Gingrich's Remarks at CPAC

Newt Gingrich addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington DC earlier this February.  This speech may lay out the possible planks of his platform for a run for the GOP nominee in 2012.

Newt Gingrich Discusses Wisconsin Union Thuggery

Newt Gingrich discusses the dilemma facing Gov. Walker in Wisconsin. The battle raging there is one that may determine the fate of America's economic course.  As usual, Democrats believe they can spend money without consequence endlessly into the future.  They are prepared to mortgage our childrens' future for the sake of appeasing unions: collectively, the biggest financial backer of the Democratic Party overall and a major cause of current account deficits in state, local, and the federal budget.

Obama Making Carter Look Like General MacArthur

Nile Gardiner of the Telegraph puts it perfectly: "Frankly, President Obama makes Jimmy Carter look like General MacArthur by comparison. The US administration needs to wake up from its slumber and start showing some real leadership on the world stage in place of its existing milquetoast foreign policy."

Its hard to top such eloquent British wit.

The Libyan people are yearning for freedom, dying in the streets, and the US President, the supposed leader of the free world, can barely get around to giving a press conference on the issue.  And during his belated press conference, he did not even have the guts to mention Qaddafi by name.

The phone was ringing at 3am, and it wasn't that Obama was sleeping, even worse Obama was too afraid to answer the call.

Gardiner goes on to state: "The Libyan people don’t need lofty neutrality from Washington. They do however need the president of the most powerful nation on earth to actively back their aspirations for freedom and democracy."

Let's not forget how useless and pathetic the United Nations has been throughout the awakening of freedom throughout the Middle East.  Not only has not a single resolution been passed condemning dictators and supporting the protesters, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China,  Pakistan, and Russia currently sit on the human rights council.  Pathetic.

The video below tells you everything you need to know about the UN Human Rights Council:

Force Projection

With all the unrest in the Middle East and North Aftica, why is the US not putting on a show of force to show dictators and tyrants that America is serious about freedom?  In other words, why are there no aircraft carrier groups in the Mediterranen Sea at present?

The advantages are that you have a massive fleet of strike aircraft that could protect the Libyan people from further air assault.  The US would also be able to show the world how serious it is about universal human rights which Obama, today, mentioned in his remarks.

Carriers, like the USS Enterprise, are 90,000 tons of US diplomacy, hard assets that put fear into the hearts of America's enemy's, of which Qaddaffi is one.  A carrier group would also allow the US to deploy aid and support to extract citizens of America and allied nations from danger if need be.

President Obama should show Qaddaffi and others that America means business when people want freedom.  I'm quite sure past presidents would not have hesitated to do this.  So what's Obama waiting for?

Libya On the Brink

President Qaddafi has reportedly fled Tripoli and earlier reports indicated he may have been on his way to Venezuela, but that has since been denied by Venezuelan officials.  Two Libyan air force colonels have refused orders to fire on their own people and have defected to Malta where they were granted asylum.

Protesters were fired upon by snipers, helicopters and even fighter jets according to reports.  The Daily Mail reports: "Security forces appeared to be preparing a major assault in the capital tonight, as state TV said troops had 'stormed the hideouts of the saboteurs'. Snipers took up positions on rooftops and jets swooped low over rooftops, apparently trying to stop more opposition activists joining those who are already overwhelming the city."

Freedom is unstoppable, and the power of free men and women is being witnessed by dictators across the Middle East and around the world.  Let us hope that this push for freedom is not hijacked by extremists as Iran's revolution was in the 1970's.

Secular, pro-democracy groups should be supported by all means available throughout the Middle East.  The human spirit and the universal desire for liberty will live on, it is an eternal fire and universal right of every man, woman and child.

Protests Spread from Middle East to China

People are demanding freedom in Libya, Bahrain, Iran, and Yemen.  Military snipers murdered dozens of mourners in Libya who were attending funerals for protesters that were killed.

Now, people are demanding freedom in China.  As usual, the government has responded with a brutal iron fist to crush any dissent or criticism of the government.  A "jasmine revolution" (similar to what occurred in Tunisia) is brewing in China where the people are harshly punished for any dissent against the communist party.

Many have been detained in China as part of the government's response to the unrest.  China viciously controls the media, including internet access to key websites:

China's extensive filtering and monitoring of the Internet meant that most Chinese were unlikely to know about Saturday's call to protest. Boxun.com, for example, is blocked as are Twitter and Facebook, which were instrumental in Egypt's protest movement. Still, young tech-smart Chinese are savvy about getting around controls.


