MERRY CHRISTMAS

Enjoy Santa's ride into Manhattan to Radio City Music Hall for the performance for the world famous Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In The Blessing of His Words

Our nation is one week removed from the unspeakable tragedies which took place in the lovely community of Newtown, Connecticut, just north of Long Island Sound.  Along with a conflicted Mother and five our heroes, twenty little student angels we lost, and the pain continues to be felt across our fruited plain. On this day, the final victims of the massacre will be laid to rest.

In Washington, the effort to utilize this tragedy to attack the Second Amendment, a longtime opponent of the left, began almost immediately.  Progressives in New York could not allow time for grieving before implementing political action. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, flanked by armed security, called for President Obama to go after the guns and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, an aspiring dictator, announced he will outline a gun proposal, where in contrast to the Constitution, "confiscation could be an option."

One would have hoped our elected officials would seek answers to the issues surrounding  this type of violence by engaging in a comprehensive examination of the multitude of issues which may or may not be at play.  No such luck.

The National Rifle Association, of which I am not a member, held a news conference on Friday to in large measure defend themselves from the onslaught of vicious and ignorant attacks they have been hit with.  NRA President Wayne LaPierre spoke candidly, and sensibly, calling for much higher security at perhaps the most important places in America; our schools.

Since the NRA, and the Second Amendment, are targets of the left, all the reasonable comments and ideas put forth by Lapierre was met with skepticism at best by most of Washington, and mocked by the media elite.

If we were engaged in a conversation about what issues lead people to plan and perpetrate these senseless attacks, one topic would be how God has been pushed out of our public discourse, and in particular, the schools.  Becky Kowalski, whose adorable son Chase was killerd in the massacre, has set up The Chase Kowalski Scholarship Fund to among other things, advocate to "bring God back to America."

With the assault, pun intended, on The Second Amendment on the fast track, we must step aside and recognize that government is not the solution to our problems; in many ways, government is the problem.  With the assistance of a complicit media, they continue to use areas of crisis to gain political ground in promotion of ideas limiting freedom and increasing of government control.

A poem written by Darrell Scott, whose lovely daughter Rachel was killed at Columbine in 1999, which he presented to a House Committee, rings loud and true today.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

The memory of Rachel Joy Scott lives on through Rachel's Challenge, a foundation that among other things, creates safer learning environments and does outstanding work.

We will not find the answers we seek in Washington.  We must look amongst ourselves, and there is hope.  In fact, a message of hope was presented last Sunday by Dr. David Swanson of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Please take a listen:



Amongst a national tragedy, America seeks answers and help in understanding how we overcome this darkness.  Help has come, as Our Savior is born.  We must seek counsel, not from an oppressive government, but in individual freedom and the teachings of Christ Our Lord.  Good news has come, in the blessings of His words.

Evil Transcends Weaponry

On Friday, our nation was kicked in the gut by an unspeakable tragedy; a homegrown terrorist assault on our most prized representatives of the hope and promise of our United States; our beloved children. Twenty little angels were lost, and their families are deveastated and forever altered.

 

As my brother correctly stated on Friday evening, this attack on these innocent and helpless children carries a greater emotional pain for our citizens than the horrific events of September 11, 2001. To imagine the Christmas gifts that will not be opened is beyond heartbreaking.

 

As a Dad, and a proud American, I know my family joins millions around the world in praying for comfort for those who were directly affected by this unspeakable attack. A true act of evil.

 

Newtown looks like such a lovely place, and in the aftermath of the tragedy we learn of the heroic efforts of the staff at the school in their attempts to protect those little angels of students. The brave first responders also demonstrated an incredible level of professionalism. God Bless You All!

 

One thing I am quite clear on is that President Obama loves his two beautiful daughters, and he feels the pain of this tragedy like most all parents. It was an act of faith in many ways for parents across America to send our kids off to school this morning. "We can't tolerate this anymore," Obama said. Rarely am I in agreement with President Obama, but I concur that carnage of our citizens at soft targets around the country strongly suggests that America has some questions to answer.

 

Obama excels as Consoler and Chief, and his opening and closing comments at the service in Newtown last evening were surely heartfelt and meaningful as our nation weeps. However, in the middle of the speech Obama went on offense conveying how he will use the power of his office to regulate change, and I find it concerning. Will his effort bring out the post partisan leadership many who supported him have longed for, or will he utilize a crisis to obtain political victories only possible during times of tragedy.

 

While Obama engages America in welcomed rhetoric standing above, for the most part, engaging in the politics of this tragedy, his surrogates are on high octane offense. Former Obama COS Rahm Emanuel has called for a nationwide assault weapons ban, he of the "never let a crisis go to waste" gameplan. Over at CNN, Soledad Obrien, who can hardly contain her emotional support of Obama, has urged Obama to track people and firearms.  New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who literally wants to govern your life, has called for an enforceable assault weapons ban.  Over at MSNBC, Joe Scarborough, who claims to be the "resident" conservative, said Friday changed everything and has reversed course in the aftermath of the events and has changed his long held position on gun laws.

 

I am not a gun owner, although I have been considering taking the initial steps of becoming one. It is my right as an American. But taking in these comments, I can only conclude the left is obviously going after the guns; and those who own them, period.  Sadly, as the administration has changed the conversation by muddling the definitions of so many words, we must adequately define what would be considered an "assault" weapon prior to having an honest dialogue.

 

Perhaps some styles of military style weapons and "cop killer" ammunition are not reasonable for the citizens to own.  However, if this were to be recognized in a common sense debate would it be met as moving the Overton Window and taken as a step in winning political positions for the Democrats?  I suspect so, therefore any willingness to give any ground on the issue exhibiting common sense will not be given.  

 

I am hopeful President Obama will step back and examine the entirety of these complex issues, which contrary to his surrogates calling for immediate action in strengthening gun control, is about far more than attacking the Second Amendment. After a touching speech after Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot, Obama failed miserably to corral the divisive rhetoric he found inappropriate In fact, Obama stoked the fire on numerous occasions.  Often, the rhetoric of Obama offers optimism, but pessimism underlay his actions.

 

However, I am skeptical he will do so, as I do not find President Obama and his surrogates as honest brokers.  Just last week, actor Jamie Foxx, a big Obama supporter and friend, spoke of gleefully "killing all the white people" in his new movie.  About that rhetoric Mr. President? 

 

While I am not a fan of commissions, a recommendation I heard last night to perhaps have retiring Senator Joe Lieberman (I:CT) to lead such an investigation seems to hold merit.  Many aspects need to be reviewed, inclusive of but not limited to mental illness, youngsters who place zero value on life, political correctness limiting God in our public discourse, child abuse, Hollywood and video games, which desensitize killing.

 

However, we must note that the individual who committed the crime is responsible for his actions, and those of us law abiding citizens should not be punished with a loss of liberty due to his reprehensible actions.

 

Freedom is not without high costs; however, if we are unable to adequately protect our children, we must examine the factors at play which prohibit that from happening and promptly address them.

 

President Obama has an opportunity here to lead in a meaningful way as our President.  Should Obama join his surrogates already in effort to seize the day in attacking the Second Amendment

implemented so our citizenry may be armed to thwart an oppressive and tyrannical government, I will join those is stiff opposition.

 

The Obama administration is among the most power grabbing administrations in history, closely resembling in many ways the FDR years in moving the Overton Window from liberty towards tyranny.  Evidence does not suggest they have a deep concern for constitutional rights, as Obama has proclaimed it an imperfect document.

 

Perhaps it would be wise to, once again, receive guidance during these times from Ronald Reagan:

 

 

Evil is always opportunistic, no matter what weapon. However, the power of God will rule the day. Our hearts bleed for those affected in Newtown, but evil will ultimately be defeated. We must all do our part to make it so.

