He's got the best moustache in politics and is a brilliant foreign policy thinker as well, John Bolton discusses the Iranian nuclear program with Fox News.
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2010-12-30
Top News Stories of 2010
The past year has been a difficult one in terms of the economy, wars, threats, and natural disasters. It certainly appears as though the earth is trembling with birth pangs. Below, I have listed the top 10 world events of 2010 in no particular order.
1. Haiti earthquake that left hundreds of thousands dead an injured. The world responded with aid, support, medical supplies, food and assistance. Despite this, cholera outbreaks are still occurring and Haiti is far from having recovered from this devastating natural disaster.
2. Pakistani floods - rivaling the Haiti earthquake in terms of human loss, devastation, and misery, the flooding in Pakistan was a major event that has further crippled an already weak country. The world has stepped in to help Pakistan, but not to the degree that it has for Haiti.
3. GOP 2010 victory - the Republican resurgence in Congress (House and Senate) will dramatically alter the Obama administration's plans to "transform" America into a socialist-Euro state, heavily dependent on government. The Tea Party, first scoffed at by the MSM and Democrats, proved to be a potent political force that took down RINO's, overthrew the Democrats from the House, and elected numerous governors, senators, representatives, and state legislatures. The next two years will force Obama into compromise while conservative policies are enacted at the municipal and state levels.
4. British Election - David Cameron became the new British Prime Minister in a coalition government between the Tories and Liberal Party. The disastrous management of the economy by the Labour Party paved the way for a new Thatcherite-like revolution. Unfortunately, the Iron Lady is no longer available to implement policy. However, the election might signal a dramatic shift in the west from socialist driven thinking to a renewed free market oriented political paradigm.
5. Chilean Miners Rescued - following a devastating earthquake in Chile, another tragedy struck the western South American country. After 70 days trapped underground, 33 miners were rescued in dramatic fashion as the world watched and rejoiced along with Chile.
6. Polish President killed - the Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, and 97 others were killed when their plane crashed in western Russia. The upper levels of the Polish government were left gutted of key military, political, and bureaucratic figures. The world has not witnessed such a high profile tragedy in decades.
7. Korean Tensions - The Korean War, long cold since the armistice in 1953 threatened to go hot once again after several aggressive actions taken by the North Korean military. First, a South Korean warship was sunk by a North Korean submarine. More recently, the North shelled a border island with artillery that killed 2 South Korean soldiers and 2 civilians. Angry that the South had not responded more forcefully, the South Korean defence minister resigned and was replaced with the promise that any further provocation would be met with a devastating response. The threat of war remains frighteningly possible.
8. Wikileaks - An odd Australian hacker named Julian Assange infuriated the United States and many other countries after thousands of documents, diplomatic cables, and other information was made public. Assange is unapologetically anti-American and wants to bring down the United States which he views as a threat to peace and stability. Assange went so far as to publish the social security numbers and names of enlisted US military personnel; he was also openly sympathetic to the Taliban and other groups fighting the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Assange is an accused rapist and faces deportation to Sweden from Britain. I'd be surprised if Assange doesn't end up like Gerald Bull in 2011.
9. BP Oil Spill - A massive spill resulted after a drilling platform exploded in flames and was destroyed in the Gulf of Mexico. President Obama was widely criticized for his inept response to the spill. Nevertheless, things have largely returned to normal in the Gulf with no apparently long term effects although terrible images of dead wildlife, ruined beaches, and sludge brought back memories of Exxon Valdez. However, that didn't stop Obama from enacting further bans on offshore drilling around the United States, further restricting the US from ever achieving energy independence.
10. European Sovereign Debt Crisis - In a foreshadowing of what may lie ahead for the United States and other debt-laden countries, the PIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Spain) faced the threat of a sovereign default on loans. With massive entitlements, bureaucracies, unions, and public spending, the PIGS struggled to find a way to manage their economies as the recession saw unemployment rise and production decline across numerous economic sectors. Let's hope other nations can their ducks in a row before we start talking about the "D" word - depression.
The past year has certainly been difficult, but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future. Fiscal responsibility is at the forefront of voters minds and they're counting on politicians to keep their word in the US, Europe, Canada, and elsewhere. While the west may have been weakened by financial difficulties, it remains the most robust economically and militarily in the world, and for that reason the hope of liberty, democracy, and the rule of law remains strong.
1. Haiti earthquake that left hundreds of thousands dead an injured. The world responded with aid, support, medical supplies, food and assistance. Despite this, cholera outbreaks are still occurring and Haiti is far from having recovered from this devastating natural disaster.
2. Pakistani floods - rivaling the Haiti earthquake in terms of human loss, devastation, and misery, the flooding in Pakistan was a major event that has further crippled an already weak country. The world has stepped in to help Pakistan, but not to the degree that it has for Haiti.
3. GOP 2010 victory - the Republican resurgence in Congress (House and Senate) will dramatically alter the Obama administration's plans to "transform" America into a socialist-Euro state, heavily dependent on government. The Tea Party, first scoffed at by the MSM and Democrats, proved to be a potent political force that took down RINO's, overthrew the Democrats from the House, and elected numerous governors, senators, representatives, and state legislatures. The next two years will force Obama into compromise while conservative policies are enacted at the municipal and state levels.
4. British Election - David Cameron became the new British Prime Minister in a coalition government between the Tories and Liberal Party. The disastrous management of the economy by the Labour Party paved the way for a new Thatcherite-like revolution. Unfortunately, the Iron Lady is no longer available to implement policy. However, the election might signal a dramatic shift in the west from socialist driven thinking to a renewed free market oriented political paradigm.
5. Chilean Miners Rescued - following a devastating earthquake in Chile, another tragedy struck the western South American country. After 70 days trapped underground, 33 miners were rescued in dramatic fashion as the world watched and rejoiced along with Chile.
6. Polish President killed - the Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, and 97 others were killed when their plane crashed in western Russia. The upper levels of the Polish government were left gutted of key military, political, and bureaucratic figures. The world has not witnessed such a high profile tragedy in decades.
7. Korean Tensions - The Korean War, long cold since the armistice in 1953 threatened to go hot once again after several aggressive actions taken by the North Korean military. First, a South Korean warship was sunk by a North Korean submarine. More recently, the North shelled a border island with artillery that killed 2 South Korean soldiers and 2 civilians. Angry that the South had not responded more forcefully, the South Korean defence minister resigned and was replaced with the promise that any further provocation would be met with a devastating response. The threat of war remains frighteningly possible.
8. Wikileaks - An odd Australian hacker named Julian Assange infuriated the United States and many other countries after thousands of documents, diplomatic cables, and other information was made public. Assange is unapologetically anti-American and wants to bring down the United States which he views as a threat to peace and stability. Assange went so far as to publish the social security numbers and names of enlisted US military personnel; he was also openly sympathetic to the Taliban and other groups fighting the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Assange is an accused rapist and faces deportation to Sweden from Britain. I'd be surprised if Assange doesn't end up like Gerald Bull in 2011.
9. BP Oil Spill - A massive spill resulted after a drilling platform exploded in flames and was destroyed in the Gulf of Mexico. President Obama was widely criticized for his inept response to the spill. Nevertheless, things have largely returned to normal in the Gulf with no apparently long term effects although terrible images of dead wildlife, ruined beaches, and sludge brought back memories of Exxon Valdez. However, that didn't stop Obama from enacting further bans on offshore drilling around the United States, further restricting the US from ever achieving energy independence.
10. European Sovereign Debt Crisis - In a foreshadowing of what may lie ahead for the United States and other debt-laden countries, the PIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Spain) faced the threat of a sovereign default on loans. With massive entitlements, bureaucracies, unions, and public spending, the PIGS struggled to find a way to manage their economies as the recession saw unemployment rise and production decline across numerous economic sectors. Let's hope other nations can their ducks in a row before we start talking about the "D" word - depression.
