The "Nelson Six" and the Death Penalty

I am a frequent reader of the Leavenworth Street blog and recently some of the comments there energized me and my blogmate to have a discussion about the meaning of the recent ruling by the Nebraska Supreme Court, in a decision of 6-1, that the Electric Chair was in fact "cruel" punishment. At this point I will repeat myself in the hopes that people will actually read the words and digest them: the Justices only ruled that the Electric Chair is cruel.

This does not have anything to do with opposition to the Death Penalty. As for all those who bring up "that case from 5 years ago" it would be useful if they actually paid attention to what "that case" actually said. It seems that people think that because the NE Supreme Court on March 27, 2003 affirmed a new way to sentence people when they were facing Capital Punishment and now has ruled that the electric chair (Ol' Sparky) is considered "cruel" they have somehow flip-flopped or changed their minds according to political whim. Now I don't know if they do change their minds on issues according to political whims but I can say this, THEY RULED ON TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS!

We here at this blog are pro-death penalty and will never waver from that position but we are not pro-electric chair/lethal injection/hanging/etc... The death penalty is a needed mechanism in our society but as for the method we don't really care much as long as the person dies in a dignified, non-torturous way befitting the United States and the people of Nebraska. If the Supreme Court of Nebraska rules that using Sparky is torture, so be it! We would not want to take part in torture and sink down to the level of those poor excuses for human beings who torture and kill others, let's find another method. For all we know the guillotine seems like the most humane way to kill people seeing as how they can't feel anything if their heads are no longer attached to their bodies! (we do not endorse public executions)

Now it is our turn to be angry at our Legislature for not bringing forth a Bill to change the method of execution so we can finally punish those who have wronged society...

Strong Moderate & Flaming Moderate

Nebraska Democratic Caucus Results

So... Obama won... HUGE.



It seems that the endorsement of Sen. Ben Nelson is worth something because Obama crushed the hated Hilary Clinton. According to the NDP returns from the 1st District (Omaha and the surrounding area) were nearly 77% Obama, the 2nd District (Lincoln, Lancaster County and the surrounding counties) were at 65% Obama, and at last the 3rd District had a close 52.5 % Obama result (more on that later).

Now, as for Clinton's loss it was expected from both camps but not at quite such a large margin. It seems that the Clinton family has a disdain for Nebraskans' and their state (unless they move to New York). Most Nebraskans won't soon forget that it was only in the last months of the Clinton Presidency that Slick Willie visited the state (not that Nebraskans wanted him to at that point). Hillary Clinton also decided to stay out of the state because it was a lost cause so instead "pimped out" her daughter Chelsea to salvage any support. Which brings me to Scott Kleeb...

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Klinton & Kleeb

Chelsea's largely uninspired feeble attempt to rally what small support the Clinton campaign had an interesting component, Scott Kleeb. Of course, everyone's favorite East-Coast Liberal was escorting Ms. Clinton on her Nebraska trip mostly trying to visible. After delivering Chelsea to UNL's Union he ducked out of the event and then went on to spend entire duration talking on his phone. His demeanor was a bit comical because it was a cross between the starry-eyed enthusiasm of a campaign volunteer and the self-importance of a (failed) former Congressional candidate. I wish I had a picture of video in order to illustrate the hilarious scene.

Oh wait... someone DID take a picture of the duo "meeting" in Grand Island, click here for the Kleebgasmic series of photos

Colin Powell.. being smart as usual

Colin Powell May Support Democrat or Independent in 2008


Hey! It is great to see someone actually understands what the presidency SHOULD be all about. Colin Powell is a man who has served in so many ways that each and every American should thank him for his endless service. Whether it was proposing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" compromise, coming up with the sane and militarily sound "Powell Doctrine" of massive build-up and clear objectives before an invasion, or his exceptional record as Secretary of State (even under opposition and resistance of the Bush Administration at times).

I applaud Mr. Powell for speaking out to Americans and asking us to look beyond partisan lines to the horizon. I am not a Democrat and I do not support Obama but it is important for us all to look at ALL the candidates and choose according to who would be best as Commander-in-Chief and the Head Executive of this country. Who will lead us with the strength, resolve and will needed in these troubling times? Who would have the ability and know-how to not only talk about an agenda for America but put it into motion? Who has a vision that is bright but not unrealistically so? Who will mend our image, restore us to peaceful hegemony, and re-gain the trust and respect that America deserves?

These are the questions we should be asking our selves. So whether you are Democrat, Republican, Independent, or otherwise remember: if you don't see a candidate who would serve us right, write in Colin Powell.