912 Patriots of Lower Bucks - Your Daily Updates ALL in ONE Place!
February 17, 2012
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Quote:
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
-Albert Einstein
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The Obama Doctrine
The Obama Doctrine can be summed up as the assertion that for the United States to have influence and standing on the global stage, it must first abandon its interests and its allies. The doctrine is rarely described as bluntly as that by its proponents who employ euphemisms like multilateral policies and honest broker to mean much the same thing, denouncing the previous administration and all the preceding administrations going back to old Tom Jefferson for alienating the world by pursuing American interests and cutting deals with non-progressive allies. The easiest way to spot the problem with this approach is to try and distinguish it from the UN. That's hard to do because except during the occasional pro-forma trade dispute there is no distinction. It's the same policy of multilateral human rights interventions, global mediation and stability, and promoting the welfare of the angrier parts of the Third World. And if America's agenda is identical to that of the United Nations, than for all intents and purposes there is no American foreign policy. This leaves the United States as less than a nation, a version of the United Nations with its own military and a great deal of wealth. It has no interests except reaching out to befriend its enemies and it has no allies except those enemies willing to pretend to be its allies, at which point they will become enemies. But the United Nations was designed to be a forum in which nations pursue their own interests, it is not supposed to have interests or allies. The United States is a nation and it is meant to have both. If the United States cannot articulate interests apart from the UN agenda then it no longer functions as a nation on the world stage. Read more:The Obama Doctrine dispensed with America's traditional allies and pursued relations with its enemies without improving America's standing or influence in the world, though it did garner its overseer a preemptive Nobel Prize. Even the Libyan War was more of a European project than an American one.
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Rhode Island public school committee votes not to appeal prayer banner case
Published February 17, 2012 | Associated Press
CRANSTON, R.I. - A Rhode Island public school district committee on Thursday voted not to appeal a federal court decision ordering the removal of a prayer banner displayed in a high school in a lawsuit brought on behalf of a 16-year-old atheist.
Read More . . .
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Kill Switch: FBI Could Shut Off Internet for Thousands on March 8 to Eradicate Virus
The Blaze | by Liz Klimas | Posted on February 16, 2012 at 2:43pm
It's a scary thought, having the Internet forcibly shut off for you. But it's just what some Fortune 500 companies and government agencies could face as the Federal Bureau of Investigation tries to get rid of an extremely malicious computer virus.
Krebs on Security reports that the malware - DNSChanger Trojan - infected more than 4 million computes in more than 100 countries thanks to the work of six men who were arrested in Estonia for the crime in Nov. 2011. Gizmodo reports that the virus causes the user to be sent to fraudulent websites by changing DNS settings and even prevents them from visiting security sites that could help rid them of the virus.
Read More . . .
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The bad news is last month some well intentioned political activist announced a cut-off date for signing up co-sponsors for Rep. Rose Marie Swanger's American Law's for American Courts (HB 2029) in an effort to inject some urgency into the effort.
What it resulted in was an interruption of the campaign to encourage those Representatives not yet signed on as co-sponsors to join with those Legislators who have already recognized the death by smothering threat to our Constitution.
The good news is there is no cut-off date for adding co-sponsors and we are once again asking your readers to contact their representatives and ask they join the battle.
There are only three Representatives from Bucks who are co-sponsors, Representatives Clymer, Petri and Quinn and we thank them for showing their colors.
But that leaves seven more Representatives who appear to be still standing on the sidelines as the battle for our existence as a free people is joined.
Lame rhetoric? I'm afraid not. If you do not understand the threat we face from 'peaceful' opportunists like CAIR, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bucksafa11info/messages or contact me at bucksafa11@yahoo.com to schedule an Open the Koran presentation for you and your friends.
If you're ready to help, visit www.actforamerica.org and sign on as a chapter leader. It's free and the people there are friendly and helpful. Your help is needed. Every township, every neighborhood needs an Act! for America chapter leader.
But before you do anything, if your Pennsylvania Representative has not yet ssigned on as co-sponsor, urge her/him to do so and ask what is it that prevents him/her from doing so.
Help Pennsylvania be counted among those States that have shown the courage to face off with the enemies who have plainly stated their aim is to destroy our Nation. Our laws have worked just fine since colonial times. What is needed are politicians who respect them. And you know whose job it is to remind them of that.
Thanks,
John Ryan
www.actforamerica.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bucksafa11info/messages
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CAIR's Fight Against Pennsylvania Foreign Law Bill
by David J. Rusin FrontPage Magazine February 13, 2012
http://www.islamist-watch.org/9192/cair-fight-against-pennsylvania-foreign-law-bill
Resistance to a new bill aimed at limiting foreign law in Pennsylvania courts serves as a case study of how Islamists and their allies operate: peddling falsehoods about Shari'a, painting Muslims as victims, and denying that anyone seeks to institutionalize aspects of Islamic law - even as they vigorously promote that very agenda. With similar legislation being debated across the U.S., understanding their tactics is critical.
At issue in Pennsylvania is House Bill (HB) 2029, which stipulates that "a tribunal shall not consider a foreign legal code or system which does not grant ... the same fundamental liberties, rights and privileges" as guaranteed by the federal and state constitutions. Introduced in November, it follows the American Laws for American Courts (ALAC) model and makes no mention of Shari'a. A preliminary memo sent to legislators last June in the name of Rep. RoseMarie Swanger, HB 2029's chief sponsor, does highlight Islamic law, but she later said that it had been circulated accidentally. Regardless, concerns about Shari'a are warranted due to its many provisions that conflict with the standards of American jurisprudence. For example, it disadvantages women in terms of inheritance, divorce, child custody, and other areas of family law. Shari'a already has shaped numerous cases nationwide, including in Pennsylvania, where one state court decided how assets should be distributed according to Islam.
Pushback against HB 2029 has been led by the Philadelphia office of the Hamas-linked Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-PA) and was punctuated by an interfaith press conference (video here) at CAIR-PA headquarters on December 14. The overall campaign reflects CAIR's usual recipe of distortion, victimology, and contradiction between words and deeds.
Attacks on bills like HB 2029 begin by sowing confusion about Shari'a. Because Islamic law encompasses virtually every facet of life - governing personal activities such as eating and worship, but also forming an oppressive social and legal structure - suit-and-tie Islamists work to emphasize its unthreatening pieces whenever possible. CAIR-PA executive director Moein Khawaja's suggestion that Shari'a should worry Pennsylvanians no more than halal gyros is a fine example of this technique.
Read more:
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Salute Our Troops With Dom Giordano
 Monday - February 20, 2012 President's Day 10 AM - 1 PM

Live broadcast and welcome home luncheon honoring American servicemen and women from the Delaware Valley who served bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Plus a celebration the 71st Anniversary of the USO, providing morale and recreational services to members of the US Military since 1941.
Dom Giordano will broadcast live from the Walnut Ballroom at the Radisson Philadelphia Northeast Hotel, Route One in Trevose, from 9 AM to 12 noon, doors open to the public at 10 AM. During his radio show, Dom will welcome several on-site special guests, including many men and women who served.
Dom and WPHT will also present "The World's Largest Thank You Card" to our troops in attendance, with panels having been signed by hundreds of WPHT listeners and clients at various sponsor locations throughout the Delaware Valley.
SALUTE THE TROOPS THANK YOU CARD LOCATIONS
George's Dreshertown Shop N Bag 1650 Limekiln Pike Dresher, PA-19025 in the Dreshertown Shopping Plaza
FloorsUSA 555 South Henderson Road King of Prussia,PA19406-3587
Nissan of Turnersville 3400 Route 42 Turnersville,NJ08012
Colonial Hyundai of Downingtown 4423 West Lincoln Hwy | Downingtown, PA 19335
Advanced Vein & Vascular Center, Inc. 744 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ste. 225 Wayne, PA 19087
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Constitution 101: The Meaning and History of the Constitution
Available to you, your family, your friends, and all Americans. Begins February 20, 2012 - Sign Up TODAY!
 | Dr. Larry P. Arnn |
Over the years, many friends of Hillsdale, those who never attended college here, have said to me: "Dr. Arnn, I wish I could take Hillsdale's Constitution course!"
In response to these requests, this past year, for the first time ever, Hillsdale College offered the "Introduction to the Constitution" lecture series at no charge. Frankly, I wasn't sure what sort of a response a course like this would have.
That's why I was excited to see that YOU and almost 200,000 other people from all over the United States registered for "Introduction to the Constitution."
Thank you very much for registering and participating. I hope you learned a lot from the series.
I was thrilled, not only by the response, but at what it indicates: Americans are willing and eager learn about the Constitution and to defend the principles of liberty that made America so prosperous!
And this re-awakening of national interest in the Constitution comes not a minute too soon.
Now, for the first time ever, Hillsdale College is offering a no-cost 10-week online Constitution course based on the class Hillsdale College students must complete for graduation:
"Constitution 101: The Meaning and History of the Constitution"
This course on the U.S. Constitution is available online at no charge to anyone who wants to understand and defend the timeless principles of liberty upon which our nation was founded!
I am proud to be teaching part of our NEW "Constitution 101" course and hope YOU will be one of my students again!
"Constitution 101" begins on February 20, 2012, and concludes the week of April 30. It will cover such topics as the Declaration of Independence and its connection to the Constitution, how the Constitution is structured to protect individual liberty and ensure good government, the crisis of constitutional government faced by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and modern challenges to the Constitution during the "Progressive" era.
It is my honor to teach the first class, "The American Mind," and the final class, "The Recovery of the Constitution." All of the classes will be taught by Hillsdale College professors - the top teachers in their field and the same ones who instruct our students here on Hillsdale's campus.
Constitution 101 Schedule
| - Introduction: The
American Mind Larry P. Arnn Monday, February 20 - The Declaration of Independence
Thomas G. West Monday, February 27 - The Problem of
Majority Tyranny David Bobb Monday, March 5 - Separation of Powers:
Preventing Tyranny Kevin Portteus Monday, March 12
| - Separation of Powers: Ensuring Good Government
Will Morrisey Monday, March 19 - Religion, Morality,
and Property David Bobb Monday, March 26 - Crisis of
Constitutional Government Will Morrisey Monday, April 2
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Lincoln and the Constitution Kevin Portteus Monday, April 9 - The Progressive
Rejection of the Founding Ronald J. Pestritto Monday, April 16 - The Recovery of
the Constitution Larry P. Arnn Monday, April 23
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[Go here to enroll in "Constitution 101" now]
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March 23rd, 2012, marks an important and unfortunate anniversary. It will have been exactly two years since President Obama forced his unpopular health care takeover onto the American people. Americans for Prosperity has educated the public about the dangers of government interference in the health care market for the past several years, and now the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments and make a ruling on that very issue. As you are most likely aware, the U.S. Supreme Court will be considering the constitutionality of several elements of the President's health care bill. This may be our best chance to overturn this offense against our health care freedoms. That's why Americans for Prosperity will be hosting a Hands Off My Health Care rally for free-market grassroots activists from across the country at the Supreme Court on March 27th. Details can be found below.
Americans for Prosperity - Pennsylvania will host bus rides to DC from the following locations:
- Dolyestown
- Harrisburg/York
- King of Prussia
- Lancaster
- Media
- Middletown
- Pittsburgh
- Reading
- Scranton
- Quakerstown/Allentown
Outside Independence Hall when the Constitutional Convention of 1787 ended, Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia asked Benjamin Franklin, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" With no hesitation whatsoever, Franklin responded, "A republic, if you can keep it."
SAM ROHRER
For U.S. Senate
TOWN HALL Meeting
Come hear a TRUE, PROVEN Conservative
who's Moral Compass is fixed on TRUTH
Hear Sam's criteria for voting on all bills
Hear his support for State's Rights, 2nd amendment rights,
And his message to take our country back !!!
Wednesday February 29th 7 - 9 P.M.
Moose Lodge 127 E. State St. Doylestown 18901
Contact Tom Conley at 215-262-6003 or e-mail at conleymth@aol.com for more information
Visit Sam's website at www.rohrerforsenate.org
Hosted by Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots of Lower Bucks
(Home 215.547.6136; Cell 267.278.0827 or 267.278.1656)
Sam Rohrer
Town Hall
March 16th 7 to 8:30 PM
Trevose United Methodist Church
4937 Church Ave & Brownsville Road
Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053
Sam is the only life-long Constitutional Republican with a consistent voting history in this race who can win. Two of the current candidates were Democrats until recently. That's not good enough.
He is a proud Reagan conservative. Sam served for 18 years in the PA House, and he has never made an unconstitutional vote. He was never afraid to stand up to leadership in Harrisburg, and that won't change when he goes to Washington.
Become educated so you can make the right decision at the polls on Primary Day, April 24th.
Limited Parking at the Church; parking on side streets. Light Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall at 8:30. All are welcome!!
Click here to register for the Hands Off My Health Care Rally now!
Hands Off My Health Care Rally
The United States Supreme Court, Washington, D.C. March 27th at 1:00PM
Over the past few years, Americans for Prosperity has been the premier grassroots group educating the public on the dangers of the President's health care bill. AFP's Hands Off My Health Care Tour criss-crossed the nation in 2009 hosting over 300 events and rallies. Then, in late 2009, over 5,000 activists gathered for AFP's Code Red Rally in Washington.
We must remind the Court and all of Washington that the President's health care takeover is an affront to free-market principles and our Constitution. Not only is the individual mandate unconstitutional, but it forces consumers to enter the health insurance market against their will. Click here to read more about the individual mandate.
Click here to register for the Hands Off My Health Care Rally now!
In Liberty and Solidarity, Jennifer Stefano State Director Americans for Prosperity - Pennsylvania
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Please find attached a Sam Rohrer flyer that I would like you to mark on your calendars and also to pass on the flyer to your family, friends and neighbors. Rob and I would like to give Sam a "warm welcome" to Lower Bucks. This is another U.S. Senate candidate that we are introducing to the community. I have asked Bob Casey to come to one of our meetings, and his staff declined. If you are able, please sign up on my events page. If you aren't on Facebook, please let me know if you will be attending and how many. I want to have a headcount for refreshments.
