Corker vs. Ford

The Eyes of the World are on Tennessee. In the balance, could be the control of the U.S. Senate and the fate of the global war on Terror. France is currently revealing how foolish it is to entertain the idea of “cutting and running” as they are now fighting their own domestic “intefada.” Over 5,000 French police officers have been attacked by Islamic forces over the last few months emboldened by the French doctrine of appeasement- proving once again, the old adage that Evil left unopposed, is Evil encouraged. It also yields credence to the idea that we will either fight these terrorists there, in their backyard, or here, in our own!

The main question is which candidate will be most supportive of: the ongoing mission in Iraq, electronic surveillance of likely terrorist communications, interrogation of detainees which include tactics beyond “name, rank and serial number,” and continued use of the Patriot Act as well as the Department of Homeland Security. What shouldn’t go beyond notice is how the current policies in place have kept America safe from sub-sequent attacks following 9/11. It’s not because our enemies have magically reformed and no longer mean us harm, it is because they’ve been diverted by both- our offensive strategy in Iraq, and our defensive strategy here at home.

Congressman Harold Ford, age 36, is a professional politician from Memphis who has served the past ten years in Washington where he’s voted 88% in lockstep with his party despite his claims of being a a staunch “Independent.” Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy actually vote more in support of President Bush than Harold Ford! During his career he has voted “no” on making the Patriot Act permanent and “no” on the Death Penalty for convicted Terrorists. He also voted “no” on adopting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and has opposed enhancing our Intelligence Gathering capability. Ford has received an 89% approval rating from the Left-wing, anti-Nuke, Peace group SANE. He has received an “F” rating from the NRA and an “A” rating from the Internationalist group: Citizens for Global Solutions. Ford voted “no” on a House Proclamation that declared Iraq part of the war on Terror, and has routinely favored the UN and a multilateralist approach over a more Independent U.S. Foreign Policy.

Ford has a lifetime, (National Journal), liberal rating of 67.3%, the highest of all Tennessee Representatives. He also ranks first in the highest amount of money received from lobbyists. His out-of-state contributions represent 63% of his total campaign finances. Barbra Streisand, Leonard Nimoy, David Geffen and Don Imus are among his contributors representing the liberal attitudes of Hollywood and New York over that of the values of common Tennesseeans. By contrast, 95% of Corker’s contributions come from within the State. Money buys influence in politics, and one must wonder how much influence these Outsiders will have if Harold Ford is elected.

Bob Corker bills himself as a practical, conservative businessman who has lived most of his life in Tennessee. He’s a graduate of UT, a former mayor of Chattanooga and and a successful entrepreneur who started his own construction business. He is endorsed by the National Right to Life group for his opposition to abortion and by the NRA for his strong support of Gun Rights.

He supports “finishing the job” in Iraq, lower taxes, strengthening our border and strict-constructionist judges who won’t “legislate from the bench.” He also opposes homosexual “marriage” and amnesty for illegal aliens.

Another huge distinction between he and Ford is Health Care. Corker favors: medical savings accounts, tax credits, small business pools and malpractice reform as methods of making Health Care more affordable and accessible. Ford, a self-described “lawyer”though he’s never passed the bar, supports the Trial Lawyers’ position of opposing caps in malpractice suits- five votes since 2001. Ford-contributor Fred Baron, former president of the Trial Lawyer Association, has vowed a “Jihad” against Tort Reform advocates and has boasted that “Trial Lawyers run the Democrat Senate.” He also voted “no” on banning physician-assisted suicide.

The National Taxpayers Union has given Ford a lifetime rating of 23%, labeling him a “Big Spender.” Given Ford’s many votes against tax relief over the course of his career, (it’s been reported he’s voted 78 times for tax increases), this defines him squarely as a typical “tax and spend” Liberal that will do very little for bringing fiscal responsibility to Washington. By contrast, Corker has a proven record of good fiscal management both as mayor of Chattanooga and as Tennessee Finance Commissioner.

Today marks the end of Early Voting. If you haven’t voted yet, you can still vote from 9am to 4pm today at the Election Commission office in Jacksboro, from 9am to 2pm at the Jellico Municipal Building, or wait until Tuesday, November 7. Many have sacrificed their lives so you can vote- please don’t let them down. (send comments to: WFC83197@aol.com)