Obama's solution vs American Needs

What’s new Today

Our #1 story shows us the USA is still a great country.  Americans are much more interested in growth and opportunity than in redistribution.  #2 talks about Iran and its saber rattling.  #3 looks at the story about Nancy Pelosi’s daughters comments that her mother wants to retire but her donors don’t want her to.  #4 is appropriate for the coming banning of the standard 100 watt light bulb. 

1.  Voters want Growth, Not Redistribution

"A 2008 election widely regarded as heralding a shift toward the more government-friendly public sentiment of the New Deal and Great Society eras seems to have yielded just the reverse."So writes William Galston, Brookings Institution scholar and deputy domestic adviser in the Clinton White House, in the New Republic. Galston, one of the smartest political and policy analysts around, has strong evidence for this conclusion.

He cites a recent Gallup poll showing that WHILE 82 PERCENT OF AMERICANS THINK IT'S EXTREMELY OR VERY IMPORTANT TO "GROW AND EXPAND THE ECONOMY" and 70 percent say it's similarly important to "increase equality of opportunity for people to get ahead," ONLY 46 PERCENT SAY IT'S IMPORTANT TO "REDUCE THE INCOME AND WEALTH GAP BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR" and 54 percent say this is only somewhat or not important.

In addition, by a 52 to 45 percent margin, Americans see the gap between the rich and the poor as an acceptable part of the economic system rather than a problem that needs to be fixed. In 1998, during the high-tech economic boom, Americans took the opposite view by the same margin.

As Galston notes, these findings suggest that OBAMA'S MUCH PRAISED SPEECH AT OSAWATOMIE, KANSAS, DECRYING INEQUALITY, "MAY WELL REDUCE HIS CHANCES OF PREVAILING IN A CLOSE RACE." Class warfare politics, as I have noted, hasn't produced a Democratic presidential victory in a long, long time.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/12/29/voters_want_growth_not_income_redistribution_112569.html

Obama and the left see the pie as fixed and therefore distribution is the only issue.  In fact, even though the rich have gotten richer over the past 30 years, so has everyone else. 

2.  Iran’s Threat to Close Straits of Hormuz

…Iran's navy does not have the size for a sustained physical blockade of the Strait, but DOES HAVE MINE-LAYING AND MISSILE CAPABILITY TO WREAK SOME HAVOC, ANALYSTS SAID.

"It wouldn't be a cakewalk" for Iran, said Caitlin Talmadge, a George Washington University professor who has written about the Strait of Hormuz. "IF TEHRAN REALLY WANTED TO CAUSE TROUBLE, IT COULD."

But the BAHRAIN-BASED U.S. FIFTH FLEET IS NEARBY AND KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON IRAN'S ACTIVITIES IN THE STRAIT. Mine-laying or missile activity would not go undetected and would likely generate a U.S. response.

The Fifth Fleet said on Wednesday that "any disruption will not be tolerated." That came after Iran's navy chief said closing the Strait of Hormuz "is really easy... or as Iranians say, it will be easier than drinking a glass of water." ..

http://www.cnbc.com/id/45813538

Iran would be fools to do this.  It would supply the rationale to bomb and take out Iran’s nuclear capabilities just before they become a nuclear power.  

3.   Pelosi is staying, but not for the Children’s Sake

Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of House Minority Leader and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, told Big Government this week that her mother wants to leave Congress–and that she remains in Washington only at the behest of her campaign donors.

During a telephone interview, Ms. Pelosi–speaking from a friend’s home in New York City–described her mother’s predicament:

SHE WOULD RETIRE RIGHT NOW, IF THE DONORS SHE HAS DIDN’T WANT HER TO STAY SO BADLY. They know she wants to leave, though. They think she’s destined for the wilderness. She has very few days left. She’s 71, she wants to have a life, she’s done. It’s obligation, that’s all I’m saying.

http://biggovernment.com/jsshapiro/2011/12/29/exclusive-nancy-pelosis-daughter-my-mom-wants-to-leave-congress/

What is the definition of a political gaffe?  It’s when a politician tells the truth.  Here it is a politician’s daughter.  Pelosi is staying for her “DONORS!!!!!”  She didn’t say for the children or even her constituents, but the people who donate money to her.  This does seem to coincide with Karl Rove’s prediction that she and Harry Reid will leave their leadership roles in 2012.