The past year has certainly been difficult, but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future. Fiscal responsibility is at the forefront of voters minds and they're counting on politicians to keep their word in the US, Europe, Canada, and elsewhere. While the west may have been weakened by financial difficulties, it remains the most robust economically and militarily in the world, and for that reason the hope of liberty, democracy, and the rule of law remains strong.
R. Lee Ermey Unloads on Obama
Ouch... getting ripped apart by a drill sergeant is never fun. R. Lee Ermey, star of Full Metal Jacket, praises the Marine Corp. and takes a good swipe at President Obama.
Semper Fi R. Lee.
Semper Fi R. Lee.
2010-12-29
New York Snow Plow Demolishes Parked Car
New Yorkers tax dollars at work. Not surprisingly, the union worker doesn't seem to have too much respect for the private property of those paying his salary. However, by a string of good fortune, it turns out that the vehicle is owned by the city of New York. Please note, the video contains some very foul, New York City language.
Terror Plot Broken Up in Denmark
Danish Intelligence (known as PET) have broken up a terror plot designed to kill as many people as possile using gunmen to attck the newspaper, Jyllands-Posten daily, that published the infamous "Islamic Cartoons" of Mohammed.
Five terrorists were arrested by PET. Fox reports: "PET said it seized a 44-year-old Tunisian, a 29-year-old Lebanese-born man and a 30-year-old who were living in Sweden and had entered Denmark late Tuesday or early Wednesday. The fourth person detained was a 26-year-old Iraqi asylum-seeker living in Copenhagen."
This terror bust comes soon after the botched attempt to detonate a suicide bomb by a radical Muslim in Sweden.
Kurt Westergaard, who drew one of the infamous cartoons, now has to live under police protection because of multiple threats to his life by Islamists. One such radical broke into his house armed with a knife and an axe not long ago. Fortunately, Westergaard had a "safe room" in his home the protected him and his family.
Westergaard is a hero of free speech, and Denmark should be congratulated on its unflinching dedication to freedom of expression. For each incident like this it, would be wonderful if newspapers around the world re-printed the cartoons in defiance of these murderous thugs.
Long live Kurt Westergaard and long live freedom of speech.
Five terrorists were arrested by PET. Fox reports: "PET said it seized a 44-year-old Tunisian, a 29-year-old Lebanese-born man and a 30-year-old who were living in Sweden and had entered Denmark late Tuesday or early Wednesday. The fourth person detained was a 26-year-old Iraqi asylum-seeker living in Copenhagen."
This terror bust comes soon after the botched attempt to detonate a suicide bomb by a radical Muslim in Sweden.
Kurt Westergaard, who drew one of the infamous cartoons, now has to live under police protection because of multiple threats to his life by Islamists. One such radical broke into his house armed with a knife and an axe not long ago. Fortunately, Westergaard had a "safe room" in his home the protected him and his family.
Westergaard is a hero of free speech, and Denmark should be congratulated on its unflinching dedication to freedom of expression. For each incident like this it, would be wonderful if newspapers around the world re-printed the cartoons in defiance of these murderous thugs.
Long live Kurt Westergaard and long live freedom of speech.
Gingrich: Three Priorities for GOP House
Newt Gingrich highlights what the GOP controlled House of Representatives should be focusing on in the upcoming session:
1. Creating jobs to get paychecks in people’s hands.
2. Repealing Obamacare and replacing it with an individually-centered, market-oriented approach to reform.
3. Replacing bad, centralized, bureaucratic government with smaller, more effective solutions that focus on flexibility, localism, citizen engagement, new technological opportunities, and performance outcomes.
These three priorities will then pave the way for a balanced budget and a return to fiscal responsibility.
Newt continues:
Three themes can lead us to a balanced budget and a smaller, more effective, modern, and citizen-centered government.
First, we can reassert the Tenth Amendment as a guiding force in returning power "to the states and the people thereof." Governor Rick Perry of Texas is leading this effort, which enables House Republicans to substantially shrink the federal bureaucracy and budget while getting more done at the state and local levels - all with less red tape, less lost time and more usable resources.
Second, we can learn from private businesses to modernize government. IBM and other high tech companies estimate $1 trillion could be saved over ten years (about $2.6 trillion over 20) simply by bringing the bureaucracies up to modern management and information standards. (Most state and local governments could affect comparable savings.)
Third, we can fundamentally rethink failing systems with a replacement approach rather than a repair approach.
Read the full article HERE at Human Events.
1. Creating jobs to get paychecks in people’s hands.
2. Repealing Obamacare and replacing it with an individually-centered, market-oriented approach to reform.
3. Replacing bad, centralized, bureaucratic government with smaller, more effective solutions that focus on flexibility, localism, citizen engagement, new technological opportunities, and performance outcomes.
These three priorities will then pave the way for a balanced budget and a return to fiscal responsibility.
Newt continues:
Three themes can lead us to a balanced budget and a smaller, more effective, modern, and citizen-centered government.
First, we can reassert the Tenth Amendment as a guiding force in returning power "to the states and the people thereof." Governor Rick Perry of Texas is leading this effort, which enables House Republicans to substantially shrink the federal bureaucracy and budget while getting more done at the state and local levels - all with less red tape, less lost time and more usable resources.
Second, we can learn from private businesses to modernize government. IBM and other high tech companies estimate $1 trillion could be saved over ten years (about $2.6 trillion over 20) simply by bringing the bureaucracies up to modern management and information standards. (Most state and local governments could affect comparable savings.)
Third, we can fundamentally rethink failing systems with a replacement approach rather than a repair approach.
Read the full article HERE at Human Events.
2010-12-24
What Are We Celebrating Anyway?
Tonight and tomorrow people all over the world will leave milk and cookies out for Santa, give gifts, drink eggnog and gather with family. Christmas is a wonderful celebration that brings people together and enables us to show our love for one another.
Indeed, the angels who proclaimed Christ's birth professed "peace on earth and goodwill towards men".
But really, why do we go to all this trouble? As a child, I was ecstatic with the anticipation of Santa coming with presents to the point that I could barely sleep at night.
What often amazes me is that Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, agnostics, and atheists get caught up in the Christmas spirit, and joyously so. I love the fact that people feel that they can participate so easily and freely in a Christian event.
But why is Christmas so great? Why is it so important? Why do we expend so much money, effort, and time on it? Of course Christmas has been commercialized and polluted by consumerism and materialism, but we all contribute to it in different ways.
Ultimately, it boils down to the questions: who was Jesus, really? Most historians agree that Jesus of Nazareth was the most consequential human being in history. But how could this Jewish carpenter who ministered for only three years in a remote province of the Roman empire impact history in such an incredible way? Humanly speaking, Jesus was killed. It appeared he was defeated in a death reserved for criminals and traitors. Yet, his followers persevered in telling his story and teaching others what their Rabbi had taught.
This Christmas, if you've never really asked yourself the question then I challenge you to investigate who Jesus really was. Was he just a prophet? Was he a great teacher? Or, was he who he claimed he was?
The Jews thought the Messiah would be a conquering king who would free Israel from its bondage. And the Messiah did set people free, but in the way the prophet Isaiah predicted, not with a sword and shield, but in meekness and humility:
"For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors."
Merry Christmas to everyone, and especially to those who read this blog. May you discover who Jesus really is, may you find truth that will change your life forever, just as it has changed mine. I hope you don't mind my preaching today, but in reality everything else is meaningless in comparison to what a simple carpenter from Galilee came to earth to do two millenia ago.
Indeed, the angels who proclaimed Christ's birth professed "peace on earth and goodwill towards men".
But really, why do we go to all this trouble? As a child, I was ecstatic with the anticipation of Santa coming with presents to the point that I could barely sleep at night.
What often amazes me is that Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, agnostics, and atheists get caught up in the Christmas spirit, and joyously so. I love the fact that people feel that they can participate so easily and freely in a Christian event.
