Media Malfeasance: Cover-up of mass Islamic Honor Killing

The Christmas day massacre-suicide of an entire Texas household was perpetrated by a Muslim father who felt he had lost control of his family.

Due to the media cover-up, it took me six days to stumble onto the truth behind the Christmas-day news story which shocked the nation involving the murder of six family members and suicide of the shooter.

This is outrageous. Can you imagine the headlines if the same murders where connected to fundamentalist Christians? The mind boggles.

Mitt Romney calls the Healthcare Mandate "Conservative"

This is why I can't stand Mitt Romney, and other squishy Republicans.

Newt's foot-in-mouth Decline

The all out media/establishment assault on Newt Gingrich has been very effective in recent days, aided by Newt's political schizophrenia. One wonders if there is a position which Newt has not taken, or will not take in the future. I really do feel the pain of the anti-Gingrich crowd, though I am not anti-Ginrich. I am hopeful for a solid, conservative, future-Gingrich. I am far more anti-Romney.

In both the case of Newt and Mitt, we must rely on our hopes and dreams for the candidate's potential conservatism. Several things skew me to Newt's side.

• A history of real conservative accomplishments.
• The willingness to admit wrongs and change direction.
• Expansive and deep knowledge of history.
• Keen intellect.
• Romney runs as a moderate, and makes few conservative pretensions. I take him at face value.
• Gingrich runs as a conservative, and owns several stunning defining moments during the presidential primary debates, notably his aggressive positions on the Middle East and judicial supremacy.

On matters of potential, I must choose Newt's repentant flip-flopping over Romney's flip-flopping and Janus-faced intransigence. One Romney face says that health care mandates are the best thing since sliced bread, the other that they are the greatest evil visited on the face of America. Both positions cannot be right, or defended.

Peter Ferrara makes a compelling pro-Newt case.

Obama Administration: Subverting the Rule of Law from Day One

Democrats stand for all that is lawless and subversive to society. "Card check" virtually guarantees union thuggery, intimidation and violence. This administration's war on immigration law enforcement ensures an uninterrupted flow of lawbreaking border incursions. And now the Democrats block actions taken by states to protect voter integrity. This move follows the outrageous spiking of a clear-cut legal case against the New Black Panthers for outright voter intimidation at the polls. Haven't we been slimed enough? God save America.

Nostril-damn-us

Rating the candidates by the number of nostrils held.

Mitt Romney, Ron Paul ----- 2 nostrils down

Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry ------ 1 nostril down

Rick Santorum, Michelle Bachman ------ 2 nostrils up

Huntsman ------ who?

It is looking more each day like I'm going to be holding two nostrils. I could at least muster a bit of enthusiasm for anyone other than Mitt Romney. In the case of Romney, I will still enthusiastically vote against Barack Obama, but will not feel as though I am voting FOR anything at all. Even the nutty Ron Paul offers an overall agenda that is 50 percent worth fighting for.

Merry Christmas from the "Religion of Peace"

MADALLA, Nigeria -- Bomb attacks on churches during Christmas services and a suicide blast in Nigeria killed at least 40 people Sunday amid spiraling violence claimed by Islamists.

Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Merry Christmas.

I thank God for His great gift of salvation for all mankind. A remarkable birth, the circumstances prophesied hundreds of years in advance, followed by a remarkable life, changing the course of civilization. How can anyone take such things so lightly?

Other religions charge humankind with working our way to God. God lowering Himself to man is unique to Christianity. Jesus "came to seek and save the lost." The Christian concept of salvation depends on God, His grace, mercy, and faithfulness, set apart completely from human effort specifically to preclude mortal boasting (Epesians 2:8-9.)

Consider appropriating God's most precious gift for yourself today. He is good and kind and merciful, offering redemption for fallen people. Ask His forgiveness and invite Him to take control of your life today.

Epilogue.

After years of commercial hostility to the celebration of the birth of Christ, and insistence on the generic term "Happy Holidays," I notice a change this year. In the recent past employees were forbidden from uttering the apparently contemptible words "Merry Christmas." This year is different. Everywhere I shopped employees were going out of their way to wish me an emphatic "Merry Christmas." It was palpable. Why do you think that is?

Gingrich, Perry, Bachmann, Santorum, Huntsman, ALL Excluded from Virgiania Primary

What a terrible turn of events. Gingrich was the frontrunner among likely Republican voters in Virginia by five points. Most of the Republican field failed to get the required 10,000 signatures to get on Virginia's primary ballot, which includes a minimum of 400 signatures from 11 congressional districts.

I don't get it. I can hardly believe it. This is a serous blow to those looking for the anti-Romney. Excepting Paul supporters, which I'm sure are celebrating the news this morning.

"It's elemental. It's the fundamental thing you do," said Karl Rove in a Fox News interview Saturday morning.

