FEW ORGANIZATIONS CAN MATCH THE UNBRIDLED INSANITY, BLOODTHIRSTYNESS and utter lunacy of Newsmax. It's so bad, it's good -- like one of those little comic books you'd find on a bus telling you how you'll end up in hell for a series of sins. You know crazies put the thing together, but you find it hard to put down...today, Newsmax says it doesn't matter that American forces may have tortured people -- it works, and even drags Hannoi Hilton victim John McCain into things...

Nearly forty years ago, however - when McCain was held captive in a North Vietnamese prison camp - some of the same techniques were used on him. And - as McCain has publicly admitted at least twice - the torture worked!

In his 1999 autobiography, "Faith of My Fathers," McCain describes how he was severely injured when his plane was shot down over Hanoi - and how his North Vietnamese interrogators used his injuries to extract information.

Truly perverse.

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SOME ODDS AND ENDS HERE...First, Bill O'Lielly (thanks for reminding me) strikes again, again -- this morning during the Today Show on NBC. Seems Bill has decided to compare Rep. Murtha with Hitler sympathizers because of Murtha's call for the troops to come home from Iraq. Here's a link to the video. Also, should you be looking for holiday gifts (and we're collecting suggestions and will publish a list) here's one you might enjoy -- a board game version of the "race to the White House."

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O'REILLY STRIKES AGAIN. After many promises to create his own McCarthyite list of "enemies" online, of those he believes side with the "traitors" to the "war effort" -- here's the first installment, courtesy of Bradblog.com

A Message from Bill:

Media Operations that Traffic in Defamation

The following media operations have regularly helped distribute defamation and false information supplied by far left websites:

- New York Daily News

- The St. Petersburg Times

- MSNBC

These are the worst offenders. In the months to come, we expect to add more names to this list. We recommend that you do not patronize these operations and that advertisers do the same. They are dishonest and not worth your time and money.

OK, the Daily News I can see, and yes, most of MSNBC, but the St. Pete Times? C'mon Bill! Also, if you feel left out because Bill didn't include you on his enemies list, you can join up courtesy of Arianna Huffington! She promises to take all the names to Bill in his studio! Just click here to join the O'Reilly enemies list! Fun for the whole family!

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SOMETIMES ONE MUST WONDER what gives on local television. This particular item comes from KARD-TV. I'm not sure if they actually meant what they said about hitting deer, but I suppose...

Authorities in South Arkansas say that there has been a high number of recent deer-automobile wrecks. Officials urge drivers to use caution behind the wheel. They say that keeping your speed down is key. If a deer comes into the road State Police say you should not swerve. They say they've seen it all too many times the car swerves and hits an immovable object. Police recommend hitting the animal, however if that animal is a horse or cow they recommend you get out of the way.

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OK, OCCASIONALLY WE JUST STRAIGHT OUT PILFER things from Roby Brock's blog. He so often hits the nail on the head, and always provides sharp business reporting. This is one that should continue to make you scratch yer freakin' head. How does this play out in NWA?

New census data shows that East Coast incomes far outpace wage earners in the South and the West, despite large population shifts to those areas. Unfortunately, Arkansas sits near the bottom of the income list.

Median household incomes in Connecticut top the census figures at $56,409. New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire round out the five states with the highest median income.

By comparison, Arkansas ranks 48th with median household income of $33,445. Mississippi had the lowest household income level at $32,397. West Virginia, Louisiana and Montana were also in the bottom five.

The median household income for the nation was $43,318. The income figures come from 2003 census data.

I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE with Springdale Mayor Van Hoose, who tells me the city made the so-called "Rieff Report" public in its entirety about an hour ago, with copies available to the media. Haven't seen it yet, but also received this e-mail from someone identifying himself as the retired chief...it reads pretty accurately, so I'll take a blogger's initiative and put it here, while waiting for confirmation...as I said, I knew this would become public information eventually...(NOTE verified by City Attorney John Harper and others)

29 November 2005

To Whom It May Concern:

It is apparent that certain elements within the Police Department, a law firm, and others are using my refusal to release the report of the Matthews investigation in a manner that my withholding of it was never intended. The withholding of the report, based on my right to privacy under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, was not intended to cause the good officers within the Department, the City Attorney, the Mayor, or any Councilperson any grief, embarrassment, or more unnecessary expenditures of taxpayer’s money.

The quest for information that might, or might not, be in the report in order to prolong persecution of the Springdale Police Department, advance personal agendas, satisfy morbid curiosities, or provide some news headlines is driving the actions to put the full report and working papers in front of the public. Neither the Police Department nor the City deserves this. I am retired from the Springdale Police Department and have moved on with my post-law enforcement life.

While out of the area in pursuit of a less stressful and more leisurely lifestyle, I was contacted by several associates in reference to the ruling by Judge Duncan regarding the release of the Matthews Report and all of the working files to the Lisle Law Firm. It is my belief that the Lisle Law Firm should not be privileged to have the exclusive right to view the investigation file. If the investigation file must be released it should be released to everyone in its entirety.

