Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Palin Wins Again: Miller Time in Alaska

weeklystandard Lisa Murkowski Concedes to Joe Miller: http://snipurl.com/111xj4

bdomenech: Hmm... Rubio, Toomey, Haley, Lee, Paul, Miller... Is this a trend? Can't tell.


ewerickson: Sarah Palin has now pretty much single handedly taken out the entirely of the old guard Alaska GOP. That's impressive.

More. Just for fun:
DLoesch Yes, you read that right: deep fried beer http://bit.ly/9f72sQ
By the way, Dana makes another great Mama Grizzly. Watch her sweetly take out Taibbi.

...Surprise, surprise:) Good and Hard.

McCain on Obama’s Speech

Video via The Corner on Hannity.

Kristol here.

But are they just words?

He'd better support Petraeus.

Hillbuzz Take on the Obama Oval Office Redo

Great Merciful Zeus (with a side of Oh No They Didn’t): Obama brings The Jeffersons’ living room set out of the Smithsonian and installs it in the Oval Office

(I knew I could count on Hillbuzz to cover this properly:)

Plus, a poll on your rug of choice.

...I have to laugh at the newsie guys having to write about this fluff. But then, he's their The One.

P.S.

Looks like a hotel room. The Hiltons have that wallpaper.

Why go casual. The oval office should be a showplace and an intimidating place.

Where is the big screen TV to watch golf?

...OK, one more:)
I think it was a tactical choice. He can bring his political enemies in there, and the ugliness and drab color scheme break their wills as effectively as the depressing motel lobby after which it is modeled.
It's torture!!!

Come on, SNL here's your material!

...

Well at least he can stop blaming Bush for the decor. It's his own hideous haunt now.

What Palin Did Friday Night She celebrated the Jewish Sabbath.


Bill Kristol.

Sarah Palin's Facebook remarks on Iraq.

Related post I did over at Pundit & Pundette.

P.S. I especially like this part from Palin:

In May 2007, Senator Obama voted against funding our troops in Iraq. Reporters have insinuated that I haven’t been telling the truth on this fact, but consider the fact: he did not support additional troop funding. Had his position prevailed, our troops would have been forced to leave Iraq precipitously and chaos would have ensued. Goodness, even Senator Biden voted for the funding and had to admit this about Senator Obama and others who opposed it: “My colleagues voted against the funding to make a political point. There’s no political point worth my son’s life. There’s no political point worth anyone’s life.” As the mother of a soldier who spent his year in Iraq recently, I have to agree with Biden on that point.
Biden may be a buffoon, he may be nearly always wrong, but he is a decent human being.

And the president suffers in comparison.

...As does Robert Gibbs.

Schakowsky's Felonious Spouse Organizes "Grassroots" vs. Pollak

Crashing human rights lawyer and Republican candidate for the Illinois 9th Joel Pollak's endorsement luncheon by Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan. In Chicago. Tomorrow.

What's the matter, Jan, no one paying attention to you and your spouse's self-serving lies any more?

Humor from the Pollak campaign:

MoveOn.org to join Joel Pollak and Paul Ryan:
Our Far-Left Friends Can’t Get Enough Common Sense

Marathon Pundit has some remarks as well.

Benishek in Michigan

Remember another Dem who bowed out rather than face the wrath of the voters--Bart Stupak of Michigan's 1st congressional. Republican Dan Benishek, a doctor, had the guts and compassion for his patients and taxpayers alike to challenge Stupak before it became an open seat.

Benishek has the added challenge of an independent in the race, though thankfully the wealthy Wilson's plans to self-fund have fallen through.

Let's support Dan Benishek, folks. Enough is Enough.

Powerline looks at the race as well.

More. From the Benishek campaign:
We are excited to announce that Dr. Benishek has been named a "Young Gun"! This distinction places our campaign in the top tier of Republican candidates running in this year's midterm election by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)--the organization responsible for regaining a Republican majority in Congress.

As further evidence of the great interest in this race, Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX)--the leader of the NRCC--will be visiting Michigan this weekend to campaign with Dr. Benishek.

With your continued support, we are confident that Dr. Benishek will be the next Congressman from Michigan's 1st District. Please visit our website to learn more and contribute to our efforts.

Dems Target Duffy


Sinister music, scare tactics on Social Security. The old playbook.

Anyone paying any attention knows Social Security is going bust
--the next generation will never see it but will be paying for it unless we do something. GOP plans call for protecting current seniors.

Dems have had the chance to fix Social Security for years, with all their majorities, but they never have.

And I would hardly characterize Sean Duffy as a business as usual politician who just doesn't get it--that would be lifer legislator Dem David Obey, whom he shamed out of the race.

Previous posts: Sean Duffy for Congress, The Next Generation: The Brave and Exceptional, Sean Duffy's First TV Ad, Around and Around, Hey, hey, ho, ho David Obey's Gonna Go, NY Times Up by the UP, Dump Obey, Go Duffy, Can Sean Duffy Defeat David Obey?, Wisconsin's Sean Duffy Gets a Look

Is Alexi in the Lurch?

He's sneaking off to Hollywood lala land, desperate for cash. Core Chicago Dems are not enthused. (I thought his presser yesterday was pathetic.) Is Alexi a loser?