 

We will continue to mourn with those in Newtown, and will forever remember those God has called home much too early.  God Bless those little angels lost, the brave school administrators who lost their lives, extended families and friends, the fine folks of Newtown and the United States of America.

 

2012 All America Team

2012 All America Team

OFFENSE

Johnny Manziel

WR Maquis Lee, Southern California
6'0", 195, SO, Ingelwood, CA (Serra)

WR Terrance Williams, Baylor
6'2", 195, SR, Dallas, TX (White)

WR Stedman Bailey, West Virginia
5'10", 195, JR, Mirimar, FL (Mirimar)

TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
6'6", 251 SR, Fort Wayne, IN (Bishop Dwenger)

OL Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
6'6" 310, JR, Arlington TX (Arlington)

OL Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
6'3" 295, SR, Wilmington, NC (Hoggard)

OL Barrett Jones, Alabama
6'5, 311 JR, Germantown, TN (Evangelical Christian)

OL David Yankey, Stanford
6'5", 301, JR, Roswell, GA, (Centennial)

OL Taylor Lewan, Michigan
6'8", 309, JR, Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral)

QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
6'0", 195, FR, Kerrville, TX (Tivy)

RB Jonathan Franklin, UCLA
5'11", 195, SR, Los Angeles, CA (Dorsey)

RB Giovani Bernard, North Carolina
5'10", 205, SO, Boca Raton, FL (St. Thomas Aquinas)

RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin
5'11, 210 JR, Wentzville, MO (Timberland)

DEFENSE



Manti Te'o
 

DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
6'6", 256, SO, Rock Hill, SC (South Pointe)

DT Will Sutton, Arizona State
6'1, 267, JR, Corona, CA, (Corona)

DT Star Lofulelei, Utah
6'4", 320, SR, South Jordan, UT (Bingham)

DT Stephen Truitt, Notre Dame
6'3", 310, JR, Huber Heights, OH (Wayne)

DE Bjoern Werner, Florida State
6'4", 255, JR, Salisbury, CT (Salisbury)

OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
6'3", 241, JR, Columbus, GA (Carver)

ILB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame
6'2, 255, SR, Laie, HI, (Punahou)

ILB Arthur Brown, Kansas State
6'1, 231 SR, Wichita, KN (East)

ILB Mike Mauti, Penn State
6'2" 232, SR, Mandeville, LA (Mandeville)

OLB Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
6'4", 250 JR, Rowlett, TX (Rowlett)

DB Jonathan Banks, Mississippi State
6'2" 185, SR, Maben, MS (Maben)

DB Jordan Poyer, Oregon State
6'0", 190, SR, Astoria, OR (Astoria)

DB Matt Elam, Florida
5'10", 202, JR, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (Dwyer)

DB Phillip Tomas, Fresno State
 6'1". 215, SR, Bakersfield, CA (Bakersfield)

DB Dee Milliner, Alabama
 6'1" 199, JR, Millbrook, AL (Stanhope Elmore)

SPECIALTEAMS

KR Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
5'11" 175, SO, Tulsa, OK (Booker T Washington)

P Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech
6'2", 215, SR, Salem, OR (West Salem)

PK Dustin Hopkins, Florida State
6'2", 190, SR, Houston, TX, (Clear Lake)

NC Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
6'0", 195, FR, Kerrville, TX (Tivy)

HEISMAN VOTE

1. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
2. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
3. Collin Klein, QB Kansas State

Fire Breathes Out of Overton Window

Word on the street is that one of the conservative Supreme Court Judges is considering retirement.

Now, as a conservative, thinking of my country, my fellow man and my children and grandchildren, under zero circumstance would I consider retirement with the current administration in office if I had the honor of being a member of The Supreme Court.

Are you familiar with the Overton Window theory?  If not, please immediately familiarize yourself with the theory, as it will be a central tenant surrounding most if not all forthcoming actions by the Obama administration.  The theory was highlighted in a recent editorial in The Wall Street Journal when the Chick-fil-a debate uproar was on the front pages.

With the media in criminally complicit concert with the current administration, alternative blog sites have become central to obtaining vital information.  Among the top notch blogs I monitor is The Ulsterman Report .  A unique and riveting highlight of the site has been an ongoing conversation between the host, Ulsterman, and secret operatives known as The White House Insider, The Military Insider and The Wall Street Insider.

At first review, I thought this may have been fiction, but as time went along I drew the conclusion the intriguing dialogues were very real; with topics and information alarming and dangerous. Information discussed in the interviews frequently became mainstream news weeks later.

In the aftermath of the election, Ulsterman has been introduced to an operative given the moniker of Republican Insider.  The conversations remain must reads for Americans seeking the truth.

In the latest conversation with RI, The Ulsterman Report reports that Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama, has indicated The White House intends to nominate an openly gay individual for appointment to the Supreme Court. RI reports operatives "are testing these waters".  Therefore, it is concluded Jarrett and staff are aiming to implement the Overton Window; having the president propose something far outside the majority of the American people only to retreat to an area they regard as a winning position.

The potential appointment of an openly homosexual individual is certain to create a fiery debate.  The GOP will be weak as usual, not wanting to potentially alienate any potential supporters.  Citizens will be pitted against one another in another chapter of class warfare, and the debate will expand beyond the appointment to gay marriage, which was profound religious effect, to racism and minority rights which could lead to civil unrest.  A perfect mess of chaos, which the administration objective.

However, as indicated by RI, while Americans engage in the "Trojan Horse" gay debate and the GOP defends false accusations of being the party of hate, the aforementioned Overton Window position is that administration seeks is to nominate the most radical supreme court justice in the history of the United States.

The administration does not care about the homosexual community in any way other than to use them as a vehicle to promote individuals who share the radical ideas of the administration in their effort to transform the United States of America; moulding it to their hearts desire.

Although the similarities are substantial, this aspirations of this administration far exceed the socialist objectives of Franklin Roosevelt and America is in deep peril.   To whomever the Justice is supposedly considering retirement, for the love of God and Man, that decision must be postponed as long as this administration, or those with similar objectives, are in charge.

Freedom may depend on it.

Middle East Web of Weaponry

At this moment, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says signs point to Syria using weapons of mass destruction, in this case chemical weapons, on their own people. The uprising in Syria, in large measure, has been regrettably aided by The United States in levels extending beyond appeasement.

Larry Kudlow of CNBC chats with John Batchelor on the Syrian crisis.



Starting with speeches around the world proclaiming the transgressions of America, President Obama set out to right these perceived wrongs. As part of this effort, Obama implemented uprisings in the middle east, toppling enemies we knew for those unknown, as least by most. Although Obama spoke publicly about the enhanced chances for democracy and freedom, Obama privately knew those positioned to fill the vacuum, the Muslim Brotherhood, would advocate, or install by force, Shari-ah Law, as is currently the case in Egypt.

But let us regress. Although Syria has a weapons program, are the majority of the weapons of mass destruction currently possessed by Syria the same weapons we never found in Iraq?

Indeed they are.

No longer politically expedient to admonish George W. Bush for going to war with Iraq on false assumptions of the existence of these weapons, it should come as no surprise that stories shining light on the weapons transfer from Iraq to Syria are emerging in frequency. While many reports are discussing recently discovered pathways of weapon movement from Iraq to Syria, hidden behind the discussion is the transfer during the postponement of the invasion of Iraq that France President Jacque Chirac, a dishonest broker who worked against US interests, bought.

The second to none editorial page of Investors Business Daily leads the way as usual in presenting and detailing the truth. IBD, in an editorial yesterday, continues to present the facts even if few Americans are willing to absorb it.