Until this time I have been silent in reference to the report and my reasons for refusing to release it. I realize that all of the information from an eight week long investigation containing pertinent documents and many hours of interview statements by both truthful and untruthful persons will be made available to whomever wishes to dissect and digest it. The underlying truth of the complete picture won’t be difficult to determine from the investigation files and will be readily apparent to an intelligent person with some knowledge of the political inner workings of a police department.

My refusal to release the Mathews Investigation file as part of my personnel file was based on several considerations. There are several points I still feel very strongly about and will address them below.

I believe there should not have even been an investigation without a formal complaint made through proper channels and bearing the name of the complainant. This goes against all sense of fair play. Anonymous accusers can say anything, truthful or not. Any anonymous email complaints should be deleted until such time as a person comes forward with his name. Even the Whistle-Blower policy protection that was offered to the complainer was spurned. I was never allowed to face my accusers. Even criminals have that right.

Once underway, the investigation was not conducted under time-honored rules designed to insure accuracy and truthfulness. Witnesses were allowed to remain anonymous and testimony was not required to be sworn. The environment was such that people, including police officers, with a gripe against me were simply identified by number and not by name. A telephone number was even published in local news media soliciting complaints on me from the public. Mr. Matthews’ law firm billed the City for 10 ½ hours of anonymous "testimony" on one day alone. Again, anonymous accusers can say anything, truthful or not. It is not my desire to have untrue statements by anonymous people printed by the media and believed as the Gospel truth by their readers. With no names attached to any untruthful statements, my options for civil recourse are limited.

When this report is released, the officers who gave their names, were truthful, and spoke in my behalf during the course of the investigation will face the real possibility of being targeted for intimidation and retaliation within the police department. Patrolmen and junior supervisors who spoke in my behalf still have to work under higher ranking officers who were part of the takeover of the police department. Those dedicated officers are dodging political bullets and keeping their heads down while trying to survive in their chosen career. They have bills to pay and families to support. They don’t deserve to be at the mercy of a retaliatory supervisor, particularly when prior threats of retaliation have been made by those supervisors.

The Matthews Report addressed complaints and accusations put forth in the anonymous emails, purportedly from a large number of officers within the department. Since I am releasing the report, you can read it and draw your own conclusions as to how many officers were complaining. I won’t go into the details here, but there are a few points that are important to me and I would like to address them.

One of the accusations addressed by Mr. Matthews was that injured officers were treated differently while in recovery. The report states that "....he (the Chief) does not disfavor or single out officers who have been injured in the line of duty." Concerning accusations of administrative duties and delegation, it will state that although there is room for improvement in the administrative functioning and delegation within the department, "..there have been no violations of applicable policies."

It will state that in reference to the complaints of mistreatment of officers in the military that officers in the military were "accommodated for purposes of military training as well as active military service."

In reference to the complaint of a minority officer being removed from his school resource position for racial reasons, it was determined by Mr. Matthews that the minority officer was removed "....because of logistic and manpower reasons." He "....was not removed because of his race or punishment."

In reference to the complaint of the minority officer losing his "Senior" days off because of his race, Mr. Matthews’ report concluded that "...the loss of days off was unrelated to (the officer’s) race; three officers were disciplined – two white and one Hispanic."

Regarding membership in a white supremacist organization and racial discrimination, Mr. Matthews’ report stated that "...it is the determination of this investigation that Sid Rieff is not a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Further, there was no evidence that race factored into any personnel decisions or Department policy. Indeed, the minority officers interviewed specifically stated that they did not believe they had been the subject of racial discrimination."

In conclusion the report states that "....we found absolutely no evidence that any racial discrimination has occurred at the Springdale Police Department, either against any Officers or citizens."

Those are the important conclusions.

The report does address some of my personal shortcomings that, while inappropriate in the setting of the Police Department, were not meant to offend nor embarrass anyone and certainly did not reflect on any departmental decisions. In response to Mr. Matthews’ questions I was completely truthful and admitted that I had forwarded some inappropriate and ill-advised emails from my personal email account to a few close associates and that throughout the years I have told some sexual and racial jokes. I sincerely apologize to anyone whom I may have offended by these actions. The anonymous emails and resulting conflict in the Springdale Police Department was due to a well orchestrated takeover effort by a small contingent of disgruntled officers. The smear campaign was intended to oust me from the Police Department and replace me with one of their group. The plan was only partially successful as I have retired from the department.

A new Chief chosen from outside the department has foiled their plan for a complete takeover and transformation of the department. Although Chief O’Kelley is a very capable and competent police administrator, I fear that as she does what is right for the department she will become their next target.

