Go Ahead Keith Olberman ........Maybe Now We'll Get Some More "Common Sense" Thinking Political Talk Show Hosts On Our News Channels

In the first quarter of 2006, MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann beat CNN's Paula Zahn Now in the 25-54 demographic. "This marks MSNBC's first quarterly primetime victory over CNN in the demo in almost five years (2Q01 MSNBC Investigates beat CNN at 8 p.m. ET)," MSNBC's press release said today. Countdown averaged 164,000 total viewers in the quarter, up 41% from Q1 2005. Zahn averaged 158,000 demo viewers (down 33 percent), according to MSNBC. Bill O'Reilly averaged 450,000 in the demo (down 24 percent).Olbermann also beat Headline News star Nancy Grace in the demo. According to program ranker data, Grace averaged 154,000 demo viewers...

Do you know what this means?
Keith Olbermann just made everyone's job easier and more simple. It wont be near as hard now to criticize the Bush administration on TV anymore. The TV Executives will have an easier time making decisions on their programming from now on. Plus, it will be easier now to get the truth to the American People without a doubt.
Remember the blog on Conservative Media from back in January, it was said then that TV execs are crazy not to put counter programming on cable news by putting an opposite alternative to all the hard hard right conservative talk shows on TV. Should I even mention that most of the country can't stand this Republican President now, what is his approval rating at ....34%?
Let's face it, the reason why Fox News became so popular was by opposing a President! Clinton was a way more popular leader than Bush! I can see TV Programmers trying to copy this now.
Olbermann isn't anyone's definition of a flaming liberal. He's just a reasonable voice of opposition to the insanity and incompetence of this administration. He doesn't make a big point about being a Democrat or a liberal (to my knowledge, he doesn't make this point at all, partly because it might not be true). From time to time he takes on the administration and the conservative talk show hosts. And, will you look at that? What do we see now, but much, much better ratings? His ratings have gone up 41% in the last year while O'Reilly's have gone down 24%. And he has just passed Paula Zahn.
Olbermann's ratings are the tip of the iceberg. TV execs are going to start rushing to the lifeboats soon and try to find liberal shows (if you're still uncomfortable with the word "liberal" because you have been brainwashed by the right into believing it is a dirty word, then use some other word to describe the majority of the country that does not support this administration -- but a rose by any other name smells just as sweet when the ratings come in).

Let me introduce to you a guy who has not always worn a shirt with an aligator, crocodile, or some kind of animal on the front of it. Jeff Parks

Below this is my good friend Jeff Parks's thinking and solution to improving S.C. Public Education. He is a S.C. native, graduate from Clemson University, and a Georgia school teacher.
Jeff last year arguably taught in the worst public school system in Metro Atlanta, and following that, teaching school in the richest zip code in Metro Atlanta. Yes, this is true, I've been down there quite a few times to visit him and have seen this for myself. This was his response to "Power Girl" and "Whitney", it was so good, I decided to make it a guest blog, So here it is----------

I want you to keep in mind that before you read this, I cannot run for South Carolina Superintendant of Education. I am a resident of the state of Georgia, therefore some residency requirements get in the way.

#1 A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT---------As I have previously stated, South Carolina is a perfect example of the have's and the have not's. Spartanburg and Greenville County thrive. They are located on I-85. They have an international airport at their service. They are the only major stopping point between Atlanta and Charlotte. They have a nice middle class, relatively educated population that serves many new industries that come to the area. Their tax base is fantastic and it shows in many of their schools.Marlboro County is nowhere near an airport. They have a poorly education citizen base. They are not located near an interstate. In all honestly, it is not a place where business leaders want to flock. Now, I know what you are going to say..."If Marlboro County had better _____" or "If the people in Marlboro County would leave..." But it is not that simple. Let's stop the blame game and fix the problem.Let's pass a Constitutional amendment that takes some of that tax base from the richest segments of South Carolina, and help out the poorer counties. Get them the resources that they need. Get them the technology that they need. 1st graders cannot help what district they go to school in. So let's start helping out these kids.