Although I remain incensed regarding the antics used by the opponents of President Bush, most notably regarding the propaganda regrading the weapons, the discussion pales in comparison to what is happening now.

Benghazi, who most Americans think is some folk singer, should have been a story that would detonate and destroy the Obama administration.  There was supposed to be a presser by a handful of Republicans, however, these GOP members snatched defeat from the jaws of victory as they did not want to seem as playing politics and not caring for the victims as super storm Sandy slapped the northeast.

However, the events in Benghazi supersede politics. Four Americans, including our Ambassador to Egypt and two NAVY Seals, were murdered. The Ambassador, and the Seals, requested help on various occasions but were turned down.  Although many have called out Obama on this horrendous act of war against the Untied States, perhaps the commentary by Jeanine Piro on FOX News Channel hit him the hardest, and appropriately so.

As previously noted on the blog, Ambassador Stevens, who inexplicably was meeting with a Turkish contact in a dangerous area outside of our embassy, is thought to have been working to secure weapons.  The weapons Stephens is thought to have been attempting to corral are weapons the United States, under Obama, had been supplying rebels in Egypt and Libya.

Recent reports, including from The New York Times, give confirmation of the central theme of the story, which is gun running by the Obama administration.  Although not an optimal source, some strong information on this subject can be found over at blog site Lame Cherry.  Regrettably, these weapons have gotten loose and have fallen into hands of those who aim America harm. Imagine that.

Although the issues surrounding Benghazi, in which a US Ambassador was murdered for the first time in over 30 years and an administration appears to be running guns seemingly without Congressional approval, seems to be a story which would dwarf Watergate, apparently no journalists are interested in winning a Pulitzer Prize.

On the heels of winning the election, the Obama administration is embolden by a new found sense of arrogance.  With a complicit media in their hip pocket, why should they worry?  What could happen with some weapons, perhaps some of mass destruction, loose in the hands of Al-Queda, Hamas or other groups or countries who wish us harm?

Well, take a listen to Dennis Kucinich (D:OH), of all people, who is asking some very alarming questions and not getting any answers:



This was a debate needed at the time in 2011, and one critically needed right now.  Kucinich rhetorically asked who should be held accountable, and the answer is President Obama.

Unfortunately, the media is criminally negligent in coverage of the Obama administration.  The Democrats are in support of the actions of Obama, as are the Progressives in both parties, who have been working toward reducing the superpower status of the US for quite some time.  The GOP members in strong opposition are few in numbers and fearful of being labeled an extremist.  See Rep. Allen West, (R:FL).

It is far time for someone to step forward, and take on those in power.

This type of thing used to be a big deal, for I recall missing General Hospital for days on end while a Congressional panel hammered Col. Oliver North.  However, while America wonders who is on the next Dancing With The Stars cast and enjoying the ever expanding entitlements coming their way, lies are being presented as truth, unrecognizable to the "low information voters" who re-elected Obama.

I hope and pray America, and the media, wake up before a catastrophic tragedy occurs.  While the likelihood of such en event favors a financial issue, that may be welcomed against the possibility of a weapon of mass destruction altering life in America forever.

Should such an event occur, while Kucinich wonders whose fault it would be, I would have no doubt who to hold to accountability.

Sovereignty Under Attack

There has been an alarming amount of proposed treaties with the United Nations the United States has been considering recently, and although right out of the progressives playbook, they are significantly detrimental to our sovereignty.

With Glenn Beck's Agenda 21 hot off the presses, word comes of yet another stealth treaty with very troublesome undertones. Time constraints prohibit thorough analysis at this time, but as usual, Beck gives you an overview of what is afoot with the U.N. Treaty: Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Please take a listen:



We will have more on this topic, Agenda 21 and those who seek to limit the sovereignty of the United States with and without partnership of the United Nations in the upcoming days and weeks.

No Participation In System Crash

The top story in the political arena this week is commonly referred to as the fiscal cliff; a collection of negative economic realities encroaching upon America that time cannot stop.

While these realities are incredibly harsh, the issues are sadly, but not unexpectedly, being used as political fisticuffs.  You see, progressives on both sides are arguing about where the money should be spent, rather than responding with fiduciary responsibility in an effort to prohibit Uncle Sam from suffering catastrophic financial injury.

Most of America thinks our elected officials are working diligently in an effort to curb the affects of the approaching storm, enacting policy changes to mitigate the damage and prohibit future economic disasters. Outside of a handful of conservatives, they are sadly mistaken.

Our old friend Larry Kudlow suggests President Obama does not want to see America regress into another recession.  We rarely part company with Kudlow, but since the president has been eagerly implementing policies that punish success while creating a culture of dependency, Obama not only does not care about a second recession during his watch, he is actively enabling it.

In fact, the Democrats, giddy over the election results, are seeking political gain at the expense of the American public.  Any and every opportunity to spend more money in effort to collapse the system into a new socialistic structure is being pursued, and scapegoats in the form of non compliant Republicans are being targeted.


Grover Norquist/Photo/AP 

On cue from the Obama administration, the media has once again brought Americans For Tax Reform President Grover Norquist forward as the boogie man, creating a straw man argument. We thoroughly covered the shenanigans in the targeting of Norquist back in June of 2011.  Norquist gathered signatures of most of the elected republicans to pledge to not raise taxes under any circumstances.

Norquist is under fire, and is not taking the attacks lying down. Sadly, some republicans have announced they will break their pledge, hoping to save their political future. From my perspective, republicans who raise my taxes have no political future.

Contrary to the media, the fiscal cliff is not about Norquist.  Without question, President Bush spent way too much money, but Obama, with control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, ran up the tab exponentially with little to zero return on or of investment.  By design.

Obama has a mindset that America stole from other countries to accumulate its wealth, and that wrong must be righted with the vehicle for correction being the transfer of wealth.  Domestically, Obama holds the same "you didn't build that" philosophy and aims to transfer wealth from those who have it those who do not.

Don't look now, but Obama and his progressive cohorts have been quite effective thus far.  Although Dodd-Frank was quite significant, Obamacare is the central legislative act for wealth transformation.

Given our amount of debt, we are already over the fiscal cliff and arguments to the contrary are mind games. In fact, without government intervention, we are and have been in recession.

The course of action for republicans, and America, is to call Obama on the table.  After Uncle Sam has run up to the max limit every credit card in sight, rather than continue to allow the government to steal our money, they need to walk back all their negative return investments and excessive entitlements.  The GOP should not be party to joining in any balanced objectives, otherwise known as tax increases.

Unfortunately, Obama and the progressives do not share the same objectives sound economic thinkers possess.  Under their direction, we will be driven to bankruptcy as our system collapses into a socialistic big government nanny state with controlling mechanisms keeping the citizenry under thumb; robbed of incentive, dignity and hope.

Free market capitalism remains the best path to prosperity, inclusive of limited government.

Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.      Notre Dame, 12-0, 1
2.      Alabama, 12-1, 2
3.      Florida, 11-1, 5
4.      Oregon, 11-1, 4
5.      Georgia, 11-2, 3
6.      Ohio State, 12-0, 6
7.      Texas A&M, 10-2, 7
8.      Kansas State, 11-1, 8
9.      Stanford, 11-2, 9
10.    Louisiana State, 10-2, 10
11.    South Carolina, 10-2, 11
12.    Oklahoma, 10-2, 12
13.    Florida State, 11-2, 14
14.    Clemson, 10-2, 14
15.    Oregon State, 9-3, 16
16.    UCLA, 9-4, 17
17.    Michigan, 9-3, 18
18.    Northwestern, 9-3, 19
19.    Wisconsin, 8-5, NR
20.    Northern Illinois, 12-1, 19
21.    Vanderbilt, 8-4, 23
22.    Utah State, 10-2, 25
23.    Nebraska, 10-3, 13
24.    Louisville, 10-2, NR
25.    Southern Cal, 7-5, NR

OUT:  Oklahoma State, (21), Texas Christian (22) and Texas (24).

