photo by Dave Davidson