I dearly love the Springdale Police Department and the City of Springdale. Neither deserves to suffer the fall-out from the upheaval caused by a few disgruntled, self centered officers who made the false accusations. The sad fact is that some officers who were untruthful as part of their effort to takeover the Department are still there. That I cannot change, but I will do my part by releasing the Matthews Report in order to start the process of recovery. I am retired after 33 years of honorably serving the citizens of Springdale and am now a private citizen, so to those who would dance on my grave, I would remind them of the old saying, "What goes around, comes around."

In order to clear the air and determine the truth and untruthfulness of the accusations, I am authorizing Mayor Van Hoose to release the Matthews Investigation Report with the exception of my Police Department Personnel File. For those who may be interested in any disciplinary action taken against me in 33 years at the Police Department there is one written reprimand. It was for being 20 minutes late for briefing after having walked to work in the snow from Fayetteville during my first year of employment in 1972.

My wife and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those true friends who have called, sent retirement cards, wished us well, and have continued to stay in touch.

Respectfully,

Sid Rieff (Retired)

THIS CAN'T BE GOOD FOR ANYONE IN THE MAJORITY PARTY right now. What does an incumbent do about the President's lead-balloon popularity numbers? And, if you believe Mr. Zogby (and I know many of you do, and have said so in newspaper columns and on blogs) he says those numbers played a direct role in a couple of losing contests. So, time to either a) cut and run if you have to face re-election, or b) cross your fingers and hope something breaks in favor of Mr. Bush...

Voters in bellwether states across the nation decided races for governor based on personalities, and ballot measures based on the merits, a new post-election poll by Zogby International shows.

Unfortunately for Republican gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey, the key personality at play was President George W. Bush, whose popularity on Election Day was at all-time lows. As a result, Democratic candidates kept both statehouses in the blue column for at least another term. Elsewhere, Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger came out a big loser in California, but the GOP in Ohio fought back hard against Democratic interests pushing changes to the state's election system, easily defeating the four measures at the ballot box.

While many events may occur between now and the 2006 elections, the outcomes of this year's contests shows that the GOP must capitalize on winning strategies, like their efforts in Ohio, or face more disappointments like the bitter defeat dealt to Gov. Schwarzenegger's reform initiatives.

Of course, the entirety of 2005's elections did not hinge on George W. Bush's popularity, and the inability to candidates like New Jersey Republican gubernatorial nominee Doug Forrester to capitalize on his opponent's biggest weakness - corruption tied to the governing party in Trenton -speak volumes about the other peril in politics: weak candidates.

Again, Zogby points out the really freaky thing about all this -- voters seem to think they're casting ballots in the student body elections. They vote on personal appeal, appearance (some recent research shows the more handsome or physically appealing candidate winning in most races - I'll try to dig up the numbers later) and everything but the issues, at least when it comes to electing someone to office. In terms of issues voting, it seems like we do something else.

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Listen to this week's (Nov 20) program (mp3 2 hr)

OUR FRIEND AND RESPECTED COLLEAGUE LUCAS ROEBUCK, OF THE "ROEBUCK REPORT" laments his inability to schoomze with Newt Gingrich, who visits NWA tonight, however, he does ask for questions to ask the former Speaker of the House -- so, we'll pitch in.

First, for the party which continues to trumpet morals and values, why spend the night with a man who obviously has a hard time with same?

(someone else said)Some in the Republican party promised tougher ethics standards and higher moral values. Then Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich quit amid revelations of an extra-marital affair with a Congressional staffer and his successor never even made it to the job when his dalliances came to light.

Lucas, you could ask how he's managed to get his personal life back together, and ask if he thinks his party should avoid campaigning on "values." Next up, you could ask him about his current work pushing a war with Iran...why does he like that, why does he think we should stretch troops even further, and who sells him the 'ludes?

Those just start the long list we might ask the so-called "architect of the Republican revolution." If you'd like to spend time with Newt, here are the details, courtesy of the Roebuck Report...

-quote
When: November 29, 2005 @ 7:00 (doors open at 6:00)
Where: Springdale, Holiday Inn Convention Center
Tickets: $40, $70, $100
Reception: You better believe it!!! 6:00(still finalizing
the time) w/ Speaker Gingrich tickets $150 per person
For Tickets: call Anne 442-8280 or Robin 935-9858
Would love to have you join us for a great evening.
We are pumped!!!!
-end quote

Oh, yes, does he think the "Wrestling Coach" (Denny Hastert) is a wimp as speaker? Just checking...

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SY HERSH COULDN'T MAKE IT, so our thanks to the Spook for filling the details. Hersh says he wants to reschedule the visit. Here's details from the DemGaz.

