Joseph L. Bruno, Former Senate leader, Guilty of Corruption - NYTimes.com: "ALBANY — Joseph L. Bruno, the former Senate majority leader who, until his retirement last year, was one of the most powerful figures in New York politics, was found guilty on Monday of concealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments from a businessman who sought help from the Legislature."
The conviction marked a humiliating fall for Mr. Bruno, a Korean War veteran and a former boxer, whose jovial manner masked the iron hand he used to rule the Senate with almost untrammeled authority for nearly 14 years. He retired amid a federal corruption investigation.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Big Government » Blog Archive » Retired Navy SEAL Questions Nation’s Priorities
Big Government » Blog Archive » Retired Navy SEAL Questions Nation’s Priorities
EDITOR’S NOTE: President Barack Obama outlined his new strategy for waging his surge-and-retreat style of war in Afghanistan Tuesday night. Because that strategy will involve the expedited deployment of 30,000 more troops under the cloud of an announced timetable for withdrawal, I’m eager to offer the important guest post below. Written by a friend, it’s especially timely in light of the news that broke one week ago about three Navy SEALs facing assault charges for doing their job in Iraq. For fear of reprisal, the author has insisted on anonymity.
Court-martial over a bloody lip?
The recent news regarding the U.S. Navy SEALs who are facing trial by court-martial raises many questions about the current mental state of America’s military, its civilian leadership and the thoughts and feelings of the American people in general.
EDITOR’S NOTE: President Barack Obama outlined his new strategy for waging his surge-and-retreat style of war in Afghanistan Tuesday night. Because that strategy will involve the expedited deployment of 30,000 more troops under the cloud of an announced timetable for withdrawal, I’m eager to offer the important guest post below. Written by a friend, it’s especially timely in light of the news that broke one week ago about three Navy SEALs facing assault charges for doing their job in Iraq. For fear of reprisal, the author has insisted on anonymity.
Court-martial over a bloody lip?
The recent news regarding the U.S. Navy SEALs who are facing trial by court-martial raises many questions about the current mental state of America’s military, its civilian leadership and the thoughts and feelings of the American people in general.
American Thinker: You Don't Know What You Got 'til It's Gone
American Thinker: You Don't Know What You Got 'til It's Gone: "Our family spent four years in Germany (1982-1986) on military assignment. This article offers a wake-up call to Americans as to what happens when you suddenly lose your security. This is what we experienced when terrorists targeted our family. The goal is to help Americans understand the fragility of secure freedom and why we want to guard and maintain security and freedom in America.
We hear many Americans say that we need to leave the war behind and get back to tending to America and its domestic policies -- to return to normal life. I have pondered how to explain how precious our freedom is and how thankful we should be to hold this fragile gift. It occurs to me that a simple story of what our family experienced while living in Germany might bring some light to understanding what a gift the security we take for granted really is."
We hear many Americans say that we need to leave the war behind and get back to tending to America and its domestic policies -- to return to normal life. I have pondered how to explain how precious our freedom is and how thankful we should be to hold this fragile gift. It occurs to me that a simple story of what our family experienced while living in Germany might bring some light to understanding what a gift the security we take for granted really is."
Sustainability: An Assault on Economics | Energy & Environment
Sustainability: An Assault on Economics | Energy & Environment: "Ah, the greens. They're not just treehuggers anymore. They've been browbeating us to recycle, eat soy, save energy, drive less, ride the bus, and a thousand other ways to 'act local' for many years now. Now they've even got a hip new huckster on the big screen: 'No Impact Man,' your conductor on a first-class guilt trip to ecoland. Despite the massive popularity of their cause, I don't think they're satisfied. They want to control us. If we don't watch out, these people hell-bent on saving the planet are going to end up micromanaging our daily lives.
The idea of sustainability itself sounds pretty benign - it merely implies that people ought to be forward thinking, prudent, and thrifty in their use of economic resources.
And I'm OK with this basic idea - on the surface, it sounds like simple wisdom, in league with similarly bland and benevolent values like responsibility and generosity.
But deep down, there's something unsettling about the basic premise of sustainability. Sustainability advocates - let's call them 'sustainists' - are damning in their fervor, poise, and rhetoric. Their ideology is pregnant with an accusation that the way things currently are is somehow unsustainable. There's an alarmism here which essentially claims, 'there's a crisis, it's your fault for being ignorant, irrational, and greedy. You must do as we say to fix it, or we'll all die.'"
The idea of sustainability itself sounds pretty benign - it merely implies that people ought to be forward thinking, prudent, and thrifty in their use of economic resources.
And I'm OK with this basic idea - on the surface, it sounds like simple wisdom, in league with similarly bland and benevolent values like responsibility and generosity.
But deep down, there's something unsettling about the basic premise of sustainability. Sustainability advocates - let's call them 'sustainists' - are damning in their fervor, poise, and rhetoric. Their ideology is pregnant with an accusation that the way things currently are is somehow unsustainable. There's an alarmism here which essentially claims, 'there's a crisis, it's your fault for being ignorant, irrational, and greedy. You must do as we say to fix it, or we'll all die.'"
Reagan 2020
Reagan 2020
"We, the members of the New Republican Party, believe that the preservation and enhancement of the values that strengthen and protect individual freedom, family life, communities and neighborhoods and the liberty of our beloved nation should be at the heart of any legislative or political program presented to the American people." —Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911 - 2004)
Reagan 2020 is the Internet's most comprehensive resource on Ronald Reagan. It represents a permanent campaign advocating individual, family and community rights and responsibilities in acts of self-governance, as set forth by our Founders in the Declaration of Independence and codified in its subordinate guidance, our Republic's Constitution, the original intent of which is specified in the Federalist Papers.
Ronald Reagan's tenure as President, and his enduring legacy, was and remains dedicated to the plurality of Americans who uphold the most basic tenets of our Republic, "... 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."
We American Patriots, as guardians of our Republic's liberty and custodians of Ronald Reagan's legacy, represent President Reagan's "New Republican Party." In addition our mission of providing an exposition of his leadership of, and contributions to, the 20th century's conservative revolution, President Reagan's vision for constitutional government is outlined on this site in the New Federalist Platform -- the quintessential conservative platform — a template for citizens, for candidates from all levels of government and a touchstone for American conservatism in perpetuity.
The Inconvenient Truth - WSJ.com
The Inconvenient Truth - WSJ.com: "'Climate campaigner Al Gore has canceled a lecture he was supposed to deliver in Copenhagen,' the Associated Press reports:
The former vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner had been scheduled to speak to more than 3,000 people at a Dec. 16 event hosted by the Berlingske Tidende newspaper group.
The group says Gore canceled the lecture Thursday, citing unforeseen changes in his schedule.
This has prompted speculation by the former vice president's detractors that he is keeping his head down in the wake of the release of the East Anglia emails showing evidence of scientific misconduct by climate researchers."
The former vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner had been scheduled to speak to more than 3,000 people at a Dec. 16 event hosted by the Berlingske Tidende newspaper group.
The group says Gore canceled the lecture Thursday, citing unforeseen changes in his schedule.
This has prompted speculation by the former vice president's detractors that he is keeping his head down in the wake of the release of the East Anglia emails showing evidence of scientific misconduct by climate researchers."
Big Government » ACORN’s Fingerprints on Mortgage Crisis Appeared 20 Years Ago » Print
Big Government » ACORN’s Fingerprints on Mortgage Crisis Appeared 20 Years Ago » Print: "ACORN has been fairly criticized for its actions that led up to the mortgage crisis, which culminated in a huge rash of foreclosures last year. While the tide appears to be waning, it’s a problem that is still occuring.
Specifically, ACORN strong-armed banks and worked with members of Congress, such as Barney Frank, to weaken credit standards in order for banks, as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to fund risky mortgages. Mortgages, of course, that stood little chance of ever being paid, as we witnessed last year.
But ACORN’s penchant for shaking down banks didn’t begin 2 years ago, or even 10 years ago. Check out this article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1988 [1]. Grant Williams was an organizer for ACORN at the time ( I wrote here about his new gig at SEIU [2]), and he managed to weasle ACORN into a bank’s proposed interstate merger. From the article:
To settle a legal challenge by a community group, Bank South has agreed to chip in another $5 million in home loans at low interest rates in Atlanta’s black and working-class areas.
In return, the community group says it will drop its challenge to the bank’s first interstate merger.
The tentative agreement was reached at a negotiating session Wednesday, according to bank officials and leaders of ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. They plan a joint announcement Thursday.
The bank also has agreed to consider making a large deposit in a community credit union ACORN says it might establish in Atlanta.
The $5 million will increase Bank South’s contribution to the Atlanta Mortgage Consortium to $7.35 million. That makes it the largest supporter of the pool formed in May. The pool now has $25 million, in addition to $47 million in loan programs set up by larger Atlanta banks, for a total of $72 million.
So not to apparently be accused of implied racism, the bank joined others to meet ACORN’s demands. But, two weeks prior to this revelation, the Journal-Constitution ran another story [3] where Bank South put up a little bit of a fight:
“Bank South has one of the worst records on community reinvestment among all the Atlanta banks, and we just want to make sure they clean up their act before they acquire any more southeast banks,” said ACORN President Annette Wilcoxson.
A Bank South spokesman, Bo Spalding, responded in a written statement: “The comments made by ACORN are inaccurate, misleading and without merit. We are disappointed that the ACORN representatives did not give us an opportunity to meet with them before they filed these complaints and issued the news release. We have scheduled a meeting with ACORN for Friday to discuss these issues.”
So, presto: drag a corporate name through the mud and receive a hefty payoff. It’s the ACORN way. At what point is some American corporation going to tell ACORN to go to hell and Al Capone’s shakedown tactics won’t work anymore?
Fighting back and not rolling over is the only thing that works with terrorists and just may work with ACORN, too."
Specifically, ACORN strong-armed banks and worked with members of Congress, such as Barney Frank, to weaken credit standards in order for banks, as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to fund risky mortgages. Mortgages, of course, that stood little chance of ever being paid, as we witnessed last year.
But ACORN’s penchant for shaking down banks didn’t begin 2 years ago, or even 10 years ago. Check out this article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1988 [1]. Grant Williams was an organizer for ACORN at the time ( I wrote here about his new gig at SEIU [2]), and he managed to weasle ACORN into a bank’s proposed interstate merger. From the article:
To settle a legal challenge by a community group, Bank South has agreed to chip in another $5 million in home loans at low interest rates in Atlanta’s black and working-class areas.
In return, the community group says it will drop its challenge to the bank’s first interstate merger.
The tentative agreement was reached at a negotiating session Wednesday, according to bank officials and leaders of ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. They plan a joint announcement Thursday.
The bank also has agreed to consider making a large deposit in a community credit union ACORN says it might establish in Atlanta.
The $5 million will increase Bank South’s contribution to the Atlanta Mortgage Consortium to $7.35 million. That makes it the largest supporter of the pool formed in May. The pool now has $25 million, in addition to $47 million in loan programs set up by larger Atlanta banks, for a total of $72 million.
So not to apparently be accused of implied racism, the bank joined others to meet ACORN’s demands. But, two weeks prior to this revelation, the Journal-Constitution ran another story [3] where Bank South put up a little bit of a fight:
“Bank South has one of the worst records on community reinvestment among all the Atlanta banks, and we just want to make sure they clean up their act before they acquire any more southeast banks,” said ACORN President Annette Wilcoxson.
A Bank South spokesman, Bo Spalding, responded in a written statement: “The comments made by ACORN are inaccurate, misleading and without merit. We are disappointed that the ACORN representatives did not give us an opportunity to meet with them before they filed these complaints and issued the news release. We have scheduled a meeting with ACORN for Friday to discuss these issues.”
So, presto: drag a corporate name through the mud and receive a hefty payoff. It’s the ACORN way. At what point is some American corporation going to tell ACORN to go to hell and Al Capone’s shakedown tactics won’t work anymore?
Fighting back and not rolling over is the only thing that works with terrorists and just may work with ACORN, too."
Copenhagen climate summit: 1,200 limos, 140 private planes and caviar wedges - Telegraph
Copenhagen climate summit: 1,200 limos, 140 private planes and caviar wedges - Telegraph: "On a normal day, Majken Friss Jorgensen, managing director of Copenhagen's biggest limousine company, says her firm has twelve vehicles on the road. During the 'summit to save the world', which opens here tomorrow, she will have 200.
