Sarah Palin Speaking Contract Demands: Big Jets And Bendable Straws

Six pages of a contract between Sarah Palin and University of California Stanislaus were discovered by students in a dumpster, and it was revealed that among the demands for an appearance are two bottles of unopened water and “bendable straws” on a wooden lectern.

More costly were the requirement for her travel – the venue must supply her with business or first class commercial airfare, or with a private plane. And not just any jet will do.

“The private aircraft MUST BE a Lear 60 or larger (as defined by interior cabin space) for West Coast Events; or, a Hawker …

New Poll: 28% Approve Of GOP; 51% Disapprove

Public Policy Polling shows great dissatisfaction with the Republican Party. (h/t Political Wire)

Only 28% of voters in the country say they approve of the current direction of the GOP with 51% disapproving. Even among voters who identify with the party just 54% say they like where it’s headed. It’s predictable that Democrats would give it very low marks but even among independents just 18% think the Republicans are headed in the right direction while 49% dissent.

[Senate Leadler] Mitch McConnell and [House Leader] John Boehner aren’t real popular either, but they do better than [GOP Chair]  Steele. Each …

The American Family Association Tells Muslim-Americans To “Convert To Christianity” Or Leave

by Thomas Wellborn

Bryan Fischer, American Family Association’s Director of Issues Analysis, upgraded his rhetoric of a week ago from “Round up all Muslim American citizens and deport them” to: “Those who are willing to convert to Christianity and renounce Islam, Allah, Mohammed and the Koran may be welcomed [in America], for they can become not just good Christians but true Americans.”

FISCHER: Many Muslims are on our shores on student visas and such and have not yet become citizens. We must politely decline their request for naturalization (becoming an American citizen is a privilege, …

Judge To Ashtabula County, Ohio Residents: Arm Yourselves

The sheriff’s department in Ashtabula County, Ohio was cut from 112 to 49 deputies, and so when asked what people could do, Common Pleas Judge Alfred Mackey said, “Arm themselves. We’re going to have to look after each other.”

Area gun dealers and instructors told WKYC-TV, Cleveland, that they’ve noticed an uptick in sales and interest in self-defense classes.

One instructor, Tracy Williams, said the cuts mean “you don’t have any other option” other than to listen to Mackey’s advice.

…

Michelle Obama Makes Surprise Visit To Haiti

Michelle Obama is on her first overseas trip as First Lady without the president, and has made an unannounced stop in Haiti.

She is expected to spend several hours in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, visiting projects set up in the wake of devastating earthquake in January.

Mrs Obama will then fly on to Mexico for a previously announced visit due to last three days.…

Joe Lieberman To Newsmax: “Thank God” Momentum Is With Republicans

Independent “Democratic” Senator Joe Lieberman, speaking with the conservative Newsmax, is very happy about what he perceives as movement away from Democrats in Congress.

“There were a lot of people, particularly Democrats, who were declaring after the 2008 election that we were beginning a period of Democratic dominance that would go on for decades,” Lieberman said during an interview with the conservative Newsmax magazine. “Now, all of a sudden, the momentum is with the Republicans. And that’s — thank God — that’s the way people have spoken, you know? That’s our democracy.”

Lieberman says there is a shift attributable to …

No Birth Control, No Tobacco, No Condoms, No Makeup=No Customers

The Divine Mercy Care Pharmacy in Chantilly, VA, a “pro-life” establishment that limited what it sold for moral reasons, didn’t attract enough customers to stay in business. (Employee Pam Semler is pictured at the register.)

The drugstore was one of a handful across the country that have put the moral conviction of a pharmacist at the forefront of a business. And as a business model, that’s fine, I guess.

…

John T. Bruchalski, president of Divine Mercy Care and the doctor who opened the pharmacy, then had to close it, said he wanted a place where pharmacists “could bring their …

Top Republicans Uneasy About A Gay Supreme Court Nominee

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), a former Texas Supreme Court justice, says he’s open to the idea of a gay justice, but, “I’d have to think about that.  As long as it doesn’t interfere with their job, it’s not a particular issue.”

Two potential gay nominees who were mentioned when Justice David Souter resigned were former Stanford Law Dean Kathleen Sullivan (pictured, left) and Stanford law Professor Pam Karlan (right).

Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Jeff Sessions of Alabama said Republicans “don’t play identity politics” and that he was open to a gay nominee initially, but then backtracked.

SESSIONS: …

Haley Barbour Also Neglects To Mention Slavery While Proclaiming Confederate History Month

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has, like Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, proclaimed April Confederate History Month in his state and, like McDonnell did initially, Barbour has ignored the role of slavery in the confederacy.  It’s not surprising, given that Barbour said on Fox News Sunday that McDonnell’s omission “doesn’t mean diddly.”  This is especially abhorrent given Mississippi’s declaration of secession.

Mississippi’s declaration of secession before the Civil War said: “Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery — the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product, which constitutes by far the largest and …

Oklahoma Tea Partiers Plan To Form Militia (UPDATED)

Some tea party activists are looking to form a militia to combat what they view as infringements on state sovereignty.

Tea party movement leaders say they’ve discussed the idea with several supportive lawmakers and hope to get legislation next year to recognize a new volunteer force. They say the unit would not resemble militia groups that have been raided for allegedly plotting attacks on law enforcement officers.

Well, that’s good news, that they’re not going to emulate groups that want to take down cops.

“Is it scary? It sure is,” said tea party leader Al Gerhart of Oklahoma City, who …

On Monday’s Radio Show…

• Wrong again, Congresswoman: Alan refutes the latest myth promoted by Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann.

• Is right-wing rhetoric to blame for more recent threats of violence against government officials? We’ll debate it.

• Think you can survive the cut? It’s Sudden Death Radio!…