Maverick McCain Pulling in the Chips in Iowa

The Maverick Brothers were all 'tall dark strangers there' but John McCain is one of the neighbors and he's pulling in piles of chips in the No Limit Game in Iowa!

I hope all of you had a Blessed and wonderful Christmas! John McCain appears to be pulling in numbers in Iowa.

Here in Illinois State Representative Jim Durkin is getting the McCain Team limbered up for a bi-partisan push that will stun the Daily Kososovans who continue to natter on about Gen. Petreaus and the cut-and-run strategy for Iraq.

Sorry kids, that dog won't bark, let alone get off the rug, or much less hunt.

It seems that the 'white shoes after Labor day' GOP are yet betrothed to Rudy and truly extreme are following Ron Paul's Blimp to the cliff. Fred gets a shout; Mitt has some loyal followers; Rev. Huckabee a loyal circle of disciples, but John McCain is recognized as the Real Deal.

The folks west of the Mississippi are waking up to John McCain's honest, tough and straight talking message! Click on my post title for the latest UPI story on McCain gains in Iowa!

Great photo from Meghan McCain!

Merry Christmas to All - From The Hickeys!

McCain Plants Himself in Townhall Meetings - Greets the Opposition with Candor!

HT -to Meghan McCain for her great photos of the McCain Campaign. Check out Meghan's great site at


http://www.mccainblogette.com/


While other candidates are planting shills in the audience or lighting up blimps, John McCain takes to the people. In a wondeful Boston Globe article John McCain reveals his true nature to those who would oppose him -'You might not like what I have to say but here it is!'

John McCain tells folks who detest his stand on immigration reform and other weighty issues to fa candidate to back - this is America!

"The McCain town-hall meeting sets the standard," said Fergus Cullen, the state Republican party chairman, who is remaining neutral in the primary. "Any candidate who wants to be successful in New Hampshire should do exactly what he does."

Other candidates would find the experience hard to replicate. The only certainty at a McCain event is that the candidate will begin with some familiar jokes - in Bedford, he began with a full seven minutes of comic material, touching on identity theft and drunk Irish twins - and end, sometimes as long as 90 minutes later, with the piano chords of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."

In between, McCain does all he can to manufacture dramatic tension from what could become a prosaic exchange over policy. Even though most of the questions fall into predictable categories for which he has standard answers - Iraq, terrorism, immigration, the economy, global warming - McCain invites his interlocutors to follow up after he has answered their questions, elevating innocent queries into robust debates.Continued...

McCain appears to gain more strength from confronting attendees of these meetings than locating areas of agreement. When environmentally minded voters ask about climate change, McCain will usually go out of his way to tell them he supports the expanded use of nuclear power. After a young woman in Bedford cited a poll that said military families were unhappy with the direction of the war in Iraq, McCain disputed the question's premise and berated her for believing the survey's results.

It does not take much for McCain to tell voters who disagree with his positions that they should back another candidate. When a man rose in Raymond and contested the right of Mexican immigrants to receive emergency medical care, McCain said, "It's that option or let them die." This did not seem to move the man, who added that those who die crossing a border "take their chances."

"I guess that's one way of looking at it," McCain responded calmly. "And I understand why you wouldn't support me."

McCain tries to keep his act fresh, relying on opening remarks he adjusts to the news with an anchorman's sense of timing, from constitutional turmoil in Pakistan one day to the debate in Washington over torture the next.

"I think it's very important to be talking about the issue of the day," McCain explained. "The people would be badly served if I started a town hall meeting without talking about Pakistan."

Among McCain's Republican rivals, only Mitt Romney has done a large number of similar open-invitation meetings in New Hampshire, with Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson preferring quick visits to restaurants or friendly venues like house parties or businesses. "You're never going to be asked an awkward question at a house party because the guests all know the hosts and aren't going to embarrass their friend," said Cullen.

Where some other candidates steer clear of gadflies for organized causes, McCain preemptively calls on those wearing "I Am a Health Care Voter" or "Stop Global Warming" stickers to give them a platform. In Bedford, McCain pointed to Melissa Skinner, a volunteer for the One anti-poverty moment standing in the back of a crowded room in a black T-shirt with the group's logo. Skinner said afterward that she has attended many candidate events but that "McCain is the first to call on me."

"These are the kind of people we ought to recognize as the outstanding citizens in our community," McCain said in an interview, although his policy of offering the mike to anyone who shows up to an event in costume seems to promote theatrics as much as civics. McCain recently informed a snowman making a point about global warming that he resembled a "chicken" and a teenager wearing a Santa Claus hat that he looked "kind of dorky."

The composition of crowds - which are raised by phone and mail invitations to both Republicans and independents within driving distance - has shifted in recent months, from a concentration of McCain loyalists to a mix of supporters and undecided voters.

The events' unpredictability helps lure independents, a key McCain constituency, according to the campaign's media consultant Mark McKinnon. "People enjoy it because it's a high-wire act and because you never know what will happen. There's always a chance of a car wreck. That's why people go to the Indy 500," McKinnon said, citing such unscripted moments as McCain's notorious rendition of the Beach Boys song "Barbara Ann" with lyrics altered to "bomb Iran."

Indeed, McCain, too, is drawn to the spectacle, often retreating to his bus and reviewing a previous town hall with a theatre critic's focus on the moments of tension and unease.

"In politics, so much is just predictable, totally scripted," said Meghan McCain, the candidate's daughter. "That's why he loves the town hall, because anything can happen."

In Portsmouth, a veteran named Greg Majors rose to say that a motorcycle accident had left him living for the past 22 years with a traumatic brain injury. Majors, in halting speech, said he was "taking up valuable space" and found his existence "pointless."

Unlike other tales of personal despair candidates face - about a sick relative facing rising health-care costs, or from a worker laid off due to outsourcing - there was no policy corner where McCain could find refuge, just one man asking another why he should continue to live.

"Why don't I just pass it off to someone else and just exterminate my life?" Majors asked.

McCain turned away from Majors as he grasped for a response. "Greg, we want you and we love you and we need you, and you will be our inspiration with your courage," McCain told him.