'We thought they were not going to have many cars, due to it being a climate convention,' she says. 'But it seems that somebody last week looked at the weather report.'"
'We thought they were not going to have many cars, due to it being a climate convention,' she says. 'But it seems that somebody last week looked at the weather report.'"
Don’t Court Martial the SEAL Three - HUMAN EVENTS
Don’t Court Martial the SEAL Three - HUMAN EVENTS: "December 7th is usually a day we remember the brave men who died at Pearl Harbor. Many of them died fighting, responding instantly to the cowardly Japanese attack that came without warning.
This is a day to honor bravery, resolve and sacrifice. But this December 7th is different. Today -- because lawyers are far too involved in running this war and commanders are deferring to them far more than they should -- two Navy SEALs are being arraigned on charges they abused an Iraqi terrorist after they captured him three months ago. A third will be arraigned at a later date and their courts martial could occur next month.
As Rowan Scarborough reported two weeks ago, the three SEALs -- Julio Huertas, Jonathan Keefe and Matthew McCabe -- were part of a platoon from SEAL Team 10 that captured one of the most-wanted terrorists in Iraq, Ahmed Hashim Abed, in a nighttime raid on or about September 1. Abed is believed to be the man behind the barbaric March 2004 ambush of Blackwater security guards in which four were murdered, their bodies mutilated and then hung from a bridge in Fallujah."
This is a day to honor bravery, resolve and sacrifice. But this December 7th is different. Today -- because lawyers are far too involved in running this war and commanders are deferring to them far more than they should -- two Navy SEALs are being arraigned on charges they abused an Iraqi terrorist after they captured him three months ago. A third will be arraigned at a later date and their courts martial could occur next month.
As Rowan Scarborough reported two weeks ago, the three SEALs -- Julio Huertas, Jonathan Keefe and Matthew McCabe -- were part of a platoon from SEAL Team 10 that captured one of the most-wanted terrorists in Iraq, Ahmed Hashim Abed, in a nighttime raid on or about September 1. Abed is believed to be the man behind the barbaric March 2004 ambush of Blackwater security guards in which four were murdered, their bodies mutilated and then hung from a bridge in Fallujah."
SHERMAN FREDERICK: Reid's chances look really dim - Opinion - ReviewJournal.com
SHERMAN FREDERICK: Reid's chances look really dim - Opinion - ReviewJournal.com: "Remember what 'Dandy' Don Meredith used to sing in the early days of 'Monday Night Football,' when the game fell out of reach?
Well, if the latest polling data are any measure of the re-election chances of Sen. Harry Reid, Nevada voters stand ready to sing the same refrain to their four-term senior U.S. senator.
A fresh poll, conducted last week by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research of Washington, D.C., for the state's largest newspaper, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, shows Reid's approval rating again stuck at a dismal 38 percent. This will disappoint a Reid camp that has furiously saturated the airwaves with advertising to, as the campaign puts it, 'reintroduce' Harry to Nevada voters.
Apparently Nevadans didn't need a reintroduction. Reid's getting the thumbs down from 49 percent of Nevada voters -- the same high level as the start of the year."
Well, if the latest polling data are any measure of the re-election chances of Sen. Harry Reid, Nevada voters stand ready to sing the same refrain to their four-term senior U.S. senator.
A fresh poll, conducted last week by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research of Washington, D.C., for the state's largest newspaper, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, shows Reid's approval rating again stuck at a dismal 38 percent. This will disappoint a Reid camp that has furiously saturated the airwaves with advertising to, as the campaign puts it, 'reintroduce' Harry to Nevada voters.
Apparently Nevadans didn't need a reintroduction. Reid's getting the thumbs down from 49 percent of Nevada voters -- the same high level as the start of the year."
The Rosett Report
The Rosett Report: "The United Nations “climate” summit is upon us, already qualifying as the world’s biggest emitter of hypocrisy –with the Telegraph reporting on the convergence in Copenhagen of “1,200 limos, 140 private planes and caviar wedges.
And here’s the beauty of this grand scam. Not only is it based on unsound “findings” with the UN claiming a “consensus” that never was, based on “science” that was something other than scientific. Beyond that, if anyone cares to venture further, lie boundless vistas of bad economics.
After all, when the UN wizards got done tailoring their conclusions about climate cause and effect, their work was far from over. They went on to produce stacks of calculations about the economy of the planet over the next 10, 20, 30 or 40 years or more. Thus, for instance, do we find such hocus-pocus as the UNFCCC providing estimates that in the year 2030, climate “mitigation” will require “$200 to $210 billion” in order to “return greenhouse gas emissions to current levels.” This is accompanied by a slew of estimates involving such stuff as percentages of global GDP needed for “climate” projects, flows of resources to developing countries two decades from now and prompts for governments to direct what is laughably referred to in this context as “private investment.” Here’s a sample of this kind of blithe projection about the economy of the planet, gravely informing us of such gobbledygook as the conclusion that if the UNFCCC investment scheme is adopted, and trillions are redirected over the years as the UN prefers, then in 2030 – the emissions reductions of developing countries will account for 68% of all global emissions reductions."
And here’s the beauty of this grand scam. Not only is it based on unsound “findings” with the UN claiming a “consensus” that never was, based on “science” that was something other than scientific. Beyond that, if anyone cares to venture further, lie boundless vistas of bad economics.
After all, when the UN wizards got done tailoring their conclusions about climate cause and effect, their work was far from over. They went on to produce stacks of calculations about the economy of the planet over the next 10, 20, 30 or 40 years or more. Thus, for instance, do we find such hocus-pocus as the UNFCCC providing estimates that in the year 2030, climate “mitigation” will require “$200 to $210 billion” in order to “return greenhouse gas emissions to current levels.” This is accompanied by a slew of estimates involving such stuff as percentages of global GDP needed for “climate” projects, flows of resources to developing countries two decades from now and prompts for governments to direct what is laughably referred to in this context as “private investment.” Here’s a sample of this kind of blithe projection about the economy of the planet, gravely informing us of such gobbledygook as the conclusion that if the UNFCCC investment scheme is adopted, and trillions are redirected over the years as the UN prefers, then in 2030 – the emissions reductions of developing countries will account for 68% of all global emissions reductions."
EDITORIAL: Justice thwarts Black Panther subpoenas - Washington Times
EDITORIAL: Justice thwarts Black Panther subpoenas - Washington Times: "Could it be that President Obama's legal team is imploding due to a voter intimidation case involving the New Black Panther Party? So many new developments regarding the Black Panther case occurred in the latter half of last week that it is hard keeping up with them all. But none of them look good for the Obama administration or for Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.'s Justice Department.
The case involves paramilitary-garbed Panthers caught on videotape (which was backed by copious testimony) engaged in what observers say were intimidating and racially charged activities outside a Philadelphia polling booth on presidential Election Day in 2008. Even though a judge was ready to enter a default judgment against the Black Panthers, based on a case brought by career attorneys at the Justice Department, the Obama administration suddenly decided last spring to drop three of the four cases and punish the final one with an incredibly weak injunction.
Controversy, accompanied by continued administration stonewalling, has ensued ever since.
The new developments last week were as follows:"
The case involves paramilitary-garbed Panthers caught on videotape (which was backed by copious testimony) engaged in what observers say were intimidating and racially charged activities outside a Philadelphia polling booth on presidential Election Day in 2008. Even though a judge was ready to enter a default judgment against the Black Panthers, based on a case brought by career attorneys at the Justice Department, the Obama administration suddenly decided last spring to drop three of the four cases and punish the final one with an incredibly weak injunction.
Controversy, accompanied by continued administration stonewalling, has ensued ever since.
The new developments last week were as follows:"
Washington Times - Obama's surge -- and withdrawal
Washington Times - Obama's surge -- and withdrawal: "If you happen to live in Kabul or Jalalabad, Ghurian or Kandahar, then a U.S. presidential speech about Afghanistan is, indeed, about Afghanistan.
If you live anywhere else on the planet, a U.S. presidential speech about Afghanistan is really about America - about American will, American purpose, American energy. How quickly the bright new dawn fades to the gray morning after. In Europe, the long awaited unveiling of this most thoughtful of presidents' deliberations got mixed reviews - some bad, some brutal. Der Spiegel called it 'half-hearted,' the Guardian called it 'desperate.' And those are his friends.
You could watch the great orator's listless, tentative performance with the sound down and get the basic message: I don't need this in my life right now. If you read the text, it made even less sense. There's something for everyone: A surge... and a withdrawal. He has agreed to surge for a bit, but only in preparation for a de-surge in 18 months' time. I said on the radio that the speech reminded me of the English nursery rhyme:
'The Grand Old Duke of York
He had 10,000 men
He marched them up to the top of the hill
And he marched them down again.'"
If you live anywhere else on the planet, a U.S. presidential speech about Afghanistan is really about America - about American will, American purpose, American energy. How quickly the bright new dawn fades to the gray morning after. In Europe, the long awaited unveiling of this most thoughtful of presidents' deliberations got mixed reviews - some bad, some brutal. Der Spiegel called it 'half-hearted,' the Guardian called it 'desperate.' And those are his friends.
You could watch the great orator's listless, tentative performance with the sound down and get the basic message: I don't need this in my life right now. If you read the text, it made even less sense. There's something for everyone: A surge... and a withdrawal. He has agreed to surge for a bit, but only in preparation for a de-surge in 18 months' time. I said on the radio that the speech reminded me of the English nursery rhyme:
'The Grand Old Duke of York
He had 10,000 men
He marched them up to the top of the hill
And he marched them down again.'"
The Death of the Grown-Up | Diana West > Home - What If We Had Fought the Nazis the Way We Are Fighting the Taliban?
The Death of the Grown-Up | Diana West > Home - What If We Had Fought the Nazis the Way We Are Fighting the Taliban?: "In refining and repacking (for size) some of the 'How Important Is Marjeh?' material for this week's column, I came to a new definition of 'counterinsurgency' (below). It's worth emphasizing how very important our understanding of 'counterinsurgency' is. Why, just today, Charles Krauthammer points out that 'the 2009 U.S. military [is] the finest counterinsurgency force in history.'
What does that mean? I'm sorry. After watching the Pentagon at work for the last eight-plus years, I have observed that 'COIN' doesn't mean winning wars, it means 'armed social work' for 'hearts and minds,' or 'trust' of 'the people.' It doesn't lead to a VI Day or VA Day, it leads to endless, pointless, wasteful 'nation-building.' It is a big scam and Uncle Sam is the easy mark.
So much simpler (to say the least) to face the ideological facts, the legal facts, the historical facts and the religious facts that what we call 'the West' and the Islamic world exist in dangerous opposition to one another -- just as the West and Nazism and the West and Communism exist(ed) in dangerous opposition to one another. This simple realization would change our strategy, our strategic alliances, our immigration polices, our energy policy, and Western civlization would actually survive this, yes, culture clash, relatively intact.
But we won't, not yet, and maybe not ever.
Onto Afghanistan.
The column:
Barack Obama is sending 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, to come home again starting in 2011.
Madness."
What does that mean? I'm sorry. After watching the Pentagon at work for the last eight-plus years, I have observed that 'COIN' doesn't mean winning wars, it means 'armed social work' for 'hearts and minds,' or 'trust' of 'the people.' It doesn't lead to a VI Day or VA Day, it leads to endless, pointless, wasteful 'nation-building.' It is a big scam and Uncle Sam is the easy mark.
So much simpler (to say the least) to face the ideological facts, the legal facts, the historical facts and the religious facts that what we call 'the West' and the Islamic world exist in dangerous opposition to one another -- just as the West and Nazism and the West and Communism exist(ed) in dangerous opposition to one another. This simple realization would change our strategy, our strategic alliances, our immigration polices, our energy policy, and Western civlization would actually survive this, yes, culture clash, relatively intact.
But we won't, not yet, and maybe not ever.
Onto Afghanistan.
The column:
Barack Obama is sending 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, to come home again starting in 2011.
Madness."
Barbara Lerner on National Review Online
Barbara Lerner on National Review Online: "Are you worried — like so many Americans after the Fort Hood massacre — about the growing threat of Islamist subversion and terror here at home? Worried, beyond that, about what we’re doing — or not doing — militarily in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq? Worried about the growing reach and power of Islamist movements in Europe and South America, as well as Asia, the Middle East, and Turkey? Worried about the military alliances Islamist governments are forging with their secular mirror images: socialist-god governments in places like North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela?