We appreciate our pastor allowing us to use the church to introduce a candidate to the community.
Any questions, please email me.
Thanks,
Lil
Hosted by Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots of Lower Bucks (Home 215.547.6136; Cell 267.278.0827 or 267.278.1656) Sam Rohrer Town Hall March 16th 7 to 8:30 PM Trevose United Methodist Church 4937 Church Ave & Brownsville Road Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053 Sam is the only life-long Constitutional Republican with a consistent voting history in this race who can win. Two of the current candidates were Democrats until recently. That's not good enough. He is a proud Reagan conservative. Sam served for 18 years in the PA House, and he has never made an unconstitutional vote. He was never afraid to stand up to leadership in Harrisburg, and that won't change when he goes to Washington. Become educated so you can make the right decision at the polls on Primary Day, April 24th. Limited Parking at the Church; parking on side streets. Light Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall at 8:30. All are welcome!!
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Sometimes when you stand up to the establishment,
it doesn't always go well.
 | Bunker Hill - A rabble of patriots up against the most powerful force on the planet. Yea, they lost, but they let the British know that they were a force to be reckoned with. | But that does not mean it is not worth the fight. There are two ways of interpreting the decision by the Republican State Committee to endorse candidates on Saturday, January 28 at their winter meeting: - The State committee is completely out of touch with the Republican base and especially the grassroots activists (Tea Party) that we should have no respect for them at all.
- The fact that there was even a discussion about the appropriateness of endorsing candidates for the primary and that the vote was 200 in favor and 142 against is a sign that the grassroots are beginning the process of changing the political process in Pennsylvania.
We are inclined to believe the second interpretation. As much as we would have liked to have had the PA GOP agree to not endorse and the fact that there was an effort to prevent grassroots leaders from even being in the PA GOP meeting. There were a dozen or so stories in local media about the controversy over the endorsement process. Here are links to just a few: There were many grassroots groups that protested the matter (A letter that was given to the Chairman of the PA GOP from these groups is available here). There was also a press conference and a demonstration at the winter meeting. Does anyone remember anything like this when Pat Toomey ran against Arlen Specter? We are making a difference. But in order to make a real difference, we need people to get involved in their local committees. To get on the ballot requires 10 signatures from your precinct. We can help with that process. What we need are principled people who are willing to work not only from the outside, but also from the inside where these decisions are made. Local committee seats are filled during the primary every two years. State committee seats are filled every four years. Become a local committee person now ow sign up to work to get a candidate elected now. We can build a base and run candidates in 2014 for State committee. This is a long process. We need not only principled individuals, but those with the perseverance to hold on for the long haul. Here is how Jaime Faucette from Citizens for Constitutional Government put it to a committee person who was thinking of resigning over the issue: We are not defeated. This was not the war. This was only one battle. And we will persevere to fight another day, and another, and another, committee seat by committee seat, State Committee seat by State Committee seat, in each of our boroughs, townships, and counties, whittling away little by little at this mammoth power structure until in time it crumbles - IF we don't quit now. The atmosphere is changing. YOU ARE CHANGING IT. But more change is needed. Here is the way another tea party activist put it: The people of the movement need to be reminded of what they worked so hard for and this is the time to stand up and "fight the system". This fight is a good thing. It demonstrates true debate and resolution (like how the framers fought over the writing of the constitution) when was the last time we saw Democrats fight over what was best for the people? There are glimmers of hope. There is a cut in the fabric of "politics as usual". It will take time to pull back the veil. Grab a knife and grab hold. WE (that includes YOU) can do this. |
Here is the beginning of the letter from the conservative grassroots leaders presented to Chairman Gleason:
Rob Gleason
Chairman, Republican Party of Pennsylvania
112 State Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Friday, January 27, 2012
Chairman Gleason,
As grassroots conservative leaders, we are all united in our desire to defeat President Obama and Senator Casey. We were excited by the resounding Republican victories in 2010 and 2011 and the conservative message these candidates espoused.
We are concerned that the Republican State Committee is seeking to make an endorsement in the hotly contested U.S. Senate primary. We believe this would be a mistake as there are many strong candidates in this race.
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If you are willing to stand on a street corner with a sign or go to a Townhall meeting and tell politicians how you feel, then you should consider running for your local Republican Committee NOW The Kitchen Table Patriots is looking to help the Montgomery & Bucks County Republican Committee fill some vacant local committee seats.
These seats will be filled in the spring primary. If you are at all interested in running for any of these offices or campaigning for those that do, please reply to this email or email us directly at TheKitchenTablePatriots@GMail.com and we will work with you to understand the office and get campaign support. The committee positions are the root of the party, and who better to help out with this than the grassroots!
You can also call Anastasia Przbylski (per-BILL-ski) at (215) 534-1851 to get involved.
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The Kitchen Table Patriots co-chairs and two other KTP members are running for Delegates to the Republican National Convention
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Anastasia Przybylski
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Ana Puig
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Jack Merritt
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Dan McCabe
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Anastasia Przbylski, Ana Puig, Jack Merritt and Dan McCabe will be campaigning county wide. Please send them an email if you would like to help in their effort:
TheKitchenTablePatriots@GMail.com
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Yours in Liberty, The Kitchen Table Patriots
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2012 Primary Debate Schedule
Here is the most up-to-date and complete schedule we have for the 2011 / 2012 Republican Primary debates. These debates are between all the Republican candidates. For the schedule of debates between the Republican nominee and President Barack Obama, see the 2012 Presidential Debate schedule page. Upcoming debates are listed at the top.
Upcoming Debates:
February 22, 2012 | 8pm ET on CNN (Originally Dec 1, then Nov 30) Location: Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona Sponsor: CNN and the Republican Party of Arizona Participants: TBD | March 1, 2012 | 8pm ET on CNN Location: Georgia Sponsor: CNN and the Georgia Republican Party Participants: TBD |
March 5, 2012
| Air time TBD on NBC (Cancelled) Location: Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA Sponsor: Reagan Library, NBC News and Politico Participants: TBD | March 19, 2012 | Air time TBD on PBS Location: Portland, OR Sponsor: Oregon Public Broadcasting, NPR, PBS, and The Washington Times Participants: TBD |
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Weekly News From Philadelphia ZOA
Shabbat Shalom!

Philadelphia ZOA Quarterly Meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Beth Hillel/Beth El, 1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood.
Our guest speaker will be State Representative Curt Schroder, who recently returned from a trip to Israel along with other lawmakers from the commonwealth on a trip sponsored and organized by the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. Schroder, a Republican, represents the 155th District, in Chester County. He is serving his ninth term.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Please
encourage those you know to also attend.
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Nullify Now! Philadelphia
March 31, 2012. 10a-6p -SPONSOR THIS EVENT - CLICK HERE -Click here to like this event on Facebook
Crowne Plaza, Liberty Ballroom Philadelphia Downtown CLICK HERE for tickets
******* -Speakers -Event Overview -Event Agenda -Venue Information, Parking, etc
Thomas Jefferson: "Whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers....a nullification of the act is the rightful remedy."
But what IS nullification? How does it happen and work? Since September 2010, the Tenth Amendment Center has been hosting a national tour to educate and activate people on this topic. People are learning the constitutional basis, when it's been used in history, and how it is happening around the country and how YOU can stop DC right in your own state.
Go here for more information: |
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LISTEN LIVE TO REPATRIOT RADIO
"BETTER THAN EVER"
(all times are eastern)
Friday 10-11pm "Veterans' Weekly Forum" - Rich Davis and David Bellavia
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The Case Against Obamacare: Health Care Policy Series for the 112th Congress
A Health Care Policy Series for the 112th Congress
Building on decades of Heritage research, The Case Against Obamacare: A Health Care Policy Series for the 112th Congress examines 15 key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Each report:
- Cites specific sections of the 2,700-page health care law
- Provides detailed analysis of specific Obamacare provisions
- Identifies key principles for a better way to reform health care
The unmistakable conclusion of this series is that Obamacare must be fully repealed. Congress cannot build sound market-based health care reform on the flawed foundation of this health care law. Until it can be repealed, Congress must employ its full powers authorized by the Constitution to:
Read more and download the pdf:
For Tea Parties, this can be used as basic ammunition for letters to the editor, columns for your local news outlet, handouts at public events, emailing the pdf to our elected reps as well as to members, friends and neighbors. This appears to be an excellent resource; let's make use of it. Lou Flanagan The General Wayne Tea Party |
The 2012 Presidential Voter Guide
The first contests in the race for the Republican nomination are just around the corner. To better inform you, we looked beyond the rhetoric to the candidates' actual records on the issues important to families.
This voter guide outlines candidate stances on issues that are important to the family. We researched the candidates' statements and votes on the ten issues that best give voters an understanding on if the candidates match your values. Please use this resource as you think about who you would like to see be the nominee to challenge President Barack Obama.
Download the free guide and be sure to share this resource with your friends and family before the 2012 primary season begins next month.
A values voter is an informed voter.
Sincerely, Tony Perkins President
FRC Action: 801 G Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 P: 202/393-2100 or 877/372-2808
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Dead Cats: VOTER ID, 01/16/12, Late: James Brody
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www.deadcatsandclippings.com
Lou Flanagan, House Bill 934: Voter ID
"My state Rep. Warren Kampf responded to my question about where the Voter ID bill stands in Harrisburg. His response appears at end of this emaiI. It seems clear that unless we apply pressure to the state senate government committee,this bill will go nowhere. My questions for them are: Where do you stand on the bill? What are you doing to move it out of committee? If you oppose it, tell me why. Who on the committee is against it, and why? Louis: Thank you for the email regarding Voter ID (House Bill 934). The House passed Voted ID on June 23rd. I voted for this bill if you will remember. It is now the responsibility of the Senate to take action to continue to move HB 934 forward. I would advise you to contact the Senators who comprise the Senate State Government Committee, those in Senate leadership positions and your local Senator to let them know of your desire to move this forward. Also you may ask for an accounting of why this has been held up and not considered. Please let me know if I can help with other state-related matters. Warren Representative Warren Kampf PA House of Representatives 157th Legislative District Phone: 717-260-6166 E-Mail: wkampf@pahousegop.com
Lou's Research
My search uncovered the state government committee. Three of the four officers are from our region. Lou Flanagan http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/cteeInfo.cfm?cde=41&body=S McIlhinney, Charles T., Jr. , Chair Brubaker, Mike, Vice Chair Williams, Anthony H. , Minority Chair Scarnati, Joseph B., III, ex-officio Majority Corman, Jake Folmer, Mike Pippy, John White, Donald C. Minority Dinniman, Andrew E. Tartaglione, Christine M. Washington, LeAnna M.
Voter Cheating
You know, comrades," says Stalin, "that I think in regard to this: I consider it completely unimportant who in the party will vote, or how; but what is extraordinarily important is this - who will count the votes, and how. (Boris Bazhanov's Memoirs of Stalin's Former Secretary,1992, only available in Russian. Russia's Vladimir Putin is accused of voter fraud and failure to solve problems with health care availability, immigration control, and unsustainable pensions. Sound familiar? Absolutely. Will he lie? Absolutely. But unlike Obama's ACORN, he will probably admit it.
Background
There are several lines of independent evidence for cheating in the 2012 election:
a) 12/30/11, Voter ID: PA House Bill 934
Eric Holder has ordered his staff not to meddle with cases of voter fraud that involve minorities (J. Christian Adams has written widely about such cases), Salina Zito (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) predicted that PA in November '12 will go according to the Philadelphia suburbs, ACORN has both a record for voter scams and operates new sites in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, our State Attorney General is stepping aside, and there is little public information about Mayor Nutter's views on this matter. Meanwhile, there is an early February deadline from our Governor as Republicans in the PA legislature attempt to define a list of acceptable IDs and Democrats cry that minorities and old people can't handle this demand. I smell more fraud from a bunch- ACORN - already known nationally for fraud and Corbett's February deadline invites some deliberate lapse by the D's...And intrusion by Eric Holder would stall our ID program until after ACORN has done their job for BO ...
b) Jeffrey Kuhner, Washington Times: BO & Voter ID
"...South Carolina's legislation provides for free ID cards to be given to anyone who needs it. Not one person - white, black or brown - is discriminated against or discouraged from casting a vote at the ballot box. Moreover, the Supreme Court already has ruled on the issue - upholding state voter ID laws. In the 2008 Crawford v. Marion County Election Board decision, the high court held that an Indiana law mandating photo identification at the voting booth was indeed constitutional. If it is good enough for the Supreme Court and the overwhelming majority of the states, then it should be for Mr. Holder as well. "It isn't. And the reason is simple: The administration is trying to whip up minority frenzy, propagating the myth of widespread ballot suppression..."
c) Daryl Metcalf, Morning Call: Electoral Integrity (June 18, 2011)
Metcalf is a Republican from Butler County (north of Pittsburgh) "Pennsylvania has a long and ongoing history of documented voter fraud - pre-dating even the frequently forged signature of Mickey Mouse to at least the election of 1918. "Of course, no statewide analysis of voter fraud would be complete without briefly documenting the deeply rooted influence of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.
