According to early estimates, about 8 million Iraqis cast votes in the first free election in that country in 50 years. That is about a 60% turnout. To put that into perspective, voter turnout for our own presidential election held in November of last year was also about 60%. To be fair, one must also consider the fact that no one was threatening to kill American voters if they went to the polls. No matter what happens in Iraq after today, no one can honestly say that Iraq does not believe in democracy.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Saturday, January 29, 2005
An Iraqi Patriot
Ali is going to vote for the first time in his life tomorrow. In doing so, he will risk that same life. How much we take for granted in this country. Ask yourself if you are willing to risk your life for freedom. Are you willing to die so that others may be free? I was moved by his courage and left the following comment.
"The ballot is stronger than the bullet" -Abraham LincolnIt is so encouraging to hear the enthusiasm and hope of the Iraqi people towards their budding government. It certainly is better than the drone of, "No WMD's" and "No War for Oil" that is the mind numbing chant of the left and the MSM in this country. Someone tell me how Saddam remaining in power is better than Ali and his countrymen getting to vote.
As true today as it was back then. Know that millions of Americans will be praying for you, your family and your country tomorrow, and for years to come.
A’'ash Al Iraq.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
March for Life
I thought this article written by Ronald Reagan would be an appropriate reflection following the March for Life this weekend in D.C. Bear in mind, this was written in 1983 and some of the statistics are dated. The sentence that reads:
"...since 1973, more than 15 million unborn children have had their lives snuffed out by legalized abortions. That is over ten times the number of Americans lost in all our nation's wars."
should now read as follows:
"...since 1973, more than 46 MILLION unborn children have had their lives snuffed out by legalized abortions. That is over THIRTY times the number of Americans lost in all our nation's wars."
I pray that the legalized torture and murder of unborn children will end soon.
"...since 1973, more than 15 million unborn children have had their lives snuffed out by legalized abortions. That is over ten times the number of Americans lost in all our nation's wars."
should now read as follows:
"...since 1973, more than 46 MILLION unborn children have had their lives snuffed out by legalized abortions. That is over THIRTY times the number of Americans lost in all our nation's wars."
I pray that the legalized torture and murder of unborn children will end soon.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Johnny Carson, 1925 - 2005
If you aren't old enough to have seen and appreciated the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, you are probably better off. This way, you won't know what you missed. Kind of like if you had never eaten ice cream, you wouldn't really miss it if it was gone forever, but if you had eaten ice cream...
Rest in peace, Johnny.
Rest in peace, Johnny.
A Fresh Quote from Antonin Scalia
"Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world."
-Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia addressing the Knights of Columbus in Baton Rouge, LA, 1/22/05.
Before some ignorant liberal latches on to the word "fools" let me point out that Justice Scalia is making a biblical reference (I Cor. 4:10). He is in no way suggesting that we blindly follow anything.
-Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia addressing the Knights of Columbus in Baton Rouge, LA, 1/22/05.
Before some ignorant liberal latches on to the word "fools" let me point out that Justice Scalia is making a biblical reference (I Cor. 4:10). He is in no way suggesting that we blindly follow anything.
Baptism Day
I was baptized on this day in 1971. I'm glad my wife remembered and bought me a cookie cake to celebrate, otherwise I might have forgotten again. I've been meaning to take note of the day for a couple of years now but somehow the day went by without notice. I guess old habits die hard. For any Christian, the day you are baptized is the day you recieve true life, and thus worth celebrating. I'm going to mark the occasion by renewing my baptismal vows in front of the blessed sacrament tonight.
Conservative Thoughts
I ran across a pretty funny post at "Conservative Thoughts." So funny, I had to post a link.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' And Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because it is right." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
I thought this quote was very appropriate considering my previous post and the fact that today is Martin Luther King day.
I thought this quote was very appropriate considering my previous post and the fact that today is Martin Luther King day.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Why is Abortion My #1 Issue?
For some reason, I've been wandering into posts on abortion on several liberal blogs that I check from time to time. I've left some comments, but I felt I should write something explaining my own pro-life position on my own blog. I can't think of anything that explains my outright hatred of abortion more than an article I just found through a friends blog. I had to fight back tears as I read this and thought of my innocent little 7 month old daughter. If you are pro-life and you feel uneasy reading about what goes on in an abortion clinic, please do not read this article or any of the links on this post. If you are pro-abortion or pro-choice or whatever you choose to call yourself, you owe it to yourself to read about what you are supporting.
Liberals, it doesn't matter how much you support world peace, famine relief, multiculturalism, the environment, the poor, the sick, the whales or the trees. If you just finished reading what happens in an abortion clinic and you still support abortion, there is something seriously wrong with you. How can you possibly condone this in good conscience? Seek help because you are truly a psychopath.
I am absolutely certain that years from now, history will show that abortion was the greatest atrocity mankind has ever perpetrated upon itself. No war, no ten wars could ever be as horrible as a mother killing her own child.
