OBAMA THROWS NON-SUPPORTERS UNDER THE BUS

In his latest Under the Bus Attack on our allies, Barak Obama COINCIDENTALLY on the 70th anniversary of Russia's invasion of Poland, abruptly cancelled the long-planned missile shield for Eastern Europe. The agreements with Poland and the Czech Republic, allies in our war in Iraq, cost their leaders political capital in their own countries. That doesn't matter to Obama. Russia's President Medvedev called Obama's action “a responsible move.” Of course this all comes only a few days before Obama meets with Medvedev at the United Nations and the Group of 20 economic summit. Let's make sure we support our "loyal friends and supporters."

Obama's reasoning, he says, is that Iran's nuclear capabilities were over-estimated.

Let's ignore the fact that the world's top atomic watchdog just released this report from Vienna: “Teheran has the ability to make a nuclear bomb and is on the way to developing a missile system able to carry an atomic warhead, according to a secret report seen by The Associated Press. The document drafted by senior officials at the International Atomic Energy Agency is the clearest indication yet that the agency's leaders share Washington's views on Iran's weapon-making capabilities.”

SO WHO'S LYING? Is Obama ever going to get tired of bending over to pick up the soap in the shower? It's obviously not torture to him.

Here's another first in the Obama presidency--in fact in all presidencies. He revoked the visa of the PRESIDENT OF HONDURAS because he sides with the left-leaning outstered former president, Zelaya, who wanted to change the Honduran Constitution to eliminate term limits, a move ruled unconstitutional by the Honduran Supreme Court who also had their visas revoked. AN ATROCITY LIKE THIS, A VISA REVOCATION OF ANOTHER COUNTRY'S LEADER HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. IT IS A BADGE OF SHAME AND A DISGRACE TO OUR NATION. Cozy up to Zelaya and Chavez. Pass judgement on another country's constitution. It's an interesting insight into Obama's beliefs and not really anything he did not reveal in his campaign—but people did not see Hope and Change for what it really is in this man's mind.

A pattern emerged quite early in the Obama administration. Throw Non-Believers Under the Bus. It became obvious when Obama didn't get his way at the April 2009 G20 summit when European leaders scoffed at Obama and generally agreed that the U.S. would no longer play the dominate role it has in the past. Especially vocal, if you remember was France's Nicolas Sarcozy who cited Obama's inexperience. I guess this jolted Obama's “I have a gift” ego.

We witnessed how he treated England's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, gifting him with 25 dvds of American movie classics, incompatible, btw, with English dvd players.. He added insult to injury by gifting Queen Elizabeth with an iPod containing, among other "treasures," recordings of his speeches.. He was also complicit in neglecting to invite the Queen, the only living head of state involved and displaying for her people an example of courage during World War II, to the D-Day Anniversary Ceremonies at Normandy.

He threw Georgia under the bus when the Russians violated their sovereignty despite the fact that Georgia is a country who supported us in our Iraq efforts.

Perhaps most heinous is throwing us, the United States, under the bus by cronying up to the likes of Hugo Chavez, Castro, and other far-left, radical, anti-American leaders. He put pressure on Israel, our only real ally in the Middle East representing the only democracy in that area while he bowed to the Saudis and pledged money to repair damage caused in Gaza as Israel defended itself against daily bombing attacks in cities like Sderot.

Let's not forget the guaranteed bond holders who were called unpatriotic for actually wanting what the law guaranteed them when the car companies were appropriated by the government.

Let's not forget the seniors who will be facing government devised tables that decide when an “investment” in their health will bring a fair return on the money spent. Senator McCaskell stated yesterday that she wants to save money by denying wheelchairs and mechanized scooters.

Let's not forget the honest protesters at tea parties and town hall meetings—many who voted for Obama (to their everlasting shame)--who have been called unpatriotic.

Let's not forget people who dare to disagree are racist, branded by, among others, racist anti-Semite Jimmy Carter, two of whose books are highly recommended by that astute literary critic Osama bin Laden.