But why is Christmas so great? Why is it so important? Why do we expend so much money, effort, and time on it? Of course Christmas has been commercialized and polluted by consumerism and materialism, but we all contribute to it in different ways.
Ultimately, it boils down to the questions: who was Jesus, really? Most historians agree that Jesus of Nazareth was the most consequential human being in history. But how could this Jewish carpenter who ministered for only three years in a remote province of the Roman empire impact history in such an incredible way? Humanly speaking, Jesus was killed. It appeared he was defeated in a death reserved for criminals and traitors. Yet, his followers persevered in telling his story and teaching others what their Rabbi had taught.
This Christmas, if you've never really asked yourself the question then I challenge you to investigate who Jesus really was. Was he just a prophet? Was he a great teacher? Or, was he who he claimed he was?
The Jews thought the Messiah would be a conquering king who would free Israel from its bondage. And the Messiah did set people free, but in the way the prophet Isaiah predicted, not with a sword and shield, but in meekness and humility:
"For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors."
Merry Christmas to everyone, and especially to those who read this blog. May you discover who Jesus really is, may you find truth that will change your life forever, just as it has changed mine. I hope you don't mind my preaching today, but in reality everything else is meaningless in comparison to what a simple carpenter from Galilee came to earth to do two millenia ago.
Great Editorial
The National Post has a great Christmas editorial today, I highly recommend reading it:
But what if it were good news? What if a light were to come into the darkness, and the darkness were not able to overcome it? That is the good news of Christmas as Saint John tells us. Into all the world's dark places, and into the deeper darkness that lurks in the heart of man, a light has come.
Christians proclaim at Christmas this good news. Candles are placed in winter windows and pilgrims make their way to Midnight Mass -- in the darkness the light is sought. There is good news and it too remains secret at first. The birth of the newborn king, the eternal Son of the Father come in the flesh, the long-promised messiah, a mighty redeemer -- this was a secret at first, known to Mary and Joseph and the angels and the shepherds. The rest of the world took no notice of what happened that night in the little town of Bethlehem.
But what if it were good news? What if a light were to come into the darkness, and the darkness were not able to overcome it? That is the good news of Christmas as Saint John tells us. Into all the world's dark places, and into the deeper darkness that lurks in the heart of man, a light has come.
Christians proclaim at Christmas this good news. Candles are placed in winter windows and pilgrims make their way to Midnight Mass -- in the darkness the light is sought. There is good news and it too remains secret at first. The birth of the newborn king, the eternal Son of the Father come in the flesh, the long-promised messiah, a mighty redeemer -- this was a secret at first, known to Mary and Joseph and the angels and the shepherds. The rest of the world took no notice of what happened that night in the little town of Bethlehem.
2010-12-23
Thursday Rant
Are we so stupid as a society that we now need to post instructions on how to wash your hands in public washrooms? Seriously?
If you can reach the faucet, the hand towels, and the soap, you don't need instructions on how to wash your hands.
If you can reach the faucet, the hand towels, and the soap, you don't need instructions on how to wash your hands.
Two Thousand and Ten Years Ago Today
In a remote Roman province over two thousand years ago, an unknown Jewish woman was in her last days of pregnancy. She was most likely scorned by her family and community because she was obviously 9 months pregnant, just six months into her marriage. Her husband, a man of honor, decided not to divorce her or have her stoned (as was his right under Jewish law), but instead married her anyway probably against the counsel of his family and friends.
They made the difficult trek from Galilee to Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem to register according to the Roman regulation for a census.
Meanwhile, 3 magi from the east made their way towards a little town they'd never heard of, following the astronomical sign they witnessed at night.
Amazingly, both the woman and her husband were able to trace their lineage to King David, the reason as to why they made the journey to Bethlehem to register for the census. This was a fulfillment of prophecy foretold in the Torah.
The months to come would be even more difficult and agonizing under the brutal rule of Herod the Great who forced the exile of Mary and Joseph to Egypt. This too would enable another prophecy to be fulfilled: "Out of Egypt I called my son.”
They made the difficult trek from Galilee to Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem to register according to the Roman regulation for a census.
Meanwhile, 3 magi from the east made their way towards a little town they'd never heard of, following the astronomical sign they witnessed at night.
Amazingly, both the woman and her husband were able to trace their lineage to King David, the reason as to why they made the journey to Bethlehem to register for the census. This was a fulfillment of prophecy foretold in the Torah.
The months to come would be even more difficult and agonizing under the brutal rule of Herod the Great who forced the exile of Mary and Joseph to Egypt. This too would enable another prophecy to be fulfilled: "Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Bombs in Rome
Two bombs detonated in Rome at the Swiss and Chilean embassies. Serious hand injuries resulted to a staff member at the Swiss embassy who worked in the mail room where one of the bombs detonated.
Another person was also injured by the blast at the Chilean embassy. A report that another bomb was found at the Ukrainian embassy turned out to be false.
Fox News reports: "Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno, speaking outside the Swiss Embassy, said the motive of the Swiss attack appeared to be international as opposed to domestic in nature, distinguishing the blast from the fake bomb that was discovered on a Rome subway earlier this week."
Terror threat levels are heightened in Europe and North America right now in anticipation that Islamic terrorists may try to strike western targets at Christmas time.
Another person was also injured by the blast at the Chilean embassy. A report that another bomb was found at the Ukrainian embassy turned out to be false.
Fox News reports: "Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno, speaking outside the Swiss Embassy, said the motive of the Swiss attack appeared to be international as opposed to domestic in nature, distinguishing the blast from the fake bomb that was discovered on a Rome subway earlier this week."
Terror threat levels are heightened in Europe and North America right now in anticipation that Islamic terrorists may try to strike western targets at Christmas time.
2010-12-22
For Unto Us a Child is Born
The Prophet Isaiah foretold of Jesus' coming 700 years prior to His birth in chapter 9:2
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
START Closer to Ratification
A tremendously bad treaty is closer to being ratified thanks to 11 GOP senators: Sens. Dick Lugar (Ind.), Bob Bennett (Utah), Scott Brown (Mass.), Thad Cochran (Miss.), Susan Collins (Maine), Olympia Snowe (Maine), Johnny Isakson (Ga.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Bob Corker (Tenn.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), and George Voinovich (Ohio).
The usual "moderate" (I prefer unprincipled) Republicans like Snowe, Collins, Murkowski, Lugar, and Voinovich voted for this treaty. For whatever reason, it seems to cause no concern among Democrats or Republicans that the Russians are just a little too excited about ratifying this treaty. Despite Putin's increasingly oppressive neo-fascist state, the 67 Senators who voted for this express far too little skepticism of Russia's intent.
Just as concerning is the fact that a lame-duck Senate has never before ratified such a profoundly important treaty with such incredible potential ramifications. It takes a British columnist, Nile Gardiner, to point out why START is such a bad deal for the US:
Simply put, the New START Treaty is a staggeringly bad deal for the United States, and an extraordinarily good one for Vladimir Putin’s increasingly hostile and authoritarian Russia. President Obama needs to respect the will of the American electorate and allow the new Senate to vote on the Treaty, and fully scrutinise and debate the details of an agreement which, if ratified in its current form, will dramatically undercut America’s global missile defences. The White House is pressing for another monumental surrender to Moscow which will only strengthen the hand of a key US adversary.
It's bad enough that Obama sold out the Czechs and the Poles to appease Russia. Now, Obama and the Senate are selling out the American people to get a "win" so the President can have a signing ceremony before the New Year.
Gardiner goes on to point out:
Russia has warned US lawmakers that any change to the new nuclear arms disarmament treaty between the two countries could destroy the pact. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the New Start treaty “cannot be reopened, becoming the subject of new negotiations” according to remarks reported by Interfax news agency. Republicans in the US Senate have recently pushed to change its wording. Two-thirds of the 100 US senators must back the treaty for it to be ratified.
