John McCain fought to rein in Fannie and Freddy-Powerful new evidence-Obama remained silent (McCain AD)

John McCain fought to rein in Fanny and Freddie in 2006. This video provides powerful evidence to support this statement. According to the Washington Post 9/19/08 John McCain pushed for stronger regulation whilst Mr Obama was NOTABLY SILENT. Democrats blocked the reform. Bill Clinton said that Democrats resisted any efforts by Republicans in the Congress and by himself as President to put some standards and tighten up on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Irish Government decision to guarantee Irish banks' deposits and debts for two years stabilises banking system

Yesterday Irish banking shares imploded. It was not unreasonable to expect a large run on the banks today if the Government had failed to act. The Financial Regulator and Governor of the Central Bank warned the Government that immediate action was necessary to safeguard the Irish financial system.Hence the Governments decision. The decision has the broad support of the opposition.

The Government decision to offer a guarantee of 400 billion euros will last for two years and covers liabilities at AIB, Bank of Ireland , Anglo Irish Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, Irish Nationwide Building Society and EBS. The guarantee covers retail, commercial and inter-bank deposits as well as covered bonds, senior debt and dated subordinated debt. The Irish approach contrasts strongly with that adopted in Belgium and the U.K., where governments have injected capital into individual banks, or seized them.

Assets of Irish banks are estimated at 500 billion euro whilst liabilities amount to 400 billion euro. If the guarantee were called in, in full-unlikely ever to happen- 37 years income tax receipts would be required to pay it off. Naturally enough there is concern among tax payers that those who may have behaved irresponsibly have been insulated. Money was doled out often irrationally by banks to elements in the Irish property sector. Whilst Irish banks have sizeable exposure to the property market,the problems in the Irish banking sector appear to be relatively minor. Subprime lending is not a major problem. Banks are highly profitable.

Naturally enough with this announcement bank shares rebounded today.

FG has posed the following questions:
1. What is the total exposure of the Irish taxpayer for providing this guarantee and how will the taxpayers' interest be protected?
2. What new regulations are being implemented immediately that will ensure that Irish banks will not be using the new guarantee to continue engaging in risky lending or derivative trading? The onus is now on the Regulator to ensure that the banks lending capacity is used to provide credit to sound Irish enterprises.
3. What return will the taxpayer get for providing this guarantee? What charge will the banks pay for this new facility?
4. What new oversight powers will the Government have on behalf of the Taxpayer to monitor the activities of Irish banks and is there any requirement for new legislation?
5. Has the Government satisfied itself that the banks have come clean about bad debts on their books and that banks are adequately capitalised?
6. What limits have been put on the pay and bonuses of senior executive of the banks who will avail of this facility?

Obama's biggest blunders

Sarah Palin campaigns in Columbus Ohio

SpaceX makes history as world’s first private space vehicle to reach orbit(September 28th 2008)

A US space company founded by an Elon Musk has become the first private venture to successfully blast a rocket into Earth's orbit. Falcon 1, a liquid fuel rocket built by Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, took off from the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday and successfully reached orbit more than 300 miles above the surface of the Earth carrying a dummy payload. Musk wants NASA to use his rockets.

CNN: Biden's Own Bridge to Nowhere (Biden's 116 Earmarks alone this year a monster own goal)

CNN reports on the support for Alaska's Bridge to Nowhere received from both Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Yet Biden is attacking the Bridge to Nowhere on the campaign trail. Initially Sarah Palin supported the Ketchikan bridge but opposed it as governor. CNN report on Biden’s pork barrel record, including a project that CNN calls The Bridge to Two Nowheres. Biden has asked for 116 earmarks alone this year worth 342 million dollars. Biden and Obama are a tax and spend liberals. John McCain has consistently opposed earmarks.

National Rifle Association (NRA) Anti Obama Ad-"Defend Freedom, Defeat Obama"

Explosive Audio Found Obama arguing against BAIPA (The Born-Alive Infants Protection Act)

In this audio Obama coldly claims two doctors helping a baby born alive after a botched abortion would be a burden for the aborting mother when he is arguing against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act at the Illinois state legislature April 2002 .

McCain Is Right-Obama's supposed tax cuts for Middle Class up in smoke

Tonight Barack Obama admitted that he could not fulfil his promises on tax cuts because of the deficit. He intends to increase business taxes. Workers look out for you jobs.

McCain outpoints Obama in spirited debate at OXFORD, Mississippi

This was a highly spirited debate. John McCain looked particularly fresh. This is amazing considering his exertions in recent days.
On the economy McCain burned Obama badly. Obama voted for 932 million dollars worth of earmarks. McCain hit him particularly hard on this. Obama could not explain where he would cut expenditure. Obama had plenty of populist sound bytes. McCain stressed a spending freeze. When confronted with this Obama funked the question. McCain caught Obama on the oil industry. McCain trumpeted his long opposition to earmarks. Obama had no comeback.Obama's plans for increased business taxes will speed an outflow of investment from the US. Workers have much to fear from an Obama presidency. Obama spoke about middle class tax cuts but then had to admit that many of the promises could not be implemented because of the deficit. So essentially these promises are hot air.

On foreign policy McCain had a greater overall grasp. Obama got caught out on Iran and Russia/Georgia and a potential attack on Pakistan. McCain showed a far greater grasp of foreign affairs. Obama trotted out some rehearsed answers that were naïve. He appeared rather lightweight. McCain’s reference to Putin –“I saw three letters KGB in his eyes sums up the reality of foreign policy. Obama’s approach appears more wishful thinking – a hope for the best approach. McCain exposed a frightening naivety in Obama’s approach to Iran. Quite simply John McCain is better able to deal with the worlds hard men.
On energy McCain stressed off shore drilling nuclear and renewable. Obama stressed renewable. On energy the advantage was with McCain.
To independent voters McCain appeared more presidential. McCain exuded gravitas and experience. Eight times in the course of the debate Obama commenced a sentence with the words "You are right John". Game set and match to McCain.

Shameful Anti McCain ad airs on NBC/MSNBC-McCains health attacked

Hopefully the voters will punish this scurrility which has targeted both McCain and Palin. As usual the left wing of the Democratic Party which is part of the Obama attack machine disgraces itself. Of course Obama will not have requested such an ad but nevertheless he stands to benefit.

Clinton supporter Lynn Forester de Rothschild now campaigning for McCain

Clinton supporter Lynn Forester de Rothschild was a major fund raiser for Hillary Clintons 2008 presidential bid. She has now decided to campaign for John McCain.

Palin charms world leaders in New York meetings-newsday.com

Sarah Palin has been butchered by the liberal media since she has been chosen as John McCain's running mate. Her personality, her character, her looks and her parenting skills have been targeted. Her family has been dragged through the mud. No vice presidential nominee in living memory has been subjected to such outrageous treatment. Interestingly Kathy Couric of CBS News is very concerned about Palins alleged lack of foreign policy experience. Amazingly she has failed to focus on Barack Obama's total lack of foreign policy experience. Essentially liberal supporters of Obama are saying that a woman is not fit to be vice president.Thankfully some media organs have displayed a sense of fair play.

The article titled "Palin charms world leaders in New York meetings" from newsday.com attempts to redress the balance. It should be compulsive reading for Kathy Couric . Here are some small extracts:
"On the second day of her tête- ... -têtes with heads of state in Manhattan yesterday, Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin continued to make a big impression, drawing warm praise from officials from near and far."......................"The presidents of Iraq and Georgia gushed over Palin as they met with her yesterday. And Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai told an audience Tuesday night after meeting Palin earlier that day that she asked all the right questions"..