"I've never seen anything like that," McCain said later on, lamenting the "inadequacy" he felt in being unable to comfort Majors, as well as a man at a town hall the previous evening who stood up to talk about his ongoing struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

"When everybody says, 'Oh, don't you get tired of it? Don't you dislike it? Isn't it a drag?' all that, you have experiences like the last two we had within the last sixteen hours," McCain said. "And it's incredible."

McCain appears to gain more strength from confronting attendees of these meetings than locating areas of agreement. When environmentally minded voters ask about climate change, McCain will usually go out of his way to tell them he supports the expanded use of nuclear power. After a young woman in Bedford cited a poll that said military families were unhappy with the direction of the war in Iraq, McCain disputed the question's premise and berated her for believing the survey's results.

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More coverage of Campaign '08 more stories like thisIt does not take much for McCain to tell voters who disagree with his positions that they should back another candidate. When a man rose in Raymond and contested the right of Mexican immigrants to receive emergency medical care, McCain said, "It's that option or let them die." This did not seem to move the man, who added that those who die crossing a border "take their chances."

"I guess that's one way of looking at it," McCain responded calmly. "And I understand why you wouldn't support me."

Boston Globe
Click on my post title for the great Boston Globe article - especially the poignant exchange between John McCain and the troubled Veteran. How someone could not understand that John McCain is the Real Deal is beyond me - but, so is the New York Times.

Last night, I participated in a national conference chat with McCain Bloggers orchestrated by Brad Marston. It was great to experience the energy and enthusiam Americans from all over the country in supporting the only candidate of any Party who can lead America in time of war with Islamist terror. Well done, Brad, Vicki, Michael, Jeff, Eric, Sheridan, and JM!

John McCain - The Dad of Our Country

Susan Estrich has a great article asking the question of 'Who is the Real John McCain?' Is John McCain too conservative; too liberal; too crabby; too impolitic; not smooth enough; too old? Click on my post title for the article itself.

Some months ago when 'John McCain is Toast' was the mantra of REDSTATE and Redstaters during the votes on immigration reform. I argued that John McCain was the only candidate of any Party capable of Leading America in Time of War on Islamist Terror. I had an exchange with some Redstaters and was summarily banned from posting there.

Here is the link of that exchange with some RedStater McCain Haters that got me the bum's rush.

http://www.redstate.com/blogs/pat_hickey/2007/jul/07/john_mccain_staright_talk_requires_no_subtitles

John McCain might not be the Father of Our Country - biologically, there can be only one father, but too many fathers hit the silk on their kids - leaving them to be raised by a Dad: The Man who sets the limits for behavior; provides the comfort and security of a Home; fixes what is broken; steps up for the children; and sets an example to emulate. He's the guy who makes you boil with anger, embarrasment and often envy when it seems that his behavior is too tough a pattern for us to follow. We think - 'how dare HE judge us?' Dad is often the very last person on earth we want to see or hear from - until we are in the jackpot and only he can get us out of it. Boy, I can hear the Progressive Pecksniffery snortin up - 'Are we Children, People ( pronounced Papal in Progressive)? My Baldwin! Relax, cupcakes. Everyone has a Father - no real trick to that - pure Darwinism. The very lucky have a Dad and they understand what it takes to be a good one.

George Washington metaphorically fathered our nation, but John McCain just might be the Dad. The economy, immigration, entitlements, political pork feasts, ox gorings and moral soap boxing are over-shadowed by a very real threat -Islamist terror. We have been at War with Islamist Terror the day that the Twin Towers went down. Everything else went by the board - rather it should have gone by the board.

John McCain is like a good Dad - in past posts I have argued that he is like all of our neighbors -

http://hickeysite.blogspot.com/2007/09/john-mccain-from-your-neighborhood.html

- but here I would answer Susan Estrich's question with John McCain is the Dad of Our Nation.

John McCain went to War. He wears his heart on his sleeve for his Country, Faith, Wife and Family. He learns from his mistakes and teaches us not to make the same mistakes. John McCain, like a good Dad, will not cut and run when things get too tough.

I was never more Proud of my Father than this moment in the late 1950's -

When I was about six or seven, my mother had severe renal failure after giving birth to my little sister. My Mom nearly died and was hospitalized for weeks. The Old Man worked three jobs and took care of two little guys and an infant; made the meals - He was always a better cook than Mom; did the laundry.

One day- Dad was out hanging the sheets in the yard and my brother and I heard the next door truck driver and the Peoples Gas executive on the other side of him giving out at the Old Man - 'Hey Prudence, when you're done with that how about having tea with the little girls too?' The Old Man took it and kept taking care of us.

John McCain and my Dad are very much alike.


Hat Tip to Meghan McCain's Great Blog ! Photos by Meghan McCain!

http://www.mccainblogette.com/

John McCain - Straight Talking Surge is Working!

The New York Times fed internet snitch Matt Drudge some political stink-bombs last week expecting John McCain to fold like a Stanford Math Major/Internet Poker Dweeb playing five card stud with Doyle Brunson.

Huge Hat Tip to John Rubery's Marathon Pundit! Way to go. Rubes!

http://haloscan.com/tb/marathonpundit/46896944299748457

NoTimes story this morning, Drudge-O, but John McCain took the leash off of National Pit-bull lawyer Bob Bennett and yesterday, got out in front of the allegations. Sounds like Michael Flatley v.The Serial Skank- No Contest, but another golden moment in American litigation legal legend. Could be straight talking stare down time for the New York Times but those ink-slingers have a history of getting their britches yanked down with the truth. No shame - No sales, I guess.

Anyway - The Straight Talking John McCain Campaign is Surging!


Even the Brits are getting it; check this out from The Telegraph:

A new poll published yesterday placed him equal with Mitt Romney in New Hampshire, the north-eastern state whose primary is held on Jan 8. Just weeks ago Mr McCain trailed his rival by more than 10 points.

He has also been endorsed this week by both of Mr Romney's hometown newspapers in Boston, a significant blow to the former Massachusetts governor.