Announced yesterday:

Huntsman, Bachmann, Santorum will not be on Virginia primary ballot

Establishment opposition to Newt gingrich based in FEAR

So says Robert S. Walker, who points out the myriad ways in which Newt has threatened establishment Republicans in the past. On the other hand, Mitt Romney is so very... non-threatening. And I mean that in the worst possible way.

Some leading Evangelicals Endorse Newt Gingrich

Given the history of Newt Gingrich's moral choices I find the endorsements fascinating.

Pastor Jim Garlow has penned a lengthy letter explaining his support for Gingrich. Much of his reasoning rests on first-hand knowledge gleaned from the pastor's personal counseling sessions with the former Speaker. Pastor Garlow is convinced of the genuineness of Newt's repentance and change of heart and direction. I'm encouraged by his letter as I have been moderately supportive of Newt, but hesitatingly and somewhat suspiciously. Newt has been all over the place on various issues, though his rhetoric of late resonates with me. Reading Garlow's opinions boosts my preexisting independent assessment of Gingrich's "teachableness." He actually devotes an entire section of his endorsement to the subject. To be aged, yet remain teachable and capable of ideological evolution is a great thing (as long as one moves in the right direction.) The pastor obviously invested a great deal of thought here, as is evident by the length of his communication. It is a good read for evangelical Christians. The irreligious probably won't find the reasoning that appealing.

Also endorsing Gingrich is Rev. Donald E. Wildmon, founder and chairman of American Family Association and American Family Radio. Rev. Wildmon pens a much shorter, less interesting missive.

J.C. Watts endorses Gingrich as well. I somehow missed the memo, no doubt lost in the cavalcade of caterwauling coming from "conservatives."

Mark Levin Disgusted by Righty Attacks on Gingrich

Gingrich has his faults, but he has strengths as well. Newt is undeserving of the vitriol directed towards him by those on the right. Many on the right borrow from the leftist play book to ridicule Newt. It is disgusting. Mark Levin agrees.

Most of Newt’s attackers have announced for Romney or are at least fronting for him, overlooking or excusing most of Romney’s deceits — which continue to this day and most recently involve his flip-flopping on the Iraq War. Moreover, Will has not said who he supports, having previously backed Mitch Daniels. No doubt Michelle Bachmann is just too wacky and inexperienced for his tastes, much as Reagan was too old and unsteady back in 1979.

Having consulted a number of friends and colleagues from the Reagan era, they agree with me that we’ve not seen this kind of daily attack on a legitimate Republican primary candidate in modern times, despite Newt’s weaknesses and faults. And most are disgusted by it.

You can't hide your lyin' Democrats

A lying Democrat interloper attacks Newt Gingrich.

Arnold, a Democrat, said he came to the event at Smokey Row coffee house with an open mind. But he wanted to ask Gingrich about how he would represent him as president after reading past comments the former U.S. House Speaker as made about gay and lesbians.

“When you ask somebody a question and you expect them to support all Americans and have everyone’s general interest,” Arnold said. “It’s a little bit frustrating and disheartening when you’re told to support the other side. That he doesn’t’ need your support.”

The entire statement is a lie, but the biggest is bolded for ease of location.

This gentleman claims to be upset that a leader does not support a certain segment of the population, since we are "all Americans." Really? Maybe you should tell Christians. Or Capitalists. Or the middle class (i.e. those who work for a living.) Or white men. Or supporters of Israel. Or "the rich." Or "Tea Party terrorists."

Thomas Edsall sums up the new Democrat strategy thus; "All pretense of trying to win a majority of the white working class has been effectively jettisoned."

"Jettisoned." Cogitate on that one. Jettisoned in favor of two groups: The so-called poor, which are bought and paid for by government, and those we commonly refer to as "the elite" ("voters who have gotten ahead on the basis of educational attainment — professors, artists, designers, editors, human resources managers, lawyers, librarians, social workers, teachers and therapists,") these groups being further subdivided by race.

ATTN: The Unwritten Rule is in effect

The unwritten rule?

There will be no criticism of the chosen one, Mitt Romney. We will pretend that only Romney's challengers are worthy of criticism, and that Romney has no baggage or downside at all. Is that clear? Now go toe the line.

Oatmeal with hair. It's the breakfast of champions.

Obama's War on Coal will cost us all

Dozens of Power Plants Closing Due to New EPA Rules

It's not just coal, this is war on America. What could be the end-game of the stifling of all available means of economic production? To impoverish people is to control them. Enslavement is the goal. If you liked "funemployment" you are going to love "joyvation."

Talking with a Ron Paul Supporter

The world according to a Ron Paul supporter

In the course of doing business, you tend to meet all kinds of people. Many times the conversation drifts to current political events. This gentleman declared his support for Ron Paul and offered the following.

Hitler had good ideas, wanted to return Germany to the gold standard, and take the monetary system out of the hands of the "Jew bankers." He wasn't such a bad guy.

9/11 was an inside job.

Q- Do you find the rapid spread of Islamism in the world threatening or problematic? A - No.

The "Religious Right" is the source of many of society's ills.