John McCain Statesmanlike Suspends Campaign to help with the Bailout Negotiations (action of a true patriot)

John McCain in a statesmanlike move characteristic of the man has announced that he will suspend his presidential campaign on Thursday to return to Washington to help with bailout negotiations. He has also urged his opponent Barack Obama to do the same. It had become increasingly obvious that there was a groundswell of opposition in Congress to the bailout proposals. This opposition ranged across the political spectrum from left to right. Even moderates have extreme difficulty with the proposal.

Mr McCain also asked the Presidential Debate Commission to postpone Friday’s scheduled debate with Obama so that he could work on the financial crisis bailout plan now on Capitol Hill.

“America this week faces an historic crisis in our financial system. We must pass legislation to address this crisis. If we do not, credit will dry up, with devastating consequences for our economy. People will no longer be able to buy homes and their life savings will be at stake. Businesses will not have enough money to pay their employees. If we do not act, ever corner of our country will be impacted. We cannot allow this to happen,” McCain said.

The McCain approach is patriotic and visionary- the mark of a true leader. He has sacrificed his foreign policy advantage in the debate on Friday night. John McCain as a true patriot has put his country before his political interests. Obama must now follow his lead.

McCain/Palin TV AD-What Obama says is not what he does-targets Jim Johnson of Fannie May

This McCain TV Ad states that what Obama says is not what he does. It targets Jim Johnson former Fannie May CEO. According to the ad Johnson made millions. Obama said that it would be unacceptable for Executives of these institutions(such as Fannie May) to make windfalls. Yet Obama asked Johnson to help choose his VP and fund raise for him.

McCain/Palin campaign pictures

Via JohnMcCain.com

Video exposes close links between Obama and the Democrats with Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac huge donors to Obama-Liberal Media fails to notice

Two months ago the Government announced that it would prop up mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The top three recipients of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are all Democrats :

1. Dodd, Christopher J (D)-$165,400


2. Obama, Barack (D)-$126,349


3. Kerry, John (D)-$111,000


4. ............................................

62. McCain John (R)-$21550

As is glaringly obvious from these statistics Barack Obama was a major recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Yet the liberal media in general has failed to highlight this.
JOHN McCAIN REPEATEDLY WARNED OF THE INEVITABILITY OF THE CRISIS IN RELATION TO Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac AND TRIED TO PASS LEGISLATION TO PREVENT IT.
"I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole." -Sen. John McCain

Video -Barack Obama the Tax and Spend Liberal

Gianna Jessen born alive after a failed abortion challenges Barack Obama

In this powerful ad sponsored by BornAliveTruth.org, abortion survivor Gianna Jessen questions Barack Obama for his active opposition as state senator to IL's Born Alive Infants Protection Act.Born Alive was introduced to stop IL hospitals from leaving babies who survived their abortions in soiled utility rooms to die. Gianna was aborted 31 years ago by a saline abortion procedure.

Gianna testified for the federal Born Alive Infants Protection Act in 2001 and attended the presidential bill signing in 2002. Born Alive passed on the federal level overwhelmingly. The abortion group NARAL even expressed neutrality on the bill, which passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate 98-0.

Barack Obama is such an abortion extremist, he has positioned himself to the left of the entire U.S. Senate and NARAL. If it were up to Obama, Gianna would not be here today.

John McCain the man with the track record plans to reform Wall Street-New TV ad

On May 25, 2006, McCain spoke on behalf of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, and warned against the debacle we are now facing if it failed to pass........."


.."McCain warned, “If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.”
McCain predicted the entire collapse we now are suffering through. He stressed the falsification of financial records to benefit executives, including Obama advisers Franklin Raines and Jim Johnson" ..... Source: Michael Reagan

Democrat Culpability for Wall Street Debacle-The Truth that Obama dare not speak

Barack Obama and his apologists Goebbels like have spun the fable that the John McCain is largely responsible for the Wall Street debacle. This is another in a series of vicious smears emanating from the Obama camp. In truth major responsibility rests with the Democrats. This problem had its genesis in policies pursued by the Clinton administration.

Michael Reagan in a brilliant article titled "Democrats Own the Wall Street Debacle" in Newsmax.com spells out the unvarnished truth. Here is an appetiser.

".....Obama brazenly blames John McCain and the GOP for the current Wall Street mess when it’s clear none of it was due to Republican policies. The truth of the matter is that it was McCain and three GOP colleagues who sought to reform the government’s lending policies three long years ago after the Bush administration had failed two years earlier. On May 25, 2006, McCain spoke on behalf of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, and warned against the debacle we are now facing if it failed to pass........."

.."McCain warned, “If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.”
McCain predicted the entire collapse we now are suffering through. He stressed the falsification of financial records to benefit executives, including Obama advisers Franklin Raines and Jim Johnson"

Make sure to read the full article here

Obama Hispanic TV ad is a shameful distortion of McCains record on immigration

Obama is now engaged in a slash and burn campaign against John McCain. Machiavelli is alive and kicking. Obama puts Machiavelli in the shade. He who promised change is now engaged in an ugly grab for power. No lie is too big. A new TV ad directed at the Hispanic community has plummeted the depths with its downright lies and distortions. Below is carried the McCain/Palin response.

The reality of course is that McCain has an honourable record on immigration. Then again it is hardly surprising that Obama employs such tactics.Obama's childhood mentor, Frank Marshall Davis, was a Communist. As far as Communists are concerned the end justifies the means. There is no fixed morality. Morality is that which progresses the interests of the party. The Communist Party of the USA has endorsed Obama as has the Trotskyite Democratic Socialists of America . Obama is a radical left winger whose policies are at odds with the main stream. He promises to increase spending by 1000 billion dollars and double the capital gains tax. He will cripple the middle class. Be afraid as Comrade Obama comes for your hard earned dollars.