Let's not forget that dissenters are possible home-grown terrorists according to Homeland Security's Janet Napolitano, and just yesterday as proponents of violence as a teary-eyed (as much as possible with such massive amounts of botox in her face) Nancy Pelosi suggested. True, Obama doesn't comment. He could stop the madness, but it is all part of the game plan.

AND LET'S NOT FORGET FOX NEWS, especially with Obama appearing on five Sunday news programs yesterday—including on Univision (What the heck is that?) and the late night programs as well. THAT'S THROWING EVERY FOX NEWS VIEWER UNDER THE BUS. IT TELLS US WE ARE UNIMPORTANT AND THAT WE DON'T COUNT. I GUESS OBAMA IS NOT EVERYONE'S PRESIDENT, JUST HIS SUPPORTERS'.

I will keep mentioning UNDER THE BUS tactics. No doubt there will be many more.

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WHITE HOUSE EMAILS--QUESTIONS ABOUT PRIVACY RIGHTS

JUST BEFORE I WAS READY TO POST THIS ARTICLE, I CHECKED MY HOTMAIL ACCOUNT. THERE WAS AN EMAIL FROM FRANK STELLA, AN AFT REPRESENTATIVE. HE FORWARDED TO AFT MEMBERS DAVID AXELROD'S EMAIL . WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. THINK ABOUT IT.

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The flap between Major Garrett and Obama Press Secretary Robert Gibbs extends right into my home. Coincidentally I happened to be listening to the news conference live when Garrett asked his question. I received that day the same unsolicited email that Garrett alluded to and that Gibbs ingenuously questioned—publicly impugning Garrett’s honesty. Gibbs doubted that such a thing could happen. IT DID.

I’ve got a lot of questions, but here are a basic few:


1. How did the White House get my email address?
2. Why is the White House sending me emails? I didn’t sign up for them.
3. Since the White House cannot purge emails because of federal regulations, into what kind of “file” have I been relegated?
4. Since this email is no more than SPAM, why didn’t my hotmail filter send it immediately to Junk Mail?
5. What right has the White House using these email addresses as an advertising tool to spread propaganda? I specifically use the word propaganda because of the content of the email which I will copy and paste on this post so you can see what David Axelrod, Obama’s political advisor and sometime spokesman is up to.
6. And maybe in the bigger scheme of things, this is the most important question: Since the White House, Congress, and much of the media is complaining that the Town Hall meetings are attended by people who are organizing against healthcare (just as they said about the Tea Parties), what would they call this behavior????

If this isn’t organizing on a big scale, what is it? And unlike the websites that suggest people show up at meetings to voice their opinions an TO WHICH INDIVIDUALS GO OF THEIR OWN VOLITION, this organizational effort is unsolicited, unwanted, and at least in my case, against my will and A BASIC INVASION OF MY PRIVACY.

This tactic is being perpetrated on us by the same people who objected, as an invasion of privacy, to finding out who was checking out library books that describe, among other things, how to construct bombs. You’ve got a right to learn how to build bombs, apparently, but no right to voice your opinion if it’s not in line with the Obama administration. Gives one pause to think.
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PS LOOK AT THE SALUTATION. I AM NOT DAVID AXELROD’S FRIEND!

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Dear Friend,

This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.

Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.

As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.”

So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.

Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.

Thanks,
David

David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President

P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:



8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage
1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

8 common myths about health insurance reform
1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2. We can’t afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7. You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.
Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq

8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now
1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf





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SEE FOR YOURSELF THE WHITE HOUSE REQUEST FOR YOU TO INFORM ON YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

JUST IN CASE YOU THINK THE NEWS IS EXAGGERATED, LOOK AT THIS VIDEO RIGHT OFF THE WHITE HOUSE BLOG. ONE IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT THIS BLOG IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things/

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OBAMA "PLAYS" THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Some time ago I wrote of Obama's attitude toward people who take their fiscal responsibilities seriously—punishingly tax them into oblivion to support those who don't or won't accept their own responsibilities. Goodbye middle class. The same destructive approach is now being used against big financial companies.