4.  Beating the Man

This is just too good.

Many of you know that in a few days the federal ban on conventional incandescent light bulbs will go into effect. And while House Republicans included a provision in a recent spending bill that will block funding for the ban's enforcement, it's said that it will have little effect; manufacturers have prepared for the new standards and will no doubt abide by the law. So does this mean we'll be forced to buy more expensive LED (light emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs, the latter being those squiggly things said to be loaded with mercury? Not if we follow the lead of German businessman Siegfried Rotthaeuser.

After the European Union banned conventional incandescent bulbs, Rotthaeuser's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked. He started selling another product: heatballs.

What's a heatball? According to this Teutonic Knight of Freedom and Light, it is a "small heating device" that compensates for the loss of heat a home experiences when conventional light bulbs are swapped for more energy efficient ones.

At his English-version website, Rotthaeuser points out the convenience of his invention, writing, "A HEATBALL® is not a light bulb, but fits into the same socket!"

He then touts the new product as "The most original invention since the electric light bulb!" and explains, "Although a heatball is technically very similar to a light bulb, it is a heater rather than a source of light." Elaborating, he also states, "By using heatballs, the heating effort of a normal house is effectively assisted. A heatball is a source of heat. Or do you use your toaster as a desk lamp?"

A businessman with a conscience, however, Rotthaeuser also believes in truth in advertising. He thus is forthcoming about a certain unintended byproduct of his heating element, writing, "During its use as a heater, HEATBALLS have an unavoidable emission of light in the visible spectrum." Pity that. But if heatballs are anything at all like incandescent light bulbs, they should be very efficient little space heaters, indeed.

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/12/upset_about_big_brothers_ban_on_incandescent_bulbs_buy_a_heatball.html#ixzz1i1iPsH6Z

Always good to warm your house in the winter time. 

Deficits and other things Obama isn't serious about

Barack the divider Obama

Did someone move the 2012 election to June 1? WE ASK BECAUSE PRESIDENT OBAMA'S EXTRAORDINARY RESPONSE TO PAUL RYAN'S BUDGET YESTERDAY—WITH ITS BLISTERING PARTISANSHIP AND MULTIPLE DISTORTIONS—WAS THE KIND PRESIDENTS USUALLY OUTSOURCE TO SOME JUNIOR LIEUTENANT. Mr. Obama's fundamentally political document would have been unusual even for a Vice President in the fervor of a campaign.

The immediate POLITICAL GOAL WAS TO INOCULATE THE WHITE HOUSE FROM CRITICISM that it is not serious about the fiscal crisis, after ignoring its own deficit commission last year and tossing off a $3.73 trillion budget in February that increased spending amid a record deficit of $1.65 trillion. Mr. Obama was chased to George Washington University yesterday because Mr. Ryan and the Republicans outflanked him on fiscal discipline and are now setting the national political agenda.

Mr. Obama did not deign to propose an alternative to rival Mr. Ryan's plan, even as he categorically rejected all its reform ideas, REPEATEDLY VILIFYING THEM AS ESSENTIALLY UN-AMERICAN

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703730104576260911986870054.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop

When you have the facts on your side argue the facts. When you have the law on your side argue the law. When you don’t have either on your side, pound the table. That’s what he did yesterday.




Obama dips in the polls

It could be gas prices, the budget debate, or simply the usual ups and downs of public opinion polling. But PRESIDENT OBAMA'S APPROVAL RATING HAS DIPPED TO A FIVE-MONTH LOW IN GALLUP'S DAILY TRACKING POLL, reverting to post-midterm election lows.


The survey, a three-day rolling average conducted April 11-13, pegs Obama's approval at 42%, the lowest since Nov. 10-12. FOR ONLY THE 13TH TIME IN HIS TERM AND THE FIRST TIME SINCE LATE OCTOBER, HIS DISAPPROVAL RATING HAS REACHED 50%.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-obama-approval-rating-gallup,0,7897019.story

It’s a wonder that he’s doing as well as he is.



