Southern Hospitality by Jim

SPYING..
Unless you've been under a rock or influenced by your choice of illegal recreational drugs, you are aware of the controversy surrounding President Bush's decision to wiretap the phones of people inside the boundaries of the United States who were receiving or transmitting phone calls to known terrorists. Thanks to the infinite wisdom of The New York Times and their total disregard for the security of our nation, they detailed the operation in the pages of the fishwrapper. While they deny their intent was to harm the presidency of George W. Bush, their actions prove otherwise. Not only did they hold this story for an entire year as they waited for a book on this topic to be published, they disregarded the request by President Bush not to run the story until the operation was completed. The NY Times has been the center of controversy for a couple of years now and will continue to be as long as they attempt to push their liberal agenda down the throats of the American people. Thankfully, as each day passes members of both houses on each side of the aisle is looking past this story and looking inside to see who was responsible for leaking the information regarding the wiretapping. Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative, if a president has ordered wiretaps because a person's number is showing up on the call list of a known terrorist, NO one has the right to know but those involved. In addition, any news reporter or publication that blows the lid off any such operation should not only be sensored but their credentials to any government function and/or building should be revoked. Here's hoping the person responsible for the leak finds his or her jail cell uncomfortable until the day they take their last breath.

WILDFIRES..
If you're like me seeing forest fires rampage through the pines of California is nothing unusual but still upsetting. This week the images have come from locations further east and just tonight the Oklahoma City area is under fire and threatning nearly 250 homes. Certainly my thoughts and prayers are with the folks of Oklahoma and Texas. All these fires that seem to be occuring more often brings up a serious question I feel should be answered. Are all the greenspaces being developed on the outskirts of metropolitan areas providing a breeding ground for forest fires? After all, we usually pay for attempting to outsmart Mother Nature.

FOOTBALL
Being from the South, the next most important thing after Religion and Politics is college football. While the holidays provide a daily heaven for us college football fans, it also signals the end of the season for our beloved teams. For me, my beloved Crimson Tide finishes up a season of ups and downs against Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. Coach Shula and the Tide have exceeded most everyone's expectations with a 9-2 record and have cemented a foundation that should return BAMA back to its rightful place of national prominence. Win or Loss I'm proud to say "Roll Tide."
Today's last regular season game of the NFL brought some sad news. Brett Favre has decided to end his hall of fame career in Green Bay and Dick Vermeil has resigned his coaching position in KC. The NFL was a better league with them and will have a tough job in trying to replace them. Character describes both.
Shaun Alexander, a friend and someone who deserves every milestone he receives on the playing field. There's no better person playing in the NFL and he certainly deserved to not only break the NFL All-Time TD record with 28, he clinched the 2006 NFL Rushing Crown. Great Job Kid!
Until tomorrow...