I think we now have a list of the IRS' division of Enemies of America.
The email went to:
David L. Fish is the acting manager of IRS Exempt Organizations Technical Guidance and Quality Assurance.
Nicole C. Flax is the former IRS Chief of Staff
Joseph J. Urban – from the Office of Chief Counsel IRS
Nanette Downing – Director of Examinations
Joseph H. Grant is the commissioner of the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division...
And of course, Lois Lerner, the corrupt slimeball--still drawing pay from the US taxpayers.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Good News!! Germany No Longer a Threat!!
News item:
...After deciding to donate millions of euros worth of military equipment of Kurdish fighters, the German government found itself unable to deliver it, because every military transport plane they tried to ship it with broke down on the runway....
Well, that's a relief. Or something.
HT: Cold Fury
...After deciding to donate millions of euros worth of military equipment of Kurdish fighters, the German government found itself unable to deliver it, because every military transport plane they tried to ship it with broke down on the runway....
Well, that's a relief. Or something.
HT: Cold Fury
Voting FOR Illegal Obozo Immigration Are...
Sure. Ribble and Ryan. Ribble's a contractor, which explains that. Ryan? He likes Ways and Means.
And good old (actually, senile) Sensenbrenner. The bullshit he spouts about "conservative" only applies in Wisconsin, ya'know.
Read it here.
And good old (actually, senile) Sensenbrenner. The bullshit he spouts about "conservative" only applies in Wisconsin, ya'know.
Read it here.
Loretta Lynch Is John Chisholm
Methods are congruent. And as Obozo's AG, the targets will be conguent, too.
Senate vote shortly. Let's see how RoJo rolls on this one.
Senate vote shortly. Let's see how RoJo rolls on this one.
The GOP's Identity Crisis
Let's cut to the chase. Here's Bush III:
“All too often we’re associated with being ‘anti’ everything,” Bush lectured CPAC in 2013. “Way too many people believe Republicans are anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-science, anti-gay, anti-worker, and the list goes on.”
Here's Reince Priebus:
"We have to put people out on television and radio ... that you know, don't look like me," Priebus, a white male, said.
Ad arguendam, I'll agree with both of them.
Reduced to its simplest terms, the GOP has ignored or marginalized their best "bloc" (which Ron Reagan captured whole), the common man. You know them. They work at jobs, every day. They may be married and raising a family. They see the incalculable waste of money at the local, state, and federal levels. They are concerned with national security, not with some twatter-fuss in Crimea. They want some financial security for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren--not endless trillions of Gummint debts to be paid by their families, forever and ever.
In other words, people who have the National Interest at heart.
These people are NOT illegal immigrants. They are NOT H1B's. They are NOT pleased with ObozoCare, nor the ridiculous IRS code, nor in the prosperity of the Fortune 50 to the exclusion of everyone else. They understand that tradition, nature, and religion--the first things--should be promoted and preserved by Gummints at all levels.
Further, they are NOT racist, homophobes, sexists, or h8ters of legitimate government-aid program recipients--but they're of the opinion that the Gummint should step back and allow private charity and the churches to step up, unfettered by inane PC rules and regulations written by twerps in D.C. who never had a real job dealing with real people (or their problems.) Care, concern, and assistance, yes. Tough love when appropriate, yes.
They are NOT Libertarians, who confuse "liberty" with "the right to do whatever pleases me," instead of "the right to do right."
IOW, the GOP is out of touch, just like Reince and JEBush said.
Think they'll fix that?
“All too often we’re associated with being ‘anti’ everything,” Bush lectured CPAC in 2013. “Way too many people believe Republicans are anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-science, anti-gay, anti-worker, and the list goes on.”
Here's Reince Priebus:
"We have to put people out on television and radio ... that you know, don't look like me," Priebus, a white male, said.
Ad arguendam, I'll agree with both of them.
Reduced to its simplest terms, the GOP has ignored or marginalized their best "bloc" (which Ron Reagan captured whole), the common man. You know them. They work at jobs, every day. They may be married and raising a family. They see the incalculable waste of money at the local, state, and federal levels. They are concerned with national security, not with some twatter-fuss in Crimea. They want some financial security for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren--not endless trillions of Gummint debts to be paid by their families, forever and ever.
In other words, people who have the National Interest at heart.
These people are NOT illegal immigrants. They are NOT H1B's. They are NOT pleased with ObozoCare, nor the ridiculous IRS code, nor in the prosperity of the Fortune 50 to the exclusion of everyone else. They understand that tradition, nature, and religion--the first things--should be promoted and preserved by Gummints at all levels.
Further, they are NOT racist, homophobes, sexists, or h8ters of legitimate government-aid program recipients--but they're of the opinion that the Gummint should step back and allow private charity and the churches to step up, unfettered by inane PC rules and regulations written by twerps in D.C. who never had a real job dealing with real people (or their problems.) Care, concern, and assistance, yes. Tough love when appropriate, yes.
They are NOT Libertarians, who confuse "liberty" with "the right to do whatever pleases me," instead of "the right to do right."
IOW, the GOP is out of touch, just like Reince and JEBush said.
Think they'll fix that?
Thursday, February 26, 2015
$3Bn. Stolen by Obozo, Gifted to Insurers
Yah, and what's RoJo going to do about this?
The U.S. Treasury Department has rebuffed a request by House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan, R- Wis., to explain $3 billion in payments that were made to health insurers even though Congress never authorized the spending through annual appropriations.
At issue are payments to insurers known as cost-sharing subsidies. These payments come about because President Obama’s healthcare law forces insurers to limit out-of-pocket costs for certain low income individuals by capping consumer expenses, such as deductibles and co-payments, in insurance policies. In exchange for capping these charges, insurers are supposed to receive compensation.
What’s tricky is that Congress never authorized any money to make such payments to insurers in its annual appropriations, but the Department of Health and Human Services, with the cooperation of the U.S. Treasury, made them anyway.
For that matter, Ryan ALSO voted for the budget--which fed HHS the money.
Nyah, nyah, we told you so.
Dumbasses.
The U.S. Treasury Department has rebuffed a request by House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan, R- Wis., to explain $3 billion in payments that were made to health insurers even though Congress never authorized the spending through annual appropriations.
At issue are payments to insurers known as cost-sharing subsidies. These payments come about because President Obama’s healthcare law forces insurers to limit out-of-pocket costs for certain low income individuals by capping consumer expenses, such as deductibles and co-payments, in insurance policies. In exchange for capping these charges, insurers are supposed to receive compensation.
What’s tricky is that Congress never authorized any money to make such payments to insurers in its annual appropriations, but the Department of Health and Human Services, with the cooperation of the U.S. Treasury, made them anyway.
For that matter, Ryan ALSO voted for the budget--which fed HHS the money.
Nyah, nyah, we told you so.
Dumbasses.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
RoJo Wimps Out (Again)
Russ Feingold, if nothing else, is an honest Lefty. Condescending, a jerk, and all, but he is honestly condescending and jerk-ish.
Then there's RoJo, who gave up his "fight" against ObozoCare early on, and hasn't bothered with the Constitution ever since.
The stalemate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was broken Wednesday as the Senate voted 98-2 to proceed to legislation that would prevent a partial government shutdown.
Democrats agreed to support the DHS bill after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) stripped out provisions inserted by the House that would reverse President Obama's executive actions on immigration.
The only votes against proceeding to the bill came from Sens. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.).
That kinda tells you that RoJo voted FOR amnesty.
Then there's RoJo, who gave up his "fight" against ObozoCare early on, and hasn't bothered with the Constitution ever since.
The stalemate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was broken Wednesday as the Senate voted 98-2 to proceed to legislation that would prevent a partial government shutdown.
Democrats agreed to support the DHS bill after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) stripped out provisions inserted by the House that would reverse President Obama's executive actions on immigration.
The only votes against proceeding to the bill came from Sens. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.).
That kinda tells you that RoJo voted FOR amnesty.
The Iran Chess Game: Religion Counts
This essay captures a part of the puzzle.
The world now anticipates that the U.S. will reach a strategic agreement with Iran. Russia and China are responding by offering their own deals to Tehran.
What to notice about that statement? Iran is being courted as a possible client state by the US, the Russkis, and PRC. This is key, folks--and we'll mention why a little later.
...Russia is retaliating against the West’s stance on Ukraine. Russia has made it clear all along that it would respond to Western efforts to remove Crimea from Russia by making trouble in Iran, as Russia’s deputy foreign minister warned last March. Russia, unlike the U.S., views the world as a single chessboard: attack my position here, and I will hurt you somewhere else...
We're beginning to see why Obozo is way out of his league here. But he's not alone.
...My conservative friends who urge us to “stand up to Putin” should take a cold, dispassionate look at the whole of the chessboard and anticipate moves of this sort; otherwise, the whole thing is a lot of beery blather. As I wrote recently, Israel takes the brunt of American policy blunders. What happens if Putin gives Iran the means to shoot down anything Israel (and a good deal of what the U.S.) might throw at it? No-one in Washington seems to ask such questions....
...which includes Bomb-Bomb McCain. (And "beery" is a very sly way of naming him, no?)
Now let's add to the mix!
...China, which depends on Persian Gulf oil more than any other major economy, is watching these developments with alarm,...
PRC has already made kissy-face with Saudi Arabia and does NOT need a mess in the Middle East.
Now back to that "client state" thing. Since the Shah was deposed, there has been a quiet but on-going struggle within Iran. On one side are the remnant-Western parties, arguably led by MEK. While MEK is a Communist *cough* "SJW" bunch, it is also by its nature a materialist-centered group. That materialism is also a driving force in what remains of the old US-allied Iranian citizenry--the Shah gang, so to speak.
On the other side, and currently in power, is the Mullah bunch. Shi'ite, thus not ISIS (which is Sunni), and very religious Muslim. That's the part that the US does not understand. It's also why Putin has been playing the "religion" card, even though his 'religion' is not Muslim--and probably as deep as Obama's--it's a card that the Muslims understand and respect.
But since the mullahs, Iran has been very careful to avoid becoming a client-state of anyone, whether Western, Eastern, or betwixt. The mullahs are flat-out disinterested in the materialist sirens.
So. If the mullahs are displaced through a US or Russki proxy revolution, things will change.
But will it be for the worse? Or the better?
The world now anticipates that the U.S. will reach a strategic agreement with Iran. Russia and China are responding by offering their own deals to Tehran.
What to notice about that statement? Iran is being courted as a possible client state by the US, the Russkis, and PRC. This is key, folks--and we'll mention why a little later.
...Russia is retaliating against the West’s stance on Ukraine. Russia has made it clear all along that it would respond to Western efforts to remove Crimea from Russia by making trouble in Iran, as Russia’s deputy foreign minister warned last March. Russia, unlike the U.S., views the world as a single chessboard: attack my position here, and I will hurt you somewhere else...
We're beginning to see why Obozo is way out of his league here. But he's not alone.
...My conservative friends who urge us to “stand up to Putin” should take a cold, dispassionate look at the whole of the chessboard and anticipate moves of this sort; otherwise, the whole thing is a lot of beery blather. As I wrote recently, Israel takes the brunt of American policy blunders. What happens if Putin gives Iran the means to shoot down anything Israel (and a good deal of what the U.S.) might throw at it? No-one in Washington seems to ask such questions....
...which includes Bomb-Bomb McCain. (And "beery" is a very sly way of naming him, no?)
Now let's add to the mix!
...China, which depends on Persian Gulf oil more than any other major economy, is watching these developments with alarm,...
PRC has already made kissy-face with Saudi Arabia and does NOT need a mess in the Middle East.
Now back to that "client state" thing. Since the Shah was deposed, there has been a quiet but on-going struggle within Iran. On one side are the remnant-Western parties, arguably led by MEK. While MEK is a Communist *cough* "SJW" bunch, it is also by its nature a materialist-centered group. That materialism is also a driving force in what remains of the old US-allied Iranian citizenry--the Shah gang, so to speak.
On the other side, and currently in power, is the Mullah bunch. Shi'ite, thus not ISIS (which is Sunni), and very religious Muslim. That's the part that the US does not understand. It's also why Putin has been playing the "religion" card, even though his 'religion' is not Muslim--and probably as deep as Obama's--it's a card that the Muslims understand and respect.
But since the mullahs, Iran has been very careful to avoid becoming a client-state of anyone, whether Western, Eastern, or betwixt. The mullahs are flat-out disinterested in the materialist sirens.
So. If the mullahs are displaced through a US or Russki proxy revolution, things will change.
But will it be for the worse? Or the better?
RedState Headline Is Perfect
So RedState memorialized the McConnell cave as follows:
Mitch McConnell goes into fetal position. Harry Reid is the new leader of the Senate.
VA's McDonald Has Resume
The current Administrator of the VA, who said--and then UN-said--that he was a Special Forces member, has a resume.
...Prior to joining VA, Secretary McDonald was Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G). Under his leadership, P&G significantly recalibrated its product portfolio; expanded its marketing footprint, adding nearly one billion people to its global customer base; and grew the firm’s organic sales by an average of three percent per year. This growth was reflected in P&G’s stock price, which rose from $51.10 the day he became CEO to $81.64 on the day his last quarterly results were announced—a 60 percent increase from 2009 to 2013.
During his tenure, P&G was widely recognized for its leader development prowess. In 2012, Chief Executive Magazine named it the best company for developing leader talent....