Statement From McCain-Palin 2008

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, the McCain-Palin 2008 campaign issued the following statement from U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart on the Obama campaign's "offensive and dishonest" immigration ad:
"It is offensive and dishonest for Barack Obama to lie about John McCain's record on immigration and years of support for the Hispanic community, when it was Barack Obama himself who voted for 'poison pill' amendments that killed the effort at immigration reform. Instead of making false ads with baseless attacks, Barack Obama should be apologizing to the Latino community."
In Case You Missed It: "Obama's New Spanish Language TV Ad Es Erroneo"
From the Fact Check Desk: Obama's New Spanish Language TV Ad Es ErrneoJake TapperABC's Political Punch BlogSeptember 17, 2008 5:53 PMhttp://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/from-the-fact-1.html
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., has launched a new Spanish-language TV ad that seeks to paint Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as anti-immigrant, even tying the Republican to his longtime conservative talk-radio nemesis Rush Limbaugh.
As first reported by the Washington Post, Obama's ad features a narrator saying: "They want us to forget the insults we've put up with...the intolerance...they made us feel marginalized in this country we love so much."
The screen then shows these two quotes from Limbaugh:
"...stupid and unskilled Mexicans"--Rush Limbaugh
"You shut your mouth or you get out!"--Rush Limbaugh
The narrator then says, "John McCain and his Republican friends have two faces. One that says lies just to get our vote...and another, even worse, that continues the policies of George Bush that put special interests ahead of working families. John McCain...more of the same old Republican tricks."
There are some real factual problems with this ad, which is titled "Dos Caras," or two faces.
First of all, tying Sen. McCain -- especially on the issue of immigration reform -- to Limbaugh is unfair.
Limbaugh opposed McCain on that issue. Vociferously. And in a larger sense, it's unfair to link McCain to Limbaugh on a host of issues since Limbaugh, as any even occasional listener of his knows, doesn't particularly care for McCain.
Second, the quotes of Limbaugh's are out of context.
Railing against NAFTA in 1993, Limbaugh said, "If you are unskilled and uneducated, your job is going south. Skilled workers, educated people are going to do fine 'cause those are the kinds of jobs NAFTA is going to create. If we are going to start rewarding no skills and stupid people, I'm serious, let the unskilled jobs that take absolutely no knowledge whatsoever to do -- let stupid and unskilled Mexicans do that work."
Not one of his most eloquent moments, to be sure, but his larger point was that NAFTA would mean that unskilled stupid Mexicans would be doing the jobs of unskilled stupid Americans.
I'm not going to defend how he said it, but to act as if this was just a moment of Limbaugh slurring Mexicans is not accurate. Though again, certainly if people were offended I could understand why.
The second quote is totally unfair. In 2006, Limbaugh was mocking Mexican law, and he wrote:
"Everybody's making immigration proposals these days. Let me add mine to the mix. Call it The Limbaugh Laws:
"First: If you immigrate to our country, you have to speak the native language. You have to be a professional or an investor; no unskilled workers allowed. Also, there will be no special bilingual programs in the schools with the Limbaugh Laws. No special ballots for elections. No government business will be conducted in your language. Foreigners will not have the right to vote or hold political office.
"If you're in our country, you cannot be a burden to taxpayers. You are not entitled to welfare, food stamps, or other government goodies. You can come if you invest here: an amount equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage. If not, stay home. But if you want to buy land, it'll be restricted. No waterfront, for instance. As a foreigner, you must relinquish individual rights to the property.
"And another thing: You don't have the right to protest. You're allowed no demonstrations, no foreign flag waving, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our President or his policies. you're a foreigner: shut your mouth or get out! And if you come here illegally, you're going to jail.
"You think the Limbaugh Laws are harsh? Well, every one of the laws I just mentioned are actual laws of Mexico today! That' how the Mexican government handles immigrants to their country. Yet Mexicans come here illegally and protest in our streets!
"How do you say double standard' in Spanish? How about: No mas!'"
But even if one is uninclined to see Limbaugh's quotes as having been taken unfairly out of context, linking them to McCain makes as much sense as running a quote from Bill Maher and linking it to Obama.
Asked for backup as to how Obama could link McCain to Limbaugh, the campaign provided this interview with McCain refusing to condemn the Minutemen from from the Kansas City Star:
Q: Are they a good thing? The Civil Defense Corps, do you think -- do they help in the immigration fight, or not?'
A: I think they're citizens who are entitled to being engaged in the process. They're obviously very concerned about immigration.'
Q: Are they helpful?'
A: I think that's up to others to judge. I don't agree with them, but they certainly are exercising their legal rights as citizens.'
Asked about the "lies" they're accusing McCain of telling, the Obama campaign provided evidence that McCain in July 2008 told La Raza that he would have voted for the DREAM act, a bill that provides scholarships for the children of illegal immigrants, even thought he earlier in the campaign season said he would have voted against the bill.
Let's delver further into this.
In the November 2007, Myrtle Beach Sun-News, McCain said of the DREAM Act, which he had cosponsored in the past, "I think it has certain virtues associated with it. And I think other things have virtues associated with it. But the message is they want the borders secured first."
The newspaper noted that McCain said he'd vote against a temporary worker program, even though he supports the idea. "I will vote against anything until we secure the borders," he said. "There is no way we're going to enact piecemeal immigration reform."
Before La Raza, McCain was asked by a young Latina if he'd support the DREAM Act, and he said, "Yes. Yes."
The full exchange, however, goes like this:
QUESTIONER: Hi. I'm a part of One Dream 2009 and I am one of the 6 million who either have an undocumented parent or is undocumented and I wanted to know if you would support humanity all around the world and support our Dream Act that we are trying to pass.
MCCAIN: Yes. Yes. Thank you. But I will also enforce the existing laws of a country. And a nation's first requirement is the nation's security, and that's why we have to have our borders secured. But, we can have a way and a process of people obtaining citizenship in this country. And, we cannot penalize people who come here legally and people who wait legally. And so, that's a fundamental principle on which we have to operate. Thank you.
The Obama campaign also provided a number of conflicting comments McCain has made about offering greater funding for education programs in the No Child Left Behind act, then telling the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in June that he "would fully fund those programs that have never been fully funded," while not suggesting any greater funding for the bill when he's talked about education in front of whiter audiences.
That ignored the fact that McCain has suggested reallocating the way the $23 bill for NCLB is spent.
McCain has changed his rhetoric and his emphasis when discussing immigration after almost losing the GOP presidential nomination because of it.
He now says the borders must be secured before anything else happens. And in that, he's opened himself up to charges of flip-flopping, though the Obama campaign is quoting him selectively and unfairly to make their points.
The greater implication the ad makes, however, is that McCain is no friend to Latinos at all, beyond issues of funding the DREAM act or how NCLB money is distributed. By linking McCain to Limbaugh's quotes, twisting Limbaugh's quotes, and tying McCain to more extremist anti-immigration voices, the Obama campaign has crossed a line into misleading the viewers of its new TV ad. In Spanish, the word is errneo.

Munster is Irelands rust belt: Large areas of the province are an industrial wasteland

The inhabitants of the province of Munster are a quiet people. They have tolerated too much. Traditionally farming food processing and fishing have been mainstays of the provinces economy. In recent years these industries have been blitzed.
Food processing has undergone rationalisation and closures. EU interference and Government failure at EU level wiped out the sugar beet industry and led to the closure of the Mallow sugar beet plant. Fishermen labour under increasingly harsh Government and EU impositions.

Beef, dairy and chicken farming have been crippled by production restrictions and increased Government and EU environmental regulation. Much of the environmental regulation is to put it mildly nonsensical-a product of imbecilish minds. These industries are steadily being regulated out of existence. Yet beef producers in countries such as Brazil are largely exempt from such impositions. Indeed were it not for President Sarkozy’s dogged resistance at the WTO talks 50,000 Irish farmers would have gone out of business whilst another 50,000 employed in spin off industries would have landed on the scrap heap

Chicken has flooded into Ireland from Brazil, Thailand et al. Much of this is relabelled as Irish. The consumer is being hoodwinked. Indeed much of the imported chicken is not even fresh. It often lacks traceability. Spiralling feed costs, loopholes in our food labelling legislation and harsh Government regulation have all but wiped out the chicken industry. Poultry processors such as Castlemahon (Co. Limerick) and Cappoquin Chickens have gone out of business.
A large belt from Mallow (Co. Cork) to Dungarvan (Co. Waterford) is now an industrial wasteland. It is Irelands new rust belt. Food processing industries in towns such as Mallow, Mitchelstown, Cappoquin and Dungarvan have been decimated. Other towns such as Fermoy and Youghal are industrial wastelands.

The Government has failed to protect the indigenous food industry. It will live to rue the day as the dole cues swell.
There is a mistaken assumption in Government quarters that service industries will replace agriculture and food processing. Apparently it is Government policy to trade Irish agriculture in return for access to markets in Asia, South America and Australia for services and industry.

