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NASA has confirmed that the radio telescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, received a distinct radio tone from more than 7.4 billion miles in space and it was clearly created by intelligent beings.
by Tina Grazier
We asked for change and now...they are back! Those quirky tax and spend dems. You know, the ones with all kinds of compassion? Well, anyway, they’re revving their little tax vehicle engines in earnest now. But never fear, we’ll be keeping an eye on them here on Post Scripts:
Dingell, who as chairman of the House Energy Committee commands one of the most important legislative choke points in Washington, says he intends to hold hearings on a legislative package that includes:
A $50-per-ton tax on carbon emissions from coal, petroleum and natural gas.
A reduction of the mortgage interest deduction on homes between 3,000 and 4,199 square feet, and an elimination of the deduction for homes 4,200 square feet or larger.
But wait...there's more...
by Tina Grazier
There are times when I think we should just go right ahead and send those little men in white coats off to Congress to cart our legislators away for a nice medicated rest. This is one of those times.
Democrats recently got together and decided to do something dramatic…something that the people would lap up like thirsty pups at the water bowl after a good run…something that would help put check marks in the “D” box at the voting booth…something for the children.
First legislation was written to expand eligibility for child healthcare benefits. Next the funding aspect of the bill was addressed. They weren’t in a position to increase payroll taxes, and they didn’t want to be seen as adding to the deficit anyway, so what could they do? They needed a bad guy…a group that already had a really negative image so the public would buy it. Smokers! YES!! Smokers were the natural choice for least liked group. The proposed 156% increase on the federal cigarette tax is the result of this cowardly inclination. Senate majority Leader Harry Reid loved the idea...but some suggest this is a really stupid way to fund a health care program for kids...as reported by the AP:
"I'm very happy that we're paying for this," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in an interview Friday, noting that the plan would not add to the deficit. "The health of the children is extremely important," he said. "In the long run, maybe it'll stop people from smoking."
"I know there is very little sympathy for smokers these days," Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., said during the House debate. "But it is still a tax increase on the backs of the smokers. And in order to get enough money to pay for this, it would require 22 million new smokers."
Representative Jack Kingston is on to something.
By Jack Lee
If there is one thing we have learned from mass shootings or attempted mass shootings is that it triggers similar actions soon thereafter. We've seen sporatic clusters of post office shootings, work place shootings and back to intermittent school shootings, the later now seems to dominate the headlines.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR - "An FBI threat-assessment report prepared in 2000 dubbed the phenomenon "leakage" — the signaling of a possible impending violent act, whether it be conscious our
Shiver me timbers! If your surname is Morgan, Kidd, Teach, Rackham, Bonny or Read, there's a good chance there is a pirate lurking in your family tree. People who have these names could very well be related to Britain's most
Need to talk about what happened at Las Plumas High School in Oroville today? Send us your comments. We will post them here. It is important for people to share their stories:
1. "This situation is NOT about gun control! My very own son is a student at Las Plumas and was there Friday. I am not about to blame this high stress situation on guns. This situation is about parenting and having teenagers today!
We (my husband and I) own guns. However, even though our son was raised around them and has attended all classes relating to guns, we still keep our guns LOCKED UP! That is responsible parenting! The boy who was the gunman needed serious help. You do not know the full situation of the boy, therefore should keep your opinions closed mouthed untill you know the facts.
As one of the mothers who's child was THERE, I do feel he should be tried as an adult and all counts should stick. However, the last thing we need is this sad situation made into some "gun control" issue. This CLEARLY has nothing to do with gun control. And is not about responsible gun owners. I very much take offense to your accusations of "every gun owner is not responsible". This same thing could have happend with a kife!
What is really bad is people like you who view this as an oppertunity to raise a stink about guns. Why dont you, for just one minute, think about the world today and the pressure's on today's youth.
And for the record I am not defending this boy, as a matter of fact I am pretty pixxed off, however, that does not change the fact that this is about home life, no gun control.
Blaming guns for killing is like blaming pencils for misspelled words." Melanie
(slight change in text per editorial discretion)
2. "During the episode I was facilitating a violence prevention class as a guest speaker at Prospect High School in Oroville. Quite naturally the students in my class were upset while we were in "lock-down" (interestingly this term is a prison term and is used in our public schools.)
On the local evening news there was coverage of the last 2 student hostages sharing their participation in the situation. One of them spoke of talking the young gunmen to give up his weapon to her and she took it and threw it out of the room. The other young woman gave Greg Wright, the gunman her cell phone to communicate with the authorities.
I did not notice any mention of these two heroes in your coverage of this local story. We have two young and very courageous negotiators who deserve recognition. " By Diane S.
9/28/07 11:17 hrs. Oroville, CA. The hostage situation at the Las Plumas High School has ended. Media sources inform us now that only one person, believed to be a student, took several other students hostage in the bandroom and that one shot was fired in the air. After a brief negotiation, all students were released and it is believed no persons were injured. Other nearby schools went into lockdown as is part of the emergency response plan.
The situation has been resolved and one person is in custody. No further details are available at this time.
by Jack Lee
For those of you who pay attention to the market, you may recall I made a prediction the DOW was more likely to hit 12000 before 14000, it was 13915 when I last checked. So, it looks like I could be wrong, but MY reasons were right and that's what you STILL need to know. Yes, the DOW is knocking on the door of 14000 but it probably
Not exactly “the wave” but moving in that direction.
by Tina Grazier
Speaking on the floor of the U.N. General Assembly Nicholas Sarkozy said the following:
"Weakness and renunciation do not lead to peace. They lead to war."
This is what Goerge Bush has said all along. People keep talking about the failure and incompetence of George Bush. Talking heads in the MSM seem to revel in reporting the dire news that America has lost prestige on the world stage and all because of the bungling George Bush…but is this really true? Comments and shifting policies from leaders in other countries, like the words of Sarkozy, would suggest something different. America may be considered too big for her britches, too rich, or too unsophisticated, but she certainly isn’t hated. When world events get scarey, she may even be considered “quite the good friend after all," and George Bush has been as constant as a heartbeat in that reality.
Charles Krauthammer has written an excellent piece, “Sarkozy’s Seismic Shift Has Given New Life to Bush’s Mideast Policy.” It’s posted at Investors Business Daily and speaks to this broader view of America, GWB, and the war. His piece focuses mainly on Sarkozy:
by Shannon
I am a member of one of the sororities that is considering joining this project. And personally I find your last statement EXTREMELY offensive. I would never have taken vows to join a group of women that aren't "worth knowing." It is exactly that kind of stereotype that I have been fighting against the last three years. So
by Tina Grazier
Bringing the troops home continues to be a squishy issue for presidential hopefuls in the Democrat Party. A debate in New Hampshire, moderated by Tim Russert of NBC News, featured an opening question on the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. It yielded the following milk toast responses:
"I think it's hard to project four years from now," said Sen. Barack Obama
"It is very difficult to know what we're going to be inheriting," added Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton
"I cannot make that commitment," said former Sen. John Edwards
Cindy Sheehan, Code Pink, Moveon.OGRE and the Kos Kiddies are not going to be happy about this showing. Yes Cindy & company, I'm afraid it's true…the major contenders for the leadership role in your terrorist facilitator's group simply will not commit!
The terrorist's war on the United States, Israel, and the West will continue no matter who is elected as president...and no matter what plan he (or she) proposes…wouldn't it be smart to elect someone who actually wants to defeat them?
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Would you like more pictures, less pictures or is it about right now?
Obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, lack of exercise and lower levels of education, the factors that place a person at high risk for cardiovascular disease, are also the top signs that a middle-age individual will develop dementia in old age. One of the best ways to predict your risk of dementia in later life is your weight in your early 40s.
The Associated Press and Reuters report that having just one of these risk factors in middle age doubles your chance of developing dementia later. If you have all three, your chances just increased a whopping six fold. That's the word from a new study conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who have developed
You might want to voice your concern
Posted by Tina Grazier
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=D89C776C-CFDE-4D1E-99C9-BD802240557B
Frank Gaffney sounds a warning alarm in his article, “Rubber Stamp?” published at FrontpageMag.com. Apparently the treaty in question was resoundingly rejected by Ronald Reagan in 1982 but it has recently gained significant support and is being pushed by President Bush.
On that day, (this Thursday) the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee will begin the first of two days of hearings on the ratification of one of the most momentous international agreements in memory: the United Nation’s Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST). **** If all goes according to the proponents’ plan, few Senators will have any idea what LOST entails before they are asked to vote for it. **** Should they superficially consider, and then consent to, ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty, they will be accelerating dramatically the permanent erosion of their own authority – and that of the Congress more generally. **** The reason? LOST was designed three decades ago by the Soviet Union and its so-called “non-aligned” allies to foster supranational entities at the expense of nation states, particularly those with representative governments. The Senate of the United States would be as irrelevant to that sort of world order as national parliaments in Europe have already become, thanks to the transfer of virtually all rule-making authority to the European Union’s bureaucrats in Brussels.
For more information visit the following sites:
Published on FoxNews.com on September 20, 2007.