That's the gist of it. There were a few other kook theories that I can't remember but that's what you get when you talk to these people. An avalanche of madness.

Newt vs. Romney: Tom Sowell says "Newt"

Via Mark Levin and IBD:

Romney is a smooth talker, but what did he actually accomplish as governor of Massachusetts, compared to what Gingrich accomplished as speaker of the House? When you don't accomplish much, you don't ruffle many feathers. But is that what we want?

Yup! Romney is a moderate who is already trying to placate the left and "play to the middle."

Massachusetts health care premiums are the highest in the nation. The program is predictably blowing a hole in the state budget ($47 million over budget in fiscal year 2010) and is only going to continue to get worse.

Meanwhile Romney repeatedly doubles down on his indefensible Massachusetts health care plan. How can Romney claim that the health care mandate works on a state level, but the same program is terrible on a national level? You can't do both with integrity! Either the plan works or it doesn't.

Watch the video below. When Romney sees that he is losing the argument on facts, he plays the "emotional anecdotal story" canard so loved by the left.

I'm hoping that Bachmann or Santorum can make a hard run at the nomination in these final days, but if they do not, Gingrich 2012!

Find the Hidden Man

There is a man hidden in this picture. You don't have to use your imagination. You'll know it when you find him.

Christopher Hitchens is Dead. Was he Right?

One thing is certain. Christopher Hitchens now knows for sure whether he was right about God and the afterlife. Hitchens has died at the age of 62 from complications arising from esophageal cancer. For my part, may God have mercy on his soul.

Did You Pray for Christopher Hitchens?

Bachmann: PolitiFact Says "Liar Liar Pants on Fire"

Several candidates got facts wrong in last night's debate, a not terribly unusual  occurrence during these things, but Michelle Bachmann is the only debater citing PolitiFact as saying that she had all of her facts straight. It sounded good at the time, but PolitiFact says "not so." This may wind up hurting, more than helping, Bachmann.

"Her PolitiFact report card shows 60 percent of her ratings have been False or Pants on Fire."

Romney's Iowa Debate Gaffe

I'm watching the Fox News Iowa presidential debate. Just when I thought it was going to be "all Newt, all the time" they finally moved on. Newt isn't quite as slick tonight as he was in the last debate, but the only obvious flub I witness so far comes from Governor Romney. Now, this might not be as glaring to others as it is to me, but this is my assessment.

Mitt Romney said tonight that, because of his experience in Massachusetts with an 85 percent Democratic legislature, he had to become good at working with Democrats. Therefore this is Romney's strength. Working with Democrats. And when he gets to Washington he's going to show us just how good at it he is -- reaching consensus with the Democrats like a good leader should.

That is my paraphrase and I do not yet have the transcript of this live, ongoing debate, but I am confident in my characterization of Governor Romney's  remarks. Hearing him say that is as grating as nails down the chalkboard to me. I'm certain that I speak in solidarity with many others. The Democrat Party is corrupt and overtaken by radicals. They are working as hard as possible at destroying the country, by which I mean a take-down of capitalism, institution of Marxist and/or fascist policies, and halting technological advances and economic production. The last damn thing I want to hear is how adept a Republican president is going to be at working with Democrats, which have consistently "pole vaulted" and "parachuted" over the will of the American people for the last three years.

Governor Romney's "$10,000 bet" gaffe pales by comparison.

Update: The quote and context.

Moderator

    As Governor Huntsman just mentioned, there is a real drama playing out real-time in Washington right now with the threat of yet another government shutdown, the possibility that millions of Americans could see their payroll taxes go up. If you're president, as is the case now, and you are at lagerheads with one chamber of congress, how would you handle this situation?

Romney

    I had the disadvantage of some respects of becoming governor and a state with a legislature 85 percent Democrat. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. To get anything done, I had to learn how to get respect of the speaker of the house and the senate president and Democratic leaders. I found a way to do that, to find common ground from time to time. And when crisis arose, we were able to work together. That is what has to happen.

    There are Democrats who love America as Republicans do, but we need to have a leader in the White House, that knows how to lead. I have had four leadership experiences in my life where I have lead enterprises. I want to use that experience to get America right again. And I will do it as president.

Full debate transcript. Iowa 10-15-2011.

Gingrich's concept of Co-equal branches of Government called "Dangerous"

Former Bush attorneys are apoplectic on Gingrich's suggestion that the judicial, executive, and legislative branches have an equal say in what is and is not constitutional. The despotic branch has overstepped its bounds and been allowed to run wild for so many decades that Gingrich's suggestion is now seen as "kooky." I guess that makes two of us. These Bush attorneys are typical Marshallites.

“There is no Supreme Court in the American Constitution,” Gingrich told an audience in Pella, Iowa. “There’s the court which is the Supreme of the judicial branch, but it’s not supreme over the legislative and executive branch. We now have this entire national elite that wants us to believe that any five lawyers are a Constitutional convention. That is profoundly un-American and profoundly wrong.”-- Newt Gingrich

Positions like this one from Gingrich endears him to me. God bless him.

