This is a good summary of the nonsense spouted by the Obama administration on the economy versus the facts on the ground. Compare ideological prattling against reality:
"Everybody agrees that the recession is over." --Larry Summers, (ABC's This Week, December 13, 2009)
CLAIM #1 – On October 31, 2009, President Obama stated, “The Recovery Act is saving and creating jobs all across the country.”
■AMERICA’S REALITY: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, forty-three states currently have higher unemployment rates than when the Democrats approved their $814 billion stimulus plan in February 2009. Two states currently have the same unemployment rate as in February 2009.
CLAIM #2 – On December 1, 2009, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated, “The Recovery Act is likely producing even more jobs and higher economic growth than originally thought.”
■AMERICA'S REALITY: On August 9, 2010, the Navy Times reported, “The few jobs being created in a stagnant economy do not seem to be going to veterans, as the unemployment rate for former service members rose in July to 8.4 percent overall and to 11.8 percent for Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans…The situation for veterans remains worse than it was one year ago, according to the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports that in July 2009 the unemployment rate for all veterans was 7.9 percent and that the rate for people who served since September 2001 was 9.8 percent.”
CLAIM #3 – On September 3, 2009, Vice President Joe Biden stated, “[T]here's a growing consensus: The Recovery Act is, in fact, working.”
■AMERICA’S REALITY: On August 24, 2010, the National Association of Realtor’s announced that the sale of previously occupied homes dropped 27.2 percent in the month of July 2010. According to the Associated Press, this represents the largest monthly drop in four decades.
CLAIM #4 – On July 2, 2010, President Obama, in a speech regarding the dismal unemployment numbers for June 2010, stated, “Make no mistake about it, we are headed in the right direction.”
■AMERICA'S REALITY: The Commerce Department, on August 27, 2010, revised its estimate for economic growth in the April-to-June period to 1.6 percent. Gross domestic product growth was previously estimated at 2.4 percent. This anemic growth will not prevent the unemployment rate from rising and raises the prospect of a double dip recession.
CLAIM #5 – On August 24, 2010, Vice President Joe Biden, speaking on the economy, stated, “But there isn’t any doubt, we are moving in the right direction.”
■AMERICA’S REALITY: On August 27, 2010, Reuters reported, “Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Friday the economic recovery has weakened more than expected and the Fed stands ready to act if needed to spur slowing growth.” Rather than touting a strong economic recovery, Bernanke stated, “The committee is prepared to provide additional monetary accommodation through unconventional measures if it proves necessary...”
Two of the architects of the stimulus/spending bills passed to squash the continuing economic recession have now tendered their resignations - Peter Orszag and Christina Romer. Romer, amazingly, continues to tout yet another stimulus package for passage. It is as if they live in an alternative universe. What did Einstein define as insanity? To paraphrase - keep doing the same thing and expect a different result? This train of thought fits the bill.
Summer of recovery? I don't think this is anyone's definition of recovery.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Friday, September 03, 2010
Fiorina Soundly Defeats Boxer in Debate
It's a Republican year. The writing is on the wall. Americans are fed up with incumbents unwilling or incapable of listening to taxpayers concerned about the direction of our country. The real guessing game is the speculation over the outcome for the Senate - will it fall to Republican control? If I had to place a bet today, I would say that the House of Representatives will go to a Republican majority while the Senate will be just barely held by the Democrats. That is why the Senate races listed as toss-ups are so important.
The mind-blowing possibility that the State of California may actually elect a Republican to the U.S. Senate this year is truly present. As of today, sitting Senator Barbara Boxer is just one point ahead of former Fortune 50 CEO Carly Fiorina. The one and only scheduled televised debate between the two candidates was shown on C-SPAN and it was good entertainment for political junkies.
Let's make this clear - Fiorina, a political virgin, won the debate with the three-term Senator, who held a seat in the House before moving to the Senate. Even with the biased questioning against Fiorina and her underdog status, Fiorina came through as a winner. It is reported that this race is a first for Boxer - a truly competitive challenge for her seat. It is also reported there may be another debate scheduled between the two before voting begins. That is a sure sign the Fiorina camp feels pretty darn good about her performance.
Fiorina is a statistician. She spits out numbers and percentages like a machine, but not in the boring way. She has an air of confidence about her that must serve her well in leadership positions. This trait along with the unflinching assertiveness she showed in describing Boxer's legislative record was a knock-out. Boxer was flummoxed. She could not answer Fiorina's charge that Boxer has completely failed to shepherd any significant legislation through the Senate in her three terms of service - that's 18 years. California is a large and powerful state. Fiorina described Boxer as "one of the most bitter, partisan members of the U.S. Senate". The zinger was Fiorina citing a quote from Vice-President Biden, then Senator Biden, of his disgust with Boxer and her game playing for political gain over a war-funding bill. Ouch.
Those who keep up with the back and forth of politics remember an incident Boxer, as sub-committee chairperson, questioning Brigadier General Michael Walsh to call her "Senator" not "ma'am" as is military etiquette. It was a painfully classless request by the Senator but the General rolled with it gracefully, as you would expect. When questioned about that incident, Boxer claimed she called Walsh after the hearing and asked if he felt he was owed an apology. He told her there was no need, according to her story. Well, what was he to say? He was a gentleman. She is a shrew.
The incident with the General made Boxer's boasts of support for the military and wounded warriors harder to stomach. She is known as a partisan gamesman and plays her games with military funding. Would she have pushed for funding for veterans support in California had she not been concerned with re-election? We have no way of knowing, but given her history, it is reasonable to be skeptical. Boxer is just desperate enough now to stake a claim as a strong military personnel supporter. If she was so knowledgeable of the military members and protocol she would know the General was required to call her "ma'am".
Boxer proved she is a bitter, out of touch incumbent. She is the old school feminist Democrat who uses fear tactics of abortion politics and class warfare. It sounds ridiculous in the year 2010 and yet, she doesn't seem to realize it. She is a card carrying member of the far left Democrats - the ones who realized their dream of controlling Congress under one of their own, President Obama, and have utterly failed in leading this country out of recession and misread taxpayers on the needs of social programs.
Boxer is either clueless or deliberately dishonest about knowledge of how a Fortune 50 or 500 or smaller companies pay CEO's compensation. She made much of the bonus Fiorina accepted as HP floundered and she left its employment. Fiorina stated her salary was always voted on and approved by the Board of Directors and shareholders before it was issued to her. Boxer all but accused her of stealing money or improperly taking compensation as the company hit a rough patch. Boxer is of the wing of the Democratic party that doesn't understand job growth and creation. She prefers to demonize business.
Carly Fiorina made honest, common sense arguments to counter the nonsensical answers of Boxer. Fiorina spoke to the issues of abortion and civil unions for the gay community as states rights decisions. She is of the true conservative school that believes in individual thought and practical solutions to the needs of citizens. She is a breath of fresh air.
Here's hoping this is the last debate for Barbara Boxer.
The mind-blowing possibility that the State of California may actually elect a Republican to the U.S. Senate this year is truly present. As of today, sitting Senator Barbara Boxer is just one point ahead of former Fortune 50 CEO Carly Fiorina. The one and only scheduled televised debate between the two candidates was shown on C-SPAN and it was good entertainment for political junkies.
Let's make this clear - Fiorina, a political virgin, won the debate with the three-term Senator, who held a seat in the House before moving to the Senate. Even with the biased questioning against Fiorina and her underdog status, Fiorina came through as a winner. It is reported that this race is a first for Boxer - a truly competitive challenge for her seat. It is also reported there may be another debate scheduled between the two before voting begins. That is a sure sign the Fiorina camp feels pretty darn good about her performance.
Fiorina is a statistician. She spits out numbers and percentages like a machine, but not in the boring way. She has an air of confidence about her that must serve her well in leadership positions. This trait along with the unflinching assertiveness she showed in describing Boxer's legislative record was a knock-out. Boxer was flummoxed. She could not answer Fiorina's charge that Boxer has completely failed to shepherd any significant legislation through the Senate in her three terms of service - that's 18 years. California is a large and powerful state. Fiorina described Boxer as "one of the most bitter, partisan members of the U.S. Senate". The zinger was Fiorina citing a quote from Vice-President Biden, then Senator Biden, of his disgust with Boxer and her game playing for political gain over a war-funding bill. Ouch.
Those who keep up with the back and forth of politics remember an incident Boxer, as sub-committee chairperson, questioning Brigadier General Michael Walsh to call her "Senator" not "ma'am" as is military etiquette. It was a painfully classless request by the Senator but the General rolled with it gracefully, as you would expect. When questioned about that incident, Boxer claimed she called Walsh after the hearing and asked if he felt he was owed an apology. He told her there was no need, according to her story. Well, what was he to say? He was a gentleman. She is a shrew.
