Congressman Jack Kingston's blog
Posted at 8:03pm on Jul. 17, 2006 Conditions for Leaving Lebanon
By Congressman Jack Kingston
Newt Gingrich was asked about the circumstances under which Israel should leave South Lebanon. Here are some of the his comments which I thought were worth sharing.
-Jack
---Original Message---
From: Newt
To: Jack
Sent: Sun Jul 16 12:50:31 2006
Subject: conditions for leaving LebanonLebanese government takes control of south Lebanon (with American airpower helping if necessary)
All, repeat all, the missiles are gone
All, repeat all, the Iranians are gone
The Israelis won't be this tough but they should be
Newt
And you can read more of Newt's thoughts on this issue from the transcript of his Meet The Press interview.
A Congressman blogs! Seriously? Seriously.
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (8) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 1:46pm on Jun. 27, 2006 "On-Shoring" America's Energy.
By Congressman Jack Kingston
Iran, Venezuela and Nigeria. That's where the gasoline in your truck could be from.
Iran, Venezuela and Nigeria. Three countries which are openly hostile to America and threaten global security.
For far too long, America has been at the mercy of foreign countries for our transportation fuel. The problem is a simple case of supply and demand: America consumes roughly 25 percent of the world's oil every day while it only has 2 percent of the proven oil reserves (and we're not even using a full 2 percent).
And booming countries like India and China are consuming more and more oil everyday which is putting even more pressure on the world's finite resources.
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (24) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 5:38pm on May 29, 2006 Remembering Corey.
By Congressman Jack Kingston
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to join about 450 folks who were running a 5K to help honor and support the family of Corey Goodnature, a serviceman killed nearly a year ago while in Afghanistan fighting the global war on terror.
On June 28, 2005, Army Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature was killed when the MH-47 Chinook helicopter that he was aboard crashed in Asadabad, Afghanistan in the Kunar Province.
Sadly, like so many of our troops killed overseas, Corey, a husband, a father, left a loving family back in Georgia.
I had a chance to talk with Corey's wife, Lori, about her late husband, about the global war on terrorism, and about what Corey's death means to her.
Lori told me about a letter that Corey had written years earlier for his church to help explain what the anniversary of 9-11 means to a soldier.
I asked her if I could have a copy of that letter to help send Corey's message and story out to help celebrate Corey and the thousands who have given their lives to defeat evil.
I've attached the text of the letter below.
This Memorial Day, we must never forget our sons and daughters, friends and loved ones, like Corey, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to help shine the bright light of democracy in the darkest shadows of the world.
God Bless you Corey, your Brothers still fighting the good fight, and peace be with your family.
-Jack
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (1) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 12:59pm on May 20, 2006 Empowering The People...Starting With My Interns.
By Congressman Jack Kingston
They said we couldn't do it. They said that it's your blog, not theirs.
What would happen if you allow your interns to create, edit and produce a new video blog series called "Journeys With Jack"?
There's an Internet revolution happening in the halls of Congress. And it's manifesting over at my blog.
Let me know what you think. I care.
-Jack
Join the Discussion at Jack's Blog
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (1) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 6:04pm on Apr. 19, 2006 Brazil Did It. So Can America.
By Congressman Jack Kingston
I bet I don't need to tell you that the price of oil is sky-rocketing. In fact, I hear that a barrel of oil just broke a new record at right around $71! And according to a report released today by the International Monetary Fund, that price is expected to break $80 in the very near future.
The high price of gasoline is GREAT NEWS to the folks in Saudi Arabia and other oil-producing countries like Venezuela and Iran. (And even to some of the folks in Midland, Texas.)
However, skyrocketing gas prices are BAD NEWS for the millions of American consumers who were planning their family vacations for the summer who are being forced to choose closer destinations or not take that trip at all.
Tom Friedman, a columnist for The New York Times, was on NBC's Today Show this morning where he said that the high price Americans are paying at the pump is GOOD news because it will force our hand, making us change our driving habits and cut our dependence on foreign oil.
He has a point. Sometimes it takes getting punched back to the ropes before you realize that if you don't fight back now, you're going to get knocked out. This is America's chance.
I've blogged about this issue extensively because I think America's gravest threat is our reliance on foreign countries for our oil. It is America's biggest national security issue.
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (248) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 2:58pm on Mar. 15, 2006 Elitist Media v. Bloggers: H.R.1606
By Congressman Jack Kingston
I wanted to share the good news about the growing support we have in the House for HR1606, the Online Freedom of Information Act sponsored by Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas).
As y'all know, I have blogged extensively on this website about how important this bill is to ensuring that free speech remains free, especially on the Internet. (Read HERE and HERE.)
If you have a second, take a moment to check out the blog of Rep. Mike Conaway of Midland, Texas who today wrote an excellent post on his blog about his support for the Online Freedom of Information Act.