Uh-huh.
...Prior to joining VA, Secretary McDonald was Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G). Under his leadership, P&G significantly recalibrated its product portfolio; expanded its marketing footprint, adding nearly one billion people to its global customer base; and grew the firm’s organic sales by an average of three percent per year. This growth was reflected in P&G’s stock price, which rose from $51.10 the day he became CEO to $81.64 on the day his last quarterly results were announced—a 60 percent increase from 2009 to 2013.
During his tenure, P&G was widely recognized for its leader development prowess. In 2012, Chief Executive Magazine named it the best company for developing leader talent....
Uh-huh.
H&R Block: Buy the Regulations, Then Monetize!
No reason that H&R Block should be any different from Big Pharma and Big Insurance, is there?
Five years ago, a bevy of high-priced H&R Block lobbyists worked on the tax preparation company’s behalf to shape the Affordable Care Act.
And this April 15, those efforts are set to pay off in a big way for the company.
H&R Block is well positioned to earn more than $100 million in additional fees from low-income Obamacare enrollees as they face the daunting challenge to properly file this year’s complicated health-related tax forms....
Another of the 50 million reasons that concentrating all power in D.C. is the ruin of the republic.
Five years ago, a bevy of high-priced H&R Block lobbyists worked on the tax preparation company’s behalf to shape the Affordable Care Act.
H&R Block is well positioned to earn more than $100 million in additional fees from low-income Obamacare enrollees as they face the daunting challenge to properly file this year’s complicated health-related tax forms....
Another of the 50 million reasons that concentrating all power in D.C. is the ruin of the republic.
Oil-Train Obama Vetoes Keystone
Remember that train that firebombed a West Virginia town? The train filled with crude oil?
Obama likes it that way, so he vetoed Keystone XL (Phase IV).
Obama likes it that way, so he vetoed Keystone XL (Phase IV).
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Ukraine, Re-Examined
As usual, Bomb-Bomb McCain has a solution consisting of sending other people's children into combat in Ukraine. McCain's not the only one, of course; there's always the NeoCon cabal which surrounded GWB and which remains a propaganda-generator of the first class.
More level heads might ask 'why?'.
...the West, especially the US, was instrumental in toppling the democratically elected president of Ukraine back in February 2014. US officials were caught on tape plotting the coup, and then immediately supported the hastily installed and extremist officials that now occupy the Kiev leadership positions.
In short, the crisis in Ukraine was not the result of Russia’s actions, but the West’s. Had the prior president, Yanukovych, not been overthrown, it’s highly unlikely that Ukraine would be embroiled in a nasty civil war. Relations between Russia and the West would be in far better repair....
Well, then, I suppose that when we rip up a democracy, we're expected to invade it, or something.
...We are treated to babyish comparisons of President Putin to Hitler or Stalin; we are also told that this crisis has only been brought about by Russia’s “expansionism”. But there was only one real trigger for this crisis – the urge of the EU continually to advance its borders and to expand its own empire, right into the heartland of Russian national identity: a “Europe” stretching, as David Cameron once hubristically put it, “from the Atlantic to the Urals”.
The “expansionism” that was the trouble was not Putin’s desire to welcome the Russians of Crimea back into the country to which they had formerly belonged; or to assist the Russians of eastern Ukraine in their determination not to be dragged by the corrupt government in Kiev they despised into the EU and Nato. It was that of an organisation founded on the naive belief that it could somehow abolish nationalism, but which finally ran up against an ineradicable sense of nationalism that could not simply be streamrollered out of existence. We poked the bear and it responded accordingly....
Huh. "Abolish nationalism", eh?
Oughta sound familiar to us here in the "fundamentally re-formed" America.
HT: RenMan
More level heads might ask 'why?'.
...the West, especially the US, was instrumental in toppling the democratically elected president of Ukraine back in February 2014. US officials were caught on tape plotting the coup, and then immediately supported the hastily installed and extremist officials that now occupy the Kiev leadership positions.
In short, the crisis in Ukraine was not the result of Russia’s actions, but the West’s. Had the prior president, Yanukovych, not been overthrown, it’s highly unlikely that Ukraine would be embroiled in a nasty civil war. Relations between Russia and the West would be in far better repair....
Well, then, I suppose that when we rip up a democracy, we're expected to invade it, or something.
...We are treated to babyish comparisons of President Putin to Hitler or Stalin; we are also told that this crisis has only been brought about by Russia’s “expansionism”. But there was only one real trigger for this crisis – the urge of the EU continually to advance its borders and to expand its own empire, right into the heartland of Russian national identity: a “Europe” stretching, as David Cameron once hubristically put it, “from the Atlantic to the Urals”.
The “expansionism” that was the trouble was not Putin’s desire to welcome the Russians of Crimea back into the country to which they had formerly belonged; or to assist the Russians of eastern Ukraine in their determination not to be dragged by the corrupt government in Kiev they despised into the EU and Nato. It was that of an organisation founded on the naive belief that it could somehow abolish nationalism, but which finally ran up against an ineradicable sense of nationalism that could not simply be streamrollered out of existence. We poked the bear and it responded accordingly....
Huh. "Abolish nationalism", eh?
Oughta sound familiar to us here in the "fundamentally re-formed" America.
HT: RenMan
RoJo Watch!
Well, the game's afoot. Let's see what RoJo actually does.
The cave has begun. Last night, Mitch McConnell (R-KY) started the process of bringing up a standalone bill that would only overturn Obama’s executive amnesty issued last fall. It would leave in place the previous executive amnesty from 2012, DACA. What Senate Leadership won’t tell you is that the standalone bill is designed to fail. Democrats will block the bill and then Senate Republicans will move either a long-term bill to fully fund Obama’s executive amnesty and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or only a short-term bill to fund Obama’s executive amnesty and DHS....
Will he pull a Sensenbrenner (being FOR the spending before being AGAINST it)?
Actual voters are watching, Ron.
The cave has begun. Last night, Mitch McConnell (R-KY) started the process of bringing up a standalone bill that would only overturn Obama’s executive amnesty issued last fall. It would leave in place the previous executive amnesty from 2012, DACA. What Senate Leadership won’t tell you is that the standalone bill is designed to fail. Democrats will block the bill and then Senate Republicans will move either a long-term bill to fully fund Obama’s executive amnesty and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or only a short-term bill to fund Obama’s executive amnesty and DHS....
Will he pull a Sensenbrenner (being FOR the spending before being AGAINST it)?
Actual voters are watching, Ron.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Choom Gang History
One day, after another meeting with the Choom Gang, he emitted this:
“Here in America, Islam has been woven into the fabric of our country since its founding.”
Seriously--has anyone run a mental-health check on this dude?
“Here in America, Islam has been woven into the fabric of our country since its founding.”
Seriously--has anyone run a mental-health check on this dude?
Who IS This Twit?
The usual handwringing story from Bloomberg on funding illegal immigration...then this:
...“If the appeals court reverses the lower court judge, Republican leaders will likely turn to their colleagues and say: There’s nothing we can do,” said Keith Appell, a Republican strategist....
Huh. All that time and effort writing a Constitution, and a "strategist" opines it out of existence.
...“If the appeals court reverses the lower court judge, Republican leaders will likely turn to their colleagues and say: There’s nothing we can do,” said Keith Appell, a Republican strategist....
Huh. All that time and effort writing a Constitution, and a "strategist" opines it out of existence.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Oil-By-Rail? Obozo's Fault
What the local news guy did NOT tell you about 'highly explosive oil shipped by rail' is this: Obozo has blocked the Keystone pipeline (Phase IV), which would take the place of the railcars.
Maybe he forgot about that, or something.
Maybe he forgot about that, or something.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
"I Have Principles. But If You Don't Like Them, I Have Others."
Groucho Marx said it better, of course, but Debbie Wasserman-Schultz said it, just yesterday.
More Dictator Rules From Obozo
The petty, petty tyrant has new rules.
The Internal Revenue Service will delay imposing excise taxes on small businesses that reimburse their employees for the cost of buying individual health insurance policies.
These types of employer payment plans are group health plans that don't comply with the market reforms in the Affordable Care Act, according to the IRS. As a result, employers that offer health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) could be subject to excise taxes of $100 a day per employee.
In a new notice, the IRS said small businesses — those with fewer than 50 employees — with HRAs will not be subject to excise taxes until July 1, 2015.
Yah, there's a reason: the damnfool setup (SHOP exchanges) provided by Obozo doesn't work.
Surprise!
The Internal Revenue Service will delay imposing excise taxes on small businesses that reimburse their employees for the cost of buying individual health insurance policies.
These types of employer payment plans are group health plans that don't comply with the market reforms in the Affordable Care Act, according to the IRS. As a result, employers that offer health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) could be subject to excise taxes of $100 a day per employee.
In a new notice, the IRS said small businesses — those with fewer than 50 employees — with HRAs will not be subject to excise taxes until July 1, 2015.
Yah, there's a reason: the damnfool setup (SHOP exchanges) provided by Obozo doesn't work.
Surprise!
The Carpetbagger/Reconstructionist, Sensenbrenner
Ol' Jimbo continues to fight the Civil War while demonstrating his complete ignorance of the bill(s) that HE SPONSORED.
....Sensenbrenner’s bill, H.R. 885, is co-sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and multiple members of the Congressional Black Caucus. It revives federal control through the Voting Rights Act over every state election law change. In 2013, the Supreme Court’s Shelby County vs. Holder decision struck down this power as an outdated and unconstitutional relic from a half-century ago....
...speaking of "relics from a half-century ago," we have.........Jim Sensenbrenner!!
...In the last Congress, Rep. Sensenbrenner, a large number of Democrats, and a small number of Republicans introduced H.R. 3899. H.R. 3899 was identical to H.R. 885. The bill died in 2014, thanks to the opposition of Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and the presence of many Judiciary Committee members who hail from states that would be threatened with renewed federal control over state election laws...
And then he pulls a Harf!
Last March, Rep. Sensenbrenner was caught on hidden camera at a hometown town hall by James O’Keefe demonstrating that he did not understand details of his bill — including the fact it would exclude white voters from protection.
When you add this very odd fixation to his "for it before I was against it" vote on Cromnibus, you have all the markings of a politician who can easily be primaried out of office.
....Sensenbrenner’s bill, H.R. 885, is co-sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and multiple members of the Congressional Black Caucus. It revives federal control through the Voting Rights Act over every state election law change. In 2013, the Supreme Court’s Shelby County vs. Holder decision struck down this power as an outdated and unconstitutional relic from a half-century ago....
...speaking of "relics from a half-century ago," we have.........Jim Sensenbrenner!!
...In the last Congress, Rep. Sensenbrenner, a large number of Democrats, and a small number of Republicans introduced H.R. 3899. H.R. 3899 was identical to H.R. 885. The bill died in 2014, thanks to the opposition of Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and the presence of many Judiciary Committee members who hail from states that would be threatened with renewed federal control over state election laws...
And then he pulls a Harf!
Last March, Rep. Sensenbrenner was caught on hidden camera at a hometown town hall by James O’Keefe demonstrating that he did not understand details of his bill — including the fact it would exclude white voters from protection.
When you add this very odd fixation to his "for it before I was against it" vote on Cromnibus, you have all the markings of a politician who can easily be primaried out of office.
Yes, He Can
It took me about 5 years to decide that the President was not a stupid puppet.
(Click to embiggenate)
Any questions, class?
HT: The Captain
(Click to embiggenate)
Any questions, class?
HT: The Captain
Are You Next?
Although I'm of mixed mind on the "refuse to serve because Christian" question, I have no doubt that smashing Christians and Catholics will continue. It matters not what the 'reason' is. It matters only that they be smashed.
Seventy year-old Barronelle Stutzman may lose her home and life’s saving for not selling flowers to couple for their gay wedding. Stutzman did refer the couple to a different shop but that was not enough....
...The court also ruled recently that both the state and the same-sex couple, who each filed lawsuits against her, may collect damages and attorneys’ fees not only from her business, but from Stutzman personally. That means the 70-year-old grandmother may not only lose her business, but also her home and savings because she lives her life and operates her business according to her beliefs.
“The message of these rulings is unmistakable: the government will bring about your personal and professional ruin if you don’t help celebrate same-sex marriage,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kristen Waggoner...
There is a madness in the land.
Seventy year-old Barronelle Stutzman may lose her home and life’s saving for not selling flowers to couple for their gay wedding. Stutzman did refer the couple to a different shop but that was not enough....
...The court also ruled recently that both the state and the same-sex couple, who each filed lawsuits against her, may collect damages and attorneys’ fees not only from her business, but from Stutzman personally. That means the 70-year-old grandmother may not only lose her business, but also her home and savings because she lives her life and operates her business according to her beliefs.
“The message of these rulings is unmistakable: the government will bring about your personal and professional ruin if you don’t help celebrate same-sex marriage,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kristen Waggoner...
There is a madness in the land.
Barrett, Soglin Support Obozo Immigration Scam
*Yawn*
Mayors Barrett and Soglin sign a petition asking for Obozo to continue his illegal, un-Constitutional immigration scheme.
Surprised?
Mayors Barrett and Soglin sign a petition asking for Obozo to continue his illegal, un-Constitutional immigration scheme.
Surprised?