The incident with the General made Boxer's boasts of support for the military and wounded warriors harder to stomach. She is known as a partisan gamesman and plays her games with military funding. Would she have pushed for funding for veterans support in California had she not been concerned with re-election? We have no way of knowing, but given her history, it is reasonable to be skeptical. Boxer is just desperate enough now to stake a claim as a strong military personnel supporter. If she was so knowledgeable of the military members and protocol she would know the General was required to call her "ma'am".
Boxer proved she is a bitter, out of touch incumbent. She is the old school feminist Democrat who uses fear tactics of abortion politics and class warfare. It sounds ridiculous in the year 2010 and yet, she doesn't seem to realize it. She is a card carrying member of the far left Democrats - the ones who realized their dream of controlling Congress under one of their own, President Obama, and have utterly failed in leading this country out of recession and misread taxpayers on the needs of social programs.
Boxer is either clueless or deliberately dishonest about knowledge of how a Fortune 50 or 500 or smaller companies pay CEO's compensation. She made much of the bonus Fiorina accepted as HP floundered and she left its employment. Fiorina stated her salary was always voted on and approved by the Board of Directors and shareholders before it was issued to her. Boxer all but accused her of stealing money or improperly taking compensation as the company hit a rough patch. Boxer is of the wing of the Democratic party that doesn't understand job growth and creation. She prefers to demonize business.
Carly Fiorina made honest, common sense arguments to counter the nonsensical answers of Boxer. Fiorina spoke to the issues of abortion and civil unions for the gay community as states rights decisions. She is of the true conservative school that believes in individual thought and practical solutions to the needs of citizens. She is a breath of fresh air.
Here's hoping this is the last debate for Barbara Boxer.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Obama's Oval Office Speech Missed Mark
It is reported that President Obama telephoned former President George W. Bush before he gave his speech on the withdrawal of combat troops to the nation. He could only refer to Bush as a patriot and a good man, as though he is some hapless slub who went wily-nily into war without a reason or strategy. This is where Obama shows what a man of pure politics he is, not a statesman or leader of people.
Instead of crediting Bush with his unwavering support of the surge that allowed our success in Iraq, instead of voicing appreciation for Bush's decision to change course in military strategy and leadership as the war turned badly for us, instead of pointing out that he himself is using the same surge strategy in Afghanistan now, Obama chose to turn the first speech from the Oval Office on the subject of war and foreign policy into a campaign speech. He pivoted - quite badly - into domestic policy and the economy. He went as far as to blame war costs on our economic downturn. The non-partisan CBO promptly produced a chart clearly showing that not to be the truth. As the war in Iraq began and was pursued by the Bush administration, the deficit continued to be reduced. Only after 2007 did that begin to end. Is it a coincidence that 2007 is the year the Democrats took control of Congress?
Here is Senator John McCain's reaction:
Our military deserved a stronger thank you from a grateful nation by its Commander-in-Chief. Our nation deserves a President willing to do the tough thinking and speak of foreign policy deeper than the agenda of continual global apology tours and lightweight, fuzzy statements that if we are just nicer to everyone, the extremists will stop plotting to kill us.
This president is solely interested in transforming America into a European socialist democracy and is stunned that the American people are not having it. His big liberal dreams for America are passe. Americans are too astute to continue buying the hopey, changey pablum of the Obama campaign. We need strong leadership with a realistic path to economic recovery. All we have been offered is more spending, more taxes and finger pointing backwards.
We are sorely lacking in an economic recovery plan.
Instead of crediting Bush with his unwavering support of the surge that allowed our success in Iraq, instead of voicing appreciation for Bush's decision to change course in military strategy and leadership as the war turned badly for us, instead of pointing out that he himself is using the same surge strategy in Afghanistan now, Obama chose to turn the first speech from the Oval Office on the subject of war and foreign policy into a campaign speech. He pivoted - quite badly - into domestic policy and the economy. He went as far as to blame war costs on our economic downturn. The non-partisan CBO promptly produced a chart clearly showing that not to be the truth. As the war in Iraq began and was pursued by the Bush administration, the deficit continued to be reduced. Only after 2007 did that begin to end. Is it a coincidence that 2007 is the year the Democrats took control of Congress?
Here is Senator John McCain's reaction:
Our military deserved a stronger thank you from a grateful nation by its Commander-in-Chief. Our nation deserves a President willing to do the tough thinking and speak of foreign policy deeper than the agenda of continual global apology tours and lightweight, fuzzy statements that if we are just nicer to everyone, the extremists will stop plotting to kill us.
This president is solely interested in transforming America into a European socialist democracy and is stunned that the American people are not having it. His big liberal dreams for America are passe. Americans are too astute to continue buying the hopey, changey pablum of the Obama campaign. We need strong leadership with a realistic path to economic recovery. All we have been offered is more spending, more taxes and finger pointing backwards.
We are sorely lacking in an economic recovery plan.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
President Obama on Iraq - Then and Now
This is a reminder of the Barack Obama who publicly opposed the surge strategy in Iraq:
The campaign against the surge, the brain child of the far left organization, MoveOn.org, published a full page ad in newspapers across the country calling military hero Gen. David Petraeus, "General Betray Us". It was disgraceful in its tone and yet presidential candidates Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton were only too eager to embrace the tactic. All three Democrats were only too happy to grandstand and denounce a fellow American's military strategy. It was bare-knuckle politics; partisanship at its worst.
President Obama spoke to the nation from the newly re-decorated Oval Office with primetime television coverage about the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq. He wants everyone to know he met his deadline of August 31. As Michael O'Hanlon writes,
First, a word on campaign promises. Before becoming president, Mr. Obama said he would have all the US combat troops out of Iraq within 16 months—though sometimes he also spoke of an even faster schedule, since he would occasionally state that he intended to pull out one to two combat brigades per month (and there were 15 in the country when he was inaugurated). In fact, after 19 months of the Obama presidency, we still have five brigades and 50,000 troops in the country, with their full suites of weaponry. They have been redesignated as advise and assist brigades, but their composition and their capabilities still have 85 to 90 percent overlap with traditional combat units. And they will continue to go on joint patrols, man joint checkpoints with Iraqis and otherwise continue many of the tasks that they were carrying out before. Also, in the absence of a peace treaty or ceasefire accord, we do not really get to decide here in Washington when combat is over.
Thank the brave troops who have waged this war. They deserve better from their Commander-in-Chief than to give them anything less than a celebration of their efforts as they return home. He, unfortunately, is too busy campaigning for his domestic policies.
The campaign against the surge, the brain child of the far left organization, MoveOn.org, published a full page ad in newspapers across the country calling military hero Gen. David Petraeus, "General Betray Us". It was disgraceful in its tone and yet presidential candidates Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton were only too eager to embrace the tactic. All three Democrats were only too happy to grandstand and denounce a fellow American's military strategy. It was bare-knuckle politics; partisanship at its worst.
President Obama spoke to the nation from the newly re-decorated Oval Office with primetime television coverage about the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq. He wants everyone to know he met his deadline of August 31. As Michael O'Hanlon writes,
First, a word on campaign promises. Before becoming president, Mr. Obama said he would have all the US combat troops out of Iraq within 16 months—though sometimes he also spoke of an even faster schedule, since he would occasionally state that he intended to pull out one to two combat brigades per month (and there were 15 in the country when he was inaugurated). In fact, after 19 months of the Obama presidency, we still have five brigades and 50,000 troops in the country, with their full suites of weaponry. They have been redesignated as advise and assist brigades, but their composition and their capabilities still have 85 to 90 percent overlap with traditional combat units. And they will continue to go on joint patrols, man joint checkpoints with Iraqis and otherwise continue many of the tasks that they were carrying out before. Also, in the absence of a peace treaty or ceasefire accord, we do not really get to decide here in Washington when combat is over.
Thank the brave troops who have waged this war. They deserve better from their Commander-in-Chief than to give them anything less than a celebration of their efforts as they return home. He, unfortunately, is too busy campaigning for his domestic policies.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Restoring America
Whether it is the restoration of the south Louisiana way of life or salvaging the American way of life, Washington, D.C. needs to hear the message.
From Rep. Charles Boustany, R-LA, on the Louisiana way of life:
Boustany Urges Administration to Move Quicker to Restore Louisiana Way of Life
Aug 27 2010
Lafayette, LA – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), today urged the Obama Administration to move quicker to restore the way of life for thousands of Louisiana families following the re-opening of the federal fishery area off the western coast of Louisiana.