Cappoquin closure signals end for Indigenous Rural Industry and serious financial consequences for many in West Waterford – Coffey

Govt inaction on food labelling and competitive challenges at heart of issue.
Fine Gael Waterford Senator Paudie Coffey has expressed his disappointment and concern at the news that Cappoquin Chickens is now facing certain closure which he said signals the Government’s failure to tackle the problems facing the industry.

“The news that Cappoquin Chickens is about to close is devastating for the 250 people who are to lose their jobs and the 50 producers and suppliers affected. This is a detrimental blow to an entire indigenous and rural industry in West Waterford that will have far reaching consequences for the economy of this area.

“Regrettably, the Cappoquin Chickens closure does not come as a huge surprise given that seven similar businesses have folded in as many years, including Grove Turkeys and Castlemahon Chickens.

“Unfortunately, the Government has failed dismally to tackle the underlying problems facing the poultry sector: spiralling feed costs, inequitable loopholes in our food labelling legislation and competition from cheap imports. The poultry industry is facing collapse as a result.

“Misleading labelling and the substantial transformation loophole are permitting cheap imports, often produced at a lower standard, to undermine Irish products. Fine Gael’s calls for tighter, stricter legislation and the introduction of a Green Ireland label has fallen on deaf ears.

Government were content to sit on their hands and watch this traditional industry go under, no amount of lip service by Government Representatives at this stage will offer comfort or hope to the workers, suppliers and businesses of West Waterford who now find themselves seriously exposed financially because of this closure.

Indigenous industries in Rural Ireland and in particular in this case, County Waterford, have been neglected and let down by this Government."

Cappoquin Chickens closes

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Pope Benedict at Lourdes-Final Blessing/Salve Regina

ABORTION: The Silent Scream Part 1 2 3 4 5 COMPLETE VERSION Pro-life Anti-Abortion Video

ABORTION - THE SILENT SCREAM COMPLETE VERSION (with permission from APF). Republished with Permission from Roy Tidwell of American Portrait Films as long as the following credits are shown:VHS/DVDs Available American Portrait Films Call 1-800-736-4567 http://www.amport.com/

This has been performed as asked. This video is perfectly legal.

The Silent Scream Complete Version - Abortion as Infanticide:
Dr. Bernard Nathanson's classic video that shocked the world. He explains the procedure of a suction abortion, followed by an actual first trimester abortion as seen through ultrasound. The viewer can see the child's pathetic attempts to escape the suction curette as her heart rate doubles, and a "silent scream" as her body is torn apart. A great tool to help people see why abortion is murder. The most important video on abortion ever made. This video changed opinion on abortion to many people.Introduction by Dr. Bernard Nathanson, host. Describes the technology of ultrasound and how, for the first time ever, we can actually see inside the womb.

Dr. Nathanson further describes the ultrasound technique and shows examples of babies in the womb. Three-dimensional depiction of the developing fetus, from 4 weeks through 28 weeks. Display and usage of the abortionists' tools, plus video of an abortionist performing a suction abortion. Dr. Nathanson discusses the abortionist who agreed to allow this abortion to be filmed with ultrasound. The abortionist was quite skilled, having performed more than 10,000 abortions. We discover that the resulting ultrasound of his abortion so appalled him that he never again performed another abortion. The clip begins with an ultrasound of the fetus (girl) who is about to be aborted. The girl is moving in the womb; displays a heartbeat of 140 per minute; and is at times sucking her thumb.

As the abortionist's suction tip begins to invade the womb, the child rears and moves violently in an attempt to avoid the instrument. Her mouth is visibly open in a "silent scream." The child's heart rate speeds up dramatically (to 200 beats per minute) as she senses aggression. She moves violently away in a pathetic attempt to escape the instrument. The abortionist's suction tip begins to rip the baby's limbs from its body, ultimately leaving only her head in the uterus (too large to be pulled from the uterus in one piece). The abortionist attempts to crush her head with his forceps, allowing it to be removed.

In an effort to "dehumanize" the procedure, the abortionist and anesthesiologist refer to the baby's head as "number 1." The abortionist crushes "number 1" with the forceps and removes it from the uterus. Abortion statistics are revealed, as well as who benefits from the enormously lucrative industry that has developed. Clinics are now franchised, and there is ample evidence that many are controlled by organized crime. Women are victims, too. They haven't been told about the true nature of the unborn child or the facts about abortion procedures. Their wombs have been perforated, infected, destroyed, and sterilized. All as a result of an operation about which they they have had no true knowledge.

Films like this must be made part of "informed consent." NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League) and Planned Parenthood are accused of a conspiracy of silence, of keeping women in the dark about the reality of abortion. Finally, Dr. Nathanson discusses his credentials. He is a former abortionist, having been the director of the largest clinic in the Western world.

Palin's ABC comments on Russia misrepresented in new smear-Palin did NOT say that she would attack Russia

Some Democrats and their allies in the liberal media and leftist blogosphere have begun to spin a new smear against Sarah Palin on the basis of comments made in an interview with Charlie Gibson on ABC.
This interview was laced with booby traps.

In the interview Palin stressed her support for Georgian membership of NATO. Barack Obama and Joe Biden also support Georgian membership of NATO. Now it is important to bear in mind that NATO policy, states that an armed attack against one or more of the Allies in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all. Obama and Biden obviously agree with this.
GIBSON: "And under the NATO treaty, wouldn't we then have to go to war if Russia went into Georgia?
PALIN: PERHAPS SO. I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you're going to be expected to be called upon and help."

It is important to consider Palin's words carefully here. Her reply is nuanced. She holds to NATO policy. However she uses the words PERHAPS SO. This is the mark of a skilful politician. She did not state that she favoured an attack on Russia. She left open the possibility. She has wriggle room. The word "Perhaps" according to Websters dictionary means any of the following: possibly but not certainly, maybe or something open to doubt.
If she had not held to NATO policy she would have given Russia the green light to attack NATO countries such as Poland. Russia has already threatened Poland.

Russia respects tough opponents. Russia will not risk adventurism if it knows the likely consequences. It will risk adventurism if it detects weakness. Sarah Palin did not say she would go to war with Russia. She said PERHAPS SO. JFK adopted the same policy. Remember Cuban Missile Crisis.
In the interview also:
PALIN: "We cannot repeat the Cold War. We are thankful that, under Reagan, we won the Cold War, without a shot fired, also. We've learned lessons from that in our relationship with Russia, previously the Soviet Union.
We will not repeat a Cold War. We must have good relationship with our allies, pressuring, also, helping us to remind Russia that it's in their benefit, also, a mutually beneficial relationship for us all to be getting along. "

Democrat smear merchants omitted these comments.

She clearly has a strong grasp of foreign policy detail and has the pragmatism to accompany it.

Democrat Congressman Steve Cohen compares Sarah Palin to Pontius Pilate

The Democratic Party smear merchants have now gone into overdrive in an effort to destroy Sarah Palin. Comments by Tennessee Democrat Congressman Steve Cohen-a strong supporter of Barack Obama- comparing Sarah Palin to Pontius Pilate are quite simply inappropriate. Cohen stated that"Obama was a community organizer like Jesus ... Pontius Pilate was a governor". Pilate was the man who agreed to condemn Jesus to crucifixion. Comparing Obama to Jesus is nonsensical. Obama supports partial birth abortion. This is at odds with the teaching of Jesus.The selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate gives women a voice. Obama could have chosen a female running mate. He failed to do so. There is an element of sour grapes in many Democratic Party statements in relation to Sarah Palin. Today also South Carolina Democratic chairwoman Carol Fowler attacked Sarah Palin stating that John McCain had chosen a running mate " whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn’t had an abortion.” The ugly Democrat campaign to demean Palin continues unabated.
Footnote:Fowler later issued a statement stating "I apologize to anyone who finds my comment offensive...."