The Boston Herald, a conservative tabloid which also circulates in neighbouring New Hampshire, said of Mr McCain: "There are times in this nation's history so perilous that they cry out for a steady, experienced leader, a person so trusted that we would put the fate of this country in his hands. This is one of those times, and Sen John McCain is that person."

At the age of 71 Mr McCain has been dubbed the "comeback kid". The phrase was coined by Bill Clinton in 1992 when he came second in New Hampshire and went on to sweep through the subsequent primaries.

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The same state could be the long-serving senator's base for victory. In 2000, Mr McCain beat George W Bush in New Hampshire by a wide margin only to be overtaken quickly in states further south.

Largely because of his strong performance then, the senator started out the primary campaign a year ago as the Republican front-runner only to appear washed up in the summer amid claims of mismanagement and a poor fundraising performance.

But his consistency on Iraq has paid off. From the outset of the war, Mr McCain opposed Donald Rumsfeld's strategy, arguing that more troops were needed. He supported the surge of 30,000 US troops when others were dismissing it as too little too late, and has made tackling Islamic extremism a central part of his platform.

He told the Wall Street Journal recently: "This is a seminal moment in American history. We've got a long way to go. Al-Qa'eda is on the run but they're not defeated."

Meanwhile his own wartime heroics - he was a North Vietnamese prisoner of war for five years - has continued to underpin his credibility as a national leader.

Mr McCain has also benefited from the lack of a clear favourite in the Republican field capable of attracting both the evangelical and economic branches of the party, as Mr Bush was able to do.

He has given up hope of winning Iowa, the conservative Midwestern state that votes on Jan 3. But a victory there for Mike Huckabee, the southern Baptist minister who is weak in New Hampshire, could enfeeble Mr Romney and open the door to Mr McCain.

"I really don't like that," he said this week of the "comeback kid" nickname. "But things are turning around."

The race in New Hampshire is particularly hard to predict as registered independents are allowed to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary and form the largest bloc of voters. They are renowned for making up their mind at the last minute.

Therefore the endorsement this week of Joseph Lieberman, an independent senator who normally votes Democrat, gave another timely boost.

Mr Lieberman, who was Al Gore's vice-presidential candidate in 2000, said he chose his longtime Senate colleague because he had the best shot of breaking partisan gridlock in Washington.

"The status quo in Washington is not working," he said.

BTW - Just my south side Chicago Dinny Dimwit's opinion - but can the McCain crew get the press to LAY Off the 'The Comeback Kid' tag line? Bubba Clinton beat that one to death - along with the trust the American People vested in him.

I better put a call into Illinois McCain Chairman Jim Durkin and maybe he can apply a little of that Chicago Catholic League level of convincing to the pencil neck geek crowd from Medill School of Journalism here in the Midwest. Naw, They get all of their stories from The Chicago Reader ( a local free press) anyway.

Click my post title for the San Francisco Chronicle Story on The Straight Talk Surge - It's working!

McCain Takes Boston's Big Two - The Globe & the Herald

Here's more - Hard to improve upon or argue with this from the Boston Herald!

"There are times in this nation's history so perilous that they cry out for a steady, experienced leader, a person so trusted that we would put the fate of this country in his hands. This is one of those times, and Sen. John McCain is that person," the newspaper said.

Illinois State Representative James Durkin - a Fenwick Friar no less! - is leading the Illinois McCain Campaign and getting more weary citizens familar with straight talk and effective leadership. Illinois has been a 'Straight Talk Desert' for some time now and McCain is teaching people not to use the sides of their mouths to say what they mean.

Click on my post title for the fine USA Today coverage of John McCain's continued Victory for Straight Talk. Vlad Putin understands how John McCain feels about him.

Tales of Mike Quigley, Part III -Mike Quigley and the Crabs!

Nothing says the Holidays like the diet of ripping yarns and cautionary tales that gives all of us sinners lessons that might have been gleaned from good living - to supplement all of those artery clogging goodies that we tend to put away in this Season of Giving. Takers are historically good offal and fat to fire into the Plum Puddings - Scrooge, Mr. Potter, crabby little girls who don't buy the Santa Story. Reading the papers and watching the news on TV often undermines our common sense of decency and courtesy. Public figures often give us commoners the very meat upon which to build a banquet of wholesome and toothy truths. Today, I would like to offer another bite out of what I like to call my Mike Quigley pantry of knee-slappers - they are tastey but wholesome fare!

Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, The Uriah Heep of Illinois Politics boarded an airplane in New Orleans, with a box
of crabs.

A lovely female crew member took the box and promised to put
it in the crew's refrigerator, which she did.

The Napoleon of Reform, pulled himself to his fullest height, stared directly into the Flight Attendant's knees and firmly advised her that he, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, was holding her personally responsible for the crabs staying frozen,and proceeded to rant and rave about what would happen if she let the crabs thaw out.

Shortly before landing at O'Hare, the thoughtful Flight Service Professional announced to the entire cabin, 'Would the gentleman who gave me the
crabs in New Orleans, please raise your hand?'

Not one hand went up. So she took them home and ate
them herself. Mike Quigley never learns but that never stops him.

I wish to thank the estimable Frank Nofsinger of Connecticut for the roue of this crab bisque.

Alaister McLean Studge - The Kankakee Naturalist

Alaister McLean Studge of Custer Park, Illinois could Texas Rig his line for Smallies on the Kankakee River within eight seconds, unless, as a matter of course, he had spent the morning at Park Package Liquors in Altorf, the 102 Tap ( Now T.J. Doolins in Bourbonnais), or had Peach Schappsed his breakfast.

This Kankakee River fisherman served as a River Guru for my pal Charlie Olson, cousin Willie Winters and me on our many forays to hook 'em in the mouth on the Mighty Kankakee. From the 102 Bridge and Warner Road to the Wilmington Dam we waded and night lined our way into gilled ecstasies with Zebcos, Shimanos and Shakespeares depending upon the landscape.

Alaister never changed with the times and practiced his drunk driving with an outlaw's disdain for the passing of ages, morals, Laws and sensibilities and finally had his license to drive in the State of Illinois Revoked.