Under the Obama plan, big companies like Citi and Goldman Sachs would not be forbidden; instead they would be regulated so strictly it would be a disadvantage to be a big company. The Federal Reserve would be in charge of the scrutiny. We've already seen how incompetently the fed protected us from the current financial crisis. Why should we expect more now?

What's really interesting, however, is the Administration's explanation of the plans. They will not forbid; they will just make existence inordinately complex and expensive so that the big companies cannot or will not expand.

“Without banning them, we're providing some pretty heavy penalties for entering the top group of institutions that could pose a risk to the entire financial system,” said Diana Farrell, deputy director of the White House's National Economic Council.

“The regulator might say to a large institution,’ Make sure there is very good reason to get that big, or that interconnected, or that complex because the penalties will wipe out any advantages, such as lower cost of capital, you might have,'” she said.

So much for the free enterprise system. So much for capitalism. Say goodbye to risk taking too. What would be the point of investing in a company threatened with severe penalties if it grows too big (and successful)? It would be like buying a Pontiac today. Would you really trust mechanical and parts support from a government-owned car company that will no longer manufacture Pontiacs? Buyers beware!

Think of the regulator. Who will decide on the new rules of the road for these companies? Upon what economic theories will decisions be based? Where is the threshold over which no company may cross? Will there exist the same “moving barrier” that was erected for the banks to hurdle in the shape of “tests” the government devised? Are we dealing with economic laws or social engineering? In the end, the Obama administration is protecting one entity—itself. It cannot be blamed for destroying these financial behemoths. In less refined parlance, that's called CYA.

There's such a predictable pattern to Obama's programs.

1 Replace private business with a government entity or
Create or extend a governmental hierarchy to oversee this entity
2 Develop punitive and expensive regulations to weaken private industry or
Make sure the government entity appears more attractive than the private entity
3 Over time observe the private business' inability to sustain itself and fail
4 Socialize the industry

We've seen the pattern in the banking industry where the government would not accept loan re-payment thereby keeping banks under the government's spreading thumb. Then “tests” were developed to check on each bank's success. When too many passed, new tests were developed.

We've seen the pattern in the auto industry where unions were mollified and Fiat was the winner. Bondholders were shown that the rule of law only applies when the Administration needs it. We will see how government-backed GMAC does as prime lender to the industry, and we'll see if the auto company can turn a profit on its own. We'll also see if the jobs lost by dealers, and the dealerships lost by the community (and collateral damage to other business in the community) will be replaced in the new economic structure.

In Healthcare, we'll have to watch as care is rationed, private insurers go under, those offering their employees benefits are penalized in some fashion, and employee benefits are taxed.

We better wake up. We better get in touch with our representatives and wake them up. We better do this before it's too late.
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OBAMA GIVES US REASONS TO FEAR

If we are not frightened by what is going on around us in the Federal Government, we've stuck our heads so far down into the sand that ostriches have nothing on us. In fact, we may have chosen to stick our heads in quick sand! It doesn't appear that the Obama administration is going to stop the reckless spending, the intrusion into private industry or the usurpation of states' rights. There is the problem that Congress is not reading bills before they are passed. There is the problem of smokescreens that blunt the press' reportage of the country in favor of the spectacle.

Christine Romer was just interviewed on television. This MIT Ph.d and former Berkley professor is part of the Obama economic team. Here's the skinny right from the horse's mouth concerning the effectiveness the Stimulus package. It is the same stimulus package that had to be passed immediately without time for Congress to read it and without time to separate the wheat from the chaff.

1. Only 4% of the money has thus far been dispersed.
2. By the end of the year, only 23% will have been dispersed.
3. Despite campaign promises (though she admits the Obama campaign had no “crystal ball”), unemployment, today at 9.5% is quickly approaching double digits. It is at its highest level in 26 years. (I note that double digit unemployment is endemic in socialist France and Spain)
4. Despite campaign promises, there is no predicted “end” to the recession. There is hope it will moderate by the end of this year—or next year. (Or….)