Then focus like a laser on Iran, now, because Islamists will score major victories in all those places and more if we fail to prevent the ruling mullahs from openly, triumphantly making Iran the world’s first Islamist nuclear power. The danger isn’t only Iran’s own catastrophic recklessness, once she gets the bomb, or the fact that all her Arab neighbors will respond by scrambling to go nuclear too. It’s also that Islamists everywhere — joined by growing masses of previously undecided Muslims — will see Iran’s success in achieving nuclear status the way Iran’s mullahs see it: as a historic defeat for the West, blasting open the gate to a 21st-century world where Islam rules and Christians, Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists are subservient or worse. Islamist ranks will swell, everywhere, as confidence grows that the Islamist side is the winning side, and victory is near."
Then focus like a laser on Iran, now, because Islamists will score major victories in all those places and more if we fail to prevent the ruling mullahs from openly, triumphantly making Iran the world’s first Islamist nuclear power. The danger isn’t only Iran’s own catastrophic recklessness, once she gets the bomb, or the fact that all her Arab neighbors will respond by scrambling to go nuclear too. It’s also that Islamists everywhere — joined by growing masses of previously undecided Muslims — will see Iran’s success in achieving nuclear status the way Iran’s mullahs see it: as a historic defeat for the West, blasting open the gate to a 21st-century world where Islam rules and Christians, Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists are subservient or worse. Islamist ranks will swell, everywhere, as confidence grows that the Islamist side is the winning side, and victory is near."
Op-Ed Columnist - Obama’s Logic Is No Match for Afghanistan - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Columnist - Obama’s Logic Is No Match for Afghanistan - NYTimes.com: "AFTER the dramatic three-month buildup, you’d think that Barack Obama’s speech announcing his policy for Afghanistan would be the most significant news story of the moment. History may take a different view. When we look back at this turning point in America’s longest war, we may discover that a relatively trivial White House incident, the gate-crashing by a couple of fame-seeking bozos, was the more telling omen of what was to come."
Terror trial truth-telling: Rallying to keep 9/11 killers out of civilian courts
Terror trial truth-telling: Rallying to keep 9/11 killers out of civilian courts: "The fight to persuade President Obama to forget about trying the 9/11 masterminds in federal court takes to the street today with a rally in Foley Square.
Led by Debra Burlingame, sister of Charles (Chic) Burlingame, who died piloting American Airlines Flight 77, protesters will begin the arduous, vital work of building political support for a presidential change of mind.
Many of the participants lost loved ones in the terror attack. May their voices be heard, because the case against putting Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four accomplices in a civilian dock grows ever stronger.
Consider, for example, what's happening in the case of Ahmed Ghailani, the first Guantanamo detainee sent to the U.S. for civilian prosecution.
Accused of helping to plot the 1998 attacks on American Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, Ghailani was indicted before 9/11 but captured after the atrocity. He has been in Guantanamo ever since."
Led by Debra Burlingame, sister of Charles (Chic) Burlingame, who died piloting American Airlines Flight 77, protesters will begin the arduous, vital work of building political support for a presidential change of mind.
Many of the participants lost loved ones in the terror attack. May their voices be heard, because the case against putting Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four accomplices in a civilian dock grows ever stronger.
Consider, for example, what's happening in the case of Ahmed Ghailani, the first Guantanamo detainee sent to the U.S. for civilian prosecution.
Accused of helping to plot the 1998 attacks on American Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, Ghailani was indicted before 9/11 but captured after the atrocity. He has been in Guantanamo ever since."
Family Security Matters » Publications » What’s Next for the American Economy?
Family Security Matters » Publications » What’s Next for the American Economy?: "It’s time for a new approach on bringing our country back to where it belongs as the land of opportunity and hope.
Unfortunately I sense that there is a fear, an insecurity, about the future among many in our area as well as throughout the nation. Nearly everyone knows someone who has lost a job, is worried about paying college tuition, or is thinking about working longer instead of retiring. No doubt, America is struggling, and people need our help.
Those who are running Congress have spent the last year on an agenda that expands big government, increases the deficit and requires us to borrow even more money from foreign countries. From spending to cap-and-trade, creating jobs have taken a back seat. As a result, the debt is set to double over the next five years and triple in 10.
The 800-billion dollar stimulus bill that Washington passed has failed to create or save the jobs it promised. Since it was passed we have lost almost 3 million more jobs and the unemployment rate continues to mount and has now reached 11 percent in Florida."
Unfortunately I sense that there is a fear, an insecurity, about the future among many in our area as well as throughout the nation. Nearly everyone knows someone who has lost a job, is worried about paying college tuition, or is thinking about working longer instead of retiring. No doubt, America is struggling, and people need our help.
Those who are running Congress have spent the last year on an agenda that expands big government, increases the deficit and requires us to borrow even more money from foreign countries. From spending to cap-and-trade, creating jobs have taken a back seat. As a result, the debt is set to double over the next five years and triple in 10.
The 800-billion dollar stimulus bill that Washington passed has failed to create or save the jobs it promised. Since it was passed we have lost almost 3 million more jobs and the unemployment rate continues to mount and has now reached 11 percent in Florida."
Family Security Matters » Publications » The Climate ‘Creationists’
Family Security Matters » Publications » The Climate ‘Creationists’: "HOME > PUBLICATIONS > The Climate ‘Creationists’
Global warming is a religion, not a science. The prospect of governing every action of every individual on the planet in the name of staving off “catastrophic climate change,” and charging especially the U.S. a fee for impoverishing it, makes belief in global warming as tenacious and anti-reason as the literal interpretation of the Bible is to a fundamentalist or evangelical holly-roller. The fraudsters have come too close to their goal of “world governance” to concede not only error, but the lies that sustained that error, as well. They want to rule, or at least see men ruled by others.
Global warming advocates are “creationists” because, in their view, man is the exclusive “creator” of the potential – nay, they say the inevitability – of catastrophic climate change.
It would not be irrelevant, then, to preface comments on Climategate by relating another instance of a furor instigated by religious creationists over a scientific finding, in this instance, the unnecessary carping over the discovery of the Java Man. The following discussion is from the blog site Creationist Arguments: Java Man."
Global warming is a religion, not a science. The prospect of governing every action of every individual on the planet in the name of staving off “catastrophic climate change,” and charging especially the U.S. a fee for impoverishing it, makes belief in global warming as tenacious and anti-reason as the literal interpretation of the Bible is to a fundamentalist or evangelical holly-roller. The fraudsters have come too close to their goal of “world governance” to concede not only error, but the lies that sustained that error, as well. They want to rule, or at least see men ruled by others.
Global warming advocates are “creationists” because, in their view, man is the exclusive “creator” of the potential – nay, they say the inevitability – of catastrophic climate change.
It would not be irrelevant, then, to preface comments on Climategate by relating another instance of a furor instigated by religious creationists over a scientific finding, in this instance, the unnecessary carping over the discovery of the Java Man. The following discussion is from the blog site Creationist Arguments: Java Man."
Family Security Matters » Publications » Climategate goes Uber-Viral; Gore Flees, Leaving Evil Henchmen to Defend Crumbling Citadel
Family Security Matters » Publications » Climategate goes Uber-Viral; Gore Flees, Leaving Evil Henchmen to Defend Crumbling Citadel: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Al Gore has had to cancel a Copenhagen speaking event at which he had hoped to charge starry-eyed believers in his ManBearPig religion $1,200 a piece for the privilege of shaking his hand, breathing in his CO2 and having his latest book inflicted on them.
Could those unforeseen circumstances have anything to do with Climategate?
I think so. Climategate is now huge. Way, way bigger than the Mainstream Media (MSM) is admitting it is – as Richard North demonstrates in this fascinating analysis. Using what he calls a Tiger Woods Index (TWI), he compares the amount of interest being shown by internet users (as shown by the number of general web pages on Google) and compares it with the number of news reports recorded. The ratio indicates what people are really interested in, as opposed to what the MSM thinks they ought to be interested in."
Could those unforeseen circumstances have anything to do with Climategate?
I think so. Climategate is now huge. Way, way bigger than the Mainstream Media (MSM) is admitting it is – as Richard North demonstrates in this fascinating analysis. Using what he calls a Tiger Woods Index (TWI), he compares the amount of interest being shown by internet users (as shown by the number of general web pages on Google) and compares it with the number of news reports recorded. The ratio indicates what people are really interested in, as opposed to what the MSM thinks they ought to be interested in."
Family Security Matters » Publications » How the Senate Health Bill Punishes Businesses That Hire Low-Income Workers
Family Security Matters » Publications » How the Senate Health Bill Punishes Businesses That Hire Low-Income Workers: "Suppose you wanted to prevent single parents and people from lower-income families from getting a job. How about imposing a $3,000 tax penalty on any employer who hired such a person instead of an equally qualified, equally paid person from a higher-income family? Would that do the trick?
It would do the trick quite nicely – but since no decent person actually wants to make it hard to escape poverty, it's a really bad idea. But that is exactly what the Senate health care bill does.
The Senate health bill (H.R. 3590) introduced by Sen. Reid (D-NV) contains provisions (Section 1513) that would impose a tax penalty on any company with more than 50 employees that hires someone who qualifies for, and opts to accept, a health insurance premium subsidy – a penalty of $3,000 per employee per year. And the qualifications for that taxpayer subsidy depend on the worker's family size and family income, not just the pay from that employer. A worker with more dependents would be more likely to qualify, and one with a working spouse or other family members would be less likely to qualify – and the IRS
would be required to provide this family information to the employer."
It would do the trick quite nicely – but since no decent person actually wants to make it hard to escape poverty, it's a really bad idea. But that is exactly what the Senate health care bill does.
The Senate health bill (H.R. 3590) introduced by Sen. Reid (D-NV) contains provisions (Section 1513) that would impose a tax penalty on any company with more than 50 employees that hires someone who qualifies for, and opts to accept, a health insurance premium subsidy – a penalty of $3,000 per employee per year. And the qualifications for that taxpayer subsidy depend on the worker's family size and family income, not just the pay from that employer. A worker with more dependents would be more likely to qualify, and one with a working spouse or other family members would be less likely to qualify – and the IRS
would be required to provide this family information to the employer."
Family Security Matters » Publications » Radical Islam Movement's Leader Forecasts America's Demise
Family Security Matters » Publications » Radical Islam Movement's Leader Forecasts America's Demise: "As the spotlight moves away from the Fort Hood massacre, one of America's most openly radical Islamist organizations has taken to the murderer's defense. As-Sabiqun, a Washington D.C.-based organization with branches in four other major American cities, released a flyer labeling shooter Nidal Malik Hasan as 'victimized' and the 'target of psychological warfare.' The handout also defended convicted terrorists and suspects.
As-Sabiqun has repeatedly predicted the demise of the United States and dreams of 'the Islamic State of North America no later than 2050.' It has openly declared support for terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, and even claimed it funded anti-American militants. With concerns growing over radical Islamist propaganda in the United States, As-Sabiqun is one of the leading organizations building a bridge between international Islamism and its developing American counterpart."
As-Sabiqun has repeatedly predicted the demise of the United States and dreams of 'the Islamic State of North America no later than 2050.' It has openly declared support for terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, and even claimed it funded anti-American militants. With concerns growing over radical Islamist propaganda in the United States, As-Sabiqun is one of the leading organizations building a bridge between international Islamism and its developing American counterpart."
Family Security Matters » Publications » Exclusive: Why Was Afghanistan ‘Neglected?’
Family Security Matters » Publications » Exclusive: Why Was Afghanistan ‘Neglected?’: "The debate over how many U.S. troops are needed to stabilize Afghanistan should have spawned (and still can) a larger discussion over the role of such campaigns in American global strategy and force structure. In his televised speech December 1st, President Barack Obama took a swipe at George W. Bush for not sending enough troops to Afghanistan because of the war in Iraq, which Obama reminded his audience he had opposed. It is true that American ground forces were spread thin by having to fight two wars at once, even within the same theater of Central Command, which covers the entire Middle East. In July 2008, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Congress, “I don't have troops I can reach for . . . to send into Afghanistan until I have a reduced requirement in Iraq.” But why does a country with 300 million people and the largest national economy in the world have a military so small that it cannot fight small, counterinsurgency wars in two places at once?"
