Republicans are actually serious about the deficit

Daniels and Christie light fuse under GOP lawmakers

AS CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS MULL WHETHER TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNMENT'S LONG-TERM FISCAL PROBLEMS -- HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADERS ARE BEING PUSHED BY THE 87 FRESHMEN TO DO SO, while some Senate Republicans are seeking some bipartisan accords with Democratic colleagues -- two Republican governors barrelled into Washington with the message that the lawmakers better get moving. And that congressional Republicans might do just fine politically if they do.

The two Republican governors are Mitch Daniels of Indiana, who spoke to a Conservative Political Action Committee dinner Feb. 11, and Chris Christie of New Jersey, who spoke at American Enterprise Institute (where I am a resident fellow) on Feb. 16.

In style they're a contrast. Daniels is slight, balding and spoke quietly from a carefully prepared text. Christie is large and spoke bombastically without notes. But IN SUBSTANCE THEY WERE MUCH THE SAME.

They were both mightily concerned with what Daniels called "THE RED MENACE" -- "THE DEBTS OUR NATION HAS AMASSED FOR ITSELF OVER DECADES OF INDULGENCE." He warned that "federal spending commitments now in place will bring about the leviathan state" and "the slippage of the United States into a gray parity with the other nations of this Earth."

http://washingtonexaminer.com/politics/2011/02/daniels-and-christie-light-fuse-under-gop-lawmakers-0#ixzz1EWFROvVE

These two could be very important over the next two years as the Republicans look for a Presidential candidate for the times.



Wis. GOP ups pressure on Dems to return and vote

WISCONSIN REPUBLICANS ON SUNDAY UPPED THE PRESSURE ON DEMOCRATS WHO FLED TO ILLINOIS TO RETURN HOME and vote on an anti-union bill, with the governor calling them obstructionists and a GOP lawmaker threatening to convene without them.

Gov. Scott Walker said the 14 minority Democrats who left Madison on Thursday were failing to do their jobs by "hiding out" in another state. And SENATE MAJORITY LEADER SCOTT FITZGERALD SAID HIS CHAMBER WOULD MEET TUESDAY TO ACT ON NON-SPENDING BILLS AND CONFIRM SOME OF THE GOVERNOR'S APPOINTEES EVEN IF THE DEMOCRATS DON'T SHOW UP - a scenario that should outrage their constituents.

Senate Democrats acknowledged that the 19 Republicans could pass any item that doesn't spend state money in their absence. The budget-repair bill they have been blocking requires a quorum of 20 senators to pass, while OTHER MEASURES REQUIRE ONLY A SIMPLE MAJORITY OF THE CHAMBER'S 33 MEMBERS.

Nonetheless, Democrats said they were standing firm in their opposition to the budget-repair bill, which would take away the right of most public employees to collectively bargain for their benefits and working conditions. Hundreds of protesters filled the Capitol for a sixth straight day, noisily calling on Walker to drop the plan they consider an assault on workers' rights.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WISCONSIN_BUDGET_UNIONS?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=US


I think this will be pretty much over by Tuesday. The Democrats will come back and the changes will be made to the state laws regarding collective bargaining by public employees. The venue will then switch to other states that will follow suit.



How Wisconsin Could Save The Democratic Party

The Wisconsin fight over the power, pay and perks of government-sector unions could end up saving the Democratic Party, but not in the way most people might expect….

….PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS HAVE BECOME THE KUDZU OF GOVERNMENT — growing fast and choking off everything else in its path.


That liberal vision of high-speed rail, renewable energy, health care for all, more money for universities? Sorry, that money is going to government workers and retirees….


….THE MOST AGGRESSIVE LOBBYING FOR PENSION REFORM IS COMING NOT FROM FISCAL CONSERVATIVES BUT FROM PROGRESSIVES, who see the logarithmic cascade of pension liability as a threat to public parks, environmental programs, and rail transit…..

http://blogs.investors.com/capitalhill/index.php/home/35-politicsinvesting/2462-how-wisconsin-could-save-the-democratic-party

This is an interesting take on what’s happening. Public employees won’t be happy, but this could be very important for the Democratic Party.


Newsweek's Evan Thomas: Obama's Budget a 'Profile in Cowardice'

EVAN THOMAS, NEWSWEEK: Only the President, only the President can break the logjam. HIS STATE OF THE UNION WAS A PROFILE IN COWARDICE. HIS BUDGET IS A PROFILE IN COWARDICE. I hope there’s a secret plan he has here to come forward to lead us, but he hasn’t shown it yet.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2011/02/19/newsweeks-evan-thomas-obamas-budget-profile-cowardice?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#ixzz1EWLbqbX9

With friends like this, you don’t need enemies.



Does President Obama have a tin ear?

President Obama HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF HAVING DOUBLE STANDARDS AFTER APPEALING FOR AMERICANS TO SACRIFICE THEIR HOLIDAYS JUST DAYS BEFORE HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN WENT ON A COSTLY SKIING TRIP.

First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha are said to be on a ‘private family trip’ to Colorado for Presidents' Day Weekend.

They are staying at the upscale Sebastian Hotel on Vail Mountain, where rooms start at $650 a night and range up to more than $2,400 for multi-bedroom suites.

The trip came just days after the president tried to sell his cost-cutting budget to the American people by asking them to stay at home.....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1358829/Obama-accused-double-standards-family-holiday-telling-Americans-to.html#ixzz1EWJHakvN

I’m seeing in my mind Republican campaign ads where you see the vacations the Obama’s have taken while the jobless numbers are superimposed over them. The Obamas seem to be more and more like Marie Antoinette.

In House debate, pet projects euthanized

AFTER MORE THAN 100 VOTES IN FOUR DAYS, THE LESSON FROM LAST WEEK’S SPENDING DEBATE IN THE HOUSE IS THAT NOBODY’S PET PROJECTS ARE SAFE ANYMORE.

HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN A. BOEHNER, Ohio Republican, watched lawmakers vote to defund a military project that pumps millions of dollars into his district, and FORMER SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI, California Democrat, saw her colleagues vote to end federal funding for a park in her San Francisco congressional district.

PRESIDENT OBAMA ALSO TOOK SOME SHOTS TO THE CHIN in the bill known as a continuing resolution — or “CR” in Capitol Hill-speak. Lawmakers opposed his environmental agenda and an overwhelming bipartisan majority vote to block his administration’s rules designed to clamp down on for-profit schools.

In the span of one week, the House probably took votes on as many big issues as it did in the entire last Congress, including the war in Afghanistan, health care, environmental regulations, the extent of federal power, and whether the Defense Department should be sponsoring NASCAR race teams

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/20/in-house-debate-pet-projects-euthanized/

It appears the Republicans are serious. This should help lift the stock market up.


Planet could be 'unrecognizable' by 2050, experts say

A growing, more affluent population competing for ever scarcer resources could make for an "unrecognizable" world by 2050, researchers warned at a major US science conference Sunday.

The United Nations has predicted the global population will reach seven billion this year, and climb to nine billion by 2050, "with almost all of the growth occurring in poor countries, particularly Africa and South Asia," said John Bongaarts of the non-profit Population Council.

To feed all those mouths, "we will need to produce as much food in the next 40 years as we have in the last 8,000," said Jason Clay of the World Wildlife Fund at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110220/ts_afp/scienceuspopulationfood


In case you are very concerned about this here’s a blast from the past (predictions made at the very first Earth Day)


“Population will inevitably and completely outstrip whatever small increases in food supplies we make. The death rate will increase until at least 100-200 million people per year will be starving to death during the next ten years.”


• Paul Ehrlich, Stanford University biologist


“By…[1975] some experts feel that food shortages will have escalated the present level of world hunger and starvation into famines of unbelievable proportions. Other experts, more optimistic, think the ultimate food-population collision will not occur until the decade of the 1980s.”


• Paul Ehrlich, Stanford University biologist


“It is already too late to avoid mass starvation.”


• Denis Hayes, chief organizer for Earth Day




Science Fiction becoming science fact

The Navy just set a new world record, a test blast from a new type of laser THAT CAN SHOOT CRUISE MISSILES FROM THE SKY IN SECONDS WITH A DEADLY ACCURACY that simply doesn't exist in the military’s vast arsenal today.

And that new record moved them one step closer to proving the "holy grail" of laser guns is real.

To create incredible power requires incredible energy. After all, the more power one puts into a laser accelerator, the more powerful and precise the light beam that comes out on the other end. During a private tour of the Jefferson Lab in Newport News, VA., on Friday, FoxNews.com SAW SCIENTISTS BLAST UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS OF POWER INTO A PROTOTYPE ACCELERATOR, PRODUCING A SUPERCHARGED ELECTRON BEAM THAT CAN BURN THROUGH 20 FEET OF STEEL PER SECOND.

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/02/18/navy-breaks-world-record-futuristic-laser-getting-real/


I remember watching Goldfinger many years ago where Bond was left while a laser slowly cut through steel toward his body. He couldn’t survive with today’s technology.

Wisconsin in the News

Wisconsin: Is it an attack on Unions?

THE FERMENT IN WISCONSIN IS NO WORKERS' UPRISING AGAINST THE RICH AND POWERFUL. It is instead political muscle-flexing by a well-funded special interest group, which is limbering up for President Obama's re-election bid. Obama's campaign, operating as Organizing for America, is bussing protesters to the state capitol and manning phone banks to apply pressure to state legislatures. Obama himself has called Gov. Scott Walker's bill curbing government-sector collective bargaining "an attack on unions."