The public face of Hillary Clinton’s new health care plan is sunny, filled with choices for consumers and bright with promises for better health care for all. But a close examination of the proposal alongside other initiatives of Sen. Clinton in the past few years reveals a dark side she wants to hide from public view until after the election is over.
In her program, she speaks of how health care is the right of every “American” — but she has a rather expansive definition of “American.” In 2005, Hillary co-sponsored legislation in the United States Senate to offer free health insurance, under the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to the children of illegal immigrants who have lived in the United States for five years. So, those who have dodged the immigration cops for five years successfully would be rewarded not only with legal status and a path to citizenship, but with immediate free health care for their children.
by Tina Grazier
The idea was to encourage more girls to get involved with computers...but of course it expanded into a plan to meet girls, get a makeover, and possibly a date...or two...or three...but how?
Professor Moon Lee's public relations class at Washington State University determined that the nerdy computer club needed a good promotional plan...
"They made suggestions to work with specific groups such as sororities. Sorority groups tend to have a very good social network," said Ben Ford, President, Linux Users Group (LUG) *** "When they said we should have a social with a sorority, I thought that was a joke." *** "The problem is that we're all still nerds. Let's face it, guys. If anyone's going to bid on us, we'll need some spicing up," he wrote. "And who better to help with that than sorority girls who like nothing better than a makeover?"
The auction idea came to Ben in the shower where all great ideas are hatched:
by Jack Lee
Four Senate Republicans voted with Dems to bring the troops home early. The measure still failed. The dissenting votes came from Collins (R-Me), Coleman (R-Minn), Sununu (R-NH), and Smith (R-Ore). Each one is facing a tough race in the 2008 elections. If it were not for that who knows how they might have voted, but I would like to think they would have supported their Republican counterparts who courageously stood their ground. I can only think these voted because of what was best for their own political careers and that is a shame.
A group of skulls unearther over a 100 years ago near Mexico city were known to be old, but the skulls have only recently been radio carbon tested and one was found to be 13,000 years old, the oldest yet found. Previous bones have been tested back to 12,000 years. This latest find is providing fresh light how humans colonize the Americas.
This little critter lives on your body. Note the stubby legs. Demodex folliculorum has eight stumpy legs and a tail.
1. The average human body comprises enough fat to make seven bars of soap, enough iron to make a medium sized nail, enough potassium to explode a toy cannon, enough lime to whitewash a small chicken coop, enough sugar to fill a jam jar, and enough sulfur to rid a dog of fleas.
by Cliff W.
Jack, I have enjoyed reading the evolving story regarding your gearing up to run. As a political consultant who has run five to six political campaigns every election (that is primary AND general cycle) it is always interesting to me to observe those who chose to undertake a campaign without professional guidance. They typically express their concerns regarding costs or reservations about being "professionally managed." They go on to craft a rational for
Huge rattlesnake found while doing preflight of US Coast Guard Plane shown in background. This why you always send your co-pilot out to do pre-flights!
by Jack Lee
I wanted to reprint this AP story because of what Iraq's President is demanding and because Iraqi's are making the allegations over the shootings which seems fishy because of the video tape among other things. Something isn't right here, but you be the judge:
BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraqi investigators have a videotape that shows Blackwater USA guards opened fire against civilians without provocation in a shooting last week that left 11 people dead, a senior Iraqi official said Saturday. He said the case was referred to the Iraqi judiciary.
Iraq's president, meanwhile, demanded that the Americans release an Iranian arrested this week on suspicion of smuggling weapons to Shiite militias. The demand adds new strains to U.S.-Iraqi relations only days before a meeting between President Bush and Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
by John Freitas
I was at the Chico Masonic Family Center tonight the Masonic Lodge held a "Constitutional Observance" dinner. A Marine Staff Sergeant, who has served two tours in Iraq, gave a talk on, well, our country, why he became a Marine and the Iraqi People. This man risks all for us. Aside from being a Marine, he is a Husband and a Father. And he is proud to do it. He served during the original invasion and again in Falluja. He spoke of the courage of the Iraqi people and how his experience gave him a better appreciation of his country.
I don't see how, we as a country, can let a man in, who has and is facilitating the attempted murder of the Marine I listened to tonight murder of our soldiers in Iraq.
I realize we have allowed the UN to park their butts in our country, and the price of that is that people like Ahmadinejad and Hugo Chavez get to come to our country and thumb their noses at us. But I think it has become too big of a price to pay. If we are going to allow the 21st century "league of nations” continue to park on our shores, perhaps we should set the ground rule "no one who facilitates the death of U.S. children can come to the US to speak to the UN..They loose their privilege. Rent a hotel somewhere else and meet with the UN there. Perhaps Israel. I think the Mossad would know how to receive this asshole.
I couldn’t even imagine what would have happened in 1943, if Adolph Hitler wanted to make a trip to Hawaii and "lay a wreath" on the wreckage of the USS Arizona. I certainly don’t think there would have been much debate about whether we should let him come or not.
What has happened to us? We march out to protest our own soldiers, but we let this guy come to our country!!!
An ugly tale of American politics by Tina Grazier
The continuing talk of ill-gotten gains in politics is enough to make most people turn away in disgust. I’m no exception. If I could, I’d wave a magic wand and smile with glee as the guilty got exactly what they deserve, measure for measure, and the innocent would be left alone to continue in their work. Magic wands don’t exist however, so it seems the long FBI investigations, court delays, lying, compromising, dirty tricks and deals will continue into the foreseeable future. As headlines rage and negative feelings abound I’d like to know one thing, why don't campaign laws protect against the following:
AFL-CIO to spend $200 million on 2008 Associated Press, by Staff
WASHINGTON— The AFL-CIO and its unions said Friday they will spend an estimated $200 million on the 2008 elections, with the nation's largest labor federation devoting $53 million exclusively to grass-roots mobilization. In addition, the AFL-CIO said it would deploy more than 200,000 volunteers leading up to the election, with special focus on battleground states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Unfortunately I was unable to access the story, so I don’t have any more information on this, but the fact remains the money will be spent with zero hoopla made over it…zero hand wringing about BIG UNETHICAL UNION and also without lengthy investigations and indictments. Union money will get great headlines; headlines that almost BRAG about the HUGE sums being spent and "free" work done by “volunteers.”
The next example is a more dangerous one:
South Florida bills billions for HIV
Washington Times, by Jim McElhatton
Doctors and clinics in three Southern Florida counties account for most of the billions of dollars charged to Medicare nationwide for HIV and AIDS drugs and services, billing records show. Federal health care regulators call the lopsided billing patterns ''egregious'' and warn that South Florida — particularly Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties — is a potential hotbed for health care fraud, waste and abuse.
Hmmmm…Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties in Florida…aren’t these the counties of the hanging chads? Cheats, liars and now if true...practitioners of deceit
by Tina Grazier
A seven year investigation has led to the indictment of a prominent New York law firm co-founder, attorney Melvin Weiss. Mr. Weiss is accused of conspiring to pay kickbacks to people who agreed to be plaintiffs in class-action suits against large corporations. The article at sfgate.com, “Lawyer indicted for conspiracy in class-action kickback scheme,” by Robert Jablon reports that the following companies were among those targeted:
AT&T, Lucent, WorldCom, Sears, Roebuck, Microsoft, Prudential Insurance and Lincoln Savings & Loan.
The law firm, Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman was also indicted for secretly paying millions to get people to take part in over 225 shareholder class-action suits. Several partners and lawyers in the firm have plead guilty to charges including a senior partner, Steve G. Schulman, who has agreed to plead guilty to a racheteering conspiracy charge. Quoted from the article:
"The indictment outlines a decades-long kickback scheme that was deliberately concealed from courts across the nation that were overseeing significant class-action cases," said George S. Cardona, acting U.S. attorney in Los Angeles. **** "The scheme furthered personal greed at the expense of the integrity of the courts and the interests of absent class members," he said.
If convicted of all counts, Weiss could get up to 40 years in federal prison. Schulman agreed in a plea deal to forfeit $1.85 million to the government and to pay a $250,000 fine.
Find the story at sfgate.com here:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/n/a/2007/09/20/state/n142721D84.DTL&type=printable
Call him cuckoo -- Chavez changes time in Venezuela
Reuters, by Saul Hudson
CARACAS - President Hugo Chavez wants Venezuelan clocks turned back half an hour and he wants it done in record time -- next Monday. *** Chavez dismissed criticism that moving the time only a half hour was quirky, questioning why the world had to follow a scheme of hourly divisions that he said was dictated by the imperial United States. The change will put Venezuela on its own time zone, shared by no other country.
Gives time management a whole new...signification!
Cancer cure 'may be available in two years'
Telegraph (London, UK), by Nic Fleming
Cancer sufferers could be cured with injections of immune cells from other people within two years, scientists say. US researchers have been given the go-ahead to give patients transfusions of ''super strength'' cancer-killing cells from donors. (Snip) in laboratory experiments that immune cells from some people can be almost 50 times more effective in fighting cancer than in others.