"While today’s re-opening of the federal fishery area off the Southwest Louisiana coast is welcome, this Administration needs to do more to help the people of the Gulf Coast,” said Boustany. “The Administration’s continued delay, whether with resources, re-opening federal waters to fishing or lifting the job-killing moratorium, threatens our way of life. Louisiana remains a ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’ with diverse habitats, and I will continue to work to ensure we maintain this important legacy.”
And, from Florida's U.S. Senate race, Marco Rubio on the American way of life:
From Rep. Charles Boustany, R-LA, on the Louisiana way of life:
Boustany Urges Administration to Move Quicker to Restore Louisiana Way of Life
Aug 27 2010
Lafayette, LA – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), today urged the Obama Administration to move quicker to restore the way of life for thousands of Louisiana families following the re-opening of the federal fishery area off the western coast of Louisiana.
"While today’s re-opening of the federal fishery area off the Southwest Louisiana coast is welcome, this Administration needs to do more to help the people of the Gulf Coast,” said Boustany. “The Administration’s continued delay, whether with resources, re-opening federal waters to fishing or lifting the job-killing moratorium, threatens our way of life. Louisiana remains a ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’ with diverse habitats, and I will continue to work to ensure we maintain this important legacy.”
And, from Florida's U.S. Senate race, Marco Rubio on the American way of life:
Monday, August 30, 2010
Voter Registration Fraud Cited In Houston
Houston, we have a voter registration fraud problem. This speaks to the mess that has been uncovered in Harris County.
Here you can watch a report from a local Fox affiliate.
Not long ago, I learned of an organization from fellow Houston blogger, David Jennings - who publishes the Big Jolly Politics blog. He attended an event put on by HoustonVotes and a couple of his points from the event caught my attention about their voter registration incentives for their workers: *Houston Votes currently has 50 paid canvassers working four hours per day, averaging 6 registrations per worker per hour and
*They are giving away Astros tickets and a condo vacation as incentives to the workers who register the most voters.
These two points sent up red flags to me as they smack of the potential for corruption. Monetary and other compensations as 'rewards' or incentives don't always bring out the best in people. I'm just sayin'.
Delving a bit and learning more about the folks behind the event, I find that Houston Votes is a get out the vote offshoot of Texans Together Education Fund.
An excellent post by blogHouston's Kevin Whited concisely describes the organization and its board members' backgrounds.
A Houston area organization, King Street Patriots, has developed a program named True the Vote. The True the Vote initiative began after Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of King Street Patriots, witnessed what she considered potentials for voter fraud during the last election. She was concerned with actions she saw as she worked the polls. While Houston Votes would like to brush them off as just another Tea Party organization, the fact is that King Street Patriots works with more than local Tea Party organizations. They show on their website cooperation with other organizations, too. The common thread is fiscal conservatism and working against corruption in government. So, there is the friction between liberal vs conservative organizations. As Texas Watchdog points out, though Texans Together claims to be non-partisan, it is decidedly liberal in leadership posts.
Leo Vasquez, a Republican soon to be out of office, is Harris County Voter Registrar. He is called "a liar and a political hack" by Fred Lewis, head of Texans Together. Vasquez alleges Lewis and his organization "have violated Texas Election Code, submitted falsified documents and 'possibly violated federal election laws.", according to the article by Texas Watchdog. Vasquez says he'll turn over information received from King Street Patriots on voter registration fraud to the Secretary of State's office. He alleges he has over 5,000 voter registrations in question.
News conferences from all parties were called and publicized. Then an interesting development made news. All of the Harris County election pieces of equipment - 10,000 in total - were destroyed in a warehouse fire. This warehouse is the only place where the voting equipment is stored. The building is not one that is required to have a sprinkler system and does not. Arson teams are investigating the cause of the blaze.
Quite a coincidence.
With Early Voting for the November elections beginning in mid-October, a scramble has begun to purchase or borrow voting equipment.
Here you can watch a report from a local Fox affiliate.
Not long ago, I learned of an organization from fellow Houston blogger, David Jennings - who publishes the Big Jolly Politics blog. He attended an event put on by HoustonVotes and a couple of his points from the event caught my attention about their voter registration incentives for their workers: *Houston Votes currently has 50 paid canvassers working four hours per day, averaging 6 registrations per worker per hour and
*They are giving away Astros tickets and a condo vacation as incentives to the workers who register the most voters.
These two points sent up red flags to me as they smack of the potential for corruption. Monetary and other compensations as 'rewards' or incentives don't always bring out the best in people. I'm just sayin'.
Delving a bit and learning more about the folks behind the event, I find that Houston Votes is a get out the vote offshoot of Texans Together Education Fund.
An excellent post by blogHouston's Kevin Whited concisely describes the organization and its board members' backgrounds.
A Houston area organization, King Street Patriots, has developed a program named True the Vote. The True the Vote initiative began after Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of King Street Patriots, witnessed what she considered potentials for voter fraud during the last election. She was concerned with actions she saw as she worked the polls. While Houston Votes would like to brush them off as just another Tea Party organization, the fact is that King Street Patriots works with more than local Tea Party organizations. They show on their website cooperation with other organizations, too. The common thread is fiscal conservatism and working against corruption in government. So, there is the friction between liberal vs conservative organizations. As Texas Watchdog points out, though Texans Together claims to be non-partisan, it is decidedly liberal in leadership posts.
Leo Vasquez, a Republican soon to be out of office, is Harris County Voter Registrar. He is called "a liar and a political hack" by Fred Lewis, head of Texans Together. Vasquez alleges Lewis and his organization "have violated Texas Election Code, submitted falsified documents and 'possibly violated federal election laws.", according to the article by Texas Watchdog. Vasquez says he'll turn over information received from King Street Patriots on voter registration fraud to the Secretary of State's office. He alleges he has over 5,000 voter registrations in question.
News conferences from all parties were called and publicized. Then an interesting development made news. All of the Harris County election pieces of equipment - 10,000 in total - were destroyed in a warehouse fire. This warehouse is the only place where the voting equipment is stored. The building is not one that is required to have a sprinkler system and does not. Arson teams are investigating the cause of the blaze.
Quite a coincidence.
With Early Voting for the November elections beginning in mid-October, a scramble has begun to purchase or borrow voting equipment.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Remembering Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later
"Katrina changed me forever, but I'm still New Orleans."
True dat.
True dat.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
New Orleans Recovers Five Years After Katrina
As we pause and remember the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, let us look to the future. No doubt the media will highlight all the less positive stories, look for the disgruntled and angry, spotlight the ugly side of desperate human behavior and the political corruption involved but it is for us to push past that and not be distracted.
A city built up below sea level. Originally, the city founders settled the French Quarter section and that is not below sea level. It stands today as it did immediately after the hurricane's flooding destroyed sections of the city. That infrastructure held. Electrical service went out but that happens from time to time in storms anyway.
The levees broke. The technology used was from the 1920's so it is hardly a shock that the ensuing years without proper maintenance or upgrading would provide an atmosphere waiting for disaster. Hurricane Katrina herself did not take out New Orleans. The flooding after the storm destroyed parts of the city.
It is important to remember that in the midst of all the finger pointing after the destruction that it was the initial failure of local and the state leadership that set the stage for the impending disaster. Governor Blanco was completely inept and unable to make important decisions. More importantly, she was too politically partisan to request from a Republican president the federal help she needed to put into place response efforts before the storm came ashore. That is shameful and unforgivable. There are many reports that President Bush all but begged the woman to request the necessary federal action to put the process into place.
Mayor Naguin was also completely paralyzed, for whatever reason. Incompetence? Probably. Waiting until the last hours to proclaim a mandatory evacuation was not the way to go. Allowing rows and rows of empty school buses to set idle while the poor and infirmed were without transportation out of their homes is unforgivable.
The federal response was slow but looking back, what would be different? The response teams couldn't get into the city due to flooding and storm conditions. Once the relief was able to get there and respond, there were mistakes, yes. The president looked disinterested by doing the flyover in Air Force One. That was a p.r. mistake. He was engaged but that was not made clear.
It was made clear again that the federal government cannot respond quickly to anything. Mistakes will be made and human beings will falter. It is imperative that people realize that personal responsibility cannot be replaced by bureaucracy. Neighbors have to help neighbors. Family must come together and provide support. Local charities and religious organizations are available to take up slack. This is America. This is what we do.
Political corruption is rampant in New Orleans, as with other places. The board charged with managing the levee system was one of political favors and patronage. Old style corruption and greed. Not a new story. Federal monies sent to maintain and improve the system were not properly applied.