The Mendacity of Barack Obama

Over my 45+ years in the business community, both domestic and international, I have dealt with an overwhelming variety of people of all races and political philosophies. Men and women who were thoroughly honest and many who had no concept of honor and integrity. Among them were those who would do or say anything to achieve their ends and do so with a straight face and an air of self-confidence that would deceive the most gullible. IT IS ONLY THROUGH PAINFUL EXPERIENCE THAT ONE IS FINALLY ABLE TO DEVELOP AN ANTENNA TO QUICKLY WEED OUT THOSE CHARLATANS.

While I have always been wary of and have written about his dishonesty, AFTER THE SPEECH THE PRESIDENT DELIVERED THE 13TH OF APRIL REGARDING THE FEDERAL BUDGET, ONE THAT WAS CHOCK FULL OF LIES, DECEIT, AND CRASS FEAR-MONGERING, it must be said that Barack Obama is the most dishonest, deceitful, and mendacious person in a position of power I have ever witnessed.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/04/the_mendacity_of_barack_obama.html


Tough charges, but well thought out.



Fear and Loathing in the Revolutionary Guards

Will Muslim unrest shake the Iranian regime at its core?

IN AN ACT OF OPEN SUBORDINATION, DURING THE MARCH 10TH DEMONSTRATIONS IN TEHRAN, SEVEN MEMBERS OF THE IRAN REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS (IRGC) SECURITY FORCES REFUSED TO SHOOT AT PROTESTERS ON THE STREETS. Arrested and jailed in Tehran’s infamous Evin prison for interrogation, they are still being interrogated as the Iranian regime’s authorities debate how to deal with them.

During the interrogations the regime’s intelligence sources have repeatedly warned the seven — identities still unknown — that THEY MUST REVEAL THE NAMES OF THE “LEADERS” OF THE ORGANIZATION(S) THEY ARE TAKING ORDERS FROM, as well as disclose the names of any other member of the IRGC and Basij forces working undercover.

http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/fear-and-loathing-in-the-revolutionary-guards/

This might not lead anywhere, or this may be a huge story. Refusing to fire on the crowd is one of the actions that can lead to the downfall of a ruler. Here’s hoping.



Majority for cutting spending

Should taxes be raised to eat into huge federal deficits? Among the public, 62 percent say they favor cutting government services to sop up the red ink. Just 29 percent say raise taxes.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AP_POLL_TAXES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT


It seems the bulk of Americans understand the we have a spending problem, not a revenue problem.



Who do you trust?

As an impoverished American — hey, buddy, you wanna try raising six kids on a freelance journalist’s income? — I look on in amusement at the self-described “Patriotic Millionaires” who insist that they should pay more taxes. I agree with Moe Lane: “Raise Your Own Damned Taxes.”

Contrary to all the class-warfare demagoguery pouring forth from Democrats and the media (but I repeat myself), CONSERVATIVES DO NOT OPPOSE TAX INCREASES BECAUSE WE ARE BEHOLDEN TO THE RICH. RATHER, THE QUESTION IS WHETHER WEALTH DOES MORE GOOD WHEN IT IS INVESTED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO CREATE JOBS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH, OR SURRENDERED TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS TAXES TO SUPPORT THE METASTATIC GROWTH OF A PESTIFEROUS BUREAUCRACY….

http://theothermccain.com/2011/04/14/no-poor-man-ever-gave-me-a-job/

In reality my title for this is what the real issue is. Progressives don’t trust the rich while conservatives don’t trust the government. Somehow to the left, people when they have money (also read that as power) are untrustworthy, but people who have power (read that a way to get money) are trustworthy.

Corruption or just business as usual?

Democrat Senator Blames Obama on lack of drilling

SHELL ALASKA HAS DROPPED PLANS TO DRILL IN THE ARCTIC WATERS OF THE BEAUFORT SEA THIS YEAR AND WILL CONCENTRATE ON OBTAINING PERMITS FOR THE 2012 SEASON, company Vice President Pete Slaiby said Thursday.