Rubio Goes All Stoooopid
Either this guy doesn't have a clue about Federal budget spending, or he has given up on running for President.
Or both.
During a visit to Las Vegas, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio suggested Wednesday that Congress should pass a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security without conditions...
Why is that, Marco??
...The possible Republican presidential candidate said national security is too important to hold up funding, although he disagrees with Obama’s moves to go around Congress to halt deportations of up to 5 million undocumented immigrants.
First off, all of the real "security" people will remain on the job; that's about 83% of DHS' payroll. (Secondly, are the blue pandas really "security"?)
Obama’s order would let immigrants here illegally get work permits, collect Social Security and Medicare and gain tax credits as well.
“We have to fund Homeland Security,” Rubio said at a brief news conference. “We can’t let Homeland Security shut down.”
What was that Chevy Chase line from SNL News? "Jane, you ignorant slut!"
Or both.
During a visit to Las Vegas, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio suggested Wednesday that Congress should pass a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security without conditions...
Why is that, Marco??
...The possible Republican presidential candidate said national security is too important to hold up funding, although he disagrees with Obama’s moves to go around Congress to halt deportations of up to 5 million undocumented immigrants.
First off, all of the real "security" people will remain on the job; that's about 83% of DHS' payroll. (Secondly, are the blue pandas really "security"?)
Obama’s order would let immigrants here illegally get work permits, collect Social Security and Medicare and gain tax credits as well.
“We have to fund Homeland Security,” Rubio said at a brief news conference. “We can’t let Homeland Security shut down.”
What was that Chevy Chase line from SNL News? "Jane, you ignorant slut!"
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
The ObozoConomy, Part 43,557
ZeroHedge provides perspective not found elsewhere.
US economic data is not 'strong', is not 'goldilocks', is not 'decoupled', is not 'solid'. In fact, it's absolutely terrible. Bloomberg's US Macro data indicator which tracks both beats-and-misses and improvement/deterioration in data - is at 11-month lows. February alone has seen 29 data items miss expectations
Such as? Glad you asked!!
February...
MISS
US economic data is not 'strong', is not 'goldilocks', is not 'decoupled', is not 'solid'. In fact, it's absolutely terrible. Bloomberg's US Macro data indicator which tracks both beats-and-misses and improvement/deterioration in data - is at 11-month lows. February alone has seen 29 data items miss expectations
Such as? Glad you asked!!
US macro at 11-month lows... (note that the data cliff-dives at end Sept 2014 - which corresponds with the government's fiscal-year-end)
February...
MISS
- Personal Spending
- Construction Spending
- ISM New York
- Factory Orders
- Ward's Domestic Vehicle Sales
- ADP Employment
- Challenger Job Cuts
- Initial Jobless Claims
- Nonfarm Productivity
- Trade Balance
- Unemployment Rate
- Labor Market Conditions Index
- NFIB Small Business Optimism
- Wholesale Inventories
- Wholesale Sales
- IBD Economic Optimism
- Mortgage Apps
- Retail Sales
- Bloomberg Consumer Comfort
- Business Inventories
- UMich Consumer Sentiment
- Empire Manufacturing
- NAHB Homebuilder Confidence
- Housing Starts
- Building Permits
- PPI
- Industrial Production
- Capacity Utilization
- Manufacturing Production
- Personal Income
- Markit Services PMI
- Nonfarm Payrolls
- JOLTS
What Pope Francis Said
Not that long ago, Pope Francis mentioned 'cultural imperialism' from the West (or words to that effect.) What he was talking about was the Obozo Regime's blackmail.
A Catholic Bishop from Nigeria has leveled an explosive charge against President Barack Obama over his failure to adequately help Nigeria in the African nation’s fight againt the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram that might explain why Obama has let Boko Haram slaughter Nigerian Christians and rape and enslave Christian girls.
Bishop Emmanuel Badejo spoke in Rome to Aleteia, saying of the Obama administration:
“The United States actually said it would help Nigeria with Boko Haram only if we modify our laws concerning homosexuality, family planning, and birth control.”
This is not surprising in the least. Remember that one of Obama's first actions was to abjure the Mexico City policy which had been put in place by Reagan, was rescinded by Clinton, and re-emplaced by Bush II.
More: here's today's drool from Earnest:
... “But what we want to do is we want to make sure that — that Boko Haram doesn’t have a fertile recruiting ground in Nigeria that only is enhanced if you have a Nigerian government that runs roughshod over the basic human rights and values of their citizens.”...
You can translate "basic human rights" as Free Contraceptives and Legal Sodomy of Homosexuals....and, of course, Abortions. Because that's exactly what he means. The Nigerian government is not like, ya'know, Stalin.
This President is the single most hard-line abortion promoter in the world; HRC is a distant second in comparison.
And now, in his own special way, he's also promoting past-partum abortions in Nigeria.
HT: Gateway
A Catholic Bishop from Nigeria has leveled an explosive charge against President Barack Obama over his failure to adequately help Nigeria in the African nation’s fight againt the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram that might explain why Obama has let Boko Haram slaughter Nigerian Christians and rape and enslave Christian girls.
Bishop Emmanuel Badejo spoke in Rome to Aleteia, saying of the Obama administration:
“The United States actually said it would help Nigeria with Boko Haram only if we modify our laws concerning homosexuality, family planning, and birth control.”
This is not surprising in the least. Remember that one of Obama's first actions was to abjure the Mexico City policy which had been put in place by Reagan, was rescinded by Clinton, and re-emplaced by Bush II.
More: here's today's drool from Earnest:
... “But what we want to do is we want to make sure that — that Boko Haram doesn’t have a fertile recruiting ground in Nigeria that only is enhanced if you have a Nigerian government that runs roughshod over the basic human rights and values of their citizens.”...
You can translate "basic human rights" as Free Contraceptives and Legal Sodomy of Homosexuals....and, of course, Abortions. Because that's exactly what he means. The Nigerian government is not like, ya'know, Stalin.
This President is the single most hard-line abortion promoter in the world; HRC is a distant second in comparison.
And now, in his own special way, he's also promoting past-partum abortions in Nigeria.
HT: Gateway
Dumb and Dumber Administration Critters
It's bad enough that the Alpha Sigma* babe at State thinks that a new career will rehabilitate the Salafis. They HAVE their new career; it's called Caliph-making, and they're doing reasonably well at it.
Now we have "Hands" Biden with similar stuff.
...In his opening remarks at Tuesday’s panel discussion, Biden said the U.S. and other countries need to tackle violent extremism not just by using force, but by engaging communities that are "marginalized."
"We have to work from the ground up and engage our communities, and engage those who might be susceptible to being radicalized because they are marginalized."
"Societies have to provide an affirmative alternative for immigrant communities, a sense of opportunity, a sense of belonging that discredits the terrorist appeal to fear, isolation, hatred, resentment," he said....
And it gets worse. Ol' Joe was on a roll.
A U.S. Islamic advocacy group says that Vice- President Joe Biden, addressing a White House summit on "countering violent extremism (CVE)" on Tuesday, referred to right-wing extremists and supremacists committing violence "in the name of the Bible." ...
..."Biden just talked about the right wing militias & supremacist groups that are violent in the name of the Bible," the Washington-based Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) tweeted later in the afternoon....
Those Bible folks include pro-lifers and anyone who owns a gun, of course.
There must have been an IQ test, with anyone scoring more than room-temperature being disqualified for service in the Obozo Administration.
HT: AOSHQ
*UW-Whitewater folks know what this means.
Now we have "Hands" Biden with similar stuff.
...In his opening remarks at Tuesday’s panel discussion, Biden said the U.S. and other countries need to tackle violent extremism not just by using force, but by engaging communities that are "marginalized."
"We have to work from the ground up and engage our communities, and engage those who might be susceptible to being radicalized because they are marginalized."
"Societies have to provide an affirmative alternative for immigrant communities, a sense of opportunity, a sense of belonging that discredits the terrorist appeal to fear, isolation, hatred, resentment," he said....
And it gets worse. Ol' Joe was on a roll.
A U.S. Islamic advocacy group says that Vice- President Joe Biden, addressing a White House summit on "countering violent extremism (CVE)" on Tuesday, referred to right-wing extremists and supremacists committing violence "in the name of the Bible." ...
..."Biden just talked about the right wing militias & supremacist groups that are violent in the name of the Bible," the Washington-based Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) tweeted later in the afternoon....
Those Bible folks include pro-lifers and anyone who owns a gun, of course.
There must have been an IQ test, with anyone scoring more than room-temperature being disqualified for service in the Obozo Administration.
HT: AOSHQ
*UW-Whitewater folks know what this means.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
It's Ideology Drivng ISIS
Ace recommended the read, and lo! and behold! the author says what I've been saying for quite some time:
...In the past, Westerners who accused Muslims of blindly following ancient scriptures came to deserved grief from academics—notably the late Edward Said—who pointed out that calling Muslims “ancient” was usually just another way to denigrate them. Look instead, these scholars urged, to the conditions in which these ideologies arose—the bad governance, the shifting social mores, the humiliation of living in lands valued only for their oil.
Without acknowledgment of these factors, no explanation of the rise of the Islamic State could be complete. But focusing on them to the exclusion of ideology reflects another kind of Western bias: that if religious ideology doesn’t matter much in Washington or Berlin, surely it must be equally irrelevant in Raqqa or Mosul. When a masked executioner says Allahu akbar while beheading an apostate, sometimes he’s doing so for religious reasons.
Many mainstream Muslim organizations have gone so far as to say the Islamic State is, in fact, un-Islamic. It is, of course, reassuring to know that the vast majority of Muslims have zero interest in replacing Hollywood movies with public executions as evening entertainment. But Muslims who call the Islamic State un-Islamic are typically, as the Princeton scholar Bernard Haykel, the leading expert on the group’s theology, told me, “embarrassed and politically correct, with a cotton-candy view of their own religion” that neglects “what their religion has historically and legally required.” Many denials of the Islamic State’s religious nature, he said, are rooted in an “interfaith-Christian-nonsense tradition.”...
Yah. The Bushmen were dense and Obozo-droids are completely incapable of getting this--particularly Obozo, whose "religion" is the Religion of Self, and whose close advisers are--like him--Marxist/atheist.
The read, by the way, is excellent.
...In the past, Westerners who accused Muslims of blindly following ancient scriptures came to deserved grief from academics—notably the late Edward Said—who pointed out that calling Muslims “ancient” was usually just another way to denigrate them. Look instead, these scholars urged, to the conditions in which these ideologies arose—the bad governance, the shifting social mores, the humiliation of living in lands valued only for their oil.
Without acknowledgment of these factors, no explanation of the rise of the Islamic State could be complete. But focusing on them to the exclusion of ideology reflects another kind of Western bias: that if religious ideology doesn’t matter much in Washington or Berlin, surely it must be equally irrelevant in Raqqa or Mosul. When a masked executioner says Allahu akbar while beheading an apostate, sometimes he’s doing so for religious reasons.
Many mainstream Muslim organizations have gone so far as to say the Islamic State is, in fact, un-Islamic. It is, of course, reassuring to know that the vast majority of Muslims have zero interest in replacing Hollywood movies with public executions as evening entertainment. But Muslims who call the Islamic State un-Islamic are typically, as the Princeton scholar Bernard Haykel, the leading expert on the group’s theology, told me, “embarrassed and politically correct, with a cotton-candy view of their own religion” that neglects “what their religion has historically and legally required.” Many denials of the Islamic State’s religious nature, he said, are rooted in an “interfaith-Christian-nonsense tradition.”...
Yah. The Bushmen were dense and Obozo-droids are completely incapable of getting this--particularly Obozo, whose "religion" is the Religion of Self, and whose close advisers are--like him--Marxist/atheist.
The read, by the way, is excellent.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Liturgical Blindness (and Deafness)
There is no such thing as co-incidence, right?
So today I run across a near-year-old essay containing the following:
...But it was an unkind fate that allowed the new mass to come to completion just when – elsewhere – the importance of non-verbal communication was being rediscovered.
This was what was missing from the Liturgical Movement. An appreciation of non-verbal communication is not incompatible with the writings of the earlier exponents, such as Guéranger, despite his emphasis on 'understanding'. But as the movement develops, and turns into the movement to create the Novus Ordo, a blindness to non-verbal communication (and a parallel lack of interest in gestures and visual ceremonies) becomes increasingly evident and increasingly problematic....
Earlier, I had been to Mass in a parish where the "prelude music" was Debussy's Au Claire da Lune, which made me think that perhaps I had taken a wrong turn and landed in the lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria, or maybe a funeral parlor. This was not the first time such an incongruity had occurred; in another parish, the "church musician" had serenaded the congregation with one of the Gymnopedie during Communion.
Then this graf appeared.
Yes, the Ordinary Form development IS blind--and deaf--to "non-verbal communication." For the totality of the Form rests on text, text, text (which--in its place--is appropriate), but it is now clear that that particular emphasis has overcome all other sensibilities. Thus the churches denuded of statuary, of stained-glass, and built with the tabernacle in some off-center position (or entirely obscured.) Thus the 'entertainer priest' phenomenon, which strains the capacity of most priests or--worse--brings out their inner ham, which is usually .......ahhh.......pathetic.
No such thing as co-incidence, said Jack Ryan. And he was right.
HT: Pertinacious. You'll find the entire discussion of the Ordinary Form's problems linked at the end of his post, in 5 parts.