VOTES:  Penn State, Cincinnati, Baylor, Rutgers, Oklahoma State, San Jose State, Texas Christian, Boise State, Michigan State, Kent State, Texas, Ole Miss, Fresno State, Mississippi State, West Virginia, Tulsa, North Carolina and Arkansas State.

FLORIDA STATE

Florida State, behind very average quarterback play and inept play calling, failed to mash the gas after jumping to a very early 14-0 lead versus Georgia Tech in The ACC Championship game and then had to hold on to defeat an inspired but very average Yellow Jacket team 21-15.  The game had a very familiar, but unwelcome feel to it.  FSU jumps out early, plays not to lose running a vanilla offense and then rolls the dice on a late collapse. A home loss late in 2011 to Virgina, the inexcusable loss at NC State and a last second escape at Va.Tech this fall appears to have had little or no impact on the coaching staff.  Thankfully, FSU won this game, for a loss would have resulted in a significant financial hit for the Seminoles, and the Orange Bowl,  The defense played well, no doubt wanting to send DC Mark Stoops, who has taken the job at Kentucky, off with a great effort.  Job well done.  This is the first championship for FSU since 2005, so the win is very meaningful and a notable step in returning the Seminoles to greatness.  However, issues remain.  Fisher needs an offensive coordinator to help expand the utilization of the playbook and top level athletes the Seminoles have offensively.  In addition, the quarterback play, which has been an issue for over a decade, must improve.  FSU is off to the Orange Bowl, perhaps to meet Louisville, and should be heavily favored.  A great precursor for 2013 would be to exceed expectations with a high octane performance.  Time will tell.  Off the field, hopefully the FSU brass recognize the ACC is totally unstable.  I expect the Big Ten to raid another team or two from the ACC, so FSU officials need to be preemptive and make a move to increase stability and financial opportunity.  Remaining in the ACC with Big East castoffs waters down significantly the value of the University, so rather than lose value, FSU should seek to increase the brand and platform.  Again, time will tell the level of leadership.

Sadly, Maj. Billy Smith, the Florida State Highway Patrolman who served as Coach Bobby Bowden's escort for some four decades, passed away last weekend. Smith was a mainstay for the Seminoles, a good man whose service to our country and the Seminoles is greatly appreciated.  The Tallahassee Democrat reported on the death of Smith. RIP Billy Smith.

NEBRASKA

In perhaps the worst performance of a Nebraska football team in my 48 years of existence, the Cornhuskers got freight trained in The Big Ten Championship game by a Wisconsin team fortunate to be in the game.  Nebraska gave up 42 first half points, and a quick check of the record book shows from 1956 to 2001, the Cornhuskers did not give up more than 42 points in a game! Yes, you read that correctly. 

Wisconsin trampled Nebraska 70-31, and it was not that close.

Under Bill Callahan, Nebraska lost 70-10 at Texas Tech, but that was not on a conference championship stage.  In addition, Pelini, a defensive guru, was hired primarily to fix the defensive woes under the Callahan regime, and they were substantial.



Issues and no answers for Pelini/Photo Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

After significant early success in his tenure at Nebraska, given hat we witnessed last evening, the defensive issues remain far from  resolved and Pelini appears to be vacant of any answers.
 

Nebraska defeated Wisconsin earlier in the season in a dramatic comeback 30-27 at Lincoln, after which Pelini commented "Contrary to what you guys think, I haven’t forgotten how to coach defense and how to stop the run ". 

 

The next weekend Nebraska suffered a blowout at Ohio State in which the 'Huskers surrendered 650 yards.  Nebraska responded by winning six games in row in to win the Legends division, beating some good football teams.

 

Then came the debacle last night.  Stopping the run?  Are you kidding me.  The Badgers had a pedestrian at best signal caller, but ran like the wind in piling up some 539 yards rushing.  "Obviously we didn't play well enough," Pelini said. "We came unglued. I wish I had the answer, but I don't."  Knowing what Wisconsin does offensively, and having no answers, is of great concern.

Tom Shatel of The Omaha World Herald has it right.  "Nebraska looked ill-prepared, lackluster and like it had no business being on a championship field. This, in the fifth year of Pelini's tenure, with his guys, his seniors, his way of football".  Shatel was not finished.

 

With a defense ranked in the top 15 in the nation, how on earth could Nebraska get clocked in such fashion.  Over at The Bleacher Report, they have some analysis.

 

Pelini, whose hire I strongly supported, seems in quick sand.  After Wisconsin burned Nebraska badly on a pair of jet sweeps, no adjustments to close the corner were made. The Blackshirts were excellent at arm tackle attempts, and the secondary was embarrassing.  In fact, the whole effort was embarrassing and nobody on defense dreamed of playing well.  Nobody.

 

Sadly, although the offense should be very good next year, Taylor Martinez cannot be counted on to bail Nebraska out on a weekly basis.  There appears to be limited talent returning on the stop side; again, Pelini's supposed wheel house.  Without question, this is problematic to be sure.  Recruiting is not going all the well either.

 

I suspect Pelini will be back next fall, but performances similar to what we witnessed last night are inexcusable and if they continue, we will have to part company.  Significant improvement will have to be witnessed, for the standards of excellence we demand are failing to be met.
 

As Shatel accurately pointed out, this one goes directly on the head coach's tab, a tab Husker Nation may soon pick up in the name of a buyout.

OFFICIATING

Something has to be done about the helmet to helmet rule.  Certainly, we all recognized the issue of repeated concussions and the long term impact they can have.  But football is a violent sport, one the players choose to participate in.  If you are worried about being hit, stay on the couch. At least for the time being, America remains a free country.

As it currently stands the officials are very inconsistent in flagging the hits, and it is having a negative impact on games.

I would do away with the rule, perhaps adding yardage to unnecessary roughness penalties.  One such penalty should have been applied to an Alabama player who targeted Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray in the SEC Championship game which went unflagged.

Then came Nebraska wideout Kenny Bell, who unleashed the frustration of an ass kicking.  See the legal hit:



That was a completely legal hit and was not helmet to helmet.  I am not a fan of FOX Analyst Charles Davis, but I am in agreement with him on this one.  This is football, not four square.  You are flagged for blocking low or hitting high.  Apparently, hitting anywhere when you have a block for the ages draws a flag, which in this case, negated a Nebraska touchdown. @AFRO_THUNDER80 can  ring the bell anytime! As Keith Jackson would say, that was a decleater, and a completely legal hit and one of the few things the Huskers did right on Saturday night. 
 

NATION

 

Georgia play a valiant game, but came up just short in taking down Alabama in the SEC Championship game, where there were no empty seats.  The Dawgs were right there, but Alabama used a powerful rushing attack, controlling the line of scrimmage, to win the game.  Bama now goes on to face Notre Dame in the BCS Championship game......Tulsa dumped UCF for the CUSA championship, with Nebraska transfer Cody Green directing the attack.......OU outlasted TCU but K-State handled Texas and wins the Big XII.....Stanford held strong and defeated UCLA for the PAC 12 title....No BCS controversy, it is Notre Dame-Alabama....Colorado terminated Coach Jon Embree, a former player.  Immediately, former CU Coach Bill McCartney claimed racism.  Did McCartney consider Embree was 4-21, without a home victory this fall and a home loss to Sacramento State?  Everything that goes wrong for a minority person is not racism.  Embree seems like a nice guy, but he had never been a coordinator before and was in over his head.  Results, not racism.....Pitt beat down USF, and Skip Holtz has been fired....It will be interesting to follow the coaching hires and fires, and a good place to that is HERE>



Farm Animals

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.~Benjamin Franklin

Don't discount Ole Ben, perhaps the most brilliant American who ever traveled the fruited plain.