Even OFA Illinois is writing him off:)
United States Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias stopped bye...
Now we hear the DSCC is cutting off the cash. Crain's:
After a City Club of Chicago speech on Monday, Mr. Durbin was asked if Democrats would match the $3.4 million that the National Republican Senatorial Committee last week promised Mr. Kirk. Mr. Durbin replied with a candid "No."
Alexi's campaign says he's not worried. Sure. The Hill picks it up, with polling results from the 19th district.

Even as Illinois is paying half a $$$BILLION more for its debt under state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias' watch, he wants to cut spending---maƱana. That's always the way with Dems, they never take responsibility for anything. As far as Alexi blaming the war for our deficits, get real. Obama and the Dems have taken us over a cliff.

It's no wonder Caterpillar's CEO has endorsed Kirk, Giannoulias has no conception of what's at stake in the global economy and the tax increases he proposes are sure-fire job-killers, the last thing this economy, and Illinois, needs. Washington Times recalls the Obama thuggery in Peoria last year, (it still resonates) and ends with this:
The unemployment rate is 9.5 percent nationally and 10.3 percent in Illinois
To cap it off, pollsters are starting to shift the race to Kirk--Stuart Rothenberg gives him the nod in Chicago Magazine.

Enjoy the Hollywood Party, Alexi. That's more your style. Related post: Graphing the Gap: GOP Historic 10 Pts Up

More. Kirk statement:


Kirk Statement Regarding Alexi Giannoulias’ Remarks


Northbrook, Ill. – Kirk spokesperson Kirsten Kukowski released the following statement regarding Alexi Giannoulias’ speech and his work on the economy:

"Taking fiscal advice from the guy whose bank collapsed and cost the FDIC $394 million is akin to taking advice from Rod Blagojevich on ethics. As the state teeters on the edge of bankruptcy, the people of Illinois don't need a lecture on fiscal restraint by the state's treasurer."


Kirk v. Giannoulias on Fiscal Responsibility


The Head-to-Head

On the $787 billion Stimulus:
Kirk voted no
Giannoulias not only supported it, he said it should have been even bigger

On the Trillion Dollar Health Care Bill:
Kirk voted no, twice
Giannoulias supported

On Taking Repaid TARP Funds Away from Debt Reduction:
Kirk opposed
Giannoulias supported


The Kirk Record

Mark Kirk cosponsored the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution

Mark Kirk supports the line item veto

Mark Kirk was the first member of the Appropriations Committee to reject earmark spending (Chicago Tribune, March 14, 2008)

Mark Kirk led the charge against Alaska’s Bridge to Nowhere

The Giannoulias Record

Being broke costs state $550 million
Chicago Sun-Times; August 30, 2010

'Our state is $120.6 billion short!'
Chicago Sun-Times; August 23, 2010

Illinois Readies $900M Debt Sale Amid Worst Fiscal Woes Ever
Dow Jones; July 9, 2010

Illinois Stops Paying Its Bills, but Can’t Stop Digging Hole
New York Times; July 2, 2010

Illinois deep in debt, doesn’t pay bills
Associated Press; May 13, 2010

WLS Chicago Callers Mad as Hell

On the Chicago O'Hare terror scare.

They drop the charges against the USS Kohl bombers.

Did they drop the charges against the SEALS?

They prosecute Blago but still no trial date for the 9/11 terrorists?

...This is from me--can we put the Thomson for terrorists prison to rest for good? Sen. Durbin? You FOOL. Gov. Quinn. You FOOL.

More. Hillbuzz, on the TSA clowns in Chicago. HotAir. Via Memeorandum. I fly through Fargo and O'Hare quite a bit. Fargo is much tougher.

More. And this is really disturbing. Chicago Sun Times (emphasis mine):
The two were on a flight that originated at O’Hare and were arrested upon landing in Amsterdam, Chicago FBI spokesman Ross Rice told the Chicago Sun-Times. The Chicago FBI office is assisting Dutch authorities with the investigation, but the men are not expected to be charged domestically, Rice said. The men’s names were believed not to be on a no-fly list.
And another question arises. Were they testing whether they could detonate luggage with a cellphone on one plane while traveling in another?

More. CBS2. Contrary to previous reports, this other guy doesn't sound innocent either:
Hezem Abdullah Thabi al Murisi was also aboard the flight from O'Hare to Amsterdam and had the same itinerary for flights and had made the same itinerary changes.
But will we ever know? Will AG Americans are cowards Eric Holder read these guys their Miranda rights ASAP?

More. Chicago FBI Special Agent Rice is on now with Don and Roma:

He's clarifying--"No charges have been filed domestically at this time".

More from the CBS story:
Meanwhile, FBI agents on Monday visited the Detroit neighborhood where several addresses were found for variations of al Soofi's name, according to neighbors who declined to give their names to The Associated Press.

Al Soofi's brother, Murad al Soofi, told the Detroit News his brother moved to Michigan from Yemen in 1997. He told the newspaper al Soofi has a wife and five children in Yemen.

Both al Soofi and al Murisi had also previously lived and worked in Dearborn, Mich., and their families were prominent in the Yemeni-American community there, Imad Hamad of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee told the Detroit News.

Al Soofi moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala., earlier this year, after he lost jobs in Detroit and the suburb of Monroe, his brother told the Detroit News. Murad al Soofi told the newspaper his brother had been flying to Yemen to visit his family, but didn't have an explanation of why he wanted to change flights at O'Hare, the newspaper reported.
If someone doesn't have their family with them here, that's suspicious.

...Special Agent Rice says Chicago has one of the largest terrorism investigation operations in the country and we've had a lot of terror cases lately.