Flight canceled, Hersh misses UA talk Travel problems forced the cancellation of journalist Seymour Hersh's scheduled lecture Monday night at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Hersh, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Magazine Award, was scheduled to deliver the University of Arkansas' fall distinguished lecture. Dustin Jones, an associate for Keppler Associates Inc., which schedules Hersh's speaking engagements, said Hersh was stranded Monday in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when his connecting flight to Northwest Arkansas was canceled due to fog. All the other Northwest Arkansas-bound flights were full, as were flights to Fort Smith, Tulsa and Joplin, Mo., Jones said. Hersh wants to reschedule his appearance, Jones said."He'd much rather be on a plane to Fayetteville than sitting in the airport," Jones said Monday afternoon. Hersh was scheduled to speak Monday to UA journalism and political science students and attend a pre-lecture dinner and post-lecture reception, said William Schreckhise, an associate professor of political science who sits on UA's Distinguished Lecture Series committee. The lecture series is supported by student activity fees, the Associated Student Government and the university.

QUICK NOTE TO JOURNALIST fans in NWA. Sy Hersch had to cancel tonight's Walton Arts Center program. University Programs says he couldn't make it to town. Must be pretty busy with his new article. (Bet Coulter doesn't cancel...)

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TAKE A LOOK...this is what happens (video) on "Black Friday" when your local Wal-Mart decides to throw $400 laptop computers into the crowd...did you run into any of this? Courtesy of WTSP-TV in Tampa Bay.

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SOME THOUGHTS ON OUR UPCOMING BLOG PROGRAM...I've had requests from politicians and from others about the program. Apparently I needed to qualify my invitation -- I thought just indicating "blog" would have made things clear. I suppose I have to clarify it even more. I consider what you have a "blog" if you allow comments -- doesn't matter if the comments are moderated or not. I take that direction for some folks who spend a lot of time thinking about these things. Many so-called "blogs" from politicians allow no commentary, and some of the more politically oriented blogs do the same -- that is to say, they allow no discussion to occur. Chris, I'm thinking of you here, and Drew, same thing. If you allow comments, I'll re-visit the issue this week. The comments are kind of important in terms of blogging -- an issue I think most of us have struggled with. Disagree? You'll notice we have a place for you to comment...see how it works? You want to open your blog to comments, we'll talk more. Until that time, we're still looking for more guests. Remember, we have two hours...please join us this Saturday night.

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I KNOW WE HAVE NO LOVE for the poor in this state, but does this seem a trifle over-the-top even for Congress? I think it's an interesting starting point to see just how far some people will go to rid the nation of any kind of safety net for those who can't make ends meet. Seems Congress has folded into its spending bill measures to increase the work and civil service requirements for anyone drawing welfare, something that the President has tried to get through Congress for four years...this, courtesy of the Washington Post...

The changes would have a huge impact on the lives of the 2 million adult Americans who remain on welfare. For states to avoid federal sanctions, most recipients would have to spend 40 hours a week in activities out of the house, substantially more than they do now.

Democrats and liberal advocacy groups charge that the harsher work rules are not backed up by the funding to subsidize child care. Moreover, the larger budget bill's cuts to food stamps and Medicaid could add still more financial pressure as welfare recipients transition to the ranks of the working poor.

Indeed...work 40 hours a week, and who takes care of the children? The rest of us may do it, but you've got to admit, it costs quite a bit of money. Doesn't that contradict the family values theme so popular in politics this decade -- seems like that would leave a lot of latchkey kids out there, or kids neglected. Uh-oh, there goes that crime rate back up...

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SOME SERIOUS QUESTIONS TODAY about just how far we, the people, should let the government go in it's attempts to violate the right to privacy, and to intrude on our personal lives. First, this -- seems another Time Magazine Reporter will have to testify in the Plamegate leak investigation...

The reporter, Viveca Novak, who has written about the leak investigation, has been asked to testify by the special counsel in the case, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, about her conversations with Robert D. Luskin, a lawyer for Mr. Rove, the magazine said.

Which brings us to this -- would you let the above mentioned government do anything, much less this apparent violation of the Posse Comitatus Act?

The Pentagon has pushed legislation on Capitol Hill that would create an intelligence exception to the Privacy Act, allowing the FBI and others to share information gathered about US citizens with the Pentagon, CIA, and other intelligence agencies, as long as the data is deemed to be related to foreign intelligence. Backers say the measure is needed to strengthen investigations into terrorism or weapons of mass destruction.

The proposals, and other Pentagon steps aimed at improving its ability to analyze counterterrorism intelligence collected inside the United States, have drawn complaints from civil liberties advocates and a few members of Congress, who say the Defense Department's push into domestic collection is proceeding with little scrutiny by the Congress or the public.

''We are deputizing the military to spy on law-abiding Americans in America. This is a huge leap without even a [congressional] hearing," Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon and a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said in a recent interview.

Ah yes, write a blog, have a dossier written about you. As the Buffalo Springfield once wrote, "Something's happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear..." -- Hello, anti-big government Republicans/conservatives (and of course libs and liberatarians), will you stand for this? I can't imagine why.

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OF CULTURAL NOTE THIS MORNING, this AP article about why people in the South seem compelled to rid themselves of regional accents. An interesting look at the world's most famous accent, after British.