In recent history, at the forefront of this discussion is the Patriot Act, passed in bipartisan fashion in the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001.

Regrettably, I was one who was not initially significantly alarmed by this, for it appeared to me winning the Global War on Terror was critical, with the catastrophic possibility of nuclear weapons being unleashed at or in America. Efforts to combat our enemies, both foreign and domestic, seemingly would require steps beyond historical avenues of attack. I was all in.

Central among the additional avenues of intercept would be traffic utilizing the new world horizon of the Internet. The ability to institute keen surveillance over this forum would allow our military to be preemptive to attacks through monitoring the global terrorists. The advantages sounded great, but with the collapsed buildings in lower Manhattan still simmering, we forgot the keen insight of Benjamin Franklin.

In a sensible effort to obtain temporary safety, we relinquished some level of liberty. Even so, is this as bad as it may seem?

In the spirit of Ole Ben, let us recall some rather recent files in our memory bank. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky will clue you in. Take a listen:



Written in 1949, George Orwell's novel 1984 chronicled what expansive big government control over the masses might look like in a dreary sort of way.  Like most who have read the book, it seemed outlandish, something really not possible in America, home of the free and the brave.

Among the tenants highlighted in the novel were public mind control, government surveillance, collectivism persecuting individualism and perpetual war. Don't look now, but 2012 looks quite like 1984.

Regrettably, many Americans who have read the book fail to recognize what is right in front of them; a presidential administration aiming to create a culture of dependency among the society allowing entry levels of tyranny to be implemented. Under this implementation, advertised with a complicit media, the complacent public is being hoodwinked as the erosion of liberty escalates.

The Patriot Act, if memory serves me correctly, was to be a temporary measure to be re-visited annually by the Senate.  Although President Obama has declared the war on terror over, erroneously I might add, the Patriot Act continues. It is worth noting that a majority warrants issued under the Patriot Act have little or no association with terrorism.

Unfortunately, the Patriot Act is far from the only thing our citizenry must be concerned with respect to big government surveillance. As Judge Andrew Napolitano points out, the Senate is currently considering further and stunning invasions of our privacy.  Major private companies and government agencies track each and every key stroke while you are on their dime, but for the government to seeking intrusive measures on the American people.  As the Judge noted, this would be an attack against Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.

Obviously, we are not in "1984", but sadly, our American time capsule is traveling in this direction at increasing speed, by design, driven by governmental elites who in their arrogance think they make superior collective decisions than the individual and independent thought.  Tyranny over liberty.

Sadly, the lemmings re-elected President Obama, buying his false narratives and hearing his words rather than taking the time to evaluate his actions and noting the deception.  History is re-writing itself, and although we thought many of our citizens had recognized Obama and his big government collective policies were wrong for America, we were wrong.

It is imperative now, more than ever, we present the facts and illustrative real world case studies on what is happening under this oppressive regime.  Orwell's 1984 provides us a snapshot into that world, which represents most everything the founders of our country fought against.  If we fail, we will all be living in 1984, and we will be unable to summon Crockett and Tubbs for help.

Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.      Notre Dame, 12-0, 1
2.      Alabama, 11-1, 2
3.      Georgia, 11-1, 3
4.      Oregon, 11-1, 4
5.      Florida, 11-1,7
6.      Ohio State, 12-0, 5
7.      Texas A&M, 10-2, 10
8.      Kansas State, 10-1, 8
9.      Stanford, 10-2, 12
10.    Louisiana State, 10-2, 9
11.    South Carolina, 10-2, 14
12.    Oklahoma, 9-2, 13
13.    Nebraska, 10-2, 15
14.    Florida State, 10-2, 6
15.    Clemson, 10-2, 11
16.    Oregon State, 8-3, 16
17.    UCLA, 9-3, 17
18.    Michigan, 8-4, 20
19.    Northwestern, 9-3, 23
20.    Northern Illinois, 11-1, 25
21.    Oklahoma State, 7-4, 19
22.    Texas Christian, 7-4, NR
23.    Vanderbilt, 8-4, NR
24.    Texas, 8-3, 18
25.    Utah State, 10-2, NR

OUT: Louisville (19), Rutgers (22), and Mississippi State (24).

VOTES:  Louisville, Rutgers, Michigan State, Southern Cal, Cincinnati, Kent State, Arizona State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Ole Miss, San Jose State, Fresno State, Mississippi State, Baylor.

In a bone chilling windy and freezing day at Iowa City, Nebraska overcame an upstart Hawkeye squad to reach the Big Ten Title game next Saturday, against Wisconsin.  Inspirational and injured team leader Rex Burkhead returned with some very tough running to help the Big Red win, as throwing under the stiff and strong wind was limited.  DE Eric Martin had four sacks, and was extremely disruptive to the Iowa offense.  Unfortunately for the Big Red, starting center Justin Jackson and Baker Steinkuhler, playing the best of his career at defensive tackle, are apparently both our for the year with ankle and knee injuries respectively.  The losses at these critical positions will be hard to overcome.

The "trail of tears" along I-10 this morning, as one Luckydog pundit appropriately put it, followed a dismal performance by the Florida State Seminoles as arch rival Florida used dominance in the trenches to wear out and dump FSU at DOAK.  Most, including yours truly, expected a defensive struggle, but the Gators would have none of it, running the ball very effectively against the statistically strong Seminoles.  Behind a horrendous exhibition by fifth year senior quarterback EJ Manuel, the Seminoles were unable to match the Gators offensively.  Given the experience levels on offense of these teams, and the home field, one might have expected the Seminoles to be the team free from execution failures and turnovers.  On no.  FSU committed five turnovers, four by Manuel, who was coach Jimbo Fisher's prized recruit.  It would be tough to beat a middle of the road ACC team with five turnovers, much less an ascending and hungry Gators squad motivated by BCS aspirations.  The Gators exposed all the problems FSU possesses, but none were more glaring than the less than stellar quarterback play of Manuel.  Certainly, Manuel, who has looked brilliant at times and has had his moments, failed to execute in dramatic fashion Saturday.  I could see from my perch in the stands Manuel did not see many an open receivers, overthrew several and was dismal reading the the middle of the field, a problem we noted in our FSU preseason preview.  Although UF was running it right down our throat, the inability of the offense to perform left the defense gassed late in the game.  Of course, had Manuel directed a scoring drive instead of fumbling the ball way on a strong hit after FSU had somehow taken the lead, the outcome could have been different.  It was not, and while it is easy to blame EJ, it is the fault of the coaching staff for the play calling that placed FSU, and Manuel, in the position.  Is EJ far and away the best QB on our roster? If so, then certainly the coaching staff should have been coaching around the deficiencies, which they were not.  Amid the stinging loss to our arch rival, not to mention perhaps a serious injury to defensive end Cornellius "Tank" Carradine, there are significant issues.  Most importantly is the continued membership in the ACC; from financial, performance and stability standpoints.  Unfortunately, the coaching staff needs a look over as well, and without question, Jimbo needs to relinquish offensive coordinator duties. Having a veteran team like the 2012 Seminoles underachieve in such grand fashion is unacceptable.