While liberal writers wax romantic about a workers' uprising (former Labor Secretary Robert Reich wrote on Twitter "Wisconsin is spreading to Ohio -- America's microversion of Tunisia and Egypt. People are taking to the streets to get their rights"), WHAT WE'RE REALLY SEEING IS THE LABOR MOVEMENT ACTING AS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

Liberals and the White House try to blur the issue by lumping together government unions and labor unions in general. OBAMA WRONGLY CALLS WALKER'S BILL "AN ATTACK ON UNIONS." It is, at its heart, a measure changing the way the state government procures labor -- WALKER WOULD END SINGLE-SOURCE CONTRACTS WITH A POLITICALLY CONNECTED SPECIAL INTERESTS.

http://washingtonexaminer.com/politics/2011/02/wisconsin-its-unions-vs-people-0#ixzz1EPs7UTo6


Wisconsin has been a huge story in the media the last three days. From disappearing Democratic Senators, to huge protests, to fake doctor notes, we are getting a preview of what an America that is like Europe would be like. The spoiled and pampered “civil servants” demanding that we continue to fund outrageous contracts.



Raging Wisconsin

….CALLING TO MIND A MANEUVER THAT DEMOCRATS IN THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE PULLED A FEW YEARS BACK, WISCONSIN’S DEMOCRATS HAVE FLED THE CAPITOL, and in some instances have fled the state, in order to subvert the very democratic process from which their irony-immune party derives its name. And the exquisitely temperate ladies and gentlemen who were just the day before yesterday lecturing us about the allegedly corrosive tone of conservative political discourse are parading through the mean streets of Madison WAVING PLACARDS BEARING THE NAME AND LIKENESS OF ADOLF HITLER, AND DENOUNCING GOVERNOR WALKER AS A NAZI.

ADOLF HITLER AND HIS NATIONAL SOCIALIST GOVERNMENT MURDERED SOME 6 MILLION JEWS and waged a bloodthirsty war for world domination under a “Thousand-Year Reich.” GOVERNOR WALKER HAS PROPOSED THAT GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN WISCONSIN PAY 12.6 PERCENT OF THE COST OF THEIR INSURANCE PREMIUMS, WHICH IN THE MINDS OF WISCONSIN DEMOCRATS APPARENTLY AMOUNTS TO MORE OR LESS THE SAME THING. President Obama, himself fresh off lecturing the nation about its tone, chimed in with a predictably tin-eared characterization of this modest initiative as an “assault.”….

http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/260114/raging-wisconsin-editors


This is another lose/lose situation for the Democrats. After rhetorically moving to the middle, President Obama’s popularity moved up. After weighing in on Wisconsin, his popularity is tumbling. The Democrats seem to be the party of the people but only if you are the “special” people they rely on.



The NY TIMES take on Wisconsin

….But the legislative push by Wisconsin’s new governor, Scott Walker, a Republican, to slash the collective bargaining rights of his state’s public employees could prove a watershed for public-sector unions, perhaps signaling the beginning of a decline in their power — both at the bargaining table and in politics…..

….“These kinds of high-profile public-employee battles have enormous stakes,” said Benjamin Sachs, a professor of labor law at Harvard. “We’re still feeling the consequences of President Reagan confronting the union in the air controllers’ strike. For anyone interested in union rights, the fight in Wisconsin couldn’t be more important.” ….

…. To end that cycle, he wants to restrict the unions to bargaining over just one topic, base wages, while eliminating their ability to deal over health care, working hours and vacations…..

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/19/us/19union.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1298127672-GtGTWgP4vkqJdamhqlSUhQ


Why would the Governor Walker want to keep unions from bargaining about fringe benefits? It makes sense. Unions go after more and more fringe benefits which aren’t paid for right away and the politicians who give in to them will be long out of office when the bill comes due. If you want to bargain rationally with a politician, it must be about things the public can see right away.

How to bring the Democrats back to Madison


I found this in the comment section of a story on the Wisconsin Democrat senators being AWOL.

The Republicans do have recourse--THIS 20 SENATOR QUORUM RULE ONLY APPLIES TO BILLS INVOLVING STATE FINANCIAL CONCERNS, if I'm not mistaken. There are a whole slew of other non-finance issues too on the Republican agenda, LIKE VOTER ID AND CONCEALED CARRY. I THINK IF THE REPUBLICANS THREATENED TO START PASSING PET AGENDA ITEMS, THE SENATORS OF THE TRUANT PARTY MIGHT BE INCLINED TO HIGHTAIL THEIR LITTLE FANNIES BACK TO MADISON and what the taxpayers of this state are paying them to do.

I’m not sure this is correct, but if it is, the Republicans should start legislating right away.


Americans Say Reagan Is the Greatest U.S. President

Ahead of Presidents Day 2011, Americans are most likely to say Ronald Reagan was the nation's greatest president -- slightly ahead of Abraham Lincoln and Bill Clinton. Reagan, Lincoln, or John F. Kennedy has been at the top of this "greatest president" list each time this question has been asked in eight surveys over the last 12 years.

In the eight times Gallup has asked this same "greatest president" question over the last 12 years, one of three presidents -- Lincoln, Reagan, and Kennedy -- has topped the list each time. Reagan was the top vote getter in 2001, 2005, and now 2011. Lincoln won in 1999, in two 2003 surveys, and in 2007. Kennedy was on top in 2000, and tied with Lincoln in November 2003.



http://www.gallup.com/poll/146183/Americans-Say-Reagan-Greatest-President.aspx


This is just a bit of trivia. In the story they give the top 5 Presidents by party affiliation. Republicans foolishly list W as number 5 with 5% of the vote, but Democrats are even more foolish putting Obama 3rd with 11% of their vote. Doesn’t anyone study history any more?

The future is happening now

Why I’m a Chris Christie fan

As Mr. Chrisie recounted it: “You can imagine how that was received by 7,500 firefighters. As I walked into the room and was introduced. I WAS BOOED LUSTILY. I MADE MY WAY UP TO THE STAGE, THEY BOOED SOME MORE. . . . SO I SAID, ‘COME ON, YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT,’ AND THEY DID!”


HE CRUMPLED UP HIS PREPARED REMARKS AND THREW THEM ON THE FLOOR. He told them, “Here’s the deal: I understand you’re angry, and I understand you’re frustrated, and I understand you feel deceived and betrayed.” And, he said, they were right: “FOR 20 YEARS, GOVERNORS HAVE COME INTO THIS ROOM AND LIED TO YOU, PROMISED YOU BENEFITS THAT THEY HAD NO WAY OF PAYING FOR, making promises they knew they couldn’t keep, and just hoping that they wouldn’t be the man or women left holding the bag. I understand why you feel angry and betrayed and deceived by those people. Here’s what I don’t understand. WHY ARE YOU BOOING THE FIRST GUY WHO CAME IN HERE AND TOLD YOU THE TRUTH?”


He told them there was no political advantage in being truthful: “The way we used to think about politics and, unfortunately, the way I FEAR THEY’RE THINKING ABOUT POLITICS STILL IN WASHINGTON” INVOLVES “THE OLD PLAYBOOK [WHICH] SAYS, “LIE, DECEIVE, OBFUSCATE AND MAKE IT TO THE NEXT ELECTION.” He’d seen a study that said New Jersey’s pensions may go bankrupt by 2020. A friend told him not to worry, he won’t be governor then. “That’s the way politics has been practiced in our country for too long. . . . So I said to those firefighters, ‘YOU MAY HATE ME NOW, BUT 15 YEARS FROM NOW, WHEN YOU HAVE A PENSION TO COLLECT BECAUSE OF WHAT I DID, YOU’LL BE LOOKING FOR MY ADDRESS ON THE INTERNET SO YOU CAN SEND ME A THANK-YOU NOTE.’“

http://peggynoonan.com/


Big, bold and honest is the way you describe Chris Christie and may I add Presidential.



Poll: Most Americans Don’t support Public employee unions

CLARUS' NATIONWIDE STUDY FOUND THAT 64 PERCENT OF AMERICAN PEOPLE THINK STATE WORKERS SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO JOIN LABOR UNIONS.

Another 29 percent believe that d government employees should be represented by unions that bargain for higher pay, benefits and pensions.

The survey also uncovered a deep divide along party lines-- Republicans and independents strongly oppose unionization for government employee. Indeed, ONLY 10 PERCENT OF REPUBLICANS AND 23 PERCENT OF INDEPENDENTS SUPPORT The right of public employees to be represented by unions.

Contrarily, 49 PERCENT OF DEMOCRATS THINK THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO UNIONIZE

http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/114185/20110218/unions.htm


This is not good for the democrats as they rally behind the unions.



WHO GOVERNS WISCONSIN?

THE FIGHT FOR AMERICA'S FUTURE NOW CENTRES UPON WISCONSIN. On one side are Governor Scott Walker, the Wisconsin Republican majorities in the legislature, and the majority of Wisconsinites who voted them into office. On the other side are the public sector unions for whom governance is, at bottom, a racket – and their Democratic allies.

This fight began when Governor Walker decided to deal with Wisconsin's state budget deficit, projected at $3.6bn over the coming two years, BY ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES: NOT THROUGH TAX HIKES OR STATE WORKER LAYOFFS, BUT BY TACKLING THE EXCESSIVE POWERS AND BENEFITS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR UNIONS. With this done, sensible budgeting and prioritisation is possible – not with an eye toward union demands, but to the actual needs of Wisconsinites.