That did not stop the plucky outdoors man from harrowing Nature's treasure trove. He continues to fish and hunt and trap along the North flowing Kankakee.

Recently Alaistar bagged a buck and brought his trophy home, strapped across the front of his vehicle. The Photo above shows the triumphant pioneer making his way home from the fields and forests around Papineau, Illinois wheeling the many miles to Custer Park with meat for his rustic locker on the west bank of the Kankakee River.

God speed Alaister and Happy Holidays! Do not Drive! Never Drive under the influence of Alcohol or any other Substance! All of Us! Road Loading has gone the way of the carburetor

You may see this River Ranger in and out about Kankakee County and if you are lucky he may impart the words so often related to Charlie Olson, Willie Winters and me as we learned the sylvan rites:

'Stay on the right; the water's wetter, but don't let them dang bugs up much for air'll the smallies will 'spect something. Wonder Bread's good alot , but Lord Clavert's better - Here Boy! - May The Lord ( Canadian Lord Calvert)be With You! Tug it up! What's your problem? Huh, You Better'n me? Smart Ass College Not Know Doodly? Huh? I love you Man. Think I wet myself.'


Photo of Alaister McLean Studge courtsey of Mike McQuade - California Naturalist, Tobbaconist, Jeweler's Eyed Judge of Toothsome Wenches and Hops Aficionado.

Mac is Back - The McCain/Lieberman Straight Talk toVictory Express!

Another Great AP Photo of the Straight Talkers on the Road for America!

Two guys who have no problem telling the truth to the American People are on the Road in New Hampshire where independent voters have great influence.

More Democrats, who feel left behind with the DNC canned agenda, will gravitate to straight talk:

On the first day of a two-day Straight Talk Express tour through New Hampshire — McCain's second bus tour of the state in two weeks, he said "I do" when asked if he senses upward momentum. His crowds are bigger and more enthusiastic, his Internet hits more frequent and his poll numbers are rising, McCain said.

"But I am not an unbiased observer," he said, adding some realism.

"We have a long way to go," McCain said, aware that opinion polls still show him trailing far behind fellow Republican Mitt Romney in New Hampshire.

Roberta Adams and George Merrill, both undecided voters who drove from nearby Antrim to check out McCain, came away impressed but uncommitted. Merrill, a registered Republican, said New Hampshire's independent spirit means the endorsement by Lieberman not only doesn't hurt McCain with Republicans but helps.

"We're not voting for the party, we're voting for the man," Merrill said.

McCain said the support from an "independent Democrat," as the Connecticut senator calls himself, will answer the people who invariably ask him in town hall meetings, "Why can't you all work together?"

Lieberman reinforced the message. He said he chose his longtime Senate colleague as the best candidate of either party because of his national security credentials and because McCain has the best shot of breaking through partisan gridlock.

"You may not agree with John McCain on everything — I don't," Lieberman told those gathered in the American Legion hall. "But you can always count on him to be honest with you about where he stands and to stand where he honestly thinks it's best for our country."

Lieberman said he had planned to wait until after the primaries to make a 2008 pick, but changed his mind when McCain called — the only candidate, including fellow Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd who is running for president on the Democratic side, to do so.

Lieberman won re-election to the Senate in 2006 as an independent, after losing the Democratic primary to upstart Ned Lamont, largely because of Lieberman's support for the war.

Lamont said Monday, "It is now clear that Joe Lieberman is the one working to defeat our hopes."

Said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.: "I have the greatest respect for Joe, but I simply have to disagree with his decision to endorse Senator McCain."

Click on my Post title for AP's Jennifer Loven great story on the Road Trip to a Stronger America!

John McCain gets Lieberman Endorsement today!

Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman will endorse Senator John McCain for President of the United States. Makes sense to me.

Joe Lieberman is a sure-footed American Statesman - someone the Democratic Party needs in armfuls - who fought back a primary loss from computer generated 'grassroots' for Lieberman's support of the Global War on Terror and Opposition to a policy of capitulation and Neville Chamberlain Diplomacy.

McCain and Lieberman are cut from some tough fabric that refuses to split when the pressure is on - they never speak out of the sides of their mouths.

Read Tom Curry's speculation on a McCain/Lieberman ticket. MSNBC obviously wants to get in a mud pie here - seems like it to me anyway. Hell, I love the idea! Click my post title for the article.

Well done Senator Lieberman! Keep on on them, Senator McCain, and keep them honest!

McCain Bests Polls and Snaps Two Huge Endorsements - Straight Talk, Boys and Girls!

John McCain hooked two Huge Endorsements out in New England and in Iowa. My pal Brian McGrory's Boston Globe was the whale! The Boston Globe sited straight talk and rock-solid integrity -

On McCain, the newspaper said in an editorial, "the iconoclastic senator from Arizona has earned his reputation for straight talk by actually leveling with voters, even at significant political expense."

The Des Moines Register was equally as impressed -

The newspaper said none of the Republican candidates could offer the "tested leadership in matters foreign and domestic" of McCain, an Arizona senator and former prisoner of war in Vietnam.

It cited his willingness to adopt contrarian views, including bucking his party to oppose President George W. Bush's tax cuts in 2001 and 2003, support Bush's decision to increase troop strength in Iraq and support comprehensive immigration reform.

"The force of John McCain's moral authority could go a long way toward restoring Americans' trust in government and inspiring new generations to believe in the goodness and greatness of America," the paper said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071216/pl_nm/usa_politics_newspaper_dc_3

Here in Illinois State Rep. Jim Durkin (R), John McCain Illinois Chairman, is reaching out to Democrats like me and my kids to support an American who can and will lead all citizens.


John McCain speaks to Americans and Americans respond to someone who shares their concerns and willingness to actually do something beyond words, blimps, gimmicks and spin. This Presidential Election just might signal a coming together of the wonderful people of this great country.

John McCain - Resentment For His Sincerity is a Badge of Honor

Great AP Photo!

