[Crystal Clear Conservative] Nine Years!! Written on February 14, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

I have been waiting for nine years to see my favorite singer, Jimmy Buffett, perform live. Every year, when I try to purchase tickets, they have been sold out within the first 10 minutes. This year, a tide is coming and I will be able to show my Parrothead Pride at Nissan Pavilion on Saturday, September 5.

In honor of my nine year quest for tickets, here is a song for you.

Nine Years!!

I have been waiting for nine years to see my favorite singer, Jimm

[Crystal Clear Conservative] House of Delegates Pass The Budget, while Senate Delays Vote Written on February 14, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

The Virginia General Assembly session has been marred by the budget crisis that the Commonwealth has been facing for a while, and yesterday was the first step towards setting the budget for this fiscal year. The House of Delegates passed the budget without raising the cigarette tax, eliminating the “dealer discount” which allowed retailers to collect sales taxes, in addition to, striking Planned Parenthood funding and embryonic stem cell research.

Meanwhile, the Senate delayed the vote on the budget to see exactly how much funding would be granted through the Stimulus package and the sales tax reports.

Hopefully, there will not be any tax increases or any shady business coming from Richmond. Let’s solve this in a fiscally responsible way.

Source: “House passes budget; Senate chooses to wait,” Richmond Times-Dispatch

House of Delegates Pass The Budget, while Senate Delays Vote

The Virginia Gener

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Happy Singles Awareness Day! Written on February 14, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Otherwise known as Valentine’s Day, Singles Awareness Day is a off shoot of this romantic holiday.

In the land of Crystal Clear Conservative, we celebrate the most romantic holiday known as Singles Awareness Day.

Whereas, Crystal Clear Conservative and some of her friends are single, we have the liberty to party or do whatever.
Whereas, there are no roses (or candy…thank goodness!) sent to the office by the significant others, we have shopping to compensate for the money we save by not buying our significant others a gift. (You can’t say that we don’t fuel the economy!)
Whereas, there is love in the air, there is heavy metal, Jimmy Buffett and Grateful Dead wafting through the radio/streaming playlists to help us enjoy the day.
Whereas, people go out to dinner and splurge on a fancy T-Bone steak, there is nothing wrong with going to the local Sally Beauty Supply and picking up some hair color to make things a tad more interesting for Monday morning.
Whereas, people wear red, pink, or white, some of us fortunate few have made a game plan to wear all black in celebration.
Whereas, others might think I sound bitter, I feel fabulous and celebrating the happy status quo.

Happy Singles Awareness Day from Crystal Clear Conservative! Muahhh!
______

My gift to you, the readers is a new contributor, OrangeDot. OrangeDot is a friend from college (another Green Terror), who decided to join CCC as a contributor. OrangeDot is covering cultural and entertainment issues. OrangeDot is not political, as she majored in Art and would rather talk about an exhibit at the National Gallery of Art or her latest purchase. OrangeDot will have a once weekly column on her thoughts about fashion, etc.

Welcome aboard, OrangeDot…may the force be with you!

Happy Singles Awareness Day!

Otherwise known as Valentine’s Day, Singles Awaren

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Stimulus Legislation Passes in Congress Written on February 14, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Today, Congress has decided that pork barreled spending will be the best way to solve America’s economic crisis. Little did they know, they are sending us into fiscal hell by making future generations pay for pet projects, like a water slide, etc. It’s a shame that the free market economic system will be replace by a bunch of Keynesian nut job theories.

At least, in the House, every Republican voted against this travesty, and even, Minority Leader John Boehner stuck it to the Democratic leadership by complaining about the members not having adequate time to review the 1,200 page documents. On the other hand, the final vote in the Senate was 60-38 and the three RINO-migos (Specter, Collins, and Snowe) proudly voted for the legislation. Now, the Legislation is off to President Obama, who will be signing a pork bill into law.

Perhaps, the Democrats should have listened to Boehner (as seen here in this clip):

Stimulus Legislation Passes in Congress

Today, Congress has decided that pork b

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Rock On…Grateful Dead Written on February 13, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

The return of the Rock On segment particularly excites me, as I get to feature what has been on my playlists lately. Shocking to some, but not to many, I am a huge Grateful Dead fan. You are probably thinking to yourselves: Conservatives listen to Grateful Dead…huh? My answer is yes, and I have been listening to them off and on since high school. Here is one of my favorite Dead songs, Brokedown Palace. Its lovely melody compared with strong acoustics definitely make this song a hit, and nothing compares to Jerry Garcia’s amazing vocals.

