William F. Buckley Jr., champion of conservatism, dies at 82

Buckley made enormous contributions to conservatism. He will be missed.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

1926 - 2008

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/27/america/27buckley.3.php

Obama's "Patriot" Act

Further evidence that Obama is far too inexperienced - this time with economic issues - to be our next president.

Also, Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) recently said this of the freshman senator's economic plan and his appeal as a candidate:

"He's got socialized medicine, he's got more welfare, he's got food stamps, he's got free houses and tax cuts for 95 percent of the American people and frankly it is simply not sustainable. Always be weary of very charismatic, good-speaking people who promise everybody everything, because you'll never know what they'll really do."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120407121574294919.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

Raúl Castro gives signals that Cuba will change

Let us remain cautiously hopeful of Cuba's new president. In the end, it is the interest of the freedom-deprieved Cuban people that must be taking into account.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/26/america/cuba.php?page=3

Czechs agree to electronic prescreening of travelers to U.S.

This is another sign of the general lethargy of the EU and how proactive steps by national governments, in this case the Czech Republic, are far more successful. These new travel measures streamline the process of entering the US and eliminates a cumbersome visa requirement that backlogged US consular officials aborad.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/26/europe/visa.php

U.S. missile shield plan nearly final, Czechs say

This is a great step forward in European and American relations for common defense.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/25/europe/shield.php

It's the Middle East, Stupid

Author and scholar Michael Oren discusses the prospect of instability in the Middle East and its challenges for the next president.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022502224.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

South Korea's Sarkozy

An interesting outlook on Lee Myung-bak, the new president of South Korea.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/114681/page/1

How Right is McCain?

Excellent point by point breakdown of where Sen. McCain, GOP nominee to the presidency, stands.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120310968910072193.html?mod=opinion_journal_political_diary

David Brooks on Obama, Conservatism and the reality of a Democratic mandate

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/opinion/15brooks.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/opinion/19brooks.html?_r=1

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/opinion/12brooks.html

Obama's credentials

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGeu_4Ekx-o

Mr. President, Don't Forget Iran

Good outlook on the real threat Iran still poses.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120338314589475783.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

GOP Flake out

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) deserves a seat on the House Appropriations Committee.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120338258864375739.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

Let Freedom Ring

What an exciting few days for freedom across the world. As the international community welcomes Kosovo, Pakistan had elections dealing a blow to the ruling party of President Musharraf and Fidel Castro stepped down as president of Cuba.

As my best friend would say (and I modified):
Forever a Patriot, Forever Free!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/19/pakistan/index.html

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/19/america/castro.php?page=1

Kosovo declares independence

Congratulations to Kosovo! It is interesting to note in the photo how not only Kosovar flags are being flown, but also, the red, white and blue, star-spangled banner of the US.

The US and the rest of the modern West welcome Kosovo and wish her people prosperity and freedom.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/17/kosovo.independence/index.html

Freedom and Islam in Turkey

Turkey searches for its modern, secular identity with a population that is predominately Muslim hoping for EU membership.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120302713611769635.html?mod=opinion_main_europe_asia

The Neocons and Iraq

As a self-proclaimed neoconservative, I still believe going into Iraq was the right thing to do for the long term benefit of the US and the Middle East.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120312200840372987.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Sarkozy is criticized for Holocaust memorial plan

The criticism is uncalled for and irrelevant. President Sarkozy is taking bold steps in integrating religious dialogue in France and should be supported.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/15/europe/france.php?page=1

Cannon to the right of him

Compelling outlook on the general election and campaign season.

http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10697074

The Audacity of Selling Hope

Charles Krauthammer eloquently states what I have been saying for months: the Obama campaign is without substance and a danger to the country.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/14/AR2008021403105.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

Romney throws his support to McCain

This is a great step forward in uniting the Republican party for the general election campaign season.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/14/america/campaign.php

Obama and McCain sweep 3 primaries

It appears Sen. McCain is closer to securing the Republican nomination. The Democratic race is still neck-and-neck between Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/13/america/12cndcampaign.php

The New Campus Dissidents

Older article from the Wall Street Journal, but very appropriate for intellectual debate on campuses.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116917079496581026.html

A Wall Street Journal Extravaganza

The Wall Street Journal today is peppered with excellent opinion pieces ranging from the 2008 presidential race to Islam in the West.