Family Security Matters » Publications » Climategate: A Willful Ignorance
Family Security Matters » Publications » Climategate: A Willful Ignorance: "'Future generations will wonder in bemused amazement that the early 21st century's developed world went into hysterical panic over a globally averaged temperature increase of a few tenths of a degree, and, on the basis of gross exaggerations of highly uncertain computer projections combined into implausible chains of inference, proceeded to contemplate a roll-back of the industrial age.' – MIT Professor Richard Lindzen, PhD, Atmospheric Science
“On such (climate) models we are supposed to wager trillions of dollars – and substantially diminished freedom.”– George F. Will, syndicated columnist, Washington Post
Long ago I took one science course in college because it was required, not because I had any great interest in science. The course was zoology and only my end of semester paper on raccoons, an assigned subject, avoided a failing grade. To this day, more than 50 years later, I still recall that its Latin name was Procyon lotar."
“On such (climate) models we are supposed to wager trillions of dollars – and substantially diminished freedom.”– George F. Will, syndicated columnist, Washington Post
Long ago I took one science course in college because it was required, not because I had any great interest in science. The course was zoology and only my end of semester paper on raccoons, an assigned subject, avoided a failing grade. To this day, more than 50 years later, I still recall that its Latin name was Procyon lotar."
Family Security Matters » Publications » Exclusive: Sexually Explicit Books in the Classroom? Ask the ‘Safe Schools’ Czar
Family Security Matters » Publications » Exclusive: Sexually Explicit Books in the Classroom? Ask the ‘Safe Schools’ Czar: "Late last week, Jim Hoft at Gateway Pundit helped break the news that Kevin Jennings, the Safe Schools czar, is promoting sexually explicit books for classroom use. Scott Baker, co-founder of Breitbart.tv and co-host of the B-Cast, reports:
GLSEN’s stated mission is to empower gay youth in the schools and to stop harassment by other students. It encourages the formation of Gay Student Alliances and condemns the use of hateful words. GLSEN also strives to influence the educational curriculum
to include materials which the group believes will increase tolerance of gay students and decrease bullying. To that end, GLSEN maintains a recommended reading list of books that it claims “furthers our mission to ensure safe schools for all students.” In other words, these are the books that GLSEN’s directors think all kids should be reading: gay kids should read them to raise their self-esteem, and straight kids should read them in order to become more aware and tolerant and stop bullying gay kids. Through GLSEN’s online ordering system, called “GLSEN BookLink,” featured prominently on their Web site, teachers can buy the books to use as required classroom assignments, or students can buy them to read on their own."
GLSEN’s stated mission is to empower gay youth in the schools and to stop harassment by other students. It encourages the formation of Gay Student Alliances and condemns the use of hateful words. GLSEN also strives to influence the educational curriculum
to include materials which the group believes will increase tolerance of gay students and decrease bullying. To that end, GLSEN maintains a recommended reading list of books that it claims “furthers our mission to ensure safe schools for all students.” In other words, these are the books that GLSEN’s directors think all kids should be reading: gay kids should read them to raise their self-esteem, and straight kids should read them in order to become more aware and tolerant and stop bullying gay kids. Through GLSEN’s online ordering system, called “GLSEN BookLink,” featured prominently on their Web site, teachers can buy the books to use as required classroom assignments, or students can buy them to read on their own."
Snowe Chilled by Reid’s Slight - Roll Call
Snowe Chilled by Reid’s Slight - Roll Call: "Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) has been bitten once by Democrats, but the question that remains is whether she will be twice as shy when the Senate passes judgment on a health care reform bill later this month.
Snowe remains one of the most coveted votes by the White House and Senate Democratic leaders because she would represent the scent of bipartisanship in the face of a nearly united GOP opposition. But her role in the process became less prominent after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) decided to pursue a Democrat-only strategy in bringing the measure to the floor.
In an interview Thursday, Snowe said she has been repeatedly disappointed, and even angered, at times by the decisions Reid and the White House have made in pursuing passage of the complex and far-reaching bill. Snowe was the lone Senate Republican to support a health care reform plan this year. She sought a delicate compromise with Democrats on the Finance Committee in supporting that package, but when Reid melded that bill with a competing measure, he brushed aside her one demand and put forth a plan that contained a public insurance option.
Asked whether her relationship with Reid has suffered because of his tactical decisions, Snowe said, “I put everything in perspective. And I understand that everybody has a role to play and has their obligations. At the end of the day, you have to do what you think is right and follow your own radar, and you can’t depend on anybody, frankly.”
Snowe had hoped Reid would decide to include her proposal to establish a “trigger” for the public insurance option when he merged the Finance package with a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions measure. Instead, he chose a public option from which states could opt out, rather than first giving private companies the chance to reduce health care costs on their own, as her plan would do.
Not only did Reid choose a public option, he also described Snowe as “frightened” of the public option during the Oct. 27 press conference in which he announced his decision."
Snowe remains one of the most coveted votes by the White House and Senate Democratic leaders because she would represent the scent of bipartisanship in the face of a nearly united GOP opposition. But her role in the process became less prominent after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) decided to pursue a Democrat-only strategy in bringing the measure to the floor.
In an interview Thursday, Snowe said she has been repeatedly disappointed, and even angered, at times by the decisions Reid and the White House have made in pursuing passage of the complex and far-reaching bill. Snowe was the lone Senate Republican to support a health care reform plan this year. She sought a delicate compromise with Democrats on the Finance Committee in supporting that package, but when Reid melded that bill with a competing measure, he brushed aside her one demand and put forth a plan that contained a public insurance option.
Asked whether her relationship with Reid has suffered because of his tactical decisions, Snowe said, “I put everything in perspective. And I understand that everybody has a role to play and has their obligations. At the end of the day, you have to do what you think is right and follow your own radar, and you can’t depend on anybody, frankly.”
Snowe had hoped Reid would decide to include her proposal to establish a “trigger” for the public insurance option when he merged the Finance package with a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions measure. Instead, he chose a public option from which states could opt out, rather than first giving private companies the chance to reduce health care costs on their own, as her plan would do.
Not only did Reid choose a public option, he also described Snowe as “frightened” of the public option during the Oct. 27 press conference in which he announced his decision."
CAIR’s Strategy of Deception – by Jamie Glazov | FrontPage Magazine
CAIR’s Strategy of Deception – by Jamie Glazov | FrontPage Magazine: "Frontpage Interview’s guest today is Dave Gaubatz, the first U.S. civilian (1811) Federal Agent deployed to Iraq in 2003. He is the owner of DG Counter-terrorism Publishing. He is currently conducting a 50 State Counter-terrorism Research Tour (CTRT). He is the co-author (with Paul Sperry) of the new book, Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld that’s Conspiring to Islamize America. He can be contacted at davegaubatz@gmail.com.
FP: David Gaubatz, welcome to Frontpage Interview. Congrats on your book, Muslim Mafia.
I would like to talk to you today about how CAIR and other Islamic organizations deceive the public.
But first, give us some updates on your work and what is going on.
Gaubatz: Thank you Jamie. I owe thanks to the WND staff at all levels, to Paul Sperry (co-author), and to all of the researchers who worked on this CAIR project. Without them, the book would not exist.
On Dec. 1, 2009, I was asked to speak at the National Security Roundtable, hosted by Ronni Shalit, in NY. The trip to NY was a pleasure and it was an honor to speak to such a well informed group of people. The group consisted of people from many professions, including law enforcement, attorneys, bankers, and many more. What I am beginning to see is that Americans are becoming more informed of national security issues and they are no longer simply sitting back and expecting our elected officials to insure our nation is secured. Americans are beginning to insist that our nation be secured."
FP: David Gaubatz, welcome to Frontpage Interview. Congrats on your book, Muslim Mafia.
I would like to talk to you today about how CAIR and other Islamic organizations deceive the public.
But first, give us some updates on your work and what is going on.
Gaubatz: Thank you Jamie. I owe thanks to the WND staff at all levels, to Paul Sperry (co-author), and to all of the researchers who worked on this CAIR project. Without them, the book would not exist.
On Dec. 1, 2009, I was asked to speak at the National Security Roundtable, hosted by Ronni Shalit, in NY. The trip to NY was a pleasure and it was an honor to speak to such a well informed group of people. The group consisted of people from many professions, including law enforcement, attorneys, bankers, and many more. What I am beginning to see is that Americans are becoming more informed of national security issues and they are no longer simply sitting back and expecting our elected officials to insure our nation is secured. Americans are beginning to insist that our nation be secured."
The Flight from Fiscal Responsibility – by Tony Blankley | FrontPage Magazine
The Flight from Fiscal Responsibility – by Tony Blankley | FrontPage Magazine: "Regularly reading the Financial Times (Britain’s leading financial daily) can put an American in a fighting spirit. At least, it puts this American (transplanted former Englishman and naturalized American citizen that I am) in such a disposition.
I have in mind, this time, an article in Monday’s edition by Jeffrey Garten, titled “We must get ready for a weak-dollar world.” The article makes two broad assessments:
1) “The two most significant structural consequences of the recent financial debacle are the massive deficits and debts of the US and the shift of economic power from west to east. There is only one effective way for governments to address the combined impact of both: press for a sea change in currency relationships, especially a permanently and greatly weakened dollar.”
2) “The issue is no longer whether the dollar is in long-term decline but which of two options will be taken. Should Washington and other capitals calmly and deliberately manage the transition to a new era, or, by default, should they let the market do it, with the risk of massive financial disturbances. Today, governments have a choice. Soon they may not.”
What I don’t like about the article is that it is — from an American point of view — defeatist and that objectively, it may turn out to be true."
I have in mind, this time, an article in Monday’s edition by Jeffrey Garten, titled “We must get ready for a weak-dollar world.” The article makes two broad assessments:
1) “The two most significant structural consequences of the recent financial debacle are the massive deficits and debts of the US and the shift of economic power from west to east. There is only one effective way for governments to address the combined impact of both: press for a sea change in currency relationships, especially a permanently and greatly weakened dollar.”
2) “The issue is no longer whether the dollar is in long-term decline but which of two options will be taken. Should Washington and other capitals calmly and deliberately manage the transition to a new era, or, by default, should they let the market do it, with the risk of massive financial disturbances. Today, governments have a choice. Soon they may not.”
What I don’t like about the article is that it is — from an American point of view — defeatist and that objectively, it may turn out to be true."
A Former Terrorist Speaks Out – by Frontpagemag.com | FrontPage Magazine
A Former Terrorist Speaks Out – by Frontpagemag.com | FrontPage Magazine
As a young man in Cairo, Hamid Tawfik was recruited into the Egyptian terrorist group Al-Jamaa Islamiya. While he never carried out a terrorist attack, he espoused radical Islam and met with senior terrorist leaders, including Ayman Al-Zawahiri, al-Qaeda’s second in command. Impelled by his conscience, Dr. Tawfik would go on to make a decisive break with Islamic terrorism. Today, he calls himself a “reformer of Islam” and, despite threats to his life, speaks out against the extremists whose ranks he once shared. In the following video, Dr. Hamid Tawfik discusses his way into and out of Islamic terrorism and exposes the psychology of Muslim terrorists from the inside out. He also sends a special message to the Jewish people. To watch the video, click here.
As a young man in Cairo, Hamid Tawfik was recruited into the Egyptian terrorist group Al-Jamaa Islamiya. While he never carried out a terrorist attack, he espoused radical Islam and met with senior terrorist leaders, including Ayman Al-Zawahiri, al-Qaeda’s second in command. Impelled by his conscience, Dr. Tawfik would go on to make a decisive break with Islamic terrorism. Today, he calls himself a “reformer of Islam” and, despite threats to his life, speaks out against the extremists whose ranks he once shared. In the following video, Dr. Hamid Tawfik discusses his way into and out of Islamic terrorism and exposes the psychology of Muslim terrorists from the inside out. He also sends a special message to the Jewish people. To watch the video, click here.
Obama aides fine-tune meaning of Afghan withdrawal date - CNN.com
Obama aides fine-tune meaning of Afghan withdrawal date - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- Top aides to President Obama on Sunday signaled that some U.S. troops could start coming home from Afghanistan as soon as July 2011, but most would likely remain there for several years.
In appearances on all the major talk shows, Cabinet officials and military advisers clarified the president's position after he walked a political tightrope by announcing he will send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan and that some will start coming home in 19 months.
National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones told CNN's 'State of the Union' that the July 2011 start of withdrawal was 'not a cliff, it's a ramp' for beginning to turn over security responsibility to Afghan forces."