THE STRIKING THING ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS IS THEIR MILDNESS. Indeed, private sector workers – that is, the overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites and Americans both – would be fortunate to have such terms. WISCONSIN PUBLIC SECTOR UNION MEMBERS ARE TO BE ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE 5.8% OF THEIR SALARIES TO PENSIONS, AND 12% TO THEIR HEALTHCARE PREMIUMS. They furthermore will retain collective bargaining rights only on matters of salary, but lose them for benefits and perks. These would be regarded as fairly ordinary terms of employment engagement for most Americans.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/feb/18/us-unions-wisconsin


What is amazing is that the Democrats are so quick to want to raise taxes on people earning more money, unless they support the Democratic Party. Here we have a privileged groups of primarily Democrats who the state is asking to “pay their fair share” and the answer seems to be a resounding, “Hell no.”



Even Joe Klein comes out against the Wisconsin Protesters

...An election was held in Wisconsin last November. The Republicans won. IN A DEMOCRACY, THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES TO ELECTIONS AND NO ONE, NOT EVEN THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES UNIONS, ARE EXEMPT from that. There are no guarantees that labor contracts, including contracts governing the most basic rights of unions, can't be renegotiated, or terminated for that matter. We hold elections to decide those basic parameters. And IT SEEMS TO ME THAT GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER'S BASIC REQUESTS ARE MODEST ONES--asking public employees to contribute more to their pension and health care plans, though still far less than most private sector employees do. He is also trying to limit the unions' abilities to negotiate work rules--and this is crucial when it comes to the more efficient operation of government in a difficult time. When I covered local government in New York 30 years ago, the school janitors (then paid a robust $60,000 plus per year) had negotiated the "right" to mop the cafeteria floors only once a week....

http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2011/02/18/wisconsin-the-hemlock-revolution/#ixzz1EP9aFYED


This is a losing issue if you are a democrat and Joe Klein comes out against your position.



Makes you wonder

A reader asks a good question about news coverage of events in Wisconsin:

BTW...IN NO MSM COVERAGE I HAVE SEEN IS THERE ANY NOTE THAT THE CROWD IS "PREDOMINANTLY WHITE".... WHY IS THAT?

Heh. We all remember how liberal news coverage of tea party rallies rarely failed to note that they were "predominantly white." Somehow, that is no longer a salient fact when the same outlets cover illegal sick-outs by Wisconsin teachers. Why would that be?

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2011/02/028403.php


Actually from the pictures I’ve seen the correct term would be “overwhelmingly white.” I guess they must be racists.



New Press Secretary but old lies

White House press secretary JAY CARNEY SAYS THE RECOVERY ACT ADDED SEVERAL MILLION JOBS AND LOWERED THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE. ACCORDING TO CARNEY, THE "GOALS" OF THE STIMULUS PACKAGE "HAVE BEEN MET."



A reporter asked Carney why unemployment is at 9% and not 7%, the percentage projected if the stimulus worked. Carney dismissed the question. "WE'VE SAID REPEATEDLY THAT WE DON'T WANT TO RELITIGATE THE BATTLES OF THE PAST," Carney told the reporter.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/02/17/whs_jay_carney_stimulus_goals_have_been_met.html


I guess $854 billion doesn’t buy as much as it once did.


Stripping Most Institutional Media of Constitutional Protection?

SEVERAL WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATORS HAVE PROPOSED A RESOLUTION THAT WOULD “URGE[] CONGRESS TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION for the states’ consideration which provides THAT CORPORATIONS ARE NOT PERSONS UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES or any of its jurisdictional subdivisions.” It’s pretty clear from context that they mean corporations aren’t supposed to have constitutional rights, and that they are asking for the amendment because THEY WANT TO OVERTURN CITIZENS UNITED.

But of course the proposed amendment, to the extent it STRIPS BUSINESS CORPORATIONS OF FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS, WOULD ALSO STRIP MEDIA CORPORATIONS OF FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS. It would also strip nonprofit corporations — such as the ACLU, NRA, etc. — of First Amendment rights. And it would let government take corporate property without just compensation, and more.

Now I don’t know whether the state legislators actually want this to happen, and actually want THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE THE POWER TO, SAY, CENSOR THE NEW YORK TIMES (or the Seattle Times). But that’s precisely what they are asking for

.

http://volokh.com/2011/02/18/stripping-most-institutional-media-of-constitutional-protection/

I’m sure that isn’t what the people who proposed this wanted. However, that is what they are in essence proposing. Sometimes I don't think liberals are very bright. 


Dr. Berwick and Mr. Hide

In Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novella about the duality of human nature, a minor character describes Mr. Hyde thus: "THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH HIS APPEARANCE; SOMETHING DISPLEASING, SOMETHING DOWN-RIGHT DETESTABLE. I NEVER SAW A MAN I SO DISLIKED." It is difficult to avoid similar feelings of revulsion watching the C-SPAN video of Dr. Donald Berwick's alter ego testifying at the February 10 hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee. His disingenuous opening remarks, evasive answers, and transparent contempt for congressional oversight revealed Obama's recess-appointed administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) as a grotesque changeling. GONE WERE THE BOLD STATEMENTS ABOUT RATIONING, BRITAIN'S SOCIALIZED MEDICAL SYSTEM, AND THE PERILS OF THE MARKET. The celebrated visionary, Dr. Donald Berwick, has been completely subsumed in the sly apparatchik, Mr. Hide.

The Dr. Berwick with whom we have become all too familiar was a vocal advocate of health care rationing. IN A 2009 INTERVIEW FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY HEALTHCARE, HE GUSHED WITH ENTHUSIASM FOR THE HEAVY-HANDED RATIONING REGIME OF GREAT BRITAIN'S NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH & CLINICAL EXCELLENCE (NICE) and advised his interlocutor that "THE DECISION IS NOT WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL RATION CARE; THE DECISION IS WHETHER WE WILL RATION WITH OUR EYES OPEN." When the good doctor's alter ego appeared before the Ways and Means Committee, however, he told a different story. Mr. Hide, it seems, has always been a vehement opponent of rationing. When asked by Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA) about the above-quoted remark and a variety of similar public statements, he stunned the committee with the following answer: "I ABHOR RATIONING…. MY ENTIRE LIFE HAS BEEN SPENT FIGHTING RATIONING

http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/18/dr-berwick-and-mr-hide


It is no wonder Obama didn’t want him to go through the conformation process. He is either a fool or a liar.





Whatever happened to the romance between the environmental lobby and natural gas?

After years of basking in a green glow as the cleanest fossil fuel and a favorite short-term choice to replace cheap-but-dirty coal, GAS NOW FINDS ITSELF UNDER ATTACK FROM ENVIRONMENTALISTS, filmmakers and congressional Democrats — and even from some scientists who raise doubts about whether its total emissions are as climate-friendly as commonly believed.

Case in point: the Sierra Club, whose former executive director, Carl Pope, has spoken warmly in recent years about gas as an alternative to coal in power plants. NOW, THE GROUP IS CONSIDERING CALLING FOR NATURAL GAS TO BE PHASED OUT BY 2050 — about 20 years after it wants coal eliminated.

While the group said it hasn’t changed its mind about gas vs. coal, Deputy Executive Director Bruce Hamilton says he and other Sierra Club leaders are “trying to be clearer in our communication. ... WE WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT NATURAL GAS IS NOT A CLEAN FUEL AND IT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED UP BEFORE IT CAN BE AN ACCEPTABLE FUEL.”

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/259945/green-double-cross-begins-steven-f-hayward


I recommend you read this article and go on to the comments. It is very entertaining. For instance the second one listed (when I looked at them was)


A friend of mine once told me of environmentalists:


"The environmentalist can't take yes for an answer".



The Role of Fannie and Freddie in the Economic crisis

How unwilling is President Obama to truly rein in the growth of government? Consider his refusal to do anything about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Oh, Obama last week -- more than two years after the two mortgage giants were seized and placed into a federal conservatorship -- issued "recommendations" that would supposedly wind down the twins over a decade.

Mind you, FANNIE AND FREDDIE HAVE COST THE TAXPAYERS $160 BILLION IN DIRECT SUBSIDIES since they were taken over in August 2008. The country would be better off if they shut down today. ….

…THE HOUSING BUBBLE AND CRISIS NEVER WOULD HAVE OCCURRED ABSENT GOVERNMENT PRESSURE. Congress, acting through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, pushed Fannie and Freddie to buy trillions of dollars worth of subprime loans in order to make "housing more affordable." Meanwhile, regulators bullied banks to make loans to minority borrowers who couldn't afford to pay them back.

IN 1996, HUD SET AN EXPLICIT TARGET, COMMANDING THAT 42 PERCENT OF THE LOANS BOUGHT BY FANNIE AND FREDDIE BE TO PEOPLE WITH INCOMES BELOW THE AREA'S MEDIAN. THAT TARGET ROSE TO 50 PERCENT BEFORE CLINTON LEFT OFFICE -- AND WAS PUSHED EVEN HIGHER IN THE BUSH YEARS. ….

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/the_housing_menace_djbi0v0oAavvUVucvzuVcN#ixzz1EJjUB3Mk


The Democrats want to blame a lack of government oversight on the financial crisis, but as Ronald Reagan said in the 1980s “Government is not the solution. Government is the problem.”


From Pro-abortion to Pro Life

She is a former Planned Parenthood clinic director. She has a new book, with an important story.