New Orleans is a magical city to many of us. We love her no matter what. We were heartbroken as we watched with horror the damage and the stories of humans ill-equipped to cope. Generations allowed to remain dependent on government aid, mostly for political expediency, suffered the most. They were the ones on the roofs and stuck on the bridge waiting for someone to help. These are the truly tragic stories.
The silver lining is that the city will bounce back and lessons have been learned. New beginnings will allow better schools, a hope of new leadership, and the realization that we are stronger than we think. It is up to us all to remember that we make our own destiny. And, never say die. New Orleans is too important to the cultural fabric of our country to drown.
New Orleans is coming back. Slowly. Stronger than ever.
A city built up below sea level. Originally, the city founders settled the French Quarter section and that is not below sea level. It stands today as it did immediately after the hurricane's flooding destroyed sections of the city. That infrastructure held. Electrical service went out but that happens from time to time in storms anyway.
The levees broke. The technology used was from the 1920's so it is hardly a shock that the ensuing years without proper maintenance or upgrading would provide an atmosphere waiting for disaster. Hurricane Katrina herself did not take out New Orleans. The flooding after the storm destroyed parts of the city.
It is important to remember that in the midst of all the finger pointing after the destruction that it was the initial failure of local and the state leadership that set the stage for the impending disaster. Governor Blanco was completely inept and unable to make important decisions. More importantly, she was too politically partisan to request from a Republican president the federal help she needed to put into place response efforts before the storm came ashore. That is shameful and unforgivable. There are many reports that President Bush all but begged the woman to request the necessary federal action to put the process into place.
Mayor Naguin was also completely paralyzed, for whatever reason. Incompetence? Probably. Waiting until the last hours to proclaim a mandatory evacuation was not the way to go. Allowing rows and rows of empty school buses to set idle while the poor and infirmed were without transportation out of their homes is unforgivable.
The federal response was slow but looking back, what would be different? The response teams couldn't get into the city due to flooding and storm conditions. Once the relief was able to get there and respond, there were mistakes, yes. The president looked disinterested by doing the flyover in Air Force One. That was a p.r. mistake. He was engaged but that was not made clear.
It was made clear again that the federal government cannot respond quickly to anything. Mistakes will be made and human beings will falter. It is imperative that people realize that personal responsibility cannot be replaced by bureaucracy. Neighbors have to help neighbors. Family must come together and provide support. Local charities and religious organizations are available to take up slack. This is America. This is what we do.
Political corruption is rampant in New Orleans, as with other places. The board charged with managing the levee system was one of political favors and patronage. Old style corruption and greed. Not a new story. Federal monies sent to maintain and improve the system were not properly applied.
New Orleans is a magical city to many of us. We love her no matter what. We were heartbroken as we watched with horror the damage and the stories of humans ill-equipped to cope. Generations allowed to remain dependent on government aid, mostly for political expediency, suffered the most. They were the ones on the roofs and stuck on the bridge waiting for someone to help. These are the truly tragic stories.
The silver lining is that the city will bounce back and lessons have been learned. New beginnings will allow better schools, a hope of new leadership, and the realization that we are stronger than we think. It is up to us all to remember that we make our own destiny. And, never say die. New Orleans is too important to the cultural fabric of our country to drown.
New Orleans is coming back. Slowly. Stronger than ever.
Friday, August 27, 2010
President Barack Obama's Endgame
Health care was not about reduced premium costs, increased options, greater accessibility, it was about ideology. It was a left wing power grab of 1/6 of our national economy.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Support the Gulf Coast - Buy Gulf Seafood
The Gulf oil spill has shown to be not only an environmental tragedy but also to the tourist industry and the seafood and fishing community. Thanks to 24 hour coverage of the disaster - both legit and trumped up stories on the extent of the damage - it appears that not only are families cancelling vacations but also not eating Gulf seafood.
Please know this - the Gulf seafood being sold in markets and in restaurants is safe. It has been tested and re-tested. Gulf seafood for sale has never been safer. Increased scrutiny insures safety.
This article speaks to an independently run test that verifies the complete safety in eating Gulf of Mexico seafood.
“Normally, at this time, the buyers are hunting me down and this year it seems like I’m working on securing buyers,” said Kim Chauvin, a third-generation shrimper and co-owner of Mariah Jade Shrimp Company, part of Louisiana’s $1.3 billion pre-spill shrimp industry. “Demand has fallen off drastically. Sales that were secure prior to the spill were canceled. I had one customer who said that he bought Indonesian shrimp instead.”
Chauvin says that less than a quarter of the area’s shrimp fleet was out at sea last week—the industry employs 14,000 people in Louisiana alone—due to low prices. Many of them, ironically, have chosen instead to work for BP on oil cleanup, via its Vessels of Opportunity program. “Our biggest hurdle is going to be to try and get our market back,” said Chauvin. “If we can’t build the confidence back into the consumer, we are done.”
There is a glimpse into the ignorance within the restaurant industry, too. Fortunately, there was a Chicago chef present at this Taste of Chicago festival to protest the spreading of fear of Gulf coast seafood consumption.
The economic atmosphere is bad enough in our country. Let's not add to it needlessly. Support your brothers and sisters on the Gulf coast. Buy and eat seafood. It's a delicious way to share the love.
Please know this - the Gulf seafood being sold in markets and in restaurants is safe. It has been tested and re-tested. Gulf seafood for sale has never been safer. Increased scrutiny insures safety.
This article speaks to an independently run test that verifies the complete safety in eating Gulf of Mexico seafood.
“Normally, at this time, the buyers are hunting me down and this year it seems like I’m working on securing buyers,” said Kim Chauvin, a third-generation shrimper and co-owner of Mariah Jade Shrimp Company, part of Louisiana’s $1.3 billion pre-spill shrimp industry. “Demand has fallen off drastically. Sales that were secure prior to the spill were canceled. I had one customer who said that he bought Indonesian shrimp instead.”
Chauvin says that less than a quarter of the area’s shrimp fleet was out at sea last week—the industry employs 14,000 people in Louisiana alone—due to low prices. Many of them, ironically, have chosen instead to work for BP on oil cleanup, via its Vessels of Opportunity program. “Our biggest hurdle is going to be to try and get our market back,” said Chauvin. “If we can’t build the confidence back into the consumer, we are done.”
There is a glimpse into the ignorance within the restaurant industry, too. Fortunately, there was a Chicago chef present at this Taste of Chicago festival to protest the spreading of fear of Gulf coast seafood consumption.
The economic atmosphere is bad enough in our country. Let's not add to it needlessly. Support your brothers and sisters on the Gulf coast. Buy and eat seafood. It's a delicious way to share the love.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Deepwater Horizon Hearings Move to Houston
Senator Mary Landrieu was deliberately stonewalled by the Obama administration on the findings that the oil drilling moratorium was, in fact, producing mass unemployment on the Gulf coast. This article points to the fact that Landrieu was asking for testimony from administration officials a good two to three weeks after the numbers were available yet she was not given the testimony she requested.
As written at RedState.com the effects of the moratorium were available on July 10, 2010. Landrieu, a critic of the moratorium, asked that Dr. Christina Romer, Chair of the President's Council of Economic Advisers testify at her committee hearing on July 28 on the results. She was not allowed to testify by the White House. Romer "indicated" that the data was not available because the White House didn't have it. All of this was three weeks after Michael Bromwich, the regulator installed by the White House to preside over oil and gas and energy issues, told Interior Secretary Ken Salazar that the 6 month long moratorium would result in direct unemployment increases along the Gulf coast among rig workers and small businesses supporting the industry.
Bromwich was correct, of course, but not so much in his prediction that employment would resume as soon as the moratorium lifted. Nothing happens overnight in the oil drilling industry. Many of the rigs have moved elsewhere by now anyway. Why would they sit idle for a loss when they can be moved and work overseas?
The joint commission hearings on the Deepwater Horizon disaster have moved to Houston. The main reason is to use the subpoena power available for the residents involved living in the area.
The hearings are marred with incompetence and arrogance on the part of the co-chairs. The co-chair from the Coast Guard, Capt.Hung Nguyen, has caused the addition of two legal eagles to the commission in the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion hearings. As pointed out in The Washington Post, there is a discrepancy in the transcript of a previous hearing between what Nguyen asserted and what was recorded in reply to a statement in testimony.