Toleration and Islamic Law
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120277887999260839.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Canterbury Tale
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120277071333660405.html?mod=opinion_main_europe_asia

The Clintons' Terror Pardons
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120277819085260827.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

McCain and Talk-Show Hosts
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120277844588960675.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Getting to 270
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120268013352957191.html?mod=opinion_journal_political_diary

Oil money cultivates a Mideast Ivy League

A different take on premier American education outposts in the Middle East.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/11/america/11global.php?page=1

Turkey's Parliament lifts scarf ban

This is an important step for Turkey and improves its prospects of entering the European Union as well as garnering respect in the Western world. At its core, religious expression and practice is a fundamental freedom that must be protected and not a cause for concern in over-secularization of society.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/09/europe/10turkey.php

Russian proposes new U.S. dialogue

This is refreshing news from Moscow. A healthy, functioning relationship between the US and Russia is necessary to advance democracy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as well as combating extremism and corruption and promoting freedom.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/10/europe/russia.php

Czechs seek accord by spring on U.S. missile shield

Not only is this crucial for European and US defense, but it also revitalizes the significance of Atlanticism in fostering freedom.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/10/europe/shield.php

Universities rush to set up outposts abroad

The idea of a global education is no longer farfetched. Schools are recognizing this need, and it is a worthwhile opportunity for students.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/10/america/10global.php?page=1

Bush urges unity for Republican Party

I arrived at the Omni Shoreham Hotel at 4am to hear the president speak at 7:15am. It was worth the early rise and wait.

President Bush's speech not only marked the beginning of the end of his presidency, but also looked toward the upcoming election. It is imperative that the GOP be united behind freedom.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/08/america/repubs.php

Group won't monitor campaign in Russia

This speaks volumes of the Russian regime and its attacks on freedom.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/07/europe/russia.php

Challenges and miscalculations dogged Romney from the start

Fascinating look at how the Romney campaign unraveled.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/08/america/08romney.php

Cheers, boos for McCain at conservative gathering

Being a supporter and constituent of Senator McCain, I cannot even begin to express what an incredible day this was. Shortly after Mitt Romney dropped out, the Omni Shoreham erupted in enthusiasm. A few minutes later, Sen. McCain entered and he delivered his speech to CPAC. It is now time to unite behind Sen. McCain.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/07/mccain.conservatives/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Romney suspends presidential campaign

I happened to be at CPAC today and I can attest to the confusion and disillusionment of Romney's supporters. It was a great campaign and a formidable opponent for Sen. McCain.

I congratulate Mitt Romney for getting this far and applaud his reasons for leaving the campaign.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/07/romney.campaign/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker

McCain faces a dual challenge on his foreign policy message

Sen. McCain's foreign policy will not only restore America's moral standing but foster democratic principles and encourage the spread of freedom.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/05/america/politicus.php?page=1

In Defense of McCain

Two great articles looking at Sen. McCain's conservative credentials and why the fringe right should support him.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/06/roland.martin/index.html

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0206mccain-conservatives0206-ON.html

McCain to visit British Prime Minister Gordon Brown

Building relationships across the Atlantic is always key to America's values and defense.

Even if he is not the president (yet), the headline looks great.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/06/europe/EU-POL-Britain-US-McCain.php

Kosovo is Ready

It is amazing how only a decade ago, Kosovo was torn apart by war and strife. Today, it is on the verge of becoming independent.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/05/opinion/edthachi.php

McCain secures front-runner status, Dem race not settled

Who would have thought this would be the results of Super Tuesday six months ago?

Senator McCain is the Republican Party's best candidate to take on the Democratic nominee this November.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/05/super.main/index.html

Bob Dole's Letter to Rush Limbaugh

Rush,

I have not seen you in a long time but I do hear you frequently and I know that you have serious reservations about Senator McCain.

Not that many care but I have not been involved in the Republican Primary contest because Elizabeth, a good conservative, is running for reelection in North Carolina where (Mitt) Romney, McCain and (Mike) Huckabee each enjoy considerable support.