“The Start agreement, which was drafted on the basis of strict parity, completely meets the national interests of both Russia and the United States,” Mr Lavrov told Interfax. “It cannot be reopened, becoming the subject of new negotiations,” he added.
The United States isn't acting like a superpower, it's acting like a beaten dog with its tail between its legs retreating from the world. But such is the pattern of behavior for Democrats eager to apologize for America's sins before foreign audiences. The Democrats have a patriotism problem because they so often fall into their learned habit of appeasement to America's adversaries. The left sympathizes with the Russians (and Soviets) because they so often admire the power exerted by a single bureaucratic entity. Tom Friedman frequently swoons over China's efficiency and complains about America's slow moving democracy.
God help us and send us a new Reagan for Christmas this year.
The usual "moderate" (I prefer unprincipled) Republicans like Snowe, Collins, Murkowski, Lugar, and Voinovich voted for this treaty. For whatever reason, it seems to cause no concern among Democrats or Republicans that the Russians are just a little too excited about ratifying this treaty. Despite Putin's increasingly oppressive neo-fascist state, the 67 Senators who voted for this express far too little skepticism of Russia's intent.
Just as concerning is the fact that a lame-duck Senate has never before ratified such a profoundly important treaty with such incredible potential ramifications. It takes a British columnist, Nile Gardiner, to point out why START is such a bad deal for the US:
Simply put, the New START Treaty is a staggeringly bad deal for the United States, and an extraordinarily good one for Vladimir Putin’s increasingly hostile and authoritarian Russia. President Obama needs to respect the will of the American electorate and allow the new Senate to vote on the Treaty, and fully scrutinise and debate the details of an agreement which, if ratified in its current form, will dramatically undercut America’s global missile defences. The White House is pressing for another monumental surrender to Moscow which will only strengthen the hand of a key US adversary.
It's bad enough that Obama sold out the Czechs and the Poles to appease Russia. Now, Obama and the Senate are selling out the American people to get a "win" so the President can have a signing ceremony before the New Year.
Gardiner goes on to point out:
Russia has warned US lawmakers that any change to the new nuclear arms disarmament treaty between the two countries could destroy the pact. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the New Start treaty “cannot be reopened, becoming the subject of new negotiations” according to remarks reported by Interfax news agency. Republicans in the US Senate have recently pushed to change its wording. Two-thirds of the 100 US senators must back the treaty for it to be ratified.
“The Start agreement, which was drafted on the basis of strict parity, completely meets the national interests of both Russia and the United States,” Mr Lavrov told Interfax. “It cannot be reopened, becoming the subject of new negotiations,” he added.
The United States isn't acting like a superpower, it's acting like a beaten dog with its tail between its legs retreating from the world. But such is the pattern of behavior for Democrats eager to apologize for America's sins before foreign audiences. The Democrats have a patriotism problem because they so often fall into their learned habit of appeasement to America's adversaries. The left sympathizes with the Russians (and Soviets) because they so often admire the power exerted by a single bureaucratic entity. Tom Friedman frequently swoons over China's efficiency and complains about America's slow moving democracy.
God help us and send us a new Reagan for Christmas this year.
2010-12-21
FCC Moves to Regulate the Internet
The Federal Communications Commission in the US won approval to begin regulating the internet after a congressional committee approved a proposal by Chairman Julius Genachowski.
WSJ reports: The new FCC rules, for example, would prevent a broadband provider, such as Comcast Corp., AT&T, Inc. or Verizon Communications Inc., from hobbling access to an online video service, such as Netflix, that competes with its own video services.
The move was widely opposed by conservatives who believe the FCC has no authority to regulate the internet as the law is currently written. The Democrats and other on the left, of course, have no regard for what the law says when the government has the opportunity to further restrict commerce, make rules, and tell people what to do. All for the "greater good" of course.
Republicans at the FCC and on Capitol Hill blasted the FCC's new rules, saying that they could stifle new investments in broadband networks and are unnecessary since there have been few complaints about Internet providers blocking or slowing web traffic.
Congress has never given any sort of authority to the FCC to regulate the internet or internet traffic. This move is clearly a violation of the FCC's authority and jurisdiction.
WSJ reports: The new FCC rules, for example, would prevent a broadband provider, such as Comcast Corp., AT&T, Inc. or Verizon Communications Inc., from hobbling access to an online video service, such as Netflix, that competes with its own video services.
The move was widely opposed by conservatives who believe the FCC has no authority to regulate the internet as the law is currently written. The Democrats and other on the left, of course, have no regard for what the law says when the government has the opportunity to further restrict commerce, make rules, and tell people what to do. All for the "greater good" of course.
Republicans at the FCC and on Capitol Hill blasted the FCC's new rules, saying that they could stifle new investments in broadband networks and are unnecessary since there have been few complaints about Internet providers blocking or slowing web traffic.
Congress has never given any sort of authority to the FCC to regulate the internet or internet traffic. This move is clearly a violation of the FCC's authority and jurisdiction.
Bomb Found on Rome Metro
An explosive device was found on an underground train carriage in Rome. The metro car which had the device was not currently in use.
News reports state, "The device was found by a train driver in a marshalling yard near the Rebibbia metro station at about 0900 GMT, ATAC said."
It is unclear if the bomb is related to protests from students opposed to austerity measures or if it is linked to Al Qaeda or other Islamic terrorists.
Security concerns are very high approaching Christmas. Last year, the underwear bomber attempted to detonate a bomb on an overseas flight from Europe to Detroit. Worries that Islamic terrorists may try to strike targets in Europe and North America remain:
Iraqi officials claimed last week that captured insurgents believed that the suicide bombing in Stockholm that killed only the bomber was part of a series of Christmas season attacks.
Both British and German officials have insisted there have been no new specific threats to their countries over the festive period.
Britain's terror alert has remained unchanged at “severe” while Germany upped its terror alert on Nov. 17, when Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere warned of an increased threat from Islamic extremists.
Be vigilant.
News reports state, "The device was found by a train driver in a marshalling yard near the Rebibbia metro station at about 0900 GMT, ATAC said."
It is unclear if the bomb is related to protests from students opposed to austerity measures or if it is linked to Al Qaeda or other Islamic terrorists.
Security concerns are very high approaching Christmas. Last year, the underwear bomber attempted to detonate a bomb on an overseas flight from Europe to Detroit. Worries that Islamic terrorists may try to strike targets in Europe and North America remain:
Iraqi officials claimed last week that captured insurgents believed that the suicide bombing in Stockholm that killed only the bomber was part of a series of Christmas season attacks.
Both British and German officials have insisted there have been no new specific threats to their countries over the festive period.
Britain's terror alert has remained unchanged at “severe” while Germany upped its terror alert on Nov. 17, when Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere warned of an increased threat from Islamic extremists.
Be vigilant.
2010-12-20
Gov. Christie: Day of Reckoning is Here
You have to love NJ Governor Christie. The guy just tells it how it is, and that drives the unions, lefties, statists, Democrats, and media crazy.
AEI's Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) via the National Review:
’Twas the week before Christmas on Capitol Hill
Where exhausted lame ducks had to pass a tax bill
While Pelosi in kerchief and Harry in cap
Put the spurs to the solons for a last liberal lap.
But their chances were slim — it was time to concede
That the writ had run out on their mandate to lead.
The 111th had been most productive
Of pages of laws — but had that been constructive?
As the Dems in November had had a shellacking,
Now the GOP stalwarts were grinning and cracking
That the New Year would bring a big change in direction —
So why compromise now, pending full resurrection?
Then out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
That they sprang from their desks to see what was the matter.
Away to the window they flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters — ’twas a Tea Party bash!
Boehner and Cantor and Ryan they came
The new coursers were dashing and not at all lame,
And they came bearing Christmas lists straight from the voters:
No more credit from China! Sell “Government Motors”!
No more Christmas-tree spending! Fill stockings with coal!
Tell the Federal Reserve to remove that punch bowl!
On health care they vowed to repeal and replace;
NPR to defund; the free market embrace.