We certainly have prayed for something like this.
Nope…not on this hallowed ground.
by Tina Grazier
Ahmadinejad wants (desperately?) to visit ground zero while in New York where he is scheduled to speak to the UN General Assembly. His request serves as a window into the basic nature of this man; this small man with the haughty, insolent spirit. My first inclination is to remind him of what comes before destruction. But he would just smile that haughty smile and dismiss me. It will be interesting to see what he has to say next week when he speaks at the UN. He might have a word for the two prominent republican presidential candidates who had this to say about his desire to visit the Trade Center site:
"Ahmadinejad's shockingly audacious request should be met with a vehement no," Romney said in a statement. "It's inconceivable that any consideration would be given to the idea of entertaining the leader of a state sponsor of terror at Ground Zero. This would deeply offend the sensibilities of Americans from all corners of our nation."
"Under no circumstances should the NYPD or any other American authority assist President Ahmadinejad in visiting Ground Zero," Giuliani said in a statement issued by his campaign. "This is a man who has made threats against America and Israel, is harboring Bin Laden's son and other al-Qaeda leaders, is shipping arms to Iraqi insurgents and is pursuing the development of nuclear weapons. Assisting Ahmadinejad in touring Ground Zero -- hallowed ground for all Americans -- is outrageous."
Romney apparently also asserted earlier in the week that the UN should revoke the invitation for Ahmadinejad to speak saying that he should be indicted instead.
The DNC found it more important to accuse Romney of being disingenuous in his remarks. How very typical.
It’s great to see these men step forward to take a hard stand against the Iranian president, a man who has vowed to wipe Israel off the map and who takes incredible delight in his overt offenses after issuing murderous threats against Americans. This is, indeed, a very small man...in both size and character.
It‘s been reported that his request has been denied on the basis of “ongoing construction” and “security considerations.” That's very officious…all fine and dandy...but, one would imagine the good people of New York, and in particular those who lost loved ones, friends and associates, the police and fire departments, and the Port Authority people, would have a much stronger, more visceral response. I know I did...not on this ground sir, not on this hallowed ground!
by Jack Lee
It's an outrage! Earmarks also known as "pork spending" is another perversion of government. It is an abuse of power, yet it is commonly used by our state and federal legislators for their own pet projects and/or to buy votes. It is usually for something normally so far outside the scope of government priorities that it would never make it out of a committee as a stand alone bill. Common sense and good ethics says that all earmarks should be banned starting in 2008. Taxpayers are fedup.
If it's so worthy of our money, then I say, have the courage to put it in as a bill by itself and see what happens when it comes under full scruitiny!
Did you know in the first 6 months of their majority control in Congress Democrats issues 32,000 pork spending attachments to bills? Thousands are attached to bills in the state every year and every year it gets worse.
Pork or earmarking is a way to introduce spending for a legislator's home district project by writing it into a bill, often at the cost of getting his or her vote. For example, lets say Senator X would like to have a monument of himself built in his hometown and their is an important bill on tax reform coming up. He says he will only vote for the reform only if a trailer or addendum is included that will provide one million for a statue of himself. Because Senator X is very influential and his vote is necessary to have this bill passed, the Senators then concede and give him his million dollars for a statue. This is just an example I made up, but reality says there are more absurd reasons than this that get far more money! (see page 2)
Let's say, if certain Senators seeking a favor offered to do something nice for Senator X in his home district, like a statue of himself, you could safely call THAT a bribe! In either case its perfectly legal and its also absolutely wrong!
1. It's wrong because of how it was done because often times these attachments slip in under the radar of the public.
2. It is wrong because it sets up more of the same kind of spending.
3. It's wrong because it creates the perception of dirty politics and it turns off voters.
4. It's wrong because it damages the credibility of elected officials and undermines the confidence of the people. It is wrong because it is an abuse of power!
5. It's wrong because it is wasteful and secretive spending.
How many more reasons do you need to say enough is enough? I wonder why legislators haven't tried to do something about this long ago? They fact that they haven't ought to raise serious questions about their competence and character.
Congressman Wally Herger (Chico, CA) 530-893-8363
Assemblyman Rick Keene (Chico, CA) 530- 895-4217
Senator Sam Aanested (Chico, CA) 530-895-6088
Forget Calling Boxer or Feinstien - they're lost causes.
Lame excuse for massive pork barrel spending!
Posted by Tina Grazier
The newest transportation bills are chock full of oink!
"We consider it seed money for projects that were sought by home-state senators and local communities," said Alex Glass, a spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who chairs the committee that drafted the $104.6 billion transportation and housing bill. "We don't consider it to be an either/or choice."
The House version of the bill, passed before the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis on Aug. 1…with more than 1,400 earmarks worth nearly $2.2 billion.
The U.S. Senate bill does contain an extra $1 billion for bridge repair. But the amount set aside for pet transportation and community projects would be more than double that: In all, 843 new congressional "earmarks" totaling $2.5 billion.
by Tina Grazier
This story is a classic:
Geezer Power: Older Men + Younger Women = Longer Lifespan
ABC News, by Lee Dye
Scientists think they've found one of the reasons why humans defy evolution theory and live well beyond their reproductive life. It's all those old guys latching on to younger women and passing their good genes down to their kids. No kidding….*** Older men helped increase the birth rate in the population as a whole, because more old guys were remaining useful, and it also meant gramps was passing along a pretty good set of genes.
OK…all you science types out there…if you can also explain the staggering benefit that derives from geezers purchasing sports cars my universe will be complete!
I planted some bird seed. A bird came up. Now I don't know what to feed it.
~~~
I had amnesia once -- or twice.
~~~
I went to San Francisco. I found someone's heart. Now what?
~~~
I had amnesia once -- or twice.
~~~
I went to San Francisco. I found someone's heart. Now what?
~~~
Protons have mass? I didn't even know they were Catholic.
~~~
(This is an interesting bit of information that you don't hear much about.)
A.. Enron's chairman did meet with the president and the vice president in the Oval Office.
B.. Enron gave $420,000 to the president's party over three years.
C.. It donated $100,000 to the president's inauguration festivities.
D.. The Enron chairman stayed at the White House 11 times.
E.. The corporation had access to the administration at its highest level and even enlisted the Commerce and State Departments to grease deals for it.
F.. The taxpayer-supported export-import bank subsidized Enron for more than $600 million in just one transaction. Scandalous!
by Jack Lee
Most folks expected the Feds to cut the prime rate between .25 and .50 basis points, but when the news broke today that it was the upper end of expectations, this added fuel to an already moving market and stocks really took off. A big decision by the Federal Open Market Committee fueled a big day for the stock market, said Briefing.com. Those gains were built on top of a "better-than-feared" earnings report from Lehman Bros (LEH) investment bank. LEH jumped 5.87 pts! Best Buy (BBY) was up 2.92% on good earnings and a reassuring PPI report for the month of August.
The Dow, Nasdaq and S&P all rallied better than 2.0% today.
“Once bitten twice shy” just doesn’t apply
by Tina Grazier
The Hsu fundraising scandal swirls lightly around the edges of Hillary’s presidential campaign but it should be getting a lot more attention. Of course...it won’t. Still, our loyal readers deserve to be informed and should know exactly why this story would have giant “legs” in the press...if they adequately covered democrat scandals.
Investors Business Daily features a story on the editorial page, “She Hsu’d Have Known Better,” that reminds us of the fundraising scandal in the 1990's involving Chinese donors and Charlie Trie during her husbands re-election bid:
Rewind to 1996, when Hillary headed her husband's legal defense fund during his re-election bid. **** On April 4 of that year, she received a damage-control briefing from fund trustees and a top White House aide about more than $600,000 in questionable donations bundled by Yah Lin "Charlie" Trie, a Chinese bagman who ran a restaurant in Little Rock, Ark. **** The largest chunk of the haul — $463,000 — raised flags among fund trustees, because it was delivered by Trie in two manila envelopes stuffed full of sequentially numbered money orders from different parts of the country. All bore the same handwriting.
by Jack Lee
ER - "Many non-Hispanic Americans were probably unaware that Mexico celebrated its independence Sunday, but it was hard to miss the festivities downtown, where an estimated 3,000 people crowded into City Plaza. "It's about our work; it's about having fun. But, it's also about remembering our heroes, those who gave us our independence," said Rocio Valdez"
THAT'S JUST GREAT, BUT WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME 3000 PEOPLE CROWDED INTO THE CITY PLAZA TO REMEMBER AMERICAN HEROS THAT GAVE US INDEPENDENCE?
On the 4th of July we usually have some crafts and a few fund raising booths at One Mile. Somebody gives a short speech on something and maybe a few hundred people will hang out for a few hours.
Seems like people today are more interested in celebrating a foreign countries heritage than our own. I can't recall us ever having a parade to celebrate OUR heros. This is still America, but based on the events celebrating our patriotism you sure wouldn't know it, but we never miss a chance to knock America or Bush.