The Chinese government's reaction to protests is standard operating procedure for brutal tyrannies, right out of Stalin's "how to book" on running a communist/socialist system: "Up to 15 leading Chinese rights lawyers and activists have disappeared since Saturday amid a nationwide police mobilisation, according to activists, while the government appeared to censor Internet postings calling for the demonstrations."
Like all tyrannies, the government fears the people which is why it must control the people through brutality, intimidation, violence, censorship, and fear.

I can't help but believe that this new awakening for freedom has it roots in the freedom agenda of President George W. Bush.  Bush, like Reagan, Lincoln, Adams, and Washington before him, believed that freedom was not an American idea, but a universal idea and the desire of people throughout the world regardless of creed, race, religion, gender, or culture.

Freedom bears fruit, and it is doing so in Iraq, Egypt, and across the world.  Modern technology has created the means by which people may assemble online, through mobile devices, and ultimately in person to challenge autocracy.

In Bahrain, they are screaming for help and freedom.  In China and elsewhere, the same demands may soon be made and a new dawn of freedom might enfold.

"Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have." - Ronald Reagan

Chris Christie Wows at AEI

Chris Christie adds to his buzz with his speech at the American Enterprise Institute in which he dares to suggest that the Social Security retirement age be raised. GASP!  A politician who recognizes reality for what it is.  How refreshing.

Ann Coulter on Chris Christie

Ann Coulter is campaigning hard for Gov. Christie (R-NJ) to run for President.  She believes he's the only one that can beat Obama.  Personally, I think there's plenty of Republicans who could beat Obama given the 10% unemployment rate, disastrous economy, soaring debt, and diminishing American influence abroad. 

Obama is a weak president who seems to have no clue on how to revive the economy. It's either that or he doesn't want to help the economy, which is equally plausible.  After all, the more people that are dependent on the government, the better the Democrats fair at the polls.

So Much for a "New Tone" in American Politics

This video demonstrates the utter hypocrisy and lies of the political left in America.  The left was quick to blame conservatives for Rep. Giffords shooting, but there are no denunciations of the extreme rhetoric we see coming out of Wisconsin today.

The Democrats in Wisconsin, with the help of Obama's organizing committee which is typical of Chicago-style thug politics, are subverting democracy and the will of the people.  The Gov. Walker was elected by the people to do a job, and he's doing exactly what he promised.

China Launches Cyber Attack on Canada

Computers based in China conducted a massive cyber attack on Canadian government computers.  CBC reports: "The attack, first detected in early January, left Canadian counter-espionage agents scrambling to determine how much sensitive government information may have been stolen and by whom."


The Finance and Treasury Boards were identified targets of the attack.  China denies it had anything to do with the attack, but China has recently launched such attacks against the US and other western democracies.

The CBC goes on to state:

Michel Juneau-Katsuya, a security analyst and former CSIS intelligence officer, told CBC News on Thursday "all indications point at China" as the origin of the attempted cyber espionage.

He added that any such attack would have some connection to the government in China, which is also known for producing so-called "patriotic hackers" devoted to targeting institutions or governments perceived as threatening to the government at home.

Juneau-Katsuya said he believed the Canada is seen by China as "a land of opportunity to get natural resources that they need so, so much."

China, despite the Liberal Party's affection, is a threat to Canada and western democracies.  It is a tyrannical regime that does not share our values, interests, or goals.  The West should be doing everything it can to support regime change in China, pro-democracy activists, and Taiwan which stands boldly for freedom in front of the Chinese communist threat.

Canadian officials will be in the same room as Chinese officials on the weekend for the G20 meeting in Paris.  Canada should strongly condemn this action from the Chinese and make it clear that we will not tolerate such provocations.

San Diego Port Security Says WMD Found on American Soil

A surprising interview with a San Diego port officer about whether WMD's had ever been found upon inspection at the port. Judge for yourself: San Diego Port Security Says WMD Found On American Soil

Allen West Shines at CPAC

Colonel Allen West, a freshman Congressman from Florida, captures the imagination of the crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference.  West is a straight-shooting, no BS, former soldier, that has a very specific idea of what America needs to do in order to turn the country around. 

Gingrich Comments on Reagan, Egypt, & Obama

Speaking at the celebrations for Reagan's 100th birthday, John King caught up with Newt Gingrich.



Newt discusses Reagan's legacy.

Happy 100th Birthday Ronald Reagan

The greatest president of the 20th century, Ronald Reagan, would have turned 100 today.  He transformed America, rejuvenated the spirit of Americans, defied and defeated communism, and strengthened the economy through his unwavering belief in the individual and the free market.  His inauguration speech set the tone for his entire administration.