Yet the new guys weren’t Grinches or Scrooges at all,
Merely true to the voters’ intent in the fall.
The Teas aren’t party poopers — they just want a feast
Of their own, not compelled by the tax-and-spend beast.
They want sugar plums cooked with a private finesse,
Doubt that jobs are created by public largesse.
They are generous and caring, just like old St. Nick
But think Uncle Sam’s bailouts a profligate trick.
And their best gift’s deferred: though we’ve now hit the skids
We must not leave a mountain of debt to our kids.
All right think tanks agree: there the learned profess
Opportunity, freedom, and well-earned success!
The new Speaker seems sober and keenly alive
To the lessons he learned back in Newt’s ’95.
Although Tea Party–true, he’ll eschew Revolution.
Be Accountable Now! is his fiery locution.
Yet as dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly
Resolutions of New Years oft scatter and die.
Sacred cows are stout beasts — have they all really vanished?
Will those earmarks and pork-barrels really be banished?
Will the voters, presented with fiscal restraint,
Say the Spirit of ’10 was not real, just a feint?
Now add two complications to heighten the drama.
To begin: the enigma of Barack Obama.
He’s a man of great energy, skill, and resource
And the one, in a crisis, who’s still on the horse.
He has had a bad year and seems sullen and fraught:
Guantanamo’s open, Afghanistan’s hot,
Cap-and-trade was defeated, the economy’s slow,
There are those on the left saying he’s got to go.
Yet our presidents do have a way of rebounding,
And this basketball buff could recover his grounding.
A break to the center risks primary fights
But could win independents and reclaim the heights.
Furthermore, some new crisis is sure to arise,
To confound all our planning, no matter how wise.
In Iran, mullahs soon will wield missiles with nukes.
North Korea is run by committable kooks.
Euroland is in turmoil re: how much to lend —
What can’t go on forever is certain to end.
Today’s world is too dangerous, the tremors too scary
To place all of our faith in TV’s thrust-and-parry
Or to think that election results specify
What a government does when disaster is nigh.
But perhaps, just perhaps, we’ll resolve foreign trouble
While we dig ourselves out from our deficit rubble.
Maybe ’Bama and Boehner will smoke peace pipes instead
Of those foul-smelling weeds they can’t kick (so it’s said).
Maybe statesmanship yet will emerge from our schism —
Thus renewing our lease on exceptionalism.
The American spirit is strong and contagious;
Our freedom is precious; our people, courageous.
With help from each other this slump we’ll withstand
And give thanks to the soldiers defending our land.
So during this season of faith, hope, and light:
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
— Jim Bowman is the author of Media Madness: The Corruption of Our Political Culture. Karlyn Bowman is a senior fellow, and Chris DeMuth the D.C. Searle Senior Fellow, at the American Enterprise Institute.
’Twas the week before Christmas on Capitol Hill
Where exhausted lame ducks had to pass a tax bill
While Pelosi in kerchief and Harry in cap
Put the spurs to the solons for a last liberal lap.
But their chances were slim — it was time to concede
That the writ had run out on their mandate to lead.
The 111th had been most productive
Of pages of laws — but had that been constructive?
As the Dems in November had had a shellacking,
Now the GOP stalwarts were grinning and cracking
That the New Year would bring a big change in direction —
So why compromise now, pending full resurrection?
Then out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
That they sprang from their desks to see what was the matter.
Away to the window they flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters — ’twas a Tea Party bash!
Boehner and Cantor and Ryan they came
The new coursers were dashing and not at all lame,
And they came bearing Christmas lists straight from the voters:
No more credit from China! Sell “Government Motors”!
No more Christmas-tree spending! Fill stockings with coal!
Tell the Federal Reserve to remove that punch bowl!
On health care they vowed to repeal and replace;
NPR to defund; the free market embrace.
Yet the new guys weren’t Grinches or Scrooges at all,
Merely true to the voters’ intent in the fall.
The Teas aren’t party poopers — they just want a feast
Of their own, not compelled by the tax-and-spend beast.
They want sugar plums cooked with a private finesse,
Doubt that jobs are created by public largesse.
They are generous and caring, just like old St. Nick
But think Uncle Sam’s bailouts a profligate trick.
And their best gift’s deferred: though we’ve now hit the skids
We must not leave a mountain of debt to our kids.
All right think tanks agree: there the learned profess
Opportunity, freedom, and well-earned success!
The new Speaker seems sober and keenly alive
To the lessons he learned back in Newt’s ’95.
Although Tea Party–true, he’ll eschew Revolution.
Be Accountable Now! is his fiery locution.
Yet as dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly
Resolutions of New Years oft scatter and die.
Sacred cows are stout beasts — have they all really vanished?
Will those earmarks and pork-barrels really be banished?
Will the voters, presented with fiscal restraint,
Say the Spirit of ’10 was not real, just a feint?
Now add two complications to heighten the drama.
To begin: the enigma of Barack Obama.
He’s a man of great energy, skill, and resource
And the one, in a crisis, who’s still on the horse.
He has had a bad year and seems sullen and fraught:
Guantanamo’s open, Afghanistan’s hot,
Cap-and-trade was defeated, the economy’s slow,
There are those on the left saying he’s got to go.
Yet our presidents do have a way of rebounding,
And this basketball buff could recover his grounding.
A break to the center risks primary fights
But could win independents and reclaim the heights.
Furthermore, some new crisis is sure to arise,
To confound all our planning, no matter how wise.
In Iran, mullahs soon will wield missiles with nukes.
North Korea is run by committable kooks.
Euroland is in turmoil re: how much to lend —
What can’t go on forever is certain to end.
Today’s world is too dangerous, the tremors too scary
To place all of our faith in TV’s thrust-and-parry
Or to think that election results specify
What a government does when disaster is nigh.
But perhaps, just perhaps, we’ll resolve foreign trouble
While we dig ourselves out from our deficit rubble.
Maybe ’Bama and Boehner will smoke peace pipes instead
Of those foul-smelling weeds they can’t kick (so it’s said).
Maybe statesmanship yet will emerge from our schism —
Thus renewing our lease on exceptionalism.
The American spirit is strong and contagious;
Our freedom is precious; our people, courageous.
With help from each other this slump we’ll withstand
And give thanks to the soldiers defending our land.
So during this season of faith, hope, and light:
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
— Jim Bowman is the author of Media Madness: The Corruption of Our Political Culture. Karlyn Bowman is a senior fellow, and Chris DeMuth the D.C. Searle Senior Fellow, at the American Enterprise Institute.
North Korea Blinks
The Hermit Kingdom blinked as South Korea carried out its scheduled artillery drills from Yeonpyeong Island that lies near the border of the two nations. North Korea had issued multiple threats of retaliation in the lead up to the artillery drills. The UN could not agree on a resolution to defuse tensions as the threats were lobbed back and forth.
The WSJ reports: "South Korea's military went on high alert during the 94-minute drill, which took place on the Yellow Sea island of Yeonpyeong—a South Korean island in disputed waters that was the target of a deadly North Korean artillery attack last month. Fighter jets patrolled the air and destroyers sailed in nearby waters ready to counter another North Korean attack."
South Korea's military, while numerically inferior, is far superior technologically. Any North Korean aggression would have resulted in devastating attacks from South Korea's air force and artillery. The danger lay in escalating responses from each nation that could have led to the cold peace turning into hot war.
While North Korea has carried out nuclear tests in the past and continues development of nuclear weapons, it is doubtful whether North Korea could successfully deliver a nuclear weapon onto a target. It is one thing to detonate a nuke, but quite another to put it on a missile, plane, or submarine and successfully detonate it over a target under war conditions.
Any such nuclear strike would undoubtedly lead to a massive nuclear retaliation by the United States in defense of South Korea. Certainly, even an atheist nation like North Korea would consider what the afterlife might bring when nukes are in the equation.
