And why do I suspect that Fred has a bulk of the Democratic base scrambling for assault plans utilizing the worst, the nastiest of battle tactics yet deployed against their foes?

Here’s what I perceive in re Fred:

He’s crazy like a fox; what’s he been doing the past couple of years?

Plastering his face all over the television screen on the series “Law & Order” as DA Arthur Branch, and substituting for Paul Harvey on his national radio show.

And how do people generally associate Fred Thompson?

With figures of measured, rational authority:

He has already dabbled in politics so has some experience in the Bathtub of Lies;

And yet, despite that, he has managed to hold politics somewhat at arms’ length and has not fallen prey to being “pegged” as a “consummate politician”;

He is large, he is prepossessing, he is slow and measured to speak, he carries an air of maturity, consideration, authority, mixed with a portion of Southern refinement; everyone knows he is NOT another GWB;

Thompson made more points in a 115 second video in response to Michael Moore’s accusation of his smoking a Cuban cigar, than other politicians who paid millions of dollars for face time on major networks. Thompson cut Moore’s legs off at the pass:

In a video rebuttal, Thompson, cigar in hand, says that he doesn’t have time in his schedule to debate Moore, but he may be the least of Moore’s problems. The potential 2008 presidential candidate suggests Moore inquire of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro about documentary filmmaker Nicolás Guillén Landrián, who was tortured by Castro’s henchman because of his film.

“He did something Castro didn’t like and they put him in a mental institution for several years, giving him devastating electroshock treatments. A mental institution, Michael, it might be something you ought to think about,” Thompson says.

Further, Fred in a maddingly hypocritical conflict, is political yet manages to be apolitical.

And though never, ever to be mentioned, Thompson has a quotient of the Reagan Factor insofar as he’s an actor, he’s been in politics, yet he’s not yet perceived to be beholden to those essentially-corrupting elements involved in the most base of political decisions.

Thompson is political yet he dances on the periphery of politics. He is, essentially, a bit of a Jesse Ventura for the Thinking.

– True or not

– Right or not

– Actual or not

He’d best take advantage of all of these elements right now and strike whilst the iron is hot.

Thompson manages to insert himself into a remarkably precarious niche that few will acknowledge:

The Pro-GOP/Dissatisfied Anti-GOP but True Conservative vote;

Thompson portrays the Working Class Hero who managed to succeed, who managed to achieve positions of authority yet somehow retained his perspective, logic, proportion, common sense and centered view of life.

Everyone perceives: his handshake would be firm, his hand large, his grip comforting. He would sympathize with families, espouse the Work Ethic, and be able to cross the aisle when necessary whilst having the ability to knock back a beer in your home as he listens to your problems and concerns.

The Fred Factor has the power to change the environment. He had an 8-year record but wasn’t a “career politician.”

And yet he, we all know, possesses the ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE.

And folks: this ability is a HUGE FACTOR.

Many would simply distill it down to this: he just “feels” right.

Anyone thinking of a Thompson/Tancredo ticket?

McCain is HISTORY;

Romney is a waffler; people are simply uncomfortable with his religion;

Thompson will draw blood against Giuliani;

I admire these men:

It’s official. Fred Thompson is in.

Well, I went and did it. I purchased a new car at, seemingly, the worst or the best time — depending upon your view. And I bought, seemingly, one of the worst possible vehicles to have purchased considering the current price of gasoline.

I absconded with a new 2007 Toyota RAV-4 Limited on Memorial Day, a unit with 4WD, tow package, leather, sunroof, most every option available and the 280 hp Lexus V6 engine which runs on, imagine this: regular unleaded. The identical engine in the Lexus demands premium.

I researched this vehicle more thoroughly than any other car I’d ever considered buying.

Narrowing the search down to two vehicles, I drove both the V6 RAV-4 and the Honda CRV, which is offered only in a 166 hp in-line 4 cylinder. At first glance I liked the looks of the Honda better; I also better liked the looks of the interior. However, I drove the Honda and noticed it was a tad sluggish up an inclined road near the dealership. I also noted the second row seats did not completely lie flat when folded and removed an amount of room from the rear cargo area. My wife didn’t like the available interior space or the front and rear seats. I made sure I included her opinions in the decision-making process though this shall be my primary vehicle.

