The Obama administration better pray there's not another terrorist attack on us in his term or "The Ones" done.
Moving quickly to release Chinese Uighur terrorists into the United States, Obama administration officials have -- for the second time -- overridden objections of federal agencies responsible for national security.
The first time -- as I reported on April 20 -- the White House overrode the inter-agency panel it created from all the national security agencies to review all the cases of the Guantanamo Bay prisoners. That panel found that the seventeen Uighurs -- members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement captured at an al-Queda training camp in Pakistan -- were too dangerous to release in the United States.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Bonehead Biden Does it Again
Rather than reassuring the population onwhat's being done to minimize the potential danger to Americans from the Swine Flu, brain dead Biden chooses to hyperbolize.
Video HERE.
Can you imagine what would happen to this country if everyone took HIS advice???
Video HERE.
Can you imagine what would happen to this country if everyone took HIS advice???
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Hate Crime "Sham" Bill Passes 234-190
Gay drug dealers are now a protected class.
The House of Representatives just passed HR 1913 -- The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 -- on a vote of 234-190. The bill, which Obama has urged Congress to pass, would extend federal hate crimes laws to cover sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, as well as race, color, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation.
Not a single Republican voted in favor. 15 Democrats voted against.
In the floor debate before the vote, North Carolina Republican Virginia Foxx called it a "hoax" that Matthew Shepard's killing had anything to do with him being gay.
The House of Representatives just passed HR 1913 -- The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 -- on a vote of 234-190. The bill, which Obama has urged Congress to pass, would extend federal hate crimes laws to cover sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, as well as race, color, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation.
Not a single Republican voted in favor. 15 Democrats voted against.
In the floor debate before the vote, North Carolina Republican Virginia Foxx called it a "hoax" that Matthew Shepard's killing had anything to do with him being gay.
GDP Down 6.1%
Obama, you own it baby.
The U.S. economy contracted at a steeper-than-expected pace in the first quarter, weighed down by sharp declines in exports and business inventories, according government data on Wednesday that showed the economy was still deep in recession.
Gross domestic product, which measures total goods and services output within U.S. borders, dropped at a 6.1 percent annual rate, the Commerce Department said, after shrinking 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter.
The U.S. economy contracted at a steeper-than-expected pace in the first quarter, weighed down by sharp declines in exports and business inventories, according government data on Wednesday that showed the economy was still deep in recession.
Gross domestic product, which measures total goods and services output within U.S. borders, dropped at a 6.1 percent annual rate, the Commerce Department said, after shrinking 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Quote of the Week
Arlen Specter discussing his decision to switch parties:
“I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate.”
Wow, just WOW!
“I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate.”
Wow, just WOW!
Poll: 55% of Americans Say Yes to Waterboarding
How many polls have you seen lately where the numbers support the man but not his policies? Talk about a disconnect.
PRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll finds 51% of Americans in favor and 42% opposed to an investigation into the use of harsh interrogation techniques on terrorism suspects during the Bush administration. At the same time, 55% of Americans believe in retrospect that the use of the interrogation techniques was justified, while only 36% say it was not. Notably, a majority of those following the news about this matter "very closely" oppose an investigation and think the methods were justified.
While a slim majority favors an investigation, on a relative basis the percentage is quite low because Americans are generally quite supportive of government probes into potential misconduct by public officials. In recent years, for example, Americans were far more likely to favor investigations into the firing of eight U.S. attorneys (72%), government databases of telephone numbers dialed by Americans (62%), oil company profits (82%), and the government's response to Hurricane Katrina (70%).
Support for an inquiry into the Bush-era interrogation policy may be relatively limited because a majority of Americans believe the use of the techniques for questioning terrorism suspects was justified.
PRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll finds 51% of Americans in favor and 42% opposed to an investigation into the use of harsh interrogation techniques on terrorism suspects during the Bush administration. At the same time, 55% of Americans believe in retrospect that the use of the interrogation techniques was justified, while only 36% say it was not. Notably, a majority of those following the news about this matter "very closely" oppose an investigation and think the methods were justified.
While a slim majority favors an investigation, on a relative basis the percentage is quite low because Americans are generally quite supportive of government probes into potential misconduct by public officials. In recent years, for example, Americans were far more likely to favor investigations into the firing of eight U.S. attorneys (72%), government databases of telephone numbers dialed by Americans (62%), oil company profits (82%), and the government's response to Hurricane Katrina (70%).
Support for an inquiry into the Bush-era interrogation policy may be relatively limited because a majority of Americans believe the use of the techniques for questioning terrorism suspects was justified.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Obamas prove stingy with school auction
As with so many liberals, give from other peoples wallets but none from thynown...
When Chelsea Clinton was a student at the Sidwell Friends School, the same school the Obama girls attend, the Clinton family’s involvement with the school’s annual benefit brought in big bucks. In 1996, a round of golf with Bill Clinton went for nearly six figures;
This past weekend was the Obamas’ first chance to participate in the Sidwell Friends School Dollars for Scholars benefit, and some families who remember the Clintons’ support are disappointed in the Obamas’ first showing.
According to a source with ties to the school, the only items up for bid from the Obamas included a signed copy of the Rolling Stone issue featuring the president and a signed copy of the January Vogue that featured the first lady.
“There were expectations that they might donate something more personal, like the Clintons did,” said another source who knew about the auction. “Lots of people were disappointed.”
A spokesperson for the Obamas said, “We have no comment on this.”
Congratulations to MSNBC for actually reporting something negative about "The One". Perhaps the stockholders left a mark.
When Chelsea Clinton was a student at the Sidwell Friends School, the same school the Obama girls attend, the Clinton family’s involvement with the school’s annual benefit brought in big bucks. In 1996, a round of golf with Bill Clinton went for nearly six figures;
This past weekend was the Obamas’ first chance to participate in the Sidwell Friends School Dollars for Scholars benefit, and some families who remember the Clintons’ support are disappointed in the Obamas’ first showing.
According to a source with ties to the school, the only items up for bid from the Obamas included a signed copy of the Rolling Stone issue featuring the president and a signed copy of the January Vogue that featured the first lady.
“There were expectations that they might donate something more personal, like the Clintons did,” said another source who knew about the auction. “Lots of people were disappointed.”
A spokesperson for the Obamas said, “We have no comment on this.”
Congratulations to MSNBC for actually reporting something negative about "The One". Perhaps the stockholders left a mark.
Take This Medal and Shove It
Declining Notre Dame: A Letter from Mary Ann Glendon [she refuses Laetare Medal]
April 27, 2009
The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre Dame
Dear Father Jenkins,
When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame’s most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.
Last month, when you called to tell me that the commencement speech was to be given by President Obama, I mentioned to you that I would have to rewrite my speech. Over the ensuing weeks, the task that once seemed so delightful has been complicated by a number of factors.
First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops’ express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions “should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles” and that such persons “should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution’s freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it.
Then I learned that “talking points” issued by Notre Dame in response to widespread criticism of its decision included two statements implying that my acceptance speech would somehow balance the event:
• "President Obama won’t be doing all the talking. Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, will be speaking as the recipient of the Laetare Medal."
• "We think having the president come to Notre Dame, see our graduates, meet our leaders, and hear a talk from Mary Ann Glendon is a good thing for the president and for the causes we care about."
A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.
Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.
It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.