d) Christopher Freind, PA Water Cooler: No ID, No Vote,... Comprende? (June 21, 2011)
"I am not wealthy, but have recently acquired twenty two domiciles throughout Philadelphia. My real estate prowess has afforded me a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our citizens. "I can vote twenty-two times. "You see, I have staked out prime locations, from a cardboard box under the Walt Whitman Bridge to a culvert on Cobbs Creek Parkway to a burnt out shell at 7th and Diamond. Yes, technically, habitating at these locations makes me 'homeless,' but I much prefer the term 'voter-enfranchised.' When you have such a love of democracy, how can anyone have a problem with people who want to vote multiple times, especially the homeless? (Although, in fairness, dead people should only be able to vote once). http://pawatercooler.com/v3/?tag=philadelphia-voter-fraud
e) 11/7/2011, PA ACORN Lives
"Pennsylvania. ACORN PA has become Pennsylvania Communities Organizing for Change (PCOC) and Pennsylvania Neighborhoods for Social Justice (PNSJ).Both were incorporated on January 8, 2010. On July 26, 2010, PCOC filed for another name - Action United - and the organizations now operate under this name. Current board members and staff of these organizations with former ACORN affiliations include: * Lucille Prater Holliday, chair (ACORN member and Democratic state house candidate) * Pat Worrell, co-chair (Chester County, PA ACORN chairman) * Rosa Chacon, secretary/treasurer (ACORN leader in Harrisburg, PA, profiled in ACORN's 2005 annual report) * Fabrico Rodriguez, board member (executive director of Philadelphia Jobs with Justice) * Craig Robbins, executive director (ACORN regional director in Philadelphia, PA) * Maryellen Deckard, southwest regional director (head organizer for ACORN PA) * Jennifer England, communications director (Pittsburg ACORN spokesperson) Action United is located at 846 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 and 5907 Penn Avenue, Pittsburg(h), PA 15206. The Action United website is www.actionunited.org. http://www.judicialwatch.org/files/documents/2011/acornspecialreport08222011.pdf There is even a Secretary of State project in which leftist groups attempt to bias state elections so that "liberal" Secretaries of State are elected. http://truethevote.org/news/does-your-vote-really-count; http://truethevote.org/news/what-is-the-secretary-of-state-project. There must be some benefit to Republicans if they ignore voter fraud. For example, my acquaintance publishes lists of Republicans who take contributions from unions and refusing to vote against union interests. And conservative Lowman Henry has spoken about the legislative impasse, particularly in the State Senate, produced by about twenty-five who get their money from organized labor. Thus, Nicole Marrone's conclusion is still valid as is Christopher Freind's: "The city of Philadelphia is known for many things: The Liberty Bell, cheesesteaks, water ice, and Santa Claus-booing Eagles fans. But if research that I conducted in 2006 is still accurate today, Philadelphia should also be known for all-inclusive voting - that is, voting regardless of whether one has a pulse or is otherwise eligible to cast a vote..." http://pjmedia.com/blog/small-sample-of-philly-voter-rolls-reveals-hundreds-of-ineligible-names-pjm-exclusive/ There is a bright light on our horizon even though Salena Zito asserted that Pennsylvania electoral votes will depend on turn out in the Philadelphia suburbs: "Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter didn't mince words after four kids were shot and three killed in Philadelphia Tuesday night. "The first way to stop this kind of stuff is for young people to be home when they're supposed to be home, and for adults not to act like idiots and assholes out in the streets of our city shooting at kids in a car," Nutter told FOX 29... A spokesperson for the mayor told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Nutter stood by his statement. "He said what he said. He was clear about it, and he meant it. He said what everybody else was thinking," said spokesman Mark McDonald..." http://dailycaller.com/2012/01/12/philly-mayor-dont-act-like-idiots-and-assholes/ What are Mayor Mike's reactions to fraud? Does he value "value" above "deals"? Meanwhile, many Pennsylvanians look to Harrisburg to pass a "Voter ID" law that requires each of us to carry a card with our photo and address on it. Our Governor also says that he needs the law in place by the first week of February if it is to be used this coming November. On the other hand, I recall my son's friends in college fattening their wallets by selling bogus photo ID to students who wanted to buy liquor. I'm sure ACORN knows how to do such things. The ID cards will make cheating a bit more difficult and more expensive for organizers and possibly, but not necessarily, less frequent. And the rest of us will pay the bills for cheaters...
References
Adams, J. Christian (12/29/2011) Selective Outrage over Voting Rights at the Philadelphia Inquirer. http://pjmedia.com/jchristianadams/2011/12/29/selective-outrage-over-voting-rights-at-the-philadelphia-inquirer/ More at http://pjmedia.com/jchristianadams/ Freind, Christopher (6/21/2011) No ID, No Vote,... Comprende? http://pawatercooler.com/v3/?tag=philadelphia-voter-fraud Guzzardi, Robert (1/9/2012) Buying Republicans. http://www.deadcatsandclippings.com/?p=1605 Henry, Lowman 1/6/2012: www.LincolnRadioJournal.com, Archives, Program #12-01. Summarized at http://www.deadcatsandclippings.com/?p=1626 Kuhner, Jeffrey (12/30/2011) Voter ID Terrifies the Democrats. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/30/voter-id-terrifies-democrats-will-obama-steal-the-/ Marrone, Nicole (9/20/2010) Small Sample of Philly Voter Rolls Reveals Hundreds of Ineligible Names Pajamas Media. http://pjmedia.com/blog/small-sample-of-philly-voter-rolls-reveals-hundreds-of-ineligible-names-pjm-exclusive/ Metcalf, Daryl (6/18/2011) Electoral Integrity.Morning Call. http://articles.mcall.com/2011-06-18/opinion/mc-pa.-voter-id-point-metcalfe- Trivers, Robert (2012) Folly of Fools: The Logic of Deceit and Self-Deception in Human Life. NY: Basic Books.
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PA implementing ObamaCare exchanges
I wanted to update you on the exchange situation. First, unfortunately we are getting started late in the game. Having spoken with 4 different legislators (Rep Saylor, Boyd, Bear, and Sen Waugh), I believe the general sense on their part is that they want to be prepared to set up an exchange if SCOTUS doesn't declare ObamaCare unconstitutional.
Their reasoning for supporting the exchange is that PA will have more control if PA sets up the exchange rather than the feds. We have been arguing that in fact: the exchange structure and operation is dictated by the feds, through law and regulation, regardless if the state sets it up or not; that whatever little "control" a PA would have does not mitigate any of the true horrors of the law; establishing the exchange legitimizes PPACA and undercut PA's federal lawsuit against PPACA, creates more PA expense and government, scedes state sovereignty, misses an opportunity to block the law and to have standing for further legal action. (please see attached documents if you want more explanation).
We have more legislator visits planned, but it is clear to me that none of the legislators thus far will take on this fight. We must generate the grass roots response to move them to do so. It is disgusting that our Republican Governor and legislature can't pass meaningful right to work legislation, LCB reform, PA TPK Commission reform, school reform, etc but unless we respond in a big way, will make PA government bigger, make PA government poorer, harm PA citizen liberty and health by implementing an exchange.
I have contacted Campaign for Liberty to see if they are interested in coordinating efforts to stop the exchange. I will also contact the PA Manufacturer's Association and the Chamber of Commerce, both of whom support repeal of PPACA, also for potential coordination of activities.
We are working on an on-line petition rejecting PPACA and the exchanges for PA physicians to sign and ultimately deliver by several physicians to Harrisburg.
On Wednesday, I participated in a debate put on by the Lehigh Valley Coalition for Health Care Reform (Donna Rovito). Leo Knepper and I presented the anti-exchange positition while a rep from the PA Dept of Insurance and Dr Schmeltz of the PA Medical Society presented the for pro position. For what it is worth, I believe we had the more compelling argument.
I welcome any thought you all have.
This exchange is going to happen unless we act together in a big way.
D4PC Exchange Testimony State Leg Guide to Repealing ObamaCare
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We have an amazing opportunity before us today, to score a BIG WIN for taxpayers and small businesses...but we can't do it without your help!
Please click here to send an email to your Representative and tell him or her to vote yes on the prevailing wage reform bills before the House today!
At 1pm, our PA Legislators are voting to amend the prevailing wage laws that have long favored unions and hurt working families and small businesses!
Could you please email your legislator right now and ask him or her to vote YES on two prevailing wage reform bills: H.B. 1329 ("Threshold") and H.B. 1685 ("Jobs Classification")?
Our politicians must not only hear from the unions...they must hear from YOU and I...the people who bear the burden of paying for these bills!
Here's a quick overview of the bills:
The "Jobs Classification Bill" will require Pennsylvania to define job classifications on public works projects. The lack of definitions has been used by some unions to attack and file frivolous grievances against small business owners, costing Pennsylvania jobs and tax dollars.
The "threshold bill" will end the artificially low estimated cost of total project from $25,000 to conform to the Consumer Price Index of the previous calendar year. The current amount was based on the 1963 Consumer Price Index and allowed prevailing wage to kick in at too low a threshold making it a costly endeavor for school districts and municipalities to fund minor projects.
Will you please ask your legislator to vote "YES" to H.B. 1329 ("Threshold") and H.B. 1685 ("Jobs Classification")? Don't miss this chance to score a win for the taxpayers and small businesses of Pennsylvania!
Thank you for all your hard work!
In Liberty and Solidarity,
Jennifer Stefano
PS - These two bills are going on our legislative scorecard and every Representative will be graded on their vote.
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Op-Ed Contributor
Who Will Tell Philadelphia's Story?
By BUZZ BISSINGER
Published: February 15, 2012
Philadelphia
I LIVE in Philadelphia. I have for nearly 40 of my 57 years. It is a wonderful city but also a corrupt one. Power is concentrated in the hands of a select few, who sometimes act in the public interest but too often act in their own interests or the interests of friends who have hot lines into their ears.
The best defense against that, the public's only defense, has always been the existence of the city's two newspapers, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Daily News. They are a shell of what they once were. But the papers, in spite of endless staff cuts over the past two decades, still report. They still investigate. They still provide immeasurable value.
And now the city stands to effectively lose them. Some of the hedge funds that bought the papers' parent company out of bankruptcy in 2010 are now considering selling out to a consortium of investors organized by Edward G. Rendell, one of the most powerful politicians in the modern history of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rendell says he will have no financial stake and is still reportedly looking for other investors, but it seems to be the only bid in play.
Personally, I like Mr. Rendell. I wrote a book about him. But he is a former district attorney of the city, a former mayor of the city, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and, since 2011, a former governor of Pennsylvania. Not even the press baron William Randolph Hearst had a resume as fraught with potential conflicts of interest.
If the sale goes through, Philadelphia will become the first major city in the country to actually cease to have a real daily newspaper. There will still be print and online products, sure, but those products will be owned by a group of power-hungry politicians and politically connected businessmen who, far from respecting independent journalism, despise it.
The consortium Mr. Rendell has gathered includes Edward M. Snider, a legendary sports magnate in the city. It includes Lewis R. Katz, who made a fortune in the parking business and makes generous campaign contributions and expects something back. (I know because once, while covering Mr. Rendell for my book, I overheard Mr. Katz on a speakerphone complaining to the then-mayor that a law firm he had fancied had not gotten bond work.) And it includes George E. Norcross III, a Democratic kingpin who has basically owned South Jersey politics for years and yet is so thin-skinned that he has complained to reporters who called him a politico.
These men may be more self-absorbed in their own agendas than the former district attorney, mayor, D.N.C. chief and governor. The group covers the waterfront of virtually everything that is important in Philadelphia - local politics, state politics, national politics, big development, casino gambling, sports. The only segment missing is the unions, and Mr. Rendell reportedly tried that, approaching a union leader who is currently suing an Inquirer writer for libel.
Newspapers all over the country are folding or struggling. Billionaires have invested in them. So have powerful developers. The paradigm of ownership is changing, but none have come close to being taken over by a group that is the like of the Rendell consortium.
Mr. Rendell's explanation for the group's interest in the papers is that its members see the possible purchase as a civic and philanthropic duty, given the media company's rapidly declining financial health. It sounds noble. Perhaps it is noble.
But it is also a stunning change of heart. To say that these men have a reputation for complaining to editors about their coverage, no matter how petty the issue, would not be an overstatement. The more vigorous the reporting, the more they hated it. Nor would it be an overstatement to say that Mr. Rendell as a politician had a penchant for screaming and yelling at reporters.
The truth is, besides that, Mr. Rendell was a wonderful mayor. He is basically well-intentioned. I would like to believe that his motives for wanting to organize the purchase of the papers are pure. But I don't. As one of the best fund-raisers in the history of modern politics, he could have gone to any number of people with far greater records of philanthropy and far fewer political and financial hooks into the city and region. Why not?
These men want the papers because they crave power and will always crave power. They like to win and they have always liked to win. They can erect the biggest firewall they want between themselves and the papers. It won't matter. As the owners of The Inquirer and The Daily News and the Web site Philly.com, they will have successfully toppled the last enemy. The newspapers will become their personal Gutenberg press, which effectively means that the one city in the country that needs a newspaper the most will not have one.
Buzz Bissinger, a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer from 1981 to 1988, is the author of "A Prayer for the City."
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RedState Morning Briefing
For February 17, 2012
1. Why is the United States Government Financing Our Foreign Competition?
Here's a question: If tax dollars were being used to make prices cheaper for companies overseas while simultaneously forbidding American companies from enjoying the same luxury...would that be fair?
I would submit that it's not, and President Obama claimed to feel the same way at his State of the Union earlier this year:
"... It's not fair when foreign manufacturers have a leg up on ours only because they're heavily subsidized."
Unfortunately, that's exactly what is happening. Let me introduce you to something call the Export-Import Bank.
2. Secretary Napolitano Disrespects And Disarms Pilots Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano disrespected Federal Flight Deck Officers (armed pilots) during a hearing yesterday in testimony presented to the House Homeland Security Committee. Sec. Napolitano showed a lack of knowledge about the program in addition to an intent to kill it over the next few years. The testimony yesterday provides further evidence of "President Obama's Plan to Kill Armed Pilots Program." 3. Never let it be said that Obama takes governing seriously Last night President Barack Obama spoke at two "star-studded" Hollywood fundraisers. And, according to Politco, he noted to a group of people who make their quite nice livings in theatrics that "people ... like ... poetry" rather than the "prose" of governing. 4. EPA Needs More Time to Reconsider Boiler MACT Rules American workers and the industries that employ them face an ill-thought out and incomplete set of Boiler MACT regulations costing $14 billion to implement. Given current economic realities, these regulations place at risk the jobs of your constituents and 200,000 working Americans across the country. With the economic climate as it is now, we cannot afford to lose too many more American manufacturing jobs. The EPA asked for proper time to reconsider the Boiler MACT rules, and even attempted to stay the rules to have more time to clarify them. The forest products industry, for example, is compiling additional data at the EPA's request, but may not have time to complete needed testing. The courts have made it clear that only Congress can give the EPA the time they have asked for and need to provide clarity. As a result, this legal uncertainty is a cloud over American businesses, which must be able to plan for the future in these uncertain economic times. Our communities deserve environmental rules that have been fully considered, and will hold up scientifically in the long term. 5. Do Republicans Care About the Deficit or Not? Republicans who seek our support during an election cycle declare emphatically that they will deal with the deficit upon being elected. Once elected, however, they far too often evince nothing but apathy towards efforts to solve our budget crisis. Worse yet, they even work assiduously to create new deficits. Ever since Republicans won control of the House in 2010, instead of looking for spending cuts to offset existing deficits, they are constantly looking for ways to create new deficits, albeit with the fervent pledge to offset those new deficits. Yesterday, several lawmakers showed us just how indifferent they are to deficit spending. 6. The MSM Is Dumb: Episode A Billion There is a lot of virtual ink being spilled today regarding Rick Santorum's big billionaire donor Foster Friess, and his comments on birth control. The catalyst was an interview conducted by MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell which, among other things, included the following exchange.
