Random Thoughts

Health Care Vote; Where Do We Go From Here?
The election of 2010 may well determine what kind of country we live in and we leave to our kids. If incumbent liberals are ousted, America as a democratic republic and as the exceptional nation and last refuge of liberty may survive. If not, we will have moved irretrievably down the road to a European-style social democracy.


Violent, Racist Tea-partiers?
The "race card" has been so over-played that it is really beginning to lose its effect. No reasonable people believe the charges of the racial overtones of the anti-health care protests. The libs claims in this regard show how badly they want to change the subject from their arrogant power play in passing the bill. Its not working.


Show Trial?
The James Smith/Robutrad case seems weak from my perspective. It's clear that Smith was concerned about the impact of a criminal investigation on the GOP. I don't see how that translates to criminal behavior on his part. He did not stop the investigation. Furthermore, there is more than one way to deal with employees who violate work rules. Unless there is evidence that Smith had actual knowledge of criminal acts by Bob Morone and his crew (something more than over-long lunches at the Klassy Kat), and having such information, supressing it, I don't think he's guilty of a crime. Bad judgment, yes, a crime, no.

UPDATE: Take a look at this post by Philbrick at Mustard Street. He notes what a weak case exists against Smith, particularly on the main points of knowledge of criminal activity and efforts to cover up. Judge Gerace may well have come to the same conclusion that many observers have; namely that there really is no evidence of a crime here. I think there's a fair chance that he may dismiss the case.


Bad Judgment?
Speaking about bad judgment. Ben Roethlisberger is, at the very least, guilty of that. His being accused of sexual misconduct twice in eight months makes you wonder. He's 28 years old. Why is he drinking at college bars and (to euphemize) "chatting-up" co-eds? I hope he didn't do it, but either way, I've lost a lot of respect for him. He felt the need to hire the attorney who got Ray Lewis out of his murder accessory rap. Wow! Talk about keeping good company.