Libertarians Rising

I came across this Time magazine article and wanted to share it with you. I'm not sure I fully understand exactly what they are saying though. Perhaps you can give me your thoughts after you read the article.

To oversimplify: Democrats are for Big Government; Republicans are against it. To oversimplify somewhat less, Democrats aren't always for Big Government, and Republicans aren't always against it. Democrats treasure civil liberties, whereas Republicans are more tolerant of government censorship to protect children from pornography, or of wiretapping to catch a criminal, or of torture in the war against terrorism.

War in general and Iraq in particular--certainly Big Government exercises--are projects Republicans tend to be more enthusiastic about. Likewise the criminal process: Republicans tend to want to make more things illegal and to send more people to jail for longer. Republicans also consider themselves more concerned about the moral tone of the country, and they are more disposed toward using the government in trying to improve it. In particular, Republicans think religion needs more help from society, through the government, while Democrats are touchier about the separation of church and state.

See complete story here

Allow God in flag certificates

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp is among lawmakers objecting because the U.S. Capitol's architect won't allow God to be mentioned in certificates of authenticity accompanying flags flown over the Capitol and bought by constitutents.

"This is as insulting as it is absurd," Camp said in a prepared statement. "The architect has gone way too far. If we can put 'in God we trust' on our money, then we can certainly put it on a flag certificate when a citizen wants it there."

Camp and dozens of other lawmakers are sending a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi calling for "an immediate review of the authority under which the architect is making these rules, as well as the reversal of this policy which censors our citizens' right to expressions of their faith."

A 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Ohio reportedly was denied the request to have a certificate read, "This flag was flown in honor of Marcel Larochelle, my grandfather, for his dedication and love of God, country and family."

"I can't believe the U.S. House of Representatives can pass a resolution recognizing the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, which we did this week, but can't send out certificates with the word 'God' on them," Camp said. "It doesn't make any sense. The policy needs to be changed."

The controversy over certificate wording has arisen several times in past years, with the architect's office saying religious and political messages should not be permitted, House leadership aides said.

One proposed compromise was to put out a uniform certificate of authenticity while allowing members to add messages they choose, but some lawmakers objected to that approach, the aides said.

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp is a Republican representing Michigan. Though he's not a Democrat, I support his objection to this issue. I am so tired of God being taken out of our lives while political correctness is recognizing Ramadan and other holidays.

Which 2008 Presidential Candidate Agrees With You?

Here is a link to a candidate calculator. I'm not sure I place much stock in it since it says I should be voting for Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd (D). I was a 72.92% match, and he isn't even high on my maybe list. Which candidate agrees with you?

www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html