In other words, even the Administration cannot conceal the abysmal failure of the Stimulus package that has slam dunked this country and its future generations into a money pit of debt. But we, the people, are not hearing or reading of this in the news outlets. We are, except for those who search for news, being kept in a stupored ignorant state,

Yesterday CNN, reporting on California's tragic budget crisis giving rise to the issuance of IOUs to workers—an interesting turn as I assume no mortgage companies, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. will accept those IOUs in lieu of payment—stated that most troubled state governments are using the stimulus money to close budget gaps. That means paying their own bills! How in the world will that use stimulate the economy? The simple and obvious answer is that it will not. In reading the scenario, however, one can readily see how, despite the massive debt we are building to countries like China, our problems will only worsen. When the aforementioned companies, stores and gas stations do not accept IOUs, how will they pay their employees or restock their shelves or refill their tanks? And so the snowball rolls.

While I'm on the subject of CNN, this morning their “money girl” sat with Kiran Chetry and explained how money “experts” are “sifting through the numbers” looking for signs of economic improvement. That’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. But when the “experts” find one sign, that's what they report, and it makes poll numbers change on the populace's long-term outlook. These days the polls have slightly increased in the belief that things are looking a touch better. I think of that old adage, “Figures never lie but liars figure.” I also pray that offering HOPE will be an acceptable way to pay one's bills. (Does one say, "I HOPE to pay"?)

With the untimely deaths of Michael Jackson and Farah Fawcett grabbing the headlines so many of the country did not realize the House barely passed the Cap and Trade bill, a bill that will severely impact on our way of life. Now it goes to the Senate where it hopefully will be stopped. Nevertheless, one piece of the bill keeps hitting the news—Fox News—that is. When a homeowner wants to sell his home, the house must first be inspected and the seller must upgrade to fulfill any energy requirements the Federal government has instituted. Who decides on these requirements? Who does the inspections for the government? How does one factor in the cost of the improvements to the selling price of the house? None of these issues are addressed in any but the most general way, but they will impact every single seller in this country in a major and very specific way. Think about it.

I called Congressman John Hall's office twice before the vote on the Cap and Trade. I left a message at his NY office, and spoke to someone in the DC office. When I said that there was no way the Congressman could have read the 300+ page Waxman amendment submitted at 3AM that morning and therefore how could the Congressman vote intelligently on the final legislation, the answer I received was, “Good question.” No kidding. John Hall, by the way, voted for the bill. Why? Good question. I hope the Democratic party gave him a reward treat—perhaps a doggie biscuit for doing well in obedience school.

I guess I will continue banging my head against the wall by contacting my two Senators—don't laugh—Schumer and Gillibrand—asking them to consider us, their constituents, first. I do believe EVERYONE SHOULD CONTACT SENATORS to let them know how awful it will be to bury what’s left of the country in Chinese debt and to send what's left of our business to countries who do it for less. Meanwhile, it's interesting that Obama is against any trade restrictions. All of a sudden he is a free market dude. He'll create jobs, all right. Only they won't be in America.

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OBAMA, CHRYSLER, & THE UAW--A MARRIAGE MADE IN A BACK ROOM

The United Auto Workers Union sent an interesting letter to its members explaining the results of the Chrysler bankruptcy.

The letter should also be interesting to those of us who foot the bill. Remember, too, that the GUARANTEED BONDHOLDERS (in Delaware where Chrysler is headquartered, bankruptcy law dictates that bondholders receive their money first) investers representing pension funds, etc.--received less than $.25 on their dollar.

The union said that under the plan, they saved the hourly wage, the pension plan, and the health benefits members enjoyed. Unexplained but mentioned in the letter was that they had agreed to a way to slow foreign competition. The letter listed China (huh?) and other countries--like Japan, I guess.

Yesterday the press did report that the UAW did make MAJOR concessions: they gave up two paid holidays, one being the Monday after Easter. They will no longer be paid for unused vacation time; THEY WILL JUST HAVE TO USE ALL THEIR VACATION. Boo Hoo. They agreed not to strike until 2015.