Nguyen told a Transocean lawyer at the last hearing in the New Orleans area that the board could "put aside federal rules of evidence." Many of the witnesses scheduled to testify invoked Fifth Amendment rights or canceled at the last minute. Nguyen said, "It's possible we can use it (federal rules). It's possible we don't have to use it." The Transocean lawyer, Edward F. Kohnke IV, said "It doesn't say you don't have to. It says they should be followed..." to which Nguyen said, "Should, not shall." But in the official transcript released by the panel, according to the WaPo article, Nguyen's response is "Sure, sure."
So, on Thursday, the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (formerly MMS) who are holding the joint hearings added two new members - Wayne R. Anderson, a retired federal judge and Capt. mark R. Higgins, a Coast Guard staff judge advocate, as reported in the article. Continuing, the article quoted David Dykes, an Ocean Energy Management co-chair, as saying, "They will assist us with some of the legal and procedural issues...and allow the other members of the team to continue to focus on gathering the facts."
We'll see how this week turns out.
As written at RedState.com the effects of the moratorium were available on July 10, 2010. Landrieu, a critic of the moratorium, asked that Dr. Christina Romer, Chair of the President's Council of Economic Advisers testify at her committee hearing on July 28 on the results. She was not allowed to testify by the White House. Romer "indicated" that the data was not available because the White House didn't have it. All of this was three weeks after Michael Bromwich, the regulator installed by the White House to preside over oil and gas and energy issues, told Interior Secretary Ken Salazar that the 6 month long moratorium would result in direct unemployment increases along the Gulf coast among rig workers and small businesses supporting the industry.
Bromwich was correct, of course, but not so much in his prediction that employment would resume as soon as the moratorium lifted. Nothing happens overnight in the oil drilling industry. Many of the rigs have moved elsewhere by now anyway. Why would they sit idle for a loss when they can be moved and work overseas?
The joint commission hearings on the Deepwater Horizon disaster have moved to Houston. The main reason is to use the subpoena power available for the residents involved living in the area.
The hearings are marred with incompetence and arrogance on the part of the co-chairs. The co-chair from the Coast Guard, Capt.Hung Nguyen, has caused the addition of two legal eagles to the commission in the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion hearings. As pointed out in The Washington Post, there is a discrepancy in the transcript of a previous hearing between what Nguyen asserted and what was recorded in reply to a statement in testimony.
Nguyen told a Transocean lawyer at the last hearing in the New Orleans area that the board could "put aside federal rules of evidence." Many of the witnesses scheduled to testify invoked Fifth Amendment rights or canceled at the last minute. Nguyen said, "It's possible we can use it (federal rules). It's possible we don't have to use it." The Transocean lawyer, Edward F. Kohnke IV, said "It doesn't say you don't have to. It says they should be followed..." to which Nguyen said, "Should, not shall." But in the official transcript released by the panel, according to the WaPo article, Nguyen's response is "Sure, sure."
So, on Thursday, the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (formerly MMS) who are holding the joint hearings added two new members - Wayne R. Anderson, a retired federal judge and Capt. mark R. Higgins, a Coast Guard staff judge advocate, as reported in the article. Continuing, the article quoted David Dykes, an Ocean Energy Management co-chair, as saying, "They will assist us with some of the legal and procedural issues...and allow the other members of the team to continue to focus on gathering the facts."
We'll see how this week turns out.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Obama Lacks the Statesman Gene
As many of us ponder the utter lack of statesmen - or stateswomen - in political office, it is apparent that the absence of such leaders comes from the top down. An important lesson adults learn is that we lead by example. What example does the President set?
From an op-ed in the Washington Post:
The candidate who pledged to reach across party lines passed his agenda in a steady march of party-line votes and strong-arm legislative maneuvers. The candidate who sought to transcend partisan divisions is viewed in a recent Democracy Corps poll as "too liberal" by 56 percent of likely voters. The candidate who said he would "fundamentally change the way Washington works" has seen public distrust of government grow to pre-French Revolutionary levels
And this: Few presidencies have been built so consciously or completely on an idealistic brand, with its own distinctive language and icons. But this "new kind of politics" has proved conventional in its conduct, predictable in its content and exceptional only for the depth of division it has inspired. The Obama administration is presented not just with the prospect of electoral repudiation but also with a question: How will it adjust to the death of the belief that gave it birth?
Democrats running for office are, in fact, running away from Obama. A recent poll by a Democratic polling company found that in key Democratic races:
The advice from Democratic consultants and strategists is almost unanimous: Run away from the president, and fast. A prominent Democratic pollster is circulating a survey that shows George W. Bush is 6 points more popular than President Obama in “Frontline” districts — seats held by Democrats that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sees as most vulnerable to Republican takeover. That Bush is more popular than Obama in Democratic-held seats is cause for outright fear.
But disassociating oneself from an incumbent president is never easy, and Democrats have to walk a narrow line.
Little in the way of leadership comes from President Obama. He shows he is not up to the job of acting as a statesman with his style of campaigning for the mid-term elections. Knowing from the results of numerous polls that the Democrats will take a strong hit in November, the leader of the Democratic party, Barack Obama, President of the United States, lowers himself to sniping low level partisan attacks on Republicans. He lowers himself so easily that it is a bit alarming. He doesn't seem to understand that the office of The President demands a bit of decorum, a need to nuance statements towards your opposition. His level is fine for a state senator from Illinois - the office he held longest - but not for the Presidency. How sad.
At a time when Americans are feeling the lagging economic recovery, it would behoove Obama to lift up his fellow Americans - even Republicans. It serves no good purpose to jump into the fray and encourage deeper chasms. He promised better of himself.
From an op-ed in the Washington Post:
The candidate who pledged to reach across party lines passed his agenda in a steady march of party-line votes and strong-arm legislative maneuvers. The candidate who sought to transcend partisan divisions is viewed in a recent Democracy Corps poll as "too liberal" by 56 percent of likely voters. The candidate who said he would "fundamentally change the way Washington works" has seen public distrust of government grow to pre-French Revolutionary levels
And this: Few presidencies have been built so consciously or completely on an idealistic brand, with its own distinctive language and icons. But this "new kind of politics" has proved conventional in its conduct, predictable in its content and exceptional only for the depth of division it has inspired. The Obama administration is presented not just with the prospect of electoral repudiation but also with a question: How will it adjust to the death of the belief that gave it birth?
Democrats running for office are, in fact, running away from Obama. A recent poll by a Democratic polling company found that in key Democratic races:
The advice from Democratic consultants and strategists is almost unanimous: Run away from the president, and fast. A prominent Democratic pollster is circulating a survey that shows George W. Bush is 6 points more popular than President Obama in “Frontline” districts — seats held by Democrats that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sees as most vulnerable to Republican takeover. That Bush is more popular than Obama in Democratic-held seats is cause for outright fear.
But disassociating oneself from an incumbent president is never easy, and Democrats have to walk a narrow line.
Little in the way of leadership comes from President Obama. He shows he is not up to the job of acting as a statesman with his style of campaigning for the mid-term elections. Knowing from the results of numerous polls that the Democrats will take a strong hit in November, the leader of the Democratic party, Barack Obama, President of the United States, lowers himself to sniping low level partisan attacks on Republicans. He lowers himself so easily that it is a bit alarming. He doesn't seem to understand that the office of The President demands a bit of decorum, a need to nuance statements towards your opposition. His level is fine for a state senator from Illinois - the office he held longest - but not for the Presidency. How sad.
At a time when Americans are feeling the lagging economic recovery, it would behoove Obama to lift up his fellow Americans - even Republicans. It serves no good purpose to jump into the fray and encourage deeper chasms. He promised better of himself.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
President Bush and Laura Welcome Troops Home
President Bush and Laura welcome home troops at Dallas/Ft Worth airport. Notice Bush shakes each hand, passes over a commemorative coin and poses for photos.
Welcome home. Job well done.
Welcome home. Job well done.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Ann Coulter and Free Speech
The kerfuffle between Ann Coulter and Human Events is the nasty side of those who label themselves as conservative. Ann Coulter confirms that Joseph Farah, editor for WorldNetDaily disinvited her to speak for as part of his upcoming event. The reason? Coulter has accepted an invitation to speak at Homocon 2010.
A spokesman for WorldNetDaily (WND) said there was no place for conservatives to work with groups that focuses on issues like gay rights.
“Ultimately, as a matter of principle, it would not make sense for us to have Ann speak to a conference about ‘taking America back’ when she clearly does not recognize that the ideals to be espoused there simply do not include the radical and very ‘unconservative’ agenda represented by GOProud,” said WND Chief Executive Office
Joseph Farah. “The drift of the conservative movement to a brand of materialistic libertarianism is one of the main reasons we planned this conference from the beginning.”
Find out more about Homocon 2010 and GOProud here.