The recent remand of air permits issued by the Environmental Protection Agency was the final driver behind the decision, Slaiby said at a news conference.

ALASKA RECEIVES UPWARD OF 90 PERCENT OF ITS GENERAL FUND REVENUE FROM THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY, and top state officials reacted strongly to the decision. U.S. SEN. MARK BEGICH, D-ALASKA, BLAMED THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AND THE EPA.

"Their foot dragging means the loss of another exploration season in Alaska, THE LOSS OF NEARLY 800 DIRECT JOBS AND MANY MORE INDIRECT JOBS," Begich said. "That doesn't count the millions of dollars in contracting that won't happen either at a time when our economy needs the investment."

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Shell-No-Beaufort-Sea-apf-844337881.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode=



Obama's Approval Ratings More Polarized in Year 2 Than Year 1

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S JOB APPROVAL RATINGS WERE EVEN MORE POLARIZED DURING HIS SECOND YEAR IN OFFICE THAN DURING HIS FIRST, when he registered the most polarized ratings for a first-year president. AN AVERAGE OF 81% OF DEMOCRATS AND 13% OF REPUBLICANS APPROVED OF THE JOB OBAMA WAS DOING AS PRESIDENT DURING HIS SECOND YEAR. That 68-point gap in party ratings is up from 65 points in his first year and is easily the most polarized second year for a president since Dwight Eisenhower

http://www.gallup.com/poll/145937/Obama-Approval-Ratings-Polarized-Year-Year.aspx

Obama issues global warming rules in January, gives GE an exemption in February



Last month, the Obama EPA began enforcing new rules regulating the greenhouse gas emissions from any new or expanded power plants.

THIS WEEK, THE EPA ISSUED ITS FIRST EXEMPTION, ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY NEWS REPORTS:


The Obama administration WILL SPARE A STALLED POWER PLANT PROJECT IN CALIFORNIA FROM THE NEWEST FEDERAL LIMITS ON GREENHOUSE GASES AND CONVENTIONAL AIR POLLUTION, U.S. EPA says in a new court filing that marks a policy shift in the face of industry groups and Republicans accusing the agency of holding up construction of large industrial facilities.

According to a declaration by air chief Gina McCarthy, OFFICIALS REVIEWED EPA POLICIES AND DECIDED IT WAS APPROPRIATE TO "GRANDFATHER" PROJECTS SUCH AS THE AVENAL POWER CENTER, a proposed 600-megawatt power plant in the San Joaquin Valley, so they are exempted from rules such as new air quality standards for smog-forming nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

There's something interesting about the Avenal Power Center:

THE PROPOSED AVENAL ENERGY PROJECT WILL BE A COMBINED-CYCLE GENERATING PLANT CONSISTING OF TWO NATURAL GAS-FIRED GENERAL ELECTRIC 7FA GAS TURBINES WITH HEAT RECOVERY STEAM GENERATORS (HRSG) AND ONE GENERAL ELECTRIC STEAM TURBINE.

MAYBE GE CEO JEFF IMMELT'S CLOSENESS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA, AND HIS BROAD SUPPORT FOR OBAMA'S AGENDA, HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS EXEMPTION. But we have no way of knowing that, and given the administration's record of regularly misleading Americans regarding lobbyists, frankly, I wouldn't trust the White House if they told me there was no connection.

http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/02/obama-issues-global-warming-rules-january-gives-ge-exemption-febr#ixzz1CzjncEN5


Crony Capitalism at work.



DCCC: Debt Could Consume Campaigns

A Washington Republican points out to me that one of the big narratives throughout the 2008 cycle was the National Republican Congressional Committee, tasked with chipping away at the Democrats’ 40-seat margin in the House, could not possibly compete or go on offense because of its then-dire financial position. Obviously, we know how that turned out.

HE NOTES THAT THE END-OF-YEAR REPORTS SHOW THAT THE DCCC IS IN A FINANCIALLY WORSE POSITION IN JANUARY 2011 THAN THE NRCC WAS IN JANUARY OF 2007.