Why would they strike? They own a huge share of the company and would be striking against themselves. Picture negotiations. The negotiators come with two hats and change them each time they leap across the table to participate, sometimes as an owner, sometimes as a union worker. Negotiations could be very tiring and only fit for the athletically strong.

It's nice to know how well the union has been paid by the Obama administration for its support and how in-the-pocket union members are for the next presidential election. They more than balance out the screwed over bond holders whose guaranteed bonds really were TOXIC PAPER.

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OBAMA CONTINUES TO DIS OUR NATION'S FRIENDS

Today Israel is holding a nationwide air raid drill. Simulated fire power destruction litters the Israeli countryside. Children in schools are practicing for the worst. News commentators suggest that the amount of destruction far exceeds that which would occur from the rockets--relatively less lethal--that continue to bombard Israel from the north and the south. The demonstrated destruction of this drill is more like the destruction wrought by a bigger warhead--the kind of which Iran boasts. Commentators suggest that this drill demonstrates that Israel is in a state of readiness to react to a strike on them from Iran. They also suggest this is a statement to President Obama--a reaction to America's change in support.

It is frightening to watch these air raid drills on television. It is frightening to hear the suggestion that a strike from Iran could create another massive loss of Jewish life--another REAL attempt at GENOCIDE. We're only a bit more than 60 years from the last attempt to wipe Jews off the face of the earth.

Meanwhile, President Obama is heading to the mideast. He is visiting several countries in the area---BUT OBAMA IS NOT VISITING ISRAEL. I watched the news conference when the President sat with Netanyahu. He never looked at him. He talked at him, not with him. The essence of that talk was to warn Israel to stop building on the West Bank and to agree to the two-state solution--without first requiring the Arabs to agree to Israel's right to exist.

Remember, too, that Obama gave huge sums of money to Gaza after the recent battle with Israel--one that began as Israel tried to stop the barrage of rockets launched into towns like Sderot. Before the smoke cleared, the "Palestinians" were smuggling more rockets into the area via tunnels from Egypt. Israel was to blame for the damage?????? Israel is warned to change????

In the same way that my post on merit (one post prior) points to Obama's disregard for merit in favor of political expediency, his actions in this case point to his lack of respect for our allies around the world. He demonstrated this in his treatment of Poland early in his still-short-but-far-too-long-for-me administration, his dvd gift to Gordon Brown as well as his iPod gift to Queen Elizabeth a short time later, and recently his complicity by not immediately insisting that Queen Elizabeth be invited to the Normandy ceremonies. She, the only ruler still living who lived through WWII and who worked in England's gallant war effort, was not invited by the French. Incredibly gauche.

On this trip, the President will stop over in Germany and visit Auschwitz. It is a political stop for him, objected to even by Obama's uncle, part of the American militiary that freed the Auschwitz victims. His uncle rejects the idea of using this site for gaining political cash; Obama can't see the horrific irony of using it while throwing our only mideast ally, Israel, under the bus. What ISN'T going on inside Obama's head is, at once, astounding and problematic.

While Obama will kow tow and make a "major address to Muslim nations," he has no qualms about insulting those other Americans hold near and dear.

Let me note that while the slobbering love affair with Obama's onscreen personality (or onteleprompter) continues, HE HAS YET TO CONVINCE ANYONE TO CHANGE THEIR BASIC STANCE AND SUPPORT US MONETARILY OR MILITARILY. He has, in fact, failed to impact any problem in any positive way; he continues to bamboozle the American public.

While Congress has at least begun to question some of what is going on, the question remains whether they or the American public will wake up and rub their knuckles hard against their eyes to get them to open after a way-too-long sleep.

politics commentary politicians Obama president Israel Netanyahu Palestinians Gaza Germany Auschwitz genocide Sderot "Not+with+a+Whimper"

IN OBAMA'S WORLD, MERIT IS A PUNISHABLE OFFENSE

In Obama's dictionary, “merit” is a pejorative word. In Obama's world, it is a punishable offense, and he means to deal harshly with those miscreants who take personal responsibility to heart. Look at the consequences of the changes he proposes. In each case, the person, political faction, industry, or supporter is helped at the expense of those who have taken the straight and narrow.