….JOHNSON: THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE ABORTION INDUSTRY DESIRES TO HELP WOMEN IN THEIR TIME OF NEED AND CRISIS BY PROVIDING NOT ONLY REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE, BUT ABORTION SERVICES IF A WOMAN IS NOT READY, or not in a position financially or emotionally, or not stable enough to bring a child into her life. THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT HAS THE SAME DESIRE TO HELP WOMEN IN THEIR TIME OF NEED AND CRISIS BUT LOOKS BEYOND THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF THE WOMAN AND CONSIDERS THE LIFE OF THE CHILD and the woman’s family as well. The abortion industry provides a “quick fix” and focuses more on the immediate effects of the crisis, while the pro-life movement focuses on the long-term effects of the woman’s choice and the reality of what is best for the woman, rather than providing an “out.”…

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/260084/meet-abby-johnson-kathryn-jean-lopez


This is an interesting interview and seems to represent both sides of the debate well. I thought I would post it because it shows a respectful disagreement. It’s probably something we could use more of. I recommend reading it.

Special Report -- Wisconsin and Civility

Lessons from Wisconsin

A COMMON THEME OF THE UNION DEMONSTRATORS IN MADISON TODAY WAS THAT GOVERNOR WALKER IS A “DICTATOR.” This showed up on sign after sign. It sheds light, I think, on how public union members in particular, and liberals in general, think. What is going on here is that the voters of Wisconsin have elected a Republican Governor and–overwhelmingly–a Republican legislature, precisely so that they can get the state’s budget under control.

WHAT THE DEMOCRATS DON’T LIKE ISN’T DICTATORSHIP, IT IS DEMOCRACY. That is why the Democrats in the Wisconsin Senate fled the state en masse–they prevented a quorum, so that a vote they were going to lose couldn’t take place. Once again, it is democracy they are trying to frustrate, not dictatorship.

One could make the point more broadly about the organized labor movement. THE UNIONS’ TOP PRIORITY IS TO ELIMINATE THE SECRET BALLOT IN UNION CERTIFICATION ELECTIONS. Why?

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2011/02/028392.php


The demonstrations in Egypt are about people fighting a dictatorship. But this is just the opposite. We just had an election which the Democrats lost badly. They are unhappy with democracy. But to call Walker a dictator makes you worried about the education of the protestor. When you realize many are teachers it makes you even more worried.

Democrats doing their job?

Here’s an interesting video where some Wisconsin Democratic Senators are caught hiding in Illinois to avoid voting in Wisconsin. What I thought was funny was how they answered the question, “Why aren’t you in Wisconsin doing your job?”

http://gatewaypundit.rightnetwork.com/2011/02/breaking-tea-party-member-chases-wisconsins-missing-dems-out-of-rockford/



Some history lessons for the Wisconsin protestors

WISCONSIN GOV. WALKER FOR PRESIDENT? IF HE WINS THIS, THERE'S PRECEDENT FOR IT:

"COOLIDGE BECAME FAMOUS NATIONWIDE DURING THE BOSTON POLICE STRIKE OF 1919, WHEN NEARLY THREE FOURTHS OF THAT FORCE LEFT WORK. Mobs roamed Boston, breaking windows and looting stores for two nights. The mayor managed to restore order with local militias. Then Coolidge called in the entire state militia, which broke the strikers' will. Coolidge made a famous declaration: "THERE IS NO RIGHT TO STRIKE AGAINST THE PUBLIC SAFETY BY ANYBODY, ANYWHERE, ANY TIME."

Coolidge won reelection for governor by a record vote. In 1920, he garnered some votes for the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention. The delegates chose Senator Warren G. Harding of Ohio, but gave Coolidge the vice-presidential nod on the first ballot…

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/opinion/outside-observer/article_d110b8a8-3aff-11e0-97c9-001cc4c002e0.html


What’s at stake in Wisconsin

Bottom line: WHAT HAPPENS IN WISCONSIN COULD EASILY HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT ACROSS THE NATION. If the unions win, watch for them to challenge other governors just as aggressively. .

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/260052/beyond-wisconsin-other-states-facing-union-protests-katrina-trinko



This may explain why you are seeing teachers lie and call in sick to go to the capital. And why people are coming from neighboring states to be part of the demonstration. The Unions are fighting for their lives.  BTW, I'm not justifying what they are doing, only explaining it.



Threats of violence and it’s not the Tea Party

Someone wrote me that the “public employees” in Wisconsin reminded her of Chávez and his goons in Venezuela. Actually, they remind me of Cuba. THERE, THE DICTATORSHIP SENDS ITS LOYALISTS TO THE HOMES OF THOSE SUSPECTED OF NOT BEING LOYALISTS. They scream, beat on things, denounce, and threaten. The idea is, the “disloyal” Cubans are supposed to quake in their homes, and they do. THESE TACTICS ARE CALLED ACTOS DE REPUDIO — “ACTS OF REPUDIATION.” THEY ARE A MAINSTAY OF THE REGIME.

IN WISCONSIN, THE SCHOOLTEACHERS AND OTHER “PUBLIC EMPLOYEE” BEAUTIES ARE GOING TO THE HOMES OF REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS, SCREAMING, DENOUNCING, ETC. The situation has gotten very bad. We know where you live. Yesterday, I had a talk with Sen. Randy Hopper, recorded here. REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS HAVE RECEIVED THREATS, AND CREDIBLE ONES: THREATS TO THEIR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING. They are not disclosing their movements, whether they are sleeping in their own homes. THEY ARE WORKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT ON HOW BEST TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/260073/streak-castroism-wisconsin-jay-nordlinger


There is a phenomenon called projection. What it says it that people will project their behavior and desires on others. Hence all the talk of the incivility of the TEA Party appears to simply be projections of what lies deep in the hearts of progressives.


Meanwhile this isn’t limited to Wisconsin…

Speaker Boehner’s home targeted by mob protest

Perhaps this will serve as a wake-up to those still hoping the Democratic Party of 2011 is the Democratic Party of 1986. SPEAKER BOEHNER’S HOME WAS TARGETED BY A PROTEST MOB. Maybe this protest will drive home that the rules seem to have changed. UNLEASHING INTIMIDATING MOBS TO AFFECT POLICY IS NOTHING NEW TO SOME. Ask officials with Waste Management Corporation who saw their 1988 meetings with local banks in Chicago illegally raided by howling mobs. Stanley Kurtz has documented these tactics throughout Chicago in the late 1980s and 1990s in his book Radical in Chief. That gangs of activists are now showing up en masse, whether at people’s homes, or at state capitals, SHOULDN’T SURPRISE ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN PAYING ATTENTION,….

http://pajamasmedia.com/tatler/2011/02/17/speaker-boehners-home-targeted-by-mob-protest/


Keep this in mind. I’m sure there will be a time in the future when someone does this to liberal elected officials and the left will be condemning the right for this brand new escalation in tactics.



More threats against conservatives this time in Idaho

Idaho has a “superintendent of public instruction,” and his name is Tom Luna. He has proposed some measures that the teachers’ union doesn’t like, at all. And his opponents have made sure that he feels good and threatened.

SOMEONE WENT TO HIS MOTHER’S HOUSE – HIS MOTHER’S. SOMEONE SLASHED HIS TIRES AND SPRAY-PAINTED A THREAT ONTO THE DOOR. As reported in this article, Luna has said, “Family and personal property are off-limits. You don’t cross that line . . .”

Oh, yes, you do. At least some do. I will repeat what I have already said this morning: I DON’T WANT TO HEAR FROM THE LEFT ABOUT “CIVILITY” FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE…

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/260076/wisconsin-so-idaho-jay-nordlinger


The last line says it pretty well. It appears we have a problem with civility, but it is from the left. The signs carried by the teachers in Wisconsin are much more offensive than any carried by the TEA Party and the stalking of conservatives at the home is much more threatening than anything the TEA Party or any other legitimate group on the right has done.



The left debates Wisconsin

I gave my take on events in Wisconsin — and Obama’s role in them — a bit earlier today in “Who’s Polarizing America?” And you’ll find Jay’s great stuff on Wisconsin if you scroll through yesterday’s Corner. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LEFT?

THERE’S A FASCINATING DEBATE ON WISCONSIN GOING ON BETWEEN HAROLD MEYERSON AND CHARLES LANE AT THE WASHINGTON POST. It’s of interest that Meyerson is a proud socialist, while Lane appears to be a Democrat unhappy with the left-turn his party has taken of late. At any rate, this debate is well worth following.

Here is Meyerson’s initial op-ed, followed by Lane, Meyerson, Lane, and Meyerson.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021504339.html


http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2011/02/tyranny_by_the_lake.html?hpid=opinionsbox1


http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2011/02/scrooge-ism_in_wisconsins_unio.html


http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2011/02/tyranny_in_wisconsin_part_2.html


http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2011/02/scrooge-ism_in_wisconsin_part.html


It’s always good to get both sides of the issue. Here’s my gift to you in that regard.

Chris Christie and other Democrat nightmares

Gov. Christie Slams Democrats — and GOP — Over Spending

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie came to Washington Wednesday to slam both parties for what he described as their “irresponsible” and “dangerous” game in not addressing the country’s shaky entitlement programs.

The Republican governor accused both the White House and Republicans in Congress of irresponsibility for failing to propose fixes for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, all of which face solvency problems in coming years.

“What game is being played here is irresponsible and it’s dangerous,” he told a packed house at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “We are on the path to ruin.”

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/02/16/gov-christie-slams-democrats-and-gop-over-spending/


Barack Obama became president because the Democrats wanted to elect a black man as president and the country was ready for that. Chris Christie may benefit from a similar alignment as Republicans want someone to address out of control spending and the country appears ready for that.

Eleanor Clift on Chris Christie

Leadership is about doing big things, says New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who invoked the phrase in his State of the State address—some two weeks before President Obama voiced the same words to rally the country in his State of the Union address.