In 2006, the DCCC had $9.3 million in debt and roughly $776,000 in cash on hand, while the NRCC had $14.4 million in debt and roughly $1.4 million on hand.

At the beginning of this year, the NRCC has $10.5 million in debt and $2.5 million in cash on hand. THE DCCC HAS $805,000 CASH ON HAND AND AN ASTOUNDING $19 MILLION IN DEBT

http://www.nationalreview.com/campaign-spot/258817/dccc-debt-could-consume-campaigns


Perhaps the DCCC can get a donation from GE.

Democrats and lobbyists

In an e-mail obtained by ABC News, a top staffer for the key Senate Appropriations subcommittee CALLED FOR A MEETING OF LOBBYISTS AND INTEREST GROUPS THAT WOULD BE AFFECTED BY EXPECTED CUTS TO THE LABOR AND HEATH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET. The Jan. 24 meeting was attended by approximately 400 people, sources told ABC, and served AS A "CALL TO ARMS" FOR THOSE DETERMINED TO FIGHT REPUBLICAN BUDGET CUTS.

"One thing everyone should be able to agree on now is that a rising tide lifts all boats, and that A HIGHER [LABOR, HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES] ALLOCATION IMPROVES THE CHANCES FOR EVERY STAKEHOLDER GROUP TO RECEIVE MORE FUNDING," the committee staffer for Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, wrote in an e-mail inviting people to the meeting.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senators-issue-call-arms-lobbyists-ahead-proposed-spending/story?id=12834989


I thought only Republicans had special interest groups working for them.



The Revolution Wanders Off The Script

“WASHINGTON’S INTERVENTION IN THE CRISIS IS NOT (YET) TURNING OUT VERY WELL. Public pressure on President Mubarak to step down HAS ALLOWED THE EGYPTIAN AUTHORITIES TO WRAP THEMSELVES IN THE NATIONAL FLAG. ‘Let’s find an Egyptian solution to Egypt’s problems,’ they can say. ‘President Mubarak will not be running for re-election; do not let the Americans dictate our timetable for change.’ MANY IN THE EGYPTIAN ARMY WHO NORMALLY MIGHT HAVE WANTED TO SHED MUBARAK QUICKLY WILL NOW WANT TO LET HIM HANG ON THROUGH THE FALL TO SPITE OBAMA IF FOR NO OTHER REASON. At the same time, foreign pressure gave the government an opening to crack down on foreign (and domestic) journalists, helping to deprive the revolution of the attention and television coverage vital to keeping public excitement and mobilization alive.”

http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2011/02/03/the-revolution-wanders-from-the-script/


Ominous signs in Egypt

Observing recent events in Egypt, I’m sure I’m not the only old China hand who’s beginning to get a bad feeling. IT’S CLEAR THAT THE PROTESTORS ARE NOT ABOUT TO VACATE TAHRIR SQUARE; equally, it’s becoming clear – despite his comments last night – that MUBARAK IS NOT GOING TO GIVE UP AS EASILY as did Ben Ali in Tunisia. Irresistible force meets immovable object. Might the regime resort to force à la Chinoise?

SOME OF THE LANGUAGE USED BY THE MUBARAK REGIME HAS BEEN HORRIBLY REMINISCENT. The talk of “the legitimate demands of the people” is an almost verbatim recapitulation of Chinese government statements of mid-May 1989. It is carefully worded, to sound like recognition of “the people’s demands, which are legitimate”, while actually meaning “THOSE OF THE PEOPLE’S DEMANDS WHICH ARE LEGITIMATE”, WHICH MIGHT OF COURSE TURN OUT TO BE NONE OF THEM.

And certainly the mood in Egypt has turned ugly in the last couple of days. THE ANTI-REGIME DEMONSTRATORS HAVE NOW BEEN CONFRONTED WITH PRO-GOVERNMENT ACTIVISTS, SOME OF WHOM MAY BE ACTING OUT OF CONVICTION, BUT MANY HAVE CLEARLY BEEN DIRECTED BY THE REGIME – it would seem that some of the police who were withdrawn from the square earlier this week have taken off their uniforms and returned as quasi-independent thugs. And in the last day or two we have seen tanks on the streets – AS POWERFUL A REMINDER OF BEIJING 1989 AS ONE COULD IMAGINE…..