Although I was revisiting much familiar ground as I read this book, even I was shocked at how dishonest the federal courts have been over the years. And Gutzman just eviscerates all of it, slashing and burning everything in sight, and holding up the ludicrous series of fictions that pass for "constitutional law" to hilarious derision. -- Thomas Wood's review of The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution

Romney attacks Gingrich from the Left

Much has been made of Gingrich's attack on Newt Romney using the typical leftist canards concerning capitalism for ammo. Gingrich apologized today, saying that his statement stemmed from a lack of restraint, and that he actually does not believe what he said. I suppose it is a case of grabbing the nearest blunt object with which to bludgeon your opponent. Gingrich now says it was a mistake.

But Mitt Romney made a similar attack of his own, class warfare also being his blunt instrument of choice against Gingrich:

“He’s a wealthy man - a very wealthy man. If you have a half-a-million-dollar purchase from Tiffany’s, you’re not a middle-class American.’’

 So will the avalanche of Gingrich criticism coming from the establishment right be balanced with similar criticism of Romney? I won't hold my breath. As usual, the "anointed one" of the aristocratic right gets a pass.

It just goes to show how easy it is to play on the public's base covetousness and jealousy.  It only requires the suspension of rational thought. At least Gingrich has the good sense to apologize. It was an ugly road to travel indeed.

The Moral Horror of Pregnancy

Pregnancy entails profound physical, psychological, and long-lasting consequences for a woman - it is not a mere "inconvenience" - her freedoms are significantly restricted if she is forced to carry to term.

[People have] started talking about the need to recognize and respect the moral value of the fetus. Some laws recognize fetuses as persons deserving of protection, such as a new federal law that makes fetuses a separate victim when a pregnant woman is assaulted. [Some even say that this "fetus" is a person!] Do we really want to travel down this dangerous road?

Anti-choicers insist that the key question in the abortion debate is whether a fetus is a person or not. If so, abortion is murder, they say, and therefore obviously immoral and illegal. That is not the key question at all, of course - anti-choicers are committing the "fetus focus fallacy." The practice of abortion is unrelated to the status of the fetus - it hinges totally on the aspirations and needs of women.

As soon as we bestow special rights on fetuses, we separate them from their mothers and create an adversarial relationship that hurts both.

I edited the order of the above statements, but they are all straight from the horse's mouth. Twisted thinking at its best. Historically, unfavored groups in a morally blunted society have their concept of "personhood" rationalized away so that harming them can be justified. It is unsurprising then that the author goes to some length to emphasize that unborn children must never be considered "persons." Doing so might raise the terrible specter of human compassion. And we can't have that, can we?

Imagine. Moral outrage that a woman should mourn the loss of her unborn child as that of a person. This author purports to speak for all women, but what about the women whom she wants to strip of their right to value and cherish her own unborn child, as most women do so very much? Many women who experience miscarriages mourn the loss of a baby - not a detached "clump of cells."

Read this bit of satire, compare to the above linked text, then dare to tell me that there is a marked difference between satire and reality.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection... from such turn away.

Government school contrives incestuous kissing for humour

Because there's nothing funnier than Mom and Dad romantically kissing their children. I don't know what kind of sick mind cooks this up, but they should be slapped hard. Not much is out of bounds these days, apparently.

Update: Now Fear Factor is on the incest hot seat. You've got to be kidding me. What is wrong with you freaks?

Mitt Romney: "I'm a moderate... progressive"

"I think people recognize that I'm not a partisan Republican, that I'm someone who is moderate, and my views are progressive... I'm going to go to work for people who have been left behind." -- Romney in 2002.

Indeed, Romney currently positions himself as a "moderate" Republican who can be relied on not to "frighten" the voters. This is not leadership. What bothers me most about the Romney quote is the liberal idea that people are helpless passives who are merely acted upon by society. Laggards are not responsible for their position in life, they have been "left behind." This view does not see America as the "land of opportunity" where everyone has a chance to pursue and achieve happiness. Those of us who choose to embrace the pursuit of happiness coldly "leave others behind" and should feel guilty for doing so.

Newt Gingrich's Political Director in Iowa forced to Resign

Newt Gingrich's Iowa political director resigns for making disparaging comments about Mitt Romney and Mormonism.The comments were made prior to joining Gingrich's campaign, but recently surfaced.

Britain's Gun-ban leads to a 40 percent increase in Gun-related Crime

Britain's misguided gun ban has led to a 40 percent increase in gun related crime. Now her citizens are "up in arms." How can this be? When American gun owners say that "when guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns" we ain't just whistlin' Dixie. Hear the British lament their loss of liberty, and consider the precious privileges that are daily ripped from our hands.

