by Tom Sears
ON THE
RIGHT SIDE
Tom Sears
Copyright Tom Sears 2012
There are many, many people to thank for many reasons.
First of all my brother Bill for convincing me of the importance of writing the column after I initially had serious doubts.
Also, Chuck Pinkey, a strong, true conservative, who filled in for me when I was overseas and unable to get my columns in on time. I am so glad that he was the person who took over the column, and he is doing a superb job.
In addition, I would like to thank the hundreds and hundreds of people, many of whom I never knew before, who wrote and gave me their strong vote of approval all along the way. They were the support I needed to keep going.
Next I owe a big thank you to The Daily Star and especially Sam Pollak, who allowed me to use my columns to create this book. He didn’t have to do this since the columns technically belonged to and were the property of the paper.
I have found Sam to be a man of honor and integrity whose word I can trust. He has repeatedly said he doesn’t agree with 99 percent of what I say, but he would strongly defend my right to do so. From the beginning he said he would have my back and he was a man 100 percent true to his word.
Lastly, I am so thankful for the family I have been blessed with.
First, my wife, with whom I never discuss politics (she probably agrees with Sam much more than she agrees with me). She has stayed with me and believed in me for a very long time. We have been together for 41 years and are still going strong.
I am so thankful for my two sons, Covar and Ian (and both good conservatives) of whom I am very, very proud, and their wonderful wives Tara and Paige.
Most of all I have been blessed with my first granddaughter, Caroline Josephine Sears. I had no idea at all that being a grandfather could bring such joy.
Table of Contents
Column is Opportunity for Ideas
Taking on Cindy Sheehan
U.S. spying should be supported
Liberals need to wake up, be patriotic
Democrats can’t handle Samuel Alito
Two Kinds of Liberals
Louisiana is to Blame For Katrina
Lawmaker Fabricates Many Issues
Arctic Refuge Has Energy That We Need
Tax Cuts can Benefit Everyone
Israel Shows How to Fight Terrorism
Green Groups Hinder Energy
From Mexico, Here Illegally? Don’t Make the U.S. Your Home
Let’s Stop the Stalling, Go With Ethanol
Al-Zarqawi Death is Good News
President Bush’s Plan is Working
Romania is a Growing Democracy
Democracy Shows Itself at Odd Times
In The Middle East, Israel Isn’t The Bully
Terror Plot Reminds Us Of Dangers
Switching To A Fair Tax Helps Us All
Clinton, Bush Faced the Same Threat
U.N. Needs a New Home
GOP Strayed From Its Roots
Don’t Let Liberals Win Congress
Finding Optimism in Election Stumbles
Democrats off to a Rocky Beginning
We’re Winning The ‘War on Christmas’
PETA Is Bad For Animals
U.S. Should Learn From New Zealand
Reader Reaction Makes Job Fun
Honor Military, Not Celebs
Don’t Get Hysterical About Global Warming
Yes, There’s Warming, But It’s Not Man-made
Duke Profs Lack Respect for Athletes
Gun Right’s Shouldn’t Be Protested
People Here Illegally Don’t Deserve Help
Immigration Reform Could Ruin Our Lives
Huckabee is Complete Conservative
Face Facts on Enemy Combatants
‘Fairness Doctrine’ Just Unfair
Plame Kept Changing Her Story
Questioning the Theory of Evolution
Evolution Can’t Explain Origin of Life
Speciation Has Never Been Observed
Petraeus Shamed His Persecutors
Hillary Still Lacks Character
Book Tells Truth About Duke Event
Duke Team Still Lacks Apologies
Need A VP, GOP? Pick Huckabee
Thomas’ Book is a Must-Read
Book Points out Fallacies of Atheism
Changing Climate isn’t Man’s Fault
Today is Big, But Not the End
Democrats’ Mess Only Helps GOP
Sympathy for Money Borrowers Unnecessary
Pelosi’s Acts Bordering On Treason
To Enhance Appeal, Dems Rely on Lies
Dems Should Learn Surge Is Working
Carter is Humiliating Once More
Several So-Called Patriots Fall Short
Doubts about McCain Just Don’t Go Away
Don’t Fault Companies for Oil Crisis
Bush’s Plan to Fix Crisis Makes Sense
Democrats to Blame For Energy Crisis
Traveling Helps Open Our Eyes
GOP Sides with Voters On Issues
Obama Should Throw In The Towel
Dems, Media Using Lies To Paint Palin
Voters Will Know Who’s Qualified
Obama Has Shaky Past
Excuses Are Being Made By Obama Camp Already
Depressing Four Years Are Ahead
Readers’ Responses Supportive, Annoyed
Election Process in Dire Need Of Changes
What Are Atheists Afraid Of?