Do you know why an event like Homocon 2010 is needed? The event is needed because of the folks on the right who think as Farah does. And, in today's world, that thinking is unacceptable. Is it really breaking news that homosexuals are human beings, too? Perhaps Farah didn't read the part in The Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal.
It serves no purpose to assume that accepting an invitation to speak is an endorsement of all ideas presented by any group. It is small-minded and doesn't invite others to listen to your message.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
The fact that Farah wishes to deny Ms. Coulter's right to free speech - to deliver a speech to a group with whom he may disagree - is unacceptable. Add to that the assertion by Ms. Coulter that it is for publicity and the insult worsens.
As Matt Larimer writes in The Daily Beast, Coulter has carefully cultivated her public persona and in private is a genuine and good person. He speaks of his personal intersection with her as a young, newly adult human arriving in Washington, D.C. and going to work there.
In response to the publicity, Log Cabin Republicans weighed in:
A spokesman for the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay rights group that condemned Ann Coulter after she called then-presidential candidate John Edwards a “faggot” in 2007, said they welcome her and any conservatives who are striving for increased inclusion of the gay community.
“If she can help other conservatives turn the corner on equality for gays and lesbian Americans … then more power to her,” said R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans.
About Coulter’s comments three years ago: “People are allowed to evolve. If Ann Coulter is going to be another conservative voice among a growing chorus of conservative voices advocating for equality, that is welcome.”
"Both groups said that while they are encouraged that Coulter has agreed to speak, they are still awaiting whether Coulter will express her support for issues like gay marriage at the GOProud event. When asked about the content in Coulter’s talk, LaSalvia merely replied, “Our folks are going to be very pleased with what she has to say.”
In an update to the article in The Daily Caller:
GOProud Board Chairman Christopher R. Barron issued this statement Wednesday morning: “We did not invite Ann Coulter to speak at Homocon 2010 because we believe she has ‘evolved.’ Quite the contrary, we invited Ann Coulter because of who she is, who she has been, and who we know she will continue to be – the smartest, funniest, most provocative conservative author and columnist around.
“If anyone needs to evolve, it’s the uber-PC gay left and their enablers not Ann Coulter.”
Enjoy her columns and agree with her opinions or not, the fact is that Coulter is one smart cookie. The continued focusing on social issues over economic issues is not truly conservative. The exalted leaders of the conservative movement - William F. Buckley, Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan would not be acceptable to the far right fringe of the Republican party. Unfortunately, it is this fringe that continues to receive publicity.
This is the time to promote solid, common sense answers to our sagging economy and encourage those who agree to join in with us to vote Republican in November. Farah should be more concerned about "taking back" America to solid economic footing and world leadership.
A spokesman for WorldNetDaily (WND) said there was no place for conservatives to work with groups that focuses on issues like gay rights.
“Ultimately, as a matter of principle, it would not make sense for us to have Ann speak to a conference about ‘taking America back’ when she clearly does not recognize that the ideals to be espoused there simply do not include the radical and very ‘unconservative’ agenda represented by GOProud,” said WND Chief Executive Office
Joseph Farah. “The drift of the conservative movement to a brand of materialistic libertarianism is one of the main reasons we planned this conference from the beginning.”
Find out more about Homocon 2010 and GOProud here.
Do you know why an event like Homocon 2010 is needed? The event is needed because of the folks on the right who think as Farah does. And, in today's world, that thinking is unacceptable. Is it really breaking news that homosexuals are human beings, too? Perhaps Farah didn't read the part in The Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal.
It serves no purpose to assume that accepting an invitation to speak is an endorsement of all ideas presented by any group. It is small-minded and doesn't invite others to listen to your message.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
The fact that Farah wishes to deny Ms. Coulter's right to free speech - to deliver a speech to a group with whom he may disagree - is unacceptable. Add to that the assertion by Ms. Coulter that it is for publicity and the insult worsens.
As Matt Larimer writes in The Daily Beast, Coulter has carefully cultivated her public persona and in private is a genuine and good person. He speaks of his personal intersection with her as a young, newly adult human arriving in Washington, D.C. and going to work there.
In response to the publicity, Log Cabin Republicans weighed in:
A spokesman for the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay rights group that condemned Ann Coulter after she called then-presidential candidate John Edwards a “faggot” in 2007, said they welcome her and any conservatives who are striving for increased inclusion of the gay community.
“If she can help other conservatives turn the corner on equality for gays and lesbian Americans … then more power to her,” said R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans.
About Coulter’s comments three years ago: “People are allowed to evolve. If Ann Coulter is going to be another conservative voice among a growing chorus of conservative voices advocating for equality, that is welcome.”
"Both groups said that while they are encouraged that Coulter has agreed to speak, they are still awaiting whether Coulter will express her support for issues like gay marriage at the GOProud event. When asked about the content in Coulter’s talk, LaSalvia merely replied, “Our folks are going to be very pleased with what she has to say.”
In an update to the article in The Daily Caller:
GOProud Board Chairman Christopher R. Barron issued this statement Wednesday morning: “We did not invite Ann Coulter to speak at Homocon 2010 because we believe she has ‘evolved.’ Quite the contrary, we invited Ann Coulter because of who she is, who she has been, and who we know she will continue to be – the smartest, funniest, most provocative conservative author and columnist around.
“If anyone needs to evolve, it’s the uber-PC gay left and their enablers not Ann Coulter.”
Enjoy her columns and agree with her opinions or not, the fact is that Coulter is one smart cookie. The continued focusing on social issues over economic issues is not truly conservative. The exalted leaders of the conservative movement - William F. Buckley, Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan would not be acceptable to the far right fringe of the Republican party. Unfortunately, it is this fringe that continues to receive publicity.
This is the time to promote solid, common sense answers to our sagging economy and encourage those who agree to join in with us to vote Republican in November. Farah should be more concerned about "taking back" America to solid economic footing and world leadership.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Pelosi Threatens Those Who Oppose GZ Mosque
Speaker of the House Pelosi said she is in favor of an investigation into those who fund the public opposition of the location of a building - the Cordoba center - near Ground Zero. Pelosi refers to the debate as one of meddling into a local zoning issue. Well, that would be a normal reaction from Pelosi, I suppose, as her husband has made his personal fortune worth millions thanks to construction and real estate dealings.
She told an audience in her home district of San Francisco that she "joins those who have called for looking into how is this opposition to the mosque being funded." To whom does Pelosi refer, these calling for an investigation? Is she parroting far left sources? Is she simply leveling a threat to those who may think differently than her?
Whom does she suggest be investigated? The families of those who were murdered on 9/11? Some of those family members have started foundations and speak out against terror-related issues. Are they to be shut down? Are they to be labeled as "astroturf" as Pelosi labeled the Tea Party participants last summer?
Pelosi's office has issued a statement that Pelosi simply wants transparency in who is behind the funding of the opposition. Sure. Where is her desire in transparency in the background of those who will finance the building of the center/mosque? I don't recall any calls for that from her. She tries to pull together her political thuggery with the concerns by the ADL of who is funding the Islamic center and then ties it up with a plea for her own political agenda, a bill pending in the House. Keep it classy, Nancy.
In typical Pelosi nonsensical speak:
"The freedom of religion is a Constitutional right. Where a place of worship is located is a local decision.
"I support the statement made by the Interfaith Alliance that 'We agree with the ADL that there is a need for transparency about who is funding the effort to build this Islamic center. At the same time, we should also ask who is funding the attacks against the construction of the center.'
"For all of those expressing concern about the 9/11 families, we call upon them to join us in support of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act when Congress returns in September."
This is the latest in the nasty political world of Nancy Pelosi. She is also sending written material to senior citizens inviting them to join "Team Pelosi", along with Rep Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), a loyal mouthpiece for Pelosi and President Obama in attacks against the minority party.
The ironic wording in this appeal for support by the senior citizens - a population of dedicated voters - is the use of the term "elite". How appropriate that the appeal states :
Let’s show the Tea Party crowd that they’re no match for our grassroots strength. Stand with us against the Right’s despicable attacks and their fat cat fundraising by joining Team Pelosi — an elite group of grassroots Democrats who are leading the fight against radical Republican candidates in races nationwide.
If this interests you, after sending in your contribution here is what you'll receive:
As a member of Team Pelosi you will receive the inside scoop on what’s happening in our campaign to strengthen and secure our House Majority. You will be invited to attend members-only phone and web-based political briefings by top Democratic experts and receive special Red Alerts about breaking campaign news .
Sweet.