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timcollard/100074685/can-mubarak-pull-off-a-tiananmen-square/

I think that the Army will move in and disperse the mobs clamping down with Marshall Law. I’ve felt that way since yesterday when they began to round up journalists. The Egyptian Army has a lot of support and more violence will occur to justify their move.



At least someone is happy about what’s going on in Egypt

IRAN SAID ON THURSDAY THE ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS IN EGYPT WERE A SIGN OF AN "ISLAMIC RENAISSANCE" IN THE MIDDLE EAST. and that they echoed Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the U.S.-backed Shah.

The Foreign Ministry voiced support for the Egyptian uprising and SAID THE PROTESTS WOULD LEAD TO THE EMERGENCE OF "A REAL INDEPENDENT ISLAMIC MIDDLE EAST", according to state television. "Iran supports the rightful demands of the Egyptian people and emphasizes they should be met," the official Irna news agency quoted the statement as saying.

The last week and a half have seen throngs of Egyptians take to the streets in the largest anti-government protest movement to sweep the country in the last quarter-century. Demonstrators are calling for the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, who has served as president of Egypt for over 29 years….

http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/iran-egypt-protests-are-sign-of-islamic-renaissance-1.341098

Eric Holder’s Animal Farm

Quin Hillyer has a piece today “Why the Black Panther Case Matters” that is worth a read.

“Attorney General Eric Holder and his minions, along with some of their slavish apologists in the media, ARE DELIBERATELY TRAFFICKING IN LIES OF GREAT NOTE. They prevaricate with great enthusiasm, and they excuse lawlessness with fierce disdain. They -- both the Department of Justice (DOJ) officials and their leftist amanuenses pretending to be journalists -- BRAZENLY IGNORE THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO INFORMATION, and intentionally distract attention from relevant facts and from their own deep beliefs.

….question was if the Obama-Holder Justice Department was GIVING SUPPORT TO THE INTERNAL CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION BELIEF THAT CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS SHOULD NOT BE ENFORCED AGAINST BLACK PERPETRATORS who abused the rights of white victims. This is explosive stuff. It cuts to the very heart of equal rights under the law. It’s also straight out of Orwell’s Animal Farm, WHERE SOME ANIMALS WERE ‘MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS.’ . . . The truth is that this viewpoint enjoys overwhelming support in lefty legal circles. Sickeningly wrongheaded as it is, it is not unusual, but an ideological touchstone.”

http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/03/why-the-black-panther-case-mat

Justice for all? I think the Attorney General's office may have other ideas.


The Climate of kindness: Democrat style

Here’s a video from the protest at the Koch gathering for conservatives. It’s kind of warms your heart to see the goodness in the liberals who were there.


I find the comments ironic especially those about the TEA Party and the conservative justices on the Supreme Court. Yes, we can see which side of the aisle traffics in hate.

http://climateofhate.blogspot.com/2011/02/violent-rhetoric-in-america-part-xii.html



America is a right of center country

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds THAT 47% OF LIKELY U.S. VOTERS DESCRIBE THEMSELVES AS CONSERVATIVE ON FISCAL ISSUES, WHILE 42% SAY THE SAME ON SOCIAL ISSUES.

ONLY SEVEN PERCENT (7%) DESCRIBE THEMSELVES AS LIBERAL ON FISCAL POLICY ISSUES, BUT NEARLY FOUR TIMES AS MANY (26%) SAY THEY'RE LIBERAL ON SOCIAL ISSUES. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Thirty-nine percent (39%) say they’re moderate on fiscal issues, and 29% say the same about social issues.

OVERALL, NEARLY ONE-THIRD (32%) OF VOTERS ARE CONSERVATIVE ON BOTH FISCAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES, WHILE JUST SIX PERCENT (6%) ARE LIBERAL ON BOTH and 16% moderate on both. Fifteen percent (15%) lean in the libertarian direction and say they are conservative on fiscal issues and either moderate or liberal on social issues.

