The Rivett Report 05.09.07

Posted by Joe Rivett on 05.09.2007

Ron Paul is popular, the NRA wants to arm terrorist suspects, and Imus sues CBS...

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another edition of the Rivett Report! I went on a business trip this weekend and forgot to post the Report.

And the winner of the debate is… Ron Paul?

According to MSNBC.com, Ron Paul had the most positive ratings after the Republican debate with a positive score of 34% and a neutral score of 38%. Mitt Romney came in second with 29% positive and 35% neutral.

Overall, I believe Mitt Romney looked the best. He sounded the most presidential and he looked like he was prepared. I know Republicans are obsessed with his flip flopping but Reagan used to be pro-choice too and he is apparently the closest thing to Jesus!

Other candidates that I thought looked impressive were John McCain, Rudy, and Ron Paul. McCain because he didn't sound scripted and had some substance to his answers. I especially liked how he said to fight a war, you first need the support of the American people, something Bush needs to learn. Rudy's Roe v. Wade being overturned 'ok' answer was a good answer. It is how I feel. I'm pro-choice, but if it is overturned, it is not the end of the world. Abortion will just go to the states. If a judge sees it as accepted law and a lot of cases are based on it, I'm fine with that too. Ron Paul looked good because he is the only libertarian candidate and the only anti-war candidate which makes him stand out.

One loser was Tommy Thompson who stated employers should have the right to fire gay employees for being gay. The sad thing is that he is a smart and successful governor. Another loser was Mike Huckabee. He was doing fine until he raised his hand to show he doesn't believe in evolution. Sorry Mr. Huckabee, but we don't need another president that doesn't believe in science.

The NRA Wants to Arm Terrorists

From CNN: The National Rifle Association is urging the Bush administration to withdraw its support of a bill that would prohibit suspected terrorists from buying firearms.

Backed by the Justice Department, the measure would give the attorney general the discretion to block gun sales, licenses or permits to terror suspects.

In a letter this week to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, NRA executive director Chris Cox said the bill, offered last week by Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-New Jersey, "would allow arbitrary denial of Second Amendment rights based on mere 'suspicions' of a terrorist threat."

"As many of our friends in law enforcement have rightly pointed out, the word 'suspect' has no legal meaning, particularly when it comes to denying constitutional liberties," Cox wrote.

I understand the NRA's point. However, terrorist suspects are a different type of criminal. Yes, you are innocent until proven guilty but considering these guys want to destroy the entire country, they are more of a possible threat than some guy who threatens his neighbor. The Bush Administration recognizes this by not allowing terrorist suspects to get speedy trials and bail. I wonder if the NRA is going to defend terrorist 4th amendment rights… probably not.

Imus Sues CBS

From ABC News: A draft copy of Imus's lawsuit says that the network expected him to be controversial and irreverent under the terms of his contract. And he claims Imus's show was on a five second delay that allowed the network to censor him if they wanted.

One former FCC commissioner who spoke to ABC News suggested that CBS had gotten exactly what it had bargained for. "The issue is one more of extremely poor judgement than it is an FCC issue," said ex-commissioner Harold Furtchgott-Roth. "That's what Imus' schtick has been for years."

I agree with Imus on the point that he could have been censored and that he was expected to be controversial. I remember CBS tried to sue Howard Stern for talking about satellite radio before he left. CBS dropped the lawsuit because it was pointed out that CBS could have censored his remarks or told him to knock it off. It looks like CBS is going to have to pay Imus the money allocated in his contract.

I also would like to see Stephanie Miller get his job. Unlike Imus she is young and funny. Plus MSNBC has a real opportunity to draw in left leaning viewers and take on Fox News head on.

A Good Column to Read

I really liked my column this week. I wrote about the Democrats not properly attacking Republicans which is the main reason why their presidential candidates don't seem to do well. You can read it HERE

I also love Enrique's column. It is my belief that the feminist movement has overreached which I think is one of many reasons why the divorce rate is so high. We can become relevant again by stressing equality and the importance of using god's greatest gift (sex) to get us through the rough times. Check out his column HERE


I am now going to go to the bathroom and throw up after seeing Al and Tipper make out on the politics page.

Have a great week!