Across the fast-growing South, accents are under assault, and not just from the modern-day Henry Higginses of academia. There's the flood of transplants from other regions, notions of Southern upward mobility that require dropping the drawl, and stereotypes that "y'alls" and "suhs" signal low status or lack of intelligence.

I dunno -- I've always found it endearing. What's the problem?

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SEEING AS THE RECENT ARTICLE about LULAC made Chris and the rest of his friends all upset, I thought I'd include this little gem to add insult to injury. Chris, enjoy.

WASHINGTON Nov 27, 2005 - The labels inside the U.S. Border Patrol uniforms have been making many federal agents feel uneasy. It's not the fit or feel of the olive-green shirts and pants, but what their labels read: "Made in Mexico."

"It's embarrassing to be protecting the U.S.-Mexico border and be wearing a uniform made in Mexico," says T.J. Bonner, president of the National Border Patrol Council, a 6,500-member union.

File under; "Thing that make you say hmmmmmmmm...."

SEEMS THAT WAL-MART KICKED EVERYONE'S REAR ENDS during the Black Friday shopping rush. The NY Times reports that the positive results from Friday pretty much passed everyone else by, short of the discount retailers and major chains. The Gap could get hit pretty hard. Black Friday sales came in at about 8-billion dollars, about 0.9 percent lower than last year, but that may not mean much...some of the sales continue today, and many shoppers have been waiting because of all the sales, more and more of them waiting until the final Saturday before Christmas to make their purchases.

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Listen to this week's (Nov 20) program (mp3 2 hr)

AGAIN, BECAUSE OF THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND, TONIGHT'S RADIO BROADCAST is a replay of last week's program. The program includes our half-hour interview with author Amy Tan and all the Murtha you could possibly want -- yes, you'll hear Jean Schmidt too. We're back live next week with our blog fest on the air, and we'll also introduce you to a local author...more details on the way. Click below for this week's program -- also, the podcast is updated for your enjoyment/chagrin.

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AS ALWAYS, WE ARE ABOUT A DAY BEHIND in posting Doug Krile's take on the blogosphere. Today is no exception. Here is Doug's look at the 'sphere from Friday. He says things were a bit slow because of the holiday.

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Listen to this week's (Nov 4) program (mp3 2 hr)

-- Don Elkins
-- "In Focus" column
-- Friday, November 25, 2005
-- Northwest Arkansas Times

You've had your fill o' the old Thanksgiving bird, and you've sacked away a supply of turkey so chock full of tryptophan you could knock out a football team for a month. You've seen your family, and survived to tell the tale, and perhaps you're sitting in your car in the dark waiting outside the mall or local Supercenter for the big "black Friday" sales that mark the start of the holiday shopping season.

Maybe you even feel in an aggressive mood as a result. If so, the right Rev. Jerry Falwell has just the thing for you this year.

The reverend plans to make sure you and everyone else remember the really important part of this season. No, not "peace on earth, good will toward men" - that would be too stereotypical for a man of the cloth. No, he doesn't want you to take the spirit of giving to heart and doesn't want you to experience love without a need for recognition or reward, and he doesn't want you to remember the message of redemption and calm most of us associate with the "true meaning" of the season.

He has something for those of you feeling angst and a spirit of anger as the fir trees start rising.

Say hello to the "Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign."

I know, it sounds like something you'd buy to go with that new Xbox 360, perhaps a game filled with gunfire and special forces troops done up in camouflage and greasepaint.

Instead, the less than cheery sounding "Friend of Foe" campaign aims to make sure everyone, and I mean everyone, remembers to say "Merry Christmas" this year and forever abandons the "Happy Holiday" greeting. Falwell will use attorneys from his Liberty Counsel organization to make sure that happens. The San Francisco Chronicle ran a piece on this, and aptly described the approach as Christmas: You're either with us, or against us.

Falwell also has the support of another group of attorneys who've actually adopted a catch phrase, something for the bumper-sticker set - "Merry Christmas: It's OK to say it."

But nothing quite captures the spirit of persecution, or combativeness, like "Friend or Foe."

What's next? "Merry Christmas: Search and Destroy"? How about" Happy Birthday, Lord: Shock and Awe"? Or even the old "Silent night, deadly night"? OK, someone else has already used that last one, but it could work, couldn't it?

The idea of the campaign shouldn't really surprise too many of us, as the idea behind it has gained some popularity in recent years. The surprising part comes from the contradictory approach it employs. It reminds one of that old 60s tune" Kill for Peace. "

But, do the militarily inclined lawyers for the right Reverend Falwell have a point about" secularization?"

Not according to Wal-Mart or Target stores.

At least Target finds itself in the crosshairs of one of these activist groups.

The American Family Association wants people to boycott the retailer, telling adherents the company has a policy against employees saying "Merry Christmas."