So today I run across a near-year-old essay containing the following:
...But it was an unkind fate that allowed the new mass to come to completion just when – elsewhere – the importance of non-verbal communication was being rediscovered.
This was what was missing from the Liturgical Movement. An appreciation of non-verbal communication is not incompatible with the writings of the earlier exponents, such as Guéranger, despite his emphasis on 'understanding'. But as the movement develops, and turns into the movement to create the Novus Ordo, a blindness to non-verbal communication (and a parallel lack of interest in gestures and visual ceremonies) becomes increasingly evident and increasingly problematic....
Earlier, I had been to Mass in a parish where the "prelude music" was Debussy's Au Claire da Lune, which made me think that perhaps I had taken a wrong turn and landed in the lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria, or maybe a funeral parlor. This was not the first time such an incongruity had occurred; in another parish, the "church musician" had serenaded the congregation with one of the Gymnopedie during Communion.
Then this graf appeared.
Yes, the Ordinary Form development IS blind--and deaf--to "non-verbal communication." For the totality of the Form rests on text, text, text (which--in its place--is appropriate), but it is now clear that that particular emphasis has overcome all other sensibilities. Thus the churches denuded of statuary, of stained-glass, and built with the tabernacle in some off-center position (or entirely obscured.) Thus the 'entertainer priest' phenomenon, which strains the capacity of most priests or--worse--brings out their inner ham, which is usually .......ahhh.......pathetic.
No such thing as co-incidence, said Jack Ryan. And he was right.
HT: Pertinacious. You'll find the entire discussion of the Ordinary Form's problems linked at the end of his post, in 5 parts.
Anti-semitism in Madistan
The Milwaukee news-rag didn't mention this on its front page
(electronic version), and no Milwaukee teevee news outlets posted anything online either.
Residents of 30 homes on the far west side of Madison, Wisconsin’s state capital, woke up Saturday morning to find their property vandalized with spray-pained swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans, as well as obscene drawings, derogatory remarks about women and drawings of Confederate flags with the letters KKK beside them. Garage doors, driveways, and vehicles were all targeted by the vandals. The damage was estimated by Madison police as in excess of “tens of thousands of dollars,” which raises the crime to the level of felonious activity.
As reported by Madison’s ABC affiliate, WKOW-TV, none of the victims or their neighbors observed any suspects on Friday night, when the vandalism must have occurred....
The Madistan cop-shop doesn't want to classify this as a 'hate crime,' because.....umnnhhhh....random? Just some folks? .........yah, whatever.
(electronic version), and no Milwaukee teevee news outlets posted anything online either.
Residents of 30 homes on the far west side of Madison, Wisconsin’s state capital, woke up Saturday morning to find their property vandalized with spray-pained swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans, as well as obscene drawings, derogatory remarks about women and drawings of Confederate flags with the letters KKK beside them. Garage doors, driveways, and vehicles were all targeted by the vandals. The damage was estimated by Madison police as in excess of “tens of thousands of dollars,” which raises the crime to the level of felonious activity.
As reported by Madison’s ABC affiliate, WKOW-TV, none of the victims or their neighbors observed any suspects on Friday night, when the vandalism must have occurred....
The Madistan cop-shop doesn't want to classify this as a 'hate crime,' because.....umnnhhhh....random? Just some folks? .........yah, whatever.
NYT: Obozo Cooked the Books in '12 Election
Not hard to read between the lines of this NYT story. It's an election year, deficits mattered, and Obozo simply stole several $Billion from Fannie and Freddie.
He's stolen a helluvalot more since then--about $225 Bn. or so.
This guy is more plagues than Egypt ever suffered.
He's stolen a helluvalot more since then--about $225 Bn. or so.
This guy is more plagues than Egypt ever suffered.
The "Known Wolf": Here Already
Clearly, it is the height of stooopids to expect the Obozo Regime to be pro-active regarding "known wolves" in the US. So it's up to the citizens to be prepared. Concealed carry, anyone??
While the identity of the killer who attacked a free speech event and a synagogue yesterday in Copenhagen has not yet been released, media are now reporting that the suspect is “known to authorities” in what appears to be yet another case of what I have termed “Known Wolf” terrorism....
"Known to authorities" also applied to the goblins in Paris (Hebdo) and another French incident, as well as the deadly Australian chocolate-shop kidnapping. Arguably, it could have applied to the Boston bombers, too.
While the identity of the killer who attacked a free speech event and a synagogue yesterday in Copenhagen has not yet been released, media are now reporting that the suspect is “known to authorities” in what appears to be yet another case of what I have termed “Known Wolf” terrorism....
"Known to authorities" also applied to the goblins in Paris (Hebdo) and another French incident, as well as the deadly Australian chocolate-shop kidnapping. Arguably, it could have applied to the Boston bombers, too.
Hate Speech, or Inane Muslim Rants?
A California assembly member tweeted this:
“Gut wrenching news today. American Kayla Mueller murdered by Islamic savages. There MUST be consequences."
Following which, CAIR did its best to imitate hysterical sensitive ranters everywhere:
“Hate rhetoric can and does lead to hate crimes against people,” the CAIR-LA spokesman said. “We call on Assemblymember Melendez to retract and apologize..."
Frankly, I prefer 5.56 to deliver hate. Everything else--words included--are dross.
HT: Zippers
“Gut wrenching news today. American Kayla Mueller murdered by Islamic savages. There MUST be consequences."
Following which, CAIR did its best to imitate hysterical sensitive ranters everywhere:
“Hate rhetoric can and does lead to hate crimes against people,” the CAIR-LA spokesman said. “We call on Assemblymember Melendez to retract and apologize..."
Frankly, I prefer 5.56 to deliver hate. Everything else--words included--are dross.
HT: Zippers
LBJ and Cholesterol
Kinda interesting story about the genesis of the (now proven idiotic) cholesterol scare. Doesn't surprise me in the least, even though the sourcing remains anonymous. There's a larger lesson ending this post.
...LBJ wanted the support of the egg and dairy farming industry. Being from Texas, he felt it would look very bad if did not get the support of this significantly large portion of the farming industry. But the egg and dairy farmers, for various reasons, balked. They would not throw their support behind LBJ. Well, Johnson was furious. So, he courted and won the support of the grain farmers. But that was not all. After the election he wanted revenge on the egg and dairy farmers, and he wanted to reward the grain farmers for supporting him.
This is where things get downright spooky, but I can vouch for its truth. Johnson decided that he and his administration would issue a new concept — a “food pyramid” that would “help” children and their parents make good food choices, not to mention those who are older and suffering from various maladies. The problem for the milk and egg industry is that the pyramid recommended that citizens severely restrict their intake of dairy products, particularly eggs. But to the delight of the grain farmers, the pyramid recommended a dramatic increase in the consumption of grain products such as bread, cereal, crackers, and the like.
Johnson leaned on his government physicians to place their stamp of approval on this scheme by claiming that if Americans ate according to the recommendations of the pyramid, they could eradicate heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Soon everyone had jumped on the bandwagon....
(Quoted at Cold Fury)
Little about LBJ's pure slime surprises me.
The lesson here is not about LBJ and egg farmers. The lesson is that ANY President (or House Speaker, or Senate Leader) can pull off something like this with relative ease, so long as we continue to blithely ignore the 9th and 10th Amendments.
...LBJ wanted the support of the egg and dairy farming industry. Being from Texas, he felt it would look very bad if did not get the support of this significantly large portion of the farming industry. But the egg and dairy farmers, for various reasons, balked. They would not throw their support behind LBJ. Well, Johnson was furious. So, he courted and won the support of the grain farmers. But that was not all. After the election he wanted revenge on the egg and dairy farmers, and he wanted to reward the grain farmers for supporting him.
This is where things get downright spooky, but I can vouch for its truth. Johnson decided that he and his administration would issue a new concept — a “food pyramid” that would “help” children and their parents make good food choices, not to mention those who are older and suffering from various maladies. The problem for the milk and egg industry is that the pyramid recommended that citizens severely restrict their intake of dairy products, particularly eggs. But to the delight of the grain farmers, the pyramid recommended a dramatic increase in the consumption of grain products such as bread, cereal, crackers, and the like.
Johnson leaned on his government physicians to place their stamp of approval on this scheme by claiming that if Americans ate according to the recommendations of the pyramid, they could eradicate heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Soon everyone had jumped on the bandwagon....
(Quoted at Cold Fury)
Little about LBJ's pure slime surprises me.
The lesson here is not about LBJ and egg farmers. The lesson is that ANY President (or House Speaker, or Senate Leader) can pull off something like this with relative ease, so long as we continue to blithely ignore the 9th and 10th Amendments.
The Obozo-ficated BATF
BATFE has become fully Obozo-ficated, which must be embarrassing to the actual professionals who work at BATFE. (But they can join the actual professionals at IRS, FCC, FEC, HHS, and the Armed Forces who have to endure this 8 years of pure hell.)
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives posted a proposed rule change Friday removing a previous exemption and banning the manufacture, import and sale of “5.56 mm (.223) SS109 and M855 ‘green tip’ ammunition containing a steel core,” saying it now considers it to be “non-sporting” handgun ammunition capable of penetrating protective vests worn by law enforcement officers. This latest development, ceding to law enforcement lobby interests, is prompted by the development of handguns capable of firing the cited ammunition.
“In a move clearly intended by the Obama Administration to suppress the acquisition, ownership and use of AR-15s and other .223 caliber general purpose rifles, [ATF] unexpectedly announced ... that it intends to ban commonplace M855 ball ammunition as ‘armor piercing ammunition,” the National Rifle Association weighed in. “The decision continues Obama’s use of his executive authority to impose gun control restrictions and bypass Congress....
Like I've said a million times: BUY MORE AMMO. Green-tipped is fine!!
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives posted a proposed rule change Friday removing a previous exemption and banning the manufacture, import and sale of “5.56 mm (.223) SS109 and M855 ‘green tip’ ammunition containing a steel core,” saying it now considers it to be “non-sporting” handgun ammunition capable of penetrating protective vests worn by law enforcement officers. This latest development, ceding to law enforcement lobby interests, is prompted by the development of handguns capable of firing the cited ammunition.
“In a move clearly intended by the Obama Administration to suppress the acquisition, ownership and use of AR-15s and other .223 caliber general purpose rifles, [ATF] unexpectedly announced ... that it intends to ban commonplace M855 ball ammunition as ‘armor piercing ammunition,” the National Rifle Association weighed in. “The decision continues Obama’s use of his executive authority to impose gun control restrictions and bypass Congress....
Like I've said a million times: BUY MORE AMMO. Green-tipped is fine!!
The McAdams Brouhaha, Chapter Twenty One
The McAdams thing has generated a lot of discussion.
Here's the end-graf of a lengthy post on the matter which (inter alia) exposes one very telling fact about Ms. Abbate: she is a raging sexist. But the author (Rod Dreher) has a clear vision of the dispute:
...Even if you think John McAdams was rightfully stripped of his tenure in this matter, there are serious questions of academic freedom here that won’t go away. Marquette’s silence on the matter of Cheryl Abbate’s publicly stated belief that white male heterosexuals must be speech-restricted in her classroom, and its apparent acceptance of the accuracy of the recorded conversation between her and her student, is a greater threat to academic freedom than the blog bloviating of a cranky conservative professor.
Indeed.
Here's the end-graf of a lengthy post on the matter which (inter alia) exposes one very telling fact about Ms. Abbate: she is a raging sexist. But the author (Rod Dreher) has a clear vision of the dispute:
...Even if you think John McAdams was rightfully stripped of his tenure in this matter, there are serious questions of academic freedom here that won’t go away. Marquette’s silence on the matter of Cheryl Abbate’s publicly stated belief that white male heterosexuals must be speech-restricted in her classroom, and its apparent acceptance of the accuracy of the recorded conversation between her and her student, is a greater threat to academic freedom than the blog bloviating of a cranky conservative professor.
Indeed.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Silly Talk About "Quality Foreign Programmers"
As usual, Norm Matloff has the goods.
...In my experience, a substantial portion of computer science students, including foreign Master’s students (the industry lobbyists’ favorite group; see below), “just don’t get it.” It is usually not as blatant as the above “file type” example, but of very serious concern.
This point is directly relevant to proposed legislation now in Congress, in which a common provision would give special visa and green card deals to foreign STEM graduate students at U.S. universities. The rationale for this is that these are supposed to be the “good” H-1Bs, the ones whose addition to the U.S. workforce raises the overall quality. But the reality is just the opposite: As shown in my research and those of others, the average quality of the foreign CS grad students is LOWER than that of their American peers. (I do have to add, as always, that there are also some really brilliant ones, whose immigration I strongly support.)
All this matters — a LOT. Not only are the foreign worker programs reducing job opportunities and wages for American software developers, the programs are also resulting in BAD CODE that affects each and every one of us. The IT disaster in the rollout of Obamacare is a perfect example, very expensive (including in terms of Obama’s political capital), harmful to many who were most in need of it, and reportedly due to incompetent programmers, said to be largely H-1Bs....
But the Usual Suspects--who are "conservatives"--will vote to allow their own constituents to lose their jobs.
...In my experience, a substantial portion of computer science students, including foreign Master’s students (the industry lobbyists’ favorite group; see below), “just don’t get it.” It is usually not as blatant as the above “file type” example, but of very serious concern.