Rock On…Grateful Dead

The return of the Rock On segment particularly exci

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Anticipating the Stimulus Written on February 13, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

The Stimulus Bill has not even been signed into law yet, and Virginia counties already have their requests ready for their share of the money. It’s definitely no surprise that the local governments have been filing their requests, as many of them are facing a dire fiscal crisis.

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, here is the partial breakdown of what Amelia, Cumberland, and Powhatan Counties have been requesting from their Representatives in Congress:

My suggestion is return the money to the Federal government since it belongs to the taxpayer, or at the very least, return it by giving a tax break.

Anticipating the Stimulus

The Stimulus Bill has not even been signed into law y

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Is Joaquin Trippin’? Written on February 12, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

After watching The Late Show with David Letterman last night, I am wondering what drug is Joaquin Phoenix on now. I am convinced he’s either crazy, this is staged, or he was completely under the influence. Whatever it is, I hope you enjoy the clip.

Is Joaquin Trippin’?

After watching The Late Show with David Letterman la

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Lower long-term growth: One of the Stimulus Problems Written on February 12, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Cato @ Liberty has a great article that details how the Stimulus compromise will contribute to lower long-term growth. With politicians, who would rather vote for their own agendas, rather than listening to the people and the over 200 economists, which warned against the package, we will be experiencing a landslide of problems.

The free market economy is going to tank, due to the consistent reliance on Keynesian economic theories. We would be better off listening to Bastiat, Mises, or Friedman. After all, they all warned against excessive government spending and discussed ways to pull us out of recessions without harming the free market. Sometimes, it is just best to leave the situation alone and let the market revive itself.

The other compelling thing from this article is what the Senate should have done, when it came to the Stimulus. Tax cuts would have given more money back to the people, which they could choose to spend or save. Good luck trying to sell this to the current crop of tax-and-spend Democrats leading Congress.

Overall, we are headed to a wealth of problems with the revised Stimulus package. Obama’s legacy will be determined by the first act of his Administration, and if it tanks, well, he isn’t such a Savior (i.e. savior based economy) after all.

Lower long-term growth: One of the Stimulus Problems

Cato @ Liberty has a grea

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Choose Life License Plates Might be on the Horizon Written on February 11, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

In Virginia, there seems to be a license plate for everything (from Parrotheads to the many colleges/universities), but there is not a license plate for pro-life causes until now. Yesterday, the Virginia Senate passed a bill that would allow people to buy Choose Life license plates for their cars. Senator Ken Cuccinelli (R-Fairfax) introduced the last minute amendment in the Senate and it was approved. Cuccinelli is a tireless advocate for pro-life causes, and this bill is no doubt a cause that he championed well.

Since crossover happens today in the General Assembly, it is a hope that the House will pass this measure as well.

Source: “Virginia Senate OKs Choose Life Plates, House Allows Abortion Info for Women,” Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com (February 10, 2009).

Choose Life License Plates Might be on the Horizon

In Virginia, there seems to

[Crystal Clear Conservative] What Would You Do…For a Stimulus? Written on February 11, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Well, Governor Tim Kaine has decided to show his love for Porkulus Stimulus by putting up a state website soliciting suggestions from Virginians about how the money should be spending the money. You can leave your suggestion here.

Maybe, Kaine can return the money back to the government. It’s a long stretch, but it seems like the only ethical thing to do. Taking this money is stealing from the taxpayers and partaking in government waste. Since Kaine will accept the money, he should use this to address the budget crisis to avert tax hikes, etc.

For what its worth, it would be best for Congress to recognize taxpayers and be more respectful of our money (not squandering it on Pork…who says I don’t care about Pork, Chuck Schumer!). Leave your suggestion on the Stimulus.Virginia.gov site, but Kaine is more likely to spend it on a pet project instead.

What Would You Do…For a Stimulus?

Well, Governor Tim Kaine has decided to

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Could it be? A State Senator was looking to Switch Parties. Written on February 11, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Yesterday, there was quite a rumble in the Senate chambers in Richmond with rumors spreading about a Democrat switching parties. I guess this Senator was getting tired of the tax-and-spend behavior of his party. Whatever the reason, the switch did not occur today. Perhaps, The Governor known as the DNC Chair made a surprise visit to avert the drama. If this occurred, the Senate would have been evenly split with the Lieutenant Governor serving as the tiebreaker.