For now, North Korea has backed down, but it will certainly become troublesome when it needs more aid and humanitarian supplies over the winter as its oppressed population faced winter and starvation yet again.
The WSJ reports: "South Korea's military went on high alert during the 94-minute drill, which took place on the Yellow Sea island of Yeonpyeong—a South Korean island in disputed waters that was the target of a deadly North Korean artillery attack last month. Fighter jets patrolled the air and destroyers sailed in nearby waters ready to counter another North Korean attack."
South Korea's military, while numerically inferior, is far superior technologically. Any North Korean aggression would have resulted in devastating attacks from South Korea's air force and artillery. The danger lay in escalating responses from each nation that could have led to the cold peace turning into hot war.
While North Korea has carried out nuclear tests in the past and continues development of nuclear weapons, it is doubtful whether North Korea could successfully deliver a nuclear weapon onto a target. It is one thing to detonate a nuke, but quite another to put it on a missile, plane, or submarine and successfully detonate it over a target under war conditions.
Any such nuclear strike would undoubtedly lead to a massive nuclear retaliation by the United States in defense of South Korea. Certainly, even an atheist nation like North Korea would consider what the afterlife might bring when nukes are in the equation.
For now, North Korea has backed down, but it will certainly become troublesome when it needs more aid and humanitarian supplies over the winter as its oppressed population faced winter and starvation yet again.
2010-12-17
Democrat Pork Bill Fails
The pork-laden omnibus bill failed to pass the Senate and marked a significant victory for Republicans in the lame duck congress.
GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell called it a "victory for the country". He's right, the bill was nothing short of a slap in the face to tax payers who voted for major change in November. The people want less government and a reduced deficit, not wasteful government spending and increased regulation.
With his vote-count dwindling, a “sorry and disappointed” Reid took to the Senate floor to announce that he would pull his spending bill, caving to McConnell’s push to pass a simple, one-page resolution to continue government funding over the holiday recess. For full effect, in a move reminiscent of the health-care debates earlier this year, Republicans had hauled the entire 1,924-page cinder block of a bill onto the Senate floor. They’d come prepared for a showdown.
It seems the Democrats, Reid and Obama in particular, are incapable of grasping the ramifications of the November election.
The most significant ideological truth that has been revealed is that the Democrats do not believe in limited government. I do not say this lightly or haphazardly. Rather, every program, policy, infringement, and regulation can be justified by some "progressive" vision of what is needed to move society towards a utopia made perfect by an all knowing government run by benevolent bureaucrats.
The notion that "absolute power corrupts absolutely" has been rejected by Democrats. In this rejection, the Democrats have also rejected the foundational values upon which the United States of America was founded. As Reagan pointed, America is not a government with a people, rather America is a collection of people who happened to have formed a particular kind of government (a republic) to limit what government can and cannot do to individuals.
Government is not supposed to work smoothly or efficiently. Instead, the republican system mandates compromise, methodical processes, and gradual changes. Dictatorships facilitate lightning change and efficient law making, but this flies in the face of representation of the people and accountability to voters.
GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell called it a "victory for the country". He's right, the bill was nothing short of a slap in the face to tax payers who voted for major change in November. The people want less government and a reduced deficit, not wasteful government spending and increased regulation.
With his vote-count dwindling, a “sorry and disappointed” Reid took to the Senate floor to announce that he would pull his spending bill, caving to McConnell’s push to pass a simple, one-page resolution to continue government funding over the holiday recess. For full effect, in a move reminiscent of the health-care debates earlier this year, Republicans had hauled the entire 1,924-page cinder block of a bill onto the Senate floor. They’d come prepared for a showdown.
It seems the Democrats, Reid and Obama in particular, are incapable of grasping the ramifications of the November election.
The most significant ideological truth that has been revealed is that the Democrats do not believe in limited government. I do not say this lightly or haphazardly. Rather, every program, policy, infringement, and regulation can be justified by some "progressive" vision of what is needed to move society towards a utopia made perfect by an all knowing government run by benevolent bureaucrats.
The notion that "absolute power corrupts absolutely" has been rejected by Democrats. In this rejection, the Democrats have also rejected the foundational values upon which the United States of America was founded. As Reagan pointed, America is not a government with a people, rather America is a collection of people who happened to have formed a particular kind of government (a republic) to limit what government can and cannot do to individuals.
Government is not supposed to work smoothly or efficiently. Instead, the republican system mandates compromise, methodical processes, and gradual changes. Dictatorships facilitate lightning change and efficient law making, but this flies in the face of representation of the people and accountability to voters.
2010-12-16
Gingrich: GOP Should Filibuster Budget Bill
Gingrich argues that the current budget bill is so bad, wasteful and detrimental to the economy that the GOP should filibuster to prevent its passage until a new Congress comes in next year.
Lame Duck Congress to Ram Through Bills
The lame duck Reid/Pelosi-Congress, blind to the repudiation they received in November, is set to pass a trillion dollar deficit budget and ratify START.
Apparently, the Congress has no regard for the American people in the areas of reducing spending, shrinking the government, and stimulating business. Instead, the budget is full of pork, waste, and lavish bureaucratic spending to further expand the tentacles of government into every aspect of American life.
Even worse, the Senate appears read to ratify the new START treaty with Russia that is a tremendously bad deal for the USA and a good deal for Russia. It enables Russia to do very little in regards to its nuclear arsenal while limiting the US' ability to modernize its arsenal and invest in missile defense technology. Considering the foolish manner in which Obama has conducted American foreign policy, this should be no surprise, but it represents a major danger to America's interests and those of its allies.
And Obama is betting the farm on continuing the irresponsible path he set out upon in 2008:
Obama is telling members of Congress that failure to pass the tax-cut legislation could result in the end of his presidency, Rep. Peter DeFazio (Ore.) said.
"The White House is putting on tremendous pressure, making phone calls, the president is making phone calls saying this is the end of his presidency if he doesn't get this bad deal," he told CNN's Eliot Spitzer.
Let's hope the bill fails so that end draws nearer for the Obama White House. However, Obama used the same rhetoric with health care. That has led to an historic drop in the polls for himself and Congress. Not since the 1930's has the public's approval of congress been so low. And, not since Carter has the population turned so suddenly against a president and his agenda. Only 23% of American believe the country is heading in the right direction.
The main reason for this statistic is that Obama has the country heading towards socialism, and ultimately is on a road to serfdom.
Apparently, the Congress has no regard for the American people in the areas of reducing spending, shrinking the government, and stimulating business. Instead, the budget is full of pork, waste, and lavish bureaucratic spending to further expand the tentacles of government into every aspect of American life.
Even worse, the Senate appears read to ratify the new START treaty with Russia that is a tremendously bad deal for the USA and a good deal for Russia. It enables Russia to do very little in regards to its nuclear arsenal while limiting the US' ability to modernize its arsenal and invest in missile defense technology. Considering the foolish manner in which Obama has conducted American foreign policy, this should be no surprise, but it represents a major danger to America's interests and those of its allies.
And Obama is betting the farm on continuing the irresponsible path he set out upon in 2008:
Obama is telling members of Congress that failure to pass the tax-cut legislation could result in the end of his presidency, Rep. Peter DeFazio (Ore.) said.
"The White House is putting on tremendous pressure, making phone calls, the president is making phone calls saying this is the end of his presidency if he doesn't get this bad deal," he told CNN's Eliot Spitzer.
Let's hope the bill fails so that end draws nearer for the Obama White House. However, Obama used the same rhetoric with health care. That has led to an historic drop in the polls for himself and Congress. Not since the 1930's has the public's approval of congress been so low. And, not since Carter has the population turned so suddenly against a president and his agenda. Only 23% of American believe the country is heading in the right direction.
The main reason for this statistic is that Obama has the country heading towards socialism, and ultimately is on a road to serfdom.