#2 - INVEST EARLY-------Invest early, particularly in programs that are going to help kids before they turn 4 years old. And yes...this is (gasp) WELFARE. People do stupid things. They get pregnant when they are 16 years old. They spend all their money on drugs. They divorce. They don't go to college. But to be honest with you, I am not sure that I want to make the innocent kid pay dearly for the mistakes that his/her stupid parents made. The single biggest problem we have in education is that when some kids get to 1st grade, they pale in comparision to their counterparts. To correct this problem, we need to make sure that when they enter 1st grade, they are on par. Then they succeed at that same level, instead of trying to catch up and becoming discouraged.

#3 - BE PROACTIVE, NOT REACTIVE------We too often times try to be reactive. We wait until a problem occurs, and then we say..."Here is the solution." My proposal is that we start to anticipate problems, and be proactive instead of reactive to those problems. This is very general, but should be easily accomplished.I've got other ideas, but for the sake of your eyes, I will hold off on those.

- JP

I have a question for Dick Cheney, what are our soldiers gonna do when Civil War breaks out in Iraq?

VP-- Dick Cheney, and Biff Henderson- Stage Mgr. on David Letterman Show

What's the plan for protecting our troops when a civil war breaks out in Iraq? Does anybody have any confidence that this administration has planned for this contingency? I sures heck dont, and I doubt very much that you do either. I can hear Bush now, "No one could have anticipated a civil war in Iraq." Like all the people who didn't anticipate the levees being breached in New Orleans, or an al-Qaeda attack inside the United States or an Iraqi insurgency in the first place. These guys don't plan for anything except for what issue they can use next to spin against the Democrats. And now that the Iraqi civil war has snuck up on them, even though many of us have been warning them for quite sometime now... they will be caught just like Bill Clinton was, with their pants down yet again. And just like all the other disasters they didn't plan for, they won't get hurt - someone else will, and this time it will be our troops.
In a gathering of the top war planners and intelligence officials in South Carolina before the Iraq war started, there was a slide presentation from the Pentagon. It explained the different stages of the war. The last stage was post-war occupation. It had only one slide; it read, "To Be Provided." Do you really believe these guys have prepared for the Iraqi civil war any better? God help our men and women over there, because surely this administration won't.

U.S. House of Rep (R) Jean "Full of" Schmidt ....... The Wicked Witch From Ohio

To the left is U.S. House of Rep (R) Jean Schmidt, to the right is the witch from Wizard of Oz.

Can I start this blog off by saying this woman makes me want to "throw up?" It's people like her that have made the concept of being a republican not acceptable anymore in this day in age. Back in November, Jean "Full of" Schmidt was booed off the floor of the U.S. House after she criticized Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., saying that "cowards cut and run, Marines never do."
I tell you what Ms. Jean "Full of" Schmidt, since your so freaking tough, how about you march right on over their to Iraq and put your money where your mouth is. Just take your little broomstick and go over there and take down a few Iraqis for Murtha please will ya. I mean just for one minute can you put the politics aside and try and be a Patriot for our Country?
While Jean "Full of" Schmidt sat there and criticized a war hero, new heroes were and are still out in the trenches fighting and dying. Schmidt seems to not realize the magnitude of war. She is more concerned about being a rubber stamp to the alienated administration of Bush. Congressman Schmidt, you barely defeated (D) Paul Hacket back in August 2, 2005 in a very extremely republican based congressional seat, keep up with these crazy crazy crazy remarks and stunts and you will be defeated pretty soon.

Ann Coulter Votes... In The Wrong Precinct...

Whose hotter.....Ann Coulter or the Dog, and be honest, I know this one might be a toss up?

"She may be smart enough to earn millions from her acidic political barbs, but when it comes to something as simple as voting in her tiny hometown, hard-core conservative pundit Ann Coulter is a tad confused.
Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections records show Coulter voted last week in Palm Beach's council election. Problem is: She cast her ballot in a precinct 4 miles north of the precinct where she owns a home — and that could be a big no-no."
Palm Beach Post Jose Lambiet - Posted February 15, 2006 03:05 PM

Will Folks ...........I Want An Answer! Does This Guy Have The Hardest Job In America?

The man on the left is one of America's most lovable TV Characters. The man on the Right is a man named Scott McClellan (Bush's Press Secretary)

After watching the news for 3 nights and all the clips, talk shows, etc. in regards to the Dick Cheney shooting, I have come to a conclusion that White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan has the hardest job in America! Think about all the stupid ......... that Bush and Cheney have done over the last 6 years. And this has been the man to come out and answer questions to them all and defend their incompetence. On top of it, think about this....there is possibly a whole heck of a lot left to come out on this administration that Scott will have to answer to as well.