POLITICAL APPOINTEES: One would assume that his vetted nominees would be beyond reproach, experts in their fields, and statesmen with deep backgrounds of proven and successful public service. Count the number of appointees with tax problems (labeled oversights), including our Secretary of the Treasury , Tim Geithner, whose job is to fix what ails the U.S. Economy. He can't even figure out his own taxes, but we are supposed to feel confident in his expertise—and the way he scoots the laws the rest of us follow.

Kathleen Sebelius, in charge of Health and Human Resources, also had tax problems caused by plumping up her deductions. She served as Kansas' governor, a state in such dire financial straits she contemplated issuing IOUs to state employees. She received contributions from Dr. Tiller, the man accused of making a fortune by doing late term abortions and breaking Kansas law by performing these on out-of-state women. Her job in the Obama administration is to shepherd his health reforms through the legislative process. Can we trust her to do that fairly and knowledgeably? I think not. She didn't even show expertise in Kansas, and we're not in Kansas anymore.
Obama's selections reiterate the problem many of us had with his acquaintances prior to being elected—Reverend Wright and Bill Ayers, to name just two. He does not choose his acquaintances by merit. He surrounds himself with people who stretch or break the law and then use their power or influence to avert the consequences. Dangerous stuff for our country, particularly as he rides the waves of popularity.

THE CAR INDUSTRY: This week reports announce that with Obama's control of the auto industry, the cost of a new car will rise approximately $1,700. Not to worry, says the president, you'll make it back in a few years of ownership. No one is against fuel efficient car, but how did it come to pass that the auto industry will build cars his way or not at all? Once again, merit and success are seen as evil, and the power and money go to the supporters and the greedy. Our rights as consumers to choose for ourselves is limited; he will tell us what is right for us.

Originally there was a cry for GM and Chrysler to avoid bankruptcy. Bailout money was supposed to allow time for them to make profitable cars. At the same time, foreign non-unionized companies like Toyota and Nissan were vilified, and when Toyota's sales fell, cheers practically rose from the printed page of the New York Times.

Again the question of merit arises. Treat your employees fairly, build a quality product, adhere to good business practices, and you will be successful and profitable. Avoid unionization and you are evil. The truth is that union demands have made it impossible for American car manufacturers to make a profit. They lose on every car they sell; so the more they sell, the deeper in red ink they drown. Any thinking person knew that when the bailouts began. But building a business based on sound judgement and practice isn't necessary in Obama's world. Loyalty and support are the vital elements; show them and you will profit. You will also know how to vote in the next election. Isn't that part of the plan? Look what happened.

When the smoke choking Washington DC cleared, Chrysler was in bankruptcy. The company might be acquired by Fiat—a foreign car manufacture. The unions (who Obama owed for their loyal and loud support during the election) will also own a share. Investors in the company would be paid very little on the dollar, and those who refuse to accept the deal were labeled un-American.. More bailout money poured from our pockets into Chrysler's coffers. Two things are certain; the unions did not chip in much to save their jobs, but now they own the company. Two more things are certain; Chrysler still is unable to turn a profit, and come next election, the flood of votes will continue to flow Obama's way.. He not only saved union jobs; he also saved union benefits. Here's my question: how will negotiations go when auto contracts expire? Will the union “owner” negotiate with union “workers”?

President Obama now holds a club over the car companies. The unions will support his every dream in order to keep the money flowing. The president can tell them what to build, how to build it, how to fuel it, etc., and there is no alternative to compliance. We see this already in his green car movement and the announcements about higher costs.

GM was ordered to close dealerships to avoid bankruptcy. In my neck of the woods, several dealerships have been ordered to close. At least three of them term themselves “profitable.” Cannot one consider operating a successful money making business a sign of business acumen and merit? Merit and profit don't work here, as noted by the continual failure to turn a profit by both Chrysler and GM.