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Tell a joke:
Q: Why is it so hard for liberals to make eye contact? A: Obama's rear doesn't have eyes.
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The U.S. Constitution
A Reader
Divided into eleven sections with introductions by members of Hillsdale's Politics Department faculty, readings cover the principles of the American founding, the framing and structure of the Constitution, the secession crisis and the Civil War, the Progressive rejection of the Constitution, and the building of the administrative state based on Progressive principles.
  About Hillsdale College
Hillsdale College is a private, coeducational, residential, liberal arts college with approximately 1,400 students. Founded in 1844, the College remains, in the words of its Articles of Association, "grateful to God for the inestimable blessings resulting from the presence of civil and religious liberty and intelligent piety" in our nation, and dedicated to "the diffusion of sound learning" that is "essential to the perpetuity of these blessings."
Hillsdale College is distinguished by its rigorous core curriculum, by its principled rejection of federal and state taxpayer funding, and by the pledge of its Board of Trustees to resists any attempts by the government to regulate its internal affairs. Hillsdale College promotes the principles of liberty nationwide through its national speech digest, Imprimis, which has a monthly circulation of over 2 million, and through several outreach programs. In 2008, Hillsdale launched its Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship in Washington, D.C. The College will also launch the Hillsdale Graduate School of Statesmanship in fall 2012.
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Slouching toward Tehran
Posted: 16 Feb 2012 01:31 PM PST
(Scott Johnson)
It's hard to escape the feeling that events are building toward a cataclysm in the Middle East. Iran appears to have engaged in three or four assassination attempts against Israelis in foreign countries this week - in New Delhi, in Bankgkok, in Tbilisi, and in Singapore (this last one reportedly denied by Israel). The bombs fit a pattern.
Iranian denials of involvement are a little bit hard to square with events in Bangkok, where an Iranian man blew off his legs and injured several bystanders as a series of explosions rocked the city. Andrew Buncome's Independent story on the Bangkok bungle includes a photo with a straight-on view of the would-be bomber's stumps. Somewhere inside that legless man is a Monty Python joke struggling to run free.
The United States has of course had its own encounter with Iran's modus operandi inside our borders. Only this past October the administration announced it had discovered and thwarted a plot by Iran to kill Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States by bombing a Washington restaurant.
The bystanders who would have been killed only represented a bonus for the powers-that-be in Iran. They've been at war with us for 30 years. (Has anybody told the president?) For comic relief, however, Attorney General Holder chimed in with the threat that "the United States is committed to holding Iran accountable for its actions." The mullahs in Tehran weren't too shaken up.
In a chilling Wall Street Journal column, NYPD chief intelligence analyst Mitchell Silber took a timely look back at Iran's bombings in Argentina 20 years ago:
The New York City Police Department, where I work as director of Intelligence Analysis, sent a team to Argentina to study the modus operandi of those attacks and to meet with Argentine security officials who worked the investigations. Coupled with open source information, this is what the NYPD learned:
Iranian agents were sent to Argentina years before the attacks, where they integrated into society and became Argentine nationals. Mohsen Rabbani is believed to have been in charge of coordinating the 1994 attack and is subject to an Interpol arrest warrant for his involvement. He first came to Argentina in 1983, where he subsequently became the main imam at At-Tauhid, an Iranian-funded mosque in Buenos Aires.
After traveling to Iran in August 1993 to participate in a meeting that allegedly gave the planned attack the green light, Mr. Rabbani returned to Argentina as a cultural attaché to the Iranian Embassy, conveniently providing him diplomatic immunity. Then, Hezbollah agents from abroad received logistical support from members of the local Lebanese-Shiite community and the Iranian Embassy to carry out the attack.
The Argentine attacks were by no means isolated incidents. Hezbollah has been tied to failed attacks in 2009 against Israeli and Jewish interests in Azerbaijan, Egypt and Turkey. Last month, Thai officials arrested a suspected Hezbollah militant for possibly planning attacks there or perhaps facilitating the movement of weapons through Bangkok.
Unlike the president of the United States, who appears to serve as the world's foremost protector of Iran's nuclear program, Israel gives every sign of being serious about preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Not surprisingly, Giulio Meotti reports, Israel is preparing for war. Meotti raises the pointed question: [A]s Israelis start thinking about heading to shelters, the question in their minds is: once the assault on their nation begins, will the West come to their aid?"
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The man who saw Linsanity coming
Posted: 16 Feb 2012 12:26 PM PST
(Scott Johnson)
In my post below on nascent NBA star Jeremy Lin and Linsanity I link to two recent columns by my favorite sportswriter, the Wall Street Journal's Jason Gay. Gay returns to the subject - it's a good one, especially for a writer with an irrepressible sense of humor - today for the third time in "The delivery guy who saw Jeremy Lin coming."
This is a terrific column that adds depth to the subject with a Moneyball angle. Another star is born: meet Oregon FedEx delivery truck-driver and basketball numbers cruncher Ed Weiland. How do you say sabermetrics in hoops?
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Finally Figured It Out
Posted: 16 Feb 2012 07:41 AM PST
(Steven Hayward)
John is extra busy with his day job this week, so I'm filling in a bit on his cheesecake beat, but it fits with my energy-environment beat. How so? Stay tuned. I'm sure you won't have any trouble given the photos here.
For a long time conservatives have wondered how Michigan Republican Rep. Fred Upton, otherwise a fairly orthodox conservative, could ever have sponsored that stupid ban on incandescent light bulbs that was in the 2007 energy bill. Well, it turns out that the new Si swimsuit cover girl, Kate Upton, is his niece. Now I get it. The Upton family obviously doesn't need any bright lights at family gatherings.
My AEI colleague Nick Schulz interviewed Upton here (Fred, not Kate) not long ago, but obviously forgot to ask the really important questions. Like Kate's phone number?
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Long live Linsanity - and flubber
Posted: 16 Feb 2012 06:18 AM PST
(Scott Johnson)
Who doesn't love the story of Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks player who has created a national mania in the past couple of weeks? Having averaged around 13 points a game (16 points a game as a senior) as an Ivy League player for Harvard, he bounced onto and off of a couple of NBA teams including his hometown Golden State Warriors. The Knicks picked him up - who saw what in him? - and he's been burning down the house with absurdly exciting performances since he joined the lineup, setting the heretofore mediocre Knicks on a six-game winning streak.
He's smart. He's relatively short (he's advertised as 6'3", but I don't it). He lifts his teammates to a higher level. He's been inspired and inspiring. Whatever the future may hold, he has already joined the very short list of NBA players from Harvard.
Lin has not only inspired his teammates to a higher level of play, he has inspired an unending series of puns on his name in the stories about him, including one for the headline of Jason Gay's Wall Street Journal column "Some Lin-iment for the NBA." Gay was back yesterday with "What Linsanity says about New York."
Seeking to capture the fairytale quality of Lin's run, the Los Angeles Times puts it this way: "Waived by two NBA teams, Lin has materialized in Manhattan like something out of a comic book." I'd say he's arrived like a player out of the The Absent-Minded Professor, the old Disney film featuring the miracle substance flubber. In the clip below, the plucky boys from tiny Medfield College rally from a 46-3 halftime deficit to nip evil Rutland University 47-46 at the gun with a little help from the professor's discovery.
Compare with this highlight reel from the Knicks game against the Raptors this week. Lin hit the three-point game winner with half a second on the clock.
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What's New in the USA Today?
Posted: 16 Feb 2012 05:10 AM PST
(Steven Hayward)
Why me, in fact-in USA Today, that is, with a column on why presidents might be more popular if they shut up more often.
Some day, it might occur to a president that one secret of preserving public support is to talk less. Before the 20th century, presidents spoke publicly very seldom, and then usually in the most general terms.
Rare appearances
Our first 25 presidents gave an average of 12 speeches a year. And even this low average is skewed upward by late 19th century presidents, who began giving more speeches around the country after railroads made presidential travel more feasible. Washington averaged three public speeches a year; John Adams only one;Thomas Jefferson five; and James Madison- zero. Even President Andrew Jackson, thought to have introduced a measure of populism into presidential politics, averaged only one public speech a year.
This material, of course, is adapted from some new book that's out and about this week (and which I note is opening the day at #499 on Amazon.)
Meanwhile, I have ended my Twitter virginity. Yes, I've joined the Twitterverse. If you like these things, you can follow me (I think) right here. (Still not quite sure I have the hang of this.)
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THE OPEN FUEL STANDARD ACT: ACT! FOR AMERICA HELPS MAKE PROGRESS ON THE HILL WITH AN IMPORTANT ALLY By Lisa Piraneo, Director of Government Relations
If you've been tracking recent news from Iran, you know that their state media recently reported that the country plans to cut oil exports to six European countries as a retaliatory measure for new sanctions. Though the U.S. does not purchase Iranian oil, the threat alone has an impact on the price we pay for gasoline. Why? Because Iran is a member of OPEC and the cartel largely sets the worldwide price of oil. Frankly, the trending price of gasoline even before Iran announced its recent threat should certainly cause you much concern. Today it is higher than it ever has been before at this time of year and the expectation is that it will continue to increase as summer approaches. But this is nothing new-this up and down trend is a pattern we've been seeing since the early 1970's! But there's a solution-and you can play a role in achieving it. The Open Fuel Standard Act, legislation that will finally free us from OPEC's stranglehold, continues to gain bi-partisan support from Members of the U.S. Congress. Why is this issue different? As one such federal legislator recently told me, "Because when it comes to national security, we need to look at things differently." The beauty of legislation like the Open Fuel Standard Act (H.R.1687 in the U.S. House and S.1603 in the Senate) is that the only thing it mandates is competition-something we don't currently enjoy when it comes to transportation fuel. The legislation doesn't stipulate WHAT kind of alternative fuel must be used in gasoline powered vehicles produced or sold in America, just that it must be something in addition to gasoline. As Brigitte Gabriel points out to our elected officials when she travels with me to the Hill, one of the great things about the United States is that we have the option of choice for goods and services-our preferred cereal, our preferred hammer, our preferred pet food. But why not our preferred form of liquid fuel? The Open Fuel Standard Act can change all that...at absolutely no cost to the Federal government and less than $100 per vehicle to the consumer. Would you pay $100 to stop funding terrorism, kick OPEC in the teeth, have a choice about what fuel you purchase (resulting in saving you $1,000 per year per car under today's price levels), and spur job creation in America-all at the same time? The article below describes how one man brought competition to a once closed system of producers. This man, Marc Goldman, now works closely with us as part of the Open Fuel Standard coalition. But it's critical that your elected officials don't just hear from Marc, Brigitte and me. They need to hear from the folks back home, or this bill won't ever see the light of day. You have the power to make a difference! Have you written a letter to your Representative and Senator encouraging their support of the Open Fuel Standard Act? If not, please do so today by selecting the two Open Fuel Standard links on our Contact Congress page (one for the House bill and one for the Senate).
Newsmax The Milk Man's Lesson: Car Choice Can Work Friday, February 3, 2012 11:46 AM By: Christopher Ruddy Christopher Ruddy's Perspective: Can the United States create jobs, lower the price of fuel, reduce emissions, and become energy-independent all at the same time? The answer is, "Yes - and rather quickly." The simple answer correlates with a rather simple solution being evangelized by Marc Goldman, a former milk company executive from New Jersey. Marc is not a household name, but he once made big headlines in New York for taking on the state's powerful dairy interests and a system that kept milk prices artificially high by limiting competition among dairies. Marc spent a small fortune and considerable time in court challenging that system, and in January 1987, won the right for his Farmland Dairies to sell milk in all of New York City and its suburbs - a victory that led to a sharp drop in milk prices for many New Yorkers. The milk story really has nothing to say directly about energy, but it does have something to say about Marc, who has sold his milk company and now lives in Boca Raton, Fla. Today, Marc spends his time on another worthy crusade - promoting the Open Fuel Standard Act of 2011, known in the House as H.R. 1687 and in the Senate as S. 1603. The proposed bills create a "free market for fuel," just as his victory in New York created a free market for milk, by requiring car manufacturers to give owners a choice in the fuel they use in their vehicles. The bills call for "fuel competition" to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign imports through greater use of domestic energy sources, and for an annually increasing percentage of automobiles sold in the UnitedStates to be flex-fuel capable. This new law would require vehicles to be manufactured flex-fuel ready, adding less than $100 to the cost of each car, which would allow drivers to easily change the type of fuel their engine uses - from gasoline to other types of fuels, such as methanol or ethanol. © Newsmax. All rights reserved. Link to original: http://www.newsmax.com/Ruddy/OPEC-Open-Fuel-Standard-Act-energy-independence/2012/02/03/id/428428
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1. WHAT WOULD CLINT EASTWOOD DO? Regarding the nation's purpose, Clint Eastwood and Barack Obama couldn't be further apart. 2. VIDEO: WH Budget Director Contradicts Administration, Admits ObamaCare 'Fees' are Not Taxes... RUSH: Budget Director says, "No, it's not a tax." But yet the administration is arguing before the Supreme Court that it is a tax and that's what makes it constitutional!" 3. Millions of Dead Voters, Brought to You By Eric Holder - (J. Christian Adams) 4. Obama's Mideast Chickens Come Home to Roost in Egypt 5. VIDEO & ARTICLE: Oliver Stone's Son, Defender of Ahmadinejad, Converts to Islam 6. VIDEO: Egyptian Dissident Warns of Brotherhood's Rise - "Muslim Brotherhood is the terrorist mother ship for Hamas, for al Qaeda, and for many other Islamic terror groups in the Middle East." 7. VIDEO: Public High School Student Bolts Choir Rather Than Sing Song Praising "Allah" 8. SATIRE VIDEO: NewsBusted (Feb. 15, 2012) Obama vs. Catholics, Valentine's Day, CPAC Event, Indiana Becomes Right to Work State 9. VIDEO: Rick Santelli in 60 Seconds Describes Difference Between Tea Party and Occupy Movement 10. VIDEO: WI Teachers Union Illegally Protests In Rotunda, Capitol Police Do Nothing...Did Police Chief Cut Secret Capitol Access Deal with Protesters?