More. ABC7Chicago Chuck Goudie, excellent report:






...What's in Alabama? The third major case this month?!!! ...As Goudie points out, it's been 9 years since Sept. 11th--those terrorists were doing dry runs the summer before. The Alabama-Chicago connection.

And then there's all that lovely meeting activity in Chicago this summer again. Just an economic conference or something. (At least local ABC is awake)

...I see Hizb-ut-Tahrir has removed the creepy videos from YouTube. Oh, I found 2009. Even creepier.

More. #4 Google Blog story today:
Chicago-Amsterdam Flight Terror ArrestUS
BackyardConservative - The men were arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on Monday. One US official said it appears the Dutch were not asked to hold either man but were instead notified of the odd behavior and apparently decided on their own to detain them.all 54 blogs »

Arne Embarrasses Himself. Political Hackery

Education secretary urged his employees to attend Sharpton's rally
Although the e-mail does not violate the Hatch Act, which forbids federal employees from participating in political campaigns, Education Department workers should feel uneasy, said David Boaz, executive vice president of the libertarian Cato Institute
He's used to the Chicago Way. No separation of politics and state.

Morning Wake-Up Call

How to of the Day. Lead:

Want your jeans to hug your curves? How to Make Jeans Tighter
Hooray for tight jeans!What do Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, and Madonna have in common? They have all worn their jeans tight at...

Betty Crocker Recipe of the Day:

Grilled Corn-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Monday, August 30, 2010

Graphing the Gap: GOP Historic 10 Pts Up

Love this comment:

The GOP cant win alone by being anti Democratic. It must be pro American.

This is why we need the Tea Party. To remind the GOP that business as usual is not acceptable.

Pro-American. How bout that Marco Rubio.

And Mark Kirk, Illinois.

Ozzie On Manny

UPDATE: Video.***White Sox reaction, Ozzie is Ozzie. Manny is Manny--but what about the hair?

That summer, he hit .396 with 17 homers, propelling LA to a postseason berth.

The White Sox can't expect that, but that's why they got him.

"That's the reason we made the move," Guillen said. "He's not going to be a savior. He will help us, but he can't save us. We need to get all our guys as a group to play better."

Although Guillen doesn't have many rules, the White Sox will require Ramirez to abide by their appearance clause, which maintains players keep their hair neat. Ramirez will have to cut his dreadlocks, which currently flow to the middle of his back.

Williams expects Ramirez to comply with the club policy established by owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

"From my understanding it is not going to be an issue and he is going to make an adjustment and conform to how we like to have our players represented out there," Williams said.

Guillen made it clear that he won't tell Ramirez anything other than where he's hitting.

"If Jerry has any problem with his hair or the way he wears his uniform, they got to go directly to him," Guillen said, pretending to wash his hands. "That's not my department. Guys can go out there buck naked, and if they win games for me, I'm happy."

Go Sox win!

Chicago-Amsterdam Flight Terror Arrest


Boxcutters and cellphone taped to Pepto-Bismol. A test run.

Checked the luggage to Yemen but boarded the flight to Amsterdam.

Why Chicago.

...Lots of activity lately.

More. NBC Chicago. (A real PC media pooh-pooh report.)

The men were arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on Monday. One U.S. official said it appears the Dutch were not asked to hold either man but were instead notified of the odd behavior and apparently decided on their own to detain them.

While two men were picked up by the Dutch, tal Murisi is now thought to be uninvolved and was simply coincidentally sitting next to al Soofi, who's from Detroit.

Neither of the two men were previously of concern to law enforcement, a law enforcement official says, nor is there anything to suggest they had ill intent.

Really. Because everyone tapes a cellphone to a Pepto-Bismol bottle. And why didn't we ask the Dutch to hold these guys? Apparently they have a different grasp of reality. Clearly they recognized a threat.

...Wonder if this will make the next Chicago-area Islamic Society of North America newsletter. (Stimulus $$$ for Sharia?)

...In other Chicago news: Durbin throws support behind Ground Zero Mosque:

Sen. Dick Durbin, the man who could lead the U.S. Senate depending on how November’s elections go, had a strong message for Illinois’ 400,000 Muslims and other residents about the Ground Zero Mosque Monday.

“They are patriotic peace-loving Americans,” Durbin said of Illinois’ Muslims. “They are the doctors who administer your anesthesia; the nurses who care for you in the hospital; the engineers who build the buildings; the people who run the hotels and motels and businesses. If there was ever a time we needed to step up and embrace them and remind them that they are as much a part of America as anyone, it is now.”

How do you want your Pepto-Bismol.

And Lithuanian grandmothers, you are on notice for strip searches.

...If they blow a hole in O'Hare Sen. Durbin will support a mosque there too. It's only fair.

Related: Captured on Video: Fundraising for Hamas in U.S. Mosque. And this:

According to press accounts, more than $1 million in aid for Hamas, including the cash and supplies raised in Orlando at Musri’s mosque, along with funds raised in Kansas, New York and Illinois, was provided on Galloway’s July 2009. There to greet them and take possession of the cash was Hamas economic minister Ziad al-Zaza and Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh, another designated global terrorist.
Lovely.

More. 2004 Tribune article on the Muslim Brotherhood in Chicago:
The Brotherhood slogan became "Allah is our goal; the Messenger is our model; the Koran is our constitution; jihad is our means; and martyrdom in the way of Allah is our aspiration."[snip]
A U.S. chapter of the Brotherhood, documents and interviews show, was formed in the early 1960s after hundreds of young Muslims came to the U.S. to study, particularly at large Midwestern universities, such as Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Some belonged to the Brotherhood in their homelands and wanted to spread its ideology here.

