Government Dirt

"When you consider even national security issues with Russia, as (Prime Minister Vladimir) Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States of America, where - where do they go? It's Alaska,"

Actually that's incorrect, according to Maj. Allen Herritage, a spokesman for the Alaska region of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

"To be very clear, there has not been any incursion in U.S. airspace in recent years," Herritage said.

Fiscal Conservatives

Socialism

Although the fate of tonight's presidential debate in Mississippi remains very much up in the air, John McCain has apparently already won it -- if you believe an Internet ad an astute reader spotted next to this piece in the online edition of the Wall Street Journal this morning.

"McCain Wins Debate!" declares the ad which features a headshot of a smiling McCain with an American flag background. Another ad spotted by our eagle-eyed observer featured a quote from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis declaring: "McCain won the debate-- hands down."

In the fine, new American tradition of presidential campaign "pastor disasters," Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin might have one she can call her very own, complete with its own sensational YouTube video and stunned cable TV commentary. You knew it was coming -- but probably didn't suspect it would involve witchcraft.

Back in the fall of 2005, when Palin was running for governor of Alaska, a Kenyan pastor named Thomas Muthee preached several times at Wasilla Assembly of God, Palin's church home for more than two decades. In one service, Palin joined Moothy onstage while he prayed for her.

"We say grace to be reigned upon her in the name of Jesus," Muthee prayed while Palin bowed her head. "We are asking you as the body of Christ in this valley make a way for Sarah even in the political arena . . . Bring finances her way even for the campaign in the name of Jesus . . . Give her men and women who will buck her up in the name of Jesus . . . Oh, Father, use her to turn this nation the other way around . . . "

So far, not that unusual. Intercessory public prayer is a common and often powerful form of encouragement and blessing in evangelical or Pentecostal settings, for politicians or anyone else. But Muthee goes on: "In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, every form of witchcraft is what you rebuke. In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, father make away now."

``John McCain believes it's important for the people of California to see and hear the candidates talk about the issues,'' McCain communications director Dan Schnur told The Chronicle last week. ``Thirty- three million Californians are worth that attention . . . and we'll be there, either way.''

As recently as Thursday, when he was in California, McCain was talking about his plans to debate Bush; even last night, McCain's own Web site listed his California debate- watching parties. The CNN-Los Angeles Times debate was the only scheduled head-to-head meeting of the two candidates in California before the primary, a week from tomorrow.

McCain's campaign said the candidate confirmed to CNN on Thursday that he would not appear. But until yesterday afternoon, when rumors swirled about the pullout, McCain -- who has touted his ``straight talk'' politics -- gave no public indication that he intended to duck the nationally televised showdown.

The bait and switch on the debate left the Arizona senator -- whose favorite campaign line is ``I'll always tell you the truth'' -- wide open to blistering criticism from his rivals.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2000/02/28/MN62687.DTL&...

I received an email a few days ago from "Mr. Stephen Webster." It actually went to my spam box, but I dutifully fished it out and decided to read it.

Good thing I did because the death of a "great industrialist," Mr. Kurt Kahle, his wife and son in 200 will be Stephen and my gain! He left "No beneficiary to the account," and getting the money will be "100% risk free."

I am posting the emails that I send and receive from "Mr. Stephen Webster" online in the hopes that others will enjoy and might avoid this Stephen in the future.

By the way, if you have suggestions of things I can ask him that would be great - just add them to the comments!

I will continue posting as we continue conversing.

-----Original Message-----
From: Mr. Steven Webster
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 7:50 AM
Subject: Re: Profit

Hello

I am Mr. Stephen Webster I am Executive Director in charge of Credit and Foreign bills of my Bank of Scotland (UK) PLC. , 11 Earl Grey Street Edinburgh EH3 9BN. I am in search of an agent to assist us in the transfer of 15,000,000.00 GBP (Fifteen Million pounds Sterling) and subsequent investment in properties in your country.

You will be required to:-

(1) Assist in the transfer of the said sum
(2) Advise on lucrative areas for investment
(3) Assist us in purchase of properties.

If you are willing to assist us in the transaction, your share of the sum will be 50% of the 15,000,000.00 GB, 50% for us. I will be pleased as soon as you indicate your interest by including your confidential phone in your positive response, this will enable us furnish you with further information on the procedures and modalities on how funds will be transferred or made available to you.

I await your immediate response. Keep this as a secret and reply to stephwebsterXXX@gmail.com because my work email address is monitored.

Yours Sincerely

Mr. Steven Webster
Bank of Scotland Plc.,
11 Earl Grey Street
Edinburgh EH3 9BN.