Alan Caruba
Is the global warming hoax-now called climate change- on its last legs?
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Janet Levy
And here we thought it was all malfeasance. Silly us.
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Steve Emerson
Despite the murder of thousands of civilians by troops loyal to Assad, George Galloway continues to be supportive of the worst despotic regimes in the world.
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Daniel Greenfield
The difference between responsible and irresponsible leadership lies in how and why wars are fought. Just compare Jerusalem to Washington.
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Immigration News Update
The latest immigration news from around the country, covering legislative news, border issues, E-Verify, REAL ID and more.
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Dr. Michael Ledeen
Do hostages play an important policy role?
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Riki Ellison
An effective and robust missile defense system is required for the protection of Europe and the U.S. homeland.
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The Heritage Foundation education recommendations, so important to our national security, are spot on.
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Is The Clock Ticking on Nuclear Iran? An Interview with Israeli Journalist Ronen Bergman Feb 16, 2012 11:13 am
Next Steps for U.S. in Syria Crisis Feb 16, 2012 11:11 am
News of Terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (February 8-14, 2012) Feb 16, 2012 11:10 am
Freedom of Speech a Fantasy in America Feb 16, 2012 10:55 am
CPAC 2012 Conference: "Game On!" Feb 16, 2012 10:16 am
Obama Obeys the Feminists Again Feb 15, 2012 07:43 pm
Rick Santorum is Right about Women in Combat Feb 15, 2012 06:11 pm
More Trouble for the F-35? Feb 15, 2012 02:44 pm
States Rush to Check Runaway Fed Feb 15, 2012 02:04 pm
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By Bruce Thornton Islamists follow the Iranian playbook from 1979. Read more »
By Ryan Mauro Is the Islamic Republic only a few short months away from bomb-grade uranium? Read more »
By Jacob Laksin A deceased lawyer may be tried posthumously by the government officials who killed him. Read more »
By Arnold Ahlert The vast history of the Left rigging the system to benefit different players. Read more »
By Ann Coulter How leftists use "insurance" to enforce policies that Americans would never vote for. Read more »
By Eric Dondero Eric Allen Bell's second thoughts. Read more »
By Daniel Flynn An Italian-American "convert" to the Indian ethnicity sues to take down his state's flag. Read more »
By Cinnamon Stillwell and Rima Greene Radical Left calls for "day of action" in support of Iran. Read more »
By Frontpagemag.com Eric Alan Bell, Nonie Darwish and Mark Tapson discuss the punishment for repeating what Islamic texts say. Read more »
By Michelle Malkin No entrenched incumbent - Democrat or Republican - is safe. Read more »
By John Thompson and Sara Akrami The agents of order for a harsh ideological regime and its agents of oppression. Read more »
By Larry Elder Black Republicans can relate. Read more »
By David Solway Why there is no ideal solution to the Palestinian imbroglio. Read more »
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More to read:
Media Matters Exposed Obama's Biggest Budget Lies A New Anti-American "Peace" Movement Washington's Support of Iran's Mass Murders Democrats Richer Than Romney
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Bang for your buck: that's what the Freedom Center provides. Ammunition for the culture war against the Left: that's what your contribution buys. So please act now and help us in the fight we are waging on many fronts for America's future. America is under assault from within and without. There is no time to lose.
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Learn more about the David Horowitz Freedom Center.
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2/16/2012
Fighting to the Death in Syria
Fifty-five explosions rocked the city of Homs, Syria, in the span of 15 minutes. Artillery and automatic gunfire pound neighborhoods. Snipers perch on rooftops, firing at civilians. Families crowd in makeshift basement shelters to avoid the violence, and the military is reportedly on a campaign to flatten every single neighborhood where opposition can be found. This is the state of play under Bashar al-Assad's regime of terror, and those who stand against him have died by the thousands in an 11-month revolt against the government. Amid these horrid conditions, there are actions the United States can and should take to help bring aid to this suffering people.
The explicit details of the conditions in Homs come from the eyewitness account of CNN correspondent Arwa Damon, one of the few reporters in Syria. "You can just imagine the situation people are under," she reports, "not just from a dangerous standpoint, but the psychological impact that this is having on these families, these civilians, who are stuck in these areas unable to get to safe ground or unable to get adequate medical treatment should they be hit in these attacks." The violence has taken its toll. To date, the regime has killed more than 7,000 people, most of whom were unarmed demonstrators, has jailed more than 10,000, and "disappeared" thousands more. Yet opposition to Assad continues in the face of escalating attacks, with some indications that the military is losing ground as the army loses thousands of defectors.
Read More . . . Featured Posts In Pictures: Facts about America's Slow Economic Recovery Chavez Allies' Hysterical Response to a Democratic Challenge in Venezuela Sean Penn Takes Aim at Great Britain with Latest Left-Wing Rant Obama Creating 'Constitutional Crisis,' Rep. Tim Walberg Warns Is a Nuclear Renaissance Approaching? QUICK HITS Congress is a step closer to passing a $150 billion economic plan that will extend the payroll tax holiday and unemployment benefits. Negotiators reached agreement on the plan early today, and a vote could come on Friday. Secret three-way talks among the United States, Afghanistan, and the Taliban have begun, Afghan President Hamid Karzai told The Wall Street Journal. President Obama is considering cutting the U.S. nuclear arsenal by as much as 80 percent, a plan that Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) says is "reckless lunacy." New York City police are beefing up security around Israeli government offices and synagogues as a precaution in light of increased tension with Iran over its pursuit of nuclear weapons. A recent White House decision to allow cabinet secretaries to raise money for political organizations could coerce individuals or organizations into financially supporting the president's reelection in order to avoid a regulatory backlash. Read more about it on The Foundry.
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Two intractable obstacles will defeat Obama: gas prices and his Catholic problem
Feb 16, 2012 05:13 am | Coach Collins
By Kevin "Coach" Collins
"Obama's approval numbers are up" "The unemployment rate is going down" "Consumer confidence is up." Blah blah blah.
Then there is "Obama leading (fill in the GOP nominee) by (pick a number it doesn't matter)" more blah blah blah. Barack Obama has two intractable problems: the rising gas prices and his major mistake in handling the contraceptive mandate to faith based institutions particularly the Catholic Church.
Yes Rush it was a mistake. You Obama and his media may think he has some "super-secret decoder ring" plan but for reelection, but that's just talk. It will turn to ashes as we get closer to Election Day.
It's just mid-February and we have already seen national gas prices spike above $3.50 -the earliest in a calendar year this has happened since 1981. In the all-important State of Florida gas is averaging $3.68 with many stations in South Florida where Obama's base is supposed ... Continue Reading:Two intractable obstacles will defeat Obama: gas prices and his Catholic problem
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American Minute Feb. 15
Feb 15, 2012 05:13 pm | Coach Collins
By Bill Federer, staff writer
Slavery in Cuba began earlier and lasted longer than anywhere else in the Americas, from 1521 to the late 1870s. In 1868, a Creole farmer began a revolt for racial equality, freedom of speech and association. Spain spent ten years putting down the insurgency. The independence movement grew and in 1895 Spain sent 200,000 soldiers who put tens of thousands of Cubans into concentration camps. Many died of starvation, disease and exposure. The American public demanded President William McKinley intervene for peace, but on FEBRUARY 15, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine blew up in Havana Harbor under suspicious conditions. President McKinley approved the Resolution of Congress: "Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to Christian civilization, culminating, as they have, in the ... Continue Reading:American Minute Feb. 15
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Polls saying Catholics side with Obama in mandate showdown, aren't fooling CINO Democrats
Feb 15, 2012 01:13 pm | Coach Collins
By Kevin "Coach" Collins
A poll taken Feb 1 - 5 shows that by a 58/ 37 margin "Catholics" support a government mandate requiring all employers who provide health care plans for their workers to include abortion and/or birth control coverage at no cost. Nevertheless, in spite of this 21 point edge some high profile "Catholic" Democrats are walking away from Obama on this issue.
This begs an important question: Why would these CINO (Catholic In Name Only) abortion supporting Democrats be afraid to stand with Obama ? The PROOF that Catholics DON'T care is right there in black and white! It's twenty one points - isn't it? That should be "game set match!" - no? Well, no.
The truth is that polling companies consistently hide the truth about the "Catholic vote." They never admit there are actually two "Catholic votes." One measures the sentiments of anyone who says he/she is a Catholic - even those ... Continue Reading:Polls saying Catholics side with Obama in mandate showdown, aren't fooling CINO Democrats
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Please click here to watch Anatomy of a Smear: 'The Third Jihad' Fights Back, our new short video response to the CAIR/New York Times attack on The Third Jihad.
 | Anatomy of a Smear: 'The Third Jihad' Fights Back |
This story could be a chapter right out of our film: CAIR, a group with proven terror ties, is criticizing the NYPD for its efforts to effectively fight terrorism. This campaign against the NYPD is part of CAIR's larger mission to use our sensitivities toward political correctness to stifle awareness and honest debate about the threats posed by radical Islamists.
Please forward the link to the above video and to the free stream of The Third Jihad to your friends and colleagues.
Below is a sampling of articles countering CAIR and the New York Times that have been written in dozens of the nation's largest and most respected newspapers and online media outlets.
1. OpEd by Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Former CIA Director Jim Woolsey in the Sunday edition of the New York Daily News:
§ http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/kelly-a-ray-cist-a-smear-article-1.1016778
2. OpEds by film narrator and devout Muslim, Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, in the New York Post and National Review Online:
§ http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/of_films_and_fear_e8UbGROFizSTvSELdLAbBL
§ http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/289541/itimesi-and-muslims-m-zuhdi-jasser
3. Other media featuring Clarion Fund statements, and letters or opinions defending our position include: Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Associated Press, Reuters, New York Post, New York Daily News, Washington Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, National Review Online, Forbes, Breitbart, NewsMax, The Blaze, The Daily Caller, FrontPage Mag, WorldNetDaily and others:
§ http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2012/02/12/second-look-the-third-jihad/nbvdP30UIrCtWqZTxsatiN/story.html?s_campaign=sm_tw
§ http://www.forbes.com/sites/abigailesman/2012/01/30/the-third-jihad-debate/
§ http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/290550/cair-s-crusade-against-ithe-third-jihadi-clifford-d-may
§ http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/wkopping/2012/02/03/cultural-jihad-cair-wants-anti-islamist-documentary-removed-from-counter-terrorism-training/
§ http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/23/american-laws-for-american-courts/
§ http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2012/01/5161657/pete-king-says-third-jihad-and-kellys-cameo-are-very-appropriate
Video Links:
The Third Jihad (free online stream) Anatomy of a Smear: 'The ThirdJihad' Fights Back
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Alexander's Essay - February 16, 2012
Obama's Budget Blather
Will Republicans reverse Liberty's slide into the socialist abyss?
"I ... place economy among the first and most important of republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared. ... Taxation follows that, and in its turn wretchedness and oppression. ... We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude." --Thomas Jefferson (1816)
WTF?
Barack Hussein Obama's socialist propaganda machine roared at full throttle this week, in defense of his "re-election campaign budget."
Last week, Obama greased the class warfare skids at the National Prayer Breakfast where he asserted that the wealth redistribution scheme outlined in his budget "coincides with Jesus's teaching that 'for unto whom much is given, much shall be required.'" Making sure he covered his bases, Obama added, "It mirrors the Islamic belief that those who've been blessed have an obligation to use those blessings to help others, or the Jewish doctrine of moderation and consideration for others."
Of course, Obama's reference to Luke 12:18 was tantamount to what "TV preachers" do when prooftexting -- taking a piece of scripture out of context, reforming it to make a desired point, and thereby lining their pockets, or in Obama's case, lining his political fortunes.
Fact is, the Bible places the burden of stewardship on the individual, while Obama and his Leftist cadres advocate that state-enforced redistribution of wealth based upon the doctrines of Karl Marx: "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs."
Carrying that principle forward, Obama presented his "Winning the Future" (WTF) budget Monday, claiming, it is "a reflection of shared responsibility. And some people go around; they say, 'Well, the president is engaging in class warfare.' That's not class warfare; that's common sense."
No, all of the "fairness" and "shared responsibility" language is class warfare rhetoric.
Post Your Opinion: What is the best weapon to fight Marxism in America?
To that end, Obama's $3.8 trillion budget proposal demands tax increases of almost $2 trillion. It includes his "Buffet rule" 30 percent tax on incomes of more than $1 million, eliminating the alternative minimum tax, raising the highest tax bracket to almost 40 percent, raising capital gains taxes by more than 30 percent, taxing dividends as regular income, raising taxes on corporations and small business owners, targeting some financial occupations and banks for massive tax increases, burning down energy companies, refusing to extend the Bush-era tax cuts, and if he missed anyone in those groups, he's also proposing to raise the death tax from an outrageous 35 percent to a downright thievish 45 percent.
Oh, and for all of Obama's liberal constituents who think that only "the rich" will incur these tax burdens, remind them that when the price of doing business goes up, consumers -- regardless of income level or political affiliation -- pay for it in higher prices, on top of the inevitable inflation that accompanies massive government deficit spending. (Note: consumer prices may seem steady, but when you take deflating real estate out of the equation, inflation is heating up rapidly.)
