OBL Down

While the world celebrates Osama Bin Laden's death and Obama's apparent political win, there are many unanswered questions...

1999 3.8L Mustang Clutch

This is a huge job, not for the faint of heart.

I had several problems with the original clutch on a car with ~113k miles.  Hard shifting, chattering clutch, and the throwout bearing would whine when the clutch was disengaged.

I decided to go with the SPEC stage 1 clutch from American Muscle.  To put this much work and money into a car, I wanted good quality American parts.

DISCLAIMER:  I am not a professional mechanic.  This post is for entertainment purposes only.  I will not be responsible for anything you do to yourself or your car. 

Obviously, all the standard car safety rules apply here;  block the wheels, use jack stands, use the jack as a backup safety, wear eye protection, etc.

The Giant Sigh

Giant sigh heard in newsrooms across the country as the media finds a disaster to report that isn't the result of Obama & Co. liberal policies.  Not only is it safe to report, it's safe to hyperbolize and policitize!  While the Japanese are suffering and in need of humanitarian aid, we are apparently more worried about energy policy.

Meanwhile, our economic situation continues to worsen with food and energy prices continuing to rise.

Why I'm Starting to Love Michael Moore

He started out as a sly propaganda minister and has now become quite the liability for the American Left.  It was easy in the beginning for folks to get sucked into Bowling for Columbine or Sicko without a good understanding of the man's bias or selective "fact" telling.  Now that bias and dishonesty is overt--and I like it!

"American is not broke..."  Moore exclaimed at a rally in Wisconsin on Saturday.

Natalie Portman and Anti-Semitism

If you're reading the news, you'll know Natalie Portman has taken a strong stance against the anti-semitic rantings of a Christian Dior employee named John Galliano.  Galliano has subsequently been fired from his position--good for him!

Personally, I find anti-semitism revolting.  I believe I'm in the majority of people who would say the same.

But in 2008 Portman couldn't care less about Barack Obama's strong relationship to Jew haters.  In fact, she didn't just personally support Obama, she actively campaigned for him!  At this time his association to Rev Jeremiah Wright, and the ensuing controversy, was well known. Wright was, and is also pals with Louis Farrakhan and Muammar al-Qaddafi--another name in the news recently.

2010 Financial Review

Unlike a lot of people, I like to know where my money goes.  I book my expenses month-by-month along with my income and summarize it at the end of the year.  In addition to knowing where I am spending money, I also get an idea of how much in taxes I am paying.

The percentages shown are a percentage of gross pay before any deductions.  Total Expenses represents all discretionary and non-discretionary expenses to include housing, utilities, gas (excluding taxes), health and dental expenses, life and auto insurance premiums, charity, and special one time expenses.

Lessons from Wisconsin

1.  When a union's bottom line is threatened, it will create an issue

In the case of Wisconsin, it's "about the children."  The state shouldn't cut pay and benefits because it will harm the children.  Never mind that these are modest cuts that are happening everywhere as states wrestle with budget deficits.  Private sector workers have been experiencing this for three years--time for government workers to join the party!

The heart of this issue is actually overturning compulsory union membership (i.e. Right to Work).  The unions know this would mean a substantial pay cut and decrease their ability to further their agenda in the state and throughout the country.


2.  It's never about the children

If it were about the children, the Wisconsin school districts wouldn't be going to court to get their teachers back.  If these teachers really cared about their profession, they wouldn't be harming the education of their students--the very justification against cuts.

QE Kills

I'm going to save the "I told ya so."  At many times we forget that 2 + 2 = 4.  No matter how many people say the solution is 5, their ignorance (or deception) can't stand in the face of current events.

The violence in Egypt and Tunisia along with protests in Albania, Jordan, and Albania are such current events.

Quantitative Easing (QE) has pushed global food prices so high that people in fragile economies are going hungry.  These people aren't protesting and turning violent because of a political or religious ideology--they are out of food.  This creates the kind of desperation that inevitably leads to violence, and even revolution.

State Bankrupcty

The idea to allow states to declare bankruptcy demonstrates just how dire the situation is for some states.  Make no mistake, we are being prepared for what is to come by people making it all sound perfectly normal.

The Federal government will have two choices should a state become insolvent...

1. Bailout
2. No bailout 

Bailouts have become politically untenable not to mention unsustainable as we saw with TARP--like a junky, one is not enough.  However, a state going belly-up is also unprecedented (get used to that word). 

