Free Republic

“Expect the worst, and you’ll never be disappointed.” Some people, and especially lots of liberal media pundits, seem to live by that philosophy. As I look forward to the New Year I believe that a spirit of optimism and hope is appropriate. I personally prefer great expectations instead of cynical pessimism any day. So here are some good things I’m hoping for in 2005. On the domestic front, I believe that we are going to see the influence of real, true blue conservatives continue to increase as we work overtime to build and strengthen our base nationwide. The fact is,...

HARRISBURG, Pa. - One year after President Bush (news - web sites) declared an end to major combat in Iraq (news - web sites), Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry (news - web sites) says the United States has not accomplished the mission of stabilizing the country. "We need to put pride aside to build a stable Iraq," Kerry said in a speech prepared for delivery Friday. "We must reclaim our country's standing in the world by doing what has kept America safe and made it more secure before — leading in a way that brings others to us so that...

Clerk wounds man in holdup at motel in Tappahannock A 25-year-old Tappahannock man remains in stable condition in a Richmond hospital after being shot June 26 while allegedly trying to rob a motel. Tappahannock police say a desk clerk of the Days Inn shot an armed robber about 12:45 a.m. Shortly after the wounded man fled the motel, emergency personnel responded to a 911 call from a nearby townhouse about a gunshot victim. Tenelle Fisher, who lived in the townhouse development, has been charged with attempted robbery and use of a firearm while committing a felony, said Tappahannock Police Chief...

4,000-year-old seal of Egyptian pharaoh found in stable ruins on Scottish estate By Paul Kelbie Scotland Correspondent 05 June 2002 An ancient Egyptian seal belonging to a pharaoh who died almost 4,000 years ago has been uncovered in the rubble of a Scottish stable block. The delicately carved soft blue-grey stone, which measures only 45mm (2in) in height, was found during excavations of Newhailes, a 17th-century country house in Musselburgh, near Edinburgh. The seal is highly polished and bears a series of hieroglyphics inside a royal cartouche, which experts have been able to identify as an official seal of office...