In what has to be considered the most rapid penthouse to outhouse seen in many a moon, Gene Chizik has been terminated at Auburn.  The Tigers, just two years removed from a perfect season and national championship with Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton at the helm, were a horrendous 3-9 this season, winless in the SEC in a season the ended with a 49-0 pounding from arch rival Alabama in the Iron Bowl.  Alabama led 42-0 at the half.  In addition, the NCAA is in full scale investigation.  Troubled times on the plain no doubt.

Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee and Arkansas are four SEC teams on the hunt for coaches...Vanderbilt is a decent football team, and proved that with a resounding win over Wake Forest, who had a very sub par season....Notre Dame stayed perfect, winning over USC at Los Angeles...After Georgia Tech got slapped silly by Georgia, Clemson culminated a descriptive day for the ACC by losing to South Carolina with the Tigers high powered offense stalled....Michigan State became bowl eligible, and is the best 6 win team in the country...The Big East makes the ACC look good, with both Louisville and Rutgers, fighting the conference crown, stumbling badly on Saturday...TCU dumped Texas on Thanksgiving night, and the Horns are nowhere near what they used to be...LSU held on to win at Arkansas, with Hog signal caller Tyler Wilson missing a wide open target in the end zone as time expired.....Tulsa, on the way to the CUSA title game, lost at SMU.....Penn State beat visiting Wisconsin, winning 8 games under new coach Bill O'Brien under all the negative distractions...A&M rolled Mizzou, looking more impressive by the week under Kevin Sumlin, and Johnny Football may just become the first freshman to win the Heisman....Stanford handled UCLA, and will play the Bruins again Friday night in the PAC 12 title game.  You have to like what David Shaw has going on at Stanford....Keith Price seems to have been regressing as quarterback for Washington, but threw perhaps the most boneheaded interception of his career in overtime to help hapless Wazzu defeat the Huskies....Okie State had two large leads at OU but lost 51-48 in overtime.  What has happened to the formerly highly regarded Sooner defensive unit.....Tom O"Brien has been let go at NC State.  Certainly, the win over FSU has lost some luster, but notwithstanding a 7-5 record this fall, the fallout over the treatment of former Pack signal caller Russell Wilson, who transferred to Wisconsin and is now at the helm of the Seattle Seahawks is what I think is the centerpiece of the issue, and rightfully so. If I were at Kentucky, I would immediately call O'Brien......Reports have Frank Spaziani out at Boston College and Danny Hope is out at Purdue as silly season among the coaching carousel is erupting.....Honoring the 2002 championship team at Ohio State, former coach Jim Tressel was given a standing ovation, while the undefeated Buckeyes are ineligible for BCS consideration due to NCAA sanctions under Tressel.  Go figure. Well, Ohio did go for Obama, so there you have it.

Two former All America defensive ends are now thriving as H-Back players in the NFL.  Zach Potter of Nebraska for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Bruce Miller of UCF for the San Francisco 49ers.

Spear Opportunity

First of all, may I say up front I am strongly opposed to all the conference alignment we have witnessed in college football over the last decade or so. The last time I thought major movement made sense was when Boston College, Virginia Tech and Miami joined the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Texas started this new wave by refusing to share revenue in the previous Big XII and forming with ESPN The Longhorn Network. Nebraska, with fan loyalty and football tradition rivaling anyone and everybody, was not going to be second fiddle to Texas and bolted for the Big Ten, with Colorado also heading to the PAC 12. Given the situation, I thought the decision to move for UNL was necessary and principled, ensuring stability for Nebraska moving forward.

Many moves among second rate conferences took place in the aftermath, but the most significant was Missouri and Texas A&M leaving the Big XII for the Southeastern Conference. Then, Pittsburgh and Syracuse joined the ACC, a move that was no doubt centered on the hardwood rather than the gridiron, which left the ACC brass giddy.  As thoughts of the ACC basketball tournament being held at Madison Square Garden were bubbling, it seems focus on where the money was made, football, was temporarily suspended.  In a report on 60 Minutes last night, this focus was in full comprehension by the current Athletic Director at Michigan.

With Rutgers on deck to move on Tuesday, ACC charter member Maryland announced today that the Terrapins will be leaving the ACC for The Big Ten. Maryland and Rutgers are certainly not leaders or legends in anything, so one has to wonder on the merits of this move by Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney. While it appears they will bring television eyeballs from the New York, DC and Baltimore population centers, I have doubts. That area has a greater appreciation for professional sports. Last Saturday, against highly ranked Florida State, Maryland could not fill their football stadium even with thousands of Seminoles visiting.

Make no mistake, conference realignment is shifting at a fast and furious pace, and we are far from the conclusion.

Brent Beaird of CollegeSportsNotebook.com concurs, with his crystal ball showing the SEC, after going west, looking east to perhaps North Carolina and/or Virginia.

These events are an alarm bell for Florida State University, which simply must, if not having previously done so, adopt a proactive mindset.

Previously, rumors had Florida State and Clemson heading to what remains of The Big XII, which no longer has a league title game and needs one.  But it seems the Seminoles hold a high rate of allegiance to the ACC, who welcomed in the Seminoles in 1992.

However, the landscape is changing; like struggling for footing in an earthquake, and billions of dollars and the future of the university is at stake.  FSU has spent a fortune in blood and money building a football tradition, not withstanding currently sitting as ACC basketball champions.

Previous actions have recently showed the ACC was continuing to build from a basketball mindset, and that is not the FSU pedigree.  The Seminoles seemed content to remain loyal to the ACC, but with Maryland now gone, and with potential replacements far below FSU in most every academic and athletic level, FSU must now look to depart.  Now.

Teams in the SEC, Big Ten and Big XII are guaranteed millions more annual dollars than FSU is in the ACC, and over time, with another four years of economic underachievement at best looming, FSU cannot afford to fail to seek to maximize future opportunities academically, athletically, and of course, financially.  Hopefully, the FSU Board of Trustees has been war gaming these potential issues and has planned avenues of approach.

The horrendous economy has stadiums across the country, even programs which typically are sold flat out like Florida, Michigan and South Carolina, with thousands of empty seats.  FSU, whose massive stadium upgrade is far from paid for, is no exception.

A huge factor in a move would be these leagues forming equivalents to the Big Ten Network.  The SEC is close, and The Big XII could get with ESPN and have The Longhorn network evolve into a Big XII network.

Although Florida State is considered a national program, the SEC is without question the better fit geographically and when considering football tradition, but the Big XII is an intriguing option as well. Annual games against Texas and Oklahoma are attractive. The Big XII would welcome a footprint in Florida, which may in a backward way turn out to be a reason the University of Florida relaxes their opposition to FSU joining the SEC.

Florida State is taking an ACC hit as we speak, unable to climb in the BCS poll to reach a higher payout bowl game, due to the weakness of the conference, leaving money and exposure on the table. Maryland leaving further discredits the ACC, and leaves the future of the conference shaky and down trending. 

Given that, much like Nebraska a few years back, Florida State needs to be proactive and make the best deal available to move in very short order to secure stability and the capitalize on future economic opportunities.  It appears, particularly from a football perspective, the Atlantic Coast Conference will not represent that opportunity.

Tastes Great

In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase final race, with five time champion Jimmie Johnson having some mechanical issues, Brad Keselowski drove his #2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger to the 2012 Sprint Cup Championship.

This was the first championship for Keselowski, who now joins 2000 Sprint Cup Champion Bobby Labonte as the only drivers to win both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Championships.

Brad is a neat guy and well deserving, as is his car owner, Roger Penske. Close many times, particularly with Rusty Wallace as a driver, this is the first NASCAR championship for the Captain.

The #48 Lowes Chevrolet team of Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus were very gracious in defeat.