What happens to the economy surrounding a closed dealership. With the closure is the loss of dealership jobs. Restaurants, coffee shops, local service businesses, gas stations, etc. lose business. That leads to more joblessness. Our president obviously is not a good chess player; he can't think of the consequences past his next move.

Additionally, eight billion dollars of TARP money has been funneled into GMAC, the lending arm of GM. It will be the principal lender of both GM cars and Chrysler cars. Consumer choice will dissipate as the government makes the business rules. As the government takes over the banks and car companies, we will be squeezed into changing the very character of American business. There has already been a question of political interference is choosing dealership.

One final question: With our money pouring in to prop up GM and Chrysler, how do other car companies compete? What happens to Ford, for instance?

CREDIT: No one denies that there are some positive changes in the laws impacting credit card companies,. The amount of consumer debt is staggering. Only 32% of consumers carry no credit card debt. People choose to live beyond their means, and eventually they get into trouble. Sears, for instance, profits more from its credit card business than from its retail business. Usurious interest rates don't help. These changes which might aid people not responsible enough to handle their money or credit wisely and people who live far beyond their means will also punish consumers who are responsible about their purchases and are rewarded by the credit card issuers. Merit is punished; irresponsibility is rewarded.

Credit card issuers project reinstituting annual fees and doing away with grace periods; interest accrues as soon as you sign the credit card receipt. Forget perks like rewards programs. You did the right thing—Obama will take you down!

Whoa....I've got to stop although there are so many more examples I can give. Write your congressmen and voice your concern. They may be listening a little better these days; there are elections in 2010.

Obama politics commentary politicians economy appointees GM Chrysler bailout bankruptcy Geithner Sebelius Tiller abortion Kansas Wright Ayers TARP credit

OBAMA, GITMO, AND THE NEWBURGH TERRORISTS

At the same time President Obama is vague on his plans for closing Gitmo and dealing with its dregs-of-humanity-prisoners, he has been rebuffed by Congress in his attempts to grab another bunch of billions of dollars. They insist on an exit strategy first. Finally!

Obama is still so convinced of his popularity that he sees no reason to be transparent, forthcoming, or honest with the American public, and it looks like Congress, anxious about the next round of elections, is beginning to take note. Obama is a “show me the money” guy and probably a very poor chess player. He cannot see the consequences of each move nor think several moves ahead. Chess strategy competence would be useful as long as the president realizes that combating terrorists is not a political game.

Hopefully the country will hear the wake-up call of this Wednesday's failed homegrown-terrorist plot to use explosives to destroy a synagogue and community center in Riverdale, Bronx, New York. They also planned to use Stinger missiles to down military planes at Orange County’s Steward International Airport. We need to remember 9/11 and to understand that the war on terror—domestic as well as international—is not over.

Particularly frightening is the birth of this homegrown plot. Only one of the four men was born outside of the country and a Muslim by birth. The other three were thugs from Newburgh, New York. They converted to Islam in prison where the four became friends and hatched the plot. Finalized plans emanated from a mosque in Newburgh, New York. An informant notified authorities. Thank goodness for that informant and thank goodness that the FBI and State Police Swat teams were prepared and ready. What if there had been no informant?

Let’s look at the bigger picture.

1. Our prisons are a fertile breeding ground for recruiting proven violent people to act out their psychopathic disregard for human life, laws, values, and customs. ARE THESE PLACES TO SEND THE GITMO DETAINEES AND GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPREAD THEIR POISON IN THE “BLAME AMERICA FIRST” TRADITION?

2. Will the Obama administration—indeed, the entire anti-Bush contingent—after unrelenting and unremitting attacks on methods used to foil homeland terrorist plots admit to the success of those methods and retain them or, as in the case of Gitmo where even the New York Times reports that seven out of ten released detainees return to terrorist activities, continue to rail and abandon successful methods?

3. At the expense of our country’s safety will Obama loyalists downplay the importance of these attempts and try to paint the participants as bungling idiots as they did with the Ft. Dix plot terrorists and the terrorist plot in Florida?