Not that Christie thinks Obama stole his line, but the two men have different visions of what constitutes big things. Christie is focusing on budget reform, pension and health reform, and education reform, although "reform" is a euphemistic word for cutbacks. He's convinced the mood has changed enough in the country that the politicians who take on these once-sacred cows will be rewarded…..

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-02-16/chris-christie-aei-speech-shows-why-nj-governor-is-a-gop-star/


Eleanor is a hard leftist and she uses this article to highlight Democrats Cuomo and Brown are also going after spending, but it is a worthwhile read.

John Wiley Price Tells Citizens To “Go To Hell”

Tuesday’s Dallas County Commissioner’s Court meeting erupted into an argument between Commissioner John Wiley Price and a citizen, ending with Price repeatedly telling several citizens to “go to hell.”

The exchange started during the public speaking portion of the meeting, which happens after the commissioners have gone through their weekly agenda…..

….As Price stood to leave, he looked at Turner and the five other citizens who addressed the court. Price said to them, “ALL OF YOU ARE WHITE. GO TO HELL!”

PRICE REPEATED “GO TO HELL” THREE MORE TIMES. An unknown member of the audience said, “You should be ashamed!”

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/02/15/john-wiley-price-dallas-county-commissioners-go-to-hell/


Imagine if a white commissioner had told a group of six black citizens, “You all are black. Go to Hell!”


Civility: Democrat style

After last month's shooting of a congresswoman, President Obama urged more civility. How civil is it to destroy a congressional oversight committee chairman for practicing oversight?


DEMOCRATS HAVE TAPPED THE POLITICAL OPERATIVE KNOWN AS DR. DEATH TO LEAD A CHARACTER ASSASSINATION OPERATION AGAINST DARRELL ISSA, chairman of the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.


AVERELL "ACE" SMITH OF SAN FRANCISCO'S LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC CONSULTING FIRM SCN STRATEGIES, a "cutthroat" operative who won the California and Texas Democratic primaries for Hillary Clinton in 2008, WILL LEAVE "NO STONE UNTURNED IN DIGGING INTO ISSA'S PERSONAL AND BUSINESS HISTORY," SCN told Politico this week.

Why Issa? Because the California Republican is asking 180 federal agencies to explain their voluminous Freedom of Information Act request refusals in detail…..

http://jammiewearingfool.blogspot.com/2011/02/issa-subpoenas-friends-of-angelo.html


We saw this during the Clinton Administration happen to Ken Starr. It seems civility is a one way street for the Democrats and only applies to the Republicans.



Obama's budget assumptions only exist in fantasyland

"Blue smoke and mirrors" is a particularly apt phrase to describe the way Washington politicians in both major parties create annual budgets. "Rosy scenario" is another.

Call it what you will, healthy public policy cannot be based on fantasy foundations. To be sure, multiple assumptions about future economic and fiscal conditions must be made in constructing a forward-looking budget, BUT IN DOING SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES ARE CREATED FOR PUBLIC POLICY MISCHIEF. Since professional politicians are at the helm, said mischief is almost ALWAYS IN THE DIRECTION OF CREATING A MISLEADINGLY POSITIVE OUTLOOK ABOUT THE FUTURE AS A TOOL FOR GAINING SUPPORT FOR MORE SPENDING AND DEBT IN THE PRESENT. Consider President Obama's 2012 federal budget proposal in this context. Rosy scenario certainly applies to the Obama budget's assumptions about economic growth, unemployment, and inflation between now and 2013. The president's proposal ASSUMES REAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GROWTH OF 3.1 PERCENT THIS YEAR, 4 PERCENT NEXT YEAR AND 4.5 PERCENT THE YEAR AFTER. To grasp the unreality of that projection, recall that IN ONLY FOUR YEARS OF THE PAST 30 HAS THE ECONOMY GROWN 4 PERCENT OR MORE. Two of those years, 1983 (4.52 percent) and 1984 (7.19 percent), were at the outset of the economic boom sparked by President Reagan's tax cuts. The other two years, 1997 (4.46 percent) and 1999 (4.83 percent), both followed on compromises between President Clinton and Republican congressional majorities that restrained federal spending and debt, and cut taxes. White House assertions to the contrary notwithstanding, the proposed OBAMA BUDGET RAISES TAXES, ADDS MORE DEBT AND RAISES FEDERAL SPENDING

http://washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/2011/02/obamas-budget-assumptions-only-exist-fantasyland#ixzz1EDSOQFke


This is nothing really new, but it is a good idea to remember that what you see in budget projections tend to be fantasy.



Obama Offers Spending Inertia, Not Hope and Change

One way to judge the merits of the budget Barack Obama unveiled this week IS BY THE COMMENTS OF HIS POLITICAL ALLIES. "IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO FOCUS PRIMARILY ON THE NON-SECURITY DISCRETIONARY PART OF THE BUDGET," SAID SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN KENT CONRAD.

ERSKINE BOWLES, the Democrat whom Obama appointed as co-chairman of his fiscal commission, said the budget goes "NOWHERE NEAR WHERE THEY WILL HAVE TO GO TO RESOLVE OUR FISCAL NIGHTMARE."

"The president punted," began the editorial of THE WASHINGTON POST, which endorsed Obama in 2008. The paper noted tartly that he "CHOSE TO DUCK" THE FISCAL COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS….

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/02/17/obama_budget_offers_inertia_not_hope_and_change_108930.html


It appears everyone but the majority of Democrats in congress knows that the jig is up and we MUST address our fiscal insanity.

Obama can only tie a generic Republican

At this moment -- 57% of the way through a first term with only 628 days left until the 2012 presidential election -- THE DEMOCRAT CAN ONLY TIE ANY CONCEIVABLE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE.

The GOP doesn't even need a frontrunner to catch the incumbent of the most powerful political office in the world. No wonder Obama's bringing fresh blood into the White House and shipping out aides to kick-start the billion-dollar campaign back in Chicago.

A new Gallup Poll finds Obama a little worse off in that generic presidential ballot category this year than he was last year at this time.

And -- this'll get the ex-state senator chewing the nicotine gum faster -- THE NEW GALLUP NUMBERS SHOW OBAMA SIGNIFICANTLY BEHIND THE SAME STANDING OF HIS REPUBLICAN PREDECESSOR, that Texas guy who still refuses to reciprocate Obama's criticism…..

…. But THE YOUTH VOTE, so crucial to the Democratic ticket last time, IS EVAPORATING. Going into the 2008 election Obama had 63% of the registered voters aged 18 to 34. Today, he's got only 51%. Likewise, OBAMA'S SUPPORT AMONG 35-TO-54-YEAR-OLDS HAS CRUMBLED FROM 53% IN 2008 TO 43% TODAY….

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/02/obama-tied-with-no-name-republican-for-2012.html


Things do not look good for Barack Obama. It’s early yet, but America bought a dream the last time and it isn’t clear what they would need to buy this year if he wants to be reelected.



Andrew Jackson vs Henry Clay

For all of its complexities, American politics is sometimes reducible to a single enduring conflict, symbolized by THE HISTORIC BATTLE BETWEEN ANDREW JACKSON AND HENRY CLAY IN THE ELECTION OF 1832.

JACKSON SAW THE STATUS QUO IN GOVERNMENT AS AN UNFAIR PAYOFF TO THE PRIVILEGED, AND BELIEVED THAT HE SHOULD BE THE GREAT LEVELING AGENT. This explains much of the Jacksonian agenda: the assault on the Second Bank of the United States, the elevation of the spoils system to a civic virtue, and efforts to secure more land for poor Western farmers.

Clay, the greatest statesman never to become president, ADVOCATED FOR THE “AMERICAN SYSTEM,” A COMBINATION OF PROTECTIVE TARIFFS TO GROW AMERICAN INDUSTRY, INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS TO FACILITATE TRADE, AND THE BANK OF THE UNITED STATES TO STABILIZE THE MONEY AND CREDIT SYSTEMS. The government was not, in Clay’s view, intended to be the GREAT EQUALIZER, BUT THE GREAT FACILITATOR of American enterprise in all its varieties.

TODAY’S DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS CAN TRACE THEIR ROOTS TO THIS CONFLICT, although the road back in time is somewhat tortuous. For one thing, the issues that the country debates have largely changed, and in some cases the parties hold different positions than they once did: the Whigs supported higher tariffs while Republicans backed NAFTA; Jacksonian Democrats thought less government would level the playing field while liberal Democrats have reached the opposite conclusion. Still, the broader orientation to the country and its problems has remained generally the same. BORROWING A PHRASE FROM THEODORE WHITE, WE MIGHT CALL IT THE EVERLASTING BATTLE OF THE “SHARE OUT” AGAINST THE “SHARE UP.”

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/morning-jay-2012-thrilla-manilla_550203.html


Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it. This is a great read for history buffs who are trying to apply the lessons to today’s politics. And it’s viewpoint on the ideological battles being infrequent, but that 2012 appears to be one is very interesting.



Wisconsin and the Unions

Say you generally liked Gov. Scott Walker's move to rein in government labor costs but had a few doubts on his method. The last few days should have cleared that up nicely.

The public-sector union tantrums, meant to make lawmakers wobble, have an inadvertent message for the rest of us: VOTERS CAN VOTE ALL THEY WANT. We can elect a cheapskate governor and a Legislature to match. BUT COME THE MOMENT, UNIONS WILL HAVE THE LAST, LOUDEST WORD.

THEY'LL HAVE IT IF TAKES MARCHES. THEY'LL HAVE IT IF IT TAKES WHAT AMOUNTS TO AN ILLEGAL STRIKE, with so many Madison teachers calling in sick Wednesday that the district closed schools. If it takes showing up for a we-know-where-your-family-is protest on Walker's Wauwatosa lawn while he was at work, THE UNIONS ARE SURE THEY CAN OUTSHOUT ANY ELECTION RESULT.