Don't get me wrong, if anybody wants to celebrate their heritage, be my guest, I have no problem with Cinco De Mayo or whatever, it's a FREE COUNTRY. Just don't forget it! And show your priorities by what you celebrate! America is the last Superpower and we saved the entire world during WWII and changed the course of history ... top that!
I have a dream...that some day, all people, of all races and all creeds, will gather in Chico to speak English and celebrate our American heritage! I have a dream.... that on that day, our local High School bands in flashy uniforms will be parading down Main street. I have a dream....they will be playing our National Anthem and John Phillip Souza marches. I have a dream... our honored Vets and soldiers will be marching to the cheers of thousands lining their path as they wave American flags and a few old folks will cry tears of joy and remembrance.
Of course that's just a silly dream.
The reality is we would have far more luck getting the rabble on the left to come out screaming, "Impeach Bush-Cheney, No Blood For Oil," with wackos and their little kids carrying signs, "Who Would Jesus Bomb?" And they would gladly dance as they drag our flag in the dirt or paint over it with Peace Signs. Some flags would no doubt be set ablaze to the cheers of many in MoveOn.org, A.N.S.W.E.R., etc.
Sometimes I just hate reality!
Presented by Jack Lee
ELECTION SPECIAL!
Propositions that are on the February 5, 2008 Presidential Primary Election Ballot
Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute 1238. (07-0004, Amdt. #1S)
Proponents: Robin B. Johansen and Kari Krogseng c/o James C. Harrison (510) 346-6200
Reduces the total amount of time a person may serve in the state legislature from 14 years to 12 years. Allows a person to serve a total of 12 years either in the Assembly, the Senate, or a combination of both. Provides a transition period to allow current members to serve a total of 12 consecutive years in the house in which they are currently serving, regardless of any prior service in another house. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: This measure would have no direct fiscal effect on state or local governments. (07-0004.) (Full Text)
Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute 1182. (SA2005RF0123)
Proponent: James Earp, c/o Richard D. Martland (916) 446-6752
Prohibits retention of funds earmarked for the Transportation Investment Fund in the General Fund for use unrelated to transportation after 7/1/08. Requires repayment by 6/30/17 of transportation funds retained in the General Fund in years prior to 2007-08. Eliminates General Fund borrowing of specified transportation funds, except for cash-flow purposes (repayment required within 30 days of adoption of budget); current law allows borrowing for three
by Jack Lee
I decided to run for the State Assembly back in early July of this year. Since then I've been fairly quiet about it here in part because of the "Fairness Act" which would require I give equal time to my opponents. However, just recently a supreme court ruling has exempted blogs from that law.... Don't panic, I'm still not going to use this site as my personal soap box, it would be wrong to abuse our relationship that has been built on news and information you can really use! What I would like to do instead, now that I am more "liberated" to talk on issues close to my campaign, is to bring you items like the propositions noted above and campaign related news items. (An informed voter is a smart voter, right? Right!)
Here's a campaign related news item: Term limits has qualified for the ballot in February and my competing campaigns are fund raising like mad, even though they may be forced to fold up their tents and go home if term limits passes. I think it's a dirty trick to take people's money for their campaign unless they understand their donations may be for nothing come February. Most seats won't be termed out, like Assemblyman Rick Keene in the 3rd District, in fact the incumbents like Keene will get 6 more years in office (if they run for re-election and they almost always do, Keene said he would). Incumbents almost can't be beat, unless they carjack somebody at gunpoint and even then I'm not so sure. They typically have about 5 times the campaign money and the name recognition and that might account for why 96% of Congress gets re-elected.
The actual primary election is not until June, but like I said, it could all be over by February for most challenger-candidates. The election schedule has everybody a little confused. So remember, we have 3 election dates in 08: Feb 5th - Presidential primary, June 3rd - State Primary and Nov. 4th - State General Election.
Note: The last day to register to vote in February is January 22, 08 (all dates reported are according to Sec. of State's Office and these dates may be subject to change)
Now read why it's so likely that an incumbent will get re-elected in Part II:
What is the problem and how do we fix it?
by Tina Grazer
Bring up tort reform and you get an argument that ends in stalemate. The opposing sides are “never say die” partisans representing two distinct groups of people. Lawyers, union leaders, consumer advocates and most democrats argue that tort reform would give too much power and leeway to business while putting the consumer at risk. Business leaders, medical professionals, insurance companies and most republicans argue that frivolous lawsuits and excessive rewards are affecting the price of goods and healthcare and putting many doctors out of business. Both arguments seem valid and as usual the public is ill-served in the ongoing argument. But tough problems are what our representatives in congress are paid to unravel and address. We expect in the process they will find solutions that are workable and that serve all Americans.
Jack’s post sent me off on another web journey and I discovered a Business Week article from March 2005 that at least offers some positive suggestions in the form of a four part plan. I reference it here to give you, the voter, some background from which to judge candidates' positions should the subject come up in future elections. The more we understand the issues the easier it becomes to weed out the weasels.
Tort reform, then, is more than simply an economic policy debate. It's also about justice -- the ultimate values issue. How people feel about the subject directly depends on how they feel about things like individual responsibility and the public obligations of private companies.
…the real crisis lies in the proliferation of specific types of bogus cases -- ones in which nobody has been injured, no malfeasance has occurred, or regulators have already taken care of the problem. Despite their claims of being selfless safety advocates, plaintiffs' attorneys in 2005 are analogous to chief executives in 1999: Most of the players are making an honest living. But an unacceptably high percentage of them are stretching the rules.
Well they're back...and just as nutty as ever. Saturday marked the beginning of what I fear will be an ongoing, annoying, and disruptive part of the election process over the next few months. It isn't enough for these types to express their views...they must be obnoxious while doing it.
As Americans they are privileged to have many arenas in which to voices their opinions. Taking to the streets, causing the need for law enforcement that could better spend it's time elsewhere, and disrupting the activities of others is not a responsible adult way to communicate. Let us hope that we have grown wise to such childish tactics and will swiftly discredit them.
It would be most unfortunate to let a small rag tag group of unruly nuts decide our position in the war. I will not be among those to stand by quietly and let it happen again.
by Tina Grazier
It hasn’t been a good week for the anti-war crowd. General Patraeus clearly made mince meat of sanctimonious congressmen determined to discredit him and his report on the progress in Iraq. So Saturday's anti-war protesters, led by retired protester Cindy Sheehan, Ramsey Clark, and Ralph Nader, no doubt started out their day in The Capitol feeling a bit disgruntled.
The DC march began peacefully enough but soon raucous chanting turned the "peace march" into an unruly, disrespectful mob. The protest ended with 189 arrests and a couple of injuries to both protesters and police officers. Demonstrators had planned a “die-in” reminiscent of the sixties antiwar radicals at Berkley, perhaps at the request of the retired Cindy Sheehan, who recently called for more radical protests in cities and on college campuses around the country. Guess she’s come out of retirement.
Swell.
by Tina Grazier
A couple of very bright boys in Nova Scotia, Travis Price and David Shepherd, Grade 12, took it upon themselves to support an underclassman at their high school who had been mistreated by bullies for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school. Their plan was to get their classmates to wear pink shirts to school on the same day and over 400 of them complied. The effort was chronicled in an internet story and was soon picked up by major media in America and Europe.
While Travis and David appreciate the recognition, "we don’t want to move the focus from the situation onto us," said David, who is leaning toward joining the RCMP after high school.
"People say, ‘You’re celebrities, you’ll go down in the history books of the school,’ but that’s not what we set out to do."
"People say you’re famous, heroes or celebrities," added Travis, who plans to take criminology next year. "We’re not, we’re just two kids who stood up for a cause."
Boys standing up for someone being harassed by bullies, eh? This sounds vaguely familiar….hmmm…big boys have been known to do the same…and these inexperienced yutes came up with this on their own? It might just be that the warrior spirit is alive and well all over the world.
Cindy Sheehan, and Code Pink, take a lesson!
by Tina Grazier
Islamophobia on rise, especially in Europe: UN envoy - Reuters, by Staff
GENEVA: The United Nations investigator on racism on Friday condemned a rising trend of Islamophobia, especially in Europe, where he said it was being exploited by some right-wing political parties. Doudou Diene, UN special rapporteur on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, also accused Switzerland’s most popular party, the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC), of inciting hatred.
OK, this phobia charge is getting rediculous. I don’t know, and didn’t seek to find out, what the “Swiss People’s Party” is, but I do know one thing. If you don’t want a movement to develop that pushes back hard…don’t start shoving and shoving and SHOVING. People do have a right to defend themselves when under attack or when threats of "elimination from the face of the earth” are proposed. That defensive posture does not make them “phobic”...it makes them human.
If this so called “right wing” political party is indescriminately seeking to do bodily harm to innocent people (or remove them from the face of the planet) they deserve the same fate as terrorists. On the other hand, if they are merely defending their own right to life and choice of religion in the face of threats backed up by evil deeds then they deserve high praise for standing up for freedom. Those in the media, and those in the UN, who call themselves professional should have the wherewithal to tell the difference.
by Jack Lee
California now ranks among the dumbest states in the union according to latest study.