I’m sure the Honda would have gotten a bit better mileage; but in the end I didn’t care for its slightly greater road noise, its AWD vs. the RAV-4’s 4WD (and lockout ability), and the Honda’s inability to move the 5-speed transmission into all gears. I also made full-lock turning circles with both vehicles and the longer RAV-4 turned tighter than the CRV — 34′ vs. 36′.

Final decision? The engine did it for me. Toyota’s 3.5L V6 is simply an affordable monster for its size. It offers more hp than the 25o hp 4.8L V8 Ford cop cars I drive.

A few initial observations:

I’d had enough of Tuna Cans as I’d written in a previous post. This vehicle is about the most expansive I’ve ever owned. But I was fed up with shoehorning myself, my wife, my father, my brother, any passengers, into the former BZMobile. There’s a company that alleges to chip the car up to 300 hp. I might investigate that.

It still astounds me, how much interior room I have. And ALL TO MYSELF.

A few other things I discovered: the air conditioning will freeze your ass. Far as I’m concerned that’s GREAT. I linked up my cell phone with its interior Bluetooth. How WEIRD is it to just hit a couple buttons on the steering wheel and talk to people! I linked up my iPod Nano this morning and listened to my playlist whilst cruising up I-80. Speaking of cruise control: I have yet to encounter a cruise control system as completely SEAMLESS as that of Toyota’s. Subaru’s cruise control system was abrupt and neck-snapping in comparison.

Best yet: I traded in the Subaru and placed a substantial down. My monthlies are less than $200 for 36 months at 4.9% apr. The credit guy said: “Companies can’t loan enough money to guys (the wife and I) with credit ratings like you. You can damn near write your own terms.”

As opposed to my previous relationship, my wife has an actual appreciation for her credit rating and has done all she could to maintain its spotlessness. We’re reaping the benefits now.

I’ve budgeted for $7-a-gallon gas and, until it reaches that point, I’m not much concerned. I’m getting a pay raise in June. My retirement system is stuffed. I’ve planned well. I’m sufficiently old that I shall NEVER be riding “public” transport. Far as I’m thinking, “public systems” are for nothing but losers, drunks, druggies and those sucking from the welfare teat. I don’t “do” buses or “light rail” or “The El” or “the subway” or any of that low-class crap.

Mostly because I’ve depended on MYSELF and my OWN planning. I’ve carved out a place in Heaven because, when younger, I did my time in Hell. I’ve paid my dues.

You don’t plan, you fail.

There’s a reason that Toyota is now the largest carmaker on the entire planet, now surpassing GM.

Cindy Sheehan has decided to call it quits:

This is my resignation letter as the “face” of the American anti-war movement. This is not my “Checkers” moment, because I will never give up trying to help people in the world who are harmed by the empire of the good old US of A, but I am finished working in, or outside of this system. This system forcefully resists being helped and eats up the people who try to help it. I am getting out before it totally consumes me or anymore people that I love and the rest of my resources.

Good-bye America …you are not the country that I love and I finally realized no matter how much I sacrifice, I can’t make you be that country unless you want it. It’s up to you now.

GFR, Cindy.

And while we’re on a positive roll, check out (from WorldNetDaily):

Terror leader arrested having car sex near Arafat’s grave — Israeli forces raid jeep of longtime wanted militant caught in compromising position

According to Israeli security officials and Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades sources in Ramallah, Shawish was arrested after the Israeli police stormed his jeep, which was parked in a lot outside the Muqata, about 200 feet from Arafat’s grave. The sources said at the time of his arrest, Shawish was having intercourse in the back seat of his jeep with a Palestinian woman, whose identity is being withheld by WND. The woman was not his wife.

Thanks Cindy, and Shawish, for providing today’s comedy relief.

BZ