Jim Geraghty of National Review reports:

Key Party Switch in Virginia? (UPDATE: Report: Switch Averted)

A well-connected source in Virginia tells me that at least one Democratic state senator is leaving the party’s caucus . . . “Not sure yet if he’s going Republican or Independent.” This is significant because the Democrats currently have a 21 to 19 majority; a switch could give Republicans control of the chamber, because the lieutenant governor, who presides and breaks ties, is Republican William Bolling.

And yes, this source used the pronoun “he.”

UPDATE: Jeff Frederick, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia and member of the House of Delegates, via Twitter: “Apparently one dem is either switching or leaving the dem caucus. Negotiations for power sharing underway.”

I have called the lawmaker in question and am hoping to hear back shortly.

ANOTHER UPDATE: A Tweet from the Republican State Leadership Committee: “Reports from the VA House floor sort of confirm something big happening in the Senate.”

YET ANOTHER UPDATE: After intense reports of an imminent switch out of Richmond, the sources go silent. Perhaps the switcher got cold feet . . .

. . . which is what Virginia VirtuCon is reporting: “Dem. Maj. Leader Dick Saslaw recessed, Senate Dems proceeded to pile on Northam and he caved.”

AN ‘UH-OH’ UPDATE: From a Richmond source: “We’re hearing that it was the premature release of this info from Chairman Frederick via Twitter that scuttled the deal.”

A PERFECT SUMMARY: A reader suggests the headline, “Loose Twits Sink Shifts.”

Could it be? A State Senator was looking to Switch Parties.

Yesterday, there wa

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Is Schumer really a Moron? Written on February 11, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Honestly, who does Chuck Schumer think he is? He might be the Senior Senator from New York, but he forgets the people who voted him into office when he makes such a stupid comment, “The American People really don’t care.”

Senator Schumer, do you honestly think we don’t care about pork barrel spending? Do you honestly think we don’t want this kind of stimulus to pass? We, the people, do care about how our government spends our taxpayer dollars! I don’t want to pay or have my children pay for the current debt we are accruing, thanks to the pork barrel spending. The people of New York should wise up and send this guy back to Brooklyn.

Chuck Schumer wins the CCC Idiot of the Month award!

Is Schumer really a Moron?

Honestly, who does Chuck Schumer think he is? He mi

[Crystal Clear Conservative] The Church of Obama…serving up craziness since 2008! Written on February 11, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Just when you think that the Obama crazies might have went back to normalcy. It remains that there is a few that have not strayed too far from the reservation. Meet Julio and Henrietta. Julio works at McDonald’s (he has been loyally employed for four years) and is studying to be either a broadcaster or a disc jockey. He praises the Obama-messiah for giving him hope, then there is Henrietta, who is homeless and believes that Obama can rescue her from the situation. Look for the lady in white who shares in the praises…Thank you, Obama! You see, this is America’s hope and needed change! However, they forgot to look at the fine line on the pamphlets, which indicate that America is headed towards a fiscal black hole.

Note to Obama supporters: YOU DIDN’T ELECT A PRESIDENT, YOU ELECTED A CAREGIVER! It is your time to take responsibility, and it is not the Government’s responsibility to bail you out. I hope you enjoyed today’s revival, sponsored by The Church of Obama…where tax increases and socialized medicine receive praise.

H/T to Michelle Malkin

The Church of Obama…serving up craziness since 2008!

Just when you think

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Walking the Picket Lines…Nothing New with the Dems Written on February 10, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Virginia is a right-to-work state with a good reputation for the business community. In fact, many businesses are seeking to relocate their businesses to Virginia due to the excellent environment. This might change if one of the following happens: a) the Card Check bill is passed in Congress and signed into law by President Obama, or b) if the Democrats win victory in Virginia. Well, all three Democrat candidates for Governor and one Democrat candidate for Lieutenant Governor love the unions so much that they appeared at a picket line with food and some even walked with the striking union members. They made speeches, and the most ironic thing was that this all took place at a hotel chain that recently relocated to Virginia.

You see, workers are afforded the freedom to choose to join or abstain from being part of a union in Virginia. This freedom allows one to decide whether they have to squander away a portion of their income in dues or have the money available to save or spend in this difficult economic environment. When we think of who will best represent the Commonwealth of Virginia, we know that the GOP has a better record on a conducive business environment with Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling. Both candidates will stand strong for Virginia’s Right to Work Law and believe in continuing Virginia’s record as a great place for business.