Laughingly, Obama shamelessly condemned the last "decade of deficits" and had the audacity to claim, "My budget lays out a path for how we can pay down these debts." His proposal, even with huge tax increases attached, actually increases debt by another $6.7 trillion this decade. Of course, Democratic Socialists are not about to let such stubborn facts interfere with their WTF political agenda.
For the rest of us, the facts are as follows: On the day Obama released his first bloated "New Era of Responsibility" budget (seriously, that's what he called it) in February 2009, the national debt was $10,881,159,722,000. When Obama released his current budget earlier this week, the national debt was $15,359,441,622,000.
Now, if you don't have your nifty debt calculator handy, that is an increase of more than $4.47 trillion. That's right, Obama did not "cut the deficit in half" as he pledged in 2009. In fact, he increased the national debt, in just his first three years, more than all previous U.S. presidents from George Washington to Bush(41).
Asked about Obama's broken budget pledge, his spokesman Jay Carney insisted, "It was a promise based on what we knew about the economy at the time. The economy turns out to have been far worse and in far greater distress ... than we knew at the time. The catastrophe was far worse than we knew."
As for who knew what when, in 2008 Obama claimed, "I think everybody knows now that we are in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression." And if Carney thinks that "catastrophe" was bad, it will pale in comparison to the detonation of Obama's debt bomb.
Unveiling his first budget, Obama protested, "Government has failed to fully confront the deep, systemic problems that year after year have only become a larger and larger drag on our economy. ... Policymakers in Washington have chosen temporary fixes over lasting solutions."
Obama went on, "The time has come to usher in a new era -- a new era of responsibility in which we act not only to save and create new jobs, but also to lay a new foundation of growth upon which we can renew the promise of America. This budget is a first step in that journey. Our problems are rooted in past mistakes."
Of course, Obama is the undisputed champion of "temporary fixes over lasting solutions." And, indeed, "Our problems are rooted in past mistakes," most notably catastrophic mistakes made by generations of Leftists and culminating, tragically, in the election of Obama.
Obama's WTF budget deficit projection of $1.33 trillion is more than 8.5 percent of the entire nation's economic output, and in January, our total national debt exceeded economic output for the first time in history. Given his planned tax increases, Obama projects deficits will drop to about $900 billion in fiscal 2013, which would be the first time deficits have been under $1 trillion since his election. Even the most dim-witted students of economics know that as taxes increase, the economy contracts and, ultimately, tax revenues decrease, which in turn, produces even larger budget deficits. But Obama's minions, who clearly lack a keen sense of the obvious, vote on in blissful ignorance.
Sure, the Obama administration's fudged figures have magically lowered unemployment below 9 percent, but, as the Financial Times notes, "According to government statistics, if the same number of people were seeking work today as in 2007, the jobless rate would be 11 percent." Besides, when you steal enough money from future generations and "invest" it today, predictably there may be some short-term economic improvement -- which is just what Obama needs for re-election. But the long-term consequences of Obama's economic policies will be devastating -- and Liberty will be the first casualty.
So, do enough Republicans understand the stakes in the 2012 election? Will they reverse Liberty's slide into the socialist abyss? They can -- but will they?
Post Your Opinion: Which Republican governors or members of Congress are the best advocates for Liberty?
Republican House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan insisted last week, "[The 2012] election cannot be just a referendum on President Obama's failed leadership. Americans deserve a choice -- a choice between two dramatically different visions for our country's future. If we do not define the choice, then [Obama] will define it for us."
More likely, the 2012 election will be a referendum on Republican leadership unless they renew their commitment to abide by their constitutional oaths, and, accordingly, make the case that the only path to restore our economy and ensure prosperity for all is to, first and foremost, restore the integrity of our Constitution.
If the federal government collected taxes only for expenditures specifically authorized by our Constitution, our nation would not be on the verge of economic insolvency and dissolution. The only way to restore Rule of Law is if John Boehner and his fellow Republicans in the House and Senate will comport with their oaths.
As Thomas Jefferson proclaimed, "The multiplication of public offices, increase of expense beyond income, growth and entailment of a public debt are indications soliciting the employment of the pruning knife." Jefferson understood the consequences of unbearable debt, and insisted, "We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude."
Though the ranks of conservative Republicans are growing, many Beltway Republicans are still blinded by "Potomac Fever," and our challenge this year is to restore their vision for our country. We must make sure they see that the real election in 2012 is "between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude."
Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus et Fidelis! Libertas aut Mortis! Mark Alexander Publisher, The Patriot Post
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February 16, 2012 BILL O'REILLY SPARS WITH MATT LAUER The undisputed king of prime time cable news ratings is the one and only Bill O'Reilly. This morning, Mr. O'Reilly stopped by the Today Show studios and got into a bit of a kerfuffle with host Matt Lauer. What were the boys arguing about? Watch the clip and find out HERE.
REP. WEST CALLS DEMS HANDOUTS 'SLAVERY' Congressman Allen West speaks very clearly and leaves little room for interpretation of his words. Just last night, West spoke from the House Floor and declared the endless handout from Democrats to be a modern form of institutionalized slavery. Get all of the details HERE.
is the 'memorial war cross' illegal? Supporters are asking the Supreme Court to overturn the 9th Circuit Court's decision that declared the Mt. Soledad War Memorial Cross to be unconstitutional. Is there a 'snowball's chance in hell' that the cross will stay? Find out who wants the cross removed and who is fighting to keep it in place HERE.
FROM GBTV: JOSH HAMILTON'S POWERFUL, FIRST POST-RELAPSE INTERVIEW Josh Hamilton is an all-star in Major League Baseball. However, he's had difficulty defeating the demons of addition. Hamilton's battle and his latest and very public fall from sobriety is discussed in this candid interview with Pastor James Robison. Watch it HERE.
THE MOST CONFUSING SPEED LIMIT SIGN... EVER
Just over a month ago, a new speed limit sign was posted in the area around a school near Detroit. The ridiculous sign is not just slowing down traffic, it is so complicated that drivers nearly come to a complete stop to read it. Check it out HERE.
VIRAL VID - MEET THE HALF-HEADED MAN We can honestly state that The Blaze rarely goes for freak show type videos. But, this very bizarre clip is a must-see. We must also include a content warning. In addition to the shocking images and video of a known to his friends as "Halfy," the language is also not appropriate for all ages. See it HERE.
REAL NEWS FROM THE BLAZE: SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED ABOUT CHINA? Many pundits have talked about the threats America faces from China's rapid expansion. Is China a concern? Get the details from the panel HERE.
TONIGHT on REAL NEWS FROM THE BLAZE: The camps are largely gone but controversy remains. Tonight on Real News from The Blaze, take a closer look at the occupy movement and the real story behind the protests. 7pm ET (or on demand) ? Only on GBTV.
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Obama Casts A Lean And Hungry Eye On Iran War to Get Out The Vote
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Would Obama Go To War With Iran To Win Reelection? By AWR Hawkins Breitbart/BigPeace.com
Since 2008, Barack Obama's position on Iran has vacillated somewhat, but on the whole remained one of benevolence. During his presidential campaign, he expressed his openness to diplomacy with the nation's leaders via his willingness to hold talks without requiring them to meet any conditions or demands from the U.S. Then, even before becoming president, he decided the talks would only happen if doing so "advances the interests of the U.S." And months after being sworn into office, while on his "American Apology Tour" in the Middle East, he assured Iranian leaders that he had no intention of standing between them and nuclear weapons. He even said, "No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons."
Read the Full Story
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Uneasy Lies The Head That Would Wear The World Dictator's Beret
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Obama Media Begin The Faking Of Obama Poll Numbers By Sher Zieve CanadaFreePress
In order to sway the vast majority and growing number of Americans who have finally faced up to the fact that Obama is purposefully trying to destroy the United States of America, the Obama Media have begun their side of the Obama syndicate's overall strategy of lying to us. Polls now show 50% of voters would vote for Obama. Intelligent people -- even those few on the Left -- know this is a lie. But, it's what all third-world countries have done since their inception.
Read the Full Story
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You Noticed That, Too Mr. Senator?
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Republican Senator: Obama Administration Is 'A Lawless Administration' By Elizabeth Harrington CNSNews.com
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said on Tuesday that he believes the Obama administration "has become a lawless administration." Read the Full Story
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Only Secular Humanist Service Accepted
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Obama Administration Deletes Religious Service For Student Loan Forgiveness By Audrey Hudson HumanEvents.com
The federal government will no longer forgive student loans in exchange for public service if that service is related to religion, according to a new Education Department rule from the Obama administration. Read the Full Story
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The Two Things That Will Keep Obama From Being Re-Elected
Feb 16, 2012 02:16 pm
Tweet "Obama's approval numbers are up." "The unemployment rate is going down." "Consumer confidence is up." Blah blah blah. Then there is "Obama leading (fill in the GOP nominee) by (pick a number it doesn't matter.)" more blah blah blah.... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: The Two Things That Will Keep Obama From Being Re-Elected
Clenched Fist Symbolizes Left's Love Of Coercion
Feb 16, 2012 02:11 pm
Tweet Since the Bolshevik Revolution, the clenched fist has been the left's most visible symbol. In the '60s, it adorned posters and buttons and was adopted as a symbol of revolution by SDS, the black power movement, feminists and other... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Clenched Fist Symbolizes Left's Love Of Coercion
Polls Saying Catholics Side With Obama In Mandate Are Not Fooling "CINO" Democrats
Feb 16, 2012 02:02 pm
Tweet A poll taken Feb 1 - 5 shows that by a 58/ 37 margin "Catholics" support a government mandate requiring all employers who provide health care plans for their workers to include abortion and/or birth control coverage at no cost. Nevertheless,... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Polls Saying Catholics Side With Obama In Mandate Are Not Fooling "CINO" Democrats
The Coming War With Big Labor
Feb 16, 2012 01:51 pm
Tweet Besides stopping the pernicious left-wing agenda of President Obama, we must also look at the looming battle the political right is going to have with unionized labor. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker delivered a great address at CPAC last week... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: The Coming War With Big Labor
How Did Paul Krugman Get It So Wrong?
Feb 16, 2012 01:48 pm
Tweet Many friends and colleagues have asked me what I think of Paul Krugman's New York Times Magazine article, "How did Economists get it so wrong?" Most of all, it's sad. Imagine this weren't economics for a moment. Imagine this... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: How Did Paul Krugman Get It So Wrong?
It's Morning Again In America
Feb 16, 2012 01:37 pm
Tweet On February 4, after Newt Gingrich lost the Nevada Primary, there was a very small group of reporters asking questions. One of the questions was related to the Obama administration's HHS mandate requiring Catholic institutions (including hospitals and charities)... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: It's Morning Again In America
Is Washington Broken?
Feb 16, 2012 01:35 pm
Tweet The Wall Street Journal, on January 26, analyzed the Obama administration's policies and stated that it is not that they haven't accomplished much due to obstruction, but rather that they have accomplished almost everything and it did not work.... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Is Washington Broken?
The DC Top Ten: Interesting Nuggets From Media Matters' 2010 Tax Records
Feb 16, 2012 01:32 pm
Tweet A fascinating paper trail created by Media Matters For America and its lobbying affiliate, Media Matters Action Network, showcases the wealthy political machine that The Daily Caller has been exploring this week. TheDC has obtained copies of both organizations'... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: The DC Top Ten: Interesting Nuggets From Media Matters' 2010 Tax Records
Shocker: Public Backs Obama In Birth Control Fight
Feb 16, 2012 01:22 pm
Tweet It's not even close: By a lopsided margin of 66 percent to 26 percent, Americans support President Barack Obama's proposal to require private health insurance plans to cover the full cost of birth control for women, according to a new... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Shocker: Public Backs Obama In Birth Control Fight
Why Super PACs Are Good For Democracy
Feb 16, 2012 01:18 pm
Tweet The call came in from the "blocked" number, and like a fool I answered it. "Mr. Weegal? Why-gell? Hi, I'm calling on behalf of Russ Feingold and the Progressives United PAC." If I made a donation, I would help... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Why Super PACs Are Good For Democracy
Republicans Finally Grow A Pair
Feb 16, 2012 01:15 pm
Tweet Republicans in Congress are launching bids to nullify Obama administration rules that would speed up unionelections and set new air pollution standards for the nation's oldest and dirtiest power plants. The rarely used tactic requires a simple majority for passage. Both have a chance at clearing the Senate, but... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Republicans Finally Grow A Pair
Democrats Protest Religious Freedom Hearing
Feb 16, 2012 01:12 pm
Tweet Religious leaders are telling a house panel the Obama administration disregarded basic rights to religious freedom in setting policies for access to birth control insurance for employees of religious-affiliated institutions. Democrats on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee protested... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Democrats Protest Religious Freedom Hearing
The Feds Talks Down To Parents Again
Feb 16, 2012 01:08 pm
Tweet Federal regulators say kids have easy access to downloading hundreds of smartphone applications, but parents are in the dark about what personal information is being collected from their children and how companies are using it. The Federal Trade Commission published a staff report Thursday.... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: The Feds Talks Down To Parents Again
Why There Is "Too Much" Money In Politics
Feb 16, 2012 01:06 pm
Tweet As the upcoming elections draw closer, let me make three predictions that I personally guarantee. First, they will set a record as being the most expensive ever, even accounting for inflation. Second, all the usual do-gooders and reformers will... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Why There Is "Too Much" Money In Politics
Why There Is "Too Much" Money In Politics
Feb 16, 2012 01:06 pm
Tweet As the upcoming elections draw closer, let me make three predictions that I personally guarantee. First, they will set a record as being the most expensive ever, even accounting for inflation. Second, all the usual do-gooders and reformers will... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Why There Is "Too Much" Money In Politics
Detroit News Poll: Rick Santorum Leads Mitt Romney In Michigan
Feb 16, 2012 12:51 pm
Tweet Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum has a slim lead over Mitt Romney, an indication the Michigan native son has yet to convince state voters he should be the Republican nominee for president, a Detroit News poll shows. Santorum leads... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Detroit News Poll: Rick Santorum Leads Mitt Romney In Michigan
Foreclosures On The Rise Again
Feb 16, 2012 12:19 pm
Tweet After a year-long reprieve from rising foreclosures, the numbers are going up again. One in every 624 U.S. households received a foreclosure filing in January, up 3 percent from the previous month, according to a new report from RealtyTrac.... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Foreclosures On The Rise Again
House GOP Lawmakers Push Plan To Update Ed Law
Feb 16, 2012 12:15 pm
Tweet House Republicans are pushing ahead with a plan to update the federal No Child Left Behind education law by shifting more control to states and school districts. A hearing Thursday comes days after President Barack Obama freed 11 states... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: House GOP Lawmakers Push Plan To Update Ed Law
Megadeth Frontman Backs Rick Santorum
Feb 16, 2012 12:04 pm
Tweet Dave Mustaine, leader of the heavy metal band Megadeth, is ready to rock out for Rick Santorum. "Earlier in the election, I was completely oblivious as to who Rick Santorum was, but when the dude went home to be... Continue to Post
Read More and Comment: Megadeth Frontman Backs Rick Santorum
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More to read:
We're Watching You, Speaker Boehner
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Look who spoonfeeds Media Matters ...