This is exactly why Walker is right to limit the unions' power over government spending.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/116355379.html


Be prepared to see more of these kinds of stories in the coming years.



Meanwhile, Wisconsin Democrats are nowhere to be seen

POLICE OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED THURSDAY TO FIND WISCONSIN STATE LAWMAKERS WHO HAD APPARENTLY BOYCOTTED A VOTE ON A SWEEPING BILL THAT WOULD STRIP MOST GOVERNMENT WORKERS OF THEIR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS.

The lawmakers, all Democrats in the state Senate, did not show up when they were ordered to attend a midday vote on the legislation.

The proposal has been the focus of intense protests at the Statehouse for three days. As Republicans tried to begin Senate business Thursday, observers in the gallery screamed "Freedom! Democracy! Unions!"

Republicans hold a 19-14 majority, but they need at least one Democrat to be present before taking a vote on the bill.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110217/ap_on_re_us/us_wisconsin_budget_unions


This has happened in the past, but it is a dreadful example of leadership by the Democratic party. It appears not only don’t Democrats have any useful ideas, they have no guts either.


DNC Caught Organizing Wisconsin Protests

THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE'S ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA ARM -- the remnant of the 2008 Obama campaign -- IS PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN ORGANIZING PROTESTS AGAINST WISCONSIN GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER'S attempt to strip most public employees of collective bargaining rights.

OfA, as the campaign group is known, has been criticized at times for staying out of local issues like same-sex marraige, but IT'S RIDING TO THE AIDE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR UNIONS WHO HOPING TO PERSUADE SOME REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS TO OPPOSE WALKER'S PLAN. And while Obama may have his difference with teachers unions, OfA's engagement with the fight -- and Obama's own clear stance against Walker -- mean that he's remaining loyal to key Democratic Party allies at what is, for them, a very dangerous moment.

OFA WISCONSIN'S FIELD EFFORTS INCLUDE FILLING BUSES AND BUILDING TURNOUT FOR THE RALLIES this week in Madison, organizing 15 rapid response phone banks urging supporters to call their state legislators, and working on planning and producing rallies, a Democratic Party official in Washington said.

http://nation.foxnews.com/wisconsin-protests/2011/02/17/dnc-caught-organizing-wisconsin-protests


This gives a whole new meaning to Federalism.



Let’s we forget who we are fighting

….The girl, who was illiterate when she left Afghanistan, is now learning English as she prepares to study for a full education and put her troubled past behind her.

WHEN AISHA WAS 12, HER FATHER PROMISED HER IN MARRIAGE TO A TALIBAN FIGHTER TO PAY A DEBT. SHE WAS HANDED OVER TO HIS FAMILY WHO ABUSED HER AND FORCED HER TO SLEEP IN THE STABLE WITH THE ANIMALS.

When she attempted to run away, she was caught and, AS A PUNISHMENT, HER NOSE AND EARS WERE SLICED OFF BY HER HUSBAND while her father-in-law held a gun to her head.

'When they cut off my nose and ears, I passed out. In the middle of the night it felt like there was cold water in my nose. I opened my eyes and I couldn't even see because of all the blood,' she told CNN reporter Atia Abawi.

Left for dead in the mountains, SHE CRAWLED TO HER GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE AND HER FATHER MANAGED TO GET HER TO AN AMERICAN MEDICAL FACILITY, where medics cared for her for ten weeks.

They then transported Aisha to a secret shelter in Kabul and IN AUGUST SHE WAS FLOWN TO THE U.S. BY THE GROSSMAN BURN FOUNDATION TO STAY WITH A HOST FAMILY

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357654/Bibi-Aisha-Time-cover-girl-takes-New-York-subway.html#ixzz1EDqcwBsm


All civilizations are not equal. The one we are fighting can be particularly brutal.



The First Silver Fleece Award goes to…..

Today, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) unveiled the first winner of the “Silver Fleece” Award for government waste profiled in “Wastebook on Facebook,” a joint initiative of Senators Kirk and Tom Coburn (R-OK).

On Wastebook, thousands across THE COUNTRY VOTED TO GIVE THE SILVER FLEECE AWARD TO A GRANT BY THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES (IMLS) OF $998,000 TO PROVIDE POETRY FOR SIGNS IN ZOOS.

The Silver Fleece award pays homage to Senator William Proxmire’s “Golden Fleece” award given for government waste between 1975 and 1988. “We named our award the ‘Silver’ Fleece because in these times of austerity and we can no longer afford a Golden Fleece award. I started the Wastebook on Facebook’s Silver Fleece Award with the intention of HIGHLIGHTING EXAMPLES OF WASHINGTON “FLEECING” AMERICAN TAXPAYERS,” SAID SENATOR KIRK.

As Congress reviews the White House budget proposal for 2012, Wastebook on Facebook will continue to profile government waste. WITH 1,087 VOTES (63%), THE FIRST SILVER FLEECE AWARD GOES TO A $998,000 GRANT BY THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES for signs with poetry in zoos. A $615,000 GRANT TO BUILD A GRATEFUL DEAD ARCHIVE GOT 412 VOTES (24%). In last place with 217 votes (13%) was a $456,000 grant by the National Science Foundation to Stanford University for a study of online dating and why political figures were vague on social networking sites.

http://www.wifr.com/politics/headlines/Kirk_Announces_First_Silver_Fleece_Award_for_Government_Waste_998000_for_Poetry_in_Zoos_116407254.html

It’s no wonder we have problems with the country’s finances.

More on the budget



1/10 of 1 percent

 NPR STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT'S FY 2012 BUDGET

Public broadcasting received a vote of confidence today from the Obama Administration. THE PRESIDENT'S FY 2012 BUDGET SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS INCLUDED $451 MILLION FOR THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (CPB) for the two year advance appropriation for FY 2014, an increase of $6 million over FY 2013 funding.

NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller said, "We are grateful to the Obama Administration for RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC RADIO to the life of communities across the nation. Every day, over 900 public radio stations present fact-based local, national and international news, as well as local arts, music and cultural programming that can't be found anywhere else."

She concluded, "At a time when our country is confronting many difficult challenges, PUBLIC BROADCASTING IS PROVIDING AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE BY INFORMING AND EDUCATING 170 MILLION AMERICANS EVERY MONTH. This mission is more relevant than ever."

http://www.npr.org/about/press/2011/021411.NPRStatementOnThePresidentsFY2012Budget.html


In an age with the record deficits that we have, this is one appropriation that should be ended. If there ever was an example of welfare for the rich this is one.



President Obama issues a veto threat

President Obama issued a veto threat Tuesday afternoon against the House GOP “continuing resolution” that would fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year, SAYING THE CUTS IN THE BILL WOULD “UNDERMINE OUR ABILITY TO OUT-EDUCATE, OUT-BUILD, AND OUT-INNOVATE THE REST OF THE WORLD” AS WELL AS UNDERMINE “CORE GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS and investments key to economic growth and job creation, and would reduce funding for the Department of Defense to a level that would leave the Department without the resources and flexibility needed to meet vital military requirements.”

Democrats in Congress criticize the GOP cuts, which they say would kick more than 200,000 children out of Head Start, cut $800 per student in the maximum Pell Grant award, eliminate $1.4 billion in funding for science and energy research, and cut $2.5 billion for high-speed rail projects, among other changes.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/02/hours-after-saying-come-let-us-reason-together-president-obama-issues-veto-threat.html


It appears President Obama and the Democrats are playing by the Bill Clinton script. Unfortunately for them this is not the 1990s and they don’t have the American people’s good will. In a budget with over a trillion in deficits, it appears they can’t find a bit of spending that can be cut. That won’t play well in Peoria.



Obama says he'd stop adding to debt, but that's not true

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S CLAIM TUESDAY THAT HIS PROPOSED BUDGET WOULD STOP ADDING TO THE NATIONAL DEBT is wrong — and is proved wrong in his own budget.

"We will not be adding more to the national debt," he said flatly Tuesday at a news conference. "To use a sort of an analogy that families are familiar with, WE'RE NOT GOING TO BE RUNNING UP THE CREDIT CARD ANYMORE. THAT'S IMPORTANT, AND THAT'S HARD TO DO. BUT IT'S NECESSARY TO DO."

However, his budget shows that the gross NATIONAL DEBT WOULD CONTINUE TO RISE EVERY YEAR UNDER HIS PROPOSAL, ALMOST DOUBLING FROM $13.5 TRILLION LAST YEAR TO $26.3 TRILLION IN FISCAL 2021.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/02/15/108796/obama-says-hed-stop-adding-to.html#ixzz1E7ILs8Pv


In the internet age, it is absolutely amazing that politicians will say things that are so patently false and expect to get away with it. I guess the Democrats are channeling Dr. Goebbels.



It's the Deficits That Are Draconian, Not Their Cuts

After the riots in Athens, the Greek authorities decided to enact new laws to deal with their obvious problems. The new laws, which treat rich and poor alike for the first time, have been seen as harsh. THE NAME OF THE LEGISLATOR WHO WROTE THE LAWS IS A MAN CALLED DRACO. The date is believed to be 621 B.C. And more than 2,600 years later, the adjectival form of his name -- draconian -- is still tossed around here in Washington anytime someone proposes real budget cuts.

Of course, most of the Washington hands who hurl the "draconian" charge around probably do not know that Draco's laws were considered "just" according to Aristotle. For the first time in Athenian law, the codes were written down so that even poor people could know what was legal and what was illegal -- thus they could avoid inadvertently breaking the law…..