Liberals, it doesn't matter how much you support world peace, famine relief, multiculturalism, the environment, the poor, the sick, the whales or the trees. If you just finished reading what happens in an abortion clinic and you still support abortion, there is something seriously wrong with you. How can you possibly condone this in good conscience? Seek help because you are truly a psychopath.
I am absolutely certain that years from now, history will show that abortion was the greatest atrocity mankind has ever perpetrated upon itself. No war, no ten wars could ever be as horrible as a mother killing her own child.
Friday, January 14, 2005
A 5-2 Basketball game?
This is an interesting story even if you have little or no interest in basketball. It seems that the lack of a shot clock in boys high school basketball can make for some interesting strategy. It also makes a pretty dull game.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Reminder: George Weigel @ St. Pius X on Friday
St. Pius X Parish Is Proud to Welcome
Renowned Author and ScholarGeorge Weigel
Who Will be Speaking on: "The Achievement of John Paul II"
George Weigel is a Roman Catholic theologian and one of America's leading commentators on issues of religion and public life. He is most known for being the author of Witness to Hope, the definitive biography of Pope John Paul II. Some of his other books include The Truth of Catholicism, The Courage to Be Catholic and Letters to a Young Catholic. In addition to his books, Weigel has contributed essays, op-ed columns, and reviews to the major opinion journals and newspapers in the United States. He has appeared on numerous network television, cable television, and radio discussion programs, and is a consultant on Vatican affairs for NBC News. His weekly column, "The Catholic Difference," is syndicated to sixty newspapers around the United States. Both his scholarly work and his journalism have been translated into a variety of western languages.
Date and Time: Friday, January 14, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Place: St. Pius Elementary School Auditorium
205 East Bayou ParkwayLafayette, LA 70508
Renowned Author and ScholarGeorge Weigel
Who Will be Speaking on: "The Achievement of John Paul II"
George Weigel is a Roman Catholic theologian and one of America's leading commentators on issues of religion and public life. He is most known for being the author of Witness to Hope, the definitive biography of Pope John Paul II. Some of his other books include The Truth of Catholicism, The Courage to Be Catholic and Letters to a Young Catholic. In addition to his books, Weigel has contributed essays, op-ed columns, and reviews to the major opinion journals and newspapers in the United States. He has appeared on numerous network television, cable television, and radio discussion programs, and is a consultant on Vatican affairs for NBC News. His weekly column, "The Catholic Difference," is syndicated to sixty newspapers around the United States. Both his scholarly work and his journalism have been translated into a variety of western languages.
Date and Time: Friday, January 14, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Place: St. Pius Elementary School Auditorium
205 East Bayou ParkwayLafayette, LA 70508
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
congrats usc...
Now that I have absolutely no case to deny USC the respect they deserve, I must grudgingly admit that the Trojans have actually earned the national championship this year (although they are not defending champions any more than Al Gore was the incumbent in the 2004 election). Their defense was great, their offense was outstanding and they had the Orange Bowl won in the first half. What a colossal a** kicking.
I think the thing that makes USC so dangerous is that passing plays for 30, 40, 50 yards or more are not reserved for desperate situations in the second half of the game. They are the as common as handing the ball to a running back. It's also a high percentage play for this team. This forces the defense to cover every inch of the field on every down. With a quarterback and receivers of this caliber, the Trojans are in the red zone as soon as the offense takes the field.
And Matt Leinart looked like more like he was playing catch in the park than playing in a championship game. He almost looked bored, or stoned, or something. Of course it's easy to be relaxed when you're up 38-10 at half time.
There are only a couple of rocks I can throw at USC's performance. The first is that a good chunk of their points came from ridiculous OU turnovers. Not that it matters much. The way USC plays, moving the ball another 50 yards down the field would only mean 3 or 4 more plays and a minute or so off the clock. The second is that the Trojans have a serious lack of class on the field. When you've got the game in the bag, you don't rub it in by racking up two excessive celebration penalties in the end zone, even if you can afford it. You also don't get all pissy and spike the ball in the end zone after you're dropped for a safety. Other than that, a pretty flawless game by USC.
My biggest complaint about this game is that Auburn was not in it. I feel a playoff rant coming on but it's late and I'm tired so it will have to wait.
Congratulations USC.
I think the thing that makes USC so dangerous is that passing plays for 30, 40, 50 yards or more are not reserved for desperate situations in the second half of the game. They are the as common as handing the ball to a running back. It's also a high percentage play for this team. This forces the defense to cover every inch of the field on every down. With a quarterback and receivers of this caliber, the Trojans are in the red zone as soon as the offense takes the field.
And Matt Leinart looked like more like he was playing catch in the park than playing in a championship game. He almost looked bored, or stoned, or something. Of course it's easy to be relaxed when you're up 38-10 at half time.