In his post, Mike takes a shot at the New York Times Editorial Board:
"Proponents of regulating the internet including the New York Time's Editorial Board argue that the internet will become "a cornucopia of political corruption." I couldn't disagree more. A better argument for the The New York Times would be to tell America that they really want to end political conversation on the internet to resurrect their power over political commentary."
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (0) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 5:02pm on Mar. 9, 2006 Protecting The Blogosphere
By Congressman Jack Kingston
Promoted from diaries.
Folks-
Today in our Theme Team meeting with Al Hubbard, House Administration Chairman Vern Ehlers (R-MI), had to leave the meeting a few minutes early to begin marking up HR 1606 - the Online Freedom of Speech Act.
The bill has already been on the floor once, where it achieved a bipartisan majority, but fell short of the two-thirds needed to pass under suspension of House rules. Also, next week the FEC will release its decision on how campaign finance rules will apply online.
But since then, I have noticed more Members paying attention to the blogs and the blogosphere which should help build even more momentum for this bill and hopefully push it over the top.
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (1) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 7:05pm on Feb. 17, 2006 Nukes, Cartoons, Jihad, Oh My!
By Congressman Jack Kingston
We need to open our eyes.
There is something very real and very threatening going on in the Islamic community. The red flags couldn't get much higher.
Just this past week, Danish diplomats were attacked in Iran, Syria, and Lebanon in protest over cartoons which were published in a Danish newspaper more than a year ago. Check out the cover of this week's Weekly Standard which shows muslim protesters holding signs reading, "Behead all those who insult Islam," and "Europe, you will pay! Your 3/11 is on its way!" ("3/11" of course referring to the bombings in Madrid on 3/11.)
I'm a message guy. I get their message.
Read on . . .
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (39) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 7:46pm on Feb. 8, 2006 Fleshing out our ideas; Part II
By Congressman Jack Kingston
From the diaries . . .
Friends-
Our legislative accomplishments over the past year were numerous thanks to the strong leadership of Speaker Denny Hastert of Illinois. Y'all may not know him as the star of the show, but to those of us who know and trust him most--his colleagues--he has been the strong and trusted hand on the tiller guiding our success.
To return to the football analogy - with Denny calling the plays and John leading the offense - I know the team will be able to put the points on the board. This combination of steady, proven leadership and the new burst of energy that follows any election gives me great hope for the year ahead.
In my post yesterday, I shared my thoughts on where House Republicans have been over the past few weeks and where I think we should go before November. I have been listening to both my colleagues and constituents for the past few months and these are the themes they care about.
Here are some of my ideas:
Read on . . .
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (14) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 12:28pm on Feb. 7, 2006 America's Ready for Big Ideas.
By Congressman Jack Kingston
Friends-
As some of y'all know, one of my colleagues I admire most is former Nebraska head coach Tom Osbourne. We will miss Tom in the hallways of Congress (and in bible study) when he becomes Nebraska's next governor, but his presence will never be forgotten. My friendship with Tom has taught me a few things about team work and how those relate to Congress.
When it comes to having a successful team, one thing is clear -- you need a solid coach. The coach is the guy who is always looking at the big picture, calling plays for the good and glory of the team, and unifying the team. Tom Osbourne's a humble man - in fact when he spoke to a group of Members at a Theme Team breakfast he said that the only time he ever let himself celebrate after a victory was during his walk off the field. Tom Osbourne's players respected him because of his love and respect for the game and the team.
That's a leader. Humble with victory, and always looking toward tomorrow's challenges.
Read on . . .
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (3) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 7:04pm on Dec. 18, 2005 ANWR one step closer to becoming law
By Congressman Jack Kingston
EXCLUSIVE TO REDSTATE
From Diaries...who said Congress doesn't work on the weekends?
I just left DoD conference negotiations but wanted to give you all a little inside feed on the situation.
The House and Senate DoD Conferees voted to add ANWR to the Defense Conference Report. The measure was supported by all Republicans and was supported by Democratic Sen. Daniel Inouye and Rep. Jack Murtha.
Opening ANWR is a strong drive to the hoop to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil. As many of you know, ANWR is the size of South Carolina and the proposed exploration area is about the size of Hilton Head Island.
When it comes to energy and national security we don't need to do just one thing -- we need to do everything. We need to explore our own resources in Alaska and in the deep ocean, we need to conserve, and we need to expand our fuel options and fuel choices to get us beyond oil. I support the gentleman from Alaska and would suggest there is almost nothing in this bill more important to national security than freeing us from our dependence on foreign oil.
As many of you know, I have introduced legislation to help America realize its fuel independence which you can read more about here HERE.