THE ONLY "DRACONIAN" PART OF DRACO'S LAWS WAS THE PUNISHMENT FOR THEIR VIOLATION, WHICH HE SET AS DEATH FOR ALL VIOLATIONS, whether petty theft or murder.….

So, as we enter budget season in Washington this week, unless the Republican proposals include a death sentence for their violation, NO ONE SHOULD GET AWAY WITH HURLING THE CHARGE OF "DRACONIAN CUTS." THE CHARGE IS BOTH PREFABRICATED AND HISTORICALLY ILLITERATE.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/02/16/its_the_deficits_that_are_draconian_not_their_cuts_108910.html


A bit of history for you so when you hear the charge of draconian cuts you will know the person saying it doesn’t know what they are talking about. A must read if you want to learn a bit of history.

How much does Obama’s budget cut in 2012?

So to assess the administration’s proposal, one very crucial figure to look at is the effect their budget, if adopted, would have on the deficit in the year for which it would actually be the budget—that is, in 2012. You can find that figure on page 172 of the budget (table S-2, here). IT SHOWS THAT BY THE ADMINISTRATION’S OWN CALCULATIONS, THE EFFECT ITS OWN BUDGET WOULD HAVE IN 2012 WOULD BE TO INCREASE THE DEFICIT BY $11 BILLION. In other words, the Obama budget says that if we pass the Obama budget then the deficit for 2012 will be $1.1 trillion but if we don’t pass it then the deficit would be $1.09 trillion

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/259769/year-year-yuval-levin


When you read something like this, you have to figure that President Obama is the most out of touch President since Jimmy Carter.


Obama's Spending Promises, Then and Now

In its 2010 budget, the Obama administration projected that in FY 2012, total federal outlays would add up to $3,662,000,000,000. In its actual FY 2012 budget, the administration is asking for total outlays of $3,729,000,000,000. THAT'S RIGHT: THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION HAS RESPONDED TO SKYROCKETING DEFICITS AND HEIGHTENED CONCERN ABOUT FEDERAL DEBT BY INCREASING THE AMOUNT IT IS REQUESTING FOR NEXT YEAR, compared to its projections of just two years ago, by $67 billion. Only in Washington is this a "cut."

As regards the deficit:

Moreover, in its 2010 budget, the OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PROJECTED THAT IN FY 2012, IT WOULD RUN A DEFICIT OF $581 BILLION, OR 3.5% OF GDP. Now, the administration tells us that its FY 2012 budget will run a deficit of $1.1 trillion, or 7% of GDP, nearly double what it had projected.

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2011/02/028361.php


Does nothing ever go down in Obamaland? Well outside of the number of Democrats in office.


Hundreds protest Wis. plan to cut worker rights

Hundreds of Wisconsin's public employees clogged a hearing for hours and camped out in the state Capitol OVERNIGHT IN A DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO DELAY ACTION ON REPUBLICAN GOV. SCOTT WALKER'S PLAN TO STRIP AWAY MOST OF THEIR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS.

The Legislature's finance committee is preparing to vote on the measure, which would end collective bargaining for all state, county and local workers except for police, firefighters and the state patrol. THE MOVE MARKS THE BOLDEST STEP BY A NEW REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE TO SOLVE BUDGET PROBLEMS BY CONFRONTING ORGANIZED LABOR.

Opponents seized on the finance committee's public hearing on the bill on Tuesday to launch what Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, called a "citizen filibuster" that tied up the hearing for hours. A vote by the committee would set up final votes in the state Senate and Assembly later this week.

VOS, THE CO-CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE, FINALLY ENDED THE HEARING AT 3 A.M. Wednesday, 17 hours after it started. Democrats said they would continue to listen to workers who still wanted to speak. Republicans planned to reconvene later in the day to vote on the measure.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7429435.html


Expect to see more of this. Public payrolls have gotten completely out of hand and they must be rolled back.




What is the new GOP Congress doing to help military voters?

Today the House Administration Committee held hearings on military voting issues in the 2010 election and the lack of Justice Department enforcement. A PJM preview of that hearing and ERIC HOLDER’S APPROVAL OF UNCONSTITUTIONAL BALLOTS TO SERVICEMEMBERS WHICH OMITTED SOME CONTESTS (SUCH AS GOVERNOR) is here. The hearing did not go well for the Department of Justice, and by the end, the testimony of Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez looked less than credible.

http://pajamasmedia.com/tatler/2011/02/15/what-is-the-new-gop-congress-doing-to-help-military-voters/


We always hear Democrat decry the use of photo IDs as discouraging voter turnout. It appears that all voters are created equal but some voters are more equal (those that are likely Democrat supporters) than others according to this Administration’s Justice Department.



Japan Just Wasted $78 Billion On 'Fruitless' Projects To Solve Global Warming

Japan spent an impressive $78 billion on global warming research in the past six years. However, NONE OF 214 PROJECTS PRODUCED EFFECTIVE RESULTS, according to an official report featured in Japan Times.

THIS "FRUITLESS" SPENDING IS UNDER SCRUTINY AS THE GOVERNMENT SUFFERS UNDER A HEAVY DEBT BURDEN.

Here's an example of a failed project:

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry spent about ¥1.6 billion on a project to produce livestock feedstuff from unsold boxed lunches from convenience stores. The project was abandoned after its management firm collapsed, the report says.

So yes, you can be glad for now that the U.S. spends so little on science

http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-global-warming-2011-2#ixzz1E7YQ3Gk2


Actually, Obama wants to spend $56 billion on high speed rail. As foolish as that project is, it still appears to be a better on than the Japanese were working on.

The Story of the Budget and Rocky Marciano

Budget Newspeak

….Reuters reports that Obama's proposed budget would cut the deficit by $1.1 trillion over 10 years. Are you kidding me? We wouldn't even come close to balancing the budget if we applied all those cuts in one year, BUT SPREAD OUT OVER 10 YEARS, THEY ARE INSULTING. PLUS, MANY OF THESE "CUTS" WOULD BE SOLELY THE RESULT OF BRINGING TROOPS HOME FROM IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN.

We also learned that Obama's deficit for 2011 would not be the outrageously obscene $1.5 trillion the Congressional Budget Office revealed last month, which was already substantially above last year's $1.3 trillion, but a staggering $1.65 trillion.

With their signature audacity and cynicism, WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS DUBBED THE ADMINISTRATION'S 10-YEAR PLAN A "DOWN PAYMENT" ON FUTURE DEFICIT REDUCTION. I'm not sure that even George Orwell could wrap his arms around such sophistry. To call an enormous increase in an already gargantuan budget deficit a "down payment" on anything (other than this nation's imminent financial ruin) does violence to the English language….

http://www.creators.com/conservative/david-limbaugh.html

So we're going from investments to down payments on deficit reductions but both at the same time this year.  It takes someone with a lot chutzpah to try to make that sale. 

Grover Norquist, head of Americans for Tax Reform

…..He made three observations. First, he says that THE ADVANTAGEOUS POSITION REPUBLICANS NOW ENJOY STEMS FROM "THE HEROIC VICTORY" IN THE SENATE IN BLOCKING THE OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL. Had the Senate Republicans not stood firm, they would have deprived Republicans of the opportunity to touch the budget for nearly a year. (Norquist says of the wavering and retiring Republican senators, "I had no leverage. Mitch McConnell somehow walked them back. How'd he do it? Someday I'll get up the nerve to ask him.") INSTEAD, OFF THE BAT REPUBLICANS ARE SEEN CUTTING, AND OBAMA IS SEEN SPENDING.

SECOND, IN NORQUIST'S VIEW, SOMETIMES A PROLONGED BATTLE IS BETTER THAN A QUICK CAPITULATION by the other side. He points to Tim Pawlenty (2012 candidate alert!). He says, "Why isn't Tim Pawlenty a star like Chris Christie? It's 'cause no one saw him do it. His budget veto [as Minnesota governor] was overruled by the state supreme court. HE WENT TO THE DEMOCRATS AND SAID HE'D FIGHT TO THE BITTER END. THEY CAVED." Norquist said if the fight had gone on for two months, Pawlenty would "be a budget cutting star." In sum, A PROLONGED FIGHT WITH THE WHITE HOUSE, IN NORQUIST'S EYES, WORKS TO REPUBLICANS' ADVANTAGE.

And finally, he is optimistic that House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's 2012 budget will be "fairly close to the closing position" on the budget. In his view, "All the pressure is on Obama to spend, and all the pressure on [the Republicans] is to cut."

We'll see if he's right, and if Obama made a fatal political miscalculation.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-turn/


I think a prolonged fight with the White House works for the Republicans. During the lame duck session of congress, Obama quickly caved on tax cuts and got an enormous bounce in his approval ratings. The Democrats were unhappy, but that didn’t hurt Obama. Likewise, a prolonged fight will work for the Republicans simply because what they represent is what the American public knows is the right thing for the country. But here’s another look at what I’m seeing.

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/259774/where-obama-leading-us-stanley-kurtz


And here is the money quote: “Obama isn’t failing to lead. He is very cleverly leading us toward an irreversible expansion of the welfare state.”



In case you forgot: 2012? 2011 still needs budget

As Congress and President Obama clash over the 2012 budget, THEY DO SO WITHOUT HAVING EVER SIGNED INTO LAW A SPENDING PLAN FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR. Seven months remain in fiscal 2011, and so far the government has been funded by a series of stopgap measures that maintain spending mostly at 2010 levels

.

http://washingtonexaminer.com/politics/congress/2011/02/2012-2011-still-needs-budget#ixzz1E1SlzOAs


The democrats crowed when they swept into power in 2007 that they would no longer have off budget items like funding for the war. But the 2011 budget has everything off budget since the Democratic Congress never passed a budget.