In order to avoid the inevitable speculation about the reasons for my decision, I will release this letter to the press, but I do not plan to make any further comment on the matter at this time.
Yours Very Truly,
Mary Ann Glendon
Classy, yet succinct. I 'd love to visit with this lady.
April 27, 2009
The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre Dame
Dear Father Jenkins,
When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame’s most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.
Last month, when you called to tell me that the commencement speech was to be given by President Obama, I mentioned to you that I would have to rewrite my speech. Over the ensuing weeks, the task that once seemed so delightful has been complicated by a number of factors.
First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops’ express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions “should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles” and that such persons “should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution’s freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it.
Then I learned that “talking points” issued by Notre Dame in response to widespread criticism of its decision included two statements implying that my acceptance speech would somehow balance the event:
• "President Obama won’t be doing all the talking. Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, will be speaking as the recipient of the Laetare Medal."
• "We think having the president come to Notre Dame, see our graduates, meet our leaders, and hear a talk from Mary Ann Glendon is a good thing for the president and for the causes we care about."
A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.
Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.
It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.
In order to avoid the inevitable speculation about the reasons for my decision, I will release this letter to the press, but I do not plan to make any further comment on the matter at this time.
Yours Very Truly,
Mary Ann Glendon
Classy, yet succinct. I 'd love to visit with this lady.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
N. Korea Says It Has Restarted Nuclear Facilities
We're begginning to accrue our first dividends of Obama's genuflection...
North Korea has restarted its nuclear facilities to harvest weapons-grade plutonium, an official said Saturday, just hours after the U.N. imposed new sanctions on the communist state for its recent rocket launch.
The move is a key step away from a 2007 disarmament deal — signed after a 2006 nuclear test — that called for North Korea to disable its nuclear facilities in exchange for much-needed energy aid and other concessions.
"The reprocessing of spent fuel rods from the pilot atomic power plant has begun," the North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said in comments carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.
Harvesting weapons-grade plutonium "will contribute to bolstering the nuclear deterrence for self-defense in every way to cope with the increasing military threats from the hostile forces," he said.
North Korea has restarted its nuclear facilities to harvest weapons-grade plutonium, an official said Saturday, just hours after the U.N. imposed new sanctions on the communist state for its recent rocket launch.
The move is a key step away from a 2007 disarmament deal — signed after a 2006 nuclear test — that called for North Korea to disable its nuclear facilities in exchange for much-needed energy aid and other concessions.
"The reprocessing of spent fuel rods from the pilot atomic power plant has begun," the North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said in comments carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.
Harvesting weapons-grade plutonium "will contribute to bolstering the nuclear deterrence for self-defense in every way to cope with the increasing military threats from the hostile forces," he said.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Democrats Refuse to Allow Skeptic to Testify Alongside Gore At Congressional Hearing
Ministry of propaganda rules the day...again.
Washington DC -- UK's Lord Christopher Monckton, a former science advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, claimed House Democrats have refused to allow him to appear alongside former Vice President Al Gore at high profile global warming hearing on Friday April 24, 2009 at 10am in Washington. Monckton told Climate Depot that the Democrats rescinded his scheduled joint appearance at the House Energy and Commerce hearing on Friday. Monckton said he was informed that he would not be allowed to testify alongside Gore when his plane landed from England Thursday afternoon.
“The House Democrats don't want Gore humiliated, so they slammed the door of the Capitol in my face,” Monckton told Climate Depot in an exclusive interview. “They are cowards.”
According to Monckton, Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Energy & Commerce Committee, had invited him to go head to head with Gore and testify at the hearing on Capitol Hill Friday. But Monckton now says that when his airplane from London landed in the U.S. on Thursday, he was informed that the former Vice-President had “chickened out” and there would be no joint appearance. Gore is scheduled to testify on Friday to the Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment's fourth day of hearings on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The hearing will be held in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building.
Washington DC -- UK's Lord Christopher Monckton, a former science advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, claimed House Democrats have refused to allow him to appear alongside former Vice President Al Gore at high profile global warming hearing on Friday April 24, 2009 at 10am in Washington. Monckton told Climate Depot that the Democrats rescinded his scheduled joint appearance at the House Energy and Commerce hearing on Friday. Monckton said he was informed that he would not be allowed to testify alongside Gore when his plane landed from England Thursday afternoon.
“The House Democrats don't want Gore humiliated, so they slammed the door of the Capitol in my face,” Monckton told Climate Depot in an exclusive interview. “They are cowards.”
According to Monckton, Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Energy & Commerce Committee, had invited him to go head to head with Gore and testify at the hearing on Capitol Hill Friday. But Monckton now says that when his airplane from London landed in the U.S. on Thursday, he was informed that the former Vice-President had “chickened out” and there would be no joint appearance. Gore is scheduled to testify on Friday to the Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment's fourth day of hearings on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The hearing will be held in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
US wants Iran hostage suit tossed out
The Obama administration has asked a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit against Iran filed by Americans held hostage at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran 30 years ago.
The request comes in a $6.6 billion class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Washington. Fifty-two American diplomats and military officials were held captive for more than a year at the end of Jimmy Carter's presidency by a group of Islamist students who supported the Iranian revolution.
The hostages were released on Jan. 20, 1981, just minutes after Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the new president.
In court papers filed Tuesday night without any announcement, the Justice Department argued that the agreement to release the hostages, known as the Algiers Accords, precluded lawsuits against Iran.
So let me see if I've got this straight, The left in consort with the Obama administration want laywers and other officials who allowed waterboarding (arguably not torture) prosecuted but wish Iranian terrorists who kidnapped and brutally tortured innocent Americans shielded from all consequence. Have I got that right?
The request comes in a $6.6 billion class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Washington. Fifty-two American diplomats and military officials were held captive for more than a year at the end of Jimmy Carter's presidency by a group of Islamist students who supported the Iranian revolution.
The hostages were released on Jan. 20, 1981, just minutes after Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the new president.
In court papers filed Tuesday night without any announcement, the Justice Department argued that the agreement to release the hostages, known as the Algiers Accords, precluded lawsuits against Iran.
So let me see if I've got this straight, The left in consort with the Obama administration want laywers and other officials who allowed waterboarding (arguably not torture) prosecuted but wish Iranian terrorists who kidnapped and brutally tortured innocent Americans shielded from all consequence. Have I got that right?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
GM Defaults
AIG, now GM, 100s of billions down the crapper.
This was only a matter of time. Everyone from inside and outside GM assumed that the company would default on its debt and likely go bankrupt barring some miracle.
But now it's official. The company's CFO says the firm will not make its June 1, $1 billion debt payment reports WSJ.
The announcement comes as smaller rival Chrysler appears headed for liquidiation.
And this: AP Sources: GM to shut many US plants up to 9 weeks.
This was only a matter of time. Everyone from inside and outside GM assumed that the company would default on its debt and likely go bankrupt barring some miracle.
But now it's official. The company's CFO says the firm will not make its June 1, $1 billion debt payment reports WSJ.
The announcement comes as smaller rival Chrysler appears headed for liquidiation.
And this: AP Sources: GM to shut many US plants up to 9 weeks.
Quote of the Week
Pageant director of the Miss California contest: “I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss CA USA 2009 believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman. … Religious beliefs have no place in politics in the Miss CA family.”
Words fail me, God save us.