Target says it has no idea how anyone got that idea, but perhaps it has something to do with the annoyance evangelical Christians expressed when the company banned Salvation Army bell ringers from storefronts, instead putting the red kettles online.

Wal-Mart has also run up against this problem. The company fired an employee who managed to get into a long and complicated explanation to a customer of why some people use the "Happy Holidays" greeting. Needless to say, that distorted and strange explanation earned that employee a pink slip, but the company still stands by its preference for "Happy Holidays" because it considers the greeting more inclusive.

One must remember that December also serves as the holiday season for other faiths, and no one has exclusive rights to the month.

Wal-Mart briefly upset the Catholic League, which wanted to boycott the store, but didn't much have the stomach to continue the attack.

Do Christians have reason to feel upset by "Happy Holidays"? Perhaps, but not so much that they should feel persecuted, which they clearly are not in this country, where they proudly remind everyone that they are in the majority. Seems mighty insecure for a majority to holler so loudly about something like this. And, if someone at Wal-Mart wishing you a happy holiday makes you irritated, you probably could use some anger management counseling.

As one wag pointed out in an article about the new campaign, it's nothing more than a cheesy way for some groups to rile base supporters to raise funds for less than charitable causes - after all, these guys aren't raising money for hurricane relief with this, and they are asking for your cash.

Finally, you might have to ask yourself a deeper question.

Why would a group of people who say they so despise persecution, and say they've had to endure it and endure it still, decide they enjoy that persecution enough to heap it on someone else, through litigation? Sure, fight back and defend your rights, write and speak up for the things you feel strongly about - no one should deny you that right. But sometimes, some people take it too far, and cross the line into persecution and pure nonsense themselves. If you've become victim of a robbery, an assault or some other offense, don't turn around and do the same thing to someone else, and then try to justify it as self-defense.

We have enough" Friend or Foe" to go around in the world today, not enough "peace on earth," which makes this new campaign difficult to take seriously.

I SIMPLY LIKE THIS PIECE OF ART...This is Joy from Armedia (Girl Arkansas) a regular part of our weekend shows. We have yet to meet in person, but from the photos I've seen, this is pretty darn accurate...Joy writes...

Awesome drawing by Boondog drummer: Isaac Alexander. How awesome is he?

Indeed. Joy, have him pay me a visit. As a former graphic artist, I like the work. Hope ya'll had a good holiday, and hope you get some sleep.

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AS I PREPARE TO CUT into this Turkey you see to the left, in about 2 minutes, I wanted to wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving -- conservatives, liberals, independents -- hope you get some time to spend with those you love, and remember the better things in life. From our family to yours, the very best on this day of thanks.

Oh, yes, my wife Maci adds the following: "Did you tell them WHO cooked the turkey? Do they think you did it? Oh, big man, you'll CUT the turkey, you didn't do any of the work..." Yes, she cooked the turkey, and did a fantastic job of it. Sorry, gotta go, she's screaming at me again...

OK, SO I'M OUT OF MY EVER-LOVING MIND. Here's the deal. If you have a blog in Arkansas, if you find yourself listed on the Arkansas Blog index, I'm offering you this. I'll give you free time to "advertise" your page. Either write me something, or you can record 20 seconds, and I'll play it on Arkansas Tonight, on-air, regular radio, and I'll do it for at least two programs, if not more. Again, this is free (if you want to make a small donation, you wouldn't hear us complain -- but don't feel that you have to -- we mean it, this is free!). Here's what you do....either tape something yourself and emai it to me here, send it as an .mp3, .wav file, or call me at (479)521-5329 between the hours of 6 and 9 a.m. Monday through Friday (not this Thursday or Friday, please) and we'll tape something for you.

OK, so here goes my other offer -- I'd like to do our December 3rd program mostly on blogs in this state. If you'd like to be a guest on this program, send an e-mail here with your contact information and a reliable phone number, and our producer will contact you to be a guest on the show. You can either come to the studio at the Radisson in Fayetteville, or join us by phone. This offer goes out to all Arkansas bloggers, political and non-political, conservative, liberal, indepedent -- the whole set. Little Rock based? No problem, we can have you on the phone. Anonymous? We still think you're weenies, but we won't "out" you if you prefer to stay that way. However, if you come to the studio, just be aware that people will still see your face.

Shall we? I think it's high time we in the blogosphere got together and put a little footprint out into the MSM, and I'd like those of you creative enough to have started your own blogs to be the stars of our program on December 3rd. Producer Laura is waiting, so pick up the phone and hit the e-mail.

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OK, STUMBLED ACROSS THIS item on the scavenge. Pretty flip piece of writing. Tip o' the hat to Doug Krile, and a finder's fee. First, the smart-ass questions...(they're really not questions at all, just some agitprop)

Questions for Democrats (and Their MSM Allies) I have some questions for Democrats:

What was our "exit strategy" from World War II?

During the fighting, did President Roosevelt or President Truman ever arbitrarily set a fixed date when U.S. troops would be withdrawn?