His grace, humor, and gift of connecting with his constituents shall never be forgotten.

"Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have."


"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."


"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves."


"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."


"Man is not free unless government is limited."


"Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"


"No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!"


"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

RIP Mr. President.

Canada Strong Jobs Report, US Mixed

The Canadian dollar strengthened on a strong jobs report in which hiring figures exceeded expectations.  Canadian employment increased by 69,000 which caused the Loonie to strengthen further against the green back, even as the Loonie remains above parity.

US non-farm employment increased by only 35,000, a disappointing figure even as the unemployment rate dropped to 9%.  Economists and observers believe this may be due to fewer people seeking employment because of the stagnant economy and weak hiring among American employers.

Energy prices also climed amid unease with the situation in Egypt.  CNBC's Rick Santelli was not impressed with the US employment numbers despiet the decrease in the unemployment rate.

The Not So Brutal T.O. Snowstorm

As a native Torontonian, I have to say that I'm pretty disappointed with the unabashed woosification of so many of my fellow city dwellers.  My favourite term was "Snowtorious BIG" for the snow storm, which really isn't that bad.

I got to work in decent time and expect my drive home along the 401 won't be overly terrible, although I'm crossing my fingers.

What the snow storm did show me as that we're getting soft as a society.  We cancel schools, work, and events for what might be before it even arrives.  As Canadians, we are a rugged group of individuals capable of enduring what most others in the world never could: a Canadian winter.  Never mind that Torontonians also have to endure an endlessly pathetic hockey team that has no hope of winning any time in the next decade.

So I encourage Torontonians to buck up, gear up, suit up, and endure the winter like they do in Edmonton and other sun-forsaken areas of the nation. 

Never mind that global warming is producing colder temperatures, more snow, a lack of hurricanes, more rain, floods, and chaos despite what Al Gore and other lefties promised in the past, we'll continue to endure ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain, hail, and snow covered driveways with frozen car doors and salt stained pants.

Chaos in Cairo

CNN captures the melee unfolding in Cairo as battles erupt between protesters demanding a change in government and pro-Mubarak forces.

BREAKING: Mubarak Stepping Down

Fox News is reporting that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is stepping down as the country's president.

Details to follow.

Update 1: Apparently Mubarak will not seek re-election. This is quite different than stepping down.  Mubarak hasn't won an election legitimately throughout his reign anyway.  It's definitely time for a change in Egypt, but let's hope that there is no transition to Sharia as was seen in Iran in the 1979 revolution.

If an Islamist takeover occurs, it is quite likely that western powers and their allies will be forced to occupy the Suez Canal to safeguard world trade through that vital choke point.

Update 2: Mubarak will not seek re-election (I use that term loosely) in September when his "term" is up.  Obama urged Mubarak not to seek re-election.  It is by no means guaranteed that free elections will be the next step or that democracy will even be possible in Egypt.  Democracy in the Middle East seems to require a few divisions of Marines in order to stamp out corruption and maintain law and order.

Charles Krauthammer also points out that democracy is by no means inevitable:

Florida Judge Rules Obamacare Unconstitutional

The government cannot do whatever it wants: this was essentially the ruling by a Federal Judge in Florida.  Justice Roger Vinson, who was appointed by Reagan, found that Obamacare's individual mandate violated the commerce clause.  He likened the mandate as equivalent to the government forcing people to eat broccoli for the sake of their health.

Of course, to liberals like Jeffrey Toobin on CNN, this is ridiculous, because the government must be allowed to coerce citizens in order to bring about utopia through government benevolence.

Unfortunately for Toobin (who was a member of Journolist and NPR in the past), who's anything but unbiased, the government in the United States of America is bound by the constitution and cannot do whatever it pleases to the people.  As Reagan famously stated, the United States is a people with a government, not the other way around.



Twenty six attorneys general brought the case against Obamacare, so this ruling has enormous significance.  This is especially true considering that Judge Vinson ruled that the entire law needed to be struck down as a result of the individual mandate being a lynch pin of the entire statute.

John Hayward writes in Human Events:

The Pensacola ruling is, in other words, a death blow to ObamaCare… if it stands in the Supreme Court. Supreme Court watchers will now commence reading the tea leaves of past decisions to figure out where each justice stands. There will be pressure for the most recently appointed Justice, Elena Kagan, to recuse herself, because she served as Solicitor General in the Obama Administration. A nervous nation will wait to see if Justice Anthony Kennedy emerges from his chambers and sees his shadow.

 
This ruling is a major victory for freedom and a major blow to uninhibited government expansion.