Fat cats? There are plenty of those on the Democratic party side, too. The President has been working his favorite role - campaigner - in - chief - and raising beaucoup bucks for the DNC. Dinners at $30,500 a ticket? Sure. Lots of those advertised as a chance to dine with Obama.
Frankly, I thought the term "fat cat" went out in the 1980's but apparently the Democrats can't run on the mess they have made with the country's economic recovery so they are ramping up the tired old arguments of the past as their default campaigning positions.
It is also ironic that the plea distributed by Wasserman-Schultz mentions "fat cat" fundraising as it applies to the GOP. Obama and the DNC have been utilizing their database of "fat cat" Democratic contributors as the President goes across country picking up money for the left's coffers. Standard dinners with Obama have been reported as $30,500 per ticket affairs. Who is buying those tickets?
Pelosi is an embarrassment. She is of the old school of say anything to get elected. That is not the change we were sold during the last election. Are we to believe she is simply interested in transparency now? Don't make me laugh. She has dragged her feet on ethics investigations since she took over in 2007. She seems only interested in a one-sided form of transparency. America deserves better.
She told an audience in her home district of San Francisco that she "joins those who have called for looking into how is this opposition to the mosque being funded." To whom does Pelosi refer, these calling for an investigation? Is she parroting far left sources? Is she simply leveling a threat to those who may think differently than her?
Whom does she suggest be investigated? The families of those who were murdered on 9/11? Some of those family members have started foundations and speak out against terror-related issues. Are they to be shut down? Are they to be labeled as "astroturf" as Pelosi labeled the Tea Party participants last summer?
Pelosi's office has issued a statement that Pelosi simply wants transparency in who is behind the funding of the opposition. Sure. Where is her desire in transparency in the background of those who will finance the building of the center/mosque? I don't recall any calls for that from her. She tries to pull together her political thuggery with the concerns by the ADL of who is funding the Islamic center and then ties it up with a plea for her own political agenda, a bill pending in the House. Keep it classy, Nancy.
In typical Pelosi nonsensical speak:
"The freedom of religion is a Constitutional right. Where a place of worship is located is a local decision.
"I support the statement made by the Interfaith Alliance that 'We agree with the ADL that there is a need for transparency about who is funding the effort to build this Islamic center. At the same time, we should also ask who is funding the attacks against the construction of the center.'
"For all of those expressing concern about the 9/11 families, we call upon them to join us in support of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act when Congress returns in September."
This is the latest in the nasty political world of Nancy Pelosi. She is also sending written material to senior citizens inviting them to join "Team Pelosi", along with Rep Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), a loyal mouthpiece for Pelosi and President Obama in attacks against the minority party.
The ironic wording in this appeal for support by the senior citizens - a population of dedicated voters - is the use of the term "elite". How appropriate that the appeal states :
Let’s show the Tea Party crowd that they’re no match for our grassroots strength. Stand with us against the Right’s despicable attacks and their fat cat fundraising by joining Team Pelosi — an elite group of grassroots Democrats who are leading the fight against radical Republican candidates in races nationwide.
If this interests you, after sending in your contribution here is what you'll receive:
As a member of Team Pelosi you will receive the inside scoop on what’s happening in our campaign to strengthen and secure our House Majority. You will be invited to attend members-only phone and web-based political briefings by top Democratic experts and receive special Red Alerts about breaking campaign news .
Sweet.
Fat cats? There are plenty of those on the Democratic party side, too. The President has been working his favorite role - campaigner - in - chief - and raising beaucoup bucks for the DNC. Dinners at $30,500 a ticket? Sure. Lots of those advertised as a chance to dine with Obama.
Frankly, I thought the term "fat cat" went out in the 1980's but apparently the Democrats can't run on the mess they have made with the country's economic recovery so they are ramping up the tired old arguments of the past as their default campaigning positions.
It is also ironic that the plea distributed by Wasserman-Schultz mentions "fat cat" fundraising as it applies to the GOP. Obama and the DNC have been utilizing their database of "fat cat" Democratic contributors as the President goes across country picking up money for the left's coffers. Standard dinners with Obama have been reported as $30,500 per ticket affairs. Who is buying those tickets?
Pelosi is an embarrassment. She is of the old school of say anything to get elected. That is not the change we were sold during the last election. Are we to believe she is simply interested in transparency now? Don't make me laugh. She has dragged her feet on ethics investigations since she took over in 2007. She seems only interested in a one-sided form of transparency. America deserves better.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Ted Olson Comes Under Fire From Conservatives
I knew it was just a matter of time before it began. The vilifying of the austere legal career of Ted Olson. Mr Olson won a tough, long court battle recently involving the Constitutional rights of gay Americans to marry. He and David Boies, his liberal counterpart, are in the spotlight for the victory in California. The decision now goes to the liberal leaning 9th Circuit Court. It will work its way to the Supreme Court, of that we can be certain.
Now Mr. Olson is taking heat from the far right in their quest of conservative purity. Conservatives loved him as he argued, successfully, for George W. Bush in Florida against Mr. Boies, as the 2000 election results were in play. They loved him as he ascended to Solicitor General in the Bush administration. They loved him as the husband of Barbara Olson, a smart lawyer and GOP commentator and author who was tragically killed on 9/11/01. Now? Not so much. Now his legal heft is in question by the same folks. Now he is a judicial activist.
It is sad and predictable coming from the far right. Something that is evident - judicial activism is in the eye of the beholder. It would appear that just as anyone not agreeing with another person 100% of the time equates to being labeled a RINO on the far right of the GOP, then the same is true of a judge being labeled an activist. Granted, the decision wasn't written in the most scholarly terms, but it did allow for an explanation of the judge's justification in the decision.
The problem arises that this will continue on through the judicial system and end up at the door of the Supreme Court. Just as with the issue of abortion, gay marriage will be decided by nine people instead of allowing the issue to be one for the states. Gay marriage and abortion are not the business of government. Neither subject resides in the Constitution. It seems to me that the conservative thought would be to allow it to be a states right issue.
The public is fractured when those nine people sitting on the Supreme Court pass judgement on a basic individual right. We are all created equal. The Constitution was amended to allow the tragic history of slavery to be undone with equal rights for those of color - at the time specifically black Americans.
John Yoo makes the case for states rights:
This distortion of the judicial role and rending of the political fabric are wholly unnecessary. The Constitution creates a far better approach to decide contentious moral issues: federalism. Under our decentralized system of government, states offer different combinations of taxes, spending and rights. Citizens can vote with their feet and live in the states that satisfy their preferences. Arizona, Oregon and Hawaii can compete to attract gay couples dissatisfied with Prop 8 (as if California's fiscal mismanagement weren't reason enough to leave).
As "laboratories of democracy," in Justice Louis Brandeis's famous words, states can test a diversity of policies and produce a wealth of information on their effects. If gay marriage depresses heterosexual marriage, increases divorce, or leads to lower birth rates, we will see the proof soon enough.
Watch this video of two young men - gay Tea Party members - as they explain a very common sense approach to marriage as it relates to federal government involvement. They also discuss the anger aimed at them, not for being gay but for being conservatives, especially in the company of liberals.
Common sense. Our nation's political discourse is in dire need of basic, common sense.
Now Mr. Olson is taking heat from the far right in their quest of conservative purity. Conservatives loved him as he argued, successfully, for George W. Bush in Florida against Mr. Boies, as the 2000 election results were in play. They loved him as he ascended to Solicitor General in the Bush administration. They loved him as the husband of Barbara Olson, a smart lawyer and GOP commentator and author who was tragically killed on 9/11/01. Now? Not so much. Now his legal heft is in question by the same folks. Now he is a judicial activist.
It is sad and predictable coming from the far right. Something that is evident - judicial activism is in the eye of the beholder. It would appear that just as anyone not agreeing with another person 100% of the time equates to being labeled a RINO on the far right of the GOP, then the same is true of a judge being labeled an activist. Granted, the decision wasn't written in the most scholarly terms, but it did allow for an explanation of the judge's justification in the decision.
The problem arises that this will continue on through the judicial system and end up at the door of the Supreme Court. Just as with the issue of abortion, gay marriage will be decided by nine people instead of allowing the issue to be one for the states. Gay marriage and abortion are not the business of government. Neither subject resides in the Constitution. It seems to me that the conservative thought would be to allow it to be a states right issue.
The public is fractured when those nine people sitting on the Supreme Court pass judgement on a basic individual right. We are all created equal. The Constitution was amended to allow the tragic history of slavery to be undone with equal rights for those of color - at the time specifically black Americans.