Congratulations to Roger Penske and Bread Keselowski!

Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski/photo @Kenny_Wallace

See you at Daytona in February!

Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.      Notre Dame, 11-0, 3
2.      Alabama, 10-1, 4
3.      Georgia, 10-1, 6
4.      Oregon, 10-1, 2 
5.      Ohio State, 11-0, 5
6.      Florida State, 10-1, 6
7.      Florida, 10-1, 8
8.      Kansas State, 10-1, 1
9.      Louisiana State, 10-2, 9
10.    Texas A&M, 9-2, 10
11.    Clemson, 10-1, 11
12.    Stanford, 9-2 14
13.    Oklahoma, 8-2, 13
14.    South Carolina, 8-2, 12
15.    Nebraska, 9-2, 15
16.    Oregon State, 9-2, 16
17.    UCLA, 9-2, 17
18.    Texas, 8-2, 18
19.    Oklahoma State, 7-3, 21
20.    Louisville, 9-1, 20
21.    Michigan, 8-3, 22
22.    Rutgers, 9-1, 24
23.    Northwestern, 8-3, 25
24.    Mississippi State, 8-3, NR
25.    Northern Illinois, 10-1, NR

OUT:  Louisiana Tech (19) and Southern Cal (23)

VOTES:  Southern Cal, Utah State, Washington, Vanderbilt, San Diego State, Wisconsin, Arizona, Louisiana Tech, Cincinnati, Boise State, Baylor, Michigan State, Texas Tech, San Jose State, West Virginia, Kent State and Tulsa.

Florida State used a physical running attack behind a stellar effort by Devonta Freeman to get an early lead and defeat a Maryland team beset by numerous injuries.  A late TD drive by Maryland took some shine off an otherwise high grade performance by the Seminoles.  FSU spread it around offensively against a decent Terrapin defensive unit and was sound on defense as the Terps were limited offensively.  The game was just what the doctor ordered in preparation for the arrival of arch rival Florida to Tallahassee on Saturday.

Taylor Martinez became the all time leading passer in Nebraska history throwing for 308 yards as Nebraska beat Minnesota in Lincoln on senior day.  Martinez also is the leader in total yardage for the freshman, sophomore and junior seasons for the Big Red. Rex Burkhead could not go, but Ameer Abdullah ran strong and Quincy Enunwa and Kenny Bell played well also. Pelini has now won 9 games each of his five seasons at Nebraska, and the Big Red are in position to earn a few more by winning at Iowa as a favorite on Friday and securing a spot in the Big Ten title game with a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line.

Tom Osborne is retiring as Athletic Director, and was most appropriately honored at halftime.  Osborne also participated in the tunnel walk and led the 'Huskers on the field.  Osborne is a great man and his contribution to the University of Nebraska is invaluable.  TO leading the Big Red out of the tunnel to Hail Varsity brought a tear to my eye.  A big thanks to Coach Osborne, for whom it is about much more than winning; and he did a good plenty of that.



Several coaches will be terminated soon.  We have already seen Joker Phillips be fired at Kentucky, and this morning, effective immediately, Derek Dooley is out at Tennessee.  Not sure this was all his doing, but Tennessee is not going to tolerate being winless in the SEC and getting pummeled by Vanderbilt.....Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee are three from the SEC that are searching for a coach, and rumor has tied Bobby Petrino to Kentucky.....Many SEC teams seemed out of gas over the weekend as Georgia pulled away from Ga. Southern, Florida was sleep walking, again, and South Carolina was tied with Wofford as the fourth period began.......LSU outlasted Ole Miss at home, helped considerably by a late 83 yard punt return.....UCLA took it to USC, and laid a physical whipping on the Trojans, a preseason #1 who now has 4 losses......Oregon State demolished Cal, and Bear coach Tedford has to be on the hot seat.... Michigan State lost at home to a good Northwestern team, the Spartans fifth loss by less than a touchdown......Miss. State broke open a close game and pounded Arkansas....OU scored with seconds remaining to win at Morgantown and take out West Virginia, a preseason favorite that has five losses, not withstanding 778 total yards by West Virginia with WV running back Tavon Austin running for 344, averaging a mind boggling 16 YPC on 21 carries.....Okie State pounded Texas Tech.....Quarterback Nick Florence can flat sling it, and a wounded K-State found that out as the Sports Illustrated #1 cover team got jynxed and blasted at Waco.....Meanwhile, the Quack Attack was grounded at home by a physical Stanford defense, and the Cardinal utilized a solid offensive game plan of short passes, physical running and clock management to upset the host Ducks....Clemson threw up 62 on NC State, but gave up 45....Miami throttled a hapless USF.....UCF lost at Tulsa, but will likely play them again in the CUSA title game.....Notre Dame a deserving #1, sitting undefeated after blasting Wake Forest...Michigan dismantled Iowa but lost their top running back with a broken leg...Va. Tech survived on road at Boston College....GT beat Duke, and like just about everyone else, is still alive in the ACC Coastal....Maryland and Rutgers are rumored to be moving to the Big Ten, which makes absolutely no sense....Missouri was taken out late at home against Syracuse.

Lane Change

In the aftermath of the results of the election, there has been plenty of gloating and commentary floating around.  Much of the discussion has centered around the Republican Party, in efforts to identify and outline the GOP deficiencies.

Seemingly everyone has weighed in. Karl Rove offered excuses and Bill Kristol wants to join Democrats and raise taxes.  Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal came out swinging earlier today.  In my view, most of these folks cannot see the forest for the trees.

A longtime respected friend and associate of mine, and Obama supporter, immediately called for the restoration of the Republican party to national relevance; by casting off the Tea Party.  It should be noted that Mitt Romney, considered by almost everyone a superior candidate to John McCain, got a decidedly lower vote total.  In my analysis of what could have caused this difference, the diagnosis centers around Sarah Palin.

Certainly, the GOP should not take direction from progressive arm chair quarterbacks like my friend.  The conclusions they draw make sense to those aiming to continue the transformation of America, but to those who remain true to the foundations our country was founded upon, they should be strongly rejected.

My aforementioned friend thinks the Tea Party wing of the Republican party, of which Palin is affectionately associated with, is extremist.  Among the tenants I have observed at the numerous Tea Party rallies I have attended are fiscal sanity, limited government, personal accountability and responsibility, opposition to increasing entitlements, the rejection of the Obamacare and the love of God, family and country.  God heavens, if this is extremist, we lost the country a long time ago.

Old school Democrats have lost their party to elite extremist progressives, and out previous post "Knowing Kennedy" points out a significant example with respect to taxes. Regrettably, the post race analysis tells us many GOP folks sat the election out. 

I conclude that this is because the GOP at the top levels is too close to the Democrats in positions.  Mitt Romney is a fine man, and many thought, including me, he ended up being better suited to go up against Obama at this time.  But, that thought process was incorrect.

Contrary to my friends opinion, the GOP needs to further embrace the Tea Party, not distance itself from it.  Free market principles are indeed the best path to prosperity, and it is all-inclusive.  Massive entitlements and controlling governmental influence reduces opportunities and incentives, curbs economic freedoms  and reduces economic output, all the while robbing individuals of their hopes, dreams and dignity.

With Obama winning 51% of the votes, far from a mandate, many on all sides are calling for major GOP compromise, including progressives who masquerade as republicans.  No. 

The GOP must do a much better job of selling ideas and promoting the all inclusive promise and rewards of free enterprise.  When coupled with the tenants considered important by the Tea Party, a platform for prosperity can be embarked upon by all. 

This platform would be similar to the ideas and principles put forth by Ronald Reagan. At this time, with calls for compromise ringing loud, we should stand on our principles. Our differences with the progressives need to presented be in stark contrast; a time for bold colors, no pale pastels.

