ColinAke.com…until I write a book.

Nancy Pelosi dismissed the House of Representatives yesterday and the Democrats went home, but the Republicans stayed around today to protest that they weren’t given a vote on domestic offshore drilling.  Now, I’m not sure the details, but Republican Texan Congressman John Culberson began using Twitter to update people on the goings on.  Follow @JohnCulberson if you’re into that sort of thing.  I believe @PeteHoekstra is a Representative as well.

A couple things -

• I don’t follow politics nearly as actively as I used to, but what good did this do besides be symbolic?
• Filibusters don’t end at 5 PM with a press conference.
• Awesome to see Twitter used as a communication tool directly between Representatives and their constituents.
• I’d LOVE to be able to hear directly from my Representatives and Senators like this.  I wonder if I can write my reps and encourage them to get on Twitter?

Those are just some thoughts… Not sure what I think of the actions in D.C. on either side (I think we should have had a vote, but I don’t see the point of a publicity show like the GOP tried to pull off) - but I LOVE seeing Twitter used as a method of direct communication at least so we can know what people are working on.

We elect them - shouldn’t we have the option to easily find out about their day just like we find out about our friends’ days?

Colin

Today’s interesting tidbit comes from a debate yesterday. Newt Gingrich and John Kerry appeared to debate global-warming. Apparently, and very interestingly, Newt came out before Kerry could attack him, said he believed in global-warming, and that humans contributed to it.

Newt advocates creating “a green conservatism” - and I’m sure I don’t agree with him on this issue. However, as with most issues - Newt has a more conservative answer to limiting those releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere - tax incentives. Newt shows that even on issues I don’t agree with, he would have a so-called “solution” that wouldn’t negatively impact me in any manner.

Seems like a reasonable guy. Oh, and here’s the link to the WashPost article.

ca

Here’s one reason I believe Rudy Giuliani is not ultimately electable - as well as why I would not vote for him.

Giuliani apparently supports using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. For me, that’s enough said. Everyone has their own opinion on this situation, but to me, I believe it to be one with absolute moral truth - abortion is murder. You are entitled to hold a different opinion, but at the end of the game, I believe in the sanctity of life as given to us by our Lord and Creator.

So, am I part of the vast right-wing conspiracy? I don’t think so. I want others to accept what I hold to be true, but I don’t believe I should use the government to force you to accept my beliefs. However, I believe the government should refrain from publicly funding things of even questionable morality, particularly in this area.

No vote from me, Rudy. Don’t expect to build a conservative base with this view, either.

ca

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich had a very interesting interview with the New York Post. It’s definitely worth a read, as this guy could throw his hat in late for the Republican Presidential Nomination.

Some highlights:

• Says it’s no accident that Rudy Giuliani is polling very well due to his past leadership
• “Somebody who fits the mold of a normal, regular Republican will have zero possibility of winning the general election.”
• “The President is supposed to be the Commander in Chief. He’s not”

I think this guy deserves a serious look. Newt has been touring and interviewing lately promoting what I believe is the most conservative (and accurate) view on current events, when compared to any other presidential candidate. Now, maybe Newt just knows how to use the Media to promote his agenda best, but he seems dead on when it comes to the war, healthcare, immigration, and I believe he may be open to the FairTax (but don’t quote me on that, I could be mistaken). Check out his views at www.newt.org - read some articles and be informed. After that, think he should run? DraftNewt.org is demanding a 21st century Contract with America. One thing I especially like is his view on space exploration - he would prefer to see most space exploration done with prizes and tax incentives outside NASA.
It will be interesting to watch this unfold over the next six months. I personally think Newt will declare sometime in August/September and play the role of the reluctant candidate who is for the people. Now, will that resonate? We’ll find out.

What do you think?

ca