Was there ever a man of such high spirits as Jack Kemp? Reagan was sunny; Kemp was a perpetual solar flare. He had an athlete’s energy and an optimist’s expectation that all would come out well. He also felt the respect for learning that only those who come to it late and under their own steam have. Ideas, he believed, really could save the world.

…Americans can rest easy knowing that the Khmer Rouge, at least, did not practice waterboarding. Perhaps we should apologize to them for looking down on their electrocuting, beating, executing ways?

However, if Obama succeeds in passing health care legislation later this year, America will be destined to resemble Europe, and there will be no turning back, no matter how fierce the public backlash over the inevitable explosion in deficits and implementation of rationing.

For all of his successes, Reagan couldn’t make a dent in the main pillars of the welfare state and even consented to a payroll tax hike to subsidize a failing Social Security system. When Republicans swept into Congress in 1994, during the short period in which they actually tried to rein in government, they were able to pass modest welfare reform, but unable to touch Medicare.

Obama envisions himself as a transformational liberal leader, whose programs, like FDR’s New Deal and LBJ’s Great Society, live on long after he’s gone. He’s well on his way to achieving his goal, unless Republicans figure out some way to slow him down.

For another take on the “brink” for this slippery slope, see Kudlow’s comments in the Corner today.

Specter as a Democrat would also fundamentally alter the 2010 calculus in Pennsylvania as he was expected to face a difficult primary challenge next year from former Rep. Pat Toomey. The only announced Democrat in the race is former National Constitution Center head Joe Torsella although several other candidates are looking at the race.

The electoral calculus, here, is simple: Specter figures the winds have changed in favor of Democrats enough that he has better odds of winning a general election than surviving another primary challenge. That’s enough pragmatic interest, apparently, to make an honest man of Arlen.

NOTE: The location has been changed, and is no longer in front of the courthouse as previously stated

From the Mixon site: We invite everyone to come together across party lines, share ideas, voice concerns, and inspire one another to take action. The Government is meant to be in the hands of the people, so let us unite and make it so. . . “We want this to be a high energy positive experience”, says Stephanie Fuhr. Come armed with optimism, an open mind, and an open heart. We are planning on having lots of entertainment and some good old fashion flag waving.

DATE: 15 April 2009
TIME: 3-7 pm
LOCATION: Off the patio from Ed’s Tavern on Main Street

In addition to flags and signs, the organizers are asking people to bring bags (burlap bags, 50lb rice bags, etc) filled with bubble wrap and marked TEA. There are several speakers and performers lined up, and 1280 AM will be covering the festivities. My kiddos will be out there, and I’m going to try and pop in between classes. . .

DATE:15 April 2009
TIME: Wednesday Noon - 1 PM
LOCATION: Gazebo in Centennial Park (in downtown Venice) on West Venice Ave., Venice, FL

POC: Patricia Rule at Prule_fl_mi@yahoo.com and Karen Rodemaker at birder2@verizon.net

If this is accurate, which it seems to be, I’ll post up the details tomorrow.