Words fail me, God save us.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Obama at New Low
Genuflecting to our enemies does carry a price...
Obama's appoval rating falls to low level, dissaprove numbers matching up 34-32 The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 34% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Thirty-two percent (32%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of +2 .
Overall, 54% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President's performance so far. That’s his lowest total approval rating to date. Forty-five percent (45%) disapprove.
Obama's appoval rating falls to low level, dissaprove numbers matching up 34-32 The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 34% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Thirty-two percent (32%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of +2 .
Overall, 54% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President's performance so far. That’s his lowest total approval rating to date. Forty-five percent (45%) disapprove.
NYT Quarter 1 Report a Disaster
NEW YORK, Apr 21, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The New York Times Company announced today a first-quarter 2009 operating loss of $61.6 million compared with operating profit of $6.2 million in the first quarter of 2008. Excluding depreciation, amortization, severance and special items (noted below in this release), first-quarter 2009 operating profit was $16.5 million compared with $77.7 million in the first quarter of 2008.
In the first quarter of 2009 loss per share from continuing operations was $.52, which included a $.07 loss on leases and an $.11 charge for severance, compared with first-quarter 2008 earnings per share of $.00, which included a $.07 non-cash charge for an asset write-down, a $.04 charge for severance and a $.03 gain from a favorable tax adjustment.
What they didn't mention...Ad revenues are down 27%, far exceeding the 15 to 20% declines of prior periods. Operating losses are $74.5 million or 23 cents per share, far in excess of consensus estimates of a 4 cent loss.
In the first quarter of 2009 loss per share from continuing operations was $.52, which included a $.07 loss on leases and an $.11 charge for severance, compared with first-quarter 2008 earnings per share of $.00, which included a $.07 non-cash charge for an asset write-down, a $.04 charge for severance and a $.03 gain from a favorable tax adjustment.
What they didn't mention...Ad revenues are down 27%, far exceeding the 15 to 20% declines of prior periods. Operating losses are $74.5 million or 23 cents per share, far in excess of consensus estimates of a 4 cent loss.
Black Farmers Under the Bus
Another promise broken...
WASHINGTON -- As a senator, Barack Obama led the charge last year to pass a bill allowing black farmers to seek new discrimination claims against the Agriculture Department. Now he is president, and his administration so far is acting like it wants the potentially budget-busting lawsuits to go away.
The change isn't sitting well with black farmers who thought they'd get a friendlier reception from Obama after years of resistance from President George W. Bush.
"You can't blame it on the Bush administration anymore," said John Boyd, head of the National Black Farmers Association, which has organized the lawsuits. "I can't figure out for the life of me why the president wouldn't want to implement a bill that he fought for as a U.S. senator."
Granted, a prudent decision as this would be a monumentallty bad mistake. Funny he didn't say that when running.
WASHINGTON -- As a senator, Barack Obama led the charge last year to pass a bill allowing black farmers to seek new discrimination claims against the Agriculture Department. Now he is president, and his administration so far is acting like it wants the potentially budget-busting lawsuits to go away.
The change isn't sitting well with black farmers who thought they'd get a friendlier reception from Obama after years of resistance from President George W. Bush.
"You can't blame it on the Bush administration anymore," said John Boyd, head of the National Black Farmers Association, which has organized the lawsuits. "I can't figure out for the life of me why the president wouldn't want to implement a bill that he fought for as a U.S. senator."
Granted, a prudent decision as this would be a monumentallty bad mistake. Funny he didn't say that when running.
Monday, April 20, 2009
U.S. Getting Angry with N.Korea
The U.S. government is apparently getting angry with North Korea. Diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. say the White House and the State Department are irate at North Korea's refusal to talk following the launch of its long-range rocket, as well as its expulsion of International Atomic Energy Agency monitors and a State Department representative.
During a recent meeting, the U.S. National Security Council Principals Committee, led by White House National Security Adviser James Jones, resulted in a U.S. decision not to pursue direct talks with North Korea as long as the communist country remains uncooperative, diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. said. Instead, the committee decided to strengthen cooperation with South Korea and Japan and win the help of China to resume the stalled six-country talks.
The committee also decided to continue imposing sanctions mentioned in the statement issued by the UN Security Council after the North's rocket launch. It feels North Korea's continued rejection of talks and disregard of the UN decision cannot be condoned. State Department Spokesman Robert Wood said last Thursday, "They [North Korea] will have to deal with the consequences of that decision."
Translation: We reached out to you and you rebuffed our overtures making our administration look bad. That we CAN"T accept!
During a recent meeting, the U.S. National Security Council Principals Committee, led by White House National Security Adviser James Jones, resulted in a U.S. decision not to pursue direct talks with North Korea as long as the communist country remains uncooperative, diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. said. Instead, the committee decided to strengthen cooperation with South Korea and Japan and win the help of China to resume the stalled six-country talks.
The committee also decided to continue imposing sanctions mentioned in the statement issued by the UN Security Council after the North's rocket launch. It feels North Korea's continued rejection of talks and disregard of the UN decision cannot be condoned. State Department Spokesman Robert Wood said last Thursday, "They [North Korea] will have to deal with the consequences of that decision."
Translation: We reached out to you and you rebuffed our overtures making our administration look bad. That we CAN"T accept!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
High court to hear firefighters' reverse discrimination lawsuit
This should be very interesting.
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court will consider this week whether a city can use race as a hiring or promotional standard for its employees.
The case comes from a 2004 lawsuit filed by 18 firefighters who allege they were denied a move up the command ranks of the New Haven, Conn., fire department because they were not members of a minority group.
The firefighters say their rights to equal protection as well as their protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were trampled when the city threw out their test scores on a promotional exam because no African-American candidate received a high enough score to also be considered for the same promotion.
For its part, the city has argued that allowing the test scores with such wide racial discrepancies could have violated federal law and opened the city to being sued by minority test-takers.
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court will consider this week whether a city can use race as a hiring or promotional standard for its employees.
The case comes from a 2004 lawsuit filed by 18 firefighters who allege they were denied a move up the command ranks of the New Haven, Conn., fire department because they were not members of a minority group.
The firefighters say their rights to equal protection as well as their protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were trampled when the city threw out their test scores on a promotional exam because no African-American candidate received a high enough score to also be considered for the same promotion.
For its part, the city has argued that allowing the test scores with such wide racial discrepancies could have violated federal law and opened the city to being sued by minority test-takers.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
MSM Greatly Underestimates Tea Party Participants
Most of the clown car media said 15,000-200,000 tops.
The figures are still being tallied but close to 750,00 people participated in some 600+ cities.
Memo to Pelosi....you stick with the grass, I'll take Astroturf baby.
The figures are still being tallied but close to 750,00 people participated in some 600+ cities.
Memo to Pelosi....you stick with the grass, I'll take Astroturf baby.
Vast Majority Believe Global Warming is NOT Human Induced
From Rasmussen:
Just one-out-of-three voters (34%) now believe global warming is caused by human activity, the lowest finding yet in Rasmussen Reports national surveying. However, a plurality (48%) of the Political Class believes humans are to blame.
Forty-eight percent (48%) of all likely voters attribute climate change to long-term planetary trends, while seven percent (7%) blame some other reason. Eleven percent (11%) aren’t sure.
These numbers reflect a reversal from a year ago when 47% blamed human activity while 34% said long-term planetary trends.