This point is directly relevant to proposed legislation now in Congress, in which a common provision would give special visa and green card deals to foreign STEM graduate students at U.S. universities. The rationale for this is that these are supposed to be the “good” H-1Bs, the ones whose addition to the U.S. workforce raises the overall quality. But the reality is just the opposite: As shown in my research and those of others, the average quality of the foreign CS grad students is LOWER than that of their American peers. (I do have to add, as always, that there are also some really brilliant ones, whose immigration I strongly support.)
All this matters — a LOT. Not only are the foreign worker programs reducing job opportunities and wages for American software developers, the programs are also resulting in BAD CODE that affects each and every one of us. The IT disaster in the rollout of Obamacare is a perfect example, very expensive (including in terms of Obama’s political capital), harmful to many who were most in need of it, and reportedly due to incompetent programmers, said to be largely H-1Bs....
But the Usual Suspects--who are "conservatives"--will vote to allow their own constituents to lose their jobs.
Got Android? Be Careful Out There!
Public-service announcement from The Ticker.
One of the worst forms of computer "virus" is found in what is called ransomware.
There are a handful of variants out there today; all get into your computer through an email (usually) or nefarious web site that manages to trick you into loading what you think is a document or similar thing, and is really a piece of rogue software. It then generates a public-key pair, sends the private part to the ransom server somewhere and uses the other half to encrypt the files on your machine.
It is un-defeatable. Once you have it, it's all over.
Now this crap has shown up on Android devices, and it gets in by claiming you need a "flash upgrade."
You've been warned.
One of the worst forms of computer "virus" is found in what is called ransomware.
There are a handful of variants out there today; all get into your computer through an email (usually) or nefarious web site that manages to trick you into loading what you think is a document or similar thing, and is really a piece of rogue software. It then generates a public-key pair, sends the private part to the ransom server somewhere and uses the other half to encrypt the files on your machine.
It is un-defeatable. Once you have it, it's all over.
Now this crap has shown up on Android devices, and it gets in by claiming you need a "flash upgrade."
You've been warned.
Jeb's Buying His Nomination
Bush (gag reflex suppressed here) intends to purchase his nomination.
...The former Florida governor, through his Right to Rise PAC, all but made a blunt declaration of his intent to seek the White House through contributions of $5,200 each to Sen. Kelly Ayotte and Rep. Frank Guinta of New Hampshire, Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, Sen. Tim Scott and Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, Rep. Joe Heck of Nevada, and Rep. David Young of Iowa, as well as donations of $10,000 each to the state Republican parties of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.
The PAC also delivered $5,200 each to Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio; and Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia, all of whom are running for re-election in battleground states....
...In addition to the predictable early state giving, Right to Rise contributed $5,200 each to four freshmen lawmakers: Rep. Mia Love of Utah, Congress’ only African-American Republican woman; Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, Congress’ only Jewish Republican; Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, the youngest female Republican ever to serve and considered a rising star in the party; and Rep. Martha McSally of Arizona, a military veteran...
So when all those folks start making nice-nice noises about the current RINO King, you'll know why.
...The former Florida governor, through his Right to Rise PAC, all but made a blunt declaration of his intent to seek the White House through contributions of $5,200 each to Sen. Kelly Ayotte and Rep. Frank Guinta of New Hampshire, Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, Sen. Tim Scott and Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, Rep. Joe Heck of Nevada, and Rep. David Young of Iowa, as well as donations of $10,000 each to the state Republican parties of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.
The PAC also delivered $5,200 each to Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio; and Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia, all of whom are running for re-election in battleground states....
...In addition to the predictable early state giving, Right to Rise contributed $5,200 each to four freshmen lawmakers: Rep. Mia Love of Utah, Congress’ only African-American Republican woman; Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, Congress’ only Jewish Republican; Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, the youngest female Republican ever to serve and considered a rising star in the party; and Rep. Martha McSally of Arizona, a military veteran...
So when all those folks start making nice-nice noises about the current RINO King, you'll know why.
Ruling-Class Liar Sensenbrenner, Again
A while ago, I explained that Jim Sensenbrenner, (the multi-millionaire occasional resident of Wisconsin who bills himself as "conservative") had voted FOR ObozoCare before voting against it.
Yup.
And another blogger noticed the same thing.
...Boehner’s lameduck Cromnibus surrender required two recorded votes, illustrating the trap of relying on roll calls to assess legislative performance. Much was made of Boehner’s begging Obama to corral Democrat support because 67 Republicans voted against passage. Many of them were actually praised by gullible conservatives. However, prior to voting on the bill, there had to be a vote on the Rule allowing it to be even considered. Not one Democrat voted for that Rule and only 16 Republicans voted against it. If one more Republican had voted “No” on the Rule, the bill would never have been voted on, let alone passed. Thus, 51 Republicans had it both ways. They voted for the Rule allowing consideration and then against final passage. Doubtless, roll call voting analyses will list them as voting conservative when, in reality, they helped Boehner stab conservatives in the back....
Jim Sensenbrenner (and Ryan, by the way) voted FOR ObozoCare--not to mention the other budget-busting spends of Obozo & Co.
Thanks, Jim, you lying SOB.
Yup.
And another blogger noticed the same thing.
...Boehner’s lameduck Cromnibus surrender required two recorded votes, illustrating the trap of relying on roll calls to assess legislative performance. Much was made of Boehner’s begging Obama to corral Democrat support because 67 Republicans voted against passage. Many of them were actually praised by gullible conservatives. However, prior to voting on the bill, there had to be a vote on the Rule allowing it to be even considered. Not one Democrat voted for that Rule and only 16 Republicans voted against it. If one more Republican had voted “No” on the Rule, the bill would never have been voted on, let alone passed. Thus, 51 Republicans had it both ways. They voted for the Rule allowing consideration and then against final passage. Doubtless, roll call voting analyses will list them as voting conservative when, in reality, they helped Boehner stab conservatives in the back....
Jim Sensenbrenner (and Ryan, by the way) voted FOR ObozoCare--not to mention the other budget-busting spends of Obozo & Co.
Thanks, Jim, you lying SOB.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Somebody, Please!!! Impeach Girly-Man!
Oh, yes, it can get worse.
“Under the new program, if you get a Social Security number and you work, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit,” Mr. Koskinen said.
He said that would apply even “if you did not file” taxes, as long as the illegal immigrant could demonstrate having worked off-the-books during those years.
That expands the universe of people eligible for the tax credit by millions. He said only about 700,000 illegal immigrants currently work and pay taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, but as many as 4 million illegal immigrants could get a stay of deportation and work permits under the temporary amnesty, which would mean they would be eligible to claim back-refunds if they worked those years. --WaTimes quoted at HotAir
And the EITC refunds can be claimed for up to THREE years. Of course, we have no idea where 'the children' (claimed on the returns) might be--or even IF they might be.
This asshole is no longer 'my president.' If you want him, take him. Far, far, away.
“Under the new program, if you get a Social Security number and you work, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit,” Mr. Koskinen said.
He said that would apply even “if you did not file” taxes, as long as the illegal immigrant could demonstrate having worked off-the-books during those years.
That expands the universe of people eligible for the tax credit by millions. He said only about 700,000 illegal immigrants currently work and pay taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, but as many as 4 million illegal immigrants could get a stay of deportation and work permits under the temporary amnesty, which would mean they would be eligible to claim back-refunds if they worked those years. --WaTimes quoted at HotAir
And the EITC refunds can be claimed for up to THREE years. Of course, we have no idea where 'the children' (claimed on the returns) might be--or even IF they might be.
This asshole is no longer 'my president.' If you want him, take him. Far, far, away.
Article 5 Coming Soon?
This is encouraging.
“We’ll have [Article 5] applications pending in 41 states within the next few weeks,” he said. “The goal is to hold a convention in 2016.” --quoted at Grim's Hall
IIRC, there is a Wisconsin leggie who is active in the Article 5 movement. Unless Walker steps on it through Fitzgerald, the application should sail through the Wisconsin statehouse.
“We’ll have [Article 5] applications pending in 41 states within the next few weeks,” he said. “The goal is to hold a convention in 2016.” --quoted at Grim's Hall
IIRC, there is a Wisconsin leggie who is active in the Article 5 movement. Unless Walker steps on it through Fitzgerald, the application should sail through the Wisconsin statehouse.
After Gay "Marriage," Polygamy, Polyandry, and Marry Your Dog
Scalia was right.
...inevitably Justice Kennedy and a majority of the Supreme Court are now opening the door to the effective dissolution of marriage. Polygamy is on its way to being legalized by the courts and surely polyamory – relationships that involve multiple people of both sexes – can not be far behind. Concepts such as bigamy, adultery and incest – as seen in that New York magazine article – will perforce follow this logic.
The refusal to follow the Constitution means, inevitably, that any institution out there in American life and law – the pillars of what we call the “civil society” – can be unraveled thread by thread at executive or judicial whim, beginning with the Constitution itself. Without the consent of the governed. Unconstitutionally. Unlawfully. Unwisely. ...
Scott Walker will punt.
Actually, he already has done so on the queer "marriage" question:
"For us, it's over in Wisconsin," Walker said of the fight over same-sex unions. "Others will have to talk about the federal level."
No, Scott. As any military theorist will tell you, the war is not over until your enemy says it is. If you actually oppose queer "marriage," you will not surrender. Unless you're running for President, of course.
...inevitably Justice Kennedy and a majority of the Supreme Court are now opening the door to the effective dissolution of marriage. Polygamy is on its way to being legalized by the courts and surely polyamory – relationships that involve multiple people of both sexes – can not be far behind. Concepts such as bigamy, adultery and incest – as seen in that New York magazine article – will perforce follow this logic.
The refusal to follow the Constitution means, inevitably, that any institution out there in American life and law – the pillars of what we call the “civil society” – can be unraveled thread by thread at executive or judicial whim, beginning with the Constitution itself. Without the consent of the governed. Unconstitutionally. Unlawfully. Unwisely. ...
Scott Walker will punt.
Actually, he already has done so on the queer "marriage" question:
"For us, it's over in Wisconsin," Walker said of the fight over same-sex unions. "Others will have to talk about the federal level."
No, Scott. As any military theorist will tell you, the war is not over until your enemy says it is. If you actually oppose queer "marriage," you will not surrender. Unless you're running for President, of course.
Lefty Stupids On Display, Again
It must be painful to be as stupid as the Left.
"If getting rid of Obamacare is such a good idea, why isn't corporate America getting behind King v. Burwell, the Supreme Court case designed to demolish the Affordable Care Act?" --Mother Jones, cited at Political Capital
Unnnhhh...the maxim "Follow the money" has never beclouded the mind of Mother Jones.
An industry being subsidized by a law defends the law, and somehow that industry's arguments are supposed to carry special weight?
The hospitals are perfectly happy to take more money and protected margins. But simple economics are beyond the reach of journalism-school graduates.
"If getting rid of Obamacare is such a good idea, why isn't corporate America getting behind King v. Burwell, the Supreme Court case designed to demolish the Affordable Care Act?" --Mother Jones, cited at Political Capital
Unnnhhh...the maxim "Follow the money" has never beclouded the mind of Mother Jones.
An industry being subsidized by a law defends the law, and somehow that industry's arguments are supposed to carry special weight?
The hospitals are perfectly happy to take more money and protected margins. But simple economics are beyond the reach of journalism-school graduates.
Democrats to Shut Down DHS
It appears that the Senate Democrats intend to shut down DHS (which really won't "shut down," ya'know, it's just the MSM's term for TEOTWAWKI.)
Good. We'll survive just fine. We have ammo.
Good. We'll survive just fine. We have ammo.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
College? Who Needs It?
We all know that a college degree is absolutely necessary for life, right?
...Lear also continued inventing. He holds more than 150 patents. Remember eight-track tape players? Lear invented that. But what he’s really famous for are his contributions to the field of aviation. He invented radio direction finders for planes, aided in the invention of the autopilot, designed the first fully automatic aircraft landing system, and in 1963 introduced his most famous invention of all, the Lear Jet, the world’s first mass-produced, affordable business jet. (Not bad for a guy who dropped out of school after the eighth grade.)...
His first invention (really, a co-invention) was the car radio. And if you wonder why a guy named Galvin--3rd generation--runs Motorola, read the story at the link.
HT: Cold Fury
...Lear also continued inventing. He holds more than 150 patents. Remember eight-track tape players? Lear invented that. But what he’s really famous for are his contributions to the field of aviation. He invented radio direction finders for planes, aided in the invention of the autopilot, designed the first fully automatic aircraft landing system, and in 1963 introduced his most famous invention of all, the Lear Jet, the world’s first mass-produced, affordable business jet. (Not bad for a guy who dropped out of school after the eighth grade.)...
His first invention (really, a co-invention) was the car radio. And if you wonder why a guy named Galvin--3rd generation--runs Motorola, read the story at the link.
HT: Cold Fury
"Your papers, please!"
And here we are, in the Third Reich!
Over the Christmas season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) quietly announced that America was walking down that path. By 2016, all domestic air travel will require either a traditional passport or a federally-compliant ID card called "Real ID." State driver's licenses will no longer allow Americans access to domestic flights, as they do now. Real ID will constitute an internal passport. (The drop-date date is commonly reported as January.)
