I am more motivated than ever to get out and vote.  I stood in a long line for three hours to vote against Obama in 2008.  I would crawl over broken glass in short pants and a tank top to vote against Obama now.  I think recent signs from Mitt are encouraging, and I am beginning to get used to the idea of "going to war with the Mitt Romney we've got."  (even if my 10 year old is massively disappointed, that kid is very right wing)

Hey EJ,

Was Harper up after back to back home runs?

Mollie,

I am also curious why you agree with the decision to hit Harper.  According to what I have read, it was a "welcome to the big leagues".  I can see if Harper was showboating, but a welcome shot just seems dumb.  I am less a fan of Hamels than ever and more a fan of Harper.  As for whether to lie or not, I think the best policy is truth.  In this case, truthfulness does not overcome the idiocy of being the guy who welcomed Harper to the big leagues with a bush league move.

I agree with those above who encourage personal involvement.  I think parents ought to stand up for what is right and set an example for their children to stand up for justice.  I think calmly pointing out to the offending child their poor behavior, while at the same time encouraging your own child to share and be charitable, is the best course of action.  If a discussion becomes necessary with the other child's parent, either because the behavior does not stop or the parent objects to you speaking with their child, you should be prepared for that.  The alternative is to allow the children to work it out on their own.  This can work, but as a parent, your job is to assess when it is necessary to step in and right a wrong.

I know it has been mentioned already, but I want to add my voice to the chorus of disappointment Mr. Delingpole.  I thoroughly enjoy your podcast, even when your opinions do not match mine. 

However, I cannot fathom your motivation for bringing this up but not responding to even one of the salient points in the responses.  You need not engage all.  However, what about key ones relating to the misinformation regarding the law.  Just address the fact that the ultrasounds you reference are already required and not some invention by the evil social right.  How about addressing the issue that the liberal media coverage misrepresents the facts, leading to the erroneous image Europe has of American conservatives. 

I would be happy if you started there.  Throwing out "agree to disagree" as your only response, as if the above erroneous image is now complete in your mind, is a serious disservice to those who took the time to respond. 

Flapjack I agree the focus must be local but I hold out hope for all the nations for hope does not put us to shame.

Flapjack,I understand your impulse. A good friend of mine shares it. He always says he is heading out to the woods to grow his own food and hunt to provide meat. I cannot agree. Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations....To me outliving the left is not the point. Bringing truth, goodness and beauty to the nations, yes most importantly the one in which I live, is the point.

Flapjack,I would choose to live in a state where murder is illegal. Some things are good for all even if there are those who disagree. Laws are based on morals. We agree I think that our government is too large and soft tyranny abounds in Western culture today. I think however that truth exists, and there is right for all.

James, I seem to recall in your recent podcast that you cited tens of thousands of deaths as a reason to legalize drugs. Would that you were as concerned about the taking of millions of lives by abortion. In my view, murder is murder. I think it appalling and evil no matter the method employed. Nasty indeed. I also believe in forgiveness and mercy and hope women who choose abortion find peace. As far as friendship goes, I guess that is up to you. We agree in many other areas, and I admire your talent and dedication to libertarian causes. I accept there are differences as well as common cause among conservatives, Ricochetti included. However, I am American throughout and openly admit that opinion of those across the pond ranks near the bottom of my considerations when I form or discuss my opinions.

I live in Norcross, GA, and spent most of the last year in various pulp and paper mills in GA, AL, and MS.  Nearly every one have succumbed to Big Anti-tobacco and the PC culture.  I imagine deer camp and the back porch are still bastions of liberty in MS.  However, my experience in AR, was surprising in the lack of the PC in public.

More than that we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Rom 5:4-5 (ESV)

This is what the church needs, character and hope.  The Obama administration is taking care of the suffering on so many levels.

I agree with the general tone of the comments so far.  Supply is contracted in the Middle East, but we have contributed to this through a policy of not exploiting our own resources.  We also have adopted policies to not take advantage of the resources of close neighbors.

That all said, I agree with Mr. Epstein that Republicans should not be looking to enact any kind of special subsidy.  Rather, I think the proper policy response to this is to reduce onerous regulation and clear the way to develop the energy supply in North America. 

Also, we should do the same for close competition to fossil fuels.  The Obama policy of picking winners in alternative energy is likely doing more damage to genuine development in this area.  Pouring tax payer money into a select few companies in this area is certainly pushing out unsubsidized players with valid ideas that could compete in the market place, leaving large subsidized players to eventually fail.

I come in at 57. Grew up n Idaho in a town of 700. I moved to the burbs north of Atlanta after 30 years in Idaho. Living in a metro area in the SE, I disagree that California needs their own quiz.

Yippee ki a! How about Home Alone. I love it just for the tears of laughter from my kids!

Yippee ki a! How about Home Alone. I love it just for the tears of laughter from my kids!

I do not view Romneycare as an aside.  I think it is a failure, even at the state level, and is indicative of his thought process.  In addition to that, at the state level, Romney employed subsidies as governor to entice business to Massachusetts.  He supported TARP, which I view as a failure, and he has expressed support for subsidizing infant industries.  Finally, unless I am wrong, he supports ethanol subsidies.  These all fall under the category of government choosing winners, trying to "fix" things, and I find them troubling.  I find them inconsistent with the first 10 actions on the 59 point plan and, as was my original point, they leave me in a position of a buyer, not a supporter.