The resentment produced by sincerity, whatever be its immediate cause, is so certain, and generally so keen, that very few have magnanimity sufficient for the practice of a duty, which above most others exposes its votaries to hardships and persecutions; yet friendship without it is of very little value, since the great use of so close an intimacy is, that our virtues may be guarded and encouraged, and our vices repressed in their first appearance by timely detection and salutary remonstrances."
Johnson: Rambler #40 (August 4, 1750)

Samuel Johnson - the 18th Century genius and Patriot would have loved John McCain!


No political candidate took more hits than John McCain over his support of the Iraq War on Islamist terror and especially for his championing Immigration Reform.

REDSTATE, a GOP Blog site was larded with Anit-McCain Acid Tossings all through the late Spring, Summer and Fall of 2007, but John McCain withstood the tangy taunts like he did his North Vietnamese captors - with humor and self-deprecating Honesty.

Who else would refer to the Arizona retirement community of Leisure World as "Seizure World," as he did in his first Senate campaign? Just for fun, out loud? He couldn't help himself. (He won anyway.)

Consider McCain's life as a series of impolitic one-liners, each one illuminating complex threads of the past.

He's had a line for everything and everyone — those he tormented at the Naval Academy as a n'er-do-well midshipman, those who tortured him in Vietnam, his legion of friends and foes in the capital, the "little jerks" he ribbed in a campaign crowd, an "idiot" reporter, his own ego and, these days, his advancing age — 70.

McCain, "the Punk" in high school, has plenty of targets and none more tempting than himself.

It's a quality that sets him apart in the carefully staged presidential race, a replay of sorts of his Navy academy daze. Then as now, McCain verged on flunking out but pulled himself together in the nick of time. He's gone from chump to hero before, and he's trying again.

Calvin, He don't 'Try' - He Do!

Read Calvin Woodward's wonderful piece linked to my Post Title. Every American should give this great American some serious study and committed support.

Chorito Hog Leg - For Last Minute Christmas Giving

I wrote a swell historical novel. Here are three reviews from Amazon Dot Com. If you are looking for a book to give that special someone this Holiday Season give this eye and brain candy a whirl. It is a veritable stocking stuffer of historical WWII, Illinois and Chicago lore. The Lovely Allison Platt of the Bookies Paperbacks and More has a great stock at

The Bookies
2419 W. 103rd Street
Chicago Illinois 60655
Ph#773-239-1110



The Chorito Hog Leg, Book One: A Novel of Guam in Time of War is available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, Target and on the Web through Amazon or directly from Author House. Here are the links:


http://www.amazon.com/Chorito-Hog-Leg-Book-Novel/dp/1434302024/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197635411&sr=1-1
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781434302021&itm=1
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~44494.aspx

Here's three reviews East Coast, West Coast and right here in Chicago:

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Outstanding novel of Guam in World War Two, June 27, 2007
By Ironmike (California)

Mr Hickey has written a splendid novel dealing with Guam, it's inhabitants, the brutal Japanese garrison and the Marines that will land and take the island.
Some very intense combat sequences, plenty of colorful dialog and down right funny one liners from gruff old Marines that will get you grinnin' if you have ever been in the service.
Well worth reading and the sequel is due up later in 2007.
The meaning of the book's title will be revealed as you read as Pat Hickey weaves a compelling web of characters, the tale of the 1860 Colt revolver, its previous owners, the Japanese and the Marines who risk their lives in 1944. Brutal, honest and well-researched.
Check it out. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
US Marine Corps Band of Brothers, April 23, 2007
By Old Geezer "Old Geezer" (New Haven, CT USA)

Riveting portrayal of WWII Pacific combat operations. Excellent character development, based upon interviews with veterans of the invasion of Guam. Ultra realistic combat scenes immerse the reader in the random violence of war. The best novel I have enjoyed since Cold Mountain. Can't wait for Book 2. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
A Chicago artist's tribute to the "Corps" / WWII, May 8, 2007
By Cheryl A. Tully "Martin J. Tully" (Chicago, Il.)


It is undeniable that Pat Hickey is a South Side of Chicago writer. His recollections from the old Gresham neighborhood read like a side story throughout this captivating tale of days when men were men.

Hickey's penchant for names and facts from Chicago's history during a time of war are also vivid and, to this reader, allow time to reflect on some of the "good times" spent as a youngster growing up in the neighborhood.

The author warns early on in the "About the Author" section (see back inside page) that his style employs the "intrusive narrator" technique.
I believe he carries it out beautifully and to be honest should have used it more freely. It was a refreshing connection with the reader.

I was most impressed by the seemingly meticulous research Hickey put into his work. The decriptions of planes, both Japanese as well as American, naval vessels, armaments, and "vocabulary" were extremely well done.

Without giving the plot line away, if you are a Marine, Navy, or a general WWII buff... If you enjoy the "Grunt" point of view in armed conflict...and if you enjoy the days when a man's word was gospel. This is a book to enjoy.

I am looking forward to the second book of this set.

Martin Tully
USSF Ret.



Have a Very Merry Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! The Gratuitous Santa and Baby Photo comes courtesy of Connecticuts Arch Patriot and Christain Gentleman - Frank Nofsinger! Que Hombre! Felis Navidad, Pancho!

Hava Nice Christmas

I read over at Illinois Review that -

Illinois' northwest Chicago Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky refused to acknowledge the importance of Christianity and Christmas yesterday in the U.S. House vote on H.Resolution 847.

The Illinois lawmaker was one of ten who voted "PRESENT." Nine Democrats voted "No."

Consistent - Stupid - Progressive and consistent. One inconsequential Blogger, a genuine knuckle-gnawer, whined that 'They didn’t bother to tell folks Rep. Schakowsky is Jewish and doesn’t celebrate Christmas.'

Well, William Lloyd Garrison in Dad 'n Lads, American Jews Love Christmas! Always have.

In fact American Jews wrote the very best and beloved ( did Oprah copyright that word?) Christmas Songs:

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

Number one on the list, this song was written in 1945 by Mel Tormé (1925-1999) and Robert "Bob" Wells (born 1922)--both of whom are Jewish. "The Christmas Song" has gained in popularity since 2000, the first year I looked at the ASCAP list. In 2000, it was third, with "White Christmas" holding the #1 spot.