Below is an excerpt of the results, not shown is Vermont which was in first place:
41. Tennessee
42. Hawaii
43. Alabama
44. Alaska
45. Louisiana
46. California (49th/50 in reading and writing)
47. Nevada
48. New Mexico
49. Mississippi
50. Arizona
"These are the 2005-2006 findings of the Education State Rankings, a survey by Morgan Quitno Press of hundreds of public school systems in all 50 states. States were graded on 21 factors, including student achievement and attendance, positive outcomes, strong student-teacher relationships and school district efficiency. Other factors are the number of high school graduates, reading, writing and math proficiency, percent of school-age kids in public schools, high school drop out rates, student-teacher ratios and class size.
The Smartest State Award recognizes those states that are committed to students and teachers, emphasize excellence in the classroom and ensure that public elementary and secondary schools are efficiently-run," said Scott Morgan, president of Morgan Quitno Press. "Vermont shines in many key areas of education. A high percentage of its students excel in reading, writing and math. In addition, schools in Vermont have smaller class sizes and lower pupil-teacher ratios than in most other states."
by Jack Lee
The Pacific Legal Research Institute released it's findings on a study for tort reform that highlighted an estimated $285 billion in litigation costs from lawsuits netted a mere 15% for the victims. California is one of the more liberal states when it comes to suing anybody for anything without caps on awards, the spokesman said.
The newest trend is class action lawsuits are growing fast in California. No doubt you've seen the ads on TV "If you have had an asbestos related cancer in the last 25 years contact the law offices of James Suem.." This state is rich ground for lawyers and the cost is always passed along to consumers. The study said the average cost that is built in to products we buy runs about $10k per year for a family of four.
The medical profession in California cites lawsuits as the main reason for the rising costs in health insurance and medical practice. The chance of getting any tort reform through the legislature is next to none due to the domination of lawyers on both sides of the isle.
“Snow on CNN: Journalists'
Credibility Ratings Lower Than Bush's”
Brent Baker - Media Research Center
During a heated interview over the Iraq war on Thursday's The Situation Room with substitute CNN host Suzanne Malveaux, outgoing White House Press Secretary Tony Snow went on the offensive against the mainstream media. In response to a question from Malveaux about how President Bush could "regain credibility" with the American people over the success of the troop surge in Iraq given 71 percent disapproval of how he's handling Iraq, Snow retorted: "Well, you know what Suzanne, your credibility rating -- journalists' credibility ratings are lower than the President's."
“How’s the enemy doing?”
by Tina Grazier
This is an excellent question and one I would think the leaders of the Democrat Party might have considered as they presented their case for our defeat and retreat in Iraq. As is usually the case when they haul people up to The Hill for interrogation, many of them found their own testimony more fascinating than that of the General or our Ambassador to Iraq. The only enemy they acknowledge is the collective force of GWB, Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld et al. Now we can add two more names to their enemies list.
Democrats have always been a self-interested lot. Their dependence on good intentions on the one hand, and personal popularity on the other, causes wild irratic posturing...they bob and weave...yap and purr for the camera...they will do anything, except face the real problem head on. So, I guess it isn’t all that surprising that the subject of the enemy’s failure has not come up. After all, It wouldn't play to their fawning and venomous tribe.
Mr. Taheri asks and answers this excellent question in his New York Post article, “The Enemy’s Losing - Facts on the ground in Iraq:”
The facts on the ground are that the two chief enemies of the new Iraq - the groups wearing the al Qaeda label and the Iran-backed Shiite militias - are not doing well. Indeed, one might say that both have already lost their bids for power and, the continued killings notwithstanding, are in the process of marginalization. The only way they could make a comeback is if Congress decides to legislate a victory for them. *** Al Qaeda's strategy had two parts. One was based on the assumption that, by killing enough Americans, it would enable the party of defeat in the United States to force President Bush to surrender. *** The other part assumed that, by fomenting a sectarian war, al Qaeda would force Shiites, Iraq's majority, to run away - allowing Salafi Sunnis to seize power in Baghdad.
In this article Mr. Taheri makes the case for our President’s choice to go with the “Surge.” I guess that’s what happens when you’re willing to ask the appropriate (and obvious) question.
Find the article here:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09142007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/
the_enemys_losing.htm
The democrat woman who would be president was true to type when she called General Patraeus, the architect of the “surge,” a liar:
"The reports that you provide to us really require the willing suspension of disbelief"
*Please vote wisely in 2008*
by Jack Lee
Butte College Student Ashley (last name witheld and not shown in picture) was southbound on Hwy 99 at about 8:40 a.m. today when she lost control of her vehicle in light traffic on the four lane freeway and rolled into the center divide. Witnesses say her vehicle swerved violently for a few seconds, causing the car to flip. It was the only vehicle involved.
Witnesses say the swerving may have been due to a blown right front tire. Witnesses also say the car was driving on bald tires and that a large torn hole was noted on the left front tire, which they say was so badly worn it had no visible tread.
The CHP are investigating and the driver could be cited for driving on unsafe tires as well as travelling too fast for conditions. Driver inexperience is suspected as a contributing factor, witnesses said.
This is yet one more reason why its so incredibly important for parents to teach their children to always check the safety equipment on their vehicles like tires, wipers, horn, seat belts, brakes, lights, etc., and never operate a vehicle in an unsafe condition, it could be a fatal mistake for them or someone else. Parents should also make sure that if their child is operating a vehicle at highway speeds that they are competent to do so and can handle a situation like a flat tire. In this case it appears the young driver immediately made wild correcting turns (over correction) that should have been easy to control by a more experienced driver.
FYI: The easiest blow out or flat to control is the front tire and every good driver knows that if you have a flat, you don't make any exaggerated turning motions! You hold on to the steering wheel tightly, slow down and move your vehicle to right side of the road when it is safe to do. Any quick turns will only be amplified by the flat tire rolling over the rim. Slamming on the brakes can also contribute to a loss of control.
This student was lucky to walk away from this one with only a complaint of pain. Until she can afford driving lessons and a safe vehicle, maybe she will do society a favor and take the bus to school!
Note the fancy wheels; apparently the owner could afford nice looking wheels, but not safe tires. I would say the owner got his/her priorties wrong, but then again the owner of this vehicle won't be driving it again anytime soon so its a moot point now.
Posted by Tina Grazier
Great work by Fedora over at Free Republic in a series of articles exposing the fancy financing footwork of Senator Harry Reid. Revealed are Reid's connections to the mob, the Searchlight Leadership Fund, and Mr. Norman Hsu. Hsu, as you know, is currently under investigation in a fundraising scandal that also involves several other prominent democrats.
The last of Fedora’s five part series, "Caught in the Searchlight: Hsu, Reid, and the Searchlight leadership Fund,” shows well-researched connections to Hsu and Searchlight. The series also exposes Reid’s mob connections and ties to the gambling industry, lobbyists, including Jack Abramoff, and the mob. Even “Old Blue Eyes” makes an appearance in this fascinating tale of political intrigue…but Senator Reid remains the scandal ridden star:
Fugitive fundraiser Norman Hsu’s donations to Hillary Clinton have understandably grabbed the limelight, but there is another story lurking in the shadows of the affair. Federal Election Commission documents record that on May 17, 2007, Hsu donated $1,000 to the Searchlight Leadership Fund, a political action committee associated with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. On the same day, Searchlight received a $1,000 contribution from Winkle Paw, described by Hsu’s lawyer as a business associate of Hsu. Also donating $1,000 to Searchlight that day was Paul Su of Dilini Management Group, a company Hsu listed on a form while making a political contribution to Senator Dianne Feinstein. *** These donations to Searchlight expose a funding conduit reaching to the heart of Harry Reid’s political machine. The financial trail stretches back to Reid’s hometown, his longtime business associate Jay Brown, and his Nevada gambling industry patrons; and it connects the Hsu affair to scandal-ridden lobbyists William Oldaker and Jack Abramoff, Reid’s financial consigliere Claude Zobell, and a political action committee targeting freshmen Congressmen.
You can find the Free Republic page here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/ scandal. 1896042/posts?page=2#2
Funny…not more than a peep about this in the news. Obviously, there's blood in the water...but the sharks just aren’t circling…the talking heads...aren’t talking. So what’s up with the normally frenzied media?
SHHHH...oh yeah, this is about…shhhhhh democrats.
Hat tip: American Thinker
The U.S. Senate voted 74-24 for an amendment by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) to eliminate funds for the Administration's pilot program that would have allowed Mexican trucks to haul freight throughout the United States.
Since the amendment contains identical language to that already included in the House-passed version of the funding bill, this provision will likely survive the House-Senate conference committee, thus stopping this program.
The Mexican trucks would endanger American motorists and pedestrians with their lower safety standards and drivers who cannot read English signs. They would facilitate the smuggling of drugs, terrorists, and illegal aliens. They would threaten American jobs.
Please call Sen. Dorgan at one of his offices below to express your appreciation! Ask him to continue to protect American security by working to stop illegal immigration.