I was the Republican Leader from January 1985 until I left the Senate voluntarily in June 1996. I worked closely with Senator McCain when he came to the Senate in 1987 until I departed. I cannot recall a single instance when he did not support the Party on critical votes. (At my age, I cannot be entirely certain but here are a few key conservative examples:)

1) Consistent pro-life record
2) Strong advocate for strict constructionist judges (We were misled on the Souter nomination) 3) Supported voluntary school prayer
4) Supported Constitutional Amendment for a Balanced Budget (needed two-thirds and lost by one vote — 66-34)
5) Strong advocate for reducing spending and opposing pork barrel "ear marks" which has, I might add, angered some of his colleagues
6) Consistent on defending Second Amendment rights
7) Opposed "Hillary Care" which would have been devastating
8) Probably the Senate's strongest advocate for strong national defense
9) Of course he has cast many votes since I left. I totally disagreed with the McCain-Feingold legislation.

On immigration, Senator McCain was not in the Senate when Congress passed President Reagan's immigration legislation which passed overwhelmingly. It granted amnesty to 2.7 million illegals. It was not much different than the 2007 McCain, Kennedy, Bush effort.
I disagree with his votes against the Bush tax cuts but I believe his pledge to make them permanent and I do not agree that Governor Romney ever suggested a timetable for troop withdrawals in Iraq.

McCain is a friend and I proudly wore his P.O.W. bracelet bearing his name while he was still a guest at the "Hanoi Hilton." I believe our major candidates are mainstream conservatives and that our nominee will address our concerns by keeping taxes low, reducing corporate taxes, protecting and assisting the vulnerable, strengthening our traditional values, and above all, keeping America strong militarily, whatever the cost.

Whoever wins the Republican nomination will need your enthusiastic support. Two terms for the Clintons are enough.

Gob Bless America,
BOB DOLE

The McCain Calculus

Recent enthusiasm over Sen. McCain seems so silly to someone who has always stood by him. As with any candidate, it is impossible to agree on every issue. Still, Sen. McCain offers an unmatched credibility and experienced.

http://online.wsj.com/article/potomac_watch.html

Desperado

Accurate take on the Chavez regime and his subjugation of the Venezuelan people and their limited freedom.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120209345977739855.html

Forget an Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama ticket

Roland Martin makes a compelling argument for why we will not see a Democratic "dream ticket."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/04/roland.martin/index.html

Dyspepsia on the Right

William Kristol makes a sound and thourough argument for conservatives to stand by Sen. McCain. This is election is as much about ideology as it is experience, optimism, cooperation and electability.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/opinion/04kristol.html?ex=1202792400&en=355dc71cbac3766b&ei=5070&emc=eta1

McCain looks confident; Democratic race tightens

Sen. John McCain could likely become the nominee for the Republican party after Tuesday. Ideally, Sen. Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic nominee elminating the empty rhetoric of Sen. Barack Obama.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/04/america/04campaign.php?page=1

What These Eyes Have Seen

Sen. McCain understands war and as commander in chief he would be the right person to lead this country.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/107581/page/1

Obama vs. McCain would be dream match

A McCain-Obama match up this November would be incredibly exciting for the country. I am skeptical of Senator Obama and would prefer to have Senator Clinton as Senator McCain's challenger. Still, the best option would be to have a President McCain this time next year.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/03/america/letter.php

Ask not what JFK can do for Obama

The comparisions between the late, great John F. Kennedy and Senator Barack Obama are merely superficial. JFK espoused confidence and optimism but provided more than Obama's emptry rhetoric.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/03/opinion/edrich.php?page=1

In U.S., orthodoxy is the political dividing line

Political parties are healthy for our democracy, but partisan divide is senseless. Sometimes, unorthodoxy and innovation are needed to bring about gradual change with ample experience.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/03/news/03ores.php

Tadic wins Serbian re-election as president

Boris Tadic's win is a sign of a maturing democratic process in Serbia. It is also a sign of the the power suffrage and freedom can have on a people.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/03/europe/serbs.php

U.S. policy shifts in Central Asia

Central Asia remains a critical region for democracy promotion. A long-term US commitment is in the best interest of the free world.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/03/asia/uzbek.php?page=1

New NATO intelligence chairman was trained by KGB

As NATO tries to redefine itself and address the challenges of the war in Afghanistan, it is not prudent to have a head of intelligence with a mysterious background.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/03/europe/nato.php

A Statesman without Borders

An excellent look at French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner and the remergence of France in foreign affairs.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/03/news/03kouchnert.php