Tormé, the son of Russian Jewish immigrants, is most famous as a jazz vocalist, but he did write about 250 songs, mostly with Wells. Tormé wrote the music for "The Christmas Song" and Wells penned the lyrics.

As it says in this article, this song was written in July, in the hot desert.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Back when I first wrote on the subject, I caught a newspaper reference to a university seminar in which one of the professors, reportedly, said that Fred Coots, co-writer of the song, was Jewish. I reported that Coots was Jewish. However, upon reflection, I am not sure that this newspaper source is unimpeachable and I haven't, yet, been able to find an independent reliable source that confirms or refutes the newspaper article's information on Coots.

White Christmas

Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" is the historical "biggie" of popular Christmas songs. Its incredible success inspired scores of other songwriters to try and write a Christmas song.

Berlin, one of the most famous songwriters in American history, was born Israel Baline in what is now Russia, or possibly Belarus. He came to the States in 1891. His father is alternately reported to have been a cantor or rabbi, but didn't work in either capacity when the family moved to America. His father's death, when Irving was 13, forced Irving Berlin to find work--like singing in the streets--just so he and his family could eat.

Berlin's early dire poverty fits the stereotype of the successful Jewish American songwriter--but not quite the reality. Most top Jewish American songwriters, especially those who worked in the Broadway theater, were from families that fit in an income range from upper working class to upper middle class. Also, most Jewish Broadway composers were American born and not immigrants.

Berlin certainly never hid the fact that he was Jewish, even though he changed his name (he adopted "Berlin" because that was how his last name, Baline, was misspelled on the sheet music cover of his first published song).

Despite his rabbi father, Irving Berlin was never a religious man--although he supported Jewish causes--like the State of Israel. He was absolutely very much an American patriot--and "God Bless America" was a sincere statement of his beliefs. (The royalties to that song go to the Boys and Girls Scouts).

For Berlin, personally, Christmas was not a happy time. His second wife, and the love of his life, was a Catholic. While Berlin remained a secular Jew, he allowed his children with his second wife to be raised as Episcopalians. One of their children, a son, died very young on Christmas day in the 1920s.

Berlin celebrated Christmas with his wife and his surviving children when those children were young, but he was always reportedly sad on that day--mourning his dead child. He did not celebrate the holiday at all when his surviving children were grown-up.

Let It Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

This song was written (1945) by the Jewish songwriting team of lyricist Sammy Cahn (1913-1993) and music composer Jule Styne (1905-1994).

In the 1950s, probably half of all Americans would recognize the names of this songwriting duo. Previews of coming movies would actually sometimes say that the film featured a Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne tune--and that tune would usually end up high on the "hit parade."

Cahn won the Oscar for best song four times: once with Styne, and three times with composer Jimmy Van Heusen, who wasn't Jewish.

Cahn was born Sammy Cohen on the Lower East Side of New York, the son of Polish Jewish immigrants. He changed his name from Cohen to Kahn to Cahn--to avoid being confused with a popular entertainer of the day with a similar name and, then, a songwriter with a similar name.

Jule Styne was born in London to Jewish parents from the Ukraine. His family moved to Chicago when he was 8. He is best known as a top Broadway and movie musical composer and the list of the great shows he wrote is staggering. Maybe the biggest are: "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Peter Pan," "Bells are Ringing," "Gypsy" and "Funny Girl."

Cahn and Styne also wrote "The Christmas Waltz." That tune has appeared in past years on the ASCAP top 25. But it is not one of the 2006 ASCAP top 25.

Sleigh Ride

Composer Leroy Anderson wasn't Jewish, but lyricist Mitchell Parish (1900-1993) was.

Parish was born Michael Hyman Pashelinsky in Lithuania, but his family moved to Lousiana and settled in Shreveport when he was an infant. (I don't know if living in Lousiana inspired the name change to "parish"--the term used for counties in Lousiana.)

Parish's family moved to New York City when he was about six and he got his education, through college, in New York. For decades, he was a leading lyricist.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Holly Jolly Christmas

Johnny Marks (1909-1985), who was Jewish, was an interesting man, but his main claim to fame is writing three of the most popular Christmas songs of all-time.

Marks was born in a New York City suburb and graduated from prestigious Colgate University before going off to Paris to study music. Besides writing songs, Marks was a prominent radio producer. He had a heroic World War II combat record, winning the Bronze Star and four battle stars.

Marks also served as President of ASCAP and my friend, composer Ervin Drake, got to know him in that capacity (Drake served as ASCAP president some years after Marks). Drake confirmed to me that Marks was Jewish--and he helped me with a few other songwriters on this list that he knew personally and knew to be Jewish.

The full story of how "Rudolph" came to be is laid out in detail in this article. In short, Marks' brother-in-law, Robert May, who I think was Jewish--but I am not sure---invented Rudolph.

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

The Jewish composer, George Wyle (1917-2003), was born Bernard Weissman in New York City, got his start playing piano in the Catskills and moved to Los Angeles in 1946 to write and conduct music for the Alan Young Radio Show.

He is also famous for writing the music to the theme song for "Gilligan's Island," the endlessly popular '60s TV show. (The lyrics to that tune were by Sherwood Schwartz, the show's Jewish creator).

Wyle's grandson is Adam Levy, a very talented guitarist who is best known for playing guitar in singer Norah Jones' band. He is also a composer and recording artist in his own right. His grandfather, he says, was an important influence on him.

l'll Be Home For Christmas

Walter Kent, who wrote the music, and Buck Ram, who co-wrote the lyrics with Kim Gannon, were Jewish. "I'll Be Home," like "White Christmas," was first sung by Bing Crosby and released (1943) during World War II. Like "White Christmas," it hit a nerve among those separated from their loved ones, and was an instant hit and holiday classic.

There is a legal dispute about this song. In short, Buck Ram, who was born Samuel Ram, wrote a poem--later a song--with the title "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Maybe Kent and Gannon saw Ram's version before they wrote their song and maybe they didn't.

In any event, Kent and Gannon wrote the song we all know--which bears little relationship to the song Ram wrote, except for the title. But Ram felt he deserved a writing credit--he sued--and he got a co-writing credit.