Video: John McCain and Sarah Palin campaign in Missouri

Republican presidential nominee John McCain campaigned in Missouri, where he promised to bring change to Washington. McCain was joined by his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.(Sept. 8)

Obama Lipstick on a Pig Comment a Cheap Shot at Sarah Palin ?

Last week Sarah Palin joked that the only difference between a 'hockey mom' like herself and a pitbull was lipstick. Today on a campaign rally in Lebanon, VA, Barack Obama made these comments to his fans: "You can put lipstick on a pig," he said as the crowd cheered. "It's still a pig." This is a sly dig at Palin as it has been made whilst Sarah Palin's comment of last week is fresh in the public mind. There appears to be a subtle subtext here that Sarah Palin is like a pig. The crowd appears to have taken the "lipstick" line as a reference to Palin. Finally the cat is out of the bag.

There is a vicious Democrat campaign afoot-aided and abetted by supporters in the liberal media- to demonise and smear Sarah Palin. As far as Obama himself is concerned subtle hints can suffice. Barack Obama has already had to apologise to a Michigan TV reporter after he called her "sweetie" and dodged her question about autoworkers.
WXYZ-TV's Peggy Agar shouted a question to the Democratic presidential candidate during his appearance at a Chrysler LLC plant in this auto-making suburb of Detroit.
Agar asked Obama what is he "going to do to help American autoworkers." "Hold on one second, sweetie," Obama replied. "We'll do a press (availability), thanks." He did not reply to Agar's question.
Obama has problems with powerful women who get in his way. Just ask Hillary Clinton.

Sarah Palin Interview August 29, 2008 with CNBC's Maria Bartiromo - Video

Sarah Palin discusses Joe Biden, ANWR, drilling, oil and jobs and energy independence

Superlative display by Kilkenny puts Waterford to the sword

This was arguably the greatest display ever by any Kilkenny hurling team in an All Ireland Senior Hurling final. The crushing of Waterford by 3-30 to 1-13 at Croke Park was accomplished by team work of the highest order. Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has honed the players skills to new levels. Their speed of striking, hooking, blocking, hunting in packs and execution of scores has reached a new level of competency. No team in Ireland could have withstood the Cats onslaught. Inded it is doubtful if a rest of Ireland team would stand a chance against the Black and Amber. This Kilkenny team is a hurling machine and is undoubtedly the most skilful ever to grace the hallowed turf of Croke Park. There were no weaknesses evident. The three in a row has been achieved. Cody will now go in search of the four in a row.

What of Waterford?
Quite simply the team froze on the big occasion. The excessive levels of hype and expectation in Waterford in the wake of the defeat of Tipperary in the semi-final certainly affected the team. Try as he could Davy Fitzgerald could not insulate the team. This was reminiscent of Limerick in 2007. Fitzgerald and the backroom team did everything possible to prepare the team for the final.
Interestingly Nicky Brennan president of the GAA made reference to the fact that President McAleese had noticed a degree of nervousness among Waterford players.

In addition several players have a high degree of mileage on the clock. This has begun to take its toll. Players such as Dan Shanahan and Seamus Prendergast appear to be burnt out and probably need a long rest. It is noticeable that both players have failed to rediscover their form in the wake of injury.

Major problems in defence have continued to dog the team. Efforts to protect the full backline place too much pressure on the players further out field. Kilkenny ruthlessly exploited Waterford's defensive frailties. It is highly unlikely that Waterford can win an All Ireland Senior Hurling title with such defensive weaknesses. However there is the nucleus of a good team with players such as John Mullane , Eoin Kelly , Michael Walsh and Stephen Molumphy still in their prime.

Waterford needs to play more ground hurling. Ground hurling can upset the rythm of teams such as Kilkenny. Players need to to strike the ball much quicker. Too much ball watching is also a weakness in defence. Defenders need to improve under the dropping ball. Overhead striking must be improved.

It is quite possible that players such as Tony Browne and Paul Flynn will retire. So it is now time for the rebuilding process to commence. Davy Fitzgerald and his backroom team must remain in place. The county hurling championships may hopefully throw up some new talent. The search should not be confined to senior clubs only but should extend to intermediate and junior also.

The National Hurling League campaign can be used for experimentation. It is best to risk relegation in an effort to unearth new talent.

Undoubtedly the players feel badly bruised. However time is is a great healer. Come January they will be champing at the bit to set the record straight.

Davy Fitzgerald should ignore sniping from critics such as Tony Considine. Incidentally Tony Considine failed dismally as manager of Clare hurlers.

Waterford is a great hurling county. Waterford supporters are resilient and will continue to support the team. Waterford will rise phoenix like from the ashes of defeat. To hell with the critics. We will drive on until we win the elusive All Ireland Senior Hurling title. Indeed this defeat will only increase the determination to bring this about. This is our burning ambition.

This team has won three Munster senior hurling championships and a National Hurling League title. We are justifiably proud of the players.

Finally thanks to Davy Fitzgerald, the selectors , backroom team and players for for all their hard work.

Palin the foe of corruption subjected to vicious witch-hunt by Liberals, Feminists, Political Foes and Leftist Blogosphere

Judge Joseph Miller, For The Bulletin states: "When the Alaska state senate president attacks Mrs. Palin for lack of experience, one need only investigate that GOP senator's deep and unseemly connections to the oil industry. Even on the other side of the aisle, internal attacks are explained by connections to oil or, in the case of the legislator purporting to investigate her for ethical lapses, gubernatorial aspirations. So what about the people who know her, her constituents? Unlike the disgruntled political adversaries and oil company lobbyists, real Alaskans from all political stripes endorse her with a resounding 80-percent approval rating, the highest of any governor nationwide. Why? Because they know she'll never sell out. Pundits concerned about her advancement to the Oval Office should take some comfort in that."
Read the full story here:
Palin Delivers The Real Deal

Subjected to attack from a small minority within Alaska and a relentless onslaught from the the mainstream liberal media and leftist blogosphere Sarah Palin has certainly had a baptism of fire. Liberal elements are baying for her blood. Here is a sample of the ugliness from the Los Angeles Times:
"Selecting Sarah Palin, who was touted all summer by Rush Limbaugh, is no way to attract most women, including die-hard Clinton supporters. Palin shares nothing but a chromosome with Clinton. Her down-home, divisive and deceptive speech did nothing to cosmeticize a Republican convention that has more than twice as many male delegates as female, a presidential candidate who is owned and operated by the right wing and a platform that opposes pretty much everything Clinton's candidacy stood for -- and that Barack Obama's still does. To vote in protest for McCain/Palin would be like saying, "Somebody stole my shoes, so I'll amputate my legs."
The author is feminist is Gloria Steinem who has been a member of the Trotskyite Democratic Socialists of America.