But to protect themselves and their relatives back home from possible persecution, they publicly called themselves the Cultural Society and not the Brotherhood.

P.S. Here's the WaPo's headline--talk about uninformative, you'd think maybe they had a stuck umbrella in there or something: Pair held after odd items turn up in luggage. It was Mary Poppins and her carpetbag.
"We don't know yet if these two end up being bad guys or are just really strange people," said one official.
There ya go.

Memeorandum
with more buzz. They don't have this one up yet.

UPDATE here: WLS Chicago Callers Mad as Hell

Our President & the Umbrella

Down in NOLA. Barry and Michelle Come a Visitin'. Via Doug Ross.

I see Ruby Slippers loved the imagery too:)

Into every life a little rain must fall. Even The One's.

Maybe this guy could give him some tips. Not to be confused with the other Joe.

...as Rush says, the least experienced guy in every room. Hmm, mmm, mmm.

Don't give up the day job, Dan...oh wait

IL-10th : Democrat Candidate Makes Less Than His Nanny, the World of Dan Seals

This guy wants to represent us in the 10th.

We don't owe you a paycheck, Dan Seals.

And on his third try, he still doesn't live in the district.

Related posts: Dold: Stimulus "Jobs" Cost $1 Million Each in the 10th District, Your Joe the Biden in Chicago, Dold Raising Money, Reaching Out, Is Dan Seals Hiding?

Text of Kirk Remarks on Trade, Security, Asia

While Alexi ducks debate on Israel, and makes silly press announcements, Rep. Kirk actually has something substantive to say. This at Illinois exporter and jobs powerhouse Caterpillar, whose CEO has endorsed him (no skunks in Peoria):
Asia’s Importance to the US Economy and Our Future Security

As Prepared for Delivery
Congressman Mark Kirk
Aug 30, 2010
Peoria, Illinois



Thank you for this opportunity to discuss my views on some of the most important overseas challenges for American policymakers today and in the future.



Earlier this month, I discussed urgent military and diplomatic problems facing the United States in Europe and the Middle East. Today, I want to talk about our relationships with Asia, and particularly with China and India.


I hope to be brief today because we have a town hall and I want to get to your questions.



Bipartisan congressional cooperation and international respect are essential to America’s security and growth. This is best achieved through dialogue. That’s why town halls are so useful to American leaders. They teach us to receive rather than transmit.


I have one observation from my speech a few weeks ago that I want to emphasize. How we address foreign policy questions will affect the safety and incomes of Americans today and children tomorrow. In short, trade and good relations play in Peoria…and help bring jobs to the heartland. These issues are too consequential to be subjected to partisan exploitation. Our salaries and the safety of our families depends on getting these policies right.


Asia now is more important than Europe to our economic and security future. While much of our State and Defense Department assets are focused on Europe and the Middle East, Asia has already become America’s most important region for a generation. Asia has forty percent of the world’s population; and accounts for half of all international trade, sixty percent of the world’s gross domestic product and sixty percent of all U.S. exports.


Millions of Americans would be unemployed but for customers in Asia.



Trade and investment from Asia created millions of new jobs here in the U.S. Caterpillar – like other major Illinois employers - Boeing, Motorola, Archer Daniels Midland, John Deere – is a company now built on exports, much of which are sold in Asia. Our continued growth will depend in great measure on increased sales of products and services to these emerging markets, especially China and India.


But as important as these markets are to millions of Americans whose income depends on the Asia trade, the future we seek of peace and free markets is not assured.


The nation that presents both the greatest opportunities and the most daunting challenges is China. While the Washington-Moscow hotline dominated the direction of the 20th century, the 21st century is one that will be directed from Washington and Beijing. Running a long-ignored but close second is our relationship with New Delhi.


We must make these relationships work. We have interests in China and cannot refrain from stating them clearly, especially when China proves, as it often does, reluctant to hear us.


Following the policies of Deng Xiaoping, Being’s senior leaders know China cannot pursue its own economic and security policies alone. Many of us worry there are a growing number of junior leaders who are more nationalistic and troubling.


China should envision itself as a leading stakeholder in the rules of free markets and stability, especially in Korea and the Middle East.

The evidence that China is willing to demonstrate these policies commensurate with the size of its economy is discouraging. China’s economic growth over the last three decades has been achieved through its increased access to world markets. The biggest overseas market for Chinese products is the United States; followed by Japan, and Europe. It would seem obvious then that China’s economic future is inextricably connected to the economic growth of its most important overseas markets.


Unfortunately, China is pursuing a growing list of mercantilist policies rather than liberalized trade that is the engine of economic growth.



U.S. and European companies that have been long time investors and even boosters of China now fear the government’s growing restrictions on foreign trade and investments; its vast regulatory bureaucracies with China-only standards; and its continued unwillingness to enforce intellectual property rights.


China will not reach its potential by abandoning international market economies for a kind of crude economic nationalism that repeatedly failed elsewhere. And it is in our interest to work with Chinese leaders who know this, building partnerships with multilateral institutions to encourage cooperation. There are a great many Chinese leaders concentrated in the eastern cities who know that the key to China’s growth is continued connection with the rules and norms of international markets, not separation. They are our allies against a growing tide of economic and military nationalism.