There is no truth to the rumor that TSA agents will wear brown shirts.
Over the Christmas season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) quietly announced that America was walking down that path. By 2016, all domestic air travel will require either a traditional passport or a federally-compliant ID card called "Real ID." State driver's licenses will no longer allow Americans access to domestic flights, as they do now. Real ID will constitute an internal passport. (The drop-date date is commonly reported as January.)
There is no truth to the rumor that TSA agents will wear brown shirts.
The Cadillac Tax vs. Imports
ObozoCare strikes (cough) again!!!
The slow-roll implementation of Obamacare threatens to close U.S. commercial ports on the West Coast. The 29 ports, which handle 70 percent of maritime imports from Asia, were closed over the weekend after months of contentious contract negotiations....
... Obamacare imposes a 40 percent tax on health benefits deemed too generous by the government. Health benefits exceeding $10,200 a year in value for individuals or $27,500 for families are defined as “Cadillac” plans and are subject to the tax. Health benefits for longshoremen exceed $40,000 per employee, meaning the union would be served an enormous tax bill when the penalty is imposed in 2018....quoted at MoonBattery
(FORTY GRAND PER EMPLOYEE??? That's beyond the most avaricious dreams of Wisconsin teachers, or even Milwaukee County employees!!)
The Democrats did not know what was in that particular box of chocolates, alright. Shutting down ports--which also stops exports--will gobsmack GDP, and that's just the beginning. Construction workers are next, and the UAW negotiations should be fun, too.
That'll really help the "recovery" we mentioned below, eh??
The slow-roll implementation of Obamacare threatens to close U.S. commercial ports on the West Coast. The 29 ports, which handle 70 percent of maritime imports from Asia, were closed over the weekend after months of contentious contract negotiations....
... Obamacare imposes a 40 percent tax on health benefits deemed too generous by the government. Health benefits exceeding $10,200 a year in value for individuals or $27,500 for families are defined as “Cadillac” plans and are subject to the tax. Health benefits for longshoremen exceed $40,000 per employee, meaning the union would be served an enormous tax bill when the penalty is imposed in 2018....quoted at MoonBattery
(FORTY GRAND PER EMPLOYEE??? That's beyond the most avaricious dreams of Wisconsin teachers, or even Milwaukee County employees!!)
The Democrats did not know what was in that particular box of chocolates, alright. Shutting down ports--which also stops exports--will gobsmack GDP, and that's just the beginning. Construction workers are next, and the UAW negotiations should be fun, too.
That'll really help the "recovery" we mentioned below, eh??
The Logical Consequences of Progressivism
Three dead Muslims in N.C. Who killed 'em? A Progressive atheist.
...A review of the Facebook page of the man charged in these murders, Craig Hicks, shows a consistent themes of anti-religion and progressive causes. Included in his many Facebook “likes” are the Huffington Post, Rachel Maddow, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” Neil deGrasse Tyson, Gay Marriage groups, and a host of anti-conservative/Tea Party pages....
(Wonder why he didn't have Obozo up there.)
The guy was logically consistent. Other atheist "Progressives"--such as Joe Stalin and Mao--found that killing folks was a helluvalot easier than, you know, tolerating 'em.
...A review of the Facebook page of the man charged in these murders, Craig Hicks, shows a consistent themes of anti-religion and progressive causes. Included in his many Facebook “likes” are the Huffington Post, Rachel Maddow, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” Neil deGrasse Tyson, Gay Marriage groups, and a host of anti-conservative/Tea Party pages....
(Wonder why he didn't have Obozo up there.)
The guy was logically consistent. Other atheist "Progressives"--such as Joe Stalin and Mao--found that killing folks was a helluvalot easier than, you know, tolerating 'em.
Protect Americans or Play Golf: THAT Is the Question
Yah, we expected as much from the GirlyBoy.
...FOX reporter Catherine Herridge reported Tuesday after the death of hostage Kayla Mueller was confirmed that the US had “very specific information” on the location of the ISIS hostages in May of 2014. But, sadly, President Obama would not act even though the US knew their exact location....
The Sunday Times reported in August that President Obama delayed a rescue mission for James Foley and the other prisoners for 30 days. Obama spent that time “fretting over his image”, playing golf and worrying his administration would be “Carterized” if the mission failed....
We don't expect him to wear his big-boy pants, even if he has them someplace. Too bad that some Americans still DO think that this little s&^t is really concerned about Americans. That'll cost them their lives, as Kayla found out.
...FOX reporter Catherine Herridge reported Tuesday after the death of hostage Kayla Mueller was confirmed that the US had “very specific information” on the location of the ISIS hostages in May of 2014. But, sadly, President Obama would not act even though the US knew their exact location....
The Sunday Times reported in August that President Obama delayed a rescue mission for James Foley and the other prisoners for 30 days. Obama spent that time “fretting over his image”, playing golf and worrying his administration would be “Carterized” if the mission failed....
We don't expect him to wear his big-boy pants, even if he has them someplace. Too bad that some Americans still DO think that this little s&^t is really concerned about Americans. That'll cost them their lives, as Kayla found out.
The "Rule of Law" Crumbling
We've often mentioned that the "Rule of Law" is in the process of collapse in the US. In no little irony, that collapse is largely triggered by lawyers in black robes who issue decrees contrary to the very foundations of Western civilization. One example is our very own Abrahamson, a superannuated prune who attempted to make self-defense illegal in Wisconsin. Another is Kennedy, who gives license (not liberty) to all sorts of ....ahhh.....perversions.
And of course, there's Roberts, who simply changes the words of legislation, making "fines" into "taxes."
At the top of this pile, currently, sits another lawyer--one B. Hussein Obama--who, while not a judge, is the most flagrant law-breaker in Presidential history. And he provides the basis for an excellent question.
"...if a president can ignore laws legitimately passed by Congress, why can’t a state like Alabama ignore marriage rulings handed down by courts?"
Under the late, great, Constitution of the US, neither the President nor the Supremes are tin gods. They are owed no more respect than they actually earn--which, recently, has been zero (or less.)
Another example of Obozism's utter disregard for law? His drone attacks. See Peter's post here.
So. Screw 'em. Screw 'em all. And God help the hindmost.
And of course, there's Roberts, who simply changes the words of legislation, making "fines" into "taxes."
At the top of this pile, currently, sits another lawyer--one B. Hussein Obama--who, while not a judge, is the most flagrant law-breaker in Presidential history. And he provides the basis for an excellent question.
"...if a president can ignore laws legitimately passed by Congress, why can’t a state like Alabama ignore marriage rulings handed down by courts?"
Under the late, great, Constitution of the US, neither the President nor the Supremes are tin gods. They are owed no more respect than they actually earn--which, recently, has been zero (or less.)
Another example of Obozism's utter disregard for law? His drone attacks. See Peter's post here.
So. Screw 'em. Screw 'em all. And God help the hindmost.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Nathan Hale (West Allis) Goes National!
Great news! Nathan Hale H.S. in West Allis has garnered national attention.
Not-so-great news: it's because of another Radical Leftoid Social Studies "teacher."
Not-so-great news: it's because of another Radical Leftoid Social Studies "teacher."
ObozoNomics, Part 32,145
The Obozo Administration and its shills, the MSM, bleat and yammer about "jobs recovery."
As it turns out, that "jobs recovery" is limited to two classes of jobs.
The BLS Employment Situation report, released this morning, finally showed an uptrend in higher wage jobs, but it wasn't all good news. As the Dent Research Employment Index reveals, the new positions created were heavily weighted in the lowest income bracket and the highest income bracket. The middle class is still left out of this recovery....
That is not a surprise to anyone who has been watching spending behavior carefully. It would account, e.g., for the increase in sub-prime auto lending and for the spate of construction activity on 'super-houses' over the last 12 months or so.
...The lowest wage category accounted for nearly 26% of the monthly gains even though this group holds only 20% of current jobs, while the highest job category accounted for more than 14% of the monthly gains, compared with its 9% share of jobs. Middle-paying jobs lost ground, making up only 18% of the total gains....
Well. Perhaps this is related:
Information technology workers at Southern California Edison (SCE) are being laid off and replaced by workers from India. Some employees are training their H-1B visa holding replacements, and many have already lost their jobs....
The IT organization's "transition effort" is expected to result in about 400 layoffs, with "another 100 or so employees leaving voluntarily," SCE said in a statement. The "transition," which began in August, will be completed by the end of March, the company said....
Yah. This is the sort of "immigration" that Republicans like--and about which, frankly, Obozo doesn't give a fart.
And of course, there's the good old-fashioned restraint of trade/oligopoly practice:
Some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley—including Apple, Google, Adobe and others—have been embarrassed by the evidence brought to light in an antitrust class-action lawsuit that contends they colluded in their hiring practices to try to control surging high-tech salaries. The lawsuit alleged the companies agreed not to poach each other's employees to try to keep a lid on salaries, a practice that restricts the earning power of engineers and other highly skilled IT professionals looking for jobs in the world's most competitive technology hub. U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh rejected one offer by the companies to settle the claims by paying $324.5 million compensation for the plaintiffs' losses. Court documents filed in mid-January show that the companies attempted to increase their offer to $415 million to try to put this case behind them.
Any economist who passed Econ 101 will tell you that the money--the spending-power--is in the middle class. When it's NOT there, the economy of the US will falter, as it has been doing for well over 5 years now.
Congrats to the Obozo Team for their efforts, active and passive, at demolishing the middle class. That's ONE accomplishment that he can put on his legacy wall.
As it turns out, that "jobs recovery" is limited to two classes of jobs.
The BLS Employment Situation report, released this morning, finally showed an uptrend in higher wage jobs, but it wasn't all good news. As the Dent Research Employment Index reveals, the new positions created were heavily weighted in the lowest income bracket and the highest income bracket. The middle class is still left out of this recovery....
That is not a surprise to anyone who has been watching spending behavior carefully. It would account, e.g., for the increase in sub-prime auto lending and for the spate of construction activity on 'super-houses' over the last 12 months or so.
...The lowest wage category accounted for nearly 26% of the monthly gains even though this group holds only 20% of current jobs, while the highest job category accounted for more than 14% of the monthly gains, compared with its 9% share of jobs. Middle-paying jobs lost ground, making up only 18% of the total gains....
Well. Perhaps this is related:
Information technology workers at Southern California Edison (SCE) are being laid off and replaced by workers from India. Some employees are training their H-1B visa holding replacements, and many have already lost their jobs....
The IT organization's "transition effort" is expected to result in about 400 layoffs, with "another 100 or so employees leaving voluntarily," SCE said in a statement. The "transition," which began in August, will be completed by the end of March, the company said....
Yah. This is the sort of "immigration" that Republicans like--and about which, frankly, Obozo doesn't give a fart.
And of course, there's the good old-fashioned restraint of trade/oligopoly practice:
Some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley—including Apple, Google, Adobe and others—have been embarrassed by the evidence brought to light in an antitrust class-action lawsuit that contends they colluded in their hiring practices to try to control surging high-tech salaries. The lawsuit alleged the companies agreed not to poach each other's employees to try to keep a lid on salaries, a practice that restricts the earning power of engineers and other highly skilled IT professionals looking for jobs in the world's most competitive technology hub. U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh rejected one offer by the companies to settle the claims by paying $324.5 million compensation for the plaintiffs' losses. Court documents filed in mid-January show that the companies attempted to increase their offer to $415 million to try to put this case behind them.
Any economist who passed Econ 101 will tell you that the money--the spending-power--is in the middle class. When it's NOT there, the economy of the US will falter, as it has been doing for well over 5 years now.
Congrats to the Obozo Team for their efforts, active and passive, at demolishing the middle class. That's ONE accomplishment that he can put on his legacy wall.
Sunday, February 08, 2015
The Bush-Petraeus FUBAR
Just a snip from Goldberg's essay:
...After the 2006 congressional elections, the main concern of the White House was to make Iraq look like a success. That meant placating Iran on one hand, and putting the rancorous Sunnis on the American payroll on the other. The Petraeus surge created the Sunni insurgency in its present form. In 2010 I warned of “Gen. Petraeus’ Thirty Years War“;” now ISIS is commanded by Sunni leaders that Petraeus trained through the Sons of Iraq movement. It was America’s misguided effort to force majority rule upon Iraq that left the region in a perpetual state of instability. That is the thesis of Lt. Gen. Daniel Bolger (ret.) in his compelling book Why We Lost...
What you see in Iraq is parallel to the Big Gummint myth played out here in the US every day: the D.C. brain-trust knows best.
Uh-huh.
...After the 2006 congressional elections, the main concern of the White House was to make Iraq look like a success. That meant placating Iran on one hand, and putting the rancorous Sunnis on the American payroll on the other. The Petraeus surge created the Sunni insurgency in its present form. In 2010 I warned of “Gen. Petraeus’ Thirty Years War“;” now ISIS is commanded by Sunni leaders that Petraeus trained through the Sons of Iraq movement. It was America’s misguided effort to force majority rule upon Iraq that left the region in a perpetual state of instability. That is the thesis of Lt. Gen. Daniel Bolger (ret.) in his compelling book Why We Lost...
What you see in Iraq is parallel to the Big Gummint myth played out here in the US every day: the D.C. brain-trust knows best.
Uh-huh.
Whose Party Platform?