When the D-Day landings ended with thousands of casualties, did any political party demand an immediate "exit strategy?"

When Germany launched a surprise attack in the Ardennes that caught American forces unprepared, were there calls for withdrawal?

Did any serious national leader ask for a "plan" to end the war, other than to win it?

The Democrats can contribute constructively to the current debate by not just demanding an end to the fighting, but explaining in detail how they think we can end the fighting. And they should do so with victory, not merely cessation of hostilities, as the goal. Until this happens, they cannot be taken seriously.

First things first -- this person makes the mistake of trying to define the current conflict in his/her own terms, without regard to history or military and (oddly enough) political considerations.

Now, you want some answers?

OK, try these on, off the top.

What was our "exit strategy" from World War II? -- Pretty easy -- unconditional surrender of at least two nation states, Germany and Japan, with defined armed forces, lines of battle and governments. Pretty easy on that one -- we had defined enemies and defined battles. Things have changed, so how can you equate both in this question? That's a foolish question to ask, pinhead.

During the fighting, did President Roosevelt or President Truman ever arbitrarily set a fixed date when U.S. troops would be withdrawn? -- they didn't need to, and didn't have the option. Perhaps you should more properly get your history analogies correct and see "Vietnam" or "Nixon" when you ask this question. Now, you give the answer.

When the D-Day landings ended with thousands of casualties, did any political party demand an immediate "exit strategy?" Again, see the previous two questions and say the word "Vietnam" to yourself over and over again -- this one isn't remotely related to WWII tactically or strategically. Those troops after D-day also weren't playing referee or MP to a group of people who would have rather seen them leave -- we also weren't in an anti-insurgency situation. Remember? The French underground (the insurgents) were on our side, much like the mujahdeen in Afghanistan (who eventually defeated the Soviets.)

When Germany launched a surprise attack in the Ardennes that caught American forces unprepared, were there calls for withdrawal? -- Again, this isn't WWII. You got apples, then you have oranges, and you've mixed them all up, and been intellectually dishonest all at the same time.

Did any serious national leader ask for a "plan" to end the war, other than to win it? Again, Vietnam changed much of the thinking about low-level wars. Remember, dinglehoffer, this isn't WWII. Ever heard of the Powell Doctrine? It's a response to the problems of fighting a counterinsurgency action -- get in quick, hit hard, get out fast, avoid the slow chipping away at both public opinion and troop strength.

Finally -- this gem: The Democrats can contribute constructively to the current debate by not just demanding an end to the fighting, but explaining in detail how they think we can end the fighting. And they should do so with victory, not merely cessation of hostilities, as the goal. Until this happens, they cannot be taken seriously. -- not a question, but something deserving of a response. First, this problem crosses partisan boundaries -- remember, we've heard this morning that a Republican Secretary of State has started making plans to draw down troop strength shortly. Does that convey something less than victory? Seems to me you announced "mission accomplished" a while back on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. How about catching Osama? How about putting enough of an effort into catching Al-Zarqawi to convince us you really care about the "war on terror?" You've got to convince everyone else YOU want a victory first. Seems the administrations plans, or lack thereof, for said victory haven't done too much, so perhaps we try something different. If you can't take anyone seriously on that count, you need to listen to the administration as it starts to change its tune into 2006 and the mid-terms. Seems members of the dominant party have already started talking about declaring victory and coming home. Will that make you happy, Mr. Talking Points?

What a waste of time. If this is as far as anyone is willing to go in discussing this issue, we've got more serious problems ahead as voters and taxpayers and people who send sons and daughters into military service. Start with being honest, then perhaps we can talk about victory.

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ROBY BROCK BRINGS US this small preview of the "Black" days here at the end of this week and the start of the next. I wonder if the local Supercenter will have lines for those $398 laptops? I've never camped out in front of any store for the Friday shopping spree, but for that price, I might.

Wal-Mart Stores revealed that as part of its so-called "Black Friday" promotions, its stores will match any price featured in a local competitor's print advertisement if it has the identical product in stock. A spokeswoman for Wal-Mart said it was the first time the retailer was offering the promotion on Black Friday, the traditional day-after-Thanksgiving start of the holiday shopping season.

"It's all part of our strategy of taking a much more aggressive approach to the holidays on all levels," said Wal-Mart spokeswoman Gail Lavielle. Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, has set the stage for a fiercely competitive end-of-the-year shopping season, launching its holiday advertising on November 1, the earliest in company history after a disappointing 2004 holiday season.

UH OH, SEN. JIM HOLT WILL HAVE A FIT about this one. So will the handful of Nazis in the boonies. Governor Huckabee should support it. LULAC wants to help kids, and help with the immigration problem at the same time. This should draw applause and howls of outrage at the same time...from a news release this morning...