The bill will also include $3.79 billion for avian flu and $29 billion for Katrina and are both fully off-set and I was pleased to learn that the Katrina portion is fully offset. In addition, the Conferees adopted a 1 percent across the board cut for all spending programs.
-Jack
Check out Jack's Blog.
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (67) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 2:03pm on Dec. 16, 2005 *LIVE* From Iraq (Part III)
By Congressman Jack Kingston
Late last night I received an email from a military official in Iraq regarding his observations and experience of the elections. I doubt his story will be published by the MSM, so I wanted to pass along his note--unedited--so that you all can help get his message of progress out.
More below...
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (3) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 6:28pm on Dec. 6, 2005 Democratic Party Officially Hijacked By Liberal Extremists
By Congressman Jack Kingston
I just got into Washington and wanted to respond to Blanton's earlier post about another Howard Dean scream where he said:
The "Idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong..." San Antonio's WOAI, 12/5/05
I also wanted to point out this tasteless comment by Sen. John Kerry comparing our troops to terrorists:
"There is no reason, Bob, that young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children..." CBS, "Face The Nation," 12/4/05
It appears that Howard Dean and John Kerry are back in Presidential Primary mode: where both are in a full sprint in the race to see who can cross the line of liberal extremity first.
One has no faith in our soldier's ability to win wars. And the other actually accuses our own soldiers of being terrorists.
They are a mixture of equal parts Vietnam-era optimism and anti-American academics, hoping that if they don't get the nomination, Michael Moore will pick them up for a small part in his next movie.
The good news is, speaking as someone who just got back from Iraq and represents the Army's 3rd Infantry Division (19,000 troops in Baghdad), during my tour with soldiers, generals, and enlisted men, troop morale is sky high and they believe that we are winning the war regardless of editorial commentary from al-Jazeera, Senator Kerry, or Democratic Chairman Dean.
-Jack
Check out Jack's Blog
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (74) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 9:14pm on Dec. 2, 2005 Another Sign of Progress in the War on Terror
By Congressman Jack Kingston
While in Iraq, I was pleased to hear that hundreds of Jordanian family members of al Qaeda Iraq chief, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, have renounced the terror leader, telling King Abdullah II that they would "sever links with him until doomsday."
My office contacted Jordan's Embassy in Washington for a full translation of the ad. Here it is:
We, the sons of the Bani Hassan tribe in all its branches in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan support and express solidarity with our cousins, the al-Khalayleh clan, and their decision to disown, totally, the terrorist Ahmad Fadheel Nazzal al-Khalayleh, who calls himself Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
We condemn and reject all terrorist actions carried out or claimed by this individual -- actions which are alien to members of this tribe.
We reiterate our support for the Hashemite Crown which, God willing, will always be protected, and we uphold the pledge of our ancestors to be a sword in the hands of the noble Hashemite dynasty.
May God protect Jordan and may God protect His Majesty King Abdullah II.
This is another strong sign of progress in the war on terrorism.
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (21) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 5:06pm on Nov. 29, 2005 **LIVE** From Iraq pt.2
By Congressman Jack Kingston
Dictated to staff via phone at 1:23PM EST from the tarmac of the airport in Kuwait after two day trip through Iraq.
We just left Iraq. As expected, the trip was a great success.
First and foremost: the war that we saw is not the same war that we are reading in the media everyday. In fact, our soldiers are very frustrated that the media is only reporting the bad news instead of highlighting the progress being made.
Our troops are in high spirits and are doing well. Their morale is high, and they are proud of the work that they are doing.
Further, as a Defense Appropriations Committee Member I was pleased to hear that they have the tools and equipment they need to get the job done and to better protect themselves.
Over the past two days we talked with generals, soldiers, Iraqi officials, and Iraqi people. The unifier among them is that they are very optimistic about what is going on in Iraq and what the future of Iraq will be. They are not saying that we are out of the woods yet, but they are saying that we have made a lot of progress with things like infrastructure (hospitals, schools, electricity, water) and politically.
The Iraqi's are stepping forward. In fact, one of the commanders tells me that they are currently training 9,000 Iraqi's to be soldiers, and they have 10,000 citizens in-line ready to be trained.
In Baghdad, General Webster tells me that 50 percent of the security is being done by the Iraqi people, and in Mozul they tell me that 25 percent of the security is being done by the Iraqi's. These numbers are significant.
In the coming year I think we will reduce the number of troops in Iraq. And in the next six months, rather than leave, I think our soldiers will be able to take a step-back and let the Iraqi troops stand forward to defend their country with our help.
I wish that everyone could come here to see the progress that has been made in terms of the rebuilding of the country and the participation of the people of Iraq.
Clearly, our troops are pleased of the work they are doing. I'm proud of them too.
-Jack
Check out Jack's Blog
Posted in User Blogs — Comments (48) / Email this page » / Read More »