We can also set a compelling example by approving the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. This agreement will encourage a virtuous cycle of liberalization and international standards that China cannot leave herself separate from.


In 2005, Congressman Rick Larsen and I formed the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group in the House of Representatives to encourage dialogue between Congress and China. We have no test for membership and joke that we have all three warring tribes of Congress on China issues in the Working Group: “Panda Huggers”, “Dragon Slayers” and the increasing number of very hard line “Panda Slayers”. While the White House has a nuanced view of China and the Senate sees some good and bad, the House saw only bad, much of it poorly informed.


We learned that the top issue for Americans selling American goods in China was not the currency issue but the routine theft of intellectual property. We learned that while China’s position on Iran is disappointing at best, its navy now is a new partner in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Aden. It’s a start for a power that needs to back global stability.

As we like to say, sometimes we translate Chinese into Congress – but most times translate Congress into Chinese.



I also joined with Rick Larsen and others to sponsor the U.S.-China Competitiveness Agenda – whose legislative priorities I believe would strengthen U.S. influence in China and America’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.


Our first priority is to increase the U.S. diplomatic presence in China that is currently far too small for a country of such size and importance. We have only five consulates in China, and no diplomatic presence in many Chinese cities with populations over a million. If we are serious in our intentions to protect intellectual property rights, expand U.S. exports and make America more competitive, than we must have a presence in the country that reflects the importance of those issues. I’ve sponsored legislation that would open a new consulate in Fuzhou, and ten smaller diplomatic posts in Chinese cities with populations over a million.


With Rick Larsen and others, I’ve supported legislation to open offices in China to promote U.S. exports, and provide American small businesses with the information and assistance they need to sell their goods and services in Chinese markets.


We have more than a trade deficit with China. We have a knowledge deficit. There are far more Chinese students learning English than American students learning Chinese. I co-sponsored legislation authored by Representative Susan Davis to increase Chinese language and cultural studies in the U.S.


China’s unquenchable need for energy poses one of the greatest threats to international stability and one of the greatest potential opportunities for U.S-China cooperation. China is the world’s greatest polluter.


In its pursuit of ever more sources of oil, China has aggravated the fears of other Asian countries that dispute its claims to waters with sizeable reserves of oil, and has prioritized its relationships with countries such as Iran, Sudan and Venezuela that threaten our security or have caused some of the worst humanitarian tragedies of our time, and which potentially puts it on a collision course with the U.S. and our allies.


On the other hand, China is investing far more resources into developing alternative energies than we are. The challenge for us, then, is to develop the kind of cooperation with China to reduce the world’s consumption of fossil fuels that will encourage Beijing to be part of the solution rather than one of the biggest causes of the problem. That’s why I joined Representative Steve Israel on legislation to authorize and fund joint research and development programs with China to advance carbon capture and sequestration technology; improved energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.


China has to understand that a great world power must accept great world responsibilities if it wants to avoid becoming an international pariah. Iran poses a profound threat to the security of the U.S. and its allies, and, whether it recognizes it or not, to China, which clearly has as much of an interest in a stable Middle East as we do.


Even more urgent is the question North Korea, with its nuclear weapons and the missiles to deliver them, poses to China. No country has greater influence on North Korea than China. Indeed, China might be the only country that has any influence at all on that unpredictable and belligerent regime. If Beijing does not help us to compel North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal and cease its frequent provocations against South Korea, Japan and others, it, too, will suffer the consequences of Pyongyang’s dangerous behavior.


If the status quo continues, Japan may one day have no choice but to develop its own nuclear arsenal, and that should be the least of China’s concerns. Given North Korea’s record for exporting arms and weapons of mass destruction technology to some of the most dangerous actors on the world stage, the problem of nuclear proliferation, a problem that threatens the peace, security and economic progress of the world, will become as precarious and perilous as any the world has ever confronted.


Lastly, although China reacts poorly to what it considers interference in its internal affairs, the U.S. must never refrain from forthrightly making the case for the liberty and inherent dignity of people wherever those ideals are threatened. I have defended the human rights of Tibetans, the political autonomy of Hong Kong, and the rights of every Chinese citizen to be governed by their consent and will continue to do so. I believe that is the honor and responsibility of Americans, who live in a country that declared its independence by proclaiming the universality of those rights.


It is also in the best interests of China. For no country, however fast its economy grows, however powerful its military, will ever achieve a position of lasting influence and prestige in the world, if its people are denied the freedom to think and act for themselves. With one party rule, where government sets itself above the governed, comes corruption, unresponsive bureaucracies, and ultimately international hostility and isolation. To be truly great, China must become truly free.


If I’m privileged to represent Illinois in the Senate, I’ll continue to promote a bipartisan, problem solving approach to the major foreign policy challenges of our time, especially the challenges – and opportunities – China poses for U.S. policymakers.


Let me close by touching on the other big relationship we must develop in Asia – the U.S.-India partnership. When India became independent, our relationship got off on the wrong foot. For the Cold War, India was an anomaly. Its military was equipped by the Soviet Union and its economic policy was designed by the British Labor party. Under that economy, India stagnated.


When the Soviet Union collapsed and India adopted free markets, we had a rare chance at a do-over. In hindsight, it was inevitable because despite our differences, India was the planet’s largest democracy with English common to many of its leaders.