Hamas Gets Preferential Treatment
Israel Need Not Give In To Hamas
Obama Well on His Way To Ignominy
Obama Can Offer Words, Little Else
Obama Can’t Take Criticism
New York Could Learn From Other States
Let’s Act Against Tax Burden
Don’t Let Yourself Get Fooled Again
SEALs Deserve All of Our Respect
The Military Deserves More Respect
Cheney Is In the Right
How Long Till Obama Is Booted
Too Much Government Is a Problem
Liberals Must Begin To Wake Up
Politicians Should Lead By Example
Taxes OK If They Are Used Well
Don’t Let The Truth Get In The Way
Malpractice Tort Reform Needed Now
Right Is Winning War of Ideas
Others More Deserving of Nobel Peace Prize
Right-Wing Will Regain Advantage
Global Warming Is A Hoax
Scientists Manipulate Climate Date
Conservatives Must Organize To Win In 2010
Romania Provides Learning Experiences
It’s Time to Take Control from Liberals
Conservatism Is On A Roll; Still Work to Be Done
Losses Loom for Left-Wing Lemmings
Attend Tea Parties To Find Truth
Liberals, Leftist Media Spoon-Feed Convenient Info
Tea Party Movement Is For Real
Ignore Protesters; Arizona Law Protects Citizens
Change Is Happening, But Not the Change That Liberals Want
Politics Often Triumphs Over Principles
Ignore Liberals on Rallies, Palin Stories
Humble Man Will Make Good Opponent For Gillibrand
Libs, Stop Whining
Nowhere For Liberals to Hide Come Election Day
Polls Show Tough Day Coming Soon For Democrats
Libs Can’t Spin Election Results Into Victory
How Will GOP Deliver All Of Its Promised Cuts?
If We Cheat On Taxes, Will IRS Censure Us?
Atheists’ Numbers Doom Them To Irrelevance
Taxing the Rich A Poor Idea
Oba
ma’s Tactics Won’t Work A Second Time
Riding Into The Sunset While On The Right Side
Isn’t it a good feeling to know that we are “On The Right Side?”
Column is Opportunity for Ideas
I want to thank The Daily Star, especially Sam Pollak, for the opportunity to be
the paper’s local conservative columnist.
I was very apprehensive when I was offered this opportunity because of deadlines and frequency of columns, among other concerns. This was a very serious commitment to be undertaken, along with a high level of responsibility. In discussing this with my brother, he thought I would be crazy to pass up this opportunity, and I received the same opinion from several of my friends.
After giving the matter much thought, I decided to jump in and give an honest
effort.
The Daily Star has told you about my background, but I want to use this first column to tell you about my opinions on a variety of subjects.
I am an unabashed conservative, on both social and fiscal matters. Sam Pollak said the first few columns would flow quite easily, but it would become more and more difficult to come up with topics on a timely basis. I, instead, have a problem with what topic to choose first.
Here are some of the topics I feel strongly about and will be discussing. I am against abortion. I am in favor of lowering tax rates (yes, the rich are paying far more than their fair share). I will certainly have an article on torture versus humiliation and degradation. People shouldn’t have a problem distinguishing between the terms but many seem to.
I am a common sense environmentalist. I think the choice between a spotted owl and jobs for 1,000s of people in the lumber industry who are providing for their families is really pretty simple.
We have to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. Yes, nuclear energy must be promoted. Hybrid cars, solar, geothermal, wind energy and alternate fuel sources must be advanced immediately but in the meantime we need a bridge to those sources. Drilling in Alaska and off shore is fine with me. It is time to act on a strategy rather than just talk about one.
If I am to be called a member of the Christian right, then I take that as an extreme compliment, even though the person using the term uses it in a derogatory way.
Yes, I am offended when people feel they have to say “happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” People feel Christian symbols, such as the cross, have to be removed from public view because they offend some people. I don’t understand this at all.
To a nonbeliever, the cross is simply two pieces of wood attached to each other, whereas, to me it is a very important symbol of my faith. Guess who I think should take the sensitivity classes.
I don’t know where the liberals draw the line on morality and other issues. I don’t think they have any standards at all. “In God We Trust” stays on our money, “Under God” stays in my Pledge of Allegiance.
I can’t wait to take on the topic of extreme left-leaning liberals who have taken over the Democratic Party. Ted Kennedy, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Pat Leahy, John Kerry, and on and on. Give me a break. This won’t even be a challenge.
I read The American Spectator, the Heritage Foundation website, the Cato Institute website, and listen to talk show hosts such as Rush Limbaugh (gasp) and Sean Hannity. I wonder why programs such as these are growing by leaps and bounds. I tried to find some liberal talk show hosts, but I wasn’t successful.
I know Bill Clinton had a show, as well as Mario Cuomo, but I guess their programs weren’t financially viable. I wonder why. Then I heard about Al Franken, but I couldn’t find him on the radio either. Maybe it was because he has an audience of 70 listeners.
I can’t wait to talk about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the hypocrisy of the Democrats trying to back away from their original statements. Thank heavens President Bush is finally on the offensive and calling a person who lies a liar. I have very strong opinions on border security and enforcing the strong LEGAL immigration laws already in place.
I have many more issues to touch upon: Supreme Court Justice selections, strict interpretation of our Constitution and its original intent, declining educational standards and our increasing inability to compete on a global basis. Another good topic is our institutions of higher learning and their bias for liberalism.
One thing I don’t want to do is get Mr. Pollak mad at me for going over length
limits on my very first column. Like I said originally, I truly appreciate this opportunity.