Christine O'Donnell endorses Mitt Romney

Christine O'Donnell announced her endorsement of Mitt Romney for President on Sean Hannity's Fox TV show this evening. Mitt Romney is far more conservative than people give him credit for, insists O'Donnell, and she hopes that her own conservative bona fides will encourage people to take a second look.

"I think it's unfounded and unmerited [that Romney is characterized as more an "establishment" than a Tea Party candidate.] Look who he got behind in the early races. Newt Gingrich, for example, was relentlessly for the liberal Republican (Dede Scozzafava) in one of the first Tea Party races in New York 23... whereas governor Romney, who is not out there boasting about it, was one of the first ones in on Scott Brown, got behind Nikki Haley, Marco Rubio, me... So this says a lot. The courage and conviction it takes to get behind anti-establishment candidates speaks volumes, and I think people are overlooking that. People are having a --- especially Tea Partiers --- are having a visceral response that is not merited." -- Christine O'Donnell

Not a bad point. There is some food for thought. Ann Coulter is insistent that Romney is the most conservative remaining candidate, "right next to Michelle Bachmann." However, Mark Levin begs to differ. Strongly.

Is Glenn Beck Loosing the Tea Party?

You tell me. The non-monolithic, leaderless nature of the Tea Party has been its strength since its inception, thus there is no easy answer to the question. But ire is building, that's for sure. Can years of good faith be wiped away with a single foolish notion? The left has been calling Beck nuts for ages, but now many on the the right are joining them.

Beck won me over some time ago. He's right about a lot of stuff. I'm a fan. But his "racism" comments, and Breitbart's assessment of other Beck conduct (see my earlier post) are giving even me pause.

UPDATE: Glenn Beck responds, says he clarified his comments and that he does not believe the Tea Party is racist. I think he is trying to say he was being hyperbolic for effect, though I'm not sure. If you read his site, his distinctions are pretty subtle. Beck also has an interview with Bachmann (whom I love!) in this segment.

Will He or Won't He?

What is Herman Cain's next move?

According to Cain, clearing his name is a top priority. As the drive-by media careens down the road, Cain still lives in the moment. I can hardly wait to see how this plays out. I sincerely hope that there will be a reckoning for whoever merits it.

"Without compromising anything my attorney and I are working on, we are not done proving or demonstrating -- there will be more." -- Herman Cain

 

Rightist Feud: Glenn Beck; Breitbart; Tea Party

Breitbart alleges that Glenn Beck calls the Tea Party racist because of its growing support of Newt Gingrich.

According to Glenn Beck, Barack Obama and Newt Gingrich are both progressives, therefore if you support one and not the other, it must be due to racism. Is that what Glenn Beck meant? Hear it and judge for yourself.



Breitbart is furious, says Glenn Beck has jumped the shark and is now "dead to me" after labeling Beck a coward, liar, and thief.

This is not what we need. Not at all. Can't we all just get along? Perhaps Beck will seek to clarify and backtrack a bit on his show. Let's make amends people. We need to work together. I'd like to have Sowell or Hayeck for president, but those people aren't running. Sowell to too old anyway.

Beck is wrong on this. Gingrich is no Obama, and ideology is far more blinding and operative here than race -- just as it's always been. I summed my thoughts on Newt on another blog:

I don't know if Newt is teaching us, or we are teaching him. Hopefully a little of each. I get the feeling from Newt that maybe, just maybe, he is not so entrenched that he is incapable of still learning and willing to evolve his positions for the better. I think he has the potential to rise to greatness. Whether he will only time will tell. It is potential Newt who I am pulling for.

You naysayers can trash Newt's "conservatism" all you want. You must convince us that Romney is better. Now THAT is an insurmountable task.

Sunday Ponderance: Are Science and Christianity antithetical?

Conventional wisdom, as we are told ad nauseum, dictates a sacrosanct separation between science and religion. Except, I note, when certain scientists desire to meddle in metaphysical affairs. Anyway, how does this conventional wisdom fall out in practice? Would not the "abolition of ignorance" resulting from close scientific study virtually guarantee a large majority of atheistic scientists? Reality does not bear out this theory. In fact, many scientists find that naturalistic study deepens their faith, rather than dispelling it. Of course the intricate wonder of creation inspires faith. Would God create a universe that leads us away from Himself, or one which draws people to Him?

...since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1

The fact is that, despite an overtly hostile academic environment geared toward anti-religious indoctrination, faith continues to thrive among a significant number of scientists.

On a parting note, the most famous and respected scientist in modern history, Albert Einstein, was convinced that God created the universe. Einstein was aware that the unbelievable complexity of our world demands a designer.