Already the Associated Press quotes Sen. Chuck Schumer as saying, “the group was relatively unsophisticated, penetrated easily and not connected to any outside group.” The idiocy is not on the part of the plotters. The idiocy is on the part of self-serving politicians who surmise that unsophisticated people cannot find ways to manufacture bombs. Just look on the internet. Hijacked aircraft took down the World Trade Center.

WABC news reported that the alleged suspects did not appear to have the ability to execute the plot. Perhaps they suggest we wait to see if they did. Pull back our experts and intelligence to level the playing field.

Returning to the Gitmo detainee connection, one has to wonder how these haters and murderers will fare once under the jurisdiction of Federal judges and the slew of lawsuits (probably ACLU) I prophesize will deluge the courts demanding swift trials, no isolation (cruel punishment), right to confront their accusers, government classified documents as evidence, etc. Will they be freed into society? They cannot be deported. No country will take them. (France took one person) Who will support them? Your tax dollars.

Obama should have learned a lesson after de-classifying enhanced interrogation documents. The backlash about releasing the photos (which I bet will be “leaked” anyway) caused problems. Then he denied the release of the documents outlining enhanced interrogation successes which Dick Cheney requested. He seems incapable of thinking ahead. Obama has to learn, before it’s too late, that when you put the cart before the horse, you aren’t going anywhere.

politics commentary opinion politicians Obama Gitmo detainees prison Newburgh "home-grown terrorists" terrorists plots Riverdale synagogue bombs FBI SWAT mosque Islam Muslim Congress Schumer WABC "enhanced interrogation" taxes elections Bronx "New York" missiles Bush York Times" "Ft. Dix" Florida France "Not With a Whimper"

This is a very important Washington Post article.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/24/AR2009042403339.html?referrer=emailarticle

politics opinion "Washington+Post" CIA security commentary "Porter+Goss" al-quaida "Kahlid+Sheik+Mohammed" 9/11 interrogation terrorists "Not+With+A+Whimper"

NEW YORK STUDENTS AXED BY TAXES

A shocking article in the April 15th edition of the Times Herald-Record reported that SUNY New Paltz is axing its RN program as well as closing its graduate programs in teaching. The closings will make the SUNY Albany campus the nearest affordable state graduate school to residents of any area between New York City and Albany. The cuts are in programs where students typically work full time and attend classes part time. This is a tough cut. For students it will cost time and money. More change at the expense of the middle class.

College President Steve Poskanzer downplayed the nursing cuts. “These people are already nurses.” A student countered by saying, “The program is all about making better nurses.” Doesn't the college president know that's what further education is all about? It hones skills.

The grad teaching programs (and one must have a graduate degree to be a fully licensed teacher in New York), will eliminate programs in chemistry, earth science, French, Spanish, and math. This at a time when there's a cry for math and science teachers. Once-upon-a-time-candidate-Obama suggested that we all learn Spanish. With the cry out for “more qualified teachers,” is seems sickenly ironic that these cuts are seen as a way to save money.

At the same time, the college is increasing parking, academic-course and gym fees.

The SUNY system is also increasing tuition by $620.00. But read this from the Times Herald-Record: “Poskanzer blamed the 'deep cuts' on the state's decision to 'break faith' with the SUNY system by instituting a $620 tuition increase, most of which was swept into other parts of the state budget.” IN OTHER WORDS, THE STATE IS TAXING STUDENTS IN THE NAME OF TUITION INCREASES BUT USING THE MONEY FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

This debacle brings up, once again, the issue of what is happening in the country. The powers that be do not call these money-grabbing forays into our pockets TAXES. But they're taking the money just the same, and using the money for??????? In this case it's not for the students.

It’s important for us to realize what is happening. Are we being lied too? I guess that depends on your definition (as it so often does nowadays) of a lie. But at the very least, we are purposefully not being told the whole story. We better wake up and make our outrage heard!

"New+York" SUNY taxes tuition students school college "grad+school" nursing teaching "grad+programs" "graduate+school" gym parking "Times Herald-Record" math science Spanish French chemistry "earth+science" government