Just one-out-of-three voters (34%) now believe global warming is caused by human activity, the lowest finding yet in Rasmussen Reports national surveying. However, a plurality (48%) of the Political Class believes humans are to blame.
Forty-eight percent (48%) of all likely voters attribute climate change to long-term planetary trends, while seven percent (7%) blame some other reason. Eleven percent (11%) aren’t sure.
These numbers reflect a reversal from a year ago when 47% blamed human activity while 34% said long-term planetary trends.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Attacking CNN "Journalist' Was Turned Down By Fox
Hell hath no fury like a Infobimbo scorned. 
Back in 2005, though, according to a Fox News source, Roesgen really wanted to work for that right-wing conservative network. She sent a tape of her on-air work to Fox's then-programming chief Kevin Magee in January 2005, and followed up with another reel to Magee's successor Bill Shine in September 2005. Needless to say, she didn't get the gig.
Working on another source to confirm.
Update: Confirmed, Newsbusters is carrying it.
Back in 2005, though, according to a Fox News source, Roesgen really wanted to work for that right-wing conservative network. She sent a tape of her on-air work to Fox's then-programming chief Kevin Magee in January 2005, and followed up with another reel to Magee's successor Bill Shine in September 2005. Needless to say, she didn't get the gig.
Working on another source to confirm.
Update: Confirmed, Newsbusters is carrying it.
Pravda USA
And you thought things were scary before...
Influential Los Angeles Times columnist Rosa Brooks has hung up her journalistic hat and joined the Obama administration, but not before penning a public proposal calling for some radical ideas to help bail out the failing news industry.
Brooks, who has taken up a post as an adviser at the Pentagon, advocated upping "direct government support for public media" and creating licenses to govern news operations.
"Years of foolish policies have left us with a choice: We can bail out journalism, using tax dollars and granting licenses in ways that encourage robust and independent reporting and commentary, or we can watch, wringing our hands, as more and more top journalists are laid off," she wrote in her parting column on April 9.
Brooks said this would help rescue the industry from a "death spiral" and left the government unaccountable to the journalists who must keep it honest. "[I] can't imagine anything more dangerous than a society in which the news industry has more or less collapsed," she wrote.
Influential Los Angeles Times columnist Rosa Brooks has hung up her journalistic hat and joined the Obama administration, but not before penning a public proposal calling for some radical ideas to help bail out the failing news industry.
Brooks, who has taken up a post as an adviser at the Pentagon, advocated upping "direct government support for public media" and creating licenses to govern news operations.
"Years of foolish policies have left us with a choice: We can bail out journalism, using tax dollars and granting licenses in ways that encourage robust and independent reporting and commentary, or we can watch, wringing our hands, as more and more top journalists are laid off," she wrote in her parting column on April 9.
Brooks said this would help rescue the industry from a "death spiral" and left the government unaccountable to the journalists who must keep it honest. "[I] can't imagine anything more dangerous than a society in which the news industry has more or less collapsed," she wrote.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Fox Crushes the Competition
FOXNEWS 3,390,000
MSNBC 1,210,000
CNN 1,070,000
CNN HEADLINE 909,000
FOXNEWS O'REILLY 3,980,000
FOXNEWS HANNITY 3,239,000
FOXNEWS GRETA 2,947,000
FOXNEWS BECK 2,740,000
FOXNEWS BAIER 2,401,000
FOXNEWS SHEP 2,185,000
MSNBC OLBERMANN 1,499,000
CNNHN GRACE 1,336,000
CNN KING 1,292,000
MSNBC MADDOW 1,149,000
CNN COOPER 1,021,000
MSNBC 1,210,000
CNN 1,070,000
CNN HEADLINE 909,000
FOXNEWS O'REILLY 3,980,000
FOXNEWS HANNITY 3,239,000
FOXNEWS GRETA 2,947,000
FOXNEWS BECK 2,740,000
FOXNEWS BAIER 2,401,000
FOXNEWS SHEP 2,185,000
MSNBC OLBERMANN 1,499,000
CNNHN GRACE 1,336,000
CNN KING 1,292,000
MSNBC MADDOW 1,149,000
CNN COOPER 1,021,000
CNN Reporter at Chicago Tea Party: It's Anti-CNN Fox Cospiracy
Clown Car Media does it again...
CNN correspondent Susan Roesgen could barely get through her live shot at the Chicago tea party this afternoon. Over shouts of, "You're not a reporter," Roesgen quickly wrapped up an interview with an attendee, then said, "I think you get the general tenor of this. It's anti-government, anti-CNN since this is highly promoted by the right-wing conservative network Fox."
Video HERE
CNN correspondent Susan Roesgen could barely get through her live shot at the Chicago tea party this afternoon. Over shouts of, "You're not a reporter," Roesgen quickly wrapped up an interview with an attendee, then said, "I think you get the general tenor of this. It's anti-government, anti-CNN since this is highly promoted by the right-wing conservative network Fox."
Video HERE
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
NBC recruits Blagojevich for 'Celebrity'
And I didn't think TV could sink any lower than "The Anna Nicole Show".
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has made a deal to star in NBC's upcoming summer reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here, the network confirms.
"Rod Blagojevich will be a participant on the show pending the court's approval," said NBC in a statement.
NBC has been looking for household names for its version of the U.K. hit, which launches June 1. With NBC taking the unusually intensive step of airing the show four nights a week at 8 p.m. for nearly a month, a successful launch could help fuel the network's entire summer schedule.
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has made a deal to star in NBC's upcoming summer reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here, the network confirms.
"Rod Blagojevich will be a participant on the show pending the court's approval," said NBC in a statement.
NBC has been looking for household names for its version of the U.K. hit, which launches June 1. With NBC taking the unusually intensive step of airing the show four nights a week at 8 p.m. for nearly a month, a successful launch could help fuel the network's entire summer schedule.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
John McCain-Sarah Palin rift grows ...
I'm beginning to believe this old geezer blames Palin for him losing the election. Quite the opposite is true as he would have lost by at least another 6-7% without her.
Who's poised to lead the Republican party out of the woods? John McCain seems convinced that one GOP notable is not the person for the job, someone he's quite familiar with - his former running mate.
On Monday's "Tonight Show," Jay Leno asked the Arizona Senator to name the new guiding lights of the Republican party, and McCain was quick to rattle off a list of "young, dynamic" governors around the country.
Palin wasn't one of them.
McCain singled out Lousisana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Florida Gov. Charlie Christ, Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty, and Mitt Romney, McCain's chief rival for the Republican presidential nod in 2008.
One thing for sure, McCain continues to reinforce the opinion I had of him when I held my nose and voted in November.
Who's poised to lead the Republican party out of the woods? John McCain seems convinced that one GOP notable is not the person for the job, someone he's quite familiar with - his former running mate.
On Monday's "Tonight Show," Jay Leno asked the Arizona Senator to name the new guiding lights of the Republican party, and McCain was quick to rattle off a list of "young, dynamic" governors around the country.
Palin wasn't one of them.
McCain singled out Lousisana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Florida Gov. Charlie Christ, Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty, and Mitt Romney, McCain's chief rival for the Republican presidential nod in 2008.
One thing for sure, McCain continues to reinforce the opinion I had of him when I held my nose and voted in November.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!