Bismarck, North Dakota
Phone: 701-250-4618
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Phone: 701-746-8972
by Jack Lee
America is now standing alone as the last great superpower and as such, no single nation could defeat us on the battlefield, nor could the sum of our enemies. But, not all wars for survival are fought on the battlefields.
Some of the greatest struggles in world history started with internal strife and social division with various sub-cultures that were competing internally for autonomy and dominance. This scenario has been the beginning of the end for many great civilizations and we see an extreme example of this in Iraq right now and to a lesser degree in America, but even here it is still a serious problem that must be addressed.
The glue that bonds our society has been a shared vision about democracy, coupled to an understanding and a respect for our heritage. This has allowed the assimilation of many creeds, cultures and ethnicities that enhanced our culture through diversity. However, this is coming under attack by multi-culturalism that embraces sub-cultures with competing values, competing goals and even competing languages over our own heritage, traditions and values and some of those sub-groups are at odds with a democratic state and are deliberately antagonistic.
Posted by Tina Grazier
Oh Please...these are grown-up people but they are behaving like two year olds in a sand box! Any mother can tell you, a small child is quite content with his toy until he sees another kid pick up a different toy...then he wants that one...and howls if he doesn't get his way...but when the other toy is offered in exchange he howls again...wants all toys his way...sound familiar?
The New York Times, by Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Steven Lee Myers
WASHINGTON — When top Democratic leaders visited him at the White House this week, President Bush told them he wanted to “find common ground” on Iraq. But when the president said he planned to “start doing some redeployment,” the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, cut him off. “No you’re not, Mr. President,” Ms. Pelosi interjected. “You’re just going back to the pre-surge level.”
The New York Times, by Carl Hulse
WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic leaders on Wednesday called the administration’s plan to keep 130,000 or more troops in Iraq through mid-2008 unacceptable and promised to challenge the approach through legislation next week. Several proposals were being weighed, including one requiring the American military role to be shifted more to training and counterterrorism, in order to reduce the force...
The leadership demonstrated by these tap dancing little darlings is well, lets just say…Bingo would provide a more suitable challenge.
...can stay, judge rules
San Francisco Chronicle, by Carolyn Jones
Green Gesture of the Day
Berkeley's tree-sitters can stay in their perches despite their collection of propane tanks and increasing sanitary problems, a judge ruled today. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Richard Keller denied UC Berkeley's request to oust the protesters, who took up residence in the Memorial Stadium oak grove nine months ago after the university announced it wanted to clear part of the grove for a sports training center.
Eeeyeouuuuu…"increasing sanitary problems"…way to clean up the planet, guys!!!
An empty stinky smelly gesture does NOT make a difference... it makes a mess
Go immediately to The Wall Street Journal Opinion Journal You will be treated to a story from a man who did two tours in Iraq as he remembers two fallen warriors, Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec and Maj. Ray Mendoza. You will also read his honest appraisal of the situation here at home…it is heartbreakingly TRUE! Let it in.
Find it here: http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110010592
Our New National Divide
America's soldiers are committed to the war. But they're not going to lie about its progress, by Owen West - Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Nearly six years into the war on terror--which is being fought by less than 30% of the military and less than one-half of 1% of the nation--and the stark irony of America in modern war has emerged. Our professional warriors who take the most risk believe the nation must commit to a long-term fight that includes Iraq in some form. Overall support for the endeavor wanes with distance. *** This divergence isn't new. Those who have battled the enemy up close have always been more heavily invested in the cause. What's different is that in past wars, the nation was tied to its soldiers and had a familial barometer. Today most Americans have never met a Gold Star family, let alone shaken the hand of a fallen soldier. The military community is increasingly insulated even as the burden of global war swells.
by Tina Grazier
Yesterday a very negative and cynical Noam Chomsky had the usual “Hate America First and Always” response on the day of the 911 commemoration. In an interview with the Japanese newspaper, Mainichi Shimbun, he said President Bush was an “ally of bin Ladin and Ahmadinijad.” I find this fascinating since the recent tapes by bin Laden were filled with what amounts to leftist or democrat talking points. I think old Noam looked in a mirror and saw GWB looking back. A few Chomsky thoughts:
“…predicted directly after 9/11 that governments would use the attacks "as an excuse" to intensify repression.”
…the invasion of Iraq was a war crime.
…the U.S. bombed Taliban-ruled Afghanistan after 9/11 despite having no real evidence at the time that the plot had been hatched in that country.
… while Afghanistan today needs constructive help, including offers of alternatives to poppy cultivation by peasants, "what the West prefers to do is to bomb."
…"the United States is not a functioning democracy."
WHAT A PATRIOT, HUH?
OUR COUNTRY WAS SET UP AS A REPUBLIC so he can have the last one! The rest however are bird droppings... insidious machinations designed to feed the Moore-on types brimming with juvenile petulance.
by Tina Grazier
Our ex-president has discovered you can’t just stuff all those millions in a mattress…you have to invest it! He tells us all how in his new book, “Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World.” Imagine…the guy gives sound advice…then profits...twice!
‘Giving’ (and Also Getting) - New York Magazine, by Geoffrey Gray
In his new book Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, Bill Clinton recommends investing in renewable-energy sources like ethanol. “There are enormous opportunities for businesses to increase profits,” he writes. And he should know, because he works as a senior adviser to a fund that invests in renewable energy for the Yucaipa Companies (run by Clinton’s other billionaire buddy, Ron Burkle), a private-equity group; so long as the fund does well, he’s given a cut of the profits.
Looks like Clinton and his old VP Gore are birds of a feather when it comes to profiting in the BAD old world of BIG business. This might come as a blow to those who love the guy. But, take heart little enviro-munchkins…at least it’s probably all being done for the children.
UH OH!!!
"You will now see it in action, the bomb which has no match in the world is being tested at a military site," the report said. It showed a Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber dropping the bomb over a testing ground. A large explosion followed. *** "Test results of the new airborne weapon have shown that its efficiency and power is commensurate with a nuclear weapon," Alexander Rukshin, deputy head of Russia's armed force chief of staff, told Russia's ORT First Channel television.
OHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
"At the same time, I want to stress that the action of this weapon does not contaminate the environment, in contrast to a nuclear one."
WHEW…for a minute there I was really worried!
Disturbed anti-war protester can't find soldier, kills civilian with axe instead - The Candian Press, by Toby Sterling
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - A U.S. citizen has confessed to using an axe to kill a Dutch student after failing to find a soldier to attack, his lawyer said Tuesday. The suspect, Carlos Hartmann, 41, of Tecumseh, Mich., has confessed to the Sept. 8 killing on a train platform in the southern city of Roosendaal, defence lawyer Peter Gremmen said. Gremmen said Hartmann wanted to punish the Netherlands for its support of the war in Iraq.
Too many drugs? Not enough brains? Brainwashed by pseudo intellectual peacenik claptrap. Who knows...he is a lost soul if ever there was one.
US anti-gun lobby jumps at the chance to demand a ban on axes. They kill, you know.
HR 3494, introduced by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), would implement a system for identifying and removing violent criminal illegal immigrants and would deny certain federal funds to "sanctuary cities" that protect violent criminal aliens.
The Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007 (named after the late Congressman from Georgia) would provide additional training and funding to local police to help enforce current immigration law.
Allowing the thousands of local law enforcement officers to apprehend criminal aliens they encounter during the performance of their jobs will greatly enhance our security. We cannot allow our country's vast interior to become a free zone for aliens who slip past our borders. This legislation would:
Require DHS to take an alien into custody within 48 hours. Affirm that state and local law enforcement officials have existing authority to assist in enforcing immigration law during the course of their routine duties. Deny State Criminal Alien Assistance Program funding to "sanctuary cities" that refuse to assist with immigration enforcement.
ACTION NEEDED: email Wally Herger, tell him to please support HR 3494!
Congressman Wally Herger
55 Independence Circle, Suite 104
Chico, CA 95973
(530) 893-8363
Reality TV is all the rage. They will show us all manner of disfunctional, vile or despicable things...but they will not bring you the images that represent the goals and aspirations of our enemies. Why not?
Please fly your flag today or turn on your headlights, one nation, one people united.
.
Please take a moment to reflect on those who worked in these buildings. They were people from all over the world. On September 10, 2001 they had their whole lives ahead of them. But only a few hours later an unthinkable event would mark the end of life for many of them ...and for those who were in the planes that crashed into the buildings...and for the courageous men and women who came to help. The day would mark the loss of family, friends and collegues. This terrible stunning loss would be echoed throughout the day as 911 unfolded before our eyes and even more people perished on the ground and in planes...one that crashed into an empty field, downed there because of a few brave souls who sacrifieced for the good of the country...and another at the Pentgon. As you reflect on America the day before, and on the day after, the day we call 911, remember too the family members whose lives now have an empty space once filled by a their loved ones.