One of the most interesting surveys in this regard is that conducted in 1996 by Edward Larsen and Larry Witham and reported in Nature." For their survey was a repeat of a survey done in 1916 by Professor Leuba in which 1,000 scientists (chosen at random from the 1910 edition of American Men of Science) were asked whether they believed both in a God who answered prayer and in personal immortality - which is, be it noted, much more specific than believing in some kind of divine being. The response rate was 70 per cent of whom 41.8 per cent said yes, 41.5 per cent no and 16.7 per cent were agnostic. In 1996, the response was 60 per cent of whom 39.6 per cent said yes, 45.5 per cent no and 14.9 per cent" were agnostic. These statistics were given differing interpretations in the press on the half-full, half-empty principle. Some used them as evidence of the survival of belief, others of the constancy of unbelief. Perhaps the most surprising thing is that there has been relatively little change in the proportion of believers to unbelievers during those eighty years of enormous growth in scientific knowledge. God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? by John C. Lennox

Newt's Ninja Night

Tonight, ABC hosted an all-out assault on Newt Gingrich disguised as a debate. Newt was required to fend off everyone on the stage, plus the loaded questions from moderators hiding behind surrogates ("These aren't our questions, honest!")

I must say that Newt expertly passed the test, deflecting metaphoric throwing stars and poison darts from all directions. Unbelievably, I just finished reading an anti-Newt editorial today intoning what a poor, overrated debater Gingrich is, and how he loses his cool under pressure. Newt just made this author look like a fool.

I especially appreciated Newt's answer on the "invented Palestinian people" issue. Handling it masterfully, he did not back down one iota. Gingrich actually got me to cheer. Finally. FINALLY. Someone willing to speak the plain truth. This was Newt's night, without question. The aggressive tenor of the attacks and Newt's handling of them only made him considerably stronger. Gingrich was the beneficiary of substantial camera face time since every "invocation" earned him the right to respond. A misstep or two could have been disastrous, but Newt made none. Zero. Not even a mild one.

Tonight's mission was clear. Take out Newt Gingrich. The mission failed miserably.

If I can find a YouTube excerpt of the Palestinian question, I'll post it.

Update, Politico: "Gingrich parried blow after blow without losing his cool or showing the much-discussed undisciplined side of his personality."

Here is the video on the Palestinian exchange, with full context. It is a remarkable moment.



David Horowitz: "Gingrich gets it right."

Why the Right despises Obama for his associations

To find out why the Right despises Obama for his associations with Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn of The Weather Underground, watch the full documentary.

After watching the documentary, visit "FactCheck".org to view the whitewash treatment that they give Bill Ayers. These words leap from the page:

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Lynn Sweet wrote last spring that it "was no big deal, or any deal, to any local political reporters or to the editorial boards of the Sun-Times or [Chicago] Tribune." Ayers was named a Chicago citizen of the year in 1997 for his efforts in the field of education.

No big deal. Really. To the self-righteous intelligentsia where the proper allegiances always mean auto-absolution, that is. Now move along.

U.S. Vast Energy Reserves Locked away by Government

The United States possesses trillions of dollars in recoverable energy reserves that Americans can't use. Nanny says no.

A new study by the Institute for Energy Research is reporting America is not only exporting a record amount of gasoline, but the country is also brimming with what's being called, "vast quantities" of natural resources.

Obama is killing jobs intentionally

The salient question is, Why?

Remember the unprecedented Gibson Guitar raid?

"Juszkiewicz insists he was told there wouldn’t be problems if Gibson did more work overseas."

Hailing from Tennessee, I take it personally.

Caveat Emptor

Wouldn't you think that a blog by a wise black conservative professor of economics from the University of Tennessee would be well-traveled? Me too. So why isn't it? Dr. Black is doing the Lord's work out there, but gets little attention. Perhaps that is the best work of all. Doing good while few notice.

Why is the failure of statism being foisted on us as a failure of capitalism?

Elizabeth Warren owes me big

"You owe us, and we want our fair share of all that money you are raising online."

An inspired rejoinder from Legal Insurrection. Rather than repeating it here, I'll ask you to go read it.

Deck the Halls with Mobs of Folly, Tis the Season to be Commie

Another Christmas song satire, inspired by the following Yahoo News photo used in the Wizbang Caption Contest.

Deck the halls with mobs of folly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be Commie,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Drawn we have rich o'er barell,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
We'll replace them with our feral,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the starving throngs before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
We won't work though you implore us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Burn your house and take your treasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Grammy win for our displeasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away, sit on your asses,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new Lenins and Stalins,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing ye blovious, join collective,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
We will Borg you through your rectum,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Obamunism: The same old Serpent

Since President Obama is such a Lincoln admirer, he should consider this Lincoln quote:

You will find that all the arguments in favor of king-craft were of this class; they always bestrode the necks of the people, not that they wanted to do it, but because the people were better off for being ridden. That is their argument, and this argument of the Judge is the same old serpent that says you work and I eat, you toil and I will enjoy the fruits of it.

How ironic that it is Obama who is most instrumental in the return of slavery to America.

All socialism involves slavery. That which fundamentally distinguishes the slave is that he labours under coercion to satisfy anothers desires.   Spencer, Herbert Source: HERBERT SPENCER, The Coming Slavery, The Contemporary Review, April 1884, p. 474.