In the fall of 2007, just 24% considered themselves both fiscal and social conservatives while 9% were social and political liberals.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/january_2011/32_of_voters_are_both_fiscal_and_social_conservatives


If the Democrats want to see why they were tossed out of power in the House, they should read the results of this poll. There are five times as many conservatives as there are liberals but Obama and the Democrats governed as if the opposite was true.



Give me liberty or give me health care

Judge Roger Vinson's ruling striking down the health-care law's individual mandate and, with it, the rest of the statute, may or may not stand up in higher courts. But it's more convincing than some arguments I've read on the other side.

My colleague EZRA KLEIN, FOR EXAMPLE, ARGUES THAT "WHATEVER THE LEGAL ARGUMENT ABOUT THE INDIVIDUAL MANDATE IS ABOUT, IT'S NOT, AS SOME OF ITS DETRACTORS WOULD HAVE IT, A QUESTION OF LIBERTY." THE INDIVIDUAL MANDATE INVOLVES LESS INTRUSION IN PRIVATE MARKETS AND MORE PERSONAL CHOICE THAN ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS A SINGLE-PAYER SYSTEM, Ezra notes -- borrowing the point from no less a conservative eminence than Charles Fried of Harvard Law School. Indeed, quite a few liberty-loving Republicans have supported various individual mandates in the past.

THIS PROVES, ACCORDING TO EZRA, THAT CONSERVATIVE AND REPUBLICAN OPPOSITION TO THE CURRENT ITERATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL MANDATE IS JUST LEGAL PETTIFOGGERY AND POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM.

Uh, no.

As a policy matter, there is a case to be made that an individual mandate to buy certain health insurance from certain companies, enforceable by a monetary penalty, involves less direct federal intervention in the private economy than conceivable alternatives. BUT IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW, THIS IS IMMATERIAL. Nor does it matter that some Republicans once approved of the idea -- or that President Obama once fervently opposed it. THE ONLY CONSIDERATION IS WHETHER CONGRESS HAS ENACTED THE MANDATE PURSUANT TO ONE OF ITS ENUMERATED CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS

.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2011/02/give_me_liberty_or_give_me_hea.html


In reading the defenders of the individual mandate it seems to be that their chief argument is that the people opposed to it are simply opportunists. They don’t actually believe what they are saying, they are just using the Constitution to foil the great progressive idea.


Reliable forecast under the weather

MEET THE GLOBAL WEIRDOS. THEY’RE THE ONES TELLING YOU THAT ALL THE SNOW OUTSIDE IS PROOF THAT IT’S GETTING WARMER. ONLY, THEY DON’T CALL IT “WARMING” ANYMORE.

No, that was back in the “Earth has a fever” days. Back when Al Gore was predicting that the ice caps were melting, the polar bears were drowning and Manhattan would sink beneath 20 feet of water “in the near future.”

But then something happened. SINCE 1998, TEMPERATURES HAVE BEEN RELATIVELY FLAT. We’ve got more polar bears than ever, and Manhattan is buried under snow. For a planet-roasting crisis that threatened the human race with extinction, there doesn’t seem to be much actual warming….

…. What happened? Nothing. EUROPE HAS HAD THREE WINTERS IN A ROW OF SNOW AND COLD TEMPERATURES. In the Atlantic, “THERE HAS BEEN A DRAMATIC DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HURRICANES IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS,” according to meteorologist Art Horn. “THE TOTAL ENERGY IN ALL HURRICANES AROUND THE WORLD HAS PLUNGED SINCE 1993. THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT WAS PREDICTED.”

So the new fall back is “global weirding.” The site thedailygreen.com has a “Weird Weather Watch” page. The uber-liberal Huffington Post ran a story in August headlined “Global Weirding”: Extreme Climate Events Dominate The Summer.”…

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/op_ed/view.bg?articleid=1314036


Desperate to keep the con going, we are getting wilder explanations of why the global warming crowd’s predictions have not come true.