So Much for our Enlightened and Intelligent Diplomacy.

North Korea is not following the White House script.

Right Time, Right Place.

Rick Brookheiser reads from his memoir of WFB and National Review.

Pass the Wild Turkey, Please!

If you are not yet convinced of the psychotic disaster that is the Stimulus Spending, consider this: Uncle Sugar Daddy will be plunking nearly a billion bucks in Michigan to pursue such projects as a Neat-O Futuristic Keen high-speed rail line to connect Ann Arbor to the Cool Places. But meanwhile the roads in Michigan will go unrepaired; Michigan cannot provide matching funds for road repair, and therefore the federal government will be withdrawing their contribution. But as our teeth rattle over the potholes, we can take comfort in the Fantastic High-Speed Rail Report that will be produced.

And So It Begins...

Massachusetts Congerscritter Barney Frank has decided to override the decision of GM's management to close their 90-employee warehouse in Mr. Frank's district, no doubt reminding CEO Fritz Henderson of the facilities' critical role in carmaker's resurrection.

Yuck.

The Huron River is running at 700+ cfs, and effectively unwadeable. The water at the Zeeb Road Bridge was a sinister looking roiling flow. The good news is that the smallies have plenty of places to spawn. We will tune in toward the end of June; this condition is not going to change quickly.

A Remarkable Day.

GM hides out in the Chapter Eleven Woods.

Tell'em Stan 'n Edie!

In recognition of the Michigan House joining the ranks of the bullies by passing a bill to ban smoking in bars and restaurants, we offer this Muriel Cigar commercial from '65. You know, when Americans still had freedom of choice.

Peeking Through Justice's Mask.

I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion [as a judge] than a white male who hasn't lived that life - Supreme Court Nominee Sonya Sotomayor

Hmm.

Operation Never Forget.

Remembering those now serving, having served, and those who have fallen. Visit and donate here.

Johannes Brahms Radio.

Now available at Pandora. Enjoy!


Note: the Michigan State Commisariat for Good Behavior reminds all of the people that Johannes Brahms is not setting a good example for our children by smoking cigars.

Defeating the Barbarians.

The reality of war is sinking in to President Obama. During the election - when it was a very effective campaign weapon - it was easy to declare that holding enemies of the country indefinitely to be illegal, immoral, and unnecessary. Now that Mr. Obama is charged with the responsibility to protect the people of the United States, his view of this issue has changed dramatically. We welcome this change in his view. We do not dismiss the concerns of civil libertarians, but conclude that as much consideration and legal discretion that is possible during wartime has been made in the internment of these very, very dangerous enemies.

Now that reasonable minds understand the neccesity of holding these persons, what exactly is the need to close Gitmo? The need for such detentions and such facilities begs a much larger question that has been dodged for years: exactly what will the civilized world do to protect itself from the Barbarians?

A Sincere Call for Dialogue?

The President attended the commencement ceremonies at Notre Dame University today, and called for "open hearts, open minds, fair-minded words" in a dialogue about abortion.

Such calls in the past appear have served only as props to help to codify even more aggressive abortion "rights". It makes the mind reel to observe the indifference by many so-called advocates of human rights advocates to the current state of affairs: abortion at any stage of pregnancy, even up to the moment of birth. Years ago the public was assured that abortion would be rare, and restricted to the first thirteen weeks of pregancy. The number of abortions per year is now around a million, nearly ten percent of those occur outside of the first trimester. Half of those who receive abortions in the last year have had one before. A "fair-minded" discussion of abortion would address these alarming statistics. Fat chance for that to happen.

The President further said, “Maybe we won’t agree on abortion, but we can still agree that this heart-wrenching decision for any woman is not made casually. It has both moral and spiritual dimension. So let us work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions. Let’s reduce unintended pregnancies. Let’s make adoption more available. Let’s provide care and support for women who do carry their children to term.”

Pondering abortion's "moral and spiritual dimensions"? Where was this talk years ago when abortion became synonymous with women's economic and political liberation?

Auferstehen (Resurrection).

Die shall I in order to live.
Rise again, yes, rise again,
will you, my heart, in an instant!
That for which you suffered,
to God will it lead you! - Gustav Mahler

Music names the unnameable, and communicates the unknowable. - Leonard Bernstein

Preserving Our Flyfishing Heritage.

Tom Deschaine, Kelly Galloup, Jerry Kunath, and Jerry Regan contribute to Michigan Dry Flies, devoted to preserving and promoting classic and historic Michigan fly patterns (pictured is the "Lacey Stephan").

Changing Leadership in the Afghan Conflict.

The current commanding general in Afghanistan, David McKiernan, has been relieved. Stratfor provides information on the related rear-area manuevers.

Something for Nothing? Hah!

Michael Ledeen brings us back to reality about the Mullahs' recent act of charity.

By Any Other Name...

Andy McCarthy documents the Administration's sleight-of-hand on military commissions.

Even Famous Christians Find it Hard to Witness.

We find ourselves in distinguished company! We will keep plugging away...

Jack Kemp, 1935-2009.

Bill Bennett had a marvelous three-hour tribute to his close friend this morning. He and his guests completed all of their passes: Jack Kemp worked tirelessly for the message of opportunity in the American conservative movement. He "got it" way before most did. He was the blacksmith who hammered out the exciting ideas of economic liberty into practical political tools, such as the great tax cuts that Reagan adopted. This author was an enthusiastic supporter of Jack for the Presidency in '88. He will be sorely missed, but he has nurtured a new generation to take up his torch. R.I.P.

The More Things Change.

You know the rest. Reposted as periodic required listening.