Lying is the distinguishing feature of all communists. Historically, they lie their way to power before declaring their true intentions. Two days ago, Obama revealed a bit more of himself than many people want to admit. The president of the United States is declaring war on America herself. How did we get here?

Where does [Obama's] emphasis on redistribution come from? Not from the Founders. The Constitution mandates that "all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States." The Declaration of Independence entrenches the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens. And once slavery was abolished, the 14th Amendment required that no state deny "equal protection of the laws" to "any person."

December 7, 1941

On December 7, 1941, a sleeping giant was awakened and filled with a terrible resolve.

Today is Pearl Harbor Day, otherwise known to liberals as "a day when we got what we deserved."

Glenn Beck's interview with Newt Gingrich

Glenn Beck has posted his hard-hitting interview with Newt Gingrich that has everyone abuzz. It is true that Newt has some positions that conservatives find problematic.

Beck asks whether Gingrich supports subsidies. Gingrich answers, "It depends on what you're subsidizing."

I agree with Beck's assessment of Newt as a progressive-type conservative, but my critique of Gingrich has to be tempered by two factors:

1) Is Newt better or worse than Obama?
2) Is Newt better or worse than Romney?

For my part, the answer to both questions is "better." I wold love to have Bachmann or Santorum as the nominee, but it ain't happening. I try to live in the real world, not in the world as I wish it were.

At least Newt understands the prevailing anti-government sentiment now gripping the nation. I pray that the Beck interview has some lasting impact on Newt's psyche.

Who is "tricking" Congress now?

After defeating both enemy combatants on the Iraq battleground and their fifth-column surrogates also known as Democrats here at home to win the "unwinnable" war, the senate quietly passed on the opportunity to deauthorize the war in Iraq -- even as President Obama declares the war's end. This is the very same war that, as Democrats told us about a million times, President Bush "lied" us into and "tricked" them into voting to authorize. Therefore, the questions must be asked; Who is fooling them now? What devilish force pulls their puppet strings to prevent them from extricating ourselves from Iraq with finality? What dirty trickster has our poor feeble congress under its spell?

American Spectator

As if that wasn't enough, Paul later pushed for a vote on revoking congressional authorization for the war in Iraq. The president had announced that the war was effectively over, so Paul reasoned that the body the Constitution authorizes to declare war should ratify that decision. Paul's bill failed, despite a Democratic Senate majority eager to take credit for ending the Iraq war.

While only a few Republicans joined Paul's rebellion, there were some interesting names on the list. Sens. Jim DeMint of South Carolina and Dean Heller of Nevada voted with Paul on Iraq. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah backed Paul on terror detainee rules. All three are Tea Party favorites.

Some of the Democratic votes were also revealing. Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, once declared the Iraq war a failure. But he voted to authorize it under President Bush and has now voted against de-authorizing it under President Obama.

UFC sues NY over MMA ban

The UFC claims that New York's ban on live professional MMA fighting is unconstitutional and violates the organizations' first amendment rights. On Tuesday, the U.F.C. sued the state in Manhattan federal court.

“The linchpin is convincing the court that the ban is aimed at the content of the entertainment as opposed to the safety of the fighters,” said Tom Kelley, a partner at Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz. “Attempts to regulate entertainment based on its violent message have been largely unsuccessful.”  

There is no question in my mind the the NY ban is due to the violent nature of the sport, and the desire of the state to "protect" its citizens from the vicious spectacle that Sen. John McCain has labeled "human cockfighting." This should be interesting.

This is your Face

This is your face after trying to mug an MMA fighter. Any questions?

Finders Keepers...

Even when it comes to drones. Iran's possession of our top-secret spy drone, shot down Sunday, raises the concerns of U.S. officials.

Senate votes to legalize Bestiality in the Military, suspend Habeas Corpus

The senate voted 93 to 7 on Thursday, December 1, in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012, which repeals Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) in its entirety.

Article 125:

(a) Any person subject to this chapter who engages in unnatural carnal copulation with another person of the same or opposite sex or with an animal is guilty of sodomy. Penetration , however slight, is sufficient to complete the offense.

(b) Any person found guilty of sodomy shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [My emphasis.]

The handwriting has been on the wall regarding sodomy in the military for some time now, but is it really necessary to throw out the sheep with the Brokeback water?

This happens to be the same act that alarms civil libertarians because it essentially suspends habeas corpus for any U.S. citizen who is designated a terrorist. I share the concern. I'm a bit flummoxed that this overreach of power is not causing more of an uproar on the right side of the blogosphere, especially given the left's recent penchant for spouting off about "Tea Party terrorists." Does anyone believe that it is beyond politicians' sense of propriety to use the "terrorist" designation for political purposes? Such powers have historically only been used in the event of a national emergency. If the act passes it will constitute a major shift in U.S. policy towards it citizens!

President Obama has threatened to veto the bill, but I'm skeptical. Since when does Obama pass up the opportunity to seize broader executive powers?