Government shutdown would be GOP's fault

HOUSE MINORITY WHIP STENY HOYER SAID TUESDAY THAT THE BLAME WILL FALL ON REPUBLICANS SHOULDERS IF THERE’S A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN LATER THIS YEAR.

As the House kicked off debate on a funding measure for the rest of 2011, the Maryland Democrat told reporters that Democrats will do everything they can to avoid closing federal agencies.

“If the government shuts down, it will be the Republicans’ responsibility,” he said.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49577.html#ixzz1E4JVABEU


I placed this right after the story that the Democrats failed to pass a budget and asking the question, why are the Democrats talking about this and trying to blame the Republicans in advance? It appears the old adage that every time you point a finger at someone three of them are pointing back at yourself seems to apply. And if the Democrats had passed a budget there would be no shutdown possible.



Sarah Palin: The Truth Behind the White House’s Budget Spin

Today the White House finally produced its proposal for the 2012 budget. Beware of the left’s attempt to sell this as “getting tough on the deficit,” because as an analysis from Americans for Tax Reform shows, the White House’s plans are more about raising taxes and growing more government than reducing budget shortfalls.

The fine print reveals a White House proposal to increase taxes by at least $1.5 trillion over the next decade. If you want to know how minuscule their proposed $775 million-a-year budget “cuts” really are, please look at this chart. The proposed cuts are so insignificant – less than 1/10 of 1% of this year’s $1.65 trillion budget deficit – that they are essentially invisible on the pie chart. That speaks volumes about today’s budget.

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150091193588435



I already commented on this, but to refresh your memory. If we had a household budget of $4000 per month and one of the breadwinners lost their job so our income was only $2500, this is the equivalent of cutting our monthly expenditures by 80 cents.



Meanwhile at the NY TIMES

On paper, PRESIDENT OBAMA’S NEW $3.7 TRILLION BUDGET IS ENCOURAGING. It MAKES A NUMBER OF TOUGH CHOICES to cut the deficit by a projected $1.1 trillion over 10 years, which is enough TO PREVENT AN UNCONTROLLED EXPLOSION OF DEBT in the next decade and, as a result, reduce the risk of a fiscal crisis.

The questions are whether its tough choices are also wise choices and whether it stands a chance in a Congress in which Republicans, who now dominate the House, are obsessed with making indiscriminate short-term cuts in programs they never liked anyway. THE REPUBLICAN CUTS WOULD EVISCERATE VITAL GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS while not having any lasting impact on the deficit.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/opinion/15tue1.html?_r=2&hp

The Times goes on to lament “a refusal by lawmakers to face the inescapable need to raise taxes at some point.” So the Times as a good mouthpiece for the Democrats have never met a tax increase they didn’t like and didn’t support.



Rocky and the Republicans

Rocky Marciano was the only heavyweight champion who never lost a single fight in his whole career-- and, at the time, he seemed the least likely fighter to do that. In many a boxing match, he was battered, bruised and bleeding.

ONE OF THE REASONS MARCIANO TOOK SO MUCH PUNISHMENT IN THE RING WAS THAT HE HAD SHORTER ARMS THAN MOST OTHER HEAVYWEIGHTS. It was easier for others to hit him than for him to hit them.

IN A SENSE, REPUBLICANS TODAY ARE IN A SIMILAR POSITION IN THE POLITICAL ARENA. With most of the media heavily tilted toward the Democrats, Republicans are going to get hit far more often than they are going to get in their own punches.

The difference is that Rocky Marciano understood from the beginning that he was going to get hit more often, and prepared himself for that kind of fight. HIS STRATEGY WAS TO CONCENTRATE ON DEVELOPING PUNCHES POWERFUL ENOUGH TO NULLIFY HIS OPPONENTS' GREATER NUMBER OF PUNCHES.

Republicans take the opposite approach from that of Rocky Marciano-- and often with opposite results. That may be why they managed to lose both houses of Congress and the White House in recent years, in a country WHERE THERE ARE MILLIONS MORE PEOPLE WHO CALL THEMSELVES CONSERVATIVES THAN THERE ARE WHO CALL THEMSELVES LIBERALS.

http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2011/02/15/rocky_and_republicans/page/full/

Here’s a must read column by Dr. Thomas Sewell.



Confessions of a San Francisco voter

….DURING THE 2008 PRIMARY THE LIBERAL LEFT AND THE DEMOCRATS EXPOSED WHO THEY REALLY ARE. What was done to Hillary Clinton by the Democratic Party and the complicit media SHOOK ME OUT OF MY OLD BELIEF SYSTEM. I broke free from the self-limiting anger and hate created by the left and the media towards the right.

For years I accepted the leftist line. Things I never cared about trying to make sense of, or tried to form my own real opinions about, suddenly became important to me.

IT WAS LIKE I HAD BEEN IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WHERE I HAD BEEN LIED TO AND PUSHED AROUND FOR SO LONG THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE TRUTH WAS ANYMORE. I began to think for myself and ask questions I never thought to ask before. Instead of taking the word of my abusers, I went in search of my own answers, and through my research REALIZED THAT THE THINGS I THOUGHT WERE TRUE WERE NOT. It didn't take me long to discover that there were many of us out there who underwent the same awakening and personal and emotional transformation.

Now I am being courted by another potentially abusive lover. The Republican Party.

I am a little relationship shy right now and AM ENJOYING BEING AN INDEPENDENT VOTER AND THINKER. I love my freedom. I love the freedom to think for myself. And when I believe in something it is because I'VE DONE MY OWN RESEARCH TO SUPPORT OR DENY THE "FACTS" I'M GIVEN. I WILL NO LONGER BE FOOLED. A "news" personality/anchor or corrupt politician can no longer tell me how to think or feel. And now, when I hear the left repeating the same old lies and using the same tactics of hate and personal destruction, I am determined to break the chains of intolerance and lies that keep so many on the left captive to a destructive belief system….

http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/02/sarah_and_the_san_francisco_po.html


Here’s the story of a wakeup call and what it means.





GM to pay $400 million in worker bonuses

Less than two years after entering bankruptcy, General Motors will extend millions of dollars in bonuses to most of its 48,000 hourly workers as a reward for the company's rapid turnaround after it was rescued by the government.

The payments, disclosed Monday in company documents, are similar to bonuses announced last week for white-collar employees. The bonuses to 76,000 American workers will probably total more than $400 million — an amount that suggests executives have increasing confidence in the automaker's comeback….

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110215/BUSINESS03/102150326/GM-pay-400-million-worker-bonuses?odyssey=mod


Shouldn’t GM be paying bonuses to the American taxpayer? The Union workers didn’t have to give up anything in the government take over and the government still owns billions in stock. Shouldn’t that money come back to the federal government?

Arpaio leads in early poll to replace John Kyl

MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO led a field of potential Republican Senate candidates in Arizona with 21 PERCENT IN A POLL OF LIKELY GOP PRIMARY VOTERS LAST WEEK.

REP. JEFF FLAKE, who announced his candidacy for the seat of retiring Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) on Monday, FINISHED SECOND WITH 16.8 PERCENT in the Summit Consulting Group survey. FORMER REP. J.D. HAYWORTH took third, WITH 16.6 PERCENT. He was unsuccessful in his primary challenge to Sen. John McCain last year….

http://www.rollcall.com/news/sheriff-joe-arpaio-senate-poll-republican-arizona-leads-203372-1.html?ET=rollcall:e9825:80104117a:&st=email&pos=epol


Nelson Below 50 Percent in New Poll

FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC SEN. BILL NELSON SHOULD BE RELIEVED GOP FORMER GOV. JEB BUSH HAS INDICATED HE WON'T CHALLENGE HIM IN NEXT YEAR'S Senate race, because a new poll shows the Democrat would come up short.

A Mason-Dixon poll out this morning shows that in a matchup between Bush and Nelson, NELSON WOULD LOSE BY 8 POINTS, 49 PERCENT TO 41 PERCENT.

The poll of 625 registered voters was conducted on Feb. 9 and 10 and has a margin or error of 4 percentage points.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/02/15/nelson_below_50_percent_in_new_poll_108903.html



What Bias Looks Like

MEGAN MCARDLE EXPLORES THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF ACADEMIA’S LIBERAL SKEW. In her concluding section, she notes that one problem with excluding conservatives from academia is THAT IT “MAKES SCHOLARSHIP WORSE.”

Unless we assume what to many liberals is “proven” by their predominance in academia–that conservative ideas have no merit–leaving conservatives out means that important viewpoints are excluded. WE ARE NEVER THE BEST INTERROGATORS OF OUR IDEAS. It requires motivated critics to lay bare our hidden assumptions, our misreading of the data, our factual inaccuracies. No matter how scrupulously honest you try to be, you are no substitute for an irritated opponent thinking, “That can’t possibly be right!”

IF YOU BUILD A GROUP WITH THE SAME ASSUMPTIONS, YOU CAN ALL TOO EASILY GO WRONG.

. . . it’s healthier if different groups, with different taboos, all have a place in the quest for truth. Monoculture is as unhealthy for ideas as it is for agriculture.

http://volokh.com/2011/02/15/what-bias-looks-like/


I highly recommend reading this link and go to review the comments as well (they are very informative). I have to agree with this. At one time when I worked as a Manufacturing Director, I had a manager who thought exactly like I did. It worried me to no end because we needed to disagree to insure we weren’t overlooking anything important. When two people think exactly the same, one of them isn’t necessary.