Life goes on as we all know, but without such reflection we can become cold, apathetic and self-absorbed. Freedom before 911 was different...it had a carefree feel and we took it for granted. But freedom is not free. It must be both cherished and preserved. As you reflect on those events of six years ago you might think about thanking someone currently in the military or a veteran...thank a police officer or a fire fighter...and while you're at it, thank your president and the thousands of men and women who make it their business to guard your freedom every day. God bless them all, and...
by Dick Morris
Now that Thompson has finally declared his candidacy, albeit on the Jay Leno show, many are pinning their hopes on him as a later-day Ronald Reagan.
But he’s not going to be viable. Here’s why:
The Political Insider
Thompson is not at all the outsider maverick that he claims to be. In fact, he’s the ultimate Washington insider. He was a successful lobbyist before he went to the Senate and he returned to lobbying after leaving it. Until very recently, he worked for Equitas, a British insurance company trying to squirm out of paying for asbestos/cancer claims. He also represented a Tennessee Savings and Loan, Toyota, and Perrier.
Jean Bertrand Aristide, the quasi-Marxist deposed Haitian president who was last generation’s equivalent of Hugo Chavez was one of his clients. And the right will not like that he lobbied for the Teamsters Union Pension Fund.
Although Thompson is adamantly opposed to government subsidies, he sought a handout for Westinghouse for its nuclear power plant in Oak Ridge.
And although he claims to be pro-life, he was an advocate for a pro-choice group.
The New York Times reported today that in 1992, Thompson’s old law firm actually advised the lawyer for the Libyan terrorists who were charged with planting the bomb on Pan Am flight 103, which blew up over Lockerbie, Scotland. The firm was paid over $800,000 – that’s a lot of lawyering. The Libyans billed the firm for several hours for conferring with the lead attorney on the case. According to the firm’s lawyers, Thompson advised them on “jurisdictional” issues. Translation: how to keep the terrorists from being extradited to stand trial. At the time, Libya was refusing to extradite the suspects and the entire international community was outraged. It was then that
by Tina Grazier
The organization CREW is part of a shadowy left wing group. It isn’t just who they target...it’s who they leave alone that tells the tale.
"Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington" (CREW) is a watchdog group that claims to be nonpartisan desiring only to root out all corrupt politicians. It has made a few token investigations and “criticisms” of democrats but the organization has dedicated the bulk of its efforts and power to harassing and litigating against republicans. The powers that be have in fact said they were organized to counter Judicial Watch. The question isn’t whether they have a right to boldly go where ever they find corruption; the question is whether their own practices, motivations and intentions are as nonpartisan, ethical and truthful as they claim.
The evidence suggests they are but one tentacle of a larger Soros-backed left wing animal; a squid intent on destroying the Republican Party and wresting control over the Democrat Party. A movement determined to displace the two party system. David Horowitz has dubbed this group “The Shadow Party.” Find the book:
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID={5A30173A-2F13-4FAE-9437-2C67243B964A}
So who is CREW:
CREW’s executive director, Melanie Sloan, previously worked for Democrat Rep. John Conyers (D.-Mich.) and Senators Chuck Schumer (D.-N.Y.) and Joe Biden (D.-Del.). *** CREW’s board members include Mark Penn, President Bill Clinton’s former pollster; Daniel Berger, a wealthy Philadelphia trial lawyer and Clinton fundraiser; and Louis Mayberg, president of a mutual fund company. (1)
CREW was started by Sloan in 2003 to undertake a job few seemed to be doing in Washington: using the legal system and media to expose, deter and litigate legal and ethical wrongdoing by members of Congress. In the past three years the nonprofit group has pursued legal actions against 26 members of Congress—including a couple of Democrats—resulting in four resignations (all Republicans). Eleven of those members who have been pursued by CREW are now under federal investigation and eight whom CREW investigated lost their seats in the midterm elections. *** While it's true that she doesn't control the FBI, Sloan's ability to influence the mood, and even the membership, of Congress is beyond dispute. (2)
Vile Tentacle of the Shadow Party
by Tina Grazier
Hunting for interesting stories of interest to pass along today I came upon another example of vile leftist activity. The organization Moveon.org (Shadow Party partner in slime) has bought a full-page ad in the New York Times titled:
"General Petraeus or General Betray us? Cooking the books for the White House."
The complete story about this ad by Pete Hegseth, “MoveOn.org Calls Petraeus a Traitor Do Democrats in Congress agree?” is posted in the daily Standard. Find it here:
www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/091rhesh.asp
And here’s a taste of what Hegseth has to say:
Let's be clear: MoveOn.org is suggesting that General Petraeus has 'betrayed' his country. This is disgusting. To attack as a traitor an American general commanding forces in war because his 'on the ground' experience does not align with MoveOn.org's political objectives is utterly shameful. It shows contempt for America's military leadership, as well as for the troops who have confidence in him, as our fellow soldiers in Iraq certainly do.
And as the democrats in congress surely did when they voted to approve him and in doing so made him “their guy” to get the job done…with funding as a sign of their further approval despite weenie spined whining and fit pitching.
from AskMen.com
1. Use coupons
Sure, we all have visions of old ladies holding up grocery store lines with bunches of coupons, but in reality, this is something men should be doing too. Nearly all big retail outlets offer coupons at some point, and electronics stores, multi-purpose stores (like Target or The Wiz), grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels often serve up unbeatable deals.
Why we don't: Let's be honest here. We don't use coupons because we're too lazy to look for them, and also because we don't want to look cheap. Period.
Why we should: Who wouldn't like to save some money now and again? Considering that the only catch is having to scan the local newspaper or fliers left at our door, it's inconceivable that we should not start doing clipping coupons. And besides, the more you save on things like groceries, the more you can spend on beer and electronics.
2. Get regular check-ups
We usually visit doctors and dentists as a last resort, when that sprained ankle has swollen to the size of a grapefruit or that toothache can no longer be ignored. But every man should get checked out regularly, if not for STDs or illnesses related to aging (heart and prostate diseases especially), then at least in order to lead an all-around healthy life.
Why we don't: Most men know two things in this area: What we don't know won't hurt us, and most pain can be walked off or put up with.
Why we should: Stupid pride and fear can keep you from spotting and eradicating small problems before they become serious. Besides, hitting on nurses is fun.
3. Follow a recipe
Cooking in general should be every modern cosmopolitan man's goal, but more importantly, cracking open a cookbook and following a recipe is something every man should be able to do. If not for the impression you can make on women or the simple and tasty meal ideas, then at least to be able to control exactly what you're eating, and how it's prepared.
Why we don't: No matter how good or easy a recipe or cookbook may be, most of us men know that it's much easier to just order food, or get married.
Why we should: Most books are so simple that monkeys could cook up a four-course meal, so there's no reason you can't make every meal at home a winner. This is especially helpful if you're trying to start a new relationship on the right foot, or if you're tying to spice up an older one.
by Tina Grazier
When we think of war our minds go to extreme images...explosions, gunfire, burned out buildings and towns made mostly of rubble, tanks, air and sea craft, weapons of all kinds and of course terrible injury and death. But we also need to be aware of the quieter versions of war...war being waged within our own borders...battles for control of institutions and minds:
“Our followers ‘must live in peace until they are strong enough to wage jihad’”- London Times (UK), by Andrew Norfolk
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article2409833.ece
One of the world’s most respected Deobandi scholars believes that aggressive military jihad should be waged by Muslims “to establish the supremacy of Islam” worldwide. Justice Muhammad Taqi Usmani argues that Muslims should live peacefully in countries such as Britain, where they have the freedom to practise Islam, only until they gain enough power to engage in battle.
"China’s cyber army is preparing to march on America, says Pentagon" - The Times (London), by Tim Reid
Chinese military hackers have prepared a detailed plan to disable America’s aircraft battle carrier fleet with a devastating cyber attack, according to a Pentagon report obtained by The Times. The blueprint for such an assault, drawn up by two hackers working for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is part of an aggressive push by Beijing to achieve ''electronic dominance'' over each of its global rivals by 2050, particularly the US, Britain, Russia and South Korea.
"Listening In
Congress, wiretapping and Ma Bell." - Saturday, September 8, 2007 12:01 a.m. EDT
When the German government announced arrests this week in a terrorist plot against American and German targets inside Germany, one telling detail got little notice: Two of the suspects were identified, in part, based on telephone conversations intercepted by American intelligence. *** This week, by unhappy coincidence, the House Judiciary Committee began hearings on the National Security Agency's al Qaeda wiretapping program. That program was given a six-month reprieve last month. But Democrats in Congress are trying to prevent a further extension, if they can muster the votes to oppose a program that continues to protect American lives, à la this week in Germany.
Please choose wisely in the voting booth next November.
by Jack Lee
The former Governor of Colorado, democrat Richard Lamm, gave a 5 minute speech at the Federation for American Immigration in Washington D.C. in 2005. That simple speech has been making it's way around the internet ever since. I know, I just verified it by checking at Snopes.com and it is for real.