In appearances on all the major talk shows, Cabinet officials and military advisers clarified the president's position after he walked a political tightrope by announcing he will send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan and that some will start coming home in 19 months.
National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones told CNN's 'State of the Union' that the July 2011 start of withdrawal was 'not a cliff, it's a ramp' for beginning to turn over security responsibility to Afghan forces."
Even MSNBC's Chris Matthews Realizes Media Refs 'Calling All the Plays' for Obama
Even MSNBC's Chris Matthews Realizes Media Refs 'Calling All the Plays' for Obama
Responding to President Obama criticizing media coverage of the White House jobs summit, on Friday’s Hardball on MSNBC, host Chris Matthews wondered why the President wasn’t more appreciative of all the media’s help: “Why would you ride the ref when he’s calling all the plays for you? What’s he out there bashing the media for?”
During a town hall meeting in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Friday, Obama remarked: “I noticed the press yesterday, because we had this jobs forum at the White House, they said ‘Obama’s finally pivoting to jobs.’ As if what we haven’t been doing for the whole nine months from the day I was sworn in and we start talking about the recovery was all about jobs.”
During a town hall meeting in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Friday, Obama remarked: “I noticed the press yesterday, because we had this jobs forum at the White House, they said ‘Obama’s finally pivoting to jobs.’ As if what we haven’t been doing for the whole nine months from the day I was sworn in and we start talking about the recovery was all about jobs.”
Police Officer Michael Crawshaw, Penn Hills Police Department
Police Officer Michael Crawshaw, Penn Hills Police Department
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| Police Officer Michael Crawshaw Biographical Info Incident Details Officer Michael Crawshaw was shot and killed from ambush while responding to a call on Johnston Road. Officer Crawshaw was the first officer to arrive on the scene and had parked several houses away to wait for backup. Agency Contact Information |
Video: Harry Reid Calls 10% Unemployment “Progress” » The Foundry
Video: Harry Reid Calls 10% Unemployment “Progress” » The Foundry
Back when the unemployment rate was only 9.8% White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein told the Associated Press that the early data on the effect of President Barack Obama’s “quite positive.” Now that the unemployment rate is 10%, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) also sees “great progress.” Watch:
When Reid first voted for Obama’s failed stimulus, the White House promised their plan would create 3.5 million jobs and unemployment would never rise above 8%. Since he was sworn into office, the U.S. economy has lost, not gained, 3.3 million jobs and unemployment is now 10%. There is nothing positive about that.
Back when the unemployment rate was only 9.8% White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein told the Associated Press that the early data on the effect of President Barack Obama’s “quite positive.” Now that the unemployment rate is 10%, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) also sees “great progress.” Watch:
When Reid first voted for Obama’s failed stimulus, the White House promised their plan would create 3.5 million jobs and unemployment would never rise above 8%. Since he was sworn into office, the U.S. economy has lost, not gained, 3.3 million jobs and unemployment is now 10%. There is nothing positive about that.
Crazy in Copenhagen » The Foundry
Crazy in Copenhagen » The Foundry: "Would you sign a contract for how much you’ll be paid 40 years from now? Unless you were independently wealthy and could care less, of course not—because you have no idea how to gauge the purchasing power of that income in some future society. You have no way to guess what life will be like then, given the rapid changes you’ve seen just in the past decade alone. So it would be insane to bind yourself to a future salary a decade from today, let alone in 2050.
It would also be foolish to sign a contract that obligates you to limit how much you spend on food and transportation.
So why are world leaders rushing to sign a contract for how much their countries can emit–from nature and all of life’s activities–in 2050 by as much as 50% below 1990 levels? They have no idea what life will be like then—especially now that science and scientists are being called into question. Even if politics is not part of the scientific equation then, in all likelihood we could have the technology we need to make emission caps moot.
Even if the U.S. doesn’t sign a new ‘Kyoto II’ agreement in Copenhagen next week, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation to constrain American life to the tune of more than a household spends on groceries every year for eight years."
It would also be foolish to sign a contract that obligates you to limit how much you spend on food and transportation.
So why are world leaders rushing to sign a contract for how much their countries can emit–from nature and all of life’s activities–in 2050 by as much as 50% below 1990 levels? They have no idea what life will be like then—especially now that science and scientists are being called into question. Even if politics is not part of the scientific equation then, in all likelihood we could have the technology we need to make emission caps moot.
Even if the U.S. doesn’t sign a new ‘Kyoto II’ agreement in Copenhagen next week, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation to constrain American life to the tune of more than a household spends on groceries every year for eight years."
Obamacare in the Senate: Cutting Medicare » The Foundry
Obamacare in the Senate: Cutting Medicare » The Foundry: "Last week’s consideration of amendments to Obamacare focused on Medicare, which is used as one of the main sources of funding for the expansion of Medicaid and the establishment of a new health care entitlement under Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-NV) bill.
The McCain Amendment. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) offered an amendment to recommit and require the Senate Finance Committee to revise Sen. Reid’s health care bill to exclude all spending cuts to Medicare. Senate Democrats include nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts to pay for the legislation. Sen. McCain said that simply cutting the funding of one entitlement program to create another federal entitlement program would not constitute reform. Instead, hundreds of billions of dollars in new spending will be added to the federal deficit.
With an estimated $60 billion lost each year to fraud, waste, and abuse, Medicare needs reform. But the Congressional Budget Office’s score of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shows minuscule savings from eliminating or reducing fraud, waste, or abuse in the bill. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) noted: “We could cover everybody in the country or extend the life of Medicare 20 years by eliminating the fraud that’s in Medicare today. What are we going to do? We’re not. We’re going to create more government programs and more agencies that are going to be designed to be defrauded.” Sen. McCain’s Medicare amendment was defeated by a vote of 42-58."
The McCain Amendment. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) offered an amendment to recommit and require the Senate Finance Committee to revise Sen. Reid’s health care bill to exclude all spending cuts to Medicare. Senate Democrats include nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts to pay for the legislation. Sen. McCain said that simply cutting the funding of one entitlement program to create another federal entitlement program would not constitute reform. Instead, hundreds of billions of dollars in new spending will be added to the federal deficit.
With an estimated $60 billion lost each year to fraud, waste, and abuse, Medicare needs reform. But the Congressional Budget Office’s score of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shows minuscule savings from eliminating or reducing fraud, waste, or abuse in the bill. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) noted: “We could cover everybody in the country or extend the life of Medicare 20 years by eliminating the fraud that’s in Medicare today. What are we going to do? We’re not. We’re going to create more government programs and more agencies that are going to be designed to be defrauded.” Sen. McCain’s Medicare amendment was defeated by a vote of 42-58."
EPA Formally Declares CO2 a Dangerous Pollutant » The Foundry
EPA Formally Declares CO2 a Dangerous Pollutant » The Foundry: "Step aside, elected Members of Congress. If you can’t pass cap and trade legislation, The Environmental Protection Agency will move in with massively complex and costly regulations that would micromanage just about every aspect of the economy. They announced today that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases (GHGs) threaten public health and the environment.
Since 85 percent of the U.S. economy runs on fossil fuels that emit carbon dioxide, imposing a cost on CO2 is equivalent to placing an economy-wide tax on energy use. The kind of industrial-strength EPA red tape that the agency could enforce in the name of global warming would result in millions of dollars in compliance costs. These are unnecessary costs that businesses will inevitably pass on to the American consumer, slow economic growth and kill jobs. Although the crafted rules say only facilities that emit 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year or more will be affected, businesses fear the exemption may not hold up in court and could now be imposed on many smaller commercial buildings, farms, restaurants, churches and small businesses.
Even EPA administrator Lisa Jackson acknowledged top-down regulations would be more costly than a cap and trade system, saying, “Legislation is so important because it will combine the most efficient, most economy-wide, least costly, least disruptive way to deal with carbon dioxide pollution,” she recently stated, adding that “we get further faster without top-down regulation.” Of course, this isn’t a legitimate argument to pass cap and trade legislation. Cap and trade, a climate treaty and EPA regulations are the three ugly step-sisters of climate policy. Yet they’re trudging forward anyway."
Since 85 percent of the U.S. economy runs on fossil fuels that emit carbon dioxide, imposing a cost on CO2 is equivalent to placing an economy-wide tax on energy use. The kind of industrial-strength EPA red tape that the agency could enforce in the name of global warming would result in millions of dollars in compliance costs. These are unnecessary costs that businesses will inevitably pass on to the American consumer, slow economic growth and kill jobs. Although the crafted rules say only facilities that emit 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year or more will be affected, businesses fear the exemption may not hold up in court and could now be imposed on many smaller commercial buildings, farms, restaurants, churches and small businesses.
Even EPA administrator Lisa Jackson acknowledged top-down regulations would be more costly than a cap and trade system, saying, “Legislation is so important because it will combine the most efficient, most economy-wide, least costly, least disruptive way to deal with carbon dioxide pollution,” she recently stated, adding that “we get further faster without top-down regulation.” Of course, this isn’t a legitimate argument to pass cap and trade legislation. Cap and trade, a climate treaty and EPA regulations are the three ugly step-sisters of climate policy. Yet they’re trudging forward anyway."
Johns Hopkins Medicine CEO: Obamacare Will Have “Catastrophic Effects” on Health-Care Safety-Net » The Foundry
Johns Hopkins Medicine CEO: Obamacare Will Have “Catastrophic Effects” on Health-Care Safety-Net » The Foundry: "Dean and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine Edward Miller writes in the Wall Street Journal:
Both the House and Senate health-care reform bills call for a large increase in Medicaid—about 18 million more people will begin enrolling in Medicaid under the House bill starting in 2013, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Actuary Richard Foster estimates.
…
A flood of new patients will be seeking health services, many of whom have never seen a doctor on more than a sporadic basis. Some will also have multiple and costly chronic conditions. And almost all of them will come from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds.
…
We’ll meet the demands placed on us because serving poor and disadvantaged populations is part of our century-old mission. But without an understanding by policy makers of what a large Medicaid expansion actually means, and without delivery-system reform and adequate risk-adjusted reimbursement the current health-care legislation will have catastrophic effects on those of us who provide society’s health-care safety-net. In time, those effects will be felt by all of us.
Read Miller’s entire op-ed here."
Both the House and Senate health-care reform bills call for a large increase in Medicaid—about 18 million more people will begin enrolling in Medicaid under the House bill starting in 2013, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Actuary Richard Foster estimates.
…
A flood of new patients will be seeking health services, many of whom have never seen a doctor on more than a sporadic basis. Some will also have multiple and costly chronic conditions. And almost all of them will come from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds.
…
We’ll meet the demands placed on us because serving poor and disadvantaged populations is part of our century-old mission. But without an understanding by policy makers of what a large Medicaid expansion actually means, and without delivery-system reform and adequate risk-adjusted reimbursement the current health-care legislation will have catastrophic effects on those of us who provide society’s health-care safety-net. In time, those effects will be felt by all of us.
Read Miller’s entire op-ed here."
Morning Bell: The Copenhagen Climate Comedy » The Foundry
Morning Bell: The Copenhagen Climate Comedy » The Foundry: "Imagine an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting where all the members showed up drunk and with extra cases of wine, beer, and booze to keep them happy. Now imagine that that same group of drunks was empowered to make trillions of dollars worth of economic decisions for everybody in the world. This absurd scenario swiftly summarizes the United Nations Climate Change Conference beginning today, and lasting through December 18, in Copenhagen.
Despite the fact that the entire conference is founded on the belief that human economic activity, especially flying and driving, is emitting levels of greenhouse gasses that will soon kill us all, plutocrats from around the world have marshaled over 1,200 limos and 140 private planes to travel to and around Copenhagen over the next two weeks. When they are not participating in the world’s oldest profession, conferees will be negotiating over a successor treaty to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which obligated most developed nations to reduce their greenhouse emissions by 5 percent below 1990 baseline levels by 2012."
Despite the fact that the entire conference is founded on the belief that human economic activity, especially flying and driving, is emitting levels of greenhouse gasses that will soon kill us all, plutocrats from around the world have marshaled over 1,200 limos and 140 private planes to travel to and around Copenhagen over the next two weeks. When they are not participating in the world’s oldest profession, conferees will be negotiating over a successor treaty to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which obligated most developed nations to reduce their greenhouse emissions by 5 percent below 1990 baseline levels by 2012."