Luke 24: 5b & 6a
A Very Personal Easter Message
What more appropriate time to visit about abortion than the day that our savior rose from the dead in the confirmation of sacrifice and the affirmation of rebirth and salvation.
I, as many have been challenged with the temptation of an easy way out of the earthly obligations that accompany the behaviors that we have freely chosen. I admit my beautiful wife was stronger than I when it came to walking the walk in this respect. When I was still reeling at the prospect of becoming a father in my 40s, my wife in her mid 40s was asked by her Doctor if she wanted an amniosynthesis to determine if the child was non-Downs syndrome. She emphatically said "NO", "it makes no difference in MY pregnacy" and was therefor, irrelevant.
What a simple yet perfectly wonderful response. I don't think I ever realized how much I loved her until that very moment. There wasn't a question in her mind at that time nor has there been in mine since.
It's one thing to self righteously spew pro-life rhetoric, as I had done in the past, it's quite another to unhesitatingly practice that which one preaches. The 18 years of financial obligation the male will minimally rightfully encounter is minute compared to the real commitment that a women must encounter in a pregnancy, giving birth and afterwards.
Thank God I was blessed with two wonderful twin boys that were both perfect at birth. They have given me in 10 years more joy and delight than I had ever experienced in my prior 42 years. Had they been born not so perfect, I know it would have made no difference in how I feel about them. For anyone with a perfect or less than perfect child knows, love, dedication and allegiance to our offspring carries no prerequisites of flawlesness. My wife knew that then and I know it now.
I believe that God truely has a special place in heaven for those women who have shown the resolute determination to bear children in the harshest of personal circumstance especially the ones knowing that the child they would bear would be less than perfect.
Any women who is ingenuous to herself deep down knows what is right. As a man who thought he knew what he believed, it took a women who truely knew what she believed to school me on the inviolate sanctity of life.
I, as many have been challenged with the temptation of an easy way out of the earthly obligations that accompany the behaviors that we have freely chosen. I admit my beautiful wife was stronger than I when it came to walking the walk in this respect. When I was still reeling at the prospect of becoming a father in my 40s, my wife in her mid 40s was asked by her Doctor if she wanted an amniosynthesis to determine if the child was non-Downs syndrome. She emphatically said "NO", "it makes no difference in MY pregnacy" and was therefor, irrelevant.
What a simple yet perfectly wonderful response. I don't think I ever realized how much I loved her until that very moment. There wasn't a question in her mind at that time nor has there been in mine since.
It's one thing to self righteously spew pro-life rhetoric, as I had done in the past, it's quite another to unhesitatingly practice that which one preaches. The 18 years of financial obligation the male will minimally rightfully encounter is minute compared to the real commitment that a women must encounter in a pregnancy, giving birth and afterwards.
Thank God I was blessed with two wonderful twin boys that were both perfect at birth. They have given me in 10 years more joy and delight than I had ever experienced in my prior 42 years. Had they been born not so perfect, I know it would have made no difference in how I feel about them. For anyone with a perfect or less than perfect child knows, love, dedication and allegiance to our offspring carries no prerequisites of flawlesness. My wife knew that then and I know it now.
I believe that God truely has a special place in heaven for those women who have shown the resolute determination to bear children in the harshest of personal circumstance especially the ones knowing that the child they would bear would be less than perfect.
Any women who is ingenuous to herself deep down knows what is right. As a man who thought he knew what he believed, it took a women who truely knew what she believed to school me on the inviolate sanctity of life.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Pirates seize U.S.-owned, Italy-flagged tugboat
Oops, another distraction.
NAIROBI, April 11 (Reuters) - Pirates seized a U.S.-owned and Italian-flagged tugboat with 16 crew on Saturday in the latest hijacking in the busy Gulf of Aden waterway, a regional maritime group said.
Andrew Mwangura, of the Mombasa-based East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme, said the crew were believed to be unharmed on the tugboat, which he added was operated from the United Arab Emirates.
NAIROBI, April 11 (Reuters) - Pirates seized a U.S.-owned and Italian-flagged tugboat with 16 crew on Saturday in the latest hijacking in the busy Gulf of Aden waterway, a regional maritime group said.
Andrew Mwangura, of the Mombasa-based East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme, said the crew were believed to be unharmed on the tugboat, which he added was operated from the United Arab Emirates.
Obama's Not So Excellent Adventure
Charles Krauthammer reports the real accomplishments of Obama's recent European adventure in the Washington Post...
In his major foreign policy address in Prague committing the United States to a world without nuclear weapons, President Obama took note of North Korea's missile launch just hours earlier and then grandiloquently proclaimed:
"Rules must be binding. Violations must be punished. Words must mean something. The world must stand together to prevent the spread of these weapons. Now is the time for a strong international response."
A more fatuous presidential call to arms is hard to conceive. What "strong international response" did Obama muster to North Korea's brazen defiance of a Chapter 7 --"binding," as it were -- U.N. resolution prohibiting such a launch?
The obligatory emergency Security Council session produced nothing. No sanctions. No resolution. Not even a statement. China and Russia professed to find no violation whatsoever. They would not even permit a U.N. statement that dared express "concern," let alone condemnation.
Having thus bravely rallied the international community and summoned the U.N. -- a fiction and a farce, respectively -- what was Obama's further response? The very next day, his defense secretary announced drastic cuts in missile defense, including halting further deployment of Alaska-based interceptors designed precisely to shoot down North Korean ICBMs. Such is the "realism" Obama promised to restore to U.S. foreign policy.
He wanted more NATO combat troops in Afghanistan to match the surge of 17,000 Americans. He was rudely rebuffed.
He wanted more stimulus spending from Europe. He got nothing.
From Russia, he got no help on Iran. From China, he got the blocking of any action on North Korea.
And what did he get for Guantanamo? France, pop. 64 million, will take one prisoner. One!
The MSM often characterized his trip as being a grand success. If this is their definition of a triumph, let us pray we never see one of his failures.
In his major foreign policy address in Prague committing the United States to a world without nuclear weapons, President Obama took note of North Korea's missile launch just hours earlier and then grandiloquently proclaimed:
"Rules must be binding. Violations must be punished. Words must mean something. The world must stand together to prevent the spread of these weapons. Now is the time for a strong international response."
A more fatuous presidential call to arms is hard to conceive. What "strong international response" did Obama muster to North Korea's brazen defiance of a Chapter 7 --"binding," as it were -- U.N. resolution prohibiting such a launch?
The obligatory emergency Security Council session produced nothing. No sanctions. No resolution. Not even a statement. China and Russia professed to find no violation whatsoever. They would not even permit a U.N. statement that dared express "concern," let alone condemnation.
Having thus bravely rallied the international community and summoned the U.N. -- a fiction and a farce, respectively -- what was Obama's further response? The very next day, his defense secretary announced drastic cuts in missile defense, including halting further deployment of Alaska-based interceptors designed precisely to shoot down North Korean ICBMs. Such is the "realism" Obama promised to restore to U.S. foreign policy.
He wanted more NATO combat troops in Afghanistan to match the surge of 17,000 Americans. He was rudely rebuffed.
He wanted more stimulus spending from Europe. He got nothing.
From Russia, he got no help on Iran. From China, he got the blocking of any action on North Korea.
And what did he get for Guantanamo? France, pop. 64 million, will take one prisoner. One!