There are only a couple of rocks I can throw at USC's performance. The first is that a good chunk of their points came from ridiculous OU turnovers. Not that it matters much. The way USC plays, moving the ball another 50 yards down the field would only mean 3 or 4 more plays and a minute or so off the clock. The second is that the Trojans have a serious lack of class on the field. When you've got the game in the bag, you don't rub it in by racking up two excessive celebration penalties in the end zone, even if you can afford it. You also don't get all pissy and spike the ball in the end zone after you're dropped for a safety. Other than that, a pretty flawless game by USC.
My biggest complaint about this game is that Auburn was not in it. I feel a playoff rant coming on but it's late and I'm tired so it will have to wait.
Congratulations USC.
WAR EAGLE!
Auburn defeats Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl and goes 13-0 for the first time in the school's history. Congratulations to the Tigers.
Auburn left the Hokies more oportunities than they should have and they didn't capitalize on the numerous trips they made inside the Hokies 10 yard line. It wasn't the 28-0 (or better) blowout I was hoping for but it was a victory none the less.
One game left. The future seems so dull without college football.
Auburn left the Hokies more oportunities than they should have and they didn't capitalize on the numerous trips they made inside the Hokies 10 yard line. It wasn't the 28-0 (or better) blowout I was hoping for but it was a victory none the less.
One game left. The future seems so dull without college football.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Last Second Bowl Victories
There is nothing like winning a nail biter in the last seconds of the game. Yesterday, it was the Liberty Bowl. Today, the Rose Bowl. Michigan was on fire in this game but Texas came from behind to pull off the win with a field goal in the last 2 seconds of the game. The Longhorns went nuts.
I know that feeling because I went nuts myself when my LSU Tigers scored a touchdown with less than 1 minute to go to take the lead in the Capitol One Bowl against Iowa. But as Lee Corso would say, "not so fast my friend!" With 14 seconds left, Iowa quarterback Drew Tate connects with Warren Holloway on a sick 56 yard bomb for the game winning TD. Un-freakin'-believable. The sweeter the last second victory, the more bitter the last second loss. I could not believe it.
Hours later, I've managed to scrape together a little objectivity and the loss is actually quite believable. LSU looked lost for the first 3 quarters of the game. They went through 3 quarterbacks before settling on JaMarcus Russell. One also has to wonder whether Nick Saban's mind has been focused on Orlando or Miami for the past couple of weeks. The Tigers have been hit and miss all year and even if they had won tonight it would have been one of those ugly wins where you just feel lucky you didn't lose. It reminded me of their season opener against Oregon State where they just couldn't get going in the first half. They ended up winning in overtime because Alexis Serna choked so badly on so many PAT's they had to give him a tracheotomy after the game.
But the let downs don't end with LSU. The SEC isn't living up to my expectations (or my trash talk, a little help guys). I can understand Florida's loss to Miami, but Alabama loosing to Minnesota? How humiliating. I mean, their mascot is a gopher. A GOPHER! Are there no more ferocious animals in the state of Minnesota, or Oregon (Beavers and Ducks) for that matter? The only thing more strange than how a college can have a rodent for a mascot is how Alabama managed to score 16 points in this game while going 0-13 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. At least Tennessee and Georgia managed to take care of business. Let's hope Auburn can do the same, otherwise I'll be eating crow.
Of course, being Cajun, I happen to have a good recipe for crow which renders that whole metaphor somewhat meaningless down here.
I know that feeling because I went nuts myself when my LSU Tigers scored a touchdown with less than 1 minute to go to take the lead in the Capitol One Bowl against Iowa. But as Lee Corso would say, "not so fast my friend!" With 14 seconds left, Iowa quarterback Drew Tate connects with Warren Holloway on a sick 56 yard bomb for the game winning TD. Un-freakin'-believable. The sweeter the last second victory, the more bitter the last second loss. I could not believe it.
Hours later, I've managed to scrape together a little objectivity and the loss is actually quite believable. LSU looked lost for the first 3 quarters of the game. They went through 3 quarterbacks before settling on JaMarcus Russell. One also has to wonder whether Nick Saban's mind has been focused on Orlando or Miami for the past couple of weeks. The Tigers have been hit and miss all year and even if they had won tonight it would have been one of those ugly wins where you just feel lucky you didn't lose. It reminded me of their season opener against Oregon State where they just couldn't get going in the first half. They ended up winning in overtime because Alexis Serna choked so badly on so many PAT's they had to give him a tracheotomy after the game.
But the let downs don't end with LSU. The SEC isn't living up to my expectations (or my trash talk, a little help guys). I can understand Florida's loss to Miami, but Alabama loosing to Minnesota? How humiliating. I mean, their mascot is a gopher. A GOPHER! Are there no more ferocious animals in the state of Minnesota, or Oregon (Beavers and Ducks) for that matter? The only thing more strange than how a college can have a rodent for a mascot is how Alabama managed to score 16 points in this game while going 0-13 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. At least Tennessee and Georgia managed to take care of business. Let's hope Auburn can do the same, otherwise I'll be eating crow.
Of course, being Cajun, I happen to have a good recipe for crow which renders that whole metaphor somewhat meaningless down here.
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