The rules of political participation are been rewritten. No conservative pro life woman with a young family is entitled to stand for the vice presidency because liberals and feminists have so ordained. This privilege is reserved for leftist women who are pro abortion.The savagery of the attack from feminists may trigger a backlash in favour of the McCain/Palin ticket. Sarah Palin has been singled out because she is a conservative woman who is pro life. Quite frankly the insane paranoia evident in the DailyKos and Huffington Post has yet to plateau. It is continuing to gain in intensity. The liberal media and leftist bloggers are the foot soldiers for the Democratic Party and Barack Obama. It is time for mainstream political opinion to register its disapproval of the Democrat, Socialist, Liberal, Trotskyite and Marxist alliance in the ballot box

McCain acceptance speech articulates clear vision for the future (Full Text and Video included)

This speech was designed to clarify the differences between McCain/Palin and Obama/ Biden. It succeeded admirably. It articulated a clear vision for the future. A McCain presidency will root out corruption and will shrink the influence of the state on the citizens lives. It will slash bureaucracy. It will veto pork barrel projects and reduce the tax burden. Reduced taxes on business aid the provision of employment. In contrast an Obama presidency will increase the state's influence on citizens lives and greatly increase the tax burden.This is a recipe for further increases in unemployment. Obama's policies would spawn a bureaucratic monster.

McCain strongly favours free trade and the development of modern industry. Obama favours failed protectionist policies.

McCain has a clear vision for reform. Obama has none.

A McCain presidency would increase off shore drilling and build more nuclear power stations . Such a policy is opposed by Obama. The McCain energy policy is far superior to that of Obama and is far more likely to reduce US dependence on foreign energy.

On national security McCain is clearly stronger than Obama.

The following excerpts are particularly memorable:

"She (Sarah Palin) knows where she comes from and she knows who she works for. She stands up for what's right, and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down. I'm very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming....I've fought corruption, and it didn't matter if the culprits were Democrats or Republicans.....I've fought lobbyists who stole from Indian tribes. I fought crooked deals in the Pentagon. I fought tobacco companies and trial lawyers, drug companies and union bosses.........

We believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a culture of life, personal responsibility, the rule of law, and judges who dispense justice impartially and don't legislate from the bench. We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods and communities....

I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will open new markets to our goods and services. My opponent will close them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it.

My tax cuts will create jobs. His tax increases will eliminate them. My health care plan will make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance. His plan will force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government run health care system where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.
Keeping taxes low helps small businesses grow and create new jobs. Cutting the second highest business tax rate in the world will help American companies compete and keep jobs from moving overseas. Doubling the child tax exemption from $3500 to $7000 will improve the lives of millions of American families.....

Senator Obama thinks we can achieve energy independence without more drilling and without more nuclear power. But Americans know better than that. We must use all resources and develop all technologies necessary to rescue our economy from the damage caused by rising oil prices and to restore the health of our planet. It's an ambitious plan, but Americans are ambitious by nature, and we have faced greater challenges. It's time for us to show the world again how Americans lead.....

We are going to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much. We will attack the problem on every front. We will produce more energy at home. We will drill new wells offshore, and we'll drill them now. We will build more nuclear power plants. We will develop clean coal technology. We will increase the use of wind, tide, solar and natural gas. We will encourage the development and use of flex fuel, hybrid and electric automobiles. ...Senator Obama thinks we can achieve energy independence without more drilling and without more nuclear power...

We have dealt a serious blow to al Qaeda in recent years. But they are not defeated, and they'll strike us again if they can. Iran remains the chief state sponsor of terrorism and on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons. Russia's leaders, rich with oil wealth and corrupt with power, have rejected democratic ideals and the obligations of a responsible power...

As President I will work to establish good relations with Russia so we need not fear a return of the Cold War. But we can't turn a blind eye to aggression and international lawlessness..... "

Full Speech

Thank you all very much. Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans -- the privilege of accepting our party's nomination for President of the United States. And I accept it with gratitude, humility and confidence.

In my life, no success has come without a good fight, and this nomination wasn't any different. That's a tribute to the candidates who opposed me and their supporters. They're leaders of great ability, who love our country, and wished to lead it to better days. Their support is an honor I won't forget.

I'm grateful to the President for leading us in those dark days following the worst attack on American soil in our history, and keeping us safe from another attack many thought was inevitable; and to the First Lady, Laura Bush, a model of grace and kindness in public and in private. And I'm grateful to the 41st President and his bride of 63 years, and for their outstanding example of honorable service to our country.

As always, I'm indebted to my wife, Cindy, and my seven children. The pleasures of family life can seem like a brief holiday from the crowded calendar of our nation's business. But I have treasured them all the more, and can't imagine a life without the happiness you give me. Cindy said a lot of nice things about me tonight. But, in truth, she's more my inspiration than I am hers. Her concern for those less blessed than we are -- victims of land mines, children born in poverty and with birth defects -- shows the measure of her humanity. I know she will make a great First Lady.

When I was growing up, my father was often at sea, and the job of raising my brother, sister and me would fall to my mother alone. Roberta McCain gave us her love of life, her deep interest in the world, her strength, and her belief we are all meant to use our opportunities to make ourselves useful to our country. I wouldn't be here tonight but for the strength of her character.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you, who helped me win this nomination, and stood by me when the odds were long. I won't let you down. To Americans who have yet to decide who to vote for, thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to win your trust. I intend to earn it.

Finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We'll go at it over the next two months. That's the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other. We're dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. No country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn't be an American worthy of the name if I didn't honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement.

But let there be no doubt, my friends, we're going to win this election. And after we've won, we're going to reach out our hand to any willing patriot, make this government start working for you again, and get this country back on the road to prosperity and peace.

These are tough times for many of you. You're worried about keeping your job or finding a new one, and are struggling to put food on the table and stay in your home. All you ever asked of government is to stand on your side, not in your way. And that's just what I intend to do: stand on your side and fight for your future.

And I've found just the right partner to help me shake up Washington, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. She has executive experience and a real record of accomplishment. She's tackled tough problems like energy independence and corruption. She's balanced a budget, cut taxes, and taken on the special interests. She's reached across the aisle and asked Republicans, Democrats and Independents to serve in her administration. She's the mother of five children. She's helped run a small business, worked with her hands and knows what it's like to worry about mortgage payments and health care and the cost of gasoline and groceries.

She knows where she comes from and she knows who she works for. She stands up for what's right, and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down. I'm very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming.

I'm not in the habit of breaking promises to my country and neither is Governor Palin. And when we tell you we're going to change Washington, and stop leaving our country's problems for some unluckier generation to fix, you can count on it. We've got a record of doing just that, and the strength, experience, judgment and backbone to keep our word to you.

You know, I've been called a maverick; someone who marches to the beat of his own drum. Sometimes it's meant as a compliment and sometimes it's not. What it really means is I understand who I work for. I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you.

I've fought corruption, and it didn't matter if the culprits were Democrats or Republicans. They violated their public trust, and had to be held accountable. I've fought big spenders in both parties, who waste your money on things you neither need nor want, while you struggle to buy groceries, fill your gas tank and make your mortgage payment. I've fought to get million dollar checks out of our elections. I've fought lobbyists who stole from Indian tribes. I fought crooked deals in the Pentagon. I fought tobacco companies and trial lawyers, drug companies and union bosses.

I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn't a popular thing to do. And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I'd rather lose an election than see my country lose a war.

Thanks to the leadership of a brilliant general, David Petreaus, and the brave men and women he has the honor to command, that strategy succeeded and rescued us from a defeat that would have demoralized our military, risked a wider war and threatened the security of all Americans.

I don't mind a good fight. For reasons known only to God, I've had quite a few tough ones in my life. But I learned an important lesson along the way. In the end, it matters less that you can fight. What you fight for is the real test.

I fight for Americans. I fight for you. I fight for Bill and Sue Nebe from Farmington Hills, Michigan, who lost their real estate investments in the bad housing market. Bill got a temporary job after he was out of work for seven months. Sue works three jobs to help pay the bills.

