An AP poll shows Americans have some strange ideas of what 2007 will hold......

- 35% of Americans think the draft will be reinstated - despite that have a 0% chance of actually happening.
- 25% think 2007 is the year Jesus will return - 25%, wow.
- 35% believe cancer will be cured - umm, I think there is a better chance of Christ's return.
- Seemingly, the only sane statistic made in this poll was that 90% think gas prices will rise.

Cancer cures aside, I am would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Hopefully tonight goes better in your city then it did in Bangkok, where bombs exploded throughout the city during New Years celebrations. Bad times there. Hopefully just an isolated incident.


Completely Unrelated: I don't go to "clubs" very often. Friday I decided to meet a few friends at this new "cool" place called Jackrabbit. When I arrived there was the typical line with guys in black suits at the door. I changed my mind, and refused to go in. If this was 1999, I would have really regretted my decision because Britney Spears was there with Matt Leinart. That same day, I learned Mike Tyson will soon be making an appearance at the Court I work at everyday. Hope you enjoyed those stories, because that is the most celebrity-related news I can ever provide.

Saddam is to be executed this weekend - that was fast. Reminder: he is being executed for mass murder. Years later, Bush & Company continued to befriend this mass murderer.....not sure why this fact is continuously ignored.

Congress recently passed the Lugar-Obama anti-proliferation bill. Lugar (R-IN) and Obama (Pres-2008) have been working together on this issue for a while. First, it is nice to see Obama working well with the Republicans on an important issue. Second, this is a really important issue. In their debate, both Kerry and Bush said this was the most important issue for national security. Good to see Obama take the lead on this crucial issue.

A little belated, but a good friend of mine made some of these creating cards for Moveon.org.

About two years too late, the Swift Boat ads are officially declared illegal.

Michael B. Wallace, a lawyer and friend of Trent Lott, was nominated to the federal court. For the first in about 25 years, the ABA unanimously rated him as "unqualified." These are the type of people Bush seeks to nominate. Thank goodness Democrats control, and can stop crap like this.

Back in November, the United States bombed a school in Pakistan. 82 children were killed. For some reason this story went totally unreported, but it is true. Imagine the opposite scenario: an Arab nation, who we are not at war with, sent bombs into our country, killing 82 American children. Americans would not put up with that and would demand retribution - so why do Pakistanis have to put up with it?

On Wednesday, John Edwards announced he is running for President. There will be a former rally, in New Orleans, on Thursday to kick off his campaign. His campaign slogan will be "Tomorrow Begins Today." Beginning the campaign in New Orleans is a symbol of Edwards nobel priorities.

I, along with Editor-in-Chief, Kyle, love John Edwards. There is no doubt he should have been in the nominee in 2004. He would have beaten Bush. He was that uniting figure that America needed. His "Two America" theme captivated sensible people (hardcore Republicans mocked him, but I said sensible people). So it is nice to hear he is running again. As of today, he is certainly my guy (at least until we hear from Obama).

That said, what is with the timing? Gerald Ford just died, so this announcement is getting no airtime. The timing had been planned for a while, but you must adjust. Either way, I am breaking out my Edwards for President shirt, and hoping he goes all the way (again, until we get an announcement from Obama).


Unrelated: I wish I could have seen everyone a bit more over my holiday back in Ohio, but it didn't work out. I had a family emergency. Without revealing too much family information on a political blog, I must comment on something personal. I had a family member get very sick over Christmas. While it seems she will be okay, she was put in a bad position because her stupid Medicare Drug Plan suddenly quit covering an essential pill. So when you wonder where the anger comes from sometimes, it comes from that type of crap. No American should deprived of life-saving medicine, just because a-hole Republicans feel it is more important to have tax breaks for the mega rich.

I got a much appreciated text from Ben Keeler notifying me of this news late last night. With Ford's passing, the debate over his pardoning of Richard Nixon and the successes and failures of his presidency will begin. I enjoy listening and reading those discussions. Gerald Ford's presidency falls into the part of history that is probably me weakest. It seems like every history class I have taken stopped just after Watergate because the semester ran out. It is also interesting to watch the uniqueness of the funeral procession for a President. Tell us what you think about President Ford and his legacy in the comments.

Chief Source Trivia: Can you guess the two White House Staffers pictured with Gerald Ford? Answer in the comments...

By Guest Columnist Hakos

It’s Christmas! Praise Saturnalia, Christ is born, December 25th.

As Americans, we pride ourselves in our Christian base. I often hear, voiced gruffly, “The forefathers intended this,” and the high pitch squeals chirp, “Our currency says that,” not to mention the robotic, “We are a Christian society.” Therefore, wherever they dwell, we defend our Christian brethren. Or do we?

When we think Sudan, we think of useless carnage and even genocide. It’s a highlighted misery within a very un-highlighted international world for the American media. Sudan is a certain horror; there are no questions there. However, it is one of hundreds when it comes to global bloodshed. So why is it such a concern to us? Why have Americans become aware of this massacre? Is it because of the Christian population being slaughtered? Quite possibly, but there exist other Christian populations in danger around the world. Why are they of no concern to us?