John Yoo makes the case for states rights:
This distortion of the judicial role and rending of the political fabric are wholly unnecessary. The Constitution creates a far better approach to decide contentious moral issues: federalism. Under our decentralized system of government, states offer different combinations of taxes, spending and rights. Citizens can vote with their feet and live in the states that satisfy their preferences. Arizona, Oregon and Hawaii can compete to attract gay couples dissatisfied with Prop 8 (as if California's fiscal mismanagement weren't reason enough to leave).
As "laboratories of democracy," in Justice Louis Brandeis's famous words, states can test a diversity of policies and produce a wealth of information on their effects. If gay marriage depresses heterosexual marriage, increases divorce, or leads to lower birth rates, we will see the proof soon enough.
Watch this video of two young men - gay Tea Party members - as they explain a very common sense approach to marriage as it relates to federal government involvement. They also discuss the anger aimed at them, not for being gay but for being conservatives, especially in the company of liberals.
Common sense. Our nation's political discourse is in dire need of basic, common sense.
Obama's Faux Gulf Swim and the Ramadan Dinner
Why does President Obama have the need to flagrantly re-write American history or his part in it? Two examples have presented themselves today.
From the President's speech marking the dinner acknowledging Ramadan:
Tonight, we are reminded that Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity. And Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America. The first Muslim ambassador to the United States, from Tunisia, was hosted by President Jefferson, who arranged a sunset dinner for his guest because it was Ramadan—making it the first known iftar at the White House, more than 200 years ago.
As talk show host Michael Medved points out, the re-writing of history is rampant in speeches delivered by this President. Tunisia, as is referred to in this speech, was not even a country at the time. And, as for the marking of Ramadan, this is pure fiction. The dinner was traditional for a visiting ambassador, not for the Muslim holy days. Also, no mention was made of the ambassador's request of President Jefferson - to provide concubines. Wonder why that was deleted from the description? Jefferson referred him to his Secretary of State on the concubine request.
Also, there is a brief reference to the Obama family vacation at the northwest corner of Florida over the weekend. A mere 27 hours of fun in the sun was all the President could devote to promoting tourism along the Gulf coast, so severely crippled due to the oil spill. He announced he would be swimming in the Gulf to prove his confidence in the safety of doing so.
With only one White House photographer allowed to tag along, Obama and daughter Sasha were snapped smiling in the water. This article shows the fakery at play as the President and his young daughter are photographed frolicking in the Gulf of Mexico.
A bit of information about St. Andrews Bay: Unique among Florida estuaries, St. Andrews Bay lacks input from any major river system, but does receive freshwater from numerous creeks, bayous and wastewater treatment plants. The restricted amount of freshwater allows the influence of Gulf of Mexico water to dominate the bay. Connection with the Gulf is via two passes on the eastern and western ends of Shell Island.
Perhaps a bit too nitpicky, true, but it is the description of the Bay. The Bay is not the Gulf. If Obama had been honest and transparent, as he pledged to be as President, he would have either taken a dip in the actual Gulf of Mexico or said he was in a bay.
There is also this question: Why Florida? That state was least affected by the oil spill. Why not the coast of Mississippi or Alabama, also known as beach vacation destinations and harder hit? Is Obama again favoring states based on his own political agenda? Just something to ponder.
From the President's speech marking the dinner acknowledging Ramadan:
Tonight, we are reminded that Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity. And Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America. The first Muslim ambassador to the United States, from Tunisia, was hosted by President Jefferson, who arranged a sunset dinner for his guest because it was Ramadan—making it the first known iftar at the White House, more than 200 years ago.
As talk show host Michael Medved points out, the re-writing of history is rampant in speeches delivered by this President. Tunisia, as is referred to in this speech, was not even a country at the time. And, as for the marking of Ramadan, this is pure fiction. The dinner was traditional for a visiting ambassador, not for the Muslim holy days. Also, no mention was made of the ambassador's request of President Jefferson - to provide concubines. Wonder why that was deleted from the description? Jefferson referred him to his Secretary of State on the concubine request.
Also, there is a brief reference to the Obama family vacation at the northwest corner of Florida over the weekend. A mere 27 hours of fun in the sun was all the President could devote to promoting tourism along the Gulf coast, so severely crippled due to the oil spill. He announced he would be swimming in the Gulf to prove his confidence in the safety of doing so.
With only one White House photographer allowed to tag along, Obama and daughter Sasha were snapped smiling in the water. This article shows the fakery at play as the President and his young daughter are photographed frolicking in the Gulf of Mexico.
A bit of information about St. Andrews Bay: Unique among Florida estuaries, St. Andrews Bay lacks input from any major river system, but does receive freshwater from numerous creeks, bayous and wastewater treatment plants. The restricted amount of freshwater allows the influence of Gulf of Mexico water to dominate the bay. Connection with the Gulf is via two passes on the eastern and western ends of Shell Island.
Perhaps a bit too nitpicky, true, but it is the description of the Bay. The Bay is not the Gulf. If Obama had been honest and transparent, as he pledged to be as President, he would have either taken a dip in the actual Gulf of Mexico or said he was in a bay.
There is also this question: Why Florida? That state was least affected by the oil spill. Why not the coast of Mississippi or Alabama, also known as beach vacation destinations and harder hit? Is Obama again favoring states based on his own political agenda? Just something to ponder.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Maxine Waters Speaks On Ethics Charges
Rep Maxine Waters, (D-CA) is a longtime member of the House of Representatives. She used her press conference Friday to begin making her case to the voters that she is wrongfully charged with ethics violations. Her grandson was by her side and performed a PowerPoint presentation on her behalf. Her grandson is her Chief of Staff. Yes, her grandson is her Chief of Staff.
As a full throated member of the Bush Deranged Syndrome chorus, she turned her corrupt - allegedly - self on the former President as the cause of her woes.
The California Democrat said in a Capitol Hill news conference -- an event rarely held during a congressional recess -- that she reached out to then-Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson in late 2008 when his department failed to respond to the National Bank Association's request for a meeting.
"The question at this point should not be why I called Secretary Paulson, but why I had to," she said. "The question at this point should be why a trade association representing over 100 minority banks could not get a meeting at the height of the crisis."
But the House ethics committee, which is investigating Waters for allegedly improperly using her position for personal gain, says in its report of charges that when the meeting was held, the officers of only one bank came -- OneUnited.
Oops.
Clearly, there is a conflict of interest with Waters' husband, Sidney Williams and the bank for which she is in a questionable relationship. Sidney Williams, served as a member of OneUnited's board of directors from January 2004 until April 2008, and was a stockholder in the bank.
Waters would like us to believe it is not all about her - that it is about access and minority owned banks. "It's about access for those who are not heard by decision makers, whether it's having their questions answered or their concerns addressed", she told Politico. Waters is of the Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton school of racial politics.
You may remember when Maxine Waters threatened the CEO of Shell Oil with " This liberal will be all about socializing, er....." until she caught herself and then said the government will be running "all your companies". This was during the hearings in Congress over high fuel prices and John Hofmeister, the threatened man, was heading Shell at the time. Now he is a successful author of an excellent read about the bedeviled Big Oil - "Why We Hate the Oil Companies".
The arrogance is apparent.
As a full throated member of the Bush Deranged Syndrome chorus, she turned her corrupt - allegedly - self on the former President as the cause of her woes.
The California Democrat said in a Capitol Hill news conference -- an event rarely held during a congressional recess -- that she reached out to then-Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson in late 2008 when his department failed to respond to the National Bank Association's request for a meeting.
"The question at this point should not be why I called Secretary Paulson, but why I had to," she said. "The question at this point should be why a trade association representing over 100 minority banks could not get a meeting at the height of the crisis."
But the House ethics committee, which is investigating Waters for allegedly improperly using her position for personal gain, says in its report of charges that when the meeting was held, the officers of only one bank came -- OneUnited.
Oops.
Clearly, there is a conflict of interest with Waters' husband, Sidney Williams and the bank for which she is in a questionable relationship. Sidney Williams, served as a member of OneUnited's board of directors from January 2004 until April 2008, and was a stockholder in the bank.
Waters would like us to believe it is not all about her - that it is about access and minority owned banks. "It's about access for those who are not heard by decision makers, whether it's having their questions answered or their concerns addressed", she told Politico. Waters is of the Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton school of racial politics.
You may remember when Maxine Waters threatened the CEO of Shell Oil with " This liberal will be all about socializing, er....." until she caught herself and then said the government will be running "all your companies". This was during the hearings in Congress over high fuel prices and John Hofmeister, the threatened man, was heading Shell at the time. Now he is a successful author of an excellent read about the bedeviled Big Oil - "Why We Hate the Oil Companies".
The arrogance is apparent.
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