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One of the single largest donors to the embattled Media Matters for America is a controversial far-left clearinghouse that also funds groups such as MoveOn.org, ACORN and a litany of anti-war organizations, WND has learned.
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Look who 'has stolen IDs, fake tax returns' ...
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The story of the week is getting even stranger with accusations of stolen IDS, fraudulent accounts and phony tax returns.
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Read the latest now on WND.com.
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Plus!
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Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes Israel could attack Iran in an April-to-June time frame, and there apparently has been a decision made for the U.S. to help in an assault on the radical Islamic nation's nuclear facilities.
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Click here for details.
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February 16, 2012
A Tea Party Senate takeover
MICHELLE MALKIN - The tea party isn't dead. It's just looking down ballot. While fiscal conservatives remain split over the GOP presidential candidates, grassroots activists are coalescing around a stellar slate of limited-government candidates looking to reinforce and reenergize the right in Washington... (more)
February 16, 2012
Priests for Life group sues U.S. over contraception mandate
BLOOMBERG NEWS - A Christian organization called Priests for Life sued the Obama administration, saying its mandate that insurance providers cover birth control violates the organization's religious and free-speech rights... (more)
February 16, 2012
Arab like me
LEE HABEEB - There are two kinds of Arabs in this world. Those who hate Jews, and those who don't. And in my life, I have met more of the former than the latter. I am not proud to say that. Arabs will not like me for admitting it. But it is true. And it is something I wish the Obama administration understood... (more)
February 16, 2012
As China goes geriatric, we have the advantage
WASHINGTON TIMES - Washington is all abuzz about China's heir apparent, Vice President Xi Jinping, arriving in town Tuesday. Even the Pentagon is rolling out the red carpet for the man who will rule the country that may soon topple U.S. primacy in Asia. Indeed, China is ramping up a military that already can harm American interests in the region... (more)
February 15, 2012
Abortion's hard-case exceptions
KEN CONNOR - When it comes to the hot-button issue of abortion, there are some questions that make even the staunchest pro-lifer uncomfortable: What do you say to the woman who finds herself pregnant due to rape? What do you do with the adolescent girl who is impregnated by her father, brother, or uncle?... (more)
February 15, 2012
Rush: Obama nuclear weapons plan 'downright scary'
NEWSMAX - Reducing the U.S. nuclear force by 80 percent, a move under consideration by the White House, amounts to unilateral disarmament at a time when "the Iranians are nuking up," Rush Limbaugh said today on his radio show... (more)
February 15, 2012
Obama mulls 80 percent disarmament of nuclear arsenal
ASSOCIATED PRESS - The Obama administration is weighing options for sharp new cuts to the U.S. nuclear force, including a reduction of up to 80 percent in the number of deployed weapons, The Associated Press has learned... (more)
February 15, 2012
Obama pushes global minimum tax in Milwaukee
WEEKLY STANDARD - Earlier this week, White House economic adviser Gene Sperling announced his support for changes in the tax structure... (more)
February 15, 2012
Santorum leads in Ohio
NEWSMAX - A new poll shows Rick Santorum edging ahead of Mitt Romney in Ohio. The Quinnipiac University poll out Wednesday finds Santorum jumping to the lead with Ohio voters just three weeks before the Republican presidential primary. The former Pennsylvania senator leads Romney 36-29 percent among likely primary voters... (more)
February 15, 2012
Santorum overtakes Romney in Michigan
THE HILL - Rick Santorum has overtaken Mitt Romney in the race for the GOP primary vote in Michigan, a state long considered a lock for Romney that has become a make-or-break test for his campaign. New polls from Republican-leaning American Research Group and the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling both give Santorum the lead in Michigan, where Romney grew up and his father was a popular governor... (more)
February 13, 2012
Santorum: 'It takes a family' (AND a military AND a robust economy)
WES VERNON, RA ANALYST - The candidacy of Rick Santorum for the Republican presidential nomination is scoring big time as I write. (Who knows if that will be the case by the time you read this?) The book on the former Pennsylvania senator, we are repeatedly informed by the media, is that he is mostly "a social conservative guy"... (more)
February 13, 2012
The era of persecution has begun
ALAN KEYES - "... it is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of Citizens, and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution. The free men of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entangled the question in precedents... (more)
February 12, 2012
Who is Mitt Romney?
STEPHEN STONE, RA PRESIDENT - As the Republican establishment redoubles its efforts to anoint Mitt Romney the GOP presidential nominee (an outcome likely to ensure a second term for Barack Obama), the need to understand Mitt Romney increases... (more)
February 12, 2012
Obama's divide-and-conquer strategy
JOSEPH FARAH - Barack Obama is a not only an abortion zealot, he's also a fascist control freak -- determined to make government the ultimate arbiter of morality on all matters political and economic... (more)
February 12, 2012
An Obama backlash on religious liberty
DAVID LIMBAUGH - As God's instrument, Moses parted the Red Sea. Well, it appears President Barack Obama has a different idea. With a wave of his hand, he's going to reunite our bitterly divided political waters on the hottest of hot-button issues. Don't get me wrong; Obama's conscious effort to divide Americans on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, and wealth for political purposes is alive and thriving... (more)
February 12, 2012
The GOP race gets messy
JONAH GOLDBERG - Okay, I give up. About a week ago, I wrote a column making a case for Mitt Romney as the GOP nominee. My argument was aimed at fellow conservatives who just can't get their minds -- or at least their hearts -- around a Romney candidacy. The details aren't important right now (and they're easy enough to find with the interwebs these days)... (more)
February 12, 2012
Shocker! 'Christian Oscars' stun Hollywood
CHELSEA SCHILLING - At its 20th annual awards gala Feb. 10, Movieguide took on the giants of the industry and honored filmmakers and stars who strive to create inspirational and morally uplifting movies and television shows... (more)
February 12, 2012
100,000 line up to back Sheriff Joe
WORLDNETDAILY - Officials with Grassfire Nation, a key coordinating group for tea-party-type activities and issues, say the Department of Justice's investigation of Maricopa, Ariz., County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is nothing more than a political attack... (more)
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Thursday, February 16, 2012 To: Friends & Supporters From: Gary L. Bauer COUNTDOWN TO VICTORY: 264 DAYS TO THE 2012 ELECTIONS Santorum Surge Continues The latest Rasmussen national poll finds Senator Rick Santorum leading the GOP race by double digits over Governor Mitt Romney. Here are the results of Rasmussen's poll of likely Republican primary voters:
Santorum 39% Romney 27% Gingrich 15% Paul 10%
In a head-to-head match-up, Santorum crushes Romney 55% to 34%. Rasmussen notes, "This is the first time any challenger has led Romney nationally in a head-to-head match-up... Nationally, Romney still wins 47% to 38% paired against Gingrich and 47% to 42% running against only Paul." Looking at the data more closely, it is easy to understand why Santorum is doing so well: He has the highest favorability rating of all the candidates. And Santorum is the only candidate viewed "very favorably" by a majority of self-identified "very conservative voters" and "Tea Party members." In fact, 58% of both groups viewed Santorum "very favorably." These voters are the core of the GOP base. Filtering The Media's Message Last night's NBC News broadcast provided yet another example of why conservatives are facing such an uphill climb in this election. The story was Mitt Romney's troubles in Michigan, despite his father's tenure there as governor, and focused on Romney's opposition to the auto industry bailouts. Rather than allowing GM to go through regular bankruptcy proceedings, Obama short-circuited the legal process, used TARP funds to bailout the auto unions and put taxpayers on the hook. But according to NBC, Romney wanted to kill the auto industry, while Saint Obama wanted to save it. This was a complete distortion of Romney's position. Instead of the news voters got the DNC's spin. (Speaking of jobs, check out this graphic by our friends at the Republican Study Committee. In spite of the $1.2 trillion Obama spent with his stimulus bill to create millions of new jobs, we now have the lowest percentage of employed working-aged Americans in nearly 30 years.) Meanwhile, the Washington Post broke a major story this week about how billions of so-called stimulus dollars "flowed to 21 companies backed by firms with connections to ... Obama administration staffers and advisers." Some of those companies, like Solyndra, have gone bankrupt. Did you see anything about the Post report on the evening news? This is the kind of media malpractice we will be confronting for the next 264 days. And it is one more reason why it is so important for you to share these messages with like-minded friends and family members, so we can combat the liberal media's lies! The Road To Health Care Rationing Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and senior policy adviser to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, has a very illuminating column in today's Wall Street Journal. The column sheds new light on Obama's contraception mandate and argues that ObamaCare will lead to higher health care costs, rationing and premature deaths. In their wisdom, the liberal Democrats who wrote the ObamaCare legislation dramatically expanded the authority of United States Preventive Services Task Force. That might sound like some shadowy outfit from a B movie, but the members of this task force might be better known as ObamaCare's mandate makers. Dr. Gottlieb writes that it is the job of this task force to "evaluate preventive health services and decide which will be covered by health-insurance plans." The committee will mandate some medical tests and treatments while refusing to cover others. If the government tells insurers, "You MUST provide services A, B, and C, and, by the way, your profits are now capped," -- and that is exactly what ObamaCare does -- then they will have to cut back on other services. As Dr. Gottlieb explains:
"Health plans will inevitably choose to drop coverage for many services that don't get a passing grade from the task force and therefore aren't mandated. Insurance companies will need to conserve their premium money, which the government regulates, in order to spend it subsidizing those services that the task force requires them to cover in full."
Prior to ObamaCare, your insurance company determined the cost of your premiums based on your health factors and the level of service you wanted. If your rates went up, you had the freedom to find another company. But now, thanks to ObamaCare, your premiums will be decided by Big Government, which is adding more and more mandates, and there will be very little competition in the price as a result of all the mandates that every insurer will be required to cover. By the way, the task force is not subject to any of the other rules and procedures that govern similar federal agencies. There are no requirements for it to hold public meetings or to consider public comments, there is no process to appeal its decisions and it cannot be sued. How's that for big government? Tehran: A Global Threat There were breaking news reports this morning from Kuwaiti sources that Israel had thwarted an Iranian/Hezbollah assassination attempt against Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak during a recent visit to Singapore. Israeli sources are denying this report, but what is undeniable is the global reach of Tehran's tentacles and the growing threat that Hezbollah poses to the United States. The terrorist group is responsible for the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Argentina. It is increasingly active throughout Latin America and along the U.S. southern border. Let me remind you about some of the warnings we have reported in the past two weeks:
- In congressional testimony the Director of National Intelligence warned that Iran may be preparing to launch terrorist strikes inside the United States.
- The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran released five top Al Qaeda operatives who had been under house arrest.
- Michael Braun, former chief of operations at the Drug Enforcement Agency, testified before Congress about Hezbollah's growing influence in Mexico. Braun warned members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, "I don't want to sound too crude, but I think there's going to be hell to pay in the not too distant future."
As events this week in New Delhi and Tbilisi demonstrate, Iran has started lashing out at Israeli targets outside of Israel. It's probably only a matter of time before Iran, through Hezbollah, tries to strike at "soft targets" -- a synagogue, a Jewish community center, a school, an Israeli consulate, etc. -- inside the United States.
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February 16, 2012 No Way Out: Conscience Gets Trapped in Obamacare's Little Box of Horrors
If it weren't for Obamacare, we wouldn't have this problem. By "this problem," we mean of course the Obamacare regulation that forces health insurance plans to provide coverage, without co-pay, for contraception, sterilization, and what many people believe are abortion-inducing drugs.
When it was announced last August, the forced coverage mandate contained only a very narrow religious exemption. That meant it would apply to many religious employers who object on religious or moral grounds to providing, paying for, or otherwise participating in abortion, sterilization, and contraception. This result, as Heritage has explained on several occasions, was a blatant violation of religious freedom.
Under pressure for trampling religious freedom, last Friday the Obama Administration announced certain potential modifications to the rule. Sort of. What the Administration actually did was post the final rule without any changes. That's right-they posted the final rule without any modifications from the August 2011 version that caused the furor in the first place. And then they promised that sometime during the next year, they would pursue a new rule to address concerns about religious freedom.
Concerned citizens, leaders of religious institutions, and public officials should respond by keeping their focus on three basic points:
- Religious freedom goes hand in hand with limited government and with greater freedom in general.
- The basic structure of Obamacare makes these kinds of conflicts both inevitable and recurring.
- Properly designed health reforms would never have produced this situation in the first place.
Indeed, as the American public is beginning to realize, Obamacare builds a giant government box around freedom:
- The individual mandate and employer mandate form the sides. These mandates force both individuals and employers into the market for health insurance. Whether you are an individual or an employer, you don't have the option not to buy if you are subject to one of these mandates and you're not otherwise exempt, without facing a financial penalty.
- The bottom of the Obamacare box is formed by the various benefit mandates in the legislation. Some of these mandates are imposed only on insurers. Others, such as the forced coverage mandate at issue here, apply to insurance companies and employer health plans, including self-insured plans. Whereas the individual and employer mandates force individuals and businesses into the market, the benefit mandates tell individuals and employers what they must buy and insurance companies what they must sell. This standardization of insurance products will inevitably create problems of conscience for many Americans.