I fight for Jake and Toni Wimmer of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Jake works on a loading dock; coaches Little League, and raises money for the mentally and physically disabled. Toni is a schoolteacher, working toward her Master's Degree. They have two sons, the youngest, Luke, has been diagnosed with autism. Their lives should matter to the people they elect to office. They matter to me.

I fight for the family of Matthew Stanley of Wolfboro, New Hampshire, who died serving our country in Iraq. I wear his bracelet and think of him every day. I intend to honor their sacrifice by making sure the country their son loved so well and never returned to, remains safe from its enemies.

I fight to restore the pride and principles of our party. We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us. We lost the trust of the American people when some Republicans gave in to the temptations of corruption. We lost their trust when rather than reform government, both parties made it bigger. We lost their trust when instead of freeing ourselves from a dangerous dependence on foreign oil, both parties and Senator Obama passed another corporate welfare bill for oil companies. We lost their trust, when we valued our power over our principles.

We're going to change that. We're going to recover the people's trust by standing up again for the values Americans admire. The party of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan is going to get back to basics.

We believe everyone has something to contribute and deserves the opportunity to reach their God-given potential from the boy whose descendents arrived on the Mayflower to the Latina daughter of migrant workers. We're all God's children and we're all Americans.

We believe in low taxes; spending discipline, and open markets. We believe in rewarding hard work and risk takers and letting people keep the fruits of their labor.

We believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a culture of life, personal responsibility, the rule of law, and judges who dispense justice impartially and don't legislate from the bench. We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods and communities.

We believe in a government that unleashes the creativity and initiative of Americans. Government that doesn't make your choices for you, but works to make sure you have more choices to make for yourself.

I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will open new markets to our goods and services. My opponent will close them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it.

My tax cuts will create jobs. His tax increases will eliminate them. My health care plan will make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance. His plan will force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government run health care system where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.

Keeping taxes low helps small businesses grow and create new jobs. Cutting the second highest business tax rate in the world will help American companies compete and keep jobs from moving overseas. Doubling the child tax exemption from $3500 to $7000 will improve the lives of millions of American families. Reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs will let you keep more of your own money to save, spend and invest as you see fit. Opening new markets and preparing workers to compete in the world economy is essential to our future prosperity.

I know some of you have been left behind in the changing economy and it often seems your government hasn't even noticed. Government assistance for unemployed workers was designed for the economy of the 1950s. That's going to change on my watch. My opponent promises to bring back old jobs by wishing away the global economy. We're going to help workers who've lost a job that won't come back, find a new one that won't go away.

We will prepare them for the jobs of today. We will use our community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities. For workers in industries that have been hard hit, we'll help make up part of the difference in wages between their old job and a temporary, lower paid one while they receive retraining that will help them find secure new employment at a decent wage.

Education is the civil rights issue of this century. Equal access to public education has been gained. But what is the value of access to a failing school? We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice, remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work.

When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them. Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have that choice and their children will have that opportunity.

Senator Obama wants our schools to answer to unions and entrenched bureaucracies. I want schools to answer to parents and students. And when I'm President, they will.

My fellow Americans, when I'm President, we're going to embark on the most ambitious national project in decades. We are going to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much. We will attack the problem on every front. We will produce more energy at home. We will drill new wells offshore, and we'll drill them now. We will build more nuclear power plants. We will develop clean coal technology. We will increase the use of wind, tide, solar and natural gas. We will encourage the development and use of flex fuel, hybrid and electric automobiles.

Senator Obama thinks we can achieve energy independence without more drilling and without more nuclear power. But Americans know better than that. We must use all resources and develop all technologies necessary to rescue our economy from the damage caused by rising oil prices and to restore the health of our planet. It's an ambitious plan, but Americans are ambitious by nature, and we have faced greater challenges. It's time for us to show the world again how Americans lead.

This great national cause will create millions of new jobs, many in industries that will be the engine of our future prosperity; jobs that will be there when your children enter the workforce.

Today, the prospect of a better world remains within our reach. But we must see the threats to peace and liberty in our time clearly and face them, as Americans before us did, with confidence, wisdom and resolve.

We have dealt a serious blow to al Qaeda in recent years. But they are not defeated, and they'll strike us again if they can. Iran remains the chief state sponsor of terrorism and on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons. Russia's leaders, rich with oil wealth and corrupt with power, have rejected democratic ideals and the obligations of a responsible power. They invaded a small, democratic neighbor to gain more control over the world's oil supply, intimidate other neighbors, and further their ambitions of reassembling the Russian empire. And the brave people of Georgia need our solidarity and prayers. As President I will work to establish good relations with Russia so we need not fear a return of the Cold War. But we can't turn a blind eye to aggression and international lawlessness that threatens the peace and stability of the world and the security of the American people.

We face many threats in this dangerous world, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them. I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to secure the peace.

When I was five years old, a car pulled up in front of our house. A Navy officer rolled down the window, and shouted at my father that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I rarely saw my father again for four years. My grandfather came home from that same war exhausted from the burdens he had borne, and died the next day. In Vietnam, where I formed the closest friendships of my life, some of those friends never came home with me. I hate war. It is terrible beyond imagination.

I'm running for President to keep the country I love safe, and prevent other families from risking their loved ones in war as my family has. I will draw on all my experience with the world and its leaders, and all the tools at our disposal -- diplomatic, economic, military and the power of our ideals -- to build the foundations for a stable and enduring peace.

In America, we change things that need to be changed. Each generation makes its contribution to our greatness. The work that is ours to do is plainly before us. We don't need to search for it.

We need to change the way government does almost everything: from the way we protect our security to the way we compete in the world economy; from the way we respond to disasters to the way we fuel our transportation network; from the way we train our workers to the way we educate our children. All these functions of government were designed before the rise of the global economy, the information technology revolution and the end of the Cold War. We have to catch up to history, and we have to change the way we do business in Washington.

The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn't a cause, it's a symptom. It's what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you.

Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.

Instead of rejecting good ideas because we didn't think of them first, let's use the best ideas from both sides. Instead of fighting over who gets the credit, let's try sharing it. This amazing country can do anything we put our minds to. I will ask Democrats and Independents to serve with me. And my administration will set a new standard for transparency and accountability.

We're going to finally start getting things done for the people who are counting on us, and I won't care who gets the credit.

I've been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. But I have been her servant first, last and always. And I've never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I didn't thank God for the privilege.

Long ago, something unusual happened to me that taught me the most valuable lesson of my life. I was blessed by misfortune. I mean that sincerely. I was blessed because I served in the company of heroes, and I witnessed a thousand acts of courage, compassion and love.

On an October morning, in the Gulf of Tonkin, I prepared for my 23rd mission over North Vietnam. I hadn't any worry I wouldn't come back safe and sound. I thought I was tougher than anyone. I was pretty independent then, too. I liked to bend a few rules, and pick a few fights for the fun of it. But I did it for my own pleasure; my own pride. I didn't think there was a cause more important than me.

Then I found myself falling toward the middle of a small lake in the city of Hanoi, with two broken arms, a broken leg, and an angry crowd waiting to greet me. I was dumped in a dark cell, and left to die. I didn't feel so tough anymore. When they discovered my father was an admiral, they took me to a hospital. They couldn't set my bones properly, so they just slapped a cast on me. When I didn't get better, and was down to about a hundred pounds, they put me in a cell with two other Americans. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even feed myself. They did it for me. I was beginning to learn the limits of my selfish independence. Those men saved my life.

