Lenin’s expression for describing naive Liberals as " useful idiots " for his purposes is no more apt than California Congressman Mike Thompson from the 1st District.

Today it is revealed that the person who paid for his trip to Iraqshortly before against Saddam Hussein, was the evil tyrant himself. How does Thompson feel about accepting the blood money to rant against the United States and Bush? Don’t know. We should ask.

The Justice Department indicted a Mathanna Hanooti who worked for Iraq’s foreign intelligence service through one of those Islamic charities. This one called Life for Relief. With Saddam’s money three democrat congressmen accepted a free ride to Iraq to denounce America. That included well documented fruitcake Jim McDermott of Washington and recently retired but true leftist David Bonior of Michigan. What a threesome.

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Longtime FR friend Robert Molnar was on-hand at Senator McCain’s big fundraising event in San Francisco last night. Robert is the trusty right-hand man to Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. We asked Robert to pen something to fill in FR readers on the event… The San Francisco Ritz Carlton was the scene of Senator John McCain’s most recent California campaign stop last night. Of course it wouldn’t be San Francisco without anti-war protesters, and last night was no exception. A handful of individuals practiced their freedom of speech rights from the sidewalk, flanked by a dozen of San Francisco’s finest. A big thank you to the SFPD for easily managing the group and not allowing them to interrupt the arrival of guests. Interestingly, across the street on a building was a large sign saying "We Love John McCain", which put smiles on faces of arriving guests, and scowls on the faces of the protestors. … Read More

Today we are pleased to offer this guest commentary from our incoming Senate Republican leader (in just a couple of weeks)…

EDUCATION BEGINS IN THE HOME By Senator Dave Cogdill, District 14 Senate Republican Leader-Elect

The very minute a person becomes a parent is the minute in which the education process begins. Parents teach their children how to feed, talk, and walk. We also lay the foundation for our children to learn logic, math, and reading among other things. We teach them basic social skills. These are parents’ responsibilities that last well beyond children’s formal education. However, based on the recent 2nd District Court of Appeals ruling against home schooling, the court seems to be saying that parents cease to be… Read More

Me as a Consumer Activist? Most of you would never confuse me with obnoxious consumer groups who do the bidding of trial lawyers. I thank you for that. However, there is a consumer issue included in a bill by Senator Pat Wiggins (SB 1167) that gives cause to worry.

This ill-advised legislation will impact drivers when they are in an accident – and that likely means all of us in California at some point. SB 1167 will prevent drivers from obtaining information about auto repair options, including body shops that are pre-qualified with insurers and meet established standards of excellence. Pre-qualified shops are reviewed by companies and confirmed as giving high-quality service, the fewest inconveniences, and the best guarantee (possibly lifetime) on the work.

That’s information I want to have when choosing a shop to repair my car. I want to be fully informed, but apparently Senator Wiggins thinks that’s a bad idea. She would want me to play a guessing game – wondering if I’ve chosen a good body shop because I’ve been prevented from learning about other options. Her bill provides that once a driver has… Read More

Jon – you "missed the Mark" in your scathing commentary on Fontana Mayor Mark Nuaimi. I posted a similar message as a commentary to your post, but I felt strongly enough to revise and post it here.

I have worked with Nuaimi numerous times (including running his campaigns for Mayor), and yes, I am proud to have done so.

Mark originally gained notoriety in a virtually one-man crusade to crack down on widespread prostitution and drug sales along Foothill Boulevard in Fontana – just blocks from schools and playgrounds. His efforts led to a massive crack down and propelled him to the City Council.

Then Mark took on incumbent Democrat Mayor David Eshelman, when no one thought he could win. He won because he showed a real passion and vision for his city. He had the courage to stand up while the polished politicians hid in the back room.

Since then, Mark has been an effective and able Mayor for Fontana – helping develop new leaders; transforming the City Council from a squabbling sandlot to an effective, cohesive body; and bringing a new sense… Read More

When scanning political news stories from around California this morning, as I do each day, from time to time I come across something, or someone, worthy of special note, this time out the San Bernardino County Sun…

The City of Colton has about 175,000 residents, and you can find it on a map by sticking a pin right at the intersections of the 10 and 215 freeways.

Once upon a time Colton was the home of famous wild west frontiersman Wyatt Earp. But for those who follow politics, I guess it is notable that in recent years, several members of the City Council have left office in scandals, and that the Mayor of this city, Kelly Chastain, is facing a recall on this June’s ballot.

**There is more – click the link**

View Full Commentary… Read More

Most kids go through a phase where they like to play doctor.They listen to each other’s heartbeat, tap knees, wrap pretend wounds with bandages, and prescribe non-existent medicine. Some medical suppliers in L.A. County have continued that game into adulthood and are playing a wasteful game of doctor. They’ll take your medical supply orders and the Medicare money, but just like the game, the patient won’t receive any actual service.

According to an L.A. Times article (March 3rd), a great number of L.A. medical suppliers gave the opposite of what the doctor ordered: “After a series of surprise inspections in Los Angeles County, Medicare fraud investigators found persistent corruption among equipment suppliers who set up phony offices that billed the government $21 million over one year….” The all too serious $21 million in losses was diagnosed after… Read More

I just received the following alert from Alliance Defense Fund:

Calif. Court of Appeal agrees to reconsider homeschooling caseCourt grants petition for rehearing filed by attorneys with ADF

LOS ANGELES — The California Court of Appeal agreed Wednesday to a request by attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund to reconsider a Feb. 28 decision making most homeschooling a crime in the state.

“Parents have a fundamental right to make educational choices for their children,” said ADF Senior Counsel Gary McCaleb. “Because this ruling impacts all Californians, we believe the case deserves a second look. We look forward to presenting this case for rehearing.”

Ruling against a child enrolled at Sunland Christian School, a private homeschooling program, the California Court of Appeal found, in the case In re: Rachel L., that parents who educate their children at home could be criminally liable under California law

“Another look at this case will help ensure that the fundamental rights of parents… Read More