So, there are some of my opinions in a nutshell. People are going to love me or hate me or agree or disagree with me some of the time. I look forward to the coming weeks to creating discussion and controversy. I have a very thick skin so don’t worry about hurting my feelings.
Taking on Cindy Sheehan
About a week ago I attended a presentation by Cindy Sheehan. She is the anti- war camper down at Crawford, Texas. Before I start, Ms. Sheehan, I want you to know that I don’t pretend to know the amount of grief you must have for losing a son. It is certainly something no parent should have to go through.
However, for you to make him a political, anti-war issue opens you up to scrutiny and analysis. There are many statements made by you that showed you have a total lack of comprehension of the real world. You seem to be a very naïve person. I hate to waste this column pointing out your mistakes, but I can’t ignore them.
You said, regarding the attack on 9/11, “(Americans’) reaction to 9/11 was inappropriate to say the least.” Also, you said, “Americans attacked two countries in an act of war for what was essentially a criminal act.”
That is one of the silliest things I have ever heard. Our response was an act of war, but killing 3,000 innocent people was simply a criminal act?
Also, quote, “I had friends who went to Iraq to stand in front of tanks and airplanes to try to stop the invasion.”
I think you are confused. We didn’t have tanks and airplanes in Iraq before the
invasion. Maybe you were thinking of Tiananmen Square in China in 1989.
I also found it unbelievable for you to quote Tariq Aziz (Iraq’s deputy prime minister under Saddam). You would accept as an unbiased statement of fact when he said, “They (Iraq) were trying to comply with everything we told them to do; but you are going to invade us anyway, so why are we even putting up this pretense?”
Your response was very deep. You said, “Wow, he’s right.”
This probably started out to be a very noble cause. When did your son drop out of the picture? Do you want the attention directed to you? I don’t see any Casey coffee mugs or Casey T-shirts. Your name is on these items. You couldn’t even put your son’s face on the cover of your book!
But enough of this, although I had much more to criticize about your speech. I want to point out a few facts about the other Cindy Sheehan.
Cindy, why do you think you are so special? Did you forget that you already had a meeting with President Bush in June 2004?
Your hometown newspaper ran a story about you. The reporter: “The ten minutes of face time with the president could have given the family a chance to vent their frustration or ask Bush some of the difficult questions they have been asking themselves…”
“…But in the end the family decided against such talk, deferring to how they believed Casey would have wanted them to act. In addition, Pat (Casey’s father) noted that Bush wasn’t stumping for votes or trying to gain a political edge for the upcoming election.”
Another: “We have a lot of respect for the office of the president, and I have a new respect for him because he was sincere and he didn’t have to meet with us,” Pat said.
Another: “I now know he’s sincere about wanting freedom for the Iraqis,” Cindy said after their meeting. “I know he’s sorry and feels some pain for our loss. And I know he is a man of faith.”
One more: “That was the gift the president gave us, the gift of happiness, of being together,” Cindy said.
&n
bsp; What happened Cindy? I guess your anti-war, leftist friends wouldn’t have chosen to use you the way they are using you now had you maintained your original position.
Do you think your credibility will be affected by your association with people and organizations such as: George (Bush hater) Soros, Jesse Jackson, Michael Moore, Al (Tawana Brawley) Sharpton, Maureen Dowd, Maxine Walters and websites such as Socialist Worker on Line, Communist Party USA.upj, and MoveOn.org?
Ms. Sheehan, just remember this. Your adult son volunteered for service and then re-enlisted. I don’t know the reason for his doing this, but I am sure it was a noble one. I am sure he fought bravely. I am sure his fellow soldiers trusted him to cover their backs. I’m sure he died a hero’s death. I would have been proud to have known him.
Cindy, please think what your son would want. Go back to what you felt in June 2004. You dishonor his good name by your current actions.
Last but certainly not least: I want everyone to have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. Please, remember what the day truly stands for.
U.S. spying should be supported
Thursday, December 15, was a very historic moment. The Iraqi people turned out in amazing numbers to take part in their first democratic election. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of the eligible population took part, even with the risks of suicide bombings and other dangers. Americans have a poorer turnout for our elections without all the risks. This should put us to shame.
Ignoring this good news, The New York Times chose to publish a story about a highly classified National Security Agency wire-tapping program. In addition, the newspaper strongly insinuated that President Bush used this program illegally and was stepping all over our civil liberties and our right to privacy.
Why did the Times do this? Its intentions are subject to strong suspicions. First of all, it is common knowledge that this rag of a paper is heavily anti-Bush. It is the paper of choice for all the liberals who look for any news, no matter how ridiculous, to use against our president. We will talk about these rabid anti-Bush fools in a later column.
Isn’t it strange that the Times had this story for almost a year and withheld it until the Friday when a vote on extending the Patriot Act was to take place? It claims that the government asked it to withhold this story; but remember, this is the newspaper of Jayson Blair and Maureen Dowd. In other words, it is more than willing to lie if it suits its fancy. What a better time to publish a story to guarantee a bombshell than on the day of the Patriot Act vote?