The Economic Consequences of Waxman-Markey: An Analysis of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009
The Economic Consequences of Waxman-Markey: An Analysis of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009: "After a truncated debate and last-minute changes, the House of Representatives narrowly passed climate-change legislation on June 26, 2009, designed by Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Edward Markey (D-MA). The 1,427-page bill would restrict greenhouse gas emissions from industry, mainly carbon dioxide from the combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas.
Since energy is the lifeblood of the American economy, 85 percent of which comes from CO2-emitting fossil fuels, the Waxman-Markey bill represents an extraordinary level of economic interference by the federal government. For this reason, it is important for policymakers to have a sense of the economic impact that accompanies any environmental benefits.[1]"
Since energy is the lifeblood of the American economy, 85 percent of which comes from CO2-emitting fossil fuels, the Waxman-Markey bill represents an extraordinary level of economic interference by the federal government. For this reason, it is important for policymakers to have a sense of the economic impact that accompanies any environmental benefits.[1]"
Congress: 'Private Laws' Bailout Americans in Special Cases - ABC News
Congress: 'Private Laws' Bailout Americans in Special Cases - ABC News
"For the relief of" -- four words that typically form the opening of a little-known type of federal law -- could be the secret to solving your problems with the U.S. government. That is, if a member of Congress is willing to write the bill to bail you out.
"Private laws" -- pieces of stand-alone legislation that apply only to specific individuals, families or corporations -- have granted citizenship to illegal immigrants, waived personal debts owed to the government and bestowed federal health care and retirement benefits to employees or spouses who might not otherwise have qualified.
National Inflation Association
National Inflation Association: "On Friday it was announced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that the U.S. unemployment rate in November declined from 10.2% to 10%. While the mainstream media would like you to believe we have seen a peak in unemployment and the worst of the economic crisis is behind us, we know that this dip in the unemployment number is phony and the recession is only beginning.
Although the unemployment number dipped in November, we still lost 11,000 nonfarm jobs. Unemployment fell by 0.2% only because the civilian labor force shrunk in November by 98,000 people. This means more people are becoming discouraged and giving up looking for jobs. When you combine both short and long-term discouraged workers who aren't included in the labor force along with those who are underemployed with part-time jobs, real unemployment in the U.S. today is nearly 22%."
Although the unemployment number dipped in November, we still lost 11,000 nonfarm jobs. Unemployment fell by 0.2% only because the civilian labor force shrunk in November by 98,000 people. This means more people are becoming discouraged and giving up looking for jobs. When you combine both short and long-term discouraged workers who aren't included in the labor force along with those who are underemployed with part-time jobs, real unemployment in the U.S. today is nearly 22%."
Brief for Monday, December 7, 2009 - Editions - PatriotPost.US
Brief for Monday, December 7, 2009 - Editions - PatriotPost.US
Remembering Pearl Harbor
"December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. ... Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory. ... With confidence in our armed forces -- with the unbounded determination of our people -- we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God." --Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat far removed from today's crop of defeatists
On that fateful "Day of Infamy," 353 Japanese planes attacked a military target killing 2,390 American servicemen and civilians and wounding 1,282. The attack sank or damaged eight battleships, three cruisers, three destroyers and one minelayer and destroyed 188 aircraft. It took four years and the full military-industrial capability of the United States to defeat Japan. It is with honor and respect for those who died or suffered terrible injuries that Sunday morning that we should never again fall into the slumber that allowed such a tragedy as Pearl Harbor -- or the attack on Sept. 11, 2001 -- again.
Chicago Man Is Charged in 2008 Attack on Mumbai - NYTimes.com
Chicago Man Is Charged in 2008 Attack on Mumbai - NYTimes.com: "WASHINGTON — The Chicago man with roots in Pakistan who was arrested two months ago for planning to attack a Danish newspaper now faces the much more serious charge that he was deeply involved in planning the 2008 massacre in India that killed more than 150 people, according to court documents filed by the Justice Department."
The New Media Journal | Obama Administration to Slash Bailout Cost Estimate, Reroute Funds
The New Media Journal | Obama Administration to Slash Bailout Cost Estimate, Reroute Funds: "The Obama administration will lose $200 billion less than expected from the federal bailout program and is looking at using part of the savings to fund new job creation efforts.
A Treasury official said Sunday that the administration now believes the cost of the financial rescue program will be at least $200 billion below the $341 billion estimate it made in August.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the administration's new projection has not been released, said the lower estimate reflected faster repayments by big banks and less spending on some of the rescue programs as the financial sector recovered from its free fall more quickly than the administration originally expected.
The administration had made the $341 billion estimate as part of its midsession budget review released in August.
The official said the new estimate will become part of the administration's new budget — meaning it at least some of the savings will be used to reduce the government's projected deficit — which President Barack Obama will present to Congress in February."
A Treasury official said Sunday that the administration now believes the cost of the financial rescue program will be at least $200 billion below the $341 billion estimate it made in August.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the administration's new projection has not been released, said the lower estimate reflected faster repayments by big banks and less spending on some of the rescue programs as the financial sector recovered from its free fall more quickly than the administration originally expected.
The administration had made the $341 billion estimate as part of its midsession budget review released in August.
The official said the new estimate will become part of the administration's new budget — meaning it at least some of the savings will be used to reduce the government's projected deficit — which President Barack Obama will present to Congress in February."
The New Media Journal | EPA Names CO2 a Danger, Calls ClimateGate a 'Small Blip'
The New Media Journal | EPA Names CO2 a Danger, Calls ClimateGate a 'Small Blip': "The US envoy to the international climate change conference in Copenhagen on Monday called the controversy over leaked e-mails at a British research center a 'small blip,' but Republicans think it should be enough to derail the administration's plans to declare greenhouse gases a danger to public health.
Despite GOP objections, the EPA is expected to announce Monday that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases are a threat to public health. The meticulously timed announcement comes on the opening day of the Denmark conference, and could boost the administration's argument that the United States is taking action to combat global warming -- though Congress has yet to pass climate legislation.
But Republicans since last week have called on EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to withdraw the finding pending an investigation into whether the 'science' behind the decision has been 'compromised.' They raised their concerns following the leak of e-mails from the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit which appeared to show scientists discussing the manipulation of climate data.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told FoxNews.com the EPA is rushing to a decision that may not be based on sound science."
Despite GOP objections, the EPA is expected to announce Monday that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases are a threat to public health. The meticulously timed announcement comes on the opening day of the Denmark conference, and could boost the administration's argument that the United States is taking action to combat global warming -- though Congress has yet to pass climate legislation.
But Republicans since last week have called on EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to withdraw the finding pending an investigation into whether the 'science' behind the decision has been 'compromised.' They raised their concerns following the leak of e-mails from the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit which appeared to show scientists discussing the manipulation of climate data.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told FoxNews.com the EPA is rushing to a decision that may not be based on sound science."
The New Media Journal | Federal Workshop on Openness Closed to the Public
The New Media Journal | Federal Workshop on Openness Closed to the Public: "The Obama administration is conducting a workshop on government openness for federal employees behind closed doors Monday, a private training session for freedom-of-information officials to learn about a new US office that settle disputes between the bureaucracy and the public.
The decision to preclude the public and the media from attending Monday's openness workshop left advocates scratching their heads, given President Barack Obama's campaign promise to make his administration the most transparent ever.
'If they're getting marching orders, why shouldn't the public be there?' said Jeff Stachewicz, founder of Washington-based FOIA Group Inc., which files hundreds of requests every month across the government on behalf of companies, law firms and news organizations.
The workshop was organized by the Justice Department's Office of Information Policy for agency public liaisons, who serve as ombudsmen and who 'play a vital role in the administration of the FOIA at each agency,' the government said. It was to set procedures for them to work with the new US Office of Government Information Services, set up to resolve disputes over information requests between citizens and the government."
The decision to preclude the public and the media from attending Monday's openness workshop left advocates scratching their heads, given President Barack Obama's campaign promise to make his administration the most transparent ever.
'If they're getting marching orders, why shouldn't the public be there?' said Jeff Stachewicz, founder of Washington-based FOIA Group Inc., which files hundreds of requests every month across the government on behalf of companies, law firms and news organizations.
The workshop was organized by the Justice Department's Office of Information Policy for agency public liaisons, who serve as ombudsmen and who 'play a vital role in the administration of the FOIA at each agency,' the government said. It was to set procedures for them to work with the new US Office of Government Information Services, set up to resolve disputes over information requests between citizens and the government."
The New Media Journal | House Likely to Move on Regulatory Reform This Week
The New Media Journal | House Likely to Move on Regulatory Reform This Week: "President Barack Obama this week will likely see Congress take a major step forward in accomplishing a sweeping financial regulatory overhaul.
The full House is expected to vote by Friday on a wide-ranging package to regulate risks across the financial system, impose new curbs on the multi-trillion dollar derivatives market and give the government tools to dissolve failing financial firms.
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. Barney Frank (P-MA), who has spearheaded the effort, is ironing out final changes to the bill, titled the “Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009.”
One of the most closely watched pieces of the measure is a new auditing requirement for the Federal Reserve pushed by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX). Frank said this week not to expect changes on the floor to the audit provision.
Almost certain to be changed is an amendment that would give federal regulators power to impose a haircut on secured creditors to firms that are taken over. The amendment narrowly passed Frank’s panel and was sponsored by Reps. Brad Miller (D-NC) and Dennis Moore (D-KS)."
The full House is expected to vote by Friday on a wide-ranging package to regulate risks across the financial system, impose new curbs on the multi-trillion dollar derivatives market and give the government tools to dissolve failing financial firms.
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. Barney Frank (P-MA), who has spearheaded the effort, is ironing out final changes to the bill, titled the “Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009.”
One of the most closely watched pieces of the measure is a new auditing requirement for the Federal Reserve pushed by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX). Frank said this week not to expect changes on the floor to the audit provision.
Almost certain to be changed is an amendment that would give federal regulators power to impose a haircut on secured creditors to firms that are taken over. The amendment narrowly passed Frank’s panel and was sponsored by Reps. Brad Miller (D-NC) and Dennis Moore (D-KS)."
The New Media Journal | NPR Senior Reporter Pressured Over FOX News Role
The New Media Journal | NPR Senior Reporter Pressured Over FOX News Role: "Executives at National Public Radio recently asked the network’s top political correspondent, Mara Liasson, to reconsider her regular appearances on FOX News because of what they perceived as the network’s political bias, two sources familiar with the effort said.
According to a source, Liasson was summoned in early October by NPR’s executive editor for news, Dick Meyer, and the network’s supervising senior Washington editor, Ron Elving. The NPR executives said they had concerns that FOX’s programming had grown more partisan, and they asked Liasson to spend 30 days watching the network.
At a follow-up meeting last month, Liasson reported that she’d seen no significant change in FOX’s programming and planned to continue appearing on the network, the source said."
According to a source, Liasson was summoned in early October by NPR’s executive editor for news, Dick Meyer, and the network’s supervising senior Washington editor, Ron Elving. The NPR executives said they had concerns that FOX’s programming had grown more partisan, and they asked Liasson to spend 30 days watching the network.
At a follow-up meeting last month, Liasson reported that she’d seen no significant change in FOX’s programming and planned to continue appearing on the network, the source said."
Drugmakers' support for health overhaul tested (OneNewsNow.com)
Drugmakers' support for health overhaul tested (OneNewsNow.com): "WASHINGTON- The pharmaceutical industry may have to cough up more than the $80 billion it agreed to contribute to President Barack Obama's health overhaul effort, reflecting pressure from Democrats and their supporters for more money to cover older and low-income people.
Obama and congressional Democrats want the drug industry to remain a crucial ally in the health care fight because of its deep pockets and influence in states where it is a large employer, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Indiana. So far, it remains an active backer of the Democrats' efforts to expand a supportive TV ad campaign on which it has already spent tens of millions of dollars."
Obama and congressional Democrats want the drug industry to remain a crucial ally in the health care fight because of its deep pockets and influence in states where it is a large employer, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Indiana. So far, it remains an active backer of the Democrats' efforts to expand a supportive TV ad campaign on which it has already spent tens of millions of dollars."
US says bin Laden sometimes slips into Afghanistan (OneNewsNow.com)
US says bin Laden sometimes slips into Afghanistan (OneNewsNow.com): "WASHINGTON- Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden may periodically slip back into Afghanistan from his remote hideout in neighboring Pakistan, a senior White House official says, adding a new twist to the mystery of the elusive terrorist's whereabouts.