The MSM often characterized his trip as being a grand success. If this is their definition of a triumph, let us pray we never see one of his failures.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Islam 'insulted' by alleged child killer's mug shot, says husband
The religion of perpetual outrage...ORLAND PARK, Ill. (STNG) - The police booking photo of alleged child killer Nour Hadid released Tuesday is an "insult against our religion," says Hadid's husband, Alaeddin.
Orland Park police detectives say the 26-year-old Muslim woman was treated as any other suspect in a murder probe would be, and they did not intend to humiliate her when they photographed her Sunday without her headscarf and wearing only a skimpy top.
Nour Hadid is accused of beating her 2-year-old niece Bhia Hadid to death over four days at her home on the 9000 block of West 140th Street. The child had 55 separate bruises and was beaten "from head to toe," according to prosecutors, who say Hadid confessed.
With a mug like that it is understandable why the husband would want to keep it under wraps.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Leaked: ND Prez Comment on USCCB Document Prohibiting Honoring Pro-Abortion Politicians
This should dispel the misguided assertion that it's the Board and not Fr. Jenkins who pushed for the Obama invitation.
NOTRE DAME, Indiana, April 8, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - LifeSiteNews.com has obtained a copy of University of Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins' commentary on the U.S. Bishops Conference (USCCB) document, "Catholics in the Political Life," which was sent to Notre Dame's Board of Trustees at the beginning of this month. In the commentary Jenkins explains how he believes that the university's invitation of President Obama to be this year's commencement speaker and receive an honorary law degree is in keeping with the "letter and the spirit" of the recommendations included in the USCCB document.
The USCCB issued "Catholics in Political Life" in 2004. The document directs Catholic schools not to honor pro-abortion politicians. Many of the 29 bishops who have so far spoken out against the scandal, including Notre Dame's Bishop John D'Arcy and USCCB President Cardinal Francis George, have indicated that the school's invitation to President Obama to speak at commencement and receive an honorary law degree was in violation of the bishops' directive. (To view the USCCB document, go to: http://www.usccb.org/bishops/catholicsinpoliticallife.shtml)
The good Priest is either a liar or delusional for that interpretation defies reason.
NOTRE DAME, Indiana, April 8, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - LifeSiteNews.com has obtained a copy of University of Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins' commentary on the U.S. Bishops Conference (USCCB) document, "Catholics in the Political Life," which was sent to Notre Dame's Board of Trustees at the beginning of this month. In the commentary Jenkins explains how he believes that the university's invitation of President Obama to be this year's commencement speaker and receive an honorary law degree is in keeping with the "letter and the spirit" of the recommendations included in the USCCB document.
The USCCB issued "Catholics in Political Life" in 2004. The document directs Catholic schools not to honor pro-abortion politicians. Many of the 29 bishops who have so far spoken out against the scandal, including Notre Dame's Bishop John D'Arcy and USCCB President Cardinal Francis George, have indicated that the school's invitation to President Obama to speak at commencement and receive an honorary law degree was in violation of the bishops' directive. (To view the USCCB document, go to: http://www.usccb.org/bishops/catholicsinpoliticallife.shtml)
The good Priest is either a liar or delusional for that interpretation defies reason.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Tony Blair tells the Pope: you're wrong on homosexuality
Ironic that only a Yiddish word properly describes Mr Blair's comments......chutzpa.
Tony Blair has challenged the “entrenched” attitudes of the Pope on homosexuality, and argued that it is time for him to “rethink” his views.
Speaking to the gay magazine Attitude, the former Prime Minister, himself now a Roman Catholic, said that he wanted to urge religious figures everywhere to reinterpret their religious texts to see them as metaphorical, not literal, and suggested that in time this would make all religious groups accept gay people as equals.
Asked about the Pope’s stance, Mr Blair blamed generational differences and said: “We need an attitude of mind where rethinking and the concept of evolving attitudes becomes part of the discipline with which you approach your religious faith.”
Perhaps the ex Prime Minister might have chosen a religion more in line with his spiritual conceptions. Considering that Roman Catholicism adheres to the belief of Papal infallibility he better either study up or become an Episcopalian.
Tony Blair has challenged the “entrenched” attitudes of the Pope on homosexuality, and argued that it is time for him to “rethink” his views.
Speaking to the gay magazine Attitude, the former Prime Minister, himself now a Roman Catholic, said that he wanted to urge religious figures everywhere to reinterpret their religious texts to see them as metaphorical, not literal, and suggested that in time this would make all religious groups accept gay people as equals.
Asked about the Pope’s stance, Mr Blair blamed generational differences and said: “We need an attitude of mind where rethinking and the concept of evolving attitudes becomes part of the discipline with which you approach your religious faith.”
Perhaps the ex Prime Minister might have chosen a religion more in line with his spiritual conceptions. Considering that Roman Catholicism adheres to the belief of Papal infallibility he better either study up or become an Episcopalian.
Out-of-wedlock births hit record high
The petri dishes for future criminals and perpetual dysfunction. The left has sowed the seeds for decades and we are increasingly reaping the rewards of their misguided dogma.
Nearly 40 percent of babies born in the United States in 2007 were delivered by unwed mothers, according to data released last month by the National Center for Health Statistics. The 1.7 million out-of-wedlock births, of 4.3 million total births, marked a more than 25 percent jump from five years before.
Statistics such as these, which include for the second year in a row a bump in teen pregnancies, after a 14-year decline, leave Sarah Brown concerned. She worries about the children born to unwed parents -- about the disadvantages they often face, including increased likelihood of poverty and greater high school dropout rates.
Nearly 40 percent of babies born in the United States in 2007 were delivered by unwed mothers, according to data released last month by the National Center for Health Statistics. The 1.7 million out-of-wedlock births, of 4.3 million total births, marked a more than 25 percent jump from five years before.
Statistics such as these, which include for the second year in a row a bump in teen pregnancies, after a 14-year decline, leave Sarah Brown concerned. She worries about the children born to unwed parents -- about the disadvantages they often face, including increased likelihood of poverty and greater high school dropout rates.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Massachusetts Dems: "Let Illegal Immigrants vote"
Ah Massachusetts, the breeding ground of all ideas imbecilic.
The election of President Barack Obama was supposed to usher in a post-racial and post-partisan America. But who knew that some Massachusetts Democrats dreamed of a post-American America?
Rep. Pam Richardson of Framingham wants the Massachusetts Democratic Party to advocate voting rights for illegal aliens.
You read that right. A handful of liberal Massachusetts towns already allow legal resident aliens to vote in local elections. But Richardson wants illegal immigrants canceling out your vote for school committee and town selectman.
The election of President Barack Obama was supposed to usher in a post-racial and post-partisan America. But who knew that some Massachusetts Democrats dreamed of a post-American America?
Rep. Pam Richardson of Framingham wants the Massachusetts Democratic Party to advocate voting rights for illegal aliens.
You read that right. A handful of liberal Massachusetts towns already allow legal resident aliens to vote in local elections. But Richardson wants illegal immigrants canceling out your vote for school committee and town selectman.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Obama Administration Scuttles F-22 Raptor
The premier fighter in the world today and pfffffft, gone. Additionally, 90,000 legitimate jobs down the toilet. Billions for AIG and ACORN but hammer our defensive capabilities with the stroke of a pen, great tradeoff.
In a blow to Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon has decided to purchase to end funding of the F-22 fighter jet.