Walking the Picket Lines…Nothing New with the Dems

Virginia is a right-to

[Crystal Clear Conservative] That’s Gonna Leave a Mark! Written on February 10, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

It just does not seem like it was Barack Obama’s day. Yesterday, prior to departing for Elkhart, IN for his town hall meeting, he smacks his head on the side of Air Force One. Ouch, that’s gonna leave a mark! After the town hall meetings and his rough morning, he had a rough time getting America to back him up on the impending disaster known as the stimulus bill. Despite all of the promises and sugar coating, he was not ready for prime time in his worst public speaking appearances since the campaign.

Embedded video from CNN Video

It’s time to get out of campaign mode, Mr. President, and work towards common sense legislation that will not harm America’s prosperity in the future.

That’s Gonna Leave a Mark!

It just does not seem like it was Barack Obama

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Traitors do not belong to the GOP Written on February 10, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Ronald Reagan once said, “Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.” This was the implied 11th Commandment, and I know that I am long guilty of bashing the GOP during the first bailout. However, today’s vote on the Stimulus bill in the Senate validates my reasoning on why I am not going to be supportive of three Republicans. In fact, they are no longer Republicans, as they defected and became traitors or Democrat-Lites.

Olympia Snowe (ME), Susan Collins (ME) and Arlen Specter (PA) should all be kicked out of the Republican party. They no longer stand for the principles of limited government and fiscal accountability. Additionally, they should face strong conservative opponents, who believe in these core principles.

Our party is not the place for those who do not stand strong to the tenets of being strong fiscal stewards. Our party is not the place for those who turn their backs on the principles of life and liberty either. Hopefully, the REAL Republicans will stand up against the compromised version of this horrid legislation.

Traitors do not belong to the GOP

Ronald Reagan once said, “Thou shalt not spea

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Mark Sanford on the Economy Written on February 9, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

CNN’s John King recently interviewed South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford on the economic woes that face our nation, and Sanford slams how our current Democratic leadership keeps shoving our economy away from future prosperity. Sanford is a staunch advocate for the free markets and thinks the best thing to do in this economic crisis is to let the markets fix the problem.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

“A problem that was created by building up of too much debt will not be solved with yet more debt,” Gov. Mark Sanford said Sunday, making a reference to the federal deficit spending that will likely finance the federal stimulus package.

“We’re moving precipitously close to what I would call a savior-based economy,” Sanford also said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union.

The South Carolina Republican said such an economy is “what you see in Russia or Venezuela or Zimbabwe or places like that where it matters not how good your product is to the consumer but what your political connection is to those in power.”

“That is quite different than a market-based economy where some rise and some fall but there’s a consequence to making a stupid decision,” Sanford said after pointing to the powers granted to the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve to help deal with the current economic crisis.

“A lot of people who’ve made some very stupid decisions are being bailed out by the population at large,” he added.

Instead of bailing out failing companies, Sanford told CNN’s John King that the government should let the economy work through the current challenges without intervention.

“We’re going to go through a process of deleveraging,” Sanford said. “And it will be painful. The question is: Do we apply a bunch of different band aids that lengthen and prolong this pain or do we take the band aid off? I believe very strongly: let’s get this thing over with, let’s not drag it on.”

I agree with Sanford. This stimulus package will destroy the economy and the free markets. One of the things that I respect about Sanford is his frank acknowledgment that this will be a tough time in America, but we will be better off than being forced into an economic depression.

Mark Sanford on the Economy

CNN’s John King recently interviewed South Carolina

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Let’s Do What’s Right… Written on February 9, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

and say NO to Bailouts! I don’t know about you, but I am tired of my government taxing both my generation and future generations away from fiscal prosperity. It is also wrong to expand the government and spend on wasteful programs.

Ronald Reagan said it best, when he said, “Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves. “

Let’s Do What’s Right…

and say NO to Bailouts! I don’t know a

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Quote of the Weekend (used to be Quote of the Day) Written on February 9, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

This weekend’s “Quote of the Weekend” goes to California Senator Barbara Boxer (D-I’m Not A Rocket Scientist, but a Noble Moron). Her quote was from the Stimulus debate on Saturday afternoon.

“I should have taken my marbles and gone home.”-Barbara Boxer.

Yes, Barbara, you can take your marbles and get out of the Senate. Chuck DeVore would at least listen to Californians and vote against the Stimulus package. This package is loaded with religious liberty violations and plenty of wasteful spending. California, it is time to send Barbara Boxer into retirement.