Here's a snippet from a not-too-ancient platform:
...which advocated the "immediate and drastic reduction of governmental expenditures by abolishing useless commissions and offices, consolidating departments and bureaus, and eliminating extravagance to accomplish a saving of not less than twenty-five per cent in the cost of the Federal Government."...
You get only one guess. Which President ran on that platform?
(See, there's a hint: the candidate was successful!)
OK, OK. It was FDR/1932.
HT: Last Ditch
...which advocated the "immediate and drastic reduction of governmental expenditures by abolishing useless commissions and offices, consolidating departments and bureaus, and eliminating extravagance to accomplish a saving of not less than twenty-five per cent in the cost of the Federal Government."...
You get only one guess. Which President ran on that platform?
(See, there's a hint: the candidate was successful!)
OK, OK. It was FDR/1932.
HT: Last Ditch
Saturday, February 07, 2015
Another Ted Cruz?
Ted Cruz is a captivating speaker and very bright, indeed. But he's not the only relatively-new US Senator with those qualities.
Watch Sen. Cotton rip the snot out of some policy dweeb (scroll down to the video.)
My response to Sen Cotton?
HEAR!! HEAR!!
Watch Sen. Cotton rip the snot out of some policy dweeb (scroll down to the video.)
My response to Sen Cotton?
HEAR!! HEAR!!
Friday, February 06, 2015
Channel 12's Hot Sweats
Channel 12 is doing a lot of heavy breathing here.
...The FBI is now helping Waukesha County detectives as they examine weapons, including an AK-47 submachine gun, nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition and anti-government writings found in a Merton apartment last week....
(It ain't a "submachine" gun, dummy. It's a semi-automatic. Moving on:)
...investigators want to know why he was researching mass shootings at Sandy Hook, Tucson and most fervently, the shootings at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek....described in police reports as “odd,” then “concerning” after the man said he would attend a documentary about the Sikh temple shooting...
... he was involved in a road rage incident in Waukesha, police said.
Documents in connection with that case revealed a letter to the judge in which the man claimed government is "training law enforcement to view every citizen as a threat, to view us all as potential terrorists and to militarize the police department."...
OMG! DHS material describing pro-lifers and Iraq veterans as "terrorists"--he must have seen that stuff. He noticed the MRAPs in the cop-shop back yard, too.
WISN 12 News is not naming the man because he hasn't been charged.
With what, girls?
...The FBI is now helping Waukesha County detectives as they examine weapons, including an AK-47 submachine gun, nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition and anti-government writings found in a Merton apartment last week....
(It ain't a "submachine" gun, dummy. It's a semi-automatic. Moving on:)
...investigators want to know why he was researching mass shootings at Sandy Hook, Tucson and most fervently, the shootings at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek....described in police reports as “odd,” then “concerning” after the man said he would attend a documentary about the Sikh temple shooting...
... he was involved in a road rage incident in Waukesha, police said.
Documents in connection with that case revealed a letter to the judge in which the man claimed government is "training law enforcement to view every citizen as a threat, to view us all as potential terrorists and to militarize the police department."...
OMG! DHS material describing pro-lifers and Iraq veterans as "terrorists"--he must have seen that stuff. He noticed the MRAPs in the cop-shop back yard, too.
WISN 12 News is not naming the man because he hasn't been charged.
With what, girls?
Thursday, February 05, 2015
What the Big Three Cost Michigan
Say what you like about "saving the auto industry"; good, bad, or indifferent, there's a cost here.
...GM, Chrysler and Ford's remaining tax credits, the exact value of which is shrouded in state tax law secrecy, are part of an overall $6.5 billion estimated liability that threatens to consume at least 7.5 percent of the state's roughly $10 billion general budget annually for the next few fiscal years. The automakers declined comment.
The $807 million that state economists officials say is needed to pay for business tax credits in next fiscal year is more than what Michigan is spending this year on community colleges, local health agencies and the Department of Natural Resources combined....
Seems that one of the players cashed in $224 million in credits last year--and the Governor will have to cut a bunch of spending to fix that problem.
For about the next 10 years, the Michigan budget will be very, very, very dicey. Maybe the auto industry will manage to hit its goals in Michigan.
And maybe not. 16++ million sales/year is a very large number in a so-so economy.
...GM, Chrysler and Ford's remaining tax credits, the exact value of which is shrouded in state tax law secrecy, are part of an overall $6.5 billion estimated liability that threatens to consume at least 7.5 percent of the state's roughly $10 billion general budget annually for the next few fiscal years. The automakers declined comment.
The $807 million that state economists officials say is needed to pay for business tax credits in next fiscal year is more than what Michigan is spending this year on community colleges, local health agencies and the Department of Natural Resources combined....
Seems that one of the players cashed in $224 million in credits last year--and the Governor will have to cut a bunch of spending to fix that problem.
For about the next 10 years, the Michigan budget will be very, very, very dicey. Maybe the auto industry will manage to hit its goals in Michigan.
And maybe not. 16++ million sales/year is a very large number in a so-so economy.
Chickenshit Cop, Dead Old Guy
This cop is a chickenshit bully, at best.
...Taylor, 43, was one of several officers dispatched to the facility where Wrana lived after a staff member reported that Wrana had become combative with emergency workers.
After Wrana struck a staffer with his cane, he brandished a 2-foot-long shoehorn at officers, prompting them to briefly leave the room. When the officers returned, one officer was carrying a Taser, another one had a shield, and Taylor was carrying a 12-gauge shotgun that shoots beanbags.
Wrana threatened the officers with a knife, and when he refused to drop it, one officer fired at him with the Taser but missed. Then Wrana moved toward Taylor, and the officer fired his weapon five times....
Five times with a beanbag shotgun. Those rounds travel about 180 MPH.
Old guy died of internal bleeding (duh.)
Best part:
...But Taylor testified he was following the orders of a superior officer and feared for his life and the lives of his fellow officers when he saw Wrana holding the knife over his head and threatening to kill whoever came into his room....
Yah, that's right. Read it again. FIVE cops present, one 95-year-old guy waving a knife.
That cop's a real MAN, alright. And yes, he was found 'not guilty' of felony reckless conduct. He was supported by the other "real MEN" in his cop shop of Park Forest, IL.
It is not true that the Park Forest police patrol bingo games with their AR's locked and loaded. Yet.
HT: The Captain
...Taylor, 43, was one of several officers dispatched to the facility where Wrana lived after a staff member reported that Wrana had become combative with emergency workers.
After Wrana struck a staffer with his cane, he brandished a 2-foot-long shoehorn at officers, prompting them to briefly leave the room. When the officers returned, one officer was carrying a Taser, another one had a shield, and Taylor was carrying a 12-gauge shotgun that shoots beanbags.
Wrana threatened the officers with a knife, and when he refused to drop it, one officer fired at him with the Taser but missed. Then Wrana moved toward Taylor, and the officer fired his weapon five times....
Five times with a beanbag shotgun. Those rounds travel about 180 MPH.
Old guy died of internal bleeding (duh.)
Best part:
...But Taylor testified he was following the orders of a superior officer and feared for his life and the lives of his fellow officers when he saw Wrana holding the knife over his head and threatening to kill whoever came into his room....
Yah, that's right. Read it again. FIVE cops present, one 95-year-old guy waving a knife.
That cop's a real MAN, alright. And yes, he was found 'not guilty' of felony reckless conduct. He was supported by the other "real MEN" in his cop shop of Park Forest, IL.
It is not true that the Park Forest police patrol bingo games with their AR's locked and loaded. Yet.
HT: The Captain
BOHICA!! FCC Will Give It To You, Good and Hard
True to its Statist President's wishes, FCC proposes to screw you to the wall with whatever "providers" are out there at this time.
...This rule, if it stands and if it is enforced, will cement the monopoly positions of existing cable and phone providers. It is an unmitigated bad for consumers as your bill will go up for "services" that they are forced to provision for whether you want to buy them or not (e.g. Netflix) and worse, there is no end to the monopoly position of those firms.
You're going to lose big on this one folks....
The Third Big Lie: "We're here from the Government to help you!"
...This rule, if it stands and if it is enforced, will cement the monopoly positions of existing cable and phone providers. It is an unmitigated bad for consumers as your bill will go up for "services" that they are forced to provision for whether you want to buy them or not (e.g. Netflix) and worse, there is no end to the monopoly position of those firms.
You're going to lose big on this one folks....
The Third Big Lie: "We're here from the Government to help you!"
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
Thou Shalt Not Dissent (McAdams, That Means YOU!!)
As I speculated a few days ago, Marquette U. is going to fire McAdams, figuring that in the long run, they'll be better off without criticism from within.
Maybe.
But I doubt it. What arrogant monopolies forget is that their monopoly is temporary.
Ask Greece, Rome, Charlemagne, Churchill, and.....next.....
Maybe.
But I doubt it. What arrogant monopolies forget is that their monopoly is temporary.
Ask Greece, Rome, Charlemagne, Churchill, and.....next.....
Gallup CEO Meets Reality
Ya'd think that the CEO of the world's most-recognized polling company would have learned this back about 4-5 years ago, but apparently some skulls are thicker than others.
...Clifton took to the pages of his own website to write an opinion piece where he comes out and says in no uncertain terms that the unemployment numbers put out by the government are "a big lie."...
Next thing, he'll essay that there is no Easter Bunny.
...Clifton took to the pages of his own website to write an opinion piece where he comes out and says in no uncertain terms that the unemployment numbers put out by the government are "a big lie."...
Next thing, he'll essay that there is no Easter Bunny.
Holder: Just Another Sack of S&^t Politician
Heh. Here we have the most corrupt A.G. in US history shining his own apple:
In a press conference Wednesday, outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder said that, despite what his critics say, during his tenure he’s successfully de-politicized the Department of Justice after it had been corrupted by the Bush administration....
Or maybe not:
The head of a Justice Department law enforcement office used his position to secure a job for his son and other relatives, the agency’s internal watchdog said Wednesday, the latest in a string of reports that have repeatedly found examples of nepotism at the department....
... It’s not the first example of nepotism at Eric Holder’s Justice Department. A November investigation by the inspector general found that certain offices in the department had a “pervasive culture of nepotism and favoritism.” It’s at least the fifth inspector general report since 2004 to find hiring problems at the agency.
There's a special place in Hell for you, Mr. Holder.
In a press conference Wednesday, outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder said that, despite what his critics say, during his tenure he’s successfully de-politicized the Department of Justice after it had been corrupted by the Bush administration....
Or maybe not:
The head of a Justice Department law enforcement office used his position to secure a job for his son and other relatives, the agency’s internal watchdog said Wednesday, the latest in a string of reports that have repeatedly found examples of nepotism at the department....
... It’s not the first example of nepotism at Eric Holder’s Justice Department. A November investigation by the inspector general found that certain offices in the department had a “pervasive culture of nepotism and favoritism.” It’s at least the fifth inspector general report since 2004 to find hiring problems at the agency.
There's a special place in Hell for you, Mr. Holder.
(D)'s Want to Shut Down DHS (!)
Yah, the Senate Democrats filibustered the DHS funding bill; they intend to filibuster until DHS is shut down, rather than pass the (R) bill which de-funds Obozo's Imperial Decrees.
Here we will take one moment to praise the Senate Democrats. Shutdown of any FedGov department is just fine. May it last until Obozo leaves office!!
Here we will take one moment to praise the Senate Democrats. Shutdown of any FedGov department is just fine. May it last until Obozo leaves office!!
Messing With Mother Nature
This essay brings up a panoply of problems and demonstrates very well what can happen when you mess with Mother Nature. IOW, the "old-time religion" position on sex outside of marriage--which is the underlying theme but which is explicitly slandered by the author.
It gets worse from there, by the way, as we now have the Federal judiciary attempting to retro-"fix" the original problem by making licit what can never be so. It's the old tangled web of '...when first we practice to deceive...' with a few orders of magnitude of permutation.
...The [Sixth Circuit] majority ruling dismisses any possibility of a constitutional right to gay marriage, while the dissent focuses on an entirely different question of whether gay parents are as good as straight ones. The latter controversy is something that the majority decision explicitly refused to weigh in on, so the dissent is a curious non sequitur....
...The “marriage equality” arguments leverage children, often claiming that if gay adults can marry the children they are raising will benefit from broader “protections.” This is doublespeak. The “protections” consist of the gay adults’ access to and control of children as commodities. Activists have enough savvy to realize it is better that people did not see this hidden inconsistency....
Here comes that slander:
....In so many ways the dissenting opinion stands as the perfect postmodern artifact, the chalice of the cultural warriors who traffic in distortions. It uses privilege and entitlement while claiming to correct inequality. The end result is that the misogyny of the LGBT movement flings women backward to a dark era, when the rule was prejudice against single mothers and unintended pregnancy....
"Prejudice"? "Dark Era"?
That flies in the face of the facts. This author evidently did not pay attention to the large church and civic networks (not to mention families) who were dedicated to assisting single moms and their children. Such support included free pre-natal/delivery services, cash assistance, and (when necessary), adoption services.
But of course, much of that was regulated out of existence--or made flat-out illegal--by The Enlightened Class' court rulings against 'prejudicial' adoption screening, specifically, that Catholic agencies would NOT adopt-out children to homosex couples, or when they screened for 'ability' (i.e., the income necessary) to raise the children. That's the reason that most Catholic Social Service agencies stopped facilitating adoptions, people!