India
Christians in India? How’d they get there? If you read the book Lamb by Christopher Moore, you might have gain insight. However, there live several populations of Christians in India (even if the Christian sect does believe that there are two parts to Jesus). Specifically, in the community of Gujarat, Christians have suffered constant attacks by Hindus. Hindus? Yes, Hindus. So why do we offer India nuclear technology when populations of Christians are harassed? Cuz, we don’t always side with Christian populations?

Serbia
In the case of Serbia, our country takes the side of the Muslim Kosovars against the Christian Serbs. Muslims over Serbs?! Our country supports Osama bin Laden?! The U.S. is a terrorist supporter?! Let’s invade the U.S.!

Hold on, hold on. Relax. No need to invade just yet. The Christian population of the U.S. does side with the Christian (though often unpopular) population of Ethiopia against the rag-tag Somali-extremists.

Uganda
Okay, let’s change things up a bit here. The rebellion movement in northern Uganda is led by a Christian, who wants the country to live by the Biblical Ten Commandments. Suit up, Americans! Let’s go support the Lord’s Resistance Army! Wait. Hold on, guys. Hold everything. This guy’s known for kidnapping children and indoctrinating them into this army. Is that Christian? Well, he says he’s Christian—just like the Mega-Church that asks for money—they’re Christian, and we love them. But there’s something different about the LRA. Christians? This is getting confusing.

Palestine
There ain’t no Christians in the West Bank. Hell’s yeah they is! The village of Beit Sahur claims to be where shepherds first learned of Christ's birth. Violence here is constant and nearly expected. Should the United States’ Christians enter Palestine territory on behalf of the Christian population and oust the dominating Jews? What would be the result? Should U.S. citizens even be made aware that there is a Christian population in the West Bank? What? What’s that you say? The Christian women there wear headdresses like Mary the Mother? Well, then forget them.

Lebanon
Other news in the very un-Christian Middle East: Lebanon. No Christian history here. Or is there? In fact, just recently, the Christian opposition leader to the current West-supported government said that change was needed. Michel Aoun said that the current government was unconstitutional and should resign. He further sided with Hezbollah in his opposition.

The Leader of the Free Patriotic Movement met with Hezbollah and the two sides inked an agreement that included DIALOGUE. Image that, a Christian opening up to a (considered) terrorist organization in the name for peace. Pff.

Christians! Those accepting bastards. Who do they think they are? Oops, wait, I’m an American…er…I mean Christian. Perhaps my Middle Eastern brethren are less knowledgeable about life. Perhaps they do not understand the Middle East. I mean, hell, they only live there. What could they know about their own life?

Christmas
Quit blabbin’, Milo. What’s your point Milo? My point? Okay, well, I only ask that during this Christmas season we consider not only our American or Christian friends, but also our entire human population. In the political world, does Christian mean anything? Not really. For one crummy day, let’s set aside our political agenda for the sake of all human-kind. Peace.

Based on his picture and (VA), it may surprise you that Goode is not exactly pro-Koran. The following letter was written by Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.) in response to constituents on Rep.-elect Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) using a Koran to take the oath of office:

Thank you for your recent communication.

When I raise my hand to take the oath on Swearing In Day, I will have the Bible in my other hand.

I do not subscribe to using the Koran in any way. The Muslim Representative from Minnesota was elected by the voters of that district and if American citizens don't wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office and demanding the use of the Koran.

We need to stop illegal immigration totally and reduce legal immigration and end the diversity visas policy pushed hard by President Clinton and allowing many persons from the Middle East to come to this country.

I fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that I believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped.

The Ten Commandments and "In God We Trust" are on the wall in my office. A Muslim student came by the office and asked why I did not have anything on my wall about the Koran. My response was clear, "As long as I have the honor of representing the citizens of the 5th District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives, The Koran is not going to be on the wall of my office." Thank you again for your email and thoughts.

That last paragraph is my favorite. Every time I read some absurd letter like this, I think of how far out of their way our founding fathers went to make our government open to people of all faiths. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all - In god we trust - E Pluribus Unum. The Republican Party has become the party of division. That is all they seem to have left since they have abandoned fiscal restraint and a libertarian approach to personal freedoms. Happy Holidays.

Republican Relatives Talking Point Alert: Get ready to get cornered by Republicans in your family this Christmas over John Kerry's trip to Syria. I have no explanation for what he is doing. Perhaps you can help me understand in the comments.

I sat down with IT Director Bob Turkley of our Conservative counterpart the Keeler Report. The interview comes on the heels of a recently announced 2-year agreement between Bob and Ben. On the condition of protecting his anonymity other than his famous headshot, I left my camera at home and sat down with Bob T to discuss a range of issues. Here is the interview:

Kyle: Let’s start with a big question – who do you like in 2008?

Bob Turkley: Rudy. Being a “Reagan Democrat” I like some of his moderate positions. He really cleaned up New York and has proven to be a great leader. And he can win a general election with ease. I like my boss’s #1 choice, Romney as well. I am not too high on anyone else right now. On the Democratic side I think a lot of people are underestimating Hillary Clinton. She is ruthless and will operate the Clinton way – anything to win. Never forget that.