We now have growing commercial, military and cultural links to India. I am constantly struck by how quickly Indian and American leaders establish rapport because we are part of multi-ethnic, vibrant democracies. We also share a support for stability. Many Americans do not know that India currently struggles against over a dozen terrorist organizations, highlighted by the recent attack on Mumbai.


If U.S. diplomatic relationships could be compared to stocks, then the U.S.-India relationship is the growth stock of the 21st century. Over the next 20 years, it will be difficult to keep track of the ways the U.S. and India will partner on projects. This not only will help reduce unemployment in America but will also form a new collaboration of democracies to guide the 21st century.


There are many other important issues I haven’t mentioned today. But in order to get to the most important part of this event -- your questions – I’ll stop now. I hope we can explore these and other challenges and opportunities in Asia during the town hall.


Let me close by repeating my central point. Our relationships in Asia, particularly with China and India, will determine not just our future, but the progress of humanity and whether the 21st Century will be a less violent and more prosperous one for all peoples of the world than was the 20th Century. Such a responsibility, such an historic achievement will require all Americans, of both parties, to think and work together, as the world’s leaders; as Americans, and defenders of the values and practices of free people and free markets.

Thank you.

Alexi Loss on the Left, Goes Left for the General

Will the Greens eat into Alexi's Dem support in the Illinois Senate race? West Side's Bill Baar in a PJ Media piece.

So Alexi's got a news conference today. Did anybody ask him who's Debbie? Or about the half a BILLION$$$$ more Illinois is paying for its borrowing on his watch as state Treasurer. Or why Oppenheimer is still on the Bright Start account?

Apparently not.

And why is Giannoulias lurching left for the general election by pushing for cap and trade, which is dubious for agriculture but will surely raise electricity rates for consumers, especially in Illinois, and kill even more jobs here. Electric cars--really, Alexi? Presumably the electricity comes from coal. I mean, why expect sense from Alexi Giannoulias.

Why is he appearing with the discredited Gen. Wesley Clark?

From Kirk for Senate, (which just received Caterpillar's endorsement):

Why Would Alexi Giannoulias Stand with General Wesley Clark?

Later this morning, Alexi Giannoulias will appear with former General Wesley Clark at a press conference downtown where Clark is expected to attack a fellow veteran who served in Operation Allied Force.

Over the years, Gen. Clark has made a series of inappropriate and bizarre statements – and has a history of attacking veterans’ service records for political gain. Given Giannoulias’ recent pledge to create a Senate Progressive Caucus and his reference to Afghanistan as a “war we didn’t need,” it’s no wonder he would stand with someone like Wesley Clark.

1. Does Alexi Giannoulias agree with Wesley Clark’s anti-Semitic statement that “New York money people” are advocating attacking Iran?

“Huffington quoted Clark as saying that the idea of bombing Iran before exhausting diplomatic avenues was ‘outrageous.’ According to Huffington, she then asked Clark what made him so sure that the United States is headed in the direction of attacking Iran, and he replied: ‘You just have to read what’s in the Israeli press. The Jewish community is divided, but there is so much pressure being channeled from the New York money people to the office seekers.’ The phrase ‘New York money people’ struck unpleasant chords with many pro-Israel activists. They interpreted it as referring to the Jewish community, which is known for its significant financial donations to political candidates.” (Nathan Guttman, “Top Dem Wesley Clark Says ‘N.Y. Money People’ Pushing War With Iran,” The Forward, 1/12/07)

2. Does Alexi Giannoulias oppose the death penalty for Osama bin Laden like General Clark does?

MSNBC’s Chris Matthews: “[D]o you think Osama bin Laden … should be tried here at the U.S. or in the Hague … ?” Clark: “I would like to see him tried in the Hague …” Matthews: “Well, 3,000 Americans were killed here. Do you believe he should be held exempt from capital punishment, because if you send him to Hague he will be. They don’t have capital punishment at the Hague.” Clark: “I think that’s a separate issue. …” Matthews: “No, it’s a key issue, because the sentencing limitation, they do not execute people at the Hague.” Clark: “I think that you can adequately punish Osama bin Laden, and you’ve got to look beyond simple retribution against an individual. …” Matthews: “But doesn’t life in Holland beat life in a cave?” Clark: “Not in a Dutch prison. Chris, they’re under water, they’re damp, they’re cold, they’re really miserable.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 12/8/03)

3. Does Alexi Giannoulias believe there is any contradiction between his rhetoric against federal lobbyists and General Clark’s lobbyist past?

“Wesley Clark … made nearly $500,000 as a lobbyist for an Arkansas database company after he left the Pentagon.” (Jeanne Cummings, “Clark Earned About $500,000 As Lobbyist For Arkansas Firm,” The Wall Street Journal, 1/19/04)

4. Does Alexi Giannoulias agree with President Obama that General Clark inappropriately attacked Senator John McCain’s distinguished service record for political gain?