2010-12-14
Obamacare's Legal Defeat
Obamacare suffered a blow yesterday when a judge in Virginia found that the individual mandate violated the constitution. The court's ruling was grounded in the constitution and recognized that the commerce clause cannot compel individuals to enter into the stream of commerce. Such actions go beyond what the congress may force individuals to do.
Liberals, not surprisingly, recognize virtually no limits on what governments can force people to do if done for "the common good". Of course, the government must be hamstrung when it comes to fighting terror, crime, wars, etc., but forcing free citizens to buy insurance is justifiable, as is any other policy or program carried out with the best of intent under the guise of social engineering/social justice.
Obamacare will face further challenges in Florida from 20 states challenging the constitutionalism of the law. The WSJ reports:
Liberals, not surprisingly, recognize virtually no limits on what governments can force people to do if done for "the common good". Of course, the government must be hamstrung when it comes to fighting terror, crime, wars, etc., but forcing free citizens to buy insurance is justifiable, as is any other policy or program carried out with the best of intent under the guise of social engineering/social justice.
Obamacare will face further challenges in Florida from 20 states challenging the constitutionalism of the law. The WSJ reports:
So the issue is joined, and no doubt with historic consequences for American liberty. For most of the last century, the U.S. Supreme Court interpreted the Constitution's Commerce Clause as so elastic as to allow any regulation desired by a Congressional majority. Only with the William Rehnquist Court did the Justices begin to rediscover that the Commerce Clause has some limits, as in the Lopez (1995) and Morrison (2000) cases.
The fundamental issue is what can the government compel an individual to do? This has ramifications for the US but also for every democracy because the debate as to what the government can do or should do has been set by the "progressives" and "central planners" for decades. There must be limits on what the government can compel individuals to do or there is no freedom.
The WSJ concludes: As the Virginia case shows, ObamaCare really does stretch the Commerce Clause to the breaking point. The core issue is whether the federal government can order individuals to do anything the political class decides it wants them to do. The stakes couldn't be higher for our constitutional order.
2010-12-10
Liu Xiaobo Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in Absentia
China's tyranny is on full display today as Liu Xiaobo's absence in Oslo put China's brutality on stage for the world to see. Indeed, Xiabo's cause has made a spectacle of China's political policies and brutal repression of dissent.
Not since Nazi Germany in 1935 has a government barred a Nobel Peace Prize winner from attending when Hitler barred pacifist Carl von Ossietzky from attending in the ceremony.
To further their aims, China also blocked access to news on the Internet, TV, and print media to prevent their citizenry of knowing Xiaobo's great achievement. And what was Xiaobo's crime? It was the publication of Charter 08 advocating for freedom, the end of one party rule, freedom of association, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
Xiaobo's fight is our fight and the struggle of freedom loving people everywhere. It makes China's apologists (like Ignatieff and Tom Friedman) seem very much on the wrong side of history. However, the left has been on the wrong side of history often since 1917 and Red October. Not surprisingly, Tom Friedman has been completely silent on Xiaobo's prize despite his constant yearnings for the United States to become more like China in its efficiency to pass laws regardless of the human cost.
Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann was due to read out an address made by Mr. Liu, 54, who was closely involved in Tienanmen and more recently helped found the reform group Charter 08, to a court during his trial for subversion in December 2009.
"Hatred can rot away at a person’s intelligence and conscience. (The) enemy mentality will poison the spirit of a nation, incite cruel mortal struggles, destroy a society’s tolerance and humanity, and hinder a nation’s progress toward freedom and democracy,” the address said.
Xiaobo may be suffering in prison, being tortured and subjected to awful crimes like thousands of others in China. But I am utterly convinced that freedom will eventually win the day, even in Communist China.
Not since Nazi Germany in 1935 has a government barred a Nobel Peace Prize winner from attending when Hitler barred pacifist Carl von Ossietzky from attending in the ceremony.
To further their aims, China also blocked access to news on the Internet, TV, and print media to prevent their citizenry of knowing Xiaobo's great achievement. And what was Xiaobo's crime? It was the publication of Charter 08 advocating for freedom, the end of one party rule, freedom of association, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
Xiaobo's fight is our fight and the struggle of freedom loving people everywhere. It makes China's apologists (like Ignatieff and Tom Friedman) seem very much on the wrong side of history. However, the left has been on the wrong side of history often since 1917 and Red October. Not surprisingly, Tom Friedman has been completely silent on Xiaobo's prize despite his constant yearnings for the United States to become more like China in its efficiency to pass laws regardless of the human cost.
Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann was due to read out an address made by Mr. Liu, 54, who was closely involved in Tienanmen and more recently helped found the reform group Charter 08, to a court during his trial for subversion in December 2009.
"Hatred can rot away at a person’s intelligence and conscience. (The) enemy mentality will poison the spirit of a nation, incite cruel mortal struggles, destroy a society’s tolerance and humanity, and hinder a nation’s progress toward freedom and democracy,” the address said.
Xiaobo may be suffering in prison, being tortured and subjected to awful crimes like thousands of others in China. But I am utterly convinced that freedom will eventually win the day, even in Communist China.
2010-12-08
The Pinko Remark
The left just can't handle criticism, but such is the norm for central planners who want to control what people say, buy, live, work, and even breathe (think C02 emissions). Cherry caused the left-wing, cocktail sipping, weenie, bicycle riding, Toronto (Red) Star reading, crowd in Toronto to hyperventilate when he made fun of the pinko press in Toronto and bicycle riding communists who hate cars.
While Cherry may have been aggressive towards the socialists in council and the media, it's what the voters largely voted for. They wanted aggressive action to put an end to the waste, corruption, and largesse that is so common in the public sector and they are tired of media outlets like the Toronto Star who turn a blind eye to it in order to push socialism down our throats through their biased reporting.
The left will cry for awhile, but they'll be back to ridiculing Mayor Ford and ensuring he looks like a buffoon whether its warranted or not in order to push us towards a centrally planned economy that will help us achieve a socialist utopia. Thankfully, we still have some people like Rob Ford and Don Cherry who aren't afraid to push back against those that would throw our tax money down the toilet and at every socialist cause imaginable.
So go get'em Rob, and keep up the great work Don! Most of Canada loves you.
While Cherry may have been aggressive towards the socialists in council and the media, it's what the voters largely voted for. They wanted aggressive action to put an end to the waste, corruption, and largesse that is so common in the public sector and they are tired of media outlets like the Toronto Star who turn a blind eye to it in order to push socialism down our throats through their biased reporting.
The left will cry for awhile, but they'll be back to ridiculing Mayor Ford and ensuring he looks like a buffoon whether its warranted or not in order to push us towards a centrally planned economy that will help us achieve a socialist utopia. Thankfully, we still have some people like Rob Ford and Don Cherry who aren't afraid to push back against those that would throw our tax money down the toilet and at every socialist cause imaginable.
So go get'em Rob, and keep up the great work Don! Most of Canada loves you.
2010-12-07
Egypt Blames Mossad for Shark Attack
An Egyptian government official has stated that Mossad may be behind the recent shark attacks in Sharm El Sheikh that left 1 German tourist dead.
FNS reports: "What is being said about the Mossad throwing the deadly shark (in the sea) to hit tourism in Egypt is not out of the question, but it needs time to confirm," South Sinai Gov. Muhammad Abdel Fadil.
FNS reports: "What is being said about the Mossad throwing the deadly shark (in the sea) to hit tourism in Egypt is not out of the question, but it needs time to confirm," South Sinai Gov. Muhammad Abdel Fadil.
The shark has not yet commented, but there is speculation that the shark, while not kosher, is a Zionist conspirator that has long worked for Mossad.
Apparently anti-semitism knows no bounds in Egypt and reason is on vacation until, at the earliest, the New Year.
FDR's Pearl Harbor Speech
On December 7th, the Japanese Imperial forces attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor which brought America into World War Two.
If only Obama had such fortitude against the enemies of liberty.
If only Obama had such fortitude against the enemies of liberty.