The decision by Defense Secretary Robert Gates will rouse widespread opposition in Congress and is likely to bog down the 2010 budget approval process, with F-22 supporters maneuvering to secure more money.
The Pentagon will fund four of the radar-evading stealth fighters in the upcoming 2009 emergency war-spending request, but those additional aircraft will do little to keep the production line in Marietta, Ga., open beyond 2011. Lockheed Martin is the main contractor for the F-22, each of which costs about $140 million.
Gates announced the decision at a press conference on the Defense budget on Monday afternoon.
Do You Speak Austrian?
Gaffepalooza continues....
Obama: I’m extraordinarily impressed by the quality of leadership. I am constantly reminded that although there are cultural differences that are important and that we have to be sensitive to, what we have in common between Europe and the United States so vastly exceeds any differences that we have; that we should not forget why we are allies, and we should be careful about some of the easy stereotypes that take place on both sides of the borders.
It was also interesting to see that political interaction in Europe is not that different from the United States Senate. There’s a lot of — I don’t know what the term is in Austrian — wheeling and dealing — and, you know, people are pursuing their interests, and everybody has their own particular issues and their own particular politics.
Memo to BO, Austria believe it or not speaks German or Deutsch if your a Berliner[sic]. A tiny minority speak either Croation or Hungarian.
Obama: I’m extraordinarily impressed by the quality of leadership. I am constantly reminded that although there are cultural differences that are important and that we have to be sensitive to, what we have in common between Europe and the United States so vastly exceeds any differences that we have; that we should not forget why we are allies, and we should be careful about some of the easy stereotypes that take place on both sides of the borders.
It was also interesting to see that political interaction in Europe is not that different from the United States Senate. There’s a lot of — I don’t know what the term is in Austrian — wheeling and dealing — and, you know, people are pursuing their interests, and everybody has their own particular issues and their own particular politics.
Memo to BO, Austria believe it or not speaks German or Deutsch if your a Berliner[sic]. A tiny minority speak either Croation or Hungarian.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
North Korea space launch 'fails'
It appears what we have suspected of Kim Jong Il for a long time is accurate....he truely can't get it up.
North Korea failed in its attempt to get a satellite into space after a rocket launch early on Sunday, US and South Korean officials say.
Two stages of the rocket and its payload landed in the Pacific Ocean, a US military statement said.
Hours earlier North Korea claimed the satellite had successfully been put into orbit and was transmitting data.
The US, EU, Japan and South Korea condemned the launch, thought to be a cover for a long-range missile test.
North Korea failed in its attempt to get a satellite into space after a rocket launch early on Sunday, US and South Korean officials say.
Two stages of the rocket and its payload landed in the Pacific Ocean, a US military statement said.
Hours earlier North Korea claimed the satellite had successfully been put into orbit and was transmitting data.
The US, EU, Japan and South Korea condemned the launch, thought to be a cover for a long-range missile test.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Misleading Headline of the Week
The headline: "France, Germany endorse Obama's Afghanistan plans"
And then in the first paragraph of the article..."France and Germany fully endorsed President Barack Obama's new Afghan war strategy but continued to firmly resist U.S. demands for more combat troops on Saturday in a rift that overshadowed symbols of unity at NATO's 60th-anniversary summit."
So they firmly endorsed a plan that they firmly refused to cooperate with. Good grief.
And then in the first paragraph of the article..."France and Germany fully endorsed President Barack Obama's new Afghan war strategy but continued to firmly resist U.S. demands for more combat troops on Saturday in a rift that overshadowed symbols of unity at NATO's 60th-anniversary summit."
So they firmly endorsed a plan that they firmly refused to cooperate with. Good grief.
Friday, April 03, 2009
The Real Climate Deniers
A tail of two realities. You be the judge as to who are the legitimate seekers of scientific truth and who are the crackpots.
Obama's Ticking Tax Time Bomb
Read the whole thing, scary stuff here.
The immense increase in nondefense spending and taxes, and the tripling of the national debt in Mr. Obama's budget, have been the subject of considerable scrutiny since it was announced. Mr. Obama and his economic officials respond, not without justification, that he inherited an enormous economic and financial crisis and a large deficit. All presidents present the best possible case for their budgets, but a mind-numbing array of numbers offers innumerable opportunities to conjure up misleading comparisons.
Mr. Obama's characterizations of his budget unfortunately fall into this pattern. He claims to reduce the deficit by half, to shave $2 trillion off the debt (the cumulative deficit over his 10-year budget horizon), and not to raise taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year. While in a Clintonian sense correct (depends on what the definition of "is" is), it is far more accurate to describe Mr. Obama's budget as almost tripling the deficit. It adds $6.5 trillion to the national debt, and leaves future U.S. taxpayers (many of whom will make far less than $250,000) with the tab. And all this before dealing with the looming Medicare and Social Security cost explosion.
The immense increase in nondefense spending and taxes, and the tripling of the national debt in Mr. Obama's budget, have been the subject of considerable scrutiny since it was announced. Mr. Obama and his economic officials respond, not without justification, that he inherited an enormous economic and financial crisis and a large deficit. All presidents present the best possible case for their budgets, but a mind-numbing array of numbers offers innumerable opportunities to conjure up misleading comparisons.
Mr. Obama's characterizations of his budget unfortunately fall into this pattern. He claims to reduce the deficit by half, to shave $2 trillion off the debt (the cumulative deficit over his 10-year budget horizon), and not to raise taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year. While in a Clintonian sense correct (depends on what the definition of "is" is), it is far more accurate to describe Mr. Obama's budget as almost tripling the deficit. It adds $6.5 trillion to the national debt, and leaves future U.S. taxpayers (many of whom will make far less than $250,000) with the tab. And all this before dealing with the looming Medicare and Social Security cost explosion.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
WTF?
Since when does a head of state bow to another???? Or perhaps he's kssing his ring. Or perhaps he stumbled. The latter would be the only acceptable scenario.
N. Korea Is Said to Be Fueling Rocket
My 6th sense tells me Obama will knock this one down. Not because he believes it's the right thing to do, but, rather because he believes it's what the American people need to see from him at this moment in time.
SEOUL — North Korea has begun fueling its rocket, a news report said on Thursday, in what missile experts consider a definitive indication that the Communist state will launch it as early as this weekend.
As the launching approached, North Korea assumed an increasingly hostile posture. On Thursday, it threatened to send a “thunderbolt of fire” crashing down on Japan if it attempts to shoot down the rocket.
North Korea says it will launch the rocket between Saturday and Wednesday to thrust an experimental communications satellite into orbit. But Washington and its allies consider the launch a test of the North’s intercontinental ballistic missile technology.
SEOUL — North Korea has begun fueling its rocket, a news report said on Thursday, in what missile experts consider a definitive indication that the Communist state will launch it as early as this weekend.
As the launching approached, North Korea assumed an increasingly hostile posture. On Thursday, it threatened to send a “thunderbolt of fire” crashing down on Japan if it attempts to shoot down the rocket.
North Korea says it will launch the rocket between Saturday and Wednesday to thrust an experimental communications satellite into orbit. But Washington and its allies consider the launch a test of the North’s intercontinental ballistic missile technology.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Why Does Anyone in There Right Mind Coach
As most of you regulars know I have coached a few Little League baseball teams as well as a couple Soccer teams.