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens is launching a nationwide campaign to pass the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. All LULAC members are urged to contact their Senators and Representatives and request their support of this important legislation. It is critical that members of the US Congress hear that their constituents wholeheartedly support the DREAM Act and that they want it passed now. LULAC members and friends can go to the LULAC Legislation Action Center at www.lulac.org/action.html, enter their zip code, and send a pre-drafted message to their Senators and Representative urging their support of the DREAM Act.

On Friday, November 18th, a bipartisan coalition of senators re-introduced the DREAM Act as S. 2075. The bill is a continuation of the S. 1545, originally sponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Richard Durbin (D-IL). The current sponsors of S. 2075 are Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Richard Luger (R-IN). The other cosponsors include Norm Coleman (R-MN), Larry Craig (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), John McCain (R-AZ), and Barack Obama (D-IL).

If passed, this bill would allow U.S.-raised undocumented immigrant children the opportunity for in-state college tuition as well as provide them with an opportunity to regularize their immigration status. This bill would become a law if passed by both houses of Congress and the President before the end of 2006.

Not a bad idea, and it would seem smart politicians would jump on this with an eye toward reaching out...hmmmmm.

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THIS COMES COURTESY of last night's bloglines.com scavenging. We're in a scavenging mood today. Tip 'o the hat to the Arkansas Times.

Frank Broyles is getting married again. The athletic director of the University of Arkansas confirmed that he and Guendaline "Gen" Whitehead of Little Rock will be getting hitched soon.

"She's leaving the date up to me," he said. "We're thinking about Jan. 1." Broyles' wife Barbara died last year after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Broyles, who turns 81 on Dec. 26, has been traveling to Washington in recent weeks addressing Congress and other groups on the disease. He and Barbara were married for 59 years.

Maybe he'll get a winning basketball season as a wedding gift. Wonder what Nutt will get him.

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AN EXCELLENT PIECE ON THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICAL blogs in politics during the upcoming mid-term elections, courtesy of Kari Chisholm at Mandate Media -- well worth the full read. Also a good reason for you politicians to open your wallets and shell out for some ads on the ol' blogsites...

Though readership is tiny for local political blogs, the Nevada Democrats' spokeswoman Kirsten Searer makes the critical point:

"The beauty of bloggers is they have an audience of the right people. If they break news, then insiders in politics and mainstream media are likely to pick it up." It is nice to see that the Republicans at the NRCC completely miss the point about blogs. Roll Call quotes spokesman Carl Forti:

"The people who go to these blogs, it's the very partisan Republicans and very partisan Democrats, and those aren't the people we are worried about." As regular readers of P&T know, the whole purpose of a campaign website is to communicate with, motivate, and organize the grassroots supporters and fans of a candidate.

If there's a blog out there - either of the news, commentary, or activist variety - that's talking to your people... well, that's a blog worth tracking and wooing. Nevermind their roles in pushing stories to the forefront of the big media.

FOR THE HELL OF IT, I thought I'd post this. It's about 10 minutes long. I've done a handful of movies and some episodic television programs, including an episode of "ER" up in Chicago. Most of what I've done is extra work, but this represents, as weak as it may be, my first "speaking" part. You'll notice I don't have too many lines, but it was a breakthrough for me anyway and I proudly present it. It may not be much for you, but it was big for me. It's from the recently released "Mr. Christmas" movie from Arkansas' Beth Brickell and Luminousfilms. Jace Mcclean is the real actor here, doing the heavy lifting -- he's from New York, and was fun to work with. I think he did a fantastic job. If you'd like to order a copy of the film on DVD, you can click here. I actually get a name credit in the movie, so I was happy, but it didn't earn me my SAG card, because it was a non-union project. Interestingly enough, my kids see me on television each night, but they seemed to have a hard time recognizing me in this...perhaps the different venue and the soundtrack threw 'em. So, holiday upon us, I continue to lighten up.

Mr. Christmas .wmv (mpeg file, video -- click and it should launch media player)

HERE'S TONIGHT'S EDITION OF DOUG KRILE on the Blogs, part of his daily "5:30 Report" -- you can get the blog version of that here at Krile's Blog/WB42, from Little Rock. Smart guy, great reports. Beats the ever-livin' snot out of that stuff they do on CNN, which many of us wish would go away...see, not every blog in the world is "Powerline" or "Instapundit" but they seem to think so. Yes, my grapes are sour!

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A LITTLE DAILY SHOW FOR YOU NOW, with the jokes courtesy of Vice President Cheney (or the joke on the VP)...we kind of have a running theme today, and that theme is humor. Having a tough time getting too serious today. Last week was too long, too hard with too little sleep, and we have a short week with the holiday, so this is the best tonic for that series of malfunctions.

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OK, SO YOU SAW THE SNL VERSION of what happened with Murtha and Schmidt (at least Schmidt) -- now, here's the part of the night you didn't see -- the reality of Mr. Bush finding himself trapped in China. This had to hurt, just a bit. So typical, so Gerald Fordish, so funny. We'll miss him when he's gone...