Elizabeth Edwards in Final Days
Elizabeth Edwards, wife of dirtbag Democrat presidential aspirant John Edwards, has taken a turn for the worse as doctors have given her only weeks to live.
The NY post reports: "Elizabeth has been advised by her doctors that further treatment of her cancer would be unproductive," said a statement from the family of the estranged wife of disgraced former presidential candidate John Edwards. "She is resting at home with family and friends."
John Edwards has visited her along with their children and Elizabeth's family members at their home in North Carolina. However, it's unclear whether John's relationship with Rielle Hunter continues and whether he'll be indicted for illegally using campaign funds to pay Hunter and support their "love child".
2010-12-03
US Economy Worsens as Unemployment Rises to 9.8%
What happens when the government makes the cost of doing business greater? Unemployment rises. How can the government help the economy improve? Make the cost of doing business less.
The economy has worsened with unemployment rising to 9.8%. President Obama and the Democratic Congress have taken numerous actions which are making the recession exponentially worse than it has to be. Obamacare, increased regulation, bailouts, increased taxes, administrative fees on production (i.e. EPA's carbon regulation), shutting down energy exploration, taking over student loans... The list goes on and on for the ways in which Obama has attacked business rather than promoted it.
This is no surprise. The Democrats and Obama are on a mission to make people more dependent on government. The fewer people that are dependent on government, the fewer votes the Democrats will get in each election cycle. This is an undeniable fact. If everyone has a job and is paying taxes, the Democrats will have a tough time making the argument that we should be expanding government, raising taxes, and controlling people and the economy through "regulation" more.
Regulation is a word for government control of the economy and under Obama, the power of the central planners in Washington has grown faster than at any other time since FDR. This is a threat to freedom, capitalism, and the West's way of life. It can be stopped by a GOP controlled congress, but whether there is the fortitude to oppose this agenda remains to be seen.
Until such time as the government starts decreasing it's share of the GDP-pie, the economy will flounder, creativity will dwindle, and business will stagnate. However, that may be the transformation that Obama is seeking.
The economy has worsened with unemployment rising to 9.8%. President Obama and the Democratic Congress have taken numerous actions which are making the recession exponentially worse than it has to be. Obamacare, increased regulation, bailouts, increased taxes, administrative fees on production (i.e. EPA's carbon regulation), shutting down energy exploration, taking over student loans... The list goes on and on for the ways in which Obama has attacked business rather than promoted it.
This is no surprise. The Democrats and Obama are on a mission to make people more dependent on government. The fewer people that are dependent on government, the fewer votes the Democrats will get in each election cycle. This is an undeniable fact. If everyone has a job and is paying taxes, the Democrats will have a tough time making the argument that we should be expanding government, raising taxes, and controlling people and the economy through "regulation" more.
Regulation is a word for government control of the economy and under Obama, the power of the central planners in Washington has grown faster than at any other time since FDR. This is a threat to freedom, capitalism, and the West's way of life. It can be stopped by a GOP controlled congress, but whether there is the fortitude to oppose this agenda remains to be seen.
Until such time as the government starts decreasing it's share of the GDP-pie, the economy will flounder, creativity will dwindle, and business will stagnate. However, that may be the transformation that Obama is seeking.
2010-12-02
Congress To Vote on Bush Tax Cuts
For years, we've heard Democrats whine and complain about the Bush tax cuts. We were told endlessly (even by moderates like McCain) that the Bush tax cuts were only for the "rich". Pelosi, Obama, Reid, Gore, and every other Democrat talking head has endlessly reminded us on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC that these tax cuts only benefited the top 1%. "Tax Cuts for the richest 1%....." Yes, you remember.
How is it that, all of a sudden, the House is voting to extend the Bush tax cuts which now mysteriously involve the MIDDLE CLASS? Shocking. Or, rather, just politics as usual as spun by the Drive By Media.
GOP Speaker to be, John Boehner has called this maneuver "chicken crap", and he's exactly right. The Democrats are using class warfare to hike taxes on the rich, which really means business owners. yet another move to attack the free market by neo-Marxists posing as Democrats. To raise taxes on anyone while refusing to cut government spending by 1 penny is ridiculous.
The reason the private sector can't get moving is because the public sector has been growing at an unstoppable rate for decades. After a while, government growth can no longer be sustained by any private sector no matter how robust, entrepreneurial, creative, or dynamic it may have been.
Until the government starts making moves to promote business activity instead of stifling it, the economy will continue to struggle. Obama, may not want the economy to recover since he's set upon ensuring America pays for its past sins. Dinesh D'Souza has pointed out brilliantly the kind of anti-colonial mindset that Obama has brought to the White House. The economy needs predictability for tax rates and government spending. It needs to be unleashed from excessive regulation. It needs competitive tax rates and free trade agreements with Columbia, South Korea, and other nations eager for such treaties.
But the neo-Marxist President and his comrades aren't looking for pro-business policies, they're looking to "transform" America. The question is: into what?>
How is it that, all of a sudden, the House is voting to extend the Bush tax cuts which now mysteriously involve the MIDDLE CLASS? Shocking. Or, rather, just politics as usual as spun by the Drive By Media.
GOP Speaker to be, John Boehner has called this maneuver "chicken crap", and he's exactly right. The Democrats are using class warfare to hike taxes on the rich, which really means business owners. yet another move to attack the free market by neo-Marxists posing as Democrats. To raise taxes on anyone while refusing to cut government spending by 1 penny is ridiculous.
The reason the private sector can't get moving is because the public sector has been growing at an unstoppable rate for decades. After a while, government growth can no longer be sustained by any private sector no matter how robust, entrepreneurial, creative, or dynamic it may have been.
Until the government starts making moves to promote business activity instead of stifling it, the economy will continue to struggle. Obama, may not want the economy to recover since he's set upon ensuring America pays for its past sins. Dinesh D'Souza has pointed out brilliantly the kind of anti-colonial mindset that Obama has brought to the White House. The economy needs predictability for tax rates and government spending. It needs to be unleashed from excessive regulation. It needs competitive tax rates and free trade agreements with Columbia, South Korea, and other nations eager for such treaties.
But the neo-Marxist President and his comrades aren't looking for pro-business policies, they're looking to "transform" America. The question is: into what?>
2010-12-01
Ontario Green Jobs Are An Illusion
What if someone told you they'd invest $457 million dollars which would create 1,700 jobs? Would you consider that a good investment? That's a cost of $268,823.53 per job. Personally, I think that's a pretty lousy deal. However, that's exactly what the Ontario Liberals are doing through McGuinty's green energy plans.
If a job requires a government subsidy, it's probably an illusion anyway. If that job was so valued, why does it need a subsidy to exist? Certainly, if there is a genuine market for a job and a demand that can be supplied, then the free market will fill that need. But the Liberal Government in Ontario doesn't function in the economic reality that most of us have to work in.
Remember the Health Care Premium? Have we seen any benefits to that? Do we even know whether those dollars in extra taxes we pay are being spent on health? After all, no special Health Trust Fund was ever set up to guarantee that. But such is how governments function, they promise one thing even though they can't guarantee that any measurable results will occur, a very huge difference from what occurs in the private sector where results are really all that matters. Publicly companies are accountable to shareholders, boards, regulators, and the public in general. They are far more open and transparent than the government is, and employees can actually lose their jobs for poor performance, unlike government workers.
So this "green investment" in "green jobs" like wind turbines (that kill migratory birds, ahem) is really just a re-distribution of wealth. The McGuinty regime has taken money from taxpaying individuals and corporations and re-distributed it to Samsung and other companies who otherwise wouldn't invest the money in wind turbines because they're a bad investment. Like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the US, who shielded banks and mortgage companies from the true risk of their investments, McGuinty is, likewise, removing the risk for Samsung by redistributing wealth.
So when you see those wind turbines in Windsor and elsewhere, you can be happy to know that your government is making investments in projects the private sector thinks are bad investments.
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