There seems to be some debate about whether the terrorist detention provision of the National Defense Authorization Act applies to American citizens. Some say it does, others claim not. Experience with reality informs me that, when in doubt, government exercises its power, often stretching or contorting plain language to do so (see Kelo vs. New London and the destruction of the takings clause of the fifth amendment.)

Via LewRockwell.com I learned of a document designating an organization dedicated to investigating the Oklahoma City bombing a "domestic terrorist/extremist" organization. I confess a lack of knowledge about the group "The Oklahoma Bombing Investigation Committee"  however I doubt that they are the type of group that average Americans have in mind when discussing "domestic terrorists."

Danger! Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!

Update: E.D. Kain, writing for Forbes, does not think I am overstating the case. "The National Defense Authorization Act is the Greatest Threat to Civil Liberties Americans Face."

It’s confusing, because two different sections of the bill seem to contradict each other, but in the judgment of the University of Texas’ Robert Chesney — a nonpartisan authority on military detention — “U.S. citizens are included in the grant of detention authority.”

Jingle bells, Biden smells, Obama laid an egg

I won the Wizbang Caption Contest with this ditty:
 
Dashing through the law, in a bought-judge open sleigh,
O’er the scads we go, laughing all the way,
Constitution sucks, write it for myself,
You stupid Americans can all go straight to hell.

Oh, Jingle bells, Biden smells, Obama laid an egg,
Oh what fun it is to sell guns to Mexicans, hey!
Jingle bells, green job fails, billions in the hole,
Oh what fun it is to launder money for our pols.

A year or two ago, thought I’d take you for a ride,
And soon Miss Fannie Mae, was seated by my side,
Barney Frank in front, Chris Dodd in the back,
We sank the dirty capitalists and took them for ourselves!

Oh, Jingle bells, Biden smells, Obama laid an egg,
Oh what fun it is to sell guns to Mexicans, hey!
Jingle bells, green job fails, billions in the hole,
Oh what fun it is to launder money for our pols.

Now my time has come, to answer for our greed,
Race card will be played, but it’s all maxed out
Get you some arugula, and have yourself a steak,
Why do you people whine so much, you’re too lazy to take!

Oh, Jingle bells, Biden smells, Obama laid an egg,
Oh what fun it is to sell guns to Mexicans!”

Sunday Ponderance

Three excerpts from God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? by John C. Lennox

Is naturalism actually demanded by science? Or is it just conceivable that naturalism is a philosophy that is brought to science, more than something that is entailed by science.

Authors such as Peter Atkins, Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett argue that there is strong scientific evidence for atheism. They are therefore happy to make a scientific case for what is, after all, a metaphysical position. They, of all people, therefore, have no grounds for objecting to others using scientific evidence to support the opposing metaphysical position of theistic design.

For my part I confess to finding it curious that those who claim that there is no such thing as truth expect me to believe that what they are saying is true!

Sowell: "Humaneness" no rational basis for Immigration Policy

The purpose of American immigration laws and policies is not to be either humane or inhumane to illegal immigrants. The purpose of immigration laws and policies is to serve the national interest of this country.

There is no inherent right to come live in the United States, in disregard of whether the American people want you here. Nor does the passage of time confer any such right retroactively.

Sowell says that we can at least stop treating illegal aliens like they are participating in a witness protection program. Mr. Sowell also points out that importing people is unavoidably linked to importing cultures. "The American people have a right to decide for themselves whether they want unlimited imports of cultures from other countries," says Sowell.

Mr. Sowell is an island of common sense situated in a sea of ignorance.

Obama Malaises America

Let's be fair. You can't exempt congress. They ganged up on us. Americans seem to finally be coming to terms with the fact that the Democrat Party is working against our best interests in every aspect one can name. "Gallup put Obama's job approval rating at 43 percent compared to Carter's 51 percent [at the same point in his presidency.]"

• Destroy health care, check
• Bow to our enemies, check
• Alienate our friends, check
• Support the radical Muslims such as the Muslim Brotherhood, check
• Target society's most productive, check
• Reward lawless, rabblerousing mobs, check
• Destroy housing market, check
• Spend us into bankruptcy, check
• Weaken the dollar, check
• Oppose any reasonable efforts at financial reform, check
• Involve us in spurious military conflicts, check
• Give missile defense system away, check
• Make Communist Chinese our masters, check
• Refuse to secure U.S. borders, check
• Undermine election system, check
• Rampant crony capitalism, check
• Hatred for the free market, check

The list could be doubled. The coming Democrat messiah who was to lower sea levels by the force of his aura has proved to be closer to the son of perdition, as many of us predicted. Obama is America's curse. Pray that the curse will be lifted soon.

"Bystander in the oval office" is actually quite kind. Such a description absolves Obama of all responsibility, as though he played no role in the diminution of America. Like the murderer who says, "and then the gun went off." No, Mr. President. You were holding the gun, pointing the gun, and you pulled the trigger. How about "Destructor in Chief?"