As Reagan said, on these principles there will be no compromise.



No time for lane changes. Lets get the message clear, and win the day on the battlefield of ideas.

Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.      Kansas State, 10-0, 2
2.      Oregon, 10-0, 3
3.      Notre Dame, 10-0, 3
4.      Alabama, 10-1, 1
5.      Ohio State, 10-0, 5
6.      Georgia, 9-1, 6
7.      Florida State, 9-1, 7
8.      Florida, 9-1, 8
9.      Louisiana  State, 8-2, 9
10.    Texas A&M, 8-2, 13
11.    Clemson, 9-1, 10
12.    South Carolina, 8-2, 11
13.    Oklahoma, 8-2, 12
14.    Stanford, 8-2, 16
15.    Nebraska, 8-2, 17
16.    Oregon State, 8-2, 14
17.    UCLA, 8-2, 17
18.    Texas, 8-2, 18
19.    Louisiana Tech, 9-1, 20
20.    Louisville, 9-1, 15
21.    Oklahoma State, 6-3, 21
22.    Michigan, 7-3, 24
23.    Southern Cal, 7-3, 25
24.    Rutgers, 8-1, NR
25.    Northwestern 7-3, NR

OUT:  Mississippi State (22), Texas Christian (23)

VOTES:  Northern Illinois, Texas Christian, Texas Tech, Wisconsin, Kent State, Washington, UCF, Mississippi State, Baylor, Vanderbilt, BYU, Michigan State, Penn State, Cincinnati, San Diego State and Arizona.

Florida State was in Blacksburg on Thursday night to take on a struggling but talented Virginia Tech team, who has won at least 10 games each of the past eight years.  FSU got leads but due to mind boggling play calling and a myriad of boneheaded mistakes, found themselves trailing very late in the game.  Rashad Greene stepped up taking a short pass over the middle for a touchdown saving the day.  Earlier in the drive, James Wilder Jr got a first down on a 4th and 1 with a stellar individual effort.  FSU has no business having these inferior teams in contention for wins, but they seem unable to bury these teams.  The Seminoles are like a gazelle trapped in shopping mall.  They can beat anyone, but they allow inferior teams to hang around and exponentially raise the degree of difficulty in winning.  There is consensus that Jimbo Fisher should relinquish the offensive coordinator duties.

Nebraska hosted Penn State and proceeded to dig themselves a huge hole, falling behind 20-6.  With blood pressure in the sea of red at alarming levels, Taylor Martinez brought the 'Huskers back again to win 32-23, outscoring the Lions 26-3 to close the game. With a home contest with Minnesota and a trip to struggling Iowa to close the schedule, Nebraska will be favored to win the division and meet Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game with a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line. With Rex Burkhead sidelined much of the year, Ameer Abdullah has really stepped up and is playing at a top level.  Pelini got in shouting match with safety Daimion Stafford, which was ugly and was caught for the television audience to see.  Later in the game Stafford made perhaps his best play as a 'Husker, grabbing a pick six which really turned the game.  So there you have it.



Darrell Royal

Legendary Texas Longhorn football coach Darrell Royal passed away earlier last week.  Royal coached the Longhorns from 1957 to 1976, winning the 1969 National Championship and grabbing a share of the title in 1970.  Royal came to Texas after two seasons at Mississippi State, where interestingly enough, his Aggies failed to score in his tenure against state rival Ole Miss, losing 14-0 in '54 and 26-0 in '55.  For six straight seasons in the late 60's and early 70's, Royal and his Longhorns were fixtures at the annual Cotton Bowl Classic.  In 1996, Texas renamed their stadium to the Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.  Royal coached dozens of outstanding players, but none reached the pinnacle of the game quite like bruising running back Earl Campbell, one of the best to ever suit up in college or professional football.

Georgia Tech was hitting on all cylinders winning 68-50 at North Carolina.....Hot and cold NC State smashed Wake Forest.....Michigan got lucky to get to overtime hosting Northwestern, but won it....Johnny Football helped the Texas Aggies build a 20-0 lead and hang on with a last second interception with #1 Alabama in the red zone to win 29-24 in Tuscaloosa.  Boy, does the future look bight in Aggieland.....As bad as FSU looked, the Florida Gators looked worse, getting a walk off blocked punt return for touchdown to beat UL-Lafayette in front a a less than capacity crowd in Gainesville. Although the Gators pulled it out, they were some kind of exposed.....K-State took out TCU, and now a date with Texas seems the only chance they stumble....Oregon continues to be explosive, blasting Cal at Berkeley.....Vandy won at Ole Miss, and will be bowling.....Claiming abusive behavior, Washington State receiver Marquiss Wilson, the Cougars best player, quit the team.  New Wazzu coach Mike Leach has had issues in this regard previously, so we shall see as it gets investigated....Georgia blasted Auburn at Auburn, and Gene Chizik is on the hot seat, as is Derek Dooley at Tennessee, who lost at Rocky Top to Missouri in four overtimes...Syracuse got a big home victory over previously unbeaten Louisville...Okie State clobbered West Virginia, whose hopes for a banner year have crashed.....Virginia came from behind to beat Miami in the last seconds in a wild one in Charlottesville.  Even still, it looks like Miami in the ACC title game with the presumed opponent of Florida State....Notre Dame remained undefeated winning at lowly Boston College....Could Florida State meet Alabama in the woulda coulda shoulda Ornage Bowl?

Post Race Analysis

Absolutely stunning.

President Obama

Boy howdy, did I have it wrong.

I am in good company, joining Ann Coulter, Charles Krauthammer, Glenn Beck, Larry Kudlow, Michael Barone, Karl Rove and Dick Morris. Among those who had it nailed was Larry Sabato.

What area of my analysis was so flawed that led me draw conclusions that were so in error?  Well, as incorrect as I was, arm-chair quarterbacking seems useless.  However, the area I have zeroed in on leads to a larger point.

I agreed wholeheartedly with the post race analysis of David Barton, who centered in on decades of education that failed to accurately present the fundamentals of being knowledgeable and participatory in the pursuit of economic freedom, complete with lacking moral perspective.

Individuals in the age range of say 20-34 grew up within the technological age, with exponential increases in product advancements.  For many, hard work and ethics were not necessary to acquire many materialistic items, and the basis and desire for the pursuit is lacking.

Furthermore, Obama and Biden and their surrogates operated in a most immoral fashion throughout the campaign, lying and ridiculing opponents allowing them to win at any costs necessary.  If I acted like that at my job, I would be fired as we are asked to operate in maximum efficiency adhering to rules of common decency and decorum.

Obama lies in speeches, sounding quite good to the American Idol crowd, but actually does not pursue any of the common sense seemingly obvious courses of action he mentions.  Reducing the debt, which exploded under his watch, and increasing energy, which his instruction has handicapped, are two examples from his victory speech last night.

The Republican Party needs to do a much better job of dismantling the falsehoods they are painted with, and doing a better job a presenting the case of establishing economic freedom, something the public education system has failed miserably to do.

Mitt Romney would have been a terrific representative as President of the United States, and unlike 51% of my fellow citizens, I was pained to learn he would not have that chance. Romney, and Paul Ryan, are fine men.

I fear for the future.  President Obama will continue to spend, increasing taxation and regulation along the way. His warm smile fronts a jaded mask, and a man who is not at peace and will aim to demonize those who dare to oppose him in his wealth transformative efforts.

For those who did not learn it in school, we remember Lady Thatcher, who quipped "Socialism is great until you run out of everyone elses money." 

I have a news flash for you; we are out of money.