- The top of the box-the lid that keeps everyone inside-is made up of the various penalties that Obamacare imposes on individuals, employers, and insurance companies that fail to comply. As Heritage has explained, these penalties are significant not only in legal terms, but also have the potential to be quite burdensome in practical terms.
This is the box that Obamacare builds around freedom, and any person or group subject to Obamacare's mandates-and not qualified for some special exemption or waiver-is in danger of getting trapped. And when freedom in general gets trapped, religious freedom is likely to get trapped, too.
Continue reading this article on our blog-and tell us what you think of Obamacare trampling on religious liberty >>
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Obamacare's Top Three Budget Busters Obamacare increases unaffordable government spending, which ultimately comes out of taxpayers' pockets. Below are three of the most costly provisions of Obamacare: 1. Medicaid Expansion: Beginning in 2014, Obamacare expands Medicaid to include all non-elderly individuals with income below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. The expansion of Medicaid accounts for more than half of the newly insured population under Obamacare. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates, "By 2022, federal outlays for Medicaid are expected to total $605 billion, more than twice the 2012 amount," and "about 95 million people will be enrolled in Medicaid at some point in the year." As Heritage analysts point out, the expansion will significantly impact both state and federal budgets. Heritage estimates the expansion will "increase state tax obligations by just under $33.5 billion for federal fiscal years (FY) 2014 through 2020. Of that amount, $21.5 billion will be the states' share of the benefit costs, and just under $12 billion will be the states' share of the added administrative costs." 2. Exchange Subsidies: Obamacare establishes subsidies to purchase government-approved coverage in the new exchanges for qualified households between 138 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). CBO predicts, "About 8 million people will receive exchange subsidies in 2014 and roughly 20 million will receive them by 2022. Outlays for providing those subsidies, operating the exchanges, and running related programs will total $104 billion by 2022." Heritage analysts argue that the subsidies will urge employers to drop coverage, create disincentives to work, and shift the cost burden to taxpayers. Former CBO Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin calculates that an additional 35 million people could receive coverage through the exchanges, costing nearly $1 trillion more than original estimates for this decade.
3. Budget Gimmicks: Obamacare used a variety of Washington budget gimmicks to claim that the health care law would reduce the deficit, beginning with taking Medicare "savings" away from shoring up Medicare to offset new Obamacare spending.
Read the rest on The Foundry >>
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$20 Billion IN NEW MEDICAL DEVICE TAXES Obamacare is killing jobs and slowing the economy. Learn More >>
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Budget Bulletin
Your source for federal budget news and analysis
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Featured Research
The 2012 Index of Dependence on Government
By William Beach and Patrick Tyrrell
The great and calamitous fiscal trends of our time-dependence on government by an increasing portion of the American population, and soaring debt that threatens the financial integrity of the economy-worsened yet again in 2010 and 2011. The United States has long reached the point at which it must reverse the direction of both trends or face economic and social collapse. Yet policymakers made little progress on either front since the 2010 Index of Dependence on Government was published. Today, more people than ever before-67.3 million Americans, from college students to retirees to welfare beneficiaries-depend on the federal government for housing, food, income, student aid, or other assistance once considered to be the responsibility of individuals, families, neighborhoods, churches, and other civil society institutions. The United States reached another milestone in 2010: For the first time in history, half the population pays no federal income taxes. Related to these disturbing trends, publicly held debt continued its amazing ascent without any plan by the government to pay it back. As if those circumstances were not dire enough, the country is about to witness the largest generational retirement in world history by a population that will depend on currently bankrupted pension and health programs.
>> Click here to read the rest of the story
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Dear Friend, Did you hear about President Obama's so-called "compromise" on the controversial mandate that all health plans must include abortion-inducing drugs and contraceptive services? The truth is, the compromise is completely irrelevant, as Obama submitted the final regulation with the very same original language that caused the controversy!
Previously, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey called for broader exemptions for religious organizations from this mandate, but has fallen silent since the regulation was filed with the very same objectionable language.
What's Senator Casey's position now? Pennsylvanians deserve to know.
Call Senator Casey at 202-224-6324 and ask him if he still is demanding a true exemption for religious institutions from the abortion drug mandate considering the so-called "compromise" is a farce.
Research by the Heritage Foundation discovered that the submitted regulation plainly states: "Accordingly, the amendment to the interim final rule with comment period amending 45 CFR 147.130(a)(1)(iv) which was published in the Federal Register at 76 FR 46621-46626 on August 3, 2011, is adopted as a final rule without change"
Translation: The Obama Administration Friday afternoon put into federal law the very regulation that drew objections from almost 200 Catholic bishops, some 50 religiously affiliated colleges and universities, 65 North American bishops of Orthodox churches, numerous other Jewish, Evangelical and Lutheran leaders, and even some liberals.
Call Senator Casey at 202-224-6324 and ask him if he still is demanding a true exemption for religious institutions from the abortion drug mandate considering the so-called "compromise" is a farce.
We deserve to know where he stands. Many thanks, Alex Cortes Executive Director
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Planned Parenthood guilty of tens of millions of dollars in fraud charge whistleblowers, report
by Ben Johnson
Feb 16, 2012
LUFKIN, TEXAS, February 15, 2012, (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood that touched off the controversy over Susan G. Komen's funding of the abortion giant may soon expand into a series of national hearings in the nation's capital and court cases around the country that could expose hundreds of millions of dollars of financial impropriety, critics say.
Karen Reynolds, a decade-long employee of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast (PPGC) in Texas, has filed a lawsuit claiming 12 Planned Parenthood mills in Texas and Louisiana bilked the government by billing medical agencies for services that were unnecessary or that were never actually provided. "Fraud is fraud," said Reynolds' attorney, Mike Love.
Her allegations are part of a cascade of negative publicity drawing attention to the dubious or possibly illegal accounting practices of roughly 20 percent of Planned Parenthood's national affiliates.
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Today's Headlines: Thursday, February 16, 2012
Obama Wants to Restore U.S. Funding for UNESCO, After It Admitted 'Palestine' Hillary Clinton Announcing Climate Change Initiative -- After Big Donor Deserts Obama Over Climate Change Meese: Obama Administration 'As Close to a Monarchy As Since Days Of George III'
It's fast. It's easy. It's secure. Please support CNSNews.com today!
Republican Senator: Obama Administration Is 'a Lawless Administration' Obama Says America More Respected Around World Under His Presidency
Rep. Fortenberry: 'We'll Let the Courts Decide' If It's Constitutional to Force Companies to Provide Products for Free
Obama Talks Fairness in Competition for Jobs
Pastor Luke Robinson: Media Don't Want You to Know 'How Horrible Abortion Is'
Napolitano: 'A Small Number' of Illegal Aliens Not Linked to Other Crimes Were Deported Last Year
Hoyer Won't Say Whether Government Can Force Businesses to Provide a Product Free of Charge
Sen. Conrad Dodges Question on Constitutionality of Mandating Health Insurers to Provide Contraceptives, Morning-After Pill
HHS Secretary Grilled on Contraceptive Mandate: 'I Did Not Speak to the Catholic Bishops'
Sen. Conrad Dodges Question on Constitutionality of Mandating Health Insurers to Provide Contraceptives, Morning-After Pill
House-Senate Reach Deal on Payroll Tax Measure
Congress Set to Subpoena White House Officials in Solyndra Scandal
Muslim Brotherhood 'Has Overwhelmingly Supported' Egypt's Crackdown on NGOs, Lawmakers Told
COMMENTARY: Obama's Budget: It's My Money, America By Ben Shapiro On Monday, President Obama released his budget to the world, calling it an attempt to implement "fiscal responsibility." But Obama's attempt at "fiscal responsibility" works about as well as Madonna's attempts at virginity. NEWSPAPER ROUNDUP: U.S. probes golden eagles' deaths at L.A. wind farm N.J. Dems want to turn foreclosed homes into affordable housing Tampa parents rip school for letting controversial Muslim group speak to students Colorado student quits high school choir over Islamic song praising 'Allah' Homeland Security secretary: 'We aren't sitting there monitoring social media' House GOP pounces after Obama budget director says health mandate 'not a tax' Education Department deploys 'mystery shoppers' to check for student-aid fraud Kids have been sleep-deprived for more than 100 years, study says Catholic Charities denies endorsing Obama's contraceptive mandate 'Rick Santorum has become the Tim Tebow of politics' Arizona Supreme Court lets state's Medicaid cuts stand Open government watchdog names Justice Dept. as most secretive agency Last FEMA trailer leaves New Orleans six years after Katrina CNSNewsTV: Check out our latest videos!
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Illegal Aliens Grab Billions in Tax Credits!
Tax season is right around the corner and you've probably already received your W2. You've been paying taxes throughout 2011 to keep our country running, because you're a responsible American who takes pride in doing your part. Now it's time to file and maybe get a refund! What if I told you there are millions of illegal aliens guaranteed a tax refund and cash-back tax credits meant for legal workers?
Illegal aliens grabbed $4.2 billion in refundable tax credits in 2010. Help us ensure that only US citizens and legal immigrants have access to these funds!
In 2010, you paid your taxes and got tax credits where they were due. But did you know that the IRS paid illegal aliens $4.2 billion in refundable tax credits?! This handout happened through the "Additional Child Tax Credit" (ACTC), a program designed for lower and middle income families, especially single mothers. A gaping loophole in the program allows illegal aliens to receive this credit when they file taxes. Believe it or not, there isn't even a process to check if these illegal aliens' children (for whom the credit was designed) are even American citizens!
The IRS knows about the loophole: "The payment of Federal funds through this tax benefit appears to provide an additional incentive for aliens to enter, reside, and work in the United States without authorization, which contradicts Federal law and policy to remove such incentives." Yet have they done anything to stop billions of American tax dollars going to illegal aliens? Apparently, without our pressure, they just don't care.
We need your help to close this costly loophole by requiring all recipients of the ACTC to have a valid social security number. We worked with our friends in Congress to craft a bill that will narrow who can receive this tax credit to valid social security holding Americans.
According to the Associated Press, during negotiations on the bill this week, at the urging of amnesty special interest groups (including the ACLU and National Council of La Raza) legislators stripped the key provision of requiring social security numbers!
We are working feverishly to get this requirement returned and passed before it's too late for this tax season. We're doing our part; now we need you to do yours. You're help is essential to generate support for this commonsense provision!
If you agree that ACTC should only be available to eligible American workers, I urge you to stand with us! Your $25, $50, or $100 tax-deductible contribution to FAIR will help us save the American taxpayer billions this year alone!
As you prepare to file your 2011 taxes, think about where your hard-earned money is going. Unless you help, it's just going to get worse!
Sincerely,
Dan Stein President
P.S. You can also mail your tax-deductible contribution to FAIR at 25 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 330 Washington D.C. 20001.
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 | Facebook Parenting: For the troubled teen. |
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February 16, 2012
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On Today's Program
Tonight on GBTV:
- Live at 5pm ET: With Glenn on special assignment (returning on Monday) guest host Erick Stakelbeck covers the latest on the administration's assault on faith and conscience, plus the most recent developments with Iran and the building chaos in the Middle East.
- Real News: The camps are largely gone but controversy remains. Tonight on Real News from The Blaze, take a closer look at the occupy movement and the real story behind the protests. 7pm ET (or on demand).
- Brian Sack Interviews Mitt Romney's biggest supporters: What did they have to say? Watch. Don't miss an all new episode of The B.S. of A. tonight live at 8pm ET (or on demand).
WATCH: Texas Rangers star athlete Josh Hamilton opens up about relapse exclusively on GBTV - WATCH.
We are all Catholics Now: The latest from David Barton
Yesterday Glenn launched the 'We are all Catholics now' movement to fight the Obama administration's assault on religious rights via the Department of Health and Human Services. The response from this audience was fantastic and completely overwhelmed the switchboards of Congress yesterday. Did it have enough impact and what can you do to help stand with all people of faith who don't want government infringing on their beliefs? David Barton explains on radio today.
It's not about contraception: Why the attacks on religious freedom matter to everyone, not just Catholics. READ.
'There is no truth except Allah': Colorado student quits high school choir over Islamic song. DETAILS.
Maxine Waters calls GOP 'demons'
Just a few short months ago the left feigned concern over 'heated' and 'dangerous' Tea Party rhetoric & made the ludicrous claim that 'don't tread on me' flags and Sarah Palin's target map were causing people to go on shooting rampages. Maxine Waters has apparently long forgotten her linguistic concerns in her latest mindless rant as she calls Boehner and Cantor 'demons.' WATCH
Do 98% of Catholics use contraception? Stu exposes another big fat Obama lie. READ Obama's OMB wants a global minimum tax President Obama's new Budget Director has had a rough first few days on the job. First he inadvertently declared Obamacare unconstitutional and now he's openly pushing for a new global minimum tax. If the press weren't so enamored with socialism perhaps they would have asked a follow up: Who would administer the tax? Who would collect it? Who would distribute it? Reaction from radio today. Santorum to get endorsement from...Megadeth? You wouldn't think the most staunchly pro-life candidate would be the one to land an endorsement from the lead in a band titled Megadeth, but the former Senator appears to have won the support of frontman David Mustaine. So how does a band who originally signed with 'Combat Records' and had albums such as 'Killing is my business...and business is good!' end up contemplating Santorum? Mustaine had a massive transformation in his life -- more about it on radio today. Save Energy, save money and stay warm! Markdown.com has a deal to provide your family with the warm and safe heat of Elite Heat while cutting your heating costs at the same time. With Elite Heat you're getting a beautiful, furniture grade wood cabinet heater with an elegant black finish. Get 46% off Elite Heat and protect yourself from winter's chill. Find all of the details at Markdown.com. Can you make your own tools? Frank decides it's time the family learns something new through the practice of an old-time trade in an all new episode of Independence USA. Will the family see the merit of being able to make their own metal tools? Check out a highlight from last night's show. You can watch the full episode on demand. Uh oh: Al Gore wants to restructure capitalism - DETAILS.
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~ If you come across an issue or story that you think would be of interest to the group, forward it to this email address so we can include it in the daily newsletter. Please include any links to the associated story with your email so that we can source it for the newsletter. J
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