We Live in Dangerous Times

While the crazed lone gunman is certainly dangerous, what's infinitely more dangerous is the goals of the radical left and how this tragedy is being shaped by media to suit their agenda.

We now know that Jared Loughner was crazy.  There's simply no better way to describe him.  I have reviewed his YouTube videos and some of his writings.  It's going to be hard to put this monster into any stereotype or ideology, but there's one that certainly doesn't fit; Conservative.  Among Loughner's accomplishments was a drug charge, being rejected from the US Army, and failing to hold stable jobs.  He was an atheist and cited Mein Kampf and the Communist Manifesto as his favorite reads.

Some Thoughts on God and Faith

It's Christmas and the militant Atheists are out in force.  Well, okay, they are out promoting their message when it is safe and convenient for them to do so...  (are there Atheist missionaries?)

Meanwhile, others are seeking out their faith in these hard times.  Looking to God for peace, comfort, and security.  Some of these folks are discovering faith for the first time while others are getting closer to God.  Many families are scaling back Christmas to focus less on giving (intentional or out of necessity) and more on the gift of Jesus and the message.

With so many people looking for something to fill the void, and militant Atheists looking to demoralize believers, I thought I'd post a few items that keep coming up with militant Atheists...

This is what God is not (Biblical references intentionally withheld)....

Liberal Violence

You won't read about this on the Huffington Post, but Clay Duke is a committed leftist/liberal who bought into the dangerous class warfare rhetoric being spewed by left wing Democrats.

We were warned about the dangers of the Tea Party.  Janet Napolitano warned about the dangers of Christian, Conservative, pro-life, veterans.  Where is the warning about unhinged violent liberals?

But the most important question is:  How many Clay Dukes are out there?  How many are looking for someone else to make accountable for the bad things happening in their lives, many of which, are the result of their own actions?

The American left has doubled-down on stupid with the class warfare nonsense.  The rich create jobs in this country.  The rich start and grow businesses.  The rich employ Americans!!!  When was the last time a poor person created a job or made payroll?

It seems every time government demonstrates it can't do what the "rich" do we see a resurgence of hatred towards the rich.  It's more than just politicalization, it's polarization and it's dangerous.

Who are the Terrorists Again?

I'm going to keep this simple:  It's payback for the elections.

It has nothing to do with new intelligence or new attempts.  It has nothing to do with keeping us safer, or even maintaining a perception of safety.  Violating the rights of life-long, law abiding, tax paying Americans has never, and will never, keep anyone safe!

This month, the American people voted for less government and more freedom.  It's no longer a "shot across the bow" with Tea Party rallies and conservative talk radio--it's real.

The TSA is the easiest way for this government to strike back and cover it in the name of "security."  It is the only point in our lives where government can literally go "hands on" without meeting a test for probable cause or being accountable via checks and balances.  No one is watching the TSA/DHS and thus they operate with impunity.

Sig Sauer Guide Rod Replacement

After searching high and low, and buying some hallow rods as a mistake, I have finally found the best Sig Sauer replacement guide rod out there (P239 shown in pic)...

Grayguns.com

They are a little pricey (everything Bruce & Co do is, and worth it), but these are the closest one can get to the original SIGARMS solid carbon steel guide rod that should still be shipping with new guns.  Beware of others that are duracoated--the finish will wear off with use.

The new polymer rods are a problem and such an idiotic place to try and save money!  A solid steel replace guide rod is a must have for any new Sig (if you need a how-to, please buy a Glock instead).

The Pot Problem

With Marijuana initiatives on ballots all over the country you would think the country had little else to worry about.  Ironically, that is precisely why I believe so many are seeking legalization; a way to opiate the masses.

If you need any proof of that, read this LA Times article on George Soros' endorsement of California Proposition 19.  Why would a "multi-billionaire investor," who has made fortunes betting against national currencies, have an opinion on this issue?  Make no mistake about it, Soros doesn't care about personal freedom as his network of affiliated organizations assault our liberties on every other issue.  He cares about devaluing the dollar.  What better way to do that then give a segment of America, already depending on government programs, another reason to be dysfunctional? 

More irresponsible Americans = more social spending = higher taxes and inflation = weaker USD.

Aside from those seeking an opiate for personal or ideological gain, there are those of us Conservatives who are truly confused on this issue.  Something I like to call...