President Barack Obama's national security adviser, James Jones, said bin Laden, believed hiding mainly in a rugged area of western Pakistan, may be spending some time in Afghanistan, where he was based while plotting the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States."
President Barack Obama's national security adviser, James Jones, said bin Laden, believed hiding mainly in a rugged area of western Pakistan, may be spending some time in Afghanistan, where he was based while plotting the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States."
Tea parties gain ground in healthcare battle (OneNewsNow.com)
Tea parties gain ground in healthcare battle (OneNewsNow.com): "Tea Party activists are being encouraged to continue their fight to derail Democrats' planned government takeover of America's healthcare system.
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina)South Carolina Republican Senator Jim DeMint addressed a gathering of Tea Party activists last week and credited them with blocking Democratic efforts to enact a government-run health insurance program. He also said grassroots activists have a chance to prevent passage of healthcare legislation currently being debated in the Senate."
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina)South Carolina Republican Senator Jim DeMint addressed a gathering of Tea Party activists last week and credited them with blocking Democratic efforts to enact a government-run health insurance program. He also said grassroots activists have a chance to prevent passage of healthcare legislation currently being debated in the Senate."
Perspective: Deception of the 'choice' movement (OneNewsNow.com)
Perspective: Deception of the 'choice' movement (OneNewsNow.com): "The Baltimore City Council has passed a bill requiring crisis pregnancy centers to post signs saying they do not 'provide or make referrals for abortion or birth-control services.' Now it awaits the mayor's signature.
Behind this unprecedented move of government to step in to regulate these centers is the national 'pro-choice' movement -- Planned Parenthood and NARAL. So we can expect similar efforts around the nation.
What's driving it?
Three things."
Behind this unprecedented move of government to step in to regulate these centers is the national 'pro-choice' movement -- Planned Parenthood and NARAL. So we can expect similar efforts around the nation.
What's driving it?
Three things."
The New Media Journal | Is the Constitution Just a Grand Suggestion? by Frank Salvato
The New Media Journal | Is the Constitution Just a Grand Suggestion? by Frank Salvato: "Listening to the John & Cisco morning radio program here on Chicago’s WIND AM 560 this morning, I was suddenly stopped dead in my tracks. One of the hosts, John Howell, asked Chicago Tribune editorialists Clarence Page about a contentious issue; whether candidates for the office of President of the United States of America should have to present proof of citizenship before being allowed to vie for the office. Mr. Page’s answer was not only a slight to the Constitution; it placed him firmly in the camp of the constitutionally illiterate.
When asked if vetting candidates for national office, specifically the presidency, wasn’t something that all Americans could agree upon, Mr. Page replied:
“You can never please some people, as you can see. I know Liberals who believe John McCain should be challenged because he wasn’t born in the US, because he was born in the Panama Canal Zone and...ah...they will point to different constitutional loopholes...ah...that they say would disqualify him. I remember George Romney, Mitt’s Dad...ah...went through the same thing...ah...back in the 60s. As far as I’m concerned, why can’t Madeleine Albright be a good president even though she wasn’t born a citizen? Or the governor of Michigan right now? This is the kind of thing...folks are kind of groping for any reason to disqualify a president or presidential candidate that they don’t like and...ah...I just find it to be a specious debate...I think we’ve got more important issues to worry about...maybe that’s just me (laughter).”
Pardon me for not laughing, Mr. Page. I didn’t know that the US Constitution – or the mandates held within – was a joke. I was under the impression that the Constitution was the basis on which our system of government was founded; on which our legal system was based. I was under the impression that Article II, Section 1, was to be taken seriously.
Article II, Section 1, reads:"
When asked if vetting candidates for national office, specifically the presidency, wasn’t something that all Americans could agree upon, Mr. Page replied:
“You can never please some people, as you can see. I know Liberals who believe John McCain should be challenged because he wasn’t born in the US, because he was born in the Panama Canal Zone and...ah...they will point to different constitutional loopholes...ah...that they say would disqualify him. I remember George Romney, Mitt’s Dad...ah...went through the same thing...ah...back in the 60s. As far as I’m concerned, why can’t Madeleine Albright be a good president even though she wasn’t born a citizen? Or the governor of Michigan right now? This is the kind of thing...folks are kind of groping for any reason to disqualify a president or presidential candidate that they don’t like and...ah...I just find it to be a specious debate...I think we’ve got more important issues to worry about...maybe that’s just me (laughter).”
Pardon me for not laughing, Mr. Page. I didn’t know that the US Constitution – or the mandates held within – was a joke. I was under the impression that the Constitution was the basis on which our system of government was founded; on which our legal system was based. I was under the impression that Article II, Section 1, was to be taken seriously.
Article II, Section 1, reads:"
The New Media Journal | Hamas Fires Same Heat missile Used by al Qaeda & Taliban
The New Media Journal | Hamas Fires Same Heat missile Used by al Qaeda & Taliban: "Unlike Hamas' homemade primitive Qassams, the two advanced C5K anti-tank missiles fired at Israeli forces on guard duty outside Kibbutz Alumim Sunday, Dec. 6, are of foreign manufacture and must have been smuggled into the Gaza Strip very recently.
Once used from helicopters by the Russian army, these weapons are armed with a 4-kilo heat warhead which rides the thermal waves emitted by tanks and armored vehicles with destructive fragmentation impact.
The S5K started life in China in the 1950s as an airborne missile called Norinco S-5. It was further developed by East European countries in the Soviet era. In the last four years, al Qaeda fighters in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with Taliban, began using the C5K as a ground-to-ground missile against armored American forces."
Once used from helicopters by the Russian army, these weapons are armed with a 4-kilo heat warhead which rides the thermal waves emitted by tanks and armored vehicles with destructive fragmentation impact.
The S5K started life in China in the 1950s as an airborne missile called Norinco S-5. It was further developed by East European countries in the Soviet era. In the last four years, al Qaeda fighters in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with Taliban, began using the C5K as a ground-to-ground missile against armored American forces."
MAMMOGRAM DECISION TO KILL 11,500 WOMEN at DickMorris.com
MAMMOGRAM DECISION TO KILL 11,500 WOMEN at DickMorris.com: "The best possible example of the kinds of conflicts that will increasingly undermine the US health care system if Obama’s bill passes is the effect of the federal government’s advice to women under 49 to abstain from mammograms. What may make sense from a national perspective that focuses on the need to control costs makes no sense from the perspective of a woman trying to avoid dying from breast cancer and her family.
Do the math. Medical literature basically agrees that mammogram screening for women aged 40-49 will save the lives of one woman for every 1900 screened. There are 21.9 million American women between those ages. That means that 11,500 women will die of breast cancer who would have lived had they been screened during those years.
To the bureaucrats in Washington, that may be an acceptable loss ratio. It may make no sense to those who will run our health care system to encourage women under 49 to have mammograms. But now we can always disregard their advice and pay for the procedure. However, if Obama’s program passes, the Federal Health Board will doubtless enforce the now advisory recommendation and ban mammograms for women from 40-49. Even if they pay for it themselves.
While we may disagree on when life begins - at conception or at birth - but we can all agree that it doesn’t end until death, much less in one’s 40s. The decision to condemn 11,500 women in their 40s to die of breast cancer smacks of euthanasia or worse. It has no place in our society."
Do the math. Medical literature basically agrees that mammogram screening for women aged 40-49 will save the lives of one woman for every 1900 screened. There are 21.9 million American women between those ages. That means that 11,500 women will die of breast cancer who would have lived had they been screened during those years.
To the bureaucrats in Washington, that may be an acceptable loss ratio. It may make no sense to those who will run our health care system to encourage women under 49 to have mammograms. But now we can always disregard their advice and pay for the procedure. However, if Obama’s program passes, the Federal Health Board will doubtless enforce the now advisory recommendation and ban mammograms for women from 40-49. Even if they pay for it themselves.
While we may disagree on when life begins - at conception or at birth - but we can all agree that it doesn’t end until death, much less in one’s 40s. The decision to condemn 11,500 women in their 40s to die of breast cancer smacks of euthanasia or worse. It has no place in our society."
Senate Votes to Spare Plaintiffs' Lawyers - ABC News
Senate Votes to Spare Plaintiffs' Lawyers - ABC News: "The Senate has voted to spare plaintiffs' lawyers in medical malpractice cases from a cut in fees.
By a vote of 32-66, the Senate rejected an amendment by Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., to cap the fees that plaintiffs' lawyers can collect when they win a case."
By a vote of 32-66, the Senate rejected an amendment by Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., to cap the fees that plaintiffs' lawyers can collect when they win a case."
CNSNews.com - Inhofe: It’s ‘Dishonest’ for Obama to Attend Global Warming Summit and Say America Will Cap Carbon Emissions
CNSNews.com - Inhofe: It’s ‘Dishonest’ for Obama to Attend Global Warming Summit and Say America Will Cap Carbon Emissions: "(Update: The White House now says President Obama will attend the U.N. climate change conference on Dec. 18, the final day, when most other heads of state are expected to show up.)
(CNSNews.com) - Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, ranking Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, says it is “dishonest” for President Barack Obama to announce at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen that the United States will cap its carbon emissions because legislation to do so has no chance of passing in Congress.
The White House announced on November 26 that Obama will personally attend the climate summit on December 9 (the date was later changed to December 18). While he's there, the president will announce that the U.S. intends to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2020 to 17 percent below what they were in 2005."
(CNSNews.com) - Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, ranking Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, says it is “dishonest” for President Barack Obama to announce at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen that the United States will cap its carbon emissions because legislation to do so has no chance of passing in Congress.
The White House announced on November 26 that Obama will personally attend the climate summit on December 9 (the date was later changed to December 18). While he's there, the president will announce that the U.S. intends to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2020 to 17 percent below what they were in 2005."
CNSNews.com - Vitter, Inhofe Ask NASA Inspector General to Probe Possible Obstruction of FOIA Requests Seeking Climate Change Records
CNSNews.com - Vitter, Inhofe Ask NASA Inspector General to Probe Possible Obstruction of FOIA Requests Seeking Climate Change Records: "(CNSNews.com) – Two ranking Republicans are calling on the inspector general of NASA to investigate the agency’s “apparent obstruction of Freedom of Information Act requests.”
Republicans on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works had written to NASA’s inspector general requesting “all documents and records related to the communications or other interactions with the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit (CRU).”
Afterwards, they became aware of “three separate FOIA requests made to NASA and the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). The requests specifically ask for NASA’s “temperature record and agency emails concerning changes agency researchers made to the temperature record in 2007.”"
Republicans on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works had written to NASA’s inspector general requesting “all documents and records related to the communications or other interactions with the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit (CRU).”
Afterwards, they became aware of “three separate FOIA requests made to NASA and the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). The requests specifically ask for NASA’s “temperature record and agency emails concerning changes agency researchers made to the temperature record in 2007.”"
CNSNews.com - Pelosi Endorses ‘Global’ Tax on Stocks, Bonds, and other Financial Transactions
CNSNews.com - Pelosi Endorses ‘Global’ Tax on Stocks, Bonds, and other Financial Transactions: "(CNSNews.com) – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) endorsed the idea of a “global” tax on stock trades and other financial transactions, saying the estimated $150 billion in annual revenue from such a tax could be used to help fund more stimulus spending.
At her weekly press briefing on Thursday, Pelosi said the financial transactions tax (HR4191) currently before Congress would have to be made “global” to keep U.S. investors from taking their business overseas and out of taxable reach."
This is the reason that we ar ein such financial difficulty. Pelosi has been in charge of spending for years now. She needs to go! ~~ The Munz
At her weekly press briefing on Thursday, Pelosi said the financial transactions tax (HR4191) currently before Congress would have to be made “global” to keep U.S. investors from taking their business overseas and out of taxable reach."
This is the reason that we ar ein such financial difficulty. Pelosi has been in charge of spending for years now. She needs to go! ~~ The Munz
CNSNews.com - If ‘Public Option’ Stands, Senators Say They'll Block A Vote on Health Care Bill
CNSNews.com - If ‘Public Option’ Stands, Senators Say They'll Block A Vote on Health Care Bill: "(CNSNews.com) – Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) repeated their opposition to a “public option” in a final Senate health care bill when CNSNews.com asked if there were any circumstances in which they would vote for cloture on the bill if it includes a government-run insurance program. (Cloture means debate on a bill must end and the legislation is voted upon.)