But now, with "old-time religion" forced out, and with the "me! me!! me!!!!" generation in charge, we have an incredible mess.
HT: Grim's Hall
It gets worse from there, by the way, as we now have the Federal judiciary attempting to retro-"fix" the original problem by making licit what can never be so. It's the old tangled web of '...when first we practice to deceive...' with a few orders of magnitude of permutation.
...The [Sixth Circuit] majority ruling dismisses any possibility of a constitutional right to gay marriage, while the dissent focuses on an entirely different question of whether gay parents are as good as straight ones. The latter controversy is something that the majority decision explicitly refused to weigh in on, so the dissent is a curious non sequitur....
...The “marriage equality” arguments leverage children, often claiming that if gay adults can marry the children they are raising will benefit from broader “protections.” This is doublespeak. The “protections” consist of the gay adults’ access to and control of children as commodities. Activists have enough savvy to realize it is better that people did not see this hidden inconsistency....
Here comes that slander:
....In so many ways the dissenting opinion stands as the perfect postmodern artifact, the chalice of the cultural warriors who traffic in distortions. It uses privilege and entitlement while claiming to correct inequality. The end result is that the misogyny of the LGBT movement flings women backward to a dark era, when the rule was prejudice against single mothers and unintended pregnancy....
"Prejudice"? "Dark Era"?
That flies in the face of the facts. This author evidently did not pay attention to the large church and civic networks (not to mention families) who were dedicated to assisting single moms and their children. Such support included free pre-natal/delivery services, cash assistance, and (when necessary), adoption services.
But of course, much of that was regulated out of existence--or made flat-out illegal--by The Enlightened Class' court rulings against 'prejudicial' adoption screening, specifically, that Catholic agencies would NOT adopt-out children to homosex couples, or when they screened for 'ability' (i.e., the income necessary) to raise the children. That's the reason that most Catholic Social Service agencies stopped facilitating adoptions, people!
But now, with "old-time religion" forced out, and with the "me! me!! me!!!!" generation in charge, we have an incredible mess.
HT: Grim's Hall
Obozo, Chicago Way, Yup
Obozo and whatever runs DHS these days send threats to LEOs over DHS funding.
...I received a very interesting veiled threat letter from Jeh Johnson, the Secretary of Homeland Security addressed to all police chiefs and sheriffs around the country.
His letter made it clear that if Congress didn’t send President Obama the DHS funding bill that he wanted (rubberstamping the president’s executive amnesty), local and state public safety agencies would not receive federal grants they were counting on because the president would veto the DHS funding bill....--quoted at Gateway
That kind of threat is VERY significant in (D)-run big cities/counties which are almost bankrupt today.
So, since 90% of the country is NOT in those hellholes, I say "Fine!! Cut them off!"
See if trolleys remain on the spend-agenda then.......
...I received a very interesting veiled threat letter from Jeh Johnson, the Secretary of Homeland Security addressed to all police chiefs and sheriffs around the country.
His letter made it clear that if Congress didn’t send President Obama the DHS funding bill that he wanted (rubberstamping the president’s executive amnesty), local and state public safety agencies would not receive federal grants they were counting on because the president would veto the DHS funding bill....--quoted at Gateway
That kind of threat is VERY significant in (D)-run big cities/counties which are almost bankrupt today.
So, since 90% of the country is NOT in those hellholes, I say "Fine!! Cut them off!"
See if trolleys remain on the spend-agenda then.......
Tuesday, February 03, 2015
Why Gen. Carter Ham Was Fired
Gen. Carter Ham was canned because he opposed the Hildebeeste's Libyan adventure.
HRC will make the case that she's 'not afraid of war.'
Uh-huh.
Doesn't change the fact that actual US patriots should be afraid of Hildebeeste.
HRC will make the case that she's 'not afraid of war.'
Uh-huh.
Doesn't change the fact that actual US patriots should be afraid of Hildebeeste.
Grover Norquist: What the Hell??
Norquist spoke at some (R) gathering here in Wisconsin a few years back. I'm wondering why.
...In February 2014, a group of prominent Americans prepared a report entitled “The Islamists and their Enablers Assault on the Right – The Case Against Grover Norquist and Suhail Khan.” The report contains facts surrounding Mr. Norquist’s history with and support for terrorists. Among those who signed the report were: the Honorable Michael B. Mukasey, 81st Attorney General of the United States; and the Honorable R. James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence.
The facts detailed in this report include: Grover Norquist provided access to the White House for a number of terrorists during the Bush administration; Norquist is the registered agent for the Islamic Free Market Institute in Washington, D.C. which received money directly from terrorist/jihadi organizations including convicted Al Qaeda financier Abdurahman Alamoudi and the SAFA Trust; Alamoudi’s deputy at the American Muslim Council (AMC), Khalid Saffuri, was made the Director of the Islamic Institute with Norquist’s approval; Norquist promotes, works closely with, and defends a Muslim Brother/Jihadi named Suhail Khan, whose father, Mahboob Khan, was one of the most prominent Muslim Brotherhood leaders in the world prior to his death; and Suhail Khan served under two successive Secretaries of Transportation with a security clearance, and continues to be promoted and given access to positions of trust inside conservative circles by Grover Norquist....--quoted at the Captain's Place
Mukasey and Woolsey are serious players, not Righty nut-jobs.
Norquist is obviously a suspect using "tax reform" as a trap.
...In February 2014, a group of prominent Americans prepared a report entitled “The Islamists and their Enablers Assault on the Right – The Case Against Grover Norquist and Suhail Khan.” The report contains facts surrounding Mr. Norquist’s history with and support for terrorists. Among those who signed the report were: the Honorable Michael B. Mukasey, 81st Attorney General of the United States; and the Honorable R. James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence.
The facts detailed in this report include: Grover Norquist provided access to the White House for a number of terrorists during the Bush administration; Norquist is the registered agent for the Islamic Free Market Institute in Washington, D.C. which received money directly from terrorist/jihadi organizations including convicted Al Qaeda financier Abdurahman Alamoudi and the SAFA Trust; Alamoudi’s deputy at the American Muslim Council (AMC), Khalid Saffuri, was made the Director of the Islamic Institute with Norquist’s approval; Norquist promotes, works closely with, and defends a Muslim Brother/Jihadi named Suhail Khan, whose father, Mahboob Khan, was one of the most prominent Muslim Brotherhood leaders in the world prior to his death; and Suhail Khan served under two successive Secretaries of Transportation with a security clearance, and continues to be promoted and given access to positions of trust inside conservative circles by Grover Norquist....--quoted at the Captain's Place
Mukasey and Woolsey are serious players, not Righty nut-jobs.
Norquist is obviously a suspect using "tax reform" as a trap.
Sunday, February 01, 2015
The Transnational Progressive WIERD's Coming Downfall
Interesting thesis from AOSHQ's "Open Blogger" who proposes that our foppish President is merely another Transnational Progressive (but who holds a pretty important position.)
...I believe it is quite out of the question for a thorough-going transnational progressive like Obama to be an adherent of any major religion. TPism only concerns itself with this world, never the next. Therefore, the greatest, most powerful entity known to TPism is the state...
In brief, the Transnational Progressives seek to eliminate nationalism for the 'greater good,' which happens to be The Transnational State: the next stage of multicultural ideology. Like multiculturalism, transnationalism is a concept that provides elites with both an empirical tool (a plausible analysis of what is) and an ideological framework (a vision of what should be). Transnational advocates argue that globalization requires some form of "global governance" because they believe that the nation-state and the idea of national citizenship are ill suited to deal with the global problems of the future....
A prominent social subset of the TP bunch is The WIERD, which we mentioned a couple of days ago.
...The WEIRD demographic, as I’ve explained before, standing for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic, is wholly dominant among our media elites that play a huge role in forming opinions and judging the acceptability of the same. Over the last half-century the WEIRD vanguard has taken over the academy, the media, and the entertainment world; one of its better-known members is in the White House right now. Obama’s castigation in 2008 of “bitter” Americans who cling to guns and religion was a perfect one-sentence explanation of how WEIRDos view less educated and enlightened fellow citizens, which is no doubt why his opponents will cite it forever.
There is no tyranny as offensive as a cultural tyranny, of course,...
...and "cultural tyranny" is certainly visible in this:
..The challenge from transnational progressivism to traditional American concepts of citizenship, patriotism, assimilation, and the meaning of democracy itself is fundamental. If our system is based not on individual rights (as defined by the U. S. Constitution) but on group consciousness (as defined by international law); not on equality of citizenship but on group preferences for non- citizens (including illegal immigrants) and for certain categories of citizens; not on majority rule within constitutional limits but on power-sharing by different ethnic, racial, gender, and linguistic groups; not on constitutional law, but on transnational law; not on immigrants becoming Americans, but on migrants linked between transnational communities; then the regime will cease to be "constitutional," "liberal," "democratic," and "American," in the understood sense of those terms, but will become in reality a new hybrid system that is "post-constitutional," "post-liberal," "post-democratic," and "post-American."...
Simply substitute "Israel" for "American" in the above graf and you know why The Fop despises Netanyahu, who is the Israeli "guns and Bibles" guy. (Shimon Peres was far more TP--thus, acceptable.)
So I said "coming downfall." You want to know why?
Because the TP gang and its WIERD subset/adherents will not be able to deal with religion, which is not part of their weltanschauung. That explains Obozo's studied elimination of the word "Islam" from terrorist acts--and his utter incapacity to formulate a strategy dealing with Islamic-majority states. He cannot deal with Israel for the same reason (at least temporarily), nor with the Bible Belt domestically. Same goes for Putin's Russia; Putin has no desire to be submerged into a morass of 'groups' and neither does Russia as a whole. It's one reason that Putin is playing the "religion" card (as is Iran's leadership).
And the TP/WIERD gang, while currently dominating the culture of the West, will--in the near future--see their dreams demolished. It will probably be in a war, whether the current "islamism" conflict writ much larger, or in some other venue but with the same underlying cause, even if masked by 'nationalism.' Remember that Hitler--a nationalist--rose in the face of an earlier version of TP--the Wilsonian one.
It can happen again.
...I believe it is quite out of the question for a thorough-going transnational progressive like Obama to be an adherent of any major religion. TPism only concerns itself with this world, never the next. Therefore, the greatest, most powerful entity known to TPism is the state...
In brief, the Transnational Progressives seek to eliminate nationalism for the 'greater good,' which happens to be The Transnational State: the next stage of multicultural ideology. Like multiculturalism, transnationalism is a concept that provides elites with both an empirical tool (a plausible analysis of what is) and an ideological framework (a vision of what should be). Transnational advocates argue that globalization requires some form of "global governance" because they believe that the nation-state and the idea of national citizenship are ill suited to deal with the global problems of the future....
A prominent social subset of the TP bunch is The WIERD, which we mentioned a couple of days ago.
...The WEIRD demographic, as I’ve explained before, standing for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic, is wholly dominant among our media elites that play a huge role in forming opinions and judging the acceptability of the same. Over the last half-century the WEIRD vanguard has taken over the academy, the media, and the entertainment world; one of its better-known members is in the White House right now. Obama’s castigation in 2008 of “bitter” Americans who cling to guns and religion was a perfect one-sentence explanation of how WEIRDos view less educated and enlightened fellow citizens, which is no doubt why his opponents will cite it forever.
There is no tyranny as offensive as a cultural tyranny, of course,...
...and "cultural tyranny" is certainly visible in this:
..The challenge from transnational progressivism to traditional American concepts of citizenship, patriotism, assimilation, and the meaning of democracy itself is fundamental. If our system is based not on individual rights (as defined by the U. S. Constitution) but on group consciousness (as defined by international law); not on equality of citizenship but on group preferences for non- citizens (including illegal immigrants) and for certain categories of citizens; not on majority rule within constitutional limits but on power-sharing by different ethnic, racial, gender, and linguistic groups; not on constitutional law, but on transnational law; not on immigrants becoming Americans, but on migrants linked between transnational communities; then the regime will cease to be "constitutional," "liberal," "democratic," and "American," in the understood sense of those terms, but will become in reality a new hybrid system that is "post-constitutional," "post-liberal," "post-democratic," and "post-American."...
Simply substitute "Israel" for "American" in the above graf and you know why The Fop despises Netanyahu, who is the Israeli "guns and Bibles" guy. (Shimon Peres was far more TP--thus, acceptable.)
So I said "coming downfall." You want to know why?
Because the TP gang and its WIERD subset/adherents will not be able to deal with religion, which is not part of their weltanschauung. That explains Obozo's studied elimination of the word "Islam" from terrorist acts--and his utter incapacity to formulate a strategy dealing with Islamic-majority states. He cannot deal with Israel for the same reason (at least temporarily), nor with the Bible Belt domestically. Same goes for Putin's Russia; Putin has no desire to be submerged into a morass of 'groups' and neither does Russia as a whole. It's one reason that Putin is playing the "religion" card (as is Iran's leadership).
And the TP/WIERD gang, while currently dominating the culture of the West, will--in the near future--see their dreams demolished. It will probably be in a war, whether the current "islamism" conflict writ much larger, or in some other venue but with the same underlying cause, even if masked by 'nationalism.' Remember that Hitler--a nationalist--rose in the face of an earlier version of TP--the Wilsonian one.
It can happen again.