We had a lot of success and some less then stellar teams but I've always done the best to teach the kids the game and to win whenever possible. My theory was this....to always teach the best that I knew how and then let the boys/girls do their thing. Winning wasn't everything, but one thing is certain, one does NOT play to lose. After all is said and done you are the guiding force in practice but when it comes right down to it, when the game begins it's a combination of what you have taught them and their raw abilities that will determine who wins the game, the latter being the likely determinate.
I am not coaching this year, for a number of reasons, but I have a good friend who is. He like all people of the human experience has his foibles but that being said he is perhaps the best fundamentally solid baseball instructor that I have ever known, maybe ever seen. He hammers those who show lack of intensity and praises vociferously those who overachieve. He's a lot like me in theory but with an inate sense for the game that I cannot nor will ever possess.
Well it's a month from the beginining of the season and my good friend has already had to endure a bit of inane self-important bravado from a parent who feels his child has not achieved the recognition/position that said parent feels HE'S entitled. It's too bad as the kid is a pretty good natured likabale sort who plays aggresively at Basketball but is a bit timid when it comes to hardball. Nothing against the boy, I happen to like him a lot, but hey, he didn't choose to have an a$$hole as a dad.
Rather than approach things like a man he chose to leave a nasty V-mail threatening to remove his child from the team and then without even answering the coaches reponse went to his X to complain about his (and his childs)alledged mistreatment/disrespect. JP! What is wrong with this the greatest of all cultures that a seemingly intelligent educated individual would behave as a gutless schmuck.
I knew this guy was a lib. I knew his wife went to the Obama inaugeration, I knew I disagreed with him on almost every issue imaginable. I actually enjoyed sparring with him on the issues of the day. What I didn't know is he was a weasely backstabbing, spineless,(unemployed by choice) turd who would not even have the courtesy or most basic respect to honestly confront a coach who gives countless hours of his time to teach his talentless spawn the game of baseball.
Why would anyone want to coach? My friend is a professional. His is time is worth at least $75.00 an hour in the marketplace and yet he chooses to spend that otherwise valuable time giving our kids the benefit of his expertise. Yet there are the imbeciles out there that believe they are doing him a favor by allowing their kids to play on his team. This is a twisted mutation, yet a consistent aborration of the entitlement society. "All things equal in economics and life."... My kid is not good enough on one team.....switch teams. My kid is good enough on one team.....switch coaches. His new team may never win a game but at least his kid is relatively equal with the others on the team.
Please Mr. Z (we'll call him that) realize one thing, in youth sports as in life, excellence is and should be rewarded and mediocrity should not. My boys either cut it or they don't, but they do it on their own. I help whenever possible but I neither extort their teachers nor cut and run to rationlize my overinflated opinion of their talent or abilities. And to tear down another child to raise your own is the epitome of superficial vanity. Shame on you Mr Z you are neither a model for your child or a credit to yourself. For the strength and self reliance you teach them now will be what makes them able to make their own way in life. To deny them adversity is to make them weak and unprepared for the challenging life that they will undoubtedly face.
We had a lot of success and some less then stellar teams but I've always done the best to teach the kids the game and to win whenever possible. My theory was this....to always teach the best that I knew how and then let the boys/girls do their thing. Winning wasn't everything, but one thing is certain, one does NOT play to lose. After all is said and done you are the guiding force in practice but when it comes right down to it, when the game begins it's a combination of what you have taught them and their raw abilities that will determine who wins the game, the latter being the likely determinate.
I am not coaching this year, for a number of reasons, but I have a good friend who is. He like all people of the human experience has his foibles but that being said he is perhaps the best fundamentally solid baseball instructor that I have ever known, maybe ever seen. He hammers those who show lack of intensity and praises vociferously those who overachieve. He's a lot like me in theory but with an inate sense for the game that I cannot nor will ever possess.
Well it's a month from the beginining of the season and my good friend has already had to endure a bit of inane self-important bravado from a parent who feels his child has not achieved the recognition/position that said parent feels HE'S entitled. It's too bad as the kid is a pretty good natured likabale sort who plays aggresively at Basketball but is a bit timid when it comes to hardball. Nothing against the boy, I happen to like him a lot, but hey, he didn't choose to have an a$$hole as a dad.
Rather than approach things like a man he chose to leave a nasty V-mail threatening to remove his child from the team and then without even answering the coaches reponse went to his X to complain about his (and his childs)alledged mistreatment/disrespect. JP! What is wrong with this the greatest of all cultures that a seemingly intelligent educated individual would behave as a gutless schmuck.
I knew this guy was a lib. I knew his wife went to the Obama inaugeration, I knew I disagreed with him on almost every issue imaginable. I actually enjoyed sparring with him on the issues of the day. What I didn't know is he was a weasely backstabbing, spineless,(unemployed by choice) turd who would not even have the courtesy or most basic respect to honestly confront a coach who gives countless hours of his time to teach his talentless spawn the game of baseball.
Why would anyone want to coach? My friend is a professional. His is time is worth at least $75.00 an hour in the marketplace and yet he chooses to spend that otherwise valuable time giving our kids the benefit of his expertise. Yet there are the imbeciles out there that believe they are doing him a favor by allowing their kids to play on his team. This is a twisted mutation, yet a consistent aborration of the entitlement society. "All things equal in economics and life."... My kid is not good enough on one team.....switch teams. My kid is good enough on one team.....switch coaches. His new team may never win a game but at least his kid is relatively equal with the others on the team.
Please Mr. Z (we'll call him that) realize one thing, in youth sports as in life, excellence is and should be rewarded and mediocrity should not. My boys either cut it or they don't, but they do it on their own. I help whenever possible but I neither extort their teachers nor cut and run to rationlize my overinflated opinion of their talent or abilities. And to tear down another child to raise your own is the epitome of superficial vanity. Shame on you Mr Z you are neither a model for your child or a credit to yourself. For the strength and self reliance you teach them now will be what makes them able to make their own way in life. To deny them adversity is to make them weak and unprepared for the challenging life that they will undoubtedly face.
Sources: Ex-Sen. Stevens' Conviction to be Voided
The object was to get him out of the Senate, that being done there's no sense in pursuing it further especially if it would involve exposing the charade for what it was.
The Justice Department will drop all charges against former Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, NPR has learned.
A jury convicted Stevens last fall of seven counts of lying on his Senate disclosure form in order to conceal $250,000 in gifts from an oil industry executive and other friends. Stevens was the longest-serving Republican in the Senate, however, he lost his bid for an eighth full term in office just days after he was convicted. Since then, charges of prosecutorial misconduct have delayed his sentencing and prompted defense motions for a new trial.
According to Justice Department officials, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has decided to drop the case against Stevens rather than continue to defend the conviction in the face of persistent problems stemming from the actions of prosecutors.
The Justice Department will drop all charges against former Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, NPR has learned.
A jury convicted Stevens last fall of seven counts of lying on his Senate disclosure form in order to conceal $250,000 in gifts from an oil industry executive and other friends. Stevens was the longest-serving Republican in the Senate, however, he lost his bid for an eighth full term in office just days after he was convicted. Since then, charges of prosecutorial misconduct have delayed his sentencing and prompted defense motions for a new trial.
According to Justice Department officials, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has decided to drop the case against Stevens rather than continue to defend the conviction in the face of persistent problems stemming from the actions of prosecutors.
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