Silver Bells

This song was written (1951) for The Lemon Drop Kid, a Bob Hope movie.

Jay Livingston, who wrote the music, and Ray Evans, who wrote the lyrics, were a famous (Jewish) songwriting team with many big hits to their credit. Livingston (1915-2001) was born Jacob Levinson in a small industrial suburb of Pittsburgh.

Evans (born 1915) was born in Salamanca, a small city not that far from Buffalo, New York. He went to the Univ. of Pennsylvania, as did Jay Livingston, and the two met when they joined the University dance band.

They formed their songwriting partnership in 1937 and it endured until Livingston's death. (By all accounts, these two guys were like brothers and Evans was absolutely devastated by Livingston's death.)

According to ASCAP, the most popular (most current airplay) version of "Silver Bells" is the one by saxophonist Kenny G, who is Jewish.

Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World)

Written by Midge Ure and Bob Geldof, this is the newest song on the list, was composed in 1984 for the "Live Aid" concert.

Rock musician Bob Geldof, who is now more famous as a humanitarian than a musician, was raised a Roman Catholic.

While I wouldn't call Geldof a "Jewish songwriter," he has some Jewish ancestry--apparently a Jewish grandparent. He told Hello magazine in 2002: "I'm Irish. My grandparents were Belgian, German, English and Irish. They were Catholic, Protestant and Jewish. I married a Welsh woman. We had English children. I live with a French girl. I luckily have flats in London, Paris and Rome."

There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays

I am still researching Bob Allen, a talented songwriter who is now deceased. This song's lyricist, Al Stillman (1906-c.1986), was Jewish.

Stillman being Jewish was confirmed, to me, by composer Ervin Drake. Stillman was one of Drake's co-writers on the lovely song, "I Believe." (A song that appears on many Christmas albums).

Al Stillman was born in New York and was a writer for Radio City Music Hall for 40 years. He had several other big hits, which are listed on this biography. Mr. Drake tells me that he was not a practicing Jew.

Santa Baby

This song was mostly written by Joan Ellen Javits (born 1928), and was first recorded by Eartha Kitt back in 1953. Madonna's 1987 version has proven popular enough to put this tune into the top 25.

Joan Javits, who is Jewish, was kind of a one-hit wonder so not that much is "out there" on her post-Santa Baby career. Joan is the niece of the late (Jewish) Senator Jacob Javits, a Republican who represented New York State from 1956 to 1981 and had a very distinguished career. Joan's father, Ben, was a prominent attorney and he was very important to the career of his brother, Jacob Javits.

I couldn't find any real biographical material on Philip and Tony Springer, who wrote the lyrics.

As always click my post title for Nate Bloom's great article and common sense.

Hava Nagila means 'Let Us Rejoice' We used to say Gaudeamus then all the Progressive morons of all Faiths put the crab on everything. We need to remember to give them a good giggle when they get their panties in a bunch about anything. God Bless You Merry Folks! God do something with the rest - give them something to do with all that time on their hands; most of us are busy.

Flint! Where's the paper work?

Old Timey Gator rassler and radical Lawyer Flint Taylor sitting on a victim of animal abuse and his client's expectations - No Settlement Leroy - Flint screeeeeeeeeewed the pooch!


Ace Radical Old Timey Lawyer and Gator Rassler, G ( Goofed Leroy!) Flint Taylor wanted to settle; needed to settle;Nay, demanded to settle; screamed, spit and hissed at every News Cast that we can't handle the settlement - like a cue-tipped, pasty Jack Nicholson!

“There should be indictments and prosecutions of Burge and his men for obstruction of justice, perjury and conspiracy,” said Flint Taylor, Orange’s attorney. He called for hearings for the 25-30 black men imprisoned after allegedly being tortured into confessions of crimes they didn’t commit.

But . . . Flint Screwed the Pooch:

Meanwhile, Orange’s lawyer failed to produce a properly drafted document giving him power of attorney to settle, Georges said.

From today's Tribune - click for the background story -BTW: the Chicago Sun Times merely states -

an attorney for one of the plaintiffs had not been able to produce a power of attorney executed by his client, a form that would demonstrate he had the authority to settle the case.

Come on Frannie that's Flint Taylor!

He might have been exhausted from rassling Gator and Frank Avila for some of the nickles that spilled.


Leroy call a lawyer.

McCain - Talk Straight and Avoid Getting Mitt in the Wringer

A good old south side Chicago aphorism - and I am sure that it is around Shelbyville, Georgia, Kenosha, WI, Alhambra, CA as well- goes: 'tell the truth and you won't need a good memory.' Now, what in the hell was I talking about? Oh, Yeah!

McCain - John McCain. McCain continues to speak directly to the American people here's a bit on what he had to say about the real threat to the American economy:

"We're one successful attack away from an economic crisis," McCain said, adding that US enemies knew the damage a disruption of supplies would wreak on the US economy from Islamist Terror.

While other Republican candidates have been reluctant to lay out policies to combat global warming, or questioned the science behind claims that mankind is a major contributor to climate change, McCain has called for action.

"It is a serious and urgent economic, environmental and national security challenge," he said.

McCain has called for a plan to limit carbon emissions by using market forces to develop advanced technology and nuclear energy to reduce US reliance on foreign oil.

Poor Old Mitt got caught having a few brain cramps this past weekend. Speak straight and you won't need to recall - It will keep them out of the Wringer. 'Only Suckers Beef, Mitt!'

Give Brad Marston's great site Azamatteroffact's latest post on Mitt's scrambel with the facts:
http://azamatterofact.blogspot.com/2007/12/mccain-on-romneys-mailer-lies.html Brad is working like three Kerrymen fighting over a shovel, when the boss say's 'half of you get to work!' The man is Mad for the Work, So he is!

As always click me post title for the whole tale.

God, wouldn't you just love to slap me for using that fake brogue - I know I would - hell, it's early.


High Five to Guntotinliberal for the photo of Mitt spinning to the pooch.