Quote of the Weekend (used to be Quote of the Day)

This weekend’s “Quote of the

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Look who’s carrying the Stimulus Torch Now! Written on February 9, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

It’s politics as usual for the Democrats in the Senate, as they prepare to vote for Porkulus Stimulus this week. Additionally, there are three RINOs, (Collins, Snowe, and Specter) who compromised with the Dems to make the Stimulus package look more appealing to the GOP. They are not appealing for the American people and future generations who will be footing the bill for a lifetime due to the excessive and wasteful government spending.

Now, Virginia’s part-time Governor Tim Kaine wants to be the chief spokesperson for the Porkulus Stimulus legislation. As Virginia is in one of the worst budget situations in history, Kaine is more happy playing Chief Partisan, instead of dealing with the crisis at hand. Kaine would also like some of your money as well. Here’s his recent video hailing the Porkulus Stimulus.

Our economy can not handle the stimulus legislation. We need to look towards common sense proposals that will reduce government and wasteful spending, as well as cutting unnecessary programs to address the economic situation at hand.

Look who’s carrying the Stimulus Torch Now!

It’s politics as usual for th

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Stimulus: Not the Answer to the Economy’s Impotence Written on February 7, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Here’s a little something funny to think about when discussing the stimulus. H/T to Reason’s Hit & Run

Are you an economy with performance issues? If you find it hard to achieve and maintain growth, maybe Stimulis is right for you.

Stimulus: Not the Answer to the Economy’s Impotence

Here’s a little some

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Is a Smoking Ban on the Horizon in Virginia? Written on February 6, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

It seems that the House Republicans want to reach across the aisle and ban smoking in restaurants and bars. Why you ask? This legislation is a compromise between the two parties and to give the Governor his own way. When it boils down, it is a form of nanny state politics and a violation of our liberties to do as we choose. Many smokers realize it is not good for their health, but they continue to do so for many reasons, but it’s their choice. Legislators should not ban their rights to smoke in restaurants or bars.

The smoking ban would affect all restaurants with certain exceptions. You can read House Speaker Bill Howell’s press release here. Basically, this is a ban similar to the one passed in Maryland, which affected many bars and restaurants.

It might be a compromise, but it is the government dictating what they feel is best for the public. Personally, a legislator can’t tell what’s right for me. I am the only one who knows what consequences may come with my actions. Nanny state politics do not work well and businesses will be hurting due to the passage of this legislation, not something that will be addressing the economic woes that Virginia has been facing.

**Cross Posted at Virginia News Platoon

Is a Smoking Ban on the Horizon in Virginia?

It seems that the House Republican

[Crystal Clear Conservative] No Baby is Trash! Written on February 6, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

In today’s society, all too often, there seems to be an utter disregard for human life. Abortion takes away thousands of innocent lives every year, and thanks to Roe v. Wade, this horrible procedure continues.

However, my heartbreak for the loss of innocent lives turn to anger when reading stories like this one. FOX News reports that a Miami abortion clinic threw away a child who was 23 weeks old after an abortion went awry. How can you throw a live baby out in the garbage? No chance for the child to receive proper medical attention to save her life, no regard for the fact that there might have been a slim chance to revive this child.

A baby is a gift from God, not a piece of trash. I hope this clinic is shut down, and I pray that the doctor who was supposed to perform the abortion never practices medicine ever again.

No Baby is Trash!

In today’s society, all too often, there seems to be an utter

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Tax Evaders Written on February 5, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Who’s next to collapse in the Barack Obama House of Administration Cards? First, Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner, who blamed Turbo Tax for his errors in filing taxes. Now, we have Secretary of Health & Human Services nominee Tom Daschle (”A penny earned is a penny saved..eh, Tom.”) and Nancy Killefer, Chief Performance Officer (whatever that means…if we’re talking Accountability Czar, then you failed your own ethics exam.) stepping aside due to tax accountability issues.

It makes me wonder who will be next to fall out in this House of Cards. Any predictions, leave them in the comment line. The Obama Administration has certainly become a spectacle to watch.

Tax Evaders

Who’s next to collapse in the Barack Obama House of Administration

[Crystal Clear Conservative] Peter Schiff: Keynesian Economy Does Not Work in a Free Market Written on February 5, 2009, by crystalclearconservative.

Peter Schiff is one of my favorite economists. He is an Austrian economist, who realizes that the only economic stimulus needed is to let the free markets work their ways through problems. This recent exchange on CNN World definitely provides insight on why the stimulus plan will not work.

Peter Schiff: Keynesian Economy Does Not Work in a Free Market

Peter Schiff is

Next Page »