I was in solitary confinement when my captors offered to release me. I knew why. If I went home, they would use it as propaganda to demoralize my fellow prisoners. Our Code said we could only go home in the order of our capture, and there were men who had been shot down before me. I thought about it, though. I wasn't in great shape, and I missed everything about America. But I turned it down.

A lot of prisoners had it worse than I did. I'd been mistreated before, but not as badly as others. I always liked to strut a little after I'd been roughed up to show the other guys I was tough enough to take it. But after I turned down their offer, they worked me over harder than they ever had before. For a long time. And they broke me.

When they brought me back to my cell, I was hurt and ashamed, and I didn't know how I could face my fellow prisoners. The good man in the cell next door, my friend, Bob Craner, saved me. Through taps on a wall he told me I had fought as hard as I could. No man can always stand alone. And then he told me to get back up and fight again for our country and for the men I had the honor to serve with. Because every day they fought for me.

I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's.

I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.

If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.

I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your President. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.

Fight for what's right for our country.

Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.

Fight for our children's future.

Fight for justice and opportunity for all.

Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.

Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.

Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.

Thank you, and God Bless you.

Full Video and Text of Sarah Palin's acceptance speech (36 minutes-38 seconds)-with analysis

This acceptance speech was a tour de force. It had everything: steel,compassion, style, substance. It was skilfully crafted. Sarah Palin effortlessly turned the tables on the left wing media and the Obama campaign. It was a no contest. This woman has gravitas. She has charisma.

Sarah Palin said she would accept the party's nomination as vice president. She talked about her background in politics and outlined a vision for the future. She skilfully exploited the weaknesses in Obama's taxation policy and its frightening implications for businesses. She outlined a strategy for energy independence. She exposed glaring weaknesses in Obama's claim to have the required experience to assume the presidency

As governor of Alaska she has a strong track record. Sarah Palin stressed that a McCain/Palin presidency would be characterised by a strong commitment to reform. The substance of this speech marked out Palin as forward thinking and contrasted strongly with that of Joe Biden which harkened back to the 1970s.

Particularly noteworthy were the following references to her governorship of Alaska: "I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network".

She also balanced the budget. She sold the previous governors jet on Ebay. She fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history. And when that deal was struck, she began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence. That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have America interests at heart. In short as Governor Palin has delivered.


The speech also contained other pearls:
"But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.
Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.
The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.
Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve."

She also outlined her sensitivity and compassion:
"To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.
I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House. Todd is a story all by himself."

Speech

Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens: I am honored to be considered for the nomination for Vice President of the United States...

I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.

I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election... against confident opponents ... at a crucial hour for our country.

And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions ... and met far graver challenges ... and knows how tough fights are won - the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.

It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.

With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost - there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.

But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.

They overlooked the caliber of the man himself - the determination, resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better.

And maybe that's because they realize there is a time for politics and a time for leadership ... a time to campaign and a time to put our country first.

Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by.

He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight.

And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way.

Our son Track is 19.

And one week from tomorrow - September 11th - he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.

My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.

My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.

In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between - my strong and kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.

And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.

That's how it is with us.

Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys.

Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.

And children with special needs inspire a special love.

To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.

I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House. Todd is a story all by himself.

He's a lifelong commercial fisherman ... a production operator in the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope ... a proud member of the United Steel Workers' Union ... and world champion snow machine racer.

Throw in his Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry, and it all makes for quite a package.

We met in high school, and two decades and five children later he's still my guy. My Mom and Dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town.

And among the many things I owe them is one simple lesson: that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.

My parents are here tonight, and I am so proud to be the daughter of Chuck and Sally Heath. Long ago, a young farmer and habber-dasher from Missouri followed an unlikely path to the vice presidency.

A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.

I grew up with those people.

They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.

They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town.

I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better.

When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.

Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.

And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves.

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.

We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.

As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment.

And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.

But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.

Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.

The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.

No one expects us to agree on everything.

But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart.

I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network.

Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.

But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up.

And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.

I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.

While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.

That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.

I also drive myself to work.

And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef - although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her. I came to office promising to control spending - by request if possible and by veto if necessary.

Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.

Our state budget is under control.

We have a surplus.

And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes.

I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.

I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.

If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged - directly to the people of Alaska.

And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.

As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.

I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history.

And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.

That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.

The stakes for our nation could not be higher.

When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.

With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.

To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas.

And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we've got lots of both.

Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already.

But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.

Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more nuclear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources.

We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers. I've noticed a pattern with our opponent.

Maybe you have, too.

We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers.

And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.

But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate.

This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it.

Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit.

Terrorist states are seeking nuclear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions.

Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights? Government is too big ... he wants to grow it.

Congress spends too much ... he promises more.

Taxes are too high ... he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific.

The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes ... raise payroll taxes ... raise investment income taxes ... raise the death tax ... raise business taxes ... and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars. My sister Heather and her husband have just built a service station that's now opened for business - like millions of others who run small businesses.

How are they going to be any better off if taxes go up? Or maybe you're trying to keep your job at a plant in Michigan or Ohio ... or create jobs with clean coal from Pennsylvania or West Virginia ... or keep a small farm in the family right here in Minnesota.

How are you going to be better off if our opponent adds a massive tax burden to the American economy? Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election.

In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers.

And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.

They're the ones whose names appear on laws and landmark reforms, not just on buttons and banners, or on self-designed presidential seals.

Among politicians, there is the idealism of high-flown speechmaking, in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things.

And then there is the idealism of those leaders, like John McCain, who actually do great things. They're the ones who are good for more than talk ... the ones we have always been able to count on to serve and defend America. Senator McCain's record of actual achievement and reform helps explain why so many special interests, lobbyists, and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency - from the primary election of 2000 to this very day.

Our nominee doesn't run with the Washington herd.

He's a man who's there to serve his country, and not just his party.

A leader who's not looking for a fight, but is not afraid of one either. Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the current do-nothing Senate, not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee.

He said, quote, "I can't stand John McCain." Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps no accolade we hear this week is better proof that we've chosen the right man. Clearly what the Majority Leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain. That is only one more reason to take the maverick of the Senate and put him in the White House. My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of "personal discovery." This world of threats and dangers is not just a community, and it doesn't just need an organizer.

And though both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have been going on lately about how they are always, quote, "fighting for you," let us face the matter squarely.

There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you ... in places where winning means survival and defeat means death ... and that man is John McCain. In our day, politicians have readily shared much lesser tales of adversity than the nightmare world in which this man, and others equally brave, served and suffered for their country.

It's a long way from the fear and pain and squalor of a six-by-four cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.

But if Senator McCain is elected president, that is the journey he will have made.

It's the journey of an upright and honorable man - the kind of fellow whose name you will find on war memorials in small towns across this country, only he was among those who came home.

To the most powerful office on earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless ... the wisdom that comes even to the captives, by the grace of God ... the special confidence of those who have seen evil, and seen how evil is overcome. A fellow prisoner of war, a man named Tom Moe of Lancaster, Ohio, recalls looking through a pin-hole in his cell door as Lieutenant Commander John McCain was led down the hallway, by the guards, day after day.

As the story is told, "When McCain shuffled back from torturous interrogations, he would turn toward Moe's door and flash a grin and thumbs up" - as if to say, "We're going to pull through this." My fellow Americans, that is the kind of man America needs to see us through these next four years.

For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words.

For a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds.

If character is the measure in this election ... and hope the theme ... and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause. Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States.

Thank you all, and may God bless America.

Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska, is the Republican vice presidential nominee.