Pat Hickey - Short on Brains, But a Terrific Dancer: A Portrait in Pencil by B. Kliban

In the mid-1970's, I was employed as a model for celebrated cartoonist B. Kliban. He said, " I can't give you any money, but I can make this moment immortal. Enjoy.'

Thus, I have this pencil sketched time capsule of my chiselled good looks in youth.

As always, click on my post title for more on the quiet genius of the later part of the last century - B. Kliban. It was like finding a photograph for me.

Be McCain Proud!

Thought I'd pass along this great note from Brad Marston who is helping John McCain out east.

"What have you done today to make you feel proud?"
That is a question that John McCain doesn't have to ask himself too often.

With the early caucuses and primaries just weeks away, however, it is a question I ask myself hourly.

As Senator McCain would say, "Let me give you a little straight talk."

I created McCainVictory08 to help support John McCain's run for President. What started as a blog portal has morphed into a growing organization with eight National Co-Chairs and over 100 volunteers. To make an even greater impact we need to scale our organization even larger. In order to secure wins for John McCain in the New Hampshire , Michigan and South Carolina primaries and carry that momentum into Super Tuesday on February 5th, we need your help!

Many of our top organizers have worked on local, state and national campaigns. We've learned that it really comes down to the 4M's: Message, Momentum, Money and Muscle. Few of us live and volunteer in Iowa , New Hampshire , Michigan or South Carolina . Thanks to the Internet YOU can help with all four to elect John McCain! In sum, for John McCain to win, we need you to contribute your time, creativity, special skills and know-how. Please join McCainVictory08 today!

There are so many ways you can help elect John McCain. Please visit our website McCainVictory08 to learn more.


If you have the time and commitment to be a Leader in McCainVictory08 I invite you to contact me personally at bmarston@mccainvictory08.com

If you would like to be a supporter/volunteer please contact our Membership Team at JoinUs@McCainVictory08.com


Political muscle is built by talking to one person at a time. That is why I am reaching out to you today. This e-mail is going out to over 1000 people because I talked to 10 people who in turn, talked to ten more people. Help us make it 10,000 people simply by forwarding it on to your friends, family and contacts.

So, "What have you done today to make you feel proud?" It is a line from one of my favorite songs, "Proud". Another lyric is "We need a change...Do it today...I can feel my spirit rising!"

I think that says it perfectly. We do need a change. To make it happen, we need you to JOIN US ! We need you to DONATE , whether it be time, talent money or some combination thereof! Let's all end each day knowing "I did something for the future of this nation I love so much. I did what I could to elect John McCain and I am proud of that."

If you can do that, I would be both proud and grateful. And so will the hundreds, perhaps thousands more who join us.

Sincerely,

M. Brad Marston
National Chair
McCainVictory08

Support John McCain On-Line
McCainVictory08.com

This e-mail was paid for by McCainVictory08. McCainVictory08 is not associated with John McCain 2008 and receives neither direction nor financial support from any campaign organization. If you wish to cease receiving e-mails from McCainVictory08 please click here.

John McCain Leads with Straight Talk - That is the Knockout Punch!

John McCain engages people with the truth. Nothing so engages people as hearing a political candidate credit an opponent for his personal succees in the Presidential Race. The graceless in-fighting in my birthright Party - The Democratic Party - In Captivity - requires their candidates to lard up their lame positions with Oprah or Barbara Streisand or the Hemp Happy HBO Twerp Maher and then toss envelopes of dirt over the transoms of media shills.

Gov. Huckabee is a solid man. John McCain is Presidential.

This morning's news presented the American people with another example of Senator John McCain's forthright understanding of himself and the reality of the campaign.

MIAMI - John McCain said Saturday that Mike Huckabee's rise in Republican presidential polls was due to his performance in debates.

"I attribute Governor Huckabee's recent success to the fact that debates matter," McCain said. "People pay attention to debates."

The GOP presidential candidates have flip-flopped repeatedly in the polls, with no clear front-runner emerging for any length of time.

In the latest national survey by The Associated Press and Ipsos, former Arkansas Gov. Huckabee has emerged from nowhere into second place in the Republican presidential race. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani remains the front-runner with McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson following.

For the first time in recent political history, Republicans don't have a designated successor for the presidency, leaving the GOP bid wide open, McCain said.

"There's always been kind of a candidate that the political and financial base of the party rallied around," McCain said, referring to Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole and George W. Bush. "This time that's not the case."

In praising Gov. Huckabee for his great presentation during the recent GOP Debate, John McCain reveals more about his own strength as a leader. John McCain understands what it takes to lead and recognizing the strength and intrinsic worth of an opponent is the attribute of a strong leader.

Gov. Huckabee is a great American - John McCain is the man to lead America in time of War on Islamist Terror and restore the confidence of all Americans in themselves!


Here in Illinois Rep. Jim Durkin leads a team that brought John McCain on to the tough Illinois ballot with a FULL slate of delegates. Straight Talk is effective and engaging

G. ('Gimme!') Flint Taylor and Gator Bradley Brawl for Patterson Settlement!

Old Timey Radical Lawyer G. Flint Taylor readies to battle Gator Bradley!

Gator's fighting Avila for 250,000 George Washington's , or Urbanly Translated - 2,500 Benjamins!

But Flint is ready to pounce!


"The real money grubbers in this case aren't on our side of the fence. They're on the other side of the fence. And they're all financed by the city and the county. That's the financial bottom line of this case."

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Flint.Taylor.Edward.2.331005.html

This just in from the Official Paper of the Thug Comfort Zone - Chicago Sun Times

Three of the alleged victims have remained free, but Patterson is serving a 30-year prison term on gun and drug charges.

In one of the strange twists in Patterson's civil case, a judge allowed Wallace "Gator" Bradley, a former gang enforcer, to sit in court with Patterson's attorney as an "urban translator" to control the volatile defendant. Now Bradley says Patterson's attorney, Frank Avila, owes him $250,000 for his work. Avila and Flint Taylor, Patterson's former lawyer, are fighting over their share of the legal fees.

Click my post title for the whole righteous tale from the Thug Comfort Zone, LLC.