This speech is so stunning in it's brilliance and impact that it left his scholarly audience silent. When Gov. Lamm left the podium it was not until he had returned to his seat before the applause began. Regardless which side of the isle you see yourself on, liberal or conservative, you can learn something valuable here and it may change you... and now Gov. Lamm's speech:
I have a secret plan to destroy America. If you believe, as many do, that America is too smug, too white bread, too self-satisfied, too rich, let's destroy America. It is not that hard to do. History shows that nations are more fragile than their citizens think. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time. Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and they all fall, and that "an autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide." Here is my plan:
This just in from the government run Vietnam news agency...
(07-09-2007) Film director Oliver Stone (seated on bench) speaks with 82 year-old Ha Thi Quy, a survivor of the Son My massacre of March 16, 1968. — VNA/VNS Photo. Celebrated American film director and screenwriter Oliver Stone is in the central province of Quang Ngai to check out the site of the infamous My Lai Massacre by US troops for a film he plans to shoot next year.
Pinkville, his fourth film about Viet Nam, focuses on the investigation into the 1968 massacre in which 504 unarmed Vietnamese civilians were killed by American soldiers. My Lai, or Son My as it is commonly known, is a small village in Quang Ngai’s Son Tinh District.
The US$40 million film with screenplay by Mikko Alanne will star Bruce Willis and Channing Tatum. Willis will play Army General William R.Peers who investigates the massacre.
***Support Our Troops***
Next week General Patraeus will give his report on the progress in Iraq to Congress. Those who desire to discredit the administration and the war have been busy attempting to cast aspersions on the report even before it is delivered. This is an opportunity to include your name with millions of others to make a statement of support. Join with others who feel strongly that our military deserves the full support of the nation to complete this very important and vital mission.
The Victory Caucus and a other like-minded groups have sponsered, the "Stand By The Mission" petition. Please read and sign it
by Tina Grazier
Lower than pond scum...in fact, I couldn't come up with a word despicable enough to describe what this person said today. See the video for yourselves:
Hugh Hewitt and Radio Blogger, report Senator Schumer's vile slur on our troops:
And let me be clear, the violence in Anbar has gone down despite the surge, not because of the surge. The inability of American soldiers to protect these tribes from al Qaeda said to these tribes we have to fight al Qaeda ourselves. It wasn't that the surge brought peace here. It was that the warlords took peace here, created a temporary peace here. And that is because there was no one else there protecting.
Mr. Hewitt provides a switchboard number to call for transfer to his office if you care to express an opinion:
Call the Hill switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask for his (Senator Schumer's) office and make your sentiments known.
Please be passionate but civil...as would our troops. Make them proud as we continue to fight this political battle in the war here at home. Here's some ammo...also courtesy of Hugh Hewitt and Radio Blogger:
But the detention, or the capture or killing of the number of leaders that we have taken out in recent months, and weeks, actually, and the progress in terms of just clearing areas of them…as you know, Anbar Province has really become quite relatively clear of al Qaeda. Eastern Anbar still has some, and we are working in that area. We have recently cleared Western Baquba, which was almost al Qaeda central, the capitol of the new caliphate that they have tried to establish here in Iraq. So there has been considerable progress against them... -- General Patraeus in July
Operation Lightning Hammer which was conducted by MND-North [Multi-National Division-North], which is headquartered out of Hawaii, the 25th Infantry Division commanded by Major General Randy Mixon. They conducted a 12-day, large scale operation in Diyala to disrupt al Qaeda and other terrorist elements that are operating in the Diyala River Valley. And the operation went into the process of clearing about fifty villages and palm groves. It was a very successful operation, resulted in 26 al Qaeda members being killed, and 37 of them detained, 10 very large weapons caches were taken down in the process of this operation that went on there north and east of Baqubah. -- Major General JamesSimmons, deputy commanding general for Multi-national Forces in Iraq last month
Find Hugh Hewitt and Radio Blogger:
by Jack Lee
The term limit initiative almost missed qualifying for the February primary until a few of the key backers threatened counties with a lawsuit if they didn't recount their totals, a highly unusual move. However, a recount was done and the figures were adjusted upwards and by a narrow margin that has qualified the initiative.
The new term limits will reduce the time a legislator can serve in office from 14 years to 12, but allows all 12 years to be in one office. Currently a lawmaker can only serve 3 terms in the Assembly or 2 terms in the Senate before they are termed limited in that office. Then they typically run for an open seat on the other side of isle. For example, an Assemblyman could serve 3 terms in the Assembly then serve two terms in the Senate to complete his 14 year total and a Senator vice versa, it's another version of musical chairs just to stay in office at fat salary...but for some, it beats working for living.
For the full story follow the link shown above.
by Tina Grazier
Ve Haf Vays…to MAKE you comply…
Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards talked about his universal healthcare plan on Sunday: ''It requires that everybody be covered. It requires that everybody get preventive care,'' he told a crowd sitting in lawn chairs in front of the Cedar County Courthouse."
And now...the wisdom of Doctor Thomas Sowell:
“Many on the political Left are so entranced by the beauty of their vision that they cannot see the ugly reality they are creating in the real world.”
by Tina Grazier
The candidates for president are going to be with us for a long, long…long while. In fact we are going to be really sick of them by the time next November rolls around. They will zig zag around the country talking and talking and talking…as if talking alone might drive them to the big white house on Pennsylvania Avenue. Though we are bound to grow weary, it remains our job to mine the gems from the mounds and mounds of chatter and strut. We can
One claims she was “slimed.”
by Tina Grazier
There isn’t a whole lot that tickles me while I’m reading war blogs, but when I came across the following bit of information on “The Tank” over at National Review Online a great big smile crossed my face…and it’s true, I felt all kinds of warm in my heart region!
It seems there were a couple of visiting dignitaries to the Green Zone, two democrat congress critters to be exact, and this time someone in the military decided to prepare ahead of time. As James P. Moran (D-VA) and his collegue, Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher (D-Calif.) moved about in the area they noticed a lot of papers around…the papers were “everywhere.”
GENEVA (Reuters) - North Korea agreed in weekend talks with the United States to fully account for and disable its nuclear programs by the end of this year, negotiators said on Sunday. **** "We had very good, very substantive talks," U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Chris Hill told reporters. "One thing that we agreed on is that (North Korea) will provide a full declaration of all of their nuclear programs and will disable their nuclear programs by the end of this year, 2007." **** North Korea's top nuclear envoy said separately his delegation was pleased with the outcome of the talks, held to hasten the end of Pyongyang's nuclear programme, a target agreed to in principle in 2005 in exchange for diplomatic and economic benefits. **** "We agreed about many things," Kim Kye-gwan, speaking in Korean, told reporters. "We made it clear, we showed clear willingness to declare and dismantle all nuclear facilities."
Submitted my TinmanB
AH, BUT THEY CAN WORK AN IPHONE, BLACKBERRY AND ANYTHING DIGITAL.....
I was at the checkout of a K-Mart. The clerk rang up $46.64 charge. I gave her a fifty dollar bill. She gave me back $46.64. I gave it back to her and told her that she had made a mistake in MY favor and gave her the money back. She became indignant and informed me she was educated and knew what she was doing, and returned the money again. I gave her the money back gain...same scenario! I departed the store with the $46.64. This actually happened to me in Austin, Tx at MoPac Blvd and Parmer Lane.
...............They Walk Among Us and Many Work Retail.
I walked into a Mickey D's with a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a sandwich. I handed it to the girl and she looked over at a little chalkboard that said "buy one-get one free." "They're already buy-one-get-one-free", she said, "so I guess they're both free" She handed me my free sandwiches and I walked out the door.
...............They Walk Among Us and Many Work Retail.
by DHB
Jack says:
We must all learn from our mistakes. Home owners or home speculators, either way, it's not our taxpayers problem to solve. It was their choice and they took a gamble. If they didn't understand the risks...they should have.
I ask:
Why doesn't that same logic apply to the residents of New Orleans? What kind of idiot would reside in a below sea level flood plain that has flooded periodically over the centuries? What kind of idiot government would spend billions of dollars in aid, only to be criticized for not doing enough? What kind of idiot government would spend many more millions rebuilding in a place that never should have allowed habitation to begin with? What kind of idiot residents would move back in, knowing the risks? Just those who expect the idiot taxpayers to bail them out again next time.
by Jack Lee
by Jack Lee
"Dumb: Buying a house you can't afford with no down payment and a loan whose monthly payments will explode in a few years.
Dumber: Lending money to people who can't afford a traditional mortgage, especially when they have lousy credit ratings and don't substantiate their income.
Dumbest: Bailing out dumb and dumber, especially with taxpayer money." Kathleen Pender, SF Chronicle.
In a stunning departure from conservative principles, President Bush is offering a massive FHA bailout to homeowners that made bad decisions to buy more home than they couldn't afford. This is generally in the category of sub-prime loans, loans made to marginally qualified buyers or speculators.
This is a free society and we have a time honored tradition of allowing people to make bad or good decisions. The job of government is too stay out of the way as much as possible!
Mr. President, the people that bought these sub-prime loans are risk takers and they were hoping interest rates would remain relatively flat in a good market so they can leverage their money. This would then allow them to make
submitted by Tinman
My wife and I are watching "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" while we are in bed.
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