“I cannot see one for this reason,” Lieberman said. “This is a good bill in many ways, and it achieves what I have always believed – for the years I’ve been working for health care reform – are the main purposes for health care reform: to begin to contain and control the never-ending increases of the cost of health care; to extend coverage by enabling millions of people who can’t afford health insurance to have health insurance; and to regulate the insurance companies so they treat consumers better.”"
“I cannot see one for this reason,” Lieberman said. “This is a good bill in many ways, and it achieves what I have always believed – for the years I’ve been working for health care reform – are the main purposes for health care reform: to begin to contain and control the never-ending increases of the cost of health care; to extend coverage by enabling millions of people who can’t afford health insurance to have health insurance; and to regulate the insurance companies so they treat consumers better.”"
Secret Service documents long list of security breaches - washingtonpost.com
Secret Service documents long list of security breaches - washingtonpost.com: "Long before a pair of gate-crashers penetrated a White House state dinner, the Secret Service had detailed for its internal use a lengthy list of security breaches dating to the Carter administration -- including significant failures in the agency's protection of the president.
A summary of a secret 2003 report obtained by The Washington Post, along with descriptions of more recent incidents by federal homeland security officials, places Tareq and Michaele Salahi squarely in a rogues' gallery of autograph hounds, publicity seekers, unstable personalities and others identified by the Secret Service as defeating its checkpoints at least 91 times since 1980."
So why all the hype over twop people trying to make a name for themselves in reality television?~~ The Munz
A summary of a secret 2003 report obtained by The Washington Post, along with descriptions of more recent incidents by federal homeland security officials, places Tareq and Michaele Salahi squarely in a rogues' gallery of autograph hounds, publicity seekers, unstable personalities and others identified by the Secret Service as defeating its checkpoints at least 91 times since 1980."
So why all the hype over twop people trying to make a name for themselves in reality television?~~ The Munz
Sunday, December 6, 2009
ACTION ITEM: Send the DNC and AARP your phone books via their “No postage needed” envelopes « HillBuzz
ACTION ITEM: Send the DNC and AARP your phone books via their “No postage needed” envelopes « HillBuzz: "Do you still get mailings from the DNC or AARP that include a “No Postage Required” envelope intended for you to send a check back to them? Instead of giving the DNC or AARP — two entities we abhor because of their recent behavior — any money, why not start costing them money with those mailings?
Since the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee met on May 31st, 2008 to take delegates away from Hillary Clinton that she won in Florida and Michigan, we’ve sent back every contribution envelope we’ve received from the DNC filled with as many flat rocks as we could fit into the envelopes, hoping to cost the DNC a lot in postage.
Well, SSmith has an even better idea: start sending the DNC and AARP your phone books."
Since the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee met on May 31st, 2008 to take delegates away from Hillary Clinton that she won in Florida and Michigan, we’ve sent back every contribution envelope we’ve received from the DNC filled with as many flat rocks as we could fit into the envelopes, hoping to cost the DNC a lot in postage.
Well, SSmith has an even better idea: start sending the DNC and AARP your phone books."
Up to 4 inches of snow in the foothills coming, a light dusting in Sacramento - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee
Up to 4 inches of snow in the foothills coming, a light dusting in Sacramento - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee: "Snow is coming to the Sacramento Valley -- but only a light dusting is expected on the streets of Sacramento.
The National Weather Service said today that 2-4 inches of snow is expected to fall at the 1,000-foot elevation, below Auburn and El Dorado Hills.
Cindy Matthews, forecaster, said a dusting of snow is likely to start in the pre-commute hours in Sacramento and should continue off and on throughout the day.
The cold storm system dropping from the northeast out of Canada will be unusual since the coldest temperatures will bypass Northern California communities such as Red Bluff and Redding but drop Sacramento Valley temperatures Monday to a record 27 degrees."
How's that Global Warming working out for all the Gore fans???
The National Weather Service said today that 2-4 inches of snow is expected to fall at the 1,000-foot elevation, below Auburn and El Dorado Hills.
Cindy Matthews, forecaster, said a dusting of snow is likely to start in the pre-commute hours in Sacramento and should continue off and on throughout the day.
The cold storm system dropping from the northeast out of Canada will be unusual since the coldest temperatures will bypass Northern California communities such as Red Bluff and Redding but drop Sacramento Valley temperatures Monday to a record 27 degrees."
How's that Global Warming working out for all the Gore fans???
Obama's Fog of War - The Daily Beast
Obama's Fog of War - The Daily Beast
It’s a strange paradox for a great wordsmith, but whenever Obama makes an important policy speech these days he leaves everyone totally confused. His first health-care press conference back in July triggered a season of raucous political Rorschach and left his hopeful followers utterly baffled about what they were being asked to support. Now White House envoys are being dispatched all over the globe to explain what the president really meant about the date when troops will or won’t be pulled out of Afghanistan. Hillary, you go to the Hill! Take Gates and Adm. Mullen with you. Holbrooke, off to Brussels! And you, Gen. Petraeus, you go on 360 and hit Anderson Cooper with jargony dog whistle caveats like “the pace of the drawdown is conditions-based.”
I have come to the conclusion that the real reason this gifted communicator has become so bad at communicating is that he doesn’t really believe a word that he is saying.
Does Obama create confusion on purpose? Is this his “process” based on his confession that he’s a screen onto which people project things? Is it a strategy so that whatever bill trickles out of Congress or however many soldiers linger in Afghanistan, he can claim that the outcome is what he meant it all along? (Clinton and Gates assured nervous senators on the Hill Thursday that the August 2011 deadline was both firm and flexible, and that this position was, in Gates’ words, “not contradictory” in the least.) Or is it that for all the administration’s vaunted mastery of multiplatform communication, Rahm and Gibbs and company are actually amateurs at crafting a clear political message and launching it on the dazed American public?
Congress Waters Down Health Care Reform Provisions - TIME
Congress Waters Down Health Care Reform Provisions - TIME: "Pretty much everyone agrees that the health care legislation now making its way through both houses of Congress would do some things well. It would cover almost all of the roughly 33 million legal residents of this country who now lack health insurance. And a vast expansion of Medicaid, coupled with billions of dollars in subsidies to help low- and middle-income Americans buy insurance, would help ensure that most people end up spending less on their health bills, according to a new analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Congress's independent scorekeepers. (See 10 players in health-care reform.)
But what about President Obama's pledge to pass a measure that reins in the larger forces driving up health care costs? Or his vow that a reformed system would deliver more-efficient care, with better results for patients? That's where the legislation could fall well short of the promises.
In a recent letter to Obama, 23 prominent economists identified four provisions that they said 'can go a long way toward delivering better health care, and better value, to Americans.' They are: ensuring that reform doesn't add to the federal deficit; creating an independent commission to bring Medicare costs under control; discouraging high-cost insurance plans by taxing them; and changing the incentives in medicine so that doctors and hospitals are paid not for how much treatment they give but for how well it works."
But what about President Obama's pledge to pass a measure that reins in the larger forces driving up health care costs? Or his vow that a reformed system would deliver more-efficient care, with better results for patients? That's where the legislation could fall well short of the promises.
In a recent letter to Obama, 23 prominent economists identified four provisions that they said 'can go a long way toward delivering better health care, and better value, to Americans.' They are: ensuring that reform doesn't add to the federal deficit; creating an independent commission to bring Medicare costs under control; discouraging high-cost insurance plans by taxing them; and changing the incentives in medicine so that doctors and hospitals are paid not for how much treatment they give but for how well it works."
President Obama's jobs summit is a great feast of folly
President Obama's jobs summit is a great feast of folly: "Politicians constantly need to create the impression that they're actually getting paid to do something. President Obama is no different. Today, the White House will host a Jobs Summit featuring 100-plus business leaders, union chiefs, academics, mayors and representatives of nonprofit groups.
Obama's goal is to show he's serious about taking action on the backsliding economy and to convince the electorate that public activity means real policy action.
I'll have to crash Obama's party, because summits are giant publicity stunts where loads of taxpayer money is spent on fancy backdrops, flower arrangements and so much glad-handing and back-slapping that the participants leave with calluses and whiplash.
The timing is twofold, and painfully transparent: Hosting a high-profile gathering will allow the White House to portray an engaged Obama at a time when polls show the public believes his domestic agenda is in a hole. More importantly, the summit gives Obama a desperately needed distraction - especially during the holidays when the unemployed are acutely aware of their situation."
Obama's goal is to show he's serious about taking action on the backsliding economy and to convince the electorate that public activity means real policy action.
I'll have to crash Obama's party, because summits are giant publicity stunts where loads of taxpayer money is spent on fancy backdrops, flower arrangements and so much glad-handing and back-slapping that the participants leave with calluses and whiplash.
The timing is twofold, and painfully transparent: Hosting a high-profile gathering will allow the White House to portray an engaged Obama at a time when polls show the public believes his domestic agenda is in a hole. More importantly, the summit gives Obama a desperately needed distraction - especially during the holidays when the unemployed are acutely aware of their situation."
Cap and Trade Changing Everything | NMCEP and Related News
Cap and Trade Changing Everything | NMCEP and Related News: "From the Lovington Leader by John Graham--Cap and trade legislation may be one of the biggest issues facing the oil and gas industry according to Dr. Daniel Fine, Associate of Policy, Strategy and Development at New Mexico Tech. He also serves on the New Mexico Center for Energy Policy which is hosting the presentation by former Shell Oil executive, John Hofmeister tonight.
“What is the purpose to cap and trade?” asks Fine. “Is the purpose to raise revenue? Is the purpose to lower CO2? Or both?” The bill (Waxman-Markey) coming out of the U.S. House of Representatives claims both purposes without a clear policy declaration.
The bill is now in the hands of the U.S. Senate.
Fine says determining the price or cost for one metric ton of carbon dioxide is the biggest omission in the bill that needs to be addressed before moving forward.
“What is the trigger price which would affect an investment from the utilities and others to move towards low carbon technology? How much should CO2 cost before it triggers a corporate strategic decision to invest in technology which would lower the greenhouse gas emissions?” asks Fine.
Without the price per ton of CO2, nothing can be implemented.
The house version has been worked over in the Senate with many changes. Fine says in the House bill, only 2% of the allowances (or credits) have been awarded to the oil and gas industry as opposed to 37% to the utility industry. “The Senate is currently looking at that in terms of equity,” said Fine.
Also there is no reference in that bill in support of nuclear energy.
“Nuclear energy, in terns of cap and trade, is a central part of the issue because it is emissions free,” added Fine."
“What is the purpose to cap and trade?” asks Fine. “Is the purpose to raise revenue? Is the purpose to lower CO2? Or both?” The bill (Waxman-Markey) coming out of the U.S. House of Representatives claims both purposes without a clear policy declaration.
The bill is now in the hands of the U.S. Senate.
Fine says determining the price or cost for one metric ton of carbon dioxide is the biggest omission in the bill that needs to be addressed before moving forward.
“What is the trigger price which would affect an investment from the utilities and others to move towards low carbon technology? How much should CO2 cost before it triggers a corporate strategic decision to invest in technology which would lower the greenhouse gas emissions?” asks Fine.
Without the price per ton of CO2, nothing can be implemented.
The house version has been worked over in the Senate with many changes. Fine says in the House bill, only 2% of the allowances (or credits) have been awarded to the oil and gas industry as opposed to 37% to the utility industry. “The Senate is currently looking at that in terms of equity,” said Fine.
Also there is no reference in that bill in support of nuclear energy.
“Nuclear energy, in terns of cap and trade, is a central part of the issue because it is emissions free,” added Fine."
NY1 | 24 Hour Local News | Law Enforcement | 9/11 Victims' Families Protest City Terror Trials
NY1 | 24 Hour Local News | Law Enforcement | 9/11 Victims' Families Protest City Terror Trials
Police say more than 1,500 protesters, including first responders and families of September 11th victims, spoke out in Downtown Manhattan Saturday against the decision to try alleged terrorists in the city. 
The protesters say Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and other alleged September 11th co-conspirators are receiving the same rights as U.S. citizens while New York's safety is endangered.
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The 9/11 Never Forget Coalition held the protest in Foley Square to express opposition to Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to hold the trial in Manhattan Federal Court.
The group also says the increased security during the trial will affect people's daily lives.
Chinatown residents are especially worried about what will happen, as their neighborhood is close to the federal courthouse.
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