Kyle: What was your reaction to The Iraq Study Group report?

Bob T: I am puzzled by it. Why do we have people like Sandra Day O’Connor determining our military policy? We need to get the troops into Baghdad to control the city once and for all – then get out and let the people of Iraq run their own country. They have to comprehend that we can’t – and will not - police their country forever. I think that has been one failing of the current administration – not getting that point across. Also, negotiations with Iran and Syria will net us nothing but shame.

Kyle: What have you seen in the past six years that makes you think you made the right decision in voting for President Bush in 2004 after pulling the lever for Nader in 2000?

Bob T: I am a huge fan of the tax cuts and the economic policies as a whole. The tax cuts should be made permanent. I am pleased with the appointment of judges who will interpret the Constitution and not legislate from the bench. My wife is a public school teacher and she applauds NCLB, so I suppose I have to mention that as well. If I had my vote back from 2000, I would have voted for Bush. I truly believe he is the right man at the right time to lead this nation. He has not been perfect by any means, but I am confident history will judge him well, much like Harry Truman.

Kyle: What happened in Ohio in 2006?

Bob T: It was a wipeout. A lot of people think that Jim Petro could have saved the GOP. Nonsense. Maybe Montgomery would have won with Petro at the top of the ticket instead of Blackwell, but that is about it. The state is in shambles and people wanted change. Taft was a concrete weight around the state Republicans. It was as simple as that. Had the Democrats nominated anyone else but Barbara Sykes in the Auditor race they would have had a clean sweep.

Kyle: Finally, Bob, what do you do when you are not working on the Keeler Report?

Bob T: Well, Most of my time is spent at my real job with an IT company based in Downtown Cleveland. But other than that, I like to grow tomatoes, read Harry Potter, play Halo on Xbox and watch our 4 year old daughter practice her gymnastics.

Kyle: Thanks for your taking the time to sit down for an interview. You are the first in what will hopefully be a new feature on our site.

Bob T: My pleasure. Best of luck and I hope your site continues to prosper. We enjoy the competition. Let me know if you need some technical assistance down the road.

Since Time's Person of the Year was so lame, we should elect our own Person of the Year. Here are a few notables:

Howard Dean - for assembling the 50 state stragety. It worked because it was an attempt to reach out to everyone - not the extremes, and not just those we could win.
Jon Stewart - for being brilliant day after day.
Stephen Colbert - because you're the perfect conservative, and you want it so badly.
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert - for inspiring the youth vote.
Little Miss Sunshine - best movie ever! And for standing up to beauty pagents, in your own way.
Al Gore - for reminding us that global warming exists, and is a bigger threat to our national, world, and financial security than anything.
Jack Murtha - for coming up with a plan for Iraq years ago.
S.R. Siddarth - for holding the camera up while Senator George Allen spewed racial remarks right at you. You helped us win the Senate!
Donald Rumsfeld - for winning us BOTH the House and the Senate.

Harry Reid shocked and appalled most Americans on Sunday (well, the one's that know who he is). Just after Reid finished saying there is not a military solution to Iraq, the Senate Leader said he can "go along" with a surge in troop levels. Just about every Democrat has blasted Reid's comments. It is just plain and simple: more troops to Iraq means more dead Americans, especially when talking a of a negligible surge of 30,000 troops. Not a very good sign for the Senate "leader."

Meanwhile, only 11% of Americans support the John McCain, more troops approach. Unfortunately, for Americans, McCain seems to have persuaded Bush. Bush just said "we need to increase our troops" in Iraq. He also "flip-flopped" and finally admitted we are losing in Iraq - just over one month ago, Bush claimed we were "absolutely" winning. I wonder where all those loser Republicans from 2004 are? Where are there stupid "flip-flop" jokes?

So back to my concerns over Senate Leader Harry Reid. Of course, Reid recanted his statement and said he "frankly, I don't believe that more troops is the answer for Iraq." Well, then maybe you shouldn't say you are okay with more troops, regardless of what some stupid "commander on the ground" thinks it can work. Thinking 30,000 new troops is going to change a damn thing is like a gambler thinking another $100 will make him a winner. For Reid to not recognize this is frightening.

Unrelated: I saw Tom Vilsack's performance on the Daily Show. Seems very Vice-Presidential.

I cannot even wrap my head around Melo and Iverson on the same team. Even though he is known for his ankle breaking cross-over, I found a clip of an Iverson that I like just as much. Even if you hate sports, this clip can serve as a lesson in how to stay on message in a press conference.

I've been trying to think if I can remember and NBA team that ever had this much talent in the back court. The only one that comes close was Mark Price and Gerald Wilkins of the 92'- 93' Cavaliers. Aside from Gilbert Arenas, I think Iverson has one of the purest jump shots in the NBA. He also makes great decisions and plays lock down defense. What a great day for Denver fans. I look forward to hearing our readers thoughts on the trade in the comments.