Question for Will Folks, do you agree with me when I say that Scott McClellan has the hardest job in America and on top of that, this next question is optional, do you feel as if you could, will, or would have handled the last few days better than Scott?
(Will Folks is a former Press Secretary for our current S.C. governor)
Tuesday, February 1st, 2005
Mokhiber: Scott, last night, in an amicus brief filed before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Justice Department came down in favor of displaying the Ten Commandments at courthouses and statehouses around the country. My question is - does the President believe in Commandment Number Six - thou shalt not kill - as it applies to the U.S. invasion of Iraq?
Scott McClellan: Go ahead, next question

Aerosmith renames Song from "Janie's got a gun" to "Cheney's got a Gun"

Cheney's got a gun Cheney's got a gun
Run away, run away, run, run away
Cheney's got a gun Cheney's got a gun
Everybody is on the run
Cheney's got a gun Her dog day's just begun
Now everybody is on the run Because
Cheney's got a gun

A "Voice of Reason" and "Billy Idol" says Thumbs Up for Sen. Kevin Bryant

"Grow up, Peter Pan! When are you going to jump off the Republican Bandwagon and realize that your party stands for nothing but corruption?"

Obviously the above phraseology resonates with those of you who frequent our friend M. Reese’s little section of the World-Wide Web. Whether it makes your heart sing or your blood boil, you’ve heard his admonition many times. During just one such recent exchange, Michael stunned me by inviting me to be a guest columnist on his ‘blog. Since this is my first post, I’ll start with some common ground. (And, since this is Michael’s ‘blog, I’ll stick to the subject he asked me to address.)
For those of you who aren’t familiar with http://www.scgopsenator.blogspot.com/, meet Senator Kevin Bryant. Elected in 2004 from Anderson County, Senator Bryant is at least one member of our backwards state legislature that understands and utilizes computers. The fact that he’s unafraid to use an un-PC term like "shanghai" puts him solidly in my ‘good people’ column. Frankly, I’m a little stumped as to why Michael likes him, since he supports the statewide charter school district, property tax reform, and the taxpayer empowerment amendment (obviously a smart guy).
However, I do take issue with the Good Senator’s take on Jessica’s Law. Bryant aims to strengthen the penalties for repeat sex offenses of against children – a worthy goal. But this amendment would allow the death penalty as a punishment for repeat offenders. I’m not entirely comfortable with capital punishment in general, and I certainly don’t think it’s an appropriate response for any crime but murder. I wasn’t raised Baptist so I am a little rusty on my Scripture, but I seem to remember something about ‘an eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth’ – I just don’t think this punishment fits the crime. I’m certain Bryant won’t find a lot of opposition to his amendment, since advocating the rights of child molesters doesn’t help with fundraising or re-election efforts. Despite the horrendous nature of the crime, I think we all do ourselves a disservice to rubber stamp this legislation just because punishing perverts sounds like a good idea.
Hm… I didn’t mean to get on that soapbox. What I meant to say is that K-Bry is a good guy, and I like him. I think Michael likes him too. And, for the opinion that REALLY counts… Billy Idol thinks he’s excellent.

~~The Voice of Reason~~

Who Would You Rather Have A Picture Of---- Jim DeMint Or Screech?

Today's blog really is not a blog. I just wanted to pay tribute to one of our U.S. Senators here from South Carolina. I do have a one question though.
If you go to http://demint.senate.gov/ , you will find Sen. Jim Demint's homepage. I was scrolling through checking it out and came across something. On the left hand side, place your mouse on the words "About Jim." You will then see a link to click on that says "Photo Request."

I clicked on this and went to the "Photo Request" page and it says the following......"If you would like a full color printed photo of Senator DeMint, please fill out the form below. "
Then below there is a long form that you have to fill out, name, location, phone, and etc. Now the question that I have today for you is this: Who would you rather receive a full color printed photo of, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint or U.S. Role Model Dustin Diamond (aka Screech from Saved By the Bell)? I don't know about you, but I think I would rather have the Screech poster!