Gen. Clark: “Well, I Don’t Think Riding In A Fighter Plane And Getting Shot Down Is A Qualification To Be President.” CBS’ Bob Schieffer: “Well, General, could I just interrupt you. I have to say, Barack Obama has not had any of those experiences either nor has he ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down.” Gen. Clark: “Well, I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President.” (CBS’ “Face The Nation,” 6/29/08)

Obama Campaign: “As he's said many times before, Senator Obama honors and respects Senator McCain's service, and, of course, he rejects yesterday's statement by General Clark.” (Scott Martelle, “Barack Obama Slaps Down Wesley Clark – Gently,” Los Angeles Times “Top Of The Ticket” Blog, latimesblogs.latimes.com, 6/30/08)

5. Is it a coincidence that General Clark attacks veterans who are Republicans but praises veterans who are Democrats?

“This Congress has the fewest number of veterans of any Congress in recent history,” Clark said in a statement. “If there were more veterans of principled leadership and good conscience like Jon in Washington, I have no doubt this nation will have turned a corner to a brighter future.” (New York: General Clark Backing Iraq War Veteran Powers, Roll Call, November 19, 2007)

“At a time when the number of veterans in Congress is at its lowest point since World War II, we need to come together to put more common sense leaders like Tommy in Congress to help get this country back on track.” (http://securingamerica.com/node/3272)

"One man volunteered to serve his country, he volunteered to go to Vietnam, and he volunteered a third time to command a swift boat in one of the most dangerous activities in the war. The other man scrambled and used his family's influence to get out of hearing a shot fired in anger. That's the comparison.” (CNN’s “Inside Politics,” 8/17/04)

6. Does Alexi Giannoulias believe in time travel like Wesley Clark does?

“I still believe in e=mc², but I can't believe that in all of human history, we'll never ever be able to go beyond the speed of light to reach where we want to go. … I happen to believe that mankind can do it. … I've argued with physicists about it, I've argued with best friends about it. I just have to believe it. It's my only faith-based initiative.” (Brian McWilliams, “Clark Campaigns At Light Speed,” wired.com, 9/30/03)


But are we typical-ly "overwhelmingly white"?

The New Journolist Password: “Overwhelmingly White”

Anything to say, Barry Obamski?

But then what do I know, I'm just a typical white person.

...Just a bitter clinger according to our "uniter" president.

P.S....Via Memeorandum, Huffpo contributor mad at the outing of Journalist justifies sicko smear of "teabaggers" and Beck. Newsbusters.

Is this typical of the left? Or just one disturbed individual. You decide. On the merits, please. Let's look at character.

P.P.S. Let's look at character. Chicks on the Right: This Is How Despicable Liberals Can Be And JWF on that character, Al Sharpton: 'When You Are Black, You Are Subjected To a Different Reality, and We Are Not Going To Be Quiet'

We need high speed rail like a hole in the head


What a symbol of this criminally wasteful administration. Illinois is bankrupt, the country is bankrupt, real jobs are stalled, and we have these same old porky Dem pols lobbying to throw our money down a rathole. Yes, let's upgrade tracks to move heavy freight. But moving people on rail?

High speed rail may make a bit of sense in portions of the congested East Coast corridor, but here in the wide-open heartland? Ridiculous.

The Cubs-Cardinals "Express".

Railroading The Taxpayer Steve Forbes:
And on it goes with other rail projects. For instance, the feds have endorsed pumping $1.1 billion into a high-speed rail line that would better the driving time between Chicago and St. Louis by all of 10%.
It's a campaign issue next door in Wisconsin--a Milwaukee-Madison corridor?!!

Bullet trains are no magic bullet for America.

Kill this idiocy.

Remember in November.

More. 65% of Illinoisans are angry with federal gov’s policies HT Chicago Daily Observer.

Related post: ADM is a Menace Another boondoggle to kill.

Stimulus $$$ for Sharia?


Coming August 31: ‘Direct Access’ Stimulus Grants for the Muslim Brotherhood. Big Peace:
The event was announced in an email newsletter sent August 27 by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation terrorism finance trial, long associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, the global Islamist network (great backgrounder here from Hudson Institute). Here are three key paragraphs from the email (the entire article on the August 31 event from the ISNA email is pasted below this post as reference):
Read on.

Oh, and by the way, the Ground Zero mosque landowner owes $224,000 in back taxes, Imam Rauf, the mosque proponent on a State Dept. "goodwill" tour on our dime, is regarded as a slum landlord in NJ. (Gee, and he got affordable housing dollars. How familiar.) Yet NYC is considering funding the mosque.

Is this all nuts or what. Or what.

Who else is engaging in sophistry.

The Islamic Society of North America holds their annual convention in Chicago over the 4th of July weekend. One of the speakers this year was Fatima Mohammadi. The keynote speaker, Tariq Ramadan, still banned from Canada, was allowed back in this country. Why?

Yet another "moderate" who can only bring himself to agree to a moratorium of stoning for women.

The two faces. Shall we stimulate this supremacist belief?

Sharia America.

What do we say, America. What do we do.

HT Memeorandum.

More. Jennifer Rubin, Commentary: Lining Up Against the Mosque.

More. Obama Chicago ally Ali Abunimah in a NY Times op-ed defending Hamas. The American Thinker tackles part of the duplicity. Hey, Chicago Tribune, owner of LA Times--can we see the 2003 Chicago Arab-American dinner tape, hmm?

Related post: ABC Caught Red-Handed at Ground Zero

Sunday, August 29, 2010

It takes two parents

Not a village. Not a community organizer.

George Will explains some numbers to a puzzled Harvard prof: For black children, daunting divides in achievement and family life. And this:
Now, from the Educational Testing Service, comes a report about "The Black-White Achievement Gap: When Progress Stopped," written by Paul E. Barton and Richard J. Coley. It examines the "startling" fact that most of the progress in closing the gap in reading and mathematics occurred in the 1970s and '80s. This means "progress generally halted for those born around the mid-1960s, a time when landmark legislative victories heralded an end to racial discrimination."
It's the institutionalized victim mentality.

And perhaps Professor Glazer should revisit the writings of his late colleague Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Circa '66.

Big Government is a lousy spouse and parent. It's institutionalized child abuse.

More than any other issue, this is why I left the Democrat party. A pernicious, ignorant, elitist pile of crap.

Islamic Sophistry


Former WTC prosecutor Andrew McCarthy: Another "Moderate" GZ Mosque Supporter--Why They Can't Condemn Hamas. (By the way, read the Hamas charter. They consider Rotarians eeevil. And as for women--just terrorist incubators)

After they kill the Jews, who's next. Hamas is a Sharia supremacist group--if you don't condemn Hamas, you don't condemn Sharia. Who among us wishes to live under brutal Sharia law. They want a terrorist theocracy.

This Islamic sophistry and Western appeasement has been going on for some time: Free Speech is a Two Way Street. Our allies look askance at our president portraying Americans as bigots. (Well, we're not surprised, but it is shameful, shameful behavior for the leader of our country.)

When President Reagan referred to the Soviet Union as an evil empire, and asked Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, he gave succor to those prisoners of conscience in the gulags.

What message is President Barack Obama sending to moderate Muslims who are being persecuted worldwide? Well, many Iranians have learned to their sorrow.

The video McCarthy references below.

Previous post: ABC Caught Red-Handed at Ground Zero

More. Powerline, via Memeorandum:

Since then, we have learned that the radical ideology behind 9/11 is not quite as alien as we thought. Some portion of the American Muslim community - presumably small, but we don't know how small - is drawn to it.

Moreover, what looks like a considerable portion of those who hold themselves out (and are held out by the MSM) as leaders of American Muslims refuse to disassociate themselves from terrorist groups. They don't countenance al Qaeda, though they do blame America for that outfit's terrorist acts. But they won't repudiate other bloody terrorists, notably Hamas.

Thus, while only the most highly informed Americans probably could have imagined terrorist plotting or even pro-terrorist rhetoric in an American place of worship back in 2001, many can imagine it now, and with reason.

Read on.

With reason. Because we begin to recognize Islamic sophistry. For some time we have known that it's hard to turn the other cheek when the other guys want to cut off your head. Perhaps that's why the real moderate Muslims we keep searching for find it hard to speak up.


Saturday, August 28, 2010

Restoring Honor U Stream


Here. Special Ops Warrior Foundation head on now. Emotional stuff. Scholarships for children of fallen warriors.

...Their site here.

Sarah America on 9:36 central

..."We must not fundamentally transform America...we must restore America."

"I am speaking...as the mother of a soldier"

More. La Russa, Pujols will appear at Washington rally

I remember Tony as a winning young manager for the Sox in the 80's.

...The NY Times sees everything through a prism of race. How blind and racist can you be.

We will not shut up. Because we don't judge people by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. That's the best and most honorable of America.

...To Bob Herbert I say:

Good and Hard

Obama's Lost Her Vote

Obama's Hope Based on Hate

Barack Lies About His Own Grandmother

Not Enough

And Earth to NY Times

...Where were you on the beating of Kenneth Gladney?

More. Twitter trending: Restoring Honor Beck Rally Glenn

I don't always agree with him. But he has done America a service by talking about the Constitutional principles on which America is built. And exposing the radicalism of the Obama administration, exemplified by all the unaccountable Czars.

More. She's on now (10:45 central):
alvedaking Read why I am speaking at Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor Rally. http://ow.ly/2vstk
Another top tweet:)
michellemalkin "Look around you. You are not alone." - @SarahPalinUSA at "Restoring Honor" rally - http://twurl.nl/1xzdkc
More.
ebertchicago "America is better than Glenn Beck. For all of his celebrity, Mr. Beck is an ignorant, divisive, pathetic figure." http://j.mp/bCbHvc
Roger. You're better than this. Aren't you?

P.S.
Proudlib RT @SAWHEAT1: @Proudlib They are pissed at glenn beck!//Not surprised, they wanted a hate rally and Glenn didn't deliver

tishwebb stop the hate liberals where is your diversity--Restoring Honor Rally is full of love

Kathy Van Alstine 126,000 people now watching the restoring honor rally on facebook, 300,000 to 500,000 attending live in DC, an historic day, be part of history and listen on facebook.

Bob Hill CNN wont show the mall shot of the crowd.
WE the people. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

...Oh Lord. Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. And in song. America, America.

...If you missed it, replay on C-Span later. Restoring Honor Rally. Check.

...Black Hawk Down vet Keni Thomas is singing now. 12:59 central.

God Bless America everyone.

Final. Weasel Zippers with a screen shot. Tens of Thousands a way to minimize the crowd. We have a big tent, lefties, how about you. And I would hardly look to Rev. Al Sharpton as an exemplar of Dr. King's dream. And Legal Insurrection on media bias: Subliminal Deception. At Michelle Malkin:

Update IXEIDXXVI: If anybody is looking for people who are “dishonoring” Dr. King’s memory today, unfortunately they’ll need look no further than the memorial to Dr. King, because the Code Pink harpies will be there:

null

Also, 2,000-3,000 showed up for Sharpton’s rally. Wow, that means that only 1/2 of 1 percent of all the people at the two rallies weren’t racists.

...

pinkelephantpun 9/12/09: http://tweetphoto.com/41975170 8/28/10: http://tweetphoto.com